Abstract: Three-dimensional formed films particularly useful as transfer layers in absorbent articles comprise a base plane having land areas defining a plurality of protuberances having sidewalls and a bottom wall, a plurality of the protuberances having an aperture in substantially at least one sidewall. In preferred embodiment, the film further comprises a plurality of capillaries, which can originate in the base plane or in a secondary plane spaced from the base plane. In preferred embodiments, the capillaries terminate in a common plane with the bottom surfaces of the protrusions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles and non-absorbent articles which comprise at least one improved double-sided soft and elastic material composite. The composites according to the invention may also be breathable. The composites are produced by incrementally stretching a laminate of an elastic layer between two non-elastic cloth-like layers. The non-elastic cloth-like layers tear during stretching such that the elasticity of the laminate after stretching is substantially the same as the elasticity of the film elastic layer.

Abstract: Three-dimensional formed films particularly useful as transfer layers in absorbent articles comprise a base plane having land areas defining a plurality of protuberances having sidewalls and a bottom wall, a plurality of the protuberances having an aperture in substantially at least one sidewall. In preferred embodiment, the film further comprises a plurality of capillaries, which can originate in the base plane or in a secondary plane spaced from the base plane. In preferred embodiments, the capillaries terminate in a common plane with the bottom surfaces of the protrusions.

Abstract: Formed film, apparatus and methods for manufacturing formed film, and articles of manufacture are disclosed. Methods include controlled introduction of melt foldovers through modifying the surface area of a polymer melt curtain. Apparatus for same is also shown as are articles of formed film with melt foldovers.

Abstract: Films for use in protecting surfaces are disclosed and comprise at least one release layer and optionally an adhesion layer and/or an intermediate layer, the release layer having a plurality of three-dimensional protrusions that are either formed integral with the release layer or are discrete polymer beads applied to the release layer.

Abstract: A method of thermo-mechanically forming macrotextures in a microtextured film wherein a heat shield is utilized to thermally insulate the microtexture during the forming process.

Abstract: Surface protection films are disclosed that comprise an outer surface contact layer, an outer stiffening layer, and optionally a core layer, wherein the surface contact layer consists essentially of (A) a mixture of a tackified quadblock styrene block copolymer elastomer and a triblock styrene block copolymer containing up to 30 wt % of a diblock styrene copolymer; (B) a mixture of a tackified quadblock styrene block copolymer elastomer, a tackified triblock styrene block copolymer and a triblock styrene block copolymer containing up to 30 wt % of a diblock styrene copolymer; (C) a mixture of a tackified triblock styrene block copolymer and a triblock styrene block copolymer containing up to 30 wt % of a diblock styrene copolymer; or (D) a triblock styrene block copolymer containing up to 30 wt % of a styrene diblock copolymer and a low density polyethylene polymer.

Abstract: Formed film, apparatus and methods for manufacturing formed film, and articles of manufacture are disclosed. Methods include controlled introduction of melt foldovers through modifying the surface area of a polymer melt curtain. Apparatus for same is also shown as are articles of formed film with melt foldovers.

Abstract: Embodiments of a thin web comprising a plurality of channels extending through the film are disclosed. The channels are in a substantially closed position but are capable of being in an open position to allow flow from the female side through the film to the male side. In certain applications, a greater pressure on the female side than the male side is capable of opening the channels. Embodiments may also include a thin web comprising a plurality of three dimensional apertures extending through the plastic film. The apertures may form a substantially closed channel defined by a sidewall and the channels being disposed at an angle greater than 70° with respect to a female side of the film. The thin web may be a plastic film or a thermoplastic film comprising a polyolefin, for example, or any other suitable material. The polyolefin may comprise at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, low density polyethylene, or high density polyethylene, for example.

Abstract: Composite fabrics comprise a nonwoven web, preferably a fully calendared nonwoven web of fusible fibers, and a monolithic breathable polymer layer on at least one surface of the web and have excellent breathability, good abrasion resistance, and offer protection against both blood and viral agents.

Abstract: An apertured formed film particularly suited for use as a topsheet or transfer layer in an absorbent article comprises at least one thermoplastic olefin polymer and a fatty alcohol in an amount sufficient to increase the hydrophilic affinity of the film.

Abstract: A container for fresh cut produce comprises a first section and a second section separated from one another by a web, the web comprising a first three-dimensional apertured film, a second three-dimensional apertured film bonded to the first three-dimensional apertured film, and a nonwoven web bonded to the second three-dimensional apertured film. Produce is contained in the first section and the juices exuded from the produce flow into the second section, but are prevented from coming back in contact with the produce by the web, thereby increasing the shelf life of the produce.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stretchable webs having a plurality of elongated cells, and a retractive force mechanism to provide increased retractive force of the web when stretched in a given direction. The stretchable webs are useful in disposable garments such as diapers, bandages and other hygiene material so that the material fits closely without slipping off.

Abstract: A film particularly suited for use as a transfer layer in an absorbent article has a plurality of capillaries and a plurality of drains, said capillaries comprising side walls depending from a female side of the film and terminating in an aperture on a male side of the film; said drains comprising side walls that depending from the female side of the film and terminating in an aperture on the male side of the film, wherein the drains are disposed at an obtuse angle relative to a base plane of the film.

Abstract: A composite particularly suited for use as a transfer layer in an absorbent article has a first layer comprising a formed film having a plurality of capillary-sized apertured protuberances and a plurality of two-dimensional drains, and a second layer in intimate contact with an apertured end of said capillary-sized protuberances and spaced from the first layer in a z-direction, the second layer is either a three-dimensional apertured formed film or a nonwoven web. In embodiments where the second layer is a three-dimensional formed film, the film contains a plurality of capillary sized protuberances that are of smaller diameter compared to the protuberances in the first layer and optionally also contains a plurality of drains, which can be either two-dimensional or three-dimensional, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Blends of ethylene/?-olefin block interpolymers and high density polyethylene polymers are disclosed and include an ethylene/?-olefin block interpolymer produced using a chain shuttling catalyst and a high density polyethylene polymer having a density of greater than about 0.940 g/cm3. The polymer blends are particularly suited for making films.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the environmental impact of a process is disclosed in which resources are categorized into distinct Environmental Performance Indicators (“EPI's”), some of which are value EPIs that are derived based on the amount of the resource used per Finished Product Volume (FPV), which is representative of the amount of product that is produced by the process; and others are percentage EPIs that represent a measure of efficiency, and are derived from the amount of renewable resources used as a percentage of total resources used. A graphical representation of the EPIs allows a quick visual interpretation of the environmental friendliness of a particular process or group of processes, and allows a visual comparison between two different processes.

Abstract: Elastic laminates having improved loft, improved softness and hand, and provide greater wound roll capacity comprise an elastic film ultrasonically bonded to a nonwoven web on either side of the film, wherein the bond points have a flat land bond area that comprises no more than about 30% of the total bond area of said bond points.

Abstract: An apertured material comprising a web and a plurality of apertures in the web, each aperture having at least two vertices with a convex flap of the web spanning a pair of the vertices.

Abstract: Composite forming screens comprise a layer of hard rubber with a Shore A hardness of 50-90 and in preferred embodiments, comprise a support layer of plastic or metal bonded to the hard rubber to form a composite. The forming screens may be planar or cylindrical and are provided with a plurality of apertures or through holes and a pattern of fine scale structures. A method of making the forming screens is also disclosed.