Abstract: Elastomeric articles, such as gloves are disclosed. The gloves include a primary matrix made from one or more elastomeric materials and a foam donning layer. In one embodiment, for instance, the donning layer can be formed from a polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam can be created from the reaction product of a polyurethane prepolymer and a solution containing water. The resulting foam can be hydrophilic and can absorb moisture for preventing moisture from being trapped between the primary matrix and a user's skin.

Abstract: An oxidizing antimicrobial treatment and products containing such treatment are described. The treatment involve, in part, preparing a substrate to accept an attachment of charged moieties, and a number of stabilized peroxide compounds on at least part of a surface of said substrate. When microbes, such as bacteria, having a net charge opposite to that of the charged moieties come in close proximity to the treated substrate surface, peroxide molecules from the substrate are activated and released to kill the microbes.

Abstract: A graphic and/or message display system is described. The graphic and/or message display system functions to develop over a period of time a hidden graphic or message on an indicator panel or display area. The hidden graphic or message is revealed when an obscuring graphic reacts with a solvent to change color become at least substantially transparent. The graphic and/or message display system may be used as a stand-alone device or may be incorporated as part of various articles or products, for instance, as a positive reinforcement or a reminder to perform a task. Methods for using the graphic and/or message display system are also described.

Abstract: A combination dispenser is provided. The combination dispenser includes a frame and a covering product dispenser carried by the frame. The covering product dispenser is configured for dispensing a covering product for use in covering a portion of a body. A wiping product dispenser is carried by the frame and is configured for dispensing a wiping product for use in wiping a body. An application product dispenser is carried by the frame and is configured for dispensing an application product for use in application to a body.

Abstract: An elastomeric article having reducing microbe affinity and transmission and methods for applying and immobilizing antimicrobial compounds to the elastomeric substrate surface are disclosed. The elastomeric article has a body formed of a natural or synthetic polymer latex having an outer surface and an inner surface. The body has a coating of an antimicrobial agent over at least a portion of said outer surface. The treatment involves applying according to either a spraying or dipping process an antimicrobial polymer or composition to a surface of the elastomeric substrate; binding the antimicrobial composition to the surface in a manner such that said treat antimicrobial coating passes either one or another or both versions of a zone of inhibition test, such test including: a) a dry-leaching or agar-plate-based contact test, according to AATCC 147 protocol, or b) a wet-leaching or dynamic shake flask test according to ASTM E-2149-01 protocol.

Abstract: A method for modifying the surface chemistry of an elastomeric substrate and articles embodying the substrate is described. The method involves pre-treating the substrate surface to create active oxygen groups on the substrate for immobilizing securely an antimicrobial agent to the substrate. The active oxygen groups can react and bind with functional groups of the antimicrobial molecules according to predetermined orientation to enhance biocide reactivity.

Abstract: A method for precisely applying a premetered amount of a composition into a textile substrate includes the steps of feeding a textile substrate into an application station, wherein the application station is desirably a reverse (indirect) rotogravure roll arrangement, applying a metered amount of a saturating solution to the textile substrate, while controlling the rate of speed of the substrate relative to the application station, monitoring the concentration of the solute in the textile substrate to assure a uniform level of saturation, desirably by use of an NIR evaluation, adjusting the application station to the extent necessary to assure uniform concentration of the solute on the textile substrate, and then drying the textile substrate.

Abstract: An elastomeric article having reducing microbe affinity and transmission is disclosed. The article has a coating of a hydrophobic, non-leaching antimicrobial polymer that is durably attached to an exterior surface, such that said antimicrobial polymer does not spontaneously migrate or is not removed from said exterior surface in the presence of aqueous substances, strong acids and bases, and organic solvents, and said antimicrobial polymer forms either a water-insoluable siloxane resin, or a covalently attached siloxane homopolymer, or a combination of both. The coated surface has a reduced affinity for aqueous-based substances and exhibits an enduring reduction in microbe affinity and transmission.

Abstract: A method of producing a printed substrate so as to improve the adhesion, colorfastness and washfastness of ink jet inks including reactive and acid dye-based ink jet inks printed onto the substrate, the method includes the steps of providing a substrate, treating the substrate with an aqueous coating formulation comprising NMMO, a cationic polymer or copolymer, and a fabric softener, treating the substrate with an imbibing aqueous solution of either urea, and a component selected from sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate or combinations thereof, or ammonium salts of multifunctional weak acids, drying the substrate, printing on the substrate with an ink jet ink containing acid or reactive dye-based inks depending on the coating, and optionally post treating the printed substrate with a curing step.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomeric article, such as an elastomeric glove, for example, that includes a coating on the skin-contacting surface of the article. The coating includes a carrier which may separate from the article at expected use conditions and may help to lubricate the skin. The coating also includes an additive which may provide a clinical benefit to the skin. The additive may be an emollient, a humectant, an anti-oxidant, or some other clinically beneficial additive.