Abstract: A stretch activated disposable article, such as a wipe or mitt, includes an upper material layer, and a lower material layer joined to the upper material layer such that a space is defined between the material layers. A functional element, for example a fluid composition, is stored in the space between the upper and lower material layers and becomes functional upon being exposed through the upper material layer with use of the article. The upper material layer includes a plurality of materially weakened positions along the surface thereof that are configured to part or separate upon stretching of the upper material layer to expose the functional element through the upper material layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushioned blown film including a first blown film layer, a second blown film layer, and a plurality of cushioning cells defined between the first blown film layer and the second film layer. The cushioned blown films may be bonded to a fibrous web to make film nonwoven laminates. Processes for making the cushioned blown film and the film nonwoven laminates are also disclosed. Such laminates are highly useful for use in personal care products, protective wear garments, medical care products, mortuary and veterinary products and the like.

Abstract: Extensible bicomponent fibers and webs particularly adapted for disposable personal care product component applications. Sheath/core configurations providing desirable feel properties for elastic embodiments when compared with conventional elastic fibers and webs are obtained with specific olefin polymer combinations and sheath configurations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are color change laminate materials suitable for a variety of uses. The color change laminate materials include at least two layers of extensible materials having visually distinct coloration, and indicate a stretched or extended state by exposing the previously covered coloration of a lower layer. The color change laminate materials may also indicate the amount of stretching or extension is applied to the laminate. When the laminate includes elastic materials capable of stretch and recovery, the color change laminate materials may further be reversible color change laminate materials that can display color change upon extension and then recover the extension and return to the original coloration. Such color change laminate materials and reversible color change laminate materials are highly useful for use in garments or other textile type applications, in or on personal care products, protective wear products, health care and medical care products, bandages and the like.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer film demonstrates reduced roll blocking capabilities. The film can either be breathable or nonbreathable. The breathable elastic film includes a core layer of a thermoplastic elastomer and a filled semi crystalline predominantly linear polymer and at least one skin layer of a polyethylene or filled polyethylene. The film core layer includes between about 25 and 70 weight percent filler, between about 5 and 30 by weight percent semi-crystalline linear polymer, and between about 15 and 60 by weight elastomer. The nonbreathable film desirable includes a core of 80-98 percent film volume and a skin of 20-2 percent film volume, with the core including both styrenic block copolymers and single site catalyzed polyethylenes and the skin including single site catalyzed polyethylenes and additional amounts of roll blocking prevention agents (antiblock agents).

Abstract: Extensible bicomponent fibers and webs particularly adapted for disposable personal care product component applications. Sheath/core configurations providing desirable feel properties for elastic embodiments when compared with conventional elastic fibers and webs are obtained with specific olefin polymer combinations and sheath configurations.

Abstract: An elastic laminate capable of being rolled for storage and unwound from a roll when needed for use, includes an elastic layer of an array of continuous filament strands with meltblown deposited on the continuous filament strands, and a facing layer bonded to only one side of the elastic layer. The meltblown layer may include an elastic polyolefin-based meltblown polymer having a degree of crystallinity between about 3% and about 40%. The laminate suitably has an inter-layer peel strength of less than about 70 grams per 3 inches cross-directional width at a strain rate of 300 mm/min. Alternatively or additionally, the continuous filament strands and/or the facing layer may include an elastic polyolefin-based meltblown polymer having a degree of crystallinity between about 3% and about 40%.

Abstract: A blended composition of unsaturated block copolymer with improved thermal stability and processing behavior includes at least one unsaturated block copolymer; and a compatibilizer selected from the group consisting of (1) high melt flow rate homopolymers or copolymers; (2) styrene-ethylenepropylene-styrene (SEPS); (3) ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); (4) styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), or styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) block copolymers; (5) single site catalyzed polyolefins, such as metallocene catalyzed and constrained geometry polyolefins; (6) amorphous poly alpha olefin homopolymer and copolymers; and (7) a combination of such.

Abstract: A protective garment, such as a surgical gown, includes areas subjected to tensile stretching forces when worn by a wearer. Such areas may correspond to elbow regions of the garment. Elastomeric patches are provided in at least one of the identified areas subjected to the tensile stretching forces, the elastomeric patches being generally surrounded by the remaining garment material.