Abstract: Disclosed is a lightweight nonwoven laminate particularly useful as a component of personal care articles, for example as a barrier cuff material for disposable diapers. Components of the laminate include at least one fine fiber layer having a basis weight in the range of from about 1.5 gsm to 26 gsm and at least one continuous filament layer having a basis weight in the range of from about 10 gsm to 30 gsm. The fine fiber component comprises at least a ratio of 5% and the layers are intermittently bonded for a total basis weight up to about 55 gsm. Desirable softness, breathability and barrier properties are obtained.

Abstract: A distinctive absorbent article includes an absorbent body composed of a substantially hydrophilic material which is capable of absorbing a selected liquid. A liquid permeable topsheet layer composed of a substantially hydrophobic material is superposed in facing relation with said absorbent body and has an effective average pore size therein. A liquid permeable transport layer is located between the topsheet layer and the absorbent body, and is composed of a material which is less hydrophilic than the absorbent body and has an effective average pore size therein which is smaller than the pore size of the topsheet layer.

Abstract: A method of making a cloth-like composite laminate is provided. The method includes the steps of air laying a continuous layer of three-dimensional cellulosic fibers one side of a layer of nonwoven material; applying to the continuous layer of three-dimensional cellulosic fibers and the nonwoven material layer a latex adhesive containing a wetting agent; and drying the latex adhesive and wetting agent to bind the layer of cellulosic fibers to the nonwoven material layer to form a cloth-like composite laminate having a continuous layer of three-dimensional cellulosic fibers bound to one side of the nonwoven material layer.

Abstract: A method of making a cloth-like composite laminate is provided. The method includes: inserting a scrim coated with a thermoplastic binder between two nonwoven layers, each of the nonwoven layers being formed of cellulosic fibers bound with a latex adhesive and heating the scrim and the two nonwoven layers to a temperature sufficient to activate the thermoplastic binder, the heating being performed without pressing the scrim and the nonwoven layers together so as to form a cloth-like composite laminate having a nonwoven layer of cellulosic fibers continuously bound to opposite sides of the scrim. The surface of each nonwoven layer is planar and uninterrupted by the scrim. The nonwoven layer is initially formed by forming two separate layers of three-dimensional cellulosic fibers, applying to each layer of three-dimensional cellulosic fibers a latex adhesive; and drying the latex adhesive to form two separate nonwoven layers of cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the manufacture of a fibrous web comprises a distributor for depositing dry wood fibers on a planar section of a linearly movable forming wire. A suction box is disposed to the side of the forming wire opposite the distributor. The distributor and suction box are so cooperatively constructed and arranged as to impart a velocity component to the fibers in the direction of movement of the forming wire, so that the angle of inclination of fiber deposition relative to the moving forming wire is from about 21 degrees to about 30 degrees.

Abstract: A device having at least one, preferably a plurality of air turning foils situated upstream of and at the level of the region between a fiber distributor and an underlying moving forming surface. Terminal edge portions of the foils direct ambient air in the direction of forming surface movement to impart to fibers in transit between the distributor and forming wire a uniform velocity component of movement in said direction. Each foil preferably is convex from upstream of the foil when viewed in cross section, is parallel to and equidistant from the other, and has its terminal edge portion parallel to the forming surface.