Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process of non-compressively and uniformly applying a liquid saturant throughout a permeable sheet. The process includes the steps of: 1) providing a continuously advancing permeable sheet having a first surface and a second surface, 2) depositing a substantially laminar flowing curtain of a liquid saturant generally across and onto the first surface of the continuously advancing permeable sheet, 3) applying a vacuum to the second surface of the continuously advancing permeable sheet, and 4) drawing a substantial portion of the liquid saturant through the permeable sheet to generate a substantially uniform distribution of liquid saturant throughout the permeable sheet. The process may also include the step of drying the liquid saturated permeable sheet. The dry bulk of the liquid saturant treated permeable sheet may be within about 15 percent of the dry bulk of an identical untreated permeable sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process of non-compressively and uniformly applying a liquid saturant throughout a permeable sheet. The process includes the steps of: 1) providing a continuously advancing permeable sheet having a first surface and a second surface, 2) depositing a substantially laminar flowing curtain of a liquid saturant generally across and onto the first surface of the continuously advancing permeable sheet, 3) applying a vacuum to the second surface of the continuously advancing permeable sheet, and 4) drawing a substantial portion of the liquid saturant through the permeable sheet to generate a substantially uniform distribution of liquid saturant throughout the permeable sheet. The process may also include the step of drying the liquid saturated permeable sheet. The dry bulk of the liquid saturant treated permeable sheet may be within about 15 percent of the dry bulk of an identical untreated permeable sheet.

Abstract: A high pulp content nonwoven composite fabric is disclosed. The composite fabric contains more than about 70 percent, by weight, pulp fibers which are hydraulically entangled into a continuous filament substrate. This high pulp content composite nonwoven fabric may be used as a heavy duty wiper or as a fluid distribution material, cover material, and/or absorbent material in an absorbent personal care product. Also disclosed is a method of making the high pulp content nonwoven composite fabric.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of making an superabsorbent composite material which contains a hydraulically-needled fibrous web and superabsorbent materials. The method includes the steps of providing a nonwoven fibrous web; hydraulically needling the nonwoven web to enhance its liquid distribution properties; and introducing dry superabsorbent materials into intimate bonding contact with at least one surface of the hydraulically needled fibrous web. Also disclosed is the superabsorbent nonwoven composite material made by the described process. The hydraulically needled fibrous web component of the material may contain pulp fibers, synthetic fibers, natural fibers, bicomponent fibers, continuous filaments or mixtures thereof. The superabsorbent composite material has a saturation capacity greater than about 500 percent and a wicking rate greater than about 12 centimeters per 15 minutes. The superabsorbent composite material may be used as a liquid management material in an absorbent product or absorbent structure.

Abstract: A high pulp content nonwoven composite fabric is disclosed. The composite fabric contains more than about 70 percent, by weight, pulp fibers which are hydraulically entangled into a continuous filament substrate. This high pulp content composite nonwoven fabric may be used as a heavy duty wiper or as a fluid distribution material, cover material, and/or absorbent material in an absorbent personal care product. Also disclosed is a method of making the high pulp content nonwoven composite fabric.

Abstract: A hydraulically needled nonwoven pulp fiber web is disclosed. This nonwoven pulp fiber web has a mean flow pore size ranging from about 18 to about 100 microns, and a Frazier porosity of at least about 100 cfm/ft.sup.2. The web may also be characterized by a specific volume ranging from about 8 to about 15 cm.sup.3 /g. The nonwoven pulp fiber web may contain a significant proportion of low-average fiber length pulp and still have a total absorptive capacity greater than about 500 percent and a wicking rate greater than about 2 centimeters per 15 seconds. The hydraulically needled nonwoven pulp fiber web may be used as a hand towel, wipe, or as a fluid distribution material in an absorbent personal care product. Also disclosed is a method of making the hydraulically needled nonwoven pulp fiber web.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven elastomeric web material, and method of forming such material, as well as a nonwoven elastomeric web material and method of forming such material, are disclosed. The composite web material is provided by hydraulically entangling a laminate of at least (1) a layer of meltblown fibers; and (2) at least one further layer, preferably of at least one of pulp fibers, staple fibers, meltblown fibers, and continuous filaments, with or without particulate material, with at least one of the layer of meltblown fibers and the further layer being elastic so as to form an elastic web material after hydraulic entanglement. The nonwoven elastomeric web material is provided by hydraulically entangling a layer of meltblown elastomeric fibers. The material formed can be cloth-like with smooth surfaces, and with isotropic elasticity and strength. Different texture properties, including a corrugated stretchable fabric, can be provided by pre-stretching and then hydraulically entangling while stretched.

Abstract: An elastic pad which is elastic in at least one direction, includes an elastic sheet having at least one nonelastic nonwoven web joined thereto at least at two areas. The nonelastic web is gathered between the two areas. The sheet may be formed from a polyetherester and the nonelastic nonwoven web may be a web of spunlaced hydraulically entangled polyester fibers. The nonelastic nonwoven web may also include rayon or wood pulp fibers.

Abstract: An acidic liquid detergent composition for cleaning ceramic tiles without eroding the grout between the tiles comprises minor proportions of partially neutralized glutaric acid, partially neutralized phosphoric acid, surface active condensation product of ethylene oxide and higher linear alcohol of 10 to 20 carbon atoms, such as the condensation product of a linear secondary alcohol averaging about 13 carbon atoms with about 20 moles of ethylene oxide, and mono-lower alkyl ether of diethylene glycol, such as the butyl ether of diethylene glycol, and a major proportion of water, with the pH of the composition being within the range of 3 to 5, preferably 4.0. The composition is found to be an excellent bathroom cleaner, being especially useful for cleaning soap scum and other soil from ceramic tile, porcelain ware, such as bathtubs and sinks, and from other hard surfaces.