Abstract: A respirator including a collapse-resistant means for resisting collapse of the respirator main body due to respiration of a user during use of such a respirator is disclosed. Specifically, in various embodiments, the collapse-resisting means may be a deflection member, a stiffening material, fastening components configured to apply an outward-facing deflection force when the respirator is worn, or any combination thereof. Additionally, a dual exhalation vent assembly adapted for use in a collapse resisting respirator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A respirator including a collapse-resistant means for resisting collapse of the respirator main body due to respiration of a user during use of such a respirator is disclosed. Specifically, in various embodiments, the collapse-resisting means may be a deflection member, a stiffening material, fastening components configured to apply an outward-facing deflection force when the respirator is worn, or any combination thereof. Additionally, a dual exhalation vent assembly adapted for use in a collapse resisting respirator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A respirator including a collapse-resistant means for resisting collapse of the respirator main body due to respiration of a user during use of such a respirator is disclosed. Specifically, in various embodiments, the collapse-resisting means may be a deflection member, a stiffening material, fastening components configured to apply an outward-facing deflection force when the respirator is worn, or any combination thereof. Additionally, a dual exhalation vent assembly adapted for use in a collapse resisting respirator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A respirator including a collapse-resistant means for resisting collapse of the respirator main body due to respiration of a user during use of such a respirator is disclosed. Specifically, in various embodiments, the collapse-resisting means may be a deflection member, a stiffening material, fastening components configured to apply an outward-facing deflection force when the respirator is worn, or any combination thereof. Additionally, a dual exhalation vent assembly adapted for use in a collapse resisting respirator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A respirator including a collapse-resistant means for resisting collapse of the respirator main body due to respiration of a user during use of such a respirator is disclosed. Specifically, in various embodiments, the collapse-resisting means may be a deflection member, a stiffening material, fastening components configured to apply an outward-facing deflection force when the respirator is worn, or any combination thereof. Additionally, a dual exhalation vent assembly adapted for use in a collapse resisting respirator is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods to modify an engaging surface of a fibrous landing layer of a mechanical fastener are generally disclosed, along with products made from the same. For instance, the engaging surface of the landing layer can be mechanically modified to increase the fuzziness of the layer, which allows more fibers to engage the other surface of the mechanical fastener. For example, the improved engaging surface of the landing layer can increase the shear resistance of a mechanical fastener comprising a foam layer and a landing layer.

Abstract: A respirator including a collapse-resistant means for resisting collapse of the respirator main body due to respiration of a user during use of such a respirator is disclosed. Specifically, in various embodiments, the collapse-resisting means may be a deflection member, a stiffening material, fastening components configured to apply an outward-facing deflection force when the respirator is worn, or any combination thereof. Additionally, a dual exhalation vent assembly adapted for use in a collapse resisting respirator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sheet material with zoned machine direction extensibility is disclosed. The sheet material includes a plurality of discontinuous slits, wherein the plurality of discontinuous slits define at high extensibility zones extending in the machine-direction and further define low extensibility zones extending in the machine-direction. The sheet materials exhibit stable machine direction extensibility during processing and converting. Methods of making the sheet materials are also disclosed. The sheet materials are useful in a wide variety of applications not the least of which include garments, surgical drapes and other supplies as well as personal care absorbent articles including diapers, training pants, sanitary napkins, incontinence garments, bandages and the like.

Abstract: Methods to modify an engaging surface of a fibrous landing layer of a mechanical fastener are generally disclosed, along with products made from the same. For instance, the engaging surface of the landing layer can be mechanically modified to increase the fuzziness of the layer, which allows more fibers to engage the other surface of the mechanical fastener. For example, the improved engaging surface of the landing layer can increase the shear resistance of a mechanical fastener comprising a foam layer and a landing layer.

Abstract: A fastening system having a nonwoven fabric that includes a web which is formed of a plurality of extruded strands and a foam layer that includes a surface having a plurality of free-standing struts which are adapted to engage at least a portion of the plurality of strands, at least some of the free-standing struts including a surface modifier.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener having a flexible layer and a plurality of first discrete fastener islands having a mechanical fastening material and a backing material having a first surface attached to the mechanical fastening material and a second surface attached to the flexible layer. The mechanical fastener also has a plurality of second discrete fastener islands comprising a foam fastening layer that is attached to the flexible layer and includes a surface having a plurality of free-standing struts.

Abstract: A face mask for reducing the amount of microbes to which a wearer is exposed is provided. The face mask includes a body portion that has an outer layer that has been treated with a germicidal agent in an effective amount. The layer may be a nonwoven fabric like a spunbond, meltblown or coform layer and may be a laminate of such layers. The face mask having such a germicidal treatment can result in a reduction in microbial activity as compared to another face mask, identical but for the germicidal agent.

Abstract: A face mask is provided that is configured to reduce or eliminate fogging that may occur on eye wear or an eyeshield worn by a user of the face mask. The face mask includes a body portion that has a layer with an inner surface configured for facing the face of the user. The layer has at least one fold that extends in a horizontal direction across at least a portion of the layer. The fold has a fold forming portion located between and attached to two primary portions of the layer. The inner surface of the fold forming portion is in facing relationship with the inner surface of the vertically disposed lower primary portion.

Abstract: A face mask for improved fluid resistance is provided. The face mask may include a body portion with a first layer and a second layer. The first and second layers may have a plurality of folds that form a plurality of first creases in the first layer and a plurality of second creases in the second layer. The body portion may have an outer facing surface and an inner facing surface opposite from the outer facing surface. At least one of the first creases may be misaligned with at least one of the second creases in order to provide improved fluid resistance of the body portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single-step sterilization wrapping material suitable for use, as an example, in wrapping surgical instruments and supplies for sterilization, transportation and storage. The material is made of more than two separate sheets of wrap which are joined to one another. Each of the wrap sheets provides the material with unique functionalities such as barrier and strength. At least one of the wrap sheets provides a functionality not present in the other wrap sheets or provides a functionality to a greater degree than provided by the other wrap sheets.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric suitable for odor removal uses is provided. A method of treating fabrics and a face mask that removes odors are also provided.

Abstract: A coating composition that is incorporated into a facemask to reduce fogging and glare is provided. For example, in one embodiment, the facemask contains a shield or visor formed from a transparent substrate having at least one surface applied with the coating composition of the present invention. The present inventors have unexpectedly discovered that one or more water-soluble organic polymers, such as ethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, may be utilized as a principal component of the coating composition to reduce fogging and glare in a simple, yet effective manner.

Abstract: A face mask is provided. The face mask includes a body portion that is configured to be placed over a mouth and at least part of a nose of a user such that the air of respiration is drawn through the body portion. The body portion includes a baffle layer which helps prevent penetration from a fluid striking the mask. The baffle layer has an outer and an inner surface with a plurality of projections extending from one of the outer or inner surfaces. The baffle layer aids in absorbing energy associated with fluid striking the body portion of the mask. The baffle layer distributes fluid away form the point of impact in the channels between the projections.