Abstract: A method of manufacturing an elastic film laminate includes stretching an elastic film in at least one direction at a first draw ratio, relaxing the elastic film, stretching the elastic film at least once more in the at least one direction at a second draw ratio less than the first draw ratio, and laminating the elastic film to at least one substrate web.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transporting either an entire web or discrete components of disposable products such as diaper components down the machine using mechanical forces to grip the nonwoven web and transfer it from one belt or roll to another without or reducing added vacuum. There is a carrier nonwoven web that goes down the length of the machine and other substrates are added on top of this layer, and the machine provides sufficient gripping to allow transport of diaper components through the fabrication process. Securing and releasing forces are supplied so that the components can be retained at some points and released at others.

Abstract: A lamination system includes a film supply, a non-woven material supply, and a laminator. The laminator causes a film from the film supply to be laminated to a sheet from the non-woven material supply to establish a laminated sheet.

Abstract: Microporous breathable films include a polyolefin and an inorganic filler dispersed in the polyolefin.

Abstract: Gas-permeable barrier films include a polyolefin and an inorganic filler dispersed in the polyolefin. Methods for forming polymeric films and articles of manufacture prepared therefrom are described.

Abstract: Multi-layer films include at least one cavitated core layer that is microporous and breathable, and at least one skin layer. The cavitated core layer includes a polyolefin and an inorganic filler dispersed in the polyolefin. Methods for forming polymeric films and articles of manufacture prepared therefrom are described.

Abstract: Elastic laminates and methods of making same are provided, wherein the laminate includes an elastic film laminated to at least one substrate web, and wherein the elastic film has been stretched at least twice prior to bonding the film to the substrate layer. Such laminates possess improved bond strength between the film and the substrate web and have greater elongation versus laminates made with a film that has been stretched only once.

Abstract: The present technology relates to tamper evident films, systems and methods for detecting tamper events in films or film packages. The present technology is especially useful in applications for detecting tamper events with individually packaged goods, as well as with bulk packaging or wrapped pallets in circumstances where visual inspection is hampered or prevented. In one or more preferred systems, films and methods of the present technology utilize a conductive pattern, a sensor and/or alarm circuit, and a wrapping film, such as a stretch film, shrink wrap, bagging or stretchhooder. In at least one particularly preferred embodiment, films of the present technology are stretch films having conductive ink patterns applied thereto that remain conductive when the films are stretched to a percent stretch of about 1% or greater. In other embodiments, a conductive material can be separately wrapped and/or cowrapped in conjunction with a film.

Abstract: An elastomeric film is bonded between two or more layers of nonwoven webs formed of nonelastomeric thermoplastic fibers. The laminate has, in a predefined transverse direction, an elastic elongation value greater than the predefined elastic elongation value of the nonwoven webs, and an ultimate force to break in the predefined transverse direction of at least 3000 g/in. The laminate advantageously provides a tear resistant, multiple ply, fabric that is soft to the touch as a result of the outwardly disposed nonwoven webs, and has a high elastic modulus. The laminate is particularly useful in applications where closure portions of a product must be stretched to keep the product in place when worn.

Abstract: The present technology relates to tamper evident films, systems and methods for detecting tamper events in films or film packages. The present technology is especially useful in applications for detecting tamper events with individually packaged goods, as well as with bulk packaging or wrapped pallets in circumstances where visual inspection is hampered or prevented. In one or more preferred systems, films and methods of the present technology utilize a conductive pattern, a sensor and/or alarm circuit, and a wrapping film, such as a stretch film, shrink wrap, bagging or stretchhooder. In at least one particularly preferred embodiment, films of the present technology are stretch films having conductive ink patterns applied thereto that remain conductive when the films are stretched to a percent stretch of about 1% or greater. In other embodiments, a conductive material can be separately wrapped and/or cowrapped in conjunction with a film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stretchable webs having a plurality of elongated cells, and a retractive force mechanism to provide increased retractive force of the web when stretched in a given direction. The stretchable webs are useful in disposable garments such as diapers, bandages and other hygiene material so that the material fits closely without slipping off.

Abstract: A stretchable embossed elastic laminate including at least one nonwoven fabric layer, and at least one elastomeric material extruded as a melt onto a major surface of the nonwoven fabric to form an elastic layer bonded to the surface of the nonwoven fabric. The elastic laminate is embossed with a deep embossing pattern to provide an embossed laminate having good tensile strength and excellent resistance to delamination. Also disclosed is a method of forming a stretchable embossed laminate wherein at least one melted elastic material is extruded onto a major surface of the nonwoven fabric, and the elastic material and the nonwoven fabric are conveyed through a nip formed by a layon roll and an embossing roll having a deep embossing pattern.

Abstract: The disclosure provides embodiments for elasticized members used as closures for garments, such as diapers, jacket cuffs, and similar articles, the elasticized member having an elastic body having an attachment region adapted for attachment of the elastic body to a garment and a fastener positioned on a distal portion of the elastic body, wherein the elastic body is structured to reduce curl along longitudinal edges and corners of the elastic body upon application of tension to the fastener.

Abstract: Elastic laminates and methods of making same are provided, wherein the laminate includes an elastic film laminated to at least one substrate web, and wherein the elastic film has been stretched at least twice prior to bonding the film to the substrate layer. Such laminates possess improved bond strength between the film and the substrate web and have greater elongation versus laminates made with a film that has been stretched only once.

Abstract: A multi-layered web is provided that includes an elastic web bonded to an inelastic web. The inelastic web has extensible and inextensible regions arranged along the machine direction. In the extensible regions, the inelastic web is bonded to the elastic web in a creped structure that is extensible by virtue of the creping. A continuous process is provided to manufacture a multi-layer web having extensible regions that are conjoined with regions that are inextensible by varying the tension that is applied during manufacture of the multi-layer web. The apparatus comprises an elastic web that is fed into a bonding nip, into which one or more inelastic webs are also provided. The elastic web is fed into the bonding nip under a tension that is alternated between a low value that is sufficient to ensure processing stability, and a higher value that provides an elongation to the elastic web.

Abstract: A method for forming an elastic laminate comprising: bonding a first nonwoven to an elastic film to form a laminate; activating the laminate to form an activated laminate; and bonding a consolidated nonwoven to the elastic film of the activated laminate to form the elastic laminate.

Abstract: A method for producing nonwoven webs, laminates, and composites thereof includes activating by elongation in at least a two-stage process wherein the first elongation is in substantially the same direction and to substantially the same degree as the second elongation.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite web includes supplying two or more webs to an activation mechanism, where the webs are in an unbonded state relative to each other. The method further entails simultaneously activating the webs while they are in a face to face relationship and in an unbonded state, and then bonding the webs to form a composite web.

Abstract: A multi-layered web is provided that includes an elastic web bonded to an inelastic web. The inelastic web has extensible and inextensible regions arranged along the machine direction. In the extensible regions, the inelastic web is bonded to the elastic web in a creped structure that is extensible by virtue of the creping. A continuous process is provided to manufacture a multi-layer web having extensible regions that are conjoined with regions that are inextensible by varying the tension that is applied during manufacture of the multi-layer web. The apparatus comprises an elastic web that is fed into a bonding nip, into which one or more inelastic webs are also provided. The elastic web is fed into the bonding nip under a tension that is alternated between a low value that is sufficient to ensure processing stability, and a higher value that provides an elongation to the elastic web.

Abstract: An elastomeric film is bonded between two or more layers of nonwoven webs formed of nonelastomeric thermoplastic fibers. The laminate has, in a predefined transverse direction, an elastic elongation value greater than the predefined elastic elongation value of the nonwoven webs, and an ultimate force to break in the predefined transverse direction of at least 3000 g/in. The laminate advantageously provides a tear resistant, multiple ply, fabric that is soft to the touch as a result of the outwardly disposed nonwoven webs, and has a high elastic modulus. The laminate is particularly useful in applications where closure portions of a product must be stretched to keep the product in place when worn.