Abstract: Soft and strong nonwoven web materials and methods of formation are described. In one embodiment, a nonwoven web may comprise a first and second outer regions of meltblown polymer fibers and absorbent fibers, the meltblown fibers formed of first and second polymer components where the second polymer component comprises greater than 0% and less than or equal to 20% by weight of a total polymeric material content of the meltblown polymer fibers, and a central region disposed between the first and second outer regions and comprising meltblown polymer fibers and absorbent fibers, the meltblown fibers being different than the meltblown polymer fibers of the first and second outer regions and not comprising the second polymer component.

Abstract: Soft and strong nonwoven web materials and methods of formation are described. In one embodiment, a method of forming a web may comprise merging a stream of an absorbent material with streams of meltblown fibers, the streams of meltblown fibers comprising bicomponent fibers formed of a first polymer component and a second polymer component, collecting the merged stream onto a forming surface, merging a stream of an absorbent material with streams of meltblown fibers, the streams of meltblown fibers comprising monocomponent fibers formed of the first polymer component or a third polymer component, collecting the merged stream onto the collected merged stream disposed on the forming surface, merging a stream of an absorbent material with streams of meltblown fibers, the streams of meltblown fibers comprising bicomponent fibers, and collecting the merged stream onto the collected merged streams to form the stratified nonwoven web material.

Abstract: Multicomponent filaments, nonwoven webs made from the multicomponent filaments, and processes for forming nonwoven webs are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, the multicomponent filaments contain a crimp enhancement additive. Specifically, the crimp enhancement additive is added to a polymeric component and increases the crystallization and/or solidification rate of that polymeric component. The use of the crimp enhancement additive in one of the polymeric components of the multicomponent filaments allows the multicomponent filaments to inherently crimp without the use of any post-crystallization/solidification heat treatment. The process produces webs with improved fabric density and softness properties. The crimp enhancement additive incorporated into the filaments is a polyolefin homopolymer, in particular a polypropylene homopolymer.

Abstract: A coform material is provided including a nonwoven web containing a mixture of staple fibers and an absorbent material including pulp fibers. The staple fibers are present in an amount of from about 5 wt. % to about 50 wt. % and the pulp fibers are present in an amount of from about 50 wt. % to about 95 wt. %. The staple fibers have an average length of from about 5 mm to about 50 mm. The staple fibers and pulp fibers are thermally bonded or hydraulically entangled to form the nonwoven web. Methods and systems for producing coform materials are also provided.

Abstract: An elastomeric bicomponent fiber, including at least one sheath and a core, with non-blocking properties and a garment-like feel is provided. The core includes two or more polypropylene based elastomers and a secondary amide, and the sheath includes a non-elastomeric polyethylene. Further, the sheath can be present as a small portion of the total elastomeric composition, and the secondary amide can be present as a small portion of the core, while forming a bicomponent fiber with non-blocking properties and a garment-like feel, while maintaining good strength characteristics.

Abstract: An elastomeric bicomponent fiber, including at least one sheath and a core, with non-blocking properties and a garment-like feel is provided. The core includes an elastomer and a secondary amide, and the sheath includes a non-elastomeric polyethylene. Further, the sheath can be present as a small portion of the total elastomeric composition, and the secondary amide can be present as a small portion of the core, while forming a bicomponent fiber with non-blocking properties and a garment-like feel.

Abstract: Methods and (articles of manufacture therefrom) including forming an elastic film from a polymer composition; tensioning the elastic film to a stretch ratio of between 2 and 6 in the MD; laminating the elastic film to an extensible facing to provide an elastomeric laminate having a CD hysteresis loss of 70% or less and an MD hysteresis loss of 50% or less.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to cloth-like nonwoven webs. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a spunbond fabric made from a polymer blend that includes a high tacticity polyolefin such as polypropylene, a low tacticity polyolefin such as polypropylene and a propylene-ethylene copolymer for improving softness of a nonwoven web.

Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method configured to secure a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. In various embodiments, the system includes one or two attachment members, one or two vehicle anchor assemblies and, potentially, at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a barrier. A tensioning assembly is operably connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers are configured to articulate to apply a force against the mobility device, and one attachment member may be hidden behind a stored position of a moveable bumper.

Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method for securing a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. In various embodiments, the system includes one or two attachment members, one or two vehicle anchor assemblies and, potentially, at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a barrier. A tensioning assembly is operably connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers are configured to articulate to in turn apply a force against the mobility device, and one attachment member may be hidden behind a stored position of a moveable bumper.

Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method configured to secure a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. In various embodiments, the system includes one or two attachment members, one or two vehicle anchor assemblies and, potentially, at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a barrier. A tensioning assembly is operably connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers are configured to articulate to apply a force against the mobility device, and one attachment member may be hidden behind a stored position of a moveable bumper.

Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method for securing a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. In various embodiments, the system includes one or two attachment members, one or two vehicle anchor assemblies and, potentially, at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a barrier. A tensioning assembly is operably connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers may articulate to apply a force against the mobility device, and one attachment member may be hidden behind a stored position of a moveable bumper.

Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method for securing a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. In various embodiments, the system includes one or two attachment members, one or two vehicle anchor assemblies and, potentially, at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a barrier. A tensioning assembly is operably connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers are configured to articulate to in turn apply a force against the mobility device, and one attachment member may be hidden behind a stored position of a moveable bumper.

Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method for securing a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. The system includes two attachment members, two vehicle anchor assemblies, and at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a fixed or moveable barrier. A tensioning assembly is operable connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers may extend and articulate to apply a force against one or more points of the mobility device that are not coplanar with vehicle wall. The mobility securement system may further include a rear barrier which may move, swivel or articulate.

Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method for securing a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. The system includes two attachment members, two vehicle anchor assemblies, and at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a fixed or moveable barrier. A tensioning assembly is operable connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers may extend and articulate to apply a force against one or more points of the mobility device that are not coplanar with vehicle wall. The mobility securement system may further include a rear barrier which may move, swivel or articulate.

Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method for securing a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. In various embodiments, the system includes one or two attachment members, one or two vehicle anchor assemblies and, potentially, at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a barrier. A tensioning assembly is operably connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers may articulate to apply a force against the mobility device, and one attachment member may be hidden behind a stored position of a moveable bumper.

Abstract: A method making an elastic nonwoven composite that contains an elastic film laminated to one or more nonwoven web materials is provided. The method includes forming an elastic film from a polymer composition and passing the film and a nonwoven web material, the nonwoven material having a basis weight from about 5 gsm to about 30 gsm, through a nip formed by at least one patterned roll. The patterned roll includes raised bonding elements repeating in the machine direction, the elements being spaced in the machine direction by less than about 760 micrometers. At the nip, the film and the nonwoven web material are concurrently melt fused while the film is under tension at a stretch ratio of about 1.5 or more in the machine direction.

Abstract: A hybrid absorbent foam includes an integrated hybrid foam layer having an open surface, a closed surface, and a foam body extending between the open and closed surfaces. The integrated hybrid foam layer has an open-cell content of at least 50%, while the closed surface provides a barrier to aqueous liquids. The integrated hybrid foam layer is formed as a single layer, and has a substantially uniform polymer composition throughout its thickness. The integrated hybrid foam layer combines the functions of liquid absorbency, retention, and barrier into a single layer, and is useful in a wide variety of absorbent articles.

Abstract: A rack system is disclosed that includes a mounting bracket that is operable to couple a rail to a post having either of two possible configurations. The mounting bracket includes a pair of hooks. The hooks are sized to couple the mounting bracket to a post having square apertures. The hooks of the mounting bracket are coupled to a spring. When the mounting bracket is coupled to a post having round holes, the placement of the bracket against the posts causes the hooks to recede, thereby allowing the mounting holes of the mounting bracket to be directly adjacent to the holes of the post.

Abstract: A flexible, absorbent, thermoplastic foam comprises at least a thermoplastic base resin and fibers. The incorporation of fibers into the thermoplastic base foam structure can result in a foam which exhibits improved absorbent properties such as high fluid capillary action and improved fluid movement from cell to cell within the foam, while maintaining sufficient integrity and flexibility for specific applications. In some aspects, the use of fiber having high surface energy can increase the overall surface energy of the foam, which in turn can further enhance absorbent properties.