Abstract: Soft and strong nonwoven web materials and methods of formation are described. In one embodiment, a nonwoven web material may comprise meltblown polymer fibers comprising bicomponent fibers formed of a first polymer component and a second polymer component, and monocomponent fibers formed only of the first polymer component, or a third polymer component that is different than either of the first polymer component and the second polymer component, and absorbent fibers, wherein the nonwoven web material has a TS7 Softness value of less than or equal to 3.9, according to the TS7 Softness Test Method.

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: A process and apparatus is used for making a fibrous nonwoven web with uniform, directionally-oriented projections by depositing fibrous material onto a first forming surface with holes positioned above a second forming surface with both forming surfaces traveling at different speeds to one another. As the fibers are deposited onto the first forming surface, a portion of the fibers are drawn down into the holes of the first forming surface forming the projections which contact the second forming surface. Due to the speed differential between the two forming surfaces the projections are uniformly skewed in the same direction. The resultant material is particularly suited for use as a wiping material which can be more abrasive in one direction but which is softer to the touch when wiped in the opposite direction thus making it a dual purpose material.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is used for making a fibrous nonwoven web with uniform, directionally-oriented projections by depositing fibrous material onto a first forming surface with holes positioned above a second forming surface with both forming surfaces traveling at different speeds to one another. As the fibers are deposited onto the first forming surface, a portion of the fibers are drawn down into the holes of the first forming surface forming the projections which contact the second forming surface. Due to the speed differential between the two forming surfaces the projections are uniformly skewed in the same direction. The resultant material is particularly suited for use as a wiping material which can be more abrasive in one direction but which is softer to the touch when wiped in the opposite direction thus making it a dual purpose material.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is used for making a fibrous nonwoven web with uniform, directionally-oriented projections by depositing fibrous material onto a first forming surface with holes positioned above a second forming surface with both forming surfaces traveling at different speeds to one another. As the fibers are deposited onto the first forming surface, a portion of the fibers are drawn down into the holes of the first forming surface forming the projections which contact the second forming surface. Due to the speed differential between the two forming surfaces the projections are uniformly skewed in the same direction. The resultant material is particularly suited for use as a wiping material which can be more abrasive in one direction but which is softer to the touch when wiped in the opposite direction thus making it a dual purpose material.

Abstract: A flexible coform nonwoven web that contains a matrix of meltblown fibers and an absorbent material is provided. The meltblown fibers may constitute from about 2 wt % to about 40 wt % of the coform web. The absorbent material may constitute from about 60 wt % to about 98 wt % of the coform web. The Cup Crush Energy/Thickness ratio of the nonwoven structure is desirably less than about 600. The coform web may be imparted with a three-dimensional texture by, for example, using a three-dimensional forming surface. The coform web is suitable for forming absorbent articles such as wipers and personal care absorbent products.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is used for making a fibrous nonwoven web with uniform, directionally-oriented projections by depositing fibrous material onto a first forming surface with holes positioned above a second forming surface with both forming surfaces traveling at different speeds to one another. As the fibers are deposited onto the first forming surface, a portion of the fibers are drawn down into the holes of the first forming surface forming the projections which contact the second forming surface. Due to the speed differential between the two forming surfaces the projections are uniformly skewed in the same direction. The resultant material is particularly suited for use as a wiping material which can be more abrasive in one direction but which is softer to the touch when wiped in the opposite direction thus making it a dual purpose material.

Abstract: A nonwoven web made from a polymeric fiber blend comprising at least one elastomeric polyolefin and at least one nonelastomeric polyolefin useful as the elastic base sheet for a nonwoven laminate is disclosed. Preferably, the polymeric blend will comprise a nonelastomeric resin in the range of from about 10 to about 90 percent by weight, and an elastomeric resin of from about 90 to about 10 percent by weight. The elastomeric polyolefin will have a density of less than about 0.885 g/cm3 and the nonelastomeric polyolefin will have a density of at least about 0.890 g/cm3. In one particular embodiment, the polymeric blend may comprise about 50 percent to about 90 percent by weight of a narrow molecular weight distribution polyethylene and about 50 percent to about 10 percent by weight of a nonelastomeric polyolefin such as a linear low density polyethylene.

Abstract: A stimulation material is partially bonded to a pressure-sensitive adhesive to form a stimulation blend. The stimulation blend, with or without pressure-sensitive adhesive, may be juxtaposed between two substrates to form a stimulation composite. When the pressure-sensitive adhesive is present within the stimulation composite, there are regions of the adhesive that do not contain a significant amount of stimulation material. By arranging regions of stimulation blend with respect to the pressure-sensitive adhesive regions, a pattern defined by the stimulation blend is formed. This pattern may deliver a stimulation effect that is at least as effective as using one-hundred percent stimulation blend within the stimulation composite, it not more effective. The stimulation composite may be cut into countless varieties of pledget shapes for use in personal-care absorbent articles.

Abstract: A flexible coform nonwoven web that contains a matrix of meltblown fibers and an absorbent material is provided. The meltblown fibers may constitute from about 2 wt % to about 40 wt % of the coform web. The absorbent material may constitute from about 60 wt % to about 98 wt % of the coform web. The Cup Crush Energy/Thickness ratio of the nonwoven structure is desirably less than about 600. The coform web may be imparted with a three-dimensional texture by, for example, using a three-dimensional forming surface. The coform web is suitable for forming absorbent articles such as wipers and personal care absorbent products.

Abstract: A method for increasing the thickness of a fibrous sheet including stretching the sheet beyond its relaxed length and returning the sheet to about the relaxed length, causing the sheet to have a second thickness greater than the first thickness. The sheet can be a wet-wipe. The wet-wipe includes an elastic layer and a fibrous layer, which increases in thickness when stretched then relaxed. The wet-wipe can be stored in a container which causes the wet-wipe to stretch as it is removed from the container.

Abstract: An appliance, such as a sleeve, sock, glove, or patch, that comprises a liquid-permeable substrate and a substantially dry and/or immobile composition (i.e., the formulation is substantially free of water so that the formulation is a solid or semi-solid formulation at temperatures typifying transport, storage, and/or use conditions), effectively and comfortably treats the skin or tissue of a user. Humectants, materials of an occlusive nature, and numerous other ingredients may be included in the formulation. The appliance can comprise elastomeric materials that facilitate contact between the appliance and skin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making an appliance adapted to transfer to, or associate with, the skin or tissue of a user, a composition, e.g., a moisturizing formulation. Because of possible interactions between the formulation and/or formulation ingredients and elastic polymers that may be employed to help give the appliance elastic qualities, the method comprises steps for providing an elastic layer or member and a shielding layer or member, with the shielding member interposed between the composition/formulation and the elastic member. The shielding layer and elastic layer may be integrally connected to one another, as in a film comprising two layers. Typically the shielding layer will be impermeable to the composition/formulation (e.g., by employing polymers, such as polypropylene comprising crystalline portions, such that the mass transport of the formulation through the shielding member is stopped or substantially impeded).

Abstract: Disclosed is an appliance adapted to transfer to, or associate with, the skin or tissue of a user, a composition, e.g., a moisturizing formulation. Because of possible interactions between the formulation and/or formulation ingredients and elastomeric polymers that may be employed to help give the appliance elastomeric qualities, the appliance comprises an elastic layer or member and a shielding layer or member, with the shielding member interposed between the composition/formulation and the elastic member. Typically the shielding member will be impermeable to the composition/formulation (e.g., by employing polymers, such as polypropylene comprising crystalline portions, such that the mass transport of the formulation through the shielding member is stopped or substantially impeded).

Abstract: An appliance, such as a sleeve, patch, sock, or glove, that comprises a liquid-impermeable layer, an outer fibrous layer, and a composition or formulation associated with the interior or body-facing side of an appliance, effectively and comfortably treats the skin or tissue of a user. Humectants, materials of an occlusive nature, and numerous other ingredients may be included in the formulation. The outer fibrous layer helps provide the appliance with a cottony-soft feel and/or appearance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wet-wipe comprising a non-woven composite elastic material comprising a non-woven elastic layer; and a non-woven gatherable layer. The gatherable layer is bonded to the elastic layer at at least two points; and is gathered between the bonded points. These wet-wipes have a softer more cloth like feel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for heat treatment of non-woven composite elastic material including a non-woven elastic layer; a non-woven gatherable layer. The process includes stretching the material, heating the material and cooling the material. The material has a softer more cloth-like feel.

Abstract: A nonwoven web made from a polymeric fiber blend comprising at least one elastomeric polyolefin and at least one nonelastomeric polyolefin useful as the elastic base sheet for a nonwoven laminate is disclosed. Preferably, the polymeric blend will comprise a nonelastomeric resin in the range of from about 10 to about 90 percent by weight, and an elastomeric resin of from about 90 to about 10 percent by weight. The elastomeric polyolefin will have a density of less than about 0.885 g/cm3 and the nonelastomeric polyolefin will have a density of at least about 0.890 g/cm3. In one particular embodiment, the polymeric blend may comprise about 50 percent to about 90 percent by weight of a narrow molecular weight distribution polyethylene and about 50 percent to about 10 percent by weight of a nonelastomeric polyolefin such as a linear low density polyethylene.

Abstract: A nonwoven web made from a polymeric fiber blend comprising at least one elastomeric polyolefin and at least one nonelastomeric polyolefin useful as the elastic base sheet for a nonwoven laminate is disclosed. Preferably, the polymeric blend will comprise a nonelastomeric resin in the range of from about 10 to about 90 percent by weight, and an elastomeric resin of from about 90 to about 10 percent by weight. The elastomeric polyolefin will have a density of less than about 0.885 g/cm3 and the nonelastomeric polyolefin will have a density of at least about 0.890 g/cm3. In one particular embodiment, the polymeric blend may comprise about 50 percent to about 90 percent by weight of a narrow molecular weight distribution polyethylene and about 50 percent to about 10 percent by weight of a nonelastomeric polyolefin such as a linear low density polyethylene.