Abstract: The present invention is directed to enhancing the cleaning of surfaces by the contact application of a nonwoven fabric having a three-dimensional image imparted therein. The three-dimensional image of the nonwoven fabric induces the formation of lather due to pronounced surface projections that come in contact with the cleaning surface and provide air passageways that are parallel to the plane of the substrate. The imaged nonwoven fabric disclosed herein exhibits low linting qualities thereby reducing the potential of fiber contamination of the cleaned surface and is sufficiently durable that the sample can be used in a brisk manner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a two-sided nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a pronounced three-dimensional image that is durable to both converting and end-use application. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a first precursor web comprising a first fibrous matrix and a second precursor web comprising a second fibrous matrix. Between the first and second precursor web, a fluid-pervious support layer or scrim, is interposed and subjected to hydroentanglement on a moveable imaging surface having a three-dimensional image transfer device. By formation of a nonwoven fabric in this fashion, a three-dimensional image that is durable to abrasion and distortion due to elongation is imparted and a product formed which exhibits on its opposite surfaces the unique properties of the respective fibrous matrix used.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a first three-dimensional image and a second three-dimensional image whereby the first and second three-dimensional images are dissimilar from one another. In particular, the present invention contemplates a fabric comprised of sequentially formed three-dimensional images that are formed from a pre-entangled precursor web entangled on a first three-dimensional transfer device so as to impart a first image therein, then subjected to hydroentanglement on a second three-dimensional image transfer device wherein a second three-dimensional image is imparted to the web that is different from the first three-dimensional image, the resulting nonwoven fabric presenting aesthetic and tactile qualities representative of both imparted images.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a nonwoven fabric which is imparted with a three-dimensional image or pattern, and apertures essentially devoid of fiber, during the fabrication stage. The nonwoven fabric exhibits a fibrous extension out of the plane of the material, while apertures are present that have a pronounced uniformity and a significant reduction in fibrous occlusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a melt-extruded fabric, such as a melt-blown nonwoven fabric capable of dissolution, and more specifically, the present invention relates to a melt-blown nonwoven fabric comprising a polyvinyl alcohol resin capable of totally dissolving in water temperatures up to about 72° Fahrenheit with some mild agitation, such as shaking or stirring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of achieving a uniform distribution of reversible thermochromic pigment within a spunmelt nonwoven fabric, by incorporating the reversible thermochromic pigment into the polymer melt at the time of fiber or filament formation. It has been found that incorporating the pigment into the polymer melt enhances thermochromic uniformity as well as fabric durability. In addition, the reversible thermochromic fabric is processed in a single formation step, resulting in the present invention being more efficient than those methods practiced in the prior art.