Abstract: A condrapable hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers includes a hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers, and a fiber surface-modifying agent on the web to form therewith a condrapable hydrophobic web. The agent is essentially an amino-modified polydimethylsiloxane. The condrapable hydrophobic web is characterized by a substantial hydrophobicity, as measured by a strike-through of over 180 seconds and by a substantial increase in condrapability, as measured by a Handle-O-Meter decrease of at least 15% average for MD and CD.

Abstract: A condrapable hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers includes a hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers, and a fiber surface-modifying agent on the web to form therewith a condrapable hydrophobic web. The agent is essentially an amino-modified polydimethylsiloxane. The condrapable hydrophobic web is characterized by a substantial hydrophobicity, as measured by a strike-through of over 180 seconds and by a substantial increase in condrapability, as measured by a Handle-O-Meter decrease of at least 15% average for MD and CD.

Abstract: A condrapable hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers includes a hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers, and a fiber surface-modifying agent on the web to form therewith a condrapable hydrophobic web. The agent is essentially an amino-modified polydimethylsiloxane. The condrapable hydrophobic web is characterized by a substantial hydrophobicity, as measured by a strike-through of over 180 seconds and by a substantial increase in condrapability, as measured by a Handle-O-Meter decrease of at least 15% average for MD and CD.

Abstract: A barrier sheet for use in diapers, surgical gowns and the like wherein the goals of comfort and barrier protection are balanced through the use of a barrier sheet affording a variable porosity achieved by use of a liquid-expandable material.

Abstract: A nonwoven has low tensile and high elongation in the first direction (typically the CD) and high tensile and low elongation in the second direction (typically the MD). The nonwoven has a plurality of bonding points defining a total bonding area along the second direction greater than along the first direction. Accordingly, the nonwoven has unbonded fiber portions and bonded fiber portions, with a bonded portion/unbonded portion ratio greater along the second direction than along the first direction. The bonding points are preferably either circular or oval in plan.

Abstract: A nonwoven has low tensile and high elongation in the first direction (typically the CD) and high tensile and low elongation in the second direction (typically the MD). The nonwoven has a plurality of bonding points defining a total bonding area along the second direction greater than along the first direction. Accordingly, the nonwoven has unbonded fiber portions and bonded fiber portions, with a bonded portion/unbonded portion ratio greater along the second direction than along the first direction. The bonding points are preferably either circular or oval in plan.

Abstract: A method of making a non-woven fibrous media, combining high vapor permeability and low liquid permeability, includes the steps of providing a non-woven fabric formed from fibers that are prematurely crystallized during fabric formation and have a wide heat of fusion range distribution, and calendering the fabric to soften the small polymer crystals therein of low heats of fusion, but not the relatively larger polymer crystals therein of relatively higher heats of fusion, thereby to retain high vapor permeability while providing low liquid permeability. The polymer is preferably isotactic polypropylene.

Abstract: A condrapable hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers includes a hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers, and a fiber surface-modifying agent on the web to form therewith a condrapable hydrophobic web. The agent is essentially an amino-modified polydimethylsiloxane. The condrapable hydrophobic web is characterized by a substantial hydrophobicity, as measured by a strike-through of over 180 seconds and by a substantial increase in condrapability, as measured by a Handle-O-Meter decrease of at least 15% average for MD and CD.

Abstract: A method of making a non-woven fibrous media, combining high vapor permeability and low liquid permeability, includes the steps of providing a non-woven fabric formed from fibers that are prematurely crystallized during fabric formation and have a wide heat of fusion range distribution, and calendering the fabric to soften the small polymer crystals therein of low heats of fusion, but not the relatively larger polymer crystals therein of relatively higher heats of fusion, thereby to retain high vapor permeability while providing low liquid permeability. The polymer is preferably isotactic polypropylene.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric from spun fibers wherein the density of the spun fibers in the fabric varies between strips of relatively high density and strips of relatively low density. The strips extend along the length of the fabric in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the high density strips separated from each other by low density strips. The alternating high density and low density strips provide the fabric with a higher percent elongation in the cross direction than in the machine direction. The alternating pattern is achieved through use of a pattern screen defining a plurality of elongated air permeable regions separated by elongated substantially or relatively air impermeable regions, the elongated regions extending in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the air permeable regions separated from each other by the substantially or relatively air impermeable regions.

Abstract: An integral disposable elasticized absorbent article is provided for use as infant training pants or adult incontinent underpants, briefs and the like. The article comprises an absorbent body having a liquid pervious top layer, a liquid impervious backsheet and a liquid absorbent layer therebetween. A pair of elasticized members (belts) are secured to the absorbent body, with one elasticized member being disposed substantially parallel to the left of the longitudinal axis of the article, and the second elasticized member being disposed substantially parallel to the right of the longitudinal axis of the article. Each elasticized member has an end closure means adapted to engage the end closure means of the other elastic member to secure the absorbent article firmly to the body of the wearer.

Abstract: A nonwoven has low tensile and high elongation in the first direction (typically the CD) and high tensile and low elongation in the second direction (typically the MD). The nonwoven has a plurality of bonding points defining a total bonding area along the second direction greater than along the first direction. Accordingly, the nonwoven has unbonded fiber portions and bonded fiber portions, with a bonded portion/unbonded portion ratio greater along the second direction than along the first direction. The bonding points are preferably either circular or oval in plan.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric from spun fibers wherein the density of the spun fibers in the fabric varies between strips of relatively high density and strips of relatively low density. The strips extend along the length of the fabric in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the high density strips separated from each other by low density strips. The alternating high density and low density strips provide the fabric with a higher percent elongation in the cross direction than in the machine direction. The alternating pattern is achieved through use of a pattern screen defining a plurality of elongated air permeable regions separated by elongated substantially or relatively air impermeable regions, the elongated regions extending in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the air permeable regions separated from each other by the substantially or relatively air impermeable regions.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric from spun fibers wherein the density of the spun fibers in the fabric varies between strips of relatively high density and strips of relatively low density. The strips extend along the length of the fabric in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the high density strips separated from each other by low density strips. The alternating high density and low density strips provide the fabric with a higher percent elongation in the cross direction than in the machine direction. The alternating pattern is achieved through use of a pattern screen defining a plurality of elongated air permeable regions separated by elongated substantially or relatively air impermeable regions, the elongated regions extending in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the air permeable regions separated from each other by the substantially or relatively air impermeable regions.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric from spun fibers wherein the density of the spun fibers in the fabric varies between strips of relatively high density and strips of relatively low density. The strips extend along the length of the fabric in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the high density strips separated from each other by low density strips. The alternating high density and low density strips provide the fabric with a higher percent elongation in the cross direction than in the machine direction. The alternating pattern is achieved through use of a pattern screen defining a plurality of elongated air permeable regions separated by elongated substantially or relatively air impermeable regions, the elongated regions extending in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the air permeable regions separated from each other by the substantially or relatively air impermeable regions.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric from spun fibers wherein the density of the spun fibers in the fabric varies between strips of relatively high density and strips of relatively low density. The strips extend along the length of the fabric in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the high density strips separated from each other by low density strips. The alternating high density and low density strips provide the fabric with a higher percent elongation in the cross direction than in the machine direction. The alternating pattern is achieved through use of a pattern screen defining a plurality of elongated air permeable regions separated by elongated substantially or relatively air impermeable regions, the elongated regions extending in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the air permeable regions separated from each other by the substantially or relatively air impermeable regions.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided which comprises an absorbent body having a front waist portion, a back waist portion, a crotch portion, a pair of spaced apart leg openings, and a fastening region intermediate the crotch portion and the front waist portion. An elasticized band member is attached to the back waist portion and has a left hand band portion and a right hand band portion, both extending angularly from the area of the back waist portion toward the fastening region. The ends of each of the band portions are adapted to be engaged to one another and to the fastening region, and they may be tensioned to securely fasten the absorbent article to the body of the wearer.

Abstract: Apertured plastic films comprise a stretchable thermoplastic polymeric material having a plurality of micro-holes defined by a network of fiber-like elements. The films are produced by directing fluids, especially water, against the upper surface of a starting film in the form of columnar streams in a contact zone, while the film is supported on a backing element. The films of the invention are useful as covering materials for absorbent products such as diapers, wound dressings and sanitary napkins.

Abstract: This invention provides absorbent products, having a permeable cover made of a microperforated fibrillated thermoplastic film that has improved properties such as intimate, but nonoccluding contact with the body, yet providing comfort and resilience and immediate fluid acceptance and distribution. The cover is characterized by having non perforate regions and perforate regions, the perforate regions having a plurality of microholes defined by a network of fiberlike elements, the perforate regions being, at least in part, at elevations that are higher than the nonperforate regions. The perforate regions are caused to be at higher elevations by methods such as tensioning the cover or by partly adhering the cover to the absorbent body of the product or by combinations thereof. The microholes may be of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an apertured plastic film having a tricot-like texture. The apparatus includes a film forming member comprising a rotatable hollow drum having a pattern of apertures and a topographical outer surface formed by a cluster of peaks and valleys surrounding each aperture. A plastic film is placed on the apices of the peaks and fluid streams are projected against the film while the drum is rotated. The fluid forces the film against the topographical outer surface of the drum causing the film to become apertured and to have a tricot-like texture corresponding to the pattern of apertures and peaks and valleys.