Abstract: A patterned element for use in an embossing and adhesive application process. The patterened element comprises a material having an pattern disposed thereon, wherein the material comprises a polymer and has a Shore A hardness of greater than about 70, and has a critical surface energy of less than about 30 dynes/cm.

Abstract: A process for making a unitary fibrous structure comprises steps of: providing a fibrous web comprising a plurality of cellulosic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous web and a plurality of synthetic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous web; and causing co-joining of at least a portion of the synthetic fibers with the cellulosic fibers and the synthetic fibers, wherein the co-joining occurs in areas having a non-random and repeating pattern. A unitary fibrous structure comprises a plurality of cellulosic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous structure, and a plurality of synthetic fibers distributed throughout the fibrous structure in a non-random repeating pattern.

Abstract: A unitary fibrous structure comprises a plurality of cellulosic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous structure, and a plurality of synthetic fibers distributed throughout the fibrous structure in a non-random repeating pattern. A process for making the unitary fibrous structure comprises the steps of providing an embryonic fibrous web comprising a-plurality of cellulosic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous web and a plurality of synthetic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous web and causing redistribution of at least a portion of the synthetic fibers in the embryonic web to form the unitary fibrous structure in which a substantial portion of the plurality of synthetic fibers is distributed throughout the fibrous structure in a non-random repeating pattern.

Abstract: A fibrous structure and method for making the fibrous structure, wherein the method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of synthetic fibers onto a forming member having a pattern of channels such that at least some of the synthetic fibers are disposed in the channels; providing a plurality of cellulosic fibers onto the synthetic fibers such that the cellulosic fibers are disposed adjacent to the synthetic fibers; and forming a unitary fibrous structure including the synthetic fibers and the cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to starch compositions which contain starch and additives. The starch has a weight average molecular weight ranging from about 1,000 to about 2,000,000. The additives can be plasticizers or diluents. The composition containing the starch and the additive is formed by means of passing the composition through a die to produce fibers, foams or films. These compositions have an extensional viscosity in the range from about 50 to about 20,000 pascal seconds. The starch compositions preferably contain a polymer that is substantially compatible with starch and has a weight-average molecular weight of at least 500,000.

Abstract: A fibrous structure and method for making the fibrous structure, wherein the method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of cellulosic fibers onto a forming member having a pattern of channels such that at least some of the cellulosic fibers are disposed in the channels; providing a plurality of synthetic fibers onto the cellulosic fibers such that the synthetic fibers are disposed adjacent to the cellulosic fibers; and forming the unitary fibrous structure from the synthetic fibers and the cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: A flexible structure includes a plurality of starch filaments. The structure includes at least a first region and a second region, each of the first and second regions having at least one common intensive property selected from the group consisting of density, basis weight, elevation, opacity, crepe frequency, and any combination thereof. The common intensive property of the first region differs in value from the common intensive property of the second region.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for forming fibers. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a die assembly having a plurality of nozzles, one or more attenuation medium passages and a cover plate. The cover plate has a cover plate opening into which one or more of the nozzles may extend. The attenuation medium passages have a minimum cross-sectional area and the cover plate opening has a limiting cross-sectional area such that the minimum cross-sectional area of the attenuation medium passages is greater than the limiting cross-sectional area of the cover plate opening.

Abstract: A dual intensive property tissue. The tissue has a first set of intensive properties including density, surface area, thickness and void volume as presented to the consumer. The consumer plastically activates the tissue by pulling it in tension. A series of slits 44 or other lines of weakness elongate in a direction parallel to the line of tension, allowing the tissue to achieve a second state of intensive properties. The value of the second state of intensive properties is different after activation. The change in value of the intensive properties allows for economies in shipping, where a higher density product is shipped to the consumer. At the point of use, the consumer activates the product to achieve the increase surface area and lower density. The increase in surface area and concomitant decrease in density provides for increased efficacy in cleaning. The plastically activatable state may be provided by a series of slits 44 or other lines of weakness in the tissue.

Abstract: Polymeric structures, methods for making same, fibrous structures comprising same and product incorporating same are provided.

Abstract: A process for making the mask can comprise providing a thin transparent material of substantially uniform thickness, forming a pattern of opaque regions on the material according to a first predetermined pattern, and embossing the material according to a second predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A smooth, high density tissue. The tissue has a relatively low caliper, as well as high smoothness and high density. The tissue is calendered from a multidensity, through air dried web. The tissue comprises micropeaks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for forming fibers. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a die assembly having a plurality of nozzles, one or more attenuation medium passages and a cover plate. The cover plate has a cover plate opening into which one or more of the nozzles may extend. The attenuation medium passages have a minimum cross-sectional area and the cover plate opening has a limiting cross-sectional area such that the minimum cross-sectional area of the attenuation medium passages is greater than the limiting cross-sectional area of the cover plate opening. The method of the present invention may also include providing a die that creates a low internal pressure drop, cooling the attenuation medium upon exit of the die and/or providing an attenuation medium with a high relative solvent-vapor content in the attenuation region.

Abstract: A unitary fibrous structure having at least two layers wherein at least one of the layers of the structure includes long cellulosic fibers and at least one of the layers includes a mixture of short cellulosic fibers and synthetic fibers.

Abstract: A fibrous structure and method for making the fibrous structure, wherein the method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of synthetic fibers onto a forming member having a pattern of channels such that at least some of the synthetic fibers are disposed in the channels; providing a plurality of cellulosic fibers onto the synthetic fibers such that the cellulosic fibers are disposed adjacent to the synthetic fibers; and forming a unitary fibrous structure including the synthetic fibers and the cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: A unitary fibrous structure comprises a plurality of cellulosic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous structure, and a plurality of synthetic fibers distributed throughout the fibrous structure in a non-random repeating pattern. A process for making the unitary fibrous structure comprises the steps of providing an embryonic fibrous web comprising a-plurality of cellulosic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous web and a plurality of synthetic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous web and causing redistribution of at least a portion of the synthetic fibers in the embryonic web to form the unitary fibrous structure in which a substantial portion of the plurality of synthetic fibers is distributed throughout the fibrous structure in a non-random repeating pattern.

Abstract: A fibrous structure and method for making the fibrous structure, wherein the method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of cellulosic fibers onto a forming member having a pattern of channels such that at least some of the cellulosic fibers are disposed in the channels; providing a plurality of synthetic fibers onto the cellulosic fibers such that the synthetic fibers are disposed adjacent to the cellulosic fibers; and forming the unitary fibrous structure from the synthetic fibers and the cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: A process for making a unitary fibrous structure comprises steps of: providing a fibrous web comprising a plurality of cellulosic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous web and a plurality of synthetic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous web; and causing co-joining of at least a portion of the synthetic fibers with the cellulosic fibers and the synthetic fibers, wherein the co-joining occurs in areas having a non-random and repeating pattern. A unitary fibrous structure comprises a plurality of cellulosic fibers randomly distributed throughout the fibrous structure, and a plurality of synthetic fibers distributed throughout the fibrous structure in a non-random repeating pattern.

Abstract: A method for making a fibrous structure, the method comprising the steps of: providing a mixture of synthetic fibers and short cellulosic fibers onto a forming member so as to form one or more layers including the mixture of synthetic fibers and short cellulosic fibers; providing a plurality of long cellulosic fibers onto the mixture of synthetic fibers and short cellulosic fibers so as to form one or more layers including predominantly long cellulosic fibers; and forming a unitary fibrous structure including the one or more layers including the mixture of synthetic fibers and short cellulosic fibers and one or more layers including predominantly long cellulosic fibers

Abstract: The present invention provides a multifunctional food wrap comprising a material web, an adhesive, and at least one secondary function. The material web is provided with a plurality of protrusions integral with the material web and having spaces therebetween. The adhesive is disposed within the spaces between the protuberances. The at least one secondary function may be a chemical means or a physical means and disposed within the adhesive, the material web, and/or the protuberances.