Abstract: A separator pad that is shape-retaining, tear-resistant, non-porous, and non-toxic, for use in separating vertically stacked groups of containers, can be made from a calendered nonwoven sheet having one or more layers of synthetic bicomponent fibers having a first polymeric component and a second polymeric component that are arranged longitudinally along the fiber wherein the first polymeric component occupies at least a portion of the surface of the fiber, the first polymeric component has a lower melting or softening temperature than the second polymeric component and the first component is melted or softened in order to flow and fill any voids between the portion of the fibers containing the unmelted or unsoftened second polymer component.

Abstract: A fade resistant, colored sheath/core bicomponent fiber can be made from a core formed of a melt dye-containing, dye soluble core polymer and a sheath formed of a dye-free, dye insoluble sheath polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cast liner that provides improved comfort over prior known cast liners. The cast liner provides several layers of material having functions which functionally complement one another. The inner layer comprises a soft highly breathable material with a first layer comprising a high wicking nonwoven material overlying the inner layer and a second layer comprising a stitch bond fabric which is relatively stiff but open and compressible to support the body through the underlying inner and first layers.

Abstract: This invention relates to making nonwoven fabrics which are durable for machine washing and durable for other wet and hard use or abusive applications. The inventive fabrics comprise two layers of fabric sheet bonded together at closely spaced locations where the bonding includes fibers from both fabrics thoroughly involved with the binder. The inventive fabrics retain the qualities of a spunlaced nonwoven fabric which include low cost, comfort, drapability, softness, absorbency, breathability and others while having the durability comparable to traditional knitted or woven fabrics.