Abstract: The present invention discloses a nonwoven web and methods for manufacturing the nonwoven web. The present invention specifically discloses a nonwoven web that includes a co-forming process wherein a first gas stream includes meltblown fibers that are extruded from a first die head, a second gas stream that includes spunblown fibers that are extruded from a second die head and a third die head that includes pulp fibers that are extruded from a pulp nozzle. By sandwiching spunblown fibers between meltblown fibers during the co-forming processes, a nonwoven web having improved cross-machine direction tensile strength is formed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nonwoven web and methods for manufacturing the nonwoven web. One aspect of the invention includes a plurality of outwardly facing nozzles that are positioned at various angles with respect to the axis of a pipe the nozzles are located on. Another aspect of the invention pertains to perturbing at least a portion of a fiber matrix prior to the fiber matrix collecting on a forming surface. The perturbed fiber matrix provides for an increase in cross-machine direction fiber strength of the nonwoven web.

Abstract: A textured laminate that contains a coform nonwoven web formed from a matrix of synthetic fibers and an absorbent material is provided. The coform web is positioned adjacent to a cellular film that includes a plurality of cavities encapsulating a gas (e.g., air). By selectively controlling various aspects of the coform web, film, and the particular manner in which the film and coform web are laminated together, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting laminate can achieve an increased bulk that remains relatively stable even in a wet condition. Thus, the resulting laminate can be readily employed in a wet wipe without losing its bulk and overall texture.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides for a woven or nonwoven textured substrate that is stable in water based solutions. The textured substrate is generated by a controlled placement of ink on to portions of the surface and/or between layers of the textured substrate which is then followed by heat activation which expands the ink to puff out where the ink was applied to the textured substrate.

Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing elastic film with three-dimensional characteristics is provided. In one embodiment, a two-dimensional ink structure is printed onto an elastic film, which is then activated, for example, by heat, which transforms the two-dimensional ink structure into a three-dimensional ink structure on one or more outer surfaces of the film. The location and amount of ink applied can be selectively controlled so that the film has the desired hand feel without sacrificing the elastic properties of the film. Further the printing and activating of the ink can be controlled to increase the tear resistance of the film or to conversely allow the film to tear or rip at desired locations on demand. In another embodiment, the elastic film can be laminated to a facing to form a laminate, where the outer surface of the film that is not in contact with the facing contains the three-dimensional ink structures.

Abstract: A coform nonwoven web that contains a composite matrix formed from a combination of synthetic fibers and an absorbent material is provided. A plurality of thermally expandable beads are also contained within the composite matrix. By selectively controlling various aspects of the thermal activation of the beads, as well as the particular manner in which the beads are incorporated within the nonwoven web, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting coform web can achieve an increased bulk that remains relatively stable even in a wet condition. Thus, the resulting coform web can be readily employed in a wet wipe without losing its bulk and overall texture.

Abstract: A textured laminate that contains a coform nonwoven web formed from a matrix of synthetic fibers and an absorbent material is provided. The coform web is positioned adjacent to a cellular film that includes a plurality of cavities encapsulating a gas (e.g., air). By selectively controlling various aspects of the coform web, film, and the particular manner in which the film and coform web are laminated together, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting laminate can achieve an increased bulk that remains relatively stable even in a wet condition. Thus, the resulting laminate can be readily employed in a wet wipe without losing its bulk and overall texture.

Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing elastic film with three-dimensional characteristics is provided. In one embodiment, a two-dimensional ink structure is printed onto an elastic film, which is then activated, for example, by heat, which transforms the two-dimensional ink structure into a three-dimensional ink structure on one or more outer surfaces of the film. The location and amount of ink applied can be selectively controlled so that the film has the desired hand feel without sacrificing the elastic properties of the film. Further the printing and activating of the ink can be controlled to increase the tear resistance of the film or to conversely allow the film to tear or rip at desired locations on demand. In another embodiment, the elastic film can be laminated to a facing to form a laminate, where the outer surface of the film that is not in contact with the facing contains the three-dimensional ink structures.

Abstract: Fibers that are formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a polymer and high surface area nanostructures are provided. The fibers have a voided structure and low density while maintaining good strength characteristics. To achieve such a structure, a blowing agent in the thermoplastic composition is activated during extrusion to form bubbles in the fibers. The high surface area nanostructures in the formed fibers can be formed of or carry the blowing agent and can enhance the strength of the fibers and compensate for the non-load bearing voids of the fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, a print head includes a reservoir, wherein the reservoir maintains fluid at a high hydrostatic pressure; a passage to receive the fluid from the reservoir, the passage including a fluid droplet ejection orifice; and a piezoelectric member positioned adjacent said passage, wherein the piezoelectric member may be activated to prevent flow of fluid through the passage. The piezoelectric member may be activated at a frequency greater than about 40 kilohertz, desirably greater than about 50 kilohertz, and even more desirably greater than about 100 kilohertz.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mannequin systems that can be used for simulating motion for the performance testing of garments, including absorbent articles. The systems may include an assembled framework and a mannequin secured within the assembled framework. Motion of the mannequin is generated by an integrated system of pneumatic cylinders and a motor drive assembly. The mannequin may be made of a reinforced elastomeric composite material.