Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to methods of making blend compositions of an unmodified polyvinyl alcohol and a metallocene polyolefin or grafted metallocene polyolefin and thermoplastic film and fiber structures comprising these blend compositions. More specifically, this invention relates to methods of making substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol and a metallocene polyolefin or grafted metallocene polyolefin.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to methods of making blend compositions of an unmodified poly vinyl alcohol and a thermoplastic elastomer and thermoplastic film and fiber structures comprising these blend compositions. More specifically, this invention relates to methods of making substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol and a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flushable water-sensitive film, which maintains its integrity and strength when in use, but disperses when place in contact with water, such as in a conventional sink or toilet. Moreover, the present invention is directed to a flushable release liner, which performs like conventional release papers, but adds the convenience of disposal by flushing in a sink or toilet. The present invention is also directed to products, which contain a flushable water-sensitive film or release liner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flushable release liner. The flushable release liner is formed by applying a release coating onto at least one surface of a water-sensitive film. The flushable release liner maintains its integrity and strength when in use, but disperses when placed in contact with water, such as in a conventional sink or toilet. Moreover, the present invention is directed to water-dispersible products, including flushable products, which contain the flushable release liner.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to thermoplastic film and fiber structures and methods of making the same. More specifically, this invention relates to substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to thermoplastic film and fiber structures and methods of making the same. More specifically, this invention relates to substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to thermoformable ion-sensitive compositions having improved processability. In addition, the present invention is directed to a process of making water-dispersible fibers, films and fabrics, which maintain their structural integrity and strength when in use, but dissolve and disperse when placed in contact with large amounts of water, such as in a conventional sink or toilet. Moreover, the present invention is directed to water-dispersible products, including flushable products such as personal care products, diapers, incontinence devices, release liners, feminine napkins, product packaging, etc., which contain fibers, films and fabrics formed from the water-sensitive compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to thermoplastic film and fiber structures and methods of making the same. More specifically, this invention relates to substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flushable water-sensitive film, which maintains its integrity and strength when in use, but disperses when place in contact with water, such as in a conventional sink or toilet. Moreover, the present invention is directed to a flushable release liner, which performs like conventional release papers, but adds the convenience of disposal by flushing in a sink or toilet. The present invention is also directed to products, which contain a flushable water-sensitive film or release liner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flushable release liner. The flushable release liner is formed by applying a release coating onto at least one surface of a water-sensitive film. The flushable release liner maintains its integrity and strength when in use, but disperses when placed in contact with water, such as in a conventional sink or toilet. Moreover, the present invention is directed to water-dispersible products, including flushable products, which contain the flushable release liner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to thermoformable ion-sensitive compositions having improved processability. In addition, the present invention is directed to a process of making water-dispersible fibers, films and fabrics, which maintain their structural integrity and strength when in use, but dissolve and disperse when placed in contact with large amounts of water, such as in a conventional sink or toilet. Moreover, the present invention is directed to water-dispersible products, including flushable products such as personal care products, diapers, incontinence devices, release liners, feminine napkins, product packaging, etc., which contain fibers, films and fabrics formed from the water-sensitive compositions.

Abstract: A soft, absorbent nonwoven fibrous web, such as a wet wipe, capable of dispersing in an aqueous environment into unrecognizable pieces, made by a method comprising the steps of forming a wet-laid nonwoven web from an aqueous slurry of fibers; hydraulically needling the wet-laid nonwoven web; partially drying the hydraulically needled web; applying a binder composition to one side of the web; creping the web such that interfiber adhesion is disrupted and z-direction fiber orientation is introduced; optionally applying a binder composition to the second side of the web; recreping the web; drying and curing the web; and, converting the dried and cured web into a wet wipe, dry wipe, or other absorbent article. In the case of a wet wipe, a solution containing about 100 ppm of calcium ion is applied to the web, such as in a preserving solution. In the case of a dry wipe, the calcium ion is added after the binder is added to the web, and the final product is stored in a dry state.

Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising a fibrous web of cellulosic material, a first complex forming material present within said web and a second complex forming material present within said web. When wetted, the first and second complex forming materials form a complex thereby providing the fibrous web of cellulosic material with improved integrity.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first, liquid-permeable carrier layer and at least a second carrier layer. A carrier attaching mechanism secures together the carrier layers to provide substantially attached zones and a multiplicity of substantially unattached zones thereof. The substantially unattached zones provide a plurality of pocket regions, and high-absorbency material is located within the pocket regions to provide an absorbent laminate having a laminate length and a laminate width. A selected plurality of the pocket regions can, for example, be configured with an elongate shape having a major axis length and a relatively shorter minor axis width. The selected plurality of elongate pocket regions is included within a dispersed pocket array having a non-contiguous, labyrinth configuration of pockets.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first, liquid-permeable carrier layer and at least a second carrier layer. A water sensitive attaching mechanism secures together the carrier layers to provide substantially attached zones and substantially unattached zones thereof. The substantially unattached zones provide a plurality of pocket regions, and a high absorbency material is located within the pocket regions to provide an absorbent laminate. A secondary attaching mechanism secures together the carrier layers along selected secondary attachment regions and provides a substantially water-insensitive connection therebetween. The secondary attachment regions are substantially restricted to locations spaced from the pocket regions.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first, liquid-permeable carrier layer and at least a second carrier layer. A carrier attaching mechanism, such as a water-sensitive adhesive, secures together the carrier layers to provide substantially attached zones and a multiplicity of substantially unattached zones thereof. The substantially unattached zones provide a plurality of pocket regions, and a high-absorbency material is located within the pocket regions to provide an absorbent laminate. Matrix fibers are dispersed within the high-absorbency material in the pocket regions, and the matrix fibers are present in a selected amount which, in particular aspects of the invention, can be within the range of about 0.1-10 weight percent, as determined with respect to the total weight of the absorbent material contained in the pockets.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a first, liquid-permeable carrier layer and at least a second carrier layer. A water sensitive attaching mechanism secures together the carrier layers to provide substantially attached zones and substantially unattached zones thereof. The substantially unattached zones provide a plurality of pocket regions, and a high absorbency material is located within the pocket regions to provide an absorbent laminate.

Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising a fibrous web of cellulosic material, a first complex forming material present within said web and a second complex forming material present within said web. When wetted, the first and second complex forming materials form a complex thereby providing the fibrous web of cellulosic material with improved integrity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for examining a moving web composed of an interconnected plurality of articles to determine a location of a selected component thereof. The apparatus includes an indicating mechanism for providing marker data corresponding to the presence of a selected article. A metering mechanism generates gauge data corresponding to selected incremental lengths along the article in the movement direction of the web. A designating mechanism provides reference data corresponding to a selected reference point on the article, and a locating mechanism detects position data corresponding to a position of a selected component of the article. An evaluating mechanism processes the reference data, location data and gauge data to determine a spaced distance between the component and the reference point.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable elastomer having a first length is produced by uniaxially orienting a copolymer having hard block and elastomeric soft block polymer segments to a second length which is substantially greater than a third length at which partial permanent deformation occurs. Upon removal of the tensioning force, the stretched elastomer naturally relaxes to the third length which is substantially greater than the first length but less than the second length. Upon application of heat, the elastomer shrinks and recovers its elastic properties. The heat-shrinkable elastomer can be coextruded by conventional techniques as a core layer disposed between nonelastic outer layers or skins, and the resulting coextruded elastomer can be uniaxially tensioned as above. Articles or garments such as disposable diapers advantageously use the heat-shrinkable elastomer of the present invention as a means to shirr portions thereof, such as waistbands.