Abstract: The invention provides a thermoplastic film comprising: a base film wherein the base film comprises a stretchable polyolefin material comprising one or more layers; and a plurality of extruded fibre elements; wherein the extruded fibre elements are located on at least one surface of the base film; wherein the extruded fibres form one or more protrusions relative to the plane of the base film; wherein at the location where the fibre elements are provided on the base film, a domain of a material mixture comprising the base film material and the fibre material is present between a domain of pure base film material and a domain of pure fibre material, and wherein the average thickness of the base film is less than the average thickness of the protrusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of fibers and filaments with polypropylene having a broad polydispersity index. The present invention also relates to high elongation nonwoven prepared from such fibers and filaments. It further relates to films and laminates prepared from high elongation nonwoven.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a cylindrical body which has an excellent elastic modulus and elastic recovery and is suitable for use as a scaffold material for revascularization. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cylindrical body which has an outermost layer with high air permeability, is excellent in cell infiltration and is suitable for use as a scaffold material for revascularization. The cylindrical body of the present invention is a hollow cylindrical body consisting of a plurality of concentric layers and having an outer diameter of 0.5 to 50 mm and a thickness of 200 to 5,000 ?m, and each layer is made of aliphatic polyester fibers having an average fiber diameter of 0.05 to 50 ?m.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for making a filter element by spinning fibers from one or more dies onto a collector, including designated combinations providing designated filter characteristics.

Abstract: Heterogeneous yarns containing strands of dissimilar materials are useful in forming surgical device.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastomeric strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastomeric strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven. The apparatus also includes elements which automate the apparatus for creating the elastomeric nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: A substrate having a surface representative of the geometric shape of the article is first modeled. Then, a plurality of paths for placing tape strips upon the substrate are serially defined. The first path is defined by first starting coordinates and an initial angle such that it follows a natural path along the surface of the modeled substrate. Subsequent paths are also defined by their respective starting coordinates and initial angles, wherein the starting coordinates are disposed adjacent a adjacent path and the initial angle causes the subsequent path to follow a natural path along the modeled substrate. The starting coordinates are adjusted to minimize a minimum gap between the adjacent paths, and the initial angle is adjusted to minimize an average gap between adjacent paths, all without the paths overlapping. Finally, tape strips are laid upon the substrate according to the defined paths, thereby forming the article.

Abstract: The present application defines an antimicrobial composition comprising (a) at least two antimicrobial agents having different antimicrobial mechanisms of action and being present in amounts that together provide a synergistic antimicrobial effect or (b) an antimicrobial agent and a surface modifying agent, an antimicrobial masterbatch comprising antimicrobial composition (a) or (b) and a polymer carrier, an antimicrobial fibre composition comprising the antimicrobial masterbatch and a fibre substrate, an antimicrobial fibre comprising a fibre body or a fibre surface having the antimicrobial fibre composition, and a process for producing antimicrobial fibres.

Abstract: A separation membrane support substrate comprising (1) a front layer having at least one layer comprising thermoplastic resin filaments with a single filament diameter of 7-30 ?m; (2) a middle layer having at least one layer comprising melt blown fibers with a single fiber diameter of no greater than 5 ?m, and a fiber basis weight of at least 1 g/m2 and comprising no more than 30 wt % of the total fiber basis weight; (3) a back layer having at least one layer comprising thermoplastic resin filaments with a single filament diameter of 7-20 ?m, and has a fiber basis weight of 3-40 g/m2; (4) the laminated nonwoven fabric has an apparent density of 0.67-0.91 g/cm3; and (5) the laminated nonwoven fabric has a thickness of 45-110 ?m.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a carbon nanotube wire structure. The carbon nanotube wire structure includes a flexible core and a carbon nanotube layer. The carbon nanotube layer wraps around the flexible core. The flexible core is a linear structure. The carbon nanotube layer includes a number of carbon nanotubes oriented around the flexible core in a helix manner. The present disclosure also provides a method for making the carbon nanotube wire structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastomeric strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastomeric strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven. The apparatus also includes elements which automate the apparatus for creating the elastomeric nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-woven fabrics, in particular to a method of making fabrics by spraying fibres onto a support member, and to a mixture of fibres, binder and diluent for use in the method of the invention. The present invention has the objective of providing a composition that can be used to produce fabrics having an improved texture and which gives excellent results when sprayed as an aerosol using a propellant.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mineral fibre thermal insulation product comprises the sequential steps of: Forming mineral fibres from a molten mineral mixture; spraying a substantially formaldehyde free binder solution on to the mineral fibres, the binder solution comprising: a reducing sugar, an acid precursor derivable from an inorganic salt and a source of nitrogen; Collecting the mineral fibres to which the binder solution has been applied to form a batt of mineral fibres; and Curing the batt comprising the mineral fibres and the binder which is in contact with the mineral fibres by passing the batt through a curing oven so as to provide a batt of mineral fibres held together by a substantially water insoluble cured binder.

Abstract: Barbed medical devices include a multifilament elongate body and a monofilament fragment. The multifilament elongate body has an outer surface. The monofilament fragment has a first portion positioned within the multifilament elongate body and at least a second portion which extends beyond the outer surface of the multifilament elongate body to form a barb.

Abstract: Shaped filtration articles are made from a monocomponent nonwoven web formed by flowing first and second fiber-forming materials of the same polymeric composition through first and second die cavities in respective fluid communication with first and second sets of orifices in a meltblowing die tip. The first fiber-forming material flows at a lesser flow rate or viscosity through the first die cavity and first set of orifices to form a set of smaller size filaments and the second fiber-forming material flows at a greater flow rate or viscosity through the second die cavity and second set of orifices to form a set of larger size filaments. The collected nonwoven web contains a meltblown bimodal mass fraction/fiber size mixture of intermingled continuous microfibers and larger size fibers of the same polymeric composition.

Abstract: A method of consolidating thermoplastic fibrous layers by providing a plurality of fibers having a core with an exterior surface portion comprising polypropylene and a first layer disposed on at least a portion of the core containing at least 70% alpha-olefin units which is formed into a first fibrous layer. A second fibrous layer is applied to the first fibrous layer which second layer contains a second polymer being a co-polymer having at least 50% alpha-olefin units which is characterized by a number-average molecular weight of about 7,000 to 50,000 g/mol, a viscosity of between about 2,500 and 150,000 cP measured at 170° C. and a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the exterior surface of the core. Heat and optionally pressure are applied to the assembly to consolidate the layers.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric is provided having a plurality of semi-crystalline filaments that are thermally bonded to each other and are formed of the same polymer and exhibit substantially the same melting temperature. The fabric is produced by melt spinning an amorphous crystallizable polymer to form two components having different levels of crystallinity. During spinning, a first component of the polymer is exposed to conditions that result in stress-induced crystallization such that the first polymer component is in a semi-crystalline state and serves as the matrix or strength component of the fabric. The second polymer component is not subjected to stress induced crystallization and thus remains in a substantially amorphous state which bonds well at relatively low temperatures. In a bonding step, the fabric is heated to soften and fuse the binder component. Under these conditions, the binder component undergoes thermal crystallization so that in the final product, both polymer components are semi-crystalline.

Abstract: A fiber mixture according to the invention comprises fibers A comprising a polymer A containing a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and fibers B comprising a thermoplastic polymer B other than the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, said thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer having a starting temperature for solidifying of 65° C. or above as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and containing 3.00×106 or less polar-solvent-insoluble particles per g counted on a particle size distribution analyzer, which is based on an electrical sensing zone method, equipped with an aperture tube having an orifice of 100 ?m in diameter. An elastic nonwoven fabric comprises the fiber mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastomeric strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastomeric strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven. The apparatus also includes elements which automate the apparatus for creating the elastomeric nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to fabrics composed of micro-denier fibers wherein said fibers are formed as bicomponent fibrillated fiber. The energy is sufficient for fibrillating as well as entangling (bonding) the fibers. These fabrics can be woven or knitted and made from made from bicomponent islands in the sea fibers and filaments or can be nonwovens and formed by either spunbonding or through the use of bicomponent staple fibers formed into a web by any one of several means and bonded similarly to those used for the spunbonded filament webs.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable medical device comprising a fibrous polymer body comprising a plurality of electrospun poly(urethane) fibers, a support filament wrapped around the body, an outer layer around the filament for adhering the filament to the body, the outer layer comprising a plurality of electrospun poly(urethane) fibers, and a polymer primer coating at least the fibers of the body. The polymer primer comprises poly(lactide) and is attached to a heparin residue through a link.

Abstract: A novel terminally modified imide oligomer having excellent solubility in organic solvents, excellent solution storage stability, and excellent molding properties such as low melt viscosity. Also, a varnish obtained by dissolving the terminally modified imide oligomer in an organic solvent; a cure product obtained by using the terminally modified imide oligomer and having excellent thermal and mechanical characteristics such as heat resistance, elastic modulus, tensile strength at break and tensile elongation at break; a prepreg; and a fiber-reinforced laminate. The soluble terminally modified imide oligomer is represented by general formula (1). In the formula, R1 and R2 each represents a divalent aromatic diamine residue; R3 and R4 each represents a tetravalent aromatic tetracarboxylic acid residue; R5 and R6 each represents a hydrogen atom or a phenyl group, with R5 or R6 being a phenyl group; m and n satisfy the following relations: m?1, n?0, 1?m+n?20 and 0.

Abstract: A pleated filter is made from a monocomponent monolayer nonwoven web of continuous monocomponent meltspun partially crystalline and partially amorphous oriented fibers of the same polymeric composition that are bonded to form a coherent and handleable web having a Gurley Stiffness of at least 100 mg and which further may be softened while retaining orientation and fiber structure. Rows of pleats are formed in the nonwoven web, and the web is cut to a desired size and shape to provide a pleated filter element containing a self-supporting porous monocomponent monolayer matrix of fibers bonded to one another at least some points of fiber intersection and having an average initial submicron efficiency of at least 15% at a 1.52 meters/sec face velocity. The filter element is deformation resistant without requiring stiffening layers, bicomponent fibers, adhesive or other reinforcement in the filter media layer.

Abstract: Provided are implant scaffolds comprising angle-ply arrays of two or more layers of substantially aligned fiber, methods of making and using said scaffolds, and kits comprising such scaffolds.

Abstract: A method for producing a skin/core type eccentric biocomponent fiber which is soft to touch and has improved latent crimp. An eccentric skin/core fiber which has a skin portion in relation to the cross-section of the fiber of 35%-70% is produced by melt spinning polyester as a core component and polyethylene as a skin component at a spinning speed of between 600 m/min-2000 m/min. The thus-obtained fiber stretches at a temperature of between 40° C.-70° C. at a ratio Wmax±20% and is then compressed in a crimped manner. The fiber, which is produced in such a manner, is very soft to touch and has an additional latent crimp. The fibrer are particularly suitable for producing hygiene products such as hygienic non-woven fabrics, and all kinds of hygienic textile flat items for producing nappies, bandages, inserts, cotton buds, and the like.

Abstract: Process of manufacturing spun-bonded fabric, using naturally crimped filaments, whereby the filaments are passed through a stretching unit and finally through a diffusor. The filaments are thereupon layered on a layering device, as crimped filaments. The layered filaments together with the layering device are passed through a solidifying device in which the filaments are solidified by means of a fluid.

Abstract: An elastic material for use in an absorbent article is provided. The elastic material contains a crosslinked network formed from a branched block copolymer having a monoalkenyl aromatic midblock positioned between conjugated diene endblocks (e.g., butadiene-styrene-butadiene (“B-S-B”) triblock copolymer). Prior to crosslinking, the branched block copolymers have a relatively low viscosity and thus may be readily formed into a precursor elastic material (e.g., film, strands, web, etc.) that is subsequently crosslinked to achieve the desired elastic and mechanical properties. Crosslinking is typically achieved through the formation of free radicals (unpaired electrons) that link together to form a plurality of carbon-carbon covalent bonds at the conjugated diene endblocks.

Abstract: A nonwoven web material that includes an elastic component or material (e.g., nonwoven web, nonwoven web laminated to an elastic material, etc.) is provided. The elastic component contains a crosslinked network formed from a pentablock copolymer containing at least two monoalkenyl aromatic midblocks positioned between conjugated diene endblocks, such as butadiene-styrene-butadiene-styrene-butadiene (“BSBSB”) or isoprene-styrene-isoprene-styrene-isoprene (“ISISI”). Prior to crosslinking, the pentablock copolymers have a relatively low viscosity and thus may be readily formed into a precursor elastic material (e.g., film, strands, web, etc.) that is subsequently crosslinked to achieve the desired elastic and mechanical properties.

Abstract: Direct-write techniques are provided for the high speed (up to millimeter per second) and continuous fabrication of elongated nanostructures such as nanofibers. The nanofibers may be of an ionic solid, a hydrated salt, a molecular solid, or aggregated colloidal particles such as semiconductor particles. The nanofibers may also be converted to other forms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing nonwoven and nonwoven obtainable by said method. Particularly, the invention relates to a nonwoven provided with improved tactile and absorbent characteristics, which make it suitable for use in the field of surface cleaning, personal hygiene, or formation of garments.

Abstract: A molded respirator is made from a monocomponent monolayer nonwoven web of continuous charged monocomponent meltspun partially crystalline and partially amorphous oriented fibers of the same polymeric composition that have been bonded to form a coherent and handleable web which further may be softened while retaining orientation and fiber structure. The respirator is a cup-shaped porous monocomponent monolayer matrix whose matrix fibers are bonded to one another at least some points of fiber intersection. The matrix has a King Stiffness greater than 1 N. The respirator may be formed without requiring stiffening layers, bicomponent fibers, or other reinforcement in the filter media layer.

Abstract: A laminate is made by first treating two spun-bond webs formed of endless thermoplastic synthetic-resin filaments with wetting agents. Then a layer of hydrophilic fibers is applied to one of the treated spun-bond webs and then the other of the treated spun-bond webs is applied to the layer of hydrophilic fibers on the one treated spun-bond web. Finally the two treated spun-bond webs and the layer of hydrophilic fibers between them are hydrodynamically consolidated together.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric, wherein a layer of nonwoven fabric is made up of a fiber mixture of at least two different types of fibers is formed. The single nonwoven fabric layer is solidified. The solidified single nonwoven fabric layer is then subjected to heat treatment subject to the condition that shrinkage of at least one of the types of fibers is activated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making implantable bioabsorbable non-woven self-cohered web materials having a high degree of porosity. The web materials are very supple and soft, while exhibiting proportionally increased mechanical strength in one or more directions. The web materials often possess a high degree of loft. The web materials can be formed into a variety of shapes and forms suitable for use as implantable medical devices or components thereof.

Abstract: A web is made by first extruding multicomponent filaments from a spinneret and then passing the extruded filaments through a process air shaft. Cold air is directed against the filaments in the process air shaft to cool and aerodynamically stretch the filaments while excluding the entry of other air into the process air shaft. The cooled and stretched multicomponent filaments are then deposited in a mat on a support, and then the mat of multicomponent filaments to a web is consolidated by subjecting it to water jets at a pressure of 10 bar to 200 bar such that the multicomponent filaments fuse together at crossover points and the filaments have a considerable free length between crossover points where they are fused. Finally the web is heat treated to crinkle the filaments thereof and bulk of the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastomeric strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastomeric strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven. The apparatus also includes elements which automate the apparatus for creating the elastomeric nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: A composite member and an associated method for forming the composite member are provided. The composite member is formed of a plurality of elongate tapes. Each tape is disposed a path defined by a plurality of natural path segments, each of which defines a non-natural offset angle relative to the adjacent segments.

Abstract: A method and a device produce a fleece of metallic fibers in a layer in which the metallic fibers are welded to one another to form the fleece. A welding process is repeatedly carried out with regard to a portion or section of the fleece. Such metallic fiber fleeces are used, in particular, for exhaust gas treatment units in the automobile industry.

Abstract: The present invention involves porous polymer membranes, suitable for use in medical implants, having controlled pore sizes, pore densities and mechanical properties. Methods of manufacturing such porous membranes are described in which a continuous fiber of polymer is extruded through a reciprocating extrusion head and deposited onto a substrate in a predetermined pattern. When cured, the polymeric material forms a stable, porous membrane suitable for a variety of applications, including reducing emboli release during and after stent delivery, and providing a source for release of bioactive substances to a vessel or organ and surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A heat-resisting ultrafine fibrous separator of the present invention is prepared by an electrospinning process, formed of ultrafine fibers of heat-resisting polymer resin having a melting point more than 1800 C or not having the melting point, or ultrafine fibers of polymer resin capable of swelling in an electrolyte, together with the ultrafine fibers of heat-resisting polymer resin. Also, polyolefine fine particles providing a shutdown function are dispersed in the heat-resisting resin or the polymer resin capable of swelling in the electrolyte. The heat-resisting ultrafine fibrous separator of the present invention has the shutdown function, low thermal contraction, thermal endurance, excellent ionic conductivity and excellent adhesive property with an electrode, so a battery having excellent cycling characteristics, and having high-energy density and high capacity can be prepared.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spunbond fiber of visbroken polypropylene having an Mw/Mn of from 3.5 to 7.0, an Mz/Mw of from greater than 2.0 and a melt flow rate (230/2.16) of from 50 to 100 dg/min. Also disclosed is a process for producing spunbond fibers comprising melt blending a polypropylene having a melt flow rate (230/2.16) of from 10 to 30 dg/min with a peroxide visbreaker such that the resulting melt flow rate of the visbroken polypropylene is from 50 to 100 dg/min; melt extruding the visbroken polypropylene through a die block such that filaments of the visbroken polypropylene being produced are exposed to a cabin pressure of from 4500 to 7000 Pa; and forming fibers of from less than 6.0 denier. Nonwoven fabrics and multiple-layer structures can be made from the fibers described herein that are useful for filtering and absorption related articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a polypropylene mixture for the production of a spunbonded non-woven fabric having increased elastic property, wherein the polypropylene mixture substantially comprises a first homopolypropylene and a second homopolypropylene, wherein an MFR of the first homopolypropylene is greater than an MFR of the second homopolypropylene, wherein the second homopolypropylene has a weight proportion in the polypropylene mixture of at least 3% by weight to a maximum of 25% by weight, wherein the first homopolypropylene is substantially the remaining weight proportion of the polypropylene mixture, wherein the second homopolypropylene has an MFR between 0.7 and 14 g/10 min (230° C./2.16 kg) according to ISO 1133, and a difference of the MFR of the second homopolypropylene to the MFR of the first homopolypropylene is at least 10 g/10 min, and an upper limit of the MFR of the first homopolypropylene is 55 g/10 min (230° C./2.16 kg) according to ISO 1133.

Abstract: A fiber structure and method of making the same are provided. The fiber structure comprises a microfiber structure having a nanofiber thereon. The nanofiber is formed by electrospinning a precursor solution to form a precursor nanofiber. The electrospun precursor nanofiber is deposited on the microfiber structure and fused therewith. In one preferable embodiment, silica nanofibers are formed on and fused with a glass microfiber.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastomeric strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastomeric strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven. The apparatus also includes elements which automate the apparatus for creating the elastomeric nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: A polysulfone-based blood treatment membrane that exhibits excellent antioxidant properties, excellent long-term storage stability, and a practical strength, and ensures high productivity, a polysulfone-based blood treatment membrane that exhibits excellent antioxidant properties and long-term storage stability, rarely allows endotoxins to enter a treatment liquid, exhibits a practical strength, and ensures high productivity, and a method of producing the same. A polysulfone-based blood treatment membrane includes a polysulfone-based resin, a hydrophilic polymer, and a lipophilic antioxidant, the membrane containing the lipophilic antioxidant in an amount of 30 to 76 mg per gram of the membrane, and the total amount of the lipophilic antioxidant present on the surface of the membrane being 4 to 25 mg per gram of the membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastomeric strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastomeric strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven. The apparatus also includes elements which automate the apparatus for creating the elastomeric nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: Nonwoven fibrous webs comprise fibers of uniform diameter that vary in morphology along their length. The variation provides longitudinal segments that exhibit distinctive softening characteristics during a bonding operation. Some segments soften under the conditions of the bonding operation and bond to other fibers of the web, and other segments are passive during the bonding operation. Webs as described can be formed by a method that comprises a) extruding filaments of fiber-forming material; b) directing the filaments through a processing chamber in which the filaments are subjected to longitudinal stress; c) subjecting the filaments to turbulent flow conditions after they exit the processing chamber; and d) collecting the processed filaments; the temperature of the filaments being controlled so that at least some of the filaments solidify while in the turbulent field.

Abstract: An optical cable is manufactured in a single continuous process starting directly from at least an optical preform, by means of a fiber/cable integrated manufacturing line including a fiber(s) drawing assembly for the production of one or more optical fibers from respective optical preforms, and a cabling assembly for producing the optical cable from the optical fiber(s), the cabling assembly comprising a fiber buffering assembly for the application of a loose or tight coating to the optical fiber(s), and a strengthening and sheathing sub-assembly for applying one or more reinforcing and protective layers to the buffered optical fiber(s).

Abstract: A non-woven polymeric matrix for separating leukocytes from a blood sample includes a non-woven three dimensional matrix formed from polymeric fibers having a predetermined pore volume fraction including a defined channel configuration, a predetermined pore size in the range of from about 10 ?m to about 250 ?m, and a plurality of connections between the plurality of fibers. The matrix is configured so as to remove at least about 98% of leukocytes from at least one unit of packed red blood cells. Methods of making and using the matrix are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for producing a web of an elastic non-woven composite material including the following steps: Feeding and delivering a first non-woven layer in a longitudinal direction; feeding and delivering a plurality of elastic filaments; connecting the plurality of elastic filaments to a first side of the non-woven layer to form a composite material; at least in some regions overstretching of the first non-woven layer in the longitudinal direction by feeding the composite material through the gap of a pair of profiled, intermeshing stretching rollers, by which the composite material is stretched in the longitudinal direction, wherein the elastic filaments are arranged in the non-woven composite material such that they are substantially oriented in the longitudinal direction, so that they have at most about 10 intersecting points with each other per cm2.