With Stretching Patents (Class 156/229)
  • Patent number: 7435309
    Abstract: A method of making a standing gather-forming member having a basal wall and first and second overhangs on both sides of the basal wall. Elastic members are disposed in their stretched state on the inner surface of a middle portion of a continuously running strip-shaped sheet. One of side portions extending on both longitudinal sides of the middle portion is Z-folded to cover a part of the width of the middle portion thereby to form the first overhang. The other side portion is then folded inward along the longitudinal direction to cover the part of the middle portion that remains uncovered with the first-mentioned side portion and to overlay the Z-folded portion of the first-mentioned side portion thereby to form the second overhang and the basal wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Komatsu
  • Publication number: 20080236721
    Abstract: A rear end portion of a leading TAC film and a front end portion of a following TAC film are connected using a double-sided adhesive tape and a single-sided adhesive tape. A laser welding device emits a welding laser beam along a welding line onto the films. Owing to the welding laser beam, the leading and following TAC films are welded along the welding line. The laser welding device emits a cutout laser beam along a cutout line onto the films. Owing to the cutout laser beam, a part of the leading and following TAC films surrounded by the cutout line is cut out. The cut out part has the single-sided adhesive tape attached. Since the tape cannot be recycled, the cut out part is absorbed by an absorbing device and disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Shinsuke AOSHIMA
  • Patent number: 7390372
    Abstract: In a process for attaching indicator elements onto a disposable garment, indication sheets with indicator elements and liquid-absorbent cores are fed onto inner and outer surfaces of an outer layer web. A rear half of the front one of the adjacent sheets is placed upon a front end zone of the core and a front half of the rear one of the adjacent sheets is placed upon a rear end zone of the core. The sheet is joined to the outer layer web, the core is joined to the inner and outer layer webs, and the webs are joined together. The sheet is cut together with the webs between the adjacent cores to form laminated panels with indicator elements in front and rear regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Yamamoto, Toshifumi Otsubo
  • Patent number: 7380328
    Abstract: The invention includes a stacked open pattern inductor fabricated above a semiconductor substrate. The stacked open pattern inductor includes a plurality of parallel open conducting patterns embedded in a magnetic oxide or in an insulator and a magnetic material. Embedding the stacked open pattern inductor in a magnetic oxide or in an insulator and a magnetic material increases the inductance of the inductor and allows the magnetic flux to be confined to the area of the inductor. A layer of magnetic material may be located above the inductor and below the inductor to confine electronic noise generated in the stacked open pattern inductor to the area occupied by the inductor. The stacked open pattern inductor may be fabricated using conventional integrated circuit manufacturing processes, and the inductor may be used in connection with computer systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kie Y. Ahn, Leonard Forbes
  • Publication number: 20080119102
    Abstract: A nonwoven composite that exhibits latent elastic properties is provided. The composite is formed from an elastic film laminated to a nonwoven web facing. Latent elasticity may be imparted to the elastic film through the combination of a thermoplastic elastomer and a polyolefin capable of forming semi-crystalline domains among the amorphous elastomeric chains. More specifically, the elastic film may be stretched in one or more directions to orient the elastomer chains. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe that the oriented state of the chains may be held in place by the relatively stiff semi-crystalline domains of the polyolefin. The stretched elastic film may subsequently be relaxed and bonded to a nonwoven web facing to form the composite. The composite may be later activated (e.g., heated) to shrink the elastic film and provide it with “latent” stretchability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Janis W. Hughes, Wing-Chak Ng, Patricia H. Calhoun, Glynis A. Walton
  • Patent number: 7361241
    Abstract: In order to produce a nonwoven fabric having elastomeric properties spun filaments (1), consisting preferably (but not essentially) of cellulose material such as cellulose acetate or solvent spun rayon, not in yarn formats, are corrugated or crimped in an overfeed process, as in stuffer box (6), into stabilized three dimensional batts. A proportion of filaments (3) of a thermal memory material, such as modified polyester, in a stretched format are included. The resulting batt is then subjected to controlled hydroentangling and a controlled heat treatment to yield three dimensional nonwoven fabrics with elastomeric properties due to contraction of the stretched filaments. Elastomeric memory material activated to shrink by ultrasonic treatment may be used in place of thermal memory material. The elastomeric properties can be adjusted to suit end-use requirements and applications are envisaged in the medical and hygiene areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignees: Fleissner GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Martin Barth, Edmund Hugh Carus
  • Patent number: 7351297
    Abstract: A method for producing a composite web includes supplying two or more webs to an activation mechanism, where the webs are in an unbonded state relative to each other. The method further entails simultaneously activating the webs while they are in a face to face relationship and in an unbonded state, and then bonding the webs to form a composite web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Tredegar Film Products Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Middlesworth, Tze Wan Pansy Chung, Stephen D. Bruce, Andrew James Peacock
  • Patent number: 7335273
    Abstract: A method of making mutually-reinforced elastic strand/film composites and laminates in which film breakage, strand breakage, and strand alignment problems are minimized or avoided. The method includes casting an elastomeric adhesive film onto a chill roll, extruding elastic strands onto the film while the film is on a chill roll, and stretching the film and strand composite. The stretched composite may be laminated between two facing sheets. Additionally, tension in the composite may be controlled through film composition, strand composition, add-on rate, stretching the composite, and combinations of any of these approaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Cristian M. Neculescu, Peiguang Zhou, Daniel J. Wideman, Bruce Achter
  • Patent number: 7326311
    Abstract: A method of producing an intermittently elastic web. The method includes providing a first longitudinally extending web having a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge and an intermediate portion located between the first and second lateral edges. The method also includes joining a first elastic element to the intermediate portion in a longitudinally extending wave shape, the wave shape having wave crests and wave troughs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Krueger, John T. Hahn, Eric-John R. Gilgenbach
  • Patent number: 7318874
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramic green body consisting of at least two ceramic bodies that are bonded together. The invention is characterized in that the green body is produced using an adhesive tape that consists of an adhesive film located on a release liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: tesa AG
    Inventors: Andreas Roosen, Andreas Schröder, Stephan Zöllner
  • Publication number: 20070281153
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for dicing, which comprises a substrate and at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive layer disposed on at least one surface of the substrate, the substrate containing polyvinyl chloride as a primary component and a trialkyl phosphite as a thermal stabilizer of the polyvinyl chloride, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer containing poly(meth)acrylic acid ester as a primary component, in which the trialkyl phosphite transited from the substrate into the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is not unevenly distributed on a surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer; a method of processing a processed material using the same, and a piece of a processed material obtainable by the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shouji YAMAMOTO
  • Patent number: 7303642
    Abstract: A multi-microlayer thermoplastic film structure and methods of making the same. More specifically, this invention relates to a multi-microlayer film having a corrugated polymer layer and a thermoplastic elastomer layer. Filler materials may be included in either the corrugated polymer layer or the thermoplastic elastomer layer. The multi-microlayer films may be formed in a co-extrusion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Vasily A. Topolkaraev
  • Patent number: 7282109
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a laminated porous polyolefin film, the method comprising steps of: providing a pair of tools for thermocompression bonding two resin films therebetween, laminating two films each comprising at least one layer made of a polyolefin resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin resin having a melt index of 0.1 g/10 min or less and 80 to 300 parts by weight of a filler to form a laminated film by piling and thermocompression bonding the films between the thermocompressing portions of the tools, wherein the surface temperature of each thermocompressing portion is adjusted to a temperature higher than the melting point of the polyolefin resin by from 5 to 25° C. during the lamination, and drawing the laminated film to form micropores therein, thereby yielding a porous film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Takata, Ryuma Kuroda, Takeshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 7282110
    Abstract: A method of making an endless image-forming medium starting from a strip of semi-crystalline support material, which strip extends between a first and second end, wherein the ends of the strip are brought together and fused to form an endless support, and the fused ends are post-crystallized, wherein prior to the application of the image-forming layer to the support at least a portion of the support is stretched, and the stretched part of the support is heated to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the support material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: OCE-Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Mark Miedema, Reinier H. Wieringa, Robert N. J. Jacobs, Robert Link
  • Publication number: 20070215269
    Abstract: The article (10) comprises a central region (12) with a recessed rim (32) comprising a peripheral flat portion (14) onto which the film (40) is heat-sealed. The film used is a cold-drawable plastic film, and the process comprises in particular a step of peripheral holding and axial displacement of the film relative to the part, beyond the central region, by drawing the film in the region of the rim without any substantial external application of heat. The film is thus cold-formed to give it a concave shape with zones (42-48) associated with the central region (12) and the rim (32) of the article. The film is then held in contact with the flat portion, the whole being heated simultaneously to effect the heat-sealing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: Etablissements STREB & WEIL
    Inventor: Michel Weil
  • Patent number: 7270723
    Abstract: A breathable, elastic film/support layer laminate includes a thermoplastic elastomer film sheet of a thermoplastic elastomer and a filled semi crystalline predominantly linear polymer. The film includes between about 25 and 70 weight percent filler, between about 5 and 30 by weight percent semi-crystalline linear polymer, and between about 15 and 60 by weight percent elastomeric polymer. The filler is closely associated with the semi-crystalline linear polymer. The film demonstrates a load loss value at a 50 percent elongation of less than 50 percent, and a breathability of greater than 100 g/m2/24 hours and is laminated to a nonwoven layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann Louise McCormack, Susan Elaine Shawver
  • Patent number: 7264686
    Abstract: A method of forming a waist band on an absorbent article is disclosed. The method includes forming stretchable front and back panels and attaching an elastic band to at least one of the panels. Each elastic band is cantilevered outward from a distal end of the panel to which it is attached. An absorbent assembly is also secured between the front and back panels. The method further includes folding one panel over the other panel so that the outer ends of the elastic bands are aligned approximately even to one another. The first and second side edges of the front panel, back panel and elastic bands are then joined together by a pair of seams to form an absorbent article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Evan Thorson, Paul VanGompel
  • Publication number: 20070181245
    Abstract: Tape heating means is allowed to come close to an adhesive tape for support and, in a heating state, the adhesive tape for support is stretched and tensioned with proper tension in a tape width direction and a transport direction. A heated work is bonded to an adhesive face of the tensioned adhesive tape for support, thereby supporting the work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuji Kaneshima, Masayuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7252730
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for stretching an elastic member and applying it to an article web include a pair of wheels that rotate the elastic member. In particular, the pair of wheels engages the elastic member at an entry location on the pair of wheels and rotates the elastic member from the entry location to an exit location on the pair of wheels. In addition, an absorbent article may include at least one elastic member provided by the method and apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Hoffman, Patrick J. Nahm
  • Patent number: 7220332
    Abstract: An electrical cable of the present invention comprises a plurality of spaced, parallel flat conductors. Each of the plurality of flat conductors was previously integral with each immediately adjacent flat conductor. A dielectric material is holds the conductors in the spaced, parallel relationship. The dielectric material can be a polymer film, a nonwoven, or other polymer materials such as PTFE, or expanded PTFE. The cable of the present invention is made by providing first and second webs of dielectric materials and a third sheet of conductive material. The first and second web materials are bonded to the third sheet of conductive material in a face-to-face layered relationship thereby forming a bonded laminate. The bonded laminate is then incrementally stretched to separate the sheet of conductive material in to spaced, parallel flat conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Joseph Curro, Douglas Herrin Benson, John Brian Strube
  • Patent number: 7216417
    Abstract: Method for manufacturing an electromechanical sensor element for converting mechanical forces produced by the movements and vital functions or a person into electric signals, in which method a sensor film (11) is provided with metallic electrodes (15,16) placed on either side of it, at least one of said electrodes being a signal electrode, in which method is produced by cutting off a larger amount of sensor element material, in which method in the manufacture of sensor element material the electrodes are created in a continuous roll-to-roll process, and in which method the sensor element material is produced by laminating as a continuous roll-to-roll process. At least the sensor element material consists of repeated electrode patterns and a sensor element of a desired size and/or shape is formed by cutting the material between the patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Emfitech Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Raisanen
  • Patent number: 7201816
    Abstract: A multi-layer composite sheet comprising a shrinkable layer intermittently bonded a to a gatherable layer with the bonds separated by a specified distance and wherein the shrinkable layer can shrink and at the same time gather the gatherable layer between the bonds. A process for preparing multi-layer composite sheets by intermittently bonding a shrinkable layer to a gatherable layer with the bonds separated by a specified distance and causing the shrinkable layer to shrink while at the same time gathering the gatherable layer between the bonds. Preferably, the shrinkable layer comprises an array of fibers or nonwoven web comprising fibers having latent spiral crimp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Invista North America S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Dimitri P. Zafiroglu, Jeffrey Allen Chambers, Geoffrey David Hietpas
  • Patent number: 7198690
    Abstract: In a method for continuously making disposable diapers, first and second body fluid absorbent panels overlapping each other in a crotch region so as to form a feces retaining pocket are formed along transversely opposite side edges thereof with elastic leak-barrier cuffs. A pair of continuous leak-barrier cuffs are fed in the stretched state so that these continuous leak-barrier cuffs may partially cover the first and second body fluid absorbent panels overlapping each other in the crotch region. The transversely opposite side edges of these continuous cuffs are partially bonded to a partial region of a second inner surface of the second body fluid absorbent panel overlapping a first inner surface of the first body fluid absorbent panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Hoshika, Kaiyo Nakajima, Yoshitaka Mishima
  • Patent number: 7195684
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing an article having an elastic member, comprises: a stretcher for receiving the elastic member at a low velocity VL and outputting the elastic member at a medium velocity VM; a carrier including a first pad and a second pad for picking up the elastic member from the stretcher, and a cutter for cutting off the elastic member while carrying the elastic member; and a station for carrying a web at a high velocity Vh and disposing the cut-off elastic member from a pad onto the web. When the elastic member striding over the first pad and the second pad is cut off, an interval between the first pad and the second pad is shortened so as to reduce a shrinking force of a portion of the elastic member between the first pad and the second pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Zuiko Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Satoh
  • Patent number: 7179343
    Abstract: A method for bonding a strip, such as a leg elastic or the like, to an opening on a web of material. The method includes providing a web that includes at least one opening and defines at least a first bonding surface adjacent each opening. For each opening the method includes: deforming the web to modify the shape of the opening, providing a strip defining a second bonding surface, bonding together at least portions of the first and second bonding surfaces of the modified opening and relaxing the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. VanEperen, Joseph D. Coenen, Jack L. Couillard, Walter A. Mattingly, Robert L. Popp, Heather S. Mortell
  • Patent number: 7175727
    Abstract: A method for making absorbent pads for various absorbent articles is provided. A strip of the absorbent web material is conveyed along a machine direction, the absorbent web material having a generally first constant cross-direction width and generally first uniform basis weight. Longitudinally defined portions of the web material are stretched in the cross direction so as to define longitudinal sections having a wider cross-direction width and decreased basis weight alternately spaced between longitudinally extending sections of the web material having a lesser cross-direction width and greater basis weight. The web is released eventually cut in a cross direction into individual absorbent pads such that each pad has a crotch section corresponding to the longitudinal section having the lesser cross-direction width and greater basis weight and at least one of a front section and back section corresponding to the wider cross-direction width and decreased basis weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberley-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Shannon Melius
  • Patent number: 7172669
    Abstract: A method for applying an elastic member on an elastic web of material includes providing an elastic web of material running in a traveling direction; applying adhesive in a predetermined adhesive pattern on the web of material; applying a continuous elastic member in an elastic pattern on the adhesive, wherein the elastic member is applied in a direction of extension which deviates from the traveling direction at least within portions of the elastic member; applying a non-elastic web of material over the elastic web of material, wherein the non-elastic web of material is brought to cover the adhesive pattern, whereby the elastic member is locked between the elastic web of material and the non-elastic web of material in the applied position on the adhesive pattern. The non-elastic web of material is given a band shape with a first non-linear edge and a second non-linear edge, wherein the shape of the non-elastic web of material is brought to generally coincide with the shape of the adhesive pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Niclas Norrby
  • Patent number: 7160408
    Abstract: A process includes feeding first and second webs and waist elastic members in a machine direction; joining the elastic members to the first and second webs and joining the webs to each other; joining to the first web; coating the first and second adhesive zones with adhesives; joining the second web folded inward in a cross direction to the first web and the panel in vicinities of transversely opposite side edges; successively cutting away transversely middle zones of the composite web along first cutting lines and folding the composite web together with the panel inward in the cross direction; and bonding respective halves of the composite web thus folded to each other in vicinities of second cutting lines and cutting the composite web together with the elastic members along the second cutting lines to make a plurality of the diapers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Toshifumi Otsubo
  • Patent number: 7156939
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for securing engagement between fastening components of a pre-fastened garment upon initial assembly thereof, the fastening components are arranged by the apparatus in at least partially opposed relationship with each other and then engaged with each other to define an engagement seam. The garment is then mechanically handled by the apparatus to subject the engagement seam to a shear stress to promote increased engagement between the fastening components during initial assembly of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Robert Vogt, Kurt Garrett Krupka, Bradley M. Marohl, David Albert Maxton, Robert L. Popp, Michael William Protheroe
  • Patent number: 7138026
    Abstract: A method of preventing crown hydration of a golf green by providing a polyethylene tube, stretching the tube to form a stretched tube, cutting the tube in a spiral fashion to form a first sheet with force striations at an acute angle to an edge of the sheet, forming a second sheet in a similar manner as the first sheet with a force striations at an acute angle, securing a surface of the first sheet to a surface of the second sheet with the force striations of the first sheet at a relative angle to the force striation of the second sheet to form a layered sheets, providing a plurality of layered sheets, securing the edges of the layered sheets to form a golf green cover, and applying a holding means through a reinforced section to hold the cover in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: James E. Stoller
  • Patent number: 7138024
    Abstract: A process for producing an elastic composite film having a textile surface including at least one unwinding fibrous web being irreversibly extended at right angles to its direction of transport. The increase in the width of the fibrous web due to transverse extension is formed into foldlets by pulling tension acting in the direction of transport of the fibrous web. The fibrous web, which is under pulling tension and modified by transverse extension, is applied atop a transversely elastic film web of a thermoplastic elastomer and is adhered or welded thereto at contact sites which are spaced apart at right angles to the direction of transport of the webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Nordenia Deutschland Gronau GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Hamulski
  • Patent number: 7132025
    Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous method of producing a thick, thermoformable, from a thermoplastic material and reinforcing fibers. The inventive method comprises the following steps: A) blending thermoplastic fibers and reinforcing fibers to give a dry-laid blended web, B) consolidating the blended web by needle felting, C) heating the consolidated blended web, and D) compacting it to give a semi-finished product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Quadrant Plastic Composites AG
    Inventor: Harri Dittmar
  • Patent number: 7115179
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of increasing flexibility of joints between areas of plastic materials, and in particular the joint between a catheter shaft and a balloon neck involving welding the overlapping portions to create a joint region and applying a tensile force to the joint region, the force being of sufficient strength to elongate the joint region, thus thinning the joint region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Donagh O'Shaughnessy, Alan O'Driscoll
  • Patent number: 7108759
    Abstract: A method for increasing the bond strength of ultrasonic bonds in elastomeric materials comprising elongating the elastomeric materials prior to ultrasonically bonding the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederique You, Paul T. VanGompel, Russell E. Thorson
  • Patent number: 7097725
    Abstract: A placement device, comprising: a guide section for guiding an elastic member; a first nip roll and a second nip roll for pressing together the elastic member and a web; a transfer section capable of transferring the guide section across the web; and an indicating section for indicating a position, wherein when the guide section comes close to the position while moving in a first direction, the transfer section can stop transferring the guide section in response to a signal from the indicating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Zuiko Corporation
    Inventors: Kikuo Yoneoka, Xu Joy, Katsutoshi Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 7083691
    Abstract: A method for the production of an elastic, air-permeable laminate film is disclosed, whereby material webs made of a fiber non-woven fabric are applied to both sides of an elastomer layer, and the multi-layered material subsequently runs through an ultrasound bonding station. The elastomer layer is melted to form point-shaped bonds at discrete locations by means of ultrasound, while maintaining the substance of the fiber non-woven fabric. An air-permeable structure is formed at the melted sites. According to the method, a melt film made of a thermoplastic elastomer is passed to a laminating unit and introduced, in the thermoplasticized state, between two material webs of fiber non-woven fabric that run into the laminating unit. The melted intermediate layer of the multi-layered material is cooled to solidification temperature, whereby a laminate with cover layers made of fiber non-woven fabric is produced. The laminate is subsequently passed to the ultrasound bonding station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Nordenia Deutschland Gronau GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Hamulski, Georg Baldauf, Marcus Schönbeck
  • Patent number: 7078089
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are elastic laminate materials. The elastic laminate materials are laminates of extensible nonwoven fibrous webs and thermoplastic elastic materials. The laminate may be a two-layer composite material having a single nonwoven fibrous web bonded to one side of the thermoplastic elastic material, or it may be a three-layer composite having a nonwoven fibrous web bonded to each side of the thermoplastic elastic material. The extensible nonwoven fibrous webs may be staple fiber webs. The thermoplastic elastic material may be single-layer or multi-layer elastic films, or elastic fibrous layers. Where single- or multi-layer elastic films are used, the films may be breathable films. The elastic material, or some of the staple fibers, or both, may be selected such that the staple fiber webs are thermally compatible with the thermoplastic elastic material to facilitate laminate bonding. Processes for forming the elastic laminate material are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford Jackson Ellis, Arthur Edward Garavaglia, Jay Sheldon Shultz
  • Patent number: 7063768
    Abstract: A polyolefin resin drawn sheet 4 is laminated on at least one face of a sheet-form core material 6 having a density of 30 to 300 kgf/m3. At this time, a sheet or film 5 made of a bonding synthetic resin or rubber having a flow starting temperature lower than the thermal deformation temperature of the core material 6 and the melting point of the drawn sheet 4 is interposed between the core material 6 and the drawn sheet 4. The resultant stack product is heated to not less than the flow starting temperature of the synthetic resin or the rubber and not more than the thermal deformation temperature of the core material 6 and the melting point of the drawn sheet 4. At the same time of or after the heating, the stack product is pressed to apply a compression strain of 0.01 to 10% to the core material 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michitaka Tsujimoto, Katsuo Matsuzaka, Koji Yamaguchi, Masashi Okabe, Masanori Hirata, Masafumi Ishiyama
  • Patent number: 7060143
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device for attaching a label jacket to objects, such as bottles or similar items, where a jacket label is seized by its forward margin by a spreading jaw unit and pulled in axial direction over the object, where the object, before the pull-over application, is held by the area of its mantle surface, by positive and/or friction lock, the pull-over process is started, the holding device on the mantle surface is temporarily released as soon as the spreading jaw unit at least partially surrounds the object at its mantle surface, and, at the latest before the desired adhesion height of the label jacket on the object is reached, the latter objects is again seized by the area of its mantle surface, which is now covered with the label, and in the process the label is affixed in a non-slip manner, while the spreading jaw unit is pulled off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Gunter Eiban, Herman Englbrecht, Erich Eder
  • Patent number: 7056411
    Abstract: Variable stretch composites having one or more first elastomeric members disposed on a first region of an extensible substrate, and one or more second elastomeric members disposed on a second region of the extensible substrate which different from the first elastomeric members to provide variable properties to said regions of the composite. The composite has been incrementally stretched to at least partially break up the structure of the substrate in order to reduce its resistance to stretch. The variable stretch composites are useful for disposable and durable articles, such as disposable absorbent articles including diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, incontinence briefs, catemenial garments, baby bibs, and the like, and durable articles like garments including sportswear, outerwear and the like. The present invention also relates to methods of forming such variable stretch composites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Fred Naval Desai, Urmish Popatlal Dalal
  • Patent number: 7037300
    Abstract: A method of producing an elasticized member having two different degrees of stretch, to be used in an absorbent product. The method involves stretching an elastic member by a first amount and securing part of it in the stretched condition to an inelastic web, while a second portion of the elastic member is stretched by a second amount and secured in the stretched position to the first web or to a second web. Differentially stretched products produced by the method can be used to provide advantages in terms of material savings and elasticity effects in absorbent products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Robert Kling
  • Patent number: 7022201
    Abstract: A composite fabric comprising a necked and creped spunbond nonwoven web of monocomponent fibers hydraulically entangled with a fibrous component that comprises cellulosic fibers. The nonwoven web contains thermoplastic fibers and the fibrous component comprises greater than about 50% by weight of the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Lee Anderson, Eugenio Go Varona
  • Patent number: 7015155
    Abstract: Elastomeric adhesive compositions including a high softening point tackifier resin in combination with a base polymer can be used to create laminates having effective adhesion and elastic properties. The compositions may also include a low softening point additive, and/or an antioxidant. Facing layers, such as nonwoven webs and/or films, can be laminated to both surfaces of the elastomeric compositions to form laminates. A method of making such compositions and laminates involves forming the compositions into elastomeric adhesive films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Peiguang Zhou, Cristian M. Neculescu
  • Patent number: 7008497
    Abstract: A method for producing a wearing article of the present invention includes the steps of: supplying an elastic member; stretching the elastic member; placing the stretched elastic member so that the elastic member spreads across a plurality of first webs divided in a transport direction; making a part of a second web loose in the transport direction while transporting the second web, thereby forming a loose portion; placing the first webs, on which the elastic member is disposed, on non-loose portions before and after the loose portion of the second web; and cutting the elastic member between adjacent first webs of the plurality of first webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Zuiko Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Nakakado, Hitoshi Satoh, Satoshi Tanaka, Ikuo Tachibana
  • Patent number: 7008496
    Abstract: A one-step method of making a necked-bonded laminate, wherein the layers of the laminate are formed and laminated within the same process. The method includes forming a nonwoven web, necking the nonwoven web, and immediately feeding the nonwoven web into a laminator where an elastomeric film is laminated to the nonwoven web. The elastomeric film may also be formed during the process prior to being fed into the laminator. Additionally, more than one nonwoven web may be formed and laminated to the elastomeric film during the process. The invention further includes apparatus for carrying out the one-step method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tod Morman
  • Patent number: 7001475
    Abstract: A method of making a three-dimensional film structure having controllable contact properties comprises making separable surface elements on a top portion of a film structure and stretching the film structure to separate the separable surface elements, thereby obtaining a desired surface structure which delivers a certain contact property such as a pressure sensitive adhesive property. The separable surface elements are provided using a cut film surface, a stemmed film, or a layer of particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ronald Wayne Ausen, Sundaravel Damodaran, Hak-Rhim Han, David Wayne Hegdahl
  • Patent number: 6998577
    Abstract: An electric heat sealer including a casing having a first pair of extensions extending outwardly therefrom, a press bar pivotally connected to said casing, the press bar having a second pair of extensions extending outwardly therefrom, at least one sealing mechanism mounted in the press bar or the casing and a source of current for energizing the heating wire. The press bar is normally biased above the casing and the at least one sealing mechanism includes a heating wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Welcome Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shu Hui Chou, Richard Chang
  • Patent number: 6998004
    Abstract: A composite sheet that comprises an elastically stretchable layer and an inelastically stretchable layer formed with inelastically stretchable continuous fibers bonded to at least one surface of the elastically stretchable layer intermittently in one direction. The continuous fibers are oriented substantially in one direction thereof so that the composite sheet may present a ratio S1/S2 of 3.0 or higher where S1 represents a tensile strength in this one direction and S2 represents a tensile strength in the direction orthogonal to this one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Tange, Hiroyuki Ohata
  • Patent number: 6996891
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a sensor element and to a sensor element. In the method, both surfaces of a sensor film are provided with metallic electrodes. The sensor element is produced by cutting it from a larger amount of sensor element material. In the manufacture of the sensor element material, the electrodes are produced as a continuous process from roll to roll and the sensor element material is formed by laminating as a continuous process from roll to roll. At least the signal electrode consists of repeated electrode patterns which are at least partially connected to each other via one or more narrow connecting strips, and a sensor element of a desired length and/or shape is produced by cutting the material across the region of the connecting strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Emfitech Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Räisänen
  • Patent number: 6994761
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet, the backsheet, and the absorbent core form a layered assembly including a front region, a back region, and a crotch region disposed between the front region and the back region. The garment is characterized by a vertical longitudinal plane that extends substantially centrally through the front, back and crotch regions. Each of the front and back regions includes a pair of ear portions extending in substantially opposite lateral directions with respect to the longitudinal plane. Each ear portion is a breathable stretchable layer assembly having a plurality of vent sites. Further, each ear portion includes an outer layer that is an extension of the backsheet and which extends laterally to the side edge of the ear portion, and an inner layer that is an extension of the topsheet and which also extends laterally to the side edge of the ear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Fameccanica Data S.p.A.
    Inventors: Walter V. Klemp, Daniel D. Gardner, Jr.