Reciprocating Napping Element Patents (Class 26/36)
  • Publication number: 20040005434
    Abstract: A unitary polymer substrate having a plurality of microfibers projecting from a surface is provided. The presence of the microfibers greatly increases the surface area and can impart a cloth-like feel to the surface. The projecting microfibers may have a variety of forms, including frayed-end microfibers, tapered microfibers, microfibers having an expanded cross-sectional shape, and microfibers having a very high aspect ratio. A number of methods of producing unitary polymer structures with a plurality of projecting microfibers are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Clyde D. Calhoun, David C. Koskenmaki, James G. Berg, Jennifer M. Aamodt