Abstract: There is provided an extensible elastic tab designed to be adhered to the edge of an article, formed using a coextruded elastic film comprising at least one elastic layer and at least one second layer on at least a first face of the elastic layer with at least one face of the coextruded elastic film attached to at least a partially extensible nonwoven layer. The partially expandable, or extensible nonwoven layer has at least one first portion with limited extensibility in a first direction and at least one second inextensible portion in the first direction. The extensible elastic tab when stretched to the extension limit of the first portion or portions in the first direction will elastically recover at least 1.0 cm, preferably at least 2 cm providing an elastic tab having a Useful Stretch Ratio (as defined in the Examples) of at least 30 percent.

Abstract: A process for making a composite ion exchange membrane including fabricating a layered membrane precursor including a microporous support of highly fluorinated nonionic polymer adhered to a layer of highly fluorinated sulfonyl halide polymer, hydrolyzing the layered membrane precursor to convert the highly fluorinated sulfonyl halide polymer to highly fluorinated sulfonate polymer, impregnating the microporous support with a dispersion of highly fluorinated sulfonate polymer or precursor thereof in a polar liquid medium after hydrolyzing, removing the polar liquid medium, and heating to coalesce the highly fluorinated sulfonated polymer in the support.

Abstract: A method of making a bonded and creped type absorbent paper web that has improved bulk to peel strength characteristics includes steps of (a) printing a low density pattern of a bonding material onto a first and a second side of a paper web; and (b) in no particular sequence with respect to step (a), printing a high density pattern of a bonding material onto the first side of the paper web. Steps (a) and (b) are performed so that the high density pattern of bonding material penetrates into the paper web by a distance that is about 166 to about 470 percent of the distance by which the low density pattern of bonding material penetrates into the web. This results in a web that has superior bulk and peel strength characteristics. Another characteristic of the product is that it has a visible depression pattern in one surface, but not the other surface, which creates an attractive aesthetic effect and has functional benefits as well.

Abstract: Decorative structural panels have a release material of wax, silicone, or oil applied to portions of a substrate surface. One or more curable thermosetting resins are applied on top of the release material and substrate surface and allowed to commingle. The surface tension of each resin is greater than that of the release material such that the resin or resins are pulled away from the release material prior to curing to produce a fish-eye appearance having a strong and durable finish.

Abstract: A unitary creped nonwoven web has a hydrophobic uncreped side and a creped side. The hydrophobic side includes looped regions. The creped side includes relatively narrow hydrophilic regions. The looped regions and creped regions act in conjunction with each other to form gradient capillaries, which urge the transfer of liquid toward the hydrophilic regions and away from the hydrophobic looped regions. The creped nonwoven web can be used as a top liner for an absorbent structure, such as a diaper, with the hydrophilic ends facing the absorbent core. When used in this fashion, the creped nonwoven web helps keep the wearer's skin dry.

Abstract: A frame for supporting lights above a surface includes a plurality of spaced apart spiral strips extending between a location above the surface and a location on the surface. The strips are adapted to receive the lights. A plurality of connectors interconnect ones of the plurality of strips at spaced apart intervals along the strips to form a unitary structure. The strips in an unassembled position are coplanar and in an assembled extend position between the location above the surface and the surface.

Abstract: A zone-treated spunbonded/meltblown/spunbonded (SMS) fabric laminate that combines the separate functions of the topsheet and cuff in one component of an absorbent article. The SMS fabric laminate is treated with surfactant to form a hydrophilic zone. The untreated areas of the SMS fabric laminate remain hydrophobic and perform the function of the cuff. Alternatively, a spunbonded/spunbonded fabric laminate is formed and then zone-treated with surfactant. The fabric laminate is treated with surfactant on both sides using a foam applicator. The application of foam produces sharp transitions between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic zones. After foam application, the fabric laminate is dried and slitted. The treated and slitted material is then wound and sold in roll form for converting into the finished disposable diaper.

Abstract: There is disclosed a composite sock which consists of an inner stretchable fabric envelope, a bag-like barrier component which is liquid water impermeable, and water vapour permeable, and a second or outer stretchable fabric envelope. The inner envelope is attached to the barrier component, the barrier component is attached to the outer envelope, the arrangement being such as to allow circumferential stretching of the composite sock. The inner stretchable fabric envelope or the outer stretchable fabric envelope or both is a circular knitted sock. The composite sock has elastic properties such that it can be stretched at least in the X direction to at least 50% extension, and such that when a sample taken from the leg of the composite sock just above the ankle, the sample being 5 cm by 10 cm with the 10 cm dimension aligned in the X direction is extended on a tensometer at 100 mm per minute to 15 cms length (i.e.

Abstract: A laminate having two or more plies. The plies are embossed, and adhesively joined together. The adhesive forms an essentially continuous network. The essentially continuous network increases the strength of adhesive, increases the strength of the laminate, and is disposed within the X-Y plane of the laminate coincident the embossments.

Abstract: A sheet laminate for use in a press lay-up between printed circuit board panels having a steel alloy substrate layer and a copper foil layer disposed on at least one surface of the substrate layer. The foil layer is attached onto the surface of the substrate layer by a plurality of occurrences of adhesive material disposed along the boundary of the foil layer such that gaps are defined between occurrences of the adhesive material.

Abstract: A substantially planar jointed multi-layer industrial fabric, assembled from at least one segment comprising at least one woven or nonwoven ply, in which the joints utilize jointing yarns or formed structures. The jointing yarns or formed structures are placed at selected locations, such as the lateral edges, of at least one planar surface of a ply of the at least one, or first, fabric segment, and interlock in mating engagement with corresponding jointing yarns or formed structures either in at least one surface of a ply of a second segment, or in another location on the first fabric segment, to provide an integral joint. The joints are comprised of shaped yarns and formed structures which in any combination form mating engagements substantially within the plane of the fabric, such as in hook-and-loop or slot-and-rib type joints, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved device for delivering a release agent to fuser rollers employed in various printer devices, such as laser printers, fax machines, copier machines, etc. The release agent delivery device of the present invention comprises an elongated web of microporous membrane (e.g., expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) bonded to a substrate, filled with release agent, and mounted between two shafts. The web spans across the fuser roller so that the roller is simultaneously cleaned and oiled during normal operation. When the portion of the web in contact with the fuser roller becomes contaminated or expends its release agent supply, the web can be advanced to place a fresh surface in contact with the fuser roller.

Abstract: A series of nonwoven webs and the processes for their production are disclosed. The resultant webs have equal or superior strength characteristics to conventional nonwoven fabrics made using spunbond processes but their constituent fibers are of a finer diameter. This is accomplished through a process of melt blowing a nonwoven fabric made from at least one polymer at low polymer flows per die hole and low air and polymer pressures using modular die technology to provide a die with one or more rows of die holes. The nonwoven fabric of this invention may be used in products such as diapers, feminine hygiene products, filters, progressive layer filters, adult incontinence products, wound dressings, bandages, sterilization wraps, surgical drapes, geotextiles, wipers, insulation and other related products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a film which includes a microbial adsorbent and which is capable of providing a microbial barrier while still being able to allow passage of water vapor. The film has first and second surfaces and defines least one microporous passageway allowing communication, through the film, between the first and second surfaces. In particular, a portion of the microporous passageway is defined by the microbial adsorbent so that microbes attempting to pass through the film via a passageway must pass in close proximity to the microbial adsorbent. This arrangement allows the microbial adsorbent to interdict the microbe by adsorbing it and prohibiting its passage through the film.

Abstract: A limiting orifice through-air-drying medium for papermaking or other absorbent embryonic webs. The medium may be used in an apparatus which can be embodied in a cover and a roll. The medium has the unique combination of a relatively high bending fatigue strength and relatively low pressure drop. The medium may comprise a laminate of a plurality of plies. The intermediate plies of the laminate may be woven with a square weave. The medium may also be used for other types of drying.

Abstract: A core-sheath composite yarn characterized in that a softening point of a core component as measured by thermomechanical analysis of JIS K 7196 is at least 20.degree. C. lower than a softening point of a sheath component, and the core component is formed of a substantially amorphous polymer that does not provide a melting point peak as measured by differential thermal analysis of conducting heating in a nitrogen atmosphere at a rate of temperature rise of 10.degree. C./min, and a fabric obtained by using such a composite yarn. This fabric has an excellent shape stability and an excellent water resistance by heat-setting.

Abstract: An elastic laminate structure is provided which is formed from at least one fabric layer and an open cell mesh having first and second strands. The laminate structure is formed such that the first strands are integrally bonded to the first fabric layer. The integrally bonded first strands both penetrate the first fabric layer and bond mechanically and/or chemically to the fibers of the first fabric layer. In addition, the first strands are deformed such that they are substantially flat in shape and substantially coplanar with the fabric layer. The elastic second strands have a substantially elliptical shape. The integral bonding of the first strands and the deformed shape of the first strands and the second strands provides an elastic laminate structure which can be worn about the body without irritation or other discomfort.

Abstract: A molded interior door panel (10) for a vehicle including: a thermoformable sheet (12) and an insert (14) wherein a portion of said thermoformable sheet at least partially envelopes and retentatively grips said insert. The insert (14) and sheet (12) may cooperatively form the interior door pull (26) of a vehicle door where the door pull (26) forms an integral part of and is contiguous with the door panel (10) avoiding evident junction lines between the door panel and handle.

Abstract: A nonwoven, porous fabric produced from a water modifiable polyolefin-containing film. In a preferred embodiment, the nonwoven fabric includes groups of elongated polyolefin fibers substantially oriented along a longitudinal axis. The fibers have branches extending from themselves and are bonded therebetween. Elongated channels extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis on the surface of the fabric and within the fabric. A substantial portion of the channels are interconnected to other channels. To produce the fabric, a polymer blend is formed with the polyethylene as the minority constituent and the dispersed phase, and with polyethylene oxide as the continuous phase. In another embodiment wherein the polyethylene is the majority constituent and the polyethylene oxide is the minority constituent, a reactive blend is prepared during processing so that the blend exhibits an inverse phase morphology, the polyethylene oxide becoming the continuous phase and the polyethylene becoming the dispersed phase.

Abstract: A container having walls made of a paper/plastic laminate having a cardboard core sandwiched between inner and outer face liners, wherein at least one of the face liners is comprised of a face liner laminate. The face liner laminate is composed of an exterior ply of oriented synthetic plastic film whose opposing surfaces are rendered wettable by corona-discharge treatment, and a base paper ply is cold-laminated to the film ply and adhered to the core of the board. The cardboard core may be a fluted medium of corrugated paper board, or it may be a planar stiff paper core. The invention is also directed to a structural member for use in making inexpensive furniture comprising a supporting member and a cardboard core laminated to a face liner laminate. The film ply of the laminate enhances the strength of the container or structural member and imparts water resistance thereto. Because the exposed surface of the film ply is printable, it may have decorative graphics or other printed matter applied thereto.

Abstract: An elastic laminate structure is provided which is formed from at least one fabric layer and an open cell mesh having first and second strands. The laminate structure is formed such that the first strands are integrally bonded to the first fabric layer. The integrally bonded first strands both penetrate the first fabric layer and bond mechanically and/or chemically to the fibers of the first fabric layer. In addition, the first strands are deformed such that they are substantially flat in shape and substantially coplanar with the fabric layer. The elastic second strands have a substantially elliptical shape. The integral bonding of the first strands and the deformed shape of the first strands and the second strands provides an elastic laminate structure which can be worn about the body without irritation or other discomfort.

Abstract: Laminates having microfluidic structures disposed between sheets of the laminate are provided. The microfluidic structures are raised on a sheet of laminate, typically by printing the structure on the sheet. Printing methods include Serigraph, ink-jet, intaligo, offset printing and thermal laser printing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composite adhesive used to adhere coating materials onto a substrate wherein the substrate material and the coating material have significantly different expansion properties, e.g., thermoplastic coating materials onto cellulose based substrate materials. The composite adhesive comprises both a rigid adhesive such as an epoxy or acrylic and a laminating adhesive such as a rubber based contact cement. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the composite adhesive is used in preparing composite articles such as counters, sinks, furniture, profile edging, chemical resistant lab tops, showers, etc. In another preferred embodiment according to the invention, the rigid adhesive is applied over a narrow portion of the coating material, substrate, or both, preferably the exterior region of said material, and the laminating adhesive is applied over the remainder of the surface area to be adhered.

Abstract: A composite elastic material comprises a non-woven fabric secured to an elastic member. The non-woven fabric is elastically stretchable by about 100% or more. The sheet-like elastic member has an elastic recovery of about 60% or more and a break-down elasticity of about 200% or more. The elastic member and the non-woven fabric are secured together at a plurality of points in the stretchable direction of the non-woven fabric. The composite elastic material has multiple-stage elongation characteristics including a first stress lowering point caused by changes in the structure of the non-woven fabric, and a second stress lowering point occurring at an elongation larger than that of the first stress lowering point, caused by the fracturing of the sheet-like elastic member. The elastic material clearly shows a break-down point when stretched, and increases the flexibility of designing various products.

Abstract: A multi-density batt having a plurality of overlaid thermoplastic fiber web layers. Each of the web layers comprise a homogeneous blend of matrix fibers and binder fibers. The binder fibers have a relatively low predetermined melting temperature and the matrix fibers have a relatively high predetermined melting temperature. The binder fibers and matrix fibers are heat-fused together. The batt has a width defining a cross direction and a length defining a machine direction. At least one integrally-formed, relatively thick, high density region extends in both the cross direction and machine direction of the batt. At least one integrally-formed relatively thin, low density region extends in both the cross direction and machine direction. The batt can be used to form a cushion, such as a seat cushion.

Abstract: A polymeric material in a grid configuration comprising an integral uniplanar or substantially uniplanar oriented grid formed from orientable thermoplastic polyester, polyamide or polyurethane elastomer. Such grid is used for load support systems in furniture, bedding and automotive applications.

Abstract: A disposable wiping article is disclosed. The disposable wiping article has at least two layers. The first layer has a wet extensibility greater than that of the second layer. The first layer can be an apertured, dry creped web of cellulosic fibers, and the second layer can be a nonwoven web comprising synthetic fibers. Selected portions of the first layer are bonded to the second layer to inhibit wet extension of the first layer in the plane of the first layer.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable and fireproof acoustic panel includes an underlying panel covered on one or both sides by a cover panel. The underlying panel can be produced with a cover layer on the interior side thereof. The cover layer is composed of two layers, a coarse-pored stabilizing intermediate layer which in turn is covered by a second, fine-pored outer layer, both of which are bonded to one another and to the underlying panel by a matrix of adhesive material.

Abstract: A composite elastic material includes a layer of ribbon-shaped elastomeric elements disposed in machine direction alignment and point bonded to an extensible layer which may be a gatherable layer or a stretchable layer. A layer of meltblown elastomeric fibers may be bonded to the layer of elastomeric ribbon-shaped elements before bonding to the extensible layer. The elastic composite has excellent cohesion, controlled breathability to air and water vapor, an opaque appearance, and is easy to cut and convert to end use products such as garments, pads, diapers, and personal care products where elasticity is desired.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wiping sheet composed of two pieces of spunlace nonwoven fabrics containing heat-shrinkable fiber which are fusion-bonded together with fusion-bonding lines which extend in the cross direction perpendicular to the machine direction. The fusion-bonding lines are formed such that their pitch in the machine direction is shorter than one half of the fiber length so that each fusion-bonding line intersects a single fiber at 3 or more points. This structure prevents surface fluffing and imparts a high surface frictional strength and a high bending resistance for comfortable wiping work.

Abstract: The invention provides a glass fiber facing sheet for engineered surfaces such as cement boards which reduces the pitting associated with open mesh glass scrims. The glass fiber facing sheet comprises an open mesh glass scrim having a plurality of intersecting continuous multifilament yarns which are bonded at their crossover points to provide dimensional stability to the scrim. A melt blown polymer web is preferably joined to one face of the glass scrim and covers the mesh openings in the scrim. The opposed face of the scrim defines an exposed grid profile surface which is available for mechanical interaction between the scrim and the cementitious slurry used in cement boards. In cement boards, the glass fiber facing sheet of the present invention is preferably mechanically integrated into a surface portion of the cement core along the exposed grid profile of the scrim.

Abstract: A dust-proof fabric is disclosed. The fabric comprises an inner knit fabric layer, an intermediate layer of a moisture absorbent polyurethane film and a high density woven polyester fabric outer layer. The outer layer contains a first set of spaced apart conductive yarns aligned with one another in the warp direction and a second set of spaced apart conductive yarns aligned in the weft direction.

Abstract: A label sheet comprises a substrate and an adhesive layer formed by applying an adhesive agent to a surface of the substrate, said adhesive layer being formed only on a limited area of the surface. With such an arrangement and if it is part of a larger label sheet or a multi-layer structure of label sheets, it can be stripped off easily from the remaining part. If perforations are formed in adhesive free areas, they do not produce any projections of the applied adhesive agent so that the final product can be handled with ease. Additionally, by forming an adhesive-repellent layer on the outer surface with an ink type adhesive-repellent agent, the overall manufacturing process can be simplified and the product is adapted to making by hand.

Abstract: An apertured nonwoven laminate is produced by a thermal aperturing process by calendaring a carded web of fibers with a polymeric sheet having a lower melting temperature and a property of shrinking under application of heat and pressure so as to bond to the carded fibers and simultaneously pull back the carded fibers away from the calendering points to generate apertures through the nonwoven laminate. In a preferred apertured nonwoven product for baby wipes, a tri-laminate is formed with top and bottom layers containing polypropylene fibers or fiber blend with rayon fibers, and a middle (polymeric) layer of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) film material. The baby wipe product provides a significant cost advantage and an improved aesthetic appearance over conventional products.

Abstract: Polymeric monoliths having high stiffness and strength can be produced by heating an assembly of polymer fibres under a contact pressure to a temperature at which a proportion of the fibre is selectively melted and then compressing the assembly. Preferably at least 5% of the polymer is melted so that on compression the molten materials fills the voids within the assembly. The use of polyolefin fibres especially melt spun polyethylene fibres is preferred. The products are useful e.g. as orthodontic brackets, bone prostheses and in body armour.

Abstract: An absorbent core 4 composed of a nonwoven fabric containing an absorbent fiber at 20% by weight or more to 80% by weight or less and a hydrophobic fiber at 20% by weight or more to 80% by weight or less is interposed between a top sheet 3 and a bottom sheet 5, both the sheets being composed of a nonwoven fabric containing an absorbent fiber, such as rayon, at 30% by weight or more to 70% by weight or less and a hydrophobic fiber at 30% by weight or more to 70% by weight or less. Then, the top sheet 3, the absorbent core 4 and the bottom sheet 5 are bonded together on bonding lines 2. These individual layers are water retentive because of the absorbent fiber therein, and the resulting sheet has good slip properties because of the hydrophobic fiber contained therein. The absorbent core 4 works to enhance the bending resistance.

Abstract: Microstructured articles of the invention comprising, in order: a) a retroreflective microstructured member; b) a sealing layer melt-bonded to the microstructured member; and c) a backing member. The backing member is a fibrous web comprising a plurality of multifilament strands and is melt-bonded to the second surface of the sealing layer.

Abstract: A color changeable device that has been partially activated. The device comprises a flexible substrate with a first major surface and a second major surface and an interference color generating laminate on the first major surface. The color generating laminate comprises a first layer and a second layer in intimate contact. When the first and second layers are in intimate contact, the laminate generates an interference color. When the first and second layers are not in intimate contact, the laminate does not generate the interference color. The substrate and laminate include a first permanent deformation causing separation of the first and second layers at a first portion of the device while retaining the first and second layers in intimate contact at a second portion of the device. The device is particularly useful for confirming the authenticity of an article without having to remove the color change device from the article.

Abstract: A laminate material formed of an elastomeric polymer sheet and a nonwoven fabric sheet. The sheets are passed through a niproll assembly during lamination, one of the niprolls having a series of embossing points protruding therefrom, and the other niproll being substantially flat. The embossing points press selective areas of the preferably molten polymer sheet into the fabric sheet, encapsulating the fabric fibers and bonding thereto. The resulting material has points of bonding where penetration has occurred and areas of nonpenetration, providing adherence of the two sheets while permitting independent movement of the fibers and elastic properties. Preferably, a release agent is added to the elastomeric polymer to reduce the possibility of the elastomer layer sticking to the nonwoven layer when the laminate is wound onto a supply roll.

Abstract: A carpet having a pile layer, a support layer and a rear coating. The carpet has an intermediate layer formed from a mat comprising fibrous parts made predominantly of plastic which are in part thermoplastic and of low-melting point fibers and in part higher-melting point fibers, and melted regions providing coherence of both of the fibers, the melted regions being formed of partly melted regions of the low-melt-ing point thermoplastic fibers.

Abstract: To provide a non-impregnated type substrate useful as a base fabric for artificial leather, which is superior in leather-like handle, air permeability and lightness properties; and an artificial leather made therefrom. A non-impregnated type substrate useful as a base fabric for artificial leather, which is a fiber assembly constituted by matrix fibers and binder fibers having an elastic polymer arranged on the surface thereof, the binder fibers being dispersed in and head-bonded to the matrix fibers, wherein the elastic polymers are contained within a specified amount, the bonds between binder fibers and matrix fibers by the elastic polymer are formed within specified proportions and with particular configurations, and the substrate has a density of 0.15 to 0.45 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: Oriented microfibers and processes for making them are disclosed, together with blends of such microfibers with other fibers such as crimped staple fibers and non-oriented microfibers.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to single ply scrim-like wiping products having great softness and strength. The wiping products are made from a paper web containing softwood fibers in combination with bicomponent fibers. Once formed, the paper web is treated on each side with a bonding agent in a preselected pattern. Both sides of the paper web are also creped. In order to create a wiping product with a scrim-like appearance, a reticular pattern is then embossed into the paper web. Specifically, the pattern is permanently imprinted into the product by compressing and fusing together the bicomponent fibers contained within the lines of the pattern.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven for controlled acquisition and distribution of liquid, comprising at least a first support layer and a first bulky layer, the bulky layer functioning to acquire and distribute liquid and the support layer being suitable for use either as a coverstock or as a transfer layer between the bulky layer and a liquid retention layer, the support layer and the bulky layer being bonded together, by non-chemical bonding, by a network of individual bonding points to form a liquid control system that facilitates liquid distribution within the individual layers and liquid transfer between the layers, the composite nonwoven showing a combination of a low strike-through time and a low rewet; and a high-speed in-line process for producing the composite nonwoven, the process comprising forming a first support layer, e.g.

Abstract: In production of a molded surface fastener with backing, molten resin is extruded to the surface of a die wheel, which has in the surface a multiplicity of engaging-element-forming cavities and, at the same time, the cavities are filled with the molten resin. During that time, the die wheel is rotated to continuously mold a multiplicity of engaging elements on the front surface of the substrate sheet. Meanwhile, the backing sheet is pressed against the rear surface of the substrate sheet on the die wheel by a pressing roller to integrally join the backing sheet and the substrate sheet together at a selected pattern of regions.

Abstract: A wall lining material consists of an upper mat body, a lower mat body and a granular moisture absorbent. The upper mat body and the lower mat body are made of a nonwoven fabric containing a multiplicity of fibers. The moisture absorbent is located between these two mat bodies. The mat bodies are sewn together over the laminated portion at many points by means of needle punching. This needle punching causes the fibers in the upper mat body to be connected with those in the lower mat wed and vice versa.

Abstract: A film for a multiple bag which film is a multiple film comprising at least two sheets of film put one on another and having scattered along its both-side edge portions spot-fused portions by which the at least two sheets of film is partially united.

Abstract: A roofing membrane has a quantity of water-retaining particles fixed in the upper surface of the membrane. A fleece web affixed to the membrane surface in a quilt-like manner may provide zones of selectable size for holding the particles in place. By varying the amount of the absorber particles, the water-retaining capacity of the roofing membrane may be varied to the particular intended use, such as on a flat roof or a sloped roof.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of preventing transmission of viral pathogens between a source of viral pathogens and a target of said viral pathogens comprising positioning between said source and said target a microporous membrane material comprising (1) a thermoplastic polymer or polytetrafluoroethylene and (2) a water- and oil-repellent fluorochemical compound which provides said membrane with oleophobic, hydrophobic and viral barrier properties.

Abstract: A fibrous structure comprising a fibrous matrix with surrogate particles fixed to the fibrous matrix, is provided. Functionally active, fine particles are immobilized on the fixed surrogate particles.