With Component Specified As Adhesive Or Bonding Agent Patents (Class 428/317.1)
  • Patent number: 6416853
    Abstract: A color-change laminate comprising a substrate and formed thereon a porous layer which comprises a low-refractive-index pigment dispersed in a binder resin and tenaciously adherent thereto is disclosed. The porous layer becomes transparent or translucent upon absorption of a liquid medium, e.g., water to give a variety of visual changes. The low-refractive-index pigment contains at least a finely particulate silicic acid produced by the wet process. Toy sets consisting of the above color-change laminates with dolls or toy animals and toy sets consisting of the above color-change laminates with a means of water adhesion are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: The Pilot Ink Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Nakashima, Masahiro Ito, Yoshiaki Ono
  • Publication number: 20020076544
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for forming laminate composite wall coverings that minimize or eliminate failure causing voids, and laminate composite wall coverings formed thereby. One side of an extrudate preferably has an application zone which is substantially coated with an adhesive. A second material, referred to as a backing layer, is also preferably coated substantially or completely on one side with an adhesive. The coated surfaces of each of the extrudate and backing layer are then brought together under pressure to form a laminate composite wall covering. Preferably, the adhesive selected provides substantially instantaneous adhesion between the extrudate and the backing layer so that the laminate composite wall covering may be handled virtually immediately after joining of the components. The surfaces may include a predetermined curvature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Samuel W. DeWorth, Arthur F. Korney, Burch E. Zehner
  • Publication number: 20020076545
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure-sensitive adhesion sheet being excellent in moisture and heat resistance and having a high adhesion to inorganic materials such as glass and tile, particularly a high adhesion even under high temperature and high humidity conditions, without using a silane coupling agent. The pressure-sensitive adhesion sheet for a silicone oxide-containing material comprises a base material having formed on at least one surface thereof a layer composed of an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive, wherein the base material is selected from a foamed base material having a water absorption rate less than 15% by weight after having been immersed in warm water having a temperature of 40° C. for 24 hours and a plastic film having a water vapor permeability of 500 g or less/m2/24 hours, and the acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive to be used in combination with the base material selected is specified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO
    Inventors: Katsunari Oji, Yoshinao Kitamura, Takao Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 6406782
    Abstract: A multi-layer article which may be provided in the form of a tape comprises a conformable, compressible, melt flow-resistant core layer having first and second major surfaces, a sealant layer on the first major surface of the core layer, and optionally a bonding layer on the second major surface of the core layer. The sealant layer and the bonding layer each have a surface available for contacting a separate substrate. Various thermoset and foam core layers are disclosed as are thermosettable and thermoplastic sealant layers. The articles are useful for sealing two substrates together, particularly where one of the substrates is glass. Thus, the articles are especially adapted for sealing motor vehicle windshields to a frame. Various assemblies and methods for producing the same are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Johnson, Clayton A. George, Robert J. Boettcher
  • Patent number: 6406588
    Abstract: The method of forming a cushion assembly (10) includes placing a pre-contoured trim layer (16) on a complimentary contoured mold (22), placing an air impervious adhesive film (18) thereover, drawing the trim layer (16) and film (18) against the mold (22), spraying a solvent activator (28) thereover, placing a contoured foam pad (14) over the adhesive film (18) and solvent activator (28), and compressing the foam pad (14) against the trim layer (16) by an upper platen (34) to bond the foam pad (14) and trim layer (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: William S. Sheetz, Jeffrey Frelich
  • Patent number: 6399854
    Abstract: An absorbent structure in an absorbent article such as a diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin, dressing or the like. The structure being useful for the absorption of bodily fluids or discharges, e.g., urine and blood. The absorbent structure containing a carrier material in the form of an open-cell foam having hydrophilic fibers deposited within the pore structure of the open-cell foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Kent Vartiainen
  • Patent number: 6391402
    Abstract: An easily recyclable container obtained by subjecting a sheet L which is a laminate of a plurality of layers, to vacuum forming and/or pressure forming, in which container the sheet L has such two adjacent layers as to give the minimum peeling strength and can be manually separated into two portions at the interface of the two adjacent layers, and when the portion of the sheet L present from the interface of said two adjacent layers to the inner surface of the container is named as film portion F and the portion of the sheet L present from said interface to the outer surface of the container is named as sheet portion S, the peeling strength required for peeling of the film portion F from the sheet portion S is set at 2 to 45 g/15 mm (width) by allowing said two adjacent layers giving the minimum peeling strength to be constituted by respective particular resins or resin compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignees: Japan Polystyrene, Inc., Yokota Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenzi Yokota, Akio Uemura, Takahiro Ishii, Masato Takaku, Masaru Sato
  • Patent number: 6383608
    Abstract: A foam body structure formed of plastic foam with one or more flame retardant reception cavities formed in the main body either simultaneously with an initial foam body formation process such as expandable plastic bead molding or subsequent to the foam body formation such as by melting, drilling or cutting. A solid flame retardant such as one in granular form is preferably supplied in sufficient quantity as to entirely fill the volume defined by the reception cavities. A covering or coating is provided over the flame retardant material to fix the material within the cavities. The volume and distribution of the reception cavities and the amount of the chosen flame retardant received in the cavities is sufficient to provide an essentially common flame retardation quality or characteristic over the entire volume of foam body (or at least the volume that could be exposed to a flame in its intended use).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventors: William Burkett, Marvin Carnahan
  • Patent number: 6372334
    Abstract: A tri-laminate body panel stiffener includes two polymer layers with or without a backing. One of the layers is a compliant foam layer mounted against a substrate while the other layer is a rigid foam layer mounted against the compliant foam layer. In another aspect of the invention the laminate comprises a backing member having an expandable foam mounted thereto with two or more opposing edges of the laminate being of non-straight construction such as being wavy or saw tooth. A pattern of holes may be formed through the foam and backing layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Henkel Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph S Wycech
  • Patent number: 6358600
    Abstract: A sheet for protecting a paint film which does not deteriorate or discolor the paint film even when the sheet is adhered to protect the paint film under the condition containing acidic rainwater or detergent and can maintain the adhered state over an extended-period of time without peeling off is disclosed. The sheet for protecting a paint film comprises a porous substrate and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on one surface of the porous substrate. The sheet has an air permeability in a direction of sheet thickness of 20,000 sec/100 cc or more and a moisture permeability in a direction of sheet thickness of 2,000 g/m2·24 hr or more. The sheet for protecting a paint film further comprises a porous substrate and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on one surface of the porous substrate, wherein the porous substrate has an ultraviolet transmission of 10% or less at a wavelength of from 190 to 370 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignees: Nitto Denko Corporation, Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Hayashi, Tsuyoshi Inoue, Kenichi Shibata, Kenji Sano, Mitsuyoshi Shirai, Mitsuru Horada, Hiroshi Sugawa, Komaharu Matsui, Takeshi Eda, Hiroshi Ueda
  • Publication number: 20020028326
    Abstract: Heat-activated adhesive tape has a backing comprising 88-92% acrylic polymer containing: 35-45% of a first alkyl acrylate monomer with alkyl groups containing 4 to 12 carbon atoms, 30-40% of a second alkyl acrylate monomer with alkyl groups containing 4 to 12 carbon atoms, 6-10% a first monoethylenically unsaturated polar copolymerizable monomer, 1-2% a second monoethylenically unsaturated polar copolymerizable monomer, 0.3-0.5% photoinitiator, 1-2% filler, 0.05-0.07% crosslinker/chain extender, and 8-12% hollow glass microspheres; and heat-activated adhesive layer on at least one side. A pressure-sensitive adhesive may be on the other side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Scapa Tapes North America Inc.
    Inventors: Ramesh Lhila, Kwang-yol Park, Kaila Delpozzo, Jian Ling Ding
  • Publication number: 20020012785
    Abstract: An insulated foam board system of the present invention comprises a first layer, a second layer and a central layer. The first layer is made from a material selected from the group consisting of alkenyl aromatic polymers, polypropylenes, polyethylene terephthalates, polyethylenes and combinations thereof. The second layer is made from a material selected from the group consisting of alkenyl aromatic polymers, polypropylenes, polyethylene terephthalates, polyethylenes and combinations thereof. The central layer is located between the first layer and the second layer. The second layer is bonded to the first layer and the third layer. The central layer is made from a material selected from the group consisting of crystal polystyrene, impact polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: EDWARD CHARLES LEDUC
  • Publication number: 20020004130
    Abstract: Pressure-sensitive adhesive tape has a backing comprising 88-92% acrylic polymer containing: 35-45% of a first alkyl acrylate monomer wherein the alkyl groups contain 4 to 12 carbon atoms, 30-40% of a second alkyl acrylate monomer wherein the alkyl groups contain 4 to 12 carbon atoms, 6-10% a first monoethylenically unsaturated polar copolymerizable monomer, 1-2% a second monoethylenically unsaturated polar copolymerizable monomer, 0.3-0.5% photoinitiator, 1-2% filler, 0.05-0.07% crosslinker/chain extender, and 8-12% hollow glass microspheres dispersed evenly in the polymer; and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on at least one side of the backing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: Ramesh Lhila
  • Publication number: 20020004128
    Abstract: A foam/sealant system in which a sealant material, such as a conventional gel, is introduced into an open cell foam to provide an environmental seal for electrical connections, preferably for electrical connections that are embedded within the foam/sealant system. Sealant materials, such as gels, that require curing can be held in place by the foam while in a liquid state to eliminate difficult and costly filling methods. The gel can be cured either while the foam is located at its final location in connection with the electrical connection point to be protected, or the gel can be pre-cured in the foam and then the composite foam/sealant system can be placed in the appropriate location. Preferably, the foam is placed in the appropriate location such that the electrical connection point is embedded in the foam before the gel is introduced, thereby allowing the gel to cure in connection with the electrical connection or substrate to be protected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: ANTHONY FORTE, DANIEL L. SWAN
  • Patent number: 6337127
    Abstract: For sealing the gap, especially the air gap between two body parts (14, 15) of motor vehicles, a plastic profile in the form of a foam strip (10′) with a fixing means (100) is proposed which has at least two legs (16, 18) which are hinged together, whereby a first leg (16) is joined to the foam strip (10′) by means of a first adhesive layer and a second leg (18) is provided with a second adhesive layer for joining to a gap inner side (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Vosschemie GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus-Wilhelm Voss
  • Patent number: 6335091
    Abstract: A polymeric adhesive tape including a first polymeric adhesive layer which is a heat activated film and a second polymeric adhesive layer which is a heat activated film is disclosed. The tape is designed for use in the fabrication of articles wherein the polymeric adhesive tape secures a first member to a support surface. A method for bonding adjacent sheets to a substrate is also disclosed. In accordance with the disclosed method, a substrate is prepared for application of a first sheet and a second sheet, a polymeric adhesive tape is positioned on the substrate at a position along which the seam between the first sheet and the second sheet will be located, the first sheet and the second sheet are laid on the substrate such that the seam between the first sheet and the second sheet lies along the polymeric adhesive tape, and the adhesive tape is heated along the seam to bond the substrate, adhesive tape, first laminate and second laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Premark RWP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Nelson, Robert R. Krebs
  • Patent number: 6333101
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of adhering adherends, including (i) providing at least two adherends at least one of which is made of a flexible material, and (ii) joining the adherends together to form a structure using a heat-resistant adhesive composition containing mainly 1) a polycarbodiimide resin and an epoxy resin, or 2) a polycarbodiimide resin, an epoxy resin and a curing agent for the polycarbodiimide resin, or 3) a polycarbodiimide resin, an epoxy resin and a curing agent for the epoxy resin. The heat-resistant adhesive composition can be applied under mild conditions, and the resultant structure has excellent heat resistance and chemical resistance, and has superior adhesion strength particularly at high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuo Imashiro, Kazuo Saito, Satoshi Amano, Takahiko Itoh, Hideshi Tomita, Ikuo Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20010051260
    Abstract: A multi-layer article which may be provided in the form of a tape comprises a conformable, compressible, melt flow-resistant core layer having first and second major surfaces, a sealant layer on the first major surface of the core layer, and optionally a bonding layer on the second major surface of the core layer. The sealant layer and the bonding layer each have a surface available for contacting a separate substrate. Various thermoset and foam core layers are disclosed as are thermosettable and thermoplastic sealant layers. The articles are useful for sealing two substrates together, particularly where one of the substrates is glass. Thus, the articles are especially adapted for sealing motor vehicle windshields to a frame. Various assemblies and methods for producing the same are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Johnson, Clayton A. George, Robert J. Boettcher
  • Patent number: 6322866
    Abstract: An applique for garments is provided having multiple layers, and a decoratively shaped perimeter and relief pattern having a relatively high profile and side wall being substantially perpendicular to the plain in which the raised and lowered portions lie. Methods for manufacturing are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Printmark Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Sloot
  • Patent number: 6316373
    Abstract: An expandable breathable laminate is described. The laminate includes a reticulated polymer layer and an fibrous layer. The fibrous layer is chemically treated so as to facilitate transfer of liquid through the fibrous layer and ultimately through the polymer layer via capillary action. The layers are bonded with an adhesive that does not impair the breathability and expandability of the laminate. Thus, removal of perspiration from the skin of the wearer of a garment made from the laminate can be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventors: William Kenneth Alexander, Patrick J. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 6309742
    Abstract: AN EMI/RFI gasket with an open-celled foam substrate having a metal coating on its skeletal structure that is substantially deformable and recoverable. The gasket provides shielding effectiveness of greater than 40 dB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Clupper, Carmine G. Meola, Bradley E. Reis
  • Publication number: 20010033927
    Abstract: An automobile trim has a trim body (a base layer) formed of a rubber composition and having a design surface, a decorating layer formed of a thermoplastic elastomer composition and thermally bonded integrally with the design surface of the trim body. A thermal bonding layer is formed of a thermoplastic resin composition and interposed between the decorating layer and the trim body so that the decorating layer is thermally bonded integrally with the trim body through the thermal bonding layer. The thermal bonding layer has a thickness to an extent not to prevent bending flexibility when the trim is attached to a vehicle body. In another example, a cushion layer is laminated on the trim body and formed of sponge rubber of EPDM, a decorating layer is laminated on the cushion layer and formed by foaming olefin thermoplastic elastomer, and an olefin bonding layer for bonding the cushion layer and the decorating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Hitoshi Omori, Masanori Aritake
  • Publication number: 20010033946
    Abstract: Described are a fixing member formed of a sheet material equipped with a gas permeable portion covering a removing agent at a portion other than the peripheral portion of the sheet material, and an adhesion member disposed at the peripheral portion of the sheet material; an EL device using the fixing member; and a backing substrate of the EL device. Use of the fixing member contributes to a reduction in the manufacturing cost of an EL device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Hiroaki Mashiko, Hiroyuki Nishii
  • Patent number: 6294246
    Abstract: Multi-functional materials which have a photocatalytic layer with a photocatalytic function disposed on the surface of a base through a binder layer 6 interposed therebetween. Photocatalytic particles of the photocatalytic layer are joined together by a surface energy or solid-state sintering. The photocatalytic layer may have a structure in which fine particles fill interstices defined between photocatalytic particles or a structure in which no fine particles fill interstices defined between photocatalytic particles. A metal such as Ag, Pt, or the like may be fixed or not fixed to surfaces of the photocatalytic particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiya Watanabe, Eiichi Kojima, Keiichiro Norimoto, Tamon Kimura, Mitsuyoshi Machida, Makoto Hayakawa, Atsushi Kitamura, Makoto Chikuni, Yoshimitsu Saeki, Tatsuhiko Kuga, Yasushi Nakashima
  • Publication number: 20010023017
    Abstract: A product sampler including a substrate layer, a barrier layer covering the substrate layer, a gelatinoid product layer covering and in contact with the barrier layer, and a barrier layer covering and in contact with the product layer is provided. The gelatinoid product layer may include a microencapsulated product, such as a fragrance. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the gelatinoid product layer includes a microencapsulated fragrance carried in a gelatinoid liquid vehicle, which vehicle may comprise, for example, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, glycerin, or mixtures thereof. In a highly preferred embodiment of the invention, the product sampler is in the form of a magazine insert having a protruding trimmable non-barrier substrate tab portion, whereby a user may remove a trim portion from the trimmable edge portion after binding the insert into a magazine without removing barrier material with the removed trim portion. Also disclosed is a product sampler in the form of a label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Christopher Tararuj, Patrick Donahue, Robert E. Katz, David DeSchryver, Robert Weiser
  • Patent number: 6287678
    Abstract: A composite structural panel includes a cover sheet laminated onto a three-layered substrate including a thermoplastic foam core sandwiched between two composite outer layers. Each composite outer layer includes natural fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix. The thermoplastic material of all layers is preferably polypropylene, and the core consists of an expanded cellular polypropylene rigid foam. In a method for forming the composite structural panel, a first preheated outer layer is laminated and molded onto the foam core in a first molding step, and then the second preheated outer layer and the cover sheet are laminated and molded onto the foam core in a second molding step, with a cooling-down time allowed between the two molding steps. In this manner, each preheated outer layer provides enough heat to thermally fuse the outer layer onto the foam core, without overheating the foam core to the point of softening or melting the foam core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: R + S Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Spengler
  • Patent number: 6286841
    Abstract: A seal for releasably engaging a movable panel such as a glass panel in a motor vehicle is disclosed, the seal has a base with an open celled reservoir layer connected to the base and a contact layer connected to the reservoir layer by an adhesive retained at least partially in the cell structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Schlegel Corporation
    Inventors: Martin J. Foy, Steve H. Riley
  • Patent number: 6284360
    Abstract: A multi-layer article which may be provided in the form of a tape comprises a conformable, compressible, melt flow-resistant core layer having first and second major surfaces, a sealant layer on the first major surface of the core layer, and optionally a bonding layer on the second major surface of the core layer. The sealant layer and the bonding layer each have a surface available for contacting a separate substrate. Various thermoset and foam core layers are disclosed as are thermosettable and thermoplastic sealant layers. The articles are useful for sealing two substrates together, particularly where one of the substrates is glass. Thus, the articles are especially adapted for sealing motor vehicle windshields to a frame. Various assemblies and methods for producing the same are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Johnson, Clayton A. George, Robert J. Boettcher
  • Patent number: 6277481
    Abstract: An adhesive composition comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive component (A), a thermosetting adhesive component (B) and a compound (C) obtained by addition/condensation reaction of a polysiloxane oligomer with a silane coupling agent. This composition is excellent in storage stability and can bond metals, etc. with large bonding strength. Further, sheeting thereof enables simplifying bonding steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Lintec Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Sugino, Hideo Senoo, Yasukazu Nakata
  • Patent number: 6265059
    Abstract: The present invention provides a porous film obtained by coagulating polymer particles in an emulsion into the form of a film while maintaining their particle shape. The spaces between particles are left as pores, and as a result, the porous film has a plurality of thus-formed pores. By controlling the polymer particle diameter, the distribution of the particle diameter, and the solid concentration of the emulsion, the size of the pores of the film, the rate of pore area and the density of pores can be properly determined. The porous film is suitable for various applications including a recording subject for ink-jet printing, other recording subjects, films used in various industries, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Kono, Yuko Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6265058
    Abstract: The present invention is a dielectric film, and method for making the film, suitable for use in the construction of capacitor devices, including wound capacitors. In order to overcome strength limitations associated with polymers having desirable dielectric properties, the invention includes a dielectric film featuring a polymer impregnated upon a strengthening substrate. The polymer is deposited directly upon the substrate, which substrate provides required physical strength for film processing and capacitor fabrication, without compromising dielectric performance. The inventive film is based on siloxane polymers modified with polar pendant groups to provide a significant increase in dielectric constant and dielectric strength. During film production, the polymer infiltrates the porous paper to provide an interfacial composite layer between the two materials, the interfacial layer consisting of polymer and paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: TPL, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk M. Slenes, Kristen J. Law, William F. Hartman
  • Patent number: 6261679
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fibrous absorbent structure that is wet stable and has large void volume with a density below the critical density of the fiber employed. In one embodiment, the fibrous absorbent uses open-celled foam technologies to keep the fibrous structure expanded and bonded. In other embodiments, the resulting fibrous structure resembles an open-celled polymeric foam, with fibers serving as struts stabilized by binder material. In another embodiment, the resulting fibrous structure is filled with hydrophilic open-celled foams with the cell size substantially smaller than the fibrous pores. Such a wet-stable, high void volume fibrous absorbent can be used in a disposable product intended for the absorption of fluid such as body fluid, including extensible absorbent articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Fung-jou Chen, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay, Jian Qin, Yong Li
  • Publication number: 20010001684
    Abstract: A self-adhesive reinforced foam gasket comprising a release liner having an upper surface which is a release surface, a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the release surface, a layer of flexible polymeric film, preferably polyester film, applied to the pressure sensitive adhesive layer, and a layer of flexible foam, preferably closed cell PVC flexible foam, thermally bonded to the flexible polymeric film layer. A length of material for die-cutting the gasket therefrom is provided, along with a method of making the length of material. The gasket may be used in automobiles and other applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 24, 2001
    Inventor: Michael S. Sylvester
  • Patent number: 6235380
    Abstract: Articles including material laminated to a surface of a microcellular substrate are disclosed, as well as methods of making these articles. Microcellular polymeric material in sheet form can be extruded and continuously fed from the extruded to a lamination system, or microcellular sheet can be produced and stored, and then fed into a lamination system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Trexel, Inc.
    Inventors: Srinath P. Tupil, Klaus Büchner, Patrick M. Lahmann
  • Patent number: 6231961
    Abstract: A layered structure that includes a product mixture of numerous particles, a foamable substance, such as including a liquid binder, and a reacted dry binder is provided. The particles preferably are comprised of cellulosic, fibrous materials. The dry binder reacts with the liquid binder to create a strong bond among separated particles. The particles are separated during transport, together with the dry binder, before the dry binder is reacted with the foamed liquid binder. Upon contact with the liquid binder, the dry binder reacts to cause desired adhesion among the separated particles. The reacted dry binder is disposed relatively inwardly of the product mixture, while the liquid binder is located outwardly thereof, with at least some of the liquid binder, after curing, being disposed on outer portions of the product mixture. The layered structure also includes one or more outer members or panels that are laminated or otherwise joined to the outer surface portions of the product mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Henry Sperber
  • Patent number: 6231962
    Abstract: Conformable pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes which comprise a layer of polymeric foam in the backing and may be adhered firmly to a substrate and thereafter removed therefrom after only being stretched at an angle no greater than about 35° from the surface of the substrate. Articles for mounting an object such as a picture to a surface such as a wall comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape of the invention are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James L. Bries, Michael D. Hamerski
  • Patent number: 6216556
    Abstract: This steering wheel includes a ring portion to be gripped during steering, a core having at least one ridge, and a core coating layer coating the core. The core coating layer has a relatively hard portion formed of a first synthetic resin and a relatively soft portion formed of a second synthetic resin arranged in the circumferential direction relative to each other. The relatively hard portion is harder than the relatively soft portion. The ridge is positioned along the core so as to be covered by the relatively hard portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tooru Koyama, Tadashi Yamamoto, Mikine Hayashi, Atsushi Nagata
  • Patent number: 6217967
    Abstract: This invention relates to a core for a snowboard, made by the adhesive bonding, side by side, of a plurality of longitudinal bands whose height is that of the core and whose width preferably does not exceed 25 millimeters, each of these bands being made of a material constituted either by wood, by a synthetic foam or by a fiber-reinforced synthetic foam, the overall percentage of each of these three materials in the core thus constituted depending on the type of snowboard that it is desired to produce with the aid of this core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol, S.A.
    Inventor: Eric Bobrowicz
  • Patent number: 6214438
    Abstract: An insulation material and method for producing it. A basic material is built up of cells and a filler which is present in the cells. The filler is built up of separate fibers which are bonded together by means of a foam-like bonding agent. The filler is introduced into the open cells of the basic material. A mixture of separate fibers and a foam-like bonding agent is prepared and the mixture is introduced into the open cells by way of a nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Raoul Guilielmus Boudewijn Marie Prick
  • Patent number: 6214456
    Abstract: A unique headliner includes a pair of spaced polyester fiber mat layers. The polyester fiber layers are preferably felt layers which are needled and consist of a mixture of low and high melt polyester fiber pieces. The low melt fiber pieces are provided with an adhesive sheathing that melts at a low temperature to bond the fiber pieces together. The polyester layers are spaced on opposed side of a polyurethane foam central layer. The combined headliner construction has good strength and acoustic characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart G. Boyd, Harold G. Wolf, Jr., Girma Gebreselassie
  • Patent number: 6210779
    Abstract: Multi-functional materials which have a photocatalytic layer with a photocatalytic function disposed on the surface of a base through an amorphous binder layer 6 interposed therebetween. Photocatalytic particles of the photocatalytic layer are joined together by a surface energy or solid-state sintering. The photocatalytic layer may have a structure in which fine particles fill interstices defined between photocatalytic particles or a structure in which no fine particles fill interstices defined between photocatalytic particles. A metal such as Ag, Pt, or the like may be fixed or not fixed to surfaces of the photocatalytic particles. A lower layer of the photocatalytic layer is embedded in the binder layer such that an intermediate layer is formed between the binder layer and the photocatalytic layer, the intermediate layer including components of the binder and photocatalytic layers in varying concentrations therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiya Watanabe, Eiichi Kojima, Keiichiro Norimoto, Tamon Kimura, Mitsuyoshi Machida, Makoto Hayakawa, Atsushi Kitamura, Makoto Chikuni, Yoshimitsu Saeki, Tatsuhiko Kuga, Yasushi Nakashima
  • Patent number: 6207264
    Abstract: A highly adsorbent, temperature-resistant monolithic activated carbon article is obtained by forming an aqueous emulsion of a polymeric binder, combining the resulting aqueous emulsion with wet, activated carbon particles to produce a slip mixture, forming the obtained slip mixture into a shaped article, and thereafter curing the shaped article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Mega-Carbon Company
    Inventors: Ken K. Robinson, Rodney L. Mieville
  • Patent number: 6207244
    Abstract: A wall or structural element, preferably for the body or parts of the body of motor vehicles, is formed for dissipating impact forces and introducing them into the load-bearing parts of the body of the motor vehicle. The wall or structural element is a composite element formed of a thin-section wall part and a molding which is bonded to the latter over its full surface area. The molding being composed of reinforcing elements fixed in a foamed binder. The reinforcing elements are derived from renewable raw materials in cut or uncut form, preferably monocotyledons or dicotyledons. Two or more composite elements, in each case having wall parts and moldings, may be bonded to one another to form a joint component, for example a motor vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Moeller Plast GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Hesch
  • Patent number: 6203874
    Abstract: A copying sheet comprising a printing film made of a synthetic resin film and a base film made of a foamed polyester resin film releasably adhering to the printing film, the printing film having formed on the front surface thereof a matting material layer and an antistatic agent layer, the matting material layer including silica having the average particle size of less than 5 microns and having a thickness of 0.5 to 10 microns for the purpose of fixing the powders of towner, the base film having formed on the back surface thereof a matting material layer and an antistatic agent layer, the matting material layer including silica having the average particle size of 3 to 10 microns and having the thickness of 7 to 15 microns for the purpose of preventing copying sheets from being sent out of a copier as two or more sheeting being superposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Kisokaseisangyou Co., LTD
    Inventor: Kazumasa Nagafuchi
  • Patent number: 6204209
    Abstract: A thermoformed contoured three-dimensional laminated structure having improved sound absorbing characteristics and which can be formed with shorter mold cycle times includes a porous thermoformable fibrous batt layer and a rigid foam layer. The laminated articles are suitable for use as decorative sound absorbing panels for automotive applications, and are well suited for use as vehicle headliners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Harry J. Rozek, Dennis J. Beard, Marie-Christine Knorr, Christoph Jung
  • Patent number: 6196708
    Abstract: An article, such as a filter or film, has a treated laminate with an expanded PTFE membrane and a porous support scrim. The treated laminate is formed by contacting a laminate having an expanded PTFE membrane and a porous support scrim with an oleophobic treatment agent dissolved in an organic solvent. The oleophobic treatment agent is deposited onto the expanded PTFE membrane and porous support scrim as the organic solvent is removed. The oleophobic treatment agent is typically a fluoropolymer. The article can be used, for example, as a filter over a port in a housing of an electronics or other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Rogers
  • Patent number: 6194064
    Abstract: The present invention is a pressure sensitive adhesive for use on a wallcovering to cover a surface such that the wallcovering is repositionable and removable without damage to the surface. The pressure sensitive adhesive is made by combining a plurality of water based acrylic emulsions and a plurality of hollow glass bubbles having a density and size to be present at the surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive and reduce initial tack to allow movement of the wallcovering on the wall surface. The hollow glass bubbles halve a density within the range of 0.05 to 0.10 g/cc and a size within the range 40 to 177 microns in diameter. Additives can be added to the pressure sensitive adhesive of the present invention such as surfactants, defoamers, thickeners, and tacking resins. The pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to a wallcovering and dried to evaporate the water content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Dyna-Tech Adhesive, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Keely, Richard C. Oldack
  • Patent number: 6190751
    Abstract: A self-adhesive reinforced foam gasket comprising a release liner having an upper surface which is a release surface, a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the release surface, a layer of flexible polymeric film, preferably polyester film, applied to the pressure sensitive adhesive layer, and a layer of flexible foam, preferably closed cell PVC flexible foam, thermally bonded to the flexible polymeric film layer. A length of material for die-cutting the gasket therefrom is provided. The gasket may be used in automobiles and other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Michael S. Sylvester
  • Patent number: 6187428
    Abstract: A wheel rut-resistant carriageway and process for obtaining a wheel rut-resistant carriageway. The wheel rut-resistant carriageway includes at least one rigid base layer, at least one intermediate layer, and a rough upper layer. The at least one rigid base layer has a thickness in the range of approximately 6 cm to approximately 8 cm. The at least one intermediate layer is disposed over the at least one rigid base layer and has a thickness in the range of approximately 4 cm to approximately 5 cm. The at least one intermediate layer has a high void rate allowing for the evacuation of heat by ventilation. The rough upper layer is disposed over the intermediate layer and has a thickness in the range of approximately 2 cm to approximately 3 cm. The process includes applying the at least one rigid base layer having a thickness in the range of approximately 6 cm to approximately 8 cm to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Colas S.A.
    Inventor: Alain Chambon
  • Patent number: 6180219
    Abstract: An ink jet recording material produced by preparing a material (i) for transfer use, which has on a support having a high surface smoothness an ink receiving layer comprising a porous inorganic composition and a resin component; preparing another material (ii) to undergo transfer, which has at least one ink receiving layer coated on at least one side of a substrate; bonding the ink receiving layer of the material (i) to the ink receiving layer of the material (ii) in tight contact to form a united ink receiving layer; and then peeling the support of the material (i) off the united ink receiving layer to reproduce the surface shape of the support at the surface of the united ink receiving layer; wherein the united ink receiving layer has a total thickness of at least 20 &mgr;m and a gloss of at least 60% when measured at the incident angle of 60° according to JIS Z8741: and a method of producing the aforesaid ink jet recording material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhide Hoshino, Hisahiro Omote, Akio Hoshino, Tomonobu Ohmura, Masahide Takano