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

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning sheet including a main body which is intended to be placed on a bottom face of a cleaning head and attachment sheets which extend from the main body and are intended to be secured on a top face of the cleaning head. The main body has an attachment surface and a cleaning surface on opposite sides. The attachment surface is intended to face the bottom face of the cleaning head. The main body includes a substrate sheet and a stretchable support sheet disposed on a cleaning surface side of the substrate sheet to have projections extending beyond opposite side edges of the substrate sheet. Each attachment sheet is joined to a respective projection of the support sheet.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing composite webs and composite webs made thereby in which the web includes a perforated thermoplastic film and one or more nonwoven webs. The method provides a perforated thermoplastic film, a creped nonwoven web, the webs are fed in a face to face relationship to be bonded. The perforated thermoplastic film and the creped nonwoven web are bonded in a face to face relationship at a plurality of points of contact such that the creped structure of the nonwoven web is maintained and the composite web has a nonwoven face and a film face. The composite webs are extensible at least in the direction of the creping.

Abstract: The elastic fabric comprising a cross-linked polyolefin fiber, wherein the fabric has retractions both in warp-wise and weft-wise directions of the fabric of 8% or less after treated by dry heat at 65° C. for 30 minutes is disclosed. Also disclosed is a process for producing an elastic fabric, comprising: retracting a fabric comprising a cross-linked polyolefin fiber while dyeing the fabric, and then stretching or relaxing the fabric at a stretch ratio of 15% or less to finish the fabric with heat-setting. The present invention relates to an elastic fabric having an excellent chemical resistance and an excellent dimensional stability in the form of a product, which is suitably used for sporting fabrics such as swimming suits, leotards and the like, inner fabrics for ladies as well as outer fabrics, for example.

Abstract: A laminate material for an elastic diaper closure consists of an elastic carrier film that has a preferred elongation direction, and at least one cover layer that is laminated on the carrier film. The cover layer consists of a fiber non-woven fabric, which contains fibers of an elastic polymer and fiber components of a non-elastic thermoplastic polymer, which have been stretched in the preferred elongation direction by means of an elongation of the fiber non-woven fabric. There is also a method for making the laminate material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nonwoven fabric having a first component of from 5% to 99% by weight based on the total weight of the composition wherein the first component is selected from the group consisting of homopolymers of propylene and random copolymers of propylene, the first component having a heat of fusion as determined by DSC of less than 50 J/g and stereoregular propylene crystallinity; and a second component having from 95% to 1% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of a propylene polymer or blends of propylene polymers; wherein the nonwoven fabric has a permanent set of less than 60%.

Abstract: An elastic composite film provided with a sintered ePTFE film and an elastomeric resin layer, produced by continuously forming the elastomeric resin layer on at least one side of the sintered ePTFE film, continuously elongating the resulting multilayer film at less than the yield point of the expanded, sintered, porous film and at an elongation factor of 1.3 times or more in the biaxial directions, or in the uniaxial direction without contracting in the direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation, and relaxing the resulting elongated multilayer film, wherein when the composite film is elongated by 10% in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction, the tensile stress strength of the composite film is 2.5 N/15 mm or less, and/or the elongation percentage of the composite film in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction is 30% or more and the elongation recovery rate is 70% or more.

Abstract: The present invention provides an impact resistant sheet material that helps provide exterior walls of a building with resistance to impacts so that the building structure can meet building standards, such as the Miami-Dade County Large Missile Impact Test, for resisting impacts in high wind areas. In one embodiment, sheet material comprises an impact resistant layer that attached to fibrous substrate. The impact resistant layer provides impact resistance to the sheet material so that a wall structure employing the sheet material is able to successfully withstand an impact from a projectile comprising a 9 pound, 7 foot two-by-four (“2×4”) traveling at a speed of at least 34 miles per hour. The impact resistant sheet material may comprise a moisture vapor permeable, water-impermeable barrier layer having a hydrohead of at least 55 cm and a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 35 g/m2/day. Such a sheet material is particularly useful in barrier applications, such as a house wrap.

Abstract: The invention provides a functional stretch laminate composite puckered fabric which is robust, laundry-durable and adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body, and a method for forming such puckered fabric. The functional stretch laminate fabric is provided with at least one functional element which can conduct electricity, conduct light, provide electromagnetic fields or provide shielding from electromagnetic fields. Generally, the functional stretch laminate fabric is sufficiently robust for Incorporation into garments and for applications in so-called wearable electronics.

Abstract: The leather-like sheet of the invention comprises a napped part of ultrafine fibers and a grainy part of nonporous elastic polymer randomly existing in the surface of a substrate prepared by infiltrating a porous polymer elastomer into a three-dimensionally intermingled nonwoven fabric of ultrafine fibers of not more than 0.5 dtex, and this is characterized in that the nonporous elastic polymer is infiltrated into the substrate to a depth thereof of from 5 to 20 ?m from the surface of the substrate. The production method of the invention is for producing a nubuck-type leather-like sheet of good surface abrasion resistance. A grainy part of resin and ultrafine fibers and a part of the ultrafine fibers are mingled on the surface of the substrate, and the sheet has an elegant and three-dimensional appearance like natural leather.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-dimensional web material made of a layer material and also a method and an apparatus for manufacturing the same, wherein the two-dimensional web material contains a non-woven material and has a Poisson's ratio of <0.2 during expansion in the machine direction.

Abstract: The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as open-cell foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabric completes the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

Abstract: An elastomeric laminate that does not require mechanical activation comprises an elastomeric polymer film layer bonded to one or more other substrate layers. The elastomeric film composition, physical properties of the substrate, and bonding conditions are selected and controlled to form an elastomeric laminate that is stretchable and recoverable without the use of excess material or post-lamination mechanical activation. The resulting elastomeric laminate may be manufactured on relatively simple high-speed equipment at lower cost and with improved physical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to propylene-based nonwoven layers made by the meltblown process, and laminates incorporating such layers. The meltblown layers of the present invention comprise propylene copolymers characterized by having less than 50 percent crystallinity. The meltblown layers of the present invention show an improved combination of extensibility and tensile strength. The laminate structures of the present invention are characterized by a combination of low bending modulus with high peel strength.

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an elastic nonwoven fabric with a good elasticity, adequate strength under elongation, good antiblocking property and favorable feeling, suitable for fiber products, at low cost, as well as fiber products using the same. SOLUTION: An elastic nonwoven fabric comprising long elastomeric fiber and nonelastomeric fiber in a weight ratio within a range from 50/50 to 95/5, which has an elongation recovery rate of the elastic nonwoven fabric after 50% elongation equal to or higher than 70%, and a resistance to peel two sheets of the nonwoven fabric apart equal to or lower than the strength of the fabric under 50% elongation; as well as fiber products using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article imparting superior comfort during wearing without inhibiting an absorbent property of an absorbent body, and a manufacturing method thereof. In the stretchable non-woven fabrics composed of a stretchable thermoplastic fiber and a heat-adhesive fiber having a lower melting point than that of the thermoplastic fiber which is arranged on a skin non-contacting side of a chassis, a low-stretchability portion is formed, in which the stretchability of the stretchable non-woven fabrics is lowered, at least in a portion thereof which overlaps an absorbent body in a thickness direction. The low-stretchability portion is formed by heating and pressurizing the portion of an elasticized non-woven fabric being extended.

Abstract: The present invention provides nonwoven webs comprising multicomponent nanocomposite fibers that enable the nonwoven webs to possess high extensibility. The multicomponent nanocomposite fibers comprise two or more components. Each component comprises a polymer composition and at least one component comprises a nanoparticles composition. The nonwoven webs comprising the multicomponent nanocomposite fibers have an average elongation at peak load which is greater than the average elongation at peak load of comparable nonwoven webs without nanocomposite fibers.

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.

Abstract: The electric conductive material has flexibility and elasticity. Electric conductivity is less varied even if the electric conductive material is extended and shrunk. The electric conductive material of the present invention comprises an elastic spiral yarn being composed of organic fibers, and the yarn has been carbonized.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable heating sheet which does not lose its expansion property even when a heating composition thereof is hardened due to reaction with oxygen, which can be used while being fitted to a bendable portion such as an elbow or a knee, and which can be easily manufactured with efficiency, and a heating sheet bag in which the expandable heating sheet is hermetically sealed.

Abstract: An elastic composite that contains an elastic film laminated to one or more nonwoven materials is provided. By selectively controlling the constituents of the composite and the method by which it is formed, the present inventors have discovered that the composite may be resistant to oils and other skin care compositions. More specifically, the elastic film is formed from one or more low density semi-crystalline propylene-based polymers that possess a unique combination of mechanical, elastic, and oil-resistant properties. By using such elastomeric polymers, the resulting elastic film may also be thermally bonded to the nonwoven web material(s) without the need for oil-resistant adhesives. Further, the bonding conditions may be selected so that apertures do not form in the film. In this manner, the resulting composite is impervious to oils or other liquids (e.g., solvents, water, solutions, etc.) and thus acts as a barrier during use.

Abstract: Composite webs having a structured web attached to a carrier web and methods of manufacturing the composite webs are disclosed. The structured web may include a plurality of structures that protrude from the structured web. The methods may involve delivering a molten polymeric composition onto the outer surface of a forming tool that includes a plurality of depressions formed in the outer surface. The molten polymer enters depressions in the outer surface of the forming tool and is solidified therein such that a plurality of structures are formed in the shape of the depressions. A skin layer of the polymeric composition may extend between the depressions, such that the structured web formed on the forming tool includes a skin layer connecting the structures. The structured web is removed from the forming tool after solidification of the polymeric composition by adhering the structured web to a carrier web using adhesive located between the carrier web and structured web.

Abstract: An elastic composite having a high tearing strength made of an elastomeric material and a consolidated entangled web, wherein the consolidated entangled fabric has at least 2 lbs of tearing strength in the machine direction and the composite has 70-95% elastic recovery from a 100% elongation in the cross direction and greater than 50% elastic recovery from a 150% elongation in the cross direction.

Abstract: Stretchable film laminates including a layer of elastomeric openwork, such as a plurality of elastic strands or an elastomeric mesh structure. The stretchable film laminates may include a film layer bonded to the layer of elastomeric openwork, with the film layer having cross-directional stretch and the laminate having a multi-phase stretchability profile. The stretchable film laminates may be made by extruding a film from a die, stretching the film, forming and stretching a layer of elastomeric openwork, conveying the stretched elastomeric openwork onto the film while the film is stretched, and passing the film and the elastomeric openwork through a nip. The invention also includes a machine capable of producing machine-direction, cross-direction, and biaxial stretch materials. The machine includes at least one extruder, at least one filament die and at least one film die both attached to the extruder(s), and at least one nip downstream of the extruder(s).

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to improve the elasticity of a nonwoven fabric manufactured by the spunbonding method. To attain the object, the present invention provides a nonwoven fabric manufactured by the spunbonding method, wherein a lot of holes are formed in the nonwoven fabric by the needle punching method, to give said nonwoven fabric elasticity. Synthetic resin may be impregnated into the nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: Elastomeric composites and elastomeric composite laminates including reinforcement strands incorporated into an elastomeric adhesive film. The strands may vary in terms of levels of tension. Facing layers, such as nonwoven webs, can be laminated to both surfaces of the elastomeric composite to form laminates. A method of making such composites and laminates involves adjusting tension among various elastic strands while extruding the elastic strands and incorporating the elastic strands into the elastomeric adhesive film.

Abstract: An outer cover for use with an absorbent article having a layer of nonwoven fibrous material and optionally including a polymeric layer laminated or printed onto the layer of nonwoven fibrous material. The outer cover includes at least one plastic component and at least one elastic component in the nonwoven fibrous material and/or optional polymeric layer. The outer cover can have different structural combinations of spunbond fibers, meltblown fibers, and/or nanofibers. The combination of plastic and elastic components results in an outer cover that has favorable mechanical, physical, and aesthetic properties. The outer cover can be rendered either uniaxially or biaxially stretchable via a mechanical activation process.

Abstract: A bulky sheet material having three-dimensional protrusions 10 is disclosed. The sheet material comprises a first layer 1 and a second layer 2 adjacent to the first layer 1. The first layer 1 and the second layer 2 is partly joined together at joints 3 in a prescribed pattern. The first layer 1 has a number of raised portions which are located among the joints 3. The second layer 2 comprises a material which exhibits elastomeric behavior. The bulky sheet material 10 exhibits elastomeric behavior as a whole and breathability.

Abstract: A sheet-like fibrous assembly having an inelastic stretchability is intermittently joined to at least one surface of an elastically stretchable sheet. The elastic sheet is elastically stretchable at least 80% in one direction and the fibrous assembly is curved between each pair of binding spots adjacent to each other on the elastic sheet so as to be stretchable in the one direction and comprises ethylene/propylene copolymer, ethylene/propylene/butene copolymer or a mixture of two or more of these copolymers at 100˜10% by weight.

Abstract: This invention relates to nonwoven fabrics in which the fibers of the fabric are laid down such that a majority of the fibers have a fiber direction making an angle substantially parallel to or within an angle in a range of +/?45° of the machine direction. The invention also relates to a nonwoven fabric bonded web having bonding points in a pattern arranged along an axis perpendicular to the machine direction spaced and more widely apart than the bonding points arranged along an axis parallel to the machine direction. The resulting nonwoven having a very low elongation in the machine direction can be elongated with relatively little force in the cross machine direction.

Abstract: An elastic laminate comprising an elastic substrate bonded by point bonding to at least one extensible nonwoven web comprising thermoplastic fibers or filaments bonded by point bonding. The bonding points of the extensible nonwoven web are disposed in concentrated areas that are combined with areas having a substantially lower density of bonding points. Also disclosed is a method of making an elastic laminate comprising the steps of forming the nonwoven web, providing an elastic substrate adjacent the nonwoven web, and point bonding the elastic substrate and the nonwoven web to provide the elastic laminate.

Abstract: Elastic laminates and methods of making same are provided, wherein the laminate includes an elastic film laminated to at least one substrate web, and wherein the elastic film has been stretched at least twice prior to bonding the film to the substrate layer. Such laminates possess improved bond strength between the film and the substrate web and have greater elongation versus laminates made with a film that has been stretched only once.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multicomponent fibers, and particularly sheath-and-core type multicomponent fibers including elastic polymers. The multicomponent fibers have at least three cross sectional elements, wherein a first cross sectional element is an outer sheath element, the second cross sectional element is an inner sheath element, and the third cross sectional element may be either a hollow element or a filled core element.

Abstract: Enhanced wearing comfort and a free-size feature of a hat may be achieved, without deteriorating exterior aesthetical features, when the hat includes a crown portion for being worn on a head of a wearer and an elastic brim formed by a plurality of fabric panels and combined to the crown portion, wherein the elastic brim includes a first fabric panel that is non-elastic and disposed as a most exterior panel among the plurality of fabric panels, a second fabric panel that is elastic and disposed as a most interior panel among the plurality of fabric panels, and sewing stitches combining the first and second fabric panels by sewing them along a circumferential direction in an outer portion of the elastic brim.

Abstract: An elastomeric nonwoven laminate and a process for producing the elastomeric nonwoven laminate are provided. The elastomeric nonwoven laminate includes a first nonwoven, a second nonwoven and a plurality of elastic strands. The plurality of elastic strands is attached to the first nonwoven while under a strain producing a corrugated intermediate laminate once the strain is relieved. A second nonwoven is joined to the corrugated intermediate laminate and subsequently mechanically activated forming an elastomeric nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: Provided is an electrically conductive elastic composite yarn having an elastic member that is surrounded by at least one conductive covering filament. The conductive covering filament has a length that is greater than the drafted length of the elastic member such that substantially all of an elongating stress imposed on the composite yarn is carried by the elastic member. The elastic composite yarn may further include an optional stress-bearing member surrounding the elastic member and the conductive covering filament.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stitch-bonded elastic polymeric composite comprising a non-fibrous elastically extensible substrate stitched with a substantially inextensible yarn system. The composite may have an optional fibrous layer stitch-bonded to the non-fibrous substrate either over or under the non-fibrous elastic substrate. The composite preferably has a shrinkage during boil-off of less than about 10%. The stitching yarn network preferably allows stretch beyond the as-stitched dimensions of about 10–100% in at least one direction, and the composite can recover from this stretch to within 5% in at least one direction.

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.

Abstract: A three-dimensional deep molded structure made from planar knits or wovens composed of homo-component, bicomponent or multi-component fibers having a fiber diameter of less than 100 microns and nonwovens composed of fibers or filaments of any size. Most suitably, nonwovens with a random fiber orientation distribution and a high degree of crimp with partially oriented fibers are preferred for use in forming the deep molded structure.

Abstract: An elastic composite is formed by securing an elastic member to a substrate along a securement path extending longitudinally of the substrate. The position of the elastic member on the substrate varies laterally along the longitudinally extending securement path in a generally periodic wave pattern having at least one period within the securement path. The periodic wave pattern is such that the elastic composite is more stretchable in the direction of the securement path than transverse to the securement path. In another embodiment, the securement path varies laterally as it extends longitudinally along the securement path. The position of the elastic member varies transversely within the securement path to at least partially define a width of the securement path.

Abstract: There is provided a nonwoven elastic laminate closure tab of the invention comprising adjacent first and second nonwoven closure elements each having a first face and a second face and a coextruded film elastic attached to each closure element first face. The first face of each closure element has a first area coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive and a second area adjacent the first area free of pressure-sensitive adhesive at terminal ends of the nonwoven closure elements. The coextruded film elastic has two first regions each having at least one inelastic zone and a second region between the two first regions having at least one elastic zone. The two opposing first regions are attached to the two pressure-sensitive adhesive areas of the two closure elements respectively such that the second adhesive free areas of the two adjacent closure elements are in face to face contact with at least a portion of the coextruded elastic film elastic second region.

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.

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.

Abstract: An elastomeric, breathable laminate having enhanced breathability is formed by bonding a breathable, microporous, extendible/elastic film to a nonwoven facing material. The facing material can be necked to impart cross-directional stretchability. Once the film and the facing material are bonded together, the resulting laminate is stretched in one or more areas to impart higher breathability to selected areas of the laminate. The breathable laminate with enhanced breathability is particularly useful as an outer cover for diapers and other personal care products.

Abstract: An elastic strand laminate, and a method of making an elastic strand laminate. The elastic strand laminate includes a plurality of self-adhering elastic strands made up of an elastomeric adhesive composition. The self-adhering elastic strands can be laminated to one or more facing sheets using conventional hot melt equipment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an elastic laminate which is elastically extensible in at least one direction. The elastic laminate includes an elastomeric material having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface; and a first nonwoven layer joined to the first surface of the elastomeric material. The first nonwoven layer is formed from component fibers having a primary fiber direction. The first nonwoven layer has a Fiber Orientation Ratio within about ±20 degrees from a primary fiber direction of at least about 65%. The present invention is also directed to a disposable garment employing such an elastic laminate.

Abstract: A material and method for providing a laminate of at least two layers to provide breathability and moisture barrier properties without appreciably reducing elastic properties. A first material comprises a woven or nonwoven web and a second material comprises a cellular elastomer film or fiber. Such materials may be integrated into a laminate by forming said first material onto said second material, or by joining the two materials through chemical or physical means such as the use of adhesives. The second material can be prepared by mixing a cell opening agent with the elastomeric polymer resin and extruding the mixture at appropriate conditions whereby the cell opening agent decomposes or reacts to release a gas that forms cells in the elastomer film.

Abstract: A nonwoven web of multipolymer fibers is described that is unidirectionally stretched and permanently elongated at ambient conditions and exhibits a substantial increase in tensile strength in the stretch direction. The ratio of tensile strength of the web in the direction of fiber orientation to the tensile strength in the other direction is at least about 10:1. The ratio of elongation at peak load in a direction transverse to the direction of fiber orientation is at least about 6:1. The multipolymer fibers normally are a blend of polyethylene and a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, one of which is a dominant phase and one of which is a dispersed phase. A third component having elastomeric properties that is at least partially miscible with one or both of the other components is included in some blends.

Abstract: Thermally divisible multicomponent fibers having at least a first component including an elastomeric polymer and at least a second component including a non-elastomeric polymer. The multicomponent fibers are useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede and filtration media.

Abstract: An elastic laminate web is disclosed. The elastic laminate web can be non-apertured or apertured, and comprises a first web, and a second web joined to the first web in a face to face relationship at a plurality of discrete bond sites having an aspect ratio of at least 2. The first and second webs form an interior region therebetween. An elastic material is disposed between the first and second webs. The elastic material is apertured in regions coincident the bond sites, such that the first and second webs are joined through the apertures. The laminate so produced can be stretched in a predetermined direction, such as by incremental stretching, to produce an apertured elastic laminate.