Abstract: The present invention provides a method of placing elasticized areas in a nonwoven web construction such as may be suitable for the waistbands or leg openings of disposable absorbent pant garments, cuffs on sleeves of medical garments, or the like. A web, or webs, of extendible nonwoven material which make up the substrate for the elasticized area are printed with an elastic adhesive in its fluid or semi-fluid and untensioned state to provide a tensioning force against distension of the web during wearing of the garment for conformable, well fitting, elasticized cuff areas and may further be used to reinforce biaxially extendible web components such as the backsheet web.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable composite sheet includes an elastic layer and an inelastic layer formed with stretchable fibers having a relatively small diameter and bonded to at least one surface of the elastic layer. In the inelastic layer bonded to the elastic layer is formed with thermoplastic synthetic fiber, at least 80% by weight of stretchable fibers includes thermoplastic synthetic fiber containing lubricant of 0.1˜5.0% by weight.

Abstract: A composite fabric and a method for manufacturing the composite fabric that includes at least one planar structure and at least one nonwoven fabric thermally bonded to the planar structure via a plurality of welds arranged in a predetermined pattern. A sheet of parallel elastic threads is disposed between the nonwoven fabric and the planar structure, wherein portions of the elastic threads are embedded in the plurality of welds in a stretched state. The composite fabric can be used for manufacturing hygienic products, in particular diapers, including diaper pants.

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 invention provides a thermoplastic elastomer nonwoven fabric roll that exhibits minimal longitudinal wrinkles and minimal delayed restoration when unrolled, and method and apparatus for producing the same. Thermoplastic elastomer filaments that have been melt-spun are piled on a belt conveyor thereby forming a sheet of nonwoven fabric, that is guided to a rotating roller disposed above the transportation zone of the belt conveyor and peeled off therefrom. Since minimal tension is applied to the nonwoven fabric during processing, the nonwoven fabric can be unrolled with little stretching by applying relatively little tension to the nonwoven fabric. By the method of this invention, a nonwoven fabric roll with unrolling tension of 0.25 g/cm/basis-weight or less can be formed.

Abstract: Hot-melt adhesive compositions of atactic polypropylene and isotactic polypropylene are particularly suitable for bonding non-woven elastic composites. A selected amount of isotactic polypropylene is blended with a selected amount of atactic polypropylene to prepare an adhesive composition having one or more performance properties (e.g., bond strength) that are superior to the performance properties of conventional hot-melt adhesives.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter cloth for a filter, which has a supporting surface, comprising a fixing area for attachment to the filter and a filtration area for resting on the supporting surface. In order to raise the filtration area from the supporting surface an extensible fabric structure is provided at least in the filtration area, with highly elastic monofilament threads being selectively incorporated into the fabric structure at least in the filtration area in order to produce a defined amount of elasticity.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable nonwoven fabric comprises elastically stretchable first fibers made of a first polymer and inelastically stretchable second fibers made of a second polymer. The second fibers are separably attached to the first fiber at attaching areas intermittently formed on the first fiber. Between the attaching areas neighboring to each other the second fibers are spaced apart from the first fiber and have lengths longer than that of the first fiber. One to sixteen of the second fibers are provided per each first fiber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an elastic composite material having an elastic layer having a first side and a second side; at least one gatherable layer bonded to at least one of the first side and second side of the elastic layer; and a fibrous material entangled and intertwined with both the elastic layer and the gatherable layer. The resulting elastic composite provides a stretchable material which can conform to surfaces and has desirable properties of the fibrous material entangle and intertwined with both the elastic layer and the gatherable layer and does not suffer from the loss of the fibrous material from the stretchable substrate. The composite is usable in as bandages, durable wipes, durable mops and personal care products, such as diapers and feminine napkins. Also disclosed is a method for making the composite.

Abstract: An oil-resistant elastic laminate including an elastomeric sheet laminated to one or more nonwoven facing sheets with an oil-insensitive adhesive applied to a surface of the elastomeric sheet and/or the facing sheet(s), an oil-insensitive adhesive incorporated within the elastomeric sheet, and/or an oil-insensitive adhesive incorporated within the nonwoven facing sheet(s). The invention further includes methods of making oil-resistant elastic laminates.

Abstract: A flexible substrate applied with an activated carbon coating is provided. The activated carbon coating is formed from a mixture of a polymeric material and an activation agent. The mixture is activated by heating to a temperature of from about 100° C. to about 250° C. As a result of the present invention, it has been discovered that a substrate can be formed that is flexible and also capable of performing other functions, such as serving as an odor control agent.

Abstract: An extensible laminate having improved set and hysteresis is disclosed. The extensible laminate includes an extensible nonwoven web laminated to an elastomeric sheet that have been mechanically stretched in the cross direction after lamination. A method for making the extensible laminate includes laminating an extensible nonwoven web to an elastomeric sheet to form a laminate and mechanically stretching the laminate in a cross direction by at least about 50 percent.

Abstract: An elastomeric laminate that includes at least one facing layer laminated to an elastomeric layer. The facing layer or layers may be nonwoven web(s) made up of thermoplastic filaments formed from a random copolymer or a random copolymer blend. The invention further includes an ultrasonically bonded seam formed by ultrasonically bonding the elastomeric laminate to a substrate, and the method therefor.

Abstract: There is provided an elastic thermal insulating wrap having a insulating skin facing layer and an airflow impeding layer, with elastic strands interposed therebetween. The elastic strands are arranged in a substantially parallel manner and the strands and layers are bonded to produce the wrap laminate.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a novel non-woven fabric characterized by high stretch recovery and a process for preparing said fabric by employing fibers of latent crimp.

Abstract: Heat bonded thermoplastic and partially thermoplastic nonwoven webs which have been thermomechanically treated while under low strain rate tension show significant improvement to their coformability and softness. More importantly the low strain rate thermomechanical treatment imparts a high degree of commercially valuable elasticity. The resultant webs find use in all nonwoven applications where softness, conformability and elasticity are useful. The resultant webs develop elasticity in only one direction but the two embodiments provide the ability to create elasticity in the machine or cross machine direction of a roll of precursor material. In addition virtually any precursor web containing at least 70% thermally bonded thermoplastic fibers can be used.

Abstract: An elastomeric film includes a first layer co-extruded with a second layer. The first layer includes a single-site catalyzed ethylene-alpha olefin copolymer having a density of about 0.860 to about 0.900 grams per centimeter. The second layer includes a styrene copolymer selected from styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene, or styrene(ethylene/propylene)-styrene-(ethylene/propylene). The first layer may optionally include filler particles. An extensible laminate including the elastomeric film is also disclosed.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable composite sheet including an elastic sheet and a fibrous assembly. A fibrous assembly having an inelastic extensibility is bonded to at least one surface of an elastic sheet at intermittently arranged bond regions to form a composite sheet. Component fibers constituting the fibrous assembly are long fibers continuously extending and describing curves between each pair of adjacent bond regions.

Abstract: An elastic laminate fabric useful for applications including apparel, sanitary products, and the like has an elastic vinylidene isoprene polymer film sandwiched between two outer non-woven layers. The laminate elastic fabric has CD elongation of at least 120%, and has recovery of at least 85% after several cycles of 100% elongation. A method of making the non-woven elastic laminate fabric includes extrusion coating a non-woven web having CD elongation of at least 120% with a vinylidene isoprene polymer film, and then thermocalendaring a second non-woven layer having a CD elongation of at least 120% to the exposed film surface. The mode of thermocalendering includes the use of an engraved calender roll having a discontinuous roll pattern and a land area no greater than 15%.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable composite sheet includes an elastically stretchable first web and an inelastically stretchable second web of thermoplastic synthetic resin fiber which is intermittently bonded to the first web in a y-direction. Component fiber of the second web has its cress-section cut in a direction orthogonal to the y-direction defined by a width w and a height h dimensioned to be at a ratio h/w less than 0.5. The composite sheet having such a structure improve its flexibility.

Abstract: A laundry-durable stretchable composite fabric, based on two nonwoven outer layers and a pre-stretched inner layer of elastomeric fibers of at least 400 decitex and at least eight threadlines/inch, and having a flat surface appearance, is provided.

Abstract: A multi-layer elastic flat-shaped article having a predefined shape, consisting of at least two outer layers made of a porous fibrous or filamentous batting, and at least one inner layer, disposed between and adherent to a pair of said at least two outer layers. The inner layer is applied as at least one adhesive skein forming a latticework configuration. The adhesive skein is formed of a thermoplast having elastic properties at room temperature, and being adapted to recover its latticework configuration after tensile loading. The resulting article flat shaped article may be elastically stretched, and return to its original configuration. A preferred method for depositing the thermoplast is a printing process, for example intaglio printing, flexoprinting or screen printing. Nozzles may also be used to extrude hot thermoplast in a pattern defined by a relative movement of the outer layer or layers and the nozzle. The pattern may be continuous or interrupted.

Abstract: A melt-blown nonwoven fabric of the present invention is formed from an ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymer having a melt flow rate of 50 to 1000 g/10 min measured at 2.16 kg load and at a temperature of 190° C. in accordance with ASTM D1238, and a content of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid unit of 2 to 25 weight %. The nonwoven fabric has the sum of values of (tensile strength (g/5 cm))/(basis weight (g/m2)) in machine direction and cross direction of 30 to 100, and a residual strain after 50% extension of no more than 20%, and is excellent in gas permeability , elasticity and moreover moderate strength. The nonwoven fabric is suitable for elasticized fabric components, packaging materials, laminates, etc.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable nonwoven fabric including thermoplastic elastomer filaments; the filaments being heat-sealed and/or mechanically intertwined together to form the nonwoven fabric that has crimped regions and non-crimped regions wherein each of the crimped regions has fine crimps in the rate of 50/cm or higher.

Abstract: A method of making a fabric composite capable to assuming a desired shape including the steps of forming an interlining fabric (10) containing elastic yarn (15) running longitudinally of the fabric, varying the density of yarn across the width of the interlining to control the longitudinal extensibility across the width, and attaching the interlining to a fabric backing material (12).

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: 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: Provided is a laminate of masticated rubber. A layer of fabric, capable of withstanding vulcanization temperatures, such as a non woven layer of polyester or polyester and nylon is bonded by means of vulcanization to at least one outer surface of the rubber laminate. Advantageously, this increases the stiffness of the rubber laminate. Further advantageously and unexpectedly, the fabric reinforced rubber laminate in accordance with the invention shows significant improvement in heat aging properties, such as heat resistance, tensile strength, hardness and tear strength.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable composite sheet that includes an elastic layer and an inelastic layer formed with stretchable fibers having a relatively small diameter and bonded to at least one surface of the elastic layer. In the inelastic layer bonded to the elastic layer is formed with thermoplastic synthetic fiber, at least 80% by weight of stretchable fibers includes thermoplastic synthetic fiber containing lubricant of 0.1˜5.0% by weight.

Abstract: A method of producing basic starting material for the manufacture of fastener tabs comprises the steps of: stretching a first sheet of elastic material in a first direction; applying a second and a third sheet of material onto respective opposite sides of the first sheet; fastening the three material sheets together in at least two mutually separated zones that extend parallel with each other in one direction perpendicular to the first direction; dividing the first sheet in each region between two zones along a line that lies between the zones, whereby the first sheet in each region between the zones contracts to a non-stretched state, and thereafter fastening the sheets together in each region between the zones.

Abstract: A hunter camouflage system for temporarily camouflaging a hunter's face and neck. The hunter camouflage system includes a sheet member, a plurality of camouflage members each having an exterior surface, and a layer of adhesive attached to an inner surface of the camouflage members. The camouflage members are comprised of a porous, breathable and stretchable material. The adhesive is preferably comprised of a pressure sensitive adhesive that is hypoallergenic and breathable. The sheet member includes a facial outline with the camouflage members appropriately placed within the facial outline representing the corresponding locations upon the user's face and neck that the camouflage members are to be applied thereto. The camouflage members preferably include a scent absorbing composition such as coal-based activated carbon.

Abstract: A composite textile yarn and a moisture management elastic fabric made therefrom, the yarn comprising an elastic filament and hydrophilic fibers embedded at the yarn center within a matrix of hydrophobic fibers such that the hydrophobic fibers are concentrated at the periphery of the yarn, a transition area between the hydrophobic fibers concentrated about the elastic filament at the yarn center and the peripheral hydrophobic yarns in which both fiber types are present.

Abstract: A biaxially extendible, breathable laminate having liquid barrier properties and low retractive force. The laminate includes a nonwoven web neck-stretched in a first direction to impart extendibility of the web in a second direction mutually perpendicular with the first direction, and a film that is extendible in the second direction. The film can be a breathable, microporous film, and can either be an inelastic film stretched to form rugosities in the second direction, or can be made of an extendible polymer that is extendible in the second direction. Using an appropriate elastomeric lamination and/or creping adhesive, the laminate is creped to produce extendibility in the first direction with some retractive force. The biaxial extendible laminate is particularly useful as an outer cover for diapers and other personal care products.

Abstract: The flame retardant sheet material of the present invention simultaneously affords good flame retardancy and melting resistance in a sheet material in which a nonwoven is used, and also simultaneously provides good abrasion resistance and an excellent design, making it suitable for use in automotive trim surface materials. A flame retardant sheet material is obtained by first needle-punching and then stitch-bonding a web containing 70 to 95 wt % base fiber and 5 to 30 wt % flame retardant fiber selected from among flame retardant rayon fiber and modacrylic fiber. It is preferable for propoxyphosphazene or another such phosphoric ester-based flame retardant to be kneaded into the flame retardant fiber. It is also preferable to add a binder fiber to the web in order to improve abrasion resistance.

Abstract: Synthetic leather includes a piece of backing cloth with all-direction stretchability located at one side of the synthetic leather, a surface skin located at another side of the synthetic leather, and an intermediate layer fixed between the backing cloth and the surface skin for providing thickness of the synthetic leather. The elongation property value of the backing cloth is more than 200% in all-direction. Thereby the synthetic leather of the present invention can concurrently have characteristics of high thickness, high softness and a fine-break surface.

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an elastic long-fiber non-woven fabric that exhibits excellent elasticity, appropriate stress upon elongation, an excellent anti-blocking property, and an excellent soft feel, and which is suitable for applications to fabric products; and to provide fabric products manufactured from such an elastic long-fiber non-woven fabric.

Abstract: There is provided layer for personal care products made from elastic polymers that are extruded and cross-linked to form superabsorbents. Such a layer is useful in personal care products, like diapers, training pants, incontinence garments and feminine hygiene products.

Abstract: A method for preparing stretchable bonded nonwoven fabrics which involves forming a substantially nonbonded nonwoven web of multiple-component continuous filaments or staple fibers which are capable of developing three-dimensional spiral crimp, activating the spiral crimp by heating substantially nonbonded web under free shrinkage conditions during which the nonwoven remains substantially nonbonded, followed by bonding the crimped nonwoven web using an array of discrete mechanical, chemical, or thermal bonds. Nonwoven fabrics prepared according to the method of the current invention have an improved combination of stretch-recovery properties, textile hand and drape compared to multiple-component nonwoven fabrics known in the art.

Abstract: A fabric that comprises an entangled, creped and optionally stretched nonwoven web is provided. The nonwoven web is formed from splittable multicomponent thermoplastic fibers having individual segments exposed on an outer perimeter thereof. In one embodiment, the splittable multicomponent fibers are continuous spunbonded thermoplastic fibers. For example, in some embodiments, the creped nonwoven web can be hydraulically entangled with a fibrous material that contains cellulosic fibers and optionally synthetic staple fibers.

Abstract: A laminated composite suitable for use in medical products such as tapes and wraps. The composite includes, for example, a first nonwoven fiber layer, an elastic layer, a melt blown adhesive fiber layer, and a second nonwoven fiber layer. A scrim layer serves as a deadstop, or stretch limit, to prevent over stretching. The non-woven fiber layer(s) and/or the scrim layer form suitable loops for a hook and loop fastening system. The scrim layer in some embodiments is employed to make the composite finger tearable. The melt blown adhesive layer, nonwoven web layer and elastic layer form a breathable, porous elastic composite. Methods of manufacturing the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A neckable nonwoven web is provided with a central region and two edge regions, the central region being selectively easier to neck than the two edge regions. The nonwoven fibers in the central region have a polymer composition and/or physical properties which differ from the nonwoven fibers in the two edge regions. The selectively easier necking in the central region causes the central region to neck to about the same extent as the two edge regions, which otherwise would experience greater necking than the central region if the starting nonwoven web were completely uniform. Necked nonwoven webs and neck-bonded laminates made using the improved neckable nonwoven web, are also provided.

Abstract: A polyolefin composition which contains 45 to 5 weight percent of a low viscosity propylene homopolymer having an as polymerized melt flow rate of 250 to 550 g/10 minutes and 55 to 95 weight percent of an olefin polymer composition, preferably a random copolymer of propylene and ethylene and/or a C4-10 alpha-olefin or mixtures thereof, containing from 90 to 99 weight percent propylene. The composition may be formed into fibers having a diameter of from 15 to 23 microns. The fibers may be used to produce nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: A method of making a fabric composite capable to assuming a desired shape including the steps of forming an interlining fabric (10) containing elastic yarn (15) running longitudinally of the fabric, varying the density of yarn across the width of the interlining to control the longitudinal extensibility across the width, and attaching the interlining to a fabric backing material (12).

Abstract: A transversely stretched nonwoven fabric is manufactured by transversely stretching a nonwoven fabric. First, an original web comprising a plurality of un-oriented filaments is heated to a temperature higher than its stretch suitable temperature by 5° C. or more. Next, the heated original web is stretched at a rate of 1.2 to 3 in its transverse direction to stretch the filaments of the original web with almost no molecular orientation involved. Then, the original web stretched transversely at a rate of 1.2 to 3 is heated to the stretch suitable temperature and the original web is further stretched transversely at the stretch suitable temperature. With these steps, a transversely stretched nonwoven fabric in which the original web is stretched transversely at a rate of 7 times or more in total as compared with the state of the stretch thereof is manufactured with a high tensile strength of 132.5 mN/tex (1.5 g/d) in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A transversely stretched nonwoven fabric is manufactured by transversely stretching a nonwoven fabric. First, an original web comprising a plurality of unoriented filaments is heated to a temperature higher than its stretch suitable temperature by 5° C. or more. Next, the heated original web is stretched at a rate of 1.2 to 3 in its transverse direction to stretch the filaments of the original web with almost no molecular orientation involved. Then, the original web stretched transversely at a rate of 1.2 to 3 is heated to the stretch suitable temperature and the original web is further stretched transversely at the stretch suitable temperature. With these steps, a transversely stretched nonwoven fabric in which the original web is stretched transversely at a rate of 7 times or more in total as compared with the state of the stretch thereof is manufactured with a high tensile strength of 132.5 mN/tex (1.5 g/d) in the transverse direction.

Abstract: The Mat Mate™ is a soft, comfortable, washable, mat covering that stays on a mat during mat use such as nap time and playtime.

Abstract: A process for preparing nonwoven webs comprising multiple component continuous filaments having high levels of three-dimensional helical crimp utilizing draw rolls to provide a high degree of orientation to each of the polymeric components by mechanically drawing the filaments under conditions wherein the polymeric components remain substantially amorphous and a stretchable nonwoven web comprising multiple component, continuous filaments having high levels of three-dimensional helical crimp.

Abstract: A method of producing basic starting material for the manufacture of fastener tabs (31) intended for joining the side portions of the front and rear parts of an absorbent article that includes a front part, a rear part and an intermediate crotch part, so as to give the article a pants-like configuration According to the invention the method comprises the steps of

Abstract: A bicomponent elastic fiber that includes a core formed of an elastic fiber and having a sheath formed of a non-elastic material surrounding the core. The sheath has at least one cut therein extending at an angle to the length of the fiber to expose and release the elasticity of the core elastic fiber. This provides elasticity to the bicomponent elastic fiber.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric sheet comprising a multiplicity of generally parallel elongate strands of inelastic thermoplastic material extending in a first direction in spaced relationship, each of said strands having opposite elongate side surface portions that are spaced from and are adjacent elongate side surface portions of adjacent strands, and each of said strands also having corresponding opposite first and second elongate surface portions extending between said opposite elongate side surface portions, and a first sheet of flexible nonwoven material having spaced anchor portions bonded at first bond sites of the strands along said first elongate surface portions wherein the elongate strands thermoplastic material is oriented at least between adjacent bond sites along the length of the strands.