Olefin Polymer Or Copolymer Sheet Or Film (e.g., Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Ethylene-butylene Copolymer, Etc.) Patents (Class 442/398)
  • Publication number: 20040038611
    Abstract: A curing low dielectric loss tangent film using a low dielectric loss tangent composition containing a polyfunctional styrene compound having excellent dielectric characteristics, and a wiring film using the same as an insulating layer are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Satoru Amou, Shinji Yamada, Takao Ishikawa, Akira Nagai, Masatoshi Sugimasa
  • Publication number: 20040033749
    Abstract: A composite facer material for use with cementitious wallboards, where the composite facer is embedded in a top and bottom face thereof. The composite facer material, in a most preferred embodiment, comprises two layers. The first layer is preferably a carded polyester nonwoven mat, which is bonded to a second layer comprising preferably a tri-directional laid scrim fabric reinforcement layer made of continuous glass fibers. The two layers are preferably bonded together using an acrylic adhesive, which offers superior adhesion between the layers as well as superior adhesion between the composite facing material and the cementitious core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Robert M. Smith, George C. McLarty, Andrew D. Child, Samuel E. Graham, W. Randolph Hursey
  • Publication number: 20040029467
    Abstract: A breathable film includes at least one polymer (a) taken from the group comprising an ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer (a1), an optionally neutralized ethylene/ (meth)acrylic acid copolymer (a2), an ethylene/vinyl monomer copolymer (a3), the (a1)/(a2) blend, the (a1)/(a3) blend, the (a2)/(a3) blend and the (a1)/(a2)/(a3) blend, and/or includes at least one functionalized polyethylene (b); and at least one copolymer (c) having copolyamide blocks or polyester blocks and polyether blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Christophe Lacroix
  • Publication number: 20040023587
    Abstract: An acoustical insulation laminate having a porous polyolefin layer and a process for making the laminate. The laminate preferably includes a porous multiple density polyolefin film, a sound absorbing material and may include a face cloth on one or both sides of the laminate. The porous polyolefin film is preferably disposed between a sound source and the sound absorbing material improving the total noise reduction coefficient of the sound absorbing material alone while reducing the weight of laminates having similar noise reduction capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: C.T.A. Acoustics
    Inventor: Matthew Bargo
  • Publication number: 20040023585
    Abstract: A flexible, vapor permeable, liquid impermeable composite fabric comprising a ultraviolet light stabilized and thermally stabilized microporous-formable polyolefin barrier layer extrusion laminated to an ultra-violet light stabilized and thermally stabilized polyolefin nonwoven fabric, the composite of which has been incrementally stretched to induce sufficient moisture vapor transmission characteristics while maintaining adequate resistance to water penetration, and methods of making the composite. This composite may be further laminated to one or more layers of either woven or nonwoven materials offering strength and environmental resistance characteristics sufficient for various outdoor applications including covers and building construction products. Embodiments of the above mentioned components have been shown to offer improved liquid resistance, environmental stability, and abrasion resistance as compared to existing commercially available materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Todd R. Carroll, John D. Langley, Barry S. Hinkle
  • Publication number: 20040014389
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composite material comprising a vulcanizable polychloroprene rubber composition and textile fibers, the fibers having distributed over surface portions thereof an adhesive comprising a resorcinol-formaldehyde resin and a copolymer of from about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent 2,3-dichloro-1,3-butadiene and from about 90 weight percent to about 99 weight percent chloroprene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Judy Chu, James Gregory Gillick
  • Patent number: 6680265
    Abstract: A nonwoven web made from a polymeric fiber blend comprising at least one elastomeric polyolefin and at least one nonelastomeric polyolefin useful as the elastic base sheet for a nonwoven laminate is disclosed. Preferably, the polymeric blend will comprise a nonelastomeric resin in the range of from about 10 to about 90 percent by weight, and an elastomeric resin of from about 90 to about 10 percent by weight. The elastomeric polyolefin will have a density of less than about 0.885 g/cm3 and the nonelastomeric polyolefin will have a density of at least about 0.890 g/cm3. In one particular embodiment, the polymeric blend may comprise about 50 percent to about 90 percent by weight of a narrow molecular weight distribution polyethylene and about 50 percent to about 10 percent by weight of a nonelastomeric polyolefin such as a linear low density polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Allen Smith, Kenneth B. Close, Richard C. Beck, Jay S. Shultz, David J. Baer, Susan E. Shawver, Paul W. Estey, Deepak R. Parikh, Kenneth B. Stewart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6677258
    Abstract: A breathable composite sheet material, a method for making such a sheet material, and an absorbent article utilizing the sheet material are provided. The composite sheet material is comprised of a thermoplastic film adhered directly to a fibrous substrate. The thermoplastic film comprises at least 50% by weight of a polymer material from the group of block copolyether esters, block copolyether amides and polyurethanes. The substrate comprises a fibrous web of at least 50% by weight of polyolefin polymersynthetic fibers. The composite sheet exhibits a peel strength of at least 0.1 N/cm, a dynamic fluid transmission of less than about 0.75 g/m2 when subjected to an impact energy of about 2400 joules/m2, and a moisture vapor transmission rate, according to the dessiccant method, of at least 1500 g/m2/2 hr.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignees: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Proctor and Gamble
    Inventors: Nora Liu Carroll, Hyun Sung Lim, George Joseph Ostapchenko, Shailaja R. Vaidya, J. Michael Mc Kenna, John Joseph Curro, Gary Dean Lavon, Richard L. Sparks
  • Patent number: 6663611
    Abstract: An absorbent article including a liquid-permeable top layer, an absorbent core layer, and a breathable outer cover is provided with a breathable inner laminate between the absorbent core and the outer cover. The breathable inner laminate includes a breathable film and a nonwoven filament web, and is less breathable than the outer cover. The low to moderately breathable inner laminate substantially reduces perceived dampness occurring on the external surface of the highly breathable outer cover, following a liquid insult, when the article is being worn, without seriously hampering moisture flux out of the diaper. Direct pathways for moisture near the wearer's skin to exit the article are maintained, and a concentration gradient is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol Ann Blaney, Ann Louise McCormack, Christopher Dale Fenwick, Tamara Lee Mace
  • Patent number: 6649251
    Abstract: An inexpensive breathable protective outer garment is produced from a breathable laminated fabric having a breathable film adhesively bonded to a nonwoven fabric. The film constitutes the outer layer of the garment and the nonwoven layer is on the inside. The seams of the garment are ultrasonically bonded such that the film sides of the laminate are in contact with each other during seaming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly- Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Gerald Druecke, James Jay Tanner, Richard Howard Bell
  • Patent number: 6649548
    Abstract: There is disclosed a nonwoven web/film laminate for use as a fabric in personal care products. The laminate is formed of at least two layers in an SF formation. The spunbond (S) layer of the laminate is formed of preferably metallocene catalyzed polypropylene. The film (F) layer is formed of a polyolefin which may be metallocene-catalyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Elaine Shawver, Hughey Kenneth Jeffries, Simon Kwame Ofosu, Jay Sheldon Shultz, Peter Michlovich Kobylivker, Dwyana Marchael Barrett, Patrick John Notheis, Stephen Carl Meyer, Nathan Allen Genke
  • Patent number: 6645887
    Abstract: A durable, water-resistant, breathable, multi-layer laminate adapted to transmit moisture and composed of (1) an outer woven, non-woven or knitted layer of fabric, (2) a discontinuous non-breathable hydrophobic adhesive, (3) a first hydrophilic barrier film adhesively secured to the outer fabric layer, by the hydrophilic adhesive, (4) a continuous film or discontinuous breathable hydrophilic adhesive, and (5) a second hydrophilic barrier film adhered to the hydrophilic adhesive. The first hydrophilic barrier film and second hydrophilic barrier film are adhesively secured to each other with the breathable hydrophilic adhesive and define a void area between the two films and together the films enhance moisture migration and transfer. The laminates may include two additional layers of (6) a second hydrophilic adhesive, and (7) a fabric backing layer secured by the second hydrophilic adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Burlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Kocinec, Richard C Jefferson
  • Publication number: 20030199217
    Abstract: A housewrap material for controlling moisture in the walls of a building includes a moisture vapor permeable, water impermeable sheet material having opposite surfaces with a plurality of drainage channels formed in the sheet material for directing the flow of liquid and for imparting to the sheet material a three-dimensional configuration. The sheet material has a crush resistance under a load of about 2.65 psi of at least 50%. In one embodiment, the integral drainage channels are defined by a plurality of generally parallel extending peaks and valleys that allow water to be drained from the wall. The composite nonwoven material has sufficient strength and stiffness to impart significant crush resistance to the composite, so that the integral drainage channels will not be collapsed or destroyed by the subsequent application of siding, stucco, paneling or the like to the building. Preferably, the composite sheet material has a crush resistance of at least 50% when subjected to a pressure of about 2.65 psi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Reemay, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur H. Cashin, Gary W. Anderson, Susannah D. Gelotte
  • Patent number: 6624099
    Abstract: A multi-layer sheet made from olefin polymer materials includes (1) at least one outer layer of (a) a propylene polymer, (b) graft copolymer comprising a backbone of a propylene polymer material, to which is graft polymerized a vinyl monomer, either (a) or (b) optionally containing a nucleating agent, or (c) an olefin polymer composition, and (2) at least one layer made from alternating layers of a propylene polymer material and glass fiber mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Basell Poliolefine Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Bakhtiar Alam Shah
  • Patent number: 6610383
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a necked laminate and a process for making the laminate. The necked laminate is formed from sheet layers of at least one non-elastic neckable material laminated to at least one non-elastic film defining a longitudinal and transverse dimension wherein the laminate is extensible and retractable in at least one dimension without significantly reducing the breathability and/or liquid barrier properties of the film layer. This laminate extensibility and retractability is the result of striated rugosities in, for instance, the longitudinal dimension of the film layer which enables the necked laminate to have an amount of extensibility and retractability in the transverse dimension. The laminate is made by first partially stretching the non-elastic film layer, attaching a non-elastic neckable layer to form a laminate and then stretching the laminate to neck the laminate and stretch the film to its desired fully stretched configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Tod Morman, Robert John Schwartz, Howard Martin Welch, Patricia Hsiaoyin Hwang
  • Patent number: 6586354
    Abstract: A multi-microlayer thermoplastic film structure and methods of making the same. More specifically, this invention relates to a multi-microlayer film having a degradable polymer layer and a thermoplastic elastomer layer. Filler materials may be included in either the degradable polymer layer or the thermoplastic elastomer layer. The multi-microlayer films may be formed in a co-extrusion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Dave A. Soerens, Oomman P. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6582810
    Abstract: A one-step method of imparting breathability and elasticity to a film includes coextruding elastic fibers within a matrix of a filled, semi-rigid film structure. Once the elastic fibers are within the film structure, the film can be stretched to impart breathability, while the elastic fibers provide elasticity. Furthermore, the elastic fibers can include an absorbent material. The resulting breathable, elastic film is particularly useful in diapers and other personal care products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael T. Heffelfinger
  • Publication number: 20030077970
    Abstract: A method for producing a structured material for accommodating passage of fluids, particularly high viscosity fluids, through the structured material. In one embodiment, the structured material is a composite material formed of a first layer, for example a polypropylene polymer, having a first shrinkage extent and a second layer bonded to the first layer, for example an ethylene-propylene copolymer, having a second shrinkage extent different from the first shrinkage extent. In another embodiment, a structured heterogenous material is made of a heterogeneous mixture of at least two homogeneous fiber sets or components having different shrinkage extents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Mary Lucille DeLucia, Sandy Chi-Ching Tan, Eugenio Go Varona, Jessica B. King
  • Publication number: 20030077471
    Abstract: A breathable multilayer film having a breathable core layer and at least one skin layer is disclosed. The core layer prepared by from a mixture containing a thermoplastic polymer and a particulate filler and the skin layer or layers are prepared from a mixture of at least two incompatible polymers and a polymer which compatiblizes the incompatible polymers. The addition of the compatiblizer in the skin layer improves the film forming consistency. In addition, the core layer contains voids around the particulate filler and the skin layer or layer has cracks or voids, which provides breathability to the multilayer film. Stretching of the film after the layers are coextruded together forms the voids and/or cracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: John David Tucker
  • Publication number: 20030068483
    Abstract: Provided is a porous film which is excellent in a tear strength and has a low heat shrinkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshinori Takahashi, Daisuke Osaki
  • Publication number: 20030060110
    Abstract: A method of extruding a foamed plastic into a carrier that relies on the use of dual, multiple blowing agents, a dispersed blowing agent and a micro-encapsulated blowing agent. The resulting product is a polymer coated textile that is resilient with good compression rebound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Dilipkumar R. Desai
  • Patent number: 6537936
    Abstract: The present invention is a multiple zone member (29) having at least a first zone (300) and a second zone (302); the member includes a backing (120, 122) and a sheet of fibers (126); the sheet of fibers in the first zone having anchor portions (127) in the backing at spaced bonding locations (128) and having arcuate portions (130) of the sheet projecting from the backing between bonding locations; the arcuate portions in the first zone having a height (301) from the backing; the sheet of fibers in the second zone having anchor portions in the backing at spaced bonding locations and having arcuate portions of the sheet projecting form the backing between bonding locations; the arcuate portions in the second zone having a height (304) from the backing which is less than the height of the arcuate portions from the backing in the first zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ludwig Busam, Michael Divo, Jörg Müller, Ghobad Rahrooh
  • Patent number: 6531204
    Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a liquid-permeable top sheet; a back sheet; and an absorbent core sandwiched between the top sheet and back sheet. The back sheet is formed of a resin film containing an inorganic filler in a resin base material. The back sheet includes: a stretched moisture-permeable region; and a high optical transmittance region having a lower degree of orientation than that of the moisture-permeable region and/or left unstretched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Suekane, Toshio Inoue, Shigeo Imai
  • Patent number: 6531207
    Abstract: There is provided an extensible elastic tab designed to be adhered to the edge of an article, formed using a coextruded elastic film comprising at least one elastic layer and at least one second layer on at least a first face of the elastic layer with at least one face of the coextruded elastic film attached to at least a partially extensible nonwoven layer. The partially expandable, or extensible nonwoven layer has at least one first portion with limited extensibility in a first direction and at least one second inextensible portion in the first direction. The extensible elastic tab when stretched to the extension limit of the first portion or portions in the first direction will elastically recover at least 1.0 cm, preferably at least 2 cm providing an elastic tab having a Useful Stretch Ratio (as defined in the Examples) of at least 30 percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bradley W. Eaton, Nedlin B. Johnson, Michael R. Gorman, Shou-Lu G. Wang
  • Patent number: 6516472
    Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics and fabric laminates are formed from continuous filaments or staple fibers of a select blend of specific grades of polyethylene and polypropylene which give improved fabric performance not heretofore recognized or described, such as high abrasion resistance, good tensile properties, excellent softness and the like. Furthermore, these blends have excellent melt spinning and processing properties which permit efficiently producing nonwoven fabrics at high productivity levels. The polymers are present as a lower-melting dominant continuous phase and at least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase dispersed therein. The lower-melting continuous phase forms at least 70 percent by weight of the fiber and comprises a linear low density polyethylene polymer of a melt index of greater than 10 and a density of less than 0.945 g/cc. At least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase comprises a polypropylene polymer with melt flow rate of greater than 20 g/10 min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: BBA Nonwovens Simpsonville, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott L. Gessner, J. Darrell Gillespie, Jared A. Austin, David D. Newkirk, William Fowells
  • Publication number: 20030022582
    Abstract: An elastomeric film is bonded between two or more layers of nonwoven webs formed of nonelastomeric thermoplastic fibers. The laminate has, in a predefined transverse direction, an elastic elongation value greater than the predefined elastic elongation value of the nonwoven webs, and an ultimate force to break in the predefined transverse direction of at least 3000 g/in. The laminate advantageously provides a tear resistant, multiple ply, fabric that is soft to the touch as a result of the outwardly disposed nonwoven webs, and has a high elastic modulus. The laminate is particularly useful in applications where closure portions of a product must be stretched to keep the product in place when worn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: Tredegar Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Cree, Jeffrey A. Middlesworth, Stephen D. Bruce
  • Publication number: 20030021945
    Abstract: High frequency (HF)-active compositions having a dielectric loss factor of 0.05 or more at 27 MHz and 23° C. contain a blend of a low molecular weight copolyester and a carboxyl-containing polyolefin, where to copolyester is present at a concentration of 20-80 weight-percent of the composition. The compositions are useful for making HF-active films and articles containing such HF-active films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Robert H. Kelch
  • Patent number: 6506695
    Abstract: This invention provides breathable composite materials with good liquid barrier properties comprising a laminate of a nonwoven web layer and a breathable film layer wherein breathability of the composite is provided by a plurality of point-like deformations of the film layer. In one embodiment, the composites also have a soft, cloth-like texture at at least one surface thereof. Also provided is a process for making such composites comprising applying a molten film-forming resin composition capable of developing breathability on deformation to a nonwoven web, cooling the molten composition to form a coated web having a web layer bonded to a film layer, and subjecting the coated web to heat and pressure at a plurality of points on a surface thereof wherein the heat, pressure and density of, and proportion of the composite surface occupied by, the deformations are effective to impart breathability to the film without loss of liquid barrier properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Rheinische Kunststoffewerke GmbH
    Inventors: Hugh C. Gardner, Jeffrey H. Mumm, Kam C. Lui
  • Publication number: 20030008592
    Abstract: A hood, dash, firewall or engine cover liner is provided for a vehicle. The liner includes a nonlaminate acoustical and thermal insulating layer of polymer fiber that shows no signs of any thickness increase, delamination, deterioration or any undesirable effect which may affect performance for at least 330 hours when maintained at a temperature of at least approximately 150° C. The liner may include a relatively high density, nonlaminate skin of polymer fiber and/or one or more facing layers constructed from polymer material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas L. Block, Lee A. Staelgraeve, Jeffrey A. Tilton, Paul W. Poole
  • Publication number: 20020179265
    Abstract: A process for preparing a fiberglass insulation product, including the steps of: (a) providing a layer of fire-retardant kraft paper, (b) coating the fire-retardant kraft paper layer with from 2 to 10 pounds of HDPE or of polypropylene per 3000 square feet of the paper to form an HDPE-fire-retardant kraft laminate or a polypropylene-fire-retardant kraft laminate, (c) coating the HDPE-fire-retardant kraft or polypropylene-fire-retardant kraft laminate with from 3 to 10 pounds of LDPE per 3000 square feet of the HDPE-fire-retardant kraft laminate or polypropylene-fire-retardant kraft laminate to form an LDPE-HDPE-fire-retardant kraft laminate or an LDPE-polypropylene-fire-retardant kraft laminate, (d) adjusting the temperature of the LDPE-HDPE-fire-retardant kraft laminate or the LDPE-polypropylene-fire-retardant kraft laminate so that the LDPE becomes tacky while the HDPE or polypropylene remains solid, (e) providing a layer of fiberglass wool, and (f) contacting the LDPE layer of the LDPE-HDPE-fire-retardant
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: James G. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20020173211
    Abstract: A durable, water-resistant, breathable, multi-layer laminate adapted to transmit moisture and composed of (1) an outer woven, non-woven or knitted layer of fabric, (2) a discontinuous non-breathable hydrophobic adhesive, (3) a first hydrophilic barrier film adhesively secured to the outer fabric layer, by the hydrophilic adhesive, (4) a continuous film or discontinuous breathable hydrophilic adhesive, and (5) a second hydrophilic barrier film adhered to the hydrophilic adhesive. The first hydrophilic barrier film and second hydrophilic barrier film are adhesively secured to each other with the breathable hydrophilic adhesive and define a void area between the two films and together the films enhance moisture migration and transfer. The laminates may include two additional layers of (6) a second hydrophilic adhesive, and (7) a fabric backing layer secured by the second hydrophilic adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: James A. Kocinec, Richard C. Jefferson
  • Patent number: 6475600
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composite material and a process for making the material. The composite material may be breathable and is formed from at least one layer of an elastic material and a necked laminate of sheet layers. The sheet layers include at least one non-elastic neckable material laminated to at least one non-elastic film defining a longitudinal and transverse dimension wherein the laminate is extensible and retractable in at least one dimension without significantly reducing the breathability and/or liquid barrier properties of the film layer. This laminate extensibility and retractability is the result of striated rugosities in, for instance, the longitudinal dimension of the film layer which enables the necked laminate to have an amount of extensibility and retractability in the transverse dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Tod Morman, Robert John Schwartz, Howard Martin Welch, Patricia Hsiaoyin Hwang
  • Patent number: 6472045
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a liquid transfer material formed from a necked laminate and a process for making the laminate. The necked laminate is formed from sheet layers of at least one non-elastic neckable material laminated to at least the film non-elastic film defining a longitudinal and transverse dimension. At least the film layer of the laminate is apertured in an area where liquid transfer through the laminate is desired. The entire laminate may also be apertured. The non-apertured part of the laminate remains extensible and retractable in at least one dimension without significantly reducing the breathability and/or liquid barrier properties of the film layer. This laminate extensibility and retractability is the result of striated rugosities in, for instance, the longitudinal dimension of the film layer which enables the necked laminate to have an amount of extensibility and retractability in the transverse dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Tod Morman, Robert John Schwartz, Howard Martin Welch, Patricia Hsiaoyin Hwang, Thomas Harold Roessler
  • Patent number: 6465378
    Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics and fabric laminates are formed from continuous filaments or staple fibers of a select blend of specific grades of polyethylene and polypropylene which give improved fabric performance not heretofore recognized or described, such as high abrasion resistance, good tensile properties, excellent softness and the like. Furthermore, these blends have excellent melt spinning and processing properties which permit efficiently producing nonwoven fabrics at high productivity levels. The polymers are present as a lower-melting dominant continuous phase and at least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase dispersed therein. The lower-melting continuous phase forms at least 70 percent by weight of the fiber and comprises a linear low density polyethylene polymer of a melt index of greater than 10 and a density of less than 0.945 g/cc. At least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase comprises a polypropylene polymer with melt flow rate of greater than 20 g/10 min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: BBA Nonwovens Simpsonville, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott L. Gessner, J. Darrell Gillespie, Jared A. Austin, David D. Newkirk, William Fowells
  • Publication number: 20020146954
    Abstract: A decorative laminate assembly having a decorative laminate top layer assembly. This top layer assembly includes, in descending superimposed relationship, a decorative layer and a core layer that includes PETG. Preferably, the top layer assembly also includes a wear resistant overlay layer on top of the decorative layer, and the core layer's PETG is in a sheet form. The top layer assembly is attached to a water resistant substrate through the use of a water resistant adhesive. The decorative laminate assembly of the present invention can be used for a variety of purposes, including flooring applications. When the present invention is used for flooring applications, it is preferred that the overlay layer include wear resistant qualities and that the water resistant substrate comprise PVC or cement fiberboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Terry Paul Drees, Kenneth John Laurence, Kevin Francis O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20020132545
    Abstract: A wound dressing and/or compress comprising a skin facing layer of a spunbond and at least one layer of a staple fiber nonwoven disposed on said spunbond, wherein the layers are nondetachably bonded together by ultrasonic welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Beiersdorf Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dirk Lenz
  • Patent number: 6436080
    Abstract: An anatomically shaped disposable absorbent article having a front end portion and a rear end portion and a periphery, and comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a multiplayer backsheet joined to said topsheet and an absorbent core intermediate the backsheet and the topsheet. The anatomically shaped disposable absorbent article has lobes provided by the topsheet and the backsheet extending beyond the absorbent core and has a reduced tendency to form folds in the lobes during the use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Giovanni Carlucci, Olivier Corticchiato, Roberto d'Addario, Carlo Toro, Carmine Cimini
  • Patent number: 6432549
    Abstract: A curl-resistant, antislip abrasive backing which includes a polymer-reinforced paper having a first surface and a second surface; a synthetic polymeric layer bonded to the first surface; and an amorphous, rubbery polymer film layer bonded to the second surface. Also provided is a curl-resistant, antislip abrasive paper which includes a polymer-reinforced paper having a first surface and a second surface; a synthetic polymeric layer bonded to the first surface; a layer of abrasive particles bonded to the synthetic polymer layer; and an amorphous, rubbery polymer film layer bonded to the second surface. By way of examples, the amorphous, rubbery polymer may be a polyester elastomer or an amorphous, rubbery polypropylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis Joseph Kronzer
  • Publication number: 20020094742
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for packing an article comprising providing a vapor permeable and substantially water impermeable composite laminated sheet comprising a nonwoven layer and a polymer film layer, said composite laminated sheet having a trapezoidal tear strength of at least about 2 N in the machine direction, and a smoothness measured on the polymer film layer of less than 9 micrometers and placing the composite laminated sheet on the surface of the article with the polymer film layer contacting at least a portion of said surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: David C. Jones, Hyun Sung Lim
  • Publication number: 20020081423
    Abstract: A one-step method of imparting breathability and elasticity to a film includes coextruding elastic fibers within a matrix of a filled, semi-rigid film structure. Once the elastic fibers are within the film structure, the film can be stretched to impart breathability, while the elastic fibers provide elasticity. Furthermore, the elastic fibers can include an absorbent material. The resulting breathable, elastic film is particularly useful in diapers and other personal care products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Michael T. Heffelfinger
  • Publication number: 20020071944
    Abstract: This invention provides breathable composite materials with good liquid barrier properties comprising a laminate of a nonwoven web layer and a breathable film layer wherein breathability of the composite is provided by a plurality of point-like deformations of the film layer. In one embodiment, the composites also have a soft, cloth-like texture at at least one surface thereof. Also provided is a process for making such composites comprising applying a molten film-forming resin composition capable of developing breathability on deformation to a nonwoven web, cooling the molten composition to form a coated web having a web layer bonded to a film layer, and subjecting the coated web to heat and pressure at a plurality of points on a surface thereof wherein the heat, pressure and density of, and proportion of the composite surface occupied by, the deformations are effective to impart breathability to the film without loss of liquid barrier properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: HUGH C. GARDNER, JEFFREY H. MUMM, KAM C. LUI
  • Patent number: 6403505
    Abstract: A composite material, including a laminate (1) made of a film (5) bonded to a nonwoven (7), wherein the nonwoven (7) and the film (5) are only bonded together at discrete points and the laminate (1) is stretched in at least one direction after being formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Dieter Groitzsch, Engelbert Löcher, Bernhard Klein
  • Publication number: 20020019187
    Abstract: A breathable composite sheet material, a method for making such a sheet material, and an absorbent article utilizing the sheet material are provided. The composite sheet material is comprised of a thermoplastic film adhered directly to a fibrous substrate. The thermoplastic film comprises at least 50% by weight of a polymer material from the group of block copolyether esters, block copolyether amides and polyurethanes. The substrate comprises a fibrous web of at least 50% by weight of polyolefin polymersynthetic fibers. The composite sheet exhibits a peel strength of at least 0.1 N/cm, a dynamic fluid transmission of less than about 0.75 g/m2 when subjected to an impact energy of about 2400 joules/m2, and a moisture vapor transmission rate, according to the dessiccant method, of at least 1500 g/m2/24 hr.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: NORA LIU CARROLL, HYUN SUNG LIM, GEORGE JOSEPH OSTAPCHENKO, SHAILAJA R. VAIDYA, J. MICHAEL MC KENNA, JOHN JOSEPH CURRO, GARY DEAN LAVON, RICHARD L. SPARKS
  • Publication number: 20020016123
    Abstract: While surface layer fabric 1 is fed from feed roller 2 for supply of surface layer fabric 1, nylon film sheet whose principal component is a polyamide elastomer (also referred to as “thermal adhesion film”) 3 is fed from feed roller 4 for supply of thermal adhesion film 3 and, further, back layer fabric 5 is fed from feed roller 6 for supply of back layer fabric 5. The feedings are so effected as to interpose the thermal adhesion film 3 between the surface layer fabric 1 and the back layer fabric 5. Thereafter, a thermal adhesion is effected to thereby bond the surface layer fabric 1 and the back layer fabric 5 to each other. Thus, composite fabric with surface and back layers 7 is obtained. The above thermal adhesion is continuously carried out while feeding the surface layer fabric 1 and the back layer fabric 5 having the thermal adhesion film 3 interposed therebetween to a gap between processing rollers 8, 9 of processing apparatus 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: Keisuke Kimura
  • Publication number: 20020004350
    Abstract: A breathable, substantially liquid impermeable film and laminate are provided for use in a wide variety of personal care garments and protective garments. The film, and laminate containing the film, are extendible in a cross-direction to a stretched width which is at least 25% greater than an original, unstretched width. The film and laminate have a first water vapor transmission rate of at least about 500 grams/m2-24 hours coinciding with the unstretched width. The film and laminate have a much higher second water vapor transmission rate which is at least about 225% of the first water vapor transmission rate, and not less than about 4000 grams/m2-24 hours, coinciding with a stretched width that is only 25% greater than the stretched width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Tod Morman, Patricia Hsiaoyin Hwang, Audrie Tomoko Ono, Howard Martin Welch, Charles John Morell, Faris Ohan, Prasad Shrikrishna Potnis, Michael Allen Daley, Sjon-Paul Lee Conyer
  • Publication number: 20010055927
    Abstract: A method of protecting an object during application of a fluid onto a surface. The method includes the following steps, (1) providing a cover having a first layer and a second layer attached together, the first layer including a nonwoven fabric material and the second layer including a plastic material, and (2) positioning the cover relative to the object so that the fluid is prevented from contacting the object during application of the fluid onto the surface. A drop cloth having a first layer which includes a non-woven fabric material, and a second layer which includes a plastic material, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: DAVID C. MAY
  • Publication number: 20010051481
    Abstract: A flexible, heat sealable, composite chemical barrier fabric which exhibits enhanced durability characteristics comprised of a multi-layered chemical barrier material or fabric that has been coated on one or more sides with a layer of halogen-free thermoplastic olefin resin (TPO). Fabrics having this structure show enhanced durability characteristics while maintaining a high degree of chemical resistance and heat sealability. More specifically, embodiments are included that show order of magnitude increases in various measures of durability including flex crack resistance, abrasions resistance, and resistance to puncture as compared to un-coated fabrics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventor: TODD ROBERT CARROLL
  • Publication number: 20010041248
    Abstract: A breathable and liquid-impervious composite sheet includes a flexible, breathable and liquid-impervious thermoplastic synthetic resin film and heat-sealable nonwoven fabric layers placed upon opposite surface of the film. The film has a basis weight of 0.098˜0.392 N/m2 and a thermal shrink percentage of 3˜18% under 60° C. thermal atmosphere while the nonwoven fabric layers 3A, 3B have a basis weight of 0.049˜0.294 N/m2. The sheet is formed with plural arrays of heat-sealed regions each extending in transverse direction Y and spaced one from another in longitudinal direction X intersecting the transverse direction Y. Between each pair of the adjacent heat-sealed regions, the nonwoven fabric layers describe circular arcs which are convex outward in a thickness direction of the sheet from the opposite surfaces of the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Michiyo Matsushita, Yasushi Atsuta
  • Patent number: 6309736
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a low gauge, multilayer film which may be laminated to other materials such as, for example, fibrous nonwoven webs. The multilayer film may include one or more skin layers which in certain configurations comprise no more than about 15 percent of the overall thickness and in other configurations no more than about 10 percent of the overall thickness of the multilayer film. Such films and laminates have a wide variety of uses including, but not limited to, personal care absorbent products, articles of clothing and health care related items such as surgical drapes and gowns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann Louise McCormack, Kevin George Hetzler, Karen Lynn English, Billy Ray Jones, Jr., Charles John Morell, Wiliam Bela Haffner, Glynis Allicia Walton, Lance James Garrett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6284362
    Abstract: An absorbent composition is produced by drying a mixture obtained by mixing a micro-filler (B) with a hydrogel having a water absorptive resin (A) and water. The hydrogel is produced by performing polymerization to produce the resin (A) and not drying the resin (A) after the polymerization. The absorbent composition has a specific surface area at least 10% lager than that of a reference composition produced by drying the hydrogel without the micro-filler (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Takai, Tsuyoshi Yuki, Shingo Mukaida, Daisuke Tagawa, Kenji Tanaka, Keiji Tanaka, Satoshi Tamabuchi, Yoshiyuki Iwasaki