Abstract: We are submitting an application for a patent for a computer mouse pad that utilizes microfiber cloth as the surface material for the mouse pad. Microfiber is an advanced technology fiber, producing split wedge-shaped fibers of very fine denier, creating an expanded internal matrix that traps dirt more effectively and completely than any known fiber. Using microfiber cloth as the surface material for a mouse pad creates a major advance in the technology that attempts to eliminate dirt, dust and debris from entering the rollers inside inside the mouse via the trackball. The MicroTracker Mouse Pad thus solves one of the major problems associated with using computer mice with mechanical trackballs.

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.

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.

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: Electroprocessed polymers are used to form specifically-shaped shoes, clothing or other related garments. A mandrel having a preselected shape is used as the target in the electroprocessing step. The resulting product has a polymer matrix of exactly the shape of the mandrel. In practice, a person's foot or other body part is used to create the predetermined shape.

Abstract: A sheet material is useful as a waterproof underlayment for a roof of a structure. The sheet material has upper and lower surfaces and comprises a web of reinforcing mat comprising fire-resistant fibers and a continuous non-porous matrix of water-resistant modified bitumen saturating the web of reinforcing mat, wherein the modified bitumen is self-adhesive.

Abstract: A transfix member with a substrate, an optional intermediate layer, and thereover an outer coating having a haloelastomer consisting essentially of monomers selected from the group consisting of halogenated monomers, polyorganosiloxane monomers, and mixtures thereof, and a heating member associated with substrate.

Abstract: A water-vapor-permeable waterproof composite fabric having high flexibility, water pressure resistance and water laundering resistance is constituted from a substrate fabric and a polyether-ester elastomer (PEE-A) film layer laminated to the substrate fabric through a polyether-ester elastomer (PEE-B) binder layer, each of PEE-A and PEE-B including polyalkylene glycol residues, alkyleneglycol residues and dicarboxylic acid residues, in which composite fabric, (1) the PEE-A contains 5 to 25% by mass of polyethyleneglycol residues, (2) the PEE-A film layer is 5 to 5 &mgr;m thick, (3) the PEE-B has a melting temperature of at least 20° C. below that of the PEE-A and (4) the PEE-B binder layer is present in an amount of 2 to 20 g/m2.

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.

Abstract: A process for making a necked nonwoven web having improved cross directional uniformity includes the steps of passing a nonwoven web between a first nip having a first surface velocity and a second nip having a second surface velocity, necking the nonwoven web between the first and second nips, and selectively increasing the necking of a central region of the nonwoven web relative to two edge regions or selectively decreasing the necking in the edge regions. The selective increase in necking in the central region or selective decrease in necking in the edge regions offsets the relatively higher necking in the edge regions which is inherent in conventional necking processes. A process for making a laminate having improved cross-directional uniformity is also provided.

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

Abstract: 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.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A sheet material is useful as a waterproof underlayment for a roof of a structure. The sheet material has upper and lower surfaces and comprises a web of reinforcing mat comprising fire-resistant fibers and a continuous non-porous matrix of water-resistant modified bitumen saturating the web of reinforcing mat, wherein the modified bitumen is self-adhesive.

Abstract: A composition for the promotion of adhesion between a rubber formulation and a textile substrate is provided. The inventive composition comprises either a mixture of specific amine functional silanes and organo-functional silanes having reactive groups or groups with an affinity for rubber. The inventive method entails the use of the inventive composition or a silane compound having both an amine moiety and a reactive group having an affinity for rubber formulations, particularly an unsaturated carbon-carbon bond. The composition may be utilized to adhere any standard reinforcement-type textile, such as polyester or polyamide, to a standard rubber composition, such as SBR, NBR, or EPDM. A method for adhering textiles to rubber formulations is also provided involving a pre-dip, -spray, -coat, and the like, of the inventive composition on a reinforcement-type textile surface followed by the contacting of the rubber formulation.

Abstract: A multi-layer protective glove fabric comprises a base cloth layer, a second stretchable cloth layer overlying the base layer, a third latex layer coated on the base layer and a fourth wax layer over the third latex layer to prevent the latex coating layer from blooming. The method of manufacturing a protective glove with this multi-layer construction includes (1) heating a fabric layer at a first elevated temperature; (2) applying a viscous latex spreading compound over a surface of the fabric layer at a second, lower elevated temperature, to prevent the latex from penetrating the fabric layer but ensuring its adhesion to the fabric layer; (3) applying wax over the latex at least at the first elevated temperature, to prevent the latex from blooming; (4) adhering an opposed surface of the fabric layer to a second fabric layer to form the multi-layer fabric and (5) forming the multi-layer fabric into a glove.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-permeable adhesive tape for processing semiconductor wafers and/or semiconductor related materials comprising at least one base film and an adhesive, wherein said at least one base film possesses perforations and has a cavity ratio of 3.0 to 90%. The water-permeable adhesive tape is in particular suitable for dicing semiconductor wafers and/or semiconductor related materials using laser technology.

Abstract: Use of an adhesive film which is detachable by pulling in the direction of the bond plane and

Abstract: A profiled body having a curved surface on which images are reproduced, the body being obtained by initially bonding a sheet of textile material onto a surface of a flat panel of thermodeformable material, then printing the images onto the flat free surface of the sheet of textile material and finally hot-deforming the panel with the printed sheet bonded to it, the images reproduced on the curved surface preserving an appearance analogous to that which they had after their printing on the flat sheet.

Abstract: An elastomeric breathable three-dimensional composite material and the process for producing the same are disclosed. A carrier material is supplied onto a top surface of continuous portions of an elastomeric film to form the composite material. A pressure differential is applied to a bottom surface of film for a period of time sufficient for three-dimensional apertured structures to be formed in the film.

Abstract: A laminate having a first nonwoven and a second nonwoven bonded to an elastic web. The laminate includes at least one elastic lane and at least one stiffened lane.

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

Abstract: Disposable garments, protective clothing and accessory items formed from one or more layers of fractured plastic film or treated nonwoven material are provided for use in clean rooms and similar working environments. The use of non-particulating or low particulating fractured plastic films and treated nonwoven materials reduces particulate contamination resulting from wearing the associated garment or using the accessory item in a clean room environment. Samples of disposable clean room products may be tested in a manner that closely approximates the intended application for the respective disposable clean room product to provide a more realistic measure of particulate emission rates during actual wear or use.

Abstract: A coversheet is provided for covering an absorbent body of an absorbent sanitary article. The coversheet is elastic in at least one direction and has perforations which extend therethrough. The coversheet has an upper layer including a nonwoven material intended to face outwardly of the absorbent body, an intermediate layer including an elastic film, and a lower layer including a nonwoven material intended to face towards the absorbent body. The upper and lower layers are connected to the intermediate layer only around the perimeters of the perforations.

Abstract: A gelatinous composite article has a sealant layer, a permeable layer and a heat formable and heat reversible gelatinous elastomer material. The sealant layer melts within a first temperature range. The permeable layer is over the sealant layer and melts at a second temperature greater than the first temperature range. The heat formable and heat reversible gelatinous elastomer material is over the permeable layer and fuses to the sealant layer within the first temperature range. The sealant layer and the gelatinous elastomer material adhere to each other through the permeable layer once the first temperature is attained. Thereby, the permeable layer secures to the gelatinous layer.

Abstract: An outdoor protective fabric is disclosed having (i) a UV stable outer nonwoven web of multicomponent sheath/core fibers having a polyethylene polymer sheath component and a polypropylene polymer core component; (ii) a breathable barrier layer such as a meltblown web or microporous film; and (iii) an interior nonwoven web of multicomponent fibers comprising a polyethyfene polymer component and a nylon component.

Abstract: Abrasion resistant laminates which are aesthetically pleasing, water-resistant/water-repellant, and flexible are formed by laminating a wear-resistant durable multi-layer top assembly to a base layer formed from an inexpensive, water resistant, polymeric substrate. The durable multi-layer wear-resistant top layer assembly comprises a wear resistant upper layer, a decorative layer, and a core layer. The polymeric base layer comprises a water resistant substrate which is positioned beneath the top layer assembly and is laminated thereto with a water resistant adhesive. This abrasion resistant laminate could be applicable in a variety of situations wherever a decorative and/or abrasion resistant product could be used and would be particularly useful in the floor covering industry.

Abstract: A strip material (1) comprising a support (2) includes on at least one side a plastics layer (5, 6) which is plane on the outside and which is traversed by throughflow passages. In accordance with the invention, the outside (7, 8) of the plastics layer (5, 6) includes embossments (9) provided also between the orifices of the throughflow passages which at least in part inter-communicate and communicate with the throughflow passages. In the production of the strip material, during or after the production of the plastics layer (5, 6), soluble particles are applied onto the outside (7, 8) of the plastics layer (5, 6) and are then pressed into the plastics layer (5, 6), the soluble particles being leachable by a solvent of a type in respect of which the remainder of the strip material (1) is stable whereafter these soluble particles are dissolved out.

Abstract: Multiple resin transfer molding is the simultaneous injection of differing esins in fiber preforms with or without a separation layer. The flow of the resins is controlled by varying the permeabilities of the preforms and the separation layer. The method produces multifunctional hybrid composites made of multilayered preforms and multiple resins. A fundamental advantage of the invention is the simplification of the manufacturing process.

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

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

Abstract: The invention is directed to composite elastic nonwoven fabrics and processes for producing the same. The fabric includes a layer of inelastic continuous or staple fibers formed from a blend of polyethylene and polypropylene laminated to an elastic layer. Preferably, the composition of the fibers ranges between 5 to 50 percent by weight of polypropylene with the balance made up of polyethylene. The nonelastic fibers are capable of being highly elongated upon mechanical stretching without adversely impacting fiber tie down. Accordingly, a smooth, strong, coherent fabric is obtained, which is especially well suited for incorporation into disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, incontinence briefs and feminine hygiene products.

Abstract: A breathable elastic laminate is formed by bonding a film including an elastic water vapor-soluble polymer to a neckable nonwoven web such that when the film is relaxed, the web is in a necked state. The breathable laminate is stretchable in a direction parallel to the narrowing or necking of the web. The laminate possesses excellent water vapor permeability but acts as a barrier to the passage of odor-causing chemicals including ammonia.

Abstract: An elastomeric laminated fabric which is elastic in the cross direction. The laminate includes an elastomeric film having one or two nonwoven webs of carded thermoplastic staple fibers thermally point bonded thereto using heated calendar rolls. The resulting laminated fabric is stretchable by at least 100% in the cross direction without breaking for at least two cycles and recovers elastically. The fiber content of the nonwoven webs is at least 50% high-elongation polyolefin staple fibers having a breaking strain of at least 400%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sound insulating structure including low-density and high-density layers. The low-density layer has first and second fibrous layers and ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 kg/m.sup.2 in surface density. The first and second fibrous layers are respectively made of first and second thermoplastic synthetic fibers. The first and second fibers respectively have first and second single fiber diameters, each of which diameters is in a range of from 3 to 40 .mu.m, and first and second fiber lengths, each of which lengths is in a range of from 10 to 100 mm. The high-density layer is formed on the low-density layer and is made of an air-impermeable polymer material and has a surface density that is higher than that of the low-density layer and ranges from 1 to 10 kg/m.sup.2. The low-density layer is high in sound-absorption coefficient and at the same time low in spring constant. Therefore, the sound insulating structure becomes substantially improved in sound insulating capability.

Abstract: A fabric comprising at least two layers wherein at least one layer is an extensible, bonded non-woven composed of a fiber comprising multiple different polymers such as a fiber comprising isotactic polypropylene, polyethylene and a block or grafted polyolefin copolymer or terpolymer which is at least partially miscible with said polypropylene and polyethylene.

Abstract: Composite films and film laminates comprising at least one elastomeric core and a surrounding nonelastomeric matrix preferably prepared by coextrusion. The film when stretched and allowed to recover will create an elastomeric composite.

Abstract: An elastomeric breathable three-dimensional composite material and the process for producing the same are disclosed. A carrier material is supplied onto a top surface of continuous portions of an elastomeric film to form the composite material. A pressure differential is applied to a bottom surface of film for a period of time sufficient for three-dimensional apertured structures to be formed in the film.

Abstract: The present invention provides composite nonwoven fabric laminates and processes for producing such. The fabric is comprised of a web of thermoplastic filaments laminated to at least one other web. Preferably, the filaments are spunbonded continuous polyolefin filaments which have an oxidatively degraded outer sheath portion to promote better interfilamentary bonding and improved fabric laminate strength. In a preferred embodiment, two outer nonwoven webs comprise oxidatively degraded spunbonded filaments and are positioned around and laminated to a web of meltblown microfibers thus forming an spunbond/meltblown/spunbond fabric. Additionally, a stretch compatible fabric may be formed in which a web of oxidatively degraded filaments is laminated to an elastic web. The fabrics of the invention may be advantageously used in numerous applications such as medical garments and disposable adsorbent products.

Abstract: The perforated sheet, in particular for sanitary articles, and made of a substance that is impervious to liquid, includes a multiplicity of craters each having a base in the plane of the outside face, an apex, and a sidewall that slopes between the base and the apex. The peripheral shape of the base includes at least one zone of discontinuity such that on going round the periphery of each crater, its sidewall presents non-uniform inclination with angles of inclination relative to the perpendicular to the plane of the outside face of the sheet that vary between positive values and negative values, said angle being negative at least in the zone of discontinuity. The peripheral shape of the base is preferably the result of partially overlapping a plurality of curved geometrical shapes, in particular circles and ellipses, and the zone of discontinuity corresponds to the junction between superposed shapes.