Abstract: A pliable pad is provided with expandable portions that can be deployed to assist the user in shaping the pliable pad into a basin. Folded or crinkled regions can be provided for connecting portions of the pliable pad that are to provide end walls for the basin, when deployed, with portions of the pliable pad that are to provide the side walls for the resulting basin. Selected portions of the pliable pad can be provided with the expandable portions or, if desired, the entire structure of the pliable pad can be provided with expandable structures. The expandable portions are preferably coupled with structures for developing a hinge that can assist in effective deployment of the expandable portions, and the pliable pad, to form the desired basin-like shape.

Abstract: A catamenial absorbent device for insertion into a vaginal cavity having two portions: an overwrap containing an absorbent structure. The overwrap has two portions: a lower, fluid impermeable barrier, an upper, fluid-permeable overwrap, and the absorbent structure contains absorbent material therein. The two portions of the overwrap are made from dissimilar materials, which are joined at a junction.

Abstract: A fibrous layer that includes a refined blend of crosslinked cellulosic fibers and noncrosslinked cellulosic fibers. In one embodiment, the layer includes about 85 percent by weight crosslinked fibers and about 15 percent by weight noncrosslinked fibers. An absorbent construct that includes the fibrous layer and a liquid storage layer. Personal care absorbent products that include the distribution layer.

Abstract: Wet-laid nonwoven webs having mechanical reinforcement properties are provided by employing unpulped vegetable fiber bundles as the predominant fiber component. The unpulped fiber bundles have a modulus of elasticity of about 2-5×10 6 psi and a chopped fiber length of about 25 mm. The fibers are cordage fibers including sisal, abaca, henequen, kenaf and jute. Composites of the unpulped fiber webs with cellulosic and spunbonded sheets find application as thermoformed vehicle interior trim products.

Abstract: Paper sheets useful for tissues, paper towels, napkins, disposable absorbent products and the like can be made to exhibit a high degree of wet resiliency. This property is achieved by using a combination of high yield pulp fibers (such as bleached chemithermomechanical pulp fibers) and a wet strength agent in an uncreped throughdrying process. The resulting product, when wetted, can spring back after being crumpled in one's hand.

Abstract: A molding composition including reactive high-volatility monomeric groups, such as acrylics, at least one primary thermal initiator and at least one secondary thermal initiator is described. Molding processs using molding compositions including reactive high-volatility monomeric groups are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a soft, textured, multi-ply tissue paper product. The tissue paper product has at least one ply of multi-region construction with a first region that is raised above a second region. The ply of multi-region construction is orientated so that its raised region is directed toward the exterior of the tissue paper product. A chemical softening composition is surface applied to at least a portion of the raised region of the ply comprising the multi-ply tissue paper product. The chemical softener preferably includes an effective amount of a softening active ingredient; a vehicle in which the softening active ingredient is dispersed; and an electrolyte dissolved in the vehicle. The electrolyte causes the viscosity of the composition to be less than the viscosity of a dispersion of the softening active ingredient in the vehicle alone.

Abstract: An inexpensive sheet or web shaped fibre material for use e.g., in sanitary napkins typically consists of a mixture of short cellulose fibres and some 15% of relatively long, thermoplastic binder fibers. It is a noticeable problem that the short fibres “dust” out of the material, and according to the invention this is remedied in that the material, when made by dry forming, is provided with a surface coating of very thin layers of pure binder fibres. In addition to a marked holding back of the dust, these layers condition that the amount of binder fibres in the base material can be halved and that the breaking stress of the material is noticeably improved. Thereby the products are usable not only as inserts, but also as individual, self-contained units e.g., for wiping in domestic or industrial cleaning.

Abstract: A distinctive absorbent article includes an absorbent core having multiple absorbent layers, wherein the absorbent layers interact in such a manner which preferentially locates absorbed liquid in an appointed, high saturation wicking layer. The localization of the liquid within this wicking layer increases the potential of this layer to move liquid through capillary action due to the higher saturation level and increased amount of liquid available. The intake capability of the absorbent system is maintained or improved over current systems by keeping a second layer of the absorbent system at low saturation levels through as many insults of the product as possible, while providing optimum intake performance through appropriate control of the composite properties.

Abstract: A water disintegratable non-woven fabric having excellent water disintegratability and high wet strength can be obtained by a step of forming a fiber web from fibers having a fiber length of 10 mm or less, a step of applying a water jet treatment to the fiber web to obtain a fiber sheet having wet strength of less than 100 g/25 mm in MD and CD, the wet strength being defined by tensile strength at break of the fiber sheet, as measured by using a tensilon tester with a chuck distance of 100 mm, at a tensile speed of 100 mm/min to the fiber sheet which is cut into 25 mm width and 150 mm length and impregnated with water in an amount 2.5 times the weight of the fiber sheet, and a step of adding at least one binder selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose, alkylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol and modified polyvinyl alcohol to the fiber sheet. The water disintegratable non-woven fabric is sufficiently bulky and has an excellent wiping effect.

Abstract: A fire-resistant core for use in a combustible fire-rated building panel (1), such as a fire door, has a wood product-containing solid structural member (20) with a density of between about 30 and 60 lbs. per cubic foot and a thickness between about {fraction (1/16)} inch and two inches. At least one layer of fire-resistant composite (21) is attached to at least a lateral surface (22) of the structural member (20). The composite has an inorganic, non-woven fibrous web (25) with a thickness of from about 5 to 50 mils. A web binder is substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the web (25). A substantially continuous coating (27) is on at least a lateral surface (28) of the web (25). The coating is of particulate vermiculite (29) and has a thickness of from about 0.5 to 10 mils and the add-ons of the vermiculite to the web are from about 10% to 50%.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite wood flooring is designed particularly for use in van-type truck trailers which experience adverse operating conditions due to heavy lift truck traffic on the top side and water spray during rainy periods on the bottom side. The composite wood flooring comprises edge-glued laminated wood which is underlaid with a thin layer of fiber reinforced plastic. The top surface of the composite wood floor is the same as that of a conventional laminated wood floor. The fiber reinforced plastic underlay is composed of glass and/or carbon fibers embedded in a polymeric resin such as epoxy, phenolic, vinyl ester, polypropylene or polyamide resin. The fiber reinforcement is designed to enhance the mechanical properties of the flooring in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the floor. The fiber reinforced plastic improves the fatigue resistance of the composite wood flooring and prevents water leakage into the trailer through the floor boards.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite wood board is designed particularly for use in the flooring of truck trailers which experience adverse operating conditions such as from heavy loads of lift trucks on the top side and water spray during rainy periods on the bottom side. The composite wood board comprises an edge-glued laminated wood member composed of wood segments with end joints. The wood member is underlaid with a thin layer of fiber reinforced plastic. The top surface of the composite wood board is the same as that of the laminated wood. The fiber reinforced plastic underlay is composed of glass and/or carbon fibers embedded in a polymeric resin such as epoxy, phenolic, vinyl ester, polyester, polypropylene or polyamide resin. Further, the fiber reinforced plastic underlay is substantially bonded to the wood member with a reactive hotmelt adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention desirably provides a fabric including a synthetic fiber structure first zone, a synthetic fiber structure second zone, and a short fiber third zone. The first zone may include a spunbond web layer and a meltblown web layer. The synthetic fiber structure second zone may be positioned proximate to the synthetic fiber structure first zone and the short fiber third zone may be positioned substantially between the first and second zones. Desirably, the first and second zones are entwined.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes drawbacks of prior composite sheets consisting of a spun-bonded nonwoven fabric and pulp fibers and provides an inexpensive composite sheet with excellent draping qualities, a nearly fabric-like touch and good usability. According to the present invention, a composite sheet made by entangling a web of thermoplastic filaments with pulp fibers under water stream is creped to increase the elongation in machine direction as high as in cross direction enough to obtain a usability equal to those of fabric wipers.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric laminate having stretch properties constructed using hydroentanglement methods is disclosed. The laminate is comprised of at least two layers and utilizes a foam layer as a component in the preferred embodiment, replacing conventional use of fibrous materials. A superior elastomeric fabric utilizing an open or closed cell foam layer as one element of the composite structure and as the elastic member of the fabric results in superior fabric characteristics when compared to similar hydroentangled fabrics which are constructed from fibrous materials.

Abstract: A tissue which has at least one fibrous ply. A hydrophobically treated foam stratum is placed on at least one of the fibrous plies in order to prevent the penetration of moisture through the tissue. A hydrophobically treated foam can also be impregnated into one or more fibrous plies in order to provide a barrier to the penetration of moisture through the tissue. The invention also comprises a process for making tissue with a foam moisture barrier.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite wood flooring is designed particularly for use in van-type truck trailers which experience adverse operating conditions due to heavy lift truck traffic on the top side and water spray during rainy periods on the bottom side. The composite wood flooring comprises edge-glued laminated wood boards which are underlaid with a thin fiber reinforced plastic. The top surface of the composite wood floor is the same as that of a conventional laminated wood floor. The fiber reinforced plastic underlay is composed of glass and/or carbon fibers embedded in a polymeric resin such as epoxy, phenolic or vinyl ester. The resin holds the glass fibers together and also bonds the reinforcements to the laminated wood boards. The reinforcement is designed to enhance the mechanical properties of the flooring in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the floor and also to provide better bonding to the wood.

Abstract: An absorbent material that can be used as an absorbent core in absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products and incontinence devices is provided. An absorbent material of this invention contains cellulosic fibers at least a portion of which cellulosic fibers are treated with caustic at a low temperature. The absorbent material has superior absorptive, strength, and suppleness properties when compared to existing core materials. The material can be air-laid in one or more layers.

Abstract: A web, formed from dielectric fibers and non-dielectric fibers, which has been subjected to corona discharge to improve the particulate filtration properties of the web is provided. The dielectric and non-dielectric fibers may be intermingled within the web such that the distribution of the dielectric and non-dielectric fibers within the web is generally uniform. In one embodiment, the dielectric fibers may be formed from a thermoplastic polymer, and particularly polyolefin and the non-dielectric fibers may be formed from cellulose, and particularly wood pulp.

Abstract: An absorbent article for use in cleaning oil spills comprises a first exposed outer layer of hydrophobic, liquid-permeable, fibrous polymeric nonwoven web and an absorbent body, adjacent the outer layer, comprising oil absorbent, cellulose-based material. Desirably, the article further comprises a second exposed outer layer of hydrophobic polymeric material with the absorbent body disposed between the first and second exposed outer layers. The absorbent article is placed on a layer of oil resting on the surface of a body of water for oil spill clean up. The absorbent article selectively absorbs oil over water because the outer hydrophobic layer repels water but attracts oil and transfers the oil to the oil absorbent body encased between the exposed outer layers. This invention results in considerable savings in cost and in non-renewable resources because the bulk of the product is a cellulose-based material, which is renewable, while only a small portion is polymeric nonwoven, which is non-renewable.

Abstract: Although borates have been recognized as desirable for use in wood-based articles because of their preservative properties and low toxicity, it has not until now been possible to make effective use of them. A lignocellulosic e.g. wood-based composite article in accordance with the present Invention includes a low solubility borate compound which is mixed with the lignocellulosic furnish, resin adhesive, and a flow agent, the resultant mixture being pressed into a mat and cured. The low solubility borate can be used in a quantity from about 1% to 10% by weight of the furnish. Suitable flow agents are polyethylene glycol and glycerol in the amount of 0.4% to about 4% by weight of the furnish.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing of an absorbent structure in an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, tampon, panty protector, incontinence guard, diaper, bed protector, wound or sore dressing, saliva absorbent and like articles is comprising the use of absorbent material in roll form directly in the product without first defibrating the material and then forming a mat. The material possesses good aquisition properties, which are meaningful to the function of the product. A high surface dryness is obtained, among other things. In addition to cellulose fibers, the absorbent structure may also include superabsorbent material and/or binding fibers, among other ingredients. The pulp mat is very thin, therewith obviating the need to compress the mat further in the product. In the case of certain product applications, the material is softened mechanically prior to its use as an absorbent material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an absorbent structure in an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, tampon, panty protector, incontinence guard, diaper, bed protector, wound or sore dressing, saliva absorbent and like articles is produced by using absorbent material in roll form directly in the product without first defibrating the material and then forming a mat. The material possesses good wicking properties and swelling properties, which are meaningful to the function of the product. A high surface dryness is obtained, among other things. In addition to cellulose fibres, the absorbent structure may also include superabsorbent material and/or binding fibres, among other ingredients, The pulp mat is very thin, therewith obviating the need to compress the mat further in the product. In the case of certain product applications, the material is softened mechanically prior to its use as an absorbent material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nonwoven material comprising an adhesive comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). This invention also relates to an absorbent article comprising such nonwoven material. This invention also relates to a composition comprising PHA and a surfactant. This invention further relates to a method for preparing the nonwoven.

Abstract: Carpet material with at least a proportion of uncleaned used carpets is shredded to form a fiber-like wooly mass. The carpet material contains a thermoplastic binder with a low melting point, for example polypropylene, which can be derived from the used carpets or be added. On at least one side of the carpet material, a cover layer of wood chips is provided. The carpet material, together with the layers of the adhesive-coated wood chips which form the cover layers, is compressed to form the molded part or panel, at a temperature which lies above the plasticizing point of the thermoplastic binder, but below the plasticizing point of any other thermoplastic components of the carpet material.