摘要:
A microbubbled, substantially fluid-impervious polymeric web exhibiting substantially the same consumer preferred soft and cloth-like tactile impression and low noise generation levels heretofore only achievable in microapertured, and hence substantially fluid pervious, polymeric webs. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention pertains to a microbubbled polymeric web exhibiting a fine-scale pattern of discrete mushroom-shaped surface aberrations, each of said surface aberrations having its amplitude oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface in which the surface aberration originates. However, unlike microapertured webs which are fluid pervious, at least one tiny, continuous membrane bubble, i.e., a microbubble, is provided substantially coincidental with the maximum amplitude of each surface aberration. Thus, the microbubbled web is substantially fluid-impervious. In addition, such a web employing the fine-scale pattern of microbubbled surface aberrations does not exhibit the "rattling" or "rustling" noises typically exhibited by prior art fluid-impervious polymeric webs when subjected to movement. As a result, webs of the present invention have particular utility in environments such as substantially fluid-impervious backsheets for disposable infant diapers and adult incontinent diapers. Preferred method and apparatus for producing microbubbled webs either in "planar" or "macroscopically expanded" form are also disclosed.
摘要:
A macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional fluid-handling polymeric web having first and second surfaces located in substantially parallel planes which are remote from one another. The web includes a multiplicity of fluid-handling capillary networks of macroscopic cross-section for rapidly transmitting fluids which are dynamically deposited on the first surface of said web to the second surface of said web using the dynamic and gravitational head of the fluid as a primary driving force. Each of the macroscopic cross-section capillary networks originates as an aperture in the first surface of the web and has a continuously interconnected sidewall extending in the direction of the second surface of said web. The continuously interconnected sidewall terminates to form at least one aperture in the second surface of said web, whereby the bulk of the dynamically deposited fluid is transmitted from the first surface to the second surface of said web by the macroscopic cross-section capillary networks. The first surface of the web in which the macroscopic cross-section capillary networks originate further includes a multiplicity of fluid-handling capillary networks which are substantially smaller in cross-section than the macroscopic cross-section fluid-handling capillary networks. The smaller fluid-handling capillary networks exhibit a degree of capillary suction sufficient to transmit static fluid contained on the surface of objects which contact the first surface of said web generally in the direction of the second surface of said web by capillary attraction.
摘要:
The present invention pertains, in a preferred embodiment, to a fluid-pervious web comprising a first or wearer-contacting surface and a second or garment-facing surface. The web is particularly well suited for use as a topsheet on a disposable absorbent article. The first and second surfaces are separated from one another by an intermediate portion. The first surface of the web provides a structure which exhibits a surface energy less than the surface energy of the intermediate portion. In a preferred embodiment, the web exhibits a plurality of regions of comparatively low surface energy which define surface energy gradients where they interface with higher surface energy web surfaces. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a fluid-pervious web having a plurality of small-scale surface energy gradients which are oriented and located so as to effectively transport fluid away from the first or wearer-contacting surface. The web essentially retains its visual, tactile, and physical properties of the substrate material while achieving the desired surface energy properties. Fluid transport webs according to the present invention preferably include discontinuous, spaced regions defining small scale surface energy gradients on the first surface to aid in small scale fluid movement toward apertures or capillary entrances for transport away from the first surface. Such webs also preferably include small scale surface energy gradients normal to the first surface within a capillary structure to aid in moving fluid away from the first surface and into the capillaries for capillary fluid transport. Web materials suitable for use in the present invention include apertured formed films, apertured and non-apertured nonwoven materials, composite structures, and the like.
摘要:
A substantially rectangular piece of flexible web having a first end and a second end and an elastic portion therebetween, stretchable along a longitudinal axis of the piece of web. The piece of web has a length great enough to encircle a user's waist such that the first and second ends overlap. The first end has a reclosable fastening system for attaching the first end to the piece of web near the second end in order to hold the piece of web around the user's waist when the piece of web is stretched. The back wrap further comprises a plurality of individual thermal elements embedded in the piece of web. The plurality of thermal elements have a substantially planar diamond-shaped pattern which approximates the shape of erector muscles in the user's back. The pattern has a gap transverse to the longitudinal axis which corresponds to the user's spine. The elastic back wrap may further include an individual thermal element located in the gap of the pattern such that the single thermal element covers the user's sacroiliac at the base of the user's spine. The elastic back wrap has a means for increasing friction between the piece of web and a user's body in order to reduce slippage of the wrap during use. The means for increasing friction may include a foam strip attached transverse to the longitudinal axis of the piece of web on the body-facing side thereof.
摘要:
A disposable thermal pad includes a substantially planar laminate structure having a first side and a second side and a plurality of heat generating cells embedded between the first and the second sides. The plurality of heat generating cells each are spaced apart and fixedly attached to the laminate structure. The laminate structure provides oxygen permeability to each of the plurality of heat generating cells. Oxygen permeability is achieved entirely on the first side of the laminate structure. The disposable thermal pad is releasably attachable to an inside portion of a user's clothing. The disposable thermal pad is releasably attachable on its first side of the laminate structure so that the second side of the thermal pad may be placed directly against a user's body.
摘要:
The present invention pertains to a laminate material. The laminate material includes a first sheet and a second sheet spaced apart from one another by spacers to define a capillary zone for the capillary movement of fluid between the first and second sheets. The spacers connect the first sheet and the second sheet together to form the laminate material.
摘要:
A macroscopically expanded three-dimensional plastic web exhibiting a non-glossy visible surface, and, if desired, a cloth-like or fiber-like tactile impression. The visible surface of a macroscopically expanded three-dimensional plastic web of the present invention is preferably provided with a regularly spaced, microscopic pattern of surface aberrations which is too fine to be discernible by the naked eye when the perpendicular distance between the viewer's eye and the plane of said web is about 12 inches or greater, but which pattern is effective in substantially eliminating specular reflection of incident light. Said webs may be produced by means of a one-sided forming process wherein said surface aberrations are transmitted through the thickness of said web during processing or by means of a two-sided forming process wherein said surface aberrations are imposed directly onto the visible surface of said web. Macroscopically expanded three-dimensional plastic webs of the present invention may be effectively employed as alternatives for cloth and fibrous structures which contact the wearer's skin, as well as for new and existing product applications where a non-plastic visual and tactile impression are desired.
摘要:
An elastic laminate structure is provided which is formed from at least one fabric layer and an open cell mesh having first and second strands. The laminate structure is formed such that the first strands are integrally bonded to the first fabric layer. The integrally bonded first strands both penetrate the first fabric layer and bond mechanically and/or chemically to the fibers of the first fabric layer. In addition, the first strands are deformed such that they are substantially flat in shape and substantially coplanar with the fabric layer. The elastic second strands have a substantially elliptical shape. The integral bonding of the first strands and the deformed shape of the first strands and the second strands provides an elastic laminate structure which can be worn about the body without irritation or other discomfort.
摘要:
A substantially rectangular piece of flexible web having a first end and a second end and an elastic portion therebetween, stretchable along a longitudinal axis of the piece of web. The piece of web has a length great enough to encircle a user's waist such that the first and second ends overlap. The first end has a reclosable fastening system for attaching the first end to the piece of web near the second end in order to hold the piece of web around the user's waist when the piece of web is stretched. The back wrap further comprises a plurality of individual thermal elements embedded in the piece of web. The plurality of thermal elements have a substantially planar diamond-shaped pattern which approximates the shape of erector muscles in the user's back. The pattern has a gap transverse to the longitudinal axis which corresponds to the user's spine. The elastic back wrap may further include an individual thermal element located in the gap of the pattern such that the single thermal element covers the user's sacroiliac at the base of the user's spine. The elastic back wrap has a means for increasing friction between the piece of web and a user's body in order to reduce slippage of the wrap during use. The means for increasing friction may include a foam strip attached transverse to the longitudinal axis of the piece of web on the body-facing side thereof.