Abstract:
A generally cylindrical towel roll product comprises an absorbent towel roll having an upright axis, and a flexible, water resistant, protective wrapper engaging the circumferential surface of the towel roll and of sufficient strength to restrain significant diametric expansion of the towel roll when the roll is subjected to an axial load and to increase axial stiffness of the product. The wrapper includes top and bottom portions that encase the top and bottom surfaces of the roll, respectively, the top wrapper portion having an opening providing axial access to the towel roll and through which individual towels can be drawn axially from the interior of the towel roll. A removable and replaceable soil and water-resistant cover protectively covers the wrapper opening, and a rigid disc may be provided between the top surface of the towel roll and the top portion of the wrapper, the disc extending radially to the periphery of the upper surface of the roll.
Abstract:
A generally cylindrical towel roll product comprises an absorbent towel roll having an upright axis, and a flexible, water resistant, protective wrapper engaging the circumferential surface of the towel roll and of sufficient strength to restrain significant diametric expansion of the towel roll when the roll is subjected to an axial load and to increase axial stiffness of the product. The wrapper includes top and bottom portions that encase the top and bottom surfaces of the roll, respectively, the top wrapper portion having an opening providing axial access to the towel roll and through which individual towels can be drawn axially from the interior of the towel roll. A removable and replaceable soil and water-resistant cover protectively covers the wrapper opening, and a rigid disc may be provided between the top surface of the towel roll and the top portion of the wrapper, the disc extending radially to the periphery of the upper surface of the roll.
Abstract:
A method of forming a fibrous material includes creating a mixture of pulp, liquid, and a debonder. Drying the mixture produces pulp, which is generally mixed with binder fibers, where each binder fiber has a core and an outer layer. The core has a first melting temperature and the outer layer has a second melting temperature lower than the first melting temperature. The method includes providing the pulp and binder fibers to a dry-lay machine to form a layer of base fibrous material. In one embodiment, the layer of base fibrous material is heated to at least partially melt the binder fibers' outer layers. The method includes applying a bonding material to the layer; creping the layer; and curing the layer to form the fibrous material. Alternatively, the method includes embossing the layer of base fibrous material; and spraying a chemical bonder to the layer of base fibrous material.
Abstract:
An industrial absorbent and methods of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the industrial absorbent includes a first scrim made from at least one thermoplastic material; a second scrim made from at least one thermoplastic material; and a middle layer positioned between the first and second scrims. The middle layer includes a dry-laid web of fire- retardant treated cellulose and opened, individuated staple bicomponent fiber. At least some of the bicomponent fiber in the middle layer is thermally bonded to at least some of the cellulose in the middle layer, and the first and second scrims are thermally bonded to the middle layer.
Abstract:
A filter and methods of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the filter includes a first scrim made from at least one thermoplastic material; a second scrim made from at least one thermoplastic material; and a middle layer positioned between the first and second scrims. The middle layer includes a dry-laid web of cellulose and opened, individuated staple bicomponent fiber. At least some of the bicomponent fiber in the middle layer is thermally bonded to at least some of the cellulose in the middle layer, and the first and second scrims are thermally bonded to the middle layer.
Abstract:
A water resistant absorbent towel dispenser. The dispenser includes a container having top, bottom and side walls housing a supply of absorbent towels, and an exterior handle for facilitating transport of the dispenser. The top wall includes a finger-accessible opening through which absorbent towels may be withdrawn. In certain embodiments, the top wall is convex upwardly, but is flexible to enable it to be depressed when dispensers are stacked vertically so as to come into load bearing contact with the towel supply. In some embodiments, the top and bottom walls have interlocking configurations to add lateral stability to vertically stacked dispensers.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for dispensing towels. In one embodiment, the system includes a container configured to receive a roll of towels, and a bracket configured to mount to a support surface. The bracket engages the container to alternately suspend the container from the support surface in a first orientation and in a second orientation that is different than the first orientation.
Abstract:
A filter and methods of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the filter includes a first scrim made from at least one thermoplastic material; a second scrim made from at least one thermoplastic material; and a middle layer positioned between the first and second scrims. The middle layer includes a dry-laid web of cellulose and opened, individuated staple bicomponent fiber. At least some of the bicomponent fiber in the middle layer is thermally bonded to at least some of the cellulose in the middle layer, and the first and second scrims are thermally bonded to the middle layer.
Abstract:
A flow-through dryer for drying webs of material comprising a rotatable drying drum having a cylindrical drum face and section flanges on the drum ends that enclose an interior space. The drum face is configured as a series of spaced pleated vent plates mounted circumferential Iy about the outside of drying drum. The pleated vent plates are perforated to allow air flow into the interior space and have an outer edge that is adapted to support the web of material about the drying drum.
Abstract:
Methods and machines for forming a non-woven web. In one embodiment, the machine includes one or more forming boxes. Each box has an associated fiber inlet. The forming boxes are positioned above a conveyor table. Fibrous material travels from the inlet through each forming box. A vacuum source is located underneath the conveyor table and generates an air current that pulls the fibrous material onto the conveyor table to form a web or sheet of fibrous material. In one embodiment, the fibrous sheet is formed in three layers. Vapor or steam boxes are placed adjacent to each forming box. In one embodiment, a steam box is located within the entrance of an oven. The sheet is subjected to a vapor, mist, fog, spray, or steam (generically referred to as a "suspension") as it passes under each steam box. In one embodiment, the suspension is generated with water. Applying a water suspension to the fibrous materials provides hydrogen atoms to help create hydrogen bonding between at least some of the fibers. As compared to wet laid forming, hydrogen bonds are created with much less water and with an associated reduction of cost in water handling and utility expenses to dry or remove water. In addition, mixtures of natural and synthetic fibers and relatively longer fibers may be used as compared to wet-laid processes to improve strength. Bulk density may be controlled by forming patterned layers of material and laminating the patterned layersrOne benefit of applying vapor to the forming web is -that vapor helps-with laying down fibers and smoothing of the sheet. This is more particularly noticed with sheets where relatively longer synthetic fibers have been added to increase strength.