Abstract:
An adhesive material that contains a plurality of setae that include a stalk and spatula extending therefrom is provided. To form the adhesive material, a substantially planar substrate may be initially molded to define the setae. In this initial configuration, the setae are positioned substantially in the plane of the substrate. The substrate is then physically manipulated (e.g., folded, bent, corrugated, rotated, etc.) so that the setae become extended in an outwardly direction from the plane. Among other things, this provides a three-dimensional material having enhanced adhesive properties.
Abstract:
A method of producing an elongate calibrated extrusion of a formable material. The formable material most suitably comprises a thermoplastics polymer having an outer skin (94) and a foamed core (91). It may be formed using an extrusion apparatus (100) having an extruder (101) and a co-extrusion die (104) which delivers the extrudate between opposed sizing conveyors (106). These travel at a speed suitable to allow them to continuously take up the flowable extrudate. The flowable extrudate is caused to adhere sufficiently to the surface of the sizing conveyors in order to cause the extrudate to maintain its shape. The extrudate is detached from the recirculating sizing conveyors after it has solidified sufficiently to exhibit the desired dimensional accuracy. Product exemplified includes relatively high Young's Modulus composite product fabricated into materials handling pallets.
Abstract:
An adhesive material that contains a plurality of setae that include a stalk and spatula extending therefrom is provided. To form the adhesive material, a substantially planar substrate may be initially molded to define the setae. In this initial configuration, the setae are positioned substantially in the plane of the substrate. The substrate is then physically manipulated (e.g., folded, bent, corrugated, rotated, etc.) so that the setae become extended in an outwardly direction from the plane. Among other things, this provides a three-dimensional material having enhanced adhesive properties.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to corrugated laminates with density differentials created in at least one of the layers of the laminate. The laminates (10) include a first layer (12) bonded to a second layer (14) to form a composite which has a plurality of corrugations forming a series of peaks separated by a series of valleys. At least the second layer is formed from a compressible material such as a fibrous nonwoven web which has formed therein areas of different density due to the formation process used to form the laminate. In one process the first and second layers are bonded to one another along a series of generally parallel bond lines (16) while at least one of the materials is in a tensioned state. Once bonding is completed, the tension is released and the laminate forms a series of corrugations. In the valley areas (18) immediately adjacent the bond lines the laminate and in particular the second layer has an increased density due to the bonding process. In the peak areas (20), which are between the valley areas, the laminate and in particuar the second layer has a lower density. As a result, fluids entering the laminate through the first layer tend to be drawn toward the more dense areas adjacent the bond lines. This couples with the reduced surface contact area of the first layer due to the corrugations, tend to make the material particularly well-suited for use as a body side liner for personal care absorbent articles.
Abstract:
Distorted fragments having a variety of configurations and methods for making such distorted fragments is provided which, because of its increased bulk, can also be used as packing materials, decorative grasses, an animal bedding, cat litter, mulch for soil and a media for plants. The distorted fragments can be produced by extrusion and the extrudate is distorted while in a semi¬ solid state.
Abstract:
Distorted fragments having a variety of configurations and methods for making such distorted fragments is provided which, because of its increased bulk, can also be used as packing materials, decorative grasses, an animal bedding, cat litter, mulch for soil and a media for plants. The distorted fragments can be produced by extrusion and the extrudate is distorted while in a semi¬ solid state.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to corrugated laminates with density differentials created in at least one of the layers of the laminate. The laminates (10) include a first layer (12) bonded to a second layer (14) to form a composite which has a plurality of corrugations forming a series of peaks separated by a series of valleys. At least the second layer is formed from a compressible material such as a fibrous nonwoven web which has formed therein areas of different density due to the formation process used to form the laminate. In one process the first and second layers are bonded to one another along a series of generally parallel bond lines (16) while at least one of the materials is in a tensioned state. Once bonding is completed, the tension is released and the laminate forms a series of corrugations. In the valley areas (18) immediately adjacent the bond lines the laminate and in particular the second layer has an increased density due to the bonding process. In the peak areas (20), which are between the valley areas, the laminate and in particular the second layer has a lower density. As a result, fluids entering the laminate through the first layer tend to be drawn toward the more dense areas adjacent the bond lines. This couples with the reduced surface contact area of the first layer due to the corrugations, tend to make the material particularly well-suited for use as a body side liner for personal care absorbent articles.
Abstract:
In some aspects, described herein are methods of additive manufacturing in which one or more corrugated layers are incorporated into the three-dimensional (3D) object. Also provided herein are 3D objects that can include one or more corrugated layers.
Abstract:
Absorbent members and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the absorbent member is a unitary absorbent fibrous web having a density profile through its thickness. In one embodiment, the density profile of the fibrous web is skewed toward one of the surfaces of the fibrous web. In such embodiments, the maximum density of the web may be located outside of the central 30% zone of the thickness of the web. In one embodiment, the method involves subjecting a precursor web to at least one cycle (or pass) through a mechanical deformation process. Typically, the method involves subjecting the precursor web to multiples cycles (or passes) through a mechanical deformation process.