Polymer Group, Inc.

Michael J Putnam

Jian Weng

Richard Ferencz

Marlene Storzer

Ralph A Moody, Iii

Herbert P Hartgrove

Cheryl Carlson

Sergio Diaz De Leon

Ping Hao

Charles Eric Pearce

Wayne T Rhodes

Lisa P Barker

Miguel Rivera

Kuo-Shu Edward Chang

Keith Wilbourn

Benjamin Nolan

Robert Gregory Rabon

Rick Ferencz

Cindy K Gilbert

Douglas Stowers

Sergio DeLeon

Keith Curtis

Ralph A Iii Moody

A nonwoven fabric comprises continuous polymer filaments of 0.5-3 denier that have been hydroentangled in a complex matrix of interconnecting filament loops, and that is otherwise substantially free of knotting, or of otherwise wrapping about one another. A process for making a non-woven fabric comprises continuously extruding polymer filaments of 0.5-3 denier onto a moving support, pre-entangling the filaments with water jets, and entangling the filaments with a second set of water jets. An apparatus for making a nonwoven fabric comprises means for continuously extruding substantially endless polymer filaments of 0.5-3 denier onto a moving support to form an unbonded web, a pre-entangling station for entangling the web with a plurality of water jets, and a plurality of water jets for final entanglement of the filament web.

Hydroentanglement of continuous polymer filaments

A nonwoven fabric comprises continuous polymer filaments of 0.5 to 3 denier that have been hydroentangled in a complex matrix for interconnecting filament loops, and that is otherwise substantially free of knotting, or of otherwise wrapping about one another. A process for making a nonwoven fabric comprises continuously extruding polymer filaments of 0.5 to 3 denier onto a moving support, pre-entangling the filaments with water jets, and entangling the filaments with a second set of water jets on a three-dimensional image transfer device. An apparatus for making a nonwoven fabric comprises means for continuously extruding substantially endless polymer filaments of 0.5 to 3 denier onto a moving support to form an unbonded web, a pre-entangling station for entangling the web with a plurality of water jets, and a plurality of water jets for final entanglement of the filament web on a three-dimensional image transfer device. In another aspect of the present invention, plural precursor webs, each comprising polymeric filaments, can be employed to form a laminated nonwoven fabric.

A filter media formed in accordance with the present invention comprises hydroentangled, predominantly polyester staple length fibers having a basis weight of no more than about 12 oz/yd. The filter media exhibits a Mullen burst strength of at least about 395 psi, and machine-direction and cross-direction shrinkage of less than about 3%, preferably less than about 2% . The filter media exhibits a machine-direction tensile strength of at least about 105 lb/in, and a cross-direction tensile strength of at least about 110 lb/in.

Hydroentangled filter media and method

A nonwoven fabric comprises continuous polymer filaments of 0.5-3 denier that have been hydroentangled in a complex matrix of interconnecting filament loops, and that is otherwise substantially free of knotting, or of otherwise wrapping about one another. A process for making a non-woven fabric comprises continuously extruding polymer filaments of 0.5-3 denier onto a moving support, pre-entangling the filaments with water jets, and entangling filaments with a second set of water jets. An apparatus for making a nonwoven fabric comprises means for continuously extruding substantially endless polymer filaments of 0.5-3 denier onto a moving support to form an unbonded web, a pre entangling station for entangling the web with a plurality of water jets, and a plurality of water jets for final entanglement of the filament web.

The present invention is directed to a method of forming a two-sided nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a pronounced three-dimensional image that is durable to both converting and end-use application. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a first precursor web comprising a first fibrous matrix and a second precursor web comprising a second fibrous matrix. Between the first and second precursor web, a fluid-pervious support layer or scrim, is interposed and subjected to hydroentanglement on a moveable imaging surface having a three-dimensional image transfer device. By formation of a nonwoven fabric in this fashion, a three-dimensional image that is durable to abrasion and distortion due to elongation is imparted and a product formed which exhibits on its opposite surfaces the unique properties of the respective fibrous matrix used.

Two-sided nonwoven fabrics having a three-dimensional image

A filter media formed in accordance with the present invention comprises hydroentangled, predominantly polyester staple length fibers having a basis weight of no more than about 12 oz/yd. The filter media exhibits a Mullen burst strength of at least about 395 psi, and machine-direction and cross-direction shrinkage of less than about 3%, preferably less than about 2%. The filter media exhibits a machine-direction tensile strength of at least about 105 lb/in, and a cross-direction tensile strength of at least about 110 lb/in.

The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a first three-dimensional image and a second three-dimensional image whereby the first and second three-dimensional images are dissimilar from one another. In particular, the present invention contemplates a fabric comprised of sequentially formed three-dimensional images that are formed from a pre-entangled precursor web entangled on a first three-dimensional transfer device so as to impart a first image therein, then subjected to hydroentanglement on a second three-dimensional image transfer device wherein a second three-dimensional image is imparted to the web that is different from the first three-dimensional image, the resulting nonwoven fabric presenting aesthetic and tactile qualities representative of both imparted images.

Nonwoven fabrics having compound three-dimensional images

A stretchable laminate is formed by providing a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric exhibiting cross-direction extensibility and recovery, which fabric comprises a nonwoven web of staple length fibers of about 0.8 to 3.0 denier having a basis weight of about 1.0 to 4.0 ounces per square yard. A polymeric binder composition substantially uniformly applied to the nonwoven web imparts desired elasticity to the web, with the fabric exhibiting at least about 50% extensibility in a cross-direction thereof, and at least about 90% recovery in a cross-direction. The nonwoven web may comprise synthetic fibers, natural fibers, and blends thereof, as well as continuous filaments. An elastomeric composition comprising polyurethane or polyvinylchloride is applied to the extensible nonwoven fabric, which forms the stretchable laminate. The laminate provides a highly conformable and aesthetically pleasing leather-like product.

Stretchable laminate

The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a pronounced three-dimensional image that is durable to both converting and end-use application. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a precursor web comprising at least one support layer or scrim, which when subjected to hydroentanglement on a moveable imaging surface of a three-dimensional image transfer device, an enhanced product is achieved. By formation in this fashion, hydroentanglement of the precursor web results in a more pronounced three-dimensional image; an image that is durable to abrasion and distortion due to elongation.

Nonwoven fabrics having a durable three-dimensional image

A nonwoven composite fabric having first and second fibrous layers reinforced by an intermediate scrim layer. The first fibrous layer may be an entangled fabric formed of staple length fibers or continuous filaments, and the second fibrous layer may be a thermally point-bonded fabric formed of staple length fibers or continuous filaments. The second fibrous layer bonds the scrim to the first fibrous layer and will mask the scrim in the finished product. The composite fabric is produced by placing the scrim in face-to-face juxtaposition with the first and second fibrous layers, and subjecting the resulting composite to the forces of high pressure fluid jets to break the bonds in the second fibrous layer and to cause the fibers or filaments of that fibrous layer to pass through the openings in the scrim and become entangled with the fibers or filaments of the first fibrous layer.

Process to produce imaged scrim composite nonwoven and product thereof

A nonwoven fabric, and method of production, are disclosed, wherein the nonwoven fabric comprises textile length fibers with a portion being thermally fusible. The fabric exhibits sufficient durability to withstand commercial dyeing processes, with the resultant fabric finding widespread applicability by virtue of its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Durable and drapeable imaged nonwoven fabric

A laminated fabric consisting of a relatively lightweight layer formed of dimensionally stable, heat-resistant fibers, and a relatively heavyweight layer formed of one of more plies. The laminate is imaged on a three-dimensional support surface, and the laminate may be treated with a fire-retardant binder to stabilize the image and enhance the flame-retardant properties.

Laminated fabric with fire-retardant properties

The method for hydraulic seaming together of two layers of consolidated nonwoven fabric in one or two directions simultaneously provides soft, supple seam lines, along which formed seam lines, cuts can be made for producing bag like articles from the seamed layers, such as, for example, pillow cases, or industrial filters.

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Fuquay-Varina, NC, United States of America

Michael J Putnam