Patent · US Expired

Nonwoven fabric useful for preparing elastic composite fabrics

US5921973A · kind A · utility

56Cited by
15References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 17, 1997
Grant dateJul 13, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 17, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T442/679
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The invention is directed to composite elastic nonwoven fabrics and processes for producing the same. The fabric includes a layer of inelastic continuous or staple fibers formed from a blend of polyethylene and polypropylene laminated to an elastic layer. Preferably, the composition of the fibers ranges between 5 to 50 percent by weight of polypropylene with the balance made up of polyethylene. The nonelastic fibers are capable of being highly elongated upon mechanical stretching without adversely impacting fiber tie down. Accordingly, a smooth, strong, coherent fabric is obtained, which is especially well suited for incorporation into disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, incontinence briefs and feminine hygiene products.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.