Coformed dispersible nonwoven fabric bonded with a hybrid system
US5952251A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T442/625
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A water-dispersible coformed fibrous nonwoven fabric structure comprising a primary reinforcing polymer material, preferably capable of being meltspun; a secondary reinforcing polymer material having an average fiber length less than or equal to about 15 mm and preferably having a softening point at least about 30.degree. C. lower than the softening point of the primary reinforcing polymer; and, an absorbent material, such as pulp or a superabsorbent. The fabric structure maintains desired tensile strength and softness while being water-dispersible and flushable. The fabric produced can be incorporated into an article and can be flushed down a commode. The fabric is flushable when placed in water, with agitation, if necessary, and will disperse into unrecognizable pieces without clogging conventional plumbing or piping. A method of producing the fabric structure comprises mixing the secondary reinforcing material and absorbent material and injecting this coform blend into a stream of meltspun primary reinforcing fibers. After a web structure has been established, the structure is exposed to thermal or ultrasonic energy sufficient to soften and bond the secondary reinforcing materia…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.