Film having high breathability induced by low cross-directional stretch

US6821915B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Michael Tod Morman · Alpharetta, US
• Patricia Hsiaoyin Hwang · Alpharetta, US
• Audrie Tomoko Ono · Atlanta, US
• Howard M. Welch · Woodstock, US
• Charles John Morell · Roswell, US
• Faris Ohan · Knoxville, US
• Prasad Shrikrishna Potnis · Duluth, US
• Michael Allen Daley · Alpharetta, US
• Sjon-Paul Conyer · Westmoreland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 28, 2000
• Grant date: Nov 23, 2004
• Expiry date: Mar 8, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T442/699
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A breathable, substantially liquid impermeable film and laminate are provided for use in a wide variety of personal care garments and protective garments. The film, and laminate containing the film, are extendible in a cross-direction to a stretched width which is at least 25% greater than an original, unstretched width. The film and laminate have a first water vapor transmission rate of at least about 500 grams/m2-24 hours coinciding with the unstretched width. The film and laminate have a much higher second water vapor transmission rate which is at least about 225% of the first water vapor transmission rate, and not less than about 4000 grams/m2-24 hours, coinciding with a stretched width that is only 25% greater than the stretched width.