Reticulated thermoplastic film and method of making the same
US9944764B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24331
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A reticulated thermoplastic film includes a backing with openings and discrete elements protruding from the first major surface. There are two discrete elements aligned in a first direction abutting opposite ends of any given opening. In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, there is one discrete element between the given opening and an adjacent opening aligned in the second direction. Each portion of the backing around the given opening is plastically deformed in its lengthwise direction and typically has higher stretch-induced molecular orientation at its edge adjacent the given opening than at its midpoint. The openings are often retractable. A method of making a reticulated thermoplastic film is also disclosed. The method includes stretching a thermoplastic backing with a plurality of discrete elements in the first direction. Subsequently stretching the backing in the second direction forms a tear in the backing between two adjacent discrete elements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.