Miguel A Rivera

US Patent:

7013541, Mar 21, 2006

Filed:

Apr 7, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/408487

Inventors:

Miguel Rivera - Mooresville NC, US
Benjamin Nolan - Elmer NJ, US
Michael Putnam - Fuquay-Varina NC, US

Assignee:

Polymer Group, Inc. - North Charleston SC

International Classification:

D04H 1/46

US Classification:

28104, 28167, 28163

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

7047606, May 23, 2006

Filed:

Mar 27, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/400242

Inventors:

Miguel Rivera - Mooresville NC, US
Michael J. Putnam - Fuquay-Varina NC, US

Assignee:

Polymer Group, Inc. - North Charleston SC

International Classification:

D04H 1/46

US Classification:

28104

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

20030087566, May 8, 2003

Filed:

Oct 23, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/281047

Inventors:

Thomas Carlyle - Huntersville NC, US
Miguel Rivera - Mooresville NC, US

Assignee:

Polymer Group, Inc.

International Classification:

D04H003/02
D04H003/08
D01F001/04

US Classification:

442/059000, 442/327000, 264/103000, 264/078000

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a method of achieving a uniform distribution of reversible thermochromic pigment within a spunmelt nonwoven fabric, by incorporating the reversible thermochromic pigment into the polymer melt at the time of fiber or filament formation. It has been found that incorporating the pigment into the polymer melt enhances thermochromic uniformity as well as fabric durability. In addition, the reversible thermochromic fabric is processed in a single formation step, resulting in the present invention being more efficient than those methods practiced in the prior art.

US Patent:

20030216098, Nov 20, 2003

Filed:

Feb 19, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/370240

Inventors:

Thomas Carlyle - Huntersville NC, US
Miguel Rivera - Mooresville NC, US

International Classification:

B32B017/00

US Classification:

442/400000, 156/062400

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a method of preparing a melt-extruded fabric, such as a melt-blown nonwoven fabric capable of dissolution, and more specifically, the present invention relates to a melt-blown nonwoven fabric comprising a polyvinyl alcohol resin capable of totally dissolving in water temperatures up to about 72 Fahrenheit with some mild agitation, such as shaking or stirring.

US Patent:

20030232558, Dec 18, 2003

Filed:

Mar 5, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/382231

Inventors:

Ralph Moody - Mooresville NC, US
Michael Putnam - Fuquay-Varina NC, US
Thomas Carlyle - Huntersville NC, US
Miguel Rivera - Mooresville NC, US

Assignee:

Polymer Group, Inc.

International Classification:

D04H001/46
D04H005/02

US Classification:

442/327000, 442/408000

Abstract:

The present invention is directed a nonwoven fabric which is imparted with a three-dimensional image or pattern, and apertures essentially devoid of fiber, during the fabrication stage. The nonwoven fabric exhibits a fibrous extension out of the plane of the material, while apertures are present that have a pronounced uniformity and a significant reduction in fibrous occlusion.

US Patent:

20040258844, Dec 23, 2004

Filed:

Apr 7, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/819880

Inventors:

Miguel Rivera - Mooresville NC, US
Ralph Moody - Mooresville NC, US
Benjamin Nolan - Elmer NJ, US
Michael Putnam - Fuquay-Varina NC, US
Nick Carter - Mooresville NC, US

Assignee:

Polymer Group, Inc.

International Classification:

B05D001/30

US Classification:

427/420000, 028/104000, 427/421100

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven cleaning article, 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 sequential 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 cleaning article presenting aesthetic and tactile qualities representative of both imparted images.