POLYMERIC LAYERS AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME

摘要

Polymeric layers (50) comprising an array of openings (56) extending between the first and second major surfaces (52, 54), wherein the openings (60) each have a series of areas through the openings from the first and second major surfaces ranging from minimum to maximum areas. There is a total area and a total open area for each of the first and second major surfaces, wherein the total open area for each of the first and second major surfaces is not greater than 50 percent of the total area of the respective major surface. For at least a majority of the openings (56), the minimum area is not at either major surface. Methods for making the polymeric layers are also disclosed. Polymeric layers are useful, for example, as components in personal care garments such as diapers and feminine hygiene products and medical skin applications where breathability is desired. They can also be useful for filtering (including liquid filtering) and acoustic applications.

主权项

1. A polymeric layer having first and second, generally opposed major surfaces, comprising an array of openings extending between the first and second major surfaces, wherein the openings each have a series of areas through the openings from the first and second major surfaces ranging from minimum to maximum areas, wherein there is a total area and a total open area for each of the first and second major surfaces, wherein the total open area for each of the first and second major surfaces is not greater than 50 percent of the total area of the respective major surface, wherein for at least a majority of the openings, the minimum area is not at either major surface, wherein at least a portion of the first major surface comprises a first material and extends at least partially up to, but not into the second major surface, and wherein a portion of the second major surface comprises a second, different material.