Non-wovens

Introduction

Nonwoven textiles are those which are neither woven nor knit, for example felt. General use hyphenates the word, but industrial use spells it as one word. Non-wovens are typically not strong (unless reinforced by a backing or densified). In the recent years non-woven material has become an alternative to polyurethane foam.
Non-woven fabric is typically manufactured by putting small fibers together in the form of a sheet (web) and then binding them either mechanically (as in the case of felt, by interlocking them with serrated needles such that the inter-fiber friction results in a stronger fabric), with an adhesive, or thermally {by applying binder(in the form of powder, paste, or polymer melt) and melting the binder onto the web by increasing temperature}.

Raw material

Non-woven materials are nowadays mainly produced from man-made fibers. Two synthetic polymers dominate the market: polypropylene and polyesters (mainly PET). Nonwovens are often application-designated as either durable or disposable. Nonwoven used as a housewrap to prevent water infiltration is a durable nonwoven. Nonwoven used as a facing on a baby diaper is a disposable or single-use nonwoven.

Application

Non-woven materials are used in numerous applications, including:

Hygiene

• Baby diapers
• Feminine hygiene
• Adult incontinence products
• Wipes
• Bandages and wound dressings

Medical

• Isolation gowns
• Surgical gowns
• Surgical drapes and covers
• Surgical scrub suits
• Caps

Technical

• Roll roofing and shingle reinforcement
• Insulation backing
• Battery electrode separators
• Vinyl flooring reinforcement
• Plastic surface reinforcement (veils)
• Wall coverings
• Honeycomb structural components
• Ceiling tile facings
• Circuit board reinforcement
• Electrical insulation

Geotextiles

• Soil stabilizers and roadway underlayment
• Agriculture mulch
• Pond and canal water barriers
• Sand infiltration barrier for drainage tile

Other

• Carpet backing (primary and secondary)
• Composites
  • Marine sail laminates
  • Table cover laminates
• Backing/Stabilizer for machine embroidery
• Thermal insulation (fiberglass quilting/batting)
• Pillows, cushions, and upholstery padding
• Batting in quilts or comforters
• Consumer and medical face masks
• Tarps, tenting and transportation (lumber, steel) wrapping
• Disposable clothing (foot coverings, coveralls)

Sample IP analysis

• Area: Baby diapers and Feminine hygiene.
• Search: Based on title, abstract and claims for some major companies in this field.

Year wise IP activity

• Based on title, abstract and claims for some major companies in this field.The graph is based on the patents of Kimberly-Clark Corp, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, and Playtex from 1836 to 2006.

Year wise IP activity

Competitive analysis

Competitive analysis

This is only a sample report with brief analysis
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Sample analysis of some patents

• This information is according to analysis of 27 patents.

Sample analysis

Design patents

• Classification of Design patents

Design patents

Pictorial analysis

Absorbent pad

Attaching napkin to garment

Fastening means

Shoulder strap pad for bra

Tampon

Production patents

• Classification of Production patents

Production patents

IP Activity

Based on Priority Year

Based on Publication Year

Geographical Distribution

• The following graph represents geographical distribution of priority country per patent family.

This is only a sample report with brief analysis
Dolcera can provide a comprehensive report customized to your needs

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