U.S. patent application number 12/978907 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-12 for bonded fiber wick.
Invention is credited to Nancy B. Berger, Richard M. Berger, Wolfgang Broosch, Bernhard Kutscha, Bennett C. Ward.
Application Number | 20110108630 12/978907 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38834380 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110108630 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ward; Bennett C. ; et
al. |
May 12, 2011 |
Bonded Fiber Wick
Abstract
A hydrophilic fiber wick is provided, the wick made up of a
self-sustaining fluid transmissive body having a plurality of
bicomponent fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart contact
points. The bicomponent fibers have at least one biodegradable
material and collectively define tortuous fluid flow paths through
the fluid transmissive body.
Inventors: |
Ward; Bennett C.;
(Midlothian, VA) ; Broosch; Wolfgang;
(Schwarzenbek, DE) ; Kutscha; Bernhard; (Reinbek,
DE) ; Berger; Richard M.; (US) ; Berger; Nancy
B.; (Midlothian, VA) |
Family ID: |
38834380 |
Appl. No.: |
12/978907 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12795403 |
Jun 7, 2010 |
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12978907 |
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11765538 |
Jun 20, 2007 |
7731102 |
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12795403 |
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60815822 |
Jun 22, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/1 ;
239/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 9/127 20130101;
A01M 1/2044 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
239/1 ;
239/44 |
International
Class: |
A61L 9/04 20060101
A61L009/04 |
Claims
1. A hydrophilic porous wick comprising thermally bonded synthetic
bicomponent fibers having pores between the thermally bonded
synthetic bicomponent fibers.
2. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 1, further comprising
natural monocomponent fibers or synthetic monocomponent fibers.
3. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 1, wherein the synthetic
bicomponent fibers are selected from the group consisting of
polypropylene/polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene
(PE)/PET, polypropylene/Nylon-6, Nylon-6/PET, copolyester/PET,
copolyester/Nylon-6, copolyester/Nylon-6,6,
poly-4-methyl-1-pentene/PET, poly-4-methyl-1-pentene/Nylon-6,
poly-4-methyl-1-pentene/Nylon-6,6, PET/polyethylene naphthalate
(PEN), Nylon-6,6/poly-1,4-cyclohexanedimethyl-1 (PCT),
polypropylene/polybutylene terephthalate (PBT),
Nylon-6/co-polyamide, polyester/polyester and
polyurethane/acetal.
4. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 2, wherein the synthetic
monocomponent fibers are polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers.
5. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 2, wherein the natural
monocomponent fibers are selected from the group consisting of
cotton and wool.
6. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 2, wherein the natural
monocomponent fibers are cellulose based fibers selected from the
group consisting of vegetable fibers, wood fibers, animal fibers
and man-made fibers.
7. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 2, wherein the thermally
bonded synthetic bicomponent fibers comprise about 51 wt % to about
100% wt % of the hydrophilic porous wick.
8. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 1, wherein the synthetic
bicomponent fibers comprise a sheath and a core, and the core has a
melting temperature at least more than 10 degrees C. higher than
the melting temperature of the sheath.
9. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 3, wherein the synthetic
bicomponent fibers comprise PE/PET bicomponent fibers or
polyester/polyester bicomponent fibers.
10. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 2, wherein the synthetic
bicomponent fibers comprise PE/PET bicomponent fibers and the
natural monocomponent fibers comprise cotton.
11. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 2, wherein the synthetic
bicomponent fibers comprise PE/PET bicomponent fibers and the
synthetic monocomponent fibers comprise PVA or acrylic.
12. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 1, wherein the synthetic
bicomponent fibers are colored.
13. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 2, wherein the natural
monocomponent fibers or the synthetic monocomponent fibers are
colored.
14. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 1, wherein the wick is
biodegradable.
15. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 2, wherein the wick is
biodegradable.
16. The hydrophilic wick of claim 15, wherein a component of the
wick that is a biodegradable component is at least 40% of the total
weight of the wick.
17. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 1, having a density from
0.2 g/ml to 1.0 g/ml.
18. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 2, having a density from
0.2 g/ml to 1.0 g/ml.
19. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 1, having a diameter of
about 0.04 inches to about 1.0 inches and a length to diameter
ratio greater than 50.
20. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 2, having a diameter of
about 0.04 inches to about 1.0 inches and a length to diameter
ratio greater than 50.
21. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic
porous wick possesses a wicking rate of deionized water of about
0.5 inches per minute or more in the first 2 inches of length.
22. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 2, wherein the natural
monocomponent fibers are cellulose based fibers.
23. A method of releasing a vaporizable material into the
atmosphere comprising: placing a hydrophilic porous wick comprising
thermally bonded synthetic bicomponent fibers having pores between
the thermally bonded synthetic bicomponent fibers into a fluid
containing a vaporizable material; permitting the fluid containing
the vaporizable material to wick through the hydrophilic porous
wick and release into the atmosphere.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the wick further comprises
natural monocomponent fibers or synthetic monocomponent fibers.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein the wick releases more than 0.5
gm of vaporizable material in 24 hours.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein the wick releases more than 0.5
gm of vaporizable material in 24 hours.
27. The method of claim 23, wherein the vaporizable material is an
aqueous based fragrance or oil based fragrance.
28. The method of claim 23, wherein the wick is biodegradable.
29. A hydrophillic fiber wick comprising: a fluid transmissive body
comprising a plurality of bicomponent fibers bonded to each other
at spaced apart contact points and collectively defining tortuous
fluid flow paths through the fluid transmissive body.
30. The hydrophillic fiber wick of claim 29 wherein the
self-sustaining fluid transmissive body further comprises a
plurality of monocomponent fibers.
31. The hydrophillic fiber wick of claim 30 wherein the
monocomponent fibers are bonded only to the bicomponent fibers at
spaced contact points.
32. The hydrophillic fiber wick of claim 30 wherein the
monocomponent fibers comprise fibers consisting of natural
materials.
33. The hydrophilic fiber wick of claim 30, wherein the
monocomponent fibers are polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers.
34. The hydrophilic porous wick of claim 30, wherein the
monocomponent fibers are selected from the group consisting of
cotton and wool.
35. The hydrophilic fiber wick of claim 29 wherein the bicomponent
fibers are selected from the group consisting of
polypropylene/polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene
(PE)/PET, polypropylene/Nylon-6, Nylon-6/PET, copolyester/PET,
copolyester/Nylon-6, copolyester/Nylon-6,6,
poly-4-methyl-1-pentene/PET, poly-4-methyl-1-pentene/Nylon-6,
poly-4-methyl-1-pentene/Nylon-6,6, PET/polyethylene naphthalate
(PEN), Nylon-6,6/poly-1,4-cyclohexanedimethyl-1 (PCT),
polypropylene/polybutylene terephthalate (PBT),
Nylon-6/co-polyamide, polyester/polyester and polyurethane/acetal
bicomponent fibers.
36. The hydrophilic fiber wick of claim 29 wherein the wick is
biodegradable.
37. The hydrophilic fiber wick of claim 29 wherein at least a
portion of the wick is biodegradable.
38. The hydrophilic wick of claim 37 wherein the biodegradable
portion of the wick is at least 40 percent of the total weight of
the wick.
39. The hydrophilic fiber wick of claim 29 further comprising: a
displacement body integrally formed with said fluid transmissive
body and configured so that when the fluid transmissive body and
the displacement body are at least partially immersed in a fluid
pool, the displacement body displaces a volume of fluid
approximately equal to a wicked volume of fluid wicked out of the
fluid pool by the fluid transmissive body.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/795,403, filed Jun. 7, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/765,538, filed on Jun. 20, 2007, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,731,102, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/815,822, filed on Jun. 22, 2006, each of
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This
application is also related to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/333,499
filed on Jan. 17, 2006, titled "Porous Composite Materials
Comprising a Plurality of Bonded Fiber Component Structures," which
is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is generally directed to wicks. In
particular, it is directed at wicks where the capillary is formed
by fibrous materials. More particularly, the present invention is
directed to composite bonded fiber wick structures that displace a
specific amount of fluid relative to an amount that is initially
absorbed.
[0003] It is known in the art to manufacture isotropic wicks for a
variety of applications. Such isotropic wicks are generally
three-dimensional, porous, bonded fiber elements that may serve to
wick a fluid from a first location to a second location. These
wicks may be used in diverse applications, such as in air freshener
devices, lighters, writing instruments, and for a variety of
biological fluids, such as urine and/or blood. Such wicks are
disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/333,499, which is
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0004] When such bonded fiber wicks are used in air freshener
devices, the wick is often immersed in a fluid (typically
containing a fragrance), and by capillary force the fluid is drawn
into the bulk of the wick. Generally, the end of the wick opposite
of the end immersed in the fluid is exposed to air, and the fluid
may evaporate from the surface of the wick broadcasting the
fragrance into the space around the air freshener device.
[0005] However, isotropic wicks used in such air freshener devices
and similar applications have several drawbacks. One of the more
significant drawbacks is that when an isotropic wick is used to
dispense volatile air freshener solutions, the wick generally
absorbs an amount of air freshener solution when it is placed in
the container. When the wick has a large volume relative to the
volume of the container, this may cause the level of liquid in the
container to drop as it is absorbed into the wick. In transparent
devices sold into the consumer market, such as an air freshener
container made of glass or clear plastic, this often creates the
negative perception that the consumer is buying a less than full a
container of air freshener.
[0006] Although a smaller diameter wick may at least partially
resolve this problem, the surface area of the wick is reduced due
to the smaller diameter, and the dissemination of fragrance may be
impaired as a result of less surface area of the wick for
evaporation.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a wick that initially
provides a desired amount of fluid displacement while providing
sufficient wick surface area for fragrance dissemination. There is
also a need for a wick that displaces an amount of fluid
approximately equal to the amount of fluid it initially wicks,
resulting in a neutral displacement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Aspects of the invention include a hydrophilic porous wick
comprising thermally bonded synthetic bicomponent fibers having
pores between the thermally bonded synthetic bicomponent fibers.
Another aspect of the invention includes a method of releasing a
vaporizable material into the atmosphere comprising: placing a
hydrophilic porous wick comprising thermally bonded synthetic
bicomponent fibers having pores between the thermally bonded
synthetic bicomponent fibers into a fluid containing a vaporizable
material; permitting the fluid containing the vaporizable material
to wick through the hydrophilic porous wick and release into the
atmosphere. Yet another aspect of the invention includes a
hydrophillic fiber wick comprising: a fluid transmissive body
comprising a plurality of bicomponent fibers bonded to each other
at spaced apart contact points and collectively defining tortuous
fluid flow paths through the fluid transmissive body.
[0009] It is to be understood that both the foregoing and the
following description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are
not restrictive of the invention. The accompanying drawings, which
are incorporated herein by reference, and which constitute a part
of the specification, illustrate certain embodiments of the
invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to
explain the principles of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] In order to assist in the understanding of the invention,
reference will now be made to the appended drawings, in which like
reference characters refer to like elements. The drawings are
exemplary only, and should not be construed as limiting the
invention.
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of a multi-component three
dimensional bonded fiber wick in accordance with some embodiments
of the present invention.
[0012] FIGS. 2-5 each depict a cross-sectional view of a
multi-component three dimensional bonded fiber wick in accordance
with some embodiments of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates an isotropic wick as known in the prior
art before introduction to the fluid reservoir.
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates an isotropic wick as known in the prior
art directly after introduction to the inside of a fluid
reservoir.
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a neutral displacement wick before
introduction to the fluid reservoir, in accordance with some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates a neutral displacement wick directly
after introduction inside of the fluid reservoir, in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates an improperly configured wick directly
after introduction inside of a fluid reservoir.
[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates a manufacturing process of producing
neutral displacement wicks in accordance with some embodiments of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] A neutral displacement wick (NDW) in accordance with some
embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. The
advantage of a NDW wick when used in air freshener devices or
similar applications is that when the wick is first introduced into
the fluid reservoir, it may absorb a desired amount of liquid into
the wick relative to the amount it displaces, resulting in the
liquid level in the fluid reservoir remaining at or near the level
present before the wick was introduced, or at some other desired
level. If the wick is capped off or otherwise enclosed to prevent
evaporation, the device may be shipped to the consumer who may then
have the perception that he or she is buying a full container. When
the cap is removed, the large surface area of the wick sheath may
allow dissemination of fragrance.
[0020] With reference to FIG. 1, a multi-component NDW wick 10 may
comprise at least four (4) non-discrete (i.e., overlapping)
portions: an immersion section 110, an non-immersion section 120, a
displacement portion 130, and a wicking portion 140. The immersion
section 110 and the non-immersion section 120 divide the wick
laterally, while the displacement portion 130 and wicking portion
140 provide radial divisions in the wick 10. The immersion section
110 is the section of the multi-component wick that is initially in
the fluid. The non-immersion section 120 is the section of the
multi-component wick that is initially outside of the fluid. The
displacement portion 130 may run the entire length of the wick, or
may be primarily disposed in the immersion section 110. While the
displacement portion 130 may possess some wicking characteristics,
its primary purpose is to initially displace a specified amount of
fluid. The wicking portion 140 may also run the entire length of
the wick, although it is also contemplated to have the majority of
the wicking portion 140 in the non-immersion section 120 of the
wick. The surface area of the wicking portion 140 in the
non-immersion section 120 will determine the dissemination rate of
the evaporated fluid.
[0021] With reference to FIGS. 2-5, various cross-sections of a NDW
will now be discussed. In FIG. 2, a NDW 20 may be configured in a
cylindrical shape, and may comprise a displacement portion 210 and
a wicking portion 220. The displacement portion 210 is shown as
being radially-internal to the wicking portion 220. In this manner,
the displacement portion 210 may not only be generally hidden, but
the wicking portion 220 may be fully exposed to the ambient
environment, thereby allowing for optimal evaporation, and thus,
fragrance dissemination.
[0022] In FIG. 3, an NDW 30 may again be comprised in a cylindrical
shape and may comprise a first wicking portion 310, and a second
wicking portion 320. The NDW 30 may also comprise an impervious
membrane 340 and a void area 350. It is contemplated that the void
area 350 may be used similar to the displacement portion in FIGS. 1
and 2 to displace a desired amount of fluid. The first wicking
portion 310 may be designed to wick a specific material (e.g., it
may be hydrophilic) while the second wicking portion 320 may be
designed to wick a different specific material (e.g., it may be
oleophilic), providing for multiple scents emitting from the NDW
30. Additionally, the first and second wicking portions 310, 320
may wick the same materials at different rates, or either the first
or the second wicking portion 310, 320 may have aromas embedded
therein.
[0023] In FIG. 4, an NDW 40 may be rectangular in cross-section,
and may comprise a displacement portion 410 and a wicking portion
420. Similarly, in FIG. 5, an NDW 50 may comprise at least three
(3) portions: a first wicking portion 510, a second wicking portion
520, and a displacement portion 530. Alternatively, the NDW 50 may
comprise a wicking portion and a displacement portion separated by
an impervious membrane.
[0024] Other example cross sections may be a wicking core and a
non-wicking sheath, or any other configurations that would be
obvious to one skilled in the art.
[0025] Many materials may be used in the wicking portion of the NDW
wick. Such materials may be self-sustaining porous bonded fiber
elements that are capable of being engineered to wick a variety of
liquids and act as air freshener wick materials. Examples of such
materials may include bonded bicomponent polyolefin sheath fibers,
bonded bicomponent polyester sheath fibers, bonded bicomponent
nylon sheath fibers and bonded pneumatic nylon and pneumatic
cellulose acetate.
[0026] Other examples of materials that may be suitable for use in
the wicking portion of the NDW wick may include porous, non-bonded,
wicking fiber elements, which may be stiffened by adhesives or
otherwise made structurally sound to enable consistent wicking
behavior. Woven, knitted or non-woven fabrics may be used, as well
as natural fibrous or non-fibrous products (such as cotton or
wool). In addition, open cell foams may be used (as long as they
are of sufficient surface energy to allow wetting and wicking of
the target fluid). Additionally, porous plastics, such as
self-sustaining porous sintered plastic elements, may be used.
Various other materials that provide adequate wicking and
evaporation will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.
[0027] In general, the non-wicking portion may be any material as
long as it is so configured so that the target fluid will
substantially not penetrate this portion and thus be displaced by
the non-wicking portion. The non-wicking portion of the NDW wick
may be impervious, and may be a closed cell foam material, such as
a rod-shaped chemically resistant polyethylene or polyurethane
foam, a solid rod, such as a variety of plastic or elastomeric
rods, or even rods of wood or metal. The non-wicking portion may
also be bonded or non-bonded fiber structures, or natural product
structures, with the surface energy being such that the material
would not wet out or wick the target fluid, even under elevated
pressure conditions that may be experienced in a container.
[0028] The wicking portion may be tight up against the non-wicking
displacement portion to prevent voids from forming. Unsealed voids
are unwanted because upon filling with the fragrant liquid, the
volume of the container may appear to be less. The wicking portion
and the non-wicking displacement portion may be arranged so as to
prevent unwanted delamination or separation of the two portions.
For example, the wicking portion and the non-wicking displacement
portion may be combined into a single unit by interference fit, or
may be adhered together. Such adherence may be the result of fibers
of the wicking portion bonding to the non-wicking displacement
portion, or may result from the use of adhesives applied to the
components.
[0029] In general, the wick may be sized to achieve the following
objectives: [0030] 1. The proper surface area (as determined by the
circumference of the wick, the amount of wick exposed in the
non-immersion section, and the vapor pressure of the target fluid).
A proper surface area may allow a vapor release rate appropriate to
the application in question. [0031] 2. Appropriate volume of liquid
wicked up into the wick by capillary action (determined by the
cross sectional area of the wicking portion, plus the capillary
draw and porosity of the porous element). [0032] 3. The amount of
liquid displaced (determined by (2) above plus the displacement of
the displacement portion). [0033] 4. A desired relationship between
the immersion section and the non-immersion section. For example,
in some circumstances, it may be desirable to maintain a fluid
level at the same height once a wick is inserted. In this
situation, the initial volume of the immersion section (comprising
the volume of both the displacement portion and the fiber volume of
the wicking portion) should be approximately equal to the initial
volume of fluid wicked by the wicking portion located in the
non-immersion section. In other circumstances, it may be desirable
to cause the fluid level to rise or drop once a wick is inserted.
In such circumstances, the volume of the immersion section may
initially be more or less, respectively, than the volume of fluid
initially wicked by the wicking portion in the non-immersion
section.
[0034] The need for proper sizing of the NDW may be apparent from
FIGS. 6-10. In accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention, FIGS. 6-10 illustrate the proper sizing for an NDW where
the immersion section displaces an amount of fluid approximately
equal to the amount fluid wicked into the wicking portion of the
non-immersion section (note that the fluid level remains the same
throughout). FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the undesirable effect of
initial liquid drop in a fluid reservoir when a standard, non-NDW
is used. It is desirable to properly size or configure an NDW to
prevent similar fluid drops. FIGS. 8-9 illustrate a properly sized
NDW that displaces an equal amount of liquid as it initially
absorbs, maintaining the initial fluid level at approximately the
top of the bottle. FIG. 10 illustrates an improperly sized wick
that displaces more fluid than it absorbs, resulting in fluid
overflow upon insertion.
[0035] The ratio of the volume of liquid displaced by the immersion
section (including the displacement portion) to the volume of
liquid initially wicked into the wicking portion in the
non-immersion section must be designed for each particular
application, and must take into account the volume of the
container, the size of the NDW and the desired liquid height inside
the container before and after the insertion of the NDW. Ratios may
range from 0.2 to 4.0. When a particular fluid level prior to NDW
insertion is desired to be maintained after NDW insertion, ratios
may range from 0.95 to 1.05. Design considerations include, but are
not limited to, the desired evaporation rate of the liquid, the
surface tension of the liquid that is to be wicked, the density of
the wicking portion, the overall dimensions of the wicking portion,
and the overall dimensions of the container.
[0036] The NDW may also be made in many different ways, including
bonded fiber processes of many types, non-woven wrapping
technologies, textile technologies, and a variety of forming
technologies. The NDW may be produced by separately manufacturing
the porous, wicking portion and the non-wicking portion, and
combining the portions into a final unit. As noted above, this
combination may utilize an interference fit, may be thermally
bonded together as part of the forming process or may utilize
additional adhesives.
[0037] Alternatively, the wicking portion may be formed integral to
the displacement portion. For example, in arrangements such as
those depicted in FIGS. 2, and 3 wherein the wicking portion
surrounds the displacement portion the wicking portion may be
formed around, and integral to, the displacement portion; or, in
the case of FIG. 3, around a sealed void that provides the desired
displacement.
[0038] With reference to FIG. 11, one manner of producing an NDW in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now
be discussed. The displacement portion 1110 may be already formed.
The displacement portion 1110 may comprise any material that does
not wick or wet out with the intended liquid. For example, the
displacement portion 1110 may be a solid, closed cell foam such as
a chemically resistant polyethylene or polyurethane foam. Although
the geographic arrangement of the displacement portion 1110 is
illustrated in FIG. 11 as being cylindrical, it may take any
desired cross-section. The wicking portion 1120 may be formed from
a fibrous sheet into a three dimensional, self-sustaining structure
around the displacement portion 1110. Sheets or webs of fibrous
material 1120 may be fed around the displacement portion 1110 to
wrap or encase it. The encased combination of the fibrous material
1120 and the displacement portion 1110 may be fed into a heated die
1130. The die 1130 may be heated by any variety of means (e.g.,
steam, induction, convection, etc.) and may maintain a temperature
above the softening temperature of the fibers of the wicking
portion 1120. If the wicking portion 1120 is comprised of
bicomponent fibers (e.g., sheath-core or side-by-side bicomponent
fibers) the die 1130 may be maintained at a temperature above the
softening temperature of the lowest softening (or melting)
temperature component. If sheath-core bicomponent fibers are used,
the softening temperature of the sheath will be exceeded by the
temperature of the die 1130. The heat from the die 1130 may cause
the fibers to bond to each other at various points of contact. Upon
cooling, the wicking portion may be formed into the desired three
dimensional, self-sustaining, porous fiber structure.
[0039] The inner dimensions of the die may form the combined
wicking portion 1120 and displacement portion 1110 into a desired
cross section. Optionally, a cooling die 1140 may be used to
quicken the cooling of the heated fibers. Additionally, the cooling
die 1140 may provide additional shaping of the cross section of the
final product. Upon exit from the heating die 1130 and optionally
the cooling die 1140, the NDW 1170 is formed. The combined NDW 1170
may be pulled through the process by element 1160, and may be cut
to desired length by element 1150. Although FIG. 11 depicts an NDW
1170 in a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section of both
the wicking portion and the displacement portion, it is anticipated
that any desired cross section may be obtained.
[0040] As noted above, FIG. 11 illustrates a single method for the
manufacture of an NDW. Multiple other manufacturing methods may be
used to produce, either separately or integrally, the wicking
portion and displacement portion of the NDW.
[0041] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the method,
manufacture, configuration, and/or use of the present invention
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
* * * * *