Micro-perforated laminae and method

Abstract

A micro-perforated laminae includes a layer of material having a plurality of spaced-apart perforations, in which the total open orifice area of the perforations is about 0.1% to 100.0% of the total surface area of the layer of material. The layer of material can be a thermoplastic material, metal foil, cellulosic film, woven, paper and/or nonwoven. The perforations can be slits, with each slit having a length of no more than about 120 mils (3.0 mm). The total open orifice area of perforations can be in the range of about 0.1 mm2 to about 100 mm2 per square centimeter of the total surface area of the micro-perforated laminae. The two surfaces of the micro-perforated laminae may be surface treated to alter surface energy. The micro-perforated laminae can be used singularly or in combinations with multiple layers which in themselves may or may not contain micro-perforations and surface treatments. The micro-perforated laminae can be used with multiple layers that in themselves may be porous such as woven, paper and/or nonwoven. The layers of micro-perforated laminae thus constructed can be laminated using lower melt point adhesives or polymers which will allow the vents to open when under pressure and heat. Upon cooling of this same laminae the lower melt point adhesives or polymers will allow the vents to reseal.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.