Abstract: Disclosed is a textile laminate comprising a fiberfill web substrate and a face layer. The fiberfill web substrate has a plurality of first fibers at the surface of the substrate. The face layer comprises a plurality of extruded second fibers which are mechanically intertangled with the plurality of first fibers at the surface of the substrate to thereby form the textile laminate. Typically, the first fibers of the fiberfill web are polyester fiberfill fibers and the second fibers of the extruded face layer are polypropylene fibers.

Abstract: A tufted fabric and yarn for use therein which is suitable for fabrication into a highly absorbent and quick drying bathroom rug. The fabric includes a primary backing material and yarn tufts secured in the backing material and forming a raised surface on one side of the backing material. Each of the tufts and the yarn for forming of such tufts includes hydrophilic microdenier filaments in an end of less than 500 denier for wicking and distributing moisture throughout the raised surface of the tufted fabric and hydrophobic tufting denier filaments in an end of more than 500 denier for providing resiliency, bulk and strength to the tufted fabric.

Abstract: The invention discloses a durable, resin coated pill resistant polyester fabric, a method for producing such a fabric, and bedding made from the fabric. The fabric is made from substantially all polyester and it is microsanded to abrade the fabric surface. An antipilling resin which contains a self-crosslinking acrylic copolymer and a methylol derivative resin is applied to the fabric and then the fabric is treated to crosslink the anti-pilling finish, thereby forming a pill resistant fabric. The fabric is particularly useful for forming bedding products for the industrial and hospitality markets, as the fabric is capable of withstanding numerous launderings at industrial pH and temperature levels without becoming thin or acquiring a large amount of pills on its surface.

Abstract: A shower curtain hook including a hook including a body for permitting the shower curtain hook to hang from a shower curtain rod, a tail for permitting the shower curtain to rest thereon, a positioning plate supported on the tail, and a decorative cover having a mounting bracket adapted to receive the positioning plate so that the decorative cover may be releasably secured to the positioning plate.

Abstract: Fine textured fire resistant flame barrier fabrics for use as mattress and pillow ticking, bedspreads, mattress covers, draperies, upholstery, protective apparel, tenting, awnings, field fire shelters, for use as a substrate or backing for coated upholstery fabrics and as a flame barrier for use beneath upholstery fabric. The fabric is formed from a corespun yarn comprising a high temperature resistant continuous filament fiberglass core and a low temperature resistant staple fiber sheath surrounding the core. The core comprises about 20% to 40% of the total weight of the corespun yarn while the sheath comprises about 80% to 60% of the total weight of the corespun yarn. The total size of the corespun yarn is within the range of about 43/1 to 3.5/1 conventional cotton count. This corespun yarn may be woven and knit in fine, non-plied form and extends the range of fineness of fabrics below heretofore achievable limits.

Abstract: A method for dyeing fibrous material is provided. The method includes contacting a fibrous material with a dyebath comprising a mixture of a dye assistant and a dye soluble or dispersed with the dye assistant in the dyebath. The dye assistant comprises a N-alkyl substituted aromatic sulfonamide. The dye assistant of the present invention can be advantageously utilized for dyeing difficult to dye fibers such as aromatic polyamide fibers, polybenzimidazole fibers and aromatic polyimide fibers.

Abstract: A method for dyeing fibrous material is provided. The method includes contacting a fibrous material with a dyebath comprising a mixture of a dye assistant and a dye soluble or dispersed with dye assistant in the dyebath. The dye assistant comprises a salt of a low molecular weight aromatic sulfonic acid, and can include a low molecular weight surfactant. The dye assistant of the present invention can be advantageously utilized for dyeing difficult to dye fibers such as aromatic polyamide fibers, polybenzimidazole fibers and aromatic polyimide fibers.

Abstract: There is provided a belt tensioning apparatus for maintaining the tension in the belt of a serpentine belt drive system. The belt tensioning apparatus utilizes a double wrap spiral spring which will approximately double the amount of travel of the tensioning apparatus for a given outside diameter. This significant increase in travel allows the tensioning device to be preset at a variety of initial loads to enable the same tensioner to be used over a broad range of applications.

Abstract: Non-dyed and non-finished cotton woven fabric is contacted with a cellulase solution with agitation under conditions so as to produce a cascading effect of the solution over the cotton woven fabric. When so conducted, the treated cotton woven fabric has improved feel and appearance characteristics as compared to the fabric prior to treatment. Additionally, such methods result in the removal of dead and immature cotton from the fabric.

Abstract: A method for dyeing fibrous material is provided. The method includes contacting a fibrous material with a mixture of a carrier and a dye soluble or dispersed in the carrier. The improvement comprises the use, as the carrier, of a mixture comprising N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone and an alkyl or aryl benzoate. The carrier system of the present can be utilized advantageously to dye difficult to dye fibrous material such as aromatic polyamides including Kevlar.RTM. fibers and blends thereof with other fibers.

Abstract: A fire-resistant fabric suitable for use as a flame barrier comprising a flame durable textile fabric substrate formed of corespun yarns, the yarns comprising a core of flame resistant filament and a sheath of staple fibers, and an intumescent coating carried by one surface of the textile fabric substrate. In normal use, the fabric is flexible and conformable and has good air porosity. When exposed to high temperature and/or a flame, however, the intumescent coating reacts and swells to form a char which closes the pores or interstices of the fabric to thus prevent flame or hot gases from penetrating therethrough.

Abstract: The corespun yarn is formed on a friction spinning apparatus and comprises three components, including a core of high temperature resistant fibers, a core wrapper of low temperature resistant fibers surrounding and covering the core, and an outer sheath of low temperature resistant fibers surrounding and covering the core wrapper and the core. The high temperature resistant fibers of the core are selected from the group consisting essentially of aramid fibers (Kevlar and Nomex), and polybenzimidazole fibers (PBI). The low temperature resistant fibers of the core wrapper and the outer sheath are either natural or synthetic fibers, such a cotton and polyester.

Abstract: A fire-resistant fabric suitable for use as a flame barrier comprising a flame durable textile fabric substrate formed of corespun yarns, the yarns comprising a core of flame resistant fiber and a sheath of modacrylic intumescent staple fibers. In normal use, the fabric is flexible and conformable and has good air porosity. When exposed to high temperature or a flame, however, the modacrylic intumescent sheath fiber reacts and swells to form a char which closes the pores or interstices of the fabric to thus prevent flame or hot gases from penetrating therethrough.

Abstract: A fabric suitable for use as a flame barrier fabric comprising a flame durable textile fabric substrate, a flexible silicone polymer layer which stays intact, maintains its integrity on exposure to a flame and is carried by the surface of the textile fabric substrate, and a reflective flame durable paint coating carried by the silicone polymer coating.

Abstract: The corespun yarn is formed on a friction spinning apparatus and comprises three components, including a core of high temperature resistant fibers, a core wrapper of low temperature resistant fibers surrounding and covering the core, and an outer sheath of low temperature resistant fibers surrounding and covering the core wrapper and the core. The high temperature resistant fibers of the core are selected from the group consisting essentially of aramid fibers (Kevlar and Nomex), and polybenzimidazole fibers (PBI). The low temperature resistant fibers of the core wrapper and the outer sheath are either natural or synthetic fibers, such a cotton and polyester.

Abstract: A flame-resistant office building material for use as office panel partitions, wall panels, wall coverings, ceiling panels, floor and the like is provided. The building material comprises a rigid core support material, a decorative outer surface layer, and a fiber-based flame barrier layer positioned between the support material and the surface layer. The barrier layer comprises a flame durable fabric substrate formed of fire-resistant fibers.

Abstract: An accordion folded laminate of a fiber sheet reinforced with a thermoplastic film and bonded together with adhesive is utilized as a window shade or as a shower curtain or other end use product. In the preferred form, the thermoplastic sheet comprises polyester and the adhesive comprises a low melt polyester adhesive powder. The powder is applied uniformly to the reverse face of the fiber sheet and is heated to a temperature higher than its melt temperature, and the thermoplastic sheet is pressed over the adhesive against the polyester sheet. This laminate is subsequently formed into an accordion folded configuration, with the edges of the accordion folds being heated to a temperature higher than the melt temperature of the adhesive, causing the folds to retain a memory that enhances the appearance and function of the end use product.

Abstract: A fabric formed of yarns having a core formed of fire-resistant filaments and a sheath formed of staple fibers and a cured, crosslinked composition applied to one surface of the fabric is provided. The composition comprises a first crosslinkable resin having an affinity for the fire-resistant filament core and a second crosslinkable resin having an affinity for the staple fiber sheath and for the first crosslinkable resin. The fabric because of the composition is pucker and shrink resistant, and the tensile strength and flexibility of the yarns and the aesthetic appeal of the fabric are maintained when the fabric is washed repeatedly.

Abstract: A method for increasing heat dissipation from the smolder or open flame site of an upholstered article by interposing a fire barrier material between the outer upholstery fabric and the filler or padding materials. The fire barrier material is formed by coating a fibrous substance, such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, and the like with a latex containing a finely divided heat conductive metal.