Abstract: Coating compositions, processes for making them and articles for cleaning composed of non-woven fabrics coated with the novel compositions are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vapor barrier for use in the thermal insulation of buildings which can be used, in particular, for thermal insulation procedures in new buildings or in the renovation of old buildings. The vapor barrier in accordance with the invention is thereby capable of achieving water vapor exchange under different ambient conditions. This is achieved by using a material which has a water vapor diffusion resistance which is dependent on the ambient humidity and which also has adequate tensile strength and tear resistance.

Abstract: A lofty, nonwoven material having a nonwoven web having a plurality of substantially continuous fibers oriented in a z-direction of the nonwoven web and a method for producing the lofty, nonwoven material from as-formed z-direction fibers. The method is fast, having no mechanical manipulation of the fibers to slow it down, easily adjustable and allows for in-line processing. The material can be varied from preponderantly open to preponderantly closed in its web structure.

Abstract: A composite sheet that comprises an elastically stretchable layer and an inelastically stretchable layer formed with inelastically stretchable continuous fibers bonded to at least one surface of the elastically stretchable layer intermittently in one direction. The continuous fibers are oriented substantially in one direction thereof so that the composite sheet may present a ratio S1/S2 of 3.0 or higher where S1 represents a tensile strength in this one direction and S2 represents a tensile strength in the direction orthogonal to this one direction.

Abstract: The present invention describes a means for fixing skin care ingredients on the surface of non-woven webs and cellulosic mats. The active ingredients can be released (deposited) onto the skin by normal triggering mechanisms, which include the action of water or urine or by friction or rubbing. The fixative systems described herein provide the ability to control high load levels while not interfering with the wettabliity of the fabric or paper. Additionally, incompatible/reactive ingredients can be treated onto the same web and are kept as separate particles fixed to the surface until released.

Abstract: A stitched yarn surface structure includes a backing having decorative upper surface and a thickness dimension T of at least two (2) millimeters. The backing exhibits a predetermined compressive resistance Rb. Plural rows of face yarn segments cover at least a portion of the decorative upper surface of the backing, with adjacent face yarn segments being spaced apart by a predetermined minimum spacing dimension S. The yarns forming the face yarn segments have a predetermined compressive resistance Ry. The compressive resistance Rb, the compressive resistance Ry, and the spacing S are selected such that a load of up to one hundred (100) pounds per square inch (psi) imposed on the stitched yarn surface structure by a loading member is able to be borne by the stitched yarn surface structure without allowing contact between the member and the decorative upper surface of the backing.

Abstract: Composite textile material for protecting the human body against heat, essential comprising an outer zone providing a leakproofing function, an intermediate zone in which a flow of air circulates, and an inner zone allowing mass and heat to be transferred into the intermediate zone, the material being characterized in that it is constituted by a three-dimensional cloth (1, 3, 4) having one fabric (1) of hydrophobic cloth constituting the outer zone, and having its other fabric (4) in the form of a woven cloth or a knit of hydrophilic fibers and constituting the inner zone, the two fabrics (1, 4) being interconnected by link threads (5) enabling the intermediate zone to exist.

Abstract: A water-vapor-permeable, water-resistant composite material includes a water-resistant, water-vapor-permeable functional layer with a first and a second side, a material attached to the first side of the functional layer, a plurality of discrete polymer spots forming a discontinuous, lining-producing pattern on the surface of the second side of the functional layer, and a water-vapor-permeable cover layer that is joined at least to the polymer spots. Clothing produced from the water-vapor-permeable, water-resistant composite material includes the features listed above.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite comprising at least one heat shrinkable adhesive layer stitch-bonded with yarns, which shrink less than the adhesive layer or do not shrink, when the adhesive layer is exposed to heat. The stitch-bonded yarns form loops upstanding from the shrunk adhesive layer and the loops create a textured surface on the composite, and the composite is substantially inelastic after the adhesive layer is shrunk. The composite may further comprise at least one fibrous layer stitch-bonded to the shrinkable adhesive layer, and the fibrous layer is less shrinkable than the adhesive layer or is substantially non-shrinkable.

Abstract: A method of forming flame-retardant nonwoven fabrics by hydroentanglement includes providing a precursor web. The precursor web is subjected to hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device to create a patterned and imaged fabric. Treatment with a flame-retardant binder enhances the integrity of the fabric, permitting the nonwoven to exhibit desired physical characteristics, including strength, durability, softness, and drapeability. The treated nonwoven may then be dyed by means applicable to conventional wovens.

Abstract: The inventive method provides highly desirable hand to various different types of fabrics through the initial immobilization of individual fibers within target fabrics and subsequent treatment through abrasion, sanding, or napping of at least a portion of the target fabric. Such a procedure includes “nicking” the immobilized fibers thereby permitting the fibers to produce a substantially balanced strength of the target fabric in the fill and warp directions while also providing the same degree of hand improvements as obtained with previous methods. Furthermore, this process also provides the unexpected improvement of non-pilling to synthetic fibers as the “nicking” of the immobilized fibers results in the lack of unraveling of fibers and thus the near impossibility of such fibers balling together to form unwanted pills on the fabric surface. Fabrics treated by this process are also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: A soft, durable, nonwoven fabric formed of hydroentangled synthetic polymer fibers in sheet form. The polymer fiber is surface embossed on at least one major surface with a predetermined pattern to provide a fiber sheet having enhanced dimensional stability. The fiber sheet is surface napped to soften the surface and disturb and make indistinct the surface embossed pattern. The pattern may preferably be a twill pattern, and the napping process is preferably a wire-napping process. The fabric can be constructed into blankets and numerous apparel items.

Abstract: A woven fabric structure for outdoor furniture use is provided. The woven fabric structure is a blended fabric containing a coated multifilament yarn and an elastomeric yarn that is resistant to water, ultraviolet, heat degradation or other significant outdoor exposure. The elastomeric yarn is provided in the fill direction and the coated multifilament yarn is provided in the warp direction. Additionally, the coated multifilament yarn can be combined with a yarn such as spun acrylic, polyester, nylon yarn, texturized filament yarns; or other uncoated filament yarns.

Abstract: An improved process for making stitchbonded fabric in which a feed material that has a visible pattern on it is surface is multi-needle stitched with a contractible yarn and then the stitched material is contracted to form an attractive, novel surface pattern that is quite different from the original pattern on the feed material.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of forming a textile laminate or composite fabric from a plurality of woven fabric layers, with the method contemplating use of a three-dimensional image transfer device to facilitate efficient and commercially viable use of the method. Herein is disclosed a method of forming an imaged textile laminate or composite compound fabric, the fabric having a first textile fabric layer comprising a plurality of interwoven warp and weft yarns and at least one other textile fabric layer, the lamination of the fabric layers and imaging of the construct occurring on a three-dimensional image transfer device. The image transfer device has a foraminous, image-forming surface comprising a regular pattern of three-dimensional surface elements.

Abstract: Tuftable fabrics comprise a plurality of warp and weft tapes in a balanced construction of tapes with balanced dimensions of tapes in the warp and the weft and stabilization of the fabric to impart dimensional stability. The fabrics are useful as backings for tufted carpets and especially patterned carpets and carpet tile owing to a surprising combination of tuftability, resistance to edge curl and stability during tufting.

Abstract: A laminate web is disclose, the laminate web comprising a first web, a second web joined to the first web at a plurality of discrete bond sites; and a third material disposed between at least a portion of the first and second nonwovens. The third material is apertured in regions adjacent the bond sites, such that the first and second nonwoven webs are joined through the apertures. In one embodiment an apertured laminate web is disclosed, having a first extensible web having a first elongation to break, and a second extensible web joined to the first extensible web at a plurality of bond sites, the second extensible web having a second elongation to break A third web material is disposed between the first and second nonwovens, the third web material having a third elongation to break which is less than both of the first or second elongations to break.

Abstract: A laminate web and several uses of the laminate web are disclosed. The laminate web comprises a first web, a second web joined to the first web at a plurality of discrete bond sites; and a third material disposed between at least a portion of the first and second webs. The laminate webs of the present invention are suitable for a variety of uses. Such uses include flexible carrying implement, medical applications, kitchen or bathroom implements, decorative coverings, home accent items, pet industry articles, fabric, fabric backings, edible materials, bedding applications, absorbent food pads, clean room wipes, tack cloths, and many other uses.

Abstract: A multi-layer protective fabric includes a thin urethane film, a flame-retardant fibrous layer, and a flame-retardant micro-porous layer. The film includes flame retardant additives, blocks a liquid chemical from passing through it, and breathes by an adsorption/de-sorption process to permit water vapor to pass through it. The fibrous layer is bonded on one surface of the film. The urethane layer is bonded on the other surface of the film.

Abstract: A multi-layer sheet material for use as a portion of a tear away fastening system. The sheet material includes a substrate layer and loop forming yarns extending through the substrate layer such that the loop forming yarns define an arrangement of loop elements projecting away from one side of the substrate layer. The loop elements are interconnected by portions of the yarns disposed across the other side of the substrate layer. A backing layer is disposed in overlying relation to the substrate layer to hold the loop forming yarns in place.