Abstract: A needle loom having a weft yarn selection mechanism for automatic selection of a desired weft yarn from two or more weft yarns for insertion through a shed includes a needle having a yarn carrying end. A guard is located on the needle, with the guard having a closed front end at a position corresponding to the yarn carrying end of the needle, and extending generally along the length of the needle. A space is provided between the guard and the needle which is adapted to receive the two or more weft yarns. A selection mechanism is associated with at least one of the two or more weft yarns.

Abstract: A method of making a three-dimensional stiffener having at least one wall (6, 8) extending outwardly from a generally planar base portion (4) comprises the steps of forming the base portion by weaving at least two layers (16, 18) using orthogonally disposed first and second yarn lengths (10, 12) and using a third plurality of yarn lengths (14) located within planes extending perpendicularly to the general plane of said stiffener. Each of said plurality of yarn lengths in said third pluratlity is woven between the topmost and bottommost ones (10, 12) of said plurality of first and second orthogonally disposed first and second yarn lengths. At least one stiffener wall (6) extending orthogonally to said plane is formed by overweaving along a given section of said planar portion and in a direction perpendicular to said general plane of said stiffener coincident with a section of one of said plurality of first and second yarn lengths.

Abstract: A three-dimensional woven fabric structure is integrally woven by a multi-ply weave having three or more plies, and includes a form defining a plurality of bag portions extending parallel with one another, and arranged in a plurality of rows. The bag portions in each row are defined by two woven fabric plies, the intersection of which along a crossing locus creates a bound portion between adjacent bag portions. Cylindrical bag portions in adjacent rows have a woven fabric ply in common and are interconnected at staggered positions. The fabric structure is creased at midpoints between bound portions whereby the bag portions are set to retain a hollow three-dimensional form, but may be folded flat into a juxtaposed state by application of pressure.

Abstract: A fabric for use as a base fabric in an air bag comprises a fibrous substrate having adhered to it a covering layer made of a thermoplastic synthetic resin and of 10 .mu.m or less in average thickness. The adhesion between the fibrous substrate and covering layer is effected by causing the thermoplastic synthetic resin material of the covering layer to fill interstices between the fibers of the fibrous substrate. This may be achieved by applying to the fibrous substrate a solution or dispersion of the thermoplastic synthetic resin. An air bag may be constructed entirely from the fabric such that when it comprises sheet material additional to the base fabric, these may also be provided by the same fabric as that used for the base fabric.

Abstract: A method of continuously forming a composite structure comprised of a three-dimensional fabric including first and second sheets of fabric which face each other and which are connected by intermediate yarn, the method including providing a continuous supply of three-dimensional fabric; impregnating the three-dimensional fabric with resin which is thermoreactive; mating the three-dimensional fabric with a first outer strip which contacts the first sheet of fabric, and a second outer strip which contacts the second sheet of fabric to form a stratified structure containing the impregnated three-dimensional fabric; feeding the stratified structure along a path in a feed direction X which is straight; heating the stratified structure to at least partially polymerize the resin between the first outer strip and the first sheet of fabric and between the second outer strip and the second sheet of fabric, while the resin impregnating the intermediate yarn of the three-dimensional fabric remains substantially in the pla

Abstract: A temporary surface covering to allow or facilitate the circulation of vehicles on sandy or swampy soils. The surface covering is formed of a woven structure formed from weft threads (N.sup.o 1 to 26) of the monofilament type disposed along a single layer and warp threads (N.sup.o 1 to 10), also disposed along a single layer. The weave of the woven structure is such that each warp thread is interlaced with the weft thread preferably and approximately along half the intersections of the rows and columns of the weave so as to obtain, for each warp thread, at least one tight single weave zone (A) followed by a loose thread zone (B). The alternation of the various zones provokes retightenings of the weft threads creating a large relief (S1, S2, C1, C2) of the fabric embodied.

Abstract: Continuously flat-woven implantable tubular prostheses have seamless woven sections which gradually change the number of warp yarns to smoothly transition, i.e., taper, from one diameter to another. Multi-diameter endoluminal grafts having a variety of shapes and configurations are made using a seamless weaving process without unacceptable voids or gaps in the tubular wall.

Abstract: A three-dimensional woven fabric structure is integrally woven by a multi-ply weave having three or more plies, and includes a form defining a plurality of bag portions extending parallel with one another, and arranged in a plurality of rows. The bag portions in each row are defined by two woven fabric plies, the intersection of which along a crossing locus creates a bound portion between adjacent bag portions. Cylindrical bag portions in adjacent rows have a woven fabric ply in common and are interconnected at staggered positions. The fabric structure is creased at midpoints between bound portions whereby the bag portions are set to retain a hollow three-dimensional form, but may be folded flat into a juxtaposed state by application of pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for production of a three-dimensional fabric including laminated fiber layers having a fiber arranged along axial lines and a connection yarn inserted into the fiber layers to connect the fiber layers with each other are described. The fiber layers are formed by arranging the fiber while folding the fiber back along the axial lines. The laminated fiber layers are formed by arranging the fiber along axial lines, by engaging the fiber to a plurality of restriction members located with a predetermined pitch on a frame so as to surround an area where the connection fiber is inserted into the fiber layers, and then folding the fiber back along the axial lines. A plurality of yarn inserting needles arranged in a series together with the connection fiber are simultaneously thrust into the fiber layers until a holding section of each yarn inserting needle projects outside of the fiber layers to make a loop of the connection yarn at each holding section.

Abstract: Process and machine for the manufacture of a composite material reinforced with a three-dimensional continuous fiber structure. A fiber bundle is positioned in direction Z. A plate fitted with fiber guides holds the fibers apart. Fiber layers arranged alternately according to directions X and Y are formed between the fibers of the bundle. The fiber layers fabrics are carried by combs (40a to 40d) which are displaced in the Z direction and pivoted in order to bring the spacing between the fibers of a same fabric to layer p(X) and q(Y) corresponding to the desired structure. The fibers undergo impregnation during displacement of the combs.

Abstract: A reinforced tarpaulin cover and a method for producing the same which includes reinforced regions for the later applied grommets. Edges have extra fabric or fill added as well as stressed crossings between the grommet sites during the weaving process. The cover can vary in shape from circular to polygonal. The strength of the fabric is increased without significantly increasing the weight of the cover. A rope can be added under a rolled over edge or hem for greater edge strength. The cover can be coated with a colored flexible plastic composition.

Abstract: A lashing strap comprises a webbing including warp threads extending in a warp direction and spaced with respect to one another in a direction transverse to the warp direction thereby defining warp spacings therebetween. The lashing strap further has an end loop region at one end thereof and a strap region adjacent the end loop region, the warp spacings in the end loop region being less than the warp spacings in the strap region such that the lashing strap tapers from the strap region to the end loop region.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a woven packing used in a device having an internal structure divided in a plurality of chambers or channels connected to one another for realizing material transfer, heat exchange or fixing between gases, liquids or gas and liquid is disclosed. The packing forming the internal structure has undulating permeable sheets disposed in parallel to one another to form plural channels which extend substantially in the direction of a main stream of fluid, said sheets having projecting portions which are disposed in a direction crossing the direction of the main stream and joints being formed between adjacent permeable sheets in the projecting portions. The joints between the adjacent permeable sheets are formed by simultaneously weaving a plurality of channels to manufacture a woven packing.

Abstract: A fabric panel has a large number of parallel rows of loops horizontally in small spacing woven in to it. The loops in the rows are also lined up vertically. By that they form a kind of grid allowing a nearly unlimited choice of stringing options. Changes and adjustments can be done easily without relocating tapes or moving and adding rings. Ring clips to catch two loops in the vertical line for a permanent fold, gathering rings to gather several loops for a packet of folds or, if desired, cord guide rings can be attached to the loops, without diminishing the decorative front side by sewing, tacking or using tapes.

Abstract: For producing woven fabrics for air bags and other industrial applications, an intermingled unsized synthetic filament yarn is used with a yarn titer of 100-1000 dtex. The individual filaments of the yarn have a titer not exceeding 5 dtex. The yarn exhibits a mean opening length of 2-10 cm, the coefficient K1 for the stability of the intermingling points of the yarn exceeds 0.6, and the coefficient K2 for the stability of the intermingling points of the yarn exceeds 0.3. This yarn can be used to manufacture industrial woven fabrics with the required properties, in particular woven fabrics for air bags, in a cost-effective manner.

Abstract: A rope substitution belt which has a higher strength than a rope having the same mass, has a substantially circular section, and is equipped with belt portions for sewing on both sides. The belt is a narrow width woven fabric (10) including warps (6) and wefts (7) of synthetic fiber filaments. The belt includes a main body portion (2), a belt portion (4) and a connecting portion (3) for connecting the main body portion (2) to the belt portion (4), that are disposed in a longitudinal direction. The main body portion (2) has a structure with wadding yarns (5) which are woven into a hollow woven structure. The warp density coefficient in the hollow woven structure portion (22) is set to be not greater than 0.700. The belt portion (4) has a structure with a part, or the whole, of the wadding yarns (5) which are so arranged as to cross the wefts with the warps (6) of the hollow woven structure of the main body portion (2). The belt portion (4) has a width W which is at least 2.

Abstract: A method to prevent fiber distortion in textile materials employed in a modified weaving process. In a first embodiment, a tacifier in powder form is applied to the yarn and melted while on the fabric. Cool air is then supplied after the tacifier has melted to expedite the solidification of the tacifier. In a second embodiment, a solution form of a tacifier is used by dissolving the tacifier into a solvent that has a high evaporation rate. The solution is then sprayed onto the fabric or fill yarn as each fill yarn is inserted into a shed of the fabric. A third embodiment applies the tacifier in a liquid form that has not been dissolved in a solvent. That is, the tacifier is melted and is sprayed as a liquid onto the fabric or fill yarn as it is being extracted from a fill yarn spool prior to the fill yarn being inserted into the shed of the fabric. A fourth embodiment employs adhesive yarns contained as an integral part of the warp or fill yarn.

Abstract: The present invention is an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber with improved handling properties. Unlike previous expanded PTFE fibers, the fiber of the present invention employs a fiber of increased thickness so that the fiber is maintained in an unfolded orientation. The improved processing steps of the present invention create a fiber that has a number of improved properties, including more uniform dimensions along its length, improved compressibility and handling, and when woven into a fabric, the fabric is more easily processed, is of higher quality, and is more uniform.

Abstract: A three dimensional woven fabric connector includes a first generally planar section of flexible fabric composed of fibers which run lengthwise and are interwoven with fibers that run crosswise generally at right angles to the lengthwise fibers, and a second generally planar section of flexible fabric composed of lengthwise and crosswise fibers interwoven generally at right angles to one another. The second section of fabric is interwoven with the first section along an intersection of the two sections, with at least one lengthwise fiber being common to the two sections. At least some of the crosswise fibers of each section extend from that section through the intersection to the other section.

Abstract: An extensible composite fabric including a multiplicity of continuous fibers extending in one direction and distorted into aligned, locally parallel, curved paths for imparting extensibility to the fabric in that direction, and a method and apparatus for making such a composite fabric.

Abstract: A cushioning structure which is a three-dimensional multiple woven texture formed of a surface layer portion and an intermediate layer portion, characterized in that (i) protuberances are formed on one side or both sides of the surface layer portion at least unidirectionally and have an average height of 2 to 15 mm, an average width of one side of the protuberance being 2 to 30 mm; and that (ii) said intermediate layer portion is formed of one layer or by laminating two or more layers, said layer having a plurality of communicating hollow portions which are arranged in parallel unidirectionally. This cushioning structure is excellent in air permeability, cushioning properties, durability and washability, and is therefore useful as various cushioning materials.

Abstract: A multi-axial fabric constructed as a triaxial fabric including oblique warp yarns running of different directions which are interwoven with weft yarns, and straight warp yarns at selected fabric locations interwoven with the weft yarns to form a quart axial fabric. At all of the locations where the oblique warp yarns are crossed with each other, the oblique warp yarns and the weft yarns are interwoven with each other. In addition, the straight warp yarns which are interwoven with the weft yarns are also interwoven with the oblique warp yarns.

Abstract: Woven sleeving having integral tie cords for bundling and harnessing electrical cables and other elongated substrates is disclosed. The sleeving is woven by displacing catch cords a fixed distance from the fabric selvages and raising the catch cords at predetermined intervals to effect a looping of the fill yarn at predetermined intervals. The fill yarn may extend directly from the selvage or from points spaced inwardly from the selvage so as to creat a tab area along the margin of the sleeve so that the sleeve margins overlap when the sleeve is fastened in place.

Abstract: Sewn, quilted ceramic blankets (AFRSI) and integrally woven core insulation systems (TABI) were examined in a 170 decibel aeroacoustic environment under oscillating air loads. Preconditioning in a radiant heat source was done at both 2000.degree. F. and 2500.degree. F. before testing. A multi-layer ceramic weave construction based on an angle interlock weave architecture is superior over all other TPS systems examined. These configurations do not require a surface coating to enhance survivability. Single-ply TABI fabric surfaces using an insulated integrally woven core structure survive up to 2000.degree. F. without the use of a ceramic coating to toughen the surface to the aeroacoustic noise level. AFRSI blankets of the art require a ceramic coating in order to demonstrate comparable performance after exposure to a 2000.degree. F. radiant heat temperature.

Abstract: A filter cloth for air bags comprises a synthetic fiber woven fabric having (1) a ground weave structure segment having a single plain weave structure or a single twill weave structure and (2) a plurality of high gas-permeability weave structure segments substantially evenly distributed in the ground structure segment, exhibiting an air permeability higher than that of the ground structure segment and having (A) a mock leno weave structure having pinholes, (B) a double plain weave structure or (C) a double twill weave structure, and allows, when an air bag is formed from the cloth, a layout for cutting and a cutting of the cloth to be made freely and when the resultant air bag is inflated, the bag allows an inflation gas to instantly flow out from the bag so as to ensure the safety of the occupant.

Abstract: A novel woven webbing having improved resistance to cutting is provided. The webbing has edges adapted to resist cutting by absorbing the initial impact of a force applied to the webbing edge. The woven webbing may have a nontubular central region and at least one tube attached along the length of the central region and defining at least one edge of the webbing.

Abstract: A support belt has a core layer made of a three dimensional fabric in which a cushion layer has a serpentine undulating cross-sectional shape in at least one dimension so as to define peaks and valleys which space inner and outer surfaces of the core such that the thickness of the core at a given location is greater than the sum of the thicknesses of threads of the fabric at that location. The core may have multiple cushion layers and may be covered with a closed weave fabric on one or both sides thereof. Preferably, a strap encircles the core and a buckle is provided for adjustably securing the strap around a body with the core between the strap and the body.

Abstract: A fabric anchor device for attachment to awnings or the like for holding awning retaining ropes. The device comprises a woven fabric strip having a central reinforcing spine defined by paired high tensile strength reinforcement warp yarns. The spine includes a series of mutually spaced apart attachment apertures, the respective reinforcement yarns lying on opposite sides of the apertures.

Abstract: A method of weaving a large-diameter seamless cylindrical fabric without piecing together a plurality of unit webs. The method comprises disposing a warp yarn as divided into a first group warp yarn, a second group warp yarn . . . ith group warp yarn . . . and an nth group warp yarn across the width of a weaving loom, inserting a weft in a zigzag fashion turning back at each loom end for each group in succession from the first group warp yarn to the nth group warp yarn and, then, again from the first group warp yarn to the nth group warp yarn to complete one cycle of weft insertion and repeating the same cycle a necessary number of times.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an integral extra-broad woven fabric without piecing together a plurality of unit fabrics. The method includes disposing a warp yarn as divided into a first group warp yarn, a second group warp yarn . . . an ith group warp yarn . . . and an nth group warp yarn across the width of a weaving loom, inserting a weft in a zigzag fashion turning back at each loom end for each group in succession from the first group warp yarn to the nth group warp yarn and, then, in the reverse order from the nth group warp yarn to the first group warp yarn to complete one cycle of weft insertion and repeating the same cycle again.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating straight or curved planar or three-dimensional (C channel, for example) fabric for fabrication into composite structures. In the first embodiment, the fill yarns are inserted between layers of warp yarns, and a canted or curved reed, depending on the desired orientation of the fill yarns, is used to compact or "beat-up" the fill yarns. In the second embodiment, the warp yarns of the fabric are curved using a conical or a combination of conical and cylindrical rollers to effect differential fabric take-up of the warp yarns for obtaining a constant radius of curvature of the warp yarns. In a third embodiment, a clamping bar fabric take-up device is used to effect the differential fabric take-up of the warp yarns for obtaining straight warp yarns, curved warp yarns with a constant radius of curvature, curved warp yarns with a non-constant radius of curvature, or some combination of straight and curved warp yarns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural part (1) consisting of a cured resinified spaced-layer fabric of industrial fibers such as glass fiber, aramid fiber, ceramic fiber or the like, having a first layer (2) and a second layer (3) which are liquid-tight and are spaced from each other by cross-pieces (11). In order to obtain a structural part which is suitable, in particular, also in connection with containers for easily inflammable and explosion-endangered substances such as for instance gasoline, the invention proposes that conductive threads (4, 5) which are incorporated in the spaced-layer fabric extend alternately between the layers (2, 3).

Abstract: Rocket exit cones, rocket motors, curved objects, and the like, are produced by weaving a fabric onto a non linear form and rotating the form to wind up the fabric as it is being woven. Compensation between the linear, flat shape of the fabric and a non linear shape of the wind up form is obtained by conforming the shape of the reed portion of the loom to the shape of the form, and by providing a constant and/or variable spacing between the reed elements. A uniformly wrapped, non linear shape is is produced by the process.Following wrapping, the fabric shape is impregnated with resin, and cured to a carbonized and/or graphitized state. Finally, the cured shape may be machined to its desired size and contour, having uniform properties.

Abstract: In a three-dimensional fabric as woven on a rotor-carrier type 3D fabric weaving machine, there is provided a reinforcing three-dimensional fabric for composite material, which is imparted with unevenly functioning characteristics by arbitrarily changing the thread orientation angle in part of the fabric structure. In the weaving process of the three-dimensional fabric, a large number of threads, which are oriented with an angle of inclination relative to the longitudinal direction of the fabric, are folded back at the surface of the fabric as they are continuously interwoven in the longitudinal direction thereof, and varied orientation angle portions are formed in part of the sectional area of the fabric by partially changing the angle of inclination of thread portions which continuously extend between adjacent weave portions of the fabric.

Abstract: A profiled cross-section three-dimensional woven fabric having a plurality of woven, mutually intersecting filaments woven in longitudinal, transverse and vertical planes, with transverse planes of different widths and vertical planes of different height within a cross-section of the woven fabric perpendicular to the longitudinal woven filament planes. The woven filament in the transverse planes moving upward or downward while transversely reciprocating over a width which changes with the width of the woven filaments in each longitudinal woven plane and being disposed between vertically adjacent planes of longitudinal filaments. The woven filaments in the vertical planes moving longitudinally to the height of disposition of the longitudinal and transverse filaments in a plane perpendicular to the transverse filaments and being continuously disposed between longitudinally adjacent layers of transverse filaments, clamping the transverse and longitudinal filaments to unite them together.

Abstract: A sun shield for vehicles includes a net member which is made of a plurality of interwoven threads and which has a plurality of openings formed among the threads. The threads are interwoven to form at least two layers of overlapped projection portions on the front face of the net member. The projection portions form parallel eaves which are inclined toward a direction with respect to a plane defined by the net member in order to partially shield the openings. Two mounting strips which are made of a plastic cling material with static characteristics are secured to the rear face of the net member.

Abstract: A three-dimensional fabric has three axes defined along its length, width and thickness directions, and an imaginary plane that bisects the fabric along its thickness or transverse direction. The fabric comprises a plurality of warp layers that are symmetrically arranged with respect to the imaginary plane. A plurality of first and second bias-yarn layers are symmetrically arranged with respect to the imaginary plane. A vertical yarn runs through the fabric in the transverse direction, to couple all the yarn layers.

Abstract: A three-dimensional woven structure which exhibits isotropic mechanical and structural properties by incorporating the highest possible degree of interweavement of its fibers or rods comprising a plurality of adjacent sets of lateral rods or fibers, a plurality of adjacent sets of transverse rods or fibers and a plurality of adjacent sets of vertical rods or fibers. These lateral, transverse and vertical sets of fibers or rods come together substantially mutually perpendicularly to one another at a plurality of intersection nodes with each intersection node being formed in such a fashion that the lateral, transverse and vertical rods or fibers are fully interwoven with one another.

Abstract: A spiral-shaped textile structure comprises warp yarns (1-17) across which are passed successive rows of weft yarns (A-S), whereby the warp yarns (1-17) are essentially arranged in spirals having the same axis, so that the textile structure forms superimposed annular spirals centered on an axis (O). According to the invention, each weft yarn (A-S) extends between a warp yarn, known as a starting yarn, and another warp yarn, known as a reference yarn, according to a radius of one of the textile structure's turns. Each warp yarn (1-17) serves, in at least one annular region of the textile structure, as a reference yarn for at least one weft yarn (A-S), the reference yarns being distributed so at to obtain a uniform textile structure in the annular region.

Abstract: A structure based on velour fabric, having at least a first layer and a second layer and intermediate ribs connecting these layers provides a production-efficient, stable and nevertheless light-weight product. The velour fabric is made of a commercial yarn such as aramid fiber, carbon fiber, ceramic fiber or in particular glass fiber. The velour fabric is resin-hardened, wherein the intermediate ribs for rigid spacing elements between the first layer and the second layer.

Abstract: There is described an airbag fabric made of a synthetic yarn. The synthetic yarn is a high-tenacity polyester filament yarn having filaments of less than 4 dtex and a yarn count within the range from 250 to 550 dtex. The fabric itself, in contrast to the conventional polyamide fabrics, is uncoated and is preferably made by weaving unsized yarns. The fabric need not be calendered. It has been found that this fabric of fine-filament high-tenacity polyester yarn, although uncoated, does meet the airbag fabric requirements such as low air permeability, low fabric weight, low fabric thickness and high fabric strength.

Abstract: A profiled cross-section three-dimensional woven fabric having a plurality of woven, mutually intersecting filaments woven in longitudinal, transverse and vertical planes, with transverse planes of different widths and vertical planes of different height within a cross-section of the woven fabric perpendicular to the longitudinal woven filament planes. The woven filament in the transverse planes moving upward or downward while transversely reciprocating over a width which changes with the width of the woven filaments in each longitudinal woven plane and being disposed between vertically adjacent planes of longitudinal filaments. The woven filaments in the vertical planes moving longitudinally to the height of disposition of the longitudinal and transverse filaments in a plane perpendicular to the transverse filaments and being continuously disposed between longitudinally adjacent layers of transverse filaments, clamping the transverse and longitudinal filaments to unite them together.

Abstract: A three-dimensional fabric is disclosed that is appropriate for use in composite materials having various beam type shapes that are formed from a plurality of intersecting plate sections. A plurality of thread layers are woven such that they extend continuously through and between a pair of adjacent plate sections. The thread layers respectively include threads that are woven in at least two independent planar directions. The thread layers are bound together by transverse threads. When a load is applied to a plate section of a composite having this three-dimensional fabric as a frame member, the threads that extend continuously from a first plate section to a second plate section effectively receive the stress acting on the junction of the plate sections. The strength of the composite is therefore enhanced.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic grid comprises at least one truss beam having a pair of parallel fiber reinforced plastic chord members and a series of fiber reinforced shear members thatg are arranged between the chord members, wherein at least at one node between a shear member and chord member the fibrous reinforcement of the shear member passes into the chord member so that this shear member and at least a section of a chord member can be made of a continuous string of fiber reinforced plastic material.

Abstract: A flat textile body is composed of adjacent bands (2) that extend in a perpendicular direction to its main center-plane (M). Each band has marginal sections (4) made of woven or knitted warp (6) and weft threads (8). Between the marginal sections at least most of the weft threads are floating threads. Adjacent marginal sections (4) of adjacent bands (2) are not linked to each other by purely mechanical means, i.e. glued or soldered. The resulting flat body is easy to produce in a precise manner and is very versatile. In particular, it can be cut along its main center-plane (M) into two symmetrical pile carpet plates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three dimensional fabric including a warp layer consisting of a plurality of warps arranged in parallel along a longitudinal direction of the fabric, bias threads arranged in inclined directions with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fabric in a place parallel to the warp layer, and a vertical thread arranged in a thicknesswise direction of the fabric such that it perpendicularly intersects the warps. It also relates to a method of producing the fabric. Where such fabric is employed for a composite material in which a resin or the like is used as a matrix, the composite material deforms less under the influence of forces acting in an oblique direction. It therefore has an increased range of applications as a structural material comparing with a conventional 3-axis three dimensional fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite structure including a plurality of fabric layers of interlaced flexible stretch-resistant strand material impregnated with a rigid resinous material and positioned in spaced generally parallel relationship to each other. A plurality of elongated partitions are disposed between adjacent layers and divide the space between adjacent layers into a plurality of elongated generally parallel channels. The partitions each comprise a plurality of stretch-resistant strand material interlaced with adjacent layers in a plane generally perpendicular to the adjacent fabric layers and are also impregnated with a rigid resinous material. In one embodiment, a rigid foamed material can be disposed in the channels for particular applications. A preferred method of making the rigid composite structure is also presented.

Abstract: A structure multi-layer fabric (A) is disclosed having a prescribed weave pattern and mesh which provides uniform flexibility and which can be used as structural fabric or impregnated with a resin in a structural composite. The flexibility of the fabric facilitates conforming of the fabric to a desired shape. The rising and sinking warp yarns in the warp and weft directions facilitate effective impregnation by defining trough-like structures in the fabric, as well as enhancing the fabric flexibility. The fabric is characterized as having (N) layers, 2N basic warp yarns woven in a 2N yarn repeat, and 2N-2) basic weft yarns woven in a (2N-2) yarn repeat. In the illustrated embodiment, there are 10 basic weft yarn picks (60,62,64,66,68,70,72,74,76,78) and twelve basic warp yarns (34,36,38,40,42,44,46,48,50,52,54,56) woven in 6 layers (D,E,F,G,H,I). Warp yarns (B) and weft yarns (C) rise and sink in the fabric between outer face (30) and outer face (32).

Abstract: A reinforcing woven fabric comprising warps of reinforcing filamentary yarns arranged to form a high-density portion of warps and low-density portion of warps in the transverse direction and wefts of reinforcing filamentary yarns extending obliquely to the warps, a preformed material formed using a plurality of the reinforcing woven fabrics, a fiber reinforced composite material formed using the preformed material and a beam particularly suitable as the fiber reinforced composite material. The high-density portion of warps in the reinforcing woven fabric can satisfy the strength and rigidity against bending or tensile stress required for the flange of the beam and the obliquely extending wefts in the low-density portion of warps can satisfy the strength against shear stress required for the web of the beam, when a plurality of the reinforcing woven fabrics are laminated to form the preformed material for the beam. The mechanical properties required for the beam can be efficiently obtained.

Abstract: An integrally woven multi-apertured multi-ply angle interlock fabric is woven so as to have a plurality of apertures which extend across the width of the fabric and are completely contained within the thickness of the fabric. The fabric is comprised of a first yarn system in which yarns extending across the width of the fabric in parallel, spaced-apart fashion form a laminate of spaced-apart, generally parallel yarn layers between the opposite top and bottom surfaces. The fabric is also comprised of a second yarn system having weaver yarns arranged into yarn layers which repeatedly extend through portions of the thickness of the fabric between the top and bottom surfaces and which interweave with a plurality of the yarn layers of the frist yarn system on one side of and one or more yarn layers of the first yarn system on the other side of the plurality of apertures being formed within the thickness of the fabric.