Abstract: A bend portion of a bonded, laminated article is made substantially free of wrinkling, which results in interlaminar voids and discontinuities, by applying tension to at least one layer of a radially outer portion of a preform of the article during bonding, the tension being applied in a direction away from the bend, typically generally tangentially in respect to an inner portion. The apparatus includes a rigid support to carry the preform bend portion, held to the support to enable application of force or pressure to the outer layer.

Abstract: A tubular printing blanket for a blanket cylinder in an offset printing press includes a cylindrical sleeve, a compressible layer over the sleeve, and an inextensible layer over the compressible layer. The cylindrical sleeve is movable telescopically over a blanket cylinder. The compressible layer includes a first seamless tubular body of elastomeric material containing compressible microspheres. The inextensible layer includes a second seamless tubular body of elastomeric material containing a tubular sublayer of circumferentially inextensible material. A seamless tubular printing layer over the inextensible layer has a continuous, gapless cylindrical printing surface. Methods of manufacturing the tubular printing blanket are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing a nonwoven fabric having the steps of: bonding polypropylene long-fibers constituting main fibers of the web to one another to produce a raw nonwoven fabric; and uniaxially drawing the raw nonwoven fabric at certain draw temperatures and draw magnifications to produce a final nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: An unstretched first plastic foil is laminated with a longitudinally stretched second plastic foil by the application of heat and pressure. The second foil is preheated, thereupon stretched and thereafter tempered prior to being laminated with the first foil which is heated prior to lamination. The laminating step can coincide with the tempering step and immediately follows the stretching step so that the laminating step can be carried out by utilizing heat which is required for stretching of the second foil. The material of the first foil is or can be identical with the material of the second foil; in any event, the two materials are sufficiently compatible to permit bonding of the unstretched foil to the stretched foil by the application of heat and pressure alone, i.e., without resorting to an adhesive.

Abstract: A distinctive method and apparatus for applying an elastic member onto a moving substrate along a selected curvilinear location includes a transporting mechanism for moving the substrate along a selected substrate path. A rotatable nip roll contacts the elastic member to place the elastic member onto the substrate along the curvilinear location. A guiding mechanism delivers the elastic member across a free-span distance directly onto the nip roll while selectively changing a lateral positioning of the elastic member relative to a cross direction of the invention. A conveying mechanism directs the elastic member along a selected elastic path into the guiding mechanism, and an elastic supplying mechanism provides the elastic member to the conveying mechanism. In one aspect of the invention, a bonding mechanism provides an adhesive in an arrangement which secures the elastic member to the substrate along the curvilinear location.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making an endless, flat, flexible belt of pourable plastics include a core, especially a multiple core, as tension bearer, for example in a conveyor belt of polyurethane. Spaced apart support filaments extending transversely of the longitudinal direction of the belt are tightened in a mold approximately in the center plane of the belt to be cast so that the tension bearer will be placed as accurately as possible in the middle, based on the thickness of the belt to be produced. Subsequently the tension bearer is wound in longitudinal direction of the belt on the winding support formed by the support filaments. Thereupon liquid plastic material is poured into the mold and following that the support filaments protruding from the side surfaces of the belt are cut off upon termination of the curing.

Abstract: Central is a nonstretchable, high strength thread that extends transverse to stretching, either of individual heat recoverable strands or of an embedding layer. The thread is either placed across plural heat recoverable strands, or plural threads are individually wrapped around the strands, or there is a plurality of helices on thermoplastic strings in a heat recoverable embedment, with further transverse high strength threads being interwoven with the helices.

Abstract: This invention teaches a method of forming a low cost, breathable, light weight, soft, disposable elastic structure with surface properties that are characterized by a controlled irregularity of the pleats or shirrs that make up the broad surfaces of the structure. The structure is a layered structure with outer layers of low basis weight breathable material, a central elastic layer, and an adhesive layer that serves to join all the layers together to form a unitary elastic structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to internally bonded sewing threads and to processes for the production of the internally bonding sewing threads. The internally bonding sewing threads of the invention include three multifilament yarns wrapped helically about a thermoplastic bonding core yarn. Processes of the invention include an improved process for preparing a precursor plied thread which is thereafter thermally treated to provide the internally bonded sewing thread. In addition, the invention provides batch and continuous processes for converting the precursor plied thread into internally bonded sewing thread.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a sheet-prepreg reinforced with fibers wherein a sheet of fibers such as warp or woven fibers such as fabrics is conveyed between a pair of band belts one of which is coated with a film of thermoplastic resin which has been heated higher than its softening point to enhance resin-impregnating efficiency and prevent the impregnated resin from contacting air. Further, when the sheet of fibers or woven fibers is conveyed in this manner, the molten resin is not maintained on the manufacturing line, thereby preventing it from being deteriorated by heat. The apparatus can be thus kept under operation for a long time and the sheet-prepreg reinforced with the fibers can be made much higher in quality and the deterioration of the impregnated resin can be further delayed.

Abstract: A stretchable composite strip material comprising coextensive lengths of a band of elastic material and a stretchable non-elastic drawstring formed of textile material, and means releasably securing said drawstring alongside said band in lengthwise-bulked condition to medial portions of the elastic band is provided. The composite strip may be formed into a composite endless loop and incorporated into a garment. An apparatus and method for making the composite strip material is also provided.

Abstract: A method of making a fabric sample, which includes the steps of winding a thread around a Teflon-coated core plate in a first direction to form a first layer of thread; spraying a transparent hotmelt adhesive to the first layer of thread; winding a thread around the first layer of thread on the core plate in a second direction at an angle with respect to the first direction to form a second layer of thread; placing a Teflon sheet on the second layer; placing a heated iron upon the Teflon sheet so that the hotmelt adhesive is cured to form a tubular fabric structure; and cutting the tubular fabric structure into a flat fabric sample.

Abstract: A method of constructing fibrous composite material, and a resulting structure, having a modular construction in which the modules are formed on mandrel assemblies having a metal core and an elastomeric, deformable and removable sheath. Fibrous composite material is wrapped around each sheath, which in a complex shape such as a thrust reversing cascade for a jet engine, has sets of similar modules arranged in rows across layered composite ribs and in columns in which the modules are mutually engaged. When bonded by heat and pressure, the epoxy matrix of the composite material joins the ribs and the modules into a structure of high strength. In a cascade configuration a slotted medal plate is bonded to the ribs and the modules, being positioned in slots in the plate, with modules positioned fore and aft of the plate to increase the bonding area.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a method for manufacturing individual disposable underpants provided around a waist line and a pair of leg-holes with elastic members from two continuous webs and a plurality of continuous elastic members, characterized by that the webs are applied on predetermined locations with adhesive so that the elastic members can be reliably held on the webs although the elastic members must be forcibly curved when the elastic members are bonded between the webs with use of adhesive.

Abstract: The reinforcement for the bead of e.g. a pneumatic type, a rolling lobe diaphragm or an air spring is constructed by winding onto a mandrel or former superimposed layers alternately of unsheathed wire and flat, uncured rubber strip. Rubber is wound on before wire winding commences and continues after wire winding stops, so that the assembly exposes no cut wire end. After the winding operation the assembly is subjected to heat and pressure with all the wire embedded in and surrounded by an integrated, vulcanized rubber body.The rubber layers may be parallel with and on opposite sides of the layers of spaced wire windings or a given rubber winding may have wire windings on its radially opposite sides.The windings, both of rubber and wire, may be discrete loops or may be made by helically winding a single rubber strip or wire. The shape of the assembly as well as the volume of rubber at any position therein may be controlled by varying the tension under which the rubber strip and/or the wire is wound.

Abstract: Extruded thermoplastic members, particularly structural members, are reinforced by longitudinally extending pre-stressed elements, such as filaments or matting. The elements, while under tension, are drawn into an extrusion crosshead die forming the thermoplasatic member. The elements are fully imbedded within the thermoplastic material while under tension and curing of the thermoplastic material, and final curing of the tensioned reinforcing elements, if a thermosetting resin impregnated element is used, occurs while the elements are under tension, the material of the member and the elements intimately bond and the tension forces within the elements reinforce the member at the desired locations. The forming of the reinforced member is a continuous operation.

Abstract: A method of forming composite prepreg articles. Prepreg plies (12) are laid up over a breakable mandrel (10), the mandrel having a configuration substantially matching the desired configuration of the composite prepreg article and being pre-coated to prevent the prepreg from sticking to it. A release film (14) is applied over the prepreg. A heat-shrinkable braided sleeve (16) is placed over the prepreg and release film and secured to the mandrel, thereby creating an assembly (28). The prepreg is first compacted by encapsulating the assembly and applying a vacuum, and is then substantially cured by exposing the assembly to heat. After curing, the braided sleeve and release film are removed. The cured prepreg, which serves as the desired composite prepreg article, is separated from the mandrel by breaking the mandrel.

Abstract: A process for the production of profiles from composite fibrous materials, wherein the strands of fibrous materials continuously impregnated with liquid reaction resins are wrapped or braided immediately after impregnation or in a prehardening zone with drawn and/or preoriented and/or textured organic fibres or monofils or mixtures of organic and inorganic fibres or monofils and are hardened in a following hardening zone.

Abstract: A tensile cord manufacture wherein polyester multifilament cords are heat treated and drawn to provide tensile cords for use in power transmission belts. Preselected characteristics of the original cord, parameters of heat treating and drawing, and characteristics of the formed tensile cords required to provide the improved features of the invention are set forth.

Abstract: In a concrete column supporting an overhead load and having a base end resting on a surface, a process of strengthening the column to increase its ability to withstand atypical physical loading accompanying an earthquake, involving the steps of defining a work area about the surface of the column to which the strengthening is to be applied, the work area defined by circumferential marginal edges arranged in spaced-apart relation; overwrapping the work area with at least one layer of high-strength, stretchable fibers wherein the fibers are oriented at an angle to the vertical axis of the column; applying a coat of hardenable material, having a modulus at least as great as that of the fibers, over the layer of fibers to form a hard outer shell thereover; and, injecting a quantity of a hardenable, low-shrink liquid under the layer of fibers and over the surface of the work area in an amount sufficient to cause the fibers to undergo stretching from about 1/2% to about 4% of their elongation.

Abstract: A method for preparing cross-sections of yarn samples along the plane perpendicular to the yarn's longitudinal axis is disclosed. This method involves the steps of passing the yarn through a hollow capsule so that the axes of the yarn and the capsule are aligned in parallel, tensioning the yarn to remove any crimp, forming a solid stub inside the capsule to fix the position of the tensioned yarn, and then cross-sectioning the stub perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Monofilament threads which are wound around a thermoplastic synethetic resin core tube to form one or more reinforcement coils are generated as they are wrapped around the core tube by liquid crystalline polymer material emerging from respective spinning nozzles which rotate around the core tube while a difference in speed is maintained between the speed at which the reinforcing plastic emerges from the nozzle and the monofilament thread is wound on the core tube to maintain a stretch in the monofilaments.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for applying an elastic strand to disposable diapers. It uses canted, spindle-equipped wheels for engaging an elastic strand, moving the elastic strand into a sinuous configuration and stretching the strand. Stripping belts apply the strand to a diaper component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laying down a weft filament. The weft yarns are propelled over a moving substrate, whereupon they are clamped and pulled down into the substrate. The apparatus propels the filaments through an elongate hollow chamber where they are clamped by clamping means. They are then transferred from the chamber onto the substrate. By pivoting the apparatus the angles at which the filaments can be layed onto the substrate can be carefully controlled enabling hitherto unobtainable products to be produced.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric having a strength which is comparable to the strength of woven fabric and a method of making such non-woven fabric are disclosed. The non-woven fabric has a laminated structure composed of a warp web of random-laid non-woven fabric stretched lengthwise and hence having a greater strength in the lengthwise direction than in the transverse direction, and a weft web of random-laid non-woven fabric stretched transversely and hence having a greater strength in the transverse direction than in the lengthwise direction. Filaments constituting each of the warp and weft webs are substantially free from molecular orientation and extendible at least two times the original length before the web is stretched. Upon stretching of the web, the un-oriented filaments are substantially stretched to thereby cause molecular orientation therein.

Abstract: Nylon cords having a yarn strength of not less than 12 g/d are subjected to a stretch heating treatment under specified conditions before the dipping and then dipped in a dipping solution having a particular composition, whereby the strength and adhesion force of the resulting dipped cords are considerably improved for use in large size tires.

Abstract: The method is intended to provide cables (10) having an optical fiber (1) and suitable for mechanically severe environments, while remaining small in section. Heretofore, the mechanical strength of optical fiber cables has been obtained by plastic structures of considerable cross-sectional area and reinforced by metal strands or by glass fibers. In the method of the present invention, the reinforcing is obtained by metal composites (3) having very high mechanical strength and very small diameter, said composites extending parallel to the fiber (1).

Abstract: Poly(arylene sulfide)/long carbon fiber laminates containing small amounts of added crack inhibiting agent such as polyethylene have reduced levels of microcracking. The polyethylene can be introduced as a finely divided powder in a slurry prepreg process or can be compounded with the poly(arylene sulfide) and extruded as a film for stacking with carbon fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose comprising an inner plastic tube (2) covered by at least one braiding of filaments disposed in helically crossed layers (5, 6) around the inner tube (2), characterized in that the filaments (7) are made of plastics and are so deformed in their right cross-section that the gap (8) between any two adjacent layers (6a, 6b) which extend in the same direction as one another is at least 100% filled. The invention also relates to a process for the production of the hose.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) of the type for applying an elastic ribbon (18) onto the surface of a moving web (12) in curved line path relative to the longitudinal centerline (14) of the web (12) includes a nip roll (16) for directly rolling the elastic ribbon (18) into engagement with the moving web (12) and an oscillating roll (20) adjacent to and spaced from the nip roll (16) for oscillatiang the elastic ribbon (18) in a direction transverse the centerline of the web (12) and applying the elastic ribbon (18) to the nip roll (16) in the curved line path. A guide roll (22) guides the elastic ribbon (18) to wrap around the oscillating roll (20) and tension the elastic ribbon sufficiently for tracking and holding the lateral position of the elastic ribbon (18) on the nip roll (16) to be applied to the moving web (12) in the curved line path.

Abstract: An article including at least one segment which is capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length subsequent to manufacture of the article, preferably by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion of the elastically shirrable segment. The predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of the elastically shirrable segment preferably comprises an elastomeric monomer which is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring. The opposed ends of the elastically shirrable segment in the article are interconnected to one another through the prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member.

Abstract: A fiber/resin composite whose resin phase is formed by at least initial actinic radiation curing of a resin composition comprising an actinic radiation curable first resin component and a second resin component which is non-cured under curing conditions effective for the first resin component. The actinic radiation exposure of the fiber/resin composition effects curing of the first resin component to immobilize the composite and impart structural integrity thereto, whereby the composite may be handled, packaged, or further processed. Filament wound, braided, and pultruded articles are described, together with associated methods for forming such articles by filament winding, braiding and pultrusion. As a specific embodiment, a solid fuel rocket motor is disclosed comprising a solid fuel body in a filament wound fiber-resin composite casing formed by filament winding of the solid fuel body with resin-impregnated filament or rovings thereof.

Abstract: A method for attaching a composite elastic material to a gatherable article including the steps of stretching a composite elastic material; compressing said stretched composite elastic material to temporarily inhibit recovery of the composite elastic material; and attaching said temporarily inhibited composite elastic material to a gatherable article at least at two locations. Additionally, the temperature of the temporarily inhibited composite elastic material may be increased to facilitate recovery of the composite elastic material to within about 80 percent of its pre-stretched dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method making an incontinence diaper built up from a barrier layer (1) and a nonwoven layer (2) affixed thereto for providing two portions (6, 7) surrounding the lower part of the body and a crotch portion (8) connecting these portions. At least one elastic band (17, 18) extends from the central part of the crotch portion (8) along both side edges (11, 12) of said portion, in over both portions (6, 7) and along the entire length of the diaper with the elastic band (17, 18) being attached with a continuously varying tension in the diaper material. The tension in the elastic band (17, 18) is greatest at the crotch portion (8) and dimishes to approximately half its value over both the portions (6, 7).

Abstract: An electro-optical converter has at least three optical or electrical ports at least one of which is optical and one of which is electrical. The converter includes an essentially rigid support, a fiber-optic lateral coupler secured to the support including at least two length-wise continuous optical fibers juxtaposed along a portion of their length to provide lateral transfer of optical energy therebetween, and an electro-optical device also secured to the support in close relationship to the coupler. The device has at least one optical port and at least one electrical port. One of the coupler fibers communicates within the converter with the optical port of the electro-optical device, to serve as an internal signal link therebetween. The length of the link between coupler and electro-optical device is of the order of 10 centimeters or less. Protective means associated with the optical fibers, the electro-optical device and the internal link serve to protect the components from outside physical disturbance.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the permanent attachment or joining of threadlike or small ribbonlike elastic elements to a flat substrate by means of an adhesive that is characterized by the fact that one disposes, or fixes, in the desired position, one or several threadlike or small ribbonlike elastic elements on the flat substrate, or guides them in the desired position at a distance of about 1 to cm from the flat substrate, and covers these elastic elements, and some portion of the adjacent region of the substrate with a sprayed-on melt adhesive, and in the case of guiding at a distance, brings the threadlike or small ribbonlike elements into contact together with the fleece course.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making reinforced, dry laid fibrous web. A first layer of dry cellulosic fibers is laid on a forming wire. A plurality of yarns maintained under tension are applied to the first layer of dry cellulosic fibers. The tension on the bulked yarns is released upon application of the yarns to the first layer of dry cellulosic fibers to form relaxed, bulked yarns. A second layer of dry cellulosic fibers is laid on the first layer of dry cellulosic fibers and relaxed, bulked yarns.

Abstract: Light transfer apparatus and method and apparatus for making disclosed includes a screen row clamping assembly that clamps a row of screen units side by side in a straight row with uniform spacing of fiber ribbons between units. A matrix row clamping assembly clamps a row of matrix units side by side in a straight row with uniform spacing of fiber ribbons between units. A pair of alignment rods connect screen units side by side and also connect to alignment ribs on the back of the screen units that interfit end to end and are joined by connecting channels. The alignment rods fasten to terminator bars secured to a screen frame and the ribs are also secured to the screen frame. The rows of matrix units are placed in a matrix frame in which they are held together in a square configuration with uniform spacing between and alignment of fiber ribbons. The matrix ends are cut to a planar surface by a band saw.

Abstract: An elasticized fabric unit comprising a pair of tape members spacedly provided, and a plurality of elastic strands fixed to the tape members at their opposite ends, and a garment incorporating the elasticized unit, an apparatus for making the elasticized units, a method for incorporating the elasticized units in the garment.

Abstract: An energy storage wheel containing a plurality of solid peripheral segments juxtaposed side by side in the direction of the circumference of the wheel and made from a material having a high density and a low thermal expansion coefficient, such as stainless steel or ceramics. The solid peripheral segments are secured one with respect to the next one and as a whole by using a first and a third continuous winding, respectively, which are connected to the hub of the wheel by a second winding. The windings are constructed of filaments of a material whose density is less than that of the material from which the wheel segments are made.

Abstract: A method of sequentially producing a plurality of disposable headdresses in which the edge of the cap fabric has been folded inward around a peripherally extending elastic cord to provide a smooth edge which contacts the wearer, and provides superior adhesion between the elastic cord and the cap fabric by utilizing an elastic cord and fabric which are coated with or made of thermoplastically compatible materials. The elastic cord and fabric are assembled by passing the fabric and the cord through a guide system which turns the fabric side edges down from a horizontal plane to a vertical plane while an edge guide lays the elastic cord under the fabric, and then turns the fabric under the cord to sandwich in the folded edge. Warm air preheaters heat the elastic cord and the fabric before completing the fabric fold around the cord. The folded edges with the cord inside pass between dual heat wheels which physically press the fabric to the cord and also seal the fabric edge to the inside of the crown.

Abstract: Dielectric materials having low dielectric constant are provided, the materials comprising fabrics impregnated with thermosetting resins, at least a portion of the fibers in the fabrics being fluorocarbon fibers. Also provided is a method of manufacture of these dielectric materials. The dielectric materials are useful in the fabrication of multilayer printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A fiber optic frequency shifter comprises an optical fiber having two propagation modes and an acoustic transducer for generating an acoustic wave. The transducer is positioned relative to the fiber to cause the wave fronts of the acoustic wave to acoustically contact the fiber at an angle of incidence which is less than 90.degree. greater than 0.degree.. Preferably, the wavelength of the acoustic wave is substantially equal to the beat length of the fiber times the sine of the angle of incidence.

Abstract: A composite pressure vessel having a larger diameter, threaded polar opening with integrally depending threads is disclosed. The threaded polar opening is reinforced by a winding pattern that enables it to be closed against the axial forces resulting from significant internal pressures. This closure seals the interior of the pressure vessel in the tactical rocket motor case assembly disclosed.

Abstract: A filament wound fiber reinforced resin matrix composite structure. The structure is particularly adapted for use as a torque drive diaphragm in a rotary wing aircraft hub. The structure comprises a substantially flat diaphragm, a rim, rim reinforcement fibers and at least one fiber reinforcement ring. The diaphragm has a central attachment means for receiving a shaft and the rim has an attachment means. An alternative embodiment of the structure is a hollow disc having first and second substantially flat diaphragm sides with a connecting rim, rim reinforcement fibers and at least one fiber reinforcing ring for each diaphragm side. The sides have centrally located attachment means.

Abstract: A filament wound fiber reinforced resin matrix composite structure. The structure is particularly adapted for use as a torque drive diaphragm in a rotary wing aircraft hub. The structure comprises a substantially flat diaphragm and a rim. The diaphragm has a central hole therethrough for receiving a shaft and the rim has an inward turning flange for attachment. The diaphragm has an attachment means surrounding the central hole. An alternative embodiment of the structure is a hollow disc having first and second substantially flat diaphragm sides with a rim. The sides have concentric central holes therethrough and attachment means surround the holes. The structure comprises a resin matrix, fibers wound substantially tangentially to the central hole with sufficient tension in a multiple circuit pattern to form the structure, and fibers wound with sufficient tension in an essentially circumferential manner to reinforce the rim of the structure.

Abstract: In a flexible, fiber optic belt 16 for the coherent transmission of light from an LED light source 22 a planar array of fiber optic filaments 34 extend along the length of the belt 16 and are positioned by transverse elements 79 along the major neutral plane of the belt. The fiber optic belt 16 is restrained to movement only in the direction normal to the major neutral plane by means of one or more rigid flat strips 25 parallel to the major neutral plane and the light source 22 is thermoelectrically cooled to improve the availability of light supplied by the diodes. In a method for producing the fiber optic cable, transverse positioning elements 79 are layered on a cable mold 56, one or more fiber optic filaments 34 are placed upon the transverse positioning elements 79. Fiber optic filaments 34 are pressed onto an adhesive layer adjacent to the LED's 48 and bonded by the melting of the adhesive.

Abstract: A process for producing a gathered nonwoven web having elastic characteristics is disclosed. The process includes the steps of (a) providing an extendable and retractable or contractable forming surface; (b) extending the forming surface to its extended length; (c) forming a fibrous nonwoven gatherable web directly upon a surface of the forming surface while maintaining the forming surface at its extended length to separably join the fibrous nonwoven gatherable web to the forming surface while continuing to maintain the forming surface at its extended length; (d) contracting the forming surface to its contracted length to gather the fibrous nonwoven gatherable web and (e) separating the gathered fibrous nonwoven web from the forming surface. The gathered fibrous nonwoven web formed by the disclosed process is also disclosed and described.

Abstract: A pressure vessel having two separately formed vessel halves which are joined to form a compartment along a juncture, one of the halves further having a service port of a size sufficient to allow an individual to fully enter the vessel for working therein. The compartment is sealed at the juncture by a bonding layer surrounding both sides of the juncture inside and outside of the compartment, and is then wrapped circumferentially with tensioned, resin-wetted fiberglass filament. The vessel may have at least one fitted conduit which communicates with the interior of the compartment, the outer surface of the conduit adjacent to the compartment having an irregular surface which has been wrapped with resin-wetted, tensioned fiberglass filament. The juncture between the conduit and the compartment is overlayed with a layer of fiberglass material and subsequently coated with resin to form a rigid, fluid-tight seal.

Abstract: Flat, inelastic, dimensionally stable sheet material is formed by stretching parallel elastomeric strands to several times their relaxed length and then bonding them to one or more flat, inelastic webs with inelastic thermoplastic polymer. When the sheet material is heated, the strands contract and the sheet material shirrs. Strips of the flat sheet material can be incorporated in disposable diapers and subsequently shirred to provide elastic waistbands or leg openings.