Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for producing preform materials for impact-resistant composite materials suitable for liquid molding. Interlayers formed of nonwoven, continuous fibers, such as spunbonded, spunlaced, or mesh fabric, are introduced between non-crimped layers of unidirectional reinforcing fibers to produce a preform for use in liquid-molding processes to produce a composite member. Curing of the preform provides increased impact resistance by increasing the amount of energy required to propagate localized fractures due to impact.

Abstract: A three-dimensional hollow fiber component includes a first sheet having first; second, third, fourth and fifth consecutive adjacent sheet sections, the first and fifth sections being end sections, the sheet shaped so as to surround a first chamber such that the first and fifth sections overlap to form a top wall of the first chamber and are stitched to each other by at least one seam and a second sheet having first, second, third, fourth and fifth adjacent consecutive sheet section, the first and fifth sections being end sections, the sheet sections shaped so as to surround a second chamber such that the first and fifth sections overlap to form a top wall of the second chamber and are stitched to each other by at least one seam.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a composite sheet for creating a customized design. The composite sheet includes a first fabric portion, a second fabric portion, and a membrane portion disposed between the first fabric portion and the second fabric portion, where the first fabric portion is sewn with stitching to the second fabric portion. One advantage of the composite sheet and related systems and methods is that users can create customized designs conveniently on their own home printer.

Abstract: A method for joining pieces of material includes providing a base unit of material having at least two sides meeting at a first corner, measuring along each of the two sides an equal distance from the first corner and marking each end point on a backside of the base unit, marking a sewing line on the backside of the base unit between the two end points, providing a triangular piece of material having two sides of equal length meeting at a second corner, placing the triangular piece under the base unit with the second corner pointing away from the first corner and a hypotenuse connecting the two sides of the triangular piece substantially parallel to and offset from the sewing line by a second predetermined distance toward the first corner, and sewing the base unit and the triangular piece together along the sewing line to form a seam.

Abstract: A composite, felt-based material includes a felt layer, a second material layer, and an adhesive layer which adheres the second material layer to the felt layer.

Abstract: A method of creating a camouflage device includes providing two bolts of lace with at least one of the bolts including pleated regions extending from one side to the other where the bolts are attached together. Each bolt of lace may include a particular pattern of stitches and/or coloring to further create more realistic three-dimensional camouflage system. Hems formed along the bolts of lace may include button holes and/or button or grommets for fastening a plurality of camouflage devices together.

Abstract: Non-woven layer having a first and second, generally opposed major surfaces, a length with first and second, generally opposed edges, wherein the non-woven layer comprising inorganic fibers and having a binder content not greater than 7 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the non-woven layer, wherein there is at least one line of stitching. The non-woven layer is useful, for example, for mounting mats for pollution control devices.

Abstract: A flexible spike and knife resistant composite incorporating a stack of at least ten consolidated layer groupings. Each layer grouping has a normalized stiffness of less than about 5 g/g/m2 as tested by a modified ASTM Test Method D6828-02 and contains one or two spike resistant textile layers, an adhesive layer, and one or two knife resistant textile layers. The spike resistant textile layers contain a plurality of interlocked yarns or fibers, where the yarns or fibers have a tenacity of about 8 or more grams per denier and the fiber size is less than ten denier per filament. The knife resistant textile layers contain monoaxially drawn fiber elements, where the fiber elements have an aspect ratio of greater than one and have a size greater than 100 denier per filament. The fiber elements of the knife resistant textile layer are bonded to each other or to the spike resistant layer.

Abstract: Methods for making a self-conforming non-crimp fabric involving tailoring at least a first parameter to anchor the fabric and at least a second parameter to provide conformability of the fabric, the first and second parameters selected from stitch type, stitch spacing, stitch density, stitch material, stitch weight, stitch tension, and combinations of the same.

Abstract: Structures for use in compressible resilient pads and methods of making thereof are disclosed. One structure includes one or more layers of a nonwoven extruded film or sheet, wherein the nonwoven extruded film or sheet is elastic, resilient, and compressible in a thickness direction, and extensible, bendable and resilient in its length and transverse directions, and two or more layers of a plurality of substantially parallel longitudinal direction yarns. The structure has a high degree of both compressibility under an applied normal load and excellent recovery (resiliency or spring back) upon removal of that load.

Abstract: A planar substrate has a moisture activated shrinking filament applied thereon. When wetted, the shrinking filament shrinks and causes the planar substrate to gather and pucker. The planar substrate with the filament thereon may be compressed into a compact shape when in a dry state.

Abstract: A flexible spike and knife resistant composite incorporating a stack of at least ten consolidated layer groupings. Each layer grouping has a normalized stiffness of less than about 5 g/g/m2 as tested by a modified ASTM Test Method D6828-02 and contains one or two spike resistant textile layers, an adhesive layer, and one or two knife resistant textile layers. The spike resistant textile layers contain a plurality of interlocked yarns or fibers, where the yarns or fibers have a tenacity of about 8 or more grams per denier and the fiber size is less than ten denier per filament. The knife resistant textile layers contain monoaxially drawn fiber elements, where the fiber elements have an aspect ratio of greater than one and have a size greater than 100 denier per filament. The fiber elements of the knife resistant textile layer are bonded to each other or to the spike resistant layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impact-absorbing element for a vehicle, in particular a car, comprising: a body comprising a thermoplastic polymer material; an elongate reinforcing structure provided in the body and comprising a number of metal reinforcing cords extending substantially parallel and a number of positioning elements arranged between the cords for holding the metal reinforcing cords substantially mutually parallel before and during the manufacturing process. The positioning elements ensure that the cords remain correctly positioned before, during and after the manufacturing process despite the forces occurring in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A fabric assembly particularly useful in ballistic resistant armor has two separate sections each containing a number of fabrics made from yarns having a tenacity of at least 7.3 grams per dtex and a modulus of at least 100 grams per dtex. Compressed fabrics in the first section are employed and are connected by connectors that have a force to break in tension not greater than 180 N and are spaced apart by between 6 to 51 mm. Fabrics in the second section have at most a small amount of compression and are not joined other than to prevent slippage of the fabrics relative to one another.

Abstract: A fabric assembly particularly useful in ballistic resistant armor has two separate sections each containing a number of fabrics made from yarns having a tenacity of at least 7.3 grams per dtex and a modulus of at least 100 grams per dtex. Compressed fabrics in the first section are employed and are connected by connectors that have a force to break in tension not greater than 180 N and define areas on the outer surfaces of the compressed fabric in a range from 15 to 350 square mm. Fabrics in the second section have at most a small amount of compression and are not joined other than to prevent slippage of the fabrics relative to one another.

Abstract: A method of making at least one stiffener element includes cutting out two substantially identical elongate flanks from fiber plates, each flank presenting two lateral projections on either side of a central portion. The flanks are superimposed with one another and stitched together along two parallel lines that mark the boundaries between the lateral projections and the central portions. The lateral projections are folded along the lines of stitching to either side of the assembly in order to form flanges.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the surface finishing of materials via application of specific polymethacrylate layers. The polymethacrylate layers are composed of blends of at least two (co)polymers of polymethacrylates, and specific “reactive monomers” are present here in a polymerized mixture which forms the polymethacrylate layer. At the application temperature established, these form a chemical and, where appropriate, also a physical bond to the substrate, and therefore have adhesion-promoting action.

Abstract: In a laminated steel plate in which steel plates are joined to both faces of a core layer, the core layer is formed of a meshed wire group formed using wires in a mesh form and a resin sheet, the wires forming the meshed wire group have a tensile strength of 601 MPa or higher, and an opening of the meshed wire group is equal to or less than ten times the thickness of the steel plates. By thus defining the tensile strength of the wires, light-weightness can be achieved compatibly with high rigidity and shock resistance, and by defining the opening of the meshed wire group, workability and shape stability after being processed can be improved.

Abstract: A composite element includes a base or textile layer, a thermoplastic polymer material, a thread, and a cover layer. The base layer has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The polymer material is separate from the base layer, extends into the base layer, and is at least partially located at the first surface. The thread has a section lying adjacent to the first surface layer and substantially parallel to the first surface throughout a distance of at least five centimeters, and the thread is bonded to the base layer with the polymer material. The cover layer is located adjacent to the first surface and bonded to the base layer with the polymer material, and the section of the thread is located between the cover layer and the base layer.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a preform, comprising: (a) a reinforcing fabric layer; and (b) a polyetherimide fiber incorporated into the reinforcing fabric layer as a stitch thread material. The reinforcing fabric layer comprises less than about 10% by weight polyetherimides. In another aspect, the present invention provides an uncured and a cured composite composition comprising the perform. Articles and method of making the cured composite compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The apparatus is a laminar shear resistant pre-impregnated resin tape for use in die forming pultrusion processes, with the tape formed by integrating three distinguishable layers, each with integrated parallel reinforcing filaments. The layers are arranged within the tape so that the filaments of adjacent layers are oriented at angles to each other. The tape of the preferred embodiment of the invention is constructed with the filaments of the center layer at 90 degrees to the length of the tape and the filaments of the two outer layers aligned with the length of the tape. The center layer can be more heavily loaded with filaments than conventional tapes, and the outer two layers have less than the amount of filament load of the center layer.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an impact-resistant and penetration-resistant textile structure, to a method and to an apparatus for production thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a felt material comprising at least one felt layer and an absorbing layer, to a method for producing the felt material, and to the use of the felt material in textiles, shoes, technical application or medical applications. The felt material according to the invention has the advantages of conventional felt materials regarding the warming and damping properties and is permeable to air in the dry state. Due to the special design, however, it is waterproof in the wet state and thus it is suitable for sealing many materials. The felt material according to the invention binds more humidity or binds water in a different way than common felt materials.

Abstract: A borderless emblem for being securing to a first fabric includes a fabric base having a front surface and a rear surface. The fabric base may be made of the same or substantially the same material as the first fabric and may have the same or substantially the same weave pattern and color as the first fabric. An emblem design is applied to the front surface of the fabric base. The emblem design may be embroidered or printed. A layer of thermoplastic adhesive material is bonded to the rear surface of the fabric base for securing the emblem to the first fabric. The outer peripheral edge of the fabric base is heat fused to finish the edge of the fabric base without including a stitched or other border.

Abstract: Incorporation of functional cloth into prepreg composites A combined prepreg material (10) for use in composite lay-up techniques is described. The material (10) comprises first and second layers (12, 18) impregnated with a matrix material such as a resin. The first layer (12) is a functional layer and the second layer (18) is a keying layer. The keying layer (18) comprises a keying medium to facilitate bonding of the combined prepreg material (10) to a gel coat. The functional layer (12) comprises a woven cloth (14). A circuit is provided on a first surface (16) of the cloth (14).

Abstract: A system and method to weight a recreational ground covering comprising a top layer and a bottom layer stitched together along at least one edge and leaving at least one edge open. Along each open edge is a connection system, such as Velcro®, snaps, or buttons, which connects the open edge of the top and bottom layers. Such arrangement creates a “pocket” system such that may be filled with sand, rocks, or any other available objects or substance that may be found naturally without requiring additional equipment or other means to weight or stabilize the covering once it is spread on the ground.

Abstract: A towel specifically designed for cleaning vehicles and other surfaces without the use of soap or other cleaning agents is formed of a combination of microfiber material and chamois material and comprises a first relatively thicker portion formed primarily of an underlying layer of material and an outer layer of microfiber material that is folded over and attached to both faces of the underlying layer of material; and a second relatively thinner portion formed primarily of chamois material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covered panel for a motor vehicle having a rigid substrate, a skin, and a layer of material connecting the skin to the rigid substrate, in which the skin is constituted of one first and one second skin section including a visual characteristic at the line where the two respective edges of the first and second section of the skin are joined. The panel is characterized in that the edge of the first section of skin extends beyond the visual characteristic, under the second section of skin, and in that the skin is provided, in the area of that visual characteristic with at least one line of decorative seams or stitching connecting the first and second sections of skin together. The invention also relates to a process to manufacture the type of panel.

Abstract: A flexible heat insulation product (1) comprising a flexible heat insulating core layer (4) with a first side (3) and a second side (9), and a flexible facing (2) that is connected to the first side (3) of the insulating core layer (4) by a plurality of elements (7) that extends from the facing (2) to the second side (9) of the insulating core layer (4). The insulation product (1) further comprises a flexible heat insulating cover layer (8) that is secured to the second side (9) of the insulating core layer (4). A method for producing such a product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A waterproof, insulated multi-layer fabric structure is described, including a first and second layer to bound an interior volume. A baffle layer is located in the bounded volume and undulates between the first layer and second layer. The baffle layer is directly attached to the first layer. Adhesive tape portions are attached to the second layer to eliminate the need of stitching through the second layer, improving the structure's waterproof qualities. The baffle layer is attached to the adhesive tape portions which extend from the second layer. A method for manufacturing the multi-layer structure is also described.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a complex structure from a two-dimensional layout, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a support plate having a pre-determined, patterned recess formed in a surface thereof; (b) depositing a first series of individual flexible interconnects into the recess, the flexible interconnects being aligned parallel to one another in a common plane and supported by the support plate; (c) adhering, with adhering means, at least one rigid member to each of the flexible interconnects of the first series; (d) adhering, with adhering means, a second series of individual flexible interconnects to the rigid members to form a plurality of stations, wherein each of the second series of flexible interconnects is adhered to two rigid members of adjacent flexible interconnects of the first series, the flexible interconnects of the second series being formed perpendicular to the flexible interconnects of the first series; (e) curing the adhering means to form an assembled, layered structure; (f) removing

Abstract: A segmented insulative device and related kit for insulating components of a thermal distribution system. The kit includes a sheet of segmented insulation formed by a composite layer of segmented, flexible, pre-sewn insulation that is easily cut to size in the field using scissors, utility knives or other simple, hand-held cutting devices. The kit also includes two-sided hook-and-loop straps as fasteners, also easily cut to length, using hand-held devices. The segmented insulation and the hook-and-loop straps are attached to one another in the field using a stapler or other hand-held attachment device. This provides an installation kit that an installer can use to provide a versatile insulation in the form of the assembled segmented insulative device. The segmented insulative device lends itself to quick customization on-site rather than requiring costly off-site manufacture or pre-assembly and subsequent quick installation on the pipe component requiring thermal installation.

Abstract: A segmented insulative device and related kit for insulating components of a thermal distribution system, and particularly chilled fluid systems. The kit includes a sheet of segmented insulation formed by a composite layer of segmented, flexible, pre-sewn insulation that is easily cut to size in the field using scissors, utility knives or other simple, hand-held cutting devices. The composite layer includes at least one outer layer of low permeance laminate devoid of stitching and adhered to the pre-sewn insulation. The kit also includes low permeance pressure-sensitive adhesive tape as fasteners, also easily cut to length, using hand-held devices. The low permeance laminate and the low permeance pressure-sensitive adhesive tape form a contiguous outer water vapor barrier free of stitching that would otherwise compromise low permeance. The segmented insulation and the fasteners are attached to one another in the field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reinforced sandwich structure (10) comprising stacked in height direction thereof, at least one top layer (2) and at least one bottom layer (3) comprising a fibrous reinforcing material, which top and bottom layer sandwich between them at least one core (1) of a foamed material, the sandwich structure being impregnated with a resin material. The at least one core material comprises at least one insert (9) which extends in height direction of the reinforced sandwich structure (10) over at least part of the height thereof and in at least one of the longitudinal and transversal direction thereof. The at least one top layer (2), the at least one bottom layer (3) and the at least one core material which comprise the at least one insert are connected to each other by means of reinforcing fibers, at least part of which extend in height direction of the sandwich structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sharp three-dimensional embroidery that can express a three-dimensional design in detail with a sharp three-dimensional effect and save time for cleaning a sheet residue by completely covering a sheet, and a manufacturing method thereof. Three-dimensional embroidery according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: at least two sheets layered on the upper surface of a fabric panel; at least two layers of embroidery being layered on the at least two sheets; and a covering member covering the at least two sheets and the at least two layers of embroidery with a predetermined design.

Abstract: An armor panel system has a strike face assemblage formed of a hard material layer of discrete elements or tiles and a fiber reinforcement bonded to the tiles. The fiber reinforcement includes a layer of cup-shaped staples aligned and bonded to an inner surface of an associated tile and having legs that extend into gaps between side edges of adjacent tiles. The tiles and fiber reinforcement are encapsulated in a matrix material. The armor panel system also includes a support and containment assemblage having a support plate and a containment element. The containment element is fastened to and supported by the support plate along a periphery by stitching, which allows the containment element to act as a net to catch and contain fragments. A bonding layer joins the strike face assemblage and the support and containment assemblage. The bonding layer includes a mesh embedded in an adhesive material.

Abstract: Reinforcement structures and processes for forming same are provided, wherein the reinforcement structures are adapted for use in forming composite parts. The structures comprise a first reinforcement layer; a second reinforcement layer; and a flexible core layer comprising elongated fibers and a plurality of discrete bodies.

Abstract: A mesh sheet of the present invention is a mesh sheet in which a metal mesh comprising fine bands is laminated on a surface of a base substrate, the mesh sheet being used and adhered along a surface of an arbitrary member having a curved surface portion. The metal mesh has a part in which the fine band positioned between connection points of the fine bands which are adjacent to each other is a curved line so as to absorb stress relative to deformation to be placed along the curved surface portion with a large curvature without destructing the metal mesh.

Abstract: Insulation for high temperature applications includes glass fibers having an average diameter of between about 2.7 to about 3.8 microns. In one possible embodiment the insulation includes a polyacrylic acid binder. Such insulation has about 98 weight percent glass fibers and about 2 weight percent binder.

Abstract: A semi-finished product used to mold a composite part including at least one dry laminar reinforcing layer that is designed to be impregnated with an impregnation matrix by liquid injection/infusion. The semi-finished product includes a thermoplastic layer, at least locally, where the properties of the component materials provide the future molded part, at least locally, with the required properties; since the thermoplastic layer has been stitched to at least one reinforcing layer using at least one yarn crossing through the perforations in said thermoplastic layer and in at least one reinforcing layer.

Abstract: A fiber structure that can be embedded in a matrix for obtaining a piece made of composite material, includes a first fiber element having a first support surface, at least one L-shaped fiber element having a base that is flattened against the support surface of the first fiber element at a junction zone and a wing that is not flattened against the first fiber element, and another fiber element having one part flattened against the wing of the at least one L-shaped fiber element. The elements are assembled by tapping fibers from a second surface of the first fiber element so as to form loops, at least certain fibers being oblique relative to the second surface, in a plane that is perpendicular to the junction zone, wherein certain loops of the oblique fibers protrude to the outside of the outer surface of a wing of at least one L-shaped fiber element.

Abstract: The subject invention comprises a flexible multilayer fire-rated material that has at least one layer of an intumescent material. Because it is flexible, the fire-rated material is usable in situations where it is desirable for the fire-rated material to be rolled up or folded into a non-flat storage application. This allows the subject fire-rated material to be used in fire-rated and smoke-resistant barriers that are recessed in walls or ceilings until use. One end use embodiment includes without limitation, recessed or rolled up fabrics used in elevator lobby ceilings to seal off elevators or their lobbies from smoke or fire.

Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensionally curved fiber composite material component having a predefined flexural member profile cross section with at least one web area and at least one adjacent flange area, includes providing a flat base fiber laid scrim and disposing a unidirectional fiber laid scrim tape with 0 degree fibers on a partial area of the fiber laid scrim and fixed by sewing so as to provide a flat prefabricated fiber laid scrim strip having a flange area including the unidirectional fiber laid scrim tape and a web strip area free of the fiber laid scrim. The prefabricated scrim tape is draped to a desired contour and is sewn onto a support material so as to provide a stabilized three-dimensionally curved first sub-fiber laid scrim preform adapted to the fiber composite material structural component to be produced.

Abstract: A segmented insulative device and related kit for insulating components of a thermal distribution system. The kit includes a sheet of segmented insulation formed by a composite layer of segmented, flexible, pre-sewn insulation that is easily cut to size in the field using scissors, utility knives or other simple, hand-held cutting devices. The kit also includes two-sided hook-and-loop straps as fasteners, also easily cut to length, using hand-held devices. The segmented insulation and the hook-and-loop straps are attached to one another in the field using a stapler or other hand-held attachment device. This provides an installation kit that an installer can use to provide a versatile insulation in the form of the assembled segmented insulative device. The segmented insulative device lends itself to quick customization on-site rather than requiring costly off-site manufacture or pre-assembly and subsequent quick installation on the pipe component requiring thermal installation.

Abstract: This invention pertains generally to means for controlling transfer of thermal energy and specifically to a laminate material comprising functional layers, wherein the functional layers are combined into an insulative barrier blanket that is circumscribed about a high temperature structure or source. The insulative barrier blanket is comprised of a high temperature abrasive and puncture resistant outer shell, a thermal insulation core, and an interior protective layer. The outer shell is preferentially made of a hydrophobic and/or oleophobic fabric layer, which is resistant to abrasion, impact, sound conduction and/or puncture. The insulative barrier blanket is optionally retained about said high temperature structure or source through use of retentive closures having enhanced means for manipulation by hand and reduces the potential creation of foreign object debris.

Abstract: A new cladding panel for use on recreational vehicles is produced by either a hand-laid or vacuum infusion process. In hand-laid method, the cladding is formed by first introducing and curing a layer of gel coat onto a mold surface. Layers of fiber reinforced resin material are subsequently laid onto the gel coating and molded to form the cladding panel. In the vacuum infusion process, the gel coating is first laid onto a mold surface of a vacuum infusion mold, and then a dry ply materials are laid onto the gel coating. The mold is closed and a resin component is infused into the dry laminate material under vacuum pressure and cured. The cladding panels produced by these methods produced are seamless and have limited waste associated with post-production trimming processes. Cladding panels produced using the vacuum infusion process have a more consistent composition and achieve improved part-to-part consistency.

Abstract: A laminated composite rod includes a rod body having a generally circular or oval cross-section and comprising a plurality of laminated composite plies disposed at various orientations with respect to each other.

Abstract: Thermal insulation assemblies and methods for fabricating thermal insulation assemblies are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a thermal insulation assembly comprises a ceramic tile having a surface coated with an alumina-mullite slurry. A ceramic matrix composite is disposed on the coated surface. The ceramic matrix composite comprises a first ply of a ceramic fiber impregnated with a ceramic matrix.

Abstract: A fillet is disclosed for enhancing the appearance of a frame or mat and comprises a flexible material, an elastomeric cord and an adhesive securing the fabric to the cord. The flexible material may have one or more flairs which may have a tape adhesive which adheres the flairs to the frame, the matt, or parts of both of the frame and the mat. The fillet is flexible and may be bent to various geometries.

Abstract: A fabric article made of at least four layers of fabric-such as fleece-with each of the fabric layers being a solid color selected from a combination of more than one color. The length portion of each fabric layer being greater than the width portion, e.g., five times longer than wide, and each fabric layer having fringes cut from a width portion into a center portion of the fabric layer. All of the layers of fabric being attached together along center portions of the layers of fabric with the length portions of the layers of fabric being parallel to each other.