Abstract: Low weight and non-square carpet tile suitable for use in mass transit vehicles, particularly passenger aircraft. The carpet tile preferably weighs less than about 82 ounces per square yard. The carpet tile of this invention may have a carpet pile and at least one backing layer. The backing layer may use a low weight filler material. The carpet tiles satisfy transportation industry standards for flame, smoke and toxicity.

Abstract: A drying mat is described. The drying mat includes layers of a microfiber material and a foam layer. The drying mat may be used as dish mat to absorb water from dishes. The dying mat may be used as a shower or bath mat to absorb water from a bather standing upon the drying mat. In one embodiment, the drying mat includes a first microfiber layer, a second microfiber layer, a foam layer, an adhesive to join the first microfiber layer and the second microfiber layer to the foam layer; and a binding material around a perimeter of the drying mat. Other embodiments include an absorbent or protective mat, which includes at least one layer of a microfiber material, at least one layer of a foam material, and adhesive to join the layers.

Abstract: Leather sheet material is made by hydroentangling a web (4) of mixed reclaimed leather fibers and synthetic fibers. The synthetic fibers are meltable bicomponent fibers which are heated prior to entanglement to fuse and form a supporting network for the leather fibers. A sheet of tissue paper (1a) is laid over the surface of the leather fiber web (4) and hydroentanglement jets (16) are directed through the tissue paper into the web.

Abstract: A fabricated microstructure comprising at least one protrusion capable of providing an adhesive force at a surface of between about 60 and 2,000 nano-Newtons. A stalk supports the protrusion at an oblique angle relative to a supporting surface. The microstructure can adhere to different surfaces.

Abstract: A fibrous web having a first surface and a second surface. The fibrous web has a first region and at least one discrete second region, the second region being a discontinuity on the second surface and being a tuft comprising a plurality of tufted fibers extending from the first surface. The tufted fibers define a distal portion, the distal portion comprising portions of the tufted fibers being bonded together. Bonding can be thermal melt-bonding. In another embodiment the second surface of the web can have non-intersecting or substantially continuous bonded regions, which also can be thermal melt-bonding.

Abstract: An improved acoustically and thermally insulating composite material suitable for use in structures such as buildings, appliances, and the interior passenger compartments and exterior components of automotive vehicles, comprising at least one airlaid fibrous layer of controlled density and composition and incorporating suitable binding agents and additives as needed to meet expectations for noise abatement, fire, and mildew resistance. Separately, an airlaid structure which provides a reduced, controlled airflow therethrough useful for acoustic insulation is provided, and which includes a woven or nonwoven scrim.

Abstract: A method of producing a decorative carpet tile may include providing a carpet tile in accordance with the prior art techniques and then treating the carpet tile in one of various manners to provide a separation internal to side edges of the carpet tile. The treatment can include tip shearing side portions relative to an internal portion to provide at least one discontinuity, dripping colors to provide a frame, carving, burning, or otherwise providing a separation internal to the side edges of the carpet tile in various disclosed embodiments.

Abstract: Low weight and non-square carpet tile suitable for use in mass transit vehicles, particularly passenger aircraft. The carpet tile preferably weighs less than about 82 ounces per square yard. The carpet tile of this invention may have a carpet pile and at least one backing layer. The backing layer may use a low weight filler material. The carpet tiles satisfy transportation industry standards for flame, smoke and toxicity. Tiles may be sized during manufacture and installed in configurations that minimize the number of tile sizes needed and minimize the need for cutting tiles during installation. The patterns used for such tiles may be orthogonally ambiguous or otherwise suitable for “random” installation. In other embodiments, a passenger aircraft cabin includes a floor having rectangular carpet tiles installed thereon, and the carpeting can be installed in the aircraft without removing seats from the aircraft.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet has a first side and a second side, the first side being a body-facing side. The topsheet defines a CD-MD plane and includes a fibrous nonwoven web and tufts, the tufts having fibers of the fibrous nonwoven web. The topsheet further includes first, second and third zones, each zone being characterized in a Z-direction by the zone fiber orientation, wherein the first and third zones are displaced relative to each other and each include fibers having portions orientated substantially parallel to said CD-MD plane of the topsheet. The second zone is intermediate and adjacent to the first and third zones, the second zone including substantially reoriented fibers that are substantially vertically oriented with respect to the CD-MD plane of said topsheet.

Abstract: Fibrous structure that exhibit a Free Fiber End Count of greater than 100 in the range of free fiber end lengths of from about 0.1 mm to about 0.25 mm as determined by the Free Fiber End Test Method, sanitary tissue products employing same and methods for making same are provided.

Abstract: Methods to modify an engaging surface of a fibrous landing layer of a mechanical fastener are generally disclosed, along with products made from the same. For instance, the engaging surface of the landing layer can be mechanically modified to increase the fuzziness of the layer, which allows more fibers to engage the other surface of the mechanical fastener. For example, the improved engaging surface of the landing layer can increase the shear resistance of a mechanical fastener comprising a foam layer and a landing layer.

Abstract: A tufted nonwoven with improved stitch holding, a bonded nonwoven and methods for their manufacture are described.

Abstract: A modular textile system comprises a plurality of distinct, but coordinating, textile tiles, each including at least one design zone, where at least two of the distinct tiles include at least one design zone having substantially the same composition.

Abstract: The digging blanket has a double floor, with an upper part formed with openings and thick dense pile fibers in between the openings. The pile fibers collapse into a pile mound, into which dogs may dig and hide their bones or toys and which therefore allow the dogs to satisfy their natural instincts. The blanket may be tied together by way of a string that is integrated in its margins and that may be pulled to form a type of bag.

Abstract: A pile stripping comprising pile extending from a backing is described whereby the pile is made from pile yarns and the backing is bonded to the pile. A synthetic fibre is interlaced with the pile yarns, and the backing traps at least a part of the synthetic fibre in the backing. The stripping can further comprise a fin, whereby the fin can be located within the pile or alongside the pile. The backing and the fin may be constructed so that the backing is inserted in the fin.

Abstract: The present invention features a fabric useful for applying a chemical composition, such as a finishing or polishing composition, onto a substrate surface. Typically the fabric contains between about 1% and 50% stiff fibers and between about 50% and 99% adsorbent or absorbent fibers, more typically between about 2% and 10% stiff fibers and between about 90% and 98% adsorbent or absorbent fibers. The fabric can be used to make applicator pads useful, for example, as mop heads for spreading a finishing or polishing composition on a floor surface.

Abstract: A novel process is provided for making spin-drawn yarn from poly(trimethylene terephthalate). The yarn, when packaged on a cheese-shaped spindle, can be produced in large sizes without crushing.

Abstract: A method of fabricating optical energy collection and conversion devices using carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and a method of anchoring CNT's into thin polymeric layers is disclosed. The basic method comprises an initial act of surrounding a plurality of substantially aligned nanostructures within at least one fluid layer of substantially uniform thickness such that a first end of the plurality of nanostructures protrudes from the fluid layer. Next, the fluid layer is altered to form an anchoring layer, thereby fastening the nanostructures within the primary anchoring layer with the first ends of the nanostructures protruding from a first surface of the primary anchoring layer. Finally, a portion of the anchoring layer is selectively removed such that a second end of the nanostructures is exposed and protrudes from the anchoring layer. The resulting product is an optically absorbent composite material having aligned nanostructures protruding from both sides of an anchoring layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric display using the action of electrostatic charges to manipulate visual displays. The fabric display comprises areas of furry fabrics (16) that can serve as visual effects or display of information and can be usable in a wearable garment, furniture, or other suitable locations where it can be incorporated to close a circuit. Through activation by the user, the surface of furry fabrics (16) is electrostatically charged causing the furs to repel from the surface and each other in a substantially vertical orientation with portions of the furs extending cut of the surface, thus revealing the color of the fabric surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are a carpet for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing the same. A first material is scored to define a gap. A portion of the first material interior to the gap is compressed, and then folded out of the gap. A second material is adhered to the first material. The second material may be adhered to the compressed portion of the first material. The volume of the compressed portion may be decreased by about half. The first material may be a sound-absorbing material.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for imparting odor resistance to an article. Also described herein are articles treated with the compositions and methods described herein.

Abstract: A fibrillar structure and a method of making it. The structure comprises a backing layer, a plurality of fibrils and a contacting region. The method of making it comprises constructing a synthetic fibrillar array, preparing a liquid material on a substrate and contacting the fibrillar array with the liquid material.

Abstract: A reflective metallized material having at least one metal layer with at least one reflective surface that is capable of reflecting radiant energy, and at least one spacing layer to provide void space directly adjacent the reflective surface of the metal layer. The reflective metallized material may be used in a floor covering installation, such as in a carpet backing or carpet underlay, to provide a reflective insulating barrier to the floor covering. When the floor covering is installed, the resultant floor has improved energy efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a textured floorcovering composite comprising a highly conformable fibrous outer layer 101 and an optional porous and resilient backing layer 102 that are continually, contiguously, or continuously attached to an activated adhesive layer 103 along a three-dimensional, undulating interface. The undulations correspond to depressed and elevated areas on the surface of the composite. Such a composite can be fabricated if its precursor is subjected to heat and pressure for a finite length time, provided that the applied pressure is relatively low, preferably under about 200 psi. The textured composite can be used as a floorcovering that advantageously resists warping and remains insensitive to variations in ambient temperature and humidity, including exposure to water.

Abstract: A complex-shaped, three-dimensional fiber reinforced composite structure may be formed by using counteracting pressures applied to a structural lay-up of fiber plies. The fiber plies are arranged on a pressurizable member that may become an integral part of the final product, or may be removed before the product is finalized. The pressurizable member may take the form of a hollow blow molded or rotomolded thermoplastic component or a superplastic formed metallic component having an opening such that the pressurizable member may be vented or pressurized and thus expanded against the fiber plies. In addition, a number of the pressurizable members may be joined in fluid communication, where they may each have different configurations, yet be arranged to form a large, complex-shaped lay-up surface for the fiber plies. The arrangement of the fiber plies onto the pressurizable members may produce integral I-Beam stiffeners, ribs, flanges, and other complex shaped structural components.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for “dye-to-order” carpet manufacturing that address deficiencies in the carpet manufacturing industry, some of which are discussed above. In one embodiment, an improved manufacturing system is provided that allows manufacturers to change colors “on the fly” (e.g., within a single roll) with minimal waste. In another embodiment, a dye-to-order processing system is provided that maps multiple orders to undyed carpet rolls such that usage of the undyed carpet rolls is optimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor mat which can prevent scuffs on the heels of a user's footwear. The floor mat includes at least a first layer of material; a scuff-resistant portion provided on the first layer; and a glide mechanism which moves the scuff-resistant portion on the first layer when a force is applied to the scuff-resistant portion. The glide mechanism may include an elastic portion connected to the scuff-resistant portion and to the first layer, a backing layer connected to the elastic portion; and a base portion connected to the backing layer. The base portion may be disposed on a second layer, the second layer which is disposed beneath the first layer. Further, the first layer may have an opening such that the base portion which is connected to the second layer, is accessible through the first layer. The scuff-resistant portion is made of plush felt.

Abstract: Surface covering display elements, systems and/or methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a multi-patterned rug display sample, element or unit has at least two different geometric designs and/or coloration schemes across a common surface for simultaneous comparative evaluation by a potential purchaser. The rug display sample may be patterned to include two or more geometric or solid patterns corresponding to patterns available on floor covering products independent of the display sample. Also, the display unit may include a feature rug, color runner, color rug, and/or hang tag.

Abstract: An interior trim component includes an aerated skin layer and a glass-reinforced urethane substrate layer. A method for manufacturing an interior trim component is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of aerating a skin layer into a molding tool and depositing a glass-reinforced urethane substrate layer over the aerated skin layer.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a plurality of first threads coupled to and extending from a substrate, and a plurality of second threads coupled to and extending from the substrate, wherein each of the plurality of first threads comprises a plurality of synthetic filaments, each of the plurality of filaments comprises a plurality of synthetic microfibers, each of the plurality of second threads is adjacent to at least one of the plurality of first threads, and each of the plurality of second threads does not comprise synthetic microfibers.

Abstract: Surface covering display elements, systems and/or methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a multi-patterned rug display sample, element or unit has at least two different geometric designs and/or coloration schemes across a common surface for simultaneous comparative evaluation by a potential purchaser. The rug display sample may be patterned to include two or more geometric or solid patterns corresponding to patterns available on floor covering products independent of the display sample. Also, the display unit may include a feature rug, color runner, color rug, and/or hang tag.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in spill resistant carpets wherein a spill resistant coating is applied to the underside of the carpet. The improvement for enhancing the spill resistance of the carpet comprises use of the following polymer as the spill resistant coating: an ethylene-vinyl acetate polymer comprised of crystalline ethylene segments prepared by the aqueous emulsion polymerization of ethylene and vinyl acetate in the presence of a stabilizing system, said ethylene-vinyl acetate polymer having a crystalline melting point ranging from 35 to 110° C. measured at a heat rate of 20° C. per minute; and, a tensile storage modulus of at least 1×105 dynes/cm2 at a temperature of 115° C. and measured at 6.28 rad/sec.

Abstract: A textile fabric has at least one raised surface incorporating multicomponent fibers formed of at least a first material and a second material disposed in side-by-side relationship. The first material and the second material exhibit differential thermal elongation, which causes the multicomponent fibers to bend or curl and reversibly recover in response to changes in temperature, thereby adjusting insulation performance of the textile fabric in response to ambient conditions.

Abstract: Webs, such as fibrous structures, having a tuft, sanitary tissue products employing same and methods for making same are provided. More particularly, webs, such as fibrous structures, having a tuft employing a non-extensible material, such as non-extensible fibers, sanitary tissue products employing same and methods for making same are provided.

Abstract: A carpet web and a method of forming a carpet web having a striped pattern and color scheme that permits carpet tiles cut from the web to be installed without regard to relative tile positions and without visibly disrupting the pattern, but rather maintaining the appearance of a broadloom web. The web pattern includes parallel stripes having varying widths and longitudinal discontinuities. The stripes are formed with at least two colors or two shades of a color. The tiles are positionally ambiguous in that they need not be located on the floor in the same position they occupied in the web for the flooring installation to exhibit the desired uniform appearance. Instead, the tiles may be shuffled and laid in any side-by-side or top-to-bottom orientation (provided that uniform rotational orientation is maintained among the tiles) with respect to adjacent tiles without looking out of place to the ordinary viewer and without emphasizing the modularity of the flooring.

Abstract: A wide-meshed grid fabric, in particular a geogrid, in which warp thread bundles composed of multiple warp threads and weft thread bundles composed of multiple weft threads intersect and surround meshes or lattice openings. To give the grid fabric, which may also be a scrim, a greater volume, whereby, among other things, improved reinforcement of the soil may be achieved, individual threads of a thread bundle in a mesh are longer than other threads of the same thread bundle, the longer threads running in a wave pattern and forming at least one open loop or bulge per mesh; the open loop or bulge may protrude upward and/or downward from the plane of the grid fabric. A plastic coating may stiffen the grid fabric.

Abstract: A composite sheet is disclosed. The composite sheet comprises an open random fibrous web having substantially vertical fibers near a top surface, a first binder resin and a second binder resin, wherein the first binder resin has a melting point lower than the melting point of the second binder resin, wherein the melting point of the second resin is lower than the melting point of the web, wherein the resins are activated in situ with the web fibers to form a resin-fiber rich region on the top surface and wherein the abrasion-resistant sheet can withstand at least about 3,000 cycles on the Wyzenbeek abrasion test using 80-grit abrasive paper. An abrasion-resistant sheet comprising a single binder resin and other abrasion-resistant sheets are also disclosed. Processes for making these abrasion-resistant sheets are further disclosed herein.

Abstract: A synthetic-grass flooring may include a substrate with multiple filiform formations extending upwards from the substrate to simulate natural-grass cover or turf. End portions of the filiform formations may be curled to bestow upon the filiform formations a general tree-like conformation. The synthetic-grass flooring may be manufactured as a finished product in a factory. A particulate filling material or infill may be retained on the substrate by the curly ends of the filiform formations.

Abstract: A composite includes a first preform and a second preform spaced from and in overlying relationship to the first preform. The second preform defines at least one first opening extending therethrough along an axis transverse to the first preform. A first surface layer is disposed adjacent to the second preform and on an opposite side of the second preform from the first preform. A polymeric composition including the reaction product of an isocyanate component and an isocyanate-reactive component is disposed between the first preform and the second preform. The polymeric composition adheres the first surface layer to the second preform through the at least one first opening. The surface layer is adhered to the second preform during molding of the composite article and in the absence of additional adhesive, thereby reducing production time and cost of the composite article.

Abstract: A resin composition for producing a molded article having a surface which has an appearance of a non-woven fabric, which comprises fiber piles of a carbonized polyacrylonitrile having a nitrogen content of 10% by weight or more, a size of 1 to 15 denier and a length of 0.1 to 1 mm. A process for producing a molded article of a resin having a surface which has an appearance of a non-woven fabric which comprises mixing the resin composition with an uncolored resin and molding the prepared mixture. A molded article produced by molding the resin composition. The resin composition can be pelletized with stability and, when the resin composition is mixed with pellets of an uncolored resin and molded, the molded article shows excellent mechanical properties and durability for a long time, exhibits a non-woven fabric appearance with warmth ad depth and has an excellent recycling property.

Abstract: The present invention provides an internally-tufted laminate adapted to provide improved softness and cloth-like feel.

Abstract: An artificial turf system which includes a support layer, a base layer, and an outer layer. The support layer comprises an area of selected size and composition. The base layer comprises at least one grid which consists of a plurality of interconnected cells. The base layer is positioned over the support layer. Each cell forming the grid comprises an upstanding tubular member which includes an upper portion, having a first diameter, and a lower portion having a second diameter. The lower cell portion provides the cell with vertical flexibility. The plurality of cells provide the grid with selected vertical movement on contact providing the artificial turf system with improved softness.

Abstract: A table or counter mat having a composite sheet structure comprising a non-slip backing layer 3, a top liquid absorbent textile surface 1 for resting cups, mugs or glasses, and an intermediate stabilisation layer 2 joining the backing layer 3 to the textile surface 1 wherein the resultant mat is absorbent and readily able to be laundered. The invention also provides a method of forming the table or counter mat by curing and bonding of the nitrile rubber backing layer 3 to the intermediate layer 2 and upper polyester textile layer 1 at greater than 100° C. and preferably greater than 170° C. and a sublimation printing 4 for printing on the textile layer 1 occurs at greater that 100° C. and preferably greater than 170° C. such that the mat is able to be laundered in hot water.

Abstract: A textile coated with a coating having multiphase fluorochemical and a cationic material. A printed image is subsequently placed on the coated textile.

Abstract: A doctor blade for removing water from a mating member, such as a grooved elastic belt in the press part of a papermaking machine, comprises a resin-impregnated fibrous laminate, in which at least a part of the warp of a base material in the laminate, which comes into contact with the mating member, is brush-shaped, so that the warp enters the insides of the grooves to remove water therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial grass lawn suitable for sports fields, which artificial grass lawn consists of a base layer, on which first artificial grass fibres are disposed. In accordance with the invention, the artificial grass lawn is characterized in that said base layer comprises a material having damping properties, which is present thereon and/or therein. Thus the properties of a natural grass field are approximated very closely, and also the style of play on the sports field is positively affected. Furthermore, the artificial grass field thus obtained is substantially free of maintenance and of injury.

Abstract: Disclosed are mono-layer or multi-layer films, sheets, or coatings wherein at least on layer comprises a fringed surface microstructure (1), a process for making these items and uses thereof. Further disclosed are articles of manufacture comprising such film, sheet, or coating.

Abstract: A textile coated with a coating having cationic and repellant properties, thereby accepting an image thereon more readily.

Abstract: Golf turf is disclosed and claimed herein which simulates fairway, rough or putting green surfaces. Golf clubs which strike the golf turf disclosed herein do not experience the shock of typical golf mats made from Astroturf® and the like, lessening fatigue and preventing injury to the elbow and wrist. Crimped filaments made of synthetic resinous fibers are used to make strip brushes having flared end portions which form a homogeneous surface. Receiving slots in a substrate retain a plurality of strip brushes spaced apart and parallel to each other. The strip brushes are configured to simulate homogeneous surfaces which approximate actual golf surfaces.

Abstract: A textile substrate for coordinating with other flooring is provided. The substrate includes a multi-colored pattern produced by a process for coloring substrates, using the application of liquid colorants, in which the assignment of color is done on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and corresponding products. Relatively large areas of a substrate may be given the appearance of being uniformly colored by successively replicating or tiling a group of individuals colored pixels comprising a repeating unit (i.e., a superpixel) across the substrate surface. The repeating unit is constructed in such a way that if a colorant application error develops, causing one or more pixels within the repeating unit to be colored incorrectly or incompletely, the overall arrangement of the pixels within the repeating unit will render such error less visually apparent when viewed on the substrate.