Abstract: The suede-like fabric according to the invention is produced by the process which comprises the steps of supplying aqueous chemical composed of acrylic resin, emulsifying agent and water to treating rollers through chemical coating means; passing the raw fabric cloths between the treating rollers having the chemical supplied and supporting rollers to produce a uniform chemical coating of 70˜200 g/m2, the rollers pressing and fixing the passing raw fabric cloths; de-watering and drying the raw fabric cloths having the chemical coating fixed under pressing in a thermal chamber maintained at a temperature between 80 and 200° C.; and heating and pressing the dried raw fabric cloths by means of heating rollers at a temperature between 130 and 150° C. to finish the acrylic coating through this ironing step; and a further step of rubbing-off the coated surfaces of the raw fabric cloths for abrasion by rotating a striker drum made of wood for a predetermined period.

Abstract: Disclosed are mono-layer or multi-layer profiles or moldings wherein at least one layer comprises a fringed surface microstructure, a process for making these items and uses thereof. Further disclosed are articles of manufacture comprising such profile or molding.

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: An acid dye stain-resistant fiber-forming polyamide composition comprising a fiber-forming polyamide and a reagent, at least a portion of which associates with free acid dye sites in the polyamide, thereby disabling the acid dye sites in fibers formed from the composition from taking up acid dye stains; a masterbatch concentrate for addition to a fiber-forming polyamide to form an acid dye stain-resistant fiber-forming polyamide composition comprising a carrier compatible with the fiber-forming polyamide combined with an amount of the above reagent in excess of that desired in the acid dye stain-resistant fiber-forming polyamide; as well as fibers and articles of manufacture prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A material to reduce the effects of trauma received from the impact of a projectile. One embodiment is a needle-punched, non-woven material including at least one type of ballistic fibers selected and oriented to provide a cushioning effect and maintain a high compressive restitution constant. A percentage of the fibers are oriented with at least their ends lying approximately perpendicular to the fabric plane and/or oriented to lie in a waveform generally along or parallel to the fabric plane. This enables the ends of the fibers lying perpendicular to the fabric plane to cushion the impact from the projectile by dissipating energy through compressional resistance, and the fibers along the fabric plane to reduce energy through dispersal along fiber lines, thereby reducing the trauma resulting from an impact.

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: The invention relates to methods for processing floor coverings (100), such as carpet and/or carpet tile, having at least one layer containing a polyurethane (104), such that at least this polyurethane—containing layer (104) can be recycled and reused. The method involves contacting the floor covering (100) with an organic polyol (110) and heating (120) it, so that the polyurethane—containing layer (104) softens and/or partially liquefies, but can be resolidified by contact with additional polyisocyanate (140).

Abstract: A cylindrical sheathing for wrapping around a lally column including a slit running along its length extending from its outside to its inside surface in forming a hinged channel, with a double sided adhesive on at least one of the opposing channel faces in wrapping around the column, with the sheathing being of a resilient closed cell foam composition.

Abstract: A load bearing floor mat for vehicle cargo compartments includes a pliable layer configured to overlie a defined area of a vehicle floor and also includes a rigid member that is associated with a portion of the pliable layer. The rigid member has a width that is sufficient to span a gap or opening in the vehicle floor, such as a spare tire well or other storage compartment. The rigid member renders the pliable layer substantially non-pliable above the opening such that the floor mat can support a load placed thereon.

Abstract: A stere-turf reinforcement mat having a mat body formed of low shrinkage yarns by weaving and a plurality rib lines formed of high shrinkage yarns and arranged the mat body and partially woven through the mat body for causing the mat body to form into wrinkles to show a three-dimensional pattern when heated to cause high shrinkage yarns to shrink.

Abstract: An infilled artificial surface has natural grass-like play characteristics due to the use of two distinct groups of fibers extending upwardly from a backing, and a stabilizing fill material residing on the backing, with a first upper group of fibers simulating grass plants and extending above the infill and a second lower group of preferably texturized fibers extending upward from the backing to the top of, but not above, the fill. With this structure, substantially all of the fill material is stabilized within the vertical level of the second lower group of fibers. This second group of fibers “locks” the fill material in place and helps to promote consistent and uniform play characteristics which closely simulate natural grass, with a “foot feel” of natural turf. This structure also improves the durability of this playing surface, compared to prior infilled surfaces.

Abstract: A cleaning article comprising an elastomer sheet having a synthetic elastomer disposed on the surface thereof as a cleaning surface, wherein the elastomer sheet has a maximum static frictional force of 9.8 to 29 N. With the cleaning article, a carpet, etc. can easily be cleared of pet hair, etc. clinging thereto.

Abstract: A filled synthetic sports playing surface is provided comprising, generally, a synthetic grass having fibers secured to a backing fabric. The backing fabric may have single, composite or multiple layers. The fibers can be formed from polyolefins, their co-polymers, or polyamides, and may be monofilament or slit film type yarns. The top dressing comprises natural soil or a synthetic soil or may be a mix of natural soil or synthetic soil with conventional infill material, such as resilient particles, mineral particles coated with a resilient layer or other types of infill materials. Alternatively, the top dressing may include an absorbent material treated with a coloring agent. The filled fabric generally described above may be installed over a drainage system and can have an irrigation system, particularly for an indoor field, in order to simulate wet weather conditions, provide for more realistic game play and manage other aspects of the field.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fabric coating, which simulates a viscose flocking finish, relative to at least one layer of the fabric coating, and which is particularly relevant to crushed foam coatings, includes the steps of providing fine beads of polymer, which are hollow and partially filled with selected solvents, or solvent blends or other volatile substances, and adding these beads to a coating compound in its wet state. Thereafter, coating the fabric with the resultant compound and oven drying the resulting compound on the fabric, then raising the temperature of the coating to crosslink the polymer and expand the polymer beads within the coating layer. The fabric coating produced by the method, and a fabric coated with the fabric coating made by the method, are also claimed.

Abstract: A synthetic turf comprises a backing with a plurality of pile filaments secured to the backing and extending upwardly therefrom and filled with particulate fill material. The fill material comprises a lower ballast layer of gravel residing on the backing and an upper layer of resilient particles above the lower layer. The lower layer of gravel provides weight and stability to hold down the synthetic turf without migrating to the surface. The upper layer provides cushioning and uniform resilience for the synthetic turf while the pile filaments create a grass-like appearance for the playing surface.

Abstract: A soft material compensator comprising a support carrier having at least one woven or knitted layer of fibers of natural or synthetic polymers, particularly mineral fibers, glass fibers, polyester fibers, polyamide fibers and/or aramid fibers, and comprising a barrier layer in the form of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) foil which is arranged at the side of the support carrier facing the inner side of the compensator and is bonded to the support carrier. For use in particular in the food or pharmaceutical industry, there is provided at the outer side of the compensator a protective layer in the form of an elastomeric outer layer that is likewise bonded to the support carrier, which protective layer significantly changes color in the event that a diffusion occurs from the interior of the compensator into the outer layer due to damages of the barrier layer.

Abstract: An impact absorbing surface covering adapted for use with a high impact traffic area is provided. A shock pad of post industrial, recycled closed cell foam is used in conjunction with an impervious wear surface, such as rubber, sprayed polyurethane, or artificial turf, in order to provide a durable, impact absorbent area, which can be easily adapted to varying shapes and sizes in a seamless manner to create an economical and resilient alternative for indoor/outdoor, commercial or recreational use. A method for installing an impact absorbing surface covering is also provided in which shock pads comprised of foam, fabric, and mesh layers are positioned on the ground, cement, or a floor, and are covered by a substantially impervious wear surface, thereby creating a non-purous, impact-absorbent, product with an extended life span.

Abstract: A carpet is described which has a particular yarn pattern which permits the use of different types of yarn such as unused yarn to form a carpet having a visually consistent appearance from manufacturing run to manufacturing run even though different types of yarns may be present. Other aspects of the invention are also described.

Abstract: A rotary-molded, three-dimensional, multi-polymer article, e.g. a multi-color door mat, where sections of projecting elements comprise different polymers. Such multi-polymer articles are produced on a rotating cylindrical mold in continuous lengths wherein said apparatus comprises a rotatable, cylindrical mold having a plurality of circumferential, rows of cavities and a plurality of parallel grooves separating the rows of cavities. Two sources of polymer are fed to the rotating mold from a stationary polymer injection block in arcuate proximity to the mold and having a plurality of cavity injection ports for supplying at least two different polymers to corresponding rows of cavities to form projecting elements, and a plurality of base-forming injection ports for supplying polymer to corresponding parallel grooves to form a base.

Abstract: An impregnated layered product usable as a soundproofing element in vehicles, comprising a layer constituted by a load-bearing mat on which at least one layer of non-woven fabric, made of fibers of thermoplastic materials impregnated with resins selected among thermosetting resins and thermoplastic resins with the addition of crosslinking agents, is bonded so as to cover at least one side of the mat.

Abstract: A multiple layer, thermoformable acoustic sheet material useful for manufacturing acoustic absorption, acoustic barrier and/or vibration damping components includes a barrier layer of synthetic fibers having an area weight of from about 40 grams per square foot to about 100 grams per square foot, and an absorber layer of vertically-lapped synthetic fibers, natural fibers or a combination of synthetic and natural fibers. The thermoformable acoustic sheet materials may include additional layers, with certain embodiments including an impermeable polymer film layer disposed between the barrier layer and the absorber layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration dampening laminate that is lightweight and has superior sound insulation and vibration dampening properties. The vibration dampening laminate comprises a constraining layer, a viscoelastic adhesive layer, a foam spacing layer and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer including a release layer. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer and release layer are contoured to fit a profile of the article being soundproofed and vibration dampened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific methods of producing cleated rubber-backed floor mats (such as dust control or rubber mats) through the utilization of the combination of a perforated coated woven fabric article and a cushioned platen liner between the article and the metal platen of an in-line dust control mat manufacturing machine. Such a procedure permits a more efficient manner of producing cleated anti-creep dust control mats than previously followed. In particular, the fabric article is in the form of a conveyor belt and is preferably constructed from Teflon®-coated woven fiberglass which will not adhere to the tacky rubber component of the target mat and can withstand the extremely high vulcanization temperatures and pressures required during the production of a dust control mat.

Abstract: A Muslim prayer counter comprising a short upper edge and a parallel shrot lower edge with ling parallel side edges there between, the rug having an exposed planar upper surface and a lower surface adapted to be supported on a floor; a counter secured to the upper surface of the carper adjacent the upper edge in proximity to one side edge thereof; a switch located on the upper surface of the carper mid-way between side edge; a battery secured to the lower surface of the rug adjacent the upper in proximity to the counter, the battery including an electrical lines coupling the counter and the battery and the switch.

Abstract: A loop fastener product is formed by needling a batt of fibers through a carrier sheet such as a plastic film, to form loops on the other side of the carrier sheet. A binder, such as a powder resin or plastic film, is placed over the fiber side of the product and fused to the carrier sheet to bond the fibers in place. In some cases the product is needled in only discrete areas, leaving other areas free of loops. The product may be formed into outer covers for disposable diapers. Fibers of one resin are readily combined with films and backings of other resins to produce particularly thin and low weight loop materials.

Abstract: A covering for a floor, wall or ceiling surface includes tiles each having first and second discrete tile sections. The first section includes a primary backing exposed on one side of the tile forming a first discrete exposed surface portion and a plurality of yarns tufted into the primary backing with cut or loop yarns on the back side of the primary backing leaving backstitches forming a second discrete exposed surface portion of the first section. The primary backing and backstitches form the first and second surface portions, respectively, of the first section with aesthetic characteristics different from one another. The second section of the tile is formed of one of a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric and a tufted pile and which second section forms the remaining portion of the exposed surface of the tile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to “closed loop” processes, systems and compositions for providing one or more flame retardant properties to, or for enhancing one or more flame retardant properties of, substrates containing at least about 5 weight percent of non-thermoplastic material, such as non-thermoplastic filaments, microfibers, fibers, fibrous compositions, threads, yarns, fabrics, textiles, materials, items of apparel, paper, tissue and/or blends, or to one or more products produced using any of the foregoing materials, and to substrates treated in accordance with the processes, systems and/or compositions of the invention.

Abstract: A synthetic leather is made by a impregnating a non-woven or woven textile with an aqueous polyurethane dispersion comprised of a nonionizable polyurethane and an external stabilizing surfactant. The impregnated textile is then exposed to water containing a coagulant for a coagulation time sufficient to coagulate the dispersion. The method may be used to form a synthetic leather having excellent wet ply adhesion and may contain an insoluble multivalent cation organic acid.

Abstract: An acid dye stain-resistant fiber-forming polyamide composition comprising a fiber-forming polyamide and a reagent, at least a portion of which associates with free acid dye sites in the polyamide, thereby disabling the acid dye sites in fibers formed from the composition from taking up acid dye stains; a masterbatch concentrate for addition to a fiber-forming polyamide to form an acid dye stain-resistant fiber-forming polyamide composition comprising a carrier compatible with the fiber-forming polyamide combined with an amount of the above reagent in excess of that desired in the acid dye stain-resistant fiber-forming polyamide; as well as fibers and articles of manufacture prepared therefrom.

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

Abstract: An aqueous dispersed polymeric composition for preparing the spill resistant carpet backing is provided. The aqueous dispersed polymeric composition of the present invention comprises an aqueous dispersed polymeric material, an inorganic filler, and a hydrophobic compound selected from the group consisting of a hydrophobic acid, a salt of a hydrophobic acid, and mixtures thereof. Alternatively, the inorganic filler is pretreated with the hydrophobic compound. Also, a kit and a method for preparing a spill resistant carpet backing from the aqueous dispersed polymeric composition is provided.

Abstract: Tuftable primary backings comprise a closed-weave, woven tape fabric to which is affixed a coherent web layer comprising staple fibers with fibers oriented in at least two directions and a plurality of the fibers being fused. The web layer is affixed to the fabric by penetration of fibers from the web into the fabric. The backings have substantial weftline straightness and stability against deformations in the machine, cross and off-axis directions. Improved tufted goods and methods for making the composites and tufted goods are also provided.

Abstract: Secondary carpet backings woven in a flat weave construction from warp tapes and multifilament picks with to about 100% theoretical coverage in the warp but less than full effective coverage and average pick counts of 12 to 20 per inch, such that the fabrics have weights of about 1.5 to about 7 osy and air permeability, provide dimensional stability and peel strength in carpets and facilitate robust cure rates in carpet manufacture.

Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are provided. Such tape fibers are basically manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat (and having very high cross sectional aspect ratios) tape fibers thereafter. These inventive tape fibers (and thus the initial films and/or tubes) require the presence of relatively high amounts of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene tape fiber. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and allowing such an oriented polymer to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling.

Abstract: A pile article is provided having a band of textile material, and a plurality of fiber loops defining a pile having sides from ends extending longitudinally along the band. The band is ultrasonically welded to the ends and a portion of the sides of the pile, and is sufficiently wide to support the sides of the pile substantially upright. An interior textile strip may optionally extend longitudinally within the pile at the ends of the pile and within a portion of the pile sides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite backing suitable for use in the manufacturing of carpeting, particularly tufted synthetic turf carpeting, or any other fabric product where dimensional stability in the presence of thermal or moisture gradients is desirable. The composite backing comprises reinforcement strands integrated into a woven backing fabric. The reinforcement strands may be laid in an open network structure needlepunched into a woven backing or may also be integrated into the woven backing by directly weaving the reinforcement strands into the woven backing as it is being fabricated. A synthetic turf product may be constructed by tufting the composite backing.

Abstract: Pile weatherstripping has a pile of yarn segments (20) which are attached to a flexible plastic backing strip (1) by ultrasonic welding (21) of the pile thereto. Loops of the yarn (20) are captured in a channel (16) on one side of the backing strip. This channel is formed by extracting flanges (15) from the backing strip by a cutting tool (FIG. 8) having a pair of chiseled cutting surfaces (2a, 2b) tapering inwardly and spaced from each other. The backing strip is preferably wound on a capstan (9) in a plurality of turns so as to feed the strip past the cutting tool. The cutting tool leaves notches along the channel on the outside of the flanges. The base of the channel is unaffected by the cutting tool and presents a stress-free surface at which the yarn is welded. The notches improve thc bending strip flexibility of the backing so as to facilitate insertion of the weatherstrip into a T-slot (22).

Abstract: An abrasive sheet for texturing of magnetic recording media which comprises an entangled ultrafine fiber nonwoven fabric made of three-dimensionally entangled ultrafine fiber bundles composed of ultrafine fibers (A) and a high-molecular elastomer occurring in a porous state in spaces among the entangled ultrafine fibers, with the high-molecular elastomer occurring therein without substantially confining most of the ultrafine fiber bundles and which is characterized in that there is a nap consisting of ultrafine fibers (B) having a fineness of not more than 0.03 dtex on at least one side of that sheet is excellent in precision and stability in processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides nonwoven fiber materials, and methods for making the same, useful for loop materials in hook and loop mechanical attachment systems, the nonwoven materials having crimped monocomponent fibers having substantially circular cross sections, and the webs may further contain uncrimped fibers. The invention also provides disposable articles comprising nonwoven loop materials including disposable personal care absorbent articles such as diapers, feminine care sanitary napkins, and adult incontinence articles, and disposable protective articles such as surgical drapes and gowns and other protective apparel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific methods of producing cleated rubber-backed floor mats (such as dust control or rubber mats) through the utilization of the combination of a perforated coated woven fabric article and a cushioned platen liner between the article and the metal platen of an in-line dust control mat manufacturing machine. Such a procedure permits a more efficient manner of producing cleated anti-creep dust control mats than previously followed. The produced mat as well as the woven fabric article/cushioned platen liner combination are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: A multi-component color coordinated floor covering system including a carpet and a coordinated area rug, bath mat or other localized floor covering element. The carpet and the localized floor covering element include colored user contact surfaces. The colored user contact surface of the localized floor covering element includes at least one preselected color identical to at least one color in the user contact surface of the carpet. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: The use of a napped textile fabric for attachment in front of windows or doors to guard against dusty allergens such as pollen or house dust.

Abstract: A bristle subassembly made from the continuous method comprising the steps of:

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for providing extended release of fragrances and other agents into a variety of materials, including carpets, rugs, fibrous mats, furniture, drapery, and similar products and materials.

Abstract: The present mat system includes a plurality of mats intended to convey specific and needed information, in interior locations, to the end-user's customers or family. These mats are printed with words, letters, or symbols that convey the desired information. The information may be printed in any language or dialect, even incorporating slang or colloquial expressions. By using these mats, the end-users indicate their care and appreciation for their customers or family. In one embodiment, the mats include a textile upper surface (such as a pile surface) and a solid backing. Because the mats are printed with reactive dyes, they are more capable of withstanding vigorous laundering without causing dye transfer onto other mats.

Abstract: A light-shielding cloth to be fitted to a photographic film cartridge at its slit through which a film is draw out, which does not produce defects in photographic images, particularly defects in enlarged photographic images, is prepared by subjecting a cloth to raising treatment and has fiber wastes remaining on its surface cloth in a of 30 pieces per 1 cm2 or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastener tape for use in clothing, bags, footwear, binders, and the like, which is composed of mutually attachable components, and to a method of manufacturing the same. According to the present invention, there is provided a fastener tape formed by applying an adhesive onto the back sides of at least one of sheet materials on which hook or loop components are formed, and by bonding the sheet materials with each other. Further, the present invention relates to a fastener tape by which products can be wound or attached in all directions, and which a bag opening can be bound, any objects can be wound, or a plurality of objects can be fastened in a bundle by cutting the fasten tape into various shapes, particularly in the form of bands.

Abstract: An insulating resin film having fine patterns in the order of microns is provided, with which good economies of mass production can be attained and the material restriction can be eased. Also provided is a method of forming fine patterns of the insulating resin film. An insulating resin film to be subjected to molding is placed on a forming mold provided with molding slots for forming fine patterns, and a drape forming mold provided with concave portions in a one-to-one correspondence with the molding slots is placed thereon. The insulting resin film is attracted toward the drape forming mold through suction and fine drape portions corresponding to the fine patterns are formed inside the concave portions. Then, the drape portions are pulled inside the molding slots.

Abstract: A sheet of porous material, a sheet of absorptive material, and a sheet of non-porous material connected to the porous sheet with the absorptive sheet between them. The sheets are shaped to cover a seat surface of a child seat such as an car seat, and have a seat panel, two leg panels that extend from the seat panel, and a crotch flap that extends from the seat panel between the two leg panels. The porous material permits urine from a child in the child seat to pass through it, the absorptive material absorbs the urine, and the non-porous material prevents the urine from leaking through the absorptive sheet and soiling the child seat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cushioned floor covering article wherein the mat includes a tufted carpet placed on the top side of a foam rubber sheet and at least one foam rubber protrusion integrated within at least a portion of the bottom side of the foam rubber sheet. Such an article provides effective removal of moisture, dirt, and debris from the footwear of pedestrians through the utilization of a carpet pile component. Furthermore, the utilization of a foam rubber backing also allows for either periodic heavy duty industrial-scale laundering in such standard washing machines or periodic washing and drying in standard in-home machines, both without appreciably damaging the inventive floor covering article, such as a floor mat. Additionally, the presence of integrated foam rubber protrusions within the mat structure provides an effective cushioning effect for pedestrian comfort as well as a means to prevent slippage of the article from its contacted surface.