Abstract: Disclosed is a structure which can maintain a capability of conducting or absorbing electromagnetic waves even when an external pressure is applied thereon. The structure (1) includes a fibrous protrusion (1b) having the capability of conducting or absorbing electromagnetic waves partially arranged on a substrate (1a) so that at least a part of a fiber of the fibrous protrusion is positioned outward from a surface of the substrate (1a). The structure further includes a fiber protector (1c) arranged at least partially of a portion in a surface (1a1) of the substrate (1a) where no fibrous protrusion (1b) is arranged, in which the fiber protector is capable of suppressing or preventing the fibrous protrusion (1b) from flattening.

Abstract: The leather-like sheet of the invention comprises a napped part of ultrafine fibers and a grainy part of nonporous elastic polymer randomly existing in the surface of a substrate prepared by infiltrating a porous polymer elastomer into a three-dimensionally intermingled nonwoven fabric of ultrafine fibers of not more than 0.5 dtex, and this is characterized in that the nonporous elastic polymer is infiltrated into the substrate to a depth thereof of from 5 to 20 ?m from the surface of the substrate. The production method of the invention is for producing a nubuck-type leather-like sheet of good surface abrasion resistance. A grainy part of resin and ultrafine fibers and a part of the ultrafine fibers are mingled on the surface of the substrate, and the sheet has an elegant and three-dimensional appearance like natural leather.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural component in the form of a heat shield, consisting of at least two interconnected structural layers, of which one structural layer (10) has a first type of depressions (14), which is oriented in the direction of the other structural layer, and of which the other structural layer has a second type of depressions (16), which is oriented in the direction of the first structural layer (10), and which is provided at least partially with a perforation or forms the perforation itself. In that the two structural layers are located on top of one another such that the second type of depressions (16) fits at least partially between the first type of depressions (14) and in that the respective structural layer on its side facing away from the depressions (14, 16) has surface regions (30) with a closed surface, a structural component is formed which requires less installation space and still has good noise-insulating and heat-insulating properties.

Abstract: A tufted PET carpet assembly and a method of forming the same. The carpet assembly comprising a face layer comprised of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarn comprised of PET fibers and tufted at a pre-determined gauge, the face layer having a face weight, a first backing layer adjacent the face layer, and a first back coating layer adjacent the first backing layer. A method of forming a tufted PET carpet assembly with PET yarn comprising the steps of tufting the PET yarn at a pre-determined gauge onto a backing, applying a back coating to the tufted PET via extrusion to lock the tufted PET to the backing, and applying heat to the tufted PET to enhance the look and feel of the PET.

Abstract: A textile sheet element having selectively applied arrays of surface projection elements defining raised zones across an active surface for cleaning and/or personal care, The textile sheet element is adapted for use by itself and/or for attachment to a user manipulated support with or without a handle such as a mop head or the like.

Abstract: A pliable reinforcement carrier membrane for use in a coated membrane composite includes a pliable non-woven fibrous mat of entangled polymeric fibers and a hydrophobic binder. The membrane is made so that a first surface of the mat has portions of a portion of the polymeric fibers of the mat protruding therefrom in extent and in sufficient amounts to give the first surface of the mat a fuzzy characteristic to facilitate adhesion of a coating material and a second surface of the fibrous mat has a generally smooth, non-fuzzy surface. A pliable waterproof composite, including the membrane, has a bottom surface formed by a filled asphalt, modified bitumen, or non-asphaltic polymeric coating that overlies and is adhered to the first surface of the mat to provide a barrier against liquid water transmission through the composite and a top surface formed by the second surface of the mat.

Abstract: The present invention is an “improved treading mat for vehicle internal floor”, which mainly comprises: a mat body including an elastic shag layer, a meshed network and a Velcro fillet, wherein, said elastic shag layer being built into entwined manner with numerous pores of various size being formed therein; said meshed network being securely stuck at the bottom of the elastic shag layer and built into a laminated slab with multitudinous meshes; said Velcro fillet being configured around the common marginal rim of said elastic shag layer with meshed network; and a sole layer including a spiked bolster, an anti-slip studs, a Velcro fillet and a flexible frame, wherein, said spiked bolster having plural spikes evenly spread on the upper side thereof; said anti-slip studs being evenly spread at the bottom side thereof; said Velcro fillet being securely sewn around the marginal rim thereof; said flexible frame being disposed between the sole layer marginal rim and Velcro fillet.

Abstract: A method for making a pile fabric includes the steps of: preparing a polypropylene melt containing a softener; spinning the polypropylene melt into filaments; cutting the filaments into staple fibers; forming tufted yarns by braiding or twisting the staple fibers with polypropylene backbone yarns each having at least two braided or twisted polypropylene strands, the staple fibers projecting outwardly from the polypropylene backbone yarns; and interlacing the tufted yarns with non-tufted polypropylene yarns.

Abstract: A photocatalyst synthesized fiber product includes a base material, and a plurality of photocatalyst naps. The photocatalyst naps are firmly pasted on a surface of the base material. By uniformly and densely disposing the photocatalyst naps on the surface of the base material, the area of the base material disposed by photocatalyst increases so as to increase the effect of the photocatalyst. Furthermore, due to the photocatalyst naps being attached to a surface of the base material, the color of the surface of the base material is unaffected.

Abstract: An insulation material having insulative properties of a synthetic down, while have a fir-tree structure more similar to natural down, and being in a blown form. The blowable insulation material is composed of plural units each having a number of filaments that are fused at one end of the unit and are open at an opposite end.

Abstract: A method and fabric structure that employs a napped fabric to protect a subject from an arc flash. At least one napped fabric layer with an increase in fabric thickness due to napping of at least 35% is incorporated into a normal arc protective fabric structure to increase EBT by at least 8%.

Abstract: A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber includes a filament obtained by partially slitting an oriented PTFE film in a lengthwise direction of the film. Emboss processing is conducted linearly along the lengthwise direction of the film and like a zigzag shape or a convexo-concave shape in a width direction of the film, followed by slitting, whereby the filament includes a network structure in which single fibrils that are opened partially are arranged regularly. A PTFE short fiber is obtained by cutting the above filament and includes a branch structure. Thereby, a PTFE fiber with a small average fineness of single fibrils, a uniform fineness and a single-peak distribution with the peak at a center of fineness and with a high production yield and uniform and stable branch structure can be provided and a method for manufacturing the PTFE fiber can be provided.

Abstract: The inventive method provides highly desirable hand to various different types of fabrics through the initial immobilization of individual fibers within target fabrics and subsequent treatment through abrasion, sanding, or napping of at least a portion of the target fabric. Such a procedure includes “nicking” the immobilized fibers thereby permitting the fibers to produce a substantially balanced strength of the target fabric in the fill and warp directions while also providing the same degree of hand improvements as obtained with previous methods. Furthermore, this process also provides the unexpected improvement of non-pilling to synthetic fibers as the “nicking” of the immobilized fibers results in the lack of unraveling of fibers and thus the near impossibility of such fibers balling together to form unwanted pills on the fabric surface. Fabrics treated by this process are also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention is to provide fabric for use in ink-jet printing that can prevent not only “ink bleeding”, but also “white exposure”, “nonuniform coloration” and “back staining”. A further object of the present invention is the provision of fabric for use in ink-jet printing, consisting of two textures—napped and ground, which can be evenly ink-jet printed with no variation in color between both, while preventing the occurrence of “white exposure”, “nonuniform coloration” and “back staining”.

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

Abstract: A composite textile fabric for rapidly moving moisture away from the skin is provided. The composite fabric includes an inner fabric layer (the technical back) formed therealong with a plurality of vertical and horizontal channels and made of a yarn comprising a plurality of fibers of polyester or nylon which have been rendered hydrophilic. The fabric also includes an outer fabric layer (the technical face) made of a moisture absorbent material, a yarn comprising a plurality of fibers primarily of polyester of other man-made yarn which has also been rendered hydrophilic, or a combination thereof. The inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer are formed concurrently by knitting a plaited construction so that the layers are distinct and separate, yet integrated one with the other.

Abstract: The inventive method provides highly desirable hand to various different types of fabrics through the initial immobilization of individual fibers within target fabrics and subsequent treatment through abrasion, sanding, or napping of at least a portion of the target fabric. Such a procedure includes “nicking” the immobilized fibers thereby permitting the fibers to produce a substantially balanced strength of the target fabric in the fill and warp directions while also providing the same degree of hand improvements as obtained with previous methods. Furthermore, this process also provides the unexpected improvement of non-pilling to synthetic fibers as the “nicking” of the immobilized fibers results in the lack of unraveling of fibers and thus the near impossibility of such fibers balling together to form unwanted pills on the fabric surface. Fabrics treated by this process are also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: A soft, durable, nonwoven fabric formed of hydroentangled synthetic polymer fibers in sheet form. The polymer fiber is surface embossed on at least one major surface with a predetermined pattern to provide a fiber sheet having enhanced dimensional stability. The fiber sheet is surface napped to soften the surface and disturb and make indistinct the surface embossed pattern. The pattern may preferably be a twill pattern, and the napping process is preferably a wire-napping process. The fabric can be constructed into blankets and numerous apparel items.

Abstract: A pile of a pile fabric is subjected to a forward abrasive action and a reverse abrasive action. The pile of the pile fabric obtains disturbances and/or fibrils on the ends of the piles.

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 velour fabric article consists of a fabric body having a technical face formed by a filament stitch yarn and a technical back formed by a loop yarn. The filament stitch yarn includes a heat sensitive material, e.g. a hot melt material or a heat shrinkable material, and/or an elastomeric material, such as spandex. The loop yarn includes flame retardant material, such as M-Aramide fiber. The fabric body has a velour surface formed at one or both of the technical back and the technical face. Raised fibers of at least one of the technical face and the technical back may be entangled, including in and/or through interstices of the fabric body, toward the other of the technical face and the technical back, e.g., by a hydroentanglement process applied after finishing. The fabric body has permeability of about 90 ft3/ft2/min, or less, under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the fabric body.

Abstract: A decorative texturized fabric is provided. The fabric is produced from a fabric substrate that includes a yarn nappable from one side of the substrate. For instance, in one embodiment, the fabric substrate is a warp knitted fabric. According to the present invention, the fabric substrate is treated with a size composition according to a particular pattern. The fabric is then napped causing a nap to form on one side of the fabric where the size composition has not been applied. In this manner, a texturized pattern is formed into the fabric. After napping, the size composition can be removed from the fabric and the fabric can be dyed.

Abstract: A molded product of fiber reinforced composite material is provided, which includes a substantially flat portion and a shaping portion that is molded to be more complex in shape than the flat portion. The substantially flat portion has a first parent material and a reinforcing material made of long-fiber sheet, and the shaping portion has a second parent material and short fibers.

Abstract: A treated poly(trimethylene terephthalate) carpet prepared by applying a polyfluoroacrylate emulsion to a poly(trimethylene terephthalate) carpet and curing the polyfluoroacrylate.

Abstract: The suede-finished leather-like sheet of the present invention comprises a fiber-entangled nonwoven fabric comprising a layer (I) made of a microfine fiber (A) having an average fineness of 0.5 dtex or less and a layer (II) made of a microfine fiber (B) having an average fineness equal to or less than that of the microfine fiber (A), and a polymeric elastomer impregnated in the fiber-entangled nonwoven fabric. The layers (I) and (II) are integrated by entanglement such that a ratio of the microfine fiber (A) to the microfine fiber (B) is 10/90 to 90/10 by mass. The surface of the layer (I) is a napped surface made mainly of a raised microfine fiber (A). The microfine fibers (A) and (B) are respectively formed by converting a microfine fiber-forming fiber (a) and a microfine fiber-forming fiber (b), each having an elongation at break and a tenacity of specific ranges, into microfine fibers.

Abstract: A warp-knitted fabric of at least three-bar construction, having multifilament synthetic pile yarns on the technical back which are raised or broken to produce a plush surface and monofilament synthetic ground yarns on the technical face. The fabric and/or yarns being hydrophilic, absorbent, wicking, launderable, cleanable, durable, colorfast, printable, dimensionally stable, anti-pathogenic, and/or the like.

Abstract: A multi-layered garment system including a primary garment including a thermal layer with at least one raised surface and an outer shell garment including a body constructed of a tightly woven fabric. The shell fabric is breathable, water repellent, and wind resistant. The body of the shell has an upper portion and a lower portion. A vapor permeable moisture barrier that is waterproof and windproof covers the upper portion of the body.

Abstract: A soft, durable, nonwoven fabric formed of hydroentangled synthetic polymer fibers in sheet form. The polymer fiber is surface embossed on at least one major surface with a predetermined pattern to provide a fiber sheet having enhanced dimensional stability. The fiber sheet is surface napped to soften the surface and disturb and make indistinct the surface embossed pattern. The pattern may preferably be a twill pattern, and the napping process is preferably a wire-napping process. The fabric can be constructed into blankets and numerous apparel items.

Abstract: A napped leather-like sheet material comprising an entangled nonwoven fabric composed of ultrafine fibers and an elastomer contained therein and having a nap made of ultrafine fibers on one or both sides thereof, which material is provided with a silk protein substance and a softening agent on the surface portion of the napped face or faces; and a method of producing the above napped leather-like sheet material which comprises applying a liquid containing a silk protein substance and a softening agent to the surface of a napped leather-like sheet material by, for example, a gravure printing or spraying technique.

Abstract: The suede artificial leather of the present invention comprises a three-dimensional entangled body comprising a superfine fiber having a fineness of 0.2 dtex or less and an elastomeric polymer A, and satisfies the requirements (1) to (4) as specified in the specification. By meeting the requirements, the suede artificial leather acquires excellent color fastness to light and color development in a wide range of colors and a high quality with good suede feeling, surface touch, hand, mechanical properties and color fastness.

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: A process is proposed for laying and mechanically jointing floorboards provided with tongue and groove engagements on all sides for horizontal attachment. The process involves a) jointing of a number of boards and making them engage on their transverse sides n order to lay a first row on the floor of a room, b) jointing of a first board for a second row and making it engage with one or two boards in the first row using the tongue and groove joint on the longitudinal side for the purpose of starting a second row, c) pushing the tongue (or groove) of a second board into the groove (or tongue) on the transverse side of the first board in the second row, with movement from the longitudinal side towards the boards in the first row, and d) making the second board engage with one or two boards in the first row.

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: This invention consists of “orienting” the activity (or activities) of textiles, in particular their antimicrobial activity, as well as antistatic, antifungal, and similar useful functions, the “orientation” of the activity (or effect or functions, these terms being used here as being equivalent) of a textile, and especially of the antibacterial activity, of one side of the textile being carried out in relation to the other side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a woven textile-elastomer composite that, when transfer or film-coated, is suitable for use as an artificial leather substrate. The inventive procedure involves (a) producing an elastomer composition of at least four ingredients (an anionically-stabilized waterborne polymer dispersion, an acid-generating chemical, a cloud-point surfactant, and a foam-stabilizing surfactant); (b) incorporating sufficient gas into the liquid mixture to generate a spreadable foam; (c) applying the foam onto a porous woven textile substrate; (d) heating said foamed fabric until the elastomer coagulates over the fabric substrate; and (e) drying the resultant composite without destroying the coagulated structure. The resultant composite obtains a pliability, compressibility, and drape that is similar to that of leather and a surface that is suitable for transfer or film-coating to produce artificial leather.

Abstract: The present invention thus provides a fabric-laminated plastic part and a novel process where the fabric edges are covered with a second plastic component that adheres both to the fabric and to the first plastic material. A first plastic substrate component is prepared with an adhered fabric surface area and then the edges of the fabric are overlapped by a second molded-on, plastic edge-covering component. The second material covers the fabric edge to provide an aesthetically pleasing surface. This construction produces a more durable fabric edge covering and eliminates the tendency of the fabric to peel off the molded part during use.

Abstract: A unitary polymer substrate having a plurality of microfibers projecting from a surface is provided. The presence of the microfibers greatly increases the surface area and can impart a cloth-like feel to the surface. The projecting microfibers may have a variety of forms, including frayed-end microfibers, tapered microfibers, microfibers having an expanded cross-sectional shape, and microfibers having a very high aspect ratio. A number of methods of producing unitary polymer structures with a plurality of projecting microfibers are also provided.

Abstract: A photographic film cartridge includes a light-shielding cloth. The light-shielding cloth is subjected to napping with a coarse napping machine and then napping with a fine napping machine. The napping machines have napper rollers including a pile roller and a counter roller. The rotational speed of the pile roller of the fine napping machine is higher than that of the pile roller of the coarse napping machine, and the rotational speed of the counter roller of the coarse napping machine is higher than that of the counter roller of the fine napping machine. The napping is carried out so that the cloth thickness obtained by the fine napping machine is less than the cloth thickness obtained by the coarse napping machine. A further napping is carried out using the fine napping machine so that the cloth thickness is greater than that obtained by the coarse napping machine.

Abstract: Decorative grasses having a texture and/or appearance assimilating the texture and/or appearance of paper are disclosed, as are method for making such decorative grasses from materials wherein at least one surface of the materials is modified to assimilate the texture and/or appearance of paper.

Abstract: A flocked transfer is produced by applying a release agent to a release sheet, and then applying the flocking to a release agent. Unlike the traditional method, a binder and thermoplastic hot melt film is applied to the back of the flock. The transfer, which is essentially release sheet, is then applied to a substrate, such as item of clothing, a rubber pad, etc., by positioning a sheet of thermoplastic hot melt film on the substrate; placing the transfer on the hot melt with the flock in contact with the hot melt film; and applying heat and pressure. The heat melts the thermoplastic hot melt film to bind the flock to the substrate and binds the flocking together. This method reduces the cost involved in producing flocked articles, especially for articles produced on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A soap receptacle for minimizing or preventing water erosion of soap and the resulting residue. The receptacle is formed of a pile textile fabric saturated with a stiffening agent in a predetermined shape. The soap receptacle is rigid and is capable of embodying ornamental designs in the textile fabric. The textile material in the receptacle, including the pile material, permits associated water to be absorbed and evaporated, thus avoiding erosion of the soap and the resulting residue.

Abstract: A process for producing fancy woven fabrics having balanced hand characteristics on each of the face and back is described. The process involves hydraulically processing a fancy-woven fabric having spun yarns in the warp to force fibers from spun yarns which are dominant on one fabric surface through the fabric to regions to form a nap on the other surface of the fabric. The process achieves fabrics having balanced hand characteristics with superior strength to those formed by conventional napping and sanding processes. In addition, the patterns have good pattern clarity.

Abstract: Insulating flame-resistant woven fabrics have been discovered which have a non-pilling pile on the back side of the fabric to provide an insulating layer of stagnant air and have long wear life.

Abstract: A unitary polymer substrate having a plurality of microfibers projecting from a surface is provided. The presence of the microfibers greatly increases the surface area and can impart a cloth-like feel to the surface. The projecting microfibers may have a variety of forms, including frayed-end microfibers, tapered microfibers, microfibers having an expanded cross-sectional shape, and microfibers having a very high aspect ratio. A number of methods of producing unitary polymer structures with a plurality of projecting microfibers are also provided.

Abstract: A flexible reflective insulating structure includes a layer of flexible fiber-based material, and a flexible metallic layer having a first surface of emissivity less than 0.1. The metallic layer is attached to the layer of fiber-based material with its first surface facing towards the layer of fiber-based material. The fiber-based material is preferably attached to the metallic layer in a manner such that the emissivity of at least about 85% of the first surface, and preferably at least about 95% and most preferably at least about 97% is substantially unaffected.

Abstract: An insulating composite material comprising expanded microcells and fiber media and methods for producing same. Microcells incorporated into the fiber media engage the surface projections and the intra-fiber and inter-fiber voids, resulting in increased microcell retention, thereby improving the characteristics of the composite material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a non-woven fabric which is bulky caused by fiber-raised construction on the surface of a non-woven fabric includes adhering a non-woven web with its surface layer portion containing an easy-to-heat-melt component showing a property to be adhesive as heated to a smooth surface heated at the temperature for the easy-to-heat-melt component to show a property to be adhesive with the surface layer portion in contact with the smooth surface, and then raising the fibers of the non-woven web by peeling the non-woven fabric like web off the smooth surface so that a fiber-raised bulky state is generated, whereby a fiber-raised bulky structure is formed on the surface of the non-woven fabric.

Abstract: Decorative grasses having a texture and/or appearance assimilating the texture and/or appearance of paper are disclosed, as are method for making such decorative grasses from materials wherein at least one surface of the materials is modified to assimilate the texture and/or appearance of paper.

Abstract: A velour fabric article consists of a fabric body having a technical face formed by a filament stitch yarn and a technical back formed by a loop yarn. The filament stitch yarn includes a heat sensitive material, e.g. a hot melt material or a heat shrinkable material, and/or an elastomeric material, such as spandex. The loop yarn includes flame retardant material, such as M-Aramide fiber. The fabric body has a velour surface formed at one or both of the technical back and the technical face. Raised fibers of at least one of the technical face and the technical back may be entangled, including in and/or through interstices of the fabric body, toward the other of the technical face and the technical back, e.g., by a hydroentanglement process applied after finishing. The fabric body has permeability of about 90 ft3/ft2/min, or less, under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the fabric body.

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.