Abstract: Decorative grasses formed from a material constructed of a layer of cloth and a layer of polymeric film wherein at least a portion of the layer of polymeric film is laminated to the layer of cloth, as well as methods for forming same, are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A textile is coated with a backing coating, and a foam backing is applied to the backing coating surface of the textile. A backing material is mounted to the surface of the foam backing opposite to the textile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for producing a surface-structured, film semi-finished product made of a thermoplastic which is applied onto a prepared surface with numerous fine cavities provided in the form of pocket borings and is correspondingly shaped. The solidified plastic material is removed from the surface as a structured film, whereby the thermoplastic material which is inserted into the cavities and removed from the same forms a pile comprised of projections and naps. The projections which form the pile are stretch by combing, brushing, using a squeegee, and/or by squeezing by shearing in order to form naps.

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: 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: Curled decorative grasses having a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of paper on at least a portion of one surface thereof are disclosed, as are methods for making such curled decorative grasses from materials wherein at least a portion of one surface of the materials is modified to simulate the texture or appearance of paper.

Abstract: A process for making sanded elastic fabrics having low fuzz is described. The process involves sanding an elastic fabric with a microfinishing film to achieve a fabric having good side-center-side consistency, and a thick, consistent nap produced from a large number of short hairs. The fabrics can be produced at greater efficiency than achieved from conventional sanding methods, and with an enhanced aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A leather-like sheet having naps on its surface and having writing effect, a high-class external appearance, hand touch and feel like natural leather, and folds like natural leather. When it is subjected to lasting shoemaking, it is possible to obtain shoes which have at its surface no unevenness and do not get out of shape. A leather-like sheet wherein the following fiber-entangled nonwoven fabrics (A) and (B) are stacked with an adhesive agent present in a discontinuous state: (A) a fiber-entangled nonwoven fabric containing an elastic polymer and comprising a microfine fiber (a) having a fineness of 0.1 denier or less, the surface opposite to its stacking surf ace being fluffed, and rupture elongations in the longitudinal and latitudinal directions thereof being 50% or more and 80% or more, respectively, and (B) a fiber-entangled nonwoven fabric containing an elastic polymer and comprising a microfine fiber (b) having a fineness of 0.

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 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: A composite textile fabric for wicking moisture away from the skin of the wearer and transporting moisture from its skin-side surface to the opposite surface. The fabric includes a first fabric layer which has been rendered hydrophilic in order to quickly wick perspiration and other body fluids away from the skin of the user, and includes a relative high denier; and a second fabric layer which has been rendered hydrophilic, and includes filaments which is processed by peach finish sueding. The second filaments have a relatively low denier in order to pull perspiration and other body fluids from the first fabric layer.

Abstract: A cleaning sheet which comprises 10 to 90% by weight of thermoplastic fibers having a fiber length of 2 to 15 mm and a fineness of 10 to 150 dtex and 10 to 90% by weight of cellulosic fibers, and has a large number of tips of the thermoplastic fibers exposed on the surface the cleaning sheet to have capability of scouring or scraping dirt off present on a soiled surface.

Abstract: A suede-like stitchbonded fabric is disclosed. The stitchbonded fabric includes a nonwoven substrate. A first yarn is stitchbonded into the substrate in a manner that forms loops at the surface of the substrate. A second yarn is then also stitchbonded into the substrate in order to secure the loops to the fabric. Thereafter, the fabric is abraded for substantially breaking all of the loops at the surface of the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial leather having nap very little oriented on the surface and having short fibers densely, and hence having a good nubuck-like look and hand, and also relates to a production process thereof. The present invention provides an artificial leather having a nap surface of ultra-fine fibers at least on one side, which is formed by applying an elastic polymer to an ultra-fine fiber-entangled substrate, characterized by being 0.3 g/cm3 or more in the apparent density of the artificial leather, being 0.5 mm or less in the nap length, and being 25% or less in the R value obtained from the goniometric reflectance distribution measured with the nap surface rotated from 0 degree to 180 degrees using a goniophotometer.

Abstract: Polymeric carpet and a method of making and recycling such carpet, the carpet having fibers, backing and extruded adhesive all of completely recyclable materials, the recycling being accomplished in one melting step, without a separation step.

Abstract: A buffing or polishing material has a nonwoven fleece layer and a backing layer that adds strength and dimensional stability to the material. The nonwoven fleece layer is a needled blend of natural fibers and synthetic fibers having a uniform density and working surface, resulting in a better polishing or finishing consistency. The material can withstand high heat levels and can be worked quickly, resulting in a more efficient polishing or finishing operation. The buff material can be converted into any preferred shape or tool, such as an endless belt, disc, flapwheel, or spiral band.

Abstract: A backing or an intermediate layer for a surface covering is described which comprises a fused recycled material, wherein the material comprises a thermoplastic material, for instance, a vinyl material from a vinyl backed carpet or vinyl backed carpet manufacturing waste or both. Surface coverings containing the backing or intermediate layer of the present invention are also described as well as methods of making the backing or intermediate layer and methods of making the surface coverings containing the backing or intermediate layer of the present invention.

Abstract: A combination door stopper and mat is made with natural fibre twisted into fiber rods, and with pads and binding wire. The components are tied with binding wire to take the shape of a turtle having a shell and a belly, legs, head, tail and anti-skid pads or any other animal or inanimate object.

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: 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: 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.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a laminated sheet material, including, in order:

Abstract: The lining member according to the invention is structured such that fibers (43) are so disposed on a base member (41) as to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the base member (41).

Abstract: A multilayer formed part having acoustic damping properties is composed of a binder containing carrier fibrous web of natural fibers and/or synthetic fibers of low compression, which is covered at both sides with cover layers and/or decorative layers. The carrier fibrous web across the surface thereof is interlaced with prismatic regions of any suitable cross section, with prismatic regions having increased strength and not being connected with each other, and being connected to the covering layer and/or the decorative layer in a shearing resistant manner.

Abstract: In order that sensitive structures of inkjet printing mechanisms be cleaned without damaging these structures, a cleaning sheet and a process of using the sheet has been created. Debris and dried ink is removed from print cartridges and their carriage using a cleaning sheet having two strips of material spaced with a napped surface disposed longitudinally between the side edges and spaced apart from each other. By controlling the distance the strips are spaced from the sheet feed edge of the cleaning sheet, the print cartridges can be placed adjacent the strips for scrubbing against the strips without resulting in a media jam in the printer due to the increased thickness of the cleaning sheet.

Abstract: A composite of thermally non-adherent fluoropolymeric and non-fluoropolymeric components is created through the agency of a non-woven, fibrous binder interposed between and portionally embedded into both components. The fibers of the non-woven binder have a substantial portion of their length extending into both components and cross the interface at an angle that is substantially normal to the plane of embedment. The composite possesses good peel-adhesion behavior between the otherwise thermally non-adherent components.

Abstract: Fabrics and methods of making such fabrics whereby no evident pile structure is present in raised pattern areas on the face of the fabric. The construction of the fabric is nonetheless such that the yarns forming the raised pattern areas are more susceptible to napping as compared to the yarns forming the recessed ground regions of the fabric. This fabric construction of selected yarns will thus permit preferential napping of the pattern areas to be achieved (e.g., using conventional napping wires) while the adjacent ground regions of the fabric remain substantially unnapped. Subsequent shearing of the napped pattern areas thereby results in a velvet-like hand being achieved.

Abstract: This invention provides a laminate, both surface layers of which are each composed of a base material consisting of a glass cloth napped at least on its inner surface side and impregnated with a thermosetting resin, and the intermediate layer of which laminate is composed of a composition comprising a thermosetting resin mixed with an inorganic filler in a proportion of 10 to 300% by weight based on the weight of the resin, the surface layers and the intermediate layer having been integrated by heating and pressing.

Abstract: A loop component for a hook-and-loop fastener includes a knit fabric and a plurality of loops extending along one surface of the fabric and made of a monofilament pile yarn such as nylon. The component is knit on a three or more bar machine with one bar forming the base and two or more additional bars forming floats which are then pulled out of the knit fabric by napping to obtain a fabric having a predetermined thickness. The fabric is then heat sense to stabilize is dimensions, stiffness and other physical properties.

Abstract: A hollow panel having a cover material bonded thereto includes a first wall having an inner surface and a substantially planar outer surface. A second wall opposes the first wall so as to define a hollow space therebetween and has at least one protrusion formed therein. Each protrusion has a tip which is integrally joined to the inner surface of the first wall to form a double-walled rib bridging the hollow space. The double-walled rib has integrally joined opposing walls such that an outer surface of the second wall is substantially planar. The cover material is bonded to the outer surface of the first wall.

Abstract: A spacer fabric, in particular a velour fabric, having a first layer (1) and a second layer (2) and pile threads (4, 5, 6, 7) joining the layers (1, 2) together. To obtain such a spacer fabric in particular as a basis for the production of a building component formed therefrom by resinification, in which despite increase in strength there is the least possible increase in total weight and/or in which there is achieved as simple and effective as possible processing having regard to resinification, between the layers (1, 2) and joined to or starting from the freely floating pile threads (4, 5, 6, 7), there are provided branches running in weft and/or warp direction, which branches, in so far as they are woven, are accommodated in a cross-over region between two pile threads (4, 5, 6, 7), each of which alternates from layer to layer (additional weft threads), or runs alternately around neighbouring additional weft threads (additional warp threads).

Abstract: The present invention provides a splittable composite fiber having improved processability on carding and superior splitting property by a splittable composite fiber comprising at least two thermoplastic resin components, and having a structure wherein a part of at least one of the components projects from the surface of the fiber.

Abstract: A method to produce a dust control mat with stronger longitudinal borders by co-calendering the rubber backing thereof with narrow strips of carboxylated nitrile rubber prior to formation of the dust control into a unitary product for use as a dust control mop.

Abstract: This invention relates to an elastic interlining, particularly an elastic setting interlining, which contains a napped base material and a layer mounted thereon and composed of an adhesive, whereby the base material contains multicomponent fibers constructed from at least two different polymers. Polyester-based bicomponent fibers are preferably used, whereby these yarns can also be mixed with polyester, polyamide, polyacrylonitrile, viscose, wool or cotton. Such an interlining can be used as an elastic setting interlining for reinforcing face fabrics, particularly for reinforcing the front portion of garments.

Abstract: A composite of thermally non-adherent fluoropolymeric and non-fluoropolymeric components is created through the agency of a non-woven, fibrous binder interposed between and portionally embedded into both components. The fibers of the non-woven binder have a substantial portion of their length extending into both components and cross the interface at an angle that is substantially normal to the plane of embedment. The composite possesses good peel strengths of greater than 5 pounds/linear inch between the otherwise thermally non-adherent components.

Abstract: A floor mat has tufts made of a yarn which is formed with a monofilament core around which a multifilament yarn is air entangled. The resulting yarn is sufficiently stiff to clean dirt off of the shoes of passers by, yet is easily cleaned. The monofilament core is a polypropylene between 600 and 1200 denier, preferably about 1095 denier. The multifilament yarns entangled around the core are also polypropylene and total about 160 filaments and about 4800 denier. The air entangling is accomplished using higher than normal air pressure (i.e., about 110 p.s.i.).

Abstract: An integrated three-dimensional knit spacer fabric is provided. The fabric includes identical first and second fabric layers, and a yarn interconnecting the two layers. Both the layers of the fabric have their surfaces napped.

Abstract: A nubuck-like woven fabric comprising a two-layered structural yarn wherein ultra-fine polyester multifilaments are primarily disposed in a sheath portion and polyester multifilaments having a larger single fiber thickness are primarily disposed in a core portion, and having an apparent specific gravity of 0.35-0.7 and a shear rigidity of 0.5-1.2 gf/cm.multidot.deg. This woven fabric is produced by a method wherein a woven fabric of a two-layered structural yarn composed of (i) side-by-side type or islands-in-sea type composite multifilaments comprising (a) a readily soluble ingredient and (b) ultra-fine multifilaments-forming ingredient and (ii) highly shrinkable multifilaments, is subjected to a treatment for dissolving and removing ingredient (a) without substantial shrinkage of the two-layered structural yarn, then, the woven fabric is shrunk in a widespread state.

Abstract: A multi-layer material for use in incontinence products comprises a base layer comprising a needled felt containing not less than 50% by weight polyester fiber, wherein the surface regions of the felt are denser than the central region thereof, which remains substantially unneedled. In addition, a second, multi-ply, layer is provided by a unitary fabric comprising two outer plies of knitted polyester fiber fabric with a ply of monofilament polyester accommodated therebetween. In order to prevent strike-through, furthermore, a barrier layer, e.g. of a polyurethane coated fabric, is also provided, as is also a fourth, skin-contact, layer with a nap finish to provide a comfortable "feel" to the product. Incontinence products made from this material exhibit good absorbency, little or no strike-through and a dry skin effect.

Abstract: A polyurethane composition suitable for producing leather-like sheets having a soft hand and excellent durability and being dyeable with acid dyes comprising a mixture of:a first polyurethane (a) obtained by reacting:an intermediate product diol (D) with both ends thereof substantially being OH and obtained by reacting a tertiary amino group-containing diol (A), a polymer diol (B) having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 3,000 selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polycarbonates, polylactones and polyethers and an organic diisocyanate (C1), in such stoichiometric amounts as to make the molar ratio of NCO/OH 0.5 to 0.

Abstract: A suede-like woven fabric exhibiting a superior resilient elasticity and superior bulkiness may be obtained by a method in which an ultrafine filament yarn, which contains sea and island components having considerably different solubilities to alkali, is mixed with a hollow, high-shrinkable yarn having a greater fineness than the ultrafine filament yarn. The mixed yarn is used as warp and/or weft, thereby obtaining a gray which is then treated to eliminate easy-soluble components. After completing such a micronization, the gray is subjected to a continuous process including a sanding treatment and a dyeing treatment.

Abstract: A mat adapted to relieve fatigue in a person standing on it without shoes or boots, and formed from fine cell foam having a density of between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, with thickness between 0.75 and 1.5 inches, and a compression strength at 25% compression of between 10 and 17 p.s.i. The mat has sloping edges and is covered by carpet. When a person in bare or stocking feet stands on the mat, the mat partially compresses but has remaining resiliency such as to produce a swaying motion in the person. This results in increased muscle action and blood circulation in the feet, legs and hips and some spinal movement, reducing fatigue.

Abstract: A means to provide a cost effective anti-skid/ anti-slip stairnose in staircases is described. The means can be dimensioned to fit across various lengths of staircases. A detachable anti-skid/ anti-slip conformable tape is fixed onto the stairnoses.

Abstract: A washable, sterilizable article for hospital and medical garments is disclosed. The article exhibits high resistance to the penetration of fluids, blood and viruses while exhibiting a high rate of moisture vapor transmission. The article comprises: a first layer of woven or knit fabric; a second layer of a microporous polyurethane membrane; a third layer of a woven or knit fabric; a first polyether-polyurethane adhesive joining the first and second layers together; and a second polyether-polyurethane adhesive joining the second and third layers together. The second layer has a porosity of approximately 6 billion individual pores per square inch.

Abstract: Means for applying a plastic finishing layer to the surface of a composite article comprising an extruded plastic-based solid body reinforced by one or more bundles of reinforcing fibers, these bundles being affixed to its surface, comprising a ring (1), the entry diameter (2) of which is greater than its exit diameter (3), the internal surface (4) of the said ring furthermore providing a decreasing variation in the internal diameter between its entry and its exit; method of applying a finishing layer, in which method these means are used, and coated composite article.

Abstract: A composite textile fabric for rapidly moving moisture away from the skin is provided. The composite fabric includes an inner fabric layer made of a yarn comprising a plurality of fibers primarily of polyester which has been rendered hydrophilic, and an outer fabric layer made of a yarn comprising a plurality of fibers primarily of polyester which has also been rendered hydrophilic. 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: An elongated pile article having a support strand for attachment to a plurality of yarn bundles, the yarn bundles including a dense portion with the filaments bonded to each other and bonded to the support strand, pile surface structure comprised of a plurality of elongated pile articles placed one next to the other, and a method and apparatus for making the elongated pile article.

Abstract: Method for imparting stain resistance to fibers, especially wool, which is adaptable to current wool processing methods. Steps comprise:A. treating fibers with a mordant;B. treatment with a combination of sulfonated or disulphonated surfactant together with a stain resist (e.g., syntan); andC. providing treatment with a fluorochemical in either step A. or B. in an amount sufficient to improve stain resistant properties. The improved method may be undertaken in the liquor remaining in a dye bath after dyeing fiber (spent bath process). Process pH is acid. Advantage: lowers the proportion of stain resist chemical to wool necessary to impart stain resistance. Tip sealing, using polymethacrylic resin and fluorochemical, may be an added step.

Abstract: An elongated pile article having a support strand for attachment to a plurality of yarn bundles, the yarn bundles including a dense portion with the filaments bonded to each other and bonded to the support strand, pile surface structure comprised of a plurality of elongated pile articles placed one next to the other, and a method and apparatus for making the elongated pile article.

Abstract: An elongated pile article having a support strand for attachment to a plurality of yarn bundles, the yarn bundles including a dense portion with the filaments bonded to each other and bonded to the support strand, pile surface structure comprised of a plurality of elongated pile articles placed one next to the other, and a method and apparatus for making the elongated pile article.