Abstract: New garment-fastening techniques are provided. In some embodiments, a new form of adjustable hair tie is provided. In some such embodiments, a new form of scrunchie is provided. In some embodiments, the new form of scrunchie includes widely-variable, user-adjustable tension, elastic cushioning disposed on or about a contact area with a user's hair, and a smooth (e.g., silk) surface. In some embodiments, the contact area surrounds and defines a central hair-gripping void with a user-variable size, and includes a substantially flattened support and profile. In some embodiments, a new form of waistband, wristband, or other clothing-fastening band of material is provided. In some such embodiments, a new form of garment enhancement device, incorporating a unique pattern of alignment- and grip-enhancing sub-elements, is provided on or about such a band, which improves garment positioning, and provides a non-stick hold on a user's body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire resistant, double knit fabric and methods of manufacturing the same. The fire barrier double knit fabric of the present invention includes a face side having a yard including a fire retardant fiber, and a back side having a yard including a charring yarn. The fabric resistant fabric of the present invention can be made in a stretchable tubular sock that can be used on all mattress widths (one size fits all) or as an open form for upholstering, lamination of mattress ticking.

Abstract: A process is described wherein pile yarn is woven with cotton weft and warp yarns to produce terry fabrics, such as towels. The fabric is then washed in warm water to dissolve the PVA fibers. The amount of fibers dissolved, depends upon the count of the yarn or yarns used. By dissolving the PVA fibers, a hollow air space is produced throughout the pile yarn, corresponding to an increase in the air space in the pile yarn. By increasing the air space in the pile yarn, the resulting towels are softer and bulkier than standard cotton towels. The present invention further relates to pile yarn in terry woven fabric (warp yarn), or weft yarn, in the case of flat fabrics.

Abstract: A molded article having both of sufficient strength and peel resistance, especially a heat insulating material for a high temperature furnace, is provided. A carbon fiber-containing stacked molded article 1 comprises a substrate 10 composed of first carbon fibers piled, and a woven fabric layer 20 located on at least one surface of the substrate 10, and composed of carbon fiber spun yarns 21 including second carbon fibers 22 having an average fiber diameter of 12 ?m or less, and third carbon fibers 23 having an average fiber diameter in excess of 12 ?m.

Abstract: A fiber cement felt includes: a base fabric layer including MD and CMD yarns interwoven with each other, wherein the CMD yarns comprise twisted monofilaments; and at least one batt layer overlying the base fabric layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a composite yarn of paper, e.g., traditional Korean paper, and a composite yarn manufactured thereby, a method for manufacturing a fabric using the same and an automotive interior material manufactured thereby. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a composite yarn of traditional Korean paper by using a traditional Korean paper yarn and a synthetic yarn, in which the composite yarn can be used in weaving and knitting, and a method for manufacturing a fabric as an automotive interior material using the same. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a composite yarn of paper, comprising twisting a tape-type paper yarn, and covering the twisted paper yarn as a ground yarn at least two strands of synthetic yarn as an effect yarn to manufacture a composite yarn of paper of 160˜700 denier.

Abstract: In general, the present invention has to do with a webbing system used in a fall restraint retractor and other industrial applications where the webbing has an elongated main body comprising synthetic fiber warp yarns, lateral weft yarns, and wire and multi-component stuffer yarns. Cut resistant warp yarns are arranged across the face and back of the main body, the yarns being formed of multi-filament high tenacity yarns. Specifically, the high tenacity yarns are selected from a group consisting of an extended chain, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Cut resistant stuffer yarns are arranged across the inner body, the yarn being formed of multi-filament high tenacity yarns and anti-corrosive wire, such as, for example, stainless steel twisted wires.

Abstract: The present invention discloses to relates to an electrically conductive fabric, and a manufacturing method and an apparatus thereof, and more specifically to an electrically conductive fabric, and a manufacturing method and an apparatus thereof, wherein part of electrically conductive wire woven together into fabric is selectively exposed to the outside of the fabric to perform the tying of electrically conductive wires and the connection of various elements and modules quickly and conveniently, so that workability and productivity can be improved.

Abstract: A protective suit fabric of the present invention is a heat-resistant flame-retardant protective suit fabric, which is formed of a spun yarn. The fiber blend rate is: 25-75 mass % of polyetherimide fiber (A); 20-50 mass % of at least one fiber (B) selected from wool and flame-retardant rayon; and 5 to 25 mass % of para-aramid fiber (C). The spun yarn for forming the fabric is a two-fold yarn (20) prepared by twisting: 1) a single yarn (24) of a uniform blended spun yarn including the fiber components (A) and (B); and 2) a single yarn (23) of a sheath-core spun yarn including a core (21) of stretch-broken spun yarn of the para-aramid fiber (C) and a sheath (22) formed by blend-spinning the polyetherimide fiber (A) and the at least one fiber (B) selected from wool and flame-retardant rayon. The protective suit fabric has high washing resistance. The protective suit fabric provides favorable comfort in wearing even if the suit is worn in the hot seasons or even if the wearer perspires during exertion.

Abstract: A fabric consisting of a cellulose mixed ester fiber having an appropriate strength, fiber diameter, uniformity of fineness, and Tg, is used. A fiber consisting of 80 to 95 wt % of said cellulose mixed ester and 5 to 20 wt % of one or more water-soluble plasticizers selected from the group of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, poly(ethylene-propylene) glycol, and end-capped polymers produced from them, is produced and said water-soluble plasticizers are removed by aqueous treatment to improve the heat resistance and strength, thereby providing a fabric having beautiful appearance achieved by color development properties and uniform fineness.

Abstract: The present invention is a composite material comprising an organic filament having a melting point of 200° C. or higher and a thermoplastic resin, characterized in that the organic filament is in the form of a twisted yarn cord or a woven or knitted fabric composed of twisted yarn cord. The composite material of the present invention is excellent in impact strength and can be used as a core material also in a sandwich material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire resistant flame barrier lightweight fabric substrate consisting of a high temperature resistant continuous filament fiberglass core and a low temperature resistant staple fiber sheath treated with a durable or non-durable fire retardant agent prior to yarn formation. The invention also discloses a process for making a fire resistant corespun yarn by treating fibers with fire retardant agent to make the sheath of the corespun yarn.

Abstract: Vehicular upholstery fabric is woven by using chenille yarn and multi-fiber yarn for weft yarns. The weaving interval between chenille yarns is set up less than the apparent thickness of the chenille yarn, which is specified as an observed value of the thickness. The apparent thickness of the multi-fiber yarn is less than one-fifth of the apparent thickness of the chenille yarn. There are tight portions where a great number of warp yarns passes over the chenille yarn, and rough portions, where a small number of warp yarns passes over the chenille yarn that is formed on the surface of fabric. PPT-fibers are used for the pile of the chenille yarn and the warp yarn.

Abstract: Composite yarns have a filamentary core provided with at least one elastic performance filament and at least one inelastic control filament. A fibrous sheath, preferably formed from spun staple fibers, surrounds the filamentary core, preferably substantially along the entire length thereof. The at least one elastic performance filament most preferably includes a spandex and/or a lastol filament. The at least one inelastic control filament is most preferably formed of a textured polymer or copolymer of a polyamide, a polyester, a polyolefin and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the fibrous sheath is formed of synthetic and/or natural staple fibers, most preferably staple cotton fibers. The elastic composite fibers find particular utility as a component part of a woven textile fabric, especially as a stretch denim fabric, which exhibits advantageous elastic recovery of at least about 95.0% (ASTM D3107).

Abstract: A conductive fabric and a method for forming the same are provided. The conductive fabric comprises a first layer and a second layer. The first layer has at least one first conductive thread and a plurality of first non-conductive threads. The at least one first conductive thread is woven within the plurality of first non-conductive threads. The second layer has at least one second conductive thread and a plurality of second non-conductive threads. The at least one second conductive thread is woven within the plurality of second non-conductive threads. The first layer is woven with the second layer and insulated from the second layer so that an electronic component can be attached to and electrically connect to the at least one first conductive thread of the first layer and the at least one second conductive thread of the second layer.

Abstract: A molded article having both of sufficient strength and peel resistance, especially a heat insulating material for a high temperature furnace, is provided. A carbon fiber-containing stacked molded article 1 comprises a substrate 10 composed of first carbon fibers piled, and a woven fabric layer 20 located on at least one surface of the substrate 10, and composed of carbon fiber spun yarns 21 including second carbon fibers 22 having an average fiber diameter of 12 ?m or less, and third carbon fibers 23 having an average fiber diameter in excess of 12 ?m.

Abstract: Provided is a flame resistant drywall installation, especially those designed to meet ASTM E119. The installations comprise the use of fiberglass corespun flame resistant (FR) woven and fiberglass corespun stitchbonded nonwoven fabrics. The preferred forms of the woven and stitchbonded fabric used in this invention include: WOVEN FABRIC: A 3-8 opsy woven fabric consisting of fiberglass corespun yarns as described below. STITCHBONDED FABRIC: A 4-10 nonwoven batting of 100% cotton, 100% rayon, 100% lyocell, cotton/non-FR fiber blends, rayon/non-FR fiber blends or lyocell/non-FR fiber blends stitched with fiberglass corespun yarns as described below. Fiberglass corespun weaving and stitching yarns, for use in the invention, include those known in the textile industry as Alessandra® yarn (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,146,759; 6,287,690; 6,410,140; 6,606,846; 6,553,749 by McKinnon Land LLC) and Firegard® yarn (by Springs Industries).

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the production of a composite yarn or non-woven strand wherein a core of super absorbent fibers or polymers (SAP's) having a swell factor of approximately 25% and greater are encapsulated by a nonwoven membrane of defined porosity. The membrane is then sealed in a fashion to generally deter or prevent the SAP material from migrating out of the core as water is freely absorbed and desorbed from the composite yarn structure. The strands of yarns or strips of non-woven material are subsequently constructed into an open or unorientated fabric formation. When used as a subterranean fabric, structure or material, the resultant fabric structure retains moisture while permitting normal root growth and allowing excess water to pass through and beneath the fabric while facilitating movement of water from lower levels to the surface.

Abstract: Mattress and home furnishing items are made open flame resistant by a fire barrier fabric that includes chlorine-free rayon fiber. The fire barrier fabric at least partially encloses the core of the open flame resistant mattress or home furnishing item. When tested in accordance with the flame resistance test protocols of NFPA 267 or ASTM E 1590, the mattress has a maximum heat release rate of less than 250 kW and a total energy release of less than 40 MJ in the first five minutes of the test. The home furnishing items may be tested under test protocols such as California Technical Bulletin #604 or #117. TEQ of the products of the combustion of chlorine-free fibers, yarns and fabrics is less than or equal to 2 nanograms.

Abstract: Flame resistant fabrics are disclosed. In one embodiment, a flame resistant fabric includes a plurality of flame resistant body yarns that form a body of the fabric, and a plurality of relatively tough yarns provided in discrete positions within the fabric body, wherein the relatively tough yarns do not protrude beyond an outer surface of the fabric body so as to reduce the susceptibility of the relatively tough yarns to abrasion.

Abstract: A woven article having strands of polyetherimide (PEI) fiber or organic fibers (cyclic polyolefin) and strands of inextensible, heat resistant fiber is disclosed. Preferably warp and weft fibers of PEI are provided wherein said fibers bond together when heated. By using a multiplicity of PEI fibers, heating and compressing the woven article will produce a sheet-like surface on at least one side thereof.

Abstract: An allergen-barrier fabric includes a tightly-constructed fabric substrate, woven from 0 to 45% continuous synthetic filament yarns and 55 to 100% natural or synthetic spun yarns. The fabric substrate is finished to produce a fabric with a mean pore size of 4 to 10 microns, an air permeability of 0.5-25 cfm, a mean fabric flexibility of 0.5 to 6.5 grams (bending resistance), and a moisture vapor permeability in excess of 800 g/m2/24 hours. This fabric provides a barrier to mite-induced allergen particles. Various additional finishes can be included on the fabric. For example, an antimicrobial finish may be provided on the fabric to extend fabric wearlife by providing protection against mold and mildew. As another alternative, a fluorochemical finish can be provided to extend fabric wearlife by providing protection against fluid stains.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic wave shield cover having an array of first yarn members (10) formed by bundling (48) ends of polyester fibers around which a tin-plated copper metallic foil (12) is wound. The second yarn member (20) is formed by bundling 96 ends of polyester fibers. Doubled-yarn groups (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) of the first yarn members running in the first direction (warp) from upper right to lower left and doubled-yarn groups (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) of the second yarn members (20) running in the first direction (warp), and doubled-yarn groups (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) of the first yarn members running in the second direction (weft) from upper left to lower right and doubled-yarn groups (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) of the second yarn members running in the second (weft) direction are arranged so that the interlacing is made in such a manner that if the doubled-yarn group, running in the one direction is twice disposed beneath the doubled-yarn groups running in the other direction, then it is twice disposed above the latter.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic wave shield cover having an array of first yarn members (10) formed by bundling 48 ends of polyester fibers around which a tin-plated copper metallic foil (12) is wound. The second yarn member (20) is formed by bundling 96 ends of polyester fibers. Doubled-yarn groups (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) of the first yarn members running in the first direction from upper right to lower left and doubled-yarn groups (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) of the second yarn members (20) running in the first direction, and doubled-yarn groups (10a, 11b, 11c, 11d) of the first yarn members running in the second direction from upper left to lower right and doubled-yarn groups (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) of the second yarn members running in the first direction are arranged so that the interlacing is made in such a manner that if the doubled-yarn group running in the one direction is twice disposed beneath the doubled-yarn groups running in the other direction, then it is twice disposed above the latter.

Abstract: Fabric and fabric like synthetic plastic or agricultural derived products and sheet products of diverse thickness (ranging from high thickness rigid products to flexible films) are made as multi-component systems (e.g. a core-sheath fiber) with a carrier portion adapted to a first function (e.g. a high strength core) and a secondary portion (e.g. the sheath) carrying anti-microbial particles in an effective amount of high accessibility. An alternative is a blend of response fibers (e.g. (1) anti-microbial particles in a first plastic fiber blended with a second natural fiber and coated for bonding, (2) blends of diverse plastic fibers. The products can be fabrics of indefinite length or form of coherent products.

Abstract: Electrostatic dissipating fabrics incorporating spun yarns which include conductive staple fiber constituents incorporated within the spun yarns, and a grid of electrically conductive filament yarns. The fabrics may be of either a woven or knit construction. The conductive fiber constituents are dispersed at an effective concentration to establish a network of charge carrying junctions within and between the individual yarns and between the conductive filament yarns. The large number of junctions between the yarns facilitates the dissipation of static electricity between regions of a garment formed by the yarns. In particular, the fabric retains a high degree of conductivity across seams within the garment even after multiple washings.

Abstract: A single layer textile for manufacturing a construction material is obtained by weaving warps and wefts. Each of the warps are selected from a monofilament, a monofilament twine and a core line yarn having a core line of a monofilament, and a bundled yarn having small-diameter raw yarns bundled to form fine water sucking spaces between the raw yarns. The wefts contain both monofilaments and the bundled yarns.

Abstract: An antimicrobial, cut-resistant composite yarn which has a core member including at least one cut-resistant strand, a cover member including at least one strand wrapped around and enclosing the core member, wherein at least one strand in either the core member or the cover member is treated with and incorporates an antimicrobial compound. The yarn can be used to fabricate cut-resistant garments, such as gloves, worn by meat cutters and others who work with knives, saws and other sharp implements. The antimicrobial effect reduces bacteria, mold and fungi growth on the garments between washings.

Abstract: A heat-fusion bonding adhesive is prepared by heating a thermoplastic resin to a temperature of no less than the softening temperature of the resin and then dispersing the resin in the softened state in an aqueous medium. Dispersing the thermoplastic resin in the aqueous medium is conducted, for example, by applying a shear force to the aqueous medium by stirring. In this case, stirring of the aqueous medium is preferably conducted till the thermoplastic resin is divided into particles with a weight-average particle size of 0.1-20 &mgr;m.

Abstract: Provided is a fire resistant corespun yarn. The yarn includes a core of a high temperature resistant continuous filament comprising fiberglass and a low temperature synthetic continuous filament selected from nylon, polyester, polyethylene and polyolefin, the core being two-plied. A first sheath of blended staple fibers surrounds the core. The fibers include modacrylic fibers and melamine fibers. A second sheath of staple fibers surrounds the first corespun yarn. This double corespun yarn may be woven and knit in fine, non-plied or plied form and extends the range of fineness of fabrics below heretofore achievable limits. Also provided is a fire resistant fabric which includes a fire resistant fabric substrate formed from the fire resistant corespun yarn, as well as a product upholstered with the fire resistant fabric.

Abstract: There is disclosed a woven webbing structure, which resists interwoven yarns from coming out from the surface of the webbing due to bending, or the like. This is achieved without any significant reduction in the strength or energy absorptivity of the webbing. The webbing includes warps that each have a cored yarn and a side yarn, and wefts interwoven therein. The cored yarn is set such that the elongation percentage thereof is smaller than, or the extensional rigidity thereof is larger than, that of the side yarn, and is twisted by single twisting or the like. As a result, unevenness is formed on the surface of the cored yarn and friction between the cored yarn and other yarns, that is, the side yarn or the weft increases. The frictional force between yarns functions for resisting free movement of the cored yarn due to bending of the webbing, thereby making it possible for the cored yarn to resist coming out from the surface of the webbing.

Abstract: There are provided fabrics excellent in electrical conductane and antistatic property as well as dust proof clothes using the same. Conductive yarn comprising synthetic filament yarn as the core covered with conductive bicomponent fibers is used as conductive yarn used in the warps and/or wefts at intervals.

Abstract: Fabrics having enhanced allergen barrier capabilities are described. The fabrics are woven and calendered, and desirably face finished to provide lightweight, thin fabrics having good aesthetic properties. The fabrics also have good moisture vapor transport characteristics and superior allergen barrier capabilities, and in particular, superior barrier capabilities for cat dander allergen (representing smaller allergen particle size), as well as dust mite allergen. Protective coverings made from the fabrics and methods for their production are also described.

Abstract: A firefighter garment including melamine high-heat and flame resistant fibers that have been stock dyed to obtain a desired shade or color. The stock dyed fiber is preferably blended with another fiber and the blend spun, by ring or core spinning, into a yarn for use in a protective fabric. Fabric produced by employing a blend of stock dyed melamine fibers and other high temperature fibers offers numerous cost and performance advantages. The elimination of the damage associated with the piece dyeing process allows the fabric to increase its strength and tear characteristics without affecting its thermal performance.

Abstract: There are provided fabrics excellent in electrical conductane and antistatic property as well as dust proof clothes using the same. Conductive yarn comprising synthetic filament yarn as the core covered with conductive bicomponent fibers is used as conductive yarn used in the warps and/or wefts at intervals.

Abstract: In a diaphragm for loud-speaker of the present invention, an increase in tensile strength is averagely attained as a whole, and the over all diaphragm is uniformly colored without showing any lattice pattern.

Abstract: A thermoplastic laminate article has a first thermoplastic layer selected from polyester and polycarbonate with first and second surfaces, a second thermoplastic layer selected from polyethylene and polypropylene has a third surface disposed toward the first surface, and a bonding agent is disposed between the first and third surfaces. In preparing the thermoplastic laminate article, the bonding agent is coated onto at least one of the first or third surfaces, the layers are then placed in a superposed relationship and thereafter sufficient heat and pressure are applied to the second surface and an outer surface of the second thermoplastic layer to cause the bonding agent to flow and spread between the first and third surfaces to form a bond between the first thermoplastic layer and the second thermoplastic layer.

Abstract: There are provided fabrics excellent in electrical conductane and antistatic property as well as dust proof clothes using the same. Conductive yarn comprising synthetic filament yarn as the core covered with conductive bicomponent fibers is used as conductive yarn used in the warps and/or wefts at intervals.

Abstract: An improved antislip strip or band is disclosed which can maintain shirt or blouse in place with respect to slacks, pants, trousers or skirt while being worn. The strip includes a body portion formed of an elastic, antislip fabric comprising two different warp threads of polyurethane double covered yarn and polyurethane bare yarn interlaced with weft threads in the form of leno weave, and two opposed edge portions in the form of plain weave. The weaving is done in the antislip fabric to provide a roughened or irregular surface having a plurality of spaced-apart nubs formed on both sides of each gap between two adjacent weft threads. The antislip strip may be sewn into the waist portion of a garment with the roughened or irregular surface facing inside.

Abstract: An allergen-barrier fabric includes a tightly-constructed fabric substrate, woven from 0 to 45% continuous synthetic filament yarns and 55 to 100% natural or synthetic spun yarns. The fabric substrate is finished to produce a fabric with a mean pore size of 4 to 10 microns, an air permeability of 0.5-25 cfm, a mean fabric flexibility of 0.5 to 6.5 grams (bending resistance), and a moisture vapor permeability in excess of 800 g/m2/24 hours. This fabric provides a barrier to mite-induced allergen particles. Various additional finishes can be included on the fabric. For example, an antimicrobial finish may be provided on the fabric to extend fabric wearlife by providing protection against mold and mildew. As another alternative, a fluorochemical finish can be provided to extend fabric wearlife by providing protection against fluid stains.

Abstract: An electrically conductive fabric plated with a metal is disclosed wherein a percent fabric surface occupancy of warp as a constituent of the fabric is 90% to 110% and that of weft is 40% to 80%. The electrically conductive fabric is superior in all of resin back leak preventing property, flexibility yarn fray preventing property, electrical conductivity and electromagnetic wave shieldability.

Abstract: An absorbent material comprising a mat of dry-formed cellulose fibers integrated with an air-laid non-woven gauze of reinforcing textile fibers. A method of producing this material by air-laying textile fibers on a wire to form a non-woven gauze, whereafter a mat of cellulose fibers is formed on the textile fiber non-woven gauze. The use of the material as an absorbent structure in an absorbent product. A method of producing an absorbent structure comprised of cellulose fibers and reinforcing textile fibers in which a mat of dry-formed cellulose fibers integrated with an air-laid non-woven gauze of reinforcing fibers is defined and mat-formed. An absorbent structure obtained by this method.

Abstract: A headliner assembly comprising a core layer having upper and lower surfaces and formed of loosely intertangled polyester fibers. An upper bi-component layer of densely intertangled polyester fibers is attached to the upper surface of the core layer by a web adhesive and a lower bi-component layer of densely intertangled polyester fibers is attached to the lower surface of the core layer by a web adhesive. An outer covering layer is attached to the upper bi-component layer for providing an aesthetically pleasing outer appearance to the headliner assembly. Alternatively, the bi-component layers may be attached to the core layer by intertangling fibers of the bi-component layer with fibers of the core layer adjacent each of the upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: An allergen-barrier fabric includes a tightly-constructed fabric substrate, woven from 0 to 45% continuous synthetic filament yarns and 55 to 100% natural or synthetic spun yarns. The fabric substrate is finished to produce a fabric with a mean pore size of 4 to 10 microns, an air permeability of 0.5-25 cfm, a mean fabric flexibility of 0.5 to 6.5 grams (bending resistance), and a moisture vapor permeability in excess of 800 g/m2/24 hours. This fabric provides a barrier to mite-induced allergen particles. Various additional finishes can be included on the fabric. For example, an antimicrobial finish may be provided on the fabric to extend fabric wearlife by providing protection against mold and mildew. As another alternative, a fluorochemical finish can be provided to extend fabric wearlife by providing protection against fluid stains.

Abstract: A protective fabric includes a plurality of warp yarns interwoven with a plurality of fill yarns. The denier of each of the warp and fill yarns is less than 500. The yarns are made from at least one of liquid crystal polyesters, para-aramids, and high density polyethylenes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional textile product, characterized in that at least the pile thread of which is subjected to one or more of the following textile treatments: a) the textile thread is enveloped; b) several textile threads are added to the textile thread; c) the textile thread is structured by making use of at least one monofilament and at least one multifilament; d) the textile thread is structured by making use of at least one monofilament and at least one multifilament thread of thermoplastic fibres; e) each of the textile treatments mentioned in points a-d are performed under such circumstances that the textile thread is kept sufficiently flexible during a first textile treatment and can be stiffened in a subsequent treatment.

Abstract: A composite yarn comprised of a chain stitch yarn knitted from a yarn A and at least an inlay yarn of a yarn B inserted into the chain stitch yarn along a longitudinal direction thereof. Since the chain stitch yarn and the inlay yarn are surely interlaced with each other in the composite yarn, there is little chance that the chain stitch yarn and the inlay yarn are separated in use. A preferable apparatus for manufacturing the composite yarn in accordance with the present invention may include individual winding mechanisms downstream of each knitting station in a warp knitting machine.

Abstract: Sound absorbent fabric sleeves are formed from interthreaded, preferably braided, resilient, staple spun polymer yarns. Bulk and softness needed for sound absorption is provided through the staple fibers and resiliency desired for expansion capability and shape maintenance is provided through a resilient monofilament core. The yarns are sometimes referred to as dref mono/poly yarns. The sleeves can be heat set to better resist unraveling and maintain tubular shape. The yarns inherently resist fraying. A pressure sensitive or other adhesive layer or an elastomeric material or other material layer can be provided around all or part of the outsides of the sleeves. Spring clips can be provided extending through the tubes between the yarns to assist in mounting the sleeves or to modify them for uses other than sound absorption.

Abstract: Firefighter's turn-out garment (19) has an outer layer of stretchable flame resistant fabric (10) formed from a series of flame resistant warp yarns (11) interwoven with a series of filling yarns (12). The filling yarns (12) comprise core yarns (15) formed from an elastic material, wrapped with a series of wrap yarns (16) formed from a flame resistant material. The stretchable flame resistant fabric (10) thus provides a desired degree of flame resistance protection, while at the same time is stretchable in one direction to provide the fabric with greater flexibility without sacrificing flame resistance protection.

Abstract: A cable splice case or other article for environmental sealing comprises a composite material having multifilament fibers therein, which fibers are blocked in order to prevent passage of fluid through the material in a direction parallel to its major surfaces.