Abstract: An inflatable cushion formed from a polygonal material blank including a central body panel and two foldable side panel structures disposed laterally of the central body panel at one end thereof. The material blank may be folded in loop fashion such that the central body panel edges mate with the edges of the side panel structures thereby permitting the formation of a poly sectional cushion including a mouth or other entrance for introduction of an inflating medium and a body portion for holding the inflating medium.

Abstract: The fabric of the present invention includes a pile portion comprising spun yarn tufted in alternating arrangement with bulk continuous filament yarn through a base layer. The spun yarn includes a space-dyed component and a stock-dyed component. The bulk continuous filament yarn is also space-dyed. A process and apparatus for producing the pile fabric of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method for forming an airbag fabric for use in protecting vehicle occupants during a collision. The airbag fabric includes at least a portion of fabric woven by water-jet weaving yarns without chemical sizing compounds thereon at weave constructions comparable to those available by traditional Rapier weaving processes.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion restraint is provided. The inflatable cushion restraint comprises a body portion, a web portion, and entrance for admitting an inflating medium. The body portion and the web portion are preferably joined about their perimeters by a single seam following the introduction of pleats from the perimeter of the body portion to locations in the interior thereof so as to provide material for billowing expansion during inflation. A process for forming the inflatable cushion restraint is also provided.

Abstract: An expansible occupant restraint cushion is provided. The restraint cushion includes a first section of material having a plurality of perimeter edges and "Z" profile lap structures disposed along selected perimeter edges. Each "Z" profile lap structure includes a first fold formed along a fold line in opposed relation to a perimeter edge and a second fold reverse in direction to the first fold formed along a fold line intermediate the fold line of the first fold and the opposing perimeter edge to yield an outboard attachment margin. The restraint cushion further includes a second section of material in opposed mating relation to the folded first section of material. This second section of material is adjoined to the first folded section of material at the outboard attachment margins of the "Z" profile lap structures. A related method for forming the cushion of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: A bonded pile fabric is provided which comprises a base layer and a pile forming yarn adjacent to the base layer. The pile forming yarn is tacked to the base layer preferably by the introduction of heat prior to the application of adhesive which is preferably a low viscosity latex. A method and apparatus for making the bonded pile fabric are also provided.

Abstract: The fabric of the present invention includes a pile portion comprising spun yarn tufted in alternating arrangement with bulk continuous filament yarn through a base layer. The spun yarn includes a space-dyed component and a stock-dyed component. The bulk continuous filament yarn is also space-dyed. A process and apparatus for producing the pile fabric of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: An occupant restraint assembly for use in a vehicle conveying at least one passenger is provided. The occupant restraint assembly comprises an inflator for generating gas, a bag for receiving and containing the gas generated by the inflator and an enclosure for housing the inflator and the bag. The enclosure is rotatably mountable within a support structure such as the dash panel opposing the passenger, such that during inflation of the bag the enclosure rotates into an activated position for direct deployment of the bag between the support structure and the passenger.

Abstract: A fabric sample treatment apparatus for effecting the controlled and uniform heating of a plurality of fabric and dye liquor specimens. The treatment apparatus includes a heating chamber having a rotatable sample rack, a radiant heat source, multidirectional cooling air vents, temperature measurement devices for monitoring chamber and specimen temperature and control equipment for controlling radiant heat and cooling air based on temperature measurements.

Abstract: As a means for applying a random mottled or hammered appearance to a textile material, this invention provides a process which comprises the steps of: (a) applying to the textile material an aqueous solution having a water insoluble dye dispersed therein and an ionic component in the form of a dispersant in sufficient quantities to disperse the dye; (b) subsequently applying to the textile material an aqueous flocculent solution including a counter-ionic component, thereby electro-chemically reacting with the ionic dispersant such that the dye is precipitated from solution in non-uniform concentrations; and (c) fixing the dye to the textile material, preferably by heat. A textile material dyed according to the process is also provided.