Abstract: Linear elements such as filaments having grafted nibs are disclosed. The grafted nibs are generally fibrils and/or scales which can be flexible or rigid. The nibs can be randomly grafted onto the linear element or they can be inclined or oriented in one direction so as to offer relatively little resistance to penetration into a material and greater resistance to pulling out. The linear element with grafted nibs can be twisted or spun into a yarn or it can be used as a yarn component. The linear element with grafted nibs or a yarn thereof can be used as a non-slip thread, as laces, and the like or they can be a component of woven and non-woven articles.Also disclosed is a method for making the linear elements having a plurality of nibs physically bonded thereto. A substantially linear element such as a thread, a wire, a monofilament, a yarn, a ribbon or the like is contacted with a static or agitated mass of nibs thereby causing same to become physically bonded to the linear element.

Abstract: Team lattice fibers are disclosed. These fibers consist of two or more axial members connected by transverse bridges. The bridges may be separate components or may be formed by undulations in a linear member joined to one or more other members at points of contact or intersection. The purpose of the present invention is to separate the variables of fiber characteristics between the components of the fiber of the present invention.Another purpose of the invention is to produce fibers commanding exceptionally large bulk. A further purpose of the invention is to obtain control of the structure of the virtual space of the fiber and fabrics formed from the fiber.Another purpose of the present invention is to utilize textile wastes such as fiber fines by incorporating these into the engineered fibers of the present invention. A further object of the invention is to produce fibers with controlled stiffness.

Abstract: Fasces fibers consisting of fascicles of filaments bonded together at joints are disclosed. The joints may be focal or may be dispersed through the fiber fascicles in a statistical or predetermined pattern. The fascicles may be composed of the same type of fiber or from a mixture of different fibers. In one embodiment the fiber fascicle may contain coarser high tensile strength fiber(s), termed leader fiber(s), which is (are) accompanied and bonded to a group of slender fibers termed the satellite fibers. The latter fibers may provide properties that may be lacking in the mechanically strong leader fiber. These properties for example may include those of texture, softness, resiliency, bulk, insulation, moisture absorption, color and luster, antistatic properties and flame retardancy. The division of variables of fiber characteristics is a valuable feature of the present invention. Another feature of this invention is the ability to control the virtual volume which the composite faces fiber commands.

Abstract: Extruded articles having integral ribs and/or integral rows of spaced apart elements extending transverse to the direction of extrusion are formed by forcing a melt flowable material such as a thermoplastic polymer through an extrusion opening. The material is continuously extruded in a first lateral or annular extrusion zone in the extrusion opening while the material being extruded in a second lateral or annular extrusion zone, which is contiguous with the first zone, is periodically interrupted, modulated and/or restricted.