Abstract: A stitchbonded fabric has a regionally segmented base layer in which one or more physical properties in at least one region is substantially different from those of another region. Typical physical properties that can differ among substrate regions include density, basis weight, chemical composition, thickness, porosity, permeability, elongation, elasticity, tensile strength, barrier properties, dyeability, abrasion resistance, and texture. The stitchbonded fabric thus has an improved combination of properties. In one aspect the base layer is discontinuous such that at least one region is devoid of all substrate material. The base layer is stitched continuously over its full extent such that all regions including open areas devoid of substrate material are stitched. The stitchbonded fabric with a discontinuous base layer advantageously can provide enhanced stretch capability to the overall fabric, especially in the cross direction and is particularly useful for stretchable skirts of mattress covers.

Abstract: A microwavable package has a pad for absorbing fat, grease, oil, moisture, and like liquid exuded from food, primarily meat, during cooking. The pad has a high-melting, liquid-transmissible, stiff, shrink-resistant, preferably foraminous face layer in contact with the food. A body layer is in contact with the face layer opposite the food. During cooking, the food releases liquid that transfers through the face layer where it contacts and is absorbed by the body layer. The face layer resists adhering to the food and therefore can be easily separated from the food after cooking.

Abstract: A wound-up cylindrical package is provided of a substantially non-stretchable fabric that has edge regions in which different amounts of elastic elements are incorporated. The fabric is subsequently removed from the package without excessive gathering or twisting for convenient use as a skirt material in the fabrication of a fitted mattress cover.

Abstract: A microwavable package has a pad for absorbing fat, grease, oil, moisture, and like liquid exuded from food, primarily meat, during cooking. The pad has a high-melting, liquid-transmissible, stiff, shrink-resistant, preferably foraminous face layer in contact with the food. A body layer is in contact with the face layer opposite the food. During cooking, the food releases liquid that transfers through the face layer where it contacts and is absorbed by the body layer. The face layer resists adhering to the food and therefore can be easily separated from the food after cooking.

Abstract: An improved process for making stitchbonded fabric in which a feed material that has a visible pattern on it is surface is multi-needle stitched with a contractible yarn and then the stitched material is contracted to form an attractive, novel surface pattern that is quite different from the original pattern on the feed material.

Abstract: A form-fitting cover has a top panel that has an elastic stretch in a least one linear direction in the range of 25 to 150% and a skirt attached to and depending from the periphery of the top panel. The skirt has an upper edge that has an elastic stretch at least equal to the elastic stretch of the periphery of the top panel. The skirt further has of an elastic or inelastic stretch that is at least as large as the elastic stretch of the periphery of the top panel.

Abstract: A slip resistant cover for various articles has a central, substantially non-stretchable sheet and a border of a cross-extensible strip around the perimeter of the sheet. The strip can extend incrementally from its relaxed state by at least 150% under tension of 160 g/cm of strip width or less. Preferably the strip has an open mesh net structure. The slip resistant cover is suitable for covering diverse items, including bedding materials, vehicles, equipment, furniture and the like.

Abstract: An improved stitchbonded fabric has a pattern of stitches formed by a multi-needle stitched set of contractible stitching threads in a planar material that comprises a non-fibrous layer of polymer or metal, such as a metallic foil, a polymeric film, or a leather. Contraction of the stitchbonded fabric provides the fabric with unusual tactile, visual and functional effects.

Abstract: An improved stitchbonded nonwoven fabric having repeating patterns of stitches in a fibrous layer is prepared with a stitching thread that consists essentially of fiber of partially molecularly oriented synthetic organic polymer. The fabric can be stretched, shrunken, and/or heat set and is particularly suited for thermoforming operations.

Abstract: A fitted mattress cover has a fabric skirt warp-knit from bulked yarns and elastic yarns. The skirt is elastically stretchable in the longitudinal direction by at least 50%, inelastically stretchable in the transverse direction by at least 60%, and regains its transverse stretch characteristics when laundered and dried in a relaxed condition and possesses important advantages over known stretchable stitchbonded skirts in wash durability, stretch/conformability, and puncture resistance, as well as in economy of manufacture.