Abstract: The invention relates to a functional protective material, in particular having a protective function with respect to chemical poisons and/or biological toxins and/or chemical and/or biological hazardous materials, such as warfare agents, wherein the functional protective material has a multi-layer structure that comprises a planar, in particular textile, substrate material and a membrane that is associated with the substrate material, in particular connected to the substrate material, wherein the membrane in itself is permeable to air and water vapor and therefore is provided with a plurality of micropores preferably distributed substantially evenly over the membrane surface. According to the invention, an operating parameter of the membrane can be changed in such a way that the membrane assumes two different operating states, wherein in the first operating state the micropores of the membrane are open and in the second operating state, the micropores of the membrane are at least predominantly closed.

Abstract: A fabric includes base yarns and antistatic spun yarns located in discrete portions of the fabric such that the fabric dissipates static electricity by way of an inductive field and complies with one or more standards for static dissipation in fabric. The antistatic spun yarns may include inductive antistatic staple fibers, and may include less than 20% antistatic fiber. The fabric may be a woven fabric with the antistatic spun yarns inserted into the fabric in both the warp and filling directions in a ratio of antistatic spun yarns to base yarns of from 1:1 to 1:40. The fabrics may be flame resistant and comply with one or more standards for flame resistant fabrics and/or may comply with one or more standards for high visibility apparel. The fabric may have a total antistatic fiber content of less than about 1%.

Abstract: A knitted interface comprises a knitted structure formed from a plurality of elastomeric polymer filaments having a plurality of interstices permitting a transfer of air therethrough. The elastomeric polymer filaments may have a solid or hollow cross-section. The interstices vary in shape and size according to a knit density of the knitted structure upon movement or radial distension of the knitted interface. The elastomeric polymer filaments may be made from silicone.

Abstract: A system, method and fabric having a dimensionally stabilized pore. The system has a mesh fabric having a pore, such pore having a first pore perimeter. The system has a support having a support outer perimeter. The support is received into the pore so that the pore perimeter is in contact with the outer support perimeter. When the fabric is thermoset, the pore permanently assumes the shape of the outer support perimeter.

Abstract: Thermal protective fabrics and garments are disclosed made from fabrics treated with a fire retardant composition. In one embodiment, the fabrics include a multi-layered construction or a multi-face construction that are treated with the fire retardant composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to ultrasonic welding of industrial fabrics. Specifically, the invention relates to methods for ultrasonically welding the seam area of industrial fabrics using a textured horn and/or anvil. The fabric edges are overlapped as woven or one or both edges can have some warp or weft yarns raveled out. The method involves ultrasonically bonding the overlapped fabric edges, reducing the caliper of the two stacked edges to match the body caliper of the fabric itself. The bonded area can then be perforated using laser or other mechanical means to produce a seam having the same woven texture and permeability (air and/or water) as the body of the fabric.

Abstract: A device is provided including a textile article. The textile article includes a leading edge comprising an open loop and a secured loose end. The device further includes a piece of hardware threaded through the open loop. The textile article is configured to easily unravel by removing the piece of hardware from the open loop and pulling upon the secured loose end.

Abstract: A spacer textile material has at least a portion of a tensile strand located between a first layer and a second layer of the spacer textile material where the first layer and second layer have been joined together to form channels in which the tensile strand moves freely. The tensile strand travels through the spacer textile material in a non-linear direction. Further, the channels may be formed in the spacer textile material in non-linear directions. The spacer textile material with a tensile strand may be incorporated into an article of footwear.

Abstract: A laminate comprises a first layer comprising a plurality of lower opacity zones positioned within a higher opacity zone is provided. The plurality of lower opacity zones form a first pattern. The laminate comprises a second layer comprising a second pattern. The laminate comprises a non-joined span of the first and second layers having a dimension of at least about 20 mm. A first portion of the second pattern is visible through at least some of the plurality of lower opacity zones when the first layer, within the non-joined span, is in a first position relative to the second layer, within the non-joined span. A second portion of the second pattern is visible through at least some of the plurality of lower opacity zones when the first layer, within the non-joined span, is in a second position relative to the second layer, within the non-joined span.

Abstract: A spacer textile material has at least a portion of multiple tensile strands located between a first layer and a second layer of the spacer textile material where the first layer and second layer have been joined together to form channels in which the tensile strands move freely. In one or more locations, a first tensile strand and a second tensile overlap at an intersection region. Further, the spacer textile material may be incorporated into an article of footwear.

Abstract: Electronic equipment may include structured fabric. Structured fabric may be used as a protective case or cosmetic cover for an electronic device, may be used to form a band that holds an electronic device against a user's body, or may be used to cover one or more openings in an electronic device. Structured fabrics may be soft and pliable while maintaining the ability to hold a given shape without added support. Structured fabric may be formed by laminating fabric such as warp-knit fabric with a stiffener such as polymer film. Structured fabrics may include openings through which signals such as optical or audio signals pass. To maintain the geometry and shape of the openings in the structured fabric without covering the openings, the stiffener and adhesive that are attached to the fabric may be cut to form a pattern of openings that align with the openings in the fabric.