Abstract: A double needle bar spacer knit fabric is provided. The fabric includes a first layer that has a plurality of yarns that are knitted together. At least one of the yarns of the first layer is an elastomeric yarn that functions to impart stretch and recovery properties to the first layer. A second layer that has a plurality of yarns that are knitted together is also present. The first layer and second layer are connected to one another by way of a connecting layer that has a plurality of traversing yarns that are knitted to and extend between both the first layer and the second layer. The first layer provides technical properties to the fabric, and the second layer provides the fabric with desired aesthetic properties.

Abstract: A shelving system comprises a plurality of vertical supports, one or more horizontal supports attached to a respective vertical support, and a shelving substrate attached to the horizontal supports. The horizontal supports can be adapted to extend from a folded or partially extended position to a fully extended, horizontal position and can comprise a proximal support arm attached to a vertical support and a distal support arm pivotally attached to the proximal support arm. To retain the proximal support arm and the distal support arm in the fully extended, horizontal position, the horizontal supports can comprise a catch assembly. The shelving substrate can be a textile material, such as a weft inserted, warp knit textile material comprising elastomeric yarns.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a fabric composite for disposition across an automotive seating frame and relates more particularly to a laminated fabric incorporating elastomeric yarn which has undergone either flame or adhesive lamination so as to be joined to a knit or woven aesthetic cover by means of foam either with or without adhesive.

Abstract: A fabric particularly useful in the manufacture of occupant support structures is described. The fabric is desirably leno woven to have a high degree of openness and such that at least a plurality of the yarn intersections are stabilized from relative motion. The fabric includes elastomeric synthetic yarns in at least one fabric direction. At least some of the points of yarn intersection can be supplementally stabilized from relative motion, such as through the use of bicomponent yarns having a sheath which is melted to secure intersecting yarns together. The fabric is also resistant to ultraviolet irradiation so that it retains its physical properties after accelerated exposure to UV irradiation. The fabric provides good support and ventilation, and is suitable for use as a surface fabric in automotive and seating applications.

Abstract: A futon style sofa bed, preferably made from a metal frame, and having an elastomeric material stretched to cover the frame. The elastomeric material obviates the need for support slats, as well as cushions or a mattress. In a preferred embodiment, the frame members are made from steel tubing, and the fabric is oriented within the frame so that the warp direction (the direction of primary stretch) runs from front to back or from side to side in the seat frame, and also in the seat back. Adjusting means is disclosed, for adjusting the length and/or width of the frame, thus adjusting the tension of the fabric stretched about the frame.

Abstract: An elastomeric fabric woven in a leno weave, with the warp yarns being elastomeric yarns. The elastomeric warp yarns have a minor axis disposed in the direction perpendicular to the fabric surface. The fabric is calendered to reduce the thickness of the elastomeric yarns along the minor axis at the cross-over of the warp yarns in the leno weave.

Abstract: An elastomeric fabric woven in a leno weave, with the warp yarns being elastomeric yarns. The elastomeric warp yarns have a minor axis disposed in the direction perpendicular to the fabric surface. The fabric is calendered to reduce the thickness of the elastomeric yarns along the minor axis at the cross-over of the warp yarns in the leno weave.

Abstract: A fabric particularly useful in the manufacture of occupant support structures is described. The fabric is desirably leno woven to have a high degree of openness and such that at least a plurality of the yarn intersections are stabilized from relative motion. The fabric includes elastomeric synthetic yarns in at least one fabric direction. At least some of the points of yarn intersection can be supplementally stabilized from relative motion, such as through the use of bicomponent yarns having a sheath which is melted to secure intersecting yarns together. The fabric is also resistant to ultraviolet irradiation so that it retains its physical properties after accelerated exposure to UV irradiation. The fabric provides good support and ventilation, and is suitable for use as a surface fabric in automotive and seating applications.

Abstract: An automotive upholstery fabric resistant to degradation of strength and elastomeric properties upon exposure to ultraviolet irradiation is provided. The fabric includes an elastomeric fiber component which makes up not less than 40 percent by weight of the fabric. This elastomeric fiber component retains at least about 70 and preferably at least about 90 percent of its tensile strength following accelerated exposure to ultraviolet irradiation according to SAE Standard J1885.

Abstract: A fabric resistant to degradation of strength and elastomeric properties upon exposure to ultraviolet irradiation is provided. The fabric includes an elastomeric fiber component which makes up not less than 40 percent by weight of the fabric. This elastomeric fiber component exhibits a tensile strength of not less than about 8 pounds force and retains at least 80 percent of its tensile strength following accelerated exposure to ultraviolet irradiation.

Abstract: A reinforced knitted fabric structure useful as a support member in a seating structure is provided. The reinforced knitted fabric structure has a base matrix of warp knitted yarns with elastomeric yarns running at least in the direction of the warp knitted yarns. Weft insertion yarns run through the base matrix in a direction transverse to the warp knitted yarns. The elastomeric yarns have an elongation at break of not less than about 70 percent.

Abstract: A seating structure including fabric support webs is provided. The seating structure includes a webbed support surface formed from a warp knit fabric with weft insertion of an elastomeric yarn. The stretch in the warp is substantially linear over a full range of applied stress from zero pounds to failure. The stretch in the weft has two substantially linear components wherein the first linear component operates over the range of zero to about 10 pounds applied force and the second linear component operates over the range of 10 pounds applied force to failure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a knitted furniture support fabric having multi-directional stretch characteristics and possessing sufficient strength and durability to function as a support in a seating or bed structure. The furniture support fabric of the present invention is a four bar knit structure including two yarns of textured polyester and two yarns of elastomeric monofilament knit together such that the fabric has an elongation at break of at least 17 percent in both the warp and fill directions.

Abstract: A seating structure including fabric support webs is provided. The seating structure includes a webbed support surface formed from a warp knit fabric with weft insertion of an elastomeric yarn. The stretch in the warp is substantially linear over a full range of applied stress from zero pounds to failure. The stretch in the weft has two substantially linear components wherein the first linear component operates over the range of zero to about 10 pounds applied force and the second linear component operates over the range of 10 pounds applied force to failure.