Abstract: A process for forming a continuous filament yarn having the surface tactile character of a spun yarn. The process includes passing the cohesive yarn structure through the interior of a rotating sleeve member disposed in surrounding relation to the cohesive yarn structure. The rotating sleeve member includes an abrasive inner surface of diameter greater than the cohesive yarn structure and is adapted to contact the exterior surface of the cohesive yarn structure such that at least a portion of the elongate filaments disposed at the exterior of the cohesive yarn structure are broken. Terminal ends of the broken filaments define an arrangement of outwardly projecting hairs at discrete locations disposed substantially around the circumference of the cohesive yarn structure. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: A pile fabric may be employed in automotive, furniture upholstery and other applications. Pile surfaces on such fabrics may be provided in tufts, or collections of fiber bundles, arranged in rows upon a base portion. Fabrics and methods of making fabrics which minimize the average amount of void space between respective tufts or rows are disclosed. Fabrics which provide more effective overall fabric coverage upon base portions of the fabric are described. A method of “heat shocking” fibers during the drawing of said fibers to pre-stress the fiber and thereby produce a fabric having greater bloom or bulk is disclosed. Providing differential heat history to predetermined portions of the fiber may be a suitable manner of obtaining a fiber which can be used to form a fabric having greater bulk.

Abstract: A process for forming a continuous filament yarn having the surface tactile character of a spun yarn. The process includes passing the cohesive yarn structure through the interior of a rotating sleeve member disposed in surrounding relation to the cohesive yarn structure. The rotating sleeve member includes an abrasive inner surface of diameter greater than the cohesive yarn structure and is adapted to contact the exterior surface of the cohesive yarn structure such that at least a portion of the elongate filaments disposed at the exterior of the cohesive yarn structure are broken. Terminal ends of the broken filaments define an arrangement of outwardly projecting hairs at discrete locations disposed substantially around the circumference of the cohesive yarn structure. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.