Abstract: An elastomer-coated fabric for use as a confinement. The confinement is formed by conforming a fabric to a mold having the shape of the desired confinement, and subsequently applying a layer of elastomer to the fabric. A curing operation then cures the elastomer such that the elastomer-coated fabric retains the shape of the mold. Advantageously, the curing operation also relaxes and heat sets the fabric in order to permit a controlled amount of further stretch, even if the fabric was stretched a maximum amount when it was conformed to the mold.

Abstract: An air bag restraint system for protecting vehicle occupants during a collision comprising a seamless inflatable confinement of braided fabric constructed by strands of multiple fibers which are interlocked by diagonally crossing a number of these strands alternately over and under one or more of the other strands. The seamless air bag is formed by braiding textile yarns to a mold having the shape of the desired confinement. An elastomer coating may be applied to render the braided fabric either essentially non-porous and non-permeable to air or semi-permeable to control air flow. Also, methods for manufacturing such seamless braided fabric confinements.

Abstract: An elastomer-coated fabric for use as a confinement. The confinement is formed by conforming a fabric to a mold having the shape of the desired confinement, and subsequently applying a layer of elastomer to the fabric. A curing operation then cures the elastomer such that the elastomer-coated fabric retains the shape of the mold. Advantageously, the curing operation also relaxes and heat sets the fabric in order to permit a controlled amount of further stretch, even if the fabric was stretched a maximum amount when it was conformed to the mold.

Abstract: Elastomer-coated fabric products having predetermined potential extension in the fabric's machine direction and processes for producing the same. The fabric product of the invention preferably includes an elastomer-coated warp-knit, weft-insert fabric whereby the warp knit yarns provide a first potential elongation (as by selection of the type and/or denier of yarns employed). The fabric is compressed in the machine direction (as by overfeeding the fabric to a tenter frame during production) so as to provide a second potential elongation, and is maintained in its compressed state by virtue of the elastomer coating thereon. The first and second elongation potentials thus collectively establish the total potential elongation for the fabric in the machine direction.

Abstract: Weather-resistant fencing products knitted from yarns of synthetic fibers into an open pattern in which from 40 to 80% of the fabric surface is open to the passage of air and particulates. The closed portion resists air and particulates passage causing particulates to be deposited on both the windward and leeward side of the fence. Selection of fence height and degree of openess controls the height and length of the mass of particles accumulated adjacent to the fence. The knit fabric construction is useful as a snow fence.

Abstract: A treated fabric is constructed that is capable of withstanding extremely harsh weather and abrasion conditions in low temperature environments. The treated fabric comprises a woven or weft inserted warp knit synthetic fiber fabric which has a generally open construction and is pretreated with a chemical bonding agent to facilitate adhesion of a neoprene coating to the fabric. A neoprene, such as neoprene AD, having a highly crystalline structure and including effective amounts of low temperature plasticizers, antioxidants, and loadings, is applied to the fabric, and it is coated with a highly crystalline acrylic coating. The neoprene coating vulcanizes (cures) in use, such as when used as a geotextile fabric, the highly crystalline acrylic coating protecting the neoprene until it vulcanizes. The fabric may be attached to a nonwoven filter fabric, and formed into a bag which is filled with sand, grout, or the like during actual use of the geotextile fabric in the harsh environment.

Abstract: A large water and air impervious textile panel suitable for use as a pond liner, tarpaulin, or the like, is constructed from a plurality of smaller panels. Each small panel comprises a weft inserted warp knit fabric having reinforcing substrate strips disposed at the selvedge edges thereof, and the strips spaced from each other along the width of the fabric. The small panels are chemically finished by first applying an adhesive system such as an isocyanate, and then a thermoset or thermoplastic polymer coating. The selvedge edges are prepared for attachment to each other by buffing and then applying an adhesive cement. The buffing does not extend along the width of each small panel any further than the width of the selvedge reinforcing substrate strip. Adjacent selvedge edges of the small panels are overlapped, and then attached to each other with the cement adhesive. Alternatively the overlapped small panel edges may be ultrasonically or thermally bonded to each other.

Abstract: A material suitable for fabricating chemical warfare protective garments comprises at least one layer of an activated woven carbon fabric plus a body-side high absorbency rayon layer interposed between said at least one woven carbon fabric layer and the wearer's body. An innermost body-side layer of a ribbed fabric such as corduroy underlays the carbon and rayon layers to channel vapor away from the material. Chemical warfare protective garments having extended use life can be fabricated from this material.

Abstract: A method for treating non-woven fabrics or fibers used in the manufacture of automobile tires and accessories, and the products produced by such method. In order to improve the adhesion qualities of fabrics used in the manufacture of pneumatic tires, particularly chafer strip and bead wrap constructions, to thereby reduce or eliminate the splitting and deterioration tendency of such products under high stress conditions, by impregnating the non-woven fabric with at least an equal amount of elastomer by fabric weight.

Abstract: A woven fencing product, flexible at normal temperatures yet of increased stability at cool temperatures, woven in an open weave pattern from a suitable fiber such as nylon, polyester and the like and impregnated with an elastomeric polymer is disclosed. The finished fabric is stable at relatively low winter temperatures, resistant to abrasion and ultra-violet light degradation and is suitable for use as a fencing material, such as snow fencing.

Abstract: A fabric which is suitable for reinforcing hose structures, particularly railroad air brake hose is provided. The fabric is biased such that the warp and filling yarns intersect at angles between about 87.degree. and 65.degree.. When the biased fabric is used to reinforce a hose structure, one set of yarns is oriented in a circular fashion about the circumference of the hose in order to provide support against expansion of the hose under pressure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for adhesively securing an open mesh, woven nylon or polyester scrim fabric to avoid distortion or movement of the individual yarns or thread members of said fabric said method comprising applying to said fabric a coating of a dispersion of a carboxylated copolymer of chloroprene and methacrylic acid and drying said coating thereby bonding the warp and fill yarns of said fabric together at their cross over points.

Abstract: A fence and a fence post assembly for particular application in athletic fields is disclosed. Double-edged pressure sensitive tape is applied to a section of a fence post. The tape facilitates proper alignment of fencing on the post while securely attaching it to the post to prevent relative movement between the fencing and the post. An elongated holding member having an inside surface corresponding generally to the outside surface of the post holds the fencing against the tape. Bolts, or other suitable securing means, join the post and the holding member together thereby holding the fencing material against the tape and the post. The fencing material is preferably a fabric material, while the post is relatively flexible.