Abstract: A method for preparing stretchable bonded nonwoven fabrics which involves forming a substantially nonbonded nonwoven web of multiple-component continuous filaments or staple fibers which are capable of developing three-dimensional spiral crimp, activating the spiral crimp by heating substantially nonbonded web under free shrinkage conditions during which the nonwoven remains substantially nonbonded, followed by bonding the crimped nonwoven web using an array of discrete mechanical, chemical, or thermal bonds. Nonwoven fabrics prepared according to the method of the current invention have an improved combination of stretch-recovery properties, textile hand and drape compared to multiple-component nonwoven fabrics known in the art.

Abstract: A stitchbonded fabric has a substrate material of uniform composition and physical properties and stitching threads stitched through and over the extent of the substrate in which the substrate has one or more slits defined by opposite facing lips that are unparted when the fabric is stitched. The fabric can be tensioned such that the lips part and thereby produce varied performance characteristics such as increased stretch and aesthetically pleasing effects as are useful in fabric utilities such as mattress cover skirts. The lips can pucker to give the fabric texture. The fabric can be extended and/or contracted laterally to further buckle out of plane. The puckering and buckling give the fabric additional functional properties such as dust-catching ability in cleaning wipe utilities.

Abstract: A process makes stitchbonded fabric having a regionally segmented discontinuous base layer of webs of substrate material extending in the machine direction which webs are laterally separated by a region devoid of substrate material. The region devoid of substrate is formed prior to stitching by either (a) slitting the substrate and folding the material adjacent the slits outwardly in contact with substrate material outboard of the slit, or (b) slitting the substrate while applying tension in the machine direction that moves adjacent lips of the slit material away from each other. Once the discontinuous base layer is formed, threads are stitched through the laterally separated webs of substrate material and the intermediate region devoid of substrate material.

Abstract: A multi-layer composite sheet comprising a shrinkable layer intermittently bonded a to a gatherable layer with the bonds separated by a specified distance and wherein the shrinkable layer can shrink and at the same time gather the gatherable layer between the bonds. A process for preparing multi-layer composite sheets by intermittently bonding a shrinkable layer to a gatherable layer with the bonds separated by a specified distance and causing the shrinkable layer to shrink while at the same time gathering the gatherable layer between the bonds. Preferably, the shrinkable layer comprises an array of fibers or nonwoven web comprising fibers having latent spiral crimp.

Abstract: A laminated multilayer textured composite has an embossed fibrous outer layer bonded to one side of an adhesive layer to form a three-dimensional structure defined by all of fibers in depressed areas between elevated areas being fully embedded in the adhesive and most of the fibers in the elevated areas of the elevated areas being free of adhesive. The composite provides an abrasion resistant, surface stable material for covering floors, walls, furniture and the like. An optional backing layer can be simultaneously adhered to the second side of the adhesive layer primarily for improved cushioning and dimensional stability. The composite can be formed by a simultaneous pressure embossing and thermal laminating process.

Abstract: A stitchbonded fabric has a substrate material of uniform composition and physical properties and stitching threads stitched through and over the extent of the substrate in which the substrate has one or more linear slits defined by opposite facing lips that are unparted when the fabric is stitched. The fabric can be tensioned such that the lips part and thereby produce varied performance characteristics such as increased stretch and aesthetically pleasing effects as are useful in fabric utilities such as mattress cover skirts. The lips can pucker to give the fabric texture. The fabric can be extended and/or contracted laterally to further buckle out of plane. The puckering and buckling give the fabric additional functional properties such as dust-catching ability in cleaning wipe utilities.

Abstract: A stitchbonded fabric has a regionally segmented discontinuous base layer of webs of substrate material extending in the machine direction which webs are laterally separated by a region devoid of substrate material. The lateral separation in the stitchbonded fabric is formed prior to stitching by a method that includes slitting the substrate and folding the material adjacent the slits outwardly in contact with substrate material outboard of the slit, or by a method that includes slitting the substrate while applying tension.

Abstract: A multi-layer composite sheet comprising a shrinkable layer intermittently bonded a to a gatherable layer with the bonds separated by a specified distance and wherein the shrinkable layer can shrink and at the same time gather the gatherable layer between the bonds. A process for preparing multi-layer composite sheets by intermittently bonding a shrinkable layer to a gatherable layer with the bonds separated by a specified distance and causing the shrinkable layer to shrink while at the same time gathering the gatherable layer between the bonds. Preferably, the shrinkable layer comprises an array of fibers or nonwoven web comprising fibers having latent spiral crimp.

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 textile laminate for covering diverse substrates includes a backing layer to be placed adjacent to the substrate, a substantially non-shrinkable fibrous layer coextensive with the backing layer and an adhesive component to bind the fibrous layer to the backing layer. The adhesive component is activated to adhere the fibrous and backing layers only at selected bonding points in a pattern bond. The backing layer is a material adapted to irreversibly shrink by at least about 25% such that after the backing layer shrinks, the fibrous layer separates from the backing layer at locations away from the bonding points and forms pile-like loops that protrude in a direction normal to the plane of the textile laminate.

Abstract: A method for preparing stretchable bonded nonwoven fabrics which involves forming a substantially nonbonded nonwoven web of multiple-component continuous filaments or staple fibers which are capable of developing three-dimensional spiral crimp, activating the spiral crimp by heating substantially nonbonded web under free shrinkage conditions during which the nonwoven remains substantially nonbonded, followed by bonding the crimped nonwoven web using an array of discrete mechanical, chemical, or thermal bonds. Nonwoven fabrics prepared according to the method of the current invention have an improved combination of stretch-recovery properties, textile hand and drape compared to multiple-component nonwoven fabrics known in the art.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method for preparing stretchable multiple-component bonded composite sheets which involves bonding a fibrous layer of spirally-crimpable multiple-component continuous filaments or staple fibers to one or more non-spirally-crimpable layers using an array of intermittent mechanical, chemical, or thermal bonds, and heating the bonded composite to activate the spiral crimp of the fibers in the spirally-crimpable layer. Multi-layer nonwoven fabrics prepared according to the method of the current invention have an improved combination of strength, aesthetics, stretch-recovery properties, and textile hand and drape compared to multiple-component nonwoven fabrics known in the art.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing nonwoven fabrics having an improved balance of properties in the machine and cross-directions. More specifically, the invention utilizes nonwoven webs that include relatively low levels of multiple-component fibers having latent three-dimensional spiral crimp combined with fibers that do not develop spiral crimp. The latent spiral crimp of the multiple-component fibers is activated, such as by heating, under free shrinkage conditions, after formation of the nonwoven web to achieve re-orientation of the non-spirally-crimpable fibers and an improved balance of properties such as tensile strength and modulus.

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: This invention relates to an improved method for preparing stretchable multiple-component bonded composite sheets which involves bonding a fibrous layer of spirally-crimpable multiple-component continuous filaments or staple fibers to one or more non-spirally-crimpable layers using an array of intermittent mechanical, chemical, or thermal bonds, and heating the bonded composite to activate the spiral crimp of the fibers in the spirally-crimpable layer. Multi-layer nonwoven fabrics prepared according to the method of the current invention have an improved combination of strength, aesthetics, stretch-recovery properties, and textile hand and drape compared to multiple-component nonwoven fabrics known in the art.

Abstract: A multi-layer composite sheet comprising a shrinkable layer intermittently bonded a to a gatherable layer with the bonds separated by a specified distance and wherein the shrinkable layer can shrink and at the same time gather the gatherable layer between the bonds. A process for preparing multi-layer composite sheets by intermittently bonding a shrinkable layer to a gatherable layer with the bonds separated by a specified distance and causing the shrinkable layer to shrink while at the same time gathering the gatherable layer between the bonds. Preferably, the shrinkable layer comprises an array of fibers or nonwoven web comprising fibers having latent spiral crimp.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing nonwoven fabrics having an improved balance of properties in the machine and cross-directions. More specifically, the invention utilizes nonwoven webs that include relatively low levels of multiple-component fibers having latent three-dimensional spiral crimp combined with fibers that do not develop spiral crimp. The latent spiral crimp of the multiple-component fibers is activated, such as by heating, under free shrinkage conditions, after formation of the nonwoven web to achieve re-orientation of the non-spirally-crimpable fibers and an improved balance of properties such as tensile strength and modulus.

Abstract: A method for preparing stretchable bonded nonwoven fabrics which involves forming a substantially nonbonded nonwoven web of multiple-component continuous filaments or staple fibers which are capable of developing three-dimensional spiral crimp, activating the spiral crimp by heating substantially nonbonded web under free shrinkage conditions during which the nonwoven remains substantially nonbonded, followed by bonding the crimped nonwoven web using an array of discrete mechanical, chemical, or thermal bonds. Nonwoven fabrics prepared according to the method of the current invention have an improved combination of stretch-recovery properties, textile hand and drape compared to multiple-component nonwoven fabrics known in the art.

Abstract: A thermoplastic binder applied in the vicinity of the roots of a pile surface structure, typically before stitching, is raised above its melting point but below the critical exposure temperature that can adversely affect the properties of the material forming the pile elements. While at this elevated temperature the pile surface structure is mechanically flexed, as by repeatedly bending the backing with the pile loops thereon into and out of its plane. This flexing action assists the molten (but not freely flowing) binder to propagate into the roots of the pile elements and into the interstices between the fibers forming the same.

Abstract: The invention comprises a mattress cover, mattress cover skirt material and methods of making the same, wherein the skirt material has inelastic stretch in the longitudinal and cross directions and the stretch in the cross direction is considerably greater than the stretch in the longitudinal direction. The mattress cover skirt material also includes a top edge comprised of elastic yarns for providing a reinforced attachment edge and a bottom edge comprised of elastic yarns for pulling the mattress cover skirt material under mattresses.