Abstract: An improved shaped article comprising a thermoformed composite sheet, which is a layer of thermoplastic polymer attached to a surface of a lightweight conformable fabric, the other surface of the fabric being attached to a layer of rigid foam, provides the article with improved wall thickness uniformity and impact resistance.

Abstract: A tufted pile nonwoven fabric with an elastomeric backing has an elastic stretch of at least 10% and is particularly suited for floor coverings, upholstery, seat covers, etc. A stitchbonded fabric is employed as a preferred substrate for the elastic tufted fabric.

Abstract: A bulky, resilient, durable, dimensionally stable nonwoven fabric is prepared by (a) intermittently attaching contractible elements to a nonwoven fibrous layer, (b) contracting the elements to simultaneously gather the fibrous layer to 25-75% of its original area and form a series of waves or protuberances that project from the plane of the layer and then (c) stitchbonding the gathered fibrous layer with inextensible inelastic yarn. The fabrics are particularly useful for toweling, insulating layers, fire-resistant cloths, upholstery and the like.

Abstract: A fitted mattress cover has a two-bar stitchbonded skirt that is stretchable by at least 50% and by at least 100% respectively in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the skirt, with at least 80% of the longitudinal stretch and at least 30% of the transverse stretch being elastically recoverable. The skirt is made with one bar forming tricot stitches with inelastic yarn and with the second bar forming a repeating pattern of 1-0, 0-1, 1-2, 2-1 stitches with elastic combination yarn.

Abstract: A tufted pile nonwoven fabric with an elastomeric backing has an elastic stretch of at least 10% and is particularly suited for floor coverings, upholstery, seat covers, etc. A stitchbonded fabric is employed as a preferred substrate for the elastic tufted fabric.

Abstract: A simplified process is disclosed for making form-fitting undergarments that may include structures for absorbing and containing body exudates. The garments are cut and seamed into rectangular or trapezoidal shapes from nonwoven elastic sheet that has parallel rows of elastic strands and specific stretch and simultaneous contraction characteristics. The finished garment when stretched in the waist direction simultaneously contracts in the direction perpendicular thereto by at least 20%.

Abstract: One or more nonwoven fibrous layers and an array of elastic combination yarns, preferably comprising spandex combined with conventional hard textile yarn, are formed into an elastically stretchable fabric by hydraulic entanglement.

Abstract: An improved stitchbonded fabric, particularly suited for industrial fabric uses, has high tear strength and is made by multi-needle stitching a fibrous layer with a bulkable non-elastomeric yarn that forms spaced apart, interconnected rows of stitches which amount to 25 to 65% of the total weight of the fabric.

Abstract: Stitchbonded fabrics are treated with columnar jets of water under specific conditions to rearrange fibers within the fabric so that holes caused by the stitches of the stitchbonding are substantially filled and the fabrics are made suitable for filter fabrics. The process requires at least the last part of the treatment to be performed on fine mesh screens with fine jets. The resultant fabrics are particularly suited for use as filter fabrics.

Abstract: Sheets of flash-spun polyolefin plexifilamentary film-fibril strands are subjected to impact-energy by columnar jets of water and are then impregnated with organic resin to provide sheet of high abrasion resistance and a wide range of desirable porosity.

Abstract: A stretchable stitchbonded fabric, suitable for forming into conformable apparel, fitted furniture covers or the like, is stitched with elastic yarns to form at least two longitudinal regions of differing stretchability, each region having minimum stretchability of 30% and one region being least 1.5 times as stretchable as the other region.

Abstract: A stitchbonded nonwoven fabric which comprises a fibrous layer is reinforced in a first direction with bulkable thread and in a second direction with substantially inextensible thread, the reinforcing directions being at an angle of at least 50 degrees with each other, exhibits superior strength, resistance to splitting and repeated washability.

Abstract: A stitchbonded comfort fabric is disclosed that is absorbent, durable and quick-drying. The fabric is made up of an absorbent, evaporation-reservoir layer and a nonabsorbent, transport layer. The evaporation-reservoir layer comprises a nonwoven web that is stitched with at least one bulkable stitching yarn. The transport layer weighs at least 10 gms/sq m and can be formed from a network of fibrous stitching yarns that do not significantly absorb water and do not exhibit stitching gaps wider than 3 mm. The resulting fabric has a basis weight of between 20 and 120 gm/sq. m, a bulk of at least 10 cc/gm and the capability of absorbing at least 5 times its weight in water. The fabric is useful in intimate apparel, underwear, swimwear, sports shirting, headbands and comfort linings.

Abstract: A stretchable stitchbonded fabric, suitable for forming into conformable apparel, fitted furniture covers or the like, is stitched with elastic yarns to form at least two longitudinal regions of differing stretchability, each region having minimum stretchability of 30% and one region being least 1.5 times as stretchable as the other region.

Abstract: An improved thermoformable composite sheet comprises a layer of thermoplastic polymer and a lightweight stitchbonded nonwoven elastic fabric having a conformability at 180.degree. C. in the range of 4 to 9. The sheet provides articles thermoformed therefrom with improved wall thickness uniformity.

Abstract: A process in which a stitchbonded fabric is stretched and then allowed to recover from the stretch decreases the stiffness of the fabric while greatly increasing its thickness and bulk.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for making stitchbonded elastic fabrics more economically. The improvements involve stitching with an elastic thread having a high residual stretch, overfeeding fibrous web to the stitchbonding machine and removing the resultant product under low tension.

Abstract: A sausage-shaped liquid-absorbing article is provided which includes within a porous fabric fine, fibrous particles of flash-spun polyethylene, optionally particles of foamed organic polymer, and an effective amount of a wetting agent. The article is capable of absorbing oils or aqueous liquids in amounts equal to at least six times the weight of the particles.

Abstract: A disposable article, suitable for absorbing and immobilizing grease generated during cooking, has a housing containing an absorbent bed of particles and polyolefin microfibers.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is provided that is especially suited for use as a hot or wet compress. The article has two outer layers at least one of which is an elastic, water-permeable fabric. The outer layers surround a particulate filling material which is made of 5-30% of a super-absorbent polymer and 70-95% of diluent.