Abstract: This invention relates to making nonwoven fabrics which are durable for machine washing and durable for other wet and hard use or abusive applications. The inventive fabrics comprise two layers of fabric sheet bonded together at closely spaced locations where the bonding includes fibers from both fabrics thoroughly involved with the binder. The inventive fabrics retain the qualities of a spunlaced nonwoven fabric which include low cost, comfort, drapability, softness, absorbency, breathability and others while having the durability comparable to traditional knitted or woven fabrics.

Abstract: A new and improved dome-type tent with a membrane suspended from a plurality of flexible tent poles. The membrane has a plurality of O-rings distributed about its outer surface in a plurality of paths separated one from the other with one of the flexible poles extending through the O-rings along each path of O-rings and with the pole being securely attached at one of its ends to the membrane in such a manner that the end remains attached to the tent membrane even when the tent is in the unassembled state for storage.

Abstract: A backpack device including a flexible enclosure for containing a load to be supported and carried by a wearer and a frame for supporting the flexible enclosure. Shock absorbers are pivotally connected to the frame and to a waist belt for absorbing shock between the flexible enclosure and the wearer.