Abstract: A dryer sheet substrate is provided having improved loft and reduced fuzz wherein the substrate comprises relatively low denier bicomponent fibers. The bicomponent fibers may comprise two or more polymers having different melting temperatures, with the relatively lower melting temperature polymer making up at least a portion of the outer surface of the fiber. Upon heating to a sufficient temperature, the lower melting temperature fibers may soften and melt, providing bonding at crossover points of the fibers in the laid web. The web indicates advantageous characteristics with respect to thickness (loft), fuzz factor and ability to absorb a fabric treating composition.

Abstract: A dryer sheet substrate is provided having improved loft and reduced fuzz wherein the substrate comprises relatively low denier bicomponent fibers. The bicomponent fibers may comprise two or more polymers having different melting temperatures, with the relatively lower melting temperature polymer making up at least a portion of the outer surface of the fiber. Upon heating to a sufficient temperature, the lower melting temperature fibers may soften and melt, providing bonding at crossover points of the fibers in the laid web. The web indicates advantageous characteristics with respect to thickness (loft), fuzz factor and ability to absorb a fabric treating composition.

Abstract: A composite facing material is disclosed that may be used in combination with, e.g. foam, fibers and/or shoddy in a vehicular application. The composite may provide heat insulation and/or sound attenuation in a vehicular trim panel. The facing material may include a layer of staple fibers with a spunbonded continuous filament web layer. The layers may be intermittently thermally bonded in a desired pattern.

Abstract: A method of forming flame-retardant nonwoven fabrics by hydroentanglement includes providing a precursor web. The precursor web is subjected to hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device to create a patterned and imaged fabric. Treatment with a flame-retardant binder enhances the integrity of the fabric, permitting the nonwoven to exhibit desired physical characteristics, including strength, durability, softness, and drapeability. The treated nonwoven may then be dyed by means applicable to conventional wovens.

Abstract: A method of forming flame-retardant nonwoven fabrics by hydroentanglement includes providing a precursor web. The precursor web is subjected to hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device to create a patterned and imaged fabric. Treatment with a flame-retardant binder enhances the integrity of the fabric, permitting the nonwoven to exhibit desired physical characteristics, including strength, durability, softness, and drapeability. The treated nonwoven may then be dyed by means applicable to conventional wovens.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of forming a textile laminate or composite fabric from a plurality of woven fabric layers, with the method contemplating use of a three-dimensional image transfer device to facilitate efficient and commercially viable use of the method. Herein is disclosed a method of forming an imaged textile laminate or composite compound fabric, the fabric having a first textile fabric layer comprising a plurality of interwoven warp and weft yarns and at least one other textile fabric layer, the lamination of the fabric layers and imaging of the construct occurring on a three-dimensional image transfer device. The image transfer device has a foraminous, image-forming surface comprising a regular pattern of three-dimensional surface elements.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of forming a textile laminate or composite fabric from a plurality of woven fabric layers, with the method contemplating use of a three-dimensional image transfer device to facilitate efficient and commercially viable use of the method.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of forming a textile laminate or composite fabric from a plurality of woven fabric layers, with the method contemplating use of a three-dimensional image transfer device to facilitate efficient and commercially viable use of the method. Herein is disclosed a method of forming an imaged textile laminate or composite compound fabric, the fabric having a first textile fabric layer comprising a plurality of interwoven warp and weft yarns and at least one other textile fabric layer, the lamination of the fabric layers and imaging of the construct occurring on a three-dimensional image transfer device. The image transfer device has a foraminous, image-forming surface comprising a regular pattern of three-dimensional surface elements.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of forming a textile laminate or composite fabric from a plurality of woven fabric layers, with the method contemplating use of a three-dimensional image transfer device to facilitate efficient and commercially viable use of the method.

Abstract: A method of forming flame-retardant nonwoven fabrics by hydroentanglement includes providing a precursor web. The precursor web is subjected to hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device to create a patterned and imaged fabric. Treatment with a flame-retardant binder enhances the integrity of the fabric, permitting the nonwoven to exhibit desired physical characteristics, including strength, durability, softness, and drapeability. The treated nonwoven may then be dyed by means applicable to conventional wovens.