Abstract: Coated inflatable fabrics, more particularly airbags to which very low add-on amounts of coating have been applied, are provided which exhibit extremely low air permeability. The inventive inflatable fabrics are primarily for use in automotive restraint cushions that require low permeability characteristics (such as side curtain airbags). Traditionally, heavy, and thus expensive, coatings of compounds such as neoprene, silicones and the like, have been utilized to provide such required low permeability. The inventive fabric utilizes an inexpensive, very thin coating to provide such necessarily low permeability levels. Thus, the inventive coated inflatable airbag comprises a film laminated on at least a portion of the target fabric surface wherein the film possesses a tensile strength of at least 2,000 and an elongation at break of at least 180%.

Abstract: This invention relates to antimicrobial fabrics which are treated with a specific durable and regenerable halamine/chlorine system and methods of removing residual active chlorine from the target textile surface without reducing the antimicrobial activity of the textile. Such methods comprise contacting an amine-treated fabric first with a halogen-based bleach (or other halogenated liquid) to produce halamines at the fabric surface, and subsequently washing the resultant halogenated fabric with a reducing agent which removes the residual, unbonded halogen (such as chlorine) from the fabric surface but does not, surprisingly, remove the halamine halogen. The remaining halamine halogen thus provides the desired antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: A composition for the promotion of adhesion between a rubber formulation and a textile substrate is provided. The inventive composition comprises either a mixture of specific amine functional silanes and organo-functional silanes having reactive groups or groups with an affinity for rubber. The inventive method entails the use of the inventive composition or a silane compound having both an amine moiety and a reactive group having an affinity for rubber formulations, particularly an unsaturated carbon-carbon bond. The composition may be utilized to adhere any standard reinforcement-type textile, such as polyester or polyamide, to a standard rubber composition, such as SBR, NBR, or EPDM. A method for adhering textiles to rubber formulations is also provided involving a pre-dip, -spray, -coat, and the like, of the inventive composition on a reinforcement-type textile surface followed by the contacting of the rubber formulation.

Abstract: A cable assembly includes a cable member and an outer jacket member disposed about the fiber optic cable member in slidable relation. In a preferred embodiment, the outer jacket member is a woven article, made from low friction, synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, Teflon, PEEK, or polyvinylidene fluoride. The outer jacket member serves as a sleeve that extends at least the same length as the cable member. In use, the outer jacket carrying the cable member may be attached at one end to a pull cord or tape that extends through the length of a conduit. A pulling force is exerted on the pull cord at a remote end of the conduit, causing the outer jacket member and cable member to be drawn through the conduit. The outer jacket bears most of the force of the pulling action, and the only force exerted directly on the fragile cable member is that of friction between the jacket and the cable.

Abstract: A fabric positioned within an automotive air conditioning system to direct the flow of air from a supply manifold to a distribution manifold. The fabric includes apertures provide different combinations of airflow directions at different longitudinal positions of the fabric. The fabric has warp and fill yarns combined in a satin weave, and a coating. The fabric is positioned so that the float of the fill yarns is oriented in the same direction as the longitudial direction of the fabric.

Abstract: A composition for the promotion of adhesion between a rubber formulation and a textile substrate is provided. The inventive composition comprises either a mixture of specific amine functional silanes and organo-functional silanes having reactive groups or groups with an affinity for rubber. The inventive method entails the use of the inventive composition or a silane compound having both an amine moiety and a reactive group having an affinity for rubber formulations, particularly an unsaturated carbon-carbon bond. The composition may be utilized to adhere any standard reinforcement-type textile, such as polyester or polyamide, to a standard rubber composition, such as SBR, NBR, or EPDM. A method for adhering textiles to rubber formulations is also provided involving a pre-dip, -spray, -coat, and the like, of the inventive composition on a reinforcement-type textile surface followed by the contacting of the rubber formulation.

Abstract: A composition for the promotion of adhesion between a rubber formulation and a textile substrate is provided. The inventive composition comprises either a mixture of specific amine functional silanes and organo-functional silanes having reactive groups or groups with an affinity for rubber. The inventive method entails the use of the inventive composition or a silane compound having both an amine moiety and a reactive group having an affinity for rubber formulations, particularly an unsaturated carbon-carbon bond. The composition may be utilized to adhere any standard reinforcement-type textile, such as polyester or polyamide, to a standard rubber composition, such as SBR, NBR, or EPDM. A method for adhering textiles to rubber formulations is also provided involving a pre-dip, -spray, -coat, and the like, of the inventive composition on a reinforcement-type textile surface followed by the contacting of the rubber formulation.

Abstract: A process for imparting long-lasting antimicrobial properties to fabrics is disclosed which entails the diffusion of triclosan esters within each individual fiber of a textile. One preferred method is performed in a standard jet dye bath which requires a high range of temperatures to effectively color fabrics. Dyeing in this manner also involves diffusing compounds within individual fibers; thus, this manner of incorporating dyestuffs and colorants within textile fabrics provides a compatible and effective vehicle for simultaneously introducing triclosan esters within such textile fibers, also. A dye bath application is not required, however, as any procedure which allows contact between a triclosan ester derivative and a fabric at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to effectuate diffusion of the ester within each individual fiber of the fabric is also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: A process for the production of an ultra violet absorbing polymer latex is provided. The inventive process involves the emulsion polymerization of a benzotriazole- or benzophenone-containing monomer with a vinyl functional monomer in the presence of a chain transfer agent, preferably 1-dodecanethiol. The latex provides excellent long-lasting, easy to apply, difficult to remove, ultraviolet absorption properties for many different substrates, most notably fabrics. Different articles and fabrics coated, covered, laminated, and the like, with the inventive latex are also provided.

Abstract: Coated inflatable fabrics, more particularly airbags to which very low add-on amounts of coating have been applied, are provided which exhibit extremely low air permeability. The inventive inflatable fabrics are primarily for use in automotive restraint cushions that require low permeability characteristics (such as side curtain airbags). Traditionally, heavy, and thus expensive, coatings of compounds such as neoprene, silicones and the like, have been utilized to provide such required low permeability. The inventive fabric utilizes an inexpensive, very thin coating to provide such necessarily low permeability levels. Thus, the inventive coated inflatable airbag comprises a film laminated on at least a portion of the target fabric surface wherein the film possesses a tensile strength of at least 2,000 and an elongation at break of at least 180%.

Abstract: Coated inflatable fabrics, more particularly airbags to which very low add-on amounts of coating have been applied, are provided which exhibit extremely low air permeabilities. The inventive fabrics are primarily for use in automotive restraint cushions which require low permeability characteristics (such as side curtain airbags). Traditionally, heavy, and thus expensive, coatings of compounds such as neoprene, silicones and the like, have been utilized to provide such required low permeability. The inventive fabric utilizes an inexpensive, very thin coating to provide such necessary low permeability levels. Thus, the inventive coated airbag possesses a coating of at most 3.0 ounces per square yard, most preferably about 0.

Abstract: A process for imparting long-lasting antimicrobial properties to fabrics is disclosed which entails the diffusion of triclosan esters within each individual fiber of a textile. One preferred method is performed in a standard jet dye bath which requires a high range of temperatures to effectively color fabrics. Dyeing in this manner also involves diffusing compounds within individual fibers; thus, this manner of incorporating dyestuffs and colorants within textile fabrics provides a compatible and effective vehicle for simultaneously introducing triclosan esters within such textile fibers, also. A dye bath application is not required, however, as any procedure which allows contact between a triclosan ester derivative and a fabric at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to effectuate diffusion of the ester within each individual fiber of the fabric is also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: A process for the production of an ultra violet absorbing polymer latex is provided. The inventive process involves the emulsion polymerization of a benzotriazole- or benzophenone-containing monomer with a vinyl functional monomer in the presence of a chain transfer agent, preferably 1-dodecanethiol. The latex provides excellent long-lasting, easy to apply, difficult to remove, ultraviolet absorption properties for many different substrates, most notably fabrics. Different articles and fabrics coated, covered, laminated, and the like, with the inventive latex are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel airbag coating compositions comprising at least two separate and distinct layers. The first layer (base coat), being in contact with the airbag surface, comprises a non-silicone composition of at least one coating material, provides excellent adhesion, excellent tensile strength, and lower cost than standard silicone materials. The second layer, being a coating for the first layer, provides excellent reinforcement and aging characteristics to prevent degradation of the first layer. Such a second layer (topcoat) is preferably a silicone material. This two-layer system permits excellent strength and aging properties to prevent seam combing at relatively low cost due to the inexpensive basecoat materials and the relatively low amount required for the topcoat. An airbag fabric coated with this inventive two-layer system is also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel airbag coating compositions comprising at least two separate and distinct layers. The first layer (base coat), being in contact with the airbag surface. comprises a composition of at least one coating material which may comprise up to 30% by parts of the total amount of material in the first layer of a silicone resin which provides excellent adhesion, excellent tensile strength, and overall lower cost than standard silicone airbag coating materials. The second layer, being a coating for the first layer, provides excellent reinforcement and aging characteristics to prevent degradation of the first layer. Such a second layer (topcoat) is preferably a silicone material. This two-layer system permits excellent strength and aging properties to prevent seam combing at relatively low cost due to the inexpensive basecoat materials and the relatively low amount required for the topcoat.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel airbag coating compositions comprising a mix of polyurethane and polyacrylate constituents which provides a highly effective low permeability treatment on a target fabric surface. This inventive composition also provides a low-cost alternative to other standard airbag coatings and exhibits excellent aging stability as well. An airbag fabric coated with this inventive composition is also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: A composition for the promotion of adhesion between a rubber formulation and a textile substrate is provided. The inventive composition comprises either a mixture of specific amine functional silanes and organo-functional silanes having reactive groups or groups with an affinity for rubber. The inventive method entails the use of the inventive composition or a silane compound having both an amine moiety and a reactive group having an affinity for rubber formulations, particularly an unsaturated carbon-carbon bond. The composition may be utilized to adhere any standard reinforcement-type textile, such as polyester or polyamide, to a standard rubber composition, such as SBR, NBR, or EPDM. A method for adhering textiles to rubber formulations is also provided involving a pre-dip, -spray, -coat, and the like, of the inventive composition on a reinforcement-type textile surface followed by the contacting of the rubber formulation.

Abstract: A process for the production of a fabric/elastomer composite is provided. The inventive process involves the impregnation through a printing procedure of an inventive elastomer composition comprising (i) a water-borne polyurethane latex, (ii) an acid-generating chemical, (iii) a cloud point surfactant, (iv) a thickener, and (v) optionally, a cross-linking agent, within a textile fabric. Subsequently, the impregnated fabric is then heated, preferably with steam, in order to generate an acid, which, in turn, permits the surfactant to gel and uniformly coagulate the latex over the fabric surface. The fabric is preferably a circular knit comprised of polyester and/or lycra fibers. The composite may be utilized within any fabric application requiring a support function, particularly as joint braces, sports brassieres, support apparel, and the like. The inventive elastomer composition is also provided.

Abstract: A process for the production of a fabric/elastomer composite is provided. The inventive process involves the impregnation through a printing procedure of an inventive elastomer composition comprising (i) a water-borne polyurethane latex, (ii) an acid-generating chemical, (iii) a cloud point surfactant, (iv) a thickener, and (v) optionally, a cross-linking agent, within a textile fabric. Subsequently, the impregnated fabric is then heated, preferably with steam, in order to generate an acid, which, in turn, permits the surfactant to gel and uniformly coagulate the latex over the fabric surface. The fabric is preferably a circular knit comprised of polyester and/or lycra fibers. The composite may be utilized within any fabric application requiring a support function, particularly as joint braces, sports brassieres, support apparel, and the like. The inventive elastomer composition is also provided.

Abstract: A process for imparting long-lasting antimicrobial properties to fabrics is disclosed which entails the diffusion of triclosan esters within each individual fiber of a textile. One preferred method is performed in a standard jet dye bath which requires a high range of temperatures to effectively color fabrics. Dyeing in this manner also involves diffusing compounds within individual fibers; thus, this manner of incorporating dyestuffs and colorants within textile fabrics provides a compatible and effective vehicle for simultaneously introducing triclosan esters within such textile fibers, also. A dye bath application is not required, however, as any procedure which allows contact between a triclosan ester derivative and a fabric at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to effectuate diffusion of the ester within each individual fiber of the fabric is also contemplated within this invention.