Abstract: A thermally-insulating sheet includes a thermal insulator which includes a fiber sheet made of fibers providing spaces among the fibers, a resin layer provided on a part of a surface of the fiber sheet, the first resin having a denser surface than the fiber sheet, and a silica xerogel held in the spaces of the fiber sheet. The thermally-insulating sheet further includes a protective sheet bonded onto the resin layer so as to cover the thermal insulator and to cover the surface of the fiber sheet. This thermally-insulating sheet hardly break even if having a large size.

Abstract: The invention relates to a burner cover insulation device for shielding a burner cover from a boiler burner, the device comprising a cover layer comprising a heat resistant inorganic fibrous material and having a first outer peripheral edge; a support layer providing mechanical strength to the device and having a second outer peripheral edge that at least extends to the outer peripheral edge of the cover layer; and a filling material forming an insulating layer between the cover layer and the support layer, wherein a through hole extends through the cover layer and the support layer. The invention furthermore relates to a method for manufacturing such a device.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing sewing guide patterns suitable for constructing groups of patchwork components used in quilting. A rectangular sewing guide outer perimeter exactly includes either two or four congruent instances of rectangular, right-angle triangle or isosceles triangle patchwork components. A nested series of additional sewing guide elements are placed inside the rectangle where the points of each element are placed at the midpoints of the sides of the previous element. The number of elements is selected in consideration of aesthetic objectives. Final sewing guide patterns are prepared by adding a space equal to two times a seam allowance between each of the shared sides of the contiguous instances of the patchwork components in the rectangle and added elements. The pattern is suitable for assembling a plurality of patchwork components by methods known in the art as foundation piecing. The components are released by cutting between the added spaces.

Abstract: There is provided herein a compression dressing comprising a first cushion layer (1) and a second support layer (2) wherein the two layers (1,2) are connected to each other in the unstretched state by means of a stich-bonding process via an elastic sewing thread, the stich length being 1.5 to 3mm/U at a sewing thread tension of at most 4 cN.

Abstract: A mattress cover for a mattress providing movement therapy to a patient. A patient support portion covers the upper surface of the mattress, and a bottom portion is coupled to the patient support portion. The mattress cover may substantially encase the mattress. An augmenting feature is associated with a peripheral portion with the augmenting feature adapted to move between a stored configuration, and a deployed configuration in response to increasing thickness of the mattress during the movement therapy. The augmenting feature may include concertinaed material, such as thermoformed plastic, and/or a fold of material coupled to the peripheral portion. The patient support portion and the bottom portion may at least partially overlap and be moveable relative to one another. The mattress cover may be included on a mattress overlay having a patient turning device, or on the mattress supported on a patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A geocomposite covering for placement atop the ground including a lower carrier layer and an intermediate layer of particulate material positioned above the lower carrier layer. A synthetic turf is positioned over the particulate material and is affixed to the lower carrier layer to contain the particulate material between the lower carrier layer and the synthetic turf. The synthetic turf is affixed to the lower carrier layer by one or more of stitches, needle-punched staple fibers, linking fibers, heat bonded fibers, or mechanical fasteners. The particulate material can include clays, cementitious materials, granular material, powder-like material, and the like.

Abstract: This application provides a sewing method and structure for a duvet, and the sewing method includes the following steps: first, stacking base cloth, a plurality pieces of retractable cloth and a plurality pieces of connection cloth together in sequence to form a duvet unit; then aligning two duvet units, and sewing the connection cloth on the two duvet units together in a one-to-one correspondence; and finally sewing perimeters of two pieces of the base cloth together in a one-to-one correspondence to form a closed down space. A beneficial effect of this invention is that downs in the duvet cannot run out from the gaps.

Abstract: Described are heat insulation structures for a garment. The heat insulation structure includes at least one first insulation element having a first uncompressed shape, at least one second insulation element having a second uncompressed shape that is different than the first uncompressed shape, and a contact area formed when the first uncompressed shape contacts the second uncompressed shape. The second uncompressed shape is deformable through pressure applied by a wearer's body when the garment is worn, which increases a size of the contact area.

Abstract: Aspects herein provide for a method of manufacturing a vented insulated garment using non-woven polymer sheets and garments produced therefrom. The method generally comprises providing a non-woven polymer sheet having one or more voided portions, positioning the sheet between two textile layers, and bonding the textile layers together at areas corresponding to the voided portions in the non-woven polymer sheet to form a seam. The seam may be optionally perforated.

Abstract: A mattress topper is provided that includes opposite first and second end surfaces. The end surfaces each extend from a first side surface to a second side surface. The mattress topper includes a plurality of rows. Each of the rows include a quilting pattern defining a first pocket that extends from the first side surface to the second side surface, a second pocket that is enclosed within the first pocket and a third pocket that is enclosed within the second pocket.

Abstract: Disclosed are an annular fibrous preform and a method of preparing the same. The preform is formed by superposing and needle-punching annular units (5) containing an annular composite fabric (4), and the annular composite fabric (4) is shaped by needle-punching sector-shaped fibrous fabric (3) of the same type with an annular fibrous web (1) in advance. The method of preparing a preform involves needle-punching an annular fibrous fabric (2) formed of abutted sector-shaped fibrous fabrics with an annular fibrous web (1) in advance and fixedly joining the same into an annular composite fabric (4), and then needle-punching and forming annular units (5) to realize the preparation of the annular fibrous preform.

Abstract: A spacer textile material has at least a portion of a tensile strand located between a first layer and a second layer of the spacer textile material where the first layer and second layer have been joined together to form channels in which the tensile strand moves freely. The tensile strand may be disposed within or about the spacer textile material in any location on the material. The spacer textile material with a tensile strand may be incorporated into an article of footwear and/or article of apparel.

Abstract: A one-piece fiber reinforcement for a reinforced polymer is described. In an embodiment, a one-piece reinforcement is fabricated by first assembling an interior randomly oriented fiber layer between two exterior aligned fiber layers. With all layers in face to face contact, a preselected number of fibers from the aligned layer is conveyed out of its aligned layer and threaded into at least the random fiber layer so that the conveyed fibers engage and mechanically and frictionally interfere with the random fibers. The fibers may be conveyed from one aligned layer to the other for yet greater interference. The interfering fibers serve to secure and interlock the layers together, producing a one-piece reinforcement which, when impregnated with a polymer precursor, shaped and cured may be incorporated in a polymer reinforced composite article.

Abstract: A holding sealing material for an exhaust gas purifying apparatus includes a mat and a heater. The mat includes inorganic fibers. The heater is disposed on either one of main surfaces of the mat. An exhaust gas purifying apparatus includes a casing, an exhaust gas treating body, and a holding sealing material. The exhausted gas treating body is canned in the casing. The holding sealing material is wound around the exhaust gas treating body and disposed between the exhaust gas treating body and the casing. The holding sealing material includes a mat including inorganic fibers, and a heater disposed between the mat and the exhaust gas treating body.

Abstract: Buoyed mats for reservoir vapor management are described. In one aspect, the buoyed biomats are made from an interconnected structure comprising biomass materials. A support structure is attached to the interconnected biomass. Floatable components are attached to the support structure to facilitate flotation of the mats.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mattress is constructed of a core having a first side and a second side. A padding layer is positioned at the first side of the core and has a contoured surface and a planar surface. A layer of individual fiberballs is disposed on the planar surface of the padding layer.

Abstract: An insulating product and method for its creation involving inner valves designed to impede the flow of insulating materials between compartments formed by the inner valves. This allows for creating vertical baffles in addition to the typical horizontal baffles.

Abstract: An insulating product and method for its creation involving inner valves designed to impede the flow of insulating materials between compartments formed by the inner valves. This allows for creating vertical baffles in addition to the typical horizontal baffles.

Abstract: The comforter includes a core portion which includes upper and lower fabric layers with lines of stitching connecting the upper and lower fabric layers and filling within the volumes of the core portion defined thereby. Border portions are attached to the head and foot ends of the core portion, wherein the top edge of the core portion is gathered and the head border portion sewn thereto. The width of the top edge of the core portion is approximately 20-75% wider ungathered than when gathered and sewn to the head border portion. The lower edge of the core portion is approximately 0-50% wider ungathered than when gathered and sewn to the foot border portion. Side border portions are secured to the sides of the core portion and to the opposing ends of the head and foot border portions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mattress is constructed of a core having a first side and a second side. A padding layer is positioned at the first side of the core and has a contoured surface and a planar surface. A layer of individual fiberballs is disposed on the planar surface of the padding layer.

Abstract: The bedding article includes upper and lower fabric layers which are substantially identical in configuration and are secured to each other around the peripheries thereof. A plurality of channels are defined by channel baffle members which extend in a longitudinal direction of the bedding article. A plurality of curved, cup-like baffle elements are positioned in the channels, attached to the upper and lower fabric sections. The baffle members alternate in orientation, i.e. their direction of opening, along the length of the channel, wherein adjacent baffles which curve toward each other are spaced apart so as to permit fill to be blown into the channels and the volumes bounded by the baffle elements.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mattress is constructed of a core having a first side and a second side. A padding layer is positioned at the first side of the core and has a contoured surface and a planar surface. A layer of individual fiberballs is disposed on the planar surface of the padding layer.

Abstract: A bed cover (1) with isolated or quilted chambers (3) running parallel to one edge (2) of the bed cover and filled with a heat-insulating material, which is useable in both summer and winter based on different positioning thereof. For this, the neighboring separate chambers (3) are attached, especially sewn, to a flat cloth or similar flat part (4) so that when the flat cloth layer (4) is bent or curved in a sense of an arching of the chambers (3), neighboring boundaries or walls (5) of the chambers (3) are moved apart relative to one another, and in the case of a bend or curvature in an opposite direction the boundaries or walls (5) of the filled chambers (3) come into contact with one another to provide a better insulation.

Abstract: A material for bedclothes includes first and second outer layers connected together at their peripheries, the first outer layer being made of at least two sub-layers connected together, one sub-layer being a smooth fabric material and a second sub-layer being made of a comfort-adjusting material such as a heat insulating material (fibrous batting). The second outer layer is made of a smooth fabric material (cotton sheeting). The first and second sub-layers can be sewn together to provide a quilted, non-smooth outer surface. The smooth outer layer is intended for contact with a person using the bedclothes.

Abstract: A stuffed textile article and method of manufacturing the same has at least one compartment having a baffle gate which receives a tube-like stuffing tool through which loose stuffing is blown into the compartment. Upon removal of the tool, the surrounding layers and panels which define the compartment are placed under tension by the stuffing causing the baffle gates to automatically close upon removal of the tool permanently preventing migration of the stuffing out of the compartment. The gate has a primary panel secured to the top and bottom layers of the article and an adjacent secondary panel at least partially covering the primary panel. The primary panel has a slit and the secondary panel has a slot. Taken individually, the slit and slot are each preferably longer than the thickness of the stuffed textile article and longer than half the circumference of the stuffing tool.

Abstract: The conformal thermal insulating blanket may have generally rigid batting material covered by an outer insulating layer formed of a high temperature resistant woven ceramic material and an inner insulating layer formed of a woven ceramic fiber material. The batting and insulating layers may be fastened together by sewing or stitching using an outer mold layer thread fabricated of a high temperature resistant material and an inner mold layer thread of a ceramic fiber material. The batting may be formed to a composite structure that may have a firmness factor sufficient to inhibit a pillowing effect after the stitching to not more than 0.03 inch. The outer insulating layer and an upper portion of the batting adjacent the outer insulating layer may be impregnated with a ceramic coating material.

Abstract: A laminate for bedding, padding upholstering and like applications by feeding an indeterminate length of a first material along a predetermined first path of travel from a source of the first material to a downstream assembly area. Feeding an indeterminate length of second material along a predetermined second path of travel from a source of the second material to the downstream assembly area. Depositing a multiplicity of substantially yieldable cushioning materials upon an upper surface of one of the first and second indeterminate lengths of material during the feeding thereof between the respective sources and the assembly area. Thereafter, sandwiching the cushioning materials between the indeterminate lengths of first and second materials to form a laminate therefrom, and rolling the laminate into a roll. The cushioning materials are foam latex and/or down and the first and second lengths of material are polyester fiber material and/or convoluted foam.

Abstract: A substantially closed baffle construction, filled thermal article comprises at least one baffle made with overlapping ribbons. A first ribbon is not attached to the inner surface of the lower layer in the overlapping portion and a second ribbon is not attached at the inner surface of the upper layer in the overlapping portion. The baffles are attached to either vertical channel baffles or to the sides of the article. This provides a self-closing gate that permits fill material to be placed within the baffle but does not allow it to migrate after the baffle portion is filled. The article of the present invention can be machine-washed.

Abstract: A method of forming cushions by needle punching is demonstrated in which superior structural integrity is achieved without adhesives or other external fasteners. The process is economical and utilizes polyurethane foam which is mechanically bound by needle punching to various polymeric fibers. In an alternate embodiment of the process, the needle punching causes the fibers to penetrate the foam block at an angle to the vertical for greater mechanical bonding between the fiber layer and the foam block. The cushion so formed by the various processes can be covered or upholstered as needed for furniture seating and other purposes.

Abstract: A down-fill quilted fabric comprised of stitched lines and tack stitches as well as the method of fabrication of the fabric is described. A down-fill material is disposed between fabric sheets which are secured together by stitched lines. A plurality of tack stitches are disposed between the stitch lines to compress the down-fill material to reduce the thickness of the quilted fabric by at least twice the normal loft of the down-fill material while maintaining pliability of the fabric. The tack stitches eliminates stitch lines which produce cold spots and which add rigidity to the fabric. Such quilted fabric may be used as outer or inner fabric pieces in the manufacture of articles of apparel, for the fabrication of bedding quilts or other articles wherein an insulating fabric is desired.

Abstract: In the process of defining quilted fabric, non-stretchable, stretchable and interior layers of materials are wound on separate rollers. Then the layers are positively fed from the rollers to a bi-directional acting sewing assembly wherein the non-stretchable layer is provided with zero elongation and the stretchable layer is provided with 25 to 300 percent stretch. Next, the arranged layers are sewn in sets of sinusoidal-like seam patterns. Finally the stretched layer is permitted to relax to a natural state wherein a series of puffs are formed in rows across the layer normal to stretch direction of the stretchable layer. Result: columns of puffs of even numbered rows are aligned with each other but are laterally offset with respect to puffs of odd numbered rows by a constant amount.

Abstract: A thermally insulated down-fill fabric of reduced thickness and having a down-fill composition. A patterned envelope is formed and defines a pouch in which down or a down-fill composition is inserted and distributed substantially evenly within the envelope. The envelope is then compressed and stitch seams are formed to define a quilt pattern of closely spaced stitch lines to reduce the loft of the down-fill composition by about twice the normal loft thereof. This procedure is repeated over the entire envelope whereby the fabric has at least half the thickness of the normal loft of the down-fill composition.

Abstract: A mohair quilted garment insert and method of fabrication are disclosed comprising the steps of providing a quantity of raw mohair, washing the raw mohair, drying the washed mohair, picking the dried mohair to remove loose fibers, adding an oil to the picked mohair, providing raw wool, washing the raw wool, drying the washed wool, blending the oiled mohair and dried wool to form a bat, providing an outer layer of moisture resistant fabric and providing an inner layer of flexible fabrics and positioning the blended wool and mohair between the outer and inner layers to form a bat between the inner and outer layers to form a precut garment pattern, stitching the precut pattern with a quilting machine to form rectangular pockets to thereby form an insulating material, and utilizing the insulating material for a wide variety of garments as a liner.

Abstract: An insulating blanket for a bulkhead in an engine nacelle comprises a fabric backing layer, a central insulating core, a ceramic precursor-impregnated hot-side fabric layer and, as required, erosion-preventing wire mesh. The backing layer comprises a fiberglass fabric. The insulating core comprises a ceramic felt. The hot side layer comprises one or more layers of resin-impregnated fiber glass fabric. The blanket is precured to provide a predetermined geometric shape.

Abstract: Fibrous substrates for the production of carbon and/or ceramic (including mixtures of these) fiber reinforced carbon and/or ceramic (including mixtures of these) composites and to methods of manufacture of same.

Abstract: Two laps are needled together between longitudinal guide tubes which maintain spacing between the laps and downstream of the needling position, the tubes release an interleaving material between the laps and between the rows of bridges formed by needling, the interleaving material consisting of resin, powder, fibers, tubes, wires, threads, and/or electrical conductors.

Abstract: Camouflage sheet material is formed by sandwiching a resilient core material between an inner and an outer layer of fabric or the like, and providing a series of irregularly spaced seams across the material to compress the resilient material along the seams and provide a three dimensional, textured appearance resembling the bark of a tree. The inner and outer layers may be a natural or synthetic fabric, and the core material may be a natural as synthetic fiber or foam material. Multiple layers of the core material may be used for greater depth in the external three dimensional texture, and/or greater insulating properties. The outer layer of material may be patterned with different colors or shadings for greater realism, and may include leaf patterns sporadically placed thereon for greater realism. The sewing process may be automated by gang sewing the seams with pattern repeats.

Abstract: In the proces of defining quilted fabric, non-stretchable, stretchable and interior layers of materials are wound on separate rollers. Then the layers are positively fed from the rollers to a bi-directional acting swing assembly wherein non-stretchable and interior materials are provided with zero elongation and the stretchable layer with 50 to 100 per cent stretch. Next, the arranged layers are sewn in sets of sinusoidal-like seam patterns. Finally the stretched layer is permitted to relax to a natural state wherein a series of puffs are formed in rows across the layer normal to stretch direction of the stretchable layer. Result: columns of puffs of even numbered rows are aligned with each other but are laterally offset with respect to puffs of odd numbered rows by a constant amount.

Abstract: A method is provided for the continuous production of sealing sheeting impervious to water and/or oil, in the case of which between a substrate layer and a non-woven material covering layer a swellable clay is needle punched in position, a swellable clay additionally strewn on the top side of the covering layer being at the same time incorporated in the covering layer. After this the swellable clay present in the covering is moistened and dried again. In accordance with a modified form of the invention use is only made of a substrate consisting of a non-woven material, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric and/or a film, the film being a synthetic resin film, a synthetic resin film reinforced with fabric or paper, and a large pored non-woven material or a non-consolidated intersecting fiber crimped non-woven material or a random fiber non-woven material on which the pulverulent swellable clay is strewn, incorporated by needle punching, moistened and dried.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water barrier fabric, in flexible or rigid form, and articles manufactured thereby, formed by dispersing a water-absorbent material, in powdered or granular form, among a mass of fibers during the formation of a loose mat of said fibers, to homogeneously disperse the powdered or granular water-absorbent material above, below and on each side of the fibers forming the mat, and thereafter densifying and structurally consolidating the mat, to secure the fibers in position surrounding and entrapping the water-absorbent material, such as by sewing, quilting, needle punching or otherwise bonding the fibers into a consolidated, structurally secure fabric at least partially filled with the powdered or granular water-absorbent material. In a preferred embodiment, one, or both, major surfaces of the fabric is coated with a water-insoluble adhesive to substantially increase the tensile strength of the fabric and to prevent shifting of fibers when installed on sloping surfaces.

Abstract: A multi-layer article of manufacture includes an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of flexible sheet or fabric material wherein the two flexible layers of sheet or fabric material are structurally interconnected through the intermediate clay layer, such as by needle punching, after lubrication of the clay with a liquid, such as water, to interconnect fibers of one fabric layer to the other fabric layer at spaced locations over essentially the entire inner surface areas of both sheet or fabric material layers.

Abstract: Binded and structurally reinforced thermoplastic-fabric composite construction materials, that are moldable, are described, comprising a structurally reinforced multilayer binded together in a binding process. A barrier fabric layer, and/or a decorative layer, may also be included in order to produce or vary decorative, and/or other effects. The structurally reinforced multilayer is made from a thermoplastic resin system and at least one fabric layer containing reinforcing fibers. Reinforcing fibers are introduced into components of the structurally reinforced multilayer, within the fabric layers, and may also be comingled with or layered into the thermoplastic resin system before addition to the fabric.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method enable the production of novel decorative fabrics having flat narrow fabrics stitchingly secured in longitudinally compressed substrate. The narrow fabrics are such as lace, ribbon, braid or tape. The apparatus and method function so as to guide a narrow fabric into the path of a conventional reciprocating sewing needle whereby the needle on each downward stroke strikes the fabric and advances it in a compressed convoluted condition toward the needle plate whereupon the fabric is stitched in its compressed convoluted condition to a substrate or devoid of a substrate.

Abstract: An improved composite flexible blanket insulation comprising top silicon carbide having an interlock design, wherein the reflective shield is composed of single or double aluminized polyamide and wherein the polyamide film has a honeycomb pattern.

Abstract: A vapor permeable buoyant insulation composition suitable for floatation garments and the like is impermeable to water, and yet allows the escape of perspiration when the composition is used in garments or boots. The composition comprises a closed-cell insulating foam which has a plurality of holes distributed throughout, first and second layers of fabric, one layer on each side of the foam, and stitching pattern throughout the composition causing the first and second layers to be in contact at the holes in the foam.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water barrier fabric, in flexible or rigid form, and article manufactured thereby, formed by dispersing a water-absorbent material, in powdered or granular form, among a mass of fibers during the formation of a loose mat of said fibers, to homogeneously disperse the powdered or granular water-absorbent material above, below and on each side of the fibers forming the mat, and thereafter densifying and structurally consolidating the mat, to secure the fibers in position surrounding and entrapping the water-absorbent material, such as by sewing, quilting, needle punching or otherwise bonding the fibers into a consolidated, structurally secure fabric at least partially filled with the powdered or granular water-absorbent material.

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: Non-continuous fiber reinforcements for resinous material having a layer of chopped strands, evenly distributed in random orientations and a confinement layer extending over and in intimate contact with layer of chopped strands. Rows of stitching are provided. individual stitches in the rows attach the confinement layer and the chopped strands.

Abstract: A multi-layer article of manufacture includes an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of flexible sheet or fabric material wherein the two flexible layers of sheet or fabric material are structurally interconnected through the intermediate clay layer, such as by needle punching, after lubrication of the clay with a liquid, such as water, to interconnect fibers of one fabric layer to the other fabric layer at spaced locations over essentially the entire inner surface areas of both sheet or fabric material layers.

Abstract: A multi-layer article of manufacture includes an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of flexible sheet or fabric material wherein the two flexible layers of sheet or fabric material are structurally interconnected through the intermediate clay layer, such as by quilting, with threads, fibers, filaments or strands of flexible material at spaced locations over essentially the entire outer surface areas of both sheet or fabric material layers.