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 net utilizes members having at least one surface which is flat and causes the at least one flat surface of the members to confront each other and be connected by a sewn connection. The generally flat orientation of the members permits the members to be readily repeatedly connected with uniform results. The invention also utilizes the flat surfaces of the members to create an out of plane design whereby the flat surfaces of the members extend perpendicularly to the plane which includes the net. Connections can further be made by providing a hollow member and inserting another member into it at a first point and then threading the inserted member through the hollow member until it exits by piercing the hollow member or by causing the inserted member to be sewn to the hollow member therewithin.

Abstract: A multi-layer material for use in incontinence products comprises a base layer comprising a needled felt containing not less than 50% by weight polyester fiber, wherein the surface regions of the felt are denser than the central region thereof, which remains substantially unneedled. In addition, a second, multi-ply, layer is provided by a unitary fabric comprising two outer plies of knitted polyester fiber fabric with a ply of monofilament polyester accommodated therebetween. In order to prevent strike-through, furthermore, a barrier layer, e.g. of a polyurethane coated fabric, is also provided, as is also a fourth, skin-contact, layer with a nap finish to provide a comfortable "feel" to the product. Incontinence products made from this material exhibit good absorbency, little or no strike-through and a dry skin effect.

Abstract: A large, round blanket structure includes at least two layers, each formed of semicircular sections diametrically joined and overlaid with seams crossed transversely. The layers are held together by stitching parallel to the the seams and stitching through a strip of binding material folded about the peripheral edge of the combined layers. The use of zig-zag stitches about 50% of the width of the binding overlapping at least one of said circular blanket layers provides a rugged construction and is consistent with a design giving the impression of rays of light (e.g., sun light) radiating from the center of the blanket. Preferably the method will utilize corner pieces, cut in making the semicircular sections, to make cone-shaped towels uniquely suitable for cleaning golf clubs and balls.

Abstract: Described is a composite comprising at least one textile sheet material composed of synthetic polymer fibers and at least one textile sheet material composed of inorganic fibers, which textile sheet materials are joined to one another by yarns.The textile sheet materials are preferably joined together by sewing, knitting or stitch-bonding.The composite is especially useful as reinforcement for the production of roofing felts.

Abstract: A method of bonding fabric materials together into an integral structure is unique in the attachment of a mating fabric onto a base fabric. The mating fabric is disposed to have a longitudinal binding end of specified profile for adhesion to the base fabric with improved tensile strength. Also disclosed is a structurally durable seamless quilt obtained by the use of the method.

Abstract: An interlining of multiple plies the plies of which may be dissimilar, is made by joining fabric from respective rolls, gathering the stitched-together fabric as roll goods, and die cutting the stitched-together fabric from the roll goods before sewing the interlinings into neckwear.

Abstract: Method for producing a fibrous reinforcement (1) for a component of composite material comprising at least two non-coplanar walls, which are for example orthogonal.According to the invention, at least one first fibrous element (2) is produced as a fiber mat, said first fibrous element (2) is applied via one of its narrow sides (4) against a first face (5) of a second element; and there are inserted, through a second face (7) of said second element (3), on the opposite side to said first face (5), and by the stitching without knotting of a continuous filament (F) by means of a needle, transverse fibers passing through said second element (3).Production of fiber-matrix composite components.

Abstract: A method of bonding fabric materials together into an integral structure is unique in the attachment of a mating fabric onto a base fabric. The mating fabric is disposed to have a longitudinal binding end of specified profile for adhesion to the base fabric with improved tensile strength. Also disclosed is a structurally durable seamless quilt obtained by the use of the method.

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: Method for producing a fibrous reinforcement (1) for a component of composite material comprising a panel provided with a rib. Transverse fibers (4A) are inserted over the whole extent of the first fibrous element (2), through the opposite face of the first fibrous element (2) to the second fibrous element (3) and by the stitching without knotting of a continuous filament (4) by means of a needle (33, 40), so that the transverse fibers (4A), which are located opposite the bearing flange (3A) of the second fibrous element (3), form stitches (4B) joining the first and second fibrous elements together and that some (4A1) of the transverse fibers (4A) are located vertically in line with the stiffening flange (3B) of the second fibrous element (3). Also a method for the production of composite components of the aircraft structural panel type.

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 method and device are disclosed for forming reinforcement element formed of fibers distributed along three dimensions, wherein, a continuous fiber is introduced in a substrate resting on a support formed of such fibers crossed in at least two directions, by stitching, from the free face of said substrate opposite said support by means of a needle driven with a reciprocal movement, a relative movement being in addition generated between said support and said needle so that said continuous fiber is formed inside said substrate of a succession of consecutive segments forming a zig-zag line.The invention is remarkable in that:said needle is curved and imposes on each segment of said continuous fiber a similar curved form; andthe reciprocal movement of said curved needle occurs while rotating about an axis perpendicular to the plane of said needle and disposed on the concave side thereof.

Abstract: A method of stitching a piece of fabric by means of a thread made of technical fiber, for the purpose of making a composite fiber-matrix piece. According to the invention: the needle thread is constituted by a flexible thread that is strong in traction; the shuttle thread is constituted by the thread of technical fiber; and the tension of the shuttle thread and the tension of the needle thread are respectively adjusted to a level that is sufficiently low and a level that is sufficiently high to ensure that after the stitch has been made, the shuttle thread projects outside the piece of fabric from the first face side thereof, and the needle thread lies completely outside the piece of fabric, likewise on the first face side thereof.

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 method of constructing a patchwork quilt by (1) providing a number of pieces of foldable material specifically shaped to be folded and sewn together to make a quilt that appears to be made with a larger number of pieces than are actually used; (2) folding the material to give the appearance that each piece is made of several smaller pieces which have been sewn together; (3) sewing the pieces of folded material together to form a block suitable for use as one block of the top layer of a quilt; (4) providing layers of insulating material and backing adjacent to the bottom surface of the composite piece; (5) sewing the three layers together so that the fabric is quilted and pieced all in one step to form a patchwork quilt block; and (5) joining several blocks together to make a quilt.

Abstract: A composite fabric and its method of disposal after use. Garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles are provided as the composite of a reusable first component and a woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol polymer as a second component. The second component is water soluble in temperatures above approximately 140.degree. F. After use, the composite is subjected to water of sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol component but not the reusable first component.

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 bonding fabric materials together into an integral structure is unique in the attachment of a mating fabric onto a base fabric. The mating fabric is disposed to have a longitudinal binding end of specified profile for adhesion to the base fabric with improved tensile strength. Also disclosed is a structurally durable seamless quilt obtained by the use of the method.

Abstract: A process is described for producing garments or individual parts thereof from at least one top fabric, from which the cuts belonging to a garment are cut out in a cutting device and are fed to further processing, wherein, if desired, cuts of a predetermined type are provided with coated lining parts and are attached thereto, wherein during the cutting of the cuts, at least those cuts which will subsequently be provided with lining parts are provided mechanically with marks, and during the attachment of cuts to lining parts, at least one of the parts to be attached is provided with a mark immediately before, during or after the attachment. Separate marking in an operation intended especially for this purpose is thus avoided.

Abstract: A duplex filter cloth for chamber type filters has two initially separate pieces secured together, as by stitching, around circumferential terminal edges of turned-down collar portions of the respective pieces, which portions are closely and smoothly interlapped to provide a barrel neck for the duplex filter cloth. Turning down of the collar portions is accomplished by an elongate conical mandrel of a jig press which operates relative to mandrel-receiving openings in pairs of bed plates, inserted in turn in such jig press, to effectively turn-down circumferential marginal portions of filtrate feed openings of respective flat filter cloth sheets.

Abstract: An air bag has a pair of circular fabrics overlapping one upon the other with their marginal portions being stitched by crossing a sewing thread on the side of their edges to form a seam so that the seam is showing. The marginal end portions can be neatly enwrapped by the seam, not only providing the air bag with an unimpaired appearance but also making it compact when folded.

Abstract: Composite flexible multilayer insulation systems (MLI) were evaluated for thermal performance and compared with currently used fibrous silica (baseline) insulation system. The systems described are multilayer insulations consisting of alternating layers of metal foil and scrim ceramic cloth or vacuum metallized polymeric films quilted together using ceramic thread. A silicon carbide thread for use in the quilting and the method of making it are also described. These systems are useful to provide lightweight thermal insulation for a variety of uses, particularly on the surface of aerospace vehicles subject to very high temperatures during flight.

Abstract: A liquid proof seam construction is provided. A double needle flat-felled seam is constructed having a melt adhesive polymer film disposed within the seam. The seam is then passed through a hot air/pressure device which melts the film and compresses the seam. This forms a liquid, e.g. waterproof, bond between adjacent layers of material and also fills up any area around the stitching formed by needle holes.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced resin composites formed by elements joined by a high shear strength, high fracture toughness adhesive are disclosed. The elements are created in easily produceable cross-sectional shapes such as flat, C-shaped, Z-shaped or T-shaped. When joined, the elements form delamination resistant fiber reinforced resin composites having more complex shapes. The strength of the junctions between a pair of elements, such as a panel and its associated reinforcing members, can be enhanced by fasteners, such as rivets, if desired.

Abstract: A recoverable article comprising a recoverable fabric, optionally with a matrix material, is provided with a closure whereby it can be retained in the wrapped around configuration. The article is suitable for environmentally protecting cables and pipes and joins therein.

Abstract: A device for attaching a shoulder strap to a fabric wall of a backpack comprising a pair of flexible reinforcing fabric members positioned orthogonally to each other and on either side of one end of the shoulder strap and further including stitches implemented in a box stitch pattern which secure one of the fabric members to the strap and additional stitches securing the strap, both fabric members and the fabric wall of the backpack together.

Abstract: According to this invention, there is provided a reinforcement blanket having a plurality of layers of fiber-reinforcement materials sewn together. The sewing together of the various layers of the fiber-reinforcement materials provides a plurality of channels extending through the reinforcement blanket. The reinforcement blanket can be shaped into a preform or can be used directly as a reinforcement in a molding process. The channels in the reinforcement blanket aid in distributing a matrix resin during an impregnation process.

Abstract: A multilayer textile article for the production of laminated materials has layers each consisting of a two-directional cloth, the layers being joined together by a third thread extending in a direction inclined to the direction in which the threads of the layers extend. According to the invention the third thread forms a continuous stitching (C), the stitching extending helically from one end of the layers to the other.

Abstract: A fabric includes an intermediate layer of substantially parallel spun warp yarns, the intermediate layer having a first surface and an opposite, second surface; a top backing layer formed of spun bonded non-woven fibers on the first surface of the intermediate layer; a bottom backing layer of spun bonded non-woven fibers on the opposite, second surface of the intermediate layer; a chain stitching extending substantially parallel to and between adjacent spun warp yarns to connect the top layer to the bottom layer and thereby secure the warp yarns therebetween; and the stitched fabric being hydraulically entangled to adhere the loose warp yarns to the spun bonded non-woven yarns of the top and bottom backing layers.

Abstract: A method of waterproofing the stitch lines of padding material having a high degree of thermal insulation, usable in clothing and the like comprises the step of applying a tape composed of a support layer of polyamide fibre fabric, a waterproofing layer of polyurethane resin, and an adhesive layer of great adhesion and cohesion and based on elastomers.

Abstract: A multiple-end weft-insertion process which is capable of achieving extremely high yarn density which is uniform in plys of structural fabrics is disclosed, making use of conventional machinery and systems. Yarn is transferred from a shuttle to yarn transfer elements spaced a sufficient distance apart to avoid damage to the yarn, and then transferred to yarn holding elements. Each successive pass of the shuttle is adjusted by moving the yarn transfer element parallel to the holding elements, so as to overlap each band deposited by the shuttle. The amount of movement necessary to achieve any desired density is calculated according to established parameters.

Abstract: A textile fabric suitable for use as a fire-blocking sheet in aircraft seat cushion comprises three to seven, fastened together nonwoven layers of hydarulically needled batts of aramid staple fibers.

Abstract: A moldable fibrous sheet having a cellulose fiber and textile fiber base, said sheet having a composition comprising from 5 to 95% by weight of cellulose fibers obtained by dry shredding, from about 0.5 to 10% of textile fibers having at least two half-waves per centimeter of length, said sheet being further formed by superimposing fine sheets sewn but not rigidly connected to each other. The sheet may be molded into shaped panels through a molding cycle between 15 seconds and 3 minutes, which panels may be used in automobile construction, furnishing and packing.

Abstract: A textile fabric employs a corrugated synthetic flat yarn having a plurality of filaments arranged in side-by-side relationship and being integral with adjacent filaments. The tape is corrugated tape woven or knitted with other yarns in a flat, substantially untwisted attitude. The tape is fabricated without fibrillation but controlled splitting may occur during subsequent fabric sewing or stitching operations. The fabric is particularly suited for use as geotextiles, woven intermediate bulk containers, woven explosive bags, and strapping (webbing).

Abstract: A soil erosion control blanket formed from a mat of interlocking woodwool fibres, the mat of woodwool being retained as a coherent structure by means of longitudinal rows of stitching giving the blanket a quilted appearance.

Abstract: An elastomeric strand supply package is provided in the form of a bundle of elastomeric strands held together by a series of connected chain stitches which extend along the length of the bundle. The chain stitches are unravelled to free the individual strands, as the strands are being fed to a textile machine.

Abstract: A structural fabric (20, 28, 40, 48) and a method for making the same is disclosed. Structural fabric (20) is comprised of a plurality of substantially parallel, uniaxial structural yarn (22) and a secondary yarn (24) for holding the structural yarns (22) in place. The structural yarns (22) are oriented at an angle skewed from both the fabric centerline (26) and a line perpendicular to the fabric centerline (26).A double biased fabric (28) is made by sewing two fabrics (20) together with secondary yarn (39). An alternate double bias fabric (40) is made by sewing together with secondary yarn (46) the two layers of a flattened helix made from structural yarn (42, 44) running spirally substantially the length of the fabric (40).A triaxial fabric (48) is made by sewing together with a secondary yarn (56) two single biased fabrics (50, 52) and a layer of longitudinally-extending structural yarn pieces (54).

Abstract: A blanket formed of heat and flame resistant materials and adapted to be placed adjacent to a structural part to isolate it thermally from other, adjacent structural parts. The blanket is comprised of a layer of insulation material coupled to a layer of fibrous material impregnated with a thermosetting resin. When the blanket is in a desired shape, the resin is cured to render the layer of fibrous material substantially rigid so it can support itself as well as the layer of insulating material coupled to it. Layers of a heat and fire resistant fabric such as glass fabric are placed on opposed sides of the layer of insulating material to keep the insulating material intact. In one application, the blanket is molded in the form of a box-like structure which can at least partially surround a structural part, such as an aircraft engine, to form a fireshield to isolate the engine from adjacent structural parts of an aircraft.

Abstract: Three-dimensional thick fabrics are made from a laminate of fabric plies by first inserting pointed rods through the laminate to form rows of holes after which needles are reciprocated through the different holes to pull loops of various yarns through the holes. The loops of yarns in adjacent holes are interlocked to hold the plies together. A guide releasably clamped to each yarn controls tension in the yarn while a doffing point is employed to insure that the needle passes through a loop just formed when penetrating the next hole to insure interlock of the loops. Hollow circular objects are formed by winding a length of fabric a selected number of times around a form, following which the pointed rods are used to form holes in the resulting laminate with the needles and yarns being used to form the interlocking loops through the thickness of the laminate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making aesthetically pleasing and novel quilting including intricate artistic stitching-patterns. The quilting results from a preferably tri-laminar layup having a resiliently-compressible foam layer sandwiched between relatively thin facing and base fabric sheets. The method utilizes a tabletop for supporting the layup, at least one sewing machine head overlying and associated with the tabletop, and gripper means for frictionally engaging non-peripheral areas of the layup for shifting same along the tabletop relative to the sewing head according to successive command means.

Abstract: A feather quilt comprising upper and lower cloth layers, a multiplicity of rectangular spaces arrayed in regular rows and files in the interspace between the upper and the lower layer, and down placed to fill up the rectangular spaces is manufactured by sewing ribbon-like partition pieces to the inner sides of the upper and lower layers along the individual boundaries of the rectangular spaces running in the longitudinal (or lateral) direction and T-shaped partition pieces to the aforementioned inner sides along the individual boundaries of the rectangular spaces running in the lateral (or longitudinal) direction, sewing together the corresponding ribbonlike partition pieces fastened to the upper and lower layers, similarly sewing the T-shaped partition pieces together with the exception of the openings formed of the projecting portions thereof, and sequentially filling with down the rectangular spaces formed between the upper and lower layers by the use of a down injection tube inserted through the openings

Abstract: A secondary pattern 40 having a mirror image relationship to an applique design of a primary pattern is produced and adhered to the underside 20b of a background fabric 20. Crudely cut segments 42 of fabric material are positioned on the upperside 20a of the background fabric 20 and sewed thereto with a thread of contrasting color in accordance with the secondary pattern 40 on the underside of the background fabric 20. The stitches 44 produced with the contrasting thread are used as precision guides for trimming excess portions of the fabric segments 42 so that each piece assumes its desired shape in accordance with the primary pattern. The stitches 44 produced by sewing with the contrasting thread are also used as precision guides for final applique stitching 50 with a further thread to secure each design component fabric piece (22, 24, 26, 28) to the background fabric and, where desirable, to conceal stitches 44 made with the contrasting thread.

Abstract: Individual plies of woven cloth having different fiber orientation patterns are prelocated with respect to each other and by continuous means, such plies are arranged into a stacked package and sewn together to secure the plies in a predetermined position with respect to each other.

Abstract: For high quality handcrafted furniture, cushioned upholstery (comprising a field of padded chambers respectively delineated by attractive deep channels) provides a luxurious external appearance. Cushioned upholstery material of the prior art is traditionally of the "discretely individually stuffable pockets" type. The cushioned upholstery material described herein differs markedly from the prior art in that pocket means is unnecessary, but rather, a relatively broad and thick piece of laminar resiliently compressible foam sheeting is stitchably incorporated into a plurality (and possibly even all) of the field padded chambers, the stitching rows also providing improved deep channel delineations for the resultant multi-chambered cushioned upholstery material.

Abstract: A fabric article comprises a piece of stretch fabric and a piece of woven non-stretch fabric in superposed relationship, the two pieces of fabric being secured together in stretch-resisting manner, e.g. by stitching, along first and second lines which extend transversely to each other and obliquely to both the warp and weft directions of the woven fabric.

Abstract: An afghan construction and method of making an afghan is provided. The afghan is made from a plurality of afghan squares, each square having four sides. The sides of the squares which are to lie on the outer periphery of the afghan have a border region formed integrally therewith. The afghan squares are joined together by stitching or the like so that the sides of the squares which include the border region lie on the outer periphery of the afghan.

Abstract: A textile composite is provided which comprises a non-woven textile fabric, composed of textile fibers needled together into a network of coherently entangled fibers and having an overall bulk density of between 4 and 20 lbs. per cubic foot, and a knitted textile fabric, having a weight of between 1 and 8 ozs. per square yard, bound to the needled fabric. The binding of the fabrics is such that at least one tensile property of the composite is greater than the sum of that same property of the non-woven and knitted fabrics. That same property is measurable at an extension which is the same or less than the extension at failure of the composite.

Abstract: A composite structure has two composite panels which are bonded together at a joint. The joint is reinforced by composite thread being sewn in a series of stitches through the panels. Sewing the panels while they are in a staged condition allows the structure to be co-cured as assembled.