Abstract: A method for bonding fibers includes providing a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer positioned below the first fiber layer to bond the first fiber layer with the second fiber layer. The method may also include providing a first additive layer. The first additive layer is located between the first fiber layer and the second fiber layer. Then, the method may further include activating the first additive layer by directing energy at the first additive layer.

Abstract: A high strength filament reinforced thermoplastic polymer film is provided for use in various applications with properties that are stronger than rip-stop nylon or polyester woven fabric. As disclosed, a sailboat spinnaker is provided made from high strength filament reinforced thermoplastic polymer film. The sailboat spinnaker may he bonded or thermo welded together along seams to form a finished spinnaker. The seams, being welded or bonded, can have enhanced performance over conventional rip-stop nylon or polyester fabric spinnakers that are sewn together. The spinnaker clews (attach) points can also be reinforced with one or more thermoplastic polymer film layers and/or adhesive backed woven fabric reinforcements with loops in lieu of conventional metal rings and webbing sewn in place.

Abstract: A method of making a woven sailcloth comprising the steps of: selecting a first set of yarns comprising at least partially a first type of yarn; selecting a second set of yarns comprising at least partially a second type of yarn; weaving the first set of yarns and the second set of yarns such that the first set of yarns are arranged along a first direction and the second set of yarns are arranged along a second direction which is different from the first direction, choosing a chemical solution which has the property of shrinking the first type of yarn in its longitudinal direction more than the second type of yarn when the first type of yarn and the second type of yarn are exposed to said chemical solution, and exposing the woven sailcloth to said chemical solution. A sailcloth is also disclosed based on said method. A sail made from woven sail cloth is also disclosed. A laminated sailcloth comprising a layer of woven sailcloth is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spinnaker sailboat sail is fabricated, according to one embodiment, from at least one transfer medium and at least one sheet of durable spinnaker sailcloth material. The transfer medium includes dyes forming backwards-imaged, visible content. The sheet of sailcloth material includes tightly woven fibers and has two sides. The transfer medium is positioned upon a first side of the sailcloth material at a location at which the visible content is desired to be affixed. Heat and pressure are applied to the transfer medium and the sailcloth material sufficient to force the dyes from the transfer medium completely through the sailcloth material by transferring the dyes from a solid state directly to a gas state to flow past the tightly woven fibers of the sailcloth material. The heat and pressure are then removed to enable the dyes from the transfer medium to become permanently affixed to the sheet of sailcloth material.

Abstract: A spar for controlling downwind headsails is pivoted to headsail instrumentalities for stowage in an aerodynamic sleeve with the headsail. The spar and the headsail has preconnected lines for controlling the spar and headsail all stored within the sleeve.