Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the manufacture of narrow fabrics include manufacturing a wide fabric run with hollow fabric areas extending along predefined cutting lines, wherein each hollow fabric area is manufactured by providing a front fabric portion and a rear fabric portion, and wherein the edges of the front and rear fabric portions are connected to each other to form a hollow space. The fabric run is cut along the cutting lines such that the front and rear fabric portions are not connected to one another.

Abstract: A woven or non-woven fibrous material has a substrate formed of first and second thermoplastic fibers. The fabric is passed through an oven at a temperature sufficient to melt the first fibers thereby fusing at least some of the first fibers and second fibers one to the other. The second fibers retain their discrete definition within the composite whereby the composite is provided such that, when cut for use, for example, to form a slat of a vertical blind or a wall panel, the composite retains its shape. A foam backing is provided and cured in the oven simultaneously with the melting of the first fibers.

Abstract: A method producing a thermobonding interlining comprises the steps of depositing a non-woven layer of intermingled fibers or filaments presented in a general direction on a conveyor of wire netting, directing toward said conveyor weft yarns made of textured continuous filaments that are kept in a stretched condition and parallel with one another; depositing the weft yarns in a zone where the non-woven layer is being deposited such that the weft yarns are oriented crosswise to the general direction of and covered by the non-woven layer. Afterwards, such superposed weft yarns and non-woven layer assembly is subject to the high pressure jets of water from injectors disposed above the conveyor so that the weft yarns and the fibers or filaments of the non-woven layer are intermingled to obtain a base material of interlining. Then, the base material of interlining is dried in a thermal treatment. The dots of thermofusible polymer are deposited one face of the base material of interlining.

Abstract: A fibrous headliner for a motor vehicle passenger compartment is formed with a nonwoven high loft batting of thermoplastic fibers having a low percentage of binder fibers that are activated with heat to establish and hold the desired appearance side contour of the headliner. The batting is needled on both sides to form integral fibrous skin layers wherein the roof side layer is substantially thicker and more dense than the passenger compartment side skin layer. The high density skin layer is then coated with a thermoset resin after the batting has been heated to activate the binder fibers. The hot batting with its resinated high density skin layer is then sandwiched by a blank of scrim stock on this side and a blank of adhesive coated cover stock on the appearance side.

Abstract: A tinsel-type garland has outwardly-directed reflecting surface areas created by permanently creasing the free ends of the tinsel needles to form tabs bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from the shank of the needle. The formation of these tabs orients their surface approximately tangent to the radial array of needles and, thus, faces a plurality of reflective surfaces directly toward the viewer. Only a small additional amount of material is needed to form the tabs which aid in obscuring the center core of the garland. Hence, less compacting of the web may be needed, thus offering an additional cost saving by reducing the amount of material needed to visually fill out the garland. This construction provides a distinctive appearance, especially when mirror-like, highly-reflective metallic web material is used to form the needles.

Abstract: Multiconstituent fibers prepared from two or more polymers, with at least one of these polymers being randomly dispersed through the fiber, in the form of domains. At least about 40 percent by weight of these domains have one length of at least 20 microns, measured in the direction along the fiber axis, and have another length, measured along the longest line dissecting the domain cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the fiber axis, of at least about 5 percent of the fiber equivalent diameter.

Abstract: This invention pertains to papermaking felts, methods of making such felts, methods of using the felts, and methods of making paper using such felts. A felt of the invention contains at least one substrate web having a fuse-bonded joint extending across the width of the felt. The joint is preferably formed by superposing, onto each other, end portions of a flat-woven substrate web element, with the end portions extending away from the ends in a common direction, and concurrently severing the ends from the end portions, and fuse bonding the end portions to each other, along a common cut line.

Abstract: A cotton room-size rug, having dimension between 3 feet.times.5 feet, and 12 feet.times.15 feet, is made from a heat set blend of about 70-90% cotton fibers and about 30-10% low melting temperature polyester fibers. The polyester impregnates the cotton fibers to give them enhanced properties. The fibers are tightly tufted to a primary backing, and latex adhesive connects the primary backing to an open weave polypropylene secondary backing. A stain resistant finish is applied and the sides serged, and fringe attached. A cabled 3.0/2/2 yarn configuration is preferred.

Abstract: This invention aims at providing a woven fabric having a structure suitable for bonding, so as to bond a so-called "tarpaulin sheet", which is bonded by sewing means and is obtained by coating a synthetic resin to a fiber base fabric, to a woven fabric such as a tape or a belt. The present invention further aims at providing a woven fabric having a structural portion enabling a woven fabric to be bonded to another woven fabric. A woven fabric 100 is divided in a longitudinal direction or in a transverse direction, or in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, and either one, or both, of warps and wefts are woven more coarsely in at least one of the divided zones 22, 32 than the rest so as to form a mesh portion 2.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite structure comprises the steps of forming a radially inner portion of a preform with braided reinforcing fibers extending substantially transverse to an axis of the preform and forming a radially outer portion of the preform circumscribing the inner portion with braided reinforcing fibers extending substantially parallel to the axis of the preform. The preform is heated and consolidated in a mold into the composite structure. The composite structure has braided reinforcing fibers extending throughout a radially inner portion substantially transverse to an axis of the structure along which the structure is subject to splitting to resist splitting of the composite structure along the axis and braided reinforcing fibers extending throughout a radially outer portion substantially parallel to the axis to resist bending of the composite structure. The composite structure is particularly suitable for manufacturing a bone plate.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for forming flexible, kink-resistant shaped fabric products which are particularly well adapted for protecting and/or covering elongate substrates, such as cables, conduits, wiring and the like. The shaped fabric products include a wall portion formed from a filamentary material which is resiliently set in a spiral configuration with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaped product. The wall portion may also preferably formed with a filamentary material in the form of circumferential hoops substantially conforming in shape and size to the cross-sectional configuration of the shaped product.

Abstract: A press fabric incorporating bicomponent material in fiber form or yarn form, the bicomponent material having a core material with a higher melting point surrounded by a covering material with a lower melting point. The bicomponent material will be present in the base fabric in yarn form and/or in the batt material in fiber form in amount ranging from 10-100%. Upon heatsetting the assembled press fabric structure, the lower melting point material of the bicomponent material becomes soft, flowing into the crossing of the batt fibers, if present in the batt material, or into the crossings of the weave pattern, if present in a base fabric, to form a matrix.

Abstract: A process for producing a needled multilayered carpet is described in which an intermediate layer (6) containing thermoplastic film material is arranged between a layer of backing (5) and a top layer (7). The three layers are bonded together into a carpet by means of a process of needling through fibers (9). The intermediate layer (6) is formed by lumpy, three-dimensional plastic film material (8), and the needled fibers are tightly integrated into the intermediate layer (6) by the influence of temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a reinforcement for a composite component, said reinforcement including superposed plies of thread, according to which method:straight portions of thread are laid down on a support; andall the superposed plies are consolidated by stitching, without knotting, a continuous thread.According to the invention:said straight portions of thread (4, 5) are laid down by means of a needle, with respect to which the continuous thread (F), of which each of said portions forms part, can slide, said needle being capable of moving relative to said support (6), pulling tight the straight portion of thread (4, 5) above the latter, over an extent equal to the length of said straight portion of thread; andsaid straight portions of thread (4, 5) are fixed by stitching, without knotting, at least one of the ends (4a, 4b; 5a, 5b) of each of said portions of thread into said support (6) using said needle.

Abstract: At their free ends the yarns are straightened, clamped and welded with a film. Welding is performed with two welding bars to which is allocated a brush beam to tension the yarns. The welding bars are borne and/or guided by a frame to which the brush beam is also secured. The frame is fitted on a mobile chassis which also has a holder to take a roll of welding film. For use in weaving preparation works and in weaving works, especially in preparing the warp and in starting weaving.

Abstract: A threadlike or ribbonlike elastic strand is provided with a substantially continuous filament of adhesive helically wrapped around the elastic strand. The elastic strand is suitable for use in disposable absorbent products such as diapers and adult incontinent products. Also disclosed is a method and, apparatus for making such adhesive-wrapped elastic strands.

Abstract: A flexible laminated surface material has an outer material and a laminate wadding composed of a fibrous web and a nonwoven fabric sheet that are together needle punched. Parts of filaments of the web penetrate through the nonwoven fabric sheet, thus forming many small protrusions on the nonwoven fabric sheet. The outer material is adhered, using entire area or spot adhesion techniques, to the nonwoven fabric sheet side of the wadding with a substantial adhesion strength. By varying the amount of the adhesion applied, different types of adhesion can be achieved.

Abstract: An absorbent, flushable, bio-degradable, and medically-safe nonwoven fabric suitable for use as wraps, wipes, absorbent pads, etc., is composed of from 2% to 10% by weight of untreated, water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers that are heat-bonded to a matrix of absorbent fibers. The use of PVA fibers in low amounts provides softness, while sufficient wet strength is provided by heat bonding the PVA fibers completely to the other fibers in a two-stage heating process. The resulting nonwoven fabric has a high wet-to-dry tensile strength ratio, good drape softness, and high fluid absorptive capacity. In a method for producing the nonwoven fabric, the PVA fibers are blended with the absorbent fibers, the blended fibers are carded onto a moving web, sufficient water is added to wet the PVA fibers while maintaining web integrity, then the web is heated in two stages, the first with heating cylinders at 40.degree. C. to 80.degree. C., then the second with heating cylinders of 60.degree. C. to 100.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of making a moldable, nonwoven composite material. The method includes blending a mix of first fibers and second thermoplastic fibers. The second fibers have a melting point lower than that of the first fibers and comprise approximately 40-80 percent of the blend. The blend is then processed into a fibrous batt. The batt is then consolidated into a nonwoven structure with the first fibers being thoroughly intermixed with the second fibers. The nonwoven structure is then heated to a temperature below the melting point of the first fibers and above the melting point of the second thermoplastic fibers to substantially liquefy the second fibers and form a thermoplastic resin. The heated nonwoven structure is compressed to flow the liquefied resin to displace air voids in the nonwoven structure and encapsulate the first fibers. Finally, the nonwoven structure is cooled to form a composite material having substantially reduced air voids therein with the first fibers thoroughly encapsulated by the resin.

Abstract: A filament reinforced perforate composite sheet is manufactured by forming a filament assembly which includes reinforcing filament structures and passage forming filament structures and in which the passage forming filament structures extend from the front face to the rear face of the assembly, applying a matrix material to the assembly to form a composite sheet in which the passage forming filament structures extend from the front face to the rear face of the sheet and removing the passage forming filament structures or a part or parts thereof to produce a multiplicity of passages extending through the composite sheet.

Abstract: Distinct preforms are made for different portions of a composite material part that is to be fabricated, and they are assembled together in a non-densified state or in a state that is not completely densified by uniting respective contacting surfaces of the preforms (13, 15, 36) together by means of fibrils (17, 19) projecting perpendicularly from the surface of one of the preforms (13, 15) and in which the surface of another preform (36) is engaged. The assembled-together preforms are then co-densified. The fibrils are formed on the surface of a fiber preform by the ends of fibers thereof that have been displaced by the preform being needled. The method is particularly suitable for fabricating a sandwich panel of composite material comprising two rigid skins between which there is disposed a core constituted by partitions that are perpendicular to the skins.

Abstract: Method allowing the incorporation of a metallic structure into a plastic with a view to producing molded articles, which consists, after having produced a fine knitted article, preferably a weft-knitted article, which is pliant so as to ensure deformability, in combining the said knitted fabric with a plastic sheet or film, and it is characterized in that the metal knitted fabric is combined immediately upon leaving the assembly allowing the formation of a plastic film or sheet, the combining being performed by calendering while the formed plastic sheet has not yet cooled down, thus allowing the inlaying of at least the surface of the said knitted structure into the said plastic sheet or film.

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: A simplified process is disclosed for making form-fitting undergarments that may include structures for absorbing and containing body exudates. The garments are cut and seamed into rectangular or trapezoidal shapes from nonwoven elastic sheet that has parallel rows of elastic strands and specific stretch and simultaneous contraction characteristics. The finished garment when stretched in the waist direction simultaneously contracts in the direction perpendicular thereto by at least 20%.

Abstract: A needlepunch fabric of staple polyester fibers is disclosed that is elastomeric and has foam-like compressibility and resilience. The polyester staple is formed of fibers having a differential birefringence. Mechanically crimped fibers are carded, crosslapped, and needlepunched to from about 150 to 1500 ppsi, and the resultant fabric is heated to from about 120.degree. to 240.degree. C. to induce a latent crimp in the fabric and to develop the elastomeric and foam-like properties of the fabric.

Abstract: Method to produce a female fabric for use in a hook and loop connection in which the maximum number of loops are produced on the loop surface which engages the hooks of the mating hook fabric. The method includes mounting the reed at an obtuse angle to the loopy yarn used to cause the loops extending outwardly from the loopy yarn to be combed upwardly as it exits from the reed.

Abstract: A warp-knit casting bandage fabric is provided which comprises a first group of a plurality of individual continuous multifilament fiberglass yarns which form lengthwise extending chains of spaced-apart loops and a second group of a plurality of individual continuous multifilament fiberglass yarns which are separately interspersed with a plurality of individual continuous thermoplastic yarns forming a widthwise extending and lengthwise spaced-apart inlay which is interlaced with the spaced-apart loops forming an open-knit construction wherein the continuous thermoplastic yarns comprise from about 50% to about 100% of the total number of individual yarns forming the inlay. An elongated, resin-impregnated bandage, having a leading edge and a trailing edge, made from the warp-knit casting bandage fabric is also provided as well as a method for forming such resin-impregnated bandages.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of providing a formable composite material comprising providing a reinforcing material (9) having a plurality of superimposed layers (1-6), each layer consisting of a plurality of unidirectional non-woven yarns or threads (10) laid side-by-side, the yarns or threads in at least some of the different layers extending in different directions, said layers being stitched (12) together, and before said stitching incorporating in or with the reinforcing material (9) a matrix material (7, 8).

Abstract: A method for the preparation of prepreg of thermoplastic composite resin is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: laminating a non-oriented glass fibrous mat experiencing needle punching on a base layer of a polypropylene film; forming a complex layer which comprises a plurality of yarns unidirectionally oriented on the both sides of a polypropylene film on the non-oriented glass fibrous mat atop the base layer; overlying a needled, non-oriented glass fibrous mat on the complex layer of the unidirectionally oriented glass fibrous yarn/polypropylene film/unidirectionally oriented glass fibrous yarn; covering a top layer of a polypropylene film over the needled, non-oriented glass fibrous mat, to form a laminate; and pressing the laminate at high temperatures under high pressures.

Abstract: An interior finishing web for a motor vehicle or the like comprises three fibrous layers which are put one another, needled together and subjected to a hot-molding to constitute a shaped structure of the web. The three fibrous layers are a first fibrous layer which includes approximately 30 to 90% by weight of polyester fibers and approximately 70 to 10% by weight of polypropylene fibers, a second fibrous layer which includes approximately 10 to 60% by weight of polyester fibers and approximately 90 to 40% by weight of polypropylene fibers and a third fibrous layer which includes approximately 40 to 90% by weight of polyester fibers and approximately 60 to 10% by weight of polypropylene fibers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spun-laced fabric having improved water absorbency containing a blend of certain hydrophilic cellulosic and pack resistant fibers with a hydrophobic fiber material layer attached to one side of the blend. The fabric may be used as an absorbent layer in a multilayer or laminated structure.

Abstract: A nonwoven aramid staple fiber batt is needled into a woven aramid scrim which is overlayed with a thin mat of heat resistant microfiber to give marked improvement in hot gas filtration.

Abstract: A method of forming a tapered tubular part including the steps of: providing tows of filaments, the filaments being adapted to fuse together when subjected to combined heat and pressure; braiding the tows of filaments into a sleeve; providing a tapered mold and a matingly tapered mandrel; sliding the sleeve into the mold and securing the sleeve to the mold; forcing the mandrel into the mold to compress the wall of the sleeve and to stretch the length of the sleeve while applying heat to the mold to fuse the filaments of the sleeve together into a tube; cooling the mold; withdrawing the mandrel from the mold and removing the cooled tube from the mold.

Abstract: A rigid covering is joined to a concrete floor by a composite having a upper and lower nonwoven layers separated by a thin plastic film and interconnected by fiber bridges extending through holes in the film and formed by needle punching through the upper layer and the film. The lower layer is bonded to the floor with epoxy resin and a rigid covering is applied to the upper layer also with epoxy resin. The plastic film is non-adhering to the epoxy and the fiber bridges break in the vicinity of a crack in the concrete surface to locally delaminate the upper and lower layers of the composite and thus prevent transmission of the crack through the composite. The lower layer can be formed as a byproduct of the needle punching operation resulting in a thin adhesive conserving lower layer.

Abstract: A geocomposite liner having a first fibrous layer, a second fibrous layer, and a non-fibrous layer secured between the first and second fibrous layers. A plurality of fibers extend from the non-fibrous layer such that the ends of the fibers extend outwardly of an outer surface of the first fibrous layer. The ends are heat fused so as to secure the ends outwardly of the outer surface of the first fibrous layer. The second fibrous layer is needle punched such that the fibers extend from the second fibrous layer through the non-fibrous layer. The ends of the fibers are heat fused such that the ends have a greater diameter exterior of the first fibrous layer than interior of the first fibrous layer. Some of the ends are heat fused together on the outer surface of the first fibrous layer.

Abstract: A molded article includes a laminated wood-based fibrous web molded into a desired shape by a compression molding operation. The laminated wood-based fibrous web includes a wood-based fibrous web base and a synthetic fiber scrim laminated to the web base, the web base being formed of a fiber composition mainly constituted of wood pulp, synthetic fibers and binder, the scrim being impregnated with a synthetic resin.

Abstract: At both ends of a filter cover (6), respectively in the fastening area of the filter cover on draining element (1), bondings or settings (12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 10, 21) of stitches (10) are applied, which are interrupted in one or more of first rows of stitches (11) and are offset in one or more rows of stitches at the end of the fastening area in the peripheral direction. In a modification, setting (22) of stitches (10) at the end of the fastening area is placed uninterrupted in the peripheral direction. These settings partially or completely allow runs in the fastening area of a filter cover (6), so that, on the one hand, an enlargement of filter cover (6) is made possible for the assembly, and, on the other hand, the formation of runs outside the fastening area is prevented.

Abstract: A braided fiber reinforced composite shaft with yoke member of a universal joint (8) having a tubular portion (10) integrally connected with the yoke portion (12). The yoke portion (12) has a pair of opposed axially extending arms (20) which extend beyond the tubular portion (10). The yoke arms (20) contain diametrically opposed holes (22) centrally located and near the end of each arm (20). A portion of the braided fiber reinforcement extends continuously around the tubular portion (10), into the axially extending arms, around the respective holes (22) and back around the tubular portion (10).

Abstract: Using an unsintered or sintered polytetrafluoroethylene yarn as at least part of warp and/or filling, a seamless tubular fabric is constructed. This construction is made by circular weaving or by inserting the filling into the warp prepared in the form of a hank or skein.

Abstract: To make a velour needle felt, an optionally pre-needled staple fiber non-woven web is applied to a revolving brushlike support and is then needled to form a pile on the side which faces the support. To increase the resistance of the velour needle felt to distortion, it is proposed that a layer which has a higher resistance to distortion than the staple fiber non-woven web and consists particularly of a spun-bonded web is applied to the brushlike support before the staple fiber non-woven web is applied thereto and that the pile fibers are pulled in the needling operation through the layer which has the higher resistance to distortion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible nonwoven mat comprising physically entangled shot-free ceramic oxide fibers. The flexible nonwoven mat is useful, for example, as filter material, mounting mat, thermal insulation, and sound insulation.

Abstract: A non-woven recyclable polyester fabric suitable for use as a bale covering that is a single layer batt formed of crosslapped fiber having a structure compacted by needlepunching and calendering. A process for producing this non-woven recyclable polyester fabric that includes forming a web of fiber, crosslapping the web to form a batt, needlepunching the batt, and calendering the batt under suitable conditions.

Abstract: The thermic protection device is obtained by winding refractory wires with plush loops and radial and reinforcement armament picots, also with refractory fibers, preferably twisted. The plush loops and the picots have a predetermined orientation and/or pitch with respect to the direction of the ablative flow in the hollow structure.Application for the embodiment of the ferrule of a ram jet engine chamber.

Abstract: A stitchbonded absorbent article and method of making same are presented. The article exhibits good hand, repeated washing durability, and absorbency. The article includes first and second layers which are mechanically held together by stitches of yarn, at a stitch density ranging from about 15 to about 35 st/10 cm, and stitch gauge ranging from about 10 to about 40, using a stitching yarn comprising at least two compositionally different fibers having different heat stability being at least partially melt-bonded together at points of mutual contact, the yarn being melt-bonded at least partially to outer surfaces of the article.

Abstract: A synthetic microfiber blanket having a uniform thickness is formed from a nonuniform blanket having thin or feathered lateral edges. The nonuniform blanket is cut transversely into a plurality of discrete pieces of blanket of uniform length. The plurality of discrete pieces of blanket are arranged with the thin lateral edges in overlapping relationship to form a blanket of a desired width and thickness. The overlapped, discrete pieces of blanket are then joined into an integral blanket of uniform width and thickness by entangling together fibers of adjacent pieces of blanket. A scrim backing can be incorporated into the blanket for added strength and dimensional stability.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of making an integral structure comprised of inner and outer coaxial shells mutually supported so as to define an annular passageway between the shells. The integral structure may be an air inlet housing for a gas turbine engine and the inner shell may be a hub member having a generally cylindrical passage extending therethrough for rotatably receiving a drive shaft. The inner shell is formed by braiding on a shaped mandrel a plurality of fibers such as fiberglass, boron, carbon, or the like, to form an inner shell preform having an outer surface of revolution. A plurality of duct preforms are similarly formed on a conical mandrel, then removed, and administered onto an outer peripheral surface of a duct mold so as to define a modified shape.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing a blended tow of thermoplastic and reinforcing fibers. The process of the invention includes the steps of forming a substantially planar spaced array of thermoplastic multifilament yarns and superimposing the spaced array of separate yarns onto a spread tow of reinforcing fibers. The resulting planar mixed yarn is then gathered into a tow having a nonuniform distribution of thermoplastic fibers throughout the tow. The tow is useful in forming fiber-reinforced composite articles by shaping the tow into a desired form and then heating the shaped tow to melt the thermoplastic fibers which, in turn, form a plastic matrix which is reinforced by the reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A device and method for producing pellets from film. A cradle is rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis of rotation to a main frame. An axle arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis holds one or more rolls of film. A plurality of drive rollers pull the film from the rolls while the rolls are rotated on the longitudinal axis twisting the film into a strand. An oven located between the rolls and drive rollers heats the strand to permanently set the twist therein. A pelletizer located aft of the drive rollers cuts the strand into individual pellets. In a modified version, glass roving is extended through the holder past the roll and wrapped with the film into a single strand. In an alternate embodiment, the roll of film is mounted to an axle having a longitudinal axis extending in the same direction as the axis of rotation. The film is pulled axially off the roll and twisted into a strand.

Abstract: A gun barrel lining made of composite material having refractory fiber reinforcement and a ceramic matrix, the fiber reinforcement comprises a cylindrical inner portion constituted by a three-dimensional fiber texture and a cylindrical outer portion surrounding the inner portion and having the same axis, the outer portion being constituted by a strip wound around the inner portion, and the inner and outer portions being codensified by the ceramic matrix.

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 surface 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. In a preferred embodiment, a water-insoluble adhesive is applied to at least one of the fabric layers to lock the interconnecting fibers in place and substantially increase the structural integrity, particularly the shear strength, of the article.