Abstract: A weaving mechanism for producing rod piercing type three-dimensional multiple-axis fabrics using a fall-preventive wall to prevent fall-off of inserted weft rods. The weaving mechanism being adapted to obviate the use of wastefully lengthy weft rods. For inserting weft rods into a warp rod group obliquely from a plural number of directions in the weaving process of a three-dimensional multiple-axis fabric, the inserted weft rod portions which protrude out of the warp rod group are received by a fabric guide which constitutes a fall-preventive wall. The fabric guide which guides the woven fabric is formed in a cylindrical shape enveloping the woven fabric in small gap relation therewith when seen in the axial direction of the warp rods. The weft rods are inserted at a position outside an end portion of the fabric guide or through notched grooves in the fabric guide.

Abstract: A corrugated metal-clad sandwich panel with a wafer composite core is provided. The single stage process for the panel manufacture involves utilizing a press platen system which is mechanically convertible between a planar and a corrugated configuration. The metal sheet is first placed on the lower platen which is in the planar configuration. The wafers and an isocyanate resin in admixture are uniformly distributed over the metal sheet. Optionally, a second metal sheet is placed over the wafer/resin mat. The platens are biased together to precompress the mat. Finally, the platens are converted from the planar to the corrugated configuration, thus forming the corrugated metal-clad sandwich panel having a waferboard core in a single stage.

Abstract: A low cost, high web integrity fabric that can be economically produced and tailored to provide a variety of different combinations of characteristics and properties for different end uses. It is a fabric wherein the strength in any direction can be predetermined and also wherein the elasticity in any direction can be varied in a predetermined fashion. It is also a fabric that combines continuous filaments, ranging from elastomeric to non-elastic but elongatable to at least a minimum extent, for strength and elasticity with the predetermined indepth intermingling of fibrous melt blown webs for interlocking of the said continuous filaments in the formation of the integrated, fibrous and continuous filament matrix.

Abstract: This invention teaches a method of forming a low cost, breathable, light weight, soft, disposable elastic structure with surface properties that are characterized by a controlled irregularity of the pleats or shirrs that make up the broad surfaces of the structure. The structure is a layered structure with outer layers of low basis weight breathable material, a central elastic layer, and an adhesive layer that serves to join all the layers together to form a unitary elastic structure.

Abstract: An elongate carrier for use in the manufacture of extruded and other products comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely extending members (3 or 31) and means (9,11,13 or 83,85,87,89,90) extending lengthwise of the carrier to control the spacing of said members, wherein the transverse location in said carrier of said means (9,11,13 or 83,85,87,89,90) is varied along the length of said carrier. In one embodiment the carrier may be formed of zig-zag wire the longitudinal extension of which is controlled by textile or other warps extending lengthwise of the carrier but whose transverse location is varied, and in another embodiment of the invention, the carrier may be slotted or stamped metal or plastics, the location of the slots or slits in the stamped material being varied transversely. The invention also extends to a method of manufacturing the carrier.

Abstract: An improved reinforcing belt is provided for a pneumatic tire. In one embodiment, a composite belt is formed by bonding together a plurality of resin impregnated plies. Each ply is further formed from cords having a high extensional modulus of elasticity and a high tenacity which reinforce a matrix of semi-rigid resin. Preferably, the resin is cured or formed in situ during the curing of the tire in which the plies are placed. In another embodiment, a structural separator having a high resistance to compression is bonded to and between at least two of the plies.

Abstract: A flexible article of manufacture especially suitable for use as a ballistic resistant body armor which comprises one or more composite layers, at least one of said composite layers comprising a base layer having a plurality of planar bodies positioned between two sandwiching flexible layers out of contact with each other and a plurality of planar bodies positioned on a surface of said base layer out of contact with each other and in disalignment with the sandwiched planar bodies.

Abstract: A low cost, high web integrity fabric that can be economically produced and tailored to provide a variety of different combinations of characteristics and properties for different end uses. It is a fabric wherein the strength in any direction can be predetermined and also wherein the elasticity in any direction can be varied in a predetermined fashion. It is also a fabric that combines continuous filaments, ranging from elastomeric to non-elastic but elongatable to at least a minimum extent, for strength and elasticity with the predetermined indepth intermingling of fibrous melt blown webs for interlocking of the said continuous filaments in the formation of the integrated, fibrous and continuous filament matrix.

Abstract: An improved article of the type comprising one or more flexible fibrous layers wherein the fibers in each layer are arranged parallel or substantially parallel to one another along a common fiber direction with fibers in adjacent layers aligned at an angle with respect to the longitudinal fiber axis of the fibers contained in the layers.

Abstract: A flexible article of manufacture especially suitable for use as a ballistic resistant body armor which comprises a flexible substrate layer having a plurality of planar non-metallic bodies mechanically affixed to a surface thereof.

Abstract: Improved ballistic resistant laminates have been developed by bonding alternating plies of fabric woven from glass or normally solid organic polymers and non-woven scrim prepreg impregnated with a heat curable resin. A preferred organic polymer is an aramid exemplified by Kevlar. A preferred heat curable resin is phenol-formaldehyde/polyvinyl butyral blend.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved composite which comprises one or more layers, at least one of said layers comprising network of high strength filaments having a tensile modulus of at least about 160 grams/denier, a tenacity of at least about 7 g/denier and an energy-to-break of at least about 8 joules/gram in a matrix material, the ratio of the thickness of said layer to the equivalent diameter of said filaments is equal to or less than about 12.8, and complex composite articles formed from said composite.

Abstract: Provided herein is a process for preparing an electret filter which comprises feeding a non-woven fabric composed of an electrically charged web of synthetic fibers through a nip of co-operating embossing and flat rolls under pressure and at a temperature below a softening temperature of said synthetic fibers, thereby subjecting the surface of said non-woven fabric to partical fusion bonding and integration.

Abstract: A disposable, cloth-like towel of superior wet strength and absorbency comprises a scrim coated with a superabsorbent material, with one or more nonwoven fibrous webs bonded to the coated scrim. The superabsorbent coating preferably is formed by wetting the scrim with water or an aqueous adhesive, applying a solid hydrophilic polymer to the scrim, then applying a nonwoven absorbent cellulosic web to the coated scrim and drying the resulting composite laminate. Bonding of the scrim to the nonwoven fibrous web can be achieved by applying an adhesive to the side of the cellulosic web which is brought into contact with the coated scrim.

Abstract: A gripper rod for shuttleless looms has a toothed rack made of fiber reinforced composite material. The prepregs are stacked in such a way that the fiber orientation in one layer crosses the fiber orientation of at least one neighboring layer. A sufficient number of layers are preferably stacked relative to a central plane of symmetry. The so prepared stack is then placed into a pressing die to form the toothed rack configuration. Due to the pressing, the initial fiber orientation changes so that the fibers after the pressing extend approximately in parallel to the surfaces of the toothed rack, especially at the tooth flank forming surfaces and along the edges, whereby the strength of the toothed rack and the wear and tear resistance, especially of the tooth flanks is improved. The angular orientation of the fiber directions relative to a longitudinal edge of a prepreg may be within the range of about 15.degree. to about 25.degree.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite article having a varying thickness is fabricated by a process wherein multiple prepreg sheets comprising reinforcing fibers and powdered matrix material are stacked to provide a multi-layer prepreg stack wherein, through each cross-sectional dimension perpendicular to the plane of the sheets, the number of prepreg sheets contributing to the aggregate sheet thickness of the stack varies in proportion to the relative thickness desired in the layered article. The stack may consolidated to a composite article with a smoothly varying thickness profile without undue fiber breakage or ply wrinkling in the composite structure consolidated into a composite article having a smoothly varying thickness profile with reduced internal fiber bowing or breakage. Preferably, the exterior surfaces of the article comprise long, substantially continuous fibers and are free of ply drops.

Abstract: A self-extinguishing blanket comprises an insulating layer of glass fiber strands which include air spaces within the layer. Each surface of the layer has a bi-directional strand reinforced plastic film which extends continuously along the surface for keeping moisture out of the layer. Each plastic film is attached to the associated surface of the insulation layer by non-contiguous, longitudinally and laterally spaced apart areas of a thermoplastic adhesive. The adhesive areas provide attachment between the strand reinforcement and the layer of glass fiber strands. Each area of adhesive attachment provides sufficient retention to prevent shifting of the film during the sewing together of peripheral edge portions of the sandwiched plastic films and inner insulation layer as required to produce a selected, peripheral configuration of a blanket package.

Abstract: Method to produce a roofing membrane for use in the construction of roofs which comprises mating of at least two plys of fiberglass scrim fabric to form a substrate for the roofing membrane. At least one of the plys of the substrate is a triaxially wound scrim fabric to provide additional strength to a standard open mesh rectangular formed scrim fabric.

Abstract: The problem of recycling scrap radial tires is addressed by providing many uses for a laminate made by bonding two or more belt sections of a radial tire, the sidewalls of which have been cut away, the tire then cut open, and de-treaded. The result is a multi-ply structure which is sensibly rigid in all three directions because each belt ply in a belt is reinforced with cords at an angle, the cord angle in one belt ply being opposed to the angle in the other. A slat, bar, or beam, formed with plural belts is essentially rigid in a direction at right angles to its longitudinal axis, because for bending to occur, one belt must be in tension and the other in compression. Neither condition is favored because of the opposed cord angles and belt geometry. Though essentially rigid because of the cord geometry, the amount of rubber in the laminate allows it to be deformable relative to wood or steel having the same thickness.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire reinforced by a reinforcing belt is provided, the reinforcing belt having at least one cord reinforced ply, and, in turn, the cord reinforced ply having a plurality of substantially parallel spaced apart elongated cross-section reinforcing cords. The ply may be a bias ply in which the reinforcing cords are disposed at a bias angle, or it may be an overlay ply being axially longer than any other plies and having curving ends which overlay and curve over the ends of any other plies to strengthen shoulder portions of the pneumatic tire. Preferably, in the case of an overlay ply, the reinforcing cords are disposed substantially circumferentially. Preferably also, the elongated cross-section of the reinforcing cords is elliptic; and, the reinforcing cords are thermoplastic monofilaments formed by extrusion.

Abstract: Tape comprising a backing bearing on at least one major surface thereof a plurality of ribs disposed substantially longitudinally thereon, and further bearing on at least one major surface thereof a layer of adhesive. The ribs are joined to the backing such that there exists a notch-like separation between each end of the rib and the surface of the backing. No more than 50% of the cross-section of the ribs should project from the rib-bearing surface of the tape. It is preferred that the adhesive be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The tape of this invention can be prepared by means of coextrusion techniques.

Abstract: A reinforcement member for a plastic laminate structure consisting of at least two laminate layers bonded to one another, the member having a synthetic body defining a length axis X, a breadth axis Y, and a thickness axis Z, formed of a synthetic plastic material, the length and breadth axes X and Y lying in a first plane, and the thickness axis Z lying in a second plane normal to the first plane, a plurality of first reinforcement fibres lying parallel to the first plane, and, a plurality of second recruitment fibres lying parallel to the second plane.

Abstract: A number of rods are disposed along at least three differently oriented axes, the rods being formed by bonding together bundles of fibers with a matrix. Each rod in one group is passed between rods of the other differently oriented groups. The cross-sectional shape of a rod extending in at least one direction is matched to the shape of a clearance which is left between rods extending in other directions to admit the rod inserted therethrough. Put otherwise, a rod extending in at least one direction has a projection to fill such a clearance. Great enough strength to withstand external forces exerted from any direction is imparted to the three-dimensional fabric composite materials either by increasing the area of contact between individual rods or by minimizing the clearances between rods by means of a matrix of the like.

Abstract: Non-woven mat consisting of one or more overlapped layers, each made of continuous, parallel, monodirectional filaments of an acrylic polymer having a tenacity of at least 50 cN/tex, an elastic modulus equal to at least 1000 cN/tex, and an ultimate elongation lower than 15%.Use of this non-woven mat as reinforcement for organic and inorganic matrices, and manufactured articles thus obtained.

Abstract: Material allowing the production of surfaces for aboveground cultivation and for container platforms.It is defined in that:it is present in the form of a textile sheet consisting of a structure made on a Raschel-type knitting machine with the insertion of transverse threads (2) and longitudinal threads (1), these threads (1) and (2) being arranged without any shrinkage inside a meshed-thread structure (3) ensuring their retention relative to each other, andat least one continuous heating resistor (4) is incorporated parallel to the transverse (2) and/or longitudinal (1) threads inside the mesh structure (3) and this is in a specified sequence.

Abstract: An adhesive, flat skin barrier product for use as semi-manufacture in the production of, a.o., dressings, wound-care devices, electrodes and fastening means for ostomy equipment and catheters, consists of alternating zones of material of at least two different kinds (26,28,30) at least one of which is a skinfriendly self-adhesive material. The zones are parallel and extend in a direction usually at right angles to the main surfaces of the product. The zones may for instance be parallel strips, co-axial rings, co-wound Archimedean spirals or short strands.The skin barrier product offers the advantage that in a simple way it may be produced to comprise, besides the sealing material itself, other components for special purposes, e.g. having contents of antiseptics, medicaments or others biologically active substances of liquid-transporting or electrically conductive structures.

Abstract: A composite structural member includes a substantially planar composite panel portion and an integrally formed joint-forming edge structure along at least one edge of the panel portion. The joint-forming edge structure is adapted to be bonded to a complementing joint-forming edge structure of a complementing composite structural member to form a load-bearing joint structure that is capable of withstanding loads that the panel portion of the composite structural member is unable to withstand. A core material sandwiched between two composite skin layers makes up the panel portion of the composite structural member. The joint-facing edge structure may include a flange portion extending from one panel skin, a flange-receiving portion extending from the other panel skin, and a web portion extending between the flange portion and the flange-receiving portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fibrillated weatherproof web having a network structure, which can be produced with ease and is economical. The web comprises a multilayer composite film composed of at least two layers, one being a first layer (I) made of a first thermoplastic resin and the other a second layer (II) made of a second thermoplastic resin having a melting point lower than the first thermoplastic resin and containing at least 300 ppm of a light resistance imparting agent. A number of slits have been formed in a longitudinal or transverse direction. The web has been oriented at a draw ratio in a range of from 1.1 to 15 times. A nonwoven fabric making use of one or more fibrillated webs of the above sort and processes for the production of the web and nonwoven fabric are also disclosed.

Abstract: A Sandless Beach Towel or Blanket which is composed of an upper and lower layer joined at eight points equally spaced over their surfaces. The upper layer is made of an open weave material preferably of cotton and the lower layer is made of a tightly woven material preferably cotton. Sand which is brought on to the top surface of the blanket passes through the openings in the open weave material in the upper layer and accumulates between the upper and lower layers to prevent the sand from coming into contact with the person sitting or laying on the blanket. The blanket can be shaken as a unit and the sand that has accumulated between the upper and lower layers readily dislodges and falls out from between the layers. Cleaning can also be accomplished by separating the layers and brushing or shaking off the sand where it has accumulated. In an alternative embodiment the upper and lower layers are attached to each other along their perimeter.

Abstract: Textile structure based on filaments impregnated and/or coated with thermoplastic material (FIT filaments) is formed from at least two layers of such FIT filaments, arranged perpendicularly to one another in the manner of a warp and a weft, but without being interlaced, and a binding weave consisting of a warp and a weft holding each of the FIT filaments in position. The textile structure is particularly applicable to the production of laminates exhibiting high mechanical stength.

Abstract: A bulky and reinforced non-woven fabric and a process for producing the fabric are provided, which fabric is composed of a web consisting of 30-100% by weight of hot-melt-adhesive fibers and 70-0% by weight of fibers having a m.p. higher than that of the hot-melt-adhesive component of the hot-melt-adhesive fibers and monofilaments, fibers constituting the web being adhered onto one another and also to the monofilaments and the fabric having wrinkles at a wavelength of 0.1 to 20 mm over the whole surface of the fabric; and which process comprises arranging monofilaments of a percentage of shrinkage of 20% or higher under heat treatment conditions for melt-adhering the hot-melt-adhesive fibers over the whole surface of the web; adhering the fibers constituting the web onto one another and also to the monofilaments through hot-melt-adhesion; and also causing the web to shrink through shrinkage generated in the monofilaments.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-layer protective fabric for protective suits used in hazardous or toxic environments. A first layer comprises strips of water and vapor impermeable material, there being a gap between adjacent such strips. A second layer comprises a plurality of strips of a wicking material with each such strip covering the inner surface of a first layer strip, passing through the gap between adjacent strips and covering the outer surface of the adjacent first layer strip. Moisture, such as perspiration will pass via the wicking material through the gaps past the first layer for evaporation and diffusion through a third layer of a liquid impermeable/vapor permeable material which extends over the second layer material covering the outer surfaces of the first layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fabric for use in papermaking machines as the forming wire as well as for the basic fabric for the coated, impermeable bands and belts for extended nip presses and for forming roll coatings. A fabric of such a kind will be provided such that its stability in cross direction is increased, its resistance against unravelling even at high service pressures existing in the press nip of extended nip presses is increased and its abrasive resistance is improved. These objects are attained by the fact that at least a part of the longitudinal threads and/or cross threads of the fabric consist of a mixed polymer the main components thereof are a polymer having a high molecular weight corresponding to a viscosity of at least 0.75 as well as a copolymer with a high molecular weight corresponding to a viscosity of at least 0.80, wherein the percentage of the copolymer within the mixed polymer is 2% to 20%.

Abstract: Carbon or inorganic fibers are wound up cylindrically so as to have numerous intersections to each other. They are bound integrally to each other at points including their intersections to form cylindrical component parts which may be used within an extremely high-temperature furnace, such as when used as parts of belt conveyors and trays for carrying articles to be treated within the furnace. The cylinders thus made are comparatively thin and extremely light in weight, while they are afforded with a tensile strength sufficiently high enough to stand against loads exerted thereupon in the furnace.

Abstract: A lightweight composite material is disclosed which comprises three-dimensionally arranged fibers of at least 50 mm length provided in a thermoplast matrix. The thermoplast matrix is thermally treated to form cavities within the matrix.

Abstract: Composite nonwoven non-elastic web materials and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The composite nonwoven non-elastic web materials are formed by hydraulically entangling a laminate of (a) at least one layer of meltblown fibers and (b) at least one layer of nonwoven material. The nonwoven material can comprise at least one of pulp fibers, staple fibers, meltblown fibers and substantially continuous filaments. The nonwoven material can also be a net, foam, etc. Each of the meltblown fiber layer and the nonwoven material layer is preferably made of non-elastic material.

Abstract: A burn sheet comprising a plurality of layers laminated one to another and including a liquid-permeable top layer, a liquid-absorbent layer and a strength-imparting scrim layer. The scrim layer comprises an open pattern of crossing multifilamentary yarns bonded on one another at their crossings. The scrim is flattened prior to its incorporation into the burn sheet laminate so that cut ends of the scrim yarn monofilaments yield to the touch and the sheet is rendered conformable, and telegraphing of the scrim to the surface of the sheet is minimized. The sheet is suitable for use as a transfer sheet as well as for a burn sheet.

Abstract: A non-woven matrix of sized bushing glass and synthetic fibers provides a rigid but resilient product having good strength and insulating characteristics. The product finds particular application in large area panels such as vehicle headliners. The matrix consists of glass fibers, first, solid or hollow homogeneous synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon or Kevlar and second, bi-component synthetic fibers which have been intimately combined with a thermosetting resin into a homogeneous mixture. The bi-component synthetic fibers include an outer low melting temperature sheath and a higher melting temperature core. This mixture is dispersed to form a blanket. The blanket may be heated and pressed to cure and form it into a final product in one step on two steps. In the one step process, the curing temperature is sufficiently high to melt the sheath of the bi-component fibers and activate and cure the thermosetting resin.

Abstract: An annular resilient body of fiber composite material for vibration-insulating support of drive assemblies includes at least one wound body having a circumferential direction and a loading direction. The at least one wound body includes a plurality of wound concentric layers formed of synthetic resin impregnated fibers extending in the circumferential direction and transverse to the load direction, and at least one layer of fibers extending at an angle relative to the concentric layers. Force-inducing fastening elements are disposed on two opposite sides of the at least one wound body. The fastening elements are formed of metal brackets at least partly encompassing the at least one wound body and elastic rubber layers bracing the metal brackets against the at least one wound body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a composite component. For making a non-cylindrical composite component such as a nozzle, a longitudinal winding of at least one fiber strand impregnated with resin is applied onto a generally cylindrical mandrel at a predetermined angle relative to a line parallel to the mandrel rotational axis. A transverse tape is then spirally cut from the layer and wound onto a component mandrel. The wound transverse tape is then compacted and cured and the mandrel removed. A nozzle exit cone is also disclosed made from such transverse tape so that the fiber strand portions are short enough that they do not follow the curvature of the nozzle and thereby peel. The windings are shingled onto the nozzle exit cone so that only one end of each of the fiber strand portions is exposed to the nozzle surface. The fiber strand portions are oriented at a predetermined angle which may be optimized for erosion resistance and stress requirements.

Abstract: A high strength reinforced composite has an outer polymeric skin and an inner polymeric foam core chemically and mechanically bonded together at a high modulus, three dimensional interface comprising longitudinally continuous strands, transversely continuous and randomly arrayed transverse strands, and randomly inclined short strands having end portions embedded in both the skin and the core.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a continuous web of product, such as a towel (20), from a zigzag folded packet (11A, 11B), which is kept in supply chamber (10). After use the towel (20) is rolled up into the roll (23), which is regularly removed from the apparatus. The packets (11A, 11B) are provided on the end layers with strips (29A, 29B) that are adhesive on both sides, which strips make possible the mutual coupling of the packets. The packets consist preferably of paper that is strengthened with filaments of synthetic material, which paper is intended for single use, but the pockets can also consist of textile that can be reused after cleaning.

Abstract: A high strength reinforced polymeric composite troop carrier slat has an elongated polymeric foam core chemically and mechanically bonded to an outer rigid aliphatic urethane skin at a high modulus, three dimensional interface comprising longitudinally continuous strands, randomly arrayed transverse strands, and randomly inclined short strands having end portions embedded in both the skin and the core, and a one component moisture cured aliphatic urethane coating bonded to the skin and end walls of the core.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced thermoplastic articles having an improved surface are produced in a stampable sheet which is produced from a reinforcing fiber mat having a thermoplastic support film.

Abstract: Stitch bonded fabric or other arrays of substantially coplanar and coparallel yarns non-interlaced with other yarns are employed to reinforce the backing for coated abrasive products. A preferred construction with continuous filament polyester yarns is described, together with the cloth finishing process employed to prepare a backing for coating with abrasive grain. The product is particularly suitable for making coated abrasive belts.

Abstract: A coating of a viscous lubricant applied prior to stretch-breaking permits forming slivers of stretch-broken carbon fibers. When an anti-static ingredient is added to the viscous lubricant cohesive slivers of stretch-broken glass fibers can be formed. Composites of matrix resin reinforced with these slivers exhibit high strength, tensile stiffness, and good formability.

Abstract: A wallcovering material having a paper backing being color and/or design printed face to which substantially parallel warp and fill yarns are tricot stitched thereto to provide an aesthetic structure through which the color and/or design shows through. The warp and weft yarns are knit to the paper backing material and held firmly in place by the polyethylene film on the face of the paper backing. The warp and weft yarns are openly spaced so that the color and/or design printed on the paper shows through and provides a pleasant view to the area in which the wallcovering is installed.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor is fabricated of a stacked plurality of tiers where each tier is formed from a stacked array of wound arms. Each arm is formed from an array of layered turns of anisotropic fibers having parallel side portions connected through curved end turn portions.

Abstract: A coating of a viscous lubricant applied prior to stretch-breaking permits forming slivers of stretch-broken carbon fibers. When an anti-static ingredient is added to the viscous lubricant cohesive slivers of stretch-broken glass fibers can be formed. composites of matrix resin reinforced with these slivers exhibit high strength, tensile stiffness, and good formability.

Abstract: This invention is a floor covering which may be easily removed from its underlying surface and which resists buckling or folding when rolled, comprising:(a) a facing layer;(b) a bottommost release backing layer which comprises a nonwoven fabric of relatively short fibers or continuous filament fibers, and(c) a polymer layer which is bonded to the release backing layer on one side and directly or indirectly to the facing layer on the other side.In another aspect, this invention is an improvement in a process for preparing a polymer-backed floor covering, which process comprises applying a layer of an uncured polymer-forming composition to one side of a textile and curing said composition to form a polymer backing attached to said textile, the improvement which comprises applying a layer of a non-woven fabric of relatively short fibers or continuous filament fibers to the polymer backing before said polymer-forming composition is cured to a tack-free state.