Abstract: The invention is in the field of three-dimensional hollow novelty items and their manufacture, particularly items such as artificial pumpkins that the consumer desires to carve or alter after purchase. Disclosed is a carvable novelty article, such as an artificial Halloween pumpkin, comprising a polyurethane shell substantially surrounding an interior volume and having a thin coating, such as an acrylic elastomer, on the exterior surface of the shell. The carvable article can be formed by an inventive process in which polyurethane foam material, such as material having a nominal density of about 2.5-3.0 pounds per cubic foot, is sprayed from a nozzle rotating with respect to the inside of a mold. After the polyurethane foam article and the mold are separated, the article is coated with an elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic material that is applied as a liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to the manufacture of flexible porous plastic aeration pipe having an essentially uniform porosity throughout its length. The plastic pipe of this invention has a gas permeable wall of thermoset polymer particles and thermoplastic binder for the particles with a substantially uniform plurality of micropores through the wall of about 0.001 inch to 0.004 inch along its length for diffusion of gas therethrough and transfer to a medium. The thermoset polymer particles have a mesh size of about 60 to about 140 mesh, preferably approximately 80 to 100 mesh. The method of manufacture includes volumetric delivery of thermoset polymer particles and thermoplastic binder particles to a mixing chamber for preblending and then controlled volumetric feeding of the preblend into an extruder to form the porous aeration pipe.

Abstract: Fire-retardant barrier structures. The fire-retardant barrier structures are useful for protecting military personnel and equipment from both fire and chemical and/or biological agents. The fire-retardant barriers are multilayer structures having desirable flammability characteristics and resistance to nuclear, chemical and/or biological agents. The preferred barriers also possess favorable durability properties and are printable.

Abstract: An in-mold label which has a thermoplastic resin film base layer (I) having printed matter on its front side and, formed on the back side of the thermoplastic resin base layer (I), a heat sealable resin layer (II) having a lower melting point than the constituent resin of the thermoplastic resin film base layer (I), the constituent resin of the heat sealable resin layer (II) having as its main component an ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymer obtained by copolymerizing from 40 to 98 wt % ethylene and from 60 to 2 wt % of an .alpha.-olefin having from 3 to 30 carbon atoms using a metallocene catalyst.

Abstract: A composite structure contains a lofty corrugated nonwoven web of polymeric microfiber that is maintained in a corrugated condition by securing a fabric to the corrugated web at the valleys of the corrugations. The composite structure is made without substantially effecting web loft by (i) introducing the nonwoven web to the ends of a plurality of spaced paddles, (ii) causing the spacing between the ends of the paddles to decrease to corrugate the nonwoven web, and (iii) securing the fabric to the corrugated nonwoven web at the valleys of the corrugations. A composite structure of this construction made by this method provides very good filtration performance, making it particularly suitable for use as a filter in a cup-shaped face mask. The composite structure also is very suitable for use as thermal insulation in apparel.

Abstract: A heat insulating noise reducing duct includes: an internal layer formed by helically winding a flat fibrous band and integrally bonding outer circumferential faces of adjacent joint parts of the band by resin reinforcing bands to thereby form a substantially smooth cylindrical shape; one or more resin linear bodies helically wound between these adjoining resin reinforcing bands and bonded to the fibrous band; an open-cell foam layer formed by helically winding an open-cell foam resin band onto an outer circumferential face of the inner layer while making its paired side edges abut each other; an intermediate sheet layer formed by helically winding a thin resin sheet-like band onto an outer circumferential face of the open-cell foam band while partially overlapping the resin sheet-like band, and by integrally bonding the overlapped parts; a closed-cell foam layer formed by helically winding a closed-cell foam resin band onto an outer circumferential face of the sheet layer while making its paired side edges a

Abstract: A flexible, multilayered tube with superior chemical resistance, heat resistance, and airtightness, as well as superior flexibility and resistance of the inner surface to staining. The tube comprises a flexible, multilayered tube having a first layer comprised of a non-porous polytetrafluoroethylene structure and a second layer comprised of a porous polytetrafluoroethylene structure laminated onto the outer peripheral surface of said first layer. The tube is useful as a medical tubing and in particular useful as an endoscope tube.

Abstract: An ink transfer roller for a support roller or support bar, in particular of metal, with a stretchable, interchangeable fiber-reinforced laminated plastic material cover (K) covered with a metal-ceramic layer (MK), which is provided with small ink transfer cups (FN), wherein the laminated plastic material cover (K) consists of a stretchable inner cover (UB) and an outer cover (OB), between which a foamed material compressible layer (SS) is enclosed.

Abstract: A thin, tacky, non-pourable film of incompatible in situ-expandable thermoplastic particles and thermosettable matrix resin that contains an essentially uniform density and thickness across the breadth of the film. The in situ-expandable mass is not pourable yet can be easily dispensed in a uniform manner within a mold and thereafter expanded to the dimensions of the mold. Composites and reinforced compositions, as well as methods of molding, are disclosed.

Abstract: The problems caused by chemical and thermal shrinkage of hard roll covers, are reduced by the inclusion of one or more intermediate compressive layers between the metal roll and the outer cover, or topstock. A compressive layer has the properties of being rigid enough to allow the topstock to be applied to the roll, and compressible enough to buffer and absorb the stresses which occur as the topstock is shrinking during processing.In one embodiment, the intermediate compressive layer comprises a three dimensional fabric that is filled preferably with a thermoset resin system which cures at lower temperature than topstock. In a second embodiment, the precise amount of shrinkage in the roll can be predetermined to a high enough degree of accuracy so that a depth for the fabric layer can be used to compensate for the amount of shrinkage, thereby eliminating the need for filling. In a third embodiment, the compressive layer is comprised of a wax material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing a fibrillated cellulose acetate fiber comprising contacting cellulose acetate fiber with a strong base solution at conditions sufficient to remove greater than about 5% of bulk acetyl groups from said cellulose acetate fiber. Modified cellulose acetate staple fiber comprising an outer layer of regenerated cellulose in which at least about 5% of the acetyl groups are removed on an overall fiber basis are also disclosed. Paper products incorporating said fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite camel structure includes an elongate hollow, rigid cylindrical core, opposite ends of the core having respective caps sealingly connected thereto, a buoyant material of cured urethane foam substantially filling the core and being sealingly enclosed therein. A cushion is thermally bonded to and sealingly surrounds the core, the cushion having a substantially unbroken outside surface, being formed of a polymeric component consisting of polyethylene being at least 80 percent low-density polyethylene, and a process additive component including an effective amount of an ultraviolet inhibitor. A pair of parallel-spaced, transversely oriented guides extend between opposite sides of the cushion in axially spaced relation to the core, each guide defining a guide opening through the cushion for receiving hawser chains whereby the camel structure rides up and down with the tide.

Abstract: An insulating container comprising a container body having at least one side wall and a bottom wall with the side wall including a base layer, an insulating layer on at least a portion of the base layer and a printed pattern, mineral oil application or combination thereof on at least a portion of the surface of the insulating layer is disclosed wherein a thickness of the insulating layer is controlled by the printed pattern and/or mineral oil on the selected portion of the insulating layer. Similarly, stock material incorporating the present invention includes a base layer, an insulating layer formed on at least a portion of the base layer and a printed pattern printed on and or mineral oil applied to the insulating layer is disclosed wherein the thickness of the insulating layer is again controlled by the printed pattern and/or mineral oil on the portion of the insulating layer.

Abstract: A filter that is capable of removing particulate and gaseous contaminants from a fluid, which filter comprises:a first filter element that is capable of removing particulate contaminants from a fluid, the first filter element comprising a corrugated nonwoven web of polymeric microfiber having a solidity of 0.1 or less and a means for retaining the corrugated shape of the corrugated nonwoven web of polymeric microfiber, the shape-retaining means being secured to the corrugated nonwoven web to maintain the corrugated shape of the corrugated nonwoven web of polymeric microfiber, anda second filter element comprising a sorbent material capable of removing gaseous contaminants from a fluid;the first and second filter elements being secured to each other and having a shape adapted for attachment to a respirator.

Abstract: Crosslinked cellulose fibers having free pendant carboxylic acid groups are disclosed. The fibers include a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled to the fibers, and are crosslinked with a crosslinking agent having a cure temperature lower than the cure temperature of the polycarboxylic acid. Methods for producing the fibers and for producing a fibrous sheet incorporating the fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Orthopedic casts which comprise an elastically deformed support which is held in its elastically deformed state by a solid casting composition. After the cast has been placed around a patient's limb, it is heated to soften the casting composition, thus permitting recovery of the cast into conforming contact with the limb. The support can for example be a fabric knitted from elastomeric fibers and glass fiber yarns. The casting composition can for example comprise polycaprolactone and/or a side chain crystallizable polymer, which melts at 45.degree.-60.degree. C. A padded liner can be placed between the cast and the limb. Recovery of the cast is preferably carried out by means of a hot air gun.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are novel diguanamine derivatives, led by 2,5/2,6-bis(4,6-diamino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-bicyclo?2.2.1!heptanes and 1,3/1,4-bis(4,6-diamino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-cyclohexanes, and derivatives thereof, applications of these compounds in fields such as adhesives and paints, utilization of these compounds in flame-retarding, thermal stabilization and compatibilization methods of resins, thermosetting molding compositions and thermosetting expansion-molding compositions making use of these compounds, as well as polymeric microspheres also using these compounds. These compounds are expected to find wide spread industrial utility as various excellent properties can be obtained by using them.

Abstract: A direct melt spinning process for providing high filament count fine filament polyester yarns having excellent mechanical quality and along-end uniformity and unitary interlace by spinning all the filaments of such high filament count yarn from a single spinneret. Such yarns may be used as direct-use yarns and as draw-feed yarns for preparing drawn flat yarns and draw-textured yarns.

Abstract: A method of making beaded foam molded products with corrosion inhibitor incorporated therein includes the steps of expanding a foamable synthetic resin into puffed beads, spraying onto the puffed beads a liquid containing a vapor phase corrosion inhibitor to provide a coating thereon, and molding the coated puffed beads into a beaded foam molded product with the corrosion inhibitor dispersed throughout the thickness thereof and migratable to the surface thereof.

Abstract: A fluid-tight container adapted to contain a fluid, volatile solid, or absorbent for a fluid, in which at least a portion of the container includes a material which, when sufficiently stretched, develops sufficient porosity to allow passage of the fluid through the material. In some embodiments, the material may be a film. For example, the film may be a filled film. As another example, the film may be an elastic film, such as a hard-elastic film. In other embodiments, the material may be a laminate. Components of the laminate may be a film or a nonwoven web, in which case the film may be a filled film or an elastic film, such as a hard-elastic film. Desirably, the laminate will include a film and a nonwoven web. The fluid-tight container may include a fluid-absorbing solid, such as silica gel or activated carbon for absorbing moisture or odors. In such case, the movement of fluid through the material is into the container. Alternatively, the fluid-tight container may include a liquid.

Abstract: Sealable liquid-tight containers and methods for economically manufacturing containers for storing and dispensing substances and any other purposes for which conventional sealable liquid-tight containers are utilized. The containers are readily and economically formed from inorganically filled mixtures comprising a water-dispersible organic polymer binder, aggregate fillers, fibers, and water. Alternatively, such containers are formed from high starch-containing compositions which optionally include inorganic fillers up to about 90%. Such compositions can be directly molded, formed into wet sheets and then molded, formed into dry sheets and then reformed, or extruded into the container components. The containers or components thereof may optionally be coated, lined, laminated, and/or receive printing.

Abstract: A plastic foam material composed of a blended resin composition which includes at least two thermoplastic resins and a silane-modified based resin. The blended resin composition consists essentially of 100 parts by weight of at least two thermoplastic resins, from about 1 to about 50 parts by weight of a silane-modified, cross-linked, thermoplastic resin; from about 0.001 to about 2.5 parts by weight of a cross-linking catalyst for use in a silane compound and from about 1 to about 20 parts by weight of a foaming agent. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thermoplastic resins include at least two substantially incompatible and substantially uncross-linked thermoplastic resins, while in another embodiment the two thermoplastic resins need not be substantially incompatible. The blended resin composition may further include reinforcers such as glass fibers and filler. The thermodecomposition foaming agent decomposes at sufficiently high temperatures to yield a plastic foam material.

Abstract: The invention consists of a process to improve the resistance to stains on fibres, processed or not, finished or not on the basis of dyeable natural or synthetic fibres, in particular polyamide. According to the invention the fibres are treated with a solution containing tannic acid and a condensation product of a sulphonated phenol- or naphtol-derivate with an aldehyde. The treatment can be made before, during or after the dyeing process. The treatment is done in an acid medium.

Abstract: A composite abrasive filament, including at least one preformed core at least partially coated with a hardened, abrasive-filled thermoplastic elastomer, exhibits increased abrading life over previously known abrasive filaments. Also disclosed are methods of making such filaments and using such filaments in article form to abrade a variety of workpieces.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing sheets having a starch-bound matrix reinforced with fibers and optionally including an inorganic mineral filler. Suitable mixtures for forming the sheets are prepared by mixing together water, unmodified and ungelatinized starch granules, a cellulosic ether, fibers, and optionally an inorganic mineral filler in the correct proportions to form a sheet having desired properties. The mixtures are formed into sheets by passing them between one or more sets of heated rollers to form green sheets. The heated rollers cause the cellulosic ether to form a skin on the outer surfaces of the sheet that prevents the starch granules from causing the sheet to adhere to the rollers upon gelation of the starch. The green sheets are passed between heated rollers to gelatinize the starch granules, and then to dry the sheet by removing a substantial portion of the water by evaporation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article for improving anti-static protection of clothing dried in a clothes dryer. The article includes a substrate, a layer comprising a first quaternary ammonium anti-static agent that has a first melting point. The layer comprising the first quaternary ammonium anti-static agent is adhered to the substrate. The article also includes a layer comprising a second quaternary ammonium anti-static agent that is adhered to the first quaternary ammonium anti-static agent. The layer comprising the second quaternary ammonium anti-static agent has a melting point lower than the first melting point. The present invention also includes a method for making the article.

Abstract: A heat-insulating paper container has a body member and a bottom panel member. Part of the outer surface of the body member is coated with a paint containing 5 wt %-40 wt % of a synthetic resin component so that the foaming of a thermoplastic synthetic resin film is suppressed in that area. The remainder of the body member which has not been coated with the resin component containing paint forms a foamed heat-insulating layer of the thermoplastic resin film.

Abstract: Novel fibers have been made from reactor grade isotactic poly-alpha-olefin wherein polypropylene is produced by single-site catalysis and has a melt flow rate of greater than zero to about 5,000, MWD in the range of about 1.0 to about 3.5.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber-reinforced porous plastic tube which is essentially composed with fibers having a high tensile modulus such as glass fibers and a matrix resin such as polyethylene, and has continuous pores, and excellent mechanical strength. This porous tube is useful for structural materials in a building and/or construction, filters, diffusing tubes, drain materials and the like.

Abstract: A sleeving product and a method for making a sleeving product suitable for use as a barrier for resisting heat transfer between an external heat source and an elongated substrate, comprising: a tubular layer comprising a flexible, resilient foamed insulating material; and an exterior cover layer bonded to one surface of the tubular layer, the cover layer comprising a metalized polymeric film, the metalized polymeric film comprising a flexible polymeric film and a nonporous, thin coating of heat reflective metal applied to at least one surface of the polymeric film.

Abstract: A tubular intraluminal graft for repairing body conduits, made from at least one layer of porous expanded PTFE film that has a microstructure having fibrils oriented in at least two directions which are substantially perpendicular to each other. The tubular intraluminal graft has a wall thickness of less than about 0.25 mm and may have a longitudinally or helically oriented seamline. Additional reinforcing components such as reinforcing ribs or braids may also be provided.

Abstract: Sealable liquid-tight containers and methods for economically manufacturing such containers for storing and dispensing substances and any other purposes for which conventional sealable liquid-tight containers are utilized. The containers are readily and economically formed from mixtures of hydraulically settable binders such as hydraulic cement, gypsum and clay with water. Appropriate additives can also be added to the mixture which impart desired characteristics and properties to both the mixture and the hardened containers. The mixtures can be utilized to form containers by various methods. One method involves forming the containers without substantial mixing of the mixture, compacting the mixture and hydrating the mixture. Other methods involve molding the mixture, extruding the mixture and forming sheets from the mixture to be converted into containers. The components may also be dried, coated, lined, laminated and/or receive printing.

Abstract: There is provided a method of producing a nonwoven fabric with a wide bonding window by forming a nonwoven web from a thermoplastic polymer blend including from about 0.5 weight percent to about 25 weight percent of syndiotactic polypropylene and then thermally bonding the nonwoven web by a method such as thermal point bonding, through-air-bonding and ultrasonic bonding. Such a web has a bonding window at least 10.degree. F. wider than that of a similar web without syndiotactic polypropylene. Ideally, the bonding window will extend at least 10.degree. F. below that of a similar web without syndiotactic polypropylene.

Abstract: A selected endothermic agent having a heat of reaction is embedded within an absorbent supporting open cell network matrix. The matrix is capable of being shaped into a form retaining body for the controlled transfer of heat by radiation, convection, and conduction.

Abstract: The silicon or silica substrates described have a modified surface of a new type occupied by the alcohol fraction of an orthoester. The alcohol fraction may be saturated or unsaturated. The surface of the substrate is modified by being treated with an orthoester, the water being eliminated from the surface by hydrolysis and then replaced by the resulting alcohol or silylether. Besides many other compounds, new orthoesters having the formula R.sup.1 C?OCH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O--CO--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 !.sub.3, in which R.sup.1 stands for hydrogen or for a clearable organic residue, R stands for (CH.sub.2).sub.n, in which n stands for an integer between 1 and 18, and new orthoesters having the formula (I), are particularly appropriate. In the formula (I), R.sup.1 stands for hydrogen or an organic residue, R.sup.3 stands for hydrogen or an alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and R.sup.4 stands for hydrogen, an alkyl group or an alkyl group or a phenyl group.

Abstract: A scented plastic material such as a mesh net or scented bathing implement and method for producing same is taught. Briefly stated, a scented additive is simultaneously extruded with a plastic raw material in order to form an intermediate or raw stock. The intermediate or raw stock thereby has a particular scent or fragrance associated therewith and is embedded therein. The intermediate product is thereafter formed into a suitable end product.

Abstract: A radome structure has an outer first layer of a fiber-reinforced composite material of quartz fibers in a noncrystalline cured oligomeric cyanate ester pre-polymer. A second layer of a syntactic foam underlies and is bonded to the first layer. A third layer of the same fiber-reinforced composite material (although possibly of different thickness) underlies and is bonded to the second layer. A fourth layer of the syntactic foam underlies and is bonded to the third layer. A fifth layer of the same fiber-reinforced composite material (preferably of the same thickness as the first layer) underlies and is bonded to the fourth layer. The structure is formed by layup of the first layer inside a female mold, and successively shaping the remaining layers and tacking them to each preceding layer. The shell produced in this manner can be joined to conforming shells.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form an article which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are molded to fashion a portion of the mixture into a form stable shape for the desired article. Once the article has obtained form stability, the article is removed from the mold and allowed to harden to gain strength. The articles may have properties substantially similar to articles presently made from traditional materials like paper, paperboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. They have especial utility in the mass production of containers, particularly food and beverage containers.

Abstract: Containers incorporating a hydraulically settable structural matrix including a hydraulically settable binder such as cement for use in the storing, dispensing, and/or packaging of food and beverage products are disclosed. The disposable and nondisposable food and beverage articles of manufacture have high tensile, compressive, and flexural strengths, and are lightweight, insulative (if desired), inexpensive, and more environmentally compatible than those currently used. These disposable containers and cups are particularly useful for dispensing hot and cold food and beverages in the fast food restaurant environment. The structural matrix of the food and beverage containers includes a hydraulic cement paste (formed from the reaction of water with, e.g., a portland-type cement) preferably in combination with a rheology-modifying plasticizer, such as methylhydroxyethylcellulose, various aggregate materials, and fibrous materials, which provide desired properties at a cost which is economical.

Abstract: Containers use in the storing, dispensing, packaging, and/or portioning of food and beverage products are disclosed. The disposable and nondisposable food and beverage containers are manufactured from aggregates held together by organic binders in order to be lightweight, insulative, inexpensive, and more environmentally compatible than those currently used for storing, dispensing, packaging, or portioning such products. The food and beverage containers of the present invention are particularly useful for dispensing hot and cold food and beverages in the fast food restaurant environment.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form an article which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are molded to fashion a portion of the mixture into a form stable shape for the desired article. Once the article has obtained form stability, the article is removed from the mold and allowed to harden to gain strength. The articles may have properties substantially similar to articles presently made from traditional materials like paper, paperboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. They have especial utility in the mass production of containers, particularly food and beverage containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to composites VS comprising at least two plastic layers A and C, suitable for the production of articles which, on one surface, come into contact with water at temperatures between 0.degree. and 90.degree. C., wherein the layer A, which comes into contact with water, comprises a thermoplastic, impact-resistant polymethyl methacrylate plastic SP having a Vicat softening temperature of at least 95.degree. C. according to ISO 306 procedure B and a notch impact resistance of at least 3.0 kJm.sup.-2 according to ISO 180 1A, and layer C comprises an impact-resistant acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer VP. In a preferred specific embodiment of the invention, another layer B, made of a thermoplastic polymethyl methacrylate plastic P, is placed between layers A and C.

Abstract: A composite article includes a first zone made entirely of plastic and a second zone made of plastic and natural fiber. The first and second zones are integral and are continuously coextruded. The ratio of natural fiber in the second zone is between 10% and 55%. The outer surface of the second zone includes embossing to resemble wood grain. The outer surface has sufficient porosity so as to hold and retain wood stain and paint so that the composite article is stainable to resemble genuine wood. The composition of the second zone includes between 45% and 90% polyvinylchloride, between 10% and 55% natural fiber, and external lubricate and a fusion enhancer. A color adjusting agent such as titanium dioxide, and coloring agents may also be added.

Abstract: A composite ultrafiltration membrane is provided having a microporous polyolefin or sulfone polymer base resistant substrate and an ultrafiltration layer formed from a sulfone polymer.

Abstract: A preservation article for the preservation of an archival article which involves an alkaline buffer and an adsorbent. A method of preserving an archival article which involves providing a preservation article in proximity to an archival article, wherein the preservation article includes an alkaline buffer and an adsorbent. The preservation article may be coated on or incorporated into a container, a packaging material, a support for an archival article or the archival article itself.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form an article which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are molded to fashion a portion of the mixture into a form stable shape for the desired article. Once the article has obtained form stability, the article is removed from the mold and allowed to harden to gain strength. The articles may have properties substantially similar to articles presently made from traditional materials like paper, paperboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. They have especial, utility in the mass production of containers, particularly food and beverage containers.

Abstract: Polyester mixed fine filament yarns having excellent mechanical quality and uniformity, and preferably with a balance of good dyeability and shrinkage, are prepared by a simplified direct spin-orientation process by selection of polymer and spinning conditions.

Abstract: A sleeve for padding a hazardous-duty garment strap, such as a firefighting suspender shoulder strap, or for padding a hazardous-duty pack strap, includes an elongated inner strip of padding material, an outer layer of heat and flame resistant material substantially surrounding the inner padding strip, and a central passage shaped to slidably receive the strap of the garment or pack strap therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the padding is made of heat and flame resistant closed cell foam material, and the outer layer is made of an aramid material.

Abstract: A pad for cleaning up liquid spills is described which contains a porous surface covering, and an absorbent interior containing chemically reactive reagents for neutralizing noxious chemicals within the spilled liquid. The porous surface and the absorbent component would normally consist of chemically resistant materials allowing tentative spill to pass. The absorbent interior which contains the neutralizing reagents can but is not required to be chemically resilient and conducts the liquid chemical spill towards the absorbent interior containing the chemically reactive reagents where the dangerous and undesirable chemicals within the chemical spill are then neutralized as well as removed from the premises.

Abstract: Protective articles such as diapers, having filmless hydrophobic barrier elements such as cuffs and backing sheets. The barrier cuffs--which can be, for instance, leg cuffs and waistbands--and the backing sheets can be provided from fabrics having a fabric weight of at least 10 gsy; these fabrics are made of cardable, hydrophobic polyolefin fibers having a dpf value of not more than about 2.0.