Abstract: A flocked transfer is produced by applying a release agent to a release sheet, and then applying the flocking to a release agent. Unlike the traditional method, a binder and thermoplastic hot melt film is applied to the back of the flock. The transfer, which is essentially release sheet, is then applied to a substrate, such as item of clothing, a rubber pad, etc., by positioning a sheet of thermoplastic hot melt film on the substrate; placing the transfer on the hot melt with the flock in contact with the hot melt film, and applying heat and pressure. The heat melts the thermoplastic hot melt film to bind the flock to the substrate and binds the flocking together. This method reduces the cost involved in producing flocked articles, especially for articles produced on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A flocked transfer is produced by applying a release agent to a release sheet, and then applying the flocking to a release agent. Unlike the traditional method, a binder and thermoplastic hot melt film is applied to the back of the flock. The transfer, which is essentially release sheet, is then applied to a substrate, such as item of clothing, a rubber pad, etc., by positioning a sheet of thermoplastic hot melt film on the substrate; placing the transfer on the hot melt with the flock in contact with the hot melt film; and applying heat and pressure. The heat melts the thermoplastic hot melt film to bind the flock to the substrate and binds the flocking together. This method reduces the cost involved in producing flocked articles, especially for articles produced on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A surface covering such as a carpet, carpet tile, area rug, floor mat or the like incorporating a textile face disposed in contacting overlying relation to at least a polyurethane layer. One or more optional intermediate structure layers may be disposed within the polyurethane and one or more optional backing layers may be disposed across the underside of the polyurethane.

Abstract: A flocked transfer is produced by applying a release agent to a release sheet and then applying the flocking to the release agent. Unlike the traditional method, a binder and hot melt film is not applied to the back of the flock. The transfer (which is essentially a flocked release sheet) is then applied to a substrate (i.e., an item of clothing, a rubber pad, etc.) by positioning a sheet of thermosetting hot melt film on the substrate; placing the transfer on the hot melt film with the flock in contact with the hot melt film; and applying heat and pressure. The heat melts the thermosetting hot melt film to bind the flock to the substrate and binds the flocking together. This method reduces the costs involved in producing flocked articles, especially for articles produced on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A composite construction incorporating one or more mat layers of interwoven axially drawn heat fusible tape fiber elements. The axially drawn tape fiber elements incorporate a central or base layer of a strain oriented polymer with a covering layer of a heat fusible polymer. The covering layer of the tape fiber elements is characterized by a softening point below that of the base layer to permit bonding fusion upon application of heat. An arrangement of embedded non-olefin fiber elements extends in anchored relation at least partially across the thickness dimension of the mat structure. The composite is adapted for bonding to a substrate layer. An optional covering layer may be utilized.

Abstract: A composite construction incorporating one or more mat layers of interwoven axially drawn heat fusible tape fiber elements. The axially drawn tape fiber elements incorporate a central or base layer of a strain oriented polymer with a covering layer of a heat fusible polymer. The covering layer of the tape fiber elements is characterized by a softening point below that of the base layer to permit bonding fusion upon application of heat. An arrangement of embedded non-olefin fiber elements extends in anchored relation at least partially across the thickness dimension of the mat structure. The composite is adapted for bonding to a substrate layer. An optional covering layer may be utilized.

Abstract: A composite construction comprising a mat structure comprising a plurality of layers, each layer comprising plurality of fibers arranged substantially parallel to one another along a common fiber direction, a multiplicity of embedded fiber elements extending in anchored relation at least partially across the thickness dimension of the mat structure such that at least a portion of the embedded fiber elements project outwardly from the mat structure and the projecting portions define at least a partial surface covering across a first side of the mat structure, and a substrate layer disposed in layered relation to the mat structure in contacting, bonding relation with said first side of the mat structure such that at least a percentage of said portion of embedded fiber elements projecting outwardly from the mat structure is at least partially bonded or embedded into a surface portion of the substrate layer. The composite is adapted for bonding to a substrate layer.

Abstract: A playing surface structure (100) comprises, a surface carpet layer (102), a resin impregnated textile layer (104), a random pile layer (108) comprising a compact resin loaded fibre stratum (109) and a layer of stratified fibrous material (110). The surface carpet layer (102) overlays the textile layer (104), the textile layer (104) overlays the random pile layer (108), and the layer of stratified fibrous material (110) is overlain by the random pile layer (108). A method of construction of a playing surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A laminated material including a decorative or functional cover layer laminated to a porous material layer. The cover layer may include a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible material and the porous spacer material layer may include a reticulated foam, nonwoven textile, or a spacer fabric. The cover layer is laminated onto the porous material layer, increasing the seam strength, durability and dimensional stability of the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electromagnetic wave shielding material including a three dimensionally knitted base material and a conductive metal layer formed on the three dimensionally knitted base material, which shielding material is characterized in that it comprises: a heat-fusing thread used at at least a portion of the three dimensionally knitted base material; and a portion in which connection thread is not present, wherein the amount of cutting debris generated at the time of cutting is decreased. According to the present invention, an electromagnetic wave shielding material, which is used for an electromagnetic wave shielding gasket for shielding electromagnetic wave, exhibits good workability if the thickness of the product is relatively thin, suppresses the metal separation and reduces the amount of cutting debris generated at the time of cutting, is obtained.

Abstract: A playing surface structure includes a resin impregnated textile layer (1) having a resin bonded layer of particulate rubber (7) adherent to its undersurface and overlying a fibrous random pile mat (8) incorporating a random pile layer (9) and a relatively compact, resin impregnated backing layer (10).

Abstract: A method and fabric structure that employs a napped fabric to protect a subject from an arc flash. At least one napped fabric layer with an increase in fabric thickness due to napping of at least 35% is incorporated into a normal arc protective fabric structure to increase EBT by at least 8%.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet is disclosed. The topsheet has a first side and a second side, the first side being a body-facing side and the second side being in fluid communication with the absorbent core. The topsheet also has a first relatively hydrophobic component and a second relatively hydrophilic component, the relatively hydrophilic component extending through the relatively hydrophobic component and being disposed on both of the sides of the topsheet. The absorbent article exhibits a rewet value of less than about 94 mg, and a fluid acquisition rate of at least about 0.10 ml/sec when tested by the Gush Acquisition and Rewet Test Method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid-filled bladder and a method for making for making a fluid-filled bladder that include a core having at least one fusing filament. A portion of the fusing filament is positioned adjacent to the exterior surface of the core such that it engages and fuses to barrier layers of the bladder, thereby securing the core to the barrier layers without the need for an additional fusing agent therebetween.

Abstract: A shear-resistant Z-axis fiber-reinforced composite laminate structure includes a core material; an upper laminate; a lower laminate; and a plurality of contiguous cured resin Z-axis fiber bundles disposed in the core material between the upper laminate and the lower laminate to form high moment-of-inertia solid composite structural elements in the core material.

Abstract: A three-dimensional spacer fabric resin infusion medium and reinforcing composite lamina for use in the manufacture of fiber reinforced polymer composites is disclosed. The use of the three-dimensional spacer fabric as a composite lamina aids in both the resin infusion rate and resin uniformity throughout the laminate.

Abstract: A lofty, nonwoven material having a nonwoven web having a plurality of substantially continuous fibers oriented in a z-direction of the nonwoven web and a method for producing the lofty, nonwoven material from as-formed z-direction fibers. The method is fast, having no mechanical manipulation of the fibers to slow it down, easily adjustable and allows for in-line processing. The material can be varied from preponderantly open to preponderantly closed in its web structure.

Abstract: A net-like structure particularly for geotechnical applications which comprises a first and a second layer which are mutually spaced and joined one another by spacers which are co-extruded together with the layers. At least one of the layers comprises at least one set of yarns arranged at one end of the spacers; the spacers have a reduced transverse cross-section.

Abstract: Composite textile material for protecting the human body against heat, essential comprising an outer zone providing a leakproofing function, an intermediate zone in which a flow of air circulates, and an inner zone allowing mass and heat to be transferred into the intermediate zone, the material being characterized in that it is constituted by a three-dimensional cloth (1, 3, 4) having one fabric (1) of hydrophobic cloth constituting the outer zone, and having its other fabric (4) in the form of a woven cloth or a knit of hydrophilic fibers and constituting the inner zone, the two fabrics (1, 4) being interconnected by link threads (5) enabling the intermediate zone to exist.

Abstract: An artificial turf system that includes a base and a turf assembly. The base is readily constructed, at least in part, from naturally occurring ground elements that are present upon initiation of the construction of the base. The base is constructed to include a drainage mechanism that is disposed near the surface of the base. The turf assembly is laid out upon the base and is constructed to pass fluid, e.g., water, therethrough such that the fluid is specifically directed to the drainage mechanism of the base as it moves through the turf assembly. The turf assembly includes a plurality of layers such as an impermeable moisture barrier layer, a drainage layer, a filtering layer, and a turf mat.

Abstract: A material to reduce the effects of trauma received from the impact of a projectile. One embodiment is a needle-punched, non-woven material including at least one type of ballistic fibers selected and oriented to provide a cushioning effect and maintain a high compressive restitution constant. A percentage of the fibers are oriented with at least their ends lying approximately perpendicular to the fabric plane and/or oriented to lie in a waveform generally along or parallel to the fabric plane. This enables the ends of the fibers lying perpendicular to the fabric plane to cushion the impact from the projectile by dissipating energy through compressional resistance, and the fibers along the fabric plane to reduce energy through dispersal along fiber lines, thereby reducing the trauma resulting from an impact.

Abstract: Surface coverings, such as carpet, are described which contain at least one styrene polymer in the backing layer or elsewhere. A preferred surface covering is a carpet such as a modular carpet tile. A preferred styrene polymer is styrene-butadiene-styrene polymers. Methods of forming the surface coverings are further described.

Abstract: A fabric is provided having discrete surface portions of a primary backing and tufted yarns exposed on the technical face of the fabric. To form the fabric, the yarn feed controlled by servomotors is adjusted in increments to rob back yarn sufficient to pull out the previously tufted loops in selected portions of the fabric, leaving the primary backing portion of the pulled-out loops exposed on the technical face. By the selection process, random or patterned tufted portions and exposed primary backing surface portions are provided on the technical face of the fabric.

Abstract: A playing surface structure (100) comprises, a surface carpet layer (102), a resin impregnated textile layer (104), a random pile layer (108) comprising a compact resin loaded fibre stratum (109) and a layer of stratified fibrous material (110). The surface carpet layer (102) overlays the textile layer (104), the textile layer (104) overlays the random pile layer (108), and the layer of stratified fibrous material (110) is overlain by the random pile layer (108). A method of construction of a playing surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple layer, thermoformable acoustic sheet material useful for manufacturing acoustic absorption, acoustic barrier and/or vibration damping components includes a barrier layer of fibers having an area weight of from about 40 grams per square foot to about 100 grams per square foot, and an absorber layer of vertically-lapped fibers. The thermoformable acoustic sheet materials may include additional layers, with certain embodiments including an impermeable polymer film layer disposed between the barrier layer and the absorber layer.

Abstract: Provided is a polypropylene resin foam-molded article which has a rib having a relatively small thickness and which has an improved strength at a boundary part between a main body part and the rib part without increasing a thickness of the rib part. The polypropylene resin foam-molded article is obtained by molding a material for a foam-molded article using a polypropylene resin, wherein the molded article comprises a main body part and a rib part provided vertically to the main body part; the rib part has a thickness (Tr) of 3 mm or less, or a thickness ratio (Tr/Tb) of a thickness of the rib part (Tr) to a thickness of the main body part (Tb) is 0.8 or less; the main body part and the rib part each comprise a non-foamed surface layer and an intermediate layer having a foamed structure; and the intermediate layer in the main body part is connected to the intermediate layer in the rib part.

Abstract: A sandwich material comprising two metal plates affixed to and separated by a fibrous core, is characterised in that the core comprises a three-dimensional porous network comprising metal fibres, wherein substantially all of the fibres are inclined at an acute angle to the plates. The sandwich material is lightweight, thin and handles like a monolithic sheet. It displays high beam stiffness and is easy to weld. It as therefore particularly useful in the manufacture of aircraft and vehicle parts.

Abstract: A floor covering includes a primary backing having yarns tufted through the primary backing forming wear surface portions comprised of the back stitches of the tufted yarns in conjunction with non-tufted areas of the primary backing, also forming exposed wear surfaces. Both exposed wear surfaces portions form an aesthetic design pattern whereby a low, dense broadloom or modular carpet is provided at reduced materials and costs. Preferably, the primary backing is comprised of a woven polypropylene and a secondary backing is provided with the cut or loop yarns on the back side of the primary backing being fixed in place by a resin. A secondary backing formed of a composition of EVA, calcium carbonate and resin, overlaid by a woven scrim, is provided. The secondary backing may be formed of a needle-bonded synthetic fiber. Additionally, the primary backing may be formed of a non-woven material such as nylon and polyester.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced core is formed from plastics foam material having elongated porous and fibrous webs and/or rovings extending through the foam material. The rovings may extend angularly through the webs, and strips of the foam material may be helically wound with layers of crossing rovings to form the webs. Porous and fibrous skins for the core may be formed by the wound rovings and by parallel continuous rovings, and the foam strips may be formed with internal grooves adjacent the webs and connected by a feeder channel for infusing a hardenable adhesive resin into the grooves and outwardly through the webs to the skins with differential pressure on the resin.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed capable of removably adhering a semiconductor substrate to a substrate support in a sub-atmospheric environment using a plurality of individual fibers, each mounted at one end adjacent the substrate support, and each having a loose end. When the portions of the fiber adjacent the loose fiber ends are each brought into contact with the under surface of the substrate, Van der Waals forces are exerted between the substrate and the fibers to urge the substrate toward the underlying substrate support. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate and portions of the fiber adjacent the loose fiber ends are first vertically brought into physical contact with one another, and then a horizontal force is applied to horizontally move, with respect to one another, the substrate and the portions of the fibers adjacent the loose fiber ends.

Abstract: Described is a fibrous thermal interface. The interface comprises flocked thermally conductive fibers embedded in an adhesive in substantially vertical orientation with portions of the fibers extending out of the adhesive. An encapsulant fills spaces between the portions of the fibers that extend out of the adhesive and beneath the free tips of the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific methods of producing cleated rubber-backed floor mats (such as dust control or rubber mats) through the utilization of the combination of a perforated coated woven fabric article and a cushioned platen liner between the article and the metal platen of an in-line dust control mat manufacturing machine. Such a procedure permits a more efficient manner of producing cleated anti-creep dust control mats than previously followed. The produced mat as well as the woven fabric article/cushioned platen liner combination are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: A multi-component color coordinated floor covering system including a carpet and a coordinated area rug, bath mat or other localized floor covering element. The carpet and the localized floor covering element include colored user contact surfaces. The colored user contact surface of the localized floor covering element includes at least one preselected color identical to at least one color in the user contact surface of the carpet. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A net fabric to be processed into a net product capable of simplifying processing during manufacturing of a net product, leading to a reduction in manufacturing cost of the net product is disclosed. The net fabric is so constructed that the side edge portions of the net fabric, which are subjected to processing such as cutting, vibrational welding or the like, have a higher compressibility in the thickness direction than the middle portions of the net fabric. This ensures that the net fabric exhibits a better workability during the manufacturing of the net product using the net fabric in order to simplify the manufacturing process, and to lead to a reduction in manufacturing cost, even though the net fabric has a three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: An absorbent barrier sheet (10) includes an integral fabric web (12) and a vinyl barrier material (14) intimately connected to and across the integral fabric web (12). The web (12) includes an upper portion (16) and a lower portion (18), with the upper portion including a plurality of hydrophobic first yams (20) and the lower portion including a plurality of fluid-retaining second yams (22). In addition, the web (12) has a middle portion (24) which includes a set of ground yarns (26) and parts of the hydrophobic and fluid-retaining yarns (20),(22), with the ground yarns (26) integrating the hydrophobic and fluid-retaining yarns (20), (22) of the upper and lower portions (16), (18), thereby forming the integral fabric web (12). The vinyl barrier material (14) is intimately connected to and across the fluid-retaining lower portion (18) of the integral fabric web (12).

Abstract: A sandwich material comprising two metal plates affixed to and separated by a fibrous core, is characterised in that the core comprises a three-dimensional porous network comprising metal fibres, wherein substantially all of the fibres are inclined at an acute angle to the plates. The sandwich material is lightweight, thin and handles like a monolithic sheet. It displays high beam stiffness and is easy to weld. It as therefore particularly useful in the manufacture of aircraft and vehicle parts.

Abstract: The present invention provides an internally-tufted laminate adapted to provide improved softness and cloth-like feel.

Abstract: A floor covering includes a primary backing having yarns tufted through the primary backing forming wear surface portions comprised of the back stitches of the tufted yarns in conjunction with non-tufted areas of the primary backing, also forming exposed wear surfaces. Both exposed wear surfaces portions form an aesthetic design pattern whereby a low, dense broadloom or modular carpet is provided at reduced materials and costs. Preferably, the primary backing is comprised of a woven polypropylene and a secondary backing is provided with the cut or loop yarns on the back side of the primary backing being fixed in place by a resin. A secondary backing formed of a composition of EVA, calcium carbonate and resin, overlaid by a woven scrim, is provided. The secondary backing may be formed of a needle-bonded synthetic fiber. Additionally, the primary backing may be formed of a non-woven material such as nylon and polyester.

Abstract: A monolithic surfacing system is capable of being applied to almost any stable, compacted base which is capable of supporting the weight of the system. The system provides an economical solution to the cracking and degradation which is experienced with conventional artificial surfaces which are exposed to the elements or extended wear. The surfacing system includes a bottom layer comprised of a pile fabric having a flexible backing and a plurality of upstanding pile elements. Each of the pile elements has an upper and a lower end. The pile elements are in-filled with a quantity of in-fill material which is sufficient to form a layer of substantially uniform density extending from the flexible backing of the bottom layer to substantially the upper end of the pile elements. A quantity of binder is added to the system, and a top layer comprising a wear coating having an upper and a lower surface is applied to the in-fill material and binder.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a layer having carpeted upper surface and/or other rubber-like padding material covered by a translucent, elastomeric sheet. The upper elastomeric layer may have downwardly depending projections that engage the carpeted upper surface of the inner padding layer, thereby reducing the likelihood of the upper elastomeric layer from slipping relative to the inner padding layer. The upper elastomeric layer is sewn or otherwise affixed to the carpeted surface to prevent slipping and creasing of the upper elastomeric layer relative to the padding during use. In addition, in a preferred embodiment for use on carpeted surfaces, the lower elastomeric layer may have downwardly depending projections that engage in the underlying carpet surface to reduce slipping of the device relative to the underlying surface. An overcovering material may be provided to further protect the upper elastomeric layer from excessive soiling.

Abstract: Described is a transferrable fibrous thermal interface. The interface comprises flocked thermally conductive fibers embedded in an adhesive in substantially vertical orientation with portions of the fibers extending out of the adhesive. An encapsulant fills spaces between the portions of the fibers that extend out of the adhesive and a release liner is on at least one outer surface of the interface.

Abstract: There is provided a molded article which has high shock absorbing capability and load capacity. A resin molded article having a spring structure comprises a three-dimensional structure with voids, which is formed by entwining and gathering adjacent ones of random loops or curls of solid and/or hollow continuous filaments and/or short filaments made from a mixture of a polyolefin resin and VAC, EVA or SBS.

Abstract: A liner assembly for a manhole or passage comprises a multiple-ply, generally cylindrical tube. The outermost ply includes inner and outer surfaces and is adapted for being impregnated with material for rigidifying and bonding the outer surface of the outermost ply to a manhole or passage. The innermost ply includes inner and outer surfaces and is adapted for being impregnated with a material for rigidifying the innermost ply. An impermeable ply is disposed between the innermost and outermost plies. The impermeable ply includes an impermeable membrane having fibers impregnated on the inner and outer surfaces of the impermeable ply. The fibers of the inner surface of the impermeable ply bond with the epoxy impregnated outer surface of the innermost ply. Likewise, the fibers of the outer surface of the impermeable ply bond with the epoxy impregnated inner surface of the outermost ply, so that the manhole or passage becomes structurally reinforced.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method of floor laying and underlay and surface material for this. According to the invention a coating of fiber flock on the underlay as well as on the underside of the floor surface material is utilized. Hereby is achieved partly that the need of glueing of floor material is eliminated and partly to provide a floor underlay that gives smoothing out, noise suppression and insulation as well as a fixing underlay for various floor materials so that these can be laid in larger or smaller portions and remain on site but simply can be adjusted when required.

Abstract: A floor covering article comprises a decorative fabric layer, pile yarns forming a decorative pile surface projecting from and partially covering the upper surface of the decorative fabric layer, and means for securing the pile yarns to the decorative fabric layer. The decorative pile surface covers between about 5% to about 95% of the upper surface of the decorative fabric layer so that the decorative fabric is clearly visible when the floor covering article is in planar orientation. The overall effect of the floor covering article, including the decorative fabric and the decorative pile surface, is decorative.

Abstract: Polymeric carpet and a method of making and recycling such carpet, the carpet having fibers, backing and extruded adhesive all of completely recyclable materials, the recycling being accomplished in one melting step, without a separation step.

Abstract: An inflatable apparatus, which includes an upper cover sheet and a bottom cover sheet respectively cut from a multi-layer sheet material, and at least one connecting band respectively connected between the upper cover sheet and the bottom cover sheet and defining with the upper cover sheet and the bottom cover sheet an air-tight air chamber, each connecting band having a lining cut from same multi-layer sheet material, and a water-proof plastic cover layer covered on the lining over cutting edges of the lining and welded to border areas between the upper cover sheet and the bottom cover sheet, the multi-layer sheet material having two water-proof plastic cover layers, a meshed intermediate nylon layer sandwiched in between the plastic cover layers, and two bonding layers covered on top and bottom sides of the meshed intermediate nylon layer and respectively bonded to the plastic cover layers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cushioned floor covering article wherein the mat includes a tufted carpet placed on the top side of a foam rubber sheet and at least one foam rubber protrusion integrated within at least a portion of the bottom side of the foam rubber sheet. Such an article provides effective removal of moisture, dirt, and debris from the footwear of pedestrians through the utilization of a carpet pile component. Furthermore, the utilization of a foam rubber backing also allows for either periodic heavy duty industrial-scale laundering in such standard washing machines or periodic washing and drying in standard in-home machines, both without appreciably damaging the inventive floor covering article, such as a floor mat. Additionally, the presence of integrated foam rubber protrusions within the mat structure provides an effective cushioning effect for pedestrian comfort as well as a means to prevent slippage of the article from its contacted surface.

Abstract: A method of heating or cooling an element which comprises providing a fluid circulation circuit within a Z-pin reinforced sandwich panel, the panel having fiber-reinforced resin composite face sheets separated in selected locations with a core so as to form a channel, said Z-pin being present both in the core and the channel; and transporting a heat exchange fluid through the channel forming said circulation circuit to provide heating or cooling for the element. The method can be employed in the leading edge for an airfoil for deicing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cushioned floor covering article wherein the mat includes a tufted carpet placed on the top side of a foam rubber sheet and at least one foam rubber protrusion integrated within at least a portion of the bottom side of the foam rubber sheet. Such an article provides effective removal of moisture, dirt, and debris from the footwear of pedestrians through the utilization of a carpet pile component. Furthermore, the utilization of a foam rubber backing also allows for either periodic heavy duty industrial-scale laundering in such standard washing machines or periodic washing and drying in standard in-home machines, both without appreciably damaging the inventive floor covering article, such as a floor mat. Additionally, the presence of integrated foam rubber protrusions within the mat structure provides an effective cushioning effect for pedestrian comfort as well as a means to prevent slippage of the article from its contacted surface.