Abstract: A webbing for seat belt systems having energy absorbing properties comprising a top belt, a bottom belt, and a pair of lateral side seam members nondetachably connecting the belts together. The top belt and bottom belt each have an inner layer facing one another, and contiguous therewith a plurality of contact structures on both inner layers, thereby permitting the contact structures to bear resiliently against one another in an opposing, spaced relationship. During a vehicular collision, the contact structures would absorb deceleration energy and offer user protection against bodily injury. The webbing having energy absorbing properties can be employed in all types of seat belt systems, or be utilized for strapping and belt material.

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: A layered composite construction material includes a pair of outer layers of material including essentially continuous strand fiberglass mat which are separated by a pair of intermediate sandwich layers of material each being adjacent to a respective outer layer of material and including essentially eighteen ounce woven roving fiberglass mat and which are further separated by at least one internal layer of material which essentially includes spun fiberglass blanket which has fiberglass strands longitudinally disposed perpendicular to the other layers of material for facilitating even dispersal of a foam throughout all the layers of material to effectively secure and bind the layers of material. The internal layer of material can also include multiple layers of spun fiberglass mat each of which are separated by a pair of layers of material.

Abstract: A composite of thermally non-adherent fluoropolymeric and non-fluoropolymeric components is created through the agency of a non-woven, fibrous binder interposed between and portionally embedded into both components. The fibers of the non-woven binder have a substantial portion of their length extending into both components and cross the interface at an angle that is substantially normal to the plane of embedment. The composite possesses good peel-adhesion behavior between the otherwise thermally non-adherent components.

Abstract: An electrostatic flocking material, which covers a base for a grip of an article, is coated entirely with a cover layer. Pile fibers of the flocking material are placed upright on the base, and the free ends of the pile fibers are covered with the cover layer, wherein portions of the cover layer covering the free ends of the pile fibers form peaks having multiple edges. The peaks are formed by placing an excess cover layer material on the flocking material, leveling the cover layer material, and removing part of the cover layer material between the pile fibers by wiping the leveled cover layer material with a water-absorbable fabric. The grip is usable in rainy conditions.

Abstract: A three-dimensional knit spacer fabric is provided. The fabric includes a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer and yarns interconnecting the two layers. A portion of the yarns interconnecting the two layers is perpendicular to each of the first and second fabric layers, while the remaining interconnecting yarns will be disposed at an angle between the two layers.

Abstract: This invention provides a laminate, both surface layers of which are each composed of a base material consisting of a glass cloth napped at least on its inner surface side and impregnated with a thermosetting resin, and the intermediate layer of which laminate is composed of a composition comprising a thermosetting resin mixed with an inorganic filler in a proportion of 10 to 300% by weight based on the weight of the resin, the surface layers and the intermediate layer having been integrated by heating and pressing.

Abstract: An abrasion-resistant composite sheet having a surface layer of pile-like fibers immobilized by resin. The surface layer has a thickness of 0.5-3 mm, a pile-like fiber concentration of 0.05 to 0.5 g/cm.sup.3, a resin containing depth of at least 0.5 mm and a density of at least 0.5 g/cm.sup.3. The pile-like fibers can be derived from particular contracted stitchbonded, knit or woven fabrics or from conventional pile fabrics having specific characteristics.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven fabric is constructed to have high breathability, a low modulus and a good hand. The composite is comprised of a fibrous nonwoven material attached to a highly elastic breathable foam film substrate. The foam film substrate is dimensioned to be thin enough to provide numerous apertures and/or voids therethrough. The attachment of the fibrous nonwoven material to the foam film substrate is accomplished by needlepunching portions of at least some strands of the nonwoven material through the apertures in the elastic foam film. During the needlepunching process, the numerous apertures and/or voids in the foam film facilitate the passage of strands of the nonwoven material through the foam film by the needles while minimizing damage to the structure of the foam film by the needles. Alternatively, the composite nonwoven textile is constructed by attaching fibers to the breathable elastic foam film by flocking.

Abstract: The base material can be obtained by means of the realisation, on a support made out of material or nonmaterial, of a system of two crossed orders, uniformly distributed, of rectilinear stitching carried out with a yarn having a metallic core inside. In this way, an incorporated shielding metallic screen made of metallic cores is obtained.

Abstract: A laminated insole (2) for a footwear has an upper layer (4) of a resilient foam material having an outline (6) shaped for incorporation in the footwear, and a bottom layer of a fibrous mat (10) and having a shape conforming with the outline (6) of the upper layer (4). The fibrous mat (10) includes a multiplicity of fibers (12), a number of which penetrate the foam material of the upper layer (4) for bonding the bottom layer (10) to the upper layer (4), and a stiffening portion (14) for providing stiffness to the insole (2). Preferably, each of the fibers (12) of those penetrating the foam material (4) emerges from the outer surface (16) thereof and thereby provides a pilosity (17) thereon. The laminated product (2) is suitable for use as an insole as well as a slip-in insole in any footwear. It takes advantage of the resilient properties of the foam, the stiffness and thermoformability of the fibrous mat and the comfort provided by the pilosity covering the upper layer of foam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensionally reinforced ablative/insulative composite that includes a high density fabric-based ablative layer and a low density resin-based insulative layer that is chemically bound to the ablative layer. This composite further includes stitches of a temperature-resistant thread which extend through the ablative layer and form reinforcing loops within the insulative layer. These loops are preferably chemically and mechanically bound to the insulative layer.

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: A composite of thermally non-adherent fluoropolymeric and non-fluoropolymeric components is created through the agency of a non-woven, fibrous binder interposed between and portionally embedded into both components. The fibers of the non-woven binder have a substantial portion of their length extending into both components and cross the interface at an angle that is substantially normal to the plane of embedment. The composite possesses good peel strengths of greater than 5 pounds/linear inch between the otherwise thermally non-adherent components.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and processes wherein recycling of waste carpets and textiles is achieved by coating the individual yarn fibers with a low viscosity adhesive that is dispersed or dissolved in a suitable solvent to affect coverage of the fine fibers, and arranging the coated fibers in layers to affect the most desirable physical properties and then cured to provide a high modulus matrix for the coated fibers in the laminate structure. The fibers may be from unshredded or shredded waste carpets, shredded waste woven or non woven fabrics, fabric bits, and knitted fabrics. When the carpet is used in an as received condition, the face yarns, which may contain one or more components yarns, are coated and the carpets are arranged in a sandwich construction wherein the backings of the two carpets are placed back-to-back, e.g., (F-B-(B-F).sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven fabric for a hook and loop fastening device wherein the fabric comprises needlepunched fibers forming a plurality of loops which are effective for releasably engaging the hooks in a hook component, wherein the fabric has a weight of about 1.5 to about 4.0 ounces/sq. yd., and a thickness of about 0.015 inches to about 0.050 inches. The product may be used as fastening device for disposable products.

Abstract: A non-woven needle-punched filter fabric for use in a geocomposite having a filter face and a laminating face, the fabric having a first filter and cushion zone adjacent the filter face produced from spun bond, continuous filament, a second stiff and bend resistant zone adjacent the first zone produced from a blend of staple non-fusible fiber and staple fusible fiber, and a third zone at the laminating face produced from fiber from both the first and second zones whereby the third zone has a hairy characteristic which facilitates laminating the fabric to a drainage net or a geogrid.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of vibration welding of thermoplastic joints. Such welding is conducted by vibrating two fiber reinforced thermoplastic parts under pressure along their common interface to generate frictional heat to melt and fuse their surfaces together. Fibers from at least one surface penetrate both into the weld and into the other surface. As a result, the welded, fiber reinforced thermoplastic surfaces have increased tensile strength than heretofore achievable. Vibration welds of reinforced thermoplastic surfaces according to this invention achieve a maximum tensile strength as high as about 120% of a weld formed by the unreinforced surfaces of corresponding thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: Improved pin-reinforced sandwich structure ties the face sheets (typically on opposite sides of a foam core) together with a plurality of Z-pins that extend into each face sheet (through the core). The pins are arranged in a tetrahedral or hat section configuration in 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional arrangements to provide enhanced reinforcement, particularly in shear. We are able to improve the pulloff strength additionally by dimpling the core surrounding the pins to produce adhesive fillets along the pins.

Abstract: New wall to wall carpeting is applied directly over worn broadloom or tile wall to wall carpeting having a backing secured to a hard floor surface (e.g. directly attached, such as by adhesive, to an existing concrete floor) and a top pile surface. The worn carpeting is cleaned and then a high molecular weight acrylic ester polymer emulsion adhesive is sprayed onto the top pile surface of the old carpet. The vinyl backing of one or more new carpet strips is applied directly to the adhesive. A fire retardant is preferably included with the adhesive or separately applied to the top pile surface of the old carpet. If desired the adhesive may be applied to only a small part of the old carpet for holding strips of hook fasteners, and the new carpet backing may include loop fasteners which cooperate with the hook fasteners and hold the new carpet in place.

Abstract: An integrated three-dimensional knit spacer fabric is provided. The fabric includes a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer, and a resilient yarn interconnecting the two layers. The first fabric layer is made from fibers rendered hydrophilic, while the second fabric layer is made from hygroscopic fibers for absorbing moisture.

Abstract: A scrubbing device is formed comprising an absorbent body, preferably regenerated cellulose sponge, having affixed on one surface thereof a woven web comprising a woven backing and pile fibers interwoven into the backing. The pile fibers form the scouring surface which has improved nonscratching characteristics and good cleaning properties. The improved nonscratching characteristics are due to the lack of mineral abrasive or hardened resins which bind fibers of non-woven scrims.

Abstract: New wall to wall carpeting is applied directly over worn broadloom or tile wall to wall carpeting having a backing secured to a hard floor surface (e.g. directly attached, such as by adhesive, to an existing concrete floor) and a top pile surface. The worn carpeting is cleaned and then a high molecular weight acrylic ester polymer emulsion adhesive is sprayed onto the top pile surface of the old carpet. The vinyl backing of one or more new carpet strips is applied directly to the adhesive. A fire retardant is preferably included with the adhesive or separately applied to the top pile surface of the old carpet. If desired the adhesive may be applied to only a small part of the old carpet for holding strips of hook fasteners, and the new carpet backing may include loop fasteners which cooperate with the hook fasteners and hold the new carpet in place.

Abstract: An integrated three-dimensional knit spacer fabric is provided. The fabric includes identical first and second fabric layers, and a yarn interconnecting the two layers. Both the layers of the fabric have their surfaces napped.

Abstract: An elevated carpet system and method of applying the carpet system to a surface to protect the underlying surface from damaging exposure to water, salt and moisture. The carpet system includes a waterproofing membrane layer applied to the underlying surface and a weather-resistant carpet having a nibbed vinyl backing defined by an array of spaced nipple projections. The projections support the carpet in spaced relation above the waterproofing membrane layer so that an air gap is maintained therebetween to promote ventilation and drying of moisture which seeps through the carpet.

Abstract: A reversible underlay device for positioning between a rug and an underlying flooring surface to inhibit movement of the rug relative to the underlying flooring surface. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a relatively resilient, conformable layer adjacent to a relatively firm layer having a plurality of outwardly extending nibs or protrusions. When a rug is placed over carpeting, the underlay may be oriented between the rug and the carpeting such that the nibs penetrate into the carpeting and the relatively resilient, conformable layer is adjacent the underside of the rug. When the rug is placed over a relatively hard flooring surface such as wood, tile or vinyl, the underlay is oriented between the rug and the carpeting such that the nibs penetrate into the back of the rug and the relatively resilient, conformable layer is against the flooring.

Abstract: A reinforced foam core sandwich structure including opposing face sheets, a foam core therebetween, and tow members encapsulated within the foam core and extending between the opposing face sheets to form a combined foam/tow member core wherein the compressive strength or shear strength of the combined foam/tow member core is greater than the compressive strength or shear strength, respectively, of the foam core alone or the tow members alone forming a support structure within the foam core between the face sheets.

Abstract: A laminated assembly forming the female, loop portion of a self-gripping hook-and-loop fastener. The assembly includes a light-weight, open, mechanically fragile and dimensionally unstable knitted fabric adhered in a flat condition onto a support member, the knitted fabric including interknitted warp and weft yarns, and a multitude of loops having feet cooperating with the warp and weft yarns and a pair of elongate legs extending from the feet and forming a free loop top remote from the feet. The loops are sized in relation to the spacing of the warp and weft yarns of the fabric so that at least one of the two legs of the loop intersects at least one of the warp or weft yarns in spaced-apart relation from the foot of the at least one leg so that each of the loops bears on at least one warp or weft yarn to form an overlapping zone where the loop does not adhere to the support member, thus maintaining the self-gripping ability of the loops.

Abstract: A fastener arrangement includes a first fastener member having a base sheet and a plurality of engaging members projecting from the base sheet. The fastener arrangement includes a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on a surface of a base sheet opposite of the engaging members, and a dual purpose cover sheet. The dual purpose cover sheet protects the adhesive layer of the first fastener member, and the engaging members of a second, underlying fastener member. The dual purpose cover is releasably attached to the second fastener member by fusing or by using an adhesive having a first non-tacky consistency and a second tacky consistency.

Abstract: A cellular panel defines a plurality of adjoining longitudinally extending cells and is formed of sheets of textile material adhesively secured together along spaced adhesive lines. The textile material is coated with a fabric treatment composition coating on discrete areas. The textile material has a stiffness in its lengthwise direction significantly greater than its stiffness in its widthwise direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastener member having a dual purpose cover sheet. The fastener member includes a base sheet, a plurality of engaging members projecting from the base sheet, a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on an opposite surface of a base sheet, and a dual purpose cover sheet. The dual purpose cover sheet protects the adhesive layer of a first fastener member, and the engaging members of a second, underlying fastener member.

Abstract: A composite thermal insulation structure particularly suited for gas turbine engine applications is disclosed. An aspect of the present invention includes a composite thermal insulation structure having a backing, a ceramic pile woven substantially perpendicular into the backing, and a ceramic matrix material infiltrated in the ceramic fiber pile.

Abstract: A method for reusing loose, rejected or scrapped mats (1) of the type having a compact rubber-cloth backing (2) with a textile pile (3) incorporated therein, as well as a circumferential, pile-free backing edge portion (4, 4'), is disclosed. After optionally shaving off pile to produce the circumferential, pile-free backing edge portion, two such mats of essentially the same size, or one such mat and a pile-free rubber cloth of essentially the same size, are put together with the pile sides facing one another, or with the pile side facing the rubber cloth. Then, the edge portions (4, 4') are attached to one another throughout the entire circumference in an air-entrapping manner, whereby to obtain a mat especially suited for use on working sites or in industry.

Abstract: New wall to wall carpeting is applied directly over worn broadloom or tile wall to wall carpeting having a backing secured to a hard floor surface (e.g. directly attached, such as by adhesive, to an existing concrete floor) and a top pile surface. The worn carpeting is cleaned and then a high molecular weight acrylic ester polymer emulsion adhesive is sprayed onto the top pile surface of the old carpet. The vinyl backing of one or more new carpet strips is applied directly to the adhesive. A fire retardant is preferably included with the adhesive or separately applied to the top pile surface of the old carpet. If desired the adhesive may be applied to only a small part of the old carpet for holding strips of hook fasteners, and the new carpet backing may include loop fasteners which cooperate with the hook fasteners and hold the new carpet in place.

Abstract: A flexible clay liner in roll form for use on steep slopes. The liner includes a layer of geotextiles. The geotextiles are stitched together in rows of stitches which extend along the length of the liner. The thread used to make the stitching is a multifilament thread treated with a resin to prevent wicking through the liner. The spacing of the rows of stitches and the frequency of stitches along the rows are sufficient to transfer shear stresses through the bentonite layers, thus preventing the bentonite from becoming a shear plane.

Abstract: A composite elastic layer, which has improved resistance to shear force and functions both as a cushioning material and as a sound proof material, is comprised of a loop pile tufted fabric, which is made from a backing fabric and a plurality of loop piles. An elastomer composition is applied to the pile stratum of the loop pile tufted fabric. The elastomer composition infiltrates into voids between fibers of the loop pile, and forms a solid skin on the fibers of the loop pile. The composite elastic layer reinforces the elastic property of the loop pile, and on the other hand, the fiber of the loop pile also reinforces the tensile strength, especially the resistance to tearing, of the solid skin.

Abstract: A building panel and method of forming it are disclosed in which the panel includes inner and outer polymer facing sheets and a rigid foam core with the facing sheets joined securely to the core by glass fibers embedded in the facing sheets and projecting from them into the core.

Abstract: A multi-layer material suitable for production of divers' suits, such material eliminating the conventional waterproof material characteristic of the prior art. In one form, the multi-layer material comprises an outer layer of Lycra bonded to a first inner layer of a plush-type material which is then bonded to a second inner layer of a denser plush-type material. The bond between the Lycra and first inner plush layer is preferably formed by coating the facing surfaces with a solid film of a water resistant contact cement which resists any transfer of water between the Lycra and first inner plush layer. The first inner plush layer is then bonded to the second inner plush layer by either an adhesive or other fastening means which allows water transfer between the first and second plush-type material layers.

Abstract: A storage/dispensing assembly, e.g., a roll or stack, of loop fastener material such as is used in hook and loop fastening system comprising one or more multilayer sheets of loop fastener material arranged such that the adhesive layer of an overlying portion of the loop fastener material is in direct contact with the loop layer of an underlying portion of the loop fastener material. The loops are such that, when the overlying portion of the loop fastener material is removed from the assembly, the loops of the underlying portion are presented in an engagable state. Also, a method for dispensing such loop material from such assemblies such that as the adhesive layer of the overlying portion is separated from the loops of the underlying portion, the loops of the underlying portion are presented in an engagable state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dielectric materials used in circuit board, radar and microwave applications and methods of making these materials. The dielectric materials of this invention are characterized by having a ground plane, at least two dielectric materials having different dielectric constants and a common conducting layer positioned over the dielectric materials.

Abstract: A spacing fabric (3), in particular velour fabric, which spacing fabric has a first and second layer (4, 5) and intermediate webs (7) connecting these layers (4, 5) and is made of a technical yarn like aramide fibre, carbon fibre, ceramic fibre, or, in particular, glass fibre, with a resetting force inherent to the intermediate webs (7) which tends to automatically keep the layers (4, 5) of the spacing fabric (3) apart, especially also after resinification. The invention proposes that, in order to control the spacing of the layers of the spacing fabric, the layers (4, 5) of the spacing fabric (3) be attached to one another so that they can be detached.

Abstract: An internally pressurizable lightweight high tensile strength multi-layered structure with an outer barrier layer envelope of elastomeric semi-permeable material for use as a cushioning device is provided. The barrier layer is bonded, at a multiplicity of sites, to substantially the entire distal surfaces of a double-walled drop-thread linked fabric wherein the filaments are a highly distorted, long chain, axially orientated crystalline molecular structure which has a low gas permeability. The bond between the barrier layer and the facing fabric is substantially increased by the presence of fibrils and texturizing. The drop threads which are likewise texturized, function to maintain the composite structure in either a substantially flat or planar or contoured configuration without weldments within the select load-bearing areas. This product is capable of withstanding substantial internal inflation pressures, under long-term steady state and cyclical compression and flexural fatigue conditions.

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

Abstract: A method of making a laminate and articles of furniture made from the laminate are disclosed wherein a transparent acrylic or polycarbonate sheet is coated with a clear urethane coating composition to at least a portion of one surface of the acrylic or polycarbonate composition sheet. The coated sheet is then treated with a water-based or latex color coating composition over the urethane coating. A urethane primer-surfacer coating composition is then applied over that portion of the sheet to which the color coating has been applied. The surface of the sheet is then adhesively bonded to a backing member, in which the uncoated surface of the acrylic sheet layer forms the outer layer of the laminated article. Preferably, the urethane coating composition is a low VOC urethane coating composition containing less than 4.0 pounds of volatile organic compounds per gallon of urethane coating composition.

Abstract: A structural part having as its basis a sandwich fabric, in particular a velour fabric, having at least a first layer (a) and a second layer (b) and intermediate links connecting said layers (a, b), in which connection the fabric consists of a technical yarn such as aramid fiber, carbon fiber, ceramic fiber or, in particular, glass fiber, is resinified and cured, and the intermediate links form rigid spacing elements for the first and second layers (a, b). In order to be able to produce, in particular, structural parts which have a strong curvature, at least one of the layers (a, b) be woven in an open weave, such as used also in multi-layer fabrics.

Abstract: A sheet having one side with a multiplicity of outwardly-extending small, resilient hooks, such as are now commonly employed in "Velcro" styled hook tape for engaging upholstery threads and similar textured surfaces. On the sheet side opposite the hooks is a structural matrix comprised of adhesive interfused among small fibers typically arranged as ribs on the sheet side. Conventional attachment devices, such as hooks or clasps, are attached to the structural matrix to provide a means for attaching a mating object to a textured surface. When adhesive is limited in forming the matrix, the resulting surface presented to the mating object is a plurality of extending, spaced-apart, small contact surfaces which effectively converts the matrix high tack adhesive to a low tack adhesive useful for attaching paper. A low tack adhesive may also be applied over the matrix to directly form a flat, mildly adhesive surface.

Abstract: Extrusion laminates of incrementally stretched nonwoven fibrous webs and thermoplastic films are made. A web of spun bonded fibers is incrementally stretched to provide fiber ends extending outwardly from both web surfaces for bonding with the extruded thermoplastic film and to provide a soft fibrous texture to the laminate.

Abstract: A carpet tape is disclosed with hooks projecting from the front side of a sheet for attachment to loops on the underside of the carpet and with an opposite adhesive side for attachment to the floor. Selected, non-contiguous areas of the sheet are removed to create holes to reduce the mount of material, to reduce seam telegraphing and to allow moisture to be released from beneath the tape. A covering provides integrity for the tape prior to installation.

Abstract: Textile structure useful as a reinforcement in the manufacture of composite materials is produced using technical yarns. At least some of the yarns are formed from three constituents, namely a substantially straight core, a relief yarn, and an independent binding yarn. The relief yarn is secured to the core by the binding yarn.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel orthopedic casting materials having superior layer to layer lamination, and methods for preparing the same. The orthopedic casting materials comprise a resin-coated scrim having a plurality of projections along at least one surface thereof. Preferably, each projection comprises a bundle of at least about 8 filaments, and the scrim has from about 75 to about 1500 projections per gram of scrim. The projections serve to mechanically interact with adjacent layers of the material, thereby significantly enhancing the lamination properties of the resultant material and resisting delamination once the material has cured.