Abstract: A foam article for use as a masking material when spray painting a vehicle comprises a plurality of foam strips 1a, 1b, 1c joined together by a common seam 4 along at least one side edge to form a cord 6. The cord 6 can be adapted for masking across gaps of different size in different locations by superimposing the appropriate combination of foam strips 1a, 1b, 1c to provide the required thickness of cord 6. The cord 6 may be secured by wedging in the gap or by attaching an adhesive stripe 2 on at least one of the foam strips 1a to a surface on the inside or outside of the gap. The cord 6 may also be re-used by removing any painted foam strips or by re-arranging the foam strips to conceal any painted foam strips.

Abstract: A decorative texturized fabric is provided. The fabric is produced from a fabric substrate that includes a yarn nappable from one side of the substrate. For instance, in one embodiment, the fabric substrate is a warp knitted fabric. According to the present invention, the fabric substrate is treated with a size composition according to a particular pattern. The fabric is then napped causing a nap to form on one side of the fabric where the size composition has not been applied. In this manner, a texturized pattern is formed into the fabric. After napping, the size composition can be removed from the fabric and the fabric can be dyed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-insulating material acceptable for use, such as a bed blanket. The heat-insulating material has a reinforcing layer, a base layer bonded to the reinforcing layer, and flock fibers secured to the exposed surface of the base layer through a discontinuous coating of cured adhesive. The base layer can have a thickness of less than 0.0625 inch. The flock fibers can have a diameter in the range from about 3 denier to about 4 denier. The invention also relates to a method of making the heat-insulating material by providing a laminate of a reinforcing layer and a base layer of a thickness less than 0.

Abstract: An automobile mat which overcomes the border which divides the sound absorption or interruption function of the floor mat, wherein the mat absorbs or interrupts sound effectively and reduces the noise in the interior of the automobile. The mat comprises a backing cloth having an upper and lower face; a pile layer formed on said upper face of the backing cloth; a felt layer adhered to the lower face of the backing cloth and a top face of a foam latex layer; and the foam latex layer having the top and a bottom face adhered to the bottom face of the felt layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for making a mat particularly a washable dust control mat, having a fabric layer and a rubber backing layer with a border extending beyond the fabric layer using a press which heat-cures the rubber and adheres it to the fabric and employs an inflatable bag to apply pressure by pressing the layers against a heated platen, wherein a frame defining the extent of the border is located between the bag and the platen, and wherein the bag applies pressure to the assembled layers including the border portion of the backing layer. The frame can act as a dam for preventing outward movement of the rubber and provide an integral thickened border; in some cases it also provides a guillotine for trimming the rubber during pressing.

Abstract: A process for forming a carpet, and the carpet formed thereby are provided. The process includes forming a thread comprising low melt fiber and high melt fiber. The thread is then heated above a temperature sufficient to melt the low melt fiber. The thread is tufted in a carpet backing to form a tufted carpet. The tufted carpet is then printed or dyed with an image. A process for forming a low melt content yarn and the yarn formed thereby are provided. It is preferred that the carpet and low melt content yarn be adapted to printing or dyeing.

Abstract: A base textile with a camouflage pattern is subjected to hot fluid streams to create flat regions and puckered or wrinkled regions, enhancing the three dimensional characteristics of the resulting material.

Abstract: An interior component for a motor vehicle has a first front surface region made from a first polyurethane, and a second front surface region integrated with the first region and made from a material different from the first polyurethane. For example, the second region may be carpeting or a region of polyurethane having a different color from the first region. In one embodiment, the interior component is a floor for a motor vehicle.

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: 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 light-shielding container for a light-sensitive material has a light-shielding cloth attached to an opening in the container through which the light-sensitive material is passed. The light-shielding cloth shields the opening from light and is formed from a base fabric and a pile section. The pile section includes black dope-dyed threads formed by incorporating black dope-dyed threads containing carbon black into the base fabric and black-dyed threads formed by incorporating black-dyed threads. The proportion of the black dope-dyed threads in the total pile is 5 wt % to 60 wt %. The single filament fineness of the black dope-dyed threads is thicker than that of the black-dyed threads. The overall pile density of the black dope-dyed threads and the black-dyed threads is 30,000 to 55,000 filaments/cm2. The black dope-dyed threads and the black-dyed threads are arranged in stripes substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the light-sensitive material is passed.

Abstract: In an arrangement for jointing together adjacent pieces of floor covering material, mutually facing edge portions of the pieces in a joint are profiled such that the one piece has a groove-shaped accommodation space in which a corresponding bead-shaped projection on the other piece may be accommodated. The one piece has a flocking which is disposed for holding together adjacent pieces. The profiling has, besides the accommodation space and the projection, mutually facing surfaces on both pieces, at least one of these surfaces being flocked. The flocking or flockings are located outside the defining surfaces of the accommodation space and the projection.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular mat comprises an upper layer of fabric (31) bonded to a lower backing layer of natural or synthetic rubber (32). The lower backing layer (32) extends beyond the upper fabric layer to form a border strip (33) at first and second opposite edges (43,44) of the mat. The lower backing layer (32) ends flush with the upper fabric layer at third and fourth opposite edges (41,42) of the mat. Each of the third and fourth edges is provided with a moulded strip (15) of synthetic or natural rubber attached to the lower backing layer (32) to form a border strip.

Abstract: Decorative, non-launderable trim pieces are added to launderable towels with a releasable attachment means so that the trim pieces can be replaced to effect changes in decor. The ability to remove the trim piece prior to laundering of the towel permits the use of materials that would be damaged by laundering. Preferably, the attachment means is a plurality of male fastener components attached to a first flexible support that is secured to the trim strip back, and a plurality of mating female fastener components attached to a second flexible support, that is secured to the surface of the towel.

Abstract: A textile substrate such as patterned carpet for coordinating with other flooring is provided. The substrate includes a multi-colored pattern produced by a process for coloring substrates, using the application of liquid colorants, in which the assignment of color is done on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and corresponding products. Relatively large areas of a substrate may be given the appearance of being uniformly colored by successively replicating or tiling a group of individually colored pixels comprising a repeating unit (i.e., a superpixel) across the substrate surface. The repeating unit is constructed in such a way that if a colorant application error develops, causing one or more pixels within the repeating unit to be colored incorrectly or incompletely, the overall arrangement of the pixels within the repeating unit will render such error less visually apparent when viewed on the substrate. A display rug having a plurality of areas of different patterns, colors or shades is provided.

Abstract: A flooring system for use in a residential environment. The flooring system includes a subfloor adapted to support the mass of a user and modular surface covering elements for disposition in edge to edge covering arrangement across at least a portion of the subfloor. The modular surface covering elements include a pile fabric face with an arrangement of yarns projecting outwardly defining a pile layer for contact by a user. At least one layer of cushioning material is disposed in contacting relation at a position below the pile fabric face.

Abstract: A carpet web and a method of forming a carpet web having a striped pattern and color scheme that permits carpet tiles cut from the web to be installed without regard to relative tile positions and without visibly disrupting the pattern, but rather maintaining the appearance of a broadloom web. The web pattern includes parallel stripes having varying widths and longitudinal discontinuities. The stripes are formed with at least two colors or two shades of a color. The tiles are positionally ambiguous in that they need not be located on the floor in the same position they occupied in the web for the flooring installation to exhibit the desired uniform appearance. Instead, the tiles may be shuffled and laid in any side-by-side or top-to-bottom orientation (provided that uniform rotational orientation is maintained among the tiles) with respect to adjacent tiles without looking out of place to the ordinary viewer and without emphasizing the modularity of the flooring.

Abstract: A repeating series of tiles has at least three tiles in a series. Each tile within the series has at least two sides capable of interfacing with adjacent tiles within the series. Each of the two sides of each tile within the series has a different shape in the pile direction than the other tiles within the series such that the last tile within the series is capable of interfacing with the first tile of the next series. Further, each tile within the series has at least one side capable of interfacing with at least one tile within another series in order to have adjoining rows of series of tiles. The present invention further includes both a method for producing and assembling a repeating series of tiles.

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 protective and/or decorative mat, in particular for equipping a motor vehicle, and a method for making such a mat. The mat includes a multilayer structure having an upper surface, in particular, covered with a textile coating, and a lower surface, designed to be placed in contact with the mat laying plane. The invention is characterized in that the lower surface includes a layer of material having a high friction coefficient.

Abstract: A plush fiber mousepad is disclosed, and its method of manufacture is defined. The plush fiber mousepad is continuously made from a process of electrostatically flocking a release material, and adding a binder to the release material, fusing the binder to a base material such as a textile fabric, and removing the release material to expose the plush surface, and then laminating the textile material to a rubber base sheet, through the application of a hit melt film, with the lamination step taking place either before or after the electrostatic application of the plush fiber to the textile base material.

Abstract: An omnidirectional carpet tile having a combination of omnidirectional pattern and non-directional pile enable carpet tiles to be laid in any orientation without pile effects.

Abstract: A fringe treatment for the edge of a carpet. The fringe treatment may include a glide and a fringe. The glide may have a substantial U-shape such that the glide can accommodate the edge of the carpet. The fringe may include a base portion attached to the glide and a number of tassels connected to the base portion.

Abstract: An elongated pile sub-assembly having a support beam for attachment to a plurality of yarn bundles. Each of the yarn bundles attached to the beam have a pile end and a root end for anchoring the elongated pile sub-assembly. The root ends can also entangle its loose fibers for added anchoring support of the elongated pile sub-assembly. A guide assembly is used to form a rooted tuftstring article such as a brush or flooring article therefrom. The elongated pile sub-assembly may be used alone to make a brush or a pile or bristle surface structure such as a floor covering, a wall covering or an automotive component, or may be arranged with other elongated pile articles and attached to a backing substrate, as when used to make up a pile or bristle surface structure. A brush or pile surface structure may be fabricated from an elongated pile sub-assembly alone, or from the pile sub-assembly together with a brush body member or a backing substrate.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and a method of fabricating an article of manufacture having a first region having an image and a second region having at least some information related to the image on the first region. The article of manufacture may be a textile or non-textile article and the information on the second region may be textual, numerical, symbolic, or graphic in nature. The article of manufacture may be a floor covering, a wall hanging, a wall covering, bedding, or apparel, among other things. A floor covering and a method for manufacturing a floor covering having a first region having an image and a second region having at least some information related to the image on the first region is also disclosed. The floor covering may be, for example, a broadloom carpet, area rug, or floor mat. The information on the second region related to the image on the first region may be textual, numerical, symbolic, or graphic in nature, for example, the information may be provided as embroidered text.

Abstract: In an arrangement for jointing together adjacent pieces (1, 2) of floor covering material, mutually facing edge portions of the pieces (1, 2) in a joint are profiled such that the one piece (1) has a groove-shaped accommodation space (5) in which a corresponding bead-shaped projection (6) on the other piece (2) may be accommodated. The one piece has a flocking (9) which is disposed for holding together adjacent pieces. The profiling has, besides the accommodation space (5) and the projection (6), mutually facing surfaces (7, 8) on both pieces (1, 2, respectively), at least one of these surfaces being flocked (9). The flocking (9) or flockings (9) are located outside the defining surfaces of the accommodation space (5) and the projection (6).

Abstract: An improved finishing treatment for pile carpets is described. The improvement lies in providing a method and apparatus for producing a controlled manner, uniform and unidirection pile lean, and to stabilise the pile lean with that orientation to restrict reversal of the pile lean during actual use of the carpet on the floor. One method of the invention is to transport the pile carpet past a pre-orientation brush or roller, through a pair of compression rollers that cause the pile to lean in the trailing direction whilst subjecting the pile to a compression cycle. The improved treatment may be applied to both cut and loop pile carpets and may find application in carpet manufacture, making the carpet resistant to pile reversal in use and reducing the propensity of the carpet to shade in an objectionable manner.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without substantial attachment to a floor.

Abstract: A material having a unique, multi-colored appearance is described. More specifically, a material having a multi-colored appearance and a three-dimensional surface is described, along with a method of making such a material. The process involves providing a pile material having an upper portion of the pile yarns of a first color and a lower portion of the pile yarns of a second color that is visually distinct from the first color, then treating the material so as to displace at least some of the pile yarns to a different position with respect to the base web portion of the fabric from other of the pile yarns. In this way, the lower portions of at least some of the pile yarns are exposed, to provide a unique visual appearance as a result of the color differential, and a unique three dimensional appearance as a result of the difference between the position of the treated and untreated portions.

Abstract: A wet cleaning cloth for cleaning stoneware areas has a textile carrier, with individual unbundled elastic fibres in a range from 1,000 to 2,000 per square centimeter extend from one side of said textile carrier. Said individual fibres are arranged at a certain distance from each other and extend with a length range of 2 to 12 mm from said carrier, said fibres having a free end with a sharp edge.

Abstract: A multi-patterned rug display sample embodying at least two different geometric designs and/or coloration schemes across a common surface for simultaneous comparative evaluation by a potential purchaser. The rug display sample may be patterned to include two or more geometric or solid patterns corresponding to patterns available on floor covering products independent of the display sample.

Abstract: Lightweight, non-woven loop products for hook-and-loop fastening are disclosed, as are methods for making them and end products employing them. The products are non-woven webs of entangled fibers of substantial tenacity, the fibers forming both a sheet-form web body and hook-engageable, free-standing loops extending from the web body. The product is stretched and stabilized to produce spaced-apart loop clusters extending from a very thin web of taut fibers. In some embodiments, the fibers include low denier fibers and/or bicomponent fibers.

Abstract: An article selected from the group including a bar mat and a rug includes a top layer of non-absorbent material, an intermediate layer of liquid absorbent material for absorbing the sublimation inks to provide high definition printing for line art or four color process graphics including reproduction of photographs and lithographs. The article further includes a bottom waterproof layer interposed with the intermediate layer and having a non-slippery surface.

Abstract: This application discloses an anchor sheet and method of installation comprising a laminate with an upper layer of relatively thin, flexible rigid sheet material having on its upper layer a plurality of hooks and a bottom layer of a relatively resilient cushioning material attached to the upper layer, the laminate having sufficient rigidity, thickness, and mass that when combined with an overlying decorative covering, it is stable against buckling. The bottom layer is dimensioned such that there is an overlap area of lower layer along two adjacent edges of the lower layer for detachable attachment of an overlapping portion.

Abstract: A light-shielding container for a light-sensitive material has a light-shielding cloth attached to an opening in the container through which the light-sensitive material is passed. The light-shielding cloth shields the opening from light and is formed from a base fabric and a pile section. The pile section includes black dope-dyed threads formed by incorporating black dope-dyed threads containing carbon black into the base fabric and black-dyed threads formed by incorporating black-dyed threads. The proportion of the black dope-dyed threads in the total pile is 5 wt % to 60 wt %. The single filament fineness of the black dope-dyed threads is thicker than that of the black-dyed threads. The overall pile density of the black dope-dyed threads and the black-dyed threads is 30,000 to 55,000 filaments/cm2. The black dope-dyed threads and the black-dyed threads are arranged in stripes substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the light-sensitive material is passed.

Abstract: Cushion backed carpet tiles and carpet tile installations which can be installed without adhesives are described. The carpet tiles are manufactured according to rigid specifications in order that no corner of any of the individual tiles is {fraction (1/16)}″ or greater off the floor due to curl, and no corner on the tile has cup of greater than {fraction (3/16)}″. In this way, a substantially to entirely adhesive-free carpet tile installation can be achieved, with the installation being capable of withstanding the rigors of a variety of typical types of wear, such as rolling traffic, etc., without shifting or snowplowing over adjacent tiles.

Abstract: An improved paper band includes an upper and lower elongate planar covering member and an elongate core member sandwiched in between the covering members. The core member is narrower in width than the coverings and has generally vertically disposed sidewalls extending lengthwise. The outer edge portions of the coverings extend outwardly beyond the sidewalls of the core member. The core is glued to at least one covering member. The outer edges of the covering members are also glued together. Preferably, all members are formed of repulpable fibers or biodegradable materials and are attached with water soluble, biodegradable adhesive. Alternatively core members can be formed of various synthetic materials or metal for greater strength if necessary.

Abstract: A mat (10) comprises a pile surface fabric (40) and a rubber or rubber-like backing layer (20). The pile surface fabric (40) is connected to and extends to the edges of the backing layer (20). The pile surface fabric (40) is provided with a border portion (22) having on its upper surface (26) a contrasting color and/or texture to the remainder (24) of the pile surface fabric and extending along at least a portion of the edge of said pile surface fabric. The mat (10) can be formed in a single cutting operation by cutting the mat from a roll of mat material (30) comprising a pile surface fabric having elongate areas (32, 34) of contrasting surface color and/or texture bonded to a rubber backing layer. The cuts (36, 38) are made along the elongate areas (32, 34). Since the border (22) is formed in the pile, colours and shapes can be selected to suit customer requirements, while the mat (10) serves to clean footwear over its entire area.

Abstract: The towel has differential surfaces such that the user may selectively use each for a particular purpose without later confusing for what each surface was used. The towel may be constructed of one or more layers of material with each exposed surface having a different color. In the instance of use of more than one layer the exposed layers may be constructed of different materials. An example is a towel for use in sports activities wherein one layer is suitable for drying and the opposite layer is suitable for placing on a chair or bench for protection.

Abstract: An embossed pile fabric having a foreground and background with the foreground having a depth in the order of 1.5/2.0 to 100 times that of the background. The foreground can be formed by an engraving roll having portions that are either mill engraved or acid etched, and the background is formed by the engraving roll having portions formed with a router engraved technique.

Abstract: Decorative trim pieces are added to towels with a releasable attachment means so that the trim pieces can be replaced to effect changes in decor. The ability to remove the trim piece prior to laundering of the towel also permits the use of a greater variety of materials, including materials that would be damaged by laundering. Preferably, the attachment means is a plurality of male fastener components attached to a first flexible support that is secured to the trim strip back, and a plurality of mating female fastener components attached to a second flexible support, that is secured a surface of the towel.

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 printed multicolor synthetic pile fabric having a substrate and pile formed of fibers of substantially uniform length and diameter with the fibers arranged in random groups extending uniformly across the entire width and along the entire length of the fabric. Each group comprises a random number of fibers extending at an angle and in a direction that randomly varies from the angles and directions of the fibers in adjacent groups. The fibers within each group are preferably set in the greige goods.

Abstract: Lightweight, non-woven loop products for hook-and-loop fastening are disclosed, as are methods for making them and end products employing them. The products are non-woven webs of entangled fibers of substantial tenacity, the fibers forming both a sheet-form, bonded web body and hook-engageable, free-standing loops extending from the web body. The product is, in important cases, stretched before bonding to produce spaced-apart loop clusters extending from a very thin web of taut fibers. In important cases a binder is added to stabilize the product in its stretched condition. An example of the loop product is produced by needle-punching a batt of staple fibers in multiple needle-punching operations, applying a foamed acrylic binder, and then stretching the needled batt and curing the binder with the batt stretched. Other forming techniques are disclosed and several novel articles employing such loop products are described.

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: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without attachment to a floor.

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 commutator brush having carbon fibers encased in a resin matrix and extending outwardly therefrom and a method of making thereof. The carbon fibers are cold cut by a laser beam to minimize heating thereof. The commutative brush is in wiping contact with electrodes on a donor roll used in a development system of an electrophotographic printing machine.

Abstract: An electrical component including: a plurality of long fibers and a matrix, wherein at least one of the fibers is electrically conductive, wherein the plurality of long fibers includes a first fiber group extending in a manner generally parallel to a first axis, and a second fiber group extending in a manner generally parallel to a different second axis.

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.