Abstract: An elastic composite having a high tearing strength made of an elastomeric material and a consolidated entangled web, wherein the consolidated entangled fabric has at least 2 lbs of tearing strength in the machine direction and the composite has 70-95% elastic recovery from a 100% elongation in the cross direction and greater than 50% elastic recovery from a 150% elongation in the cross direction.

Abstract: Woven reinforcing fabrics for such conveyor belts characterized by an improved resistance to tearing in the longitudinal or travel direction. The woven reinforcing fabric includes a plurality of weft yarns and a plurality of warp yarns aligned substantially orthogonal to the plurality of weft yarns. The warp yarns are woven through the weft yarns to define a plurality of passages arranged in substantially parallel first and second planes. At least one of the weft yarns is positioned in each of the passages and two of the weft yarns are positioned in at least one of the passages in each of the first and second planes.

Abstract: A backing material is made of low-density and/or high-density polyethylene(s) and/or a flexibilizer to provide high-strength, low-cost, and recyclable backing material for fabrics. The backing material can incorporate polypropylene(s), additional flexibilizers, fillers, flame-retardants, anti-microbials, odor minimizers/eliminators, scent, and protectants for further desired properties.

Abstract: Formaldehyde-free durable press finished textiles having cross-linked polymaleate finishes are provided. The finish comprises a cross-linked polymaleate having a crosslinked adjunct selected from the group having the formula: wherein R is independently H, OH, OM, or a unit having the formula: and mixtures thereof; X is H, OH, or OSO3M, M is H, a salt forming cation, and mixtures thereof; the indices x, y, and z are each independently from 0 to about 7; x+z is greater than or equal to 1, Q is H, OH, OM but not H when both x and z are greater than or equal to 1 and the textile has a durable press rating of at least about 3.0 and a tensile strength retention of greater than 40%.

Abstract: A bond is created between a gypsum matrix formed from an aqueous acidic gypsum slurry comprising a monomer mixture. The monomer mixture is composed of a monomer having acidic functionality and a monomer having hydroxyl or amine functionality. A silane-based sizing composition is coated onto glass fibers causing a cross-linking network of silane and monomer mixture to form during curing of the gypsum board. Hydrophilic water extraction at the gypsum matrix-sizing interface reduces void formation and promotes bonding with the crosslinked monomer mixture and growth of smaller gypsum crystals within larger crystals in microstructurally identifiable regions adjacent to the glass fiber. A bond is created between a gypsum matrix formed from an aqueous acidic gypsum slurry comprising a monomer mixture. The monomer mixture is composed of a monomer having acidic functionality and a monomer having hydroxyl or amine functionality.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composite sheet suitable for use as artificial leather or a precursor to artificial leather, where both surfaces have a napped or brushed appearance. The composite sheet comprises a low-density, lightly bonded non-woven web that is stitch-bonded and bulked such that the stitch-bonding yarns are not visible to the naked eyes without the need of post-processing steps to hide the yarns. The composite sheet may have binder resin(s) dispersed therein and activated.

Abstract: A polyolefin woven fabric extrusion coating with superior soft tactile characteristic is disclosed comprising ethylenic elastomer and thermoplastic vulcanizate. The combination performs in a synergistic fashion to obtain more pleasing soft tactile characteristic than is available with either elastomer or thermoplastic vulcanizate alone. The inclusion of additives may enhance properties and include plastomer, UV stabilizers, flame retardant, antiblock, colorant, printable additives and polar additives.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to triggerable, water-dispersible cationic polymers. The present invention is also directed to a method of making triggerable, water-dispersible cationic polymers and their applicability as binder compositions. The present invention is further directed to fiber-containing fabrics and webs comprising triggerable, water-dispersible binder compositions and their applicability in water-dispersible personal care products, such as wet wipes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fibrous substrate made of chemically bonded fibers, where the fibers are bound with a polymeric binder in an amount which is sufficient to bind the fibers together to form a self-sustaining web, and where the binder is characterized as having a wet tensile strength of greater than 4500 grams per inch (g/in) when measured at a 20 percent add-on on Whatman #4 CHR chromatography paper which is drum dried for 90 seconds at 210 to 215° F. and cured for 2 minutes at 300 to 325° F. Preferably the level of free formaldehyde in the fibrous substrate is less than 15 ppm. The emulsion binders of the invention may be used to bind fibers together in a substrate; may be used to bind pigment, colors or other substances to a substrate; may be used as a backing material; or may be used to finish or surface-treat a substrate.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant and water resistant fabric is disclosed. The fabric is particularly well suited for use in constructing luggage. The fabric, however, is also well suited for many other applications, such as use in constructing sportswear, outdoor apparel, military apparel, and the like. The fabric is treated with a chemical composition. It has been discovered that the chemical composition greatly enhances the abrasion resistance of the fabric. In one embodiment, the fabric is made from nylon multifilament yarns.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprises a first layer formed of staple fibers having a smooth outer surface, a second layer formed of staple fibers having an outer surface with a roughened texture and a third, spunbond layer sandwiched between the first and second layers. A binder material is applied to the second layer which substantially covers its textured surface and is effective to resist deformation under the application of pressure even in the presence of liquid.

Abstract: Formaldehyde-free durable press finished textiles having cross-linked polymaleate finishes are provided. The finish comprises a cross-linked polymaleate having a crosslinked adjunct selected from the group having the formula: wherein R is independently H, OH, OM, or a unit having the formula: and mixtures thereof; X is H, OH, or OSO3M, M is H, a salt forming cation, and mixtures thereof; the indices x, y, and z are each independently from 0 to about 7; x+z is greater than or equal to 1, Q is H, OH, OM but not H when both x and z are greater than or equal to 1 and the textile has a durable press rating of at least about 3.0 and a tensile strength retention of greater than 40%.

Abstract: Elastomeric adhesive compositions including a high softening point tackifier resin in combination with a base polymer can be used to create laminates having effective adhesion and elastic properties. The compositions may also include a low softening point additive, and/or an antioxidant. Facing layers, such as nonwoven webs and/or films, can be laminated to both surfaces of the elastomeric compositions to form laminates. A method of making such compositions and laminates involves forming the compositions into elastomeric adhesive films.

Abstract: Novel textile finishing compositions for finishing textile articles are provided via the present invention. The textile finishing compositions disclosed herein comprise a cross-linking agent and a catalytic amount of an esterification agent. The cross-linking agents employed herein are selected from polycarboxylates such as homopolymers of ethylenically-?,?-unsaturated dicarboxylates, copolymers of all ethylenically-?,?-unsaturated dicarboxylates, and copolymers of ethylenically-?,?-unsaturated dicarboxylates polymerized with vinyl-containing monomers. Also provided via the present invention are methods for applying the aforementioned finishing compositions to textile articles.

Abstract: An elastic strand laminate, and a method of making an elastic strand laminate. The elastic strand laminate includes a plurality of self-adhering elastic strands made up of an elastomeric adhesive composition. The self-adhering elastic strands can be laminated to one or more facing sheets using conventional hot melt equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substrate comprising fabric, the substrate treated with a composition comprising: a) formaldehyde; b) polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of from about 700 gm/mol to about 2500 gm/mol; and c) an acid catalyst; wherein the treated substrate has at least three enhanced fabric benefits, said benefits selected from the group consisting of: i) durable press; ii) hand feel; iii) anti-abrasion; iv) anti-shrinkage; and v) anti-yellowing. The present invention further relates to a system and a process for providing a substrate having the above described enhanced fabric benefits.

Abstract: A double-faced PTFE-silicone rubber reinforced composite with curling tendency controlled is achieved by coating one side of a balanced PTFE/glass composite with liquid silicone rubber. Each face of the composite can perform independent functions in a single application, thereby optimizing performance.

Abstract: An elastic laminate is provided which has an elastic layer and one or two outer facing layers. The elastic layer is formed from an improved styrene-(ethylene-butylene)-styrene-(ethylene-butylene) tetrablock copolymer, or a blend of the copolymer. The copolymer has a number average molecular weight of at least about 70,000. The two ethylene-butylene blocks have number average molecular weights which together constitute more than 75% of the number average molecular weight of the copolymer.

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: A cover tape for winding on a grip of a device comprising an elongated cloth layer and an elastic layer. The cloth layer has a first surface and a second surface. The elastic layer is made of silicone gel and bonded to the first surface of the cloth layer for enabling the second surface of the cloth layer to be exposed to the outside when spirally winding the cover tape round the grip with the elastic layer adhered to the periphery of the grip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a synthetic suede leather, a synthetic suede leather obtainable by said process and the use of said synthetic suede leather as a cover in automotive and furniture applications or as outer garments. The process comprises the steps of (a) foaming a composition comprising an aqueous polyurethane dispersion; (b) applying the foamed composition to a textile substrate composed of a yarn; (c) coagulating the polyurethane dispersion; (d) drying; and (e) condensation said foamed composition containing pigments during application. The textile substrate is preferably pre-dyed with disperse dyes.

Abstract: The leather-like sheet substrate of the present invention comprises a fiber-entangled nonwoven fabric that comprises a microfine fiber bundle (A) and a microfine fiber bundle (B) in a blending ratio (A)/(B) of 30/70 to 70/30 by mass and a polymeric elastomer contained in the fiber-entangled nonwoven fabric. The microfine fiber bundle (A) comprises 10 to 100 microfine fibers each of which has a single fiber fineness of 0.5 dtex or less and which are made of an elastic polymer having a JIS A hardness of 90 to 97. The microfine fiber bundle (B) comprises a microfine fiber which has a single fiber fineness of 0.5 dtex or less and which is made of a non-elastic polymer. Because of its excellent stretchability in both the machine and transverse directions and drapeability, the leather-like sheet substrate is particularly suitable as the material for clothing.

Abstract: A vehicle air bag for use with an on-board inflator mechanism. The air bag is formed from a base fabric that has been dipped in an aqueous solution. As a result, a finish is applied to the base fabric to achieve a desired low permeability.

Abstract: A textile treatment process, treatment bath, and treated fabric are disclosed. The process imparts water repellant, stain resistant, and wrinkle-free properties as well as aesthetically pleasing hand properties to a fabric made in whole or in part of fibers having a hydroxyl group, such as cellulosic fibers, though immersion in an aqueous bath and subsequent heating for curing. The aqueous treatment bath contains a urea resin, polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) and, preferably, fluoroalkyl acrylate co-polymer.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant and water resistant fabric is disclosed. The fabric is particularly well suited for use in constructing luggage. The fabric, however, is also well suited for many other applications, such as use in constructing sportswear, outdoor apparel, military apparel, and the like. The fabric is treated with a chemical composition. It has been discovered that the chemical composition greatly enhances the abrasion resistance of the fabric. In one embodiment, the fabric is made from nylon multifilament yarns.

Abstract: A method of forming abrasion resistant nonwoven fabrics by hydroentanglement includes providing a precursor web. The precursor web is subjected to hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device to create a patterned and imaged fabric. Treatment with an initial pre-dye finish enhances the integrity of the fabric, permitting the nonwoven to exhibit desired physical characteristics, including strength, durability, softness, and drapeability. The pre-dye finish treated nonwoven may then be dyed by means applicable to conventional wovens. A post-dye finish may then be applied to further enhance the performance of the nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A method for flexibilizing a glass fiber nonwoven bound with a cured urea formaldehyde resin binder by admixing water, a cured urea formaldehyde resin, and a water-soluble polymer comprising a polymerized ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer, the polymer having a weight average molecular weight of from about 65,000 to about 95,000; applying the aqueous admixture to a glass fiber nonwoven; and heating the admixture to at least about 120° C. Also disclosed are glass fiber nonwovens made using the method.

Abstract: Composite coating (10) improves the resistance to blast or seismic forces of a structure (100), such as wall (101). Coating (10) includes a first layer (20) of elastomeric polyurethane in contact with and adhering to wall (101), a second layer (30) of elastomeric polyurethane in contact with and adhering to first layer (20), and a layer of textile (40) embedded between first layer (20) and second layer (30).

Abstract: A polyurethane elastomer fiber non-woven fabric contains polyurethane elastomer fiber filaments melt-bonded with one another, and has a tensile elongation of 100% or more, a 50% elongation recovery of 75% or more and a tear strength per METSUKE of 5.5 gf or more. The non-woven fabric can be prepared by a method of providing a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer having Shore hardness A of 92 or more, drying the elastomer to a water content of 150 ppm or less, and melt-spinning and, at the same time, spraying it together with a high speed gas stream so as to deposit and laminate the elastomer into a sheet form. A synthetic leather using the non-woven fabric is also provided. The non-woven fabric has not only an excellent elasticity but also high tear strength.

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 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 and uses employing such loop products are described, such as for filters and fasteners.

Abstract: A polyolefin woven fabric extrusion coating with superior soft tactile characteristic is disclosed comprising ethylenic elastomer and thermoplastic vulcanizate. The combination performs in a synergistic fashion to obtain more pleasing soft tactile characteristic than is available with either elastomer or thermoplastic vulcanizate alone. The inclusion of additives may enhance properties and include plastomer, UV stabilizers, flame retardant, antiblock, colorant, printable additives and polar additives.

Abstract: The suede-finished leather-like sheet of the present invention comprises a fiber-entangled nonwoven fabric comprising a layer (I) made of a microfine fiber (A) having an average fineness of 0.5 dtex or less and a layer (II) made of a microfine fiber (B) having an average fineness equal to or less than that of the microfine fiber (A), and a polymeric elastomer impregnated in the fiber-entangled nonwoven fabric. The layers (I) and (II) are integrated by entanglement such that a ratio of the microfine fiber (A) to the microfine fiber (B) is 10/90 to 90/10 by mass. The surface of the layer (I) is a napped surface made mainly of a raised microfine fiber (A). The microfine fibers (A) and (B) are respectively formed by converting a microfine fiber-forming fiber (a) and a microfine fiber-forming fiber (b), each having an elongation at break and a tenacity of specific ranges, into microfine fibers.

Abstract: A grip is provided for a ratchet. The grip includes a substrate, a coating and bonding points. The substrate is formed of cloth. The coating is formed of latex foam, thermoplastic elastomeric foam, rubber or natural leather. The bonding points are evenly distributed between the substrate and the coating for bonding the substrate and the coating. The bonding points obstruct movement of water from the substrate to the coating when subject to pressure.

Abstract: An air impermeable coated fabric, characterized in that it comprises a base fabric comprising fibers having a total fineness (yarn size) of 67 to 350 dtex and an elastomer film formed by application on at least one surface thereof, and the coated surface has friction coefficients (MIU) both in the warp direction and in the weft direction of 0.01 to 0.3, as measured according to KES measurement and the difference between the two friction coefficient values of 0.15 or less in an absolute value. The coated fabric has a coated surface having significantly improved sliding characteristics and thus is useful for manufacturing an air bag capable of being developed in a short time and with uniformity.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant and water resistant fabric is disclosed. The fabric is particularly well suited for use in constructing luggage. The fabric, however, is also well suited for many other applications, such as use in constructing sportswear, outdoor apparel, military apparel, and the like. The fabric is treated with a chemical composition. It has been discovered that the chemical composition greatly enhances the abrasion resistance of the fabric. In one embodiment, the fabric is made from nylon multifilament yarns.

Abstract: A stretchable laminate is formed by providing a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric exhibiting cross-direction extensibility and recovery, which fabric comprises a nonwoven web of staple length fibers of about 0.8 to 3.0 denier having a basis weight of about 1.0 to 4.0 ounces per square yard. A polymeric binder composition substantially uniformly applied to the nonwoven web imparts desired elasticity to the web, with the fabric exhibiting at least about 50% extensibility in a cross-direction thereof, and at least about 90% recovery in a cross-direction. The nonwoven web may comprise synthetic fibers, natural fibers, and blends thereof, as well as continuous filaments. An elastomeric composition comprising polyurethane or polyvinylchloride is applied to the extensible nonwoven fabric, which forms the stretchable laminate. The laminate provides a highly conformable and aesthetically pleasing leather-like product.

Abstract: A woven textile fabric is disclosed which is formed of synthetic yarns of at least two different deniers to which a solid polymeric film is laminated. An adhesive polymeric coating is provided for adhering the solid polymeric film to the woven textile fabric. The combination of yarns of different deniers provides a superior adhesion surface for the polymeric film. The yarns and the polymeric coating are preselected respectively in deniers and thicknesses so as to render the fabric substantially impermeable to fluid under pressure, while maintaining superb packageability and anti-blocking properties for use in vehicle occupant restraint systems. An air bag incorporating the woven textile fabric of the invention and having two outer surfaces and pre-configured air holding cavities woven therein to which a solid polymeric film is bonded for receiving and containing fluid under pressure for use in a vehicle air restraint system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-woven binder composition containing a copolymer having both an acid and a hydroxyl, amide or amine functionality. The invention also relates to the use of polyamines as crosslinkers for a polymer binder. The binder composition is especially useful for binding mineral fiber, and particularly as a fiberglass binder. The binder composition provides a strong, yet flexible bond, that allows a compressed fiberglass mat to easily expand once the compression is released.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven binder composition, containing an aqueous solution of a copolymer binder having both an acid functionality and a hydroxyl or amine functionality. The binder is especially useful as a binder for fiberglass fibers, to produce a fiberglass mat that is strongly bound, yet flexible.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric made of filaments, which comprises filaments formed from a fiber-forming thermoplastic polymer and satisfies all of the following conditions (A) to (D). (A) The fiber bundles are present in a range of 5-70 per centimeter in any cross-section parallel to the direction of thickness of the nonwoven fabric. (B) The total area occupied by the fiber bundles is in a range of 5-70% of the cross-sectional area of any cross-section perpendicular to the direction of thickness of the nonwoven fabric. (C) The apparent density is 0.10-0.50 g/cm3. (D) The cut ends of the fibers on the nonwoven fabric surface are present in a range of 5-100 per mm2 of surface area.

Abstract: We are submitting an application for a patent for a computer mouse pad that utilizes microfiber cloth as the surface material for the mouse pad. Microfiber is an advanced technology fiber, producing split wedge-shaped fibers of very fine denier, creating an expanded internal matrix that traps dirt more effectively and completely than any known fiber. Using microfiber cloth as the surface material for a mouse pad creates a major advance in the technology that attempts to eliminate dirt, dust and debris from entering the rollers inside inside the mouse via the trackball. The MicroTracker Mouse Pad thus solves one of the major problems associated with using computer mice with mechanical trackballs.

Abstract: The suede artificial leather of the present invention comprises a three-dimensional entangled body comprising a superfine fiber having a fineness of 0.2 dtex or less and an elastomeric polymer A, and satisfies the requirements (1) to (4) as specified in the specification. By meeting the requirements, the suede artificial leather acquires excellent color fastness to light and color development in a wide range of colors and a high quality with good suede feeling, surface touch, hand, mechanical properties and color fastness.

Abstract: An asphalt-based roofing material includes a substrate coated with an asphalt coating, a protective coating adhered to the upper surface of the asphalt coating, a layer of granules adhered to the protective coating, and a web bonded to the lower region of the asphalt coating. A method of manufacturing a roofing material includes coating a substrate with an asphalt coating, applying a protective coating to the upper surface of the asphalt coating, applying a layer of granules to the protective coating, and applying a web to the lower region of the asphalt coating.

Abstract: Coated inflatable fabrics, more particularly airbags to which very low add-on amounts of coating have been applied, are provided which exhibit extremely low air permeabilities. The inventive fabrics are primarily for use in automotive restraint cushions which require low permeability characteristics (such as side curtain airbags). Traditionally, heavy, and thus expensive, coatings of compounds such as neoprene, silicones and the like, have been utilized to provide such required low permeability. The inventive fabric utilizes an inexpensive, very thin coating to provide such necessary low permeability levels. Thus, the inventive coated airbag possesses a coating of at most 3.0 ounces per square yard, most preferably about 0.8 ounces per square yard, and exhibits a leak-down time (a measurement of the time required for the entire amount of gas introduced within the airbag at peak pressure during inflation to escape the airbag at 10 psi) of at least 7 seconds.

Abstract: Coated inflatable fabrics, more particularly airbags to which very low add-on amounts of coating have been applied, are provided which exhibit extremely low air permeability. The inventive inflatable fabrics are primarily for use in automotive restraint cushions that require low permeability characteristics (such as side curtain airbags). Traditionally, heavy, and thus expensive, coatings of compounds such as neoprene, silicones and the like, have been utilized to provide such required low permeability. The inventive fabric utilizes an inexpensive, very thin coating to provide such necessarily low permeability levels. Thus, the inventive coated inflatable airbag comprises a film laminated on at least a portion of the target fabric surface wherein the film possesses a tensile strength of at least 2,000 and an elongation at break of at least 180%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a woven textile-elastomer composite that, when transfer or film-coated, is suitable for use as an artificial leather substrate. The inventive procedure involves (a) producing an elastomer composition of at least four ingredients (an anionically-stabilized waterborne polymer dispersion, an acid-generating chemical, a cloud-point surfactant, and a foam-stabilizing surfactant); (b) incorporating sufficient gas into the liquid mixture to generate a spreadable foam; (c) applying the foam onto a porous woven textile substrate; (d) heating said foamed fabric until the elastomer coagulates over the fabric substrate; and (e) drying the resultant composite without destroying the coagulated structure. The resultant composite obtains a pliability, compressibility, and drape that is similar to that of leather and a surface that is suitable for transfer or film-coating to produce artificial leather.

Abstract: A papermaking belt capable of preventing a crack from progressing into the belt and improved in durability is provided, while a reinforcing substrate (6) is embedded in an elastic material in this papermaking belt, and the said elastic material includes a surface layer (7), a back layer (8) and an intermediate layer (9) located between the said surface layer (7) and the said back layer (8) and has a thick part (12) having a thickness in the belt thickness direction along the belt traveling direction in the said intermediate layer (9). The said thick part (12) can also be exposed on the belt surface through the said surface layer 7, the said thick part (12) is preferably made of a low-hardness elastic material and the said surface layer (7) is preferably made of a high-hardness elastic material.

Abstract: A roofing material includes a thermoplastic substrate coated with an asphalt coating, a protective coating adhered to the upper surface of the asphalt coating, and a surface layer of granules adhered to the protective coating. The asphalt coating includes an upper surface that is positioned above the substrate when the roofing material is installed on a roof. The substrate comprises materials having an ultimate tensile elongation of greater than about six percent.

Abstract: A sheet material is useful as a waterproof underlayment for a roof of a structure. The sheet material has upper and lower surfaces and comprises a web of reinforcing mat comprising fire-resistant fibers and a continuous non-porous matrix of water-resistant modified bitumen saturating the web of reinforcing mat, wherein the modified bitumen is self-adhesive.

Abstract: Back-coated fabrics exhibit comparable physical attributes of unbacked fabrics (e.g., comparable hand, softness and/or bulk characteristics) while still being suitable for use in automated upholstery machinery (e.g., due to the fabrics excellent low seam slippage characteristics). The back-coating material is most preferably applied as a discontinuous geometric pattern to achieve an amount which is substantially less than conventional knife-coated continuous layers. Thus, the back-coating materials are applied most preferably in amounts of about 1.0 ounce per linear yard of the uncoated fabric or less, and more preferably about 0.50 ounce per linear yard or less. Notwithstanding the reduced amount of back-coating material, the fabrics of the present invention advantageously exhibit a seam strength (ASTM D4034) of about 25 pounds-force or greater thereby enabling the fabrics of the present invention to be suitable employed in automated upholstery machinery.