Abstract: A heat and pressure consolidated flexible laminate, and a method for producing the same, is provided that includes in superimposed relationship, a flexible, resin coated backing layer consisting of one or more sheets, a decorative layer consisting essentially of a leather material and, optionally, an overlay.

Abstract: A unique and novel durable environmentally stabilized, waterproof, and moisture vapor permeable composite sheet material is described that includes a moisture permeable monolithic film, coating, or film/nonwoven laminate, that is held in close proximity to one or more layers of durable strength enhancing fabrics. The strength enhancing fabrics can include cotton, polyester, cotton/polyester blends, acrylic, and other synthetic materials and blends. The breathable monolithic film or coating is preferably polyester or polyurethane based. The breathable and durability enhancing layers are preferably laminated using hot melt adhesives such as polyester-based powder bond adhesives or using solvent-based polyurethane adhesives.

Abstract: Dense, highly stable, high performance ballistic material comprises at least one woven layer of ballistic grade fiber (preferably a stack of such layers) and at least one nonwoven layer of fabric which is entangled with the woven or unidirectional layer by needle felting. The resulting core material does not require assembly of individual woven layers during subsequent manufacture of ballistic articles and exhibits excellent ballistic performance at low areal densities and thicknesses.

Abstract: The floor covering includes multiple layers including a non-woven base layer, a VAE precoat applied to the non-woven woven base layer and overlaid by a first PVC layer. A fiberglass mat is applied over the first PVC layer and a second PVC layer is applied over the mat. A woven PVC layer is laminated by heat and pressure to the underlying second PVC layer. The woven PVC layer comprises monofilament or multifilament cores, preferably but not limited to, polyester filaments overlaid by a PVC coating.

Abstract: The composite nonwoven fabric for protective clothing of the present invention comprises (A) a water vapor-permeable, water-resistant nonwoven fabric made of polyolefin-based ultra-fine fibers having an average fiber diameter of 5 ?m or less, (B) a heat-bonding nonwoven fabric made of thermoplastic elastomer ultra-fine fibers, and (C) a porous fabric. The nonwoven fabric B is interposed between the nonwoven fabric A and the porous fabric C, and the fabrics A, B and C being integrally bonded to each other. The composite nonwoven fabric is suitable for a protective clothing because it is water vapor-permeable and water-resistant on its outer side to be exposed to outside air, and is of high strength, sweat-absorbable and antistatic on its inner side, and also well-balanced in these properties.

Abstract: A composite sheet that comprises an elastically stretchable layer and an inelastically stretchable layer formed with inelastically stretchable continuous fibers bonded to at least one surface of the elastically stretchable layer intermittently in one direction. The continuous fibers are oriented substantially in one direction thereof so that the composite sheet may present a ratio S1/S2 of 3.0 or higher where S1 represents a tensile strength in this one direction and S2 represents a tensile strength in the direction orthogonal to this one direction.

Abstract: A doctor blade for removing water from a mating member, such as a grooved elastic belt in the press part of a papermaking machine, comprises a resin-impregnated fibrous laminate, in which at least a part of the warp of a base material in the laminate, which comes into contact with the mating member, is brush-shaped, so that the warp enters the insides of the grooves to remove water therefrom.

Abstract: An on-machine-seamable industrial fabric comprising rings connected by pintles. In one principal embodiment, the rings are oriented in the machine direction and the pintles extend at an angle, connecting the rings. Such configuration improves the strength of the fabric and provides resistance to needling damage. In another principal embodiment, the rings are oriented in the cross-machine direction and the pintles extend in the machine direction, joining the rings.

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible, layered insulation composed of glass or ceramic fabric covered with a ceramic coating and overlying an insulating felt made from needled polybenzazole (PBZ) material which is preferably polybenzoxazole (PBO), and which optionally contains a poly(1,3-phenylene isophtalamide) felt material, commercially known as Nomex™, either combined with the PBZ felt or layered beneath the PBZ felt as a separate layer. The insulation is readily applied to a reusable launch vehicle via a silicone adhesive.

Abstract: Carpet backings and use thereof in tufted carpets with good tuft bind and fuzz resistance and free of inorganic and latex materials are disclosed. Backings suitable as tuftable primary backings or as secondary backings have a nonwoven fabric with thermoplastic filaments and a thermoplastic supporting fabric operatively attached as by needling, thermal calendaring or point bonding.

Abstract: A method of making a soft, well cushioned, fabric suitable for use in an automotive interior, furniture and upholstery. The fabric which is formed by depositing a coating of a high temperature adhesive having a viscosity of 6×104 to 75×104 centipoise at its application temperature on one surface of a felt cloth followed by laying down a layer of a second material on top of the adhesive-coated surface of the felt cloth to form a composite. The composite is then passed through a hot pinch point to firmly bond the second layer to the felt cloth.

Abstract: For a protective garment, a composite structure comprising an outer shell, a moisture barrier within the outer shell, a thermally insulative liner within the moisture barrier, and a moisture absorber within the thermally insulative liner, a hydrophobic liner or a thermally insulative liner having a hydrophobic cover facing the moisture absorber is interposed between the moisture barrier and the moisture absorber. Preferably, if a hydrophobic liner is used, a thermally insulative liner is interposed between the moisture barrier and the hydrophobic liner.

Abstract: A composite fabric for use as a replacement for vinyl transportation vehicle seating trim is described. The composite includes a woven fabric bonded to a nonwoven substrate, and is desirably substantially all-polyester. The composite has physical properties superior to that of conventional vinyl materials, yet is lighter weight. In addition, the composite is readily and efficiently recyclable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire-resistant composite panel having superior fire-resistance and impact-resistance, a low dimensional change, and good workability to form a curvature, and it also relates to a fire-resistant decorative composite panel using the same. The composite panel comprises a substrate layer formed by impregnating or coating a substrate material of a woven or nonwoven fabric of inorganic fiber, or a paper, with a resin compound that contains an inorganic filler having less as a component and a thermosetting resin, and a rear layer of an aluminum sheet or a galvanized steel plate.

Abstract: A protective cover system (100) for inhibiting corrosion of a metallic object. The protective cover system includes a cover (101, 200, 600) for defining a microenvironment and a corrosion inhibitor source for releasing one or more corrosion inhibitors into the microenvironment. In one embodiment, cover 200 comprises an outer liquid-impermeable layer (204), an inner liquid-permeable layer (202), and a superabsorbent layer (206) located between the outer and inner layers. In another embodiment, cover 600 includes a water-vapor-permeable layer (602) and a porous support layer (606) for supporting the water-vapor-permeable layer. In both of these embodiments, one or more corrosion inhibitors may be incorporated into the cover in one or more of the corresponding above-mentioned layers or in a layer separate from these layers, or may be provided in a separate container that fluidly communicates the corrosion inhibitor(s) to the microenvironment.

Abstract: A cover (200) for inhibiting corrosion of a metallic object over which the cover is placed. The cover has an inner surface (104) defined by a liquid-permeable layer (202) and an outer surface (102) defined by a liquid-impermeable layer (204). A moisture-absorbing layer (206) is sandwiched between the liquid-permeable layer and the liquid-impermeable layer. The liquid-permeable layer allows vapor and liquid moisture beneath the cover to be absorbed into the moisture-absorbing layer to reduce the amount of moisture beneath the cover. The liquid-impermeable layer repels environmental liquid moisture, such as rain, sea spray, dew and the like and prevents such moisture from penetrating the cover. A radar-influencing layer (308) and vapor corrosion inhibitors (214) may be included in the cover. A method of protecting an object is also disclosed. The method includes covering a metallic object with cover (200).

Abstract: For a protective garment, such as a protective coat for a firefighter, a composite structure comprises an outer shell, a moisture barrier within the outer shell, a moisture absorber, which absorber may incorporate a superabsorbent polymer, within the moisture barrier, and an innermost layer within the moisture barrier, wherein the innermost layer is hydrophobic but is moisture-pervious. In one contemplated embodiment, the innermost layer is made from synthetic, hydrophobic fibers, which fibers are woven so as to be moisture-pervious and which fibers are surfactant-treated so as to promote their being moisture-pervious. In another contemplated embodiment, the innermost layer is made from a sheet of a synthetic, hydrophobic material, which sheet is apertured so as to be moisture-pervious. In another contemplated embodiment, the innermost layer is made from natural fibers, which fibers have a hydrophobic finish and which fibers are woven so as to be moisture-pervious.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for producing preform materials for impact-resistant composite materials suitable for liquid molding. An interlayer comprising a spunbonded, spunlaced, or mesh fabric is introduced between non-crimped layers of unidirectional reinforcing fibers to produce a preform for use in liquid-molding processes to produce composite materials. Interlayer material remains as a separate phase from matrix resin after infusion, and curing of the preform provides increased impact resistance by increasing the amount of energy required to propagate localized fractures due to impact. Constructions having the interlayer materials melt-bonded to the reinforcing fibers demonstrate improved mechanical preformance through improved fiber alignment compared to other fabrication and preforming methods.

Abstract: A composite structure for a protective garment, such as a protective garment for a firefighter, has a moisture absorber, a moisture barrier and an outer shell. The moisture barrier is disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture absorber, while the outer shell is disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture barrier. The moisture absorber has a fibrous matrix incorporating a superabsorbent polymer, as particles or as fibers, and is disposed between an inner cover pervious to moisture and an outer cover. The inner and outer covers may be quilted so as to segregate discrete regions of the fibrous matrix.

Abstract: A wallcovering system, composite wallcovering and method for providing a smooth finished surface to wall substrate are provided. The wallcovering system comprises a composite wallcovering consisting essentially of a decorative wallcovering layer bonded to a base sheet having sufficient stiffness, thickness and compressibility to conceal surface irregularities on a wall surface of a wall substrate. In one aspect of the invention, the composite wallcovering comprises a layer of woven glass fiber adhesively bonded to a nonwoven fiber glass mat. The composite wallcovering can be installed in one step to provide a smooth finished wall surface on the wall substrate.

Abstract: Flooring that utilizes sophisticated, self-stabilizing, woven face fabric using relatively heavy “carpet weight” nylon, polyester, PTT or other yarns on modern Jacquard computer controlled looms to produce flat-weave fabrics that are bonded to engineered backing structures. Urethane modified bitumen may be used as a backing layer, and an optional latex precoat may be used on the fabric layer, together with an optional antimicrobial in the precoat.

Abstract: A cleansing implement including: a first outer layer; a second outer layer; and an inner layer disposed and retained between the outer layers, wherein at least one of the outer layers is water permeable, and the inner layer includes means for expanding the implement to at least about 1.5 times its original height is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention teaches systems and methods for providing a non-clumping insulating fabric suitable for use in clothing and bedding comprising: a fiber fill layer comprising a plurality of fibrous insulative elements; an adhesive layer having an adhesive surface for binding material coming in contact with the adhesive surface; wherein each insulative element of the fiber fill layer is bound to the adhesive surface forming a continues layer of secured insulative elements; repeating this layering process to reach a desired insulative value; and wherein the adhesive layer and the fiber fill layer are at least partially enclosed by a cover for preventing the fibrous elements from being dislodged from the adhesive layer and preventing the fibrous elements from being soiled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mattress cover formed of a composite material consisting of a nonwoven material and a woven layer, in which the nonwoven material comprises a single nonwoven layer, and in which said nonwoven layer and said woven layer are permanently bonded together whilst retaining the flexible character of the woven layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter cloth intended for a filter which has a variable volume and is based on diaphragm extrusion, particularly for a Larox®-type vertical pressure filter. The filtering properties of the filter cloth (5) are substantially similar in both directions through the cloth since slurry containing liquid and solids is alternately placed on the different sides of the filter cloth. The filter cloth of the invention comprises a middle layer (15) and protective layers (16a, 16b; 17a, 17b) provided on both outer surfaces of the middle layer. The middle layer can have e.g. a woven structure, and the protective layers may be batt fiber layers attached to the middle layer by needling. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the protective layers according to the invention are denser than the middle layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward antimicrobial absorbable and non-absorbable fibrous and tubular medical devices comprising synthetic polymers and one or more antimicrobial agent molecularly dispersed within the surface to allow the continuous release of said agent or agents under simulated physiologic conditions for at least one week.

Abstract: An exterior finishing system including a bond-compatible composite membrane comprising a first self-adhesive material layer and a second rough fabric layer, and its use as an intermediate layer between a building structure substrate and exterior finishing materials is provided. Unlike conventional composite membranes, the bond-compatible composite membrane has a rough surface that allows bonding materials to adhere to it. Therefore, mechanical devices are not needed to attach the exterior finishing materials to the building structure.

Abstract: A fibrous structure and method for making the fibrous structure, wherein the method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of synthetic fibers onto a forming member having a pattern of channels such that at least some of the synthetic fibers are disposed in the channels; providing a plurality of cellulosic fibers onto the synthetic fibers such that the cellulosic fibers are disposed adjacent to the synthetic fibers; and forming a unitary fibrous structure including the synthetic fibers and the cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible, layered insulation composed of glass or ceramic fabric covered with a ceramic coating and overlying an insulating felt made from needled polybenzazole (PBZ) material which is preferably polybenzoxazole (PBO), and which optionally contains a poly(1,3-phenylene isophtalamide) felt material, commercially known as Nomex™, either combined with the PBZ felt or layered beneath the PBZ felt as a separate layer. The insulation is readily applied to a reusable launch vehicle via a silicone adhesive.

Abstract: A paper machine clothing, especially a press felt (1), includes a support (2) which has at least one layer of a thread lap (3, 4, 5, 13) and which is embedded in a fiber matrix. Lap threads (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 17, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 33, 38, 43, 44, 45) run parallel to one another. The lap threads (10, 14, 17) are provided with outwardly projecting fibers (12, 16, 19).

Abstract: A composite laminate suitable for use in upholstery, automotive interiors and the like, which is made of a polyester felt substrate, an adhesive coating is contained on said felt substrate which obviates the need for a barrier layer for a vinyl laminate, with a vinyl film overlaying and bonding with said adhesive to said substrate. The method of making the laminate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible substrate applied with an activated carbon coating is provided. The activated carbon coating is formed from a mixture of a polymeric material and an activation agent. The mixture is activated by heating to a temperature of from about 100° C. to about 250° C. As a result of the present invention, it has been discovered that a substrate can be formed that is flexible and also capable of performing other functions, such as serving as an odor control agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an elastic composite material having an elastic layer having a first side and a second side; at least one gatherable layer bonded to at least one of the first side and second side of the elastic layer; and a fibrous material entangled and intertwined with both the elastic layer and the gatherable layer. The resulting elastic composite provides a stretchable material which can conform to surfaces and has desirable properties of the fibrous material entangle and intertwined with both the elastic layer and the gatherable layer and does not suffer from the loss of the fibrous material from the stretchable substrate. The composite is usable in as bandages, durable wipes, durable mops and personal care products, such as diapers and feminine napkins. Also disclosed is a method for making the composite.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an industrial nonwoven compound fabric comprising one or more layers of nano-denier continuous filaments and at least one layer of a strong and durable substrate, wherein said nonwoven compound fabric has an improved barrier performance as measured by the hydrostatic head to barrier layer basis weight ratio.

Abstract: A unique durable waterproof and moisture vapor permeable composite sheet material is described that includes a microporous film or film/nonwoven laminate, that is held in close proximity to one or more layers of strength enhancing fabrics. The disclosed composite sheet material is uniquely designed for use in outerwear, tents, tarps, covers, containment systems and shelters requiring waterproofness and breathability during extended outdoor exposure to rain and other high humidity environments.

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible, layered insulation composed of glass or ceramic fabric covered with a ceramic coating and overlying an insulating felt made from needled polybenzazole (PBZ) material which is preferably polybenzoxazole (PBO), and which optionally contains a poly(1,3-phenylene isophtalamide) felt material, commercially known as Nomex™, either combined with the PBZ felt or layered beneath the PBZ felt as a separate layer. The insulation is readily applied to a reusable launch vehicle via a silicone adhesive.

Abstract: Protective structure for a vehicle, suitable for being withheld and blocked, by means of fixing elements, on said vehicle (2), so as to cover the bodywork, comprising a sheet (10) having an internal layer (11), in contact with said vehicle, made of a soft scratchproof material, and an outer layer comprising an interlacing of yarns.

Abstract: A laminated waterproof bedding article is formed from a first layer of woven fabric, a second layer of woven or non-woven water-absorbent material that includes thermoplastic filaments, a third layer of a waterproof web of thermoplastic polymeric material, and an optional fourth layer of woven or non-woven fabric that includes thermoplastic filaments, the webs being joined along a plurality of spaced-apart seams to form a unitary structure; optional stitching, which can be decorative, intersects the heat-bonded seams.

Abstract: A loop component for use in a hook and loop fastening system, and methods of making same are provided, wherein a spunlaced fabric having a plurality of loop structures is formed by entangling a plurality of non-interbonded fibers in a fibrous web of material. The loop structures are configured to engage hooks from a hook component having a hook density between about 30 and 400 hooks per square centimeter, and have a peel strength of between about 50 grams and 2000 grams. The spunlaced fabric may include a backing layer. Between about two percent and about twenty-five percent (2%-25%) of the spunlaced fabric may be bonded to reduce fiber fuzzing and pull out that may occur when hooks are engaged and disengaged from the loop material. The spunlaced fabric may be stretched in a cross web (widthwise) direction between about 5% and about 125% of the original width to produce a fabric with greater void area for better hook engagement.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable composite sheet includes an elastically stretchable first web and an inelastically stretchable second web of thermoplastic synthetic resin fiber which is intermittently bonded to the first web in a y-direction. Component fiber of the second web has its cress-section cut in a direction orthogonal to the y-direction defined by a width w and a height h dimensioned to be at a ratio h/w less than 0.5. The composite sheet having such a structure improve its flexibility.

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: There is provided a flooring article having a composite structure, whose soft secondary backing material and mesh fabric prevent damage to the floor on which the article is placed and which prevent the flooring article from sliding during use. The soft backing material prevents the flooring on which the rug is placed from being scratched or abraded by the article. The mesh fabric, when incorporated in the flooring composite, prevents the finished article from sliding across the flooring surface during use.

Abstract: A polished-piece holder is provided that does not easily stick or adsorb to a polishing pad of a polishing apparatus and reduces occurrences of production line troubles and therefore the number of failed polished pieces. A single sheet of a thermosetting resin impregnated fiber substrate or a laminated sheet formed by laminating a plurality of sheets of the thermosetting resin impregnated fiber substrate is formed under heat and pressure into a plate. The thermosetting resin impregnated fiber plate is then processed to form a polished-piece holder for holding pieces to be polished. The evaluation portion has a certain length in a direction of the average line. The thermosetting resin impregnated fiber plate has a surface roughness with a maximum wave height Ry of 10 &mgr;m or greater over an almost entire area of the surface layer.

Abstract: Crimped bath scrubber including at least one blank material extending in a predetermined direction. The blank material is made of multiple first yarns and second yarns by a non-weaving measure. The blank material includes a substrate layer formed of the first yarns and a top layer overlaid on the substrate layer and formed of the second yarns. Corresponding portions of the first and second yarns are connected. The extending direction of the second yarns and the extending direction of the first yarns and the extending direction of the blank material respectively contains predetermined angles. The blank material is formed with multiple upward or downward bent crimped sections. The contained angle of each bent crimped section is less than 90 degrees, whereby the blank material is formed with multiple triangular solid spaces and the blank material is more spongy and fluffy so as to contain more water and bubble therein. The angles of the crimped sections provide better cleaning effect.

Abstract: A textile material in sheet form consisting of a warp and weft fabric produced by rovings of continuous technical filaments (for example, glass, carbon, or aramide filaments) without torsion is disclosed. The textile material may be produced according to a plain weave or derivative thereof, for example, the density of the warp threads (C) and the weft threads (T) may be balanced. The warp threads(C) or weft threads (T) are weakened or cut individually at predetermined intervals without any noticeable deterioration in the characteristics of the weft or warp threads located beneath the weakened or cut area. The areas in which a series of threads of the fabric (C) or (T) are weakened or cut may be produced with a lateral and vertical thread course between two consecutive threads.

Abstract: A protective cover system (100) for inhibiting corrosion of a metallic object. The protective cover system includes a cover (101, 200, 600) for defining a microenvironment and a corrosion inhibitor source for releasing one or more corrosion inhibitors into the microenvironment. In one embodiment, cover 200 comprises an outer liquid-impermeable layer (204), an inner liquid-permeable layer (202), and a superabsorbent layer (206) located between the outer and inner layers. In another embodiment, cover 600 includes a water-vapor-permeable layer (602) and a porous support layer (606) for supporting the water-vapor-permeable layer. In both of these embodiments, one or more corrosion inhibitors may be incorporated into the cover in one or more of the corresponding above-mentioned layers or in a layer separate from these layers, or may be provided in a separate container that fluidly communicates the corrosion inhibitor(s) to the microenvironment.

Abstract: A durable, water-resistant, breathable, multi-layer laminate adapted to transmit moisture and composed of (1) an outer woven, non-woven or knitted layer of fabric, (2) a discontinuous non-breathable hydrophobic adhesive, (3) a first hydrophilic barrier film adhesively secured to the outer fabric layer, by the hydrophilic adhesive, (4) a continuous film or discontinuous breathable hydrophilic adhesive, and (5) a second hydrophilic barrier film adhered to the hydrophilic adhesive. The first hydrophilic barrier film and second hydrophilic barrier film are adhesively secured to each other with the breathable hydrophilic adhesive and define a void area between the two films and together the films enhance moisture migration and transfer. The laminates may include two additional layers of (6) a second hydrophilic adhesive, and (7) a fabric backing layer secured by the second hydrophilic adhesive.

Abstract: A composite abrasive nonwoven web is prepared by passing fibers through a card to yield a pre-bond web following by the bonding of the pre-web in a calender to achieve a composite abrasive nonwoven web. The composite abrasive nonwoven web may be manufactured in, for example, one or two stages. The produced composite web may have at least two layers where, for example, one layer is an absorbent smooth layer and another layer is a rough abrasive layer.

Abstract: A bonding machine includes a first feeding device for feeding a substrate, a glue-dispensing device for dispensing glue, a first pair of heating rolls for rolling and heating the substrate passing through it and transferring the glue to the substrate so as to form a glue layer on the substrate, a second feeding device for feeding a cover, and a second pair of heating rolls for bonding the cover with the substrate through the glue layer, thus forming a web. A cooling roll may be located downstream of the third heating roll and the fourth heating roll for cooling the substrate and the cover that have bonded together. A product-collecting reel may be located downstream of the third heating roll and the fourth heating roll for winding the resultant web.

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an elastic long-fiber non-woven fabric that exhibits excellent elasticity, appropriate stress upon elongation, an excellent anti-blocking property, and an excellent soft feel, and which is suitable for applications to fabric products; and to provide fabric products manufactured from such an elastic long-fiber non-woven fabric.