Abstract: Ballistic resistant fabrics and articles that retain superior ballistic resistance performance after exposure to liquids such as sea water and organic solvents, such as gasoline and other petroleum-based products. The fabrics are formed from high performance fibers coated with a nitrile rubber binder polymer having an acrylonitrile content of from about 15 wt. % to about 50 wt. %, and are optionally coated with a binder that is a blend of a nitrile rubber and a fluorine-containing material.

Abstract: A cosmic and solar radiation shielding structure that also has structural attributes is comprised of three layers. The first layer is 30-42 percent by volume of ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene fibers, 18-30 percent by volume of graphite fibers, and a remaining percent by volume of an epoxy resin matrix. The second layer is approximately 68 percent by volume of UHMW polyethylene fibers and a remaining percent by volume of a polyethylene matrix. The third layer is a ceramic material.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric that is not easily damaged during use is provided. A fiber web supported by a predetermined supporting member from the lower face side is blown with fluid, mainly composed of gas, from the upper face side of the fiber web to move fibers that constitute the fiber web, thereby forming at least a plurality of open areas. The nonwoven fabric includes a plurality of open areas continuously formed along a predetermined direction with a predetermined interval and a plurality of joining portions, each of which are formed between the open areas adjacent to each other in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant fabric laminates are provided. More particularly, reinforced, delamination resistant, ballistic resistant composites are provided. The delamination resistant, ballistic resistant materials and articles may be reinforced by various techniques, including stitching one or more ballistic resistant panels with a high strength thread, melting the edges of a ballistic resistant panel to reinforce areas that may have been frayed during standard trimming procedures, wrapping one or more panels with one or more woven or non-woven fibrous wraps, and combinations of these techniques. The delamination resistant, ballistic resistant panels may further include at least one rigid plate attached thereto for improving ballistic resistance performance.

Abstract: Flexible ballistic resistant composite material that has improved resistance to pick-up of water and other liquids, the composite material comprising a plurality of non-woven fibrous layers. The fibrous layers are formed from a network of high tenacity fibers (aramid fibers, extended chain polyethylene fibers and/or rigid rod fibers). The fibers are embedded in a matrix of a thermoplastic polyurethane resin. Preferably, at least two adjacent fiber layers are oriented in a cross-ply arrangement with respect to each other. Flexible armor, such as body vests, are provided which are formed at least in part from the flexible composite material.

Abstract: Fabric laminates having superior resistance to penetration of fragments, such as shrapnel. The fabrics are formed of high-strength fibers consolidated with from about 7% to about 15% by weight of an elastomeric matrix composition, and in combination with protective layers of a polymer film on each surface of the fabric. The fabrics achieve a significant improvement in fragment resistance compared to fabrics of the prior art, while also maintaining excellent ballistic resistant properties.

Abstract: A stack of 50 layers of a first pitch-base carbon fiber sheet is formed, two sets of stack each having two second pitch-base carbon fiber sheets stacked therein are fabricated. At this time, the second carbon fiber sheets have a thermal expansion coefficient larger than that of the first carbon fiber sheet. Next, the stack of the first carbon fiber sheet is then held between two sets of stack of the second carbon fiber sheets. The stack of the first and second carbon fiber sheets are then impregnated with an epoxy-base resin composition and the resin is solidified. As a result a prepreg composed of the first and second carbon fiber sheets and the resin component composed of the epoxy-base resin composition is obtained. Thereafter, interconnections and the like are then formed on the prepreg, to thereby complete a multilevel interconnection board.

Abstract: A machine for producing a nonwoven feeds continuous filaments onto two surfaces that form a convergent passage. At least one of the surfaces is moving to drive the continuous filaments through the passage to form the nonwoven web. The continuous filaments have filament portions that are respectively received on the two surfaces to form spaced lateral web parts joined by a central web part formed by the continuous filament portions bridging the convergent passage. A vacuum is applied through the surfaces to assist placement of the filament portions and to direct the web as it emerges from the passage onto a horizontal take-up conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing reinforced, formed fabrics, consisting in producing a continuous fabric alternated with a membrane (34) containing embedded reinforcing elements, which is prepared in overlapping portions on a conveyor belt (29) which passes over a preparation table (25). The membrane (34) and the reinforcing elements are then positioned under a press consisting of an upper air-filled chamber (1), the lower part thereof comprising a flexible element (4), and a lower water-filled chamber (14), the upper part thereof comprising a flexible element (17). According to the invention, a forming bar (10) is adjustably mounted in the upper chamber (1). When the aforementioned forming bar (10) is adjusted to adopt a particular shape, the different flexible elements can deform at the forming bar and the membrane and the reinforcing elements are hot pressed with a portion corresponding to the forming bar having a three dimensional shape, thereby defining the form of the fabric produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing reinforced, formed fabrics, consisting in producing a continuous fabric alternated with a membrane (34) containing embedded reinforcing elements, which is prepared in overlapping portions on a conveyor belt (29) which passes over a preparation table (25). The membrane (34) and the reinforcing elements are then positioned under a press consisting of an upper air-filled chamber (1), the lower part thereof comprising a flexible element (4), and a lower water-filled chamber (14), the upper part thereof comprising a flexible element (17). According to the invention, a forming bar (10) is adjustably mounted in the upper chamber (1). When the aforementioned forming bar (10) is adjusted to adopt a particular shape, the different flexible elements can deform at the forming bar and the membrane and the reinforcing elements are hot pressed with a portion corresponding to the forming bar having a three dimensional shape, thereby defining the form of the fabric produced.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven fabric having latent elasticity is provided having a latently elastic core comprising a first component that includes a thermoplastic elastomer and a second component that includes a single site catalyzed polyolefin, and at least one gatherable facing material laminated to the elastic core. The first and second components may be, for example, in the form of alternating filaments of styrenic block copolymer and single site catalyzed polyolefin or in the form of conjugate filaments having a first section of styrenic block copolymer and a second section of single site catalyzed polyolefin. Also disclosed are methods of making the latently elastic stretch bonded laminates and personal care articles containing the latently elastic stretch bonded laminates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved disposable cleaning sheet for removing debris, especially hair from a non-smooth or rough surface, especially fibrous type surfaces such as carpeting or upholstery. The cleaning sheets comprise a fibrous substrate and a plurality of protrusions extending from strand elements embedded within fibrous substrate. The cleaning sheets use the protrusions to dislodge the debris from the surface being cleaned, and the fibrous substrate captures the dislodged debris without a backing for the protrusions interfering with the particle capture of the fibrous substrate. Further, the protrusions are firmly embedded within the fibrous substrate such that they cannot be dislodged from the substrate in use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite laminate, a layup and preform for such a composite laminate and to a method of manufacturing the composite laminate. The layup (28), preform and composite laminate (22) include at least one ply (20) which includes hairy yarn (10). The action of the hairy yarn (10) is to provide cross ply linking owing to the extension of fibers from the hairy yarn into spaces both within the ply and between the plies. The addition of resin matrix material (26) to layup provides a firm cross ply linkage to the composite laminate.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a process of forming a multi-layer pad of a non-woven fiber batt and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces and to a multi-layer pad incorporating a non-woven fiber batt and foam layer. The process of forming a non-woven batt layer and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces comprises transporting each layer along its longitudinal dimension while compressing each layer along its lateral dimension. Concomitantly with compression, each layer is cut transversely along its lateral dimension to separate each layer into an upper segment and a lower segment and to provide conforming convoluted surfaces on the segments of each layer, the convoluted surfaces comprised of upstanding projections and depressions.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant fabric laminates are provided. More particularly, reinforced, delamination resistant, ballistic resistant composites are provided. The delamination resistant, ballistic resistant materials and articles may be reinforced by various techniques, including stitching one or more ballistic resistant panels with a high strength thread, melting the edges of a ballistic resistant panel to reinforce areas that may have been frayed during standard trimming procedures, wrapping one or more panels with one or more woven or non-woven fibrous wraps, and combinations of these techniques. The delamination resistant, ballistic resistant panels may further include at least one rigid plate attached thereto for improving ballistic resistance performance.

Abstract: The nonwoven web 10 of the present invention is a layered structure that takes advantage of the beneficial properties of different types of fibers advantageously distributed in each layer. In particular, the present invention is a multi-layer nonwoven web suitable for use as a wet wipe, the web having a first fibrous outer layer comprising from about 10% to about 60% conjugate fiber, from about 10% to about 90% cellulosic fibers, a fibrous inner layer bonded at discrete bond sites to the first outer layer in a face to face relationship comprising from about 10% to about 60% conjugate fiber, and from about 10% to about 65% cellulosic fibers. A second fibrous outer layer, which can be the same composition as the first outer layer, is bonded at discrete bond sites to the inner layer in a face to face relationship. A method for forming the web of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reinforcement fabric includes a first layer of collimated continuous fibers, a second layer selected from a group consisting of veil, continuous filament mat, chopped strand mat, direct chopped mat, direct continuous mat, collimated continuous fibers, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, scrim and combinations thereof as well as a surface adhesive that adheres the first and second layers together. The surface adhesive is selected from a group consisting of hot melt adhesive and web bonded adhesive. The surface adhesive has a melt flow index range of about 5 to about 500 at room temperature and about 900 to about 1300 at application temperature. A method is also provided for the production of the reinforcement fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a shaped article comprising the compression of one or more fiber layers containing polyolefin fibers. The invention also relates to shaped articles obtainable with the process according to the invention and their use in anti-ballistic applications. In the process according to the invention the fiber layers contain 0.02 to 25 wt. % of a solvent for the polyolefin. The shaped articles obtained have an improved anti-ballistic quality.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a multi-layer nonwoven fiber material, and related methods of manufacturing the material. In one exemplary embodiment, the fiber material includes a first layer of directionally aligned fibers together with a second layer of randomly dispersed fibers dispersed over the first layer. Consistent with one exemplary method for manufacturing a nonwoven fiber material, the method includes dispersing a first plurality of fibers horizontally in one or more predetermined directions, as well as dispersing a second plurality of fibers horizontally in random directions. In such an embodiment, the second plurality of fibers is dispersed over the first plurality of fibers. Moreover, an exemplary embodiment of a roofing shingle employing a nonwoven fiber material as described herein is as disclosed.

Abstract: A laminate material for lighter-than-air vehicles includes at least one monofilament yarn layer, a high modulus film layer adjacent to said at least one monofilament layer and optionally including reinforcing fiber or inorganic filler, and a metallized coating adjacent to said high modulus film layer.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a material for a friction element of a power transmission-absorption assembly and a method of making the material is disclosed. The material has preselected channel configuration which provides a plurality of channels defined at least in part by a pattern of stitches, such as a plurality of rows of stitches.

Abstract: A material is provided that is particularly suited for use in absorbent articles. The material has a base layer of a generally non-elastic material and at least two strips or regions of elastomeric material attached to the base layer material with a space therebetween such that a center region of the base layer material is bordered on at least two sides by composite regions of the elastomeric materials and the base layer material. The center region of base layer material remains generally non-extensible and the composite regions are stretchable in at least a first direction as a result of tensioning and necking-in the base layer material prior to attaching the elastomeric materials. The invention includes methods for making the material, as well as absorbent articles incorporating the materials.

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

Abstract: A nonwoven textile assembly, a method for its manufacture, and a spirally wound press felt made from the assembly are disclosed. The nonwoven textile assembly is manufactured by providing a uniform array of parallel yarns having constant height and spacing as a first textile component and which are oriented in a first direction. An adhesive material is applied to a first side of the first component. A second textile component, such as a second array of parallel yarns oriented at an angle of from 2° to 90° to the first, or a nonwoven mesh, or a nonwoven scrim comprising a regenerated cellulosic is then laid over the adhesive material. A lightweight batt layer optionally including a second adhesive preferably located on the side of the batt facing the second side of the second textile component, is overlaid the second textile component.

Abstract: An elastomeric nonwoven laminate and a process for producing the elastomeric nonwoven laminate are provided. The elastomeric nonwoven laminate includes a first nonwoven, a second nonwoven and a plurality of elastic strands. The plurality of elastic strands is attached to the first nonwoven while under a strain producing a corrugated intermediate laminate once the strain is relieved. A second nonwoven is joined to the corrugated intermediate laminate and subsequently mechanically activated forming an elastomeric nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: A stretchable stitch-bonded nonwoven fabric is disclosed herein. The fabric includes a nonwoven substrate having basis weight in the range from about 15 to about 150 g/m2, and density in the range from about 0.02 to about 0.12 g/cm3. The nonwoven substrate is bonded with a binder applied to the outer surfaces of the substrate in a liquid form in a sufficiently uniform manner so that no areas greater than the spaces between stitch insertion points are devoid of binder. The binder constitutes from about 2% to about 25% of the total weight of the sum of binder and nonwoven substrate weight. The substrate is stitch-bonded with yarns arranged in a stitch pattern that allows the stitch-bonded fabric to be stretched in at least one direction by a factor of about 2.5 to about 5.0 without forming local ruptures therein, and wherein the stitch-bonded nonwoven fabric can be washed and dried at least twenty times.

Abstract: Paper machine clothing, especially a press felt (1), has a support (2) which has at least one layer of a thread lap (3, 4, 5, 13). The lap threads (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 17, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 33, 38, 43, 44, 45) run parallel to one another. Spacing threads are present which run between two lap threads (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 17, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 33, 38, 43, 44, 45) and are soluble in a solvent in which the remaining part of the paper machine clothing (1) is not soluble.

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 sheet of unidirectionally-oriented fiber strands includes unidirectional fibers, bonding fibers interwoven with the unidirectional fibers to form a fiber panel, and thermoplastic film laminating the fiber panel there between. In one embodiment, a second sheet of laminated unidirectional fibers is joined to the first sheet of laminated unidirectional fibers with the unidirectional fibers running in a second direction as compared to the first fibers. In yet another embodiment, individual laminated sheets of unidirectional fibers are stitched together to form packets of sheets which may be used singularly or multiple packets may be bundled together.

Abstract: An improved process for making stitchbonded fabric in which a feed material that has a visible pattern on it is surface is multi-needle stitched with a contractible yarn and then the stitched material is contracted to form an attractive, novel surface pattern that is quite different from the original pattern on the feed material.

Abstract: An absorbent composite having fibrous bands is described. The composite includes one or more fibrous bands in a fibrous base. The base includes a fibrous matrix and absorbent material. The fibrous bands are substantially free of absorbent material. Absorbent articles that include the composite and methods for forming the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and material for preventing erosion and maintaining playability of golf course sand bunkers. A geotextile liner is formed of two water-permeable layers. A first non-woven layer of randomly-aligned, synthetic fibers is configured and adapted to maintain sand in place within a sand bunker. A second backing layer formed of spunbond synthetic fiber is impervious to sand and configured and adapted to prevent downward migration of sand through the liner, while also preventing the upward migration of weeds, rocks and other contaminants that hinder the playability of the sand bunker. The backing layer also permits seams between adjacent sections of the liner to be joined by staples that penetrate the second layer but do not penetrate the native soil. Sections of the liner are laid within an unfilled sand bunker, and cut to fit the contours of the bunker as necessary.

Abstract: A substantially laterally pressure-loaded panel has a side aspect ratio of at least 1.5, is formed of at least two reinforcement layers of substantially unidirectional fibers. The predominant orientation of the fibers form an angle of between about ±55°-±75° (preferably about 60°) with the longer side of the panel, with about one-half of the layers having a positive (+) angle and about one-half a negative (?) angle, within the range. The panel preferably has about 60-100% of its thickness formed by the reinforcement layers. The panels can be used can be used in boat and/or shipbuilding structural panels, pressure-loaded tanks, pressure-vessels and other corresponding structures that are subjected to a lateral pressure load.

Abstract: A patterned pile fabric of stitch-bonded construction. The fabric includes a substrate layer with an arrangement of ground yarns extending in stitched relation through the substrate layer so as to define a ground covering across the substrate layer. An arrangement of pile forming yarns extend in stitched relation through the substrate layer such that the pile forming yarns define a patterned arrangement of looped elements projecting away from the ground covering in predefined three dimensional patterned arrays disposed across the fabric.

Abstract: A nonwoven web of multipolymer fibers is described that is unidirectionally stretched and permanently elongated at ambient conditions and exhibits a substantial increase in tensile strength in the stretch direction. The ratio of tensile strength of the web in the direction of fiber orientation to the tensile strength in the other direction is at least about 10:1. The ratio of elongation at peak load in a direction transverse to the direction of fiber orientation is at least about 6:1. The multipolymer fibers normally are a blend of polyethylene and a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, one of which is a dominant phase and one of which is a dispersed phase. A third component having elastomeric properties that is at least partially miscible with one or both of the other components is included in some blends.

Abstract: A disposable wipe-out sheet that includes a plurality of long fibers bonded to a heat-sealable base sheet by sealing lines. The long fibers include groups continuously extending between each pair of the adjacent sealing lines to form bridge-like portions and groups severed in two sections between each pair of the adjacent sealing lines so as to fluff upward on the base sheet.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a composite support with fire resistance property for bituminous roofing sheaths. The composite support (9) comprises a first (1) and a second (7) layer of non-woven synthetic material met and a glass film (6) interposed between said layers (1, 7), between which a plurality of longitudinally oriented reinforcing glass filaments (4) are interposed.

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: Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a liquid permeable surface layer; a backing sheet; and an absorbent layer interposed between the surface layer and the backing sheet. The surface layer includes: a porous film having a plurality of through holes; and a fibrous layer disposed on the liquid-receiving face of the porous film. The fibrous layer is of a plurality of strips extending in parallel and spaced apart from each other. Each strip of the fibrous layer is fixed to the porous film at spaced fixing portions, so that the porous film is exposed between adjacent strips of the fibrous layer.

Abstract: An abrasive ground fabric which is a composite ground fabric comprising a fiber substrate and a elastic polymer filled in the fiber substrate, wherein (1) the fiber substrate is composed of bundles, each consisting of 20 to 3,000 fine fibers, and (2) the average diameter (D1) of fine fibers existent in a center portion from the center of the cross section perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of each bundle to ½ of the radius of each bundle is 0.3 to 10 &mgr;m, the average diameter (D2) of fine fibers existent in a peripheral portion from ½ of the radius to the end of each bundle is 0.05 to 1 &mgr;m, and the D1/D2 ratio is 1.5 or more. According to the present invention, the abrasive ground fabric is suitably used for the texturing of a substrate in the production of a magnetic recording medium, particularly a hard disk, enables high-accuracy surface finish and has excellent strength.

Abstract: A fabric substrate for use in reinforcing laminated and coated fabrics. The fabric substrate of the present invention is particularly useful for reinforcing areas along the resulting coated or laminated fabric that may experience local areas of tensile forces, such as areas of attachment. To address these local areas, the fabric substrate includes reinforced weft portions in spaced groups to provide strengthened areas for fastening or attachment of the resulting coated fabric.

Abstract: A composite sheet comprises a nonwoven fabric and a rubber elastic material bonded onto the nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric has nonelastic fibers aligned in one direction and has elongation of 100% or higher in a direction perpendicular to the aligned direction of the nonelastic fibers. The rubber elastic material is bonded to the nonwoven fabric in a pattern having orientation perpendicular to the aligned direction of the nonelastic fibers.

Abstract: A filament bundle reinforcement fabric is produced in a tubular structure with a minimum optimized amount of adhesive which is consistently and uniformly applied at a pitch to the machine direction or to the direction of the filament bundles in their formed state.

Abstract: A composite carbon fiber material is formed of one or more layers of carbon fiber material in which the carbon fibers are aligned all in the same direction and a mat of nonwoven, woven, or off-axis unidirectional carbon fibers are laminated together. Layers may be used individually or as a hybrid. The layers can be preimpregnated or impregnated during processing using thermoplastic or thermosetting resins. A layer of thermoplastic resin is applied either over the surface or within the composite structure, and the resin permeates the material so as to provide a more stable mechanical structure once the resin is processed. The material combines good mechanical strength with improved electrical current carrying properties when compared with the aligned carbon fiber layer alone. The layering sequence, layer type, and resin type can be specified to tailor electrical properties, mechanical properties, durability, and wear resistance.

Abstract: There is provided an elastic thermal insulating wrap having a insulating skin facing layer and an airflow impeding layer, with elastic strands interposed therebetween. The elastic strands are arranged in a substantially parallel manner and the strands and layers are bonded to produce the wrap laminate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a web comprising an intimate mixture of mixed slivers of long reinforcing staple fibres (14) obtained by stretch-breaking and long thermoplastic matrix fibres (15), those different fibres being parallel in the mixture.

Abstract: A substantially laterally pressure-loaded panel has a side aspect ratio of at least 1.5, is formed of at least two reinforcement layers of substantially unidirectional fibers. The predominant orientation of the fibers form an angle of between about ±55°-±75° (preferably about 60°) with the longer side of the panel, with about one-half of the layers having a positive (+) angle and about one-half a negative (−) angle, within the range. The panel preferably has about 60-100% of its thickness formed by the reinforcement layers. The panels can be used can be used in boat and/or shipbuilding structural panels, pressure-loaded tanks, pressure-vessels and other corresponding structures that are subjected to a lateral pressure load.

Abstract: A non-woven fiber pad having a convoluted surface formed by cutting a non-woven fiber batt having a plurality of low melt synthetic fibers. The non-woven batt is compressed generally toward a cutting device by a pair of counter-rotating drums having convoluted surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven fabric that is especially engineered to function as the substrate for a dryer activated fabric softener sheet. The substrate has a basis weight of 0.48 ounces per square yard or less, a thickness of from about 0.16 mm to about 0.38 mm, and comprises a nonwoven web of fibers, wherein at least some of the fibers are hollow. Preferably the fibers have a denier of from 2 to 8. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the hollow fibers have a void area at least 10 percent of the fiber cross-section, and the fibers have a noncircular trilobal cross-section.

Abstract: A resin-impregnated endless belt for a long nip press or calender of the shoe type, or for other papermaking and paper-processing applications, has a base fabric in the form of an endless loop with an inner surface, an outer surface, a machine direction and a cross-machine direction. The base fabric has machine-direction (MD) structural elements and cross-machine-direction (CD) structural elements in an open structure wherein at least some of the MD structural elements and CD structural elements are spaced apart from one another. The MD structural elements cross the CD structural elements at a plurality of crossing points, where they are joined to one another by mechanical, chemical or thermo-bonding means. A coating of a first polymeric resin is on the inner surface of the base fabric. The first polymeric resin impregnates and renders the base fabric impermeable to liquids, and forms a layer on the inner surface thereof. The coating is smooth and provides the belt with a uniform thickness.