Abstract: An air bag of the type utilized in a vehicle occupant restraint system has at least one panel of coated air bag fabric comprising a base fabric coated with a urethane coating material. The base fabric is woven in warp and fill directions from synthetic multifilament yarns. In at least one of the weave directions, the yarns comprise first yarns of a first yarn size and second yarns of a second yarn size, with the second yarn size being a lesser yarn size than the first yarn size. The first yarns and the second yarns are in predetermined positions in the base fabric to produce a crest and trough pattern on a surface thereof.

Abstract: A spunbonded nonwoven fabric which is made of a polyolefin resin and has an average fiber diameter of 5 to 60 &mgr;m, METSUKE of 5 to 200 g/m2, and a coefficient of static friction of 0.1 to 0.4; or a spunbonded nonwoven fabric which is made of a polypropylene resin and has a stiffness [sum of the values for the longitudinal and transverse directions as obtained according to JIS L 1096, 6.19.1, method A (45° cantilever method)] of 70 to 120 mm and a coefficient of static friction of 0.1 to 0.4.

Abstract: A woven fabric substrate is treated with a fluorochemical stain resist agent and thereafter extrusion coated substantially on the back side with a layer of thermoplastic polymeric material so as to yield a final construction which exhibits both fluid and stain resistant properties. The fabric substrate can also be treated with an flame retardant agent, an antistatic agent, and/or an anti-microbial agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire resistant structural material comprising a surfactant component, surfactant-generated microcells, a gel catalyst component and a binder component. The structural material may further comprise a filler component. In addition, the present invention relates to fire resistant fabric materials comprising a substrate coated with a coating comprising the fire resistant structural material. Further, the present invention relates to fire resistant articles of manufacture comprising the fire resistant fabric material, and particularly to mattresses comprising the fire resistant fabric material.

Abstract: An insulation coating system for insulating a structure comprised of three flexible moisture barrier coatings; (1) a first coating comprising an elastomeric acrylic resin and an antimicrobial, (2) a second coating comprising an acrylic resin, a cement and fibers; and (3) a third coating comprising an elastomeric acrylic resin, a water repellant, an aggregate and an antimicrobial. The coatings adhere to the structure with an insubstantial amount of interfacial voids, and prevent a substantial amount of moisture from contacting the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a textile construction for using in passenger restraint systems. Said textile construction is characterised in that it contains plastically deformable filaments which enable the surface of the textile construction to increase when pressure is applied in at least one surface direction. The inventive textile construction is also provided with an especially elastic coating.

Abstract: A cyclodextrin-modified thermoplastic porous layer material is prepared by coating the surface of a fibrous nonwoven web, open-celled foam, porous film or the like with a chemical composition including a cyclodextrin compound, and then irradiating the coated fabric to induce a chemical reaction between the cyclodextrin compound and the underlying layer material. The resulting cyclodextrin-modified layer material has durable hydrophilic properties useful in topsheets for absorbent articles, and entrapment capabilities useful in water filters, blood filters, controlled delivery articles and protective garments.

Abstract: A friction control article including a backing layer having a first surface with an array of at least 100 upstanding stems per square inch and a second surface. At least a portion of the upstanding stems is an elastomeric material and the stems have an aspect ratio of at least 1.25. The first surface has a static coefficient of friction when dry of at least 0.6 and a static coefficient of friction when wet within 20% of the static coefficient of friction when dry. The first surface has a peel strength and a tensile strength of substantially zero when engaged with another slip control article. The first surface has a relatively high shear strength when engaged with another slip control article. The high shear forces are due primarily to the frictional properties of the elastomeric materials, not a mechanical interlock of the stems, such as on a mechanical fastener.

Abstract: Composite fabrics for waterproof applications are disclosed. In one embodiment, the composite fabric material includes a middle section of three-dimensional fabric with a first surface and a second surface. A first barrier layer is proximate to the first surface and is substantially impermeable to water vapor and liquid water. A second barrier layer is proximate the second surface and is substantially impermeable to water vapor and liquid water.

Abstract: A water-vapor-permeable waterproof composite fabric having high flexibility, water pressure resistance and water laundering resistance is constituted from a substrate fabric and a polyether-ester elastomer (PEE-A) film layer laminated to the substrate fabric through a polyether-ester elastomer (PEE-B) binder layer, each of PEE-A and PEE-B including polyalkylene glycol residues, alkyleneglycol residues and dicarboxylic acid residues, in which composite fabric, (1) the PEE-A contains 5 to 25% by mass of polyethyleneglycol residues, (2) the PEE-A film layer is 5 to 5 &mgr;m thick, (3) the PEE-B has a melting temperature of at least 20° C. below that of the PEE-A and (4) the PEE-B binder layer is present in an amount of 2 to 20 g/m2.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for packing an article comprising providing a vapor permeable and substantially water impermeable composite laminated sheet comprising a nonwoven layer and a polymer film layer, said composite laminated sheet having a trapezoidal tear strength of at least about 2 N in the machine direction, and a smoothness measured on the polymer film layer of less than 9 micrometers and placing the composite laminated sheet on the surface of the article with the polymer film layer contacting at least a portion of said surface.

Abstract: A compact, economical air bag fabric of low air permeability and light mass (METSUKE) is realized by a thermoplastic fiber fabric having a distribution of pores formed by the fibers constructing the fabric, that is, the pore distribution of 2.0 or smaller and air permeability of 2.5 L/cm2/min or lower. By setting a permeating deformation index PI of the thermoplastic fiber to 0.1 to 0.6 and the air permeability of the fabric at the differential pressure of 20 kPa to 1.0 (L/cm2/min) or lower, an economical uncoated air bag fabric of which air permeability is low but increases under the high differential pressure condition in the latter period of development is obtained.

Abstract: A laminate composite material comprises a layer of an open weave supporting fabric having a layer of breathable resin adhered thereto by an extruded layer of a thermoplastic resin blended with a high temperature volatile particulate. The resultant composite material is substantially impervious to air and water and permeable to water vapor and having a water vapor transmission rate exceeding one (1) perm of water vapor.

Abstract: A water-vapor-permeable, water-resistant composite material includes a water-resistant, water-vapor-permeable functional layer with a first and a second side, a material attached to the first side of the functional layer, a plurality of discrete polymer spots forming a discontinuous, lining-producing pattern on the surface of the second side of the functional layer, and a water-vapor-permeable cover layer that is joined at least to the polymer spots. Clothing produced from the water-vapor-permeable, water-resistant composite material includes the features listed above.

Abstract: Fabrics having enhanced allergen barrier capabilities are described. The fabrics are woven and calendered, and desirably face finished to provide lightweight, thin fabrics having good aesthetic properties. The fabrics also have good moisture vapor transport characteristics and superior allergen barrier capabilities, and in particular, superior barrier capabilities for cat dander allergen (representing smaller allergen particle size), as well as dust mite allergen. Protective coverings made from the fabrics and methods for their production are also described.

Abstract: Coated inflatable fabrics and more particularly concerns airbag cushions to which very low add-on amounts of silicone-based coating have been applied and which exhibit extremely low air permeability are provided. 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, substantially uniform silicone coating to provide such necessarily low permeability levels. Thus, the inventive coating comprises at least a single layer comprising a majority of silicone-based material, wherein the total thickness of the single layer is at most about 3.0 ounces per square yard as applied to a target fabric surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article useful for the following purposes without limitation: as a bed pad, a baby changing pad, a bib, a table cloth, or a painter's drop cloth. The absorbent article includes a vapor-permeable liquid-impermeable bottomsheet having an interior surface and an exterior surface, an absorbent structure positioned adjacent the interior surface, and a non-adhesive skid-resistant coating applied to the exterior surface such that the bottomsheet remains vapor-permeable after application of the coating. The non-adhesive skid resistant coating improves the ability of the absorbent article to remain in position without leaving residue on surfaces while leaving the absorbent article breathable.

Abstract: A protective layer embodying the principles of the present invention is configured for protection of automotive surfaces, including specifically, the protection of a truck-bed against wear induced by a truck-bed liner. The protective layer has a substantially planar configuration sized to permit the layer to be positioned generally between an associated truck-bed liner and a truck-bed, whereby the abrasion is significantly reduced. The layer comprises a fibrous nonwoven fabric formed from fibrous and/or filamentary elements, with the fibrous nonwoven fabric exhibiting a sufficiently reduced coefficient of friction and sufficient durability to absorb or distribute abrasive actions, while allowing passage of moisture, thus protecting the automotive surfaces against potentially detrimental environmental conditions.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide an air bag door construction in which the air bag develops smoothly and securely, the skin can be easily produced with small man-hour, and which is excellent in the surface appearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particulate, linear, sheet-like, or three-dimensional structures which comprise, at least on their surface, a hydrophilicizing amount of at least one polymer which has urethane groups and/or urea groups, and also ammonium groups. The ammonium groups are obtained by quaternizing or neutralizing tertiary amino groups, preferably with carbonic acid.

Abstract: Articles designed to clean/refresh soiled fabrics are improved by means of texturing at least one surface and/or by applying tackiness agents. In use, the articles rub against the fabrics, whereupon lint removed from the fabrics is trapped and retained by the tackiness agent. Refolding of the articles during use is substantially minimized by imparting texture to one or more of the article's surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel airbag coating compositions and systems comprising pre-expanded or non-expandable microspheres that provide effective insulation for the target airbag fabric during exothermic inflation. The inventive airbag fabrics are either pre-calendered prior to application of this composition or are coated through a gap (floating) knife method with such heat-expandable microsphere-containing compositions. The coated airbag fabrics and cushions may then be heated to evaporate the solvent within the coating composition. The resultant fabric thus exhibits the presence of the microsphere constituents of the coating compositions both within the interstices between the individual yarns of the fabric and over the raised yarns of the fabric.

Abstract: Coated inflatable fabrics and more particularly concerns airbag cushions to which very low add-on amounts of silicone-based coating have been applied and which exhibit extremely low air permeability are provided. 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, substantially uniform silicone coating to provide such necessarily low permeability levels. Thus, the inventive coating comprises at least a single layer comprising a majority of silicone-based material, wherein the total thickness of the single layer is at most about 3.0 ounces per square yard as applied to a target fabric surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to filled prepregs, laminates, printed circuit boards comprising a reinforcing material impregnated with a cured polymeric resin, the cured polymeric resin comprising multicellular polymeric microspheres as a filler. Pre-pregs, laminates and printed circuit boards prepared by this method have reduced dielectric constant as low as 3.0, depending upon the resin system of the matrix. In addition, such laminates and printed circuit boards have enhanced electrical, thermal and mechanical properties as well as improved machinability, low density and a uniform appearance.

Abstract: A breathable laminate produced without the use of a needle punch has been disclosed comprising a breathable film, a tie layer bonding material and a flexible woven substrate. The breathable film is one of commercially available breathable films, for example an apertured polyolefin film, that has a high moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR). The woven substrate provides strength and flexibility, and in preferred embodiments is woven from polyolefin tapes. The tie layer bonding material comprises a polyolefin material that is non-breathable but formed into a porous discontinuous web by the methods and processes disclosed herein. The three layers are joined through a laminating process.

Abstract: A multi-layer protective fabric includes a thin urethane film, a flame-retardant fibrous layer, and a flame-retardant micro-porous layer. The film includes flame retardant additives, blocks a liquid chemical from passing through it, and breathes by an adsorption/de-sorption process to permit water vapor to pass through it. The fibrous layer is bonded on one surface of the film. The urethane layer is bonded on the other surface of the film.

Abstract: The invention features a lining material for footwear. The material includes a non-woven felt including up to 80% by weight of grooved or multi-lobed cross section transport fibers and the remainder of thermally bondable fibers arranged to secure the transport fibers against abrasion and excessive mechanical stretch presented during incorporation of the lining material into a product during that product's manufacture.

Abstract: A polymeric fiber liner insulation includes of a resilient, insulation blanket core of randomly oriented entangled fibers with between 60% and 90% by weight of the fibers being standard polymeric fibers and/or flame retardant polymeric fibers and between 10% and 40% by weight of the fibers being polymeric lofting and bonding fibers. The first major surface the liner insulation has a low porosity or air and/or liquid impervious surface layer. The surface layer is formed by melting and consolidating fibers at and adjacent the first major surface of the blanket core or by coating the first major surface of the blanket core with a polymeric coating. The liner insulation exhibits a flame spread/smoke developed index of ≦25/50.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat-retaining fiber structure comprising a cloth layer having a moisture/heat release control capability laminated with a cloth layer having water molecule adsorption/heat release capability, wherein said cloth layer having the moisture/heat release control capability has a moisture permeability of 3000-12000 g/m2·24 hr and said cloth layer having water molecule adsorption/heat release capability has an exothermic energy index of 5 or larger and a contact thermal sensation factor (qmax) of 0.1 W/cm2 or less.

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: A composite material is formed from a flexible porous hardening foam (e.g. polyurethane) and an adhesive composition which sets to a water-resistant film and contains a water-absorbent filler (e.g. fumed silica) in an amount such that the film is water absorbent. The adhesive reinforces the foam while preserving its porosity and absorbency. The material is suitable for shoe insoles and handgrips. The adhesive may be primarily in a surface layer e.g. of cloth (14) applied to the foam (12); or the foam (22) may be saturated with the composition prior to curing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multilayer article comprising a substantially water-resistant, coated, microporous substrate connected to a substantially nonporous material. Further, the present invention is directed to a process for producing the multilayer article. The multilayer article and method of the present invention is especially useful for an ink jet recordable substrate and printing on said substrate.

Abstract: A multi-layer protective fabric includes a thin urethane film, a flame-retardant fibrous layer, and a flame-retardant micro-porous layer. The film includes flame retardant additives, blocks a liquid chemical from passing through it, and breathes by an adsorption/de-sorption process to permit water vapor to pass through it. The fibrous layer is bonded on one surface of the film. The urethane layer is bonded on the other surface of the film.

Abstract: Novel airbag coating compositions comprising at least two separate and distinct layers are provided. The first layer (base coat), being in contact with the airbag surface, comprises a composition of at least one coating material which may comprise up to 30% by parts of the total amount of material in the first layer of a silicone resin which provides excellent adhesion, excellent tensile strength, and overall lower cost than standard silicone airbag coating materials. The second layer, being a coating for the first layer, provides excellent reinforcement and blocking characteristics to permit effective potential long-term storage and optimum use upon the occurrence of a collision.

Abstract: A water vapor-permeable waterproof fabric free from an environmental pollution problem upon being discarded is formed by coating a substrate fiber fabric with a composite coating layer including a lower layer (A) directly formed on the substrate fabric and an upper layer (B) formed on the lower layer (B), wherein the lower and upper layers are formed from one of polyetherester elastomers different from each other and each containing polyalkylene glycol (PAG) residues, and satisfy the following requirements: (a) in the polyetherester elastomer (PEEA), the polyalkylene glycol residues contain 90% by weight or more of polytetramethylene glycol residues; (b) in the polyetherester elastomer (PEEB), the polyalkylene glycol residues contain 50% by weight or more of polyethylene glycol residues; (c) the thickness of the composite coating layer is 5 to 50 &mgr;m; and (d) the lower layer (A) is in an amount of 5 to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the composite coating layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a low fiber, plyable facer suitable for use in the construction industry, particularly for insulation board manufacture, comprising a dry preformed fiber mat containing a binder for the fibers, preferably a preformed glass mat, coated with a prefoamed composition which contains a polymer latex, a foam sustaining amount of a surfactant and a flame retarding and/or strengthening amount of a mineral filler and also to the use and process for the preparation of the above as well as to a siding underlayment or insulation board having a foamed, thermosetting resin core which is surfaced with said facer as a product for commercial use.

Abstract: A new foam coated nonwoven fibrous mat having properties particularly suited for a facer on gypsum wallboard, laminates made therefrom and the method of making the mat is disclosed. The mat preferably contains a major portion of glass fibers and a minor portion of a resinous binder. The foam coating is permeable and reduces fiber dust and abrasion experienced in the past with relatively coarse, relatively inexpensive glass fibers in the mat. Contrary to previous methods, the foam coated fibrous mat is made in-line on a wet mat forming production line by applying a wet foam binder onto a wet, fibrous web followed by drying and curing in-line.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cloth structure having waterproof and moisture-permeable properties for waders, which is treated to be waterproof so as to prevent outside water from passing through the wader, but thermally insulating and breathable so as to permit water vapor from the inside to be eliminated while being stretchable in each direction and possessing a soft feeling, thereby providing a good wearing feeling for the wearer without impeding the wearer's activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to waterproof fabric constructions, and more particularly to waterproof, breathable fabric constructions. The waterproof breathable fabric construction includes a microporous membrane layer and a nonporous layer. Cohesion is provided to the fabric construction through the use of both durable and breathable adhesives.

Abstract: This invention provides breathable composite materials with good liquid barrier properties comprising a laminate of a nonwoven web layer and a breathable film layer wherein breathability of the composite is provided by a plurality of point-like deformations of the film layer. In one embodiment, the composites also have a soft, cloth-like texture at at least one surface thereof. Also provided is a process for making such composites comprising applying a molten film-forming resin composition capable of developing breathability on deformation to a nonwoven web, cooling the molten composition to form a coated web having a web layer bonded to a film layer, and subjecting the coated web to heat and pressure at a plurality of points on a surface thereof wherein the heat, pressure and density of, and proportion of the composite surface occupied by, the deformations are effective to impart breathability to the film without loss of liquid barrier properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite lining material for a garment or the like comprising a water resistant water-vapour-permeable flexible substrate (2) having a fabric (4) secured to a first side of the substrate (2). A second side of the substrate (2) is provided with an abrasion resisting discontinuous layer (10) made up of a plurality of discrete abrasion resisting polymeric dots (12. The dots (12) prevent abrasion of the flexible substrate (2) and, in use, form a lining for the material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to coating a plurality of polyurethane films onto a stretchable knit fabric substrate and heat sealing such substrates together to yield an air curtain or air bag having improved air-holding properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to inflatable fabrics which comprise two separated and distinct fabric layers in discrete areas of such fabrics as well as connecting seam-producing materials to which such fabric layers are simultaneously attached. The resultant inflatable fabric composite thus includes inflatable areas separated, at least partially, by seamed barrier areas. This configuration will form “pillowed” structures within the target fabric upon inflation. Such connecting seam-producing materials are incorporated within the two-layer structure as peel seams in relation with the individual fabric layers. Upon inflation, the seams then act as shear seams which greatly increases the overall strength of the two-layer inflatable fabric. These shear seams thus provide a relatively effective manner of reducing air permeability within the entire fabric article. Such a fabric may be utilized in numerous and various applications wherein fabric inflation is desired or necessary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of a wash-resistant bond between a film on basis of copolyetherester waterproof and permeable to water vapor and at least one substrate on basis of polyester which is a woven or knitted fabric to achieve a pure bonded fabric having good wash resistance at 60° C., wherein said film on basis of copolyetherester which is waterproof and permeable to water vapor is manufactured with at least one film of a hot-melt adhesive on basis of a hydrophilic copolyetherester to a laminate previously before being bonded to said substrate by means of a hot-melt adhesive on basis of copolyester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-segment air bag tether panels and to a pattern-wise arrangement of such tether segments in relation to air bag panels on a fabric blank. In one embodiment, the tether panel is comprised of two or more tether segments that are cut in substantial alignment with the warp or the fill of the fabric blank. The tether panels are then connected to one another along their tether-attachment ends to form a functional tether system. This multiple-segment construction decreases the amount of fabric that is used in the manufacture of the air bag and tethers, while providing sufficient elongation for the tether system to be functional.

Abstract: The invention is directed to multi-layered textile fabrics having a plurality of polymeric coating layers of polyurethane and/or polysiloxane coated thereon. The coating layers are applied to such multi-layered woven textile fabric substrates having preconfigured air-holding cavities therein to form an improved air-holding vehicle restraint system, such as an air bag or side air curtain with superior air-holding characteristics. In certain instances, the multi-layered textile fabrics are coated on one side only, and in others they may be coated on both sides, i.e., opposed first and second surfaces. The layers of the multi-layered fabric can then be joined by means of heat sealing, RF welding or combinations thereof, for purposes of forming an air bag or side air curtain without the need for sewing or stitching. The coated fabrics facilitate manufacture of air bags, side curtains or the like with both reduced cutting and sealing steps than fabrics of the prior art.

Abstract: An airbag base fabric is formed of thermoplastic synthetic filament yarns, wherein the yarn strength of the filament yarn is 7.0 g/denier or more and the fineness of the filament yarn is 200-250 denier. The fabric is thin and lightweight, which is thus excellent in accommodation, and is effective in reducing the size and weight of an airbag module.

Abstract: A composite structure for a protective garment, such as a pair of bunker pants for a firefighter, a bunker coat for a firefighter, or a glove for a firefighter, has a moisture absorber, a moisture barrier disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture absorber, and an outer shell 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. In one contemplated embodiment, the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer. In another contemplated embodiment, the the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer cover of the moisture absorber.

Abstract: A paper machine substrate modified to resist contamination by adhesive materials. The paper machine substrate includes: a paper machine substrate; and an active agent that is grafted to the surface of the paper machine substrate to lower the surface energy of the paper machine substrate so that the substrate resists contamination by adhesive material. The papermachine substrate may be made by a process that includes the steps of: providing a paper machine substrate; applying an active agent to the paper machine substrate; and exposing the paper machine substrate to greater than about 2 million rads (Mrad) of radiation to cause a reaction between the active agent and the substrate so the active agent becomes joined to the substrate. The active agent may be a fluorinated monomer, a fluorinated polymer, a perfluorinated polymers, or a polyalkyl siloxane.

Abstract: A coated woven textile fabric is disclosed which is formed of synthetic yarns of more than one denier preferably synthetic filamentary yarns of differing deniers. A polymeric coating such as polyurethane is layered on at least one side thereof, but may also be provided on both sides. The combination of yarns of different deniers provides a superior adhesion surface for the polymeric coating. The yarns and the polymeric coating are preselected respectively in deniers and thickness so as to render the fabric substantially impermeable to fluid under pressure, while maintaining superb packageability and antiblocking properties for use in vehicle occupant restraint systems. A flexible lightweight air bag for receiving and containing fluid under pressure for use in a vehicle air restraint system is also disclosed, incorporating the woven textile fabric of the invention.