Abstract: An aircraft seat cushion comprises a foamed plastic supporting body consisting of a lower supporting part, an upper sitting part, the lower sitting part being detachable from the supper surface of the supporting part, and a detachable flameproofing layer covering the upper surface of the sitting part and the edges of the sitting and supporting parts, and a flameproof layer covering the entire lower surface of the supporting part so that the cushion is encapsulated in the flameproof layers.

Abstract: A seat cushion comprises a supporting body of an open-celled, resilient foamed plastic material, an outer flame-resistant covering material encasing at least portions of the seat cushion, and a flame-resistant protective layer encasing the supporting body and connected thereto, the protective layer underlying the covering material and consisting of machine-knitted, multi-layered material. This protective layer material comprises warp threads arranged in two superposed planes and spaced apart a predetermined distance, the warp threads in an upper one of the planes being staggered in a woof direction by half the predetermined distance from the warp threads in a lower one of the planes, and the warp threads extending in a longitudinal direction, and a group of eight weft threads adjacent each other in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A seat for use in a vehicle is disclosed which is flame resistant. The seat comprises a foam plastic cushion having an supporting member of open cell resilient foam, an intermediate layer of high temperature-resistant threads forming a network, and a flame-proof layer of an open-cell resilient foam impregnated with a liquid flame proofing agent. The supporting member and the intermediate layer are bonded by an adhesive. A flame-resistant upholstery material covers the seat surface. A facing layer of flame-proof fabric is applied to the supporting member on the underside of the cushion.

Abstract: A fire-resistant seating component. In a first embodiment, seat backs and pans are equipped with an enclosure containing a fire-retardant material which can flow out of early-release openings in the enclosure. The enclosure comprises at least one meltable zone which causes dispensation of the fire-resistant material at a temperature which is below the ignition temperature of the seating component. The enclosure is located at the lower portion of either a seat pan, a seat back, or both, so that burning rubbish such as paper cups and similar flammable debris disposed under a seat can be extinguished by the fire-retardant material as it flows vertically downward into the space beneath the seat. In a second embodiment, interior spaces within a seating component are coated or filled with non-combustible material to reduce the transfer of heat and the spread of fire. Such material may completely occupy the interior space within the component, or the material may simply coat the interior surfaces of the component.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a non woven material as underlayer for a fabric covering seats intended for passenger transport by road, rail or air.The said nonwoven material is produced by a dry process and has an apparent density between 20 and 100 kg/m and a thickness between 4 and 20 mm. The said nonwoven material comprises a minimum of 50% of synthetic fibres of a thickness between 3 and 40 dtex and of a length between 2 and 12 cm. The fibres are needle bonded. When the nonwoven material is subjected to a static pressure of 20 cN/cm.sup.2, it retains a minimum thickness of 2 mm.The nonwoven material used in accordance with the invention is in particular intended for improving the evacuation of perspiration emanating from the user of the seat.

Abstract: A seat (1), in particular for vehicles, with foamed plastic padding (4, 5), has a supporting body (7) made of an open-cell elastic foamed plastic having a first specific gravity. A flame-retardant layer (12) made of an open-cell elastic foamed plastic having a second specific gravity different from the first and/or an upholstery material (14) is provided. An intermediate layer (9) is arranged between the supporting body (7) and the flame-retardant layer (12) and/or the upholstery material (14). The intermediate layer is non-flamable, and composed of a lattice or mesh of high temperature resistant fiber or threads, and/or liquid repellent. The supporting body (7) can be foamed on to the intermediate layer (9). A process for manufacturing the seat (1) is also described.

Abstract: A fire-resistant seating component. In a first embodiment, seat backs and pans are equipped with an enclosure containing a fire-retardant material which can flow out of early-release openings in the enclosure. The enclosure comprises at least one meltable zone which causes dispensation of the fire-resistant material at a temperature which is below the ignition temperature of the seating component. The enclosure is located at the lower portion of either a seat pan, a seat back, or both, so that burning rubbish such as paper cups and similar flammable debris disposed under a seat can be extinguished by the fire-retardant material as it flows vertically downwardly into the space beneath the seat. In a second embodiment, interior spaces within a seating component are coated or filled with non-combustible material to reduce the transfer of heat and the spread of fire. Such material may completely occupy the interior space within the component, or the material may simply coat the interior surfaces of the component.

Abstract: A composite textile is formed of a first non-woven needled textile layer, a second microporous film layer, and a discontinuous adhesive layer between the first and second layers to fix the first and second layers together. The first non-woven needled textile layer has a thermo-stable fiber basis, while the second microporous film layer is inflammable and is impermeable to liquid, but permeable to water vapor.Protective clothing is formed having an outer textile layer and a lining with an insert mounted loosely between the outer textile layer and lining. The insert comprises a composite textile as described above with the first layer of the composite textile facing towards the lining. The composite textile can also be used in a seat with the composite textile placed between an outer textile layer and the foam elements of the seat, with the first layer of the composite textile facing towards the foam elements of the seat.

Abstract: A method for increasing heat dissipation from the smolder or open flame site of an upholstered article by interposing a fire barrier material between the outer upholstery fabric and the filler or padding materials. The fire barrier material is formed by coating a fibrous substance, such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, and the like with a latex containing a finely divided heat conductive metal.

Abstract: Materials have at least one layer comprising a mixture of thermoplastic and other fibers. This latter layer may be thermobonded together and then densified along at least a section of the eventual peripheral edge margin of an article to be formed from the material. Thermoplastic material-containing cover sheets may also be secured to the core and densified in this manner. The entire eventual peripheral edge margin of the article is typically densified. Fire retardant materials may be thermobonded within the layer to fix them within the article. The densified edge also helps to fix these materials in place. The composite materials are used in manufacturing infant car seat liners and other articles. Fire retardant films may be included as cover sheets for these materials. These films are typically bonded at every point of contact to an underlying core.

Abstract: A disposable infant seat liner is described with shoulder strap receiving slotways and leg or crotch strap receiving slotways designed to fit infant seat liners having various strap placements. Infant carrier handle or strap receiving slotways may also be included, and may be of an arcuate shape, for receiving infant carrier handles or waist straps. The strap receiving slotways may be selectively opened by a user and may also be perforated to facilitate this selective opening.

Abstract: Materials have at least one layer comprising a mixture of thermoplastic and other fibers. This latter layer may be thermobonded together and then densified along at least a section of the eventual peripheral edge margin of an article to be formed from the material. Thermoplastic material-containing cover sheets may also be secured to the core and densified in this manner. The entire eventual peripheral edge margin of the article is typically densified. The material is cut within the densified region or slightly outside the densified region to provide a soft peripheral edge. Absorbent materials may be thermobonded within the layer and surrounded by a densified edge to fix them within the article. The composite materials are used in manufacturing infant car seat liners and other articles. In addition, sections of the material may be densified and provided with weakened areas, such as perforations, to enable users to selectively separate the articles along the perforations.

Abstract: A disposable infant seat liner in accordance with the present invention includes an upper section, a middle section and a lower section. Plural shoulder strap receiving slotways are provided in the upper section. These slotways may be accessible from side edges of the infant seat liner. In one embodiment, three shoulder strap receiving positions are provided at each side of the upper section to accommodate shoulder straps of various infant seat designs. First and second leg or crotch strap receiving slotways are also provided in a lower section of the infant seat liner. In one specific embodiment, a Y-shaped leg strap receiving slotway is positioned below an upwardly facing U-shaped slotway. In another embodiment, the lower slotway is T-shaped. Arched side cuts may also be provided in the central section of the infant seat liner to accommodate waist straps and to facilitate fitting of the infant seat liner to an infant car seat.

Abstract: A disposable infant seat liner is described with shoulder strap receiving slotways and leg or crotch strap receiving slotways designed to fit infant seat liners having various strap placements. Infant carrier handle or strap receiving slotways may also be included, and may be of an arcuate shape, for receiving infant carrier handles or waist straps. The strap receiving slotways may be selectively opened by a user and may also be perforated to facilitate this selective opening.

Abstract: An absorbent article is described which may be formed at least in part of thermoplastic and other fibers. The article is densified along a first region and has a tear line defined in the first region. A second region of lower density than the first region is provided at the termination point of the tear line to assist in stopping tearing along the tear line. In addition, densified reinforcing regions can be provided outside areas where the tear line curves or switches directions. Perforations or cuts in the tear line may extend continuously around the corner of the tear line to assist tearing around the corner.

Abstract: A gas spring mechanism for adjusting and locking the inclination of one element with respect to another, such as the backrest on a passenger seat. The gas spring has a low melting point plug which melts in the event of a fire to discharge compressed gas in the gas spring and thereby allow for the expansion of working liquid in the gas spring. In one preferred embodiment, the compressed gas contains a fire retardant such as HALON 1301.

Abstract: A method for increasing heat dissipation from the smolder or open flame site of an upholstered article by interposing a fire barrier material between the outer upholstery fabric and the filler or padding materials. The fire barrier material is formed by coating a fibrous substance, such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, and the like with a latex containing a finely divided heat conductive metal.

Abstract: In a backrest cushion of polyurethane foam in flame-retardant finish for air passenger seats, the protection against the risk of fire spreading is increased and at the same time the weight is reduced and the comfort increased according to the invention by making the whole volume of the backrest cushion of a flame-retardant foam and providing it, at least in the region which is put under pressure in use, with recesses extending parallel to the direction of pressure and all ending equidistant from the surface of the cushion.

Abstract: A textile fabric suitable for use as a fire-blocking sheet in aircraft seat cushion comprises three to seven, fastened together nonwoven layers of hydarulically needled batts of aramid staple fibers.

Abstract: A flame resistant fire barrier fabric comprising a preformed self-extinguishing thermoplastic face fabric laminated to an underlying glass fabric wherein the glass fibers are coated with a thin adherent encapsulating coating, and wherein the encapsulating coating substantially minimizes fiber to fiber self abrasion.

Abstract: An airline passenger seat with flame-retarding properties with seat and back-rest upholstery consisting of polyurethane foam which is provided with a flame-retarding surface and is covered by a covering material with flame-retarding properties. A polyurethane foam film is arranged between the seat and back-rest upholstery and the covering material, at least on the surface not covered by the seat frame parts, and the surface of the film is connected to the upholstery.

Abstract: A breathable fire barrier fabric comprising a fiber glass fabric on which is coated an encapsulating coating that minimizes or eliminates fiber to fiber self abrasion and effectively adheres to the glass fabric even when subjected to heat and flames; said fire barrier fabric having a porosity value at an acceptable level such that the fire barrier fabric inhibits the spread of fire. The invention contemplates a coating and method of applying same for glass fiber fabrics that can mechanically protect the glass from self-destruction without contributing to the fuel value of the fabric while maintaining a breathable fabric.

Abstract: A heat insulation material which is used as wadding for winter clothes, bedclothes, cushions, etc. A fibrous sheet material such as non-woven fabrics, knitted fabrics and textile is used to support or carry a metal and the fibrous sheet material having a metal deposited surface is fixed to a heat insulating fibrous layer.

Abstract: An improved mattress includes a composite made of a layer of a fire retardant material capable of providing a heat barrier bonded to a layer of high tensile strength material, such as fiberglass fabric. The composite encloses at least most and generally practically all of the flammable ingredients of the mattress. When exposed to a fire, the fire retardant material chars, thereby creating a heat shield that protects the inside of the mattress while the high tensile strength material holds the mattress together and prevents the mattress from bursting open thereby exposing the flammable ingredients thereof to the fire.The composite of the present invention is made by bonding a fire-retardant material capable of providing a heat barrier to a high tensile strength material.

Abstract: A configuration and method for reducing the flammability of bodies of organic materials that thermally decompose to give flammable gases is disclosed to comprise covering the body with a flexible matrix that catalytically cracks the flammable gases to less flammable species. Optionally the matrix is covered with a gas impermeable outer layer. In a preferred embodiment, the invention takes the form of an aircraft seat in which the body is a poly(urethane) seat cushion, the matrix is an aramid fabric or felt and the outer layer is an aluminum film.

Abstract: A flame-retardant upholstery component consists of a core of a polyurethane foam, which foam collapses on application of a flame thereto, said core being covered with a layer of a foam material which has been impregnated with a flame-retardant substance.

Abstract: Flame resistance of upholstered furniture is significantly improved by interposing between the cover fabric and the padding or applying to the top side of the cover fabric a layer of neoprene foam capable of forming when exposed to a burning cigarette or under the conditions of a standard flame spread test, a thermally insulating char which does not smolder, and which maintains its structural integrity. The neoprene foam must be so formulated that it also is capable of evolving at combustion temperature sufficient amount of water to efficiently cool the affected area. Normally, the latex from which the foam is prepared is formulated with a char promoter and a hydrated inorganic compound. Upholstered furniture of this invention passes a burning cigarette test and performs extremely well in the flame spread test.

Abstract: Disclosed is a smolder resistant upholstered furniture or mattress assembly nd a method for rendering the composite materials of such assembly smolder resistant. Placement of a layer of sulphur immediately adjacent a normally smolder-prone material in the composite effectively prohibits the advances of smoldering combustion to a dangerous stage. The sulphur layer is advantageously applied by backcoating the fabric overlay, coating or impregnating the fibrous or polyurethane foam materials or separating layers of such materials with sulphur-containing films, fabrics and the like. An advantageously effective amount of sulphur is from about 25-50 g/m.sup.2 to about 250-300 g/m.sup.2 in a layer having a depth of about 1 to 3 mm.

Abstract: Life and weight saving aircraft seat structure employs frame supported interconnected pneumatic seat and seatback cushions with automatic compensation for pressure and temperature changes primarily by provision of predetermined pneumatic overflow envelope elastic force variables; in preferred embodiment self-extinguishing inflating gas is provided, a vented sleeve or sheath limits amount of expansion of the overflow envelope and an overflow relief valve limits system pressure.

Abstract: An upholstery fabric, suitable for providing the sole body-supporting surface in a seat construction with a lightweight, for example tubular, frame, comprises a rigid, knitted base fabric and, interengaged therewith, a fabric surface formed from textile yarns having flame retardant properties. The fabric is preferably warp knitted and the base fabric has a rigid net structure. A decorative surface yarn is preferably interlaced at every course with the base fabric.

Abstract: A flame-resistant cushion includes a frame, an inner core of foamed polyurethane material carried by the frame, and an exterior layer of foamed neoprene bonded to and completely covering the entire surface area of the top, front, back and both sides of the core material. A metal pan is also secured to the seat frame to enclose the bottom of the cushion. In making the cushion, a latex water emulsion of neoprene is foamed and deposited in a thin layer on a carrier sheet. This composite lines a mold with the foam side engaging the mold; and unreacted polyurethane foam is poured into the mold. The adhesive properties of the polyurethane cause it to bond to the carrier sheet as it gels forming an integral cushion material with a covering of neoprene for greater fire resistance.

Abstract: An aircraft crew seat cushion having a top cover of high porosity mositure absorbent material over a ventilation layer with a cushioning layer beneath the ventilation layer. The cushioning layer is secured to a shock absorbent layer with an adhesive. The back and sides of the cushion are made of a flame resistant material and together with the top form a cover for the ventilation layer, the cushioning layer and shock absorbent layer.

Abstract: A liquid filled cover for a mattress having horizontally disposed upper and lower sheets of a material having a low resistance to penetration by fire and hot objects capable of initiating fire joined at their outermost edges to form a leakproof enclosure. After filling the enclosure with a fire extinguishing liquid, the filled height of the cover is relatively small as compared to its length and breadth. The upper sheet contains a closure for adding or removing liquid and a plurality of symmetrically opposed depressions within the upper and lower sheets of the liquid filled cover provide desired shape and load supporting characteristics. A retaining means positions and retains the cover to the top surface of a mattress. The liquid filled cover when interposed between a mattress and a sleeping occupant provides protection and warning to the occupant when the cover is punctured by fire or hot objects, whereby the released liquid acts to suppress the fire and awake the occupant.

Abstract: Mattress fabrics or the like rendered fire-resistant by coating the underside with a polymeric binder having dispersed therein from 30-60% by weight of a flake- or leaf-shaped heat conductive material selected from the group consisting of aluminum and graphite of from 50-400 mesh.

Abstract: Mattress .Iadd.and upholstery .Iaddend.fabrics or the like rendered fire-resistant by coating the underside with a polymeric binder having dispersed therein from 30-60% by weight of a flake- or leaf-shaped heat conductive material selected from the group consisting of aluminum and graphite of from 50-400 mesh.