Abstract Composite fiber structures comprising a sheet of fibrous material having an open-patterned web of plastic material at least partially embedded in the fibers of the sheet are made by applying to at least one surface of a sheet of fibrous material, such as felted, knitted, woven or otherwise associated wool or other animal, vegetable or synthetic fiber, an open-patterned web of plastic material and subjecting the web successively to conditions effective to cause at least partial penetration of the fibrous sheet by the plastic material and to conditions effective to harden the plastic material, preferably with the concomitant application of pressure to the plastic material while it is in flowable condition. After hardening the plastic the assembly may be subjected to wetting out and drying to effect further expansion of the fibrous sheet between the elements of the plastic web. The fibrous material may be given a differential color from the plastic material by dyeing the fibrous material after the application of the web of plastic material or by applying to the fibrous sheet a web of differently colored plastic material.
A method of producing an embossed fibrous sheet as defined in claim 1 wherein the fibrous material is wool.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method of producing an embossed fibrous sheet as defined in claim 1 wherein the pattern of thermoplastic material is applied to the sheet comprising proteinaceous fibers by impressing the plastic on the sheet in flowable condition from relief-patterned rolls.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method of producing an embossed fibrous sheet as defined in claim 1 wherein the pattern of thermoplastic material is applied to the sheet comprising proteinaceous fibers by impressing a flowable solution of the plastic in a volatilizable solvent on the sheet from relief-patterned rolls and thereafter volatilizing the solvent therefrom.