US5436064A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Stiff fabric composite
Assignee: Burlington Industries Inc
•
Filing: 1993-08-25
•
Granted: 1995-07-25
•
Expires: 2013-08-25
Abstract
Abstract A woven or non-woven fibrous material has a substrate formed of first and second thermoplastic fibers. The fabric is passed through an oven at a temperature sufficient to melt the first fibers thereby fusing at least some of the first fibers and second fibers one to the other. The second fibers retain their discrete definition within the composite whereby the composite is provided such that, when cut for use, for example, to form a slat of a vertical blind or a wall panel, the composite retains its shape. A foam backing is provided and cured in the oven simultaneously with the melting of the first fibers.
Inventors
- 👤 Julius R. Schnegg
- 👤 Bobby L. McConnell
- 👤 Manfred H. K. Hueneke
- 👤 John Rinderman, deceased
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 17:32
CPC Classifications
D; D04; D04B; D04B21/00; D04B21/14; D04B21/16; D04B21/165; A; A47; A47H; A47H23/00; A47H23/02; A47H23/08; B; B32; B32B; B32B37/00; B32B37/06; D04H; D04H13/00; E; E06; E06B; E06B9/00; E06B9/02; E06B9/08; E06B9/24; E06B9/26; E06B9/266; E06B9/38; E06B9/386; B32B2309/00; B32B2309/12; D10; D10B; D10B2403/00; D10B2403/02; D10B2403/024; D10B2403/0241; D10B2403/02412; D10B2403/0243; D10B2503/00; D10B2503/03; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T156/00; Y10T156/10; Y10T156/1089; Y10T156/109; Y10T442/00; Y10T442/30; Y10T442/3179; Y10T442/3325; Y10T442/335; Y10T442/3358; Y10T442/3472; Y10T442/3602; Y10T442/3667; Y10T442/3707; Y10T442/3724; Y10T442/40; Y10T442/45; Y10T442/456; Y10T442/463
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 46
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A stiff fabric composite comprising: a woven material having a pick level between 6 and 55 picks per inch and a weight range from 0.17 to 0.75 pounds per linear yard measured at a width of 45-55 inches; a non-woven substrate of thermoplastic material needled to said woven material so that thermal plastic fibers thereof lie within the woven material; said fabric composite having been heated to a temperature sufficient to fuse said woven material and said non-woven substrate to one another to provide a fabric composite having a predetermined stiffness.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
A stiff fabric composite comprising: a woven material having a pick level between 6 and 55 picks per inch and a weight range from 0.17 to 0.75 pounds per linear yard measured at a width of 45-55 inches; a non-woven substrate of thermoplastic material needled to said woven material so that thermal plastic fibers thereof lie within the woven material; said fabric composite having been heated to a temperature sufficient to fuse said woven material and said non-woven substrate to one another to provide a fabric composite having a predetermined stiffness.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A fabric composite according to claim 1 wherein said non-woven substrate is needled sufficiently to adhere the woven material and the non-woven substrate one to the other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
A fabric composite according to claim 1 wherein said substrate comprises polypropylene.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
A fabric composite according to claim 1 wherein said substrate comprises polyester.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A fabric composite according to claim 1 wherein said substrate comprises a combination of polypropylene, polyester and polyethylene.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A slat for a vertical blind formed of the fabric composite of claim 1.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
A pleated blind formed of the fabric composite of claim 1.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
A panel for a wall covering formed of the fabric of claim 1.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A wall tile for a wall covering formed of the fabric of claim 1.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
114 words
A fabric composite comprising: a woven material having a pick level between 6 and 55 picks per inch and a weight range from 0.17 to 0.75 pounds per linear yard measured at a width of 45-55 inches; a non-woven substrate of thermoplastic material needled to said woven material; said substrate being formed of first and second fibers, said first fibers being formed of a thermoplastic material having a predetermined melting temperature, said fabric having been heat-treated to a predetermined temperature sufficient to melt said first fibers such that said first fibers are fused with said second fibers in the substrate and to said woven fabric to provide a fabric composite having a predetermined stiffness.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
114 words
A fabric composite comprising: a woven material having a pick level between 6 and 55 picks per inch and a weight range from 0.17 to 0.75 pounds per linear yard measured at a width of 45-55 inches; a non-woven substrate of thermoplastic material needled to said woven material; said substrate being formed of first and second fibers, said first fibers being formed of a thermoplastic material having a predetermined melting temperature, said fabric having been heat-treated to a predetermined temperature sufficient to melt said first fibers such that said first fibers are fused with said second fibers in the substrate and to said woven fabric to provide a fabric composite having a predetermined stiffness.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
A fabric composite according to claim 10 wherein said second fibers are formed of a thermoplastic material, said first fibers having a predetermined melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of said second fibers.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
45 words
A fabric composite according to claim 10 having a stiffness such that a flat piece of said composite 3.5 inches wide cantilevered in a horizontal direction 6 inches from a support has a droop at its distal end of from 0.5 inches to 2.5 inches.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
45 words
A fabric composite according to claim 10 wherein said second fibers are formed of a thermoplastic material, said first fibers having a predetermined melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of said second fibers, said second fibers remaining substantially wholly unmelted during the heat treatment.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
A panel for a wall covering formed of the fabric of claim 10.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
A wall tile for a wall covering formed of the fabric of claim 10.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
125 words
A fabric composite comprising: a woven material; a non-woven substrate of thermoplastic material needled to said woven material; said non-woven substrate being formed of first and second fibers, said first fibers being formed of a thermoplastic material having a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of said second fibers and being fused to said second fibers and to said woven fabric by heat treatment whereby said non-woven substrate and said woven fabric are fused one to the other to provide the fabric composite, said fabric composite having a stiffness such that a flat piece of said composite 3.5 inches wide cantilevered in a horizontal direction six inches from a support has a droop at its distal end of from 0.5 inches to 2.5 inches.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
125 words
A fabric composite comprising: a woven material; a non-woven substrate of thermoplastic material needled to said woven material; said non-woven substrate being formed of first and second fibers, said first fibers being formed of a thermoplastic material having a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of said second fibers and being fused to said second fibers and to said woven fabric by heat treatment whereby said non-woven substrate and said woven fabric are fused one to the other to provide the fabric composite, said fabric composite having a stiffness such that a flat piece of said composite 3.5 inches wide cantilevered in a horizontal direction six inches from a support has a droop at its distal end of from 0.5 inches to 2.5 inches.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
A slat for a vertical blind formed of the fabric composite according to claim 16.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
Pleated material for a window treatment formed of the fabric composite of claim 16.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
A panel for a wall covering formed of the fabric of claim 16.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
A wall tile for a wall covering formed of the fabric of claim 16.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
114 words
A fabric composite comprising: a woven material having a pick level between 6 and 55 picks per inch and a weight range from 0.17 to 0.75 pounds per linear yard measured at a width of 45-55 inches; a non-woven substrate of thermoplastic material needled to said woven material; said substrate being formed of first and second fibers, said first fibers being formed of a thermoplastic material having a predetermined melting temperature, said fabric having been heat-treated to a predetermined temperature sufficient to melt at least some of said first fibers such that said melted first fibers are fused with said second fibers in the substrate to provide a fabric composite having a predetermined stiffness.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
114 words
A fabric composite comprising: a woven material having a pick level between 6 and 55 picks per inch and a weight range from 0.17 to 0.75 pounds per linear yard measured at a width of 45-55 inches; a non-woven substrate of thermoplastic material needled to said woven material; said substrate being formed of first and second fibers, said first fibers being formed of a thermoplastic material having a predetermined melting temperature, said fabric having been heat-treated to a predetermined temperature sufficient to melt at least some of said first fibers such that said melted first fibers are fused with said second fibers in the substrate to provide a fabric composite having a predetermined stiffness.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
34 words
A fabric composite according to claim 21 wherein said second fibers are formed of a thermoplastic material, said first fibers having a predetermined melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of said second fibers.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
45 words
A fabric composite according to claim 21 wherein said second fibers are formed of a thermoplastic material, said first fibers having a predetermined melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of said second fibers, said second fibers remaining substantially wholly unmelted during the heat treatment.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
36 words
A fabric composite according to claim 21 wherein at least a portion of said first fibers are needled in said woven material, at least some of said first fiber portion being fused to said woven material.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
119 words
A fabric composite comprising: a woven material; a non-woven substrate of thermoplastic material needled to said woven material; said non-woven substrate being formed of first and second fibers, said first fibers being formed of a thermoplastic material having a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of said second fibers, at least some of said first fibers being fused to said second fibers by heat treatment whereby said non-woven substrate and said woven fabric form a fabric composite, said fabric composite having a stiffness such that a flat piece of said composite 3.5 inches wide cantilevered in a horizontal direction five inches from a support has a droop at its distal end of from 0.0 inches to 2.0 inches.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
119 words
A fabric composite comprising: a woven material; a non-woven substrate of thermoplastic material needled to said woven material; said non-woven substrate being formed of first and second fibers, said first fibers being formed of a thermoplastic material having a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of said second fibers, at least some of said first fibers being fused to said second fibers by heat treatment whereby said non-woven substrate and said woven fabric form a fabric composite, said fabric composite having a stiffness such that a flat piece of said composite 3.5 inches wide cantilevered in a horizontal direction five inches from a support has a droop at its distal end of from 0.0 inches to 2.0 inches.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
15 words
A slat for a vertical blind formed of the fabric composite according to claim 25.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
Pleated material for a window treatment formed of the fabric composite of claim 25.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
13 words
A panel for a wall covering formed of the fabric of claim 25.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
72 words
A stiff fabric composite comprising: a fabric material; a substrate formed of first and second fibers of a thermoplastic material secured to one side of said fabric material; said first fibers bring melted and fused with said second fibers in the substrate or with said fabric material, said second fibers remaining substantially wholly unmelted in said substrate and retaining their definition as fibers, thereby providing a fabric composite having a predetermined stiffness.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
72 words
A stiff fabric composite comprising: a fabric material; a substrate formed of first and second fibers of a thermoplastic material secured to one side of said fabric material; said first fibers bring melted and fused with said second fibers in the substrate or with said fabric material, said second fibers remaining substantially wholly unmelted in said substrate and retaining their definition as fibers, thereby providing a fabric composite having a predetermined stiffness.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
A composite according to claim 29 wherein said first fibers having a predetermined melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of said second fibers.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
11 words
A composite according to claim 29 wherein said substrate is non-woven.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
14 words
A composite according to claim 29 wherein said fabric material is a non-woven fabric.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
A composite according to claim 29 including a polymeric foam on the side of the substrate remote from said fabric material.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
13 words
A slat for a vertical blind formed of the composite of claim 29.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
13 words
A blind for a window treatment formed of the composite of claim 29.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
45 words
A composite according to claim 29 wherein said composite has a stiffness such that a flat piece of said composite 3.5 inches wide cantilevered in a horizontal direction 5 inches from a support has a droop at its distal end of less than 2 inches.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
14 words
A composite according to claim 29 wherein said fabric is a warp-knit, weft-inserted fabric.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
68 words
A stiff fabric composite comprising: a fabric material; a substrate of first and second discrete fibers of a thermoplastic material; an adhesive between said fabric and said substrate for bonding said fabric and said substrate to one another; said first fibers being fused in said substrate to provide a composite having a predetermined stiffness with said second fibers remaining substantially unfused and as discrete fibers in said substrate.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
68 words
A stiff fabric composite comprising: a fabric material; a substrate of first and second discrete fibers of a thermoplastic material; an adhesive between said fabric and said substrate for bonding said fabric and said substrate to one another; said first fibers being fused in said substrate to provide a composite having a predetermined stiffness with said second fibers remaining substantially unfused and as discrete fibers in said substrate.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
A composite according to claim 38 including a polymeric foam on the side of said substrate remote from said fabric material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2528129A
Cited
US3090099A
Cited
US3090100A
Cited
US3112552A
Cited
US3117905A
Cited
US3298080A
Cited
US3819465A
Cited
US3950587A
Cited
US4199635A
Cited
US4350727A
Cited
CA1191014A
Cited
US4426421A
Cited
US4424250A
Cited
US4497863A
Cited
US4682480A
Cited
US4841749A
Cited
US4854135A
Cited
US4818586A
Cited
US4863777A
Cited
ZA884420B
Cited
US4931342A
Cited
US4863776A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-07-24 | 1999-01-23 | 1999-07-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-07-24 | 2003-01-23 | 2003-07-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-07-24 | 2007-01-23 | 2007-07-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |