Thermoplastic three-dimensional fiber network
AssigneeHNA Holdings, Inc.
InventorsDai W. Kim, Joseph Steven Wiley Haas, William Edward Bessey
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Abstract
Three dimensional fiber networks which are semi-rigid and dimensionally stable are made from textile fabrics that have projections and optional depressions which are compressible and return to their original shape after being compressed. The fiber networks are made by the thermo-mechanical deformation of textile fabrics that are in turn made from thermoplastic fibers. The fiber networks have particular utility as cushioning and impact absorbing materials.
Claims28
A method of making a material suitable for cushioning, comprising the steps of
- (a) making a monofilament having a diameter of at least about 0.1 mm from a thermoplastic polymer;
- (b) making said monofilament into a knit, woven, or non-woven textile fabric;
- and
- (c) making a series of projections and optional depressions in said textile fabric by a thermo-mechanical process;
- wherein said projections and optional depressions are resilient, returning substantially to their original shape after being compressed by 50%.
An article comprising a three-dimensional fiber network structure as a component or sub-component, wherein said three-dimensional fiber network structure comprises a textile fabric having a multiplicity of compressible projections, and optional depressions, wherein said projections and optional projections return substantially to their original shape after being compressed by 50%, said textile fabric comprising thermoplastic filaments which consist essentially of a thermoplastic polymer, said filaments having a diameter of at least about 0.1 mm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.