Nonwoven flexible composites
AssigneeAir Cruisers Company
InventorsDeepak Duggal, Mark Jeffers, Thomas W. Swierkocki
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Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for using nonwoven materials for evacuation slides, life rafts, life vests, and other life-saving inflatable devices. The nonwoven materials have a substrate layer with continuous filament fibers formed in various directions. The substrate layer then has a first and second layer of polyurethane. The first and second layers of polyurethane may be laminated or coated to a nonwoven substrate of the filament fibers. An isocyanate-based adhesive or primer may be particularly useful in causing cross-linking of the materials to one another.
Claims25
An inflatable evacuation slide, life raft, life vest, or other emergency flotation or inflatable device, comprising:
- a flexible composite material, comprising
- a substrate of nonwoven material comprising a plurality of straight laid fibers;
- an isocyanate-based adhesive or primer;
- and
- a first layer of polyurethane on one surface of the substrate of nonwoven material and a second layer of polyurethane on a second surface of the substrate of nonwoven material;
- wherein the flexible composite material is a high-strength lightweight material with a tensile strength of at least about 190 pounds per inch and a weight of about 8 ounces per square yard or less,
- wherein the flexible composite material is adhered to itself to form a tubular structure or is adhered to another flexible composite material.
A method for manufacturing an inflatable evacuation slide, raft, life vest, or other emergency flotation or inflatable device, comprising:
- providing or obtaining a flexible composite material, comprising a substrate of nonwoven material comprising a plurality of straight laid fibers;
- applying a first layer of polyurethane on one surface of the substrate of nonwoven material;
- applying a second layer of polyurethane on a second surface of the substrate of nonwoven material;
- forming the material into a tubular structure;
- and
- applying a floor or other accessory to the tubular structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.