Thermoplastic three-dimensional fiber network
First Claim
1. A three-dimensional fiber network consisting of a textile fabric having a multiplicity of compressible projections having a shape selected from the group consisting of cones, truncated cones, pyramids having polygonal bases, truncated pyramids having polygonal bases, cylinders, prisms, spherical elements, and mixtures thereof which return substantially to their original shape after being compressed by 50%, said textile fabric comprising thermoplastic filaments, said filaments having a diameter of at least about 0.1 mm, said filaments in said fabric crossing over one another at intersections, said filaments at said intersections not being bonded, wherein said textile fabric is selected from the group consisting of knit and woven fabrics.
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Accused Products
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.
219 Citations
17 Claims
- 1. A three-dimensional fiber network consisting of a textile fabric having a multiplicity of compressible projections having a shape selected from the group consisting of cones, truncated cones, pyramids having polygonal bases, truncated pyramids having polygonal bases, cylinders, prisms, spherical elements, and mixtures thereof which return substantially to their original shape after being compressed by 50%, said textile fabric comprising thermoplastic filaments, said filaments having a diameter of at least about 0.1 mm, said filaments in said fabric crossing over one another at intersections, said filaments at said intersections not being bonded, wherein said textile fabric is selected from the group consisting of knit and woven fabrics.
Specification