Reeves Brothers, Inc.

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

Reeves Bros. Inc.

John R Damewood

Jill R Menzel

Bert A Ross

Richard C Kerr

Carl Horowitz

Paul Thottathil

Fred N Teumac

Eddie L Jarvis

Jennifer L Trice

Michael W Lovejoy

Mohan L Sanduja

A solution for forming a graft substrate containing a graft initiator, a catalyst for activating the graft initiator, a first component of water dispersable polymer and a second component of a monomer, each of which includes a functional group for reaction with an activated site on the substrate for grafting thereto and water. A method for grafting at least one of the components to a fiber, yarn or fabric substrate is also disclosed wherein increased flame retarding and yarn integrity is achieved while simultaneously allowing control of fabric porosity. This method does not significantly reduce fabric pliability as compared to uncoated fabric. Furthermore, the graft component may be selectively applied polymer to produce a preferred porosity range or a cutting pattern for the fabric substrate. A fabric, a portion of which includes a graft component or components thereon, forms another embodiment of the invention.

Fabric containing graft polymer thereon

A method for making an air bag by forming a fabric structure of filaments or yarns in the configuration of an air bag, and grafting first and/or second components onto some or all of the filaments or yarns to provide the fabric structure with increased resistance to fraying, filament or yarn pull-out, or distortion during manufacture or use of the air bag compared to non-grafted filaments or yarns. The graft component(s) may be applied to the filaments or yarns prior to, during or after formation of the fabric structure. An air bag material suitable for use in a passive restraint system is also disclosed utilizing grafted fabric substrate provided by the above described method. A passive restraint system utilizing such fabrics is also described.

Air bag fabric containing graft polymer thereon

A solution for forming a graft substrate containing a graft initiator, a catalyst for activating or regenerating the graft initiator, a first component of water dispersable polymer and a second component of a monomer, each of which includes a functional group for reaction with an activated site on the substrate for grafting thereto and water. A method for grafting at least one of the components to a fiber, yarn or fabric substrate is also disclosed wherein increased flame retarding and yarn integrity is achieved while simultaneously allowing control of fabric porosity. This method does not significantly reduce fabric pliability as compared to uncoated fabric. Furthermore, the graft component may be selectively applied polymer to produce a preferred porosity range or a cutting pattern for the fabric substrate. A fabric, a portion of which includes a graft component or components thereon, forms another embodiment of the invention.

A coated fabric comprising a fabric substrate and a coating thereupon, said coating comprising a plurality of layers wherein at least one of the layers comprises a polyester polyurethane having a Shore A hardness of at least 90 durometer, or a linear polyurethane elastomer formed from a polyol; a diisocyanate compound; a first extender component having a molecular weight of below about 500; and a second extender component; wherein the diisocyanate compound is initially reacted with the first extender component in a molar ratio of above 2:1 to form a modified diisocyanate component having a functionality of about 2 prior to reaction with the other components to provide relatively low temperature processing properties to the composition. Preferably, different layers of these polyurethanes are included.

Fabric structure for severe use applications

Thermoplastic synthetic polymeric compositions of certain polyurethanes, polyamides or chlorinated polyolefins, having processing temperatures in the range of about 150.degree. to 325.degree. F., can be modified by the addition of a millable thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer thereto to lower the processing temperature by 10.degree. to 30.degree. F. or more. This modification enables the thermoplastic composition to be processed on conventional calendering or extrusion equipment with a lesser amount of energy or with better performance. Also, coated fabrics of such thermoplastic compositions and a fiber reinforcement.

Calenderable thermoplastic compositions containing millable linear

An improved high-intensity roto-peen flap, constructed of coated fabric material, the coating including a plurality of layers at least one of which comprises a linear polyurethane elastomer, exhibits improved life over previous high-intensity roto peen flaps. A method of making such a flap, a wheel incorporating at least one of the flaps, and a method of high-intensity roto-peening using the wheel are also presented.

High-intensity roto peen flaps, method of making same, wheels

The processing temperature of linear thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers prepared from a polycarbonate polyol, a polyether polyol, an extender and a disocyanate compound which has been modified by reaction with a low molecular weight diol to form a modified diisocyanate compound prior to reaction with the other components of the elastomer, can be reduced by adding a millable thermoplastic linear polyurethane elastomer thereto. These materials possess an optimum combination of hydrolytic stability, toughness, flexibiity and low temperature processing characteristics.

Calenderable thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer compositions

A fabric substrate which is at least partially or selectively coated with a novel polycarbonate-polyether polyurethane for use as a driver's side or passenger side air bag. The polyurethane coating is applied in a manner which provides a desired permeability to the fabric, allows the fabric to be cut without fraying the fibers of the substrate, and imparts flexibility toughness and tear resistance to the final product.

Coated fabric structure for air bag applications

Linear polyurethane elastomers of a polyol component, at least two extender components, and a diisocyanate compound are prepared by reacting the diisocyanate compound with one of the extender components to form a modified diisocyanate component having a functionality of about 2 prior to reacting this modified component with the other components of the elastomer. These new elastomers can be processed at lower temperatures compared to elastomers prepared from similar compositions wherein the isocyanate compound is not modified.

Use of modified diisocyanates for preparing linear thermoplastic

New linear polyurethane elastomers have been developed by combining a polycarbonate polyol, a polyether polyol, at least two extenders, and a solid diisocyanate compound. Preferably, the diisocyanate compound is modified by reaction with one of the extenders to form a modified diisocyanate component which is a liquid at room temperature prior to reaction with the polyols and other extender. These new elastomers possess a unique combination of hydrolytic stability, toughness, flexibility, and relatively low temperature processability.

Growing community of inventors

Spartanburg, SC, United States of America

John R Damewood