Burlington Industries, Inc.

Manfred H Hueneke

Bobby L McConnell

Julius R Schnegg

John Rinderman, Deceased

Robert M Newman

Ronald A Farris

A stiff fabric comprises a woven synthetic fabric coated with a latex compound aerated to provide a weight upon application to the fabric of between 0.63-0.89 gms./ml. The compound is pressed into the fabric by a knife blade having a rounded convex lower edge whereby the compound applied to one side of the fabric passes into the interstices but remains substantially clear of the face side. The compound is cured on the fabric in an oven at approximately 149.degree. C. for 45-60 seconds.

Stiff fabric and method of forming the stiff fabric

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.

Stiff fabric composite and method of making

Stiff fabric composite

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Graham, NC, United States of America

Manfred H Hueneke