The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as open-cell foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabric completes the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as open-cell foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabric completes the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

A flexible, fibrous energy managing composite panel includes multiple flocked energy absorbing material (FEAM) layers separated by dividers. The FEAM layers can be single side or double side and can be fabricated from monofilament fibers having different properties (e.g., length and denier) flocked onto various substrates. The dividers can include sheets, fabrics, films, foam, spacer fabrics to separate the flock fibers in adjacent layers. The composite panels can be processed for breathability and flexibility. Other embodiments include piezoelectric FEAM layers and dividers for electronic sensing applications, and application of composite panels to body armor and the outer shells of helmets.

The invention provides methods for producing flexible, stretchable, and/or elastic sheets and products having two or more zone having different material features and performance. The products can be comprised of material such as natural elastomers and other synthetic polymers. The method for producing stretchable products by spraying product material of different types over different zones of a workpiece former or conveyor belt.

A composite flock material including a base layer comprising a hot melt adhesive, an elastic adhesive layer disposed on a top surface of the hot melt adhesive, and a plurality of flock fibers potted into the elastic adhesive layer is disclosed. The composite flock material is stretchable up to 20% from an initial unstretched length while maintaining the structural integrity of the composite flock material. Methods of producing a composite flock material are also disclosed.

The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for alpine, snowboard and hiking includes an inner liner selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material and insulated nonwoven layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh included in a moldable foam, or moldable a spacer material and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine boots, snowboard boots, cross country boots, hiking boots, protective gear, helmets, bouldering shoes, paddling apparel and gear along with appropriate variations for each application are disclosed.

A process and system for making a laminated surface covering and the surface covering itself are described. The covering includes several layers bonded to each other. The system performs the process. One example of the process includes passing a first material across a first conveyor, passing a second material across a second conveyor, passing a bonding material across a third conveyor, contacting the first material and the second material to the bonding material, and heating at least one of the first material and the second material. The process also includes introducing the first material, the second material, and the bonding material into a pressure zone such that the bonding material is introduced between a bottom surface of the first material and a top surface of the second material. The process applies pressure to bond the first material and second material together via the bonding material to produce a laminated material.

A coating composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of submicron natural ground calcium carbonate particles contained in a liquid binder, wherein the resultant coating may constitute either a clear coat or a glossing and opacifying coating, depending upon the presence of certain additives such as a mineral pigment (e.g., TiO.sub.2). The composition is characterised in that comprises, in the case of a clear coating, at least one ground natural calcium carbonate having a median diameter of between 0.05 and 0.15 m, while in the case of a glossing and opacifying coating, at least one ground natural calcium carbonate having a median diameter of between 0.05 and 0.3 m and at least one pigment having a refractive index of greater than or equal to 2.5.

Embodiments of fiber surface finish enhanced flocked surface impact force absorbing structure include a plurality of flock fibers disposed on a substrate, a surface coating applied to the plurality of flock fibers, and in another embodiment, a divider fabric bonded to the tops of flock fibers.

The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabrics complete the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.