Protective layer for automotive surfaces

Abstract

A protective layer embodying the principles of the present invention is configured for protection of automotive surfaces, including specifically, the protection of a truck-bed against wear induced by a truck-bed liner. The protective layer has a substantially planar configuration sized to permit the layer to be positioned generally between an associated truck-bed liner and a truck-bed, whereby the abrasion is significantly reduced. The layer comprises a fibrous nonwoven fabric formed from fibrous and/or filamentary elements, with the fibrous nonwoven fabric exhibiting a sufficiently reduced coefficient of friction and sufficient durability to absorb or distribute abrasive actions, while allowing passage of moisture, thus protecting the automotive surfaces against potentially detrimental environmental conditions.

1 . A protective layer for protection of automotive surfaces, said protective layer having a substantially planar configuration sized to permit said layer to be positioned generally between an associated truck-bed liner and a truck-bed, said layer comprising a fibrous nonwoven fabric formed from fibrous and/or filamentary elements, said fibrous nonwoven fabric exhibiting sufficient breathability and wicking to permit transmission of moisture through said layer while reducing wear induced between said truck-bed liner and said truck-bed.  
   
   
       2 . A protective layer for protection of automotive surfaces in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said fibrous nonwoven fabric comprises fibrous material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers, natural fibers, and combinations thereof.    
   
   
       3 . A protective layer for automotive surfaces in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said fibrous nonwoven fabric has basis weight from about 10 to 500 gr/m 2 , and comprises polyester staple length fibers.    
   
   
       4 . A protective layer for automotive surfaces in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein: 
 said polypropylene staple length fibers are heat-bonded.    
   
   
       5 . A protective layer for automotive surfaces in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said fibrous nonwoven fabric comprises spunbond polymeric material.    
   
   
       6 . A protective layer for automotive surfaces in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said layer comprises at least one piece of said fibrous nonwoven fabric.    
   
   
       7 . A protective layer for automotive surfaces in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said fibrous nonwoven fabric comprises hydroentangled staple length fibers.    
   
   
       8 . A protective layer for automotive surfaces in accordance with  claim 6 , wherein: 
 said fibrous nonwoven fabric further comprises a reinforcing scrim.    
   
   
       9 . A protective layer for automotive surfaces in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said layer further comprises a polymeric film layer.    
   
   
       10 . A protective layer for automotive surfaces in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said fibrous nonwoven fabric comprise polymeric material incorporating one or more protection-enhancing agents.    
   
   
       11 . A protective layer for automotive surfaces in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein: 
 said polymeric material is a thermoplastic polymer, and said protection enhancing agent is a melt-additive in said polymer.    
   
   
       12 . A protective layer for automotive surfaces in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein: 
 said protection enhancing agent comprises a fiber surface treatment for said fibrous nonwoven fabric.    
   
   
       13 . A protective layer for automotive surfaces in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein: 
 said protection enhancing agent comprises a topical treatment applied to said nonwoven fabric.    
   
   
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