Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides load leveling and impact energy absorption webbing comprising warp yarn. If the webbing is used in seat belts, the webbing provides load leveling behavior from about 450 pounds (about 2,000 Newtons) to about 1,800 pounds (about 8,000 Newtons) in vehicle collision. The yarn has a force-displacement profile such that: (a) when the yarn is subjected to an initial barrier stress of from about 0.2 gram/denier to less than or equal to about 1.4 grams/denier, the yarn elongates to less than 3 percent and the initial modulus ranges from about 20 grams/denier to about 150 grams/denier; (b) upon subjecting the yarn to greater than the initial barrier stress and less than or equal to 1.8 grams/denier, the yarn elongates further to at least about 10 percent and the energy absorbed from 0 to the elongation at 1.8 grams/denier is at least about 0.0008 Joule/denier.multidot.meter; and (c) upon subjecting the yarn to greater than 1.8 grams/denier, the modulus increases sharply and the yarn elongates further until the yarn breaks at a tensile strength of at least about 5 grams/denier, wherein the yarn comprises a multiplicity of fibers, all of said warp yarns having substantially the same force-displacement profile, are made from polymer having a glass transition temperature in the range from about -40.degree. C. to about +70.degree. C., and are not made from polybutylene terephthalate homopolymer. The web may be used for safety restraining webs for seat belts, parachute harnesses and lines, shoulder harnesses, cargo handling, safety nets, trampolines, safety belts or harnesses for workers at high attitudes, military arrestor tapes for slowing aircraft, ski tow lines, and in cordage applications such as for yacht mooring or oil derrick mooring.

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First Claim