Protective layer, particularly anti-vandalism protective layer

A protective layer, in particular an anti-vandalism protective layer, for car seats, car roofs, convertible tops, car tarpaulins, tents, supporting air parts, wall linings, shatter-proof walls, and bullet-proof vests is comprised of a cover layer, a cut resisting material layer of cut resisting fibers, such as aromatic polyamide fibers, polyethylene fibers spun by the gel-spin process or glass fibers, a sheathed wire of a diameter of 0.1 to 2 mm contained in a threads which protrude out of the plane of the cut resisting layer and toward the cover layer, and a textile non-woven layer applied to one side of the cut resisting material layer by needling and then attached to the cover layer by adhesive bonding.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to a protective layer, in particular an 
anti-vandalism protective layer for car seats, car roofs, convertible 
tops, car covers, tents, air halls, wall coverings, as well as for 
shatter-proof walls and bullet-proof vests. 
Particularly in public transportation vehicles such as railways, buses, 
etc., vandalism in the form of damage to seat coverings, particularly by 
their being cut, is increasing. For this reason, when public 
transportation operators equip new cars or replace damaged seats, they are 
being forced to take measures to counteract the vandalism. Interest in cut 
proof seat coverings has therefore recently increased greatly. 
However, not only are seats of vehicles endangered by vandalism, increasing 
vandalism is also noted, frequently as an adjunct to intended theft, for 
folding roofs and convertible tops of cars, covering tarpaulins for trucks 
or other vehicles for the transportation of goods, as well as for tents, 
air halls and other structures in the field of textile construction, and 
also wall coverings, for instance impact walls in sports arenas, or public 
transportation. 
In order to prevent vandalism, or at least make it more difficult, 
different solutions have been proposed particularly for car seats. 
Federal Republic of Germany A 3 702 639 suggests applying a fine mesh metal 
fabric between the upper fabric layer of a seat covering and the foam 
material which forms the body of the seat. A similar suggestion is 
proposed in British A 2 204 235. 
Knitted goods of wire or metal fibers are described in Federal Republic of 
Germany U 90 04 625 and EP-A 190 064. 
Flat structures of metal wires or metal fibers however, have considerable 
disadvantages as an anti-vandalism protective layer, particularly for car 
seats. This is evident both in the production of the seats and 
particularly in their use. The anti-vandalism protective layers are 
customarily arranged below the actual seat covering, since it is only when 
they are at this location that they can provide their protective action 
without being noticed by the user or by a vandal. Such flat structures of 
metal wires and metal fibers are relatively difficult to work due to their 
minimal flexibility. Particularly when they bridge over non-planar 
surfaces, as is necessary to a large extent in the production of vehicle 
seats, additional cutting or notching processes are necessary. This has a 
negative effect on the cost of production. 
The disadvantages of anti-vandalism protective layers of metal wires or 
metal fibers are evident upon their use. Such anti-vandalism protective 
layers impair the comfort of the seat considerably, producing a harder and 
thus less comfortable sitting surface. 
However, constant detachment in use of individual torn wires is a 
particular problem. They may push through the actual seat covering and 
protrude from the surface of the seat, frequently without being 
sufficiently visible. Then users of public transportation can be injured. 
For this reason also, operators of public transportation want to replace 
these known anti-vandalism protective layers with more suitable materials. 
Therefore, anti-vandalism protective layers of cut proof textile fibers 
have also been disclosed. Austrian A 86-52 272 discloses an anti-vandalism 
protective layer formed of a fabric, or a needled felt or aromatic 
polyamide fibers--aramid fibers--and this layer is bonded to the outer 
fabric. A needled felt of aramid fibers serving as an anti-vandalism 
protective layer is also mentioned in EP-A 355 879. 
Neither woven fabrics nor needled felts of aromatic polyamide fibers, 
however, provide necessary resistance to cutting and stabbing. While these 
solutions do not have the disadvantages of the anti-vandalism protective 
layers of metal, they also do not satisfy the demands on anti-vandalism 
protective layers with regard to resistance to cutting and stabbing. 
Two anti-vandalism layers, one consisting of a metal grid and the other of 
aramid fibers, are described in French A 2 592 334. This reduces the above 
mentioned disadvantages somewhat, but does not reduce the danger of an 
injury from protruding wires and the disadvantage of the poorer 
workability of anti-vandalism protective layers of metal. In addition, 
this solution also has higher production costs than are involved in 
working on a uniform anti-vandalism protective layer. 
A protective layer which may comprise different surface structures and very 
different materials, such as glass fibers, polyester fibers, ceramic 
fibers, aromatic polyamide fibers, or carbon fibers, is disclosed in 
EP-A-512 382. These fiber materials may be present in the form of grids, 
nettings, or woven or knitted products. However, there is no indication as 
to the nature of such a protective layer which is required to assure 
sufficient resistance to vandalism. 
German Unexamined Application for Patent 44 01 417 discloses an 
anti-vandalism seat covering comprised of a flocked flat textile structure 
having a base material which is formed, at least in part, of a cut 
resistant fiber, for instance an aramid fiber, and having a pile produced 
by flocking on its surface. This anti-vandalism seat covering comprises a 
knitted or non-woven fibers material which has a comparatively better 
resistance to cutting than woven materials and its flexibility facilitates 
its being worked into seat coverings. Furthermore, the loss in strength of 
the yarns of aramid fibers upon production in knitted or non-woven fibers 
materials is less than upon production in woven materials. This known 
anti-vandalism seat covering is suitable for use directly, without a cover 
layer, as a seat covering as a result of its flocking. 
As compared with this, German Patent 35 45 071 describes a covering 
material for fire proof seat cushions which also affords protection 
against vandalism. This covering material for seat cushions having a 
flammable foam cushioning has an outer textile layer and an anti-fire and 
anti-vandalism protective layer arranged on the side facing the foam 
cushioning, and the protective layer is firmly attached to the textile 
layer. The fire proof, anti-vandalism protective layer has a reinforcement 
insert of wire and can be knitted using this wire thread. This covering 
material does not have satisfactory working properties due to the firm 
attachment between the textile layer and the fire proof, anti-vandalism 
protective layer. 
Finally, German Utility Model G 92 17 352 describes a multilayer covering 
of a bellows for a flexible transition which is comprised of a cover layer 
of a coated fabric, an insert of metal wires developed as knitted material 
which are vulcanized into a layer of rubber and a non-woven which is 
backed onto the rear side. This multilayer covering is also difficult to 
work in view of the firm attachment between the cover layer and the 
insert, and the non-woven which is backed on the rear serves only as 
additional heat insulation or as an additional obstacle upon stabbing 
through the cover. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is an object of the present invention to provide a protective layer, 
particularly an anti-vandalism protective layer, which has satisfactory 
workability, high resistance to stabbing and cutting, and little danger of 
inflicting injuries to users of the protective layer from contact with the 
layer, and thus permits inexpensive manufacture and working. 
Another object is to provide an anti-vandalism protective layer which is 
difficult to burn so as to be able to satisfy the need of operators of 
public transportation for flame retardant properties of the anti-vandalism 
protective layer. 
According to the invention, a protective layer, in particular an 
anti-vandalism protective layer, for car seats, car roofs (but typically 
not the liners for metal roofs), convertible tops, car tarpaulins, tents, 
supporting air parts, wall linings, shatter-proof walls, and bullet-proof 
vests is comprised of several layers. 
There is a cover layer of upholstery, for example, which is on the exterior 
of the protective layer. On the inward side of the cover layer, there is a 
cut resisting layer of cut resistant fibers which are arranged in a form 
that enables them to absorb the pressure applied to them by an attempt to 
cut the protective layer and then to resist the cutting. The filaments or 
fibers of this cut resisting layer are securely held within their layer, 
but each fiber is held in a manner permitting it to shift in position 
without breaking or tearing or being cut. For example, the fibers of this 
layer may be loosely knitted, or secured at relatively widely spaced apart 
locations which hold the fibers relative to one another, yet permit 
relative shifting of the fibers. After that initial shift has been 
completed, then the cut resisting character of the fibers is relied upon. 
The materials of the fibers of the cut resisting layers may be aromatic 
polyamide fibers, polyethylene fibers spun by the gel-spin process or 
glass fibers, all of which resist being cut, yet are flexible enough to 
shift in position and/or bend slightly as pressure is applied to the 
fibers. Some of the fibers may comprise a sheathed wire of a diameter of 
0.1 to 2 mm contained in the thread system. Some of the fibers may 
protrude out of the plane of the cut resisting material and toward the 
cover layer, either as actually protruding or because some fibers lie on 
or across others. The protruding fibers aid in holding the layers 
together. 
A textile non-woven layer is applied at least to one side of the cut 
resisting material layer by needling and is later attached to the cover 
layer by bonding. Needling of the fibers of the non-woven layer into the 
cut resisting layer provides an unbonded connection between them, allowing 
the cut resisting layer to slide with reference to the cover layer due to 
the yieldability of the fibers of the non-woven layer that are needled 
into the cut resisting layer. This avoids stiffness of a protective layer 
that would occur if the cut resisting layer were instead directly bonded 
to the cover layer. Variations in the above might include an additional 
non-woven layer on the opposite surface of the cut resisting layer. 
Detailed below are particulars of these features described above.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
The basic embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is of a protective layer 10, 
comprising a cover layer 12, which may be the external exposed surface of 
the protective layer. If the layer 12 is at the exterior of the seat on 
which that layer is applied, its exterior is covered by a textured fabric 
or filament material 14, the surface of upholstery. In fact, the layer 12, 
14 may be conventional seat upholstery. 
Beneath the cover layer is a non-woven textile layer 16 of fine filaments. 
The cover layer 12 and the non-woven layer 16 are bonded together, 
preferably by an applied adhesive layer 18. The bonding is done after the 
below described assembly of the layers 16 and 20. 
The next cut resistant layer is a knit layer 20 and may be of the type seen 
in FIG. 2. Its significant characteristic for this invention is that it 
includes many fibers that are held in their positions, yet are free to 
bend or deflect and thereby absorb force and pressure when an attempt is 
made to cut them. After they have deflected, if the pressure to cut them 
continues, the fibers are of cut resistant material so that their being 
cut is at least inhibited if not prevented. To hold the cut resistant 
layer to the non-woven textile layer, the non-woven is needled, as at 22, 
into the cut resisting layer, by numerous filaments of the non-woven being 
needled. Needling is described, for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,532,588 
and 3,122,141. So much of the fibers of the non-woven layer are needled 
through the cut resisting layer that they form another layer 24 of fibers 
of the textile non-woven at the opposite surface of the cut resisting 
layer. If desired, yet another non-woven layer can be applied to the layer 
24 and can be needled to the cut resisting layer from that side of the 
layer 20 away from the cover layer 12. 
The cut resisting filament material 25 is made cut resistant first by the 
way the fibers thereof are positioned and secured in that layer and 
secondly by inclusion therein of cut proof wire, examples of which are 
described below. As shown in FIG. 2, the fibers of the cut resisting layer 
are supported to be able to shift, deflect and bend. In one example of the 
layer 20 shown in FIG. 2, a large quantity of filaments or fibers 25 are 
positioned one above the other to define a layer, with each filament 
arranged along an undulating path across the layer 20. Each filament 25 is 
wrapped by spaced apart warp filaments or cross filaments 26. Each cross 
filament wraps around each filament 25 that each cross filament 26 
intersects along its path across the layer 20. This produces a sturdy form 
cut resisting layer 20. The individual fibers are all fixed in position in 
the layer and with respect to each other. But they are secured by the 
cross filaments which are spaced far enough apart that the filaments 25 
have freedom to deflect and bend when pressure is applied to them. 
As the second noted feature, either some of the filaments 25 of that layer 
20 are themselves wires or preferably or comprises a wire 27 which is 
sheathed in a respective, wound, knitted or braided covering 28 of the cut 
resisting filament material. The wires strengthen the protective layer and 
are present in a sufficient quantity of the filaments 25, either in all or 
preferably in a large portion of the filaments, sufficient to make the 
layer 20 cut resistant. Yet, wires that are sheathed do not easily project 
out of the plane of the cut resisting layer without the respective 
filaments also projecting out. 
Covering over the cut resistant layer 20 with a textile non-woven layer 16 
enables the cut resisting layer 20 to be bonded to the cover layer 12 with 
possible relative movement or play between the layers 16 and 20. The 
needling 22 of the non-woven layer 16 into the cut resisting layer 
connects those layers only through the needled fibers, so that the 
combination retains a certain mobility with respect to the cover layer 12, 
14. The non-woven layer 16 is bonded, by adhesive, for example, directly 
to the cover layer. But this does not also bond the cover layer to the cut 
resisting layer and their relative mobility is retained. Preferably, some 
of the filaments, e.g, the warp filaments 26, or some of the wires project 
out of the plane of the cut resisting layer and toward the cover layer to 
better engage with the non-woven layer. Further, those few projecting 
filaments or wires can be bonded, as by adhesive, along with the non-woven 
layer. If a cushioning material is used as the cover layer, the cushioning 
material provided as part of the protective layer retains, in principle, 
its textile character and can be worked like a cushioning material since 
no reduction in the elasticity or stretchability is caused by the 
remainder of the protective layer. 
Despite the pressure of the protective layer, damage to the upholstery by 
stabbing with an instrument is still possible. However, the cutting and 
detachment of the upholstery material from the backed protective layer is 
made considerably difficult so that no gaping textile ends result and 
furthermore no tearing by hand is possible. Another advantage is that 
stabs or other damage to the surface can be repaired and/or sealed with 
textile adhesives available on the market. 
The workability of the protective layer below a cushioning material is 
improved when each wire 27 is contained in at least one thread 28 which at 
least in some cases does protrude out of the plane of the knitted 
material. The wire in the thread and the threads are bendable so that, 
despite the inserted wires, the protective layer assures sufficient 
flexibility, which is particularly important also for good resistance to 
cutting. 
A cushioning material prepared for working or a material for car 
convertible tops, car tarpaulins, tents, supporting air parts, wall 
coverings, shatter proof walls, and bullet proof vests can be produced 
using a cover layer 12 comprised of a woven fabric or of a foil which is 
bonded to the non-woven layer so that this material can be worked directly 
in a customary manner. 
In order to increase the anti-vandalism effect or the effect of the 
protective layer as a shatterproof wall or a bulletproof vest, the 
non-woven layer 16 may also be comprised of cut proof fibers, such as 
aromatic polyamide fibers, polyethylene fibers spun by the gel-spin 
process or glass fibers. 
Aromatic polyamide fibers are particularly well suited as cut proof textile 
fibers, particularly for the production of any layers within 
anti-vandalism protective layers. These fibers are frequently also 
referred to as aramid fibers. Another essential advantage of aramid fibers 
is their minimal burnability so that a special finishing with flame 
inhibiting agents upon the use of this type of fiber is not necessary. The 
condition of only minimal burnability is particularly useful for fibers 
for vehicle seats for public transportation. In addition, aromatic 
polyamide fibers also have very high strength. 
Aside from aromatic polyamide fibers, polyethylene fibers, particularly 
polyethylene fibers produced by the gel-spin process, can be used for the 
production of the anti-vandalism protective layer. In contrast to aramid 
fibers, the other fibers do not have the advantage of only minimal 
burnability and can thus not be used for items, such as vehicle seats for 
public transportation, in which a minimal burnability property is 
required. 
Glass fibers, which are nonburnable like aromatic polyamide fibers, can 
also be used to produce the anti-vandalism protective layer of the 
invention. 
Aromatic polyamide fibers, polyethylene fibers spun by the gel-spin 
process, or glass fibers can be used in the anti-vandalism protective 
layer either by themselves or as mixtures either with these fibers or with 
other fibers. The selection of the fiber mixture and the mixture ratios 
should be determined so that the cut resisting properties and the reduced 
flammability are not negatively affected. The sole use of a cut resistant 
fiber as the textile component in the anti-vandalism protective layer is 
preferred. The sole use of aromatic polyamide fibers is particularly 
preferred. Cut resistant textile fibers are used in the anti-vandalism 
protective layer. 
The weights per unit length of the yarns which are to be used for the 
production of the anti-vandalism protective layer of the invention lie 
within the range between denier 420 and 8500. A range between denier 1000 
and 5000 is preferred, while a range of between denier 1500 and 3500 is 
particularly preferred. When selecting the weight per unit length of the 
yarn, a compromise must be made between the desired resistance to cutting 
and the comfort in use. Higher weights per unit length give a better 
resistance to cutting than lower ones, but lower weights per unit length 
are preferred to higher ones for comfort in sitting. The weight per unit 
length of the filaments of these yarns should be less than denier 5 and a 
range of between denier 0.5 and 3 is preferred. 
The non-woven layer 16 is applied preferably on one side of the cut 
resisting layer 20 in the protective layer 10. The non-woven layer can be 
provided on both opposite sides, and, if that is done, both non-woven 
layers are provided on their outward sides with a continuously active 
layer of adhesive and a removable protective layer foil (not shown) over 
the adhesive layer. This is particularly favorable when the protective 
layer is to be worked with the cover layer to form a cushion for vehicle 
seats. A protective layer can be pre-worked completely and can then be 
bonded to the foam body of a seat after removal of the outer protective 
foil. 
The layer of adhesive 18 can be sprayed on the non-woven layer or be 
applied as a foil which is adhesive on both sides. That adhesive is used 
to bond the non-woven layer to another layer. 
For the production of the anti-vandalism protective layer of the invention, 
as shown in FIG. 2, the cut resisting material 20 is of the type shown. 
Generally, it is a knitted type of fabric and not a woven one. Alternately 
usable are a warp knitted material, and particularly preferably a knitted 
material produced on a Raschel or crochet galloon machine. Woven material 
is not recommended for the cut resistant layer. First, it is often too 
tightly woven, preventing the fibers from bending or deflecting when an 
attempt to cut them is made. Also, the directions of the woven fibers 
assure that no matter in which direction they are attempted to be cut, the 
fibers will be stressed, not merely to bend, but likely to be cut. 
The weight per unit area of the material of the cut resisting layer can be 
between 100 and 2000 g/m.sup.2. Below 100 g/m.sup.2, sufficient resistance 
to cutting can no longer be obtained. A range of between 200 and 1000 
g/m.sup.2 is preferred, and in particular a range between 200 and 600 
g/m.sup.2. Experiments have shown that, in particular, the cut resistance 
required in public transportation can generally be suitably obtained 
within a range of 300 to 400 g/m.sup.2. However, since the resistance to 
cutting is dependent also on certain other properties, for instance, the 
weight per unit length of the yarn, the range of 300 to 400 g/m.sup.2 can 
shift upward or downward depending on the nature of the yarns used. Higher 
ranges of 500 to 700 g/m.sup.2, and in particular of 700 to 1000 
g/m.sup.2, can definitely further improve the resistance to cutting, but 
they are not always realizable for economic reasons. 
With respect to the stitch spacing between stitches along a warp filament 
26 as shown in FIG. 2, values of between 1/cm and 20/cm have proven 
favorable. A range of 2/cm to 5/cm in which the desired resistance to 
cutting can be obtained is preferred. 
In order to obtain a wire containing thread system which protrudes out of 
the plane of the knitted material 20, filling guide threads of aromatic 
polyamide fibers are laid, by means of a long bar, for instance between 
the mesh threads which are guided by a short bar, of for instance yarns of 
aromatic polyamide fibers. Further filling guide threads 26, which contain 
a wire 27 with a knitted covering 28, are placed over them by means of a 
figure bar. These wire containing threads 28 protrude out of the plane of 
the knitted material. 
Another possibility is to operate with two long bars and to provide a wire 
with a knitted covering for the upper lapping produced by a long bar. In 
addition, by figure bar, another wire with a knitted covering is placed 
over the knitting threads. It is essential in this connection that the 
wire be contained in the long thread lappings since only in this way can a 
good resistance to cutting be obtained. 
What lapping system for a cut resisting layer is used depends in particular 
on the intended field of use and on the cut resisting properties desired. 
The wire 27 which is used in the anti-vandalism protective layer can be a 
solid wire, as wire yarn or as wire thread. The diameter of this wire 
should be between 0.1 and 2.0 mm; a range of between 0.2 and 0.6 mm is 
preferred. 
The percentage by weight of the wire 27 in the cut resisting material 20 
depends on a number of factors. Thus, a relatively small percentage can be 
used, if two or more anti-vandalism protective layers 10, 40 are used one 
above the other (FIG. 3) or if a particular embodiment involves several 
layers of cut resisting material within it. On the other hand, a higher 
percentage by weight of wire is required if, for instance, the cut 
resisting material 20 is not made from cut resistant fibers alone, but 
from mixtures of cut resistant fibers with non-cut resistant fibers are 
used. Therefore, the percentage by weight of the wire in the 
anti-vandalism protective layer of the invention can lie within a range of 
10 to 90%, and preferably in a range of 20 to 60%. 
The wire 27 should have either undulated shape (33, FIG. 4) or a spiral 
shape (34, FIG. 5). For better workability, an undulated shape is 
preferred. Three essential advantages are obtained by an undulated shape. 
Thus, the resistance to cutting of an anti-vandalism protective layer 
produced by the simultaneous use of an undulated wire is substantially 
better than by the use of a smooth untextured wire. The better resistance 
to cutting of goods produced with undulated wire can be explained, in 
particular, by the fact that an undulated wire takes up a larger area in 
the anti-vandalism protective layer as a whole than a smooth wire does. 
Upon insertion of a knife and, in particular, upon an attempt to pull the 
knife through the material to be cut, the probability of the knife 
striking against an undulated wire so that it cannot be pulled any further 
is substantially greater than of it striking a smooth wire. The advantage 
of the undulated wire makes itself noticeable, particularly when the cut 
resisting material is made from mixtures of cut resistant fibers with 
non-cut resistant fibers. 
Another advantage is that there is less danger of an undulated wire working 
its way out from its position in the anti-vandalism protective layer and 
of causing injuries than of a smooth wire doing so. Due to its shape, the 
probability that the undulated wire will be pushed upward by the 
mechanical stresses upon the use of the seat and be pushed through the 
outer fabric and protrude out of the seat is definitely less than with a 
smooth, non-undulated wire. 
A third advantage of the use of an undulated wire is the greater 
flexibility of the cut resisting material produced and thus its better 
workability. 
With respect to the shape and the number of undulations, there are no 
particular limitations. A length ratio of 1:1.5 to 1:3.5 has proven 
favorable. In the length ratios indicated here, 1 is the length of the 
wire in its undulated or spiral condition, and the other number is the 
length of the wire after it has been stretched and pulled out. 
The wire to be used in the anti-vandalism protective layer of the invention 
is preferably covered by a sheath of textile fibers. For this, the 
possibilities of spinning, wrapping, or braiding or of twisting around of 
the wire offer themselves. These methods are known to the person skilled 
in the art. The use of a wire 27 covered by knitting or braiding 28 is 
particularly preferred for the production of the anti-vandalism protective 
layer of the invention. 
The wire is inserted in the cut resisting layer and is sheathed by 
additional formation of further stitches so that a knitted or braided, 
etc. material is produced as a covering for the wire. In the event of a 
possible break in the wire, the wire might work out of the anti-vandalism 
protective layer due to the mechanical stressing of the wire and 
thereafter cause injuries. The fiber covering on the wire would prevent 
this. Experiments have shown that the special structure of the covering 
layer produced by knitting around the wire substantially better protects 
the wire from protruding than do other methods of forming the sheathing, 
such as spinning, wrapping or twisting. 
For knitting around the wire, yarns of any desired fiber materials can be 
used. For optimal resistance to the cutting of the anti-vandalism 
protective layer, use of a cut resisting fiber, such as an aromatic 
polyamide fiber, a polyethylene fiber produced by the gel-spin process, or 
a glass fiber is preferred. But, use of an aromatic polyamide fiber is 
particularly preferred. 
The wire 27 to be used for the production of the anti-vandalism protective 
layer of the invention may have a sheathing of an easily melted polymer. 
All polymers can be used as a hot melt adhesive. Examples of such polymers 
are ethylene/vinyl-acetate copolymers, copolyamides, copolyesters, 
polyisobutylenes and polyvinylbutyrals. 
A wire provided with a hot melt adhesive is preferably introduced into the 
lapping system particularly employed for the bonding upon the production 
of the wire covering. The anti-vandalism protective layer of the invention 
can thus contain both wires provided with hot melt adhesive as well as 
wires which do not have a covering of hot melt adhesive. 
The anti-vandalism protective layer 10 of the invention is intended, in 
particular, for use in vehicle seats for public transportation. An outer 
fabric 14 may be arranged over this protective layer and will be part of 
the cover layer thereof as in FIG. 1. Any known car seat upholstery 
material is suitable. There are no limitations as to the nature of the 
fiber and the flat textile construction for the outer layer fabric. The 
outer fabric should be provided with a flame retarding finish or be 
produced using a fiber with a flame inhibiting agent spun therein. A pile 
material is particularly suitable as the outer fabric. When an attempt is 
made to slit the passenger seat, the knife is impeded by the 
anti-vandalism protective layer. Depending on the connection between the 
outer fabric and the remainder of the anti-vandalism protective layer, a 
short tear can be produced in the outer fabric. When using a pile woven 
material or a pile knitted material as the outer fabric, it is possible to 
cover the tear by a partial folding down of the pile upon further use of 
the seat, so that the tear is not easily visible. If a flat woven material 
or a flat knitted material is used as the outer fabric, the tear, on the 
other hand, is more evident. 
Particularly when the anti-vandalism protective layer of the invention is 
used in car seats, the nature of its attachment is important. Direct 
bonding of the cut resisting layer 20 to the outer fabric or cover layer 
12 over its entire surface is disadvantageous. For good resistance to 
cutting, it is important that the cut resisting material, which is 
arranged below the outer fabric as an anti-vandalism protective layer, be 
permitted a certain amount of movement relative to the cover layer. The 
resulting resistance to cutting is greater than for a cut resisting layer 
which is rigidly bonded over its entire surface to the outer fabric. The 
development of the cut resisting layer 20 in accordance with the 
invention, connected to the outer fabric 12 via a non-woven layer 16 
needled at 22 to the cut resisting layer 20, provides the required 
mobility of the protective layer. 
A layer of threads protruding out of the plane of the knitted material 
provides additional linear bonding of the cut resisting material to the 
non-woven layer without reducing the required mobility, and possibly 
without any great additional expense, for instance, by the application of 
adhesive between the layers by a roller. The layer of threads protruding 
out of the plane of the cut resisting material contains the wire, and the 
bonding is effected preferably to the wire containing thread system. A 
better adhesive effect is obtained at the wire containing places than at 
the places not containing wire. The linear bonding, on the other hand, 
however, affords the advantage of the possibility of good separability if, 
for instance, repair of the vehicle seat becomes necessary, for instance 
in order to replace the outer fabric. 
Below the anti-vandalism protective layer 10, the vehicle seat generally 
includes a cushioning foam layer 42, preferably of polyurethane foam. In 
order to satisfy the requirement of low burnability, which is generally 
required in passenger seats for public transportation, it is advisable to 
admix flame inhibiting agents in the foam. 
Although it can be used for the sitting surfaces of car seats, the 
anti-vandalism protective layer of the invention can also be used for the 
back rests of car seats in public transportation. The use of the 
anti-vandalism protective layer of the invention is not intended, however, 
to be limited to use for car seats or in public transportation. Numerous 
other fields of use are possible, for example, car tarpaulins, vehicle 
folding and sliding roofs, and convertible tops, wall linings such as, for 
instance, impact walls, tents, and air halls. This list is intended as 
examples and not as limitations. The anti-vandalism protective layer of 
the invention can be used wherever there is the danger that the cover 
layer formed of flat structures, generally flat textile structures or 
plastics, will be cut open for purposes of vandalism or theft. 
The invention is not limited to the use of a single anti-vandalism 
protective layer in the articles mentioned and other similar articles. Two 
or more anti-vandalism protective layers may also be used in the same way 
as in FIG. 3. 
The anti-vandalism protective layer described can be used as a protective 
layer also in articles which are not usual subjects of vandalism. Thus, 
the anti-vandalism protective layer of the invention, some or even all of 
the layers of which may preferably be produced from aromatic polyamide 
fibers, can be used in a particularly preferred manner in shatter-proof 
walls, for instance at airports. Due to the excellent anti-ballistic 
properties of aromatic polyamide fibers, the anti-vandalism protective 
layer of the invention, and particularly its cut resisting layer, provides 
good protection against forming splinters. It is advisable here to use 
several layers of the anti-vandalism protective layer, perhaps several of 
the cut resisting layers within one protective layer, i.e. under one cover 
layer. The protective layer can also be used in bullet-proof vests. 
Effective protection against being cut is provided by the anti-vandalism 
protective layer of the invention. The anti-vandalism protective layer of 
the invention affords further advantages, such as little danger of injury 
upon the breaking of the wire inserts of the cut resisting layer and good 
separability particularly of the cut resisting layer of the anti-vandalism 
protective layer from the neighboring layers for possible repair work, 
with nevertheless good attachment to the adjoining layers. In public 
transportation, the poor burnability of the anti-vandalism protective 
layer upon the use of aromatic polyamide fibers or glass fibers is a 
particular advantage. 
Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular 
embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other 
uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, 
therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific 
disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.