U.S. patent application number 11/858302 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-12 for under body armor cooling vest and fabric thereof.
Invention is credited to George GEHRING, JR..
Application Number | 20120177904 11/858302 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46455485 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120177904 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GEHRING, JR.; George |
July 12, 2012 |
UNDER BODY ARMOR COOLING VEST AND FABRIC THEREOF
Abstract
A vest made of a light weight spacer fabric material that is
permeable to air circulation and voluminous enough to have a
significant thermal insulative value is provided. The spacer fabric
material is also non-absorbent, hard wearing, compression
resistant, readily cleanable, as well as non-burning and
non-dripping when exposed to flames. The spacer fabric material
includes fabric faces of an open mesh construction connected by a
system of monofilament threads for promoting fabric rigidity.
Inventors: |
GEHRING, JR.; George;
(Garden City, NY) |
Family ID: |
46455485 |
Appl. No.: |
11/858302 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60847307 |
Sep 26, 2006 |
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60847305 |
Sep 26, 2006 |
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60847002 |
Sep 25, 2006 |
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60847186 |
Sep 26, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/220 ;
442/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D04B 21/10 20130101;
D10B 2403/021 20130101; D10B 2403/0213 20130101; D10B 2507/00
20130101; Y10T 442/10 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/220 ;
442/1 |
International
Class: |
D03D 13/00 20060101
D03D013/00 |
Claims
1. A three dimensional spacer fabric comprising first and second
fabric faces having open mesh constructions made from high
performance yarns that are resistant to melting, dripping and
burning at a temperature of at least 700.degree. F. and a plurality
of monofilament yarns connecting said faces and which are resistant
to melting, burning and dripping at a temperature of at least
500.degree. F.
2. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the yarns of the fabric faces are
selected from the group consisting of modacrylic yarns, aramid
yarns and polybenzimadozole yarns, and wherein the connecting yarns
comprise polypropylene sulfide yarns.
3. The fabric of claim 2, wherein the yarns of the fabric faces
have a yarn count of between about 12/2 c.c. and 32/2 c.c.
4. The fabric of claim 2, wherein the yarn of the fabric faces
comprise modacrylic yarns having an LOI value of between about 28
and 33.
5. The fabric of claim 4, wherein the modacrylic yarns have a
tenacity up to 2.8 grams/denier, an elongation at break of between
about 35 and 40%, and a fusing temperature of between about 371 and
410.degree. F.
6. The fabric of claim 4, wherein the modacrylic yarns have a
moisture regain of between about 0.4 and 4.0%.
7. The fabric of claim 2, wherein the yarns of the fabric faces
comprise aramid yarns having an LOI value of between about 28 and
30.
8. The fabric of claim 7, wherein the aramid yarns comprise
para-aramid yarns.
9. The fabric of claim 2, wherein the yarns of the fabric faces
comprise polybenzimadazole, having an LOI value of between about 35
and 40.
10. The fabric of claim 2, wherein the polypropylene sulfide yarns
have a denier of between about 300 and 600.
11. The fabric of claim 2, wherein the polypropylene sulfide yarns
have a tenacity of between about 3.0 and 4.0 grams/denier and an
elongation at break of between about 35% and 45%.
12. The fabric of claim 2, wherein the polypropylene sulfide yarns
have modules of flexural rigidity of between about 35 and 165
MGF/CM2 (Megagram Force) Based on Hearle Fiber Stiffness Test.
13. The fabric of claim 2, wherein the fabric has a moisture regain
of between about 0.4 and 4.0.
14. The fabric of claim 2, wherein one of said fabric faces has a
tenacity of between about 18 and 30 grams/denier.
15. The fabric of claim 2, wherein the yarns of one of said faces
are rendered hydrophobic and the yarns of the other of said faces
are rendered hydrophillic.
16. The fabric of claim 2, wherein the fabric has a resilience of
up to about 2-3% residual deformation after removal of compressive
load, ASTM 3574 & 1667.
17. The fabric of claim 2, wherein the open mesh construction of
the two fabric faces defines a plurality of openings, each having a
size of between about 6 and 12 mm.
18. The fabric of claim 2, wherein the thickness of the fabric is
between about 3 and 15 mm.
19. The fabric of claim 1, further including conductive yarns
intermixed with the yarns of the fabric faces.
20. A three dimensional spacer fabric comprising first and second
fabric faces of an open mesh construction and made from modacrylic
yarns, and a plurality of monofilament polypropylene sulfide yarns
connecting said fabric faces.
21. A three dimensional spacer fabric comprising first and second
fabric faces of an open mesh construction and made from yarns
selected from the group consisting of modacrylic yarns, aramid
yarns and polybenzimodazole yarns, and a plurality of non-filament
yarns connecting said fabric faces.
22. The fabric of claim 21, wherein said fabric face yarns comprise
modacrylic yarns.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority of Provisional Application
No. 60/847,307 filed Sep. 26, 2006. The subject application is also
related to the following applications:
Fabric for Protection against Electric Arc Hazards 60/847,305 filed
Sep. 26, 2006 U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed
______,
Improved High Performance Fire Resistant Fabrics and the Garments
Made Therewith
[0002] 60/847,002 filed Sep. 25, 2006; U.S. patent application Ser.
No. ______ filed ______, and Knit Elastic Mesh Loop Pile Fabric for
Orthopedic and other Devices 60/847,186 filed Sep. 26, 2006 U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______ filed ______.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to an under body armor cooling vest,
and, more particularly, to a spacer fabric for an under body armor
cooling vest.
[0004] Wearing a body armor in hot, humid climate imposes serious
thermal stress on soldiers serving in sub-tropic or tropic
environments where temperatures may reach 120.degree. F. Such
stress reduces a soldier's fighting capabilities and field
endurance.
[0005] Another disadvantage of wearing body armor is the armor's
limited permeability, which induces perspiration and thus
diminishes wearing comfort. In other words, poor moisture
management of the vest fabric is another problem in wearing
conventional body armor. Particularly, the armor will retain much
of the perspiration that is formed against the skin, thereby
creating a feeling of clamminess and discomfort. Moreover, because
of the tight fitting nature of most conventional body armor,
fungus, mold and other microorganism growth is unfortunately
encouraged.
[0006] Another problem in using conventional body armor is the
restricted freedom of movement the armor imparts. In most prior art
designs, the body armor is heavy and its straps impinge on the
soldier's uniform so as to restrict freedom of movement. Muscle
fatigue is also caused by the armor weight, which normally rests on
soldiers' shoulders.
[0007] While some type of insulating garment material, such as a
vest, may be disposed between a soldier's uniform and the body
armor to be worn, such a garment has certain disadvantages. For
example, most types of insulating garments feature significant
added weight to the clothing system worn by the soldier, which is a
distinct disadvantage in a hot climate.
[0008] Prior art insulating garment materials also exhibit a low
permeability to air and moisture vapor, thereby leading to wearing
discomfort, as well as limited air circulation between a soldier's
uniform and his body armor, thus inhibiting any type of cooling
effect from being produced.
[0009] Also, static charges may be generated in the course of the
vest rubbing against the uniform and the body armor components. The
buildup of static charges may, under certain circumstances, reach a
voltage level that is sufficient to create a spark discharge, which
can ignite fuel fumes, gas or explosive dust.
[0010] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved
fabric for an under body armor cooling vest that overcomes these
disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In order to reduce thermal stress on soldiers fighting in
high temperature environments, a vest made from an improved fabric
material is provided to be worn under the body armor. The purpose
of such a vest is to create air circulation between the soldier's
uniform and the body armor and the cooling effect generated
thereby.
[0012] The inventive vest is made of a light weight spacer fabric
material that is permeable to air circulation and voluminous enough
to have a significant thermal insulative value. The fabric material
is also non-absorbent, hard wearing, compression resistant, readily
cleanable, as well as non-burning and non-dripping when exposed to
flames.
[0013] The fabric material of the present invention is a three
dimensional warp knit spacer fabric. The spacer fabric comprises an
open mesh construction on both of the fabric faces connected by a
system of monofilament threads for imparting fabric rigidity, depth
and impact absorbing properties. The mesh construction ensures the
ready movement of air between the soldier's uniform and the body
armor.
[0014] In particular, both fabric faces of the inventive spacer
fabric comprise an open mesh construction of a fire retardant
non-slip yarn such as spun modacrylic. The inventive fabric also
includes a plurality of monofilament threads of polypropylene
sulfide (PPS) connected between the two fabric faces.
[0015] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an
improved fabric construction for an under body armor cooling
vest.
[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide an improved
fabric construction for an under body armor cooling vest that is
both light weight and permeable to air circulation.
[0017] A further object of the invention is to provide an improved
fabric construction for an under body armor cooling vest that is
resilient and impact absorbing.
[0018] Still another object of the invention is to provide an
improved fabric construction for an under body armor cooling vest
that is flame resistant.
[0019] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an
improved fabric construction for an under body armor cooling vest
that is rendered anti-static.
[0020] Other objects and advantages of the invention will be
obvious and/or apparent from the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1. is a schematic view of one form of the spacer-fabric
of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing the spacer
fabric of the invention; and
[0023] FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c are enlarged elevational views of
various forms of the inventive fabric.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The fabric material of the present inventive vest is a three
dimensional warp knit spacer fabric. The spacer fabric comprises an
open mesh construction on both fabric faces connected therebetween
by a system of monofilament yarns for imparting fabric rigidity,
depth and impact absorbing properties. The mesh construction of the
inventive fabric ensures the continuos movement of air between the
uniform and the body armor.
[0025] More particularly, both fabric faces of the inventive spacer
fabric comprise an open mesh knit construction made of high
performance yarns that are resistant to melting, dripping and
burning at high temperature conditions. Yarns that are suitable for
the fabric faces of the inventive fabric comprise fire retardant
non-slip yarns such as spun modacrylics.
[0026] The choice of modacrylic fibers or yarns for application in
the fabric material of the invention is based on their excellent
fire retardancy performance combined with their non-melt, non-drip
and self-extinguishing properties. These are critically important
attributes in battlefield environments. If sufficiently high
temperatures are reached on exposure to fire or explosion, a
garment made with the inventive fabric will just carbonize by
forming a protective charred barrier. This prevents propagation of
flames protecting the wearer from severe burn injuries.
[0027] Modacrylics have a high, so called, LOI value as compared
with other fibers. The LOT represents the minimum oxygen
concentration of an 0.sub.2/N.sub.2 mix required to sustain
combustion of a material. The LOI is determined by the ASTM Test D
2862-77. Modacrylics have an LOI value preferably between about 28
and 33, while conventional polyesters have a much lower value of
20-22.
[0028] Additionally, a very important aspect of wearing comfort is
the so called "moisture management" factor. This is often
represented as the moisture vapor transport index or MVT, which
reflects the efficiency in which a fabric moves perspiration away
from the skin or underlying garment and causes it to evaporate into
the ambient atmosphere. The MVT of the modacrylics used in the
inventive fabric is between about 2500 g/meters squared/24 hours
ASTME96.
[0029] While modacrylics are essentially hydrophobic, the capillary
action of their fibrous yarn mass wicks the perspiration away and
moves it to the outer face of the inventive garment where it is
free to evaporate.
[0030] An important advantage of the modacrylic yarns is their
relatively low cost, ready availability and very good
processability at every stage of fabric manufacture.
[0031] Modacrylics are spun from an extensive range of copolymers
of acrylonitrile. The type of modacrylic fibers that can be
produced within this broad category are capable of wide variation
in properties, depending on their composition. Sonic examples of
commonly available modacrylics are: "Vere" by Eastman Corp.,
"Creslan" by Am Cyanamid Co., "Acrillan" by Mosanto Corp.,
"Kanccaron" by Kaneka Co. and "Orlon" by DuPont Co.
[0032] Modacrylic fibers used in the inventive fabric preferably
have a tenacity of up to 2.8 gram/denier, an elongation at break of
between about 35 and 40%, and a fusing temperature of between about
371 and 410.degree. F. The modacrylic fibers used in the inventive
fabric also have a moisture regain (the amount of water by weight
held by the fiber under controlled atmospheric conditions), of
between about 0.4 and 4.0%.
[0033] Other high temperature resistant fibers or yarns may also be
used in the inventive fabric, either in combination with
modacrylics or entirely on their own. One such fiber comprises
aramid fibers, such as Kevlar and Nomex. Such fibers feature
excellent thermal stability and are virtually non-flammable. These
fibers have a very high resistance to heat and are resistant to
melting, dripping and burning at a temperature of at least
700.degree. F. Moreover, their LOI value is preferably in the range
of between about 28 and 30.
[0034] Kevlar, made by Dupont Co., is a para-aramid fiber having a
very high tenacity of between 28 and 32 gram/denier and outstanding
heat resistance. Other para-aramid fibers suitable for the
inventive fabric include Twaron by AKZO Co. and Technora by Teijin
Co.
[0035] Another type of aramid fiber suitable for the inventive
fabric is "Nomex", made by DuPont and "Conex" made by Teijin
Co.
[0036] Yet other types of flame resistant fibers are organic fibers
composed of polybenzimidazole, such as PBI made by Celanese Corp.
These fibers have an LOI of between about 35-40 and are resistant
to melting, dripping and burning at a temperature of at least
750.degree. F.
[0037] Further high temperature resistant fibers or yarns may
comprise certain polyester yarns that are resistant to melting,
burning and dripping at a temperature of at least 700.degree.
F.
[0038] The inventive fabric also includes a plurality of
monofilament yarns that are connected between the fabric faces and
which that are highly resistant to melting, burning and dripping at
high temperatures, such as yarns of polypropylene sulfide
(PPS).
[0039] The monofilament yarns which connect the two mesh layers of
the inventive fabric must be stiff enough to keep the two mesh
faces apart in order to allow air to circulate between the vest
made with the inventive fabric and the wearer's body. In
particular, the monofilament interconnecting yarns preferably have
a denier of at least 300, and preferably between about 300 and 600.
Going below this range will result in the monofilament components
collapsing under the compressive stress, while going over the range
would produce monofilaments too stiff and inflexible for knitting.
The PPS yarns should have a tenacity of between about 3.0 and 4.0
gram/denier with elongation at break of between about 35 and 45%, a
moisture regain of between about 0.4 and 0.8%, and a resistance to
melting, dripping and burning at a temperature of at least
500.degree. F.
[0040] Knitting of monofilaments brings into consideration the
concept of yarn flexural rigidity as the resistance to flexing,
bending and forming into loops. The factors determining the
rigidity for a filament are: its length, diameter, radius of
curvature of the loop it is bent into and elasticity of the
material. Connection between these factors is established by the
following equation:
P .times. L = M .times. D 4 R .times. C ##EQU00001##
[0041] Where M is the modulus of stretch (force required to produce
a unit of extension) D is the filament diameter, L is its length, P
is the force applied on the filament. R is the radius of loop's
curvature and C is a constant.
[0042] The modulus of flexural rigidity may be defined as the force
required to bend a unit length of a filament over a unit radius of
curvature.
[0043] To be of a good knitting property, the filament should have
a low modulus of flexural rigidity, that is it should require
relatively low effort to form them into loops. However, in a spacer
fabric where the monofilaments serve as connecting threads, the
modulus of flexural rigidity must be such as to prevent them from
collapsing on compression, but at the same time, enable them to be
formed into loops without undue difficulty. The modules of flexural
rigidity of the monofilament yarns that connect the fabric faces is
preferably between about 35-165 MFG/CM2 (Megagram Force) based on
Hearle Fiber Stiffness Test.
[0044] The schematic structure and example of the spacer fabric of
the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Fabric 1 comprises
two component webs or layers, namely front face 2 and back face 3.
Back face 3 is attached to front face 2 by a system of
interconnecting yarns 5 filling the interval or distance between
the faces. This distance may be set from between about 2 and 15
millimeters depending on product requirements as far as air
circulation, thus significantly enhancing the comfort factor of the
inventive system.
[0045] Significantly, the yarns of the two fabric faces are
resistant to melting, burning and dripping at a temperature of at
least 700.degree. F. The yarns of the two fabric faces have a yarn
count of between about 12/2 c.c and 32/2 c.c. (two ply yarn). For a
single ply yarn, the yarn count of the two fabric faces is between
about 6/1 c.c. and 16/1 c.c.
[0046] The yarns of the fabric faces are ideal in transporting
moisture therealong. This inhibits microorganism growth, thereby
preventing the accumulation of any significant odor. In particular,
the yarns of the two fabric faces are hydrophobic. The moisture
regain of the fabric is extremely low, preferably in the range of
between about 0.4 and 4.0%. The fabric faces themselves are of an
open pore structure, further precluding the retention of
moisture.
[0047] Interconnecting yarns 5 (see FIG. 2) are most preferably
monofilament PPS yarns in order to increase resilience; as stated;
the yarns have a size or fineness of between about 300 and 600
denier. The higher their denier, the greater the resilience to
deformation under the influence of impact. The same applies to the
density of the threads per square inch in the fabric. This density
may be varied by suitable guide bar threading, machine gauge,
knitting tightness, the number of guide bars carrying those threads
and the knitting construction used to generate each of the fabric
faces.
[0048] As stated before as well, the interconnecting yarns of the
inventive fabric are also resistant to melting, burning and
dripping at a temperature of at least 500.degree. F.
[0049] The inventive fabric itself is resistant to collapse at a
pressure of up to 2-3% residual deformation after removal of
compressive load, ASTM 3574 & 1667.
[0050] Faces 2 and 3 of the inventive fabric may be knit
independently of each other by their own set of guide bars, a
technique well known to those skilled in the art. This permits
making each face from a different knitting construction and using
different yarns types and deniers, if required. For example, back
face 3, placed against the wearer's body, may be made from high
tenacity yarns, having a tenacity of between about 18 and 30
grams/denier.
[0051] Construction of both front face 2 and back face 3 of the
inventive fabric is an open or mesh form (porous) for optimum air
circulation. The yarns of back face 3 are essentially hydrophobic
(non absorbent). The capillary action of their fibrous mass or
bundle wicks the perspiration away from the skin surface and moves
it to face 2 where it is free to evaporate.
[0052] Optionally, the yarns of back face 3 are made of yarns that
have been rendered hydrophilic in order to enhance transport of
perspiration and other body fluids (i.e., capillary action to the
front face of the fabric), thereby keeping the skin surface dry;
the yarns of the front face of the fabric should then always be
hydrophobic in order to prevent the accumulation of perspiration
and thus promote moisture evaporation.
[0053] Also, each of the face fabrics may be made in different
weights, thickness, porosity, degree of stability, mesho opening
size and other physical characteristics to suit the purpose of
providing optimum trauma protection.
[0054] The inventive fabric is resilient and impact absorbing. This
is built into the fabric by a system of monofilament threads of PPS
connecting the fabric faces. This system offers protection from the
blunt trauma effects arising when a bullet or shrapnel impacts the
body armor. Fabric resilience itself is defined as the property of
recovery from compression of the original fabric configuration in
shape and/or thickness following removal of the strain or pressure
that has caused the deformation. In other words, the spacer fabric
of the invention should spring back to its original state or volume
after being compressed and/or crushed. The resilience of the
inventive fabric should be between about 2-3% residual deformation
after removal of compressive load, ASTM 3574 & 1667.
[0055] In addition, because of the yarns used and the knitting
construction used, the inventive fabric will not ravel, fray or
lose its integrity.
[0056] The fabric is constructed with flame resisting components,
which will not burn, melt, or drip so as to cause injury to the
wearer. This is of a particular importance in a burning or
smoldering environment, such as those encountered by soldiers in
battlefield situations. Thus, vests made from the inventive fabric
will not contribute to any form of combustion.
[0057] The air which flows through a vest made with the fabric of
the invention carries away and ultimately evaporates perspiration
from a solider's uniform so as to generate a comfort enhancing
cooling effect. Because of its open construction, the inventive
fabric exhibits great porosity or permeability, which induces free
movement of air and the desired cooling effect it produces. The air
permeability is the rate of air flow through the fabric under
differential pressure between two fabric surfaces. It is expressed
in units of cubic feet of air per minute per square foot of fabric
at a stated pressure differential between the two fabric surfaces.
Testing for air permeability is covered by the ASTM D-737-69.
[0058] The inventive fabric is advantageous due to its high air
permeability. This is, in part, achieved by varying the opening or
hole size of the mesh of the fabric faces and the depth of the
fabric. The mesh opening size of the two fabric faces ranges from
between about 6 and 12 mm and the depth or thickness of the fabric
itself ranges from between about 3 and 15 mm. The inventive fabric
is light in weight in a range of between about 14 and 17 oz/yd.
[0059] The inventive fabric will not hold and absorb moisture,
perspiration, mold or micro-organisms liable to cause odor. This is
because of the very low moisture absorbent properties of the yarns,
plus the optional preference of anti static fiber components, as
discussed below.
[0060] The inventive fabric may be rendered anti-static by
including conductive yarns or fibers in its structure. In this
regard, there are several conductive yarns or fibers on the market
that can be used. The preferred conductive yarn used in the
inventive fabric of the present invention is the X-static product
made by Noble Fiber Technologies, Inc. This is a nylon fiber coated
with a silver layer in order to render it conductive.
[0061] The conductive yarn fiber is preferably blended or
intermixed with the modacrylic or other yarns that are used in the
mesh faces of the inventive fabric. In other words, the nylon yarns
coated with silver are knitted together with yarns used for the two
fabric faces. Blending the silver coated nylon fibers with
modracrylics prevents buildup of static charges liable to produce a
spark discharge and the hazard of setting off explosion in gasoline
vapors or other combustible materials. Anti-static filament yarns
may also be used instead of being blended in fibrous form. This,
however, will require the use of an extra guide bar to accommodate
the said yarn.
[0062] The presence of conductive fibers that may be used in the
inventive fabric also will impart antimicrobial properties, which
suppresses development of objectionable odors. The use of the
conductive fibers also renders the fabric anti-bacterial.
[0063] A vest made with the inventive fabric may be cleaned in a
detergent bath, rinsed and then air dried.
[0064] The inventive fabric is preferably formed on a warp knit
basis utilizing two needle bar Raschel equipment. However, it may
also be generated on a weft knit basis involving flat or circular
knitting machines or using some type of plastic extrusion
technology.
[0065] It should be understood that the fabric example below
represents just one constructional option. Many other variations
may be generated by those skilled in the art.
Example 1
[0066] One type of fabric as per the present invention contains the
following yarns:
[0067] 22/2's c.c. spun modacrylic package dyed 35.3%
[0068] 450 denmonofil (polypropylene sulfide) heat resistant,
solution dyed 64.7%
[0069] The presence of package dyed yarn eliminates the need for
fabric dyeing, which is difficult for this type product.
[0070] The construction of the fabric in Example 1 is as
follows:
TABLE-US-00001 FABRIC CONSTRUCTION Beam Inches Ends Number Rack
Total Yarn 2(front) 64'' 608 22/2 Modacrylic 3 134'' 1216 22/2
Modacrylic 4 664'' 1200 450-1 PPS (Polyphenylene sulfide) 5 134''
1216 22/2 Modacrylic 6 54'' 608 22/2 Modacrylic
[0071] The threading chart for Example 1 is as follows:
TABLE-US-00002 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ...
....................... .... Bar 6 .11.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.. ...
.11.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. 2 (back). Bar 5. 1111111111111111111111. ...
1111111111111111111111. 1 Bar 4. .....11111111111111.... ...
.....11111111111111.... 0 Bar 3. .1111111111111111111111 ...
.1111111111111111111111 0 Bar 2 11.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1... ...
11.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1... 3 (front)
[0072] The stitch construction for Example 1 is as follows:
TABLE-US-00003 STITCH CONSTRUCTION BAR 2 BAR 4 BAR 6 (front) BAR 3
Connector BAR 5 (Back) F 3-3 0-1 0-1 1-1 2-2 B 3-3 1-1 1-0 1-0 0-0
F 1-1 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 B 1-1 0-0 0-1 0-1 2-2 F 3-3 2-2 B 3-3 0-0 F
1-1 0-0 B 1-1 2-2 F 2-2 2-2 B 2-2 1-1 F 0-0 1-1 B 0-0 3-3 F 2-2 3-3
B 2-2 1-1 F 0-0 1-1 B 0-0 3-3 F 2-2 3-3 B 2-2 1-1 F 1-1 1-1 B 1-1
2-2
[0073] In Example 1, because the fabric is made with pre-dyed
yarns, there is no dyeing involved. The fabric in Example 1 is
stabilized and set by tenter framing at a temperature of 330 F at
the speed of 25 yds/min. The finished fabric had a fabric width of
54 inches and a weight of 12.5 oz/yd.
[0074] In FIG. 3a, a fabric of the invention is shown with a mesh
structure on the front face and mesh openings on the rear face.
[0075] In FIG. 3b, a fabric of the invention is shown with large
mesh openings on the front face and smaller mesh openings on the
rear face.
[0076] In FIG. 3c, a general view of the mesh spacer fabric of the
invention is shown.
[0077] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among
those made apparent, from the preceding description, are efficient
attained by the practice of the subject invention.
[0078] The scope of the invention will be indicated in the
claims.
* * * * *