U.S. patent application number 14/187800 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-25 for hosiery and dancewear with antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties.
The applicant listed for this patent is Serge Babayan, Kenneth Dye. Invention is credited to Serge Babayan, Kenneth Dye.
Application Number | 20140283282 14/187800 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51568029 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140283282 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dye; Kenneth ; et
al. |
September 25, 2014 |
HOSIERY AND DANCEWEAR WITH ANTIMICROBIAL AND MOISTURE-WICKING
PROPERTIES
Abstract
A method for producing pantyhose and other nylon or spandex
hosiery having long lasting antimicrobial and moisture-wicking
properties. The method includes placing the pantyhose in a tub,
adding a hydrophilic agent to the tub, adding an antimicrobial
agent to the tub, adding dye mix and ammonia sulfate to the tub,
heating contents of the tub until pores in the pantyhose expand to
allow entry of hydrophilic agent molecules, antimicrobial agent
molecules, and dye molecules, adding a color fixing agent to the
tub, lowering a pH of the contents of the tub, and adding a
softening mix to the tub.
Inventors: |
Dye; Kenneth; (Galion,
OH) ; Babayan; Serge; (Charlotte, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dye; Kenneth
Babayan; Serge |
Galion
Charlotte |
OH
NC |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51568029 |
Appl. No.: |
14/187800 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61767911 |
Feb 22, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/239 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06P 1/6735 20130101;
A41B 11/14 20130101; D06L 1/12 20130101; A41B 2400/22 20130101;
A41B 2400/34 20130101; D06P 3/241 20130101; D06M 16/00 20130101;
D06M 2101/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/239 |
International
Class: |
A41B 11/14 20060101
A41B011/14; A41D 31/00 20060101 A41D031/00; A41H 43/00 20060101
A41H043/00 |
Claims
1. A method for producing pantyhose having long lasting
antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties, the method
comprising: a) placing the pantyhose in a tub; b) adding a
hydrophilic agent to the tub; c) adding an antimicrobial agent to
the tub; d) adding dye mix and ammonia sulfate to the tub; e)
heating contents of the tub until pores in the pantyhose expand to
allow entry of hydrophilic agent molecules, antimicrobial agent
molecules, and dye molecules; f) adding a color fixing agent to the
tub; g) lowering a pH of the contents of the tub; and h) adding a
softening mix to the tub.
2. The method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising
pre-scouring and rinsing the pantyhose to remove oil.
3. The method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising adding
an acid leveling agent to the tub after adding the hydrophilic
agent to the tub.
4. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein lowering the pH
of the contents of the tub comprises adding an acid substitute to
the contents of the tub.
5. The method in accordance with claim 4, wherein adding an acid
substitute to the contents of the tub comprises adding a diluted
acid base containing Tanacid NA to the contents of the tub.
6. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein lowering the pH
of the contents of the tub comprises lowering the pH of the
contents of the tub to a pH in a range between 4.5 and 5.
7. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the step of
adding a softening mix to the tub comprises adding a 4% cationic
nylon softener and a 1% diluted silicone softener to the tub.
8. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the step of
adding a softening mix to the tub comprises adding a softening mix
to the tub at a temperature in a range of 100 to 120 degrees
Fahrenheit.
9. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the step of
heating the contents of the tub comprises heating the contents of
the tub to a temperature in a range of 200-220 degrees
Fahrenheit.
10. The method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising
heating the contents of the dye tub to a temperature in a range of
150-170 degrees Fahrenheit after the step of adding the color
fixing agent to the contents of the tub.
11. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the step of
adding the hydrophilic agent to the tub comprises adding a quantity
of 4%-6% OWG of translucent emulsified copolymer to the tub.
12. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the step of
adding the antimicrobial agent to the tub comprises adding a
quantity of 1-3 grams/liter of triclosan to the tub.
13. A method for producing pantyhose having long lasting
antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties, the method
comprising: a) placing the pantyhose in a tub; b) prescouring and
rinsing the pantyhose to remove oil; c) adding dye mix and ammonia
sulfate to the tub; d) heating contents of the tub to a temperature
in a range of 200-212 degrees Fahrenheit; e) cold rinsing the
contents of the tub; f) adding a color fix to the contents of the
tub; g) lowering a pH of the contents of the tub; h) heating the
contents of the tub to a temperature in a range of 160-180 degrees
Fahrenheit; i) adding a softening mix to the tub at a temperature
in a range of 100-120 degrees Fahrenheit; and
14. The method in accordance with claim 13, wherein lowering the pH
of the contents of the tub comprises adding an acid substitute to
the contents of the tub.
15. The method in accordance with claim 14, wherein adding an acid
substitute to the contents of the tub comprises adding a diluted
acid base containing Tanacid NA to the contents of the tub.
16. The method in accordance with claim 15, wherein lowering the pH
of the contents of the tub comprises lowering the pH of the
contents of the dye tub to a pH in a range between 4.5 and 5.
17. The method in accordance with claim 13, further comprising
adding an acid leveling agent to the tub after adding the
hydrophilic agent to the tub.
18. The method in accordance with claim 13, wherein the step of
adding the hydrophilic agent to the tub comprises adding a quantity
of 4%-6% OWG of translucent emulsified copolymer to the tub.
19. The method in accordance with claim 13, wherein the step of
adding the antimicrobial agent to the tub comprises adding a
quantity of 1-3 grams/liter of triclosan to the tub.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
hosiery, including dancewear and intimate apparel, and relates more
particularly to a method for producing hosiery having antimicrobial
and moisture-wicking properties, wherein a desired color and handle
of the hosiery is preserved and wherein such hosiery provides
certain health benefits and greater comfort relative to traditional
hosiery.
[0002] In today's fast-paced, progressive environment, comfort is
often a dominant factor when consumers consider and select products
for purchase. Such comfort-minded product selection is particularly
evident in the hosiery industry, which provides clothing items that
are typically worn in direct contact with the skin of an
individual.
[0003] Due to the discomfort that is commonly associated with
wearing traditional types of pantyhose, tights, and other hosiery
items, the hosiery industry is currently in decline. While
technological advancements have facilitated the development of
hosiery made from softer yarns, such as microfiber, many women
still find pantyhose and tights to be an uncomfortable burden,
especially when worn for extended periods of time. Women often
endure chaffing, scratching, tightness, sweating, irritability, and
a general feeling of discomfort when wearing pantyhose and tights
in exchange for maintaining a fashionable and/or professional
appearance. Such discomfort is particularly prevalent among women
who wear pantyhose and tights while performing physically demanding
and/or high energy activities, such as waitressing, cocktailing,
dancing, and sports, during which a wearer may perspire
heavily.
[0004] In addition to being uncomfortable, traditional pantyhose
and tights can trap bacteria and increase temperature in the
genital area, and so can be the proximate cause or a contributing
factor in the development of yeast infections (candidiasis) in
wearers. The occurrence of bacterial vaginosis has also been linked
to the wearing of pantyhose and tights, among other causes.
Bacterial vaginosis can result in complications for pregnant women
and has been associated with an increase in the development of
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) following surgical procedures
such as a hysterectomy. The warm, moist environment created by
nylon pantyhose and tights is also a predictive factor in the
development of fungal infections of the skin of susceptible
wearers, particularly in the feet, abdomen and genital areas.
Preexisting fungal and allergic conditions, including eczema,
athlete's foot, hives and rashes are exacerbated by the wearing of
pantyhose and tights.
[0005] In view of the foregoing, it would be advantageous to
provide a method for producing pantyhose and tights having
long-lasting antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties, wherein
such pantyhose and tights are comfortable to wear and mitigate the
risk of causing a wearer to develop or exacerbate bacterial and/or
fungal infections. It would further be advantageous to provide such
a method that preserves a desired color shade and handle of
pantyhose and tights when antimicrobial and moisture-wicking
finishes are applied thereto.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a method for producing pantyhose and other nylon and spandex
hosiery having long-lasting antimicrobial and moisture-wicking
properties while preserving a desired color shade and handle of the
hosiery. The method includes placing the pantyhose in a tub, adding
a hydrophilic agent to the tub, adding an antimicrobial agent to
the tub, adding dye mix and ammonia sulfate to the tub, heating
contents of the tub until pores in the pantyhose expand to allow
entry of hydrophilic agent molecules, antimicrobial agent
molecules, and dye molecules, adding a color fixing agent to the
tub, lowering a pH of the contents of the tub, and adding a
softening mix to the tub.
[0007] The above-described method has been shown to produce
pantyhose having antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties
having an average longevity of 15-20 washes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating a preferred embodiment
of a method in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0009] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention
which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be
resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended
that the invention be limited to the specific term so selected and
it is to be understood that each specific term includes all
technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Referring to the flow chart shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary
method for producing pantyhose having antimicrobial and
moisture-wicking properties is provided. As used herein, the term
"pantyhose" shall refer to any type of hosiery that is partially or
entirely made from nylon or spandex, including, but not limited to,
trouser socks, knee highs, thigh highs, leggings, tights,
dancewear, body shapers, and traditional pantyhose, including
footless varieties of each.
[0011] For the sake of convenience and clarity, only nylon
pantyhose are mentioned in the following description of the
inventive method. It should be understood, however, that the
described method steps can be applied to any type of hosiery that
is partially or entirely made from either nylon or spandex.
[0012] The method embodied by the present disclosure generally
includes four steps: 1) pre-scouring; 2) antimicrobial and
moisture-wicking finishing; 3) acid dying; and 4) softening. Each
of these steps is described in detail below. Those of ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that the described steps involve
certain processes that are well known. It should be kept in mind,
however, that it is the particular combination of these method
steps, which include several processes that are believed to be
novel in the context of the present disclosure, that has been found
through extensive experimentation to be successful for the purpose
of producing hosiery in a manner that imparts long-lasting
antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties and preserves the
color and handle of the hosiery.
[0013] Pre-Scouring
[0014] Referring to the first step of the inventive method shown in
FIG. 1, a quantity of undyed, unfinished pantyhose, commonly
referred to as "greige goods," is subjected to a pre-scouring
process, whereby knitting oils are removed from the pantyhose. A
non-limiting example of such a process may include placing the
panty house in a tub filled with room-temperature water, heating
the contents of the tub to about 90-110 degrees Fahrenheit, and
circulating the contents of the tub for about 10 minutes. The water
is then drained from the tub and the tub is refilled. A quantity of
a scouring additive, such as about 0.9-1.1 grams/liter of an
additive sold under the name MELASCOUR HOS-J, and a quantity of
soda ash, such as about 1-2 grams/liter, are added to the tub. The
contents of the tub are then heated to about 170-190 degrees
Fahrenheit and are circulated for about 30 minutes. The contents of
the tub are then cooled to about 130-150 degrees Fahrenheit and the
tub is drained. The tub is then refilled with water and the
contents of the tub are heated to about 130-150 degrees Fahrenheit
and are circulated for about 10 minutes. The tub is then drained,
refilled, and the contents of the tub are circulated for about 6
minutes. The tub is then drained and the scoured pantyhose are
removed.
[0015] Antimicrobial and Moisture-Wicking Finishing
[0016] A second step in the process of the present disclosure
involves imparting antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties to
the pantyhose. In a non-limiting example of this step, the
pantyhose are added to a dye tube and the tub is filled with a
quantity of water. A quantity of a hydrophilic agent, such as about
4-6% on-weight-goods (OWG) of a translucent emulsified copolymer
(TEC) sold under the name MELAFINISH HPH, is added to the dye tub.
The contents of the tube are then circulated for about 5 minutes.
Next, a quantity of an acid leveling agent, such as about 1-3
grams/liter of a leveling agent sold under the name MELASSIST, is
added to the dye tub. The contents of the tube are then circulated
for about 5 minutes. Finally, a quantity of an antimicrobial (i.e.,
antibacterial and antifungal) agent, such as a triclosan-containing
additive sold under the name MICROBAN, is added to the dye tub and
the contents of the tub are circulated for about 5 minutes.
[0017] The introduction of the hydrophilic additive in the manner
described above provides the pantyhose with extremely high fluid
dynamic performance. Aqueous liquids, such as the sweat of a
wearer, are rapidly and systematically wicked away through the
fabric in all directions from the point of insult, thus resulting
in a perceived "dry feel" to the wearer even while the fabric is
still moist. This wicking also results in increased liquid surface,
which leads to rapid drying and an associated cooling effect, which
in-turn greatly enhances comfort to the wearer. This cooling and
drying also creates a highly unfavorable environment for the growth
and reproduction of microbes.
[0018] The introduction of the triclosan-containing additive in the
manner described above provides the pantyhose with a
microbe-resistant finish. Particularly, when a microbe comes into
contact with the treated fibers of the pantyhose, the triclosan
penetrates the cell wall of the microbe and disrupts the key
functions of the cell so that the microbe cannot grow or reproduce.
The growth and reproduction of bacteria and fungus in the pantyhose
are thereby mitigated.
[0019] Acid Dying
[0020] Next, a dye mix and a quantity of ammonia sulfate are added
to the dye tub. The dye mix is pre-formulated to produce a desired
color shade in the pantyhose. The ammonia sulfate is introduced to
lower the pH of the bath mix (i.e., the contents of the dye tube)
at a very slow rate (slower than conventional acids) thereby
slowing the strike rate of the dye mix. A slow strike rate promotes
even distribution of the dye mix, which in-turn promotes even
coloring and shading in the pantyhose. This is especially important
for lighter dye mixes (e.g. those used to produce nude, near-nude,
and flesh-tone pantyhose) which are more prone to produce visible
spotting than darker dye mixes (e.g. those used to produce black or
near-black pantyhose). For this reason, it is contemplated that
conventional acids can be substituted for ammonia sulfate if darker
dye mixes are used in the dying process.
[0021] The bath mix is circulated in the dye tub for approximately
10 minutes to allow thorough and even absorption of the dye mix and
the previously-introduced TEC, leveling agent, and triclosan by the
pantyhose. The bath mix is then heated to a preferred temperature
of about 200-220 degrees Fahrenheit. Heating the bath mix in this
manner causes the pores in the pantyhose fibers to open, thus
allowing the molecules of the dye, TEC, leveling agent, and
triclosan in the bath mix to enter the pores. After the heated bath
mix is circulated for several minutes the pantyhose are cold
rinsed.
[0022] Next, a color fix is added to the dye tub. The color fix is
a resin composed of clear molecules that are smaller in size than
the molecules of dye, TEC, leveling agent, and triclosan that have
been deposited in the pores of the nylon. The color fix is
introduced into the dye tub at a relatively cool water temperature
and is circulated in the dye tub for at least five minutes to
assure even distribution of the fix. An acid substitute, and
preferably a diluted acid base containing Tanacid NA, is then added
to the dye tub to lower the pH of the mix. The strike rate of the
bath mix is thereby slowed, thus facilitating an even distribution
of the color fix, dye, TEC, leveling agent, and triclosan. The
introduction of the acid base into the bath mix also imparts a
charge to the nylon pantyhose, thereby increasing the affinity of
the oppositely-charged molecules of dye, resin, TEC, leveling
agent, and triclosan for the nylon fibers.
[0023] Next, the bath mix is heated to a preferred temperature of
about 150-170 degrees Fahrenheit, causing the pores in the nylon
pantyhose to open. As the temperature in the bath mix rises, the pH
level of the bath mix gradually decreases to a range of about
4.5-5.0, a level at which the acidic bath mix drives the molecules
of the color fix, TEC, leveling agent, and triclosan into the pores
of the nylon fibers. The color fix molecules fill into the empty
spaces in the nylon pores that surround the larger molecules of
dye, TEC, leveling agent, and triclosan, thereby firmly setting the
large molecules within the pores. This can be likened to pouring
sand into buckets full of large rocks, wherein the buckets are
analogous to the nylon pores, the rocks are analogous to the dye,
TEC, leveling agent, and triclosan molecules, and the grains of
sand are analogous to the color fix molecules. The affinity of the
charged dye, TEC, leveling agent, triclosan, and color fix
molecules for the oppositely-charged nylon fibers causes the dye,
TEC, leveling agent, triclosan, and color fix molecules to set even
more firmly into the pores of the nylon, thus locking them into the
pantyhose. This fixation process is critical for protecting the
color shade of the pantyhose as well as for providing the pantyhose
with long-lasting antimicrobial and moisture-wicking
properties.
[0024] Softening/Finishing
[0025] Referring to the next step of the inventive method shown in
FIG. 1, a softening mix is added to the dye tub. The softening mix
preferably contains a standard 4% cationic nylon softener and a 1%
diluted silicone softener. The softening mix is applied at a
preferred temperature of about 100-120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is
sufficient for causing the softening mix to adhere to the nylon
pantyhose. The contents of the dye tub are then circulated to
distribute the softening mix.
[0026] The application of the softening mix provides the pantyhose
with a soft feel, or "handle." The use of a diluted silicone
softener is preferred for its longevity and exceptionally soft
handle when applied to nylon. However, those of ordinary skill in
the art will recognize that certain problems, including spotting
and seam slippage, are associated with the use of silicone
softening agents. Furthermore, silicone is much more expensive than
other, traditional softeners. It is therefore contemplated that
other suitable softening agents can be substituted for the
described silicone softening agent without departing from the
present invention.
[0027] After all of the steps of the above-described method have
been completed, the finished pantyhose can be removed from the dye
tub and passed along for further processing, such as tumble drying,
boarding, and packaging. It has been found that the antimicrobial
and moisture-wicking properties of the pantyhose can be maintained
for a minimum of 10 and up to as many as 20 washes, which typically
exceeds the useful life of a pair of pantyhose.
[0028] The inventive method thus provides a means for efficiently
and effectively imparting long-lasting antimicrobial and
moisture-wicking properties to various types of nylon spandex
hosiery items while preserving the desired color shade of such
items. The items produced by the inventive method exhibit superior
feel, comfort, longevity, and antimicrobial properties relative to
hosiery items that are produced using more traditional methods.
[0029] This detailed description in connection with the drawings is
intended principally as a description of the presently preferred
embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the
only form in which the present invention may be constructed or
utilized. The description sets forth the designs, functions, means,
and methods of implementing the invention in connection with the
illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the
same or equivalent functions and features may be accomplished by
different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed
within the spirit and scope of the invention and that various
modifications may be adopted without departing from the invention
or scope of the following claims.
* * * * *