Cut-resistant and cut-warning fabric

Abstract

The present invention relates in a first aspect to a cut-resistant fabric. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a cut-warning fabric. In yet another aspect the present invention relates to a method for preventing vandalism on a fabric. In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a fabric according to the present invention as an anti-vandalism fabric.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of cutting resistant fabrics. In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a cut-resistant fabric. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a cut-warning fabric. In yet another aspect the present invention relates to a method for preventing vandalism on a fabric. In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a fabric according to the present invention as an anti-vandalism fabric.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to prevent thefts, recently researches have been done to obtain cut resistant materials and constructions. This has already a lot of applications, especially in thermoharding materials. There are also known types of reinforcements for thermoplastic materials as e.g. a knitted “loop” fabric based on a knitted metal loop reinforcement. Also a woven tarpaulin reinforcement is already known comprising woven and knitted steel constructions. These last constructions have as major difficulty, i.e. the stiffness and the weight. The first “loop” knit construction has as major difficulty when it is used as “anti-hooligan” fabric in seats of trains, trams, busses, it may, upon damage pierce and stick through the fabric. So even if it helps a lot to improve cut resistance in the fabric, the seat can no more be used as the metal will pinch through the skin of the user as well.

It is an object of the present invention to provide improved cut-resistant fabrics. It is also an object of the present invention to provide cut-warning fabrics. In addition, another aim of the present invention is to provide a method for preventing vandalism on a fabric. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for activating an alarm signal when a fabric is being cut through.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a cut-resistant fabric comprising at least two layers and/or two directions of individual elements of which at least one individual element is a reinforced element comprising a reinforced fiber, which elements are not interwoven but have only an indirect connection created by chemicals, plastics, rubbers or by connection elements which are weaker than the reinforced element, and whereon at least one side is provided with an adhesive layer.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a cut-warning fabric being capable of activating an alarm signal when subjected to acts of vandalism, such as e.g. being cut or pierced through. In an embodiment, the invention relates to a cut-warning fabric comprising at least one layer and/or one direction of individual elements of which said individual elements are partly or wholly made of electro-conductive material and at least partly insulated. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a cut-warning fabric comprising at least two layers and/or two directions of individual elements of which said individual elements are partly or wholly made of conductive (electro-conductive) material and are at least partly insulated in relation to each other. The cut-warning fabric according to the invention is made out of layers or elements, which are insulated in relation to each other. As soon as an electrical conducting object such as the steel of a knife, cutter, bore, scraper, or similar object, penetrates through the fabric, a contact is made in the electrical circuit or the electrical circuit is cut off or closed. In both cases an alarm system will be activated.

In yet a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preventing vandalism on a fabric, by activating an alarm signal when the fabric is subjected to acts of vandalism, e.g. cut through. The alarm system may be activated when someone tries to cut or cuts through the fabric. In accordance with the present invention, the alarm system may be either activated upon

• • a) interruption/cutting off or closure of an electrical circuit provided in the fabric according to the present invention, or
  • b) providing a contact between a positive and a neutral or negative electrical circuit provided in the fabric according to the present invention.

More in particular, in an embodiment, said method for preventing vandalism on a fabric comprises providing a fabric comprising at least two layers and/or two directions of individual elements of which said individual elements are partly or wholly made of electro-conductive material and are insulated in relation to each other and wherein at least one of the individual elements is able to act as an electrical conductor for providing an electrical circuit in said fabric according to the invention, and activating an alarm signal when interruption or closure of said electrical circuit in said fabric is made.

In another embodiment, said method for preventing vandalism on a fabric comprises providing a fabric comprising at least two layers and/or two directions of individual elements of which said individual elements are partly or wholly made of electro-conductive material and are insulated in relation to each other and wherein at least one of the individual elements is able to act as a positive electrical conductor, and wherein at least another of the individual elements is able to act as a negative or neutral electrical conductor in said fabric according to the present invention, and activating an alarm signal when connection between said positive with said negative or neutral electrical conductor is made.

In yet a forth aspect the invention relates to a fabric comprising at least two layers and/or two directions of individual elements of which said individual elements are partly or wholly made of electro-conductive material and are insulated in relation to each other according to the invention, and further comprising at least two layers and/or two directions of individual elements of which at least one individual element is a reinforced element comprising a reinforced fiber, which elements are not interwoven but have only an indirect connection created by chemicals, plastics, rubbers or by a connection elements which are weaker than the reinforced element.

The cut-resistant and cut-warning fabrics or any combinations thereof according to the invention are particularly useful as anti-vandalism fabrics. Those skilled in the art will immediate recognize the many possibilities for end uses of the present invention from the detailed description and accompanying drawings provided below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1 to 10 represent different embodiments of fabrics according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows another preferred embodiment of a fabric according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 represents another embodiment of a fabric according to the present invention having two layers of non-woven individual elements.

FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of a fabric according to the present invention having layers of insulated individual elements.

FIG. 14 shows yet another embodiment of a fabric according to the present invention having insulated individual elements and comprising a metal wire per layer of individual elements.

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of a fabric according to the present invention having layers of insulated individual elements.

FIG. 16 shows yet another embodiment of a fabric according to the present invention having insulated individual elements and comprising a metal wire per layer of individual elements.

FIG. 17 schematically represents the induction of an alarm system in a fabric according to the invention, when a canvas is being cut with a knife. The fabric as represented consists of at least two conductive layers, which are separated in relation to each other by insulating material.

FIG. 18 shows the use of a canvas on a truck. The canvas is partly or wholly made of a fabric suitable for activating an alarm system according to the invention. The represented fabric is provided with a sensor capable of detecting a contact made in an electrical circuit or cutting off or closure of an electrical circuit provided in the fabric. Such detection is transmitted either directly or indirectly, e.g. via a satellite system, to a control unit capable of which subsequently releases an alarm signal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a cut-resistant fabric.

According to the present invention, such fabric comprises at least two layers and/or at least two directions of individual elements, which might be laid upon each woven, stitched interlink.

These fabrics might contain a warp and/or a weft. The difference between “multi-layered” fabric and “multi-axial” directions is only in the fact that the individual elements with multi-axial directions are woven, stitched or knitted together lengthwise while for a multi-layered fabric they are kept together by chemical or mechanical, such as fusion means or by stitching or knitting or a combination thereof.

The term “bias” implies a direction diagonally across a piece of fabric at preferably 45 degrees to the warp and fill. In the present invention the degrees to the warp and fill may differ from 45, in a range of from 1 to 89 degrees, for example 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 or 80 degrees.

“Non-woven” implies material obtained by assembling fibers with other chemical, mechanical, thermal or physical processes than weaving or knitting.

“Knitting means” implies a method for forming a fabric or textile surface produced by interlacing stitches (loops).

The “warp” comprises different warp elements, laying in a same direction, the so-called warp direction. The “weft” comprises different weft elements, laying in a same direction, the so-called weft direction. Each warp and weft element follows a certain path through the fabric, being respectively a warp path or a weft path. According to the invention, at least one warp element or one weft element, or both, comprise two or more elongated steel elements, which are in contact relationship with each other.

According to the invention an “individual element” implies a warp element, preferably a yarn. A warp element is to be understood as one or more individual elements such as e.g. yarns, filaments, bundles of fibers, wires or cords, which follow the same path through the fabric in warp direction. Preferably, but not necessarily, all individual elements of a warp element cross the weft elements of the fabric in an identical way. Weft element is to be understood as one or more individual elements such as e.g. yarns, filaments, bundles of fibers, wires or cords, which follow the same path through the fabric in weft direction. Preferably, but not necessarily, all individual elements of a weft element cross the warp elements of the fabric in an identical way.

In a first embodiment the present invention relates to a cut-resistant fabric comprising at least two layers and/or two directions of individual elements of which at least one individual element is a reinforced element comprising a reinforced fiber, which elements are not interwoven but have only an indirect connection created by chemicals, plastics, rubbers or by connection elements which are weaker than the reinforced element, and whereon at least one side is provided with an adhesive layer.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a cut-resistant fabric according to the invention, wherein said adhesive layer is self-adhesive, optionally with a releasing back sheet. The presence of a self-adhesive tape enables the fabric to be applied as a tape form, or in a given width. For instance, for the protection of tarpaulins or canvasses of trucks, the recommended width of the stroke of protective material preferably comprises between 80 cm and 130 cm, so that thieves or vandals cannot reach higher without the use of additional helping means, e.g. ladder, on the tarpaulin or canvas. Another advantage of this type of fabric is that the fabric may be easily used, e.g. in tape form, to replace damaged parts of materials such as canvasses, tarpaulins, seats, chairs, etc.

The adhesive layer may consist of conductive or non-conductive material, or a mixture thereof. In a preferred embodiment, said adhesive layer is electro-conductive. As used herein the term “electro-conductive” and “conductive” are used as synonyms and refer to the material property of allowing electrical charge movement.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a cut-resistant fabric according to the invention in which at least one of the individual elements is partly or wholly electro-conductive and at least partly insulated.

In another further embodiment, said electro-conductive material is selected from the group comprising a metal thread, a conductive fiber, a conductive polymer, aluminum foil, sputtered metals or mixtures thereof.

The conductive material may be a metal component, such as a metal thread provided that the metal is conductive and preferably a copper or steel thread. “Conductive polymers” refers to polymers that conduct electric currents without the addition of conductive (inorganic) substances. In another embodiment, the conductive material in the fabric may be a conductive polymer, such as but not limited to polypyrrole, polythiophene, polyaniline, substituted polyaniline, poly(ethylene dioxythiophene), polybutyl teraphtalate (PBT), polyvinyidifloride (PVDF) or other conductive polymers or any mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment the co-polymers include PBT, which is suitable as conductive polymers since it provide a good flexibility, and PVDF, which is suitable since this polymer provides resistance to chemical compounds. In another preferred embodiment, the conductive polymers include polypryrrole and polyaniline. Alternatively, the conductive material in the fabric may also be a conductive fiber, such as conductive carbon fibers, carbon filled nylon or polyester fibers. In another embodiment, the conductive material may also comprise a sputtered metal or mixtures thereof. The conductive material may also comprise conductive aluminum foil that is perforated or not. In a preferred embodiment, the conductive material comprises conductive aluminum foil that is perforated.

In another further embodiment, the invention relates to a cut-resistant fabric, wherein the insulating material is selected from the group comprising PVC, polyester, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene, ethylene/butene copolymers (PEB), polyethylene terephtalate (PET), polybutyl teraphtalate (PBT), polyvinyidifloride (PVDF) or mixtures thereof.

In yet another embodiment, the reinforced fibers in said cut-resistant fabric are provided with joints or weakening points for enabling folding of the fabric. For certain application, flexible fabrics are required. This is for instance the case when textiles of the curtain type or the roll-up type, e.g. canvasses or tarpaulins, are to be rolled up in horizontal or vertical direction respectively to open the textiles. Textiles of this type require flexibility vertically. In order to enable the fabric according to the present invention to be easily rolled up or aside, the canvas comprises a fabric having reinforced fibers, which are provided with joints or weakening points for enabling the folding of the fabric.

In another aspect the invention relates to a cut-warning fabric.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, such cut-warning fabric comprises at least one layer and/or one direction of individual elements of which said individual elements are partly or wholly made of electro-conductive material and at least partly insulated.

In a preferred embodiment said at least one of the individual element is able to act as an electrical conductor suitable for providing an electrical circuit in said fabric.

In a more preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a cut-warning fabric wherein the interruption or closure of said electrical circuit in said fabric is capable of activating an alarm signal.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mentioned cut-warning fabric comprises at least two layers and/or two directions of individual elements of which said individual elements are partly or wholly made of conductive (electro-conductive) material and are at least partly insulated in relation to each other.

In a preferred embodiment at least one of the individual elements is able to act as a positive electrical conductor, and at least another of the individual elements is able to act as a negative or neutral electrical conductor.

In a more preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a cut-warning fabric wherein the connection between said positive with said negative or neutral electrical conductor is capable of activating an alarm signal.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a cut-warning fabric further comprising at least one individual element able to act as a connection thread, for interconnecting the different individual elements able to act as a same electrical conductor. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a cut-warning fabric, wherein the individual elements are able to act as a same electrical conductor are suitable for ending up in only one pen being connectable to an electrical power supplier. Alternatively in another embodiment, the present invention provides a cut-warning fabric, wherein the individual elements are able to act as an electrical conductor are suitable for ending up in a multiple of pens being connectable to an electrical power supplier.

In a preferred embodiment the invention relates to a cut-warning fabric, wherein said individual elements are provided with joints or weakening points for enabling folding of the fabric.

In another further embodiment, the invention relates to a cut-warning fabric, wherein electro-conductive material is selected from the group comprising a metal thread, a conductive fiber, a conductive polymer, aluminum foil, sputtered metals or mixtures thereof. In a more preferred embodiment, at least one of said individual elements is partly or wholly made of perforated aluminum foil.

In yet another further embodiment, the invention relates to a cut-warning fabric, wherein insulating material is selected from the group comprising PVC, polyester, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene, ethylene/butene copolymers (PEB), poly ethylene terephtalate (PET), polybutyl teraphtalate (PBT), polyvinyldifloride (PVDF) or mixtures thereof.

A particularly preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a fabric wherein at least one of its individual elements is partly or wholly electro-conductive, and preferably consisting of perforated aluminum foil, that is at least partly provided with insulating material, in particular PVC. The combination of perforated aluminum foil as conductive material and PVC as insulating material is particularly advantageous, since PVC is a thermoplastic material which when forming the layered fabric structure can extrude into the perforations provided in the aluminum foil in order to provide a solid fabric.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a cut-warning fabric wherein at least one layer and/or one direction of the individual elements is further able to act as an electrical conductor suitable for activating a heating system in said fabric. Therefor, a heating electrical current is provided in the fabric according to the invention by using the same components as used for establishing the alarm system. More in particular, the heating system may be induced by a) contact between a positive and a neutral or negative electrical circuit provided in the fabric according to the present invention; or b) by interruption/cutting off/closure of an electrical circuit provided in the fabric according to the present invention. By providing a heating system in the fabric according to the invention, at the same time use of the fabric in protective textiles such as seats but not limited to, tarpaulins, convertible tops, or roofs, tents, protection fabrics for boats, trucks, cars, pick-up trucks combine in this way heating and security.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preventing vandalism on a fabric which comprises providing a fabric comprising at least two layers and/or two directions of individual elements of which said individual elements are partly or wholly made of electro-conductive material and are insulated in relation to each other and wherein at least one of the individual elements is able to act as an electrical conductor for providing an electrical circuit in said fabric according to the above-given description, and activating an alarm signal when interruption or closure of said electrical circuit in said fabric is made.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for preventing vandalism on a fabric comprising providing a fabric comprising at least two layers and/or two directions of individual elements of which said individual elements are partly or wholly made of electro-conductive material and are insulated in relation to each other and wherein at least one of the individual elements is able to act as a positive electrical conductor, and wherein at least another of the individual elements is able to act as a negative or neutral electrical conductor in said fabric according to the above-given description, and activating an alarm signal when connection between said positive with said negative or neutral electrical conductor is made.

It will be understood that the method according to the invention is also capable of activating an alarm system when a fabric is being cut, by means of a combination of the two-above mentioned systems.

In another further embodiment, the invention relates to a method, wherein interruption or closure of at least one electrical circuit or connection of at least two electrical circuits in said fabric induces a signal that is detected by a sensor and that is transmitted either directly or indirectly to a control unit capable of releasing an alarm signal. In both methods as described above, the fabric is provided with a sensor. The sensor is either wireless or not and is in contact with a control unit. The sensor detects a contact or an interruption or closure of a electrical circuit, activates a signal upon detection and transmits the signal to a control unit, which subsequently activates an alarm and/or signal, either visible/hearable or not. Suitable alarm signals may comprise noise, light or a silent contact alarming the police, guards, owners or whoever. It is clear that also combination of these alarm signals is possible. Transmission of the signal from the sensor to the control unit preferably occurs indirectly, via a global positioning system (GPS). This type of transmission advantageously links the alarm signal to a position and enables to localize the site where vandalism on the fabric is performed.

In another embodiment of this invention, the method comprises providing a fabric wherein the electro-conductive material is selected from the group comprising a metal thread, a conductive fiber, a conductive polymer, aluminum foil, sputtered metals or mixtures thereof.

In another embodiment the invention relates to a method, wherein a fabric is provided wherein the insulating material is selected from the group comprising PVC, polyester, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene, ethylene/butene copolymers (PEB), poly ethylene terephtalate (PET), polybutyl teraphtalate (PBT), polyvinyldifloride (PVDF) or mixtures thereof.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a fabric comprising at least two layers and/or two directions of individual elements of which said individual elements are partly or wholly made of electro-conductive material and are insulated in relation to each other according to the above-given description and further comprising at least two layers and/or two directions of individual elements of which at least one individual element is a reinforced element comprising a reinforced fiber, which elements are not interwoven but have only an indirect connection created by chemicals, plastics, rubbers or by a connection elements which are weaker than the reinforced element. This type of fabric enables to combine cutting resistance with the possibility to activate an alarm system when the fabric is subjected to acts of vandalism.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to said cut-resistant and cut-warning fabric wherein said electro-conductive material is selected from the group comprising a metal thread, a conductive fiber, a conductive polymer, aluminum foil, sputtered metals or mixtures thereof.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to said cut-resistant and cut-warning fabric wherein the insulating material is selected from the group comprising PVC, polyester, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene, ethylene/butene copolymers (PEB), poly ethylene terephtalate (PET), polybutyl teraphtalate (PBT), polyvinyidifloride (PVDF) or mixtures thereof.

In an even more preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a cut-resistant and cut-warning fabric wherein at least one of said individual elements is partly or wholly made of perforated aluminum foil.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a fabric, wherein said individual elements and said reinforced fibers are provided with joints or weakening points for enabling folding of the fabric.

In yet another aspect of the present invention a cut-resistant and cut-warning fabric is provided as described above, whereon at least on one side an adhesive layer, preferably a self-adhesive layer optionally with a releasing back sheet is provided.

In a preferred embodiment the angle between the individual elements differs from 90°.

In another preferred embodiment the fabric according to the invention has at least two different layers and/or directions of individual elements.

In another preferred embodiment the fabric according to the invention comprises individual elements which are connected by knitting and/or by stitching.

In another preferred embodiment the individual elements are connected by plastic, chemicals or rubber.

In another preferred embodiment the individual elements are connected by another textile means such as non-woven.

In another preferred embodiment the fabric according to the invention comprises a combination of one or more of the connection means.

In another preferred embodiment the fabric contains at least one direction and/or layer which differs to another in an angle other than 90°.

In another preferred embodiment the different individual elements have at least two different compositions of material.

In another preferred embodiment the individual elements are covered by a material by spinning, winding, twisting or any other way to have fibers or filaments around the elements.

In another preferred embodiment at least some of the individual elements are covered by plastic and/or rubber.

In a preferred embodiment the fabric is woven, knitted or braid, or comprises any other textile construction wherein the connection or interweaving takes at least partly place by means of non reinforcement individual elements, as e.g. normal textile yarns, while the major reinforcement individual elements do not have a major part of the woven or knitted connection to each other.

In another preferred embodiment the main reinforcement individual elements are only interwoven, interknit or interconnected at a distance of at least 0.5 mm, preferably 5 mm and more preferably more than 10 mm.

In another preferred embodiment the fabric is a multi-axial insertion fabric comprising four main directions, being one warp, one weft and two bias directions and a longitudinal knitted connection thread.

In another preferred embodiment the fabric is a multi-axial weft insertion fabric comprising three main directions being two bias directions and one weft direction and a longitudinal knitted connection thread or yarn.

In another preferred embodiment the fabric is a laid fabric comprising two bias directions and one horizontal weft direction.

In another preferred embodiment the fabric is a laid fabric comprising four reinforcement directions being one weft direction, one warp direction and two bias directions.

In another preferred embodiment the fabric is a bias laid fabric comprising two directions.

In another preferred embodiment the fabric is a bias laid fabric comprising a longitudinal carrier yarn up and/or under the two main directions.

In another preferred embodiment the fabric is a two layer laid fabric In another preferred embodiment the fabric is a three layer laid fabric.

In another preferred embodiment the fabric is a four layer laid fabric.

In another preferred embodiment, the fabric according to the invention is cut resistant to a force of more than 1 Newton/cm.

Taking the above-mentioned features into account the preferred textile constructions will be “weft inserted” knits, laid fabrics, multi-axial fabrics in shape of multi-axial laid fabrics or as multi-axial weft insertion (type Liba and Karl Mayer Malimo) and also stitched materials including the use of non-wovens and all other or any combination of these textile constructions.

The fabrics according to any of the embodiments of the present invention are particularly useful to be used as an anti-vandalism fabric. In particular in another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a fabric according to any of the previous embodiments as an alarm activating fabric and/or a heating activating fabric and/or a cut-resistant fabric.

In further preferred embodiment the invention relates to a tarpaulin or cover comprising one or more of the previous fabrics according to the invention. In order to protect the entire tarpaulin connections such cords will also be preferably reinforced and connected with an alarm system.

In another further preferred embodiment the invention relates to a canvas comprising one or more of the previous fabrics according to the invention. As used herein the term “canvas”, is to be understood in the largest way. Protective canvasses, to be used e.g. on trucks, containers or trains are to be understood as protective textiles. Canvasses for different uses may be provided, e. g. canvasses for trucks may be of the curtain type or of the roll-up type. Canvasses of the curtain type are slidingly suspended on horizontal rails and can be horizontally slid to one side to open the canvas. Canvasses to the curtain type require flexibility in the horizontal direction. Canvasses of the roll-up type can be rolled up vertically to open the canvas. Canvasses of the roll-up type require flexibility vertically.

In another preferred embodiment the invention relates to a “convertible” for cars or other transport vehicle comprising one or more of the previous fabrics according to the invention. In convertible roofs of cars and other transport vehicles the accent will be even more one the alarm system. A part or the whole of the fabric can be made conductive by e.g. a polymer such as polypyrrole and/or polyaniline and others, this will provide the advantage that the fabric will remain very soft and thus very good foldable.

In yet another preferred embodiment the invention relates to a luggage or parcel or other packing material comprising one or more of the previous fabrics according to the invention.

A further embodiment of the invention comprises an upholstery fabric reinforced in the form of seats, chairs comprising one or more of the previous fabrics according to the invention.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a flexible in preference but also non-flexible door, gate comprising one or more of the previous fabrics according to the invention.

Yet another embodiment of the invention comprises a shelter and/or tent comprising one or more of the previous fabrics according to the invention.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a temporary wall or fence as used for exhibition rooms comprising one or more of the previous fabrics according to the invention.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a tape or zipper or other fastening means comprising one or more of the previous fabrics according to the invention. Zippers may be provided which are reinforced to be cut-proof and can be connected to an alarm system as well.

In yet another preferred embodiment the invention relates to a rope comprising one or more of the previous system and/or fabric according to the invention.

In another preferred embodiment the invention relates to a filter comprising one or more of the previous fabrics according to the invention. In yet another preferred embodiment the invention relates to a gas absorber or liquid absorber suitable for use in the cabin of a vehicle, for preventing the entry of toxic gases in said cabin, comprising one or more of the previous fabrics according to the invention. For instance, in order to protect a driver from toxic and noxious gases a filter comprising the fabric according to the invention may be provided in the air refresher system of the vehicle so that noxious gases are eliminated. In addition, a connection to an alarm system may be provided by means of the used fabric, enabling the activation of the alarm system when the gas/liquid absorber gets in action or reaches a critical value.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention comprises composite materials containing at least one fabric according to any of previous embodiments according to the invention.

The invention is further elucidated with reference to the examples and drawings wherein several fabrics according to the invention are depicted.

EXAMPLES

In a first example, a fabric according to the present invention may contain a warp and a weft. The warp ends may contain fully or partially insulated individual elements of conductive material, and the weft may have non-insulated or partially or fully insulated individual elements of conductive material. An example could be a steel thread covered with plastic as PVC, PP, PA, PETP, PEB, PBT, PVDF, or any mixture thereof or could be covered with an insulating yarn spun or twisted or braided around the thread.

In another example, as represented on FIG. 11, such fabric may comprise a weft reinforcement individual element 1 and a warp reinforcement individual element 2, a weft binding individual element 3 and a warp binding individual element 4 whereby the reinforcement individual elements 1 and 2 do not bind each other or if wanted only at wider distances, e.g. 0.5, 1 or 3 mm, the way of binding can be changed and the number of ends or picks of as well individual elements and binding elements can be different than one on any row. In the represented example, the fabric comprises non-insulated weft reinforcement individual element 1 and insulated warp reinforcement individual element 2, which are made of conductive material. As soon as someone tries to cut through the presented fabric, the insulated warp ends will be brought into contact with the non-insulated weft yarns, as the insulation will disappear when cutting through. This contact will activate an alarm.

In another example of a fabric according to the present invention is represented on FIG. 12. The fabric comprises two layers of non-woven individual elements 5, 6 of which one serves as a positive layer 5, the other one as a negative or neutral layer 6. They can be insulated one versus the other by a insulating material 11, e.g. of polyethylene, PVC, polypropylene, polyamide, polyester or other coatings or any combination thereof. The non-woven elements comprise conductive material, e.g. conductive fibers or conductive polymers.

In yet another example, as represented on FIG. 13, the fabric comprises insulated non-woven elements, insulated warp reinforcement individual elements 9 and insulated bias individual elements 10. Insulating knitted connection thread 12 is provided, stitching through the fabric and keeping all ends together by knitting. The cutting resistant yarns are insulated by at least one non-conductive layer 11 separating the conductive yarns layers. Again, contact can be made or disrupted by connecting the different layers of conductive yarn ends.

Alternatively, the fabric may comprise, as represented on FIG. 14 insulated non-woven individual elements 9 and insulated bias individual elements 10, which are made of conductive material. Insulating knitted connection thread 12 is provided, stitching through the fabric and keeping all ends together by knitting. The cutting resistant yarns are insulated by at least one non-conductive layer 11 separating the conductive yarns layers. To have a good contact the fabric may have one flat metal wire; preferably copper wire per layer of yarns.

FIGS. 13 and 14 provide a schematic representation for the concept of providing a knitted connection thread. A more detailed representation of the knitted connection thread is provided in FIGS. 15 and 16. FIGS. 15 and 16 represent a fabric as in FIGS. 13 and 14, respectively wherein the the connection thread is knitted up and down through the fabric forming knots 13, which are interconnected.

FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of an activation mechanism of the alarm system. In this figure a reinforced fabric 18 is represented comprising at least two conductive layer 14, 15 being insulated 16 in relation to each other. One of the layers acts as a positive conductor 14, while the other layer acts as a negative conductor 15. When an electrically conducting material, e.g. a knife 17, brings both conductive layers in connection to each other, a signal is detected and transmitted to a control unit, which will generate an alarm signal.

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of the alarm system. A truck comprises a canvas capable which is partly or wholly made of a fabric suitable for activating an alarm system according to the invention. The represented fabric is provided with a sensor capable of detecting a contact made in an electrical circuit or cutting off or closure of an electrical circuit provided in the fabric. Such detection is transmitted either directly A or indirectly B, e.g. via a satellite system 19 such as a global positioning system (GPS), to a control unit 20, which subsequently activates an alarm signal.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the alarm system can be interrupted or inactivated from a certain distance.

FIGS. 1b 2c, 3b, 3c, 3a depict the force vectors in the plane of force elucidating the enhanced cutting resistance aspect of the fabrics of the present invention.

FIG. 1b elucidates the force vector of a prior art fabric while the other figures depict the force vectors acting upon fabrics according to the invention. The active (downward) force vector, for example the result of a vandalism action by a cutting knife on the yarns of the present invention (FIGS. 2-10) will be resolved in the plane of force into a cutting force vector acting perpendicular on the individual yarn and a rest force vector. It is clear that the rest force vector is zero on a fabric according to the prior art (FIG. 1a), while on a fabric according to the invention (FIGS. 2-10) a positive rest force vector will be present and therefore reducing the active downward force vector into a smaller cutting force vector acting perpendicular on the individual yarns. It is clear that due to the bias directions and/or bias layers, there is a considerable loss of the cutting force (perpendicular on the yarns).

Furthermore, due to the weak connections between the individual elements or yarns and the downward directed active force vector, several individual elements will be loosened and will be collected together and form a resistant barrier presenting a high cutting resistance. It is clear that the cutting resistant value increases surprisingly high with a fabric according to the present invention whereof the examples are depicted in FIGS. 2-10.

FIG. 2a shows a bias laid fabric comprising a longitudinal reinforcement yarn up 21 and two bias directions 22, 23; three main enforcements bond together.

FIG. 3a shows a four laid fabric comprising a longitudinal reinforcement yarn up 21, a horizontal reinforcement yarn up 24 and two bias directions 22, 23; four main enforcements bond together.

FIG. 4 shows a fabric according to invention comprising a weft reinforcement individual element 1 and a warp reinforcement individual element 2, a weft binding individual element 3 and a warp binding individual element 4 whereby the reinforcement individual elements 1 and 2 do not bind each other or if wanted only at wider distances, e.g. 3 mm, the way of binding can be changed and the number of ends or picks of as well individual elements and binding elements can be different than one on any row.

FIG. 5 shows a multi-axial insertion fabric comprising four main directions, being one warp 21, one weft 24 and two bias directions 22, 23 and a longitudinal knitted connection thread 12, stitching through the fabric and keeping all ends together by knitting.

FIG. 6 shows a multi-axial weft insertion fabric comprising three main directions being two bias directions 22, 23 and one weft direction 24, and a longitudinal knitted connection thread or yarn 12.

FIG. 7 shows a laid fabric comprising two bias directions 22, 23 and one horizontal weft direction 24. The connections are made by chemical means, e.g. PVC, PVA, PP, PE, PBT, PVDF, mixtures thereof or other means of chemical bonding.

FIG. 8 shows a laid fabric comprising four directions being one weft direction 24, one warp direction 21 and two bias directions 22, 23.

FIG. 9 shows a bias laid fabric comprising two directions 22, 23.

FIG. 10 shows a bias laid fabric comprising a longitudinal carrier yarn 4 up and under the two main directions 22, 23.

All these laid fabrics are bond; this means the ends are kept together by chemical or fusion bonding or combinations thereof.

It will be evident that there are numerous other embodiments of the present invention, which, while not expressly described above, are clearly within the scope and spirit of the invention and are the equivalents thereof. The above description is therefore to be considered to be exemplary only, and the actual scope of the invention is to be determined solely from the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cut-resistant fabric comprising at least two layers and/or two directions of individual elements of which at least one individual element is a reinforced element comprising a reinforced fiber, which elements are not interwoven but have only an indirect connection created by chemicals, plastics, rubbers or by connection elements which are weaker than the reinforced element, and whereon at least one side is provided with an adhesive layer.

2. A cut-resistant fabric according to claim 1, wherein said adhesive layer is self-adhesive optionally with a releasing back sheet.

3-58. (canceled)

59. A cut-resistant fabric according to claim 1, wherein said adhesive layer is self-adhesive and is associated to a releasing back sheet.

60. A cut-resistant fabric according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the individual elements is partly or wholly electro-conductive and at least partly insulated.

61. A cut-resistant fabric according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the individual elements is partly or wholly electro-conductive and at least partly insulated and the electro-conductive material is selected from the group comprising a metal thread, a conductive fibre, a conductive polymer, aluminium foil, sputtered metals or mixtures thereof

62. A cut-resistant fabric according to claim 1 wherein the reinforced fiber is provided

63. A cut-warning fabric comprising at least one layer and/or one direction of individual elements of which said individual elements are partly or wholly made of electro-conductive material and at least partly insulated.

64. A cut-warning fabric according to claim 63 which is a cut-resistant fabric.

65. A cut-warning fabric according to claim 63 wherein said at least one of the individual elements is able to act as an electrical conductor suitable for providing an electric circuit in said fabric and wherein the interruption or closure of said electrical circuit in said fabric is capable of activating an alarm signal.

66. A cut-warning fabric according to claim 63 wherein said at least one of the individual elements is able to act as a positive electrical conductor, and wherein at least another of the individual elements is able to act as a negative or neutral electrical conductor.

67. A cut-warning fabric according to claim 63 wherein said at least one of the individual elements is able to act as a positive electrical conductor, and wherein at least another of the individual elements is able to act as a negative or neutral electrical conductor and wherein the connection between said positive and said negative or neutral electrical conductor is capable of activating a signal alarm.

68. A cut-warning fabric according to claim 63 wherein the individual elements are able to act as a electrical conductor suitable for ending up in a single or multiple of pens being connectable to an electrical power supplier.

69. A cut-warning fabric according to claim 63 wherein the reinforced fiber is provided with joints or weakening points for enabling folding of the fabric.

70. A cut-warning fabric according to claim 63 wherein at least one layer and/or one. direction of the individual elements is further able to act as an electrical conductor suitable for activating a heating system in said fabric.

71. A method for preventing vandalism on a fabric comprising providing a fabric comprising at least two layers and/or directions of individual elements of which said individual elements are partly or wholly made of electro-conductive material and are insulated in relation to each other and wherein at least one of the individual elements is able to act as an electrical conductor for providing an electrical circuit in said fabric and activating an alarm signal when interruption or closure of said electrical circuit in said fabric is made.

72. A fabric comprising: at least two layers and/or two directions of individual elements of which said individual elements are partly or wholly made of electro-conductive material and are insulated in relation to each other and further comprising at least two layers and/or two directions of individual elements of which at least one individual element is a reinforced element comprising a reinforced fiber, which elements are not interwoven but have only an indirect connection created by chemicals, plastics, rubbers or by connection elements which are weaker than the reinforced element.

73. A fabric according to claim 72 wherein said electro-conductive material is selected from the group comprising a metal thread, a conductive fiber, a conductive polymer, aluminium foil, sputtered metals or mixtures thereof

74. A fabric according to claim 72 whereon at least on one side an adhesive layer, preferably a self adhesive layer optionally with a back releasing sheet, is provided.

75. A fabric according to claim 72 wherein the fabric is a two, three or four layer fabric.

76. A fabric according to claim 1 wherein in which the main reinforcement individual elements are interwoven, interknit or interconnected at a distance of at least 0.5 mm, preferably 5 mm and more preferably 10 mm.

77. A fabric according to claim 72 which is a cut-warning fabric.