Ornamental Or Surface Textured Fabric Patents (Class 28/163)
  • Patent number: 11896076
    Abstract: A footwear upper has a unitary knit structure with a knit outer face layer, a knit inner face layer, and a knit intermediate layer integrally knit to define forefoot, midfoot, and heel regions of the footwear upper. The knit intermediate layer is disposed between the knit outer face layer and the knit inner face layer at a plurality of first zones and absent from or present in a lesser amount or a lesser density in a plurality of second zones, the first zones alternating with the second zones in a longitudinal direction, and the unitary knit structure having a greater modulus of elasticity in the longitudinal direction in the first zones than in the second zones, and a greater breathability in the second zones than in the first zones. A method of manufacturing the footwear upper is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Carriero, Evan W. Jones, Sanchari Ashishkumar Mahapatra
  • Patent number: 11713523
    Abstract: A fabric made of interwoven twines, wherein, in each case, two yarns are twisted together to form a twine and at least one of the yarns contains polyester staple fibers and cellulosic staple fibers of the types lyocell, viscose and/or modal, the share of cellulosic staple fibers in the fabric ranging from 10% by weight to 90% by weight. The fabric according to the invention is characterized in that the fabric or, respectively, those of the yarns contained therein which contain polyester staple fibers and cellulosic staple fibers as well as the twines produced therefrom comply with two relationships from which the suitability of the fabric for applications in automobiles, particularly in automobile seats, results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: LENZING AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Friedrich Suchomel, Dieter Eichinger
  • Patent number: 11668026
    Abstract: A fabric-based item may include fabric formed from intertwined strands of material. The fabric may include first and second fabric layers that at least partially surround a pocket. Initially, the pocket may be completely enclosed by the first and second layers of fabric. A shim may be placed in the pocket before the pocket is closed. An opening may be formed in the first layer of fabric to expose a conductive strand in the pocket. The shim may prevent the cutting tool from cutting all the way through to the second layer of fabric. After cutting the hole in the first layer of fabric, the shim may be removed and an electrical component may be soldered to the conductive strand in the pocket. A polymer material may be injected into the pocket to encapsulate the electrical component. The polymer material may interlock with the surrounding pocket walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Peter F. Coxeter, Didio V. Gomes, Benjamin J. Grena, Steven J. Keating, David M. Kindlon, Maurice P. May, Daniel A. Podhajny, Andrew L. Rosenberg, Daniel D. Sunshine
  • Patent number: 11525197
    Abstract: A knitted textile (2) having a first layer (4) including a first yarn (12) with a thermoplastic composition integrally formed with a second layer (6) including a second yarn (14), the first yarn (12) forming an array of knitted patterns (16) defining voids (8) through the first layer (4) to the second layer (6). The first layer (4) may be heat treated to form a film. (24). Treatment of the first layer (4) may change zonal and directional tensile properties of the knitted textile (2). The Poisson's ratio of the knitted textile (2) may be greater than or equal to zero in a first axis (32) and/or a second axis (30), before and/or after treatment. Articles of apparel, including articles of footwear (26) and garments incorporating the knitted textile (2), and methods of forming the knitted textiles (2) and articles are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. MacGilbert, William C. McFarland, II
  • Patent number: 10271580
    Abstract: An apparel item configured to reduce the perception of cling is provided herein. The apparel item comprises a first set of outwardly-projecting nodes on a first portion of the apparel item, a second set of outwardly-projecting nodes on a second portion of the apparel item, and a third set of inwardly-projecting nodes on a third portion of the apparel item, where the third set of nodes is positioned between the first set of nodes and the second set of nodes. The first and second sets of outwardly-projecting nodes comprise apertures that provide a communication passage from an outer surface of the apparel item to an inner surface of the apparel item. Besides reducing the surface area of the apparel item that comes into contact with a wearer's skin surface, the nodes also facilitate cooling the wearer and speed up drying times of the apparel item when being worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Darby
  • Publication number: 20150114512
    Abstract: A decorative engineered self-hem and a method to prepare the decorative engineered self-hem in a single fabric is disclosed herein. It is prepared without having any additional cut and sew, with various weave patterns designed in a design area 10-20 inches from a selvedge area and the rest of the fabric is woven in conventional weave pattern such as satin/twill. The method of preparation includes cutting the fabric parallel to a selvedge area; folding the fabric overlapping the selvedge area; and folding the full fabric horizontally and, at the same time, hemming of edge of the selvedge area to finish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Dipali GOENKA
  • Publication number: 20150038042
    Abstract: The woven fabric according to the invention comprises a warp and weft yarns, the weft yarns comprise first weft yarns and second weft yarns, the first weft yarns and the warp yarns form a base layer of the fabric, while the at least one plurality of second weft yarns forms an additional layer of the fabric that can be broken under a stress without damaging the base layer to change the appearance of the fabric and of the clothing articles made of said fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: SANKO TEKSTIL ISLETMELERI SAN. VE TIC. A.S.
    Inventors: Ertug ERKUS, Hamit YENICI, Serdar ERDOGAN
  • Publication number: 20140242358
    Abstract: A camouflage system includes a camouflage surface having a plurality of segments. The camouflage surface includes a first pattern disposed on a first segment of the plurality of segments, the first pattern including a depiction of a first microterrain of a natural environment, a second pattern disposed on a second segment of the plurality of segments, the second pattern including a depiction of a second microterrain of the natural environment, and a third pattern disposed on a third segment of the plurality of segments, the third pattern including a depiction of a third microterrain of the natural environment. The first microterrain differs from the second microterrain and the second microterrain differs from the third microterrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Cabela's Incorporated
    Inventor: Ev Tarrell
  • Patent number: 8747995
    Abstract: A pyramidal geotextile fabric comprising two sets of multi-lobe filament yarns interwoven in substantially perpendicular direction to each other, each of the multi-lobe filament yarns having pre-determined, different heat shrinkage characteristics such that, upon heating, the fabric forms a three-dimensional, cuspated profile. A method of stabilizing soil and reinforcing vegetation comprises the steps of placing a three-dimensional, high-profile woven fabric into soil, wherein the fabric comprises two sets of multi-lobe filament yarns interwoven in substantially perpendicular direction to each other, each of the multi-lobe filament yarns having pre-determined, different heat shrinkage characteristics such that, upon heating, the fabric forms a three-dimensional, cuspated profile; securing the fabric to the ground; and, distributing soil and seed onto the fabric such that the section of ground is quickly revegetated and thereby protected from further erosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Propex Operating Company, LLC
    Inventor: Sidney M. Weiser
  • Publication number: 20140109362
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for manufacturing a woven informative support. The informative support (1) comprises a piece (2) of fabric, constituted by an interlacing of threads of at least two different colours. The interlacing of the threads of the piece (2) define the image (4) corresponding to an optically read code, on at least one face (3) thereof, through the contrast between at least two different colours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: TECNO LABEL S.R.L. CON SOCIO UNICO
    Inventor: Giglio Bassi
  • Publication number: 20140041141
    Abstract: A stable finely knitted fabric is disclosed which includes a plurality of yarns including filaments of about 1.5 denier or less. The yarns are knitted into a fabric using a right-leaning top triangle (RTT) pattern. The fabric includes a face side having a plurality of parallel and elongated ridges and a back side having a smooth surface without elongated ridges. The fabric exhibits a wicking action from the smooth side to the ridged side of the fabric and excellent absorption. Further, the fabric may be used as a liquid applicator, when an absorbant liquid reservoir layer is added to the back side, as channels of air between the ridges increase liquid flow from the back side to the face side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: George Clarke
  • Publication number: 20140041266
    Abstract: A textile cover includes a first face made of fabric and a second face made of fabric. The first and second faces are coupled together to form a cover, which is structured and arranged to cover an advertising board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Joe Dudak
  • Publication number: 20140033488
    Abstract: In a process for manufacturing to a tape with specific pattern interval, there are utilized at least two kinds of ultraviolet-fluorescent yarns with different chromophore, which is spun out of dope kneaded with a fluorescent material. When ultraviolet-fluorescent yarns and colorless yarns are wound around a warp beam or drum with or without infrared-fluorescent yarns, the ultraviolet-fluorescent yarns are arranged repeatedly in specific color order in the traverse direction during the warping operation. In the process, these yarns as the warp are also woven into a double-wide textile with a wide loom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Nippon Dom Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki TERASHIMA
  • Publication number: 20140013555
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a velvet plush article includes the steps of: weaving a greige cloth by interweaving face yarns and backing yarns, wherein the face yarns are selected from single-ply bright trilobal yarns and two-ply yarns and the backing yarns are selected from FDY or DTY yarn; pre-processing the greige cloth by brushing, first setting, singeing and second setting the greige cloth sequentially; dyeing and/or printing the greige cloth; and finishing the greige cloth by softening, drying, brushing, stentering, heat-setting, singeing, shearing and final heat-setting the greige cloth. Accordingly, a velvet plush article having superior smoothness and softness for providing a superior touch and feel comfort is achieved. The velvet plush article may be a velvet plush throw or blanket, or a velvet plush cloth for further processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Xu
  • Publication number: 20130265797
    Abstract: A textile covering, comprising an under-layer in contact with a rear face of a layer of textile fibres, and comprising an optical fibre housed inside a routing groove in the under-layer, an end portion of the optical fibre extending through the layer of textile fibres via a support device of the optical fibre. The support device comprises a fixing ring and a heat-shrink tubing covering part of the fixing ring and of the end portion. The fixing ring comprises a base in contact with the rear face and a cylindrical portion into which the end portion of the optical fibre is inserted. The textile covering may be used as carpet equipping the floor of an aircraft cabin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Airbus Corporate Jet Centre
    Inventors: Jean-Cyrille Destieu, Dorine Servant, Cyrille Nicolas, Isabelle Jamme
  • Publication number: 20130255325
    Abstract: A wool pile fabric product including a plurality of wool fibers and at least one security fiber knit with a textile scrim to form a pile fabric having a scrim side and a fiber pile side. The product also includes a facing material that is attached to the scrim side of the wool pile fabric. The security fiber in the product provides a discrete way to identify a genuine product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: DECKERS OUTDOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stuart Jenkins, Nathan Crary, Tom Garcia
  • Publication number: 20130189890
    Abstract: Different weaving materials, apparatuses, and methods are provided for producing woven textiles having different functional and aesthetic characteristics as compared to woven textiles produced using conventional methods. The different weaving materials comprise reactive materials or combined materials produced by an intermittent splicer. The different apparatuses include finishing devices for introducing organically-shaped lateral edges and interior apertures, and three-dimensional effectors for introducing three-dimensional aspects into a product as it is being woven. Weaving methods include simultaneously weaving fine denier panels and coarse denier panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Bhupesh Dua
  • Publication number: 20130017345
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant simulation decorative cloth/mesh, comprising a cloth or mesh, the simulation plant on one or both sides of the cloth or mesh being sewn to the cloth or mesh. Advantages: (1) The present invention creates a precedent for the stereoscopic plant simulation cloth/mesh, expanding the applications and uses of the cloth; 2. the present invention not only can decorate a variety of body surface with a stereoscopic sense, but also achieves a stereoscopic simulation greening and shading effect of the city, home, garden, roofing, garage, seaside resort and specific places, creating a decorative effect with green leaves, flowers and fruits; 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Cheng Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120128437
    Abstract: A pyramidal geotextile fabric comprising two sets of multi-lobe filament yarns interwoven in substantially perpendicular direction to each other, each of the multi-lobe filament yarns having pre-determined, different heat shrinkage characteristics such that, upon heating, the fabric forms a three-dimensional, cuspated profile. A method of stabilizing soil and reinforcing vegetation comprises the steps of placing a three-dimensional, high-profile woven fabric into soil, wherein the fabric comprises two sets of multi-lobe filament yarns interwoven in substantially perpendicular direction to each other, each of the multi-lobe filament yarns having pre-determined, different heat shrinkage characteristics such that, upon heating, the fabric forms a three-dimensional, cuspated profile; securing the fabric to the ground; and, distributing soil and seed onto the fabric such that the section of ground is quickly revegetated and thereby protected from further erosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Propex Operating Company LLC
    Inventor: Sidney M. Weiser
  • Patent number: 8043689
    Abstract: A pyramidal geotextile fabric comprising two sets of multi-lobe filament yarns interwoven in substantially perpendicular direction to each other, each of the multi-lobe filament yarns having pre-determined, different heat shrinkage characteristics such that, upon heating, the fabric forms a three-dimensional, cuspated profile. A method of stabilizing soil and reinforcing vegetation comprises the steps of placing a three-dimensional, high-profile woven fabric into soil, wherein the fabric comprises two sets of multi-lobe filament yarns interwoven in substantially perpendicular direction to each other, each of the multi-lobe filament yarns having pre-determined, different heat shrinkage characteristics such that, upon heating, the fabric forms a three-dimensional, cuspated profile; securing the fabric to the ground; and, distributing soil and seed onto the fabric such that the section of ground is quickly revegetated and thereby protected from further erosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Propex Operating Company LLC
    Inventor: Sidney M. Weiser
  • Patent number: 7603755
    Abstract: A method of forming a fabric is provided. The method includes the step of providing a plurality of yarn and batching the yarn on an A-frame so that the fabric is formed with a width greater than 102 inches and with a twill weave with a satin face. Also included is the step of passing the fabric across a plurality of rolls that have a rough surface and that apply compression to the fabric. The steps of applying fabric to a tenter frame and heating of the fabric is also included. The present invention also provides for a fabric in certain exemplary embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Northeast Textiles, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean Gordon
  • Patent number: 7213309
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating textile substrates to obtain superior liquid repellent properties are disclosed. Durable microscopic surface structures imparted to the fibrous substrate allow liquids to bead up and roll off of its surface. Mechanical abrasion or sanding techniques may be used to create the microscopic surface structures on the surface of a fibrous textile substrate, without substantially breaking fibers, followed by a chemical treatment using, for example, fluorocarbon-containing repellent compositions. Particles may be employed in combination with repellent compositions to achieve superior repellent properties. A property of the roughened surface fibers, the Roughness Factor, is used to characterize the microscopic surface structures on the treated textile surface. Treated textile substrates are disclosed which achieve superior water and oil repellency, even after multiple abrasion or laundering cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventors: Yunzhang Wang, Daniel T. McBride, Randolph S. Kohlman
  • Patent number: 7055227
    Abstract: A process for face finishing fabrics, and in particular fabrics containing filaments, to provide them with good aesthetic characteristics is described. In addition, fabrics made from filaments having aesthetic characteristics and surface effects similar to those of fabrics made from spun yarns are described. Also, items of napery made from filaments and having good surface effects and low pick and snag performance are described. The process involves pre-abrading a fabric, such as one made from filaments, and then subjecting it to a high energy fluid treatment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Franklin S. Love, James T. Greer
  • Patent number: 7013541
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a first three-dimensional image and a second three-dimensional image whereby the first and second three-dimensional images are dissimilar from one another. In particular, the present invention contemplates a fabric comprised of sequentially formed three-dimensional images that are formed from a pre-entangled precursor web entangled on a first three-dimensional transfer device so as to impart a first image therein, then subjected to hydroentanglement on a second three-dimensional image transfer device wherein a second three-dimensional image is imparted to the web that is different from the first three-dimensional image, the resulting nonwoven fabric presenting aesthetic and tactile qualities representative of both imparted images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Miguel Rivera, Ralph A. Moody, III, Benjamin Nolan, Michael Putnam
  • Patent number: 6981394
    Abstract: A knit fabric wherein at least a portion of the interconnected yarn loops are formed from segments of a common yarn of multi-filament construction. In the fabric the common yarn includes a first group of yarn segments having a first average cross-sectional filament area and at least a second group of yarn segments having a second average cross-sectional filament area. The second average cross-sectional filament area is greater than the first average cross-sectional filament area. The average level of crystalline orientation of the first group of yarn segments is greater than the average level of crystalline orientation of the second group of yarn segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Michael A. Keller
  • Patent number: 6862781
    Abstract: A process for producing fancy woven fabrics having balanced hand characteristics on each of the face and back is described. The process involves hydraulically processing a fancy-woven fabric having spun yarns in the warp to force fibers from spun yarns which are dominant on one fabric surface through the fabric to regions to form a nap on the other surface of the fabric. The process achieves fabrics having balanced hand characteristics with superior strength to those formed by conventional napping and sanding processes. In addition, the patterns have good pattern clarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Nathan B Emery, John R. Farrall, Robert Hollar, Marion Pittman, Karen H. Stavrakas
  • Patent number: 6859983
    Abstract: In the present invention, a hydroentangled and three-dimensionally patterned fibrous material is printed or dyed with suitable coloring agents that are beneficial in enhancing the ability of the material to disrupt or obscure objects placed beneath such material. A three-dimensional pattern in the fibrous material results in a camouflage fabric with enhanced realism due to ability of the fabric to transmit varying amounts of direct and incidental light, thus producing shape-obscuring shadows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Curtis, Samuel K. Black
  • Publication number: 20040177483
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing counterfeit-deer-texture fabrics comprises the steps of forming a predetermined texture on a substrate by knitting, weaving, and embroidering; the texture and the substrate are formed with yarns; the substrate having the texture being used as a bottom cloth; grinding a surface of the bottom cloth so that hairs are formed from the yarns of the texture and the substrate on the surface of the substrate so that naps are formed on the surface of the substrate. Thus the texture on the substrate likes a counterfeit deer leatherware. In the manufacturing of the bottom cloth, the texture is formed with the substrate. Or the substrate is made firstly and then the texture is formed thereon by a method selected from one of knitting, weaving, and embroidering. In manufacturing the bottom cloth, the texture is knitted or embroidered on the substrate to protrude on the surface of the substrate so as to present a three-dimensional feeling. Or the naps are leveled to have a flat appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Yue Chu Su
  • Patent number: 6735834
    Abstract: Colored patterning of a web-shaped nonwoven or a composite made of a nonwoven and a fabric or knit is achieved by water jet needling. The nonwoven provided as the upper layer of two layers is provided with one or more colors or is colored or printed itself and is placed on a second nonwoven or a woven or one that has a different color. Then both layers are subjected to the water jets that displace the fibers, with the colored fibers in the first layer being displaced into the second layer to produce a pattern on the underside of the second layer. It is also possible, instead of colored fibers in the nonwoven of the upper layer, to move them when they are not colored into a second layer that can have any color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Fleissner GmbH & Co., Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Gerold Fleissner
  • Patent number: 6671936
    Abstract: A method of providing a color enhanced, patterned nonwoven based composite fabric wherein a hydroentangled, imaged nonwoven facing fabric exhibits variable fiber density in selected regions and where a colored backing material is laminated to the facing layer such that the color of the backing layer is observed as variable hues which coincide with regions of lower fiber density in the facing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheryl Lynn Carlson, Andrew Leonard Chier, James Patrick Lenox, Nick Mark Carter
  • Patent number: 6637084
    Abstract: A process for angularly sueding a textile web containing fill and warp yarns with the steps of: supplying the web, controlling the tension of the web, engaging the web with at least one diamond-coated abrasive treatment roll disposed at an abrasion angle, rotating the treatment roll at a surface speed different from that of the web, and taking up the supplied web. A preferred embodiment comprises a pair of spaced treatment rolls disposed at an abrasion angle, and rotating in opposite directions relative to the web. The related apparatus for this specific process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Louis Dischler
  • Patent number: 6606771
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of imaging a woven textile fabric by positioning the fabric on a three-dimensional image transfer device, and subjecting the fabric to treatment with high pressure liquid streams. A regular pattern defined by the image transfer device is thereby durably imparted to the fabric. The use of a three-dimensional image transfer device facilitates efficient commercially viable use of the method, while avoiding the creation of repeating defects which can occur when imaging fabrics on wire mesh screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Keith Curtis, Kenneth Daniels, Kay Goodson
  • Patent number: 6564436
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of forming a textile laminate or composite fabric from a plurality of woven fabric layers, with the method contemplating use of a three-dimensional image transfer device to facilitate efficient and commercially viable use of the method. Herein is disclosed a method of forming an imaged textile laminate or composite compound fabric, the fabric having a first textile fabric layer comprising a plurality of interwoven warp and weft yarns and at least one other textile fabric layer, the lamination of the fabric layers and imaging of the construct occurring on a three-dimensional image transfer device. The image transfer device has a foraminous, image-forming surface comprising a regular pattern of three-dimensional surface elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Keith Black, Charles Keith Curtis, Shane James Moran
  • Patent number: 6557224
    Abstract: Colored patterning of a web-shaped nonwoven or a composite made of a nonwoven and a fabric or knit is achieved by water jet needling. The nonwoven provided as the upper layer of two layers is provided with one or more colors or is colored or printed itself and is placed on a second nonwoven or a woven or one that has a different color. Then both layers are subjected to the water jets that displace the fibers, with the colored fibers in the first layer being displaced into the second layer to produce a pattern on the underside of the second layer. It is also possible, instead of colored fibers in the nonwoven of the upper layer, to move them when they are not colored into a second layer that can have any color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Fleissner GmbH & Co., Mashinenfabrik
    Inventor: Gerold Fleissner
  • Patent number: 6546605
    Abstract: A fabric having at least one hydraulically napped surface comprised of tangled fibers is disclosed. Because the fiber tangles are created from intact, undamaged fibers, fabric strength is not adversely affected by treatment. In addition, laundering enhances entanglement and the aesthetic qualities attributed to this fabric property: surface texture (hand), resistance to pilling, drapeability, and the like. These subjective characteristics have been quantified using values from the Kawabata Evaluation System. A process for creating such fabrics has also been disclosed. The fabric passes through one or two treatment zones in which high pressure fluids (e.g., water) are directed at the fabric surface as the fabric moves away from a support member. In the case of dual treatment zones, a substantially lower pressure is used in the second treatment zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Nathan B. Emery, Franklin S. Love, III, Mathias B. Richardson, Joseph E. Rumler, Karen H. Stavrakas
  • Patent number: 6523968
    Abstract: A decorative fabric for use in home furnishings includes a woven web having a back side and having a front side. The front side defines an ornamental design. The web defines a plurality of loose weave areas formed by non-interlocking warp yarns and filling yarns located at predetermined positions within the design. The non-interlocking warp yarns and filling yarns in each area are separable from each other to form an orifice through the web. Each of a plurality of ornamental devices is inserted through a respective orifice and protrudes through the front side of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: The Manual Woodworkers and Weavers, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Walker
  • Publication number: 20030009862
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of forming a textile laminate or composite fabric from a plurality of woven fabric layers, with the method contemplating use of a three-dimensional image transfer device to facilitate efficient and commercially viable use of the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Samuel Keith Black, Charles Keith Curtis, Shane James Moran
  • Patent number: 6502288
    Abstract: A method of forming durable nonwoven fabrics by hydroentanglement includes providing a precursor web comprising a fibrous matrix of staple length fibers and/or substantially continuous filaments. The precursor web is subjected to hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device to create a patterned and imaged fabric. Enhanced imaging is achieved by advancing the precursor web onto the movable imaging surface of the image transfer device at a rate substantially equal to the rate at which the image surface moves relative to one or more associated hydroentangling manifolds. Treatment with a polymeric binder composition enhances the integrity of the fabric, permitting it to exhibit desired physical characteristics, including strength, durability, softness, and drapeability. Mechanical compaction of the imaged and patterned fabric, such as by sanforizing, enhances the desired physical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel K. Black, Charles Keith Curtis, Cheryl L. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6490771
    Abstract: Fabrics and methods of making such fabrics whereby no evident pile structure is present in raised pattern areas on the face of the fabric. The construction of the fabric is nonetheless such that the yarns forming the raised pattern areas are more susceptible to napping as compared to the yarns forming the recessed ground regions of the fabric. This fabric construction of selected yarns will thus permit preferential napping of the pattern areas to be achieved (e.g., using conventional napping wires) while the adjacent ground regions of the fabric remain substantially unnapped. Subsequent shearing of the napped pattern areas thereby results in a velvet-like hand being achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Burlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Nash, Lynn M. Pappas
  • Patent number: 6487762
    Abstract: It is known to produce a colored pattern by a printing process or for example during weaving. The idea according to the invention is to produce a pattern by the water jets of a needling device in which, for colored patterning of a web-shaped nonwoven or a composite made of a nonwoven and a fabric or knit, the webs resting on a substrate moves past a nozzle beam located crosswise to the transport direction and are impacted by the water jets. The nonwoven provided as the upper layer of two layers is provided with one or more colors or is colored or printed itself and is placed on a second nonwoven or a woven or one that has a different color. Then both layers are subjected to the water jets that displace the fibers, with the colored fibers in the first layer being displaced into the second layer to produce a pattern on the underside of the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Fleissner GmbH & Co., Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Gerold Fleissner
  • Publication number: 20020050037
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of imaging a woven textile fabric by positioning the fabric on a three-dimensional image transfer device, and subjecting the fabric to treatment with high pressure liquid streams. A regular pattern defined by the image transfer device is thereby durably imparted to the fabric. The use of a three-dimensional image transfer device facilitates efficient commercially viable use of the method, while avoiding the creation of repeating defects which can occur when imaging fabrics on wire mesh screens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Charles Keith Curtis, Kenneth Daniels, Kay Goodson
  • Publication number: 20010004788
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of clothing includes the steps of providing an article of clothing having a single large size, subjecting the article to a tying process, and subjecting the article of clothing to a shrinking process after the tying process to obtain a tie-shrunk article of clothing having an entirely reduced size with elasticity due to the shrinkage of tie-shrunk article of clothing, so that an entire portion of the single large size article of clothing fits a wearer of any size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Norichika Kondo
  • Patent number: 6242370
    Abstract: A process for angularly sueding a textile web containing fill and warp yarns with the steps of: supplying the web, controlling the tension of the web, engaging the web with at least one abrasive covered treatment roll disposed at an abrasion angle, rotating the treatment roll at a surface speed different from that of the web, and taking up the supplied web. A preferred embodiment comprises a pair of spaced treatment rolls disposed at an abrasion angle, and rotating in opposite directions relative to the web. The related apparatus for this specific process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Louis Dischler
  • Patent number: 6082412
    Abstract: A weaving system is provided to automatically maintain a printed pattern in alignment with a woven pattern as a fabric is being formed. The printed pattern is printed onto the warp yarns. A controller is used to monitor the position of the printed pattern during the weaving process relative to the position of a woven pattern that is being formed into the fabric. Should the printed pattern and woven pattern fall out of alignment, the controller then alters the longitudinal size of the woven pattern, the printed pattern, or both patterns, in order to realign the patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Tietex International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin Wildeman, Jeff A. Carpenter, Lawrence F. Houghton
  • Patent number: 6019140
    Abstract: A method of inserting a fill yarn on an air jet loom includes propelling a fill yarn with one or more air jets from the insertion side to the exit side of the loom, where the yarn comprises a strand of individual filaments, the strand having a primary cross-sectional shape and periodic flat spots with a flat cross-sectional shape which is more elongated than the primary cross-sectional shape, and where the flat spots provide increased drag for propulsion by the air jets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Glassfiber Yarns, LLC
    Inventors: Larry J Huey, Thomas A. Coakley, Kenneth P. Chase
  • Patent number: 5983952
    Abstract: A weaving system is designed to automatically maintain a printed pattern in alignment with a woven pattern as a fabric is being formed. The printed pattern is printed onto the warp yarns. A controller is used to monitor the position of the printed pattern during the weaving process relative to the position of a woven pattern that is being formed into the fabric. Should the printed pattern and woven pattern fall out of alignment, the controller then alters the longitudinal size of the woven pattern, the printed pattern, or both patterns, in order to realign the patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Tietex International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeff A. Carpenter, Lawrence F. Houghton, Martin Wildeman
  • Patent number: 5983469
    Abstract: A suede-like micro-fibril finish is imparted to fibrillatable cellulosic materials by open width hydraulic treatment. Additional enhancement of the fabric finish is obtained by post hydraulic enzyme and wet processing treatments. Fluid treated fabrics of the invention are characterized by substantially uniform fibrillation of fibers within the fabric body and surface areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: BBA Nonwovens Simpsonville, Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Beaty, Frank E. Malaney, Herschel Sternlieb, John Michael Greenway, Jackson Lawrence
  • Patent number: 5943745
    Abstract: A process for angularly sueding a textile web containing fill and warp yarns with the steps of: supplying the web, controlling the tension of the web, engaging the web with at least one abrasive covered treatment roll disposed at an abrasion angle, rotating the treatment roll at a surface speed different from that of the web, and taking up the supplied web. A preferred embodiment comprises a pair of spaced treatment rolls disposed at an abrasion angle, and rotating in opposite directions relative to the web. The related apparatus for this specific process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Louis Dischler
  • Patent number: 5870807
    Abstract: A suede-like micro-fibril finish is imparted to fibrillatable cellulosic materials by open width hydraulic treatment. Additional enhancement of the fabric finish is obtained by post hydraulic enzyme and wet processing treatments. Fluid treated fabrics of the invention are characterized by substantially uniform fibrillation of fibers within the fabric body and surface areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignees: BBA Nonwovens Simpsonville, Inc., Greenwood Mills, Inc.,
    Inventors: James T. Beaty, Frank E. Malaney, Herschel Sternlieb, Jack Rogers, Craig Tutterow
  • Patent number: 5737813
    Abstract: Striped patterning of dyed fabric, particularly dyed denim, is obtained by impacting the fabric with a row of columnar jet streams of fluid generated from a manifold under pressure while conveying it on a support member in a machine direction through a patterning station. The orifice gauge and diameter, manifold pressure, and line speed are selected to obtain optimal striping without blurring, loss of fabric strength or durability, or excessive warp shrinkage. Preferably, the jet strip is removably interchangeable in a common hydrojet manifold for forming different kinds of striped patterns. The back side of denim fabric may be subjected to pre-treatment to cause the surface of the dyed warp side to fill in and darken with color. A strie striping effect can also be obtained using a combination of jet strips. The striped patterning station can be incorporated at any suitable point in a conventional denim finishing range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Herschel Sternlieb, Frank E. Malaney, J. Steve Hines