Patent Application
20110119811
This invention relates to insulated composite fabrics that incorporate a textile fabric with raised surface on one side or both sides as an insulating filler material.
Conventional down fabric constructions often include nonwoven filler material enclosed between two woven fabric “shell” layers. These nonwoven filler materials are known to provide a relatively high level of thermal insulation, and are lightweight with very good packability.
Some known nonwoven filler materials, such as Primaloft®, available from Albany International Corp, and Thinsulate™, available from 3M Company, are prone to movement and fibers of the nonwoven filler material often have a tendency to protrude through the woven fabric layers. To inhibit this fiber migration, it is known to quilt the filler material to one or both of the woven fabric layers. The quilting, however, tends to flatten the nonwoven filler material, and, as a result, can reduce the thermal insulation of the fabric construction. The quilting may also inhibit the fabric construction from stretching.
To inhibit migrating fibers from protruding through the woven fabric layers, the woven fabric layers are often made of a very tight construction with an air permeability of less than 1.0 ft3/ft2/min and, in many cases, close to zero ft3/ft2/min. In some cases, the woven fabric is calendared, being passed through heated rolls under high pressure, to seal voids in the tight woven construction. In certain circumstances, a chemical system is applied to the woven fabric prior to calendaring to help seal voids in the woven fabric. This type of sealing may reduce the air permeability of the fabric construction to almost zero ft3/ft2/min. As a result, a garment made from the resulting fabric constructions may have reasonable insulation, but poor air permeability and, as a result, low breathability.
Nonwoven filler materials also tend to flatten under compression and as a result may exhibit a loss in thermal insulation.
In general, this invention relates to insulated composite fabrics that incorporate a textile fabric with raised surface on one side or both sides as an insulating filler material.
One aspect of the invention provides an insulated composite fabric that includes an inner fabric layer, an outer fabric layer, and an insulating-filler fabric layer enclosed between the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer. The insulating-filler fabric layer is a textile fabric with a raised surface on at least one side of the fabric.
Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the following additional features. The insulating-filler fabric layer includes a double face warp knit fabric. The double face warp knit fabric has a technical back having plush velvet surface, and a technical face having a velour surface. The insulating-filler fabric layer includes a double face knit fabric having reverse plaited terry sinker loop knit construction. The double face knit fabric has a technical face with a raised or napped surface, and a technical back with a cut loop or velour surface. The insulating-filler fabric layer includes a knit fabric having sliver knit construction. The insulating-filler fabric layer includes a terry sinker loop fabric in which the terry loop is left un-raised. The terry sinker loop fabric has a reverse plaited construction. A technical face of the terry sinker loop fabric has a napped finish and a technical back is left as un-napped, terry loop. A technical face of the terry sinker loop fabric is left un-napped and a technical back is left as un-napped, terry loop. The terry sinker loop fabric has a regular plaited construction. The insulating-filler fabric layer has a terry sinker loop surface including a plurality of discrete regions of no terry sinker loop interspersed among regions of terry sinker loop. The insulating-filler fabric layer includes a double face knit fabric having sliver knit construction. The insulating fabric layer has a weight of about 1 ounces per square yard to about 12 ounces per square yard (e.g., about 1 ounces per square yard to about 4 ounces per square yard, about 3 ounces per square yard to about 8 ounces per square yard, or about 4 ounces per square yard to about 12 ounces per square yard). The insulating-filler fabric layer is quilted to one or both of the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer. The insulating-filler fabric layer is stitched to one or both of the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer along a periphery of the insulated composite fabric. The insulating-filler fabric layer is laminated to one or both of the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer. The insulating-filler fabric layer has a thickness (bulk) of about 0.1 inches to about 4.0 inches (e.g., about 0.1 inches to about 0.2 inches, about 0.15 inches to about 0.4 inches, about 0.2 inches to about 1.0 inches, or about 3 inches to about 4 inches). The insulating-filler fabric layer has a pile surface including a plurality of discrete regions of no pile interspersed among regions of pile. The insulating-filler fabric layer has a pile surface that includes a plurality of first discrete regions having a first pile height interspersed among a plurality of other discrete regions having contrasting pile height relatively greater than the first pile height. In some cases, yarns forming the first discrete regions are relatively finer that yarns forming the other discrete regions. In some examples, yarns forming the first discrete regions have a denier per filament (dpf) of less than 1.0. The insulating-filler fabric layer provides insulation of about 0.2 clo/oz2 to about 1.6 clo/oz2. The insulating-filler fabric layer includes a hydrophobic fabric. The inner fabric layer includes a woven fabric. The inner fabric layer includes a knit fabric having a single jersey construction, a double knit construction, a warp knit construction, or a mesh construction. The inner fabric layer may have an air permeability that is different from an air permeability of the outer fabric layer. The inner fabric layer has an air permeability that is relatively greater than an air permeability of the outer fabric layer. The inner fabric layer has an air permeability that is relatively less than an air permeability of the outer fabric layer. In some cases, the inner fabric layer has an air permeability that is the same as the air permeability of the outer fabric layer. The inner fabric layer has an air permeability of about 5 ft3/ft2/min to about 300 ft3/ft2/min, tested according to ASTM D-737 under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the inner fabric layer. The outer fabric layer has an air permeability of about 1 ft3/ft2/min to about 100 ft3/ft2/min, (e.g., about 1 ft3/ft2/min to about 100 ft3/ft2/min), tested according to ASTM D-737 under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the outer fabric layer. In some cases, both the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer have very high air permeability (e.g., at least 200 ft3/ft2/min, tested according to ASTM D-737 under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the respective fabric layer). The outer fabric layer includes a woven fabric. The insulated composite fabric has stretch in at least one direction. At least one of the outer fabric layer, the inner fabric layer, and the insulating-filler fabric layer includes fibers of stretch and/or elastomeric material. The stretch material includes elastomeric yarns and/or fibers (e.g., spandex yarns and/or fibers). The outer fabric layer is treated with durable water repellent, an abrasion resistant coating, camouflage, or infrared radiation reduction. The insulated composite fabric has an air permeability of about 1.0 ft3/ft2/min to about 300 ft3/ft2/min, tested according to ASTM D-737 under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the insulated composite fabric (e.g., about 100 ft3/ft2/min to about 300 ft3/ft2/min, tested according to ASTM D-737 under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the insulated composite fabric, or about 1.0 ft3/ft2/min to about 80.0 ft3/ft2/min, tested according to ASTM D-737 under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the insulated composite fabric). The insulating-filler fabric layer is constructed to include face yarn that is positioned generally perpendicular to stitching or backing yarn. The insulated composite fabric provides insulation of about 0.2 clo/oz2 to about 3.0 clo/oz2 (e.g., about 0.8 clo/oz2 to about 1.6 clo/oz2, about 1.0 clo/oz2 to about 1.8 clo/oz2, or about 1.0 clo/oz2 to about 3.0 clo/oz2). At least one of the inner fabric layer, the outer fabric layer, and the insulating-filler fabric layer includes flame-retardant material or is treated to provide flame-retardance. The insulated composite fabric may also include a waterproof membrane that is laminated to an inner surface of the outer fabric layer, and which is disposed between the outer fabric layer and the insulating-filler fabric layer. The waterproof membrane may be a vapor permeable membrane. The waterproof membrane may be a porous hydrophobic membrane, a hydrophilic non-porous membrane, or an electrospun material.
Another aspect of the invention features a fabric garment that includes a first fabric portion formed of a first insulated composite fabric. The first insulated composite fabric includes a first inner fabric layer, a first outer fabric layer, and a first insulating-filler fabric layer enclosed between the first inner fabric layer and the first outer fabric layer. The first insulating-filler fabric layer is a textile fabric with a raised surface on at least one side of the fabric.
Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the following additional features. The first insulating-filler fabric layer includes a double face warp knit fabric. The double face warp knit fabric has a technical back having plush velvet surface, and a technical face having a velour surface. The first insulating-filler fabric layer includes a double face knit fabric having reverse plaited terry sinker loop knit construction. The double face knit fabric has a technical face with a raised or napped surface, and a technical back with a cut loop or velour surface. The first insulating-filler fabric layer includes a knit fabric having sliver knit construction. The first insulating-filler fabric layer includes a double face knit fabric having sliver knit construction. The first insulating-filler fabric layer includes a terry sinker loop fabric in which the terry loop is left un-raised. The terry sinker loop fabric has a reverse plaited construction. A technical face of the terry sinker loop fabric has a napped finish and a technical back is left as un-napped, terry loop. In some cases, a technical face of the terry sinker loop fabric is left un-napped and a technical back is left as un-napped, terry loop. The terry sinker loop fabric has a regular plaited construction. The first insulating-filler fabric layer has a terry sinker loop surface including a plurality of discrete regions of no terry sinker loop interspersed among regions of terry sinker loop. The first insulating-filler fabric layer has a weight of about 1 ounces per square yard to about 12 ounces per square yard (e.g., about 1 ounces per square yard to about 4 ounces per square yard, about 3 ounces per square yard to about 8 ounces per square yard, or about 4 ounces per square yard to about 12 ounces per square yard). The first insulating-filler fabric layer is quilted to one or both of the first inner fabric layer and the first outer fabric layer. The first insulating-filler fabric layer is anchored at seams connecting the first inner fabric layer and the first outer fabric layer. The first insulating-filler fabric layer is laminated to one or both of the first inner fabric layer and the first outer fabric layer. The first insulating-filler fabric layer has a pile surface including a plurality of discrete regions of no pile interspersed among regions of pile. In some cases, the first insulating-filler fabric layer has a pile surface that includes a plurality of first discrete regions having a first pile height interspersed among a plurality of other discrete regions having contrasting pile height relatively greater than the first pile height. In some examples, yarns forming the first discrete regions are relatively finer that yarns forming the other discrete regions. In some cases, yarns forming the first discrete regions have a denier per filament (dpf) of less than 1.0. The first insulating-filler fabric layer provides insulation of about 0.2 clo/oz2 to about 1.6 clo/oz2. The first insulating-filler fabric layer includes a hydrophobic fabric. The first inner fabric layer includes a woven fabric. The first inner fabric layer includes a knit fabric having a single jersey construction, a double knit construction, a warp knit construction, or a mesh construction. The first inner fabric layer may have an air permeability that is different from an air permeability of the first outer fabric layer. The first inner fabric layer has an air permeability that is relatively greater than an air permeability of the first outer fabric layer. The first inner fabric layer has an air permeability that is relatively less than an air permeability of the first outer fabric layer. In some cases, the first inner fabric layer has an air permeability that is the same as the air permeability of the first outer fabric layer. The first inner fabric layer has an air permeability of about 5 ft3/ft2/min to about 300 ft3/ft2/min, tested according to ASTM D-737 under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the inner fabric layer. The first outer fabric layer has an air permeability of about 1 ft3/ft2/min to about 100 ft3/ft2/min, (e.g., about 1 ft3/ft2/min to about 100 ft3/ft2/min) tested according to ASTM D-737 under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the first outer fabric layer. The first outer fabric layer includes a woven fabric. The first insulated composite fabric has stretch in at least one direction. At least one of the first outer fabric layer, the first inner fabric layer, and the first insulating-filler fabric layer includes fibers of stretch and/or elastomeric material (e.g., elastomeric yarns and/or fibers, e.g., spandex yarns and/or fibers). The first outer fabric layer is treated with durable water repellent, an abrasion resistant coating, camouflage, or infrared radiation reduction. The first insulated composite fabric has an air permeability of about 1.0 ft3/ft2/min to about 80.0 ft3/ft2/min, tested according to ASTM D-737 under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the first insulated composite fabric (e.g., about 4.0 ft3/ft2/min to about 20.0 ft3/ft2/min, tested according to ASTM D-737 under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the first insulated composite fabric). The fabric garment also includes a second fabric portion, and the first and second fabric portions have one or more contrasting properties selected from contrasting stretch, contrasting water resistance, contrasting insulative properties, and contrasting air permeability. The second fabric portion is formed of a second insulated composite fabric. The second insulated composite fabric includes a second inner fabric layer, a second outer fabric layer, and a second insulating-filler fabric layer enclosed between the second inner fabric layer and the second outer fabric layer. The second insulated composite fabric has an air permeability that is different from, and greater than, an air permeability of the first insulated composite fabric. The second insulating-filler fabric layer is a textile fabric with a raised surface on at least one side of the fabric. The second insulating-filler fabric layer includes a double face warp knit fabric. The double face warp knit fabric has a technical back having plush velvet surface, and a technical face having a velour surface. The second insulating-filler fabric layer includes a double face knit fabric having reverse plaited terry sinker loop knit construction. The double face knit fabric has a technical face with a raised or napped surface, and a technical back with a cut loop or velour surface. The second insulating-filler fabric layer includes a knit fabric having sliver knit construction. The second insulating-filler fabric layer includes a double face knit fabric having sliver knit construction. The second insulating-filler fabric layer includes a terry sinker loop fabric in which the terry loop is left un-raised. The terry sinker loop fabric has a reverse plaited construction. A technical face of the terry sinker loop fabric has a napped finish and a technical back is left as un-napped, terry loop. A technical face of the terry sinker loop fabric is left un-napped and a technical back is left as un-napped, terry loop. The terry sinker loop fabric has a regular plaited construction. The second insulating-filler fabric layer has a terry sinker loop surface including a plurality of discrete regions of no terry sinker loop interspersed among regions of terry sinker loop.
The second insulating fabric layer has a weight of about 1 ounces per square yard to about 12 ounces per square yard (e.g., about 1 ounces per square yard to about 4 ounces per square yard, about 3 ounces per square yard to about 8 ounces per square yard, or about 4 ounces per square yard to about 12 ounces per square yard). The second insulating-filler fabric layer is quilted to one or both of the second inner fabric layer and the second outer fabric layer. The second insulating-filler fabric layer is anchored at seams connecting the second inner fabric layer and the second outer fabric layer. The second insulating-filler fabric layer is laminated to one or both of the second inner fabric layer and the second outer fabric layer. The second insulating-filler fabric layer has a pile surface including a plurality of discrete regions of no pile interspersed among regions of pile. In some cases, the second insulating-filler fabric layer has a pile surface that includes a plurality of first discrete regions having a first pile height interspersed among a plurality of other discrete regions having contrasting pile height relatively greater than the first pile height. In some examples, yarns forming the first discrete regions are relatively finer that yarns forming the other discrete regions. In some cases, yarns forming the first discrete regions have a denier per filament (dpf) of less than 1.0. The second insulating-filler fabric layer provides insulation of about 0.2 clo/oz2 to about 1.6 clo/oz2. The second insulating-filler fabric layer comprises a hydrophobic fabric. The second inner fabric layer includes a woven fabric. The second inner fabric layer includes a knit fabric having a single jersey construction, a double knit construction, a warp knit construction, or a mesh construction. The second outer fabric layer includes a woven fabric. The second insulated composite fabric has stretch in at least one direction. At least one of the second outer fabric layer, the second inner fabric layer, and the second insulating-filler fabric layer includes fibers of stretch and/or elastomeric material. The elastomeric material includes elastomeric yarns and/or fibers (e.g., spandex yarns and/or fibers). The second outer fabric layer is treated with durable water repellent, an abrasion resistant coating, camouflage, or infrared radiation reduction. The second insulated composite fabric has an air permeability of about 5 ft3/ft2/min to about 300 ft3/ft2/min, tested according to ASTM D-737, under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the second insulated composite fabric. The second fabric portion is formed of a knit fabric having a single jersey construction, a double knit construction, or a rib knit construction. The second fabric portion is formed of a single layer fabric or a laminate composite fabric. The single layer fabric has a single jersey construction, a double knit construction, a rib knit construction, or a woven construction. The second fabric portion includes a woven fabric. The second fabric portion has an air permeability that is different from an air permeability of the first fabric portion. The second fabric portion has an air permeability that is relatively greater than an air permeability of the first fabric portion. The second fabric portion has an air permeability that is relatively less than an air permeability of the first fabric portion. The second fabric portion has an air permeability of about 5 ft3/ft2/min to about 300 ft3/ft2/min, tested according to ASTM D-737, under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across fabric forming the second fabric portion. The second fabric portion has greater stretch than the first fabric portion in at least one direction. At least one of the first inner fabric layer, the first outer fabric layer, the first insulating-filler fabric layer, the second inner fabric layer, the second outer fabric layer, and the second insulating-filler fabric layer includes flame-retardant material or is treated to provide flame-retardance. The fabric garment may also include a waterproof membrane that is laminated to an inner surface of the first outer fabric layer, and which is disposed between the first outer fabric layer and the first insulating-filler fabric layer.
The waterproof membrane is a vapor permeable membrane. The waterproof membrane is a porous hydrophobic membrane, a hydrophilic non-porous membrane, or an electrospun material. The fabric garment is reversible, and the first inner fabric layer and the first outer fabric layer have contrasting appearance and/or surface texture.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method that includes forming an insulated composite fabric by enclosing an insulating-filler fabric layer between an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer. The insulating-filler fabric layer is a textile fabric with a raised surface on at least one side of the fabric.
Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the following additional features. Enclosing the insulating-filler fabric layer includes sewing the insulating-filler fabric layer to one or both of the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer. Enclosing the insulating-filler fabric layer includes laminating the insulating-filler fabric layer to one or both of the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer. The method also includes treating the outer fabric layer with durable water repellent (DWR), an abrasion resistant coating, camouflage, and/or infrared radiation reduction. The method also includes forming one or more fabric elements out of the insulated composite fabric, and incorporating the fabric elements into a fabric garment. The method also includes forming one or more other fabric elements out of an other fabric, and incorporating the one or more other fabric elements into the fabric garment. The other fabric has an air permeability that is different from an air permeability of the insulated composite fabric. The other fabric has an air permeability that is relatively greater than an air permeability of the insulated composite fabric. In some cases, the other fabric has an air permeability that is relatively less than an air permeability of the insulated composite fabric. The other fabric has greater stretch than the insulated composite fabric in at least one direction. The other fabric is a single layer fabric or a laminate fabric.
Another aspect of the invention features a method of forming a hybrid composite fabric garment. The method includes forming a first fabric portion out of a first insulated composite fabric and forming a second fabric portion out of an other fabric having an air permeability that is different from, and greater than, an air permeability of the first insulated composite fabric. The method also includes joining together the first and second fabric portions to form the hybrid composite fabric garment. The first insulated composite fabric includes a first inner fabric layer, a first outer fabric layer, and a first insulating-filler fabric layer enclosed between the first inner fabric layer and the first outer fabric layer. The first insulating-filler fabric layer is a textile fabric with a raised surface on at least one side of the fabric;
Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the following additional features. The other fabric is a second insulated composite fabric. The second insulated composite fabric includes a second inner fabric layer, a second outer fabric layer, and a second insulating-filler fabric layer enclosed between the second inner fabric layer and the second outer fabric layer. The second insulating-filler fabric layer is a textile fabric with a raised surface on at least one side of the fabric. The second insulated composite fabric has an air permeability that is different from, and greater than, an air permeability of the first insulated composite fabric. The method also includes forming the second insulated composite fabric by enclosing the second insulating-filler fabric layer between the second inner fabric layer and the second outer fabric layer. Enclosing the second insulating-filler fabric layer includes quilting the second insulating-filler fabric layer to one or both of the second inner fabric layer and the second outer fabric layer. Enclosing the second insulating-filler fabric layer includes laminating the second insulating-filler fabric layer to one or both of the second inner fabric layer and the second outer fabric layer. The method also includes forming the first insulated composite fabric by enclosing the first insulating-filler fabric layer between the first inner fabric layer and the first outer fabric layer. Enclosing the first insulating-filler fabric layer includes quilting the first insulating-filler fabric layer to one or both of the first inner fabric layer and the first outer fabric layer. Enclosing the first insulating-filler fabric layer includes laminating the first insulating-filler fabric layer to one or both of the first inner fabric layer and the first outer fabric layer.
Another aspect of the invention provides an insulated composite fabric that includes an outer fabric layer, and an insulating fabric layer attached the outer fabric layer. The insulating fabric layer is a textile fabric having a raised surface facing towards the outer fabric layer.
Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the following additional features. The insulating fabric layer includes a warp knit fabric. The warp knit fabric has a technical back having plush velvet, and a technical face defining a smooth surface. The insulating fabric layer includes a knit fabric having reverse plaited terry sinker loop construction. The knit fabric has a technical back with a raised or napped surface, and a technical face defining a smooth surface. The insulating fabric layer comprises a terry sinker loop fabric in which the terry loop is left un-raised. The terry sinker loop fabric has a reverse plaited construction. A technical face of the terry sinker loop fabric has a napped finish and a technical back is left as un-napped, terry loop. A technical face of the terry sinker loop fabric is left un-napped and a technical back is left as un-napped, terry loop. The terry sinker loop fabric has a regular plaited construction. The insulating fabric layer has a terry sinker loop surface including a plurality of discrete regions of no terry sinker loop interspersed among regions of terry sinker loop. The insulating fabric layer has a pile surface including a plurality of discrete regions of no pile interspersed among regions of pile. In some cases, the insulating fabric layer has a pile surface that includes a plurality of first discrete regions having a first pile height interspersed among a plurality of other discrete regions having contrasting pile height relatively greater than the first pile height. In some examples, yarns forming the first discrete regions are relatively finer that yarns forming the other discrete regions. In some cases, yarns forming the first discrete regions have a denier per filament (dpf) of less than 1.0. The insulating fabric layer provides insulation of about 0.2 clo/oz2 to about 1.6 clo/oz2. The insulating fabric layer includes a double face warp knit or circular knit fabric. The insulating fabric layer is laminated to the outer fabric layer. The insulating fabric layer is connected to the outer fabric layer by quilting, sewing, tucking, and/or ultrasound bonding. The insulating fabric layer is double face fabric, or a single face textile fabric having the raised surface facing towards the outer fabric layer, and an opposite, smooth surface. The outer fabric layer comprises a woven fabric. The outer fabric layer comprises a knit fabric having a single jersey construction, a warp knit construction, or a mesh construction. The insulated composite fabric has stretch in at least one direction. At least one of the outer fabric layer and the insulating fabric layer includes fibers of stretch and/or elastomeric material (e.g., elastomeric yarn and/or fibers). The outer fabric layer is treated with durable water repellent, an abrasion resistant coating, camouflage, or infrared radiation reduction. The insulated composite fabric has an air permeability of about 1.0 ft3/ft2/min to about 300 ft3/ft2/min, tested according to ASTM D-737 under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the insulated composite fabric. The insulating fabric layer and/or the outer fabric layer includes flame-retardant material or is treated to provide flame-retardance. The insulated composite fabric may also include a waterproof membrane that is laminated to an inner surface of the outer fabric layer, and which is disposed between the outer fabric layer and the insulating fabric layer. The waterproof membrane may be a vapor permeable membrane. The waterproof membrane may be a porous hydrophobic membrane, a hydrophilic non-porous membrane, or an electrospun material.
Implementations can include one or more of the following advantages.
In some implementations, the use of a textile fabric as an insulating filler material in an insulated composite fabric can help to avoid the use of loose fibers, which may have a tendency to migrate. This can also allow various fabrics with various openness to be used as shell layers with reduced concern over fiber migration and penetration of loose fibers through the shell fabric and without having to seal or otherwise limited the air permeability of the shell fabric.
In some cases, an insulating filler material is employed that is made of pile (velvet) and/or velour/fleece, which includes face yarn positioned generally perpendicular to backing or stitching yarn. This type of construction can provide high thickness (bulk) with good resiliency to help maintain thermal insulation even following compression.
Other aspects, features, and advantages are in the description, drawings, and claims.
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
Referring to
The insulating-filler fabric layer 23 is a textile fabric with raised surface on one side or both sides. The textile fabric of the insulating-filler fabric layer 23 is constructed to include face yarn (pile) that is positioned generally perpendicular to stitching or backing yarn. The term “pile,” as used herein, includes pile surfaces formed by any desired method, including but not limited to cut loops, loops cut on the knitting machine, loops cut off the knitting machine, and raised fibers. This type of construction can provide high bulk with good resiliency to maintain the thermal insulation of the insulating-filler fabric layer 23 even under compression.
Referring to
Alternatively or additionally, the insulating-filler fabric layer 23 may be formed from a double face knit fabric having reverse plaited terry sinker loop knit construction. Referring to
Referring to
Alternatively or additionally, the insulating-filler fabric layer 23 may be formed from a fabric having a sliver knit construction. The sliver knit construction can be formed by circular knitting coupled with the drawing-in of sliver of fibers to produce a pile like fabric. The sliver knit construction allows for the use of relatively coarse fiber (e.g., 5 dpf to 15 dpf). This relatively coarse fiber can provide for good resiliency and resistance to compression, and can generate very high pile (e.g., pile height of 3 inches to 4 inches). The sliver fabric of the insulating-filler fabric layer can be finished as a single face fabric with a raised surface at the technical back, or as a double face fabric with raised surfaces on both the technical back and the technical face. Generally, the sliver knit construction is prone to “shedding” and may exhibit undesirable aesthetic appearance (e.g., poor finish) when raised on the technical face. However, when incorporated as a filler layer, the aesthetic appearance of the raised technical face is less critical since the fabric is enclosed between the outer “shell” fabric layer 22 and the inner “shell-liner” fabric layer 21.
In some cases, the insulating-filler fabric layer 23 may include elastomeric material for enhanced stretch and recovery. For example, the insulating-filler fabric layer 23 may include elastomeric yarns and/or fibers, e.g., incorporated in the backing or stitching yarns. In some examples, the insulating-filler fabric layer 23 has stretch without including elastomeric material.
The insulating-filler fabric layer 23 has a weight of about 1 ounces per square yard to about 12 ounces per square yard, has relatively high thickness (bulk) (e.g., a thickness of at least about 0.1 inches, e.g., about 0.1 inches to about 1.0 inches), and has high insulation per weight unit (e.g., about 0.2 clo/oz2 to about 1.6 clo/oz2).
The insulating-filler fabric layer 23 may consist of a hydrophobic fabric, which, in case of water penetration through the outer fabric layer 22 (
The inner and outer fabric layers 21, 22 (
In some cases, the inner fabric layer 21 and/or the outer fabric layer 22 can also include elastomeric material, such as elastomeric yarns and/or fibers incorporated in the construction of the respective fabrics, for enhanced stretch and recovery. The incorporation of elastomeric material in the inner and outer fabric layers 21,22 can be particularly beneficial where the insulating-filler fabric layer 23 also has stretch, such that the inner fabric layer 21 and the outer fabric layer 22 can stretch and move with the insulating filler layer 23 for enhanced user comfort.
The moisture vapor transmission rate and the air permeability of the insulated composite fabric 20 can be controlled by the void or openness of the fabrics of the inner and/or outer fabric layers 21, 22. In some cases, for example, the control of the air permeability of the insulated composite fabric 20 can be achieved by controlling one or more parameters (e.g., yarn size, yarn count, and/or weave density (pick/fill)) of the fabric forming the inner “shell-liner” fabric layer 21 and/or the outer “shell” fabric layer 22. Alternatively or additionally, the control of the air permeability of the insulated composite fabric 20 can be achieved by applying coating or film lamination 24 (
The respective fabrics of the inner and outer fabric layers 21, 22 can be selected to provide the insulated composite fabric 20 with an air permeability within a range of about 1.0 ft3/ft2/min to about 300 ft3/ft2/min according to ASTM D-737, under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the insulated composite fabric 20. Depending on the particular construction, the composite fabric 20 may be tailored toward different end uses. For example, the insulated composite fabric 20 can be constructed to provide cold weather insulation with relatively high air permeability for use in conditions of relatively high physical activity. In this case, the respective fabrics of the inner and outer fabric layers 21, 22 can be selected to provide the insulated composite fabric 20 with an air permeability of about 100 ft3/ft2/min to about 300 ft3/ft2/min according to ASTM D-737, under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the insulated composite fabric 20.
Alternatively, the insulated composite fabric 20 can be constructed to provide cold weather insulation with relatively low air permeability for use in conditions of relatively little physical activity. In this case, the respective fabrics of the inner and outer fabric layers 21, 22 can be selected to provide the insulated composite fabric 20 with an air permeability of about 1 ft3/ft2/min to about 80 ft3/ft2/min according to ASTM D-737, under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the insulated composite fabric 20. The complete disclosures of the test method ASTM D-737 is incorporated herein by reference.
In some cases, the inner fabric layer 21 can have a relatively higher air permeability than the fabric of the outer fabric layer 22. Utilizing fabric with higher air permeability for the inner fabric layer 21, which is worn towards the user's body, can help to enhance vapor movement and vapor transmission away from the user's body during periods of high activity to help prevent overheating. For example, the inner fabric layer 21 may have an air permeability of about 5 ft3/ft2/min to about 300 ft3/ft2/min, tested according to ASTM D-737, under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the inner fabric layer 21, and the outer fabric layer 22 may have an air permeability of about 1 ft3/ft2/min to about 100 ft3/ft2/min (e.g., about 1 ft3/ft2/min to about 30 ft3/ft2/min), tested according to ASTM D-737, under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the outer fabric layer 22.
Further description is provided by the following examples, which do not limit the scope of the claims
While certain embodiments have been described above, other embodiments are possible.
For example, an entire fabric garment may be constructed from the insulted composite fabric, or, in some cases, a fabric garment may be formed which includes the insulated composite fabric only in sections.
The second fabric portion 140 covers a lower torso region of the user's body and is formed of a plurality of second fabric elements 142, which are joined together and with the first fabric elements 122 by stitching at seams 111. The second fabric elements 142 are formed from a second insulated composite fabric 150, which, like the first insulated composite fabric 130, may also have a construction as described above with regard to
Alternatively or additionally, the first and second fabric portions 120, 140 can have contrasting stretch. For example, the first fabric portion 120 may have greater stretch (e.g., in the outer shell, the inner shell layer, and the insulting-filler) than the second fabric layer 140. Providing greater stretch in the shoulder regions, for example, may enhance wearer comfort and reduce resistance while moving the arms, while other parts, e.g., the second fabric portion, may be non-stretch.
In some cases, the second fabric elements 142 may, instead, consist of a plain textile fabric, e.g., a circular knit like single jersey (plaited or non-plaited), double knit, rib, warp knit, or woven with and/or without stretch. Or, as another alternative, the second fabric elements 142 may consist of a double face knit fabric having reverse plaited terry sinker loop knit construction. Suitable fabrics for forming the second fabric elements 142 are commercially, available, e.g., from POLARTEC LLC, Lawrence Mass., under the trade names POWER STRETCH® and BOUNDARY®.
In some cases, the second fabric elements 142 may be formed of a laminate composite fabric with outer and inner fabric layers; and a barrier resistant to wind and liquid water while providing water vapor transport through absorption-diffusion-desorption, including a hydrophilic barrier and/or adhesive layer adhered to the inner and/or outer fabric layer. Suitable laminate composite fabrics are commercially available, e.g., from POLARTEC LLC, Lawrence Mass., under the trade names WINDBLOC® and POWER SHIELD®.
In some cases, enhancing the packability or compression (i.e., reducing the total volume of the insulated composite fabric) can be achieved by having voids or pile out (i.e., regions of no pile) in a predetermined pattern in the insulating-filler fabric layer. For example,
As mentioned above, the raised surface knit fabric of the insulating filler layer may have a construction made on a warp knitting double needle bar raschel machine, where the pile yarns are grouped in a predetermined pattern and some predetermined sections have voids (no pile yarn). For example,
In dynamic conditions (air flow or wind blowing onto the shell material having controlled air permeability), the thermal insulation in the void region may be reduced. However, the loss of thermal insulation can be reduced by providing relative low fleece/velour (lower than the interconnecting pile) in the void regions 212a, 212b. This can be done by adding additional pile yarn 230 (preferably in fine dpf like micro fiber under 1.0 denier) without generating interconnecting pile, but which is held by the stitch and backing yarn along the technical face (
While embodiments of insulating-filler fabrics have been described which include one or more raised surfaces, in some embodiments, e.g., where less insulation is needed, the insulating-filler fabric may instead have a regular knit construction (single or double face) which is finished on one or both sides by brushing.
In some cases, the outer “shell” fabric layer, the inner “shell-liner” fabric layer, and/or the insulating-filler fabric layer may be formed of, and/or incorporate, flame-retardant materials (e.g., flame retardant fibers), or may be treated (e.g., chemically treated) to provide flame-retardance. In some embodiments, the outer “shell” fabric layer is treated with durable water repellent (DWR), an abrasion resistant coating, camouflage, and/or infrared radiation reduction.
Although embodiments of insulated composite fabrics have been described in which an insulating-filler fabric layer is attached to one or both of a inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer by sewing, in some cases, the insulating-filler fabric layer may be laminated to one or both of the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer.
Either or both of the insulating fabric layer 421 and the outer fabric layer 422 can have stretch in at least one direction. In some cases, for example, either or both of the insulating fabric layer 421 and the outer fabric layer 422 can include elastomeric material (e.g., spandex yarns and/or fibers) for enhanced stretch and shape recovery.
Referring still to
Either or both of the insulating fabric layer 421′, and the outer fabric layer 422 can have stretch in at least one direction. The moisture vapor transmission rate and the air permeability of the insulated composite fabric 420′ can be controlled as discussed above with regard to
In some cases, the insulated composite fabric may be provided with water resistant properties. For example, the outer “shell” fabric layer may have a very tight construction (e.g., a tight woven construction) and may be treated with durable water repellent (DWR). Alternatively or additionally, the insulated composite fabric may be provided with a waterproof membrane (e.g., a breathable waterproof membrane). For example,
The water proof insulated composite fabric 500 can be used to form an entire fabric garment, or in some cases may only form a portion or portions of the silhouette. For example,
The second fabric portion 640 is disposed in a lower region (e.g., arranged to cover lower torso and lower back regions of the user's body), which are less likely during use to be exposed to rain. The second fabric portion 640 is formed of second fabric elements 642, which are joined together and with the first fabric elements 622 by stitching at seams 611. The second fabric elements 642 are formed from a second insulated composite fabric, which may have a construction as described above with regard to
In some embodiments, a reversible insulated composite fabric garment may also be provided. For example, the insulated composite fabric garment can be formed of an insulated composite fabric, similar to that described above with reference to
Although fabric garments in the form of jackets have been described, it should be noted that the insulated composite fabrics described herein may also be incorporated in various types of fabric articles, including, but not limited to, coats, shells, pull-overs, vests, shirts, pants, blankets (e.g., home textile blankets or outdoor blankets), etc.
In some cases, the insulating layer (e.g., the insulating-filler fabric layer (e.g., of any one of
Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/263,960, filed on Nov. 24, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/334,248, filed on May 13, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61263960 | Nov 2009 | US | |
| 61334248 | May 2010 | US |
