CA1296196C - Knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation and absorption properties - Google Patents
Knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation and absorption propertiesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1296196C CA1296196C CA000558246A CA558246A CA1296196C CA 1296196 C CA1296196 C CA 1296196C CA 000558246 A CA000558246 A CA 000558246A CA 558246 A CA558246 A CA 558246A CA 1296196 C CA1296196 C CA 1296196C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fabric
- conductive
- wale
- towel
- fibers
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04B—KNITTING
- D04B21/00—Warp knitting processes for the production of fabrics or articles not dependent on the use of particular machines; Fabrics or articles defined by such processes
- D04B21/14—Fabrics characterised by the incorporation by knitting, in one or more thread, fleece, or fabric layers, of reinforcing, binding, or decorative threads; Fabrics incorporating small auxiliary elements, e.g. for decorative purposes
- D04B21/16—Fabrics characterised by the incorporation by knitting, in one or more thread, fleece, or fabric layers, of reinforcing, binding, or decorative threads; Fabrics incorporating small auxiliary elements, e.g. for decorative purposes incorporating synthetic threads
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B2401/00—Physical properties
- D10B2401/16—Physical properties antistatic; conductive
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Woven Fabrics (AREA)
- Knitting Of Fabric (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties, constructed so as to form a conductive matrix capable of discharging an electrical charge along any direction of the course and wale of the fabric.
A knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties, constructed so as to form a conductive matrix capable of discharging an electrical charge along any direction of the course and wale of the fabric.
Description
~ 61293-168 KNITTED FABRIC HAVING IMPROVED ELECTRICAL
C RGE DISSIPATION AND ABSORPTION PROPERTIES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a new and improved knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and ]inting and tensile strength properties. More specifically, this invention relates to a readily manufactured knitted fabric comprised of nonconductive yarn that extends along the wale and combined with conductive fibers that form overlaps and underlaps within the nonconductive knit to such an extent so as to form a combined stitch construc-tion, e.g., a modified "Queen's Cord" construction, providing an electrically conductive matrix capable of quickly dissipating charge along any direction of both the course and wale. Still further, the invention's construction provides increased absorp-tion, stain resistance and tensile strength properties, and mini-mizes pilling and linting.
C RGE DISSIPATION AND ABSORPTION PROPERTIES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a new and improved knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and ]inting and tensile strength properties. More specifically, this invention relates to a readily manufactured knitted fabric comprised of nonconductive yarn that extends along the wale and combined with conductive fibers that form overlaps and underlaps within the nonconductive knit to such an extent so as to form a combined stitch construc-tion, e.g., a modified "Queen's Cord" construction, providing an electrically conductive matrix capable of quickly dissipating charge along any direction of both the course and wale. Still further, the invention's construction provides increased absorp-tion, stain resistance and tensile strength properties, and mini-mizes pilling and linting.
2. Description of the Prior Art Electrostatic charge accumulates on clothing as the wearer moves his or her arms and legs and as he or she walks on nonconductive floor surfaces. The accumulation of such static charge creates a problem in tight-fitting garments such a hosiery and sporting apparel in which static charge causes adjacent garments to cling to one another. This static cling causes both discomfort for the wearer and unpleasant shocks. Such charge accumulation can also pose significant problems when the wearer ~' ~
12~ 6 works in an environment in which any static charge is undesirable or dangerous. A need exists, therefore, for a means to control electrostatic charge accumulation on fabric, - la -12C3~ 6 1 particularly fabric used in clothing worn by individuals who 2 occupy or handle materials in areas in which an electrostatic 3 discharge can be hazardous to the individual or can damage 4 material which is being handled by the wearer, e.g., in hospital environments where potentially explosive gases are present and 6 patient comfort is important, or in "clean rooms" where 7 electrically sensitive microcircuits are manufactured.
8 Still further, those environments, particularly 9 hospitals, in which the control of electrostatic charge accumulation is important require a fabric, including 11 particularly a towel, that can provide a multitude of functions 12 and uses. In addition to control of electrostatic discharge, 13 improved absorbancy, stain resistance and tensile strength, as 14 well as minimized pilling and linting, are important ~5 characteristics for fabrics used in hospital environments. The 16 advantages of use of this invention in other environments are 17 also evident.
18 The utilization of fibers possessing electrical 19 1 conductivity (e.g., metal fibers, fibers coated with electrically 1 conductive ~aterial, or metal laminate filaments) in combination 21 ~ with common natural and manmade fibers to produce a woven, 22 knitted, netted, tufted, or otherwise fabricated structure, which 23 ~ readily dissipates static charge as it is generated is well 24 , known.
~l In U.S. Patent 3,823,035, issued to Sanders, an 26 ' electrically-conductive texti~e fiber is disclosed in which 2~ finely-divided electrically conductive particles are uniformly 28 suffused in a filamentary polymer substrate. Sanders discloses 29 the interweaving of such electrically conductive fibers with ordinary threads made from natural fibers such as cotton or wool 1;~ 6 1 in an amount sufficient to render the electrical resistance of 2 the fabric to a value of 109 ohms/cm.
3 U.S. Patent 4,312,913, issued to Rheaume, J discloses a heat-conductive woven fabric comprising a plurality of fill layers of weavable yarns, each yarn comprising a 6 plurality of fibers that are metallic or are coated with an 7 effective amount of a metallic, heat conducting material. An 8 angle weave pattern is woven through the layers of fill yarns in 9 Rheaume, and this angle woven pattern extends from the top to the bottom of several layers of fill yarns.
11 Similarly, U.S. Patent 4,296,855, issued to 12 Blalock, also discloses a woven pattern of filler and warp yarns 13 comprised of an electrically insulating material suffused with 14 electrically conducting carbon particles, the warp and filler being woven in an open mesh configuration.
16 U.S. Patent 4,422,483, issued to Zins, discloses 17 a multiplicity of elongated filaments which are essentially 18 parallel to each other and which form a single ply of a 19 I conductive thread for woven fabrics. The elongated filaments in I Zins are non-textured continuous, non-conductive filaments or 21 , warp threads which are combined together with conductive 22 filaments or fill threads to form a conductive woven fabric.
23 Neither Sanders, Rheaume, Blalock or Zins 24 disclose a conductive knitted fabric. While U.S. Patent 4,443,515, issued to Atlas, and its divisional 4,484,926, 26 disclose that conductive fibers comprised of synthetic polymers 27 may be incorporated into knitted fabrics, those references do not 28 disclose a pattern whereby such conductive fibers can be 29 economically incorporated into a Xnitted fabric so as to dissipate static electricity in any direction along the course ~2~ 6 l and wale directions of the fabric. Nor do they have the 2 special combination of elements, including improved absorption, 3 stain resistances and tensile strength and minimized pilling and ~ linting, unique to this invention.
S U.S. Patent No. 4,398,277, issued to 6 Christiansen et al., does disclose a pattern whereby insulative 7 yarn and electrically conductive yarn are knitted together on two 8 levels. The insulative yarn in Christiansen et al. forms a 9 series of interlocking loops on both the technical face and back of the fabric in a tricot construction, while the electrically 11 conductive yarn forms a series of chain stitches on only the 12 technical face. Christiansen et al. disclose that when their 13 fabric is knitted in such a two layer construction, one of the 14 surfaces (i.e., the technicaI face) will be relatively nonconductive. Electrical charge dissipation in such a 16 construction, therefors, is limited to the wale direction of the 17 technical face of the fabric.
18 Attempts have been made to develop a knitware 19 pattern that can be economically manufactured, which require the use of a relatively small amount of conductive fiber and which 21 possess electrical conductivity along both the course and wale 22 directions and on both the technical face and back of a two layer 23 knitted fabric. A knitted fabric in which conductive yarn is 24 knitted in an argyle pattern together with nonconductive yarn, resulting in a fabric having electrical conductivity along the 26 course and wale directions on both the technical face and back, 27 has been constructed.
28 The argyle construction suffers from several 29 disadvantages. Such a construction requires that the conductive ~0 fiber be stitched simultaneously along both the course and wale ~6~6 1 directions to form a saw-tooth pattern known as an "Atlas stitch"
2 which, when joined to a similar adjacent stitch, forms the arg~;le 3 pattern. Such simultaneous horizontal and vertical movement of 4 fiber requires that the argyle knit be manufactured on a knitting machine having at least two separate guidebars dedicated to the 6 argyle construction. Further, the argyle construction requires 7 the use of a substantial amount of conductive yarn, which is a 8 significant disadvantage given that such yarn is currently more 9 than about thirty-six times as expensive as nonconductive yarn.
An additional significant disadvantage of this conductive argyle ll construction is that it can only be fabricated by a relatively 12 complex warp knitting machine, i.e., one having two or more 13 dedicated guidebars as mentioned above.
14 A need exists, therefore, for a relatively inexpensive easily knitted fabric capable of rapidly and 16 effectively discharging static electricity. Further, the need 17 exists for such a knitted fabric which is capable of discharging 18 static electricity along the course and the wale directions of 19 ¦ the fabric and on the technical back and/or face of the fabric.
' Further, there is also a need for such an antistatic knitted 21 j fabric that can be manufactured on a conventional knitting 22 machine that is not as mechanically complex as those required for 23 complex knits, e.g., double argyle, presently used in the 24 industry.
Still further, those environments, particularly 26 hospitals, in which the control of electrostatic charge 27 accumulation is important, require a fabric, including 28 particularly a towel, that can provide a multitude of functions 29 and uses. In addition to control of electrostatic discharge, improved absorbancy, stain resistance and tensile strength, as 1 well as minimized pilling and linting, are important 2 characteristics for fabric, including particularly a to~el, use~
3 in hospital environments. The advantages of use of this ~ invention in other environments, and in other shapes an~ forms, are also evident.
6 Accordingly, it is an object of the present 7 invention to provide a knitted fabric, including particularly a 8 towel, having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, 9 stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties.
11 It is a further object of the present invention .2 to provide such a knitted fabric in which an electrostatic charge ,3 can be dissipated both along the course direction of the knitted 14 fabric and the wale direction of the knitted fabric on the technical back and/or face.
16 It is a further object of the present invention 17 to provide a knitted fabric having improved electrical discharge 18 dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and 19 ¦ linting and tensile strength properties in which the percentage of conductive fiber employed in the fabric is significantly less 21 than that required in knitware construction disclosed in the 22 prior art.
23 It is a still further object of the present 24 ~ invention to provide a knitted fabric that can be manufactured on ~ a conventional knitting machine that is mechanically less complex 26 than those machines presently used to manufacture conductive 27 knitware, i.e., one that requires the use of only one dedicated 28 guidebar.
29 Other objects and advantages will be in part evident and in part hereinafter pointed out.
~'~9f~1~96 In accordance with the present invention there is provided a knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting, and tensile strength properties comprised of stitches of nonconductive fibers knitted together with the conductive fiber that form underlaps and or overlaps in combination with nonconductive fiber in the directions both the course and the wale, the conductive and absorbant fibers being substantially parallel and perpendicular to the wale of the fabric, so as to the form an electrically conductive matrix capable of dissipating charge in substantially any direction along the course and wale of the fabric.
In accordance with the present invention there is also provided a knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting, and tensile strength properties, and a modified "Queen's Cord" construction fabricated by threading full the bottom bar of an 84 inch Mayer model KC3, 3 bar, 20 gauge warp knit tricot knitting machine with 150 denier texture polyester stitched 4S-10, the middle bar of the machine being threaded 6 ends out and one end in with 70 denier textured polyester plied with 2 ends per thread of BASF conductive nylon and stitched in the following sequence:
10-10-01-10-01-10-01-10-78-78-87-78-87-78-87-78, and with an intermediate let off set up for the middle bar on a ratio of 1.21 and with a chain sequence of:
- 7a -~2~ 6 000(6X444)000-000(6X444)000, and with an intermediate let off set up for the middle bar on a ratio of 1.21 with a chain sequence of:
000(6X444)000-000(6X444)000, and with a top bar threaded 6 ends in and end out with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 10-01.
In accordance with the present invention there is also provided a method of manufacturing a knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties comprised of knitting stitches of nonconductive fiber together with conductive fibers, the conductive fibers forming overlaps and/or underlaps with the nonconductive fibers along both the course and the wale directions, the conductive fibers being parallel or perpendicular to the wale of the fabric, thereby forming an electrically conductive matrix capable of dissipating charge in substantially any direction along the course and wale of the technical faced and back of the fabric.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is also provided a method of manufacturing a knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties, and a modified Queenls Cord construction comprising:
(a) threading full the bottom bar of an 84 inch Mayer model KC3, 3 bar, 20 gauge warp knit tricot knitting machine with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 45-10;
(b) threading the middle bar of the machine 6 ends out and - 7b -lZ5~61~6 one end in with 70 denier textured polyester plied with 2 ends per thread of BASF conductive nylon and stitched in the following sequence:
10-10-01-10-01-10-01-10-78-78-87-78-87-78-87-78;
(c) setting up an intermediate let off for the middle bar of the machine in a ratio of 1.21 with a chain sequence of:
000(6X444)000-000(6X444)000;
(d) threading the top bar of the machine 6 ends in and one end out with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 10-01.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is also provided a towel having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting, and tensile strength properties comprised of stitches of nonconductive fibers knitted together with the conductive fiber that form underlaps and or overlaps in combination with nonconductive fiber in the directions both the course and the wale, the conductive and absorbent fibers being substantially parallel and perpendicular t the wale of the fabric, so as to the form an electrically conductive matrix capable of dissipating charge in substantially any direction along the course and wale of the fabric.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is also provided a method of manufacturing a towel having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties comprised of knitting stitches of nonconductive fiber together with conductive fibers, the conductive fibers forming overlaps and/or underlaps with the nonconductive fibers along both the course and the wale - 7c -1.'2g~6 directions, the conductive fibers being parallel or perpendicular to the wale of the fabric, thereby forming an electrically conductive matrix capable of dissipating charge in substantially any direction along the course and wale of the technical face and back of the towel.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is also provided a method of manufacturing a towel, having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties, and a modified Queen's Cord construction comprising:
(a) threading full the bottom bar of an 84 inch Mayer model KC3, 3 bar, 20 gauge warp knit tricot knitting machine with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 45-10;
(b) threading the middle bar of the machine 6 ends out and one end in with 70 denier textured polyester plied with 2 ends per thread of BASF conductive nylon and stitched in the following sequence:
10-10-01-10-01-10-01-10-78-78-87-78-87-78-87-78;
(c) setting up an intermediate let off for the middle bar of the machine in a ratio of 1.21 with a chain sequence of:
000(6X444)000-000(6X444)000;
(d) threading the top bar of the machine 6 ends in and 1 end out with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 10-01;
(e) trim~ing the fabric into the shape of a towel having the dimensions of 18" x 33";
- 7d -12~6196~
(f) finishing the edged of the fabric so that it does not unravel in normal wear-and -tear. e.g. with a pearl edge folded, small turn edge, plain serged edge, or by any other means common in the art;
(g) squaring the corners of the fabric by sewing or by any other means common in the art.
~ 2~ 36 BRIEF DESCRIPTiON_OF THE DRAWING
FIG~ 1 is a lapping diagram which depicts the stitch formation of the conductive stitch of the present invention.
FIG. 2 depicts an enlarged section of the conductive stitch, shown in Fig. 1. This FIG. 2 illustrates the arrangement of the stitches of conductive fiber 1 extending along the course and wale directions and which forms overlaps and underlaps within a nonconductive knit (not shown) so as to form the preferred modi-fied Queen's Cord construction.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the illustrated sequence of chain stitches may be formed on a knitting machine of the type well known in the art. See, e.g., "An Introduction the Stitch Formations in Warp Knitting" ~1.3, pp. 27-42 (Employees Assoc.
Karl Mayer E.V., West Germany 1966) (hereinafter "Stitch Formations"). A significant advantage of the present invention is that a knitting machine containing only one dedicated guide bar may be employed to fabricate the desired pattern of stitches of nonconductive fiber interlaced with conductive fiber 1.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the dissipation of electrical charge along both the course and wale directions, as well as improved absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties, are ensured by the novel tech-nique of forming underlaps and/or overlaps with the conductive fiber 1 within a nonconductive knit fabric along both the course and wale directions. This connection of conductive fiber 1 with adjacent nonconductive fibers results in a combined stitch construction, e.g., a modified "Queen's Cord"
31 Z~ 6 1 construction, that is electrically conductive along both the 7 course and wale directions, and, when a two layered knit is 3 fabricated, on both the technical face and back of the fabric.
~ This modified "Queen's Cord" construction differs from known ~nit constructions in that the conductive fibers extend either along 6 the course of the fabric or wale of the fabric, unlike the 7 aforementioned argyle pattern in which the conductive fiber 8 extends in a diagonal along the course or wale. "Stitch 9 Formations", at p. 104, Fig. 155, depicts a "Queen's Cord"
construction which is to be contrasted with the preferred 11 embodiment of the present invention. It is an important feature 12 of the present invention that the conductive fibers 1 form under 13 and/or overlaps within the nonconductive fabric along the course 14 and wale directions to such an extent that a conductive matrix is formed in which charge can be dissipated along any number of 16 pathways in the course or wale direction of the technical face 17 and back of the fabric.
18 It is also an important feature of the present 19 l invention that the combined stitch construction, e.g., a modified , "Queen's Cord" construction, provides absorption characteristics.
21 I Still further, the invention demonstrates improved stain 22 resistance and tensile strength, as well as minimizes pilling and 23 linting.
24 In an alternative embodiment useful, é.g., as an antistatic wall covering, a knitted fabric can be constructed in 26 accordance with the methods of the present invention wherein the 27 conductive fiber is trapped between the overlaps and underlaps of 28 the nonconductive knitted fabric as seen from the technical back.
29 The conductive fiber 1 can be selected from any of the number of types of conductive fibers commercially J ~ 6 l available, some of which have been considered in the preceding 2 discussion of the prior art. These conductive fibers can consist 3 either of singular yarns or be plied with other yarns where extra 4 fabric strength or workability is desired.
EXAMPLE I
6 An example of the electrically conductive and 7 absorbant knitted fabric of the present invention, in the form of 8 a towel, was constructed as follows. The bottom bar of an 84 9 inch Mayer model KC3, 3 bar, 20 gauge warp knit tricot knitting 7 0 machine was threaded full with 150 denier textured polyester and ll stitched 45-10. (Idler links for the 3 link per course set-up 12 were omitted in this Example.) The middle bar of the machine was 13 threaded 6 ends out and one end in with 70 denier textured 14 polyester plied with 2 ends-per thread of BASF conductive nylon and stitched in the following sequence:
16 10-10-01-10-01-10-01-10-78-78-87-78-87-78-87-78.
17 An intermediate let off was set up for the 18 middle bar on a ratio of 1.21 with a chain sequence as follows:
19 1 OOO(~X444)000-000(6X444)000.
~I The top bar was threaded 6 ends in and 1 end out 21 ,¦ with 150 denier textured polyester and stitched 10-01. The 22 , knitted fabric so constructed was jet dyed and framed 72 inches 23 ~ wide and slit into 4 separate 18 inch strips. The runner lengths 24 , for this fabric were:
top bar: 80 inches per rack 26 middle bar: 96 inches per rack 27 j bottom bar: 148 inches per rack 28 ' The fabric quality pull was 17 inches per rack.
29 The total inches for an 84 inch panel by bar were as follows:
top bar: 2,280 ends 1 middle bar: 480 ends 2 bottom bar: 3,360 ends 3 The fabric was cut into the form of a towel ~ having dimensions of 18" x 33", and the edges of the towel were finished so that the edges do not unravel in normal wear-and-tear, e.g. with a pearly edge folded small torn edge, a plain 7 serged edge, or by any other means common in the art. The 8 corners of the towel were then squared and sewn.
g The electrical charge dissipation characteristic 1~ of a fabric constructed, in the form of a towel, in accordance 11 with the present invention was tested and is set forth in Example 12 2.
13 The absorbancy characteristic of a fabric 14 constructed, in the form of a towel, in accordance with the present invention was also tested and is set forth in Example 3.
16 The anti-pilling and linting characteristic of a 17 fabric constructed, in the orm of a towel, in accordance with 18 the present invention was also tested and is set forth in Example 1 The stain resistance characteristic of a fabric 21 constructed, in the form of a towel, in accordance with the 22 present invention was also tested and is set forth in Example 5.
23 Still further, the tensile strength 24 characteristic of a fabric constructed, in the form of a towel, in accordance with the present invention was tested and is set 26 set forth in Example 6.
28 A sample of antistatic and absorbant fabric, in 29 the form of a towel, and fabricated in accordance with the Example 1 was tested for effective surface resistivity and charge lZg~6 1 to decay time in accordance with the methods recommended in 2 National Fire Protection Association ~NFPA) 99. The tests were 3 conducted at a temperature of 23~C and a relative humidity of 4 50%. The fabric measured approximately 6 X 105 ohms/cm. in the machine direction and 2 X 106 ohms/cm. in the crossmachine 6 direction. Decay times in both directions were much less than 7 0.01 seconds. The material, therefore, easily met the resistance 8 and decay specifications of National Fire Protection Association 9 (NFPA) Standard 99.
11 A sample of antistatic and absorbant fabric, in 12 the form of a towel, and fabricated in accordance with Example 1 13 was tested for absorbancy in accordance with the methods 14 recommended in American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Standard 79-1986. The test procedure cycle was 16 composed of a 57-C reverse wheel wash, followed by a tumble dry, 17 15 minute autoclave cycle at 121C, and 15 pounds pressure.
18 After 1, 10 and 50 wash cycles, the fabric demonstrated immediate 19 il absorption. The material, therafore, easily met the absorbancy j specifications of AATCC 79-1986. The significance of 21 ¦ demonstrated immediate absorption after even 50 washings is that 22 , the absorbancy derives from the construction of the fabric, is 23 integral in its construction, and is not a factor of any 24 particular finish placed on the fabric. It shouid further be pointed out that polyester fabrics, while known for stain 26 resistance, anti-pilling and linting, and tensile strength 27 properties, are notoriously hydrophobic.
29 A sample of the antistatic and absorbant fabric, in the form of a towel, and fabricated in accordance with Example `~ 12~6~6 1 1 was tested for pilling and linting. After 1, 10 and 50 wash 2 cycles, a visual examination of the fabric demonstrated no 3 noticeable pilling and linting.
1 _XAMPLE 5 2 A sample of the antistatic and absorbant fabric, 3 in the form of a towel, and fabricated in accordance with Example ~ 1 was tested for stain resistance in accordance with the methods recommended by an independent testing company. The test 6 procedure involved samples of the fabric that had been washed 1, 7 10 and 50 times, and then were stained with blood, iodine and 8 surgical jelly. One of each sample was then washed immediately, g while another of each sample was allowed to sit undisturbed for 24 hours, after which it was washed. The residual stains, if 11 any, were then rated on a scale from much staining to negligible 12 or no staining. After testing, virtually every sample 13 demonstrated either slight, negligible or no staining.
A sample of the antistatic and absorbant fabric, 16 in the form of a~ towel, and fabricated in accordance with Example 17 1 was tested for tensile (breaking and tearing) strength in 18 accordance with the methods recommended in American Society for 19 ,I Testing and Materials (ASTM) D-1682 and ASTM D-2661. The tests ¦ were conducted at a temperature of 7'C and a relative humidity of 21 ¦ 65%. ASTM D-1682's grab method for testing breaking strength 22 yielded results, in lbs., of 122.6 for wales and 202.4 for 23 courses. ASTM D-2661's tongue tear method for testing tearing 24 strength yielded results, in lbs., of 9.0 for length and 14.4 for I width. The material, therefore, easily met the breaking strength 26 and tearing strength specifications of ASTM D-1682 and ASTM D-27 2661.
28 It should be understood that this invention's 29 improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting, and tensile strength 1 characteristics interact to yield the sum of what is this 2 invention.
3 It should be further understood that this 4 invention is not limited to the illustrations described and shown S herein, which are deemed to be merely illustrative of the best 6 modes of carrying out the invention. The invention also , encompasses all such modifications which are within the scope of 9 the following claims.
12~ 6 works in an environment in which any static charge is undesirable or dangerous. A need exists, therefore, for a means to control electrostatic charge accumulation on fabric, - la -12C3~ 6 1 particularly fabric used in clothing worn by individuals who 2 occupy or handle materials in areas in which an electrostatic 3 discharge can be hazardous to the individual or can damage 4 material which is being handled by the wearer, e.g., in hospital environments where potentially explosive gases are present and 6 patient comfort is important, or in "clean rooms" where 7 electrically sensitive microcircuits are manufactured.
8 Still further, those environments, particularly 9 hospitals, in which the control of electrostatic charge accumulation is important require a fabric, including 11 particularly a towel, that can provide a multitude of functions 12 and uses. In addition to control of electrostatic discharge, 13 improved absorbancy, stain resistance and tensile strength, as 14 well as minimized pilling and linting, are important ~5 characteristics for fabrics used in hospital environments. The 16 advantages of use of this invention in other environments are 17 also evident.
18 The utilization of fibers possessing electrical 19 1 conductivity (e.g., metal fibers, fibers coated with electrically 1 conductive ~aterial, or metal laminate filaments) in combination 21 ~ with common natural and manmade fibers to produce a woven, 22 knitted, netted, tufted, or otherwise fabricated structure, which 23 ~ readily dissipates static charge as it is generated is well 24 , known.
~l In U.S. Patent 3,823,035, issued to Sanders, an 26 ' electrically-conductive texti~e fiber is disclosed in which 2~ finely-divided electrically conductive particles are uniformly 28 suffused in a filamentary polymer substrate. Sanders discloses 29 the interweaving of such electrically conductive fibers with ordinary threads made from natural fibers such as cotton or wool 1;~ 6 1 in an amount sufficient to render the electrical resistance of 2 the fabric to a value of 109 ohms/cm.
3 U.S. Patent 4,312,913, issued to Rheaume, J discloses a heat-conductive woven fabric comprising a plurality of fill layers of weavable yarns, each yarn comprising a 6 plurality of fibers that are metallic or are coated with an 7 effective amount of a metallic, heat conducting material. An 8 angle weave pattern is woven through the layers of fill yarns in 9 Rheaume, and this angle woven pattern extends from the top to the bottom of several layers of fill yarns.
11 Similarly, U.S. Patent 4,296,855, issued to 12 Blalock, also discloses a woven pattern of filler and warp yarns 13 comprised of an electrically insulating material suffused with 14 electrically conducting carbon particles, the warp and filler being woven in an open mesh configuration.
16 U.S. Patent 4,422,483, issued to Zins, discloses 17 a multiplicity of elongated filaments which are essentially 18 parallel to each other and which form a single ply of a 19 I conductive thread for woven fabrics. The elongated filaments in I Zins are non-textured continuous, non-conductive filaments or 21 , warp threads which are combined together with conductive 22 filaments or fill threads to form a conductive woven fabric.
23 Neither Sanders, Rheaume, Blalock or Zins 24 disclose a conductive knitted fabric. While U.S. Patent 4,443,515, issued to Atlas, and its divisional 4,484,926, 26 disclose that conductive fibers comprised of synthetic polymers 27 may be incorporated into knitted fabrics, those references do not 28 disclose a pattern whereby such conductive fibers can be 29 economically incorporated into a Xnitted fabric so as to dissipate static electricity in any direction along the course ~2~ 6 l and wale directions of the fabric. Nor do they have the 2 special combination of elements, including improved absorption, 3 stain resistances and tensile strength and minimized pilling and ~ linting, unique to this invention.
S U.S. Patent No. 4,398,277, issued to 6 Christiansen et al., does disclose a pattern whereby insulative 7 yarn and electrically conductive yarn are knitted together on two 8 levels. The insulative yarn in Christiansen et al. forms a 9 series of interlocking loops on both the technical face and back of the fabric in a tricot construction, while the electrically 11 conductive yarn forms a series of chain stitches on only the 12 technical face. Christiansen et al. disclose that when their 13 fabric is knitted in such a two layer construction, one of the 14 surfaces (i.e., the technicaI face) will be relatively nonconductive. Electrical charge dissipation in such a 16 construction, therefors, is limited to the wale direction of the 17 technical face of the fabric.
18 Attempts have been made to develop a knitware 19 pattern that can be economically manufactured, which require the use of a relatively small amount of conductive fiber and which 21 possess electrical conductivity along both the course and wale 22 directions and on both the technical face and back of a two layer 23 knitted fabric. A knitted fabric in which conductive yarn is 24 knitted in an argyle pattern together with nonconductive yarn, resulting in a fabric having electrical conductivity along the 26 course and wale directions on both the technical face and back, 27 has been constructed.
28 The argyle construction suffers from several 29 disadvantages. Such a construction requires that the conductive ~0 fiber be stitched simultaneously along both the course and wale ~6~6 1 directions to form a saw-tooth pattern known as an "Atlas stitch"
2 which, when joined to a similar adjacent stitch, forms the arg~;le 3 pattern. Such simultaneous horizontal and vertical movement of 4 fiber requires that the argyle knit be manufactured on a knitting machine having at least two separate guidebars dedicated to the 6 argyle construction. Further, the argyle construction requires 7 the use of a substantial amount of conductive yarn, which is a 8 significant disadvantage given that such yarn is currently more 9 than about thirty-six times as expensive as nonconductive yarn.
An additional significant disadvantage of this conductive argyle ll construction is that it can only be fabricated by a relatively 12 complex warp knitting machine, i.e., one having two or more 13 dedicated guidebars as mentioned above.
14 A need exists, therefore, for a relatively inexpensive easily knitted fabric capable of rapidly and 16 effectively discharging static electricity. Further, the need 17 exists for such a knitted fabric which is capable of discharging 18 static electricity along the course and the wale directions of 19 ¦ the fabric and on the technical back and/or face of the fabric.
' Further, there is also a need for such an antistatic knitted 21 j fabric that can be manufactured on a conventional knitting 22 machine that is not as mechanically complex as those required for 23 complex knits, e.g., double argyle, presently used in the 24 industry.
Still further, those environments, particularly 26 hospitals, in which the control of electrostatic charge 27 accumulation is important, require a fabric, including 28 particularly a towel, that can provide a multitude of functions 29 and uses. In addition to control of electrostatic discharge, improved absorbancy, stain resistance and tensile strength, as 1 well as minimized pilling and linting, are important 2 characteristics for fabric, including particularly a to~el, use~
3 in hospital environments. The advantages of use of this ~ invention in other environments, and in other shapes an~ forms, are also evident.
6 Accordingly, it is an object of the present 7 invention to provide a knitted fabric, including particularly a 8 towel, having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, 9 stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties.
11 It is a further object of the present invention .2 to provide such a knitted fabric in which an electrostatic charge ,3 can be dissipated both along the course direction of the knitted 14 fabric and the wale direction of the knitted fabric on the technical back and/or face.
16 It is a further object of the present invention 17 to provide a knitted fabric having improved electrical discharge 18 dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and 19 ¦ linting and tensile strength properties in which the percentage of conductive fiber employed in the fabric is significantly less 21 than that required in knitware construction disclosed in the 22 prior art.
23 It is a still further object of the present 24 ~ invention to provide a knitted fabric that can be manufactured on ~ a conventional knitting machine that is mechanically less complex 26 than those machines presently used to manufacture conductive 27 knitware, i.e., one that requires the use of only one dedicated 28 guidebar.
29 Other objects and advantages will be in part evident and in part hereinafter pointed out.
~'~9f~1~96 In accordance with the present invention there is provided a knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting, and tensile strength properties comprised of stitches of nonconductive fibers knitted together with the conductive fiber that form underlaps and or overlaps in combination with nonconductive fiber in the directions both the course and the wale, the conductive and absorbant fibers being substantially parallel and perpendicular to the wale of the fabric, so as to the form an electrically conductive matrix capable of dissipating charge in substantially any direction along the course and wale of the fabric.
In accordance with the present invention there is also provided a knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting, and tensile strength properties, and a modified "Queen's Cord" construction fabricated by threading full the bottom bar of an 84 inch Mayer model KC3, 3 bar, 20 gauge warp knit tricot knitting machine with 150 denier texture polyester stitched 4S-10, the middle bar of the machine being threaded 6 ends out and one end in with 70 denier textured polyester plied with 2 ends per thread of BASF conductive nylon and stitched in the following sequence:
10-10-01-10-01-10-01-10-78-78-87-78-87-78-87-78, and with an intermediate let off set up for the middle bar on a ratio of 1.21 and with a chain sequence of:
- 7a -~2~ 6 000(6X444)000-000(6X444)000, and with an intermediate let off set up for the middle bar on a ratio of 1.21 with a chain sequence of:
000(6X444)000-000(6X444)000, and with a top bar threaded 6 ends in and end out with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 10-01.
In accordance with the present invention there is also provided a method of manufacturing a knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties comprised of knitting stitches of nonconductive fiber together with conductive fibers, the conductive fibers forming overlaps and/or underlaps with the nonconductive fibers along both the course and the wale directions, the conductive fibers being parallel or perpendicular to the wale of the fabric, thereby forming an electrically conductive matrix capable of dissipating charge in substantially any direction along the course and wale of the technical faced and back of the fabric.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is also provided a method of manufacturing a knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties, and a modified Queenls Cord construction comprising:
(a) threading full the bottom bar of an 84 inch Mayer model KC3, 3 bar, 20 gauge warp knit tricot knitting machine with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 45-10;
(b) threading the middle bar of the machine 6 ends out and - 7b -lZ5~61~6 one end in with 70 denier textured polyester plied with 2 ends per thread of BASF conductive nylon and stitched in the following sequence:
10-10-01-10-01-10-01-10-78-78-87-78-87-78-87-78;
(c) setting up an intermediate let off for the middle bar of the machine in a ratio of 1.21 with a chain sequence of:
000(6X444)000-000(6X444)000;
(d) threading the top bar of the machine 6 ends in and one end out with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 10-01.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is also provided a towel having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting, and tensile strength properties comprised of stitches of nonconductive fibers knitted together with the conductive fiber that form underlaps and or overlaps in combination with nonconductive fiber in the directions both the course and the wale, the conductive and absorbent fibers being substantially parallel and perpendicular t the wale of the fabric, so as to the form an electrically conductive matrix capable of dissipating charge in substantially any direction along the course and wale of the fabric.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is also provided a method of manufacturing a towel having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties comprised of knitting stitches of nonconductive fiber together with conductive fibers, the conductive fibers forming overlaps and/or underlaps with the nonconductive fibers along both the course and the wale - 7c -1.'2g~6 directions, the conductive fibers being parallel or perpendicular to the wale of the fabric, thereby forming an electrically conductive matrix capable of dissipating charge in substantially any direction along the course and wale of the technical face and back of the towel.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is also provided a method of manufacturing a towel, having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties, and a modified Queen's Cord construction comprising:
(a) threading full the bottom bar of an 84 inch Mayer model KC3, 3 bar, 20 gauge warp knit tricot knitting machine with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 45-10;
(b) threading the middle bar of the machine 6 ends out and one end in with 70 denier textured polyester plied with 2 ends per thread of BASF conductive nylon and stitched in the following sequence:
10-10-01-10-01-10-01-10-78-78-87-78-87-78-87-78;
(c) setting up an intermediate let off for the middle bar of the machine in a ratio of 1.21 with a chain sequence of:
000(6X444)000-000(6X444)000;
(d) threading the top bar of the machine 6 ends in and 1 end out with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 10-01;
(e) trim~ing the fabric into the shape of a towel having the dimensions of 18" x 33";
- 7d -12~6196~
(f) finishing the edged of the fabric so that it does not unravel in normal wear-and -tear. e.g. with a pearl edge folded, small turn edge, plain serged edge, or by any other means common in the art;
(g) squaring the corners of the fabric by sewing or by any other means common in the art.
~ 2~ 36 BRIEF DESCRIPTiON_OF THE DRAWING
FIG~ 1 is a lapping diagram which depicts the stitch formation of the conductive stitch of the present invention.
FIG. 2 depicts an enlarged section of the conductive stitch, shown in Fig. 1. This FIG. 2 illustrates the arrangement of the stitches of conductive fiber 1 extending along the course and wale directions and which forms overlaps and underlaps within a nonconductive knit (not shown) so as to form the preferred modi-fied Queen's Cord construction.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the illustrated sequence of chain stitches may be formed on a knitting machine of the type well known in the art. See, e.g., "An Introduction the Stitch Formations in Warp Knitting" ~1.3, pp. 27-42 (Employees Assoc.
Karl Mayer E.V., West Germany 1966) (hereinafter "Stitch Formations"). A significant advantage of the present invention is that a knitting machine containing only one dedicated guide bar may be employed to fabricate the desired pattern of stitches of nonconductive fiber interlaced with conductive fiber 1.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the dissipation of electrical charge along both the course and wale directions, as well as improved absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties, are ensured by the novel tech-nique of forming underlaps and/or overlaps with the conductive fiber 1 within a nonconductive knit fabric along both the course and wale directions. This connection of conductive fiber 1 with adjacent nonconductive fibers results in a combined stitch construction, e.g., a modified "Queen's Cord"
31 Z~ 6 1 construction, that is electrically conductive along both the 7 course and wale directions, and, when a two layered knit is 3 fabricated, on both the technical face and back of the fabric.
~ This modified "Queen's Cord" construction differs from known ~nit constructions in that the conductive fibers extend either along 6 the course of the fabric or wale of the fabric, unlike the 7 aforementioned argyle pattern in which the conductive fiber 8 extends in a diagonal along the course or wale. "Stitch 9 Formations", at p. 104, Fig. 155, depicts a "Queen's Cord"
construction which is to be contrasted with the preferred 11 embodiment of the present invention. It is an important feature 12 of the present invention that the conductive fibers 1 form under 13 and/or overlaps within the nonconductive fabric along the course 14 and wale directions to such an extent that a conductive matrix is formed in which charge can be dissipated along any number of 16 pathways in the course or wale direction of the technical face 17 and back of the fabric.
18 It is also an important feature of the present 19 l invention that the combined stitch construction, e.g., a modified , "Queen's Cord" construction, provides absorption characteristics.
21 I Still further, the invention demonstrates improved stain 22 resistance and tensile strength, as well as minimizes pilling and 23 linting.
24 In an alternative embodiment useful, é.g., as an antistatic wall covering, a knitted fabric can be constructed in 26 accordance with the methods of the present invention wherein the 27 conductive fiber is trapped between the overlaps and underlaps of 28 the nonconductive knitted fabric as seen from the technical back.
29 The conductive fiber 1 can be selected from any of the number of types of conductive fibers commercially J ~ 6 l available, some of which have been considered in the preceding 2 discussion of the prior art. These conductive fibers can consist 3 either of singular yarns or be plied with other yarns where extra 4 fabric strength or workability is desired.
EXAMPLE I
6 An example of the electrically conductive and 7 absorbant knitted fabric of the present invention, in the form of 8 a towel, was constructed as follows. The bottom bar of an 84 9 inch Mayer model KC3, 3 bar, 20 gauge warp knit tricot knitting 7 0 machine was threaded full with 150 denier textured polyester and ll stitched 45-10. (Idler links for the 3 link per course set-up 12 were omitted in this Example.) The middle bar of the machine was 13 threaded 6 ends out and one end in with 70 denier textured 14 polyester plied with 2 ends-per thread of BASF conductive nylon and stitched in the following sequence:
16 10-10-01-10-01-10-01-10-78-78-87-78-87-78-87-78.
17 An intermediate let off was set up for the 18 middle bar on a ratio of 1.21 with a chain sequence as follows:
19 1 OOO(~X444)000-000(6X444)000.
~I The top bar was threaded 6 ends in and 1 end out 21 ,¦ with 150 denier textured polyester and stitched 10-01. The 22 , knitted fabric so constructed was jet dyed and framed 72 inches 23 ~ wide and slit into 4 separate 18 inch strips. The runner lengths 24 , for this fabric were:
top bar: 80 inches per rack 26 middle bar: 96 inches per rack 27 j bottom bar: 148 inches per rack 28 ' The fabric quality pull was 17 inches per rack.
29 The total inches for an 84 inch panel by bar were as follows:
top bar: 2,280 ends 1 middle bar: 480 ends 2 bottom bar: 3,360 ends 3 The fabric was cut into the form of a towel ~ having dimensions of 18" x 33", and the edges of the towel were finished so that the edges do not unravel in normal wear-and-tear, e.g. with a pearly edge folded small torn edge, a plain 7 serged edge, or by any other means common in the art. The 8 corners of the towel were then squared and sewn.
g The electrical charge dissipation characteristic 1~ of a fabric constructed, in the form of a towel, in accordance 11 with the present invention was tested and is set forth in Example 12 2.
13 The absorbancy characteristic of a fabric 14 constructed, in the form of a towel, in accordance with the present invention was also tested and is set forth in Example 3.
16 The anti-pilling and linting characteristic of a 17 fabric constructed, in the orm of a towel, in accordance with 18 the present invention was also tested and is set forth in Example 1 The stain resistance characteristic of a fabric 21 constructed, in the form of a towel, in accordance with the 22 present invention was also tested and is set forth in Example 5.
23 Still further, the tensile strength 24 characteristic of a fabric constructed, in the form of a towel, in accordance with the present invention was tested and is set 26 set forth in Example 6.
28 A sample of antistatic and absorbant fabric, in 29 the form of a towel, and fabricated in accordance with the Example 1 was tested for effective surface resistivity and charge lZg~6 1 to decay time in accordance with the methods recommended in 2 National Fire Protection Association ~NFPA) 99. The tests were 3 conducted at a temperature of 23~C and a relative humidity of 4 50%. The fabric measured approximately 6 X 105 ohms/cm. in the machine direction and 2 X 106 ohms/cm. in the crossmachine 6 direction. Decay times in both directions were much less than 7 0.01 seconds. The material, therefore, easily met the resistance 8 and decay specifications of National Fire Protection Association 9 (NFPA) Standard 99.
11 A sample of antistatic and absorbant fabric, in 12 the form of a towel, and fabricated in accordance with Example 1 13 was tested for absorbancy in accordance with the methods 14 recommended in American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Standard 79-1986. The test procedure cycle was 16 composed of a 57-C reverse wheel wash, followed by a tumble dry, 17 15 minute autoclave cycle at 121C, and 15 pounds pressure.
18 After 1, 10 and 50 wash cycles, the fabric demonstrated immediate 19 il absorption. The material, therafore, easily met the absorbancy j specifications of AATCC 79-1986. The significance of 21 ¦ demonstrated immediate absorption after even 50 washings is that 22 , the absorbancy derives from the construction of the fabric, is 23 integral in its construction, and is not a factor of any 24 particular finish placed on the fabric. It shouid further be pointed out that polyester fabrics, while known for stain 26 resistance, anti-pilling and linting, and tensile strength 27 properties, are notoriously hydrophobic.
29 A sample of the antistatic and absorbant fabric, in the form of a towel, and fabricated in accordance with Example `~ 12~6~6 1 1 was tested for pilling and linting. After 1, 10 and 50 wash 2 cycles, a visual examination of the fabric demonstrated no 3 noticeable pilling and linting.
1 _XAMPLE 5 2 A sample of the antistatic and absorbant fabric, 3 in the form of a towel, and fabricated in accordance with Example ~ 1 was tested for stain resistance in accordance with the methods recommended by an independent testing company. The test 6 procedure involved samples of the fabric that had been washed 1, 7 10 and 50 times, and then were stained with blood, iodine and 8 surgical jelly. One of each sample was then washed immediately, g while another of each sample was allowed to sit undisturbed for 24 hours, after which it was washed. The residual stains, if 11 any, were then rated on a scale from much staining to negligible 12 or no staining. After testing, virtually every sample 13 demonstrated either slight, negligible or no staining.
A sample of the antistatic and absorbant fabric, 16 in the form of a~ towel, and fabricated in accordance with Example 17 1 was tested for tensile (breaking and tearing) strength in 18 accordance with the methods recommended in American Society for 19 ,I Testing and Materials (ASTM) D-1682 and ASTM D-2661. The tests ¦ were conducted at a temperature of 7'C and a relative humidity of 21 ¦ 65%. ASTM D-1682's grab method for testing breaking strength 22 yielded results, in lbs., of 122.6 for wales and 202.4 for 23 courses. ASTM D-2661's tongue tear method for testing tearing 24 strength yielded results, in lbs., of 9.0 for length and 14.4 for I width. The material, therefore, easily met the breaking strength 26 and tearing strength specifications of ASTM D-1682 and ASTM D-27 2661.
28 It should be understood that this invention's 29 improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting, and tensile strength 1 characteristics interact to yield the sum of what is this 2 invention.
3 It should be further understood that this 4 invention is not limited to the illustrations described and shown S herein, which are deemed to be merely illustrative of the best 6 modes of carrying out the invention. The invention also , encompasses all such modifications which are within the scope of 9 the following claims.
Claims (16)
1. A knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting, and tensile strength properties comprised of stitches of nonconductive fibers knitted together with the conductive fiber that form underlaps and or overlaps in combination with nonconductive fiber in the directions both the course and the wale, the conductive and absorbant fibers being substantially parallel and perpendicular to the wale of the fabric, so as to the form an electrically conductive matrix capable of dissipating charge in substantially any direction along the course and wale of the fabric.
2. The knitted fabric of claim 1 wherein the conductive fibers are chosen from the group consisting of carbon suffused nylon; filamentary polymer substrates having finely divided, electrically-conductive particles embossed on the fiber surface; and graphite fibers.
3. The knitted fabric of claim 1 wherein the conductive fibers consist of two or more conductive yarns plied together.
4. The knitted fabric of claim 1 wherein the conductive fibers consist of a conductive yarn plied together with a nonconductive yarn.
5. A knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting, and tensile strength properties, and a modified "Queens Cord" construction fabricated by threading full the bottom bar of an 84 inch Mayer model KC3, 3 bar, 20 gauge warp knit tricot knitting machine with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 45-10, the middle bar of the machine being threaded 6 ends out and one end in with 70 denier textured polyester plied with 2 ends per thread of BASF conductive nylon and stitched in the following sequence:
10-10-01-10-01-10-01-10-78-78-87-78-87-78-87-78, and with an intermediate let off set up for the middle bar on a ratio of 1.21 and with a chain sequence of :
000(6X444)000-000(6X444)000, and with an intermediate let off set up for the middle bar on a ratio of 1.21 with a chain sequence of:
000(6X444)000-000(6X444)000.
and with a top bar threaded 6 ends in and end out with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 10-01.
10-10-01-10-01-10-01-10-78-78-87-78-87-78-87-78, and with an intermediate let off set up for the middle bar on a ratio of 1.21 and with a chain sequence of :
000(6X444)000-000(6X444)000, and with an intermediate let off set up for the middle bar on a ratio of 1.21 with a chain sequence of:
000(6X444)000-000(6X444)000.
and with a top bar threaded 6 ends in and end out with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 10-01.
6. The knitted fabric of claim 1 wherein electrical charge can be dissipated in substantially any direction along the technical face and technical back of the fabric.
7. The knitted fabric of claim 1 wherein the conductive fiber is trapped between the overlaps and underlaps of the nonconductive knitted fabric as seen from the technical back.
8. The knitted fabric of claim 1 wherein electrical charge can be dissipated in substantially any direction along the technical back of the fabric.
9. A method of manufacturing a knitted fabric havinq improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties comprised of knitting stitches of nonconductive fiber together with conductive fibers, the conductive fibers forming overlaps and/or underlaps with the nonconductive fibers along both the course and the wale directions, the conductive fibers being parallel or perpendicular to the wale of the fabric, thereby forming an electrically conductive matrix capable of dissipating charge in substantially any direction along the course and wale of the technical face and back of the fabric.
10. A method of manufacturing a knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties, and a modified Queen's Cord construction comprising:
(a) threading full the bottom bar of an 84 inch Mayer model KC3, 3 bar, 20 gauge warp knit tricot knitting machine with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 45-10;
(b) threading the middle bar of the machine 6 ends out and one end in with 70 denier textured polyester plied with 2 ends per thread of BASF conductive nylon and stitched in the following sequence:
10-10-01-10-01-10-01-10-78-78-87-78-87-78-87-78;
(c) setting up an intermediate let off for the middle bar of the machine in a ratio of 1.21 with a chain sequence of:
000(6X444)000-000(6X444)000;
(d) threading the top bar of the machine 6 ends in and 1 end out with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 10-01.
(a) threading full the bottom bar of an 84 inch Mayer model KC3, 3 bar, 20 gauge warp knit tricot knitting machine with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 45-10;
(b) threading the middle bar of the machine 6 ends out and one end in with 70 denier textured polyester plied with 2 ends per thread of BASF conductive nylon and stitched in the following sequence:
10-10-01-10-01-10-01-10-78-78-87-78-87-78-87-78;
(c) setting up an intermediate let off for the middle bar of the machine in a ratio of 1.21 with a chain sequence of:
000(6X444)000-000(6X444)000;
(d) threading the top bar of the machine 6 ends in and 1 end out with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 10-01.
11. A towel having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting, and tensile strength properties comprised of stitches of nonconductive fibers knitted together with the conductive fiber that form underlaps and or overlaps in combination with nonconductive fiber in the directions both the course and the wale, the conductive and absorbant fibers being substantially parallel and perpendicular to the wale of the fabric, so as to the form an electrically conductive matrix capable of dissipating charge in substantially any direction along the course and wale of the fabric.
12. A method of manufacturing a towel having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties comprised of knitting stitches of nonconductive fiber together with conductive fibers, the conductive fibers forming overlaps and/or underlaps with the nonconductive fibers along both the course and the wale directions, the conductive fibers being parallel or perpendicular to the wale of the fabric, thereby forming an electrically conductive matrix capable of dissipating charge in substantially any direction along the course and wale of the technical face and back of the towel.
13. A method of manufacturing a towel, having improved electrical charge dissipation, absorption, stain resistance, anti-pilling and linting and tensile strength properties, and a modified Queen's Cord construction comprising:
(a) threading full the bottom bar of an 84 inch Mayer model RC3, 3 bar, 20 gauge warp knit tricot knitting machine with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 45-10;
(b) threading the middle bar of the machine 6 ends out and one end in with 70 denier textured polyester plied with 2 ends per thread of BASF conductive nylon and stitched in the following sequence:
10-10-01-10-01-10-01-10-78-78-87-78-87-78-87-78;
(c) setting up an intermediate let off for the middle bar of the machine in a ratio of 1.21 with a chain sequence of:
000(6X444)000-000(6X444)000;
(d) threading the top bar of the machine 6 ends in and 1 end out with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 10-01.
(e) Trimming the fabric into the shape of a towel having dimensions of 18" x 33".
(f) Finishing the edges of the fabric so that it does not unravel in normal wear-and-tear, e.g. with a pearl edge folded, small turn edge, plain serged edge, or by any other means common in the art.
(g) Squaring the corners of the fabric by sewing or by any other means common in the art.
(a) threading full the bottom bar of an 84 inch Mayer model RC3, 3 bar, 20 gauge warp knit tricot knitting machine with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 45-10;
(b) threading the middle bar of the machine 6 ends out and one end in with 70 denier textured polyester plied with 2 ends per thread of BASF conductive nylon and stitched in the following sequence:
10-10-01-10-01-10-01-10-78-78-87-78-87-78-87-78;
(c) setting up an intermediate let off for the middle bar of the machine in a ratio of 1.21 with a chain sequence of:
000(6X444)000-000(6X444)000;
(d) threading the top bar of the machine 6 ends in and 1 end out with 150 denier textured polyester stitched 10-01.
(e) Trimming the fabric into the shape of a towel having dimensions of 18" x 33".
(f) Finishing the edges of the fabric so that it does not unravel in normal wear-and-tear, e.g. with a pearl edge folded, small turn edge, plain serged edge, or by any other means common in the art.
(g) Squaring the corners of the fabric by sewing or by any other means common in the art.
14. A towel of claim 11 wherein electricl charge can be dissipated in substantially any direction along the technical face and technical back of the towel.
15. A towel of claim 11 wherein the towel is after 25 washings at least as absorbant as a cotton towel after 25 washings.
16. A towel of claim 11 wherein the towel is, after 50 washings, at least as absorbant as cotton towels after 50 washings.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/132,122 US4856299A (en) | 1986-12-12 | 1987-12-14 | Knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation and absorption properties |
| US132,122 | 1987-12-14 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1296196C true CA1296196C (en) | 1992-02-25 |
Family
ID=22452582
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000558246A Expired - Fee Related CA1296196C (en) | 1987-12-14 | 1988-02-05 | Knitted fabric having improved electrical charge dissipation and absorption properties |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN1018004B (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1296196C (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN108824013A (en) * | 2018-05-24 | 2018-11-16 | 晟合新材料科技（嘉善）有限公司 | Bidirectional elastic terylene uniform lining and its production technology |
| CN109778417B (en) * | 2019-02-28 | 2021-10-26 | 海安启弘纺织科技有限公司 | Preparation method of functional cotton-like antistatic water-absorbing warp-knitted velvet fabric and product thereof |
-
1988
- 1988-02-05 CA CA000558246A patent/CA1296196C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1988-03-30 CN CN 88101756 patent/CN1018004B/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN1033531A (en) | 1989-06-28 |
| CN1018004B (en) | 1992-08-26 |
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