CA1297768C - Metalized fabric - Google Patents
Metalized fabricInfo
- Publication number
- CA1297768C CA1297768C CA000514489A CA514489A CA1297768C CA 1297768 C CA1297768 C CA 1297768C CA 000514489 A CA000514489 A CA 000514489A CA 514489 A CA514489 A CA 514489A CA 1297768 C CA1297768 C CA 1297768C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fabric
- metalized
- layer
- film
- plastic
- 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
Links
Landscapes
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
Abstract
METALIZED FABRIC
ABSTRACT
The invention comprises a metalized fabric having a lower layer of fabric. Secured to the fabric layer is an upper film layer. At least a portion of the exposed surface of the film layer is metalized.
ABSTRACT
The invention comprises a metalized fabric having a lower layer of fabric. Secured to the fabric layer is an upper film layer. At least a portion of the exposed surface of the film layer is metalized.
Description
~2~3776B
METALIZED FABRIC
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to the manufacture of fabric, and more particularly to the manufacture of plastic fabric having a metalized surface.
~2--BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
Fabrics are utilized in numerous situations requiring strength, flexibility and durability. For example, fabrics are often used in the construction of containers for storing and~or transporting granular or powder materials, as well as in the construction of shelter for goods, equipment, people, and the like.
Traditionally, fabrics have been constructed of natural fibers; however, in recent years synthetic fibers manufactured from polypropylene or other plastics have come into extensive use since they are generally stronger and more durable than fabrics made of natural fiber.
Characteristics of fabrics in general make their use undesirable in some circumstances. For example, many granular and even liquid materials develop a static-electric charge through friction as they are poured into, discharged from or vibrated within a receptacle. However, since fabrics are not electrically conductive, discharge of static-electricity from such materials contained by fabric receptacles is difficult, if not impossible, posing the danger of explosion or fire caused by an electrical spark.
Fabrics also cannot be used in applications 1~977~3 requiring an air or moisture-tight barrier due to their fiberous nature. Plastic fabrics, in particular, are also highly susceptible to degradation caused by ultraviolet light and therefore cannot be used in direct sunlight, for example, without incurring a substantial reduction in their flexibility and strength.
In an effort to eliminate the foregoing combination of undesirable characteristics, fabrics manu~actured of plastic fibers have been covered with a metallic laminate such as foil made of aluminum or other electrically conductive metal. This approach involves securing the foil to one side of the synthetic fabric by means of a suitable adhesive. The laminated fabric may then be used to construct a receytacle, for example, with the foil laminate comprising the interior surface of the receptacle, thereby providing an electrically conductive surface through which the electrical charge can be discharged to an appropriate ground. The foil laminate may also be applied to portions of the synthetic fabric which will be e~posed to ultraviolet light, thereby acting as a reflector to substantially reduce the amount of ultraviolet light contacting the fabric and the resultant degradation thereof. Use of foil laminates has also proved to be ~7'~
initially effective in reducing the transmission of gas and moisture through the underlying fabric.
Foil laminates in the past, however, have proven susceptible to abrasion, tearing and separation from the underlying abric over a period of time, particularly along the edges of the foil laminate. For example, foil laminates used to cover the interior surface of fabric receptacle will often tear or separate from the underlying fabric due to abrasion from the contents of the receptacle as the receptacle is filled, emptied or transported. The cumulative effect of such abrasion quickly reduces the effectiveness of the foil layer as a grounding surface and often results in unwanted contamination of the contents of the bag with foil particles or flakes. In addition, damage to the foil laminates through normal wear and tear or due to handling of materials reduces the ability of the fabric to inhibit the passage of moisture and air and the ability of the laminate to protect the fabric against degradation from ultraviolet light.
The present invention comprises a highly durable metalized fahric which overcomes the foregoing disadvantages associated with foil-laminated fabrics.
...
"
1'~97'~
The metalized fabric includes a supporting layer of plastic fabric to which a layer of plastic film having an outer metalized surface is secured. In one embodiment, the plastic film is secured to the underlying fabric by extrusion lamination. The resulting metalized surface of the fabric is electrically conductive, resistant to degradation by ultraviolet light and is substantially air and moisture tight.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a metalized fabric comprising: a lower layer of fabric;
an upper layer of material secured to the lower layer of fabric;
and at least a portion of the outer surface of the upper layer of material being metalized by vapor deposition.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for manufacturing a metalized fabric comprising: providing a length of fabric; providing a length of film material having a lower surface and an upper surface, at least a portion of which is metalized by vapor deposition; and securing the lower surface of the length of film material to the length of fabric material to provide a metalized surface.
~;~97~7~
IN THE DRAWINGS
A more complete understanding of the invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying FIGURE which schematically illustrates the construction of fabric incorporating the invention.
"
:~9~76~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The FIGURE schematically illustrates the construction of the present invention. A roll 10 comprises a length of plastic fabric 12, such as woven polyethelene or polypropylene, having an upper surface 14 and an opposing lower surface 15. Supported above the roll 10 of plastic fabric is a roll 16 comprising a length of plastic film 18 having a metalized upper surface 20 and a lower surface 21. The length of fabric 12 and the length of film 18 are manufactured from the same type of plastic. The film 18 is oriented in two substantially perpendicular directions, thereby strengthening the film against tearing or breaking.
The upp~r surface 20 of the length of film 18 is metalized continuously along its entire length by conventional methods to a level which is electrically conductive. For example, one such method includes vaporization of an electrically conductive metal within a vacuum. The surface 20 of the length of film 18 is exposed to the metallic vapors within the vacuum while opposing electrical challes are imposed on the metal vapor and the film 18. ;e opposing charge causes the vapor to deposit or pl~e onto the film forming a strong bond therebetween. Typically, a metallic layer 12977~
.
no more than one or two molecules thick is required to provide an electrically conductive surface. In the embodiment shown, aluminum is deposited on the length of-film 18 due to its relatively low melting point and low cost. However, it will be apparent that other electrically conductive metals, such as gold, silver, chromium, and the like may be utilized, if desired.
The film 18 is extrusion laminated to the fabric 12 by drawing the fabric 12 and the film 18 from rolls 10 and 16, respectively, through the nip between two compression rollers 22 and 24. Prior to passage of the film la and ~abric 12 between the rollers 22 and 24, a thin layer o molten plastic of the same type ~rom which the fabric 12 and the film 18 are manufactured is lS interposed between the lower, non-metalized surface of the film 18 and the upper surface 14 of the fabric 12 by a nozzIe 25. Molten plastic is provided to the nozzle 25 from a supply 26 through a tube 27. As the fabric 12 and the metalized film 20 are compressed together between the rollers 22 and 24, the molten plastic partially melts both the non-metalized surface of the film 18 and the upper surface 14 of the fabric 12, resulting in a homogeneous layer of molten plastic which hardens when cooled to securely bond the film 18 -, .
129~77~3 to the underlying fabric 12. The resulting metalized fabric 28 exits from the compression rollers 22 and Z4 and is collected on a take-up roll 30.
The fabric 28 can be used in the construction of a receptacle having an inner electrically conductive surface, such as is disclosed by U.S. Patent No.
4,45?,456. The fabric 28 can also be used in the construction o~ weather resistant tents, covers, shelters and the like having a reflective outer surface to shield against sunlight or other similar radiation.
The metalized surface will also protect the fabric 28 from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements,l modifications and substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit of the invention.
METALIZED FABRIC
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to the manufacture of fabric, and more particularly to the manufacture of plastic fabric having a metalized surface.
~2--BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
Fabrics are utilized in numerous situations requiring strength, flexibility and durability. For example, fabrics are often used in the construction of containers for storing and~or transporting granular or powder materials, as well as in the construction of shelter for goods, equipment, people, and the like.
Traditionally, fabrics have been constructed of natural fibers; however, in recent years synthetic fibers manufactured from polypropylene or other plastics have come into extensive use since they are generally stronger and more durable than fabrics made of natural fiber.
Characteristics of fabrics in general make their use undesirable in some circumstances. For example, many granular and even liquid materials develop a static-electric charge through friction as they are poured into, discharged from or vibrated within a receptacle. However, since fabrics are not electrically conductive, discharge of static-electricity from such materials contained by fabric receptacles is difficult, if not impossible, posing the danger of explosion or fire caused by an electrical spark.
Fabrics also cannot be used in applications 1~977~3 requiring an air or moisture-tight barrier due to their fiberous nature. Plastic fabrics, in particular, are also highly susceptible to degradation caused by ultraviolet light and therefore cannot be used in direct sunlight, for example, without incurring a substantial reduction in their flexibility and strength.
In an effort to eliminate the foregoing combination of undesirable characteristics, fabrics manu~actured of plastic fibers have been covered with a metallic laminate such as foil made of aluminum or other electrically conductive metal. This approach involves securing the foil to one side of the synthetic fabric by means of a suitable adhesive. The laminated fabric may then be used to construct a receytacle, for example, with the foil laminate comprising the interior surface of the receptacle, thereby providing an electrically conductive surface through which the electrical charge can be discharged to an appropriate ground. The foil laminate may also be applied to portions of the synthetic fabric which will be e~posed to ultraviolet light, thereby acting as a reflector to substantially reduce the amount of ultraviolet light contacting the fabric and the resultant degradation thereof. Use of foil laminates has also proved to be ~7'~
initially effective in reducing the transmission of gas and moisture through the underlying fabric.
Foil laminates in the past, however, have proven susceptible to abrasion, tearing and separation from the underlying abric over a period of time, particularly along the edges of the foil laminate. For example, foil laminates used to cover the interior surface of fabric receptacle will often tear or separate from the underlying fabric due to abrasion from the contents of the receptacle as the receptacle is filled, emptied or transported. The cumulative effect of such abrasion quickly reduces the effectiveness of the foil layer as a grounding surface and often results in unwanted contamination of the contents of the bag with foil particles or flakes. In addition, damage to the foil laminates through normal wear and tear or due to handling of materials reduces the ability of the fabric to inhibit the passage of moisture and air and the ability of the laminate to protect the fabric against degradation from ultraviolet light.
The present invention comprises a highly durable metalized fahric which overcomes the foregoing disadvantages associated with foil-laminated fabrics.
...
"
1'~97'~
The metalized fabric includes a supporting layer of plastic fabric to which a layer of plastic film having an outer metalized surface is secured. In one embodiment, the plastic film is secured to the underlying fabric by extrusion lamination. The resulting metalized surface of the fabric is electrically conductive, resistant to degradation by ultraviolet light and is substantially air and moisture tight.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a metalized fabric comprising: a lower layer of fabric;
an upper layer of material secured to the lower layer of fabric;
and at least a portion of the outer surface of the upper layer of material being metalized by vapor deposition.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for manufacturing a metalized fabric comprising: providing a length of fabric; providing a length of film material having a lower surface and an upper surface, at least a portion of which is metalized by vapor deposition; and securing the lower surface of the length of film material to the length of fabric material to provide a metalized surface.
~;~97~7~
IN THE DRAWINGS
A more complete understanding of the invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying FIGURE which schematically illustrates the construction of fabric incorporating the invention.
"
:~9~76~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The FIGURE schematically illustrates the construction of the present invention. A roll 10 comprises a length of plastic fabric 12, such as woven polyethelene or polypropylene, having an upper surface 14 and an opposing lower surface 15. Supported above the roll 10 of plastic fabric is a roll 16 comprising a length of plastic film 18 having a metalized upper surface 20 and a lower surface 21. The length of fabric 12 and the length of film 18 are manufactured from the same type of plastic. The film 18 is oriented in two substantially perpendicular directions, thereby strengthening the film against tearing or breaking.
The upp~r surface 20 of the length of film 18 is metalized continuously along its entire length by conventional methods to a level which is electrically conductive. For example, one such method includes vaporization of an electrically conductive metal within a vacuum. The surface 20 of the length of film 18 is exposed to the metallic vapors within the vacuum while opposing electrical challes are imposed on the metal vapor and the film 18. ;e opposing charge causes the vapor to deposit or pl~e onto the film forming a strong bond therebetween. Typically, a metallic layer 12977~
.
no more than one or two molecules thick is required to provide an electrically conductive surface. In the embodiment shown, aluminum is deposited on the length of-film 18 due to its relatively low melting point and low cost. However, it will be apparent that other electrically conductive metals, such as gold, silver, chromium, and the like may be utilized, if desired.
The film 18 is extrusion laminated to the fabric 12 by drawing the fabric 12 and the film 18 from rolls 10 and 16, respectively, through the nip between two compression rollers 22 and 24. Prior to passage of the film la and ~abric 12 between the rollers 22 and 24, a thin layer o molten plastic of the same type ~rom which the fabric 12 and the film 18 are manufactured is lS interposed between the lower, non-metalized surface of the film 18 and the upper surface 14 of the fabric 12 by a nozzIe 25. Molten plastic is provided to the nozzle 25 from a supply 26 through a tube 27. As the fabric 12 and the metalized film 20 are compressed together between the rollers 22 and 24, the molten plastic partially melts both the non-metalized surface of the film 18 and the upper surface 14 of the fabric 12, resulting in a homogeneous layer of molten plastic which hardens when cooled to securely bond the film 18 -, .
129~77~3 to the underlying fabric 12. The resulting metalized fabric 28 exits from the compression rollers 22 and Z4 and is collected on a take-up roll 30.
The fabric 28 can be used in the construction of a receptacle having an inner electrically conductive surface, such as is disclosed by U.S. Patent No.
4,45?,456. The fabric 28 can also be used in the construction o~ weather resistant tents, covers, shelters and the like having a reflective outer surface to shield against sunlight or other similar radiation.
The metalized surface will also protect the fabric 28 from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements,l modifications and substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Claims (16)
1. A metalized fabric comprising:
a lower layer of fabric;
an upper layer of material secured to the lower layer of fabric; and at least a portion of the outer surface of the upper layer of material being metalized by vapor deposition.
a lower layer of fabric;
an upper layer of material secured to the lower layer of fabric; and at least a portion of the outer surface of the upper layer of material being metalized by vapor deposition.
2. The metalized fabric according to Claim 1 wherein the upper layer of material includes a plastic film.
3. The metalized fabric according to Claim 1 wherein the outer surface of the upper layer of material is metalized to a level that is electrically conductive.
4. The metalized fabric according to Claim 1 wherein the upper layer of material includes a plastic film, wherein the lower layer includes plastic fabric and wherein the upper layer is secured to the lower layer by extrusion lamination.
5. The metalized fabric according to Claim 4 wherein the upper layer and the lower layer are made of the same type of plastic to strengthen the bond therebetween resulting from extrusion lamination.
6. A metalized fabric comprising:
a supporting layer of fabric material, an upper layer of film material having an exposed metalized surface;
the upper layer being secured to the supporting layer to provide a metalized surface on the supporting layer; and the outer surface of the film material being metalized by vapor deposition.
a supporting layer of fabric material, an upper layer of film material having an exposed metalized surface;
the upper layer being secured to the supporting layer to provide a metalized surface on the supporting layer; and the outer surface of the film material being metalized by vapor deposition.
7. The metalized fabric according to Claim 6 wherein the exposed surface of the upper layer is metalized to a level that is electrically conductive.
8. The metalized fabric according to Claim 7 wherein the upper layer is a plastic film.
9. The metalized fabric according to Claim 8 wherein the supporting layer is a plastic fabric and wherein the upper layer and the supporting layer are secured together by extrusion lamination.
10. The metalized fabric according to Claim 9 wherein the upper layer and the supporting layer are made of the same type of plastic to strengthen the bond therebetween resulting from extrusion lamination.
11. A method for manufacturing a metalized fabric comprising:
providing a length of fabric;
providing a length of film material having a lower surface and an upper surface, at least a portion of which is metalized by vapor deposition; and securing the lower surface of the length of film material to the length of fabric material to provide a metalized surface.
providing a length of fabric;
providing a length of film material having a lower surface and an upper surface, at least a portion of which is metalized by vapor deposition; and securing the lower surface of the length of film material to the length of fabric material to provide a metalized surface.
12. The method according to Claim 11 wherein the length of film and the length of fabric are made of plastic to strengthen the bond therebetween.
13. The method according to Claim 11 wherein the securing step includes extrusion lamination of the length of film material to the length of fabric.
14. The method according to Claim 11 wherein the portion of the upper surface of the length of film is metalized to a level which is electrically conductive.
15. A method of manufacturing a metalized fabric comprising the steps of:
vapor depositing a continuous outer layer of electrically conductive metal onto one side of a layer of plastic film;
extrusion laminating an outer layer of plastic fabric onto the other side of the plastic film by interposing a thin layer of molten plastic between the non-metalized surface of the film and one surface of the fabric; and drawing the fabric and the film through a nip between two compression rollers.
vapor depositing a continuous outer layer of electrically conductive metal onto one side of a layer of plastic film;
extrusion laminating an outer layer of plastic fabric onto the other side of the plastic film by interposing a thin layer of molten plastic between the non-metalized surface of the film and one surface of the fabric; and drawing the fabric and the film through a nip between two compression rollers.
16. A method of manufacturing a metalized fabric comprising the steps of:
vapor depositing a continuous outer layer of electrically conductive metal onto one side of a layer of plastic film;
extrusion laminating an outer layer of plastic fabric onto the other side of the plastic film by interposing a thin layer of molten plastic of the same type as the film and the fabric between the non-metalized surface of the film and one surface of the fabric; and drawing the fabric and the film through a nip between two compression rollers.
vapor depositing a continuous outer layer of electrically conductive metal onto one side of a layer of plastic film;
extrusion laminating an outer layer of plastic fabric onto the other side of the plastic film by interposing a thin layer of molten plastic of the same type as the film and the fabric between the non-metalized surface of the film and one surface of the fabric; and drawing the fabric and the film through a nip between two compression rollers.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US78547385A | 1985-10-04 | 1985-10-04 | |
| US785,473 | 1985-10-04 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1297768C true CA1297768C (en) | 1992-03-24 |
Family
ID=25135619
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000514489A Expired - Fee Related CA1297768C (en) | 1985-10-04 | 1986-07-23 | Metalized fabric |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1297768C (en) |
-
1986
- 1986-07-23 CA CA000514489A patent/CA1297768C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |