GB2226342A

GB2226342A - Bed blankets and like fabrics

Info

Publication number: GB2226342A
Application number: GB8829676A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jean-Marie Michel; Michel Malfetes
Original assignee: Scapa Group Ltd
Current assignee: Scapa Group Ltd
Priority date: 1988-12-20
Filing date: 1988-12-20
Publication date: 1990-06-27
Also published as: GB8829676D0

Abstract

A method of producing a patterned bed blanket is proposed which includes the steps of applying parallel surface yarns to a base structure (12) at predetermined centre thereon and securing said yarns (13) to the base structure (12) by needling. The base structure may include reinforcing yarns (15) and will ordinarily comprise a needled batt (14). Yarns 13 are preferably coloured and may be applied to one or both surfaces as individual yarns, groups of yarns or layers of yarns. <IMAGE>

Description

BED BLANKETS AND LIKE FABRICS The invention concerns bed covers and bed blankets, and more particularly relates to the provision of pattern effects therein.

According to the present invention there is proposed a method of producing a patterned fabric suitable for use as a bed cover or bed blanket which includes the steps of applying surface yarns at one face at least of a base structure and securing said yarns to said base structure by needling.

Preferably, the method comprises the steps of providing a batt of fibres having reinforcing yarns therein, applying an array of surface yarns to at least one face of said batt, and needling the batt and yarns to provide a coherent structure.

According to a preferred procedure, the needling step comprises needling at both faces of the batt.

The invention also includes a patterned fabric produced in accordance with the method aforesaid.

The invention will now be described further, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings illustrating one embodiment thereof, and in which : Figure 1 is a perspective view of a part of a fabric constructed in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of the fabric shown in Fig. 1, drawn to a larger scale; Fig. 3 is a transverse section of the fabric shown in Fig.1 drawn to a larger scale; and Figs. 4 to 8 each show, to a reduced scale, a perspective view and longitudinal and transverse sections of alternative fabrics to that shown in Figs. 1 to 3.

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings, a fabric 11 suitable for use as a bedcover or bed blanket comprises a non-woven base structure 12 having entrained yarns 13 provided at a surface thereof.

The base structure 12 is in the form of a needled batt 14 and further includes reinforcing yarns 15 therein which extend in the longitudinal direction thereof. In a typical structure the batt is of 60 mm acrylic fibres, whilst the reinforcing yarns comprise a 67/33 blend of polyester/cotton of 36 tex provided at a density of seven yarns per centimetre. Fibres of greater or lesser length, say those of a length lying within the range 30 to 120 mm, may, of course, be utilised if preferred.

The entrained yarns 13 appear at the surface of fabric, and comprise coloured 384 tex acrylic yarns provided at centres appropriate to the aesthetic effect required.

In producing the fabric, the entrained yarns 13 are applied to the surface of the batt 12 and reinforcing yarns 15 therein prior to the needling operation, and the batt 12 and superimposed yarns 13 are subjected to a doubled sided needle-punching operation to consolidate the batt and to secure the entrained yarns thereto. If desired, either or both of the faces of the fabric may be subjected to a textile raising action.

The resultant fabric will have a weight of approximately 350 gr/sq. metre, although the weight can, of course, be varied by suitable selection of the thickness of the batt. Fabric weights of between 200 and 700 gr/sq. metre have been found to be satisfactory.

Whilst the preferred base structure comprises a needled batt of fibres having reinforcing yarns therein, the invention is not limited to the use of such base structures and in this regard woven and knitted base structures are also thought to be of application.

The invention provides a method for the ready production of fabrics suitable for use as bed blankets or bed covers having various relief effects, the combination of entrained yarns and their relative dispositions being determined by the effect to be achieved.

Whilst the entrained yarns will extend in the longitduinal direction of the fabric as identified by movement of the same through the needling machine, in blankets or covers cut from a stock length of fabric the said yarns may exist lengthwise or widthwise thereof.

Whilst entrained yarns will ordinarily be provided atone face only of the fabric, such yarns can readily be applied to both sides of the base fabric and be secured thereto by a double-sided needling operation.

If desired, the entrained yarns may exist in closely spaced disposition or at wide centres, as desired.

A range of typical relief effects is shown in Figs.

4 to 8, the base structures shown therein differing from that of the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 3 by the omission of the reinforcing yarns.

In the Fig. 4 embodiment the entrained yarns comprise pairs of coloured yarns 13 alternating with single yarns, and such entrained yarns exist at only one face of the needled batt 14.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 the entrained yarns 13 are provided in adjacent side-by-side disposition at one face only of the needled batt 14, whilst in the embodiment of Fig. 6 side-by-side entrained yarns exist at both faces of the batt.

Fig. 7 shows an arrangement wherein entrained yarns 13 exist in adjacent side-by-side disposition at one fabric face, whilst the other fabric face presents single coloured yarns at predetermined centres.

In the blanket or bed cover of Fig. 8, entrained yarns 13 are provided at each surface, the said yarns being arranged singly or in groups, as shown.

If desired, reinforcing yarns may be provided in the various embodiments shown in Figs. 4 to 8.

Claims

1. A method of producing a patterned fabric suitable for use as a bed cover or bed blanket including the steps of applying surface yarns to at least one face of a base structure and securing said yarns to said base structure by needling.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base structure comprises a needled batt of fibres.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprising the steps of providing a batt of fibres, applying an array of surface yarns to at least one face of said batt, and subjecting the batt and yarns to a needling process thereby to form a coherent structure.

4. The method as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the batt includes reinforcing yarns therein.

5. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, wherein both sides of the batt are subjected to a needling process.

6. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including the further step of subjecting the or each surface of the fabric to a raising process.

7. A patterned fabric comprising a base structure having surface yarns at one face at least thereof, and arranged in spaced parallel relationship thereon, the said surface yarns being needled to the said base structure.

8. A patterned fabric as claimed in claim 7, wherein the base structure comprises a needled batt.

9. A patterned fabric as claimed in claim 8, wherein the needled batt includes reinforcing yarns.

10. A patterned fabric as claimed in claim 9, wherein the reinforcing yarns and surface yarns exist in a common direction.

11. A patterned fabric as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein both surfaces of the batt are needled.

12. A patterned fabric as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11 wherein at least one surface thereof is raised.

13. The method of producing a patterned fabric substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the various figures of the accompanying drawings.

14. A patterned fabric substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the various figures of the accompanying drawings.

15. A bed cover or bed blanket produced in accordance with the method claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 or in claim 13.