JP2006509923A - Low temperature method for processing pantyhose - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for processing pantyhose in a cryogenic processing apparatus is described for producing a cryogenic pantyhose having improved wear resistance. In this regard, one such method can generally be summarized by the following steps: The pantyhose temperature is reduced to about −80 ° C. to about −240 ° C. over about 1 to 6 hours. Maintaining the temperature of the pantyhose at about −80 ° C. to about −240 ° C. for 6 to 48 hours; and raising the temperature of the pantyhose to about 25 ° C. over 3 to 48 hours. . As a result of the low temperature treatment of the pantyhose, improved wear resistance is obtained.

Description

  The present invention relates generally to the quality of pantyhose, and more particularly to a method for improving the durability of pantyhose.

Cross-reference to related application This application is filed on Jul. 16, 2001 and has the application number 60 / 305,787, and is entitled “Cryogenic Method for Processing Pantyhose”. Claims priority of a pending US provisional application, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

  Machined fabrics include fabrics knitted from continuous filaments, such as women's stockings. The filament fabric is made of a long and knitted structure, or a continuous structure, as distinguished from a spun yarn. These continuous filaments are characterized by a uniform cross section and a smooth surface. One problem with materials knitted with fine gauge filaments is that these stitches are easy to wire. For example, in pantyhose, a loop stitch that breaks at the knee may cause a wire run along the length of the stocking. When pantyhose are worn, they are subject to lateral tension. This tends to weaken and break the loop stitches and unscrew the continuous stitches.

  Significantly, pantyhose and other fine fiber fabrics, especially when in contact with fingernails and other surface abrasive articles such as wrinkles, dresser horns, and other pointed objects, It is easy to wire, pierce, tear, fray, and be damaged. Nylon and other synthetic fibers used to make pantyhose can also be weakened or damaged by prolonged exposure to heat, sunlight (ultraviolet light), rain, or body sweat. When the fibers are cut or damaged, the integrity of the entire fabric is adversely affected and the resulting damage spreads to the surrounding area, which generally causes the garment to lose its appeal and effectiveness.

  In the past, pantyhose has been treated by spraying adhesive materials on stockings to resist transmission. However, the adhesive material forms a visible pattern and may appear as dirt on stockings, and the adhesive material significantly reduces the elasticity of the pantyhose.

  Therefore, an improved treatment of pantyhose that overcomes the above disadvantages and increases the resistance of the fabric and reduces the possibility of fiber breakage without adverse effects is very useful and desirable. I will.

  The present invention provides a method of processing pantyhose in a low temperature processing apparatus for producing a low temperature processed pantyhose having improved wear qualities. In this regard, one such embodiment of such methods can be summarized generally by the following steps: That is, the temperature of the pantyhose is about −80 ° C. to about − Reducing the temperature of the pantyhose to about −80 ° C. to about −240 ° C. for 6 to 48 hours; and increasing the temperature of the pantyhose to about 25 ° C. over 3 to 48 hours. It is a process to make.

  In another embodiment, the above method comprises the following steps: increasing the temperature of the pantyhose to about 40-80 ° C. over a period of about 30-120 minutes; Holding at about 40-80 ° C. for 15-60 minutes; and lowering the temperature of the pantyhose to about 25 ° C. over about 50-120 minutes.

  Other devices, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to and will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. Such additional devices, methods, features, and advantages are included within this specification, are within the scope of the invention, and are intended to be protected by the accompanying claims.

  A plurality of aspects of embodiments of the present invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a method of processing pantyhose in a low temperature processing apparatus to produce a low temperature processed pantyhose that overcomes some of the above disadvantages and has improved wear resistance. Provide a way. In general, these treatment methods can improve the physical properties of pantyhose if carried out under special temperature treatment conditions.

  In this regard, embodiments of the present invention provide a pantyhose with a low temperature treatment that reduces the wear resistance of the pantyhose (eg, durability; lifetime; resistance to wires, perforations, etc .; heat, sunlight, sweat, etc. Provide a way to improve the damage). Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide a method that includes the steps of low-temperature processing the pantyhose and then heat-tempering the pantyhose. The low temperature treatment can be performed in a processing apparatus (ie, a low temperature or deep low temperature processing apparatus) (hereinafter “low temperature processing apparatus”), while heat tempering is performed in an oven or other heating apparatus. can do.

  In general, low temperature processing of a material cools a particular material to a relatively close to absolute zero (0 K or -273 ° C.) and maintains this temperature until the material has cold-soaked. Includes processes. The temperature is then raised until ambient temperature equilibrium is reached (eg, heated in an oven or warmed under ambient conditions). An advantage of low temperature processing of such materials is that one or more physical properties (eg, durability, strength, etc.) are improved.

  Simply subjecting the material to a low temperature process does not guarantee that one or more properties of the material will be improved. The complexity of the low temperature processing process includes, but is not limited to, operating conditions appropriate for the processing of the material (e.g., pretreatment of material, rate of temperature decrease and increase, cold infiltration and duration of heating cycle, etc.) ) Determination and achievement.

  In general, a cryogenic treatment device is a double-walled insulated container partially filled with a cryogenic liquid (eg, liquid nitrogen or liquid helium) to establish an extremely cold storage environment. Since a cryogenic liquid has a low boiling point and thus a low heat of vaporization, heat inflow from the ambient atmosphere can cause significant loss of the cryogenic liquid due to evaporation. Thus, some cryogenic processing devices include heat and radiation barriers, such as insulation and / or high vacuum, between the vessel walls. Similarly, the vacuum space can be filled with multiple thermal insulation layers to reduce heat transfer.

  FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary low temperature process 10 of the present invention. The pantyhose can be placed directly in the cryostat, or it can be placed in the cryostat by placing it in the original packaging or other suitable packaging. As shown in block 12, the temperature of the pantyhose is reduced to about −80 ° C. to −240 ° C. over about 1 to 6 hours. Alternatively, the pantyhose may be lowered to about −100 ° C. to −220 ° C., about −120 ° C. to −210 ° C., about −140 ° C. to −200 ° C., or about −160 ° C. to −190 ° C. Further, the time for reducing the temperature of the pantyhose may be about 2-5 hours, about 3-4 hours.

  Next, as shown in block 14, the temperature of the pantyhose is held at about −80 ° C. to −240 ° C. for about 6 to 48 hours. Alternatively, the pantyhose may be held at a temperature of about -100 ° C to -220 ° C, about -120 ° C to -210 ° C, about -140 ° C to -200 ° C, or about -160 ° C to -190 ° C. Further, the time for maintaining the temperature of the pantyhose may be about 10-36 hours, about 15-30 hours, or about 20-24 hours.

  The pantyhose temperature is then increased to about 25 ° C. over a period of about 3 to 48 hours, as shown in block 16. Alternatively, the time to increase the temperature of the pantyhose may be about 3-24 hours, or about 12-24 hours.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary heat tempering process 20 that may be used in some embodiments. As shown in block 22, the temperature of the pantyhose is raised to about 40 ° C. to 80 ° C. over about 3 to 120 minutes. Alternatively, the temperature of the pantyhose can be raised to about 55 ° C. to 65 ° C., and this time may be about 40-60 minutes. Next, as shown in block 24, the temperature of the pantyhose is held at about 40-80 ° C for about 30-80 minutes. Alternatively, the time for maintaining the temperature of the pantyhose may be about 45 to about 65 minutes. The pantyhose temperature is then cooled to about 25 ° C. for about 50-120 minutes, as shown in block 26. Alternatively, the time for cooling the pantyhose may be about 70-90 minutes.

  FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating another exemplary low temperature process 30 of the present invention. The pantyhose can be placed directly in the cryostat, or the pantyhose can be placed in the cryogenerator in the original packaging or other suitable packaging. As shown in block 32, the temperature of the pantyhose is reduced to about −160 ° C. to −200 ° C. over about 2-3 hours. Next, as shown in block 34, the pantyhose temperature is maintained at about -160 ° C to -200 ° C for 20-24 hours. Thereafter, as shown in block 36, the temperature of the pantyhose is raised to a temperature of about 25 ° C. over a period of about 12-24 hours.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary heat tempering process 40 that may be used in some embodiments. As shown in block 42, the pantyhose temperature is raised to about 55-65 ° C. over a period of about 40-60 minutes. Next, as shown in block 44, the pantyhose temperature is maintained at about 55-65 ° C. for about 45-65 minutes. The pantyhose temperature is then cooled to about 25 ° C. for about 70-90 minutes, as shown in block 46.

  FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating another cryogenic process 50 that uses a suitable cryogenic liquid (eg, liquid nitrogen) to set the temperature of the cryogenic process equipment as shown in block 52. Lowering from ambient temperature to about −160 ° C. at a rate of about 1 ° C. per minute. As shown in block 54, the temperature of the low temperature processor is reduced to about -194 ° C. Next, as shown in block 56, the temperature of the low temperature processor is then held at about -194 ° C for about 24 hours. Thereafter, the cryogenic treatment device is vented so that the cryogenic liquid is opened at the temperature of the chamber in which the cryogenic treatment device is located, typically ambient room temperature, and cryogenic vents. It is possible to evaporate at a rate determined by the degree. The pantyhose is then warmed at a rate such that the warming process takes longer than about 20 hours, as shown in block 58.

  The temperature of the chamber in which the cryogenic treatment apparatus is located, typically ambient room temperature, and the extent to which the cold vents are opened determine the rate at which the pantyhose is warmed. After the pantyhose is warmed to ambient temperature, the pantyhose is removed from the cryostat and placed on a drying rack until it is substantially dry. The low temperature treated pantyhose exhibits improved wear resistance.

  Instead of warming the pantyhose in the cryostat, the pantyhose is removed from the cryogenerator after the cryogenic liquid has evaporated and placed on a drying rack, where the warming process takes longer than about 20 hours. It can also be heated. Here, the heating rate of the pantyhose is determined by the temperature of the chamber into which the pantyhose is taken, typically ambient room temperature. After the pantyhose is warmed to ambient temperature, the pantyhose is placed on a drying rack until it is substantially dry.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another heat tempering process 60. After the pantyhose has been warmed to ambient temperature, the pantyhose is removed from the cryostat and, if applicable, removed from the packaging in which the pantyhose was placed. As shown in block 62, the pantyhose is placed in an oven and warmed. The oven is warmed from ambient temperature to about 65 ° C. over a period of about 50 minutes. Next, as indicated at block 64, the oven is held at about 65 ° C. for about 50 minutes. The oven is then allowed to cool to ambient temperature for about 80 minutes, as shown in block 66. After the pantyhose has cooled to ambient temperature, the pantyhose is re-inserted into the appropriate packaging.

  In another embodiment, the pantyhose can be pretreated with an aqueous solution. After the pantyhose has been pretreated with an aqueous solution, the excess solution is squeezed out of the pantyhose and then placed in a suitable cryogenic package, such as a freezer bag. The pantyhose can be placed directly in the cryogenic processing device, or the pantyhose can be placed in the cryogenic processing device in the original packaging or other suitable packaging. After the pantyhose is placed in the low temperature processing apparatus, the pantyhose can be processed in a manner consistent with the low temperature processes 10 and 30, and the heat tempering processes 20 and 40.

  Many variations and modifications may be made to the above embodiments of the invention without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a representative embodiment of a low temperature process. It is a flowchart explaining typical embodiment of a heat tempering process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a low temperature process. 3 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a heat tempering process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating yet another exemplary embodiment of a low temperature process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating yet another exemplary embodiment of a heat tempering process.

Claims (17)

  A method for improving the wear resistance of a pantyhose, comprising a step of treating the pantyhose in a low-temperature treatment apparatus. Further processing steps
Reducing the temperature of the pantyhose by about 1 ° C. per minute until about −160 ° C. is obtained;
Reducing the temperature of the pantyhose from about −160 ° C. to about −194 ° C .;
The method of claim 1, comprising maintaining the temperature of the pantyhose at about −194 ° C. for about 24 hours; and increasing the temperature of the pantyhose to about 25 ° C. for at least about 20 hours. In addition, the method includes a step of pretreating pantyhose with an aqueous solution.
The method of claim 2. A method for improving the wear resistance of pantyhose,
Reducing the temperature of the pantyhose by about 1 ° C. per minute until about −160 ° C. is obtained;
Reducing the temperature of the pantyhose from about −160 ° C. to about −194 ° C .;
Maintaining the temperature of the pantyhose at about -194 ° C for about 24 hours;
Raising the temperature of the pantyhose to about 25 ° C. for at least about 20 hours;
Raising the temperature of the pantyhose to about 65 ° C .;
Holding the temperature of the pantyhose at about 65 ° C. for about 50 minutes; and lowering the temperature of the pantyhose to about 25 ° C. for about 80 minutes. In addition, the method includes a step of pretreating pantyhose with an aqueous solution.
The method of claim 4. Furthermore, the step of drying the pantyhose until it is substantially dry,
The method of claim 4. A method for improving the wear resistance of pantyhose,
Reducing the temperature in the low temperature processing apparatus to about -160 ° C over a period of 2 hours;
Lowering the temperature of the low temperature processing apparatus from about −160 ° C. to about −194 ° C .;
Holding the temperature of the cryostat at about -194 ° C for about 24 hours; and raising the temperature of the pantyhose to about 25 ° C for at least about 20 hours. further,
Putting pantyhose into the oven;
Raising the temperature of the oven to about 65 ° C .;
8. The method of claim 7, comprising: holding the oven temperature at about 65 ° C. for about 50 minutes; and lowering the pantyhose temperature to about 25 ° C. over about 80 minutes. In addition, the method includes a step of pretreating pantyhose with an aqueous solution.
The method of claim 7. Furthermore, the step of drying the pantyhose until it is substantially dry,
The method of claim 7. Furthermore, the step of drying the pantyhose until it is substantially dry,
The method of claim 8. A method for improving the wear resistance of pantyhose,
Reducing the temperature of the pantyhose to about −80 ° C. to about −240 ° C. over a period of about 1 to 6 hours;
Holding the temperature of the pantyhose at about −80 ° C. to about −240 ° C. for 6 to 48 hours; and raising the temperature of the pantyhose to about 25 ° C. over 3 to 48 hours. further,
Raising the temperature of the pantyhose to about 40-80 ° C over a period of about 30-120 minutes;
Holding the temperature of the pantyhose at about 40-80 ° C for about 30-80 minutes; and lowering the temperature of the pantyhose to about 25 ° C over about 50-120 minutes. The method described. In addition, the method includes a step of pretreating pantyhose with an aqueous solution.
The method of claim 12. Furthermore, the step of drying the pantyhose until it is substantially dry,
The method of claim 12. Furthermore, the step of drying the pantyhose until it is substantially dry,
The method of claim 13.   An article comprising pantyhose that has been cold-treated and has improved wear resistance.

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