JP2008231657A - Polymeric fiber composition and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for production of a biologically good composition having optical reactivity and a biologically good composition having optically activity. <P>SOLUTION: The wearable material relating to the user includes homogeneously resin filaments and titania, alumina and silica crystalline particles in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 micron in an amount of 0.25 to 15 wt.% based on the total amount. The particle compound forming filaments, when added to the resin, contains crystallized particles of titania, alumina and silica in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 micron in an amount of 0.25 to 15 wt.% of the filament distributed homogeneously in the resin filament. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

(Citation of related application)
This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 366,237 (filed March 22, 2002) and US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 415,532 (filed October 2, 2002).

(Field of the Invention)
The present invention generally relates to specific combinations of active particles that form a powder. The particles can be combined with a carrier material such as a resin to produce fibers or filaments for fabrics, films, coatings and / or protective or insulating materials.
Specific mixtures of particles and materials can be manipulated to impart unique and valuable properties to the final product. This property includes integration with light energy, heat and other electromagnetic energy. The resulting composition can interact with light in the visible spectrum, as well as light and electromagnetic energy outside the visible spectrum.

The powder can be added to a carrier material (eg, a polymer), which can then be extruded to form fibers or filaments, or to form a membrane or film, which can be used with a variety of Fabrics or coatings useful in the application can be produced. Such applications include socks, footwear, and active clothes.
ear), sportswear, sports wraps, basement layers, gloves and bandages.
These articles may also have certain properties such as odor control, heat regulation, provision of fire protection, protection from harmful light, insulation, wound healing, and food storage. The powder can be designed to interact in a benign manner with the human body, its needs, requirements and constant stability.

The human body and other organisms and materials generate electromagnetic waves, for example in the form of heat or infrared radiation. In certain situations, it may be desirable to maintain this radiation (eg, applications that are required to maintain body temperature or foot temperature). For example, once a food item is cooked, a certain temperature can be reached, but this heat is often lost by exposure to lower temperatures (eg, atmosphere). In another example, the human body can be exposed to lower temperatures and infrared radiation can disappear from the epidermis. Maintaining this infrared radiation is to maintain a specific temperature, escape from detection by infrared sensors, insulate pipes and other structural materials to prevent heat transfer, and provide heat to bond stiffness It may have certain benign properties, including preventing. Known fibers are free of moisture and other unwanted side effects,
It does not completely solve the problem of escaping radiation from thermally radioactive objects.

(Summary of the Invention)
The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and satisfy industrial needs. Accordingly, a particular object of the present invention is to provide methods and compositions that provide optically reactive biologically benign compositions.

One embodiment of the invention relates to a composition comprising titanium dioxide, quartz, aluminum oxide and a resin. The resin composition is a polymer. Aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, and quartz can be dispersed in the resin. Furthermore, titanium dioxide, quartz and aluminum oxide can each be present at a dry weight ratio of 10: 10: 2. In this embodiment,
Titanium dioxide, quartz and aluminum oxide may be included at about 1% and about 2% of the total weight of the composition. And the composition is biologically benign.

In another embodiment of the invention, the titanium dioxide in the composition can include an average particle size of about 2.0 microns or less, and the particles can be substantially triangular. The aluminum oxide in the composition can include an average particle size of about 1.4 microns or less, and the particles can be scalloped. Further, the quartz in the composition can include an average particle size of about 1.5 microns or less, and the particles can be round in shape. The composition of titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide and quartz can be homogenized in this embodiment of the invention. In addition, the composition can shift the wavelength of incident light by both shortening and lengthening the wavelength of incident light exposed to the composition.

In the present specification, the present invention also relates to a method for producing a light-responsive yarn. The method includes the steps of extruding the composition of the above embodiment to produce a plurality of fibers; and spinning these fibers into a yarn. The present invention may consist of woven fibers comprising the above composition. In another embodiment, the composition can also be woven with fibers comprising one or more additional natural fibers such as wool, cotton, silk, linen, hemp, ramie and jute. In yet another embodiment, the composition may also include acrylic, acetate, lycra (lyc).
ra), spandex, polyester, nylon and textile fibers including one or more synthetic fibers such as rayon. The present invention can also consist of non-woven fibers comprising the above composition. Non-woven fibers can be tangled with natural textile fibers such as wool, cotton, silk, linen, hemp, ramie and jute, or synthetic fibers such as acrylic, acetate, lycra, spandex, polyester, nylon and rayon. An optically responsive yarn can be produced by these methods to produce a fabric comprising either a woven or non-woven fabric of the above composition, and with a plurality of natural, synthetic or both natural and synthetic fibers Can be picked up.

As used herein, yet another embodiment of the present invention also includes a source radiated from a subject or object comprising covering or surrounding a body region of interest with one of the fabrics described above. It relates to a method for maintaining radiation. In this embodiment, the fabric can be composed of fabric fibers comprising the composition. This composition spun together with textile fibers can be either natural or synthetic. The radiation can also be infrared radiation.

The present invention also relates to a method for retaining source radiation emitted from an object and can be achieved by covering or surrounding the object with one of the fabrics described above.
The present invention may also provide the following:
・ (Item 1)
Wearable material associated with the user,
A resin filament;
A uniform distribution in the filament of titanium dioxide, alumina and silicon oxide crystal particles ranging from 0.5 microns to 1.5 microns, forming a total amount of 0.25 wt% to 15 wt% of the filament; ,
Including, material.
・ (Item 2)
Item 4. The item according to Item 1, wherein the material changes a spectral distribution of light applied to the user.
material.
・ (Item 3)
Item 1 where the modified light spectrum is applied to the user when subjected to ambient light
Materials described in.
・ (Item 4)
The particle according to item 1, wherein the particles form a total amount of about 1% to 2% by weight of the filament.
Materials listed.
・ (Item 5)
Item 2. The material according to Item 1, wherein the resin is a polymer.
・ (Item 6)
Item 2. The material according to Item 1, wherein the silicon oxide is quartz.
・ (Item 7)
The above materials are patches, headbands, wristbands, gloves, foot covers, bedding, tents
A material according to item 1, which is in the form of a awning or a sunshade.
・ (Item 8)
A composition for the treatment of low blood flow levels comprising the material of item 1.
・ (Item 9)
A composition for the treatment of damaged blood flow, comprising the material according to item 1.
(Item 10)
A composition for enhancing muscle performance, comprising the material according to item 1.
(Item 11)
Use of a medicament for increasing blood flow at a specific location in the body, comprising:
Use comprising applying the described material to the skin in the vicinity of the location.
(Item 12)
12. Use according to item 11, wherein the material is gently applied to the skin.
(Item 13)
12. Use according to item 11, wherein the material is applied for at least about 3 minutes.
(Item 14)
14. Use according to item 13, wherein the material is applied for at least about 5 minutes.
(Item 15)
14. Use according to item 13, wherein the material is applied for at least about 10 minutes.
(Item 16)
Use of a medicament for enhancing muscle performance, wherein the material according to item 1 is
Use, comprising the step of applying to the side skin.
(Item 17)
Item 17. Use according to item 16, wherein the material is gently applied to the skin.
(Item 18)
Use according to item 16, wherein the material is applied for at least about 3 minutes.
(Item 19)
19. Use according to item 18, wherein the material is applied for at least about 5 minutes.
(Item 20)
19. Use according to item 18, wherein the material is applied for at least about 10 minutes.
・ (Item 21)
Use of a medicament for treating damaged blood flow, wherein the material according to item 1 is
Use comprising the step of applying to the skin in the vicinity of the affected bloodstream.
(Item 22)
The use according to item 21, wherein the material is gently applied to the skin.
(Item 23)
The use according to item 21, wherein the material is applied for at least about 3 minutes.
(Item 24)
24. Use according to item 23, wherein the material is applied for at least about 5 minutes.
(Item 25)
24. Use according to item 23, wherein the material is applied for at least about 10 minutes.
(Item 26)
A particulate compound that is added to a resin to form a filament,
An amount of titanium dioxide, alumina and silicon oxide crystal particles in the range of 0.5 microns to 1.5 microns in an amount sufficient to form a total amount of 0.25 wt% to 15 wt% of the filament. Uniform distribution,
A particulate compound comprising
(Item 27)
Item 26, wherein the particles form a total amount of about 1% and 2% by weight of the filament.
The described compound.
(Item 28)
27. A compound according to item 26, wherein the resin is a polymer.
(Item 29)
27. The compound according to item 26, wherein the silicon oxide is quartz.
(Item 30)
The above compounds are wearable materials, patches, headbands, wristbands, gloves and footwear.
27. A compound according to item 26, in the form of a bar, bedding, tent, tent or sunshade.

(Description of Preferred Embodiment)
It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodologies, protocols, reagents, and the like described herein. Because these can fluctuate. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “
It should be noted that “the” also encompasses plural forms of symmetry, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although preferred methods, devices and materials are described, any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. All documents cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present invention relates to biologically in resins that have certain beneficial properties such as preserving source infrared radiation and changing the wavelength of light reflected by or passing through the powder. Focus on the production of benign powders and methods of use. This powder can be combined with a carrier material, such as a resin (particularly a polymer), and / or provided in a woven fiber, non-woven membrane, or similar product. Products that incorporate this powder
By changing the optical properties in and around the human system that interacts with light and changing the wavelength, reflecting or absorbing light in the electromagnetic spectrum, to a subject wearing such a product May provide additional beneficial properties such as wound healing, dermal fibroblast stimulation, fibroblast growth and proliferation, increased DNA synthesis, increased protein synthesis, increased cell proliferation. The compositions and fibers of the present invention present a combination of materials that work with electromagnetic radiation to provide such beneficial properties.

Furthermore, the compositions of the present invention can be used in a variety of settings to capture source infrared radiation, providing heat to the object or preventing escape of infrared light. Some uses are not limited, heat insulation of heating system and cooling system, heat insulation of outdoor recreation,
It may include the retention of infrared light by military forces to prevent detection, and the isolation of perishable items.
Other uses of fabrics made from such compositions include socks, footwear, active clothing, sportswear, sports wraps, base layers, gloves, and bandages. These items also provide odor control, thermal regulation, fire protection, provide protection from harmful light,
It may have certain properties such as insulation, wound healing, and food storage.

The electromagnetic light extends over a very large spectrum of wavelengths from 10 nm to 1060 nm,
And it spreads to ultraviolet light, visible light, and infrared light. Ultraviolet (“UV”) light ranges from 10 nm to 39
It has a wavelength of 0 nm and is divided into a near spectral region (390-300 nm), a middle spectral region (300-200 nm), and a far spectral region (200-10 nm). Visible light is a small band in electromagnetic waves, with wavelengths between 390 and 770 nm, and is split into violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red light. Infrared (“IR”) light is 77
It spans from 0 nm to 1060 nm, and the near region (770-1.5 × 103), middle region (
1.5 × 10 3 to 6 × 103), and far region (6 × 10 3 to 106). Refractive index (
“RI”) is a measure of the ability of a substance to bend light. The light and optical energy that the body is exposed to spread throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. The adult human body emits IR at about 100 watts of medium and far wavelengths at rest. During movement, this level rises rapidly and the wavelength distribution changes.

There are many types of materials that interact with optical energy by absorbing, reflecting, refracting, and / or changing the wavelength. When light is absorbed, it changes to molecular motion or heat, or changes to longer wavelength optical energy. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to materials such as resins, films, polymers or fibers that are optically responsive to the light and electromagnetic spectrum. The target material produced can be used to interact with biological or non-biological systems. This target material can be produced by adding various active substances together to form a powder. The powders can then have their own unique optical properties and can be combined or mixed with a carrier material that can also act as a matrix for the powder and its particles.

The active substance selected to form the powder is selected based on several characteristics. One feature is that the active agent can be in the form of particles, biologically benign, or inert. Preferably, the material exhibits one of two optical properties: opaque or having a different refractive index than the carrier material. Detailed active materials that can be used in the present invention include silicon, carbon, and various glassy glasses, including oxides of aluminum, titanium, silicon, boron, calcium, sodium, and lithium. In certain embodiments, the active material is titanium dioxide, quartz, and aluminum oxide.

For example, the selection of materials and their optical properties can be, for example, from 1.015 microns to .0.
It is selected to give specific results such as biological excitation for a wavelength range of 601 microns (601 nm). To target this region of light, an overlapping series of passbands can be created by these materials that facilitate excitation and emission in the region surrounding the desired wavelength. These passbands can be generated by using particles with a refractive index that is different from the host, producing a known transparency and, if possible, high transparency and moderate refractive index. By using particles with a concentration of wavelengths that are normally blocked or attenuated. In addition, to ensure broad excitation, materials that are transparent to UV light, have a high refractive index, and cannot be transmitted in the shortwave or harmful UV regions can be used.

Detailed carrier materials that can be used in the present invention include resins such as rayon, polyester (PET), nylon, acrylic, polyamide, and polyimide. Infrared applications include, for example, a range of about 0.5 to about 11 microns, such as polyethylene and many of its derivatives, polypropylene and many of its derivatives, polymethylpentene, and polystyrene and many of its derivatives. A solid transparent material having a transmittance of ## EQU1 ## is preferable.
These materials can also exhibit useful transparency in the ultraviolet. The addition of active particles with varying refractive index can produce a wide range of filter effects in the IR and UV ranges. In particular, the resin can serve as a medium for housing the active substance and acts as a lens working medium therefor.

Once the materials are selected, they can be ground or processed to provide various properties. This grinding or treatment assists in determining the particle size of the active material, the concentration of each type of active material, and the physical characteristics of the active material and is well known in the art. These physical characteristics can include the smoothness or shape of the particles. For example, these particles are smooth, round,
It can be triangular or scalloped.

The target material can achieve one of two results with respect to the wavelength: shortening or lengthening the wavelength depending on the desired effect. In either use, IR light excites atomic and / or molecular structures. This excitation can often stress either the atomic or molecular level. When the stress is released, the electron energy level can change and release the energy as photons.

For some carrier and active particle material combinations, the particle wavelength can be selected by the ease with which a given wavelength can be absorbed and / or emitted. When the active particles are suspended in a matrix that performs filtering (ie, passes optical energy), the active particles can be closer to the wavelength of the carrier material. Conversely, if shorter or longer wavelengths are to be passed, the size of the active particles can be closer to the size of the wavelength of light that is passed. For example, in applications where the desired wavelength is 1 micron, the particle size can be the same (ie, 1 micron). If the carrier material (such as a resin) can pass 14 microns to 4 microns, it may be desirable to have some particles that are slightly larger than or equal to these wavelengths. The desired particle size can range from about 2 microns to about 0.5 microns and is preferably related to the targeted wavelength.

In a detailed embodiment, the powder comprises aluminum oxide (Al2O3), quartz (SiO2).
), And titanium dioxide (TiO2 in the rutile form). Titanium dioxide is M
illennium Chemicals, Inc. , Hunt Valley, MD, and can be obtained from any commercially available source. Quartz is manufactured by Barbera Co.
Available from any commercially available source such as Alameda, CA. Aluminum oxide can be obtained from any commercially available source such as from Industrial Supply, Loveland, CO.

Aluminum oxide has the unique property of promoting infrared light band shifts under certain conditions. When aluminum oxide is combined with other materials as described herein, interaction with IR light occurs. For example, IR light radiation of the human body is absorbed and excites electronic energy levels in the atoms and molecules of the components of the composition of the invention. When electrons return to their previous energy level, they emit energy at a different wavelength (ie longer wavelength) in the IR range. When the composition of the present invention is used in coating the body like a compression mantle or sleeve, it takes advantage of these hand-shifting properties of aluminum oxide to reflect longer infrared wavelengths back into the human body. Longer infrared wavelengths, for example, relax the capillaries and make them less strained and produce more blood flow where needed, which results in improved body circulation.

Quartz, or silicon dioxide, is biologically benign when incorporated into a carrier material in a solid bulk form. Quartz can also perform non-linear frequency amplification and emit ultraviolet (UV) light with the proper combination of specific wavelength and carrier. UV light is known to inhibit bacterial growth and ozone production. UVs with wavelengths that are too short can be detrimental to human systems. Quartz can be used to absorb this shorter wavelength of UV light when its physical particle size is close to the wavelength of light to be excluded. In the present invention, quartz can be used to increase the frequency or shorten the wavelength.

In addition to being optically active, quartz can exhibit piezoelectric properties. When the quartz is stressed, the charge distribution becomes unequal and an electric field can be established along one side and the opposite field can be established along the other side. If stress effects such as pressure are constant, for example, these charges can redistribute themselves in an equal and neutral manner. When the stress is removed, once the charge is redistributed, a charge of the opposite polarity and equal magnitude to the initial charge can be established. This charge redistribution produces a non-linear behavior that can be manifested as frequency doubling.

Titanium dioxide is unique. This is because it has a high refractive index and also has a high degree of transparency in the visible region of the spectrum. It is used as a sunscreen in sunscreens. Because it reflects, absorbs and scatters light,
And it doesn't irritate the skin. Only diamond has a higher refractive index than titanium dioxide. For these reasons, titanium dioxide is ideal for applications that are close to the skin surface.

When this optical property of titanium is used in combination with quartz and a suitable carrier material (eg PET), for example, a greenhouse effect can be produced. One size of infrared wavelength can pass back through the resin and be reflected. This reflection produces a longer wavelength that prevents passage back through the PET. In certain embodiments of the present invention, this property can be used to reflect longer wavelengths into the human system, while directing shorter, more harmful wavelengths away from the human system.

The particle size and shape of the active substance in the powder can also affect the target product by controlling the wavelength of light that is allowed to pass through these particles. In certain embodiments, about 1.4
Micron or smaller particle sizes are used for aluminum oxide. The particle morphology can be scalloped. The particle size of the quartz can be about 1.5 microns or smaller. The quartz particles can be spherical or substantially spherical. The titanium dioxide particles can be about 2 microns or smaller and can be triangular with rounded edges.

Certain properties and characteristics of active particles and carrier materials are combined to increase wound healing, skin fibroblast stimulation, fibroblast growth and proliferation, increase by altering optical properties in and around the human system Unique effects such as enhanced DNA synthesis, increased protein synthesis, and increased cell proliferation can be generated. These properties are related to the specific wavelength of light and the interaction of this light with the inventive composition.

In one embodiment of the invention, the wavelength may be selected to induce melanin stimulation that occurs at about 15 nm. To achieve this stimulation, approximately 10 nm from human metabolic effects.
An energy range of ~ 2.5 micron band can be used. Daylight from either outdoor broadband or indoor lamps is from about 1.1 microns to 900 nm
Nearby “humps” and broad broad peaks around 700-800 nm
ral peak) and also includes lower wavelengths such as 400-700 nm. General characteristics and some of the desired filters and modifications are 600-9
Although it has a band pass in the band range of 00 nm, it is not limited to these. Also, the carrier material can be selected to have a transparency of 200-900 nm. The function is
It has a known permeability in the 8-14 micron range. The active particles are also from about 950 nm to 550
It can be selected to have a wavelength between nm. This can be achieved with particles having a general size distribution of 2 microns or less.

Muscle and bone atrophy has been well documented in astronauts, and various minor damages that occur in space have been reported to not heal until they land on the earth. Spectra obtained from human forearm hand flexors and leg heel muscles are 23 cm through the surface tissue and muscle, with most photons at the wavelength between 630 and 800 nm between input and output at the photon detector.
Indicates moving. Light is absorbed by mitochondria, where it stimulates energy metabolism in muscle and bone and skin and subcutaneous tissue. Evidence suggests using LED phototherapy at 680 nm, 730 nm and 880 nm in combination with hyperbaric oxygen therapy to accelerate the healing process in space station missions. Here, prolonged exposure to microgravity can otherwise delay healing. Tissues are responsible for basic energy processes in the mitochondria (energy compartment) of each cell, especially when near-infrared light is used to activate photosensitive chemicals (chromophores, cytochromes) in each cell. stimulate. Optimum LED wavelengths are 680nm, 730nm
And 880 nm. Whelan et al., 552 SPACE TECH. &
APP. INT'L FORM 35-35 (2001). Whelan et al. 458
SPACE TECH. & APP. INT'L FORM 3-15 (1999).
Whelan et al., 504 SPACE TECH. & APP. INT'L FORUM
37-43 (2000). Near-infrared light at wavelengths of 680 nm, 730 nm and 880 nm stimulates wound healing in experimental animals, and near-infrared light has been shown to double fibroblast and muscle cell proliferation in tissue culture. Has been. Accordingly, the particle size of the composition of the present invention can be selected to reflect or transmit light of advantageous wavelengths.

The active particles of the present invention can be refined to a particle size of about 0.5 to about 2.0 microns. For example, titanium dioxide can be refined to a particle size between 1-2 microns and can be a triangle with rounded ends. Aluminum oxide can be refined to a particle size between 1.4 and 1 micron and can be in the shape of a scallop. Quartz can preferably be refined to a particle size of about 1.5 to 1 micron and is generally rounded. All particles are reduced in size and are shaped by processes known in the art such as grinding, polishing or tumbling, for example. In a preferred embodiment, the dry weight ratio of active substances (titanium dioxide, quartz and aluminum oxide) in the powder is 10: 10: 2, respectively.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the composition may further comprise a resin (eg, a polymer formed into a film or fiber). The polymer can initially be in the form of pellets, which can be dried to remove moisture using, for example, a dry dryer. The powder can then be dispersed in the resin by methods known in the art, for example, in a rotating drum equipped with a paddle type mixer. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polymer used may be a polyester. The powder may comprise about 0.5 to about 20% mixture. In another embodiment, the powder may comprise from about 1 to about 10% mixture. In certain embodiments, the powder may comprise about 1 to about 2% resin / powder mixture by total weight. About 100 pounds of powder can be mixed with about 1000 pounds of PET to make a 500 kg fiber. In alternative embodiments, the powder can be introduced into the resin by other processes known in the art such as, for example, compounding. In this embodiment, 100 pounds of powder is about 250 to about 30.
May be combined with 0 pounds of PET.

After the resin and powder are mixed, the resulting liquid can be stapled in various lengths.
le) Can be extruded into fibers that can be drawn into fibers. This comminution, mixing and extrusion process is known in the art, eg, US Pat. No. 6,204,317;
214,264; and 6,218,007, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The basic technique for forming polyester fibers by extrusion from commercially available raw materials is
It is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be repeated here. Such conventional techniques are very suitable for forming the fibers of the present invention and are described in US Pat. No. 6,067,785, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. ing.

After extrusion, the fibers can be mixed together by a spinning process, preferably using a rotary spinning machine, to obtain a yarn. The size range of the spinner opening can range from about 6 microns to about 30 microns.

In a preferred embodiment, spinning the fiber of the present invention into a yarn includes spinning a raw material having between about 1 and about 3 denier per fiber; thus, prior to spinning the dissolved polyester into the fiber, As well as forming fibers of these dimensions. The fibers are typically heat set before being cut into staples by conventional techniques. While the extruded fibers solidify, they can be drawn and imparted strength by methods known in the art.

Similarly, this method can be applied to fabrics (from fabric yarns in combination with both natural and synthetic fibers)
further comprising the step of forming a fabric) (typically a woven or knitted fabric). Typical natural fibers may include cotton, hair, hemp, silk, ramie and jute. Alternatively, typical synthetic fibers include acrylic, acetate, lycra (Lyc)
ra), spandex, polyester, nylon and rayon.

Since polyester is often advantageously blended with cotton and other fibers, the present invention also allows the cotton blend to be mixed with the yarn (of which the polyester is about 0.5-4% by weight polyethylene glycol). A spinning step.

The method can further include the step of spinning the fibers of the present invention. Similarly, the fibers of the present invention may comprise woven or knitted fabrics from yarns mixed with either yarns dyed as spun yarns or dyed as fabrics after being incorporated into the fabric.

Cotton and polyester can be mixed in any suitable proportion, but in certain embodiments, the mixing can include between about 35% and 65% by weight of cotton and the remaining polyester. A blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester (“50/50”) is also used.

Yarns formed according to this embodiment can likewise be incorporated into a mixture with cotton,
As is known to those skilled in such mixing processes, cotton is typically mixed with polyester staple fibers before being spun into yarn. As noted above, the mixture is about 35
From 50% to 65% cotton may be included, but a 50/50 blend is typical. Other methods of fiber production are equally suitable. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,341,512; 3,377.
129; 4,666,454; 4,975,233; 5,008,
No. 230; No. 5,091,504; No. 5,135,697; No. 5,272,2
No. 46; No. 4,270,913; No. 4,384,450; No. 4,466,23
No. 7, No. 4,113,794; and No. 5,694,754, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In one embodiment of the present invention, staple fibers can be made using a polyester mixture. The staple fibers can then be used to make a non-woven membrane. This membrane can be adhered to another fabric, membrane or substance. For example, the non-woven membrane can be adhered to the inside of a pair of leather gloves or, for example, 3M Thinsulate by methods known to those skilled in the art.
It can be used as a backing by being glued to another fabric such as TM.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that, using the above description, one skilled in the art can utilize the present invention to a full extent. The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the remainder of this disclosure in any way whatsoever.

(Example 1: Thermal homeostasis)
Two batches of wristbands are prepared: WB1 (woven with fibers containing the inventive powder composition) and WB2 (woven with fibers lacking the inventive powder composition).

When selecting 20 panelists from the general population and adopting panelists, no special artificial statistical parameters are used. Panelists are placed in temperature and humidity controlled areas at standard room temperature, standard humidity and sea level atmospheric pressure. Before the panelist wears any band, measure the temperature of the middle finger of each panelist. Ask the panelist to wear a band from WB2. After 5 minutes, measure the temperature of the middle finger of each panelist. Next, the panelist is asked to remove the WB2-derived band, wait 5 minutes, and wear the WB1-derived band. After 5 minutes, measure the temperature of the middle finger of each panelist. A temperature recording device is used to record the temperature of the panelist's fingers throughout the trial. Average all temperature measurements.

There is a statistically significant difference between the average middle finger temperature of the panelists after wearing the band made of WB1 and the average middle finger temperature of the panelists before wearing any band. Furthermore, there is no statistically significant difference between the average middle finger temperature of panelists after wearing a band made of WB2 and the average middle finger temperature of panelists before wearing any band. A band woven with fibers comprising the powder composition of the present invention demonstrates the ability to act as a thermal homeostasis factor.

(Example 2: muscle strength)
Two batches of wrist bands are prepared: WB1 (band woven with fibers containing the powder composition of the present invention) and WB2 (band woven with fibers lacking the powder composition of the present invention).

Panelists are selected from the general population, and certain demographic parameters are not utilized in panelist recruitment. Panelists are placed in weather-controlled areas at standard room temperature, standard humidity, and sea level atmospheric pressure. Each panelist's grip strength was measured before the panelist wore any band. Ask the panelists to wear a WB2 band. After 5 minutes, measure the grip strength of each panelist. The panelist is then asked to remove the WB2 band, wait 5 minutes, and wear the WB1 band. 5
After a minute, measure the grip strength of each panelist. The panelist's grip strength is recorded during this test using a grip strength meter. Average all grip strength measurements.

There is a statistically significant difference between the average grip strength of the panelists after wearing the WB1 band and the average grip strength of the panelists before wearing any band. Furthermore, there is no statistically significant difference between the average grip strength of the panelists after wearing the WB2 band and the average middle finger temperature of the panelists before wearing any band. A fiber woven band containing the powder composition of the present invention demonstrates the ability to increase muscle strength.

(Example 3: Insole)
The powder composition of the present invention is prepared by the process of the present invention. Two insoles are prepared: IN1 (woven with fibers containing the powder composition of the invention) and IN2 (woven with fibers lacking the powder composition of the invention).

Panelists are selected from the general population, and certain demographic parameters are not utilized in panelist recruitment. Samples are presented to panelists in a blinded fashion (samples are identified only by random numeric labels). Each panelist has 1 in each shoe
One sheet, two insoles to wear, are received, and the panelist is instructed to randomly place one insole within each shoe. Thus, the shoes (right or left) on which each insole is worn are completely random. In each pair of insoles, one sample is made of IN1 and 1
One sample is made of IN2. Ask the panelist to record any differences between the two insoles that were noticed after wearing the insole for 8 hours.

Many panelists notice differences between these insoles. A statistically significant number of panelists aware of the difference between the two insoles provide that the insole containing the powder composition of the present invention provides a higher comfort than the insole lacking the powder composition of the present invention I think that. The insole woven with fibers comprising the powder composition of the present invention demonstrates the ability to provide comfort.

The following examples further demonstrate that the use of materials as described herein can increase blood flow and enhance muscle strength. The term “proximal” as used herein means close to, adjacent to, next to, or below the material used in these examples. Examples of “proximal” include wrist to hand, elbow to hand, wrist to finger, ankle to foot, and ankle to toe.

Example 4
A study was conducted to evaluate changes in peripheral blood perfusion. This was monitored by changes in peripheral blood flow in the hands and feet of diabetic individuals when wearing gloves and stockings incorporating the material of the present invention. Each subject had a history of diabetes and vascular injury. This study was a double-blind, laser Doppler velocimetry that monitors transdermal oxygen. Data points were collected over the course of 1 hour. Subject is
Either garments or placebo garments incorporating the material of the present invention (test material) were worn.
Results were analyzed after being blinded.

Subjects were evaluated for baseline blood flow status. They were then allowed to use transcutaneous oxygen (Pe) with stockings and gloves made with or without the test material.
rimed Inc. North Royalton, Ohio, PF5040 subcutaneous module) and laser Doppler velocimetry (PF5010 Laser Dopp)
ler Perfusion module). Measure before wearing clothing
And it continued for 1 hour with wearing clothes. Data was analyzed at 10 minute intervals. Testers and subjects were blinded to study clothing. Clothing was randomly selected and tested from a computer generated randomized list. Test material
Measurements were made on both hands and feet in study subjects wearing standard fiber gloves and stockings.

Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was based on World Health Organization criteria. For the purpose of this study, the diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease was a transcutaneous oxygen measurement higher than 30 mmHg, taken at the level of the metatarsal foot on the day of participation. Patient ages varied from 18 to 80 years.

2. Excluded patients with the following characteristics: currently being treated by dialysis or
Patients with serum creatinine greater than or equal to 0 mg / dl; patients known to have been active alcohol or drug abusers for 6 months prior to the start of the study; systemic cortis at a dose equal to greater than 10 mg prednisone per day Patients currently receiving costeroids; patients currently receiving immunosuppressants; patients currently receiving radiation therapy; patients currently receiving cytotoxic drugs; patients currently receiving antiviral drugs; Patients with a history of malignancy or systemic immunodeficiency disease; women who are breastfeeding, pregnant or trying to conceive; other conditions that the investigator considers to appear to be the reason for disqualification (eg, History of illness or chronic illness, lack of motivation, and poor compliance history; amputation proximal to Lisfranc (tarsal metatarsal) joint, and When amputation / surgical debridement destroys the venous plexus of the plantar arch; acute deep vein thrombosis; active congestive heart failure; uncontrolled osteomyelitis; vascular surgery over the past 4 weeks); full thickness skin Patients with ulcers.

Dynamic non-invasive vascular assessment consisted of transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2) measurements and laser Doppler velocimetry measurements. A Periflux 5000 System was used. This is a multifunctional system that incorporates four functional units that combine a transdermal oxygen functional unit and a laser Doppler functional unit.

The transdermal oxygen electrode was warmed to 44 ° C. and allowed to equilibrate on the skin for 5 minutes (until a stable value was achieved). The resulting value was measured in mmHg. Tissue blood perfusion was continuously measured using a laser Doppler monitor (PF5010 Laser Doppler Per).
fusion module). This application was non-invasive. Two sticking probes similar to the standard EKG probe were applied to the skin. In this tissue, the laser light was scattered and Doppler shifted by interaction with moving blood cells according to the well-known Doppler principle. The sampling depth was on the scale of 200-500 micrometers. The fraction of backscattered light was detected by a remotely located photodetector.

We continuously measured percutaneous oxygen and laser Doppler velocimetry measurements during the 1 hour evaluation period and recorded values on the back of the foot and hand for 60 seconds at 10 minute intervals. . In addition, we measured the 2-minute interval at the end of each data collection period to compare changes in blood flow parameters in the placebo and test treatment groups.

(result)
We compared transcutaneous oxygen (TCOM) and laser Doppler (LD) values for hands and feet using a two-tailed t-test. Transcutaneous oxygen measures the partial pressure of oxygen at the surface of the skin. As part of the descriptive evaluation of the data, we have made TCOM and LD
Tiered into two levels: increase when comparing test substance with placebo, no change, or decrease when comparing test substance with placebo. If the change was less than 4% when using placebo vs. test substance, it was determined to indicate “no change”. TCOM in the hand showed an increase in 10 subjects, 4 subjects showed no change and 6 subjects showed a decrease when the test substance was used compared to placebo clothing. . TCOM in the paw was repeated, with 10 subjects showing an increase, 4 subjects showing no change, and 6 subjects showing a decrease when using Holofiber.

A statistically significant change in percutaneous oxygen or oxygen delivery to the skin of the hands and feet when comparing data collected at 40 and 50 minutes after the start of the test using a two-tailed t-test was there. Laser Doppler studies can be performed on placebo in both hands and feet.
There was no difference in blood flow in the test substance.

Data can be seen in FIGS. Figure 1 shows the use of gloves containing test substances.
It shows that transcutaneous oxygen in the patient's hand increased by more than 12% compared to using placebo gloves. Similarly, FIG. 2 shows that percutaneous oxygen in a foot wearing a sock containing the test substance is
It is about 8% higher than that of placebo socks. These significant changes are very persuasive. This is because an 8-12% improvement in skin oxygenation may improve marginal circulation sufficient to improve wound healing or eliminate ischemic pain in the foot.

(Example 5)
Subjects were analyzed for the effect of the substance of the invention (test substance) on proximal muscle strength. Wristbands made with or without test substances were used. Subjects range in age from 20 to 80 years. Each subject was asked to take a relaxed posture and grasp a dynamometer with an analog readout in his or her favorite hand. The device used was also used to test patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

The subject grasped the device three times as tightly as possible while taking a break between trials. The amount of pressure applied was measured with a dynamometer and the highest number for each subject was used as the control level. The wristband was then worn on the wrist that was used to establish the control level. If necessary, a second wristband was worn on the other wrist. Subjects then rested their wrists and hands for 10-20 minutes, after which their strength was measured again with a dynamometer.

For subjects wearing a wristband containing the test substance, an increase in intensity was recorded as compared to subjects wearing a wristband containing no test substance. In studies involving well over thousands of subjects, 75-80% of the subjects had a 5-20% increase in strength over the placebo event being compared. Thus, the test substance successfully caused an increase in muscle strength in the vicinity of the position of the wristband containing the test substance. This increased strength is believed to be due to the increased blood flow to their muscles caused by the presence of the test substance.

(Example 6)
Subjects were analyzed for the temperature effect of the test substance on the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Age
A ma 5500 thermovision camera was used. The temperature of the place can be read as a numerical readout at the camera and by a color change. The camera was calibrated as usual to maintain accuracy. Wristbands made with or without test substances were used. All studies were conducted at standard room temperature, standard humidity, and sea level atmospheric pressure.
This was done in a climate controlled area.

The subject sits on a table at approximately waist level with his or her hand placed in a comfortable position on the table. Using the camera, the hand including the finger was scanned for about 10 minutes to locate the coldest spot. The temperature at this location was used as a baseline. The subject was then put on a wristband in line with his monitored hand. The hand temperature was continuously monitored and data recorded at 0, 3, 8, and 10 minutes.

When a wristband containing no test substance was used, only minimal changes in temperature were recorded. However, when using wristbands containing test substances, exemplary results were as follows:

例Ａについて、被験体の手の上の最も冷たい箇所の温度は、始めの３分以内に１℃上昇
し、次の５分でさらに６℃上昇し、その後２分でさらに３℃上昇し、合計で１０℃上昇し
た。中間の例において、８℃の全体的な上昇が認められた。低い例において、６℃を超え
る上昇が認められた。

For Example A, the temperature of the coldest spot on the subject's hand rose 1 ° C. within the first 3 minutes, then increased 6 ° C. in the next 5 minutes, then increased 3 ° C. in 2 minutes, The temperature rose 10 ° C in total. In the middle example, an overall increase of 8 ° C. was observed. In low cases, an increase of over 6 ° C. was observed.

This data indicates that the temperature of the coldest spot on the subject's hand rose significantly as fast as 3 minutes with the test substance on the wrist. This is believed to be caused by increased blood flow to the hand caused by the presence of the test substance.

In a preferred embodiment, the wearable fabric or material is titanium dioxide, alumina and silicon oxide, preferably uniformly distributed from 0.5 to 1.5 microns, from resin filaments (eg, polymers). Woven from resin filaments or fibers containing a biologically friendly particle. This material can also be formed from nonwoven filaments. In addition to wearable fabrics, this material can also be used between users and light sources, for example, this material can be used for bedding, tents, umbrellas, shades and awnings.
) Can be used. Particles with a substantially complete crystal lattice structure and with minimal contamination can be achieved with substantially or partially amorphous particles when evenly distributed within the resin filament It has improved optical performance over the others and is therefore preferred. The particles can be added at substantially equal weights for a 0.25% to 15% filling of PET. A range of 1% to 2% loading of the resin is presently preferred.

Crystalline particles of titanium dioxide, alumina and silicon oxide having the desired properties can be obtained from the following vendors.

Silicon oxide: Alibab. com. , 39899 Ballentine Dr. ,
Ste 325, Newark, CA 94560
Alumina: PACE Technologies, 200 Larkin Dr. , W
healing, IL 60090
Titanium dioxide: Goodfellow Corporation, 800 Lanca
star Ave, Berwyn, PA 19312.

The ambient incident light to the woven material typically includes visible light, as well as some infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) light. The crystal particles in the resin filament have a passband in the visible spectrum or a passband that overlaps the visible spectrum.
Some part of the R light is converted or converted to light in a specific pass band in the visible light spectrum including near IR or in a pass band that overlaps this visible light spectrum. Thus, the light that is applied to the wearer's skin of this material has a substantially altered distribution of light in the passband in the visible spectrum or in the passband that overlaps the visible spectrum.

The substantially uniform distribution of the particles in the resin is such that the spectral distribution of the light applied to the wearer is P
Interaction and enhancement of these effects occur, as is substantially different from the spectral distribution applied under the same conditions without the presence of particles in the ET. For example, if ambient light striking this material has a relatively flat or even spectrum in the band of interest, the light passing through the undulated resin is also generally
Although having a relatively flat spectrum with reduced amplitude, the intensity in the passband of unmixed PET is somewhat higher.

Resins are often made from recycled materials that contain contaminants. The light that passes through the entrained resin also typically has a relatively flat or flat distribution of the spectrum of light that strikes the material. However, the light passing through the resin containing the particles shows a substantially changed spectrum, described below as a changed spectral distribution pattern, whether mixed or not.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an example of the effect of alumina particulate light incidence is provided to assist in understanding the altered spectral distribution discussed above. This figure is a graph of the intensity of light emerging from a suspension of about 0.25 to 1.75 micron alumina particles in a fluid having a refractive index of 1.51, similar to a resin carrier. This fluid is Agar-Aga
r, water, propylene glycol and amyl alcohol may be mixed to form a gel and suspend these particles. A generally broadband and relatively flat light spectrum is applied to this gel suspension, and a scanning spectrometer is used to detect and measure light emerging from the gel containing suspended particles. . This graph shows results normalized to a peak intensity of 1.00 at a wavelength of about 300 nm. As can be observed from the shape of this graph, the emerging light has substantial peaks and valleys, for example, valley “A” exists just below about 400 nm, and Two peaks “B”
Exists just above 400 nm.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a similar graph of light emerging from a suspension of titanium dioxide particles in a similar gel is shown for a similar flat spectral input. This graph shows about 4
The result normalized with respect to the peak intensity of 1.00 at a wavelength of 25 nm is shown. As can be observed from the shape of this graph, the emerging light has substantial peaks and valleys, for example, valley “C” exists just below about 400 nm and peak “D” ”425
Present in nm.

The spectral distribution of light emerging from quartz particles also has a peak amplitude at certain wavelengths and a local minimum or trough at other wavelengths.

When titanium dioxide, alumina and quartz are filled into a resin filament, the characteristics that alter the spectrum of the particles shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for titanium dioxide and alumina, respectively, interact and emerge from the filament material. Spectral distribution of light (
That is, the spectrum distribution pattern) is further changed. The resulting pattern becomes very complex and provides wide and narrow peaks, as well as wide and narrow valleys, at many different spectral lines. The characteristics of PET, as well as temperature, particle size distribution and other effects are
This spectral density pattern can be shifted or further changed.

Variations in the spectral density pattern from the surroundings (ie, peak and valley patterns) are not random, but rather systematic and are surrounded by lower intensity light at other specific wavelengths and wavelength ranges It is important to note that it allows selective illumination of the wearer's skin with somewhat higher intensity light in the wavelength range. This selective spectral distribution pattern of illumination is a component of the human body (for example,
By selectively energizing the mitochondria, it can cause various beneficial effects in the wearer.

Excitation applied from ambient light (eg 210 nm to 75 microns and / or 30
0-1,500 nm and / or 350-1,100 nm and / or 390-7
With 50 nm excitation), the spectral distribution pattern of wearable fibers containing titanium dioxide, alumina, and quartz particles is the following set of spectra and spectral ranges (all n
For m), it may contain 35 nm wide spectral lines on each side:
400, 420, 443, 458, 462, 474, 490, 512, 540-550
, 550-565, 570-595, 598, 602, 620, 590-630, 625
-648, 633-670, 665-680, 686-703, 710-770,700
~ 740,708 ~ 734,737 ~ 770,750 ~ 790,800,880,870
-910, 920-940, 933-960, 905-950, 940-970.

The distributed harmonic output can also be 45 nm wide on either side (all nm
): 950, 975, 1050, 1070, 1100, 1150, 1190, 1205
1250, 1285, 1290, 1310, 1350, 1370 and 1390.

The resulting spectral distribution pattern provides the wearer's selective illumination that has been shown to be advantageous to the wearer.

The human body is known to emit heat and is also known to emit light at very low levels in various passbands. Thus, the wearable fiber material also receives light and heat from the wearer's body, which is also subject to the effects of particles in the PET, and the resulting radiation can also be applied to the wearer's skin .

The polarization of light in this fiber can be caused by the resin material and particles, which further enhances the ability of the resin acid particle system to modify the wavelength distribution in visible and near IR light applied to the wearer.

The increase in applied visible and near IR radiation can be about 0.01-0.03% using wearable materials made from filaments and particle systems.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a simple flow chart is provided for the process of producing a filament of resin from which a wearable material can be produced. In step 10, one or more particle mold sizes can be adjusted by pre-processing if the particles are not within the desired particle size range. In step 20, the particles can be physically combined by mechanical mixing to provide a powder or other particle mixture.

In step 30, the particle mixture can be prepared by compounding or fluid suspension or other known mechanisms to allow introduction into the filament formation process in step 40. Conventional compounding techniques include forming a high concentration of particles into a rod-like pellet, typically about 1 inch long and about 1/8 inch in diameter. In the filament forming process step 40, these pellets are combined with additional resin pellets or resin chips to achieve the desired packing or concentration of particles in the final filament. Conventional fluid suspension techniques include suspending the particles in a liquid (eg, propylene glycol) that is compatible with the resin used in the filament forming step 40.

The filament formation process in step 50 is conventional thermal extrusion. Thereafter, depending on the end use of the filament, an end process step 60 may be applied.

Various modifications and variations of the described methods and system of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with certain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the claimed invention should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in material engineering or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

FIG. 1 is a graph of hand data from transdermal oxygen measurements. FIG. 2 is a graph of paw data from transcutaneous oxygen measurements. FIG. 3 is a graph of the spectral distribution pattern of alumina. FIG. 4 is a graph of the spectral distribution pattern of titanium dioxide. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for producing a filament using the added particles.

Claims (1)

A method as described herein.

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