US3262128A - Inherently self-lined garments and processes for the production thereof - Google Patents

Description

July 26 1966 w. L. MORGAN ETAL 3 26 INHERENTLY SELF-LINED GARMENTS AND PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF Filed Dec. 4, 1962 PROVIDE FABRIC SUBSTRATE APPLY ADHESIVE COATING TO FABRIC SUBSTRATE PARTIALLY DRY FLATTEN ADHESIVE-COATED FACE OF FABRIC SUBSTRATE APPLY SECOND COATING OF ADHESIVE APPLY FLOCK FIBERS TO ADHESIVE COATED FACE OF FABRIC SUBSTRATE DRY AND CURE OUT AND SEW FABRIC SUBSTRATE TO PROVIDE GARMENT SELF-LINED WITH THE FLOCKED FIBERS wjaw ATTORNEY United States Patent Wee 3 262 128 INHERENTLY SELF- LINED GARMENTS AND PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF Willard L. Morgan and Manuel A. Thomas, Spartanburg,

S .C., assrgnors to Deeriug Milliken Research Corporation, Spartanburg, 5.0, a corporation of Delaware Filed Dec. 4, 1962, Ser. No. 242,056 Claims. (Cl. 2-243) This invention relates to novel processes for preparing wearing apparel fabrics having a soft, non-scratch surface, to fabrics so prepared, and to garments manufactured therefrom, the garments being inherently self-lined with a soft, non-scratch surface which may also be moisture absorbent, heat insulating and generally more comfortable when worn next to the skin.

Garments prepared from wool fabrics and some synthetic fabrics are characterized by excellent aesthetic and insulating properties, but sometimes are irritating to persons with particularly sensitive skin. This problem often arises when younger children wear trousers, shirts and the like, which contact their often-sensitive skin. This problem could be solved by sewing a non-scratchy lining material into these garments, but this expedient is costly and the industry attempts to keep the price of childrens garments as low as possible. Likewise, garments made from synthetic fibers cannot be worn next to the skin by some people due to skin reactions. These garments also are generally characterized by a cold, clammy feel, poor Wind protection and poor moisture absorption.

It is an object of this invention to provide a fabric of such a nature that garments produced therefrom are inherently lined with a soft, non-scratch surface.

It is a further object to provide a wool fabric of this nature and to accomplish this feat in a most economical fashion.

It is also an object to provide a soft, non-scratch moisture absorbent lined synthetic fabric.

Another object of this invention is to provide such a fabric and garments therefrom which may be dry-cleaned in the customary manner repeatedly Without substantial loss of the non-scratch properties.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide such a fabric and garments therefrom which are characterized by a soft, non-scratch surface, which may also be moisture absorbent, while retaining substantially the original characteristics of the untreated fabric, such as the drape, porosity, strength, abrasion resistance and the like,

These and other objects are accomplished in accordance with this invention by providing a wearing apparel fabric substrate, adhering soft, non-scratch flock fibers, which preferably are also moisture absorbent, to one face thereof with a particular type of flexible adhesive composition and, after drying and curing of the adhesive composition, cutting and sewing garments therefrom in such a manner that the garment is inherently self-lined with the soft, non-scratch surface provided by the flock fibers.

The drawing shows a diagrammatic representation of the process.

Flock fibers have been applied to a variety of fabric substrates for many reasons, most often for decorative purposes. There has been no realization heretofore, to applicants knowledge, that conventional flocking techniques could be utilized to treat wearing apparel fabrics from which inherently self-lined, non-scratch garments could be produced. Nor has it been realized that synthetic fabrics could be similarly treated to provide an inherently self-lined fabric having excellent moisture absorption as well as excellent wind protection and heat insulation properties. Wearing apparel fabrics are characterized by their high flexibility and drape as determined by weight, weave, styling and the like and comprise a Well-known class of fabrics.

Patented July 2 5, 19%6 The process of this invention may be utilized to improve the properties of garments produced from a wide variety of fabrics, including those containing keratin fibers, such as wool, alpaca, vicuna, mohair, cashmere, guanaco, camels hair, silk, llama and the like; synthetic fibers including the cellulosics, such as regenerated cellulose, e.g., viscose rayon and the like; fibers containing a limited number of acetyl groups, such as cellulose acetate,

ellulose triacetate and the like; and fibers containing a limited number of methyl ether groups, such as partially methylated cellulose, and the like; polyamides, such as poly(hexamethylene adipamide); polyesters, such as poly- (ethylene terephthalate); and acrylic fibers, such as acrylonitrile homopolymers and copolymers containing at least about acrylonitrile, such as acrylonitrile/ methyl acrylate (85/15) and the like.

Since the scratchiness problem is most acute in wool garments this invention is particularly adapted to the production of non-scratch fabrics and garments therefrom. This soft, non-scratch quality is obtained without the sacrifice of fabric drape and flexibility and, in many instances, fabric properties such as strength, abrasion resistance and creasability are enhanced. In addition, the flock fiber surface is capable of entrapping air to a greater degree than the untreated fabric substrate, thereby providing a warmer, better insulated garment. It is also possible, because of this treatment, to use coarser fibers in the fabric, thereby providing improved strength and abrasion resistance in addition to that which occurs as a result of the treatment.

The process of this invention is also adapted to treatment of synthetic fabrics to avoid skin reaction difiiculties and the characteristic cold, clammy feel of these fabrics. When moisture absorptive flock fibers are utilized, particularly desirable garments, having excellent moisture absorptive and heat insulating properties, may be produced.

The remarkable properties present in the novel fabrics and garments of this invention are enhanced by certain process variations, e.g., by selection and application of the adhesive and flock fibers, and by particular pre-treatment and post-treatment procedures which may be utilized if desired.

The adhesive composition, for example, is preferably a curable, polymeric composition which is tacky before curing, and flexible and non-tacky after curing. The flexibility of the fabric substrate is considerably enhanced by applying only a small amount of the adhesive onto the fabric substrate in the form of a discontinuous layer or coating and in such a manner that only limited penetration, if any, of the adhesive into the fabric substrate is achieved.

Generally, no more than about 15% by weight of the adhesive composition is required to obtain maximum adhesion of the flock fibers to the fabric substrate, but it is preferred to use even less adhesive composition. By controlling the deposition of the adhesive composition, it is possible to obtain entirely satisfactory bonding of the flock fibers to the face of the fabric substrate with as little as 1% by weight of the adhesive, amounts between about 2 and about 7% being preferred for optimum fabric flexibility and flock fiber binding.

The preferred discontinuous layer of adhesive may be obtained by conventional application techniques such as by knife-coating, rolling, printing or the like, but is most advantageously obtained by spraying techniques. in any such technique, the desired type of application, i.e., a limited amount I of adhesive composition in a discontinuous film and located substantially on the uppermost fibers of the face yarns of the fabric, may be obtained by adjustment of the viscosity of the medium containing the adhesive composition, the spray pressure and the distance of the fabric substrate from the spraying apparatus. These conditions can be readily determined by those practicing this invention.

Curable, flexible adhesive compositions are readily available and any may be used, e.g., the acrylics, diisocyanates, epoxy resins, epoxy-amides, alkyd resins, phenolics, aminoplasts and the like, but a preferred class of adhesive compositions includes the diisocyanate-glycol urethane adhesive compositions, i.e., those adhesive compositions which form highly flexible, non-tacky polyurethanes upon curing. Suitability of adhesive compositions may be tested simply by forming thin films, of the composition, curing as directed, and testing the film by hand for flexibility. 'I hin films of the preferred polyurethane adhesives are highly flexible.

In the uncured state, the adhesive composition is preferably quite tacky, although adhesive compositions which become tacky upon heating may also be utilized, provided that it is substantially non-tacky in its cured final state in the fabric.

Dry-cleaning and/or wash resistance will dictate the choice of the preferred flexible adhesives.

Dry-cleanability can be facilitated in farbics treated in accordance with this invention if the particular adhesive composition selected is substantially impervious to conventional dry-cleaning solvents, e.g., trichlorethylene and particular care is taken to imbed the flock fibers into the adhesive. Techniques for imbedding the flock fibers more efficiently are discussed below. When washable fabrics are treated, adhesives impervious to Water in a cured state should beutilized. The preferred diisocyanate-glycol adhesives are impervious both to drycleaning solvents and water.

The desired adhesive composition may be applied to the wearing apparel fabric substrate from any desired system, either aqueous or organic solvent, and in emulsion, dispersion or solution form.

The flock fibers are preferably of such a stiffness modulus and diameter asto provide a soft, non-scratch surface when applied to a wearing apparel fabric substrate. Cotton flock provides all the desired characteristics of softness and these fibers constitute a preferred embodiment of this invent-ion. The flock fibers, however, may comprise any desired fiber, either natural or synthetic. Of the other natural fibers, other cellulosics, such as paper; and keratin fibers, such as W001, alpaca, vic-un'a, mohair, cashmere, guanac'o, camels hair, silk, llama and the like are preferred. Suitable synthetic cellulosic fibers include regenerated cellulose, such as viscose rayon and the like; fibers containing a limited number of acetyl groups, such as cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate and the like; and fibers containing a limited number of methyl ether groups, such as partially methylated cellulose. Where moisture absorption is desired the flock is preferalbly of cotton or rayon, but may be of other cellulosic fibers having moisture absorption characteristics, such as the chemically modified materials above listed.

Additional synthetic flock fibers include'polyamides, such as polyQhexamethylene adipamide); polyesters, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate); and acrylic fibers, such as acrylonitrile homopoly-mers and copolyrners containing at least about 85% acrylonitrile'; such as acrylonitrile/methyl acrylate (85/15), and the like. These flock fibers are generally ineffective in enhancing the moisture absorptivity of the fabric substrate, but the finer diameter fibers, particularly those having diameters less than about 0.02 inch are sufficient to provide a fairly soft, non-scratch surface.

The proper combination of stiffness and diameter for the desired soft, non-scratch surface will vary widely for different fibers and the best test'of suitability is subjective in nature, i.e., Whether the flock fibers provide the desired soft, non-scratch surface after application to a fabric in accordance with this invention.

The flock fibers may be applied to the wearing'apparel fabric substrate in any desired manner, but are preferably applied by conventional flocking techniques, either mechanical or electrostatic.

Mechanical flocking apparatus generally comprises a flock box having beaters or rotating brushes and/or vibrating bars tor feeding the fibers through a screen onto the fabric substrate. 7

. Electrostatic flocking apparatus generally comprises the same type flock box combined with means for imparting opposite charges to the fibers and fabric substrate. This may be accomplished by charging the screen with one charge and passing the fabric substrate over a conducting plate charged oppositely. The screen may be eliminated and the fibers charged in the flock box, as it leaves the flock box or after a free fall of any desired distance. Conventionally, the flock fibers are coated with a resinous material to facilitate their accepting a charge and to prevent agglomeration thereof in the flock box.

By utilizing conventional flocking apparatus, a substantial proportion of the fiock fibers are applied onto the tacky adhesive composition in such a manner as to be adhered at one end only, the opposite ends projecting from the adhesive composition to form a substantially uniform, soft, non-scratch surface. When electrostatic flock-ing techniques are utilized, substantially all of the flock fibers are attached to the adhesive composition at one end only and project substantially vertically from the adhesive composition and fabric face. The surface provided by mechanical flocking, on the other hand, is less ordered and is characterized by a substantial proportion of end wise adhered fibers though less than is obtained by electrostatic means. Mechanical flocking, however, is quite a satisfactory technique, if not preferred in some instances.

Even though the adhesive composition is applied in a substantially discontinuous layer in a preferred embodiment of this invention, a uniform surface of flock fibers may be provided over the entire surface of the fabric. Patterned effects may also be produced if desired, with adequate results, particularly if one of the fiber-laying or fiber-removing treatments discussed below are utilized.

Generally, no more than a few percent by weight of flock fibers are required to improve the non-scratch properties of a fabric, but as much flock fibers as desired may be applied, consonant of course with fabric porosity, weight, drape and the like. With most fabrics, from about 5% to about 20% by weight of flock fibers is entirely adequate for improvement of the non-scratch properties.

A variety of pre-treatments may be utilized to hold down or remove fibers projecting from the fabric substrate. It is believed that a great deal of the problem of scratchiness of wool fabrics is associated with these projecting fibers, which function as barbs when contacted with human skin. Furthermore, these projecting fibers tend to accumulate larger amounts of the adhesive composition and, consequently, larger amounts of flock fibers, thereby providing agglomerates on the treated face of the fabric substrate. These agglomerates minimize the non-scratch quality of the treated fabric substrate and also tend to be more susceptible to washing and/or dry-cleaning action.

The problems associated with these projecting fibers can be avoided by a pre-treatment procedure involving fiattening and bonding of these fibers, or substantial removal of these fibers, or hot pressing as a post-treatment explained below.

The projecting fiber ends can he flattened and fused back onto the fabric substrate by applying a thin coating of the adhesive composition, preferably no more than about 2% by weight, over the fabric face being treated and then pressing the fabric face under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure. Preferably, the adhesive composit-ion is partially dried prior to hot-pressing, to limit penetration of the adhesive composition into the fabric substrate. This hot pressing technique fuses the projecting fibers, fabric substrate'and adhesive composition together, thereby eliminating the problems associated with the projecting fiber ends. Temperatures should be selected depending on the adhesive composition utilized, but generally need not exceed about 450 F.

This procedure is then followed by application of a second layer of adhesive composition and the desired flocking procedure.

An excellent product is obtained when the adhesive is first applied as an aqueous emulsion and applied in the subsequent operation as an organic solution. The initial aqueous emulsion provides better flexibility and holding power, as well as longer drying times which provide longer periods for fusing fibers into the fabric. The solvent system application provides a more eflicient and slightly different type of bond, providing better dry-cleaning properties in that the flock fiber is more tightly bound. This phenomenon occurs even though the adhesive composition utilized is the same in each instance.

Alternatively, in some fabrics such as those of wool and others, the projecting fiber ends can be reduced in height to a level Where the difficulties associated therewith are substantially eliminated. This may be accomplished by a fairly severe shearing or singeing operation involving, respectively, cutting off the projecting ends with rotating knife blades or burning them with a flame. These procedures are preferably followed by brushing to remove the loose fiber ends.

A particularly preferred technique is to conduct the shearing or singeing operation prior to dyeing of the fabric being treated. During dyeing, the projecting fiber ends tend to felt and agglomerate, making them difficult to remove even by shearing or singeing. Far less agglomerates on the treated fiber surface are obtained when the shearing or singeing operation precedes dyeing. These operations are particularly significant when the flock fibers are applied by electrostatic means where a smooth fabric surface is particularly desirable for proper application of the flock fibers.

A variety of post-treatments may be conducted to facilitate imbedding of the flack fibers into the adhesive composition. Fiber imbedding by electrostatic means is often adequate without substantial post-treatment, except of course, where such properties as washability (as when the flock fibers are applied to Washable Wool fabrics) are desired. When the flock fibers are applied by mechanical flocking, however, one or more of .these post-treatments is preferred.

One method facilitating imbedding of the flock fibers into the adhesive composition is to vibrate the fabric vigorously during and/or after the deposition of the flock fibers onto the fabric substrate. This procedure evens out the deposition of flock fibers, forces the flock fibers deeper into the adhesive composition and helps raise some of the flock fibers into a more desirable vertical alignment. Most conveniently, the vigorous vibration is obtained by a non-circular beater bar rotating at a high rate of speed in contact with the fabric substrate. Intermittent air blasts and other such techniques, however, are suitable.

Another method of further imbedding the flock fibers into the adhesive composition is merely to press the fabric substrate after' partial drying of the adhesive.

Most preferably, however, the flock fibers are further imlbedded into the adhesive composition by pressing the fabric face under conditions of elevated temperatures and pressure after deposition of the flock fiber and, most preferably, after drying or substantial partial drying of the adhesive composition. When pressed aftera drying operation, the flock fibers are forced over toward the adhesive, but the forced-over upper ends thereof do not adhere to the adhesive in its substantially non-tacky state. Thusly, the desired imbedding is obtained and the fibers straighten afterwards substantially to their pre-pressed state. The bond between the flock fibers, adhesive composition and fabric substrate obtained in this manner renders the fabric nearly impervious to any subsequent degrading operation, e.g., washing and dry-cleaning, where adhesive composition properties permit, as well as extensive, abusive wear.

The hot pressing procedure, either as a pre-treatment or post-treatment is preferably conducted at a temperature in excess of the softening point of the adhesive, generally between about 250 and about 450 F. and at some increased pressure, for example, 5 to about 25 pounds per square inch. Improvement is obtained, however, at higher or lower temperatures and pressures as desired. Any of these pre-treatments and post-treatments may be combined as desired. Particularly good results are obtained when the hot-pressing pre-treatment is combined with the hotpressing post-treatment, particularly in combination with vibration during and after deposition of the flock fibers.

After the flock fiber deposition and post-treatment, if desired, the adhesive composition is dried and cured to bond the flock fibers durably in place. Drying and curing conditions are well known for any curable adhesive composition utilized, and these operations may be combined into a single step, e.g., as by heating, if desired.

The best modes, as presently known, are shown in the following examples.

Example I A finished piece of wool slack fabric is sheared to a high degree, dyed, resheared and then sprayed with a water emulsion (35% solids) of a urethane adhesive D424 JL of the Thiokol Chemical Company, thickened with 5 gms. HDI (Rohm and Haas) for every 100 gms. of urethane adhesive. The air spray gun is set at 25 lbs. pressure and is held at a distance of 1.5 feet from the fabric during spraying. The percent solids of adhesive added onto the fabric is 3.4%.

While the adhesive is still tacky, 40-mesh cotton flock, coated for electrostatic flocking, is flocked onto the fabric to give a 9.1% add-on of cotton flock. Opposite electrostatic charges are created on a metal plate under the fabric and the flocked fibers, using a Dekor model A generator, sold by the Dekor Flocking Corporation.

After flocking, the fabric is passed over a 4-sided beater bar rotating at 1725 turns per minute to further imbed the flocked fibers into the adhesive and to facilitate an even coating. The samples are then dried and cured at C. for 5 minutes.

The treated fabric is provided with a soft, non-scratch surface by the flocked fibers, is as flexible at the untreated fabric and is characterized by increased strength and flex abrasion. The soft, non-scratch character of the fabric is retained after 5 commercial dry cleanings.

Example 11 The Wool fabric of Example I is treated as in Example I, except that the adhesive comprises Urethane 100 T, sold by the Thiokol Chemical Company as a 70% solution in toluene, which is further diluted with 5 parts toluene to 100 parts of adhesive. The solids add-on of adhesive is 7.3% and that of flock 8.7%.

The treated fabric has the properties of the fabric treated as in Example I, but with increased dry cleaning resistance.

' Example 111 Example I is repeated except that the adhesive composition comprises 70 parts of Versamide 115, sold as a 70% solution by General Mills, and 30 parts of the epoxy resin Genepoxy M 180, sold as 100% solids by General Mills, and 20 parts methyl isobutyl ketone. The solids add-on of adhesive is 3.6% and that of flock, 10.6%.

A soft, non-scratch surface is also provided by this technique and the flexibility is adequate, although the epoxy-amide adhesive cures to a slightly harder polymer than does the urethane adhesives used in Examples I and II.

7 Example IV The wool fabric of Example I is sprayed to a 7.3% pickup with the adhesive of Example II. Cotton flock, about 40 mesh, prepared by grinding carded cotton sliver in a Wiley Mill at 7 lbs. per hour, is applied to the fabric by a flocking procedure involving mechanically beating the fibers through a screen, allowing them to fall freely onto the adhesive covered fabric. The pickup of cotton flock is 6.4% by Weight. The fabric is passed over a beater bar, the vigorous vibrations extending back into the application zone, and then dried at 150 C. for minutes.

The fabric treated in this manner has a softer, more flexible hand than do the fabrics of previous examples with superior non-scratch properties, but with less drycleaning resistance.

Example V A wool slack fabric is sprayed as in Example II to an adhesive pickup of 7.3% and mechanically flocked as in Example IV with cotton flock (about 40 mesh) to a level of 6.1%. After partial drying at 120 C., the flocked fabric is given a light cold press and then hot pressed at 204 C. under 5 lbs. per square inch pressure for seconds. The fabric is then cured at 150 C. for 5 minutes.

The fabric treated in this manner is provided with a soft, non-scratch hand with good flexibility. Dry-cleanability, also, is very much improved.

Example VI A swatch of the wool fabric of Example I is sprayed with the adhesive composition of Example II, except that /2 of the amount of adhesive solids, that is 1.7%, is added. The sprayed sample is semi-dried at 120 C. for 2 minutes and then hot pressed at 204 C. at 5 lbs. p.s.i. pressure for 10 seconds, using a Teflon sheet to avoid adhesion of the adhesive composition to the pressing element.

The fabric is then sprayed again to give a 1.7% adhesive solids add-on, mechanically flocked as in Example IV, semi-dried at 120 C. for 2 minutes and then repressed at 204 C. at 5 lbs. per square inch pressure for 10 seconds. The add-on of cotton flock (about 40 mesh) is 6.0%.

After the hot pressing procedure, the sample is cured at 150 C. for 5 minutes. A soft, non-scratch hand of excellent quality is provided and the resistance of this fabric to dry cleaning is superior to any of the previous treatments.

The fabric treated in this manner is made into trousers which are inherently self-lined with the soft, non-scratch surface provided by the cotton flock fibers. This surface contributes greatly to the high degree of comfort experienced during wearing. In addition, the crease set in these trousers is substantially durable to wetting with boiling water. The physical properties of the fabric of Example VI are determined and set forth in Table I below.

TABLE I Breaking Strength Flex Abrasion Air Perme- (Pounds (Cycles) ability, en. Sample ItJmIitnJsq.

Warp Filling Warp Filling Untreated 31. 8 19. 0 1. 70 1. 59 160 Treated 38. 3 27. 5 2. 18 2. 46 125 L Example VII Example VI is repeated except that the first adhesive application comprises the urethane emulsion of Example I and the second adhesive application comprises the urethane solution of Example II. A fabric having a soft, non-scratch surface and characterized by exceptional flexibility is provided by this technique.

Example VIII The procedure of Example VI is repeated except that a woven nylon fabric, a woven Dacron (trademark for D11 Ponts polyester fiber) fabric and a woven Orlon (trademark for Du Ponts acrylic fiber) fabric, respectively are substituted for the wool fabric. Self-lined shirts and blouses prepared therefrom are characterized by a soft, non-scratchy, warm feel and by excellent moisture absorbing properties.

That which is claimed is:

1. A process for forming a garment having a soft, nonscratch self-lining coating adhered thereto comprising: 1) providing a wearing apparel fabric substrate; (2) applying a tacky, curable, folymeric adhesive composition, which is discontinuous and flexible when cured, onto one face of said fabric substrate; (3) applying to said tacky adhesive a quantity of flock fibers whereby said flock fibers are adhered to said tacky adhesive composition; (4) drying and curing said adhesive compositions; and (5) cutting and sewing said fabric substrate into a garment in such a manner that said garment is inherently self-lined with the soft, non-scratch surface provided by said flock fibers.

2. The process of claim 1 wherein a substantial proportion of the flock fibers are adhered to said adhesive composition at one end only, the opposite ends thereof projecting from the adhesive composition to provide a soft, non-scratch surface on the interior surface of said garment.

3. The process of claim 2 wherein the fabric face having the flock fibers adhered to the adhesive composition is pressed at elevated temperatures prior to cutting and sewing of said fabric substrate into a garment.

4. The process of claim 2 wherein the fabric face having the flock fibers adhered to the adhesive composition is pressed at lower temperatures and then vibrated vigorously prior to cutting and sewing of said fabric substrate into garments.

5. The process of claim'2 wherein the fabric substrate comprises wool fibers.

6. The process of claim 2 wherein the fabric substrate comprises synthetic fibers.

7. A process of preparing garments having a soft, selflining coating adhered thereto comprising: (1) providing a wearing apparel fabric substrate; (2) applying a tacky, curable, polymeric adhesive composition which is flexible and discontinuous when cured onto the backing face of said fabric substrate; (3) at least partially drying said adhesive composition; (4) flattening said face of the fabric substrate having the adhesive composition thereon under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure to press down and hold securely any fiber of the fabric substrate projecting from said face, so that the projecting ends of said fibers lie in a substantially horizontal plane; (5) applying a second layer of a tacky, curable, polymeric adhesive composition which is flexible and discontinuous when cured onto one face of said fabric substrate; (6)

applying to said tacky adhesive a quantity of flock fibers whereby said flock fibers are adhered to said tacky adhesive composition; (7) drying and curing said adhesive composition; and (8) cutting and sewing said fabric substrate into a garment in such a manner that said garment is inherently self-lined with a soft self-lining coating provided by said flock fibers.

8. The process of claim 7 wherein the fabric face having the flock fibers adhered to the adhesive composition is pressed at elevated temperatures after said flock fibers are applied to the fabric face.

9. The process of claim 7 wherein the first adhesive composition is applied as an aqueous emulsion and the second adhesive composition is applied as a solution.

10. The process of claim 9 wherein both adhesive compositions comprise a polyurethane.

11. A process of forming a wool garment having a soft, non-scratch self-lining coating adhered thereto comprising: (1) providing a wearing apparel fabric substrate;

from one face of said fabric substrate; (3) applying a discontinuous layer of a tacky, curable, polymeric adhesive composition, which is flexible when cured, onto the uppermost fibers of said face of the fabric substrate; (4) substantially covering said tack adhesive with a quantity of flock fibers in such a manner that substantially all of said fibers are adhered to said adhesive composition at one end only; (5) vigorously vibrating said fabric substrate to facilitate imbedding said fiock fibers into the adhesive composition; (6) drying and curing said adhesive composition whereby the flock fiber ends are bound tightly to said fabric substrate; (7) cutting and sewing said fabric substrate into a garment in such a manner said garment is inherently self-lined with the soft, nonscratch surface provided by said flock fibers.

12. The process of claim 11 wherein the ends of fibers projecting from one face of said fabric substrate are reduced in height by shearing.

13. The process of claim 11 wherein the ends of fibers projecting from one face of said fabric substrate are reduced in height by singeing.

14. The process of claim 11 wherein the adhesive composition comprises a polyurethane.

15. An outer garment cut and sewn from wearing apparel fabric having an interior and an exterior surface, the exterior surface forming the outer surface of said garment, the interior surface forming the interior surface of said garment; the interior surface of said garment having a discontinuous coating of a cured flexible polymeric adhesive composition adhered thereto and a quantity of soft flock fibers adhered to, and projecting from, said adhesive composition to provide a soft non-scratch surface over said interior surface of said garment.

16. The outer garment of claim 15 wherein said adhesive composition is substantially impervious to conventional dry cleaning solvents.

17. The outer garment of claim 15 wherein the wearing apparel fabric comprises a synthetic fiber fabric and the soft flock fibers adhered to said fabric comprise cellulosic fibers.

18. The outer garment of claim 15 wherein said flock fibers are adhered to the backing surface of said fabric substantially uniformly over the entire surface thereof.

19. The outer garment of claim 17 wherein any fiber of the fabric projecting from the interior surface tsereof is pressed down and held by said adhesive composition so that the projecting ends of said fibers lie in a substantially horizontal plane.

20. The outer garment of claim 15 wherein said outer garment comprises a pair of trousers.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,640,501 8/1927 Hodes 2-272 XR 2,106,132 1/1938 Feinbloom.

2,311,850 2/1943 Mantell.

2,395,217 2/1946 Ford et al. 117-33 XR 2,527,501 10/1950 Saks 117-17 XR 2,642,571 6/1953 Brown 2-97 2,675,330 4/1954 Schwartz et al. 117-33 XR 2,715,074 8/1955 Hirshberger 117-17 2,776,223 1/1957 Brown et a1. 117-33 3,029,156 4/1962 Keene 117-33 XR WILLIAM D. MARTIN, Primary Examiner.

RICHARD D. NEVIUS, Examiner.

T. G. DAVIS, Assistant Examiner.

Claims (2)

15. AN OUTER GARMENT CUR AND SEWN FROM WEARING APPAREL FABRIC HAVING AN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACE, THE EXRERIOR SURFACE FORMING THE OUTER SURFACE OF SAID GARMENT, THE INTERIOR SURFACE FORMING THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF SAID GARMENT; THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF SAID GARMENT HAVING A DISCONTINUOUS COATING OF A CURED FLEXIBLE POLYMERIC ADHESIVE COMPOSITION ADHERED THERETO AND A QUANTITY OF SOFT FLOCK FIBERS ADHERED TO, AN PROJECTED FROM SAID ADHESIVE COMPOSITION TO PROVIDE A SOFT NON-SCRATCH SURFACE OVER SAID INTERIOR SURFACE OF SAID GARMENT.

20. THE OUTER GARMENT OF CLAIM 15 WHEREIN SAID OUTER GARMENT COMPRISES A PAIR OF TROUSERS.

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