WO2004035909A1

WO2004035909A1 - Process and apparatus for the treatment of fabric articles such as garments or apparel

Info

Publication number: WO2004035909A1
Application number: PCT/IB2003/004554
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ying Leung Lum
Original assignee: Texcote Technology (International) Limited; Davies, Paul, R.
Priority date: 2002-10-19
Filing date: 2003-10-16
Publication date: 2004-04-29
Also published as: CN1705787A; AU2003274394A1; HK1060016A2

Abstract

A method or process of treating textile or fabric articles a protective composition including the following sequential steps:- applying the protective composition to the article,- shaping the article to enhance the surface conditions of the article,- curing the article within a first temperature range and for a first pre-determined period of time, - leaving the article idling within a second temperature range for a second pre-determined period of time and within a pre-determined range of humidity, - cooling the article within a third temperature range for a third pre-determined period of time, wherein the first temperature range is significantly higher than the second temperature range, and the second temperature range being higher than the third temperature range.

Description

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF FABRIC ARTICLES SUCH AS GARMENTS OR APPAREL

5 FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to processes and methods for treating textile or fabric articles such as garments, clothing, apparel, outer-wear, upholstery, curtain and the like and, more particularly, to methods and processes for treating textile or fabric articles to enhance their repellence against water, dirt or stain. 10 More specifically, although of course not solely limiting thereto, the invention also relates to processes or methods for treatment or after-treatment of textile or fabric articles to enhance their repellence against water, stain or dirt. This invention also relates to apparatuses, devices, equipment and system for after-treating textile or fabric articles to enhance their resistance or repellence against water, stain and dirt.

15 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Textile or- fabric materials are frequently pre-treated with various repellent compositions before they are made into textile or fabric articles so that the subsequently made articles will have enhanced repellent characteristics against water, dirt, stain or a combination of some or all of the repellent characteristics. 20 Such textile or fabric articles generally include, for example, garments, clothing (especially outer-wear such as jackets, coats or suits), apparel, upholstery, curtains and the like. The desirable repellent characteristics generally include water repellence or stain or dirt resistance. In this specification, the term "repellency" generally refers to repellent characteristics such as water repellency, stain or dirt resistance, or a combination of any of such characteristics to the extent appropriate for the context and the term "repellent" means accordingly.

It is well known that after an extended period of use, exposure to the atmosphere or repeated laundering, the ability to repel water or resist dirt or stain is generally reduced due to the gradual loss or degradation of the protective compositions. Thus, it is generally desirable to be able to restore the water repellent or stain or dirt resistant characteristics to such articles as and when desired.

In general, textile fabrics can be made water repellent by many different processes or compositions. For example, textile fabrics may be treated by coating with commercially available silicone, for example, poly (dimethylsiloxane) or by coating with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). However, fabrics thus treated generally do not have the hand or feel of cloth and are therefore not always desirable.

Among the various types of protective compositions, fluorochemical compositions, especially compositions including a fluoroaliphatic or a fluoroacrylic group or radical, are known to be satisfactory to impact such repellency characteristics to textile fabrics while retaining a reasonable hand or feel of cloth. Textile fibers or fabrics which can be treated with such fluorochemical compositions include natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, silk, wool, teneel, ramie, leather and synthetic fabrics such as polynosic, nylon, polyester, rayon, polyolefm, acrylic, acetate or blends of the aforesaid materials.

Fluorochemical compositions such as SCOTCHGUARD™ FC 255, SCOTCH-GUARD™ FC 214-230, available from 3M and TEFLON™ RN, TEFLON™ 8070, TEFLON™ 8787, ZONYL™ 6691, available from Dupont, are some examples of fluorochemical compositions which impart water repellency and/or stain or dirt resistance to textile or fabrics while providing the desirable hand or feel of cloth. Among the various fluorochemical compositions, a preferred fluorochemical composition for imparting water repellency as well as stain and dirt resistance which is particularly preferred for use with the present application is the composition commercially available under the product name Texcote™ available from the present applicant, Texcote Technology (International) Limited of Hong Kong. A general overview of the protective compositions suitable for imparting such repellent characteristics to textile or fabric articles can be found in US Patent No. 5,370,919 and US Patent No. 6,309,752.

While there has been extensive teachings or technical descriptions concerning the application of fluorochemical or other protective compositions for imparting repellence to textile or fabric materials, there have been very few known methods or processes for treating textiles or fabric articles for imparting the desirable repellent characteristics. Such protective treatment processes may be desirable for articles previously treated with such protective compositions as a result of loss or degradation of the protective compositions owing to repeated laundering, prolonged use or extended exposure under the ambient environment. On the other hand, it may also be desirable to impart such repellent characteristics to articles not previously treated with such protective compositions either before the articles leave the production lines or subsequently as and when desirable by the owner. In the present specification, the term after-treatment is used to include generally the treatment of textile or fabric articles compared to pre-treatment processes which are applied to textile or fabric materials before they are made into articles.

In general, it is known to be very difficult to treat textile or fabric articles with a suitable protective composition for imparting the desirable repellence because of the general physical and chemical characteristics of the protective compositions. For example, the requirement of thermal curing of many fluorochemical protective compositions may result in adverse or undesirable creases, surface irregularity or deformation of the textile or fabric articles after being treated with such protective compositions. Such adverse effects have commonly been regarded as a major hindrance to the development of after- treatment processes or methods for textile or fabric articles.

US Patent No. 5,902,637 discloses an after-treatment method which involves washing an apparel item by rinsing it, removing excess rinse water and then applying the protective or repellent composition to the wet article by spraying. The treated article is then dried and heated for a sufficient time to cause distribution of the repellent composition. However, this proposed method does not alleviate the shortcomings associated with known after-treatment methods. In addition, simple spraying of the protective composition onto textile or fabric articles may result in excessive penetration of the compositions into the inner layers of the articles which may be undesirable.

Hence, it will be highly desirable if there can be provided methods and process for treating textile or fabric articles with a protective or repellent compositions to impart the desirable repellent characteristics while alleviating some or all of the shortcomings associated with the known methods or process. It will also be highly desirable if there can be provided methods or process for treating articles with protective compositions regardless whether the article has been previously treated with protective compositions. Furthermore, it will be highly desirable if there can be provided devices, apparatuses, equipment or systems thereof for performing such methods or processes.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide methods, process, apparatuses, devices and/or systems for treating textile or fabric articles with protective compositions to impart the desirable repellent characteristics to such articles while alleviating at least some of the shortcomings associated with known methods. It is also an object of the present invention to provide methods, processes, apparatuses and systems for treating textile or fabric articles with protective compositions which are commonly available to impart the desirable repellent characteristics to such articles. Preferably, such methods, processes, apparatuses, equipment and systems should be useful for textile or fabric articles which have or have not been previously treated with such protective compositions. At a minimum, it is an object of the present invention to provide the public with a choice of methods, processes, apparatus, equipment or systems for imparting repellent characteristics to textile or fabric articles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENITON

According, it is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a method or process of treating textile or fabric articles a protective composition including the following sequential steps:-

applying said protective composition to said article,

shaping said article to enhance the surface conditions of said article,

- curing said article within a first temperature range and for a first predetermined period of time,

leaving said article idling within a second temperature range for a second pre-determined period of time and within a pre-determined range of humidity,

- cooling said article within a third temperature range for a third predetermined period of time, wherein said first temperature range is significantly higher than said second temperature range, and said second temperature range being higher than said third temperature range.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for applying protective composition to an article having a first and a second side, said apparatus including means to spray a protective composition to said first side of said article and means to apply a counter air pressure to said second side of said article.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for curing textile or fabric article pretreated with a water repellent composition, said apparatus includes :-

curing space,

- heating means for heating said curing space to a temperature in the range of between about 100°C - 180°C,

- a plurality of supporting means for supporting said articles in a non- collapsed form,

conveyancing means to convey said supporting means between said curing space and the outside.

Preferably, said article being in a pre-determined, non-collapsed, form during second curing step.

Preferably, said article being maintained in said non-collapsed form by a supporter.

Preferably, said supporter holds said article in a manner resembling ordinary use of said article. Preferably, said first temperature range being between about 100°C - 180°C inclusive.

Preferably, said first pre-determined period of time being between about 1 - 8 minutes inclusive.

Preferably, said humidity range being between about 60% - 90% inclusive.

Preferably, said second temperature range being between about 15°C - 25 °C inclusive.

Preferably, said third temperature range being between about 4°C - 15°C inclusive.

Preferably, said third pre-determined period of time being between about 1

- 2 hours inclusive.

Preferably, said protective composition being applied to said article by soaking and excessive protective composition being removed from said article by pressing before shaping of said article.

Preferably, the weight ratio of said article before being soaked in said protective composition and after said article has been pressed dry being in the region of about 1 :1.6-2.2 inclusive.

Preferably, said article is further dried to a dryness in the region of 80% - 90% inclusive before said shaping step.

Preferably, said article being dried in the region of 60°C - 80°C. Preferably, said protective composition being applied to said article by spraying, said protective composition being sprayed to one side of said article while a counter air pressure is applied to the other side of said article.

Preferably, said protective composition includes compositions to impart repellent characteristics such as water repellence, stain resistances, dirt resistance or a combination of all or some of said characteristics to said textile or fabric article.

Preferably, said protective composition includes fluorochemical compositions.

Preferably, said fluorochemical compositions include fluoroaliphatic, fluoroacrylic or perfluoroaliphatic groups.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained in further detail below by way of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing generally the major steps of the methods and processes of the present invention,

Fig. 2A is a block diagram showing generally the major steps for initially applying the protective compositions to textile articles elaborating the application step (10) shown in Fig. 1 in a first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2B is a block diagram showing generally the major steps for applying protective compositions to textile articles elaborating the application step (10) shown in Fig. 1 in a second embodiment of the present invention,

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a general elaboration of the major steps involved in the shaping process (20) indicated in Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing generally the major steps of a first preferred embodiment of the method or process in the present invention,

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing generally the major steps of a second preferred embodiment of the method or process in the present invention,

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an apparatus for the application of the protective compositions to textile or fabric articles,

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the apparatus of Fig. 6 showing a pool containing a dispersion of the appropriate protective compositions for soaking textile or fabric articles,

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the apparatus of Fig. 6 in the process of pressing dry the textile or fabric articles in advance of the shaping process (20) of the present invention,

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for spraying protective compositions to a textile or fabric article including a portion or blowing- dry the article, Fig. 10 is a schematic top plan view of the system of apparatus of Fig. 9,

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing, the layout of an example system suitable for performing the curing process (30) of the present invention, and

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the progress of textile or fabric articles moving along the curing system of Fig. 11 above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be explained in further detail below by referring firstly to the methods and processes and then generally to examples of machines, equipment or apparatuses for performing the methods and process.

Referring firstly to the general block diagram of Fig. 1 showing the major steps of treating textile or fabric articles with appropriate protective compositions which impart the desirable repellent characteristics to such articles. For the sake of brevity, the term "protective compositions" will be used generally throughout this specification to refer to compositions which impart the desirable repellent characteristics, including water repellence, stain or dirt resistance or a combination of all or some of the characteristics, to appropriate fabric or textile articles. The textile or fabric articles in the present specification may include articles made of natural fibers such as cotton, wool, linen and silk or synthetic polymer fibers such as polyesters, polyamides or blends thereof. In this specification, the textile or fabric articles will be generally and collectively referred to as "articles" for succinctness. Broad Overview

Referring to the block diagram of Fig. 1, the articles 1 are firstly treated with the protective compositions in step 10. Examples of how the protective compositions can be applied to the articles will be explained in further detail below. Of course, the articles may be washed or cleansed before being applied with the protective compositions. Next, the article will undergo the shaping process 20 to enhance the surface conditions and to preliminarily define the general shape of the articles. Likewise, the shaping process 20 will be explained in further detail below. After the shaping process 20 has been completed, the articles treated with the protective compositions will be cured at elevated temperature conditions according to the specific requirements of the appropriate protective compositions in the curing step 30. The cured articles are then left idling near room-temperature conditions under controlled humidity for a pre-determined range of time so that the articles can absorb moisture from the ambient environment and cool gradually. After the idling step 40, the articles will be cooled generally below room-temperature conditions for the protective compositions to stabilize as well as restoring the hand or feel of cloth of the articles.

As mentioned above, the articles 1 may be cleansed or pre-washed before being applied with the protective compositions. In general, it is preferred that the articles are either washed or cleaned before being treated by the present methods or process.

Applying Protective Compositions by Aqueous Dispersion (10A) Referring to Fig. 2A, there is shown in more detail the steps for treating the articles 1 with the protective compositions (step 10) in a first preferred embodiment. The steps include the cleaning of the articles 1 by, for example, aquatic washing (step 10A1). The pre-washed articles are then applied with the protective composition by soaking in a bath containing the protective compositions (step 10A2) and the excessive protective compositions are then removed. For articles which have been soaked with the protective compositions, the excessive protective compositions are preferable removed by pressing (step 10 A3) since the compositions may be de-composed by other removal processes such as centrifugal extraction. After the excessive compositions have been removed, the articles are then dried in the article drying step (10A4) in preparation of the shaping step 20.

Applying Protective Compositions by Spraying (10B)

Referring to Fig. 2B, there is shown an example of an alternative process 10B for treating articles with the protective compositions. In this process 10B, the articles are preferably cleansed in the article cleaning step (10B1) by, for example, steam cleaning process. This cleaning process is particularly suitable for articles which have been dry-cleaned or have undergone other chemical cleaning processes so that residual chemicals can be removed before undergoing this cleaning step (10B1). The cleaned articles are then applied with the protective compositions in the step 10B2 by spraying. The articles are then left idling for a certain period of time in the idling step 10B3 in order to allow the protective compositions to appropriately penetrate and/or settle into the surface of the articles. Shaping (20)

Fig. 3 is a serial block diagram showing in more detail the major steps for shaping the articles. After the articles have been treated with the protective compositions and with the excessive compositions removed where appropriate (as in steps 10A or 10B), the reasonably dry articles will then undergo blow-shaping in step 201 by hot air blowing in the range of 60°C - 80°C for 1-2 minutes in order to form or restore the ordinary shape of the articles. The articles will then be ironed in the ironing process 202 to enhance the surface conditions by appropriate ironing. Next, the surface conditions of the articles will be further enhanced by thermal-pressing for 8-20 seconds at elevated temperature conditions in the range of 100°C - 150°C in step 203. After this, the surface conditions of the articles will be quality checked in step 204 to ensure that the final surface conditions are acceptable before the protective compositions are cured in the subsequent steps.

Examples of preferred treating procedures and methods incorporating the above-mentioned processing steps will be explained in further detail below with particular reference to Figs. 4 and 5.

Preparation

The protective compositions are first prepared according to their respective specific requirements in advance of their application onto the articles. For example, a solution or an aqueous dispersion containing the protective compositions will be prepared at pre-determined PH conditions and at predetermined temperature conditions for optimal applications. For example, for the Texcote™ protective composition, 5-40 grams of the Texcote™ agent are mixed with 1 litre of water, depending on the type of the fabrics. In general, the preferred PH value of the Texcote aqueous dispersion is around 7 and the preferred PH value can be adjusted with suitable PH adjusting agents when necessary. Of course, other compatible anti-crease or softening agents may be added as and when necessary. The aqueous dispersion is then maintained at temperature conditions between 30°C - 60°C for optimal application.

The treating of articles according to Fig. 4 will be explained below.

First Preferred Embodiment (10 A)

The articles 1 are preferably pre-washed in the cleansing step 10A1 before they are treated with the protective compositions. The pre-washed articles are then soaked in an aqueous dispersion of the protective compositions maintained under the temperature conditions between 30°C and 60°C for a period of 10-20 minutes in a soaking process 10A2. Anti-crease, softening or other appropriate agents compatible with the protective compositions may be added as and when necessary. For fabrics of a higher density, agents to assist penetration or exhausting of the protective compositions into the articles may further be added.

After the articles have been soaked in a bath containing the aqueous dispersion of the protective compositions for an adequate period of time, the excessive protective compositions containing aqueous dispersion will be removed from the articles in advance of the next step. In the present preferred embodiment, the excessive aqueous dispersion of the protective compositions is removed from the articles by pressing to avoid decomposition or degradation of the protective composition due to adverse removal procedures such as removal by centrifugal extraction. An equipment or machine which is suitable for soaking the articles with the protective compositions as well as removing the excessive aqueous dispersion from the articles is shown generally in Figs. 6, 7 and 8.

Referring to Figs. 6, 7 and 8, the equipment 70 includes a main housing with tank 71 containing a bath of aqueous dispersion with an appropriate concentration of the protective composition into which the articles to be treated can be placed. After the articles have been soaked for an appropriate period of time, the aqueous dispersion stored inside the tank 71 will be removed through a valve 72 to a reservoir 73. The excessive aqueous dispersion will be removed from the articles by a press 74, preferably a hydraulic press. The residual aqueous dispersion may be further removed from the tank 71 by suction to the tank 73. The preferred weight ratio between the articles before being soaked in the aqueous dispersion and after being pressed dry is preferably in the region of 1:1.6-2.2 (where the reference is the weight of the articles before being soaked with the aqueous dispersion). The pressed dry articles are then removed from the tank 71 through a window disposed on the main housing and the aqueous dispersion may be re-introduced into the tank 71 for the next soaking process through a third valve 75. Additional aqueous dispersion may be replenished through the third valve 75. Of course, the protective compositions may also be applied when the articles are being washed, the separation of the washing and protective compositions treating steps is however preferred since the more expensive aqueous dispersion can be maximally utilized.

After the excessive aqueous dispersion containing the protective compositions has been removed from the articles, the articles will be dried, for example, by a tumble dryer. Preferably, the articles are dried to 80% or 90% for about 30-45 minutes. Of course, different lengths of time may be required for cloths of different thickness and the articles are preferably dried with its exterior turned inside to avoid excessive agitation of the exterior fabric.

Shaping (20)

The adequately dried articles are then blown dry to restore its ordinary shape by air-blower. The blowing temperature is preferably within the approximate temperature range of about 60°C to 80°C and the blow preferably lasts for about 5-20 seconds. More advantageously, the articles are preferred to be blown dry while being held by support means resembling the shape of the articles under ordinary use. For example, the supporting means preferably resembles a human figure, such as a mannequin, for clothing items. Furthermore, the articles may be steam-ironed to further enhance its surface conditions. After the initial steam-ironing, the articles may be further pressed to impart more stable or durable surface conditions. Preferably, the articles are further thermal-pressed for about 8- 20 seconds under the temperature conditions in the region of 100°C - 150°C to impart more stable and durable surface conditions in advance of the curing step. After the ironing and pressing have been completed and before the articles are treated by the curing step the articles will be checked to ensure that their surface conditions conform to the pre-determined requirements. Thus, in general, the shaping process including the steps of blow-shaping step 201, ironing 202, pressing 203 and the subsequent pressing quality control 204.

Curing (30)

After the articles have been prepared in the shaping steps 20 so that their shapes or surface conditions are satisfactory in advance of the curing step during which their shapes and surface conditions will be more permanently defined, the protective composition treated articles will then be moved onto the curing step 30. In general, the curing step will take place under elevated temperature conditions at around 100°C - 180°C for about 1-8 minutes, depending on the characteristics of the protective compositions as well as the articles and their components. During the curing process, the articles are also preferably held by supporting means which will configure the articles in a form resembling the shapes in which the articles are ordinarily used. For example, in the case of garments, the clothing articles will be supported by supporters in the shape of human figures, such as mannequins or the like, so that the final treated form of the articles will resemble the general shape of the human figures on which they were supported.

In general, the protective compositions preferred in the implementation of the present invention are an aqueous dispersion of fluorochemicals containing fluoroacrylate, fluoroacrylic polymers or fluoroaliphatic groups. The aqueous dispersion of such protective compositions generally require a "curing" step under elevated temperature conditions of about 100°C - 180°C depending on a variety of factors including:- the particle size of the fluoropolymer, the surfactant system used to keep the fluorochemical particles dispersed and to assist in exhausting the fluoropolymer onto the fabric of the articles being treated, and the melting or softening behaviour of the specific fluorochemical compositions. Hence, the curing conditions may need to be optimally adjusted for different protective compositions taking into account the properties of their components.

Fig. 11 shows in more detail a system for curing articles for use with the present invention. Referring to Fig. 11, the curing system 300 includes a main housing 310 with a curing chamber 320, a loading area 330, a first transition area 340, a second transition area 350, an un-loading area 360, heating means 370, thermal exchanging means 380, convection means 390 and conveyancing means 399. The heating means 370 provides the thermal energy for elevating the temperature within the curing chamber 320 to the appropriate range mentioned above. In order to preserve and recycle used thermal energy, a thermal exchanging means is provided. To further alleviate the loss of thermal energy to the outside, a first transition area 340 and a second transition area 350 are provided respectively immediate to the entrance and exit of the curing chamber 320 to establish temperature gradients. To further alleviate adverse loss of thermal energy, the thermal energy for curing is generally applied to the middle portion of the conveyancing means 399, that is, the middle U-shaped portion of the conveyancing system to further extend the temperature gradient. This can be done, for example, by distributing hot-air outlets above the middle U-shaped portion of the conveyancing means to provide sufficient curing conditions at least along that portion. Air curtains or other blocking means are also preferably installed at the junctions between the curing chamber 320 and the transition areas 340 and 350 to further alleviate escape of hot air from the curing chamber.

Fig. 12 shows the system 300 of Fig. 11 by means of schematic front elevation views showing the progress of the articles through the system. It will be noted that the articles are supported on supportive means so that the articles will follow a pre-determined shape during curing.

Idling (40)

After the protective compositions which have been dispersed onto the articles have been cured, the articles will become somewhat rigid due to a low water content. To alleviate this, the articles are preferably left idling under a controlled environment for moisture absorption and natural cooling. For example, the articles may be stored within an enclosed chamber maintained under the temperature conditions in the region of 15°C - 25°C and humidity in the region of 60% - 90% for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Cooling (50)

To further restore or impart the desirable hand or feel of cloth to the articles, the cured articles are then cooled by placing them into a chill room which is maintained at a temperature range below the temperature of the range maintained under the idling conditions. In the present example, the preferred temperature conditions of the chill room are preferably maintained in the temperature region between 4°C - 15°C and the articles are stored in the chill room for about 1-2 hours. This step helps to stabilize the protective compositions on the articles as well as imparting a nice degree of hand or feel of cloth to the articles.

Second Preferred Embodiment (10B)

Referring to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention as more particularly described in Fig. 5, this preferred embodiment is generally identical to that described in Fig. 4 but with the exception that the protective compositions are introduced onto the articles by spraying, instead of soaking. Application of the protective compositions onto the articles by spraying is particularly desirable for articles which are hydrophobic or non-compatible with aqueous treatments. Specifically, it will be apparent from Fig. 5 that only the steps 10B1, 10B2 and 10B3 are different while the remaining steps are generally identical. Hence, it will be appreciated that the substance of this second preferred embodiment can be understood by referring to the steps shown in Fig. 2B and by reference to the detailed description made above with reference to the first preferred embodiment as explained with reference to Fig. 4 without loss of generality.

Referring to Fig. 2B, the articles are preferably cleansed in the preparation process by, for example, steam cleaning or other non-washing cleaning process (10B1) in advance of the treatment. After the articles have been cleansed, the articles are applied with the appropriate protection compositions by spraying. In general, the temperature of the protective compositions should be adjusted to the operating temperatures recommended by the manufacturers or suppliers before spraying. After the protective compositions have been sprayed onto the articles, the articles are preferably left idling for 10-20 minutes to allow the protective compositions to penetrate and/or settle adequately into the fabrics of the articles.

It is well known that the application of protective compositions onto the articles is difficult to control. In some cases, the spraying may be excessive so that the protective compositions may reach too deep inside the articles and interact with the materials of the articles which may adversely interact with the protective compositions. In other cases, the spray may be inadequate or uneven so that the protective compositions may not penetrate deep enough through the articles to achieve the optimal protection. In the present invention, there is provided an improved method and means for generally spraying protective compositions onto the articles to be described below.

Referring to the apparatus shown in Fig. 9, the article 1 to be applied with the protective compositions is supported on a stand 81 which is within the spraying range of the spraying means 82. The protective compositions are discharged from the spraying means 82 from a plurality of nozzles adapted to produce a evenly distributed spraying environment for achieving even spraying of the protective compositions. In order to provide a controlled spraying environment, a counter-pressure is generated by an air-driving means 83 which supplies pressurized air to the inside of the article to reduce or control the difference in pressure between the outside and the inside of the articles. By controlling the air pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the article, it has been observed that a more controllable spraying of the protective compositions can be resulted. Also, by utilizing the pressurized spraying process mentioned above, there is no need for a separate idling process since the idling effect would have been achieved during the spraying process.

After the article has been sprayed with the protective compositions in the spraying compartment 84 in the step 10B2 and if the controlled pressurized spraying process is not utilized, the articles are then transferred to the drying chamber 85 for a pre-determined period of time to allow the sprayed protective compositions to gradually settle onto the fabrics of the articles.

The system shown in Fig. 10 includes a plurality of spraying stations 84 and stations 85 which are connected by a conveyancing system 86 so that a plurality of articles can be sprayed and dried at the same time to enhance productivity. Preferably, the drying process takes place in the temperature range 60°C - 80°C.

While the present invention has been explained by reference to the preferred embodiments described above, it will be appreciated that the embodiments are only examples provided to illustrate the present invention and are not meant to be restrictive on the scope and spirit of the present invention. In general, this invention should be determined from the general principles and spirit of the invention as described above. In particular, variations or modifications which are obvious or trivial to persons skilled in the art, as well as improvements made on the basis of the present invention, should be considered as falling within the scope and boundary of the present invention. Furthermore, while the present invention has been explained by reference to the Texcote™ agent, it should be appreciated that the invention can apply, whether with or without modification, to the application of other equivalent protective compositions.

Claims

1. A method or process of treating textile or fabric articles a protective composition including the following sequential steps :-

- applying said protective composition to said article,

- shaping said article to enhance the surface conditions of said article,

curing said article within a first temperature range and for a first predetermined period of time,

cooling said article within a third temperature range for a third predetermined period of time, wherein said first temperature range is significantly higher than said second temperature range, and said second temperature range being higher than said third temperature range.

2. A method or process according to claim 1, wherein said article being in a pre-determined, non-collapsed, form during second curing step.

3. A method or process according to claim 2, wherein said article being maintained in said non-collapsed form by a supporter.

4. A method or process according to claims 2 or 3, wherein said supporter holds said article in a manner resembling ordinary use of said article.

5. A method or process according to claim 1, wherein said first temperature range being between about 100°C - 180°C inclusive.

6. A method or process according to claim 5, wherein said first predetermined period of time being between about 1 - 8 minutes inclusive.

7. A method or process according to claim 5, wherein said humidity range being between about 60% - 90% inclusive.

8. A method or process according to claim 1, wherein said second temperature range being between about 15°C - 25°C inclusive.

9. A method or process according to claim 1, wherein said third temperature range being between about 4°C - 15°C inclusive.

10. A method or process according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein said third pre-determined period of time being between about 1 - 2 hours inclusive.

11. A method or process according to claim 1, wherein said protective composition being applied to said article by soaking and excessive protective composition being removed from said article by pressing before shaping of said article.

12. A method or process according to claim 11 , wherein the weight ratio of said article before being soaked in said protective composition and after said article has been pressed dry being in the region of about 1 : 1.6-2.2 inclusive.

13. A method or process according to claim 11, wherein said article is further dried to a dryness in the region of 80% - 90% inclusive before said shaping step.

14. A method or process according to claim 13, wherein said article being dried in the region of 60°C - 80°C.

15. A method or process according to claims 1 to 9, wherein said protective composition being applied to said article by spraying, said protective composition being sprayed to one side of said article while a counter air pressure is applied to the other side of said article.

16. A method or process according to claim 1, wherein said protective composition includes compositions to impart repellent characteristics such as water repellence, stain resistances, dirt resistance or a combination of all or some of said characteristics to said textile or fabric article.

17. A method or process according to claim 16, wherein said protective composition includes fluorochemical compositions.

18. A method or process according to claim 17, wherein said fluorochemical compositions include fluoroaliphatic, fluoroacrylic or perfluoroaliphatic groups.

19. An apparatus for applying protective composition to an article having a first and a second side, said apparatus including means to spray a protective composition to said first side of said article and means to apply a counter air pressure to said second side of said article.

20. An apparatus for curing textile or fabric articles pretreated with a water repellent composition, said apparatus includes :-

- curing space,

a plurality of supporting means for supporting said articles in a non- collapsed form,

- conveyancing means to convey said supporting means between said curing space and the outside.