WO2004103694A1 - Woven fabric and manufacture thereof - Google Patents

Woven fabric and manufacture thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004103694A1
WO2004103694A1 PCT/AU2004/000704 AU2004000704W WO2004103694A1 WO 2004103694 A1 WO2004103694 A1 WO 2004103694A1 AU 2004000704 W AU2004000704 W AU 2004000704W WO 2004103694 A1 WO2004103694 A1 WO 2004103694A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fabric
coating
material base
applying
fibres
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2004/000704
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Andrew Nasarczyk
Original Assignee
Gale Pacific Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gale Pacific Limited filed Critical Gale Pacific Limited
Publication of WO2004103694A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004103694A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B1/00—Layered products having a non-planar shape
    • B32B1/08—Tubular products
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/12—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/024—Woven fabric
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D03—WEAVING
    • D03D—WOVEN FABRICS; METHODS OF WEAVING; LOOMS
    • D03D3/00—Woven fabrics characterised by their shape
    • D03D3/02—Tubular fabrics
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06N—WALL, FLOOR, OR LIKE COVERING MATERIALS, e.g. LINOLEUM, OILCLOTH, ARTIFICIAL LEATHER, ROOFING FELT, CONSISTING OF A FIBROUS WEB COATED WITH A LAYER OF MACROMOLECULAR MATERIAL; FLEXIBLE SHEET MATERIAL NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06N3/00—Artificial leather, oilcloth or other material obtained by covering fibrous webs with macromolecular material, e.g. resins, rubber or derivatives thereof
    • D06N3/0002—Artificial leather, oilcloth or other material obtained by covering fibrous webs with macromolecular material, e.g. resins, rubber or derivatives thereof characterised by the substrate
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06N—WALL, FLOOR, OR LIKE COVERING MATERIALS, e.g. LINOLEUM, OILCLOTH, ARTIFICIAL LEATHER, ROOFING FELT, CONSISTING OF A FIBROUS WEB COATED WITH A LAYER OF MACROMOLECULAR MATERIAL; FLEXIBLE SHEET MATERIAL NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06N7/00—Flexible sheet materials not otherwise provided for, e.g. textile threads, filaments, yarns or tow, glued on macromolecular material
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L11/00—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes
    • F16L11/02—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of fibres or threads, e.g. of textile which may or may not be impregnated, or provided with an impermeable layer, e.g. fire-hoses
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/02—Synthetic macromolecular fibres
    • B32B2262/0253—Polyolefin fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/50—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
    • B32B2307/558—Impact strength, toughness
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/726—Permeability to liquids, absorption
    • B32B2307/7265—Non-permeable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2597/00—Tubular articles, e.g. hoses, pipes

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a woven fabric and its manufacture.
  • the fabric is applicable for use as fluming tube, particularly for transfer of low pressure fluid such as water and air, and it will be convenient to hereinafter disclose the invention in relation to that exemplary application. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that application. Description of the Prior Art
  • Fluming tubes are used for low pressure, agricultural irrigation and other water transfer applications.
  • the tube is formed from elongate sheet material longitudinally folded into a cylindrical shape so that opposite longitudinal edges overlap. Those edges are seam welded together to secure the sheet material into a flexible tube.
  • the sheet material is woven from slit film yarn, formed of polypropylene or polyethylene, and the woven sheet material is coated with a plastic film which will form the inside and outside surfaces of the tube in order to provide the tube with a water impermeable barrier.
  • the fluming tube performs satisfactorily, it can be costly to manufacture. Moreover, there is often a compromise between the flexibility and strength of the tube.
  • a further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved fluming tube.
  • a fabric including: a material base woven in a tubular formation; and, a coating applied to at least one side of the material base to provide the fabric with applicable characteristics.
  • a method for manufacturing a fabric including: weaving a material base in a tubular form; and, applying a coating to at least one side of the material base to provide the fabric with applicable characteristics.
  • the material base is close woven so as to provide an at least substantially closed material.
  • the material base is woven of fibres extending in longitudinal and peripheral directions of the tubular formation of the material base.
  • the fibres extending in at least one direction are preferably in the form of tape.
  • the tape fibres extend in the longitudinal direction of the tubular formation of the material base.
  • the fibres extending in at least one direction are preferably in the form of threads.
  • the threads extend in the peripheral direction of the tubular formation of the material base, and each thread is composed of a multiple of filaments.
  • the fibres are composed of plastic material and, in one preferred form, are composed of one or more polymer compositions.
  • the coating is applied to at least an inside surface of the material base.
  • the coating is applied to inside and outside surfaces of the material base.
  • coating applied to the outside surface of the material base provides protection to the base material from abrasion damage and weathering.
  • the or each coating is a film applied to the material base to form a laminated fabric.
  • the or each coating film includes one or more film layers.
  • the or each coating is composed of plastic material and, in one preferred form, the coating(s) are composed of one or more polymer compositions.
  • the coating film is in a tube formation for application to the material base.
  • the coating film for the inside surface of the material base is blow formed, and the blow formed coating film is applied to the inside surface by inserting the film into the material base, forcing the coating film into intimate contact with the inside surface of the material base, and causing the film to adhere to the inside surface.
  • the coating film for the outside surface of the material base is progressively extruded about and along the outside surface of the material base so as to cause the film to adhere to the outside surface.
  • a fluming tube formed from the above fabric.
  • Fig. 1 is perspective view of a short length of fabric according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a plan view of a portion of the inside surface of the fabric of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fabric of Fig. 1.
  • a short length of fabric 1 of generally tubular formation In the exemplary application of the fabric 1 as a fluming tube, the fabric 1 will be of a substantial continuous length. It should be appreciated, however, that the tubular fabric 1 may be of any length suitable for its intended application.
  • the fabric 1 is shown in greater detail in Figs. 2 and 3, and includes a material base 2 woven in a tubular formation, and a coating 3 applied to the base 2 to provide the fabric 1 with characteristics suitable for its intended application.
  • the coating 3 provides the fabric 1 with liquid barrier characteristics, particularly imperviousness to liquid leakage from the tube.
  • the material base 2 is woven in cylindrical form without seams or corners. As shown particularly in Fig. 2, the material base 2 is close woven so as to provide a substantially closed material.
  • the close weave provides the material base 2 with relatively smooth, opposite inside and outside surfaces 4, 5, respectively.
  • the inside surface 4 defines a longitudinal passage P having longitudinal axis X along the base 2.
  • the material base 2 is woven from fibres 6.
  • Those fibres 6 include fibres 6' and 6" extending in longitudinal and peripheral directions, respectively of the tubular formation.
  • the fibres 6' extending in the longitudinal direction are formed in long narrow flat strips, or as tape.
  • the fibres 6" extending in the peripheral direction may be formed into threads, such as a multiple of filaments, twisted or otherwise collected together. However, in this preferred embodiment they are also formed in long narrow flat strips, or as tape like the fibres 6' extending in the longitudinal direction.
  • the fibres 6 are composed of plastic material. That material may be the same or different for the fibres 6', 6" extending in the different directions of the tubular formation, depending on the desired characteristics of the material base 2. Those characteristics will include providing the fabric 1 with appropriate flexibility and structural strength for its intended purpose, and satisfactory surfaces to which the coating 3 can be supplied.
  • the tape material fibres 6 may be formed from slit plastic film or a multiple of filaments collected together to form the tape fibres 6', 6".
  • the fibre plastic material is one or more polymer compositions, such as polypropylene.
  • the material base 2 is generally cylindrical with a diameter that will vary according to the intended application of the fabric, but in the exemplary application may be up to about 1000 mm.
  • the barrier coating 3 is applied to at least the entire inside surface 4 of the material base 2. However, in this preferred embodiment that coating 3 is applied entirely to both the inside and outside surfaces 4, 5 of the base 2.
  • the coating 3 applied to the outside surface 5 of the material base 2 can provide secondary liquid barrier characteristics, as well as protection to the material base 2 from degradation.
  • the outside coating 3 can protect the material base 2 from abrasion damage and weathering.
  • the coating 3 on the inside surface 4 of the material base 2 is a film 7 applied as a laminate.
  • the coating 3 applied to the outside surface 5 of the material base 2 is also a film 8 applied as a laminate, in this embodiment.
  • the fabric 1 will be a lamination of the woven material base 2 and two coating films 7, 8.
  • the film 7 is seamless and provides a smooth surface to the longitudinal passage P.
  • the lack of seams or joins also provides the fabric 1 with an imperviousness to water making it particularly suitable for use as a fluming tube.
  • the film 8 may also be seamless, although as will become apparent hereinafter, the film 8 may be applied in such a way as to form seams.
  • the or each coating film 7, 8 includes one or more film layers.
  • each film 7, 8 has only one layer.
  • the films 7, 8 may be multi-layered in order to provide enhanced coating characteristics.
  • the inside coating film 7 may comprise two layers, an outer layer in contact with the inside surface 4 of the material base 2, and an inner layer exposed to the tube passage P.
  • the outside coating film 8 may also comprise multiple layers including an outer layer exposed to the environment and an inner layer in contact with the outside surface 5 of the material base 2.
  • the coating films are plastic material. Different material compositions can be selected for the inside and outside films 7, 8, having regard to the desired characteristics of the fabric 1 in its intended application. Moreover, where the film 7, 8 is comprised of two or more layers, then those layers can be of different compositions.
  • the plastic material is one or more polymer compositions.
  • the polymer compositions include polypropylene and polyethylene, particularly advanced grades thereof.
  • the or each coating film 7, 8 will have a thickness of up to about 100 microns, although that may vary depending on the intended application of the fabric 1.
  • the material base 2 is woven by any suitable weaving equipment.
  • the base 2 can be woven on a continuous basis and subsequently cut to length, or woven to custom made lengths.
  • the or each barrier coating 3 is applied by any suitable equipment.
  • the inside barrier coating film 7 is applied by a blown film lamination process. That process will be known by persons skilled in the relevant art, and will include the steps of separately forming the tubular coating film 7 of the same general shape as the material base, inserting the coating film 7 into the tubular material base 2, forcing the film 7 into intimate contact with the inside surface 4 of the base 2, and causing the film 7 to adhere to the inside surface 4.
  • the outside barrier coating film 8 is applied by a film extrusion process. That process will be known by persons skilled in the relevant art, and will include the steps of progressively extruding the tubular film 8 about the tubular material base 2 and along the outer surface 5 thereof, so as to cause the film 8 to adhere to the outside surface 5.
  • the outside barrier coating film 8. is applied after application of the inside barrier coating film 7.
  • the tubular fabric 1 is collapsed into longitudinally folded flat form. Flattening the fabric 1 creates two diametrically opposed fold lines 10 along the material base 2 and inside barrier coating film 7. In addition, because of the relatively larger diameter of the outside barrier coating film 8, flattening the fabric 1 and adhering the film 8 to the outside surface 5, forces excess film 8 into the regions of the fold lines 10 where it is seamed along lines 10 and forms selvage 11. That selvage 11 may be trimmed from the fabric 1.
  • Folding of the fabric 1 facilitates storage when not in use. However, when required for use the fabric 1 can be expanded to adopt a cylindrical shape.
  • the fabric is useful in its tubular form, for example as fluming tube.
  • the tubular form of fabric could be converted into a sheet form for other applications.
  • the tube form could be longitudinally cut and the fabric 1 unfolded into an elongate flat sheet form. That fabric 1 could then be used for product manufacture.
  • the fabric of the present invention exhibits good strength, flexibility and durability, as well as an imperviousness to water that makes it particularly suitable for use as fluming tube.
  • the fabric of the present invention is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Treatments For Attaching Organic Compounds To Fibrous Goods (AREA)
  • Woven Fabrics (AREA)
  • Chemical Or Physical Treatment Of Fibers (AREA)

Abstract

A fabric (1) including a material base (2) woven in a tubular formation and a coating (3) applied to at least one side (4, 5) of the material base (2) to provide the fabric (1) with applicable characteristics. A method of manufacturing the fabric (1), and a fluming tube formed from the fabric (1) are also disclosed.

Description

Woven Fabric and Manufacture Thereof
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention This invention relates to a woven fabric and its manufacture. The fabric is applicable for use as fluming tube, particularly for transfer of low pressure fluid such as water and air, and it will be convenient to hereinafter disclose the invention in relation to that exemplary application. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that application. Description of the Prior Art
The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in Australia as at the priority date of the application.
Fluming tubes are used for low pressure, agricultural irrigation and other water transfer applications. In one arrangement the tube is formed from elongate sheet material longitudinally folded into a cylindrical shape so that opposite longitudinal edges overlap. Those edges are seam welded together to secure the sheet material into a flexible tube. In this arrangement, the sheet material is woven from slit film yarn, formed of polypropylene or polyethylene, and the woven sheet material is coated with a plastic film which will form the inside and outside surfaces of the tube in order to provide the tube with a water impermeable barrier. Although the fluming tube performs satisfactorily, it can be costly to manufacture. Moreover, there is often a compromise between the flexibility and strength of the tube. In that regard, whilst increased flexibility facilitates use in agricultural applications, that is usually achieved at the expense of reduced strength in the tube. As a result, the tube is sometimes not sufficiently strong in some uses and consequently can distort and leak. That is particularly so for larger diameter tubes, such as 300 mm and above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved woven fabric which is applicable for use as fluming tube.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a cost effective method of manufacturing the woven fabric suitable for use as a fluming tube.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved fluming tube.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fabric including: a material base woven in a tubular formation; and, a coating applied to at least one side of the material base to provide the fabric with applicable characteristics.
According to another aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing a fabric, including: weaving a material base in a tubular form; and, applying a coating to at least one side of the material base to provide the fabric with applicable characteristics.
Preferably, the material base is close woven so as to provide an at least substantially closed material.
Preferably, the material base is woven of fibres extending in longitudinal and peripheral directions of the tubular formation of the material base. The fibres extending in at least one direction are preferably in the form of tape. In one form, the tape fibres extend in the longitudinal direction of the tubular formation of the material base.
The fibres extending in at least one direction are preferably in the form of threads. In one form, the threads extend in the peripheral direction of the tubular formation of the material base, and each thread is composed of a multiple of filaments.
Preferably, the fibres are composed of plastic material and, in one preferred form, are composed of one or more polymer compositions.
Preferably, the coating is applied to at least an inside surface of the material base. In one preferred form, the coating is applied to inside and outside surfaces of the material base. Preferably, coating applied to the outside surface of the material base provides protection to the base material from abrasion damage and weathering.
Preferably, the or each coating is a film applied to the material base to form a laminated fabric. The or each coating film includes one or more film layers.
Preferably, the or each coating is composed of plastic material and, in one preferred form, the coating(s) are composed of one or more polymer compositions.
Preferably, the coating film is in a tube formation for application to the material base.
Preferably, the coating film for the inside surface of the material base is blow formed, and the blow formed coating film is applied to the inside surface by inserting the film into the material base, forcing the coating film into intimate contact with the inside surface of the material base, and causing the film to adhere to the inside surface.
Preferably, the coating film for the outside surface of the material base is progressively extruded about and along the outside surface of the material base so as to cause the film to adhere to the outside surface.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluming tube formed from the above fabric.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following description refers to the preferred embodiment of the fabric and the fabric manufacturing method of the present invention. To facilitate an understanding of the invention, reference is made in the description to the accompanying drawings where the fabric is illustrated in that preferred embodiment. It is to be understood that the fabric and manufacturing method are not limited to the preferred embodiment as hereinafter described and as illustrated in the drawings. In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is perspective view of a short length of fabric according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view of a portion of the inside surface of the fabric of Fig. 1 ; and,
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fabric of Fig. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
Referring initially to Fig. 1 of the drawings, there is generally shown a short length of fabric 1 of generally tubular formation. In the exemplary application of the fabric 1 as a fluming tube, the fabric 1 will be of a substantial continuous length. It should be appreciated, however, that the tubular fabric 1 may be of any length suitable for its intended application.
The fabric 1 is shown in greater detail in Figs. 2 and 3, and includes a material base 2 woven in a tubular formation, and a coating 3 applied to the base 2 to provide the fabric 1 with characteristics suitable for its intended application. As a fluming tube, the coating 3 provides the fabric 1 with liquid barrier characteristics, particularly imperviousness to liquid leakage from the tube.
The material base 2 is woven in cylindrical form without seams or corners. As shown particularly in Fig. 2, the material base 2 is close woven so as to provide a substantially closed material. The close weave provides the material base 2 with relatively smooth, opposite inside and outside surfaces 4, 5, respectively. The inside surface 4 defines a longitudinal passage P having longitudinal axis X along the base 2.
The material base 2 is woven from fibres 6. Those fibres 6 include fibres 6' and 6" extending in longitudinal and peripheral directions, respectively of the tubular formation.
The fibres 6' extending in the longitudinal direction are formed in long narrow flat strips, or as tape.
The fibres 6" extending in the peripheral direction may be formed into threads, such as a multiple of filaments, twisted or otherwise collected together. However, in this preferred embodiment they are also formed in long narrow flat strips, or as tape like the fibres 6' extending in the longitudinal direction. The fibres 6 are composed of plastic material. That material may be the same or different for the fibres 6', 6" extending in the different directions of the tubular formation, depending on the desired characteristics of the material base 2. Those characteristics will include providing the fabric 1 with appropriate flexibility and structural strength for its intended purpose, and satisfactory surfaces to which the coating 3 can be supplied.
The tape material fibres 6 may be formed from slit plastic film or a multiple of filaments collected together to form the tape fibres 6', 6". The fibre plastic material is one or more polymer compositions, such as polypropylene. The material base 2 is generally cylindrical with a diameter that will vary according to the intended application of the fabric, but in the exemplary application may be up to about 1000 mm.
The barrier coating 3 is applied to at least the entire inside surface 4 of the material base 2. However, in this preferred embodiment that coating 3 is applied entirely to both the inside and outside surfaces 4, 5 of the base 2. The coating 3 applied to the outside surface 5 of the material base 2 can provide secondary liquid barrier characteristics, as well as protection to the material base 2 from degradation. In particular, in the exemplary application of the fabric 1 , the outside coating 3 can protect the material base 2 from abrasion damage and weathering.
The coating 3 on the inside surface 4 of the material base 2 is a film 7 applied as a laminate. The coating 3 applied to the outside surface 5 of the material base 2 is also a film 8 applied as a laminate, in this embodiment. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the fabric 1 will be a lamination of the woven material base 2 and two coating films 7, 8.
The film 7 is seamless and provides a smooth surface to the longitudinal passage P. The lack of seams or joins also provides the fabric 1 with an imperviousness to water making it particularly suitable for use as a fluming tube. The film 8 may also be seamless, although as will become apparent hereinafter, the film 8 may be applied in such a way as to form seams.
The or each coating film 7, 8 includes one or more film layers. In this preferred embodiment each film 7, 8 has only one layer. However, the films 7, 8 may be multi-layered in order to provide enhanced coating characteristics. In one embodiment (not shown), the inside coating film 7 may comprise two layers, an outer layer in contact with the inside surface 4 of the material base 2, and an inner layer exposed to the tube passage P. In one embodiment (not shown), the outside coating film 8 may also comprise multiple layers including an outer layer exposed to the environment and an inner layer in contact with the outside surface 5 of the material base 2.
The coating films are plastic material. Different material compositions can be selected for the inside and outside films 7, 8, having regard to the desired characteristics of the fabric 1 in its intended application. Moreover, where the film 7, 8 is comprised of two or more layers, then those layers can be of different compositions.
In the exemplary application of the fabric 1 , the plastic material is one or more polymer compositions. In different forms of the invention, the polymer compositions include polypropylene and polyethylene, particularly advanced grades thereof. The or each coating film 7, 8 will have a thickness of up to about 100 microns, although that may vary depending on the intended application of the fabric 1.
The material base 2 is woven by any suitable weaving equipment. The base 2 can be woven on a continuous basis and subsequently cut to length, or woven to custom made lengths.
The or each barrier coating 3 is applied by any suitable equipment. This preferred embodiment, the inside barrier coating film 7 is applied by a blown film lamination process. That process will be known by persons skilled in the relevant art, and will include the steps of separately forming the tubular coating film 7 of the same general shape as the material base, inserting the coating film 7 into the tubular material base 2, forcing the film 7 into intimate contact with the inside surface 4 of the base 2, and causing the film 7 to adhere to the inside surface 4.
In this preferred embodiment, the outside barrier coating film 8 is applied by a film extrusion process. That process will be known by persons skilled in the relevant art, and will include the steps of progressively extruding the tubular film 8 about the tubular material base 2 and along the outer surface 5 thereof, so as to cause the film 8 to adhere to the outside surface 5. In this embodiment, the outside barrier coating film 8. is applied after application of the inside barrier coating film 7.
During application of the outside coating film 8 the tubular fabric 1 is collapsed into longitudinally folded flat form. Flattening the fabric 1 creates two diametrically opposed fold lines 10 along the material base 2 and inside barrier coating film 7. In addition, because of the relatively larger diameter of the outside barrier coating film 8, flattening the fabric 1 and adhering the film 8 to the outside surface 5, forces excess film 8 into the regions of the fold lines 10 where it is seamed along lines 10 and forms selvage 11. That selvage 11 may be trimmed from the fabric 1.
Folding of the fabric 1 facilitates storage when not in use. However, when required for use the fabric 1 can be expanded to adopt a cylindrical shape.
As explained above, the fabric is useful in its tubular form, for example as fluming tube. However, alternatively the tubular form of fabric could be converted into a sheet form for other applications. Thus, for example the tube form could be longitudinally cut and the fabric 1 unfolded into an elongate flat sheet form. That fabric 1 could then be used for product manufacture.
The fabric of the present invention exhibits good strength, flexibility and durability, as well as an imperviousness to water that makes it particularly suitable for use as fluming tube.
In addition, the fabric of the present invention is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.
Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be made to the fabric and its manufacture without departing from the ambit of the present invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A fabric including: a material base woven in a tubular formation; and, a coating applied to at least one side of the material base to provide the fabric with applicable characteristics.
2. A fabric as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the material base is close woven so as to provide an at least substantially closed material.
3. A fabric as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the material base is woven of fibres extending in longitudinal and peripheral directions of the tubular formation of the material base.
4. A fabric as claimed in claim 3, wherein the fibres extending in at least one direction are in the form of tape.
5. A fabric as claimed in claim 4, wherein the tape fibres extend in the longitudinal direction of the tubular formation of the material base.
6. A fabric as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the fibres extending in at least one direction are in the form of threads.
7. A fabric as claimed in claim 6, wherein the threads extend in the peripheral direction of the tubular formation of the material base, and each thread is composed of a multiple of filaments.
8. A fabric as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the fibres are composed of plastic material.
9. A fabric as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the fibres are composed of one or more polymer compositions.
10. A fabric as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each coating provides the fabric with liquid barrier characteristics.
11. A fabric as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the coating is applied to at least an inside surface of the material base.
12. A fabric as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the coating is applied to inside and outside surfaces of the material base.
13. A fabric as claimed in claim 12, wherein coating applied to the outside surface of the material base provides protection to the base material from abrasion damage and weathering.
14. A fabric as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each coating is a film applied to the material base to form a laminated fabric.
15. A fabric as claimed in claim 14, wherein the or each coating film includes one or more film layers.
16. A fabric as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each coating is composed of plastic material.
17. A fabric as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each coating is composed of one or more polymer compositions.
18. A fabric as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the each or coating has a thickness of up to about 100 microns.
19. A method for manufacturing a fabric, including: weaving a material base in a tubular form; and, applying a coating to at least one side of the material base to provide the fabric with applicable characteristics.
20. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein weaving the material base includes close weaving so as to provide an at least substantially closed material.
21. A method as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein weaving the material base includes weaving fibres extending in longitudinal and peripheral directions of the tubular formation of the material base.
22. A method as claimed in claim 21 , wherein weaving the fibres includes weaving fibres in the form of tape in at least one direction of the tubular formation of the material base.
23. A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the fibre tape is woven in the longitudinal direction of the tubular formation of the material base.
24. A method as claimed in any of one claims 21 to 23, wherein weaving the fibres includes weaving fibres in the form of threads in at least one direction of the tubular formation of the material base.
25. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the fibre threads are woven in the peripheral direction of the tubular formation of the material base.
26. A method as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein weaving the fibres includes weaving fibres composed of plastic material.
27. A method as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein weaving the fibres includes weaving fibres composed of one or more polymer compositions.
28. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein applying the coating includes applying a coating providing the fabric with liquid barrier characteristics.
29. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 28, wherein applying the coating includes applying a coating to at least an inside surface of the material base.
30. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 29, wherein applying the coating includes applying coatings to inside and outside surfaces of the material base.
31. A method as claimed in claim 30, wherein applying the coating to the outside surface of the material base includes applying a coating that provides protection to the base material from abrasive damage and weathering.
32. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 31 , wherein applying the or each coating includes applying a film to the material base to form a laminated fabric.
33. A method as claimed in claim 32, including forming the coating film in a tube formation for application to the material base.
34. A method as claimed in claim 32, when appended to claim 29 or any claim appended thereto, including blow forming the coating film for the inside surface of the material base, and wherein applying the blow formed coating film includes inserting the film into the material base, forcing the coating film into intimate contact with the inside surface of the material base, and causing the film to adhere to the inside surface.
35. A method as claimed in claim 32, when appended to claim 30 or any claim appended thereto, including progressively extruding the coating film for the outside surface of the material base about and along the outside surface thereof so as to cause the film to adhere to the outside surface.
36. A method as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 35, wherein applying the or each coating film includes applying one or more film layers to the material base.
37. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 36, wherein applying the coating includes applying a coating composed of plastic material.
38. A method as claimed in any one of claim 19 to 37, wherein applying the coating includes applying a coating composed of one or more polymer compositions.
39. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 38, wherein applying the coating includes applying a coating having a thickness of up to about 100 microns.
40. A fabric substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to what is shown in the accompanying drawings.
41. A method for manufacturing a fabric, substantially as hereinbefore described as reference to what is shown in the accompanying drawings.
42. A fluming tube formed from the fabric claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 or 40.
43. A fluming tube formed of fabric manufactured by the method claimed in any one of claims 19 to 39 or 41.
PCT/AU2004/000704 2003-05-26 2004-05-26 Woven fabric and manufacture thereof WO2004103694A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003902614 2003-05-26
AU2003902614A AU2003902614A0 (en) 2003-05-26 2003-05-26 Woven fabric and manufacture thereof

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004103694A1 true WO2004103694A1 (en) 2004-12-02

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PCT/AU2004/000704 WO2004103694A1 (en) 2003-05-26 2004-05-26 Woven fabric and manufacture thereof

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AR (1) AR045319A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003902614A0 (en)
CL (1) CL2004001287A1 (en)
TW (1) TW200517614A (en)
WO (1) WO2004103694A1 (en)

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GB887291A (en) * 1959-11-19 1962-01-17 Angus George Co Ltd Improvements in or relating to fire hose
JPS56104044A (en) * 1980-01-23 1981-08-19 Toyobo Co Ltd Manufacture of cloth-reinforced elastomer sheet
JPS59225921A (en) * 1983-06-07 1984-12-19 Tokyo Gas Co Ltd Lining material for pipeline
AU4937485A (en) * 1984-11-05 1986-05-15 Rheem Australia Pty Limited Layered fabric
JPH02143830A (en) * 1988-11-25 1990-06-01 Mitsui Petrochem Ind Ltd Tubular woven fabric, method for laminating and laminating machine
EP0265198B2 (en) * 1986-10-20 1995-07-19 N.V. Raychem S.A. Heat recoverable article
US20020068668A1 (en) * 2000-12-01 2002-06-06 Laser Machining, Inc. Method for laser machining easy open, tear flexible packaging

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB887291A (en) * 1959-11-19 1962-01-17 Angus George Co Ltd Improvements in or relating to fire hose
JPS56104044A (en) * 1980-01-23 1981-08-19 Toyobo Co Ltd Manufacture of cloth-reinforced elastomer sheet
JPS59225921A (en) * 1983-06-07 1984-12-19 Tokyo Gas Co Ltd Lining material for pipeline
AU4937485A (en) * 1984-11-05 1986-05-15 Rheem Australia Pty Limited Layered fabric
EP0265198B2 (en) * 1986-10-20 1995-07-19 N.V. Raychem S.A. Heat recoverable article
JPH02143830A (en) * 1988-11-25 1990-06-01 Mitsui Petrochem Ind Ltd Tubular woven fabric, method for laminating and laminating machine
US20020068668A1 (en) * 2000-12-01 2002-06-06 Laser Machining, Inc. Method for laser machining easy open, tear flexible packaging

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DATABASE WPI Derwent World Patents Index; Class A32, AN 1981-72667D *
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ENZYFLUME TM REINFORCED FLEXIBLE LAY FLAT FLUMING, 26 October 2002 (2002-10-26), Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.bartlett.net.au/enzyflume/enzyflume_broch.html> [retrieved on 20040616] *

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AU2003902614A0 (en) 2003-06-12
CL2004001287A1 (en) 2005-04-22
AR045319A1 (en) 2005-10-26

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