WO2022038320A1

WO2022038320A1 - Three-dimensional (3d) spacer knit fabric having air-permeable longitudinal filaments

Info

Publication number: WO2022038320A1
Application number: PCT/FR2021/000097
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick Herbault
Original assignee: Patrick Herbault
Priority date: 2020-08-21
Filing date: 2021-08-19
Publication date: 2022-02-24
Also published as: FR3113499A1

Abstract

Air-permeable three-dimensional (3D) spacer fabric (T) that protects against rain and has an air-permeable three-dimensional (3D) spacer fabric. The invention relates to the field of rain protection devices such as umbrellas, tents or rain gear. The rain protection device comprises a three-dimensional (3D) spacer fabric having a pressure loss coefficient less than 5. For ease of fitting, the three-dimensional (3D) spacer fabric is preferably expandable such that it can be stretched. The three-dimensional (3D) spacer fabric (T) is a succession of parallel and oblique knitted stitches (M) linked together by a multitude of longitudinal filaments (F). The knitted faces (M) are watertight, i.e. they are knitted on 100% of their surface and coated with a hydrophobic product or directly woven in a waterproof fabric.

Description

Title of the invention: THREE-DIMENSIONAL FILAMENT 3D SPACER KNIT

LONGITUDINAL AIR PERMEABLE

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

The invention relates to the field of three-dimensional 3D spacer tissues.

PRIOR ART

[0003] The classic three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics as represented [Fig.l], 2 and 3 are technical fabrics (T) composed of two knitted faces (Ml) and (M2) with stitches (M) forming each face, the two faces are connected by a multitude of transverse nylon filaments (F). These fabrics are used in particular in mattresses.

[0004] The [Fig.l] illustrates a first example of a three-dimensional spacer fabric (T) with fine meshes and a thickness of 7.5 mm.

[0005] The [Fig.2] illustrates a second example of a three-dimensional spacer fabric (T) with a wide mesh (M) and a double thickness of approximately 1.5 centimeters.

[0006] The [Fig.3] shows a third example of a three-dimensional spacer fabric with wide stitches, the surface of the knitted part of which almost represents the surface of the fabric on each side.

[0007] It is possible according to the invention to consider using such fabrics in devices for protection against the sun, against the rain or against mosquitoes for their quality of air permeability.

[0008] This air permeability is partly an optimization depending on the level of protection chosen; Simply put, the higher the protection, the less air can easily pass.

[0009] This will have two consequences. The first consequence is that a reduction in the quantity of air that can pass can be considered as a loss of performance in terms of comfort.

[0010] The second consequence is that the force of the wind exerted will be all the stronger as this entails risks of use, for example in the case of a parasol or an umbrella, or risks of deterioration, or even destruction for example in the case of a shade sail.

[0011] Patent JP2015096323 describes a three-dimensional fabric intended to protect against the rain while allowing the evacuation of heat and humidity from the inside to the outside. However, its structure shown in Figures 1 and 2 of this patent remains conventional, transverse filaments (11) in large numbers connecting on the one hand an inner face (2) and on the other hand an outer face (3) spaced by a distance (10), the thickness of the fabric, faces (2) (3) parallel to the surface of the fabric.

[0012] Patent US5413837 describes a three-dimensional fabric to protect against rain, permeable to water vapor and impermeable to rainwater. However, its structure remains conventional insofar as the fabric comprises a first layer of fabric, a second layer of fabric and a set of threads transversely interconnecting the two layers parallel to the surface of the fabric.

[0013] Patent DE102009023631 describes a three-dimensional fabric intended to protect against mosquitoes. However, its structure shown in the single figure of this patent also remains classic, transverse filaments (2) in large numbers connecting on the one hand an inner face (11) and on the other hand an outer face (12) spaced by a distance preventing a mosquito to bite through the thickness of the fabric, faces (11) (12) parallel to the surface of the fabric.

[0014] Patent FR2820763 also describes a conventional structure where a multitude of filaments (F) transversely connect one face (A) and one face (B), faces (A) (B) parallel to the surface of the fabric.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric according to the invention comprises longitudinal filaments unlike conventional 3D spacer fabrics whose filaments are transverse.

The filaments connect the knitted faces (M) which are substantially parallel to each other, positioned either perpendicular to the fabric or obliquely.

[0018] Preferably, the pressure drop coefficient of the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric is less than 5, if possible less than 1.

[0019] For good mechanical resistance, the 3D spacer fabric is run-proof

[0020] Preferably to facilitate the installation of the protection device against the rain, the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric is extensible

[0021] For the installation of the rain protection device, it is advantageous for the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric to be put under tension.

Preferably, the knitted faces of the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric do not allow water to pass.

To protect against rain or sun, the knitted surface of the stitches represents 100% of the surface of the knitted face.

[0024] In terms of use, it is possible to combine the various devices such as, for example, a device for both protection against the sun and against the rain with the same three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric.

[0025] In the case of a pushchair, it is also possible to produce a device with the same three-dimensional 3D spacer technical fabric (T) which protects the baby both from the sun, from the rain and from mosquitoes by letting through the air. [0026] In terms of the manufacturing process, the manufacturing process of the three-dimensional spacer fabric with longitudinal filaments uses knitting machines for the three-dimensional spacer fabrics.

[0027] In the case of small series, it is possible to produce them by assembling superposed three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics then laser cut in slices.

[0028] For larger series, it is possible to industrialize a process to produce them directly on knitting machines for three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics.

Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] [Fig.1] illustrates a first example of a three-dimensional spacer fabric with fine mesh and a thickness of 7.5 mm.

[0031] [Fig.2] illustrates a second example of a three-dimensional spacer fabric with wide meshes and a double thickness of approximately 1.5 centimeters.

[0032] [Fig.3] shows a third example of a three-dimensional spacer fabric with wide stitches, the surface of the knitted part of which almost represents the surface of the fabric on each side.

[0033] [Fig.4] shows in section a three-dimensional spacer fabric with longitudinal filaments according to the invention, the stitches of which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the fabric.

[0034] [Fig.5] shows in section a three-dimensional spacer fabric with longitudinal filaments according to the invention, the stitches of which are parallel to each other and oblique to the fabric.

[0035] [Fig.6] shows a machine for knitting three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The filaments (F) of the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric according to the invention are longitudinal, unlike conventional 3D spacer fabrics whose filaments are transverse.

Ee fabric (T) is then a succession of knitted stitches (M) substantially parallel to each other, interconnected by a multitude of filaments (F).

[0038] Unlike a three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric as shown [Fig.1], [Fig.2] and [Fig.3], it is preferable that the knitted faces (M) do not let water through at all that is to say are knitted over 100% of their surface and preferably coated with a hydrophobic product or directly knitted or woven into a waterproof fabric. [0039] Depending on the case depending on the respective position of the rain protection device and the direction of the rain, the meshes (M) are perpendicular as shown [Fig.4] or oblique as shown [Fig.5] ,

[0040] Thus, depending on the inclination of the fabric, the meshes make it possible to protect oneself, for example, from the sun or the rain while letting the air pass in a different direction.

[0041] This is particularly the case with parasols and umbrellas. In the case of umbrellas, the inclination of the fabric varies according to its position, whereas the wind is most often horizontal, influencing the direction of the rain.

[0042] Then the angle of inclination of the mesh (M) can vary continuously depending on its distance from the center of the umbrella, which leads to a specific product.

[0043] In the case of a tent, it can include such a 3D spacer fabric with longitudinal filaments as a flysheet, allowing the wind to pass horizontally while protecting from the falling rain.

[0044] Similarly for a rain garment, the orientation of the stitches must be defined according to the selected part of the garment depending on whether it is a hood, sleeves or trouser legs, the back or simple very localized ease bellows.

[0045] In addition, the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics are mechanically strong and will withstand strong winds. They support forces of several tens of kilos per m ² .

For good mechanical strength, the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) is run-proof.

[0047] Preferably, to allow air to pass better, the pressure drop coefficient of the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric is less than 5, or even if possible 1. This coefficient represents the opposition to the passage of air through three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric. This is the ratio between the pressure drop measured in Pascal between the upstream and downstream pressure when the fabric is crossed by an air flow at a speed V given in meters per second and the equivalent of the kinetic energy of air * pV ² , p being the density of the air.

A pressure drop coefficient of less than 5 makes it possible to be more permeable than the low permeability fabrics usually marketed.

[0049] A loss coefficient of less than 1 makes it possible to limit the consequences of the force of the wind and to prevent, for example, an umbrella from turning over or flying away with all the risks that this entails.

[0050] Preferably to facilitate the installation of a protective device such as for example against the rain, the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric is extensible.

[0051] For this, to keep a form of elasticity so that the 3D spacer fabric tridi- mensional (T) remains extensible, it is not necessary to perform the operation of geometric stabilization by thermal process used in the case of 3D spacer fabrics integrated into mattresses to guarantee the dimensional conformity expected for use in a mattress.

[0052] Unlike three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics integrated into mattresses, it is not necessary to implement the thermal stabilization process which would make the fabric (T) not very extensible. For example, the heat treatment may consist of bringing the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) to 200°C for 30 seconds to ensure dimensional conformity.

[0053] By not doing so, the 3D spacer fabric can remain stretchable for values greater than 30%, or even 50% depending on their design.

[0054] This also has the advantage in terms of compactness that the volume of the fabric (T) in the stowed position, as is for example the case of a folded umbrella or a rolled up tent flysheet, takes up less square.

For the installation of the device, it is advantageous for the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric to be put under tension. This is particularly interesting in the case of an umbrella where the 3D spacer fabric is stretched over the ribs of the umbrella.

In terms of use, of course in the context of this invention, it is possible to combine the various devices such as for example a device for both protection against the sun and against the rain in general combining for example the parasol and umbrella function with the same technical fabric (T) three-dimensional 3D spacer.

[0057] In the case of a stroller, it is also possible to produce a device with the same technical fabric (T) 3D three-dimensional spacer which protects the baby from the sun, rain and mosquitoes while letting through the air.

In terms of the manufacturing process, the manufacturing process of the rain protection device uses machines (MT) for knitting the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics like the one illustrated [Fig.6].

In the case of longitudinal filaments (F), it is possible to produce them for small series by assembling conventional three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics (T) superimposed and then laser cut in slices to the desired thickness.

[0060] For larger series, it is possible to industrialize a process to produce them directly on machines (MT) for knitting three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics like the one illustrated [Fig.6].

Industrial application

In terms of industrial application, the invention applies for example to devices for protection against the sun, rain, or mosquitoes. The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and represented, but a person skilled in the art will know how to make any variant in accordance with his spirit for a range of products in different fields.

Claims

7 Claims

[Claim 1] Three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) characterized in that it is in the form of a 3D knit consisting of a succession of knitted stitches (M) positioned either perpendicular to the fabric or obliquely, interconnected by a multitude of filaments (F).

[Claim 2] Three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the knitted stitches (M) are substantially parallel to each other.

[Claim 3] Three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) according to any one of Claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the pressure drop coefficient is less than 5.

[Claim 4] Three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric is extensible.

[Claim 5] Three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the knitted faces (M) of the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (M) do not allow water to pass through.

[Claim 6] Three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the knitted surface of the stitches (M) represents 100% of the surface of the fabric.

[Claim 7] Method of manufacturing the Three-Dimensional 3D Spacer Fabric (T) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it uses machines for knitting three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics.

[Claim 8] A method according to claim 9 comprising assembling three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics and then laser cutting them in slices.

[Claim 9] Use of a three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is used in a device for protection against the sun, against the rain or against mosquitoes .

[Claim 10] Use according to Claim 9, characterized in that the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) is placed under tension in the protective device.