GB1113059A - Improvements in or relating to the ventilation of fabrics - Google Patents

Abstract

1,113,059. Ventilating garments. SHIRTMAKER Ltd. 3 Nov., 1965 [3 Nov., 1964; 11 Nov., 1964], Nos. 44785/64 and 45903/64. Heading A3V. [Also in Divisions B5 and D1 A textile fabric is formed with at least one ventilation opening by forming at least one region in the fabric where the fabric fibres are bonded together or otherwise consolidated as a result of consolidation of a thermoplastic constituent of the fibres of the fabric and forming an opening in the or each region. The invention is applicable to forming underarm ventilation openings in sleeved garments, e.g. shirts, blouses or raincoats. In one embodiment, Fig. 1 (not shown), a knitted or woven fabric (1) of a yarn consisting of or comprising synthetic thermoplastic material, e.g. polyamide, polyester or acrylic material, is formed with consolidated regions (2) using electric high frequency heating or ultrasonic energy. Openings (4), preferably circular, are punched in the region (2) and are surrounded by reinforcing rims (3) which prevent fraying in the region of the openings. The punches may be situated in the electrodes or ultrasonic guide means. In a second embodiment, Fig. 2, a portion 6, either of fabric woven or knitted from a yarn consisting of or containing synthetic thermoplastic material, e.g. polyamide, polyester or acrylic material, or of a sheet of synthetic thermoplastic material, is welded by high frequency heating to the fabric 5 at regions 7 and a line 10 by rims 14, 13, respectively, Fig. 3, of an electrode which may co-operate with a similarly shaped counter electrode or a flat electrode. Simultaneously with forming the seam line 10 surplus parts of the portion 6 are trimmed off. Punches 17 in bores 16 are driven downwardly by a cam (not shown) to form openings 9 each surrounded by a welded rim 8. The operation of the electrode may be controlled by a mechanical linkage or by electromechanical control means operated by a foot switch actuated by the operator. Alternatively ultrasonic energy may be used for the welding. In a modification, the reinforcing material is applied in the form of a granular or powdered synthetic resin. In a further embodiment, Fig. 4, a fabric 20 is positioned between a backing member 21 and a mould member 22. Synthetic thermoplastic material is injected into a cavity 23 in the member 22 through a duct 24 to provide a reinforced region in the fabric. Subsequently, a punch 26 is driven downwards by a cam (not shown) to enter a bore 27 in the member 21 and punch an opening in the reinforced region.