GB2503280A - Cushioning fabric elements and methods of manufacture - Google Patents
Cushioning fabric elements and methods of manufacture Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2503280A GB2503280A GB201211122A GB201211122A GB2503280A GB 2503280 A GB2503280 A GB 2503280A GB 201211122 A GB201211122 A GB 201211122A GB 201211122 A GB201211122 A GB 201211122A GB 2503280 A GB2503280 A GB 2503280A
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- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- fabric
- elastic
- layer
- silicone elastomer
- cushioning layer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 293
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 46
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 22
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 96
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 20
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 16
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 104
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 5
- 206010040954 Skin wrinkling Diseases 0.000 description 3
- FPAFDBFIGPHWGO-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxosilane;oxomagnesium;hydrate Chemical compound O.[Mg]=O.[Mg]=O.[Mg]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O FPAFDBFIGPHWGO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000003892 spreading Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 230000001627 detrimental effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011241 protective layer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000037303 wrinkles Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001821 foam rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000007794 irritation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D27/00—Details of garments or of their making
- A41D27/02—Linings
- A41D27/06—Stiffening-pieces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41C—CORSETS; BRASSIERES
- A41C3/00—Brassieres
- A41C3/12—Component parts
- A41C3/122—Stay means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41C—CORSETS; BRASSIERES
- A41C3/00—Brassieres
- A41C3/12—Component parts
- A41C3/122—Stay means
- A41C3/128—Stay means using specific materials
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D27/00—Details of garments or of their making
- A41D27/08—Trimmings; Ornaments
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41F—GARMENT FASTENINGS; SUSPENDERS
- A41F15/00—Shoulder or like straps
- A41F15/005—Tapes for shoulder straps
-
- 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
- B32B25/00—Layered products comprising a layer of natural or synthetic rubber
- B32B25/10—Layered products comprising a layer of natural or synthetic rubber next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D2300/00—Details of garments
- A41D2300/20—Inserts
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
Abstract
A method of manufacturing a fabric element 60 comprises applying a layer of an uncured silicone elastomer onto a surface of a first elastic fabric 12 and curing the layer to form an elastic cushioning layer 14, wherein the elasticity of the cured layer is determined by the viscosity of the uncured elastomer. The uncured layer is preferably applied onto the surface of a part of the first fabric arranged inside a cavity (figure 2b). The method may further comprise folding a portion of a second fabric 42 and sandwiching the first fabric between the folded portions. An edge of a third fabric 52 may be arranged on top of the elastic cushioning layer and sandwiched between folded portions of the second fabric. Also disclosed is a fabric element (10, figure 1) comprising an elastic fabric (12) and an elastic cushioning layer (14) in the form of a cured layer of silicone elastomer. The element may be used as a bra strap or to form a trim along the edge of a garment.
Description
FABRIC MANUFACTURE
This invention relates to a method of manufacturing a fabric element, and to a fabric element.
Factors that influence the choice of garment typically include comfort of a person wearing the garment. When worn, parts of the garment directly contacts the skin of a wearer.
This can lead to discomfort and irritation. A conventional technique for improving the comfort of a garment is the inclusion of padding material, such as foam rubber, to provide cushioning to various parts of the garment. Such use of padding material however can result in a bulky garment, which adversely affects the aesthetics of the garment.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a fabric element comprising a first fabric and a elastic, cushioning layer, wherein the first fabric is elastic, the method comprising the steps of: selecting an uncured silicone elastomer having a predetermined viscosity; applying a layer of uncured silicone elastomer onto a surface of a first, elastic fabric; and curing the layer of uncured silicone elastomer to form an elastic, cushioning layer, wherein the elasticity of the cured cushioning layer is determined by the viscosity of the uncured silicone elastomer.
The choice of silicone elastomer depends on the viscosity of the uncured silicone elastomer, which must be sufficiently low to impart stretchability to the cured layer of silicone elastomer. Otherwise, if the viscosity of the silicone elastomer is not sufficiently low, the resultant cured silicone elastomer would become rigid upon curing and thereby inhibit the stretch of the first fabric. In addition, the cured layer of silicone elastomer is required to be sufficiently soft to provide a cushioning effect.
The provision of the elastic, cushioning layer allows the fabric element that is able to be shaped without affecting the aesthetic quality of the fabric element. For example, the fabric element may be shaped to permit its arrangement around a curved bra wire. In contrast, the use of a fabric element with a rigid cushioning layer for the same purpose results in the formation of wrinkles or folds along the edges of the fabric element, which is detrimental to the aesthetic quality of the fabric element.
In embodiments of the invention, the method may further include the steps of arranging at least part of the first fabric inside a cavity; and applying the layer of uncured silicone elastomer onto the surface of the part of the first fabric arranged inside the cavity.
The use of the cavity in this manner permits the formation of a elastic, cushioning layer with sufficient height to achieve a cushioning effect. This is because the use of an uncured silicone elastomer having a sufficiently low viscosity might be prone to spreading when applied to a flat surface and requires the use of a cavity to contain the uncured silicone elastomer during the curing step.
In other embodiments of the invention, the method may further include the step of heating the uncured silicone elastomer prior to the step of applying a layer of uncured silicone elastomer onto the surface of the first fabric. In such embodiments, the silicone elastomer may be a multi-part polymer formed from a plurality of component parts, and the step of heating the uncured silicone elastomer may involve the heating of the plurality of component parts of the uncured silicone elastomer.
Heating of the uncured silicone elastomer or the plurality of its component parts prior to its application to the fabric surface creates a layer of uncured silicone elastomer, which does not spread over the fabric surface and has sufficient height to produce a cushioning effect when the layer of uncured silicone elastomer is cured.
The plurality of component parts of the uncured silicone elastomer may be heated at a temperature in the range of 100°C to 150°C, preferably at a temperature of 130°C.
In further embodiments, the method may further include the step of applying flocking material to the surface of the layer of uncured silicone elastomer prior to curing, or to the surface of the elastic, cushioning layer after the step of curing the layer of uncured silicone elastomer. The flocking material may, for example, be selected from a group including talcum powder, powder coated adhesive and powder thermoset adhesive.
Flocking the surface of the elastic, cushioning layer allows the fabric element to be easily handled. Otherwise the tackiness of cured silicone elastomer would cause unwanted adhesion of the elastic, cushioning layer to a user's hands or another fabric.
In other embodiments of the invention, the method may further include the steps of depositing a barrier layer on top of the elastic, cushioning layer and curing the barrier layer.
The barrier layer may be made from any material that is able to act as a protective layer to prevent damage to, and minimise wear and tear of, the elastic, cushioning layer during use of the fabric element.
The fabric element may be used either alone or include one or more additional fabrics to farm different configurations of the fabric element, depending on the intended use of the fabric element. Such use includes, but is not limited to, formation or incorporation of the fabric element into an article of clothing.
In embodiments of the invention, the method may further include the step of folding a portion of the first fabric to sandwich the elastic, cushioning layer between folded portions of the first fabric.
In other embodiments of the invention, the method may further include the step ot is forming the first fabric into a tubular fabric so that the elastic, cushioning layer is encased within the tubular fabric. In such embodiments, the step of curing the layer of uncured silicone elastomer may include the step of heating the tubular fabric inside a heated mould.
In other embodiments of the invention, the method may further include the step of forming the first fabric into a tubular fabric so that the elastic, cushioning layer is on an outer surface of the tubular fabric.
In further embodiments of the invention, the fabric element may further comprise a second fabric, the method including the steps of folding a portion of the second fabric to sandwich the first fabric between folded portions of the second fabric. In such embodiments, the fabric element may further comprise a third fabric, the method including the steps of arranging an edge of the third fabric on top of the elastic, cushioning layer and sandwiching the edge of the third fabric between folded portions of the first fabric.
In embodiments employing the step of folding a portion of the first fabric to sandwich the elastic, cushioning layer between folded portions of the first fabric, the fabric element may further comprises a third fabric, the method including the step of arranging an edge of the third fabric on top of the elastic, cushioning layer and sandwiching the edge of the third fabric between folded portions of the second fabric.
In still further embodiments, the fabric element may further include a tubular fabric, the method further including the step of arranging the first fabric into the tubular fabric.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a fabric element comprising a first, elastic fabric and a elastic, cushioning layer in the form of a cured layer of silicone elastomer applied onto a surface of the first fabric.
In embodiments of the invention, the fabric element may further include flocking material applied to the surface of the elastic, cushioning layer. The flocking material may, for example, be selected from a group including talcum powder, powder coated adhesive and powder thermoset adhesive.
In other embodiments, the fabric element may further include a cured barrier layer on top of the silicone layer.
In further embodiments, a portion of the first fabric may be folded so that the elastic, cushioning layer is sandwiched between folded portions of the first fabric.
Preferably the first fabric is a tubular fabric and the elastic, cushioning layer is either encased within the tubular fabric or on an outer surface of the tubular fabric.
The fabric element may further include a second fabric, wherein a portion of the second fabric is folded and the first fabric is sandwiched between folded portions of the second fabric.
The fabric element may further include a third fabric, wherein an edge of the third fabric is arranged on top of the elastic, cushioning layer and sandwiched between folded portions of either the first fabric or the second fabric.
In embodiments of the invention, the fabric element may further include a tubular fabric, wherein the first fabric is arranged within the tubular fabric.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a fabric element according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figures 2a and 2b respectively illustrate methods of manufacturing the first fabric element shown in Figure 1; Figures 3a to 3c respectively show first, second and third variants of the first fabric element; Figures 4a and 4b respectively show variants of a fabric element according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a fabric element according to a third embodiment of the invention Figure 6 shows a fabric element according to a fourth embodiment of the invention Figure 7 shows a fabric element according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; and Figure 8 illustrates a method of manufacturing the fifth fabric element shown in Figure 7.
A first fabric element 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1.
The first fabric element 10 comprises a first fabric 12, which is elastic, and a elastic, cushioning layer 14. The elastic, cushioning layer 14 is in the form of a cured layer of silicone elastomer extruded onto a surface of the first fabric 12.
The silicone elastomer of the first fabric element 10 is RTV835, which has a viscosity of 11 Pas at a temperature of 23°C. After being heated for 1 hr at 100°C, RTV835 exhibits a 33 cm1 penetration subjected to a Cone Penetration Test using a 9.4 gr quarter cone.
The choice of silicone elastomer depends on the viscosity of the uncured silicone elastomer, which must be sufficiently low to impart stretchability to the cured layer of silicone elastomer. Otherwise, if the viscosity of the uncured silicone elastomer is not sufficiently low, the resultant cured layer of silicone elastomer would become rigid upon curing and thereby inhibit the stretch of the first fabric 12. In addition, the cured layer of silicone elastomer is required to be sufficiently soft to provide a cushioning effect.
The first fabric element 10 further includes flocking material 16 applied to the surface of the elastic, cushioning layer 14. The flocking material 16 may be selected from a group including talcum powder, powder coated adhesive and powder thermoset adhesive.
Manufacture of each embodiment of the fabric element is carried out using an extrusion apparatus in the form of a silicone dispensing unit. The silicone dispensing unit includes an extruder having an extruder head 18 which produces thin layers of silicone elastomer for application to the surface of the fabric. The fabric is mounted onto a support, which is controlled to be positioned next to the extruder head 18. During the extrusion of the layer of silicone elastomer to the surface of the fabric, the extruder head 18 is controlled to move 20 relative to the support so as to apply the layer of silicone elastomer across the surface of the fabric.
A first method of manufacturing the first fabric element 10 is described as follows with reference to Figure 2a.
The RTV835 silicone elastomer 22 has two component parts 24a,24b, which are initially heated inside a 2 metre-long coiled tubing 26 kept within a heating block 28. The use of the coiled tubing is necessary to contain each component part during its heating because of the low viscosity of each component part. Each component part 24a24b is heated at a temperature in the range of 100°C to 150°C, in which the preferred heating temperature is 130°C.
The component parts 24a,24b are then mixed to form the uncured RTV83S silicone elastomer 22. This is followed by dispensing of the uncured RTVS35 silicone elastomer 22 through the extruder head 18 to apply a layer of uncured RTV835 silicone elastomer to the surface of the first fabric 12. Following the extrusion of the layer of uncured RTV835 silicone elastomer onto the surface of the first fabric 12, the layer of RTVB35 silicone elastomer is cured via exposure to heat to form the elastic, cushioning layer 14.
Finally flocking material 16 is applied to the surface of the cured layer of RTV835 silicone elastomer.
Heating the component parts 24a,24b of the uncured RTVB35 silicone elastomer 22 has been found to create a layer of RTV835 silicone elastomer with sufficient height to create a cushioning effect after its curing. Otherwise the omission of the heating step from the method of manufacture would result in the layer of uncured silicone elastomer spreading over the surface of the first fabric 12 due to its low viscosity.
Alternatively1 the uncured RTV835 silicone elastomer 22 may be heated at the aforementioned temperatures after mixing of its component parts 24a,24b and before being dispensed through the extruder head 18. It is envisaged that, in other embodiments, the extruder head 18 may be kept at an elevated temperature, preferably in the range of 100°C to 150°C, in which the further preferred heating temperature is 130°C.
It is envisaged that, in other embodiments, the flocking material 16 may be applied to the surface of the layer of RTV835 silicone elastomer prior to its curing.
Optionally the first fabric element 10, and other embodiments of the fabric element, may omit the flocking material 16, which means that the method of manufacturng the fabric element may omit the step of applying flocking material 16 to the surface of the layer of RTV835 silicone elastomer.
A second method of manufacturing the first fabric element 10 is described as follows with reference to Figure 2b.
The second method is similar to the first method except that the second method omits the step of heating the component parts 24a,24b of the uncured RTVB35 silicone elastomer 22 prior to the step of extruding the uncured RTVS35 silicone elastomer.
Part of the fabric is arranged inside a cavity of a mould 30. The component parts of the R1V835 silicone elastomer are mixed to form the uncured RTV835 silicone elastomer.
This is followed by dispensing of the uncured RT\1835 silicone elastomer through the extruder head 18 to apply a layer of uncured RTVS35 silicone elastomer onto the surface of the part of the first fabric 12 arranged inside the cavity. This causes the layer of uncured RTVB35 silicone elastomer to take the shape of the cavity. Following the extrusion of the layer of RTV835 silicone elastomer onto the surface of the part of the first fabric 12 arranged inside the cavity, the layer of RTV835 silicone elastomer is cured via exposure to heat to form the elastic, cushioning layer 14, whilst the layer of RTV835 silicone elastomer is contained inside the cavity. Finally flocking material 16 is applied to the surface of the cured layer of RTV835 silicone elastomer and the first fabric element is separated from the mould 30.
The use of the cavity to contain the uncured RTV835 silicone elastomer has been found to create a layer of RTV835 silicone elastomer with sufficient height to create a cushioning effect after its curing. The height of the layer of uncured RTV835 silicone elastomer depends on the depth of the cavity.
Moreover the use of the cavity prevents the uncured RTV835 silicone elastomer from spreading over the surface of the first fabric 12 before its curing.
Other than providing a cushioning effect, the stretchability of the cushioning layer 14 together with the elasticity of the first fabric 12 allows the first fabric element 10 to be freely shaped for formation or incorporation into an article of clothing while retaining the aesthetic quality of the article of clothing. In contrast, a rigid cushioning layer 14 inhibits the stretch of the first fabric 12, which results in wrinkling and folding of the first fabric 12 when used for the same purpose. This in turn is detrimental to the aesthetic quality of the resultant article of clothing Moreover the use of the extrusion apparatus to apply the layer of uricured silicone elastomer to the surface of the first fabric 12 permits the formation of complex patterns on the surface of the first fabric 12 and thereby enhances control over the distribution of the elastic, cushioning layer 14 across the first fabric element 10. The extrusion apparatus can also be used to form a single continuous layer of silicone elastomer having a variation of properties thereacross, without the presence of breaks in the continuous layer. This not only improves the aesthetic qualities of the resultant fabric element, but also ensures the uniformity of the elasticity of the fabric element.
The use of flocking material 16 in the first fabric element 10 minimises the adhesiveness of the tacky surface of the cushioning layer 14. This thereby improves handling of the first fabric element 10 and prevent adhesion to a user or other fabrics during subsequent use of the first fabric element 10.
The fabric element may be used either alone or include one or more additional fabrics to form different configurations of the fabric element, depending on the intended use of the fabric element.
Figures 3a to 3d respectively show first, second and third variants of the first fabric element 10, where each variant is a different configuration of the first fabric element 10.
In the first variant of the first fabric element 10, a portion of the first fabric 12 is folded so that the elastic, cushioning layer 14 is sandwiched between folded portions of the first fabric 12.
In the second variant of the first fabric element 101 the first fabric 12 is arranged to form a tubular fabric and the elastic, cushioning layer 14 is encased within the tubular fabric such that there is an air gap 32 inside the tubular fabric, In the third variant of the first fabric element 10, the first fabric 12 is arranged to form a tubular fabric and the elastic, cushioning layer 14 is encased within the tubular fabric so that there is no air gap inside the tubular fabric and the elastic, cushioning layer 14 completely fills up the inside of the tubular fabric.
In the fourth variant of the first fabric element 10, the first fabric 12 is arranged to form a tubular fabric and the elastic, cushioning layer 14 is on an outer surface of the tubular fabric.
During the manufacture of the second and third variants of the first fabric element 10, the first fabric 12 may be arranged to form the tubular fabric prior to the curing of the layer of RTV835 silicone elastomer. The tubular fabric is then arranged inside a heated mould to cure the layer of RTV835 silicone elastomer.
A second fabric element 40 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 4a and 4b. The second fabric element 40 is identical in terms of structure and method of manufacture to the first fabric element 10, except that the second fabric element 40 further includes a second fabric 42.
Figures 4a and 4b respectively show first and second variants of the second fabric element 40, where each variant is a different configuration of the second fabric element 40.
In the first variant of the second fabric element 40, a portion of the second fabric 42 is folded and the first fabric 12 is sandwiched between folded portions of the second fabric 42.
In the second variant of the second fabric element 40, the second fabric 42 is arranged to form a tubular fabric and the first fabric 12 is arranged with the second fabric 42.
A third fabric element 50 according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 5. The third fabric element 50 is identical in terms of structure and method of manufacture to the first variant of the first fabric element 10, except that the third fabric element 50 further includes a third fabric 52. Additionally, an edge of the third fabric 52 is arranged on top of the elastic, cushioning layer 14 and sandwiched between folded portions of the first fabric 12.
A fourth fabric element 60 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 6. The fourth fabric element 60 is identical in terms of structure and method of manufacture to the first variant of the second fabric element 40, except that the third fabric element 50 further includes a third fabric 52. Additionally an edge of the third fabric 52 is arranged on top of the elastic, cushioning layer 14 and sandwiched between folded portions of the second fabric 42.
The configuration of the third and fourth fabric elements 50,60 may be used to form a trim along the edges of a garment, where a elastic, cushioning layer 14 is encased within the trim. The used of such garment trim not only improves the comfort of a wearer of the garment, but also avoids the risk of wrinkles and folds associated with the use of rigid fabrics and thereby maintains the aesthetics of the garment.
A fifth fabric element 70 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 7a and 7b. The fifth fabric element 70 is identical in terms of structure and method of manufacture to the fourth variant of the first fabric element 10, except that the fifth fabric element 70 further includes a barrier layer 72 on top of the elastic, cushioning layer 14, and omits the flocking material 16 applied on the surface of the elastic, cushioning layer 14 of the first fabricelement 10.
Figures 7a and 7b respectively show first and second variants of the fifth fabric element 70, where each variant is a different configuration of the fifth fabric element 70.
In the first variant of the fifth fabric element 70, the first fabric 12 is a flat fabric.
In the second variant of the fifth fabric element 70, the first fabric 12 is arranged to form a tubular fabric.
The barrier layer 72 is in the form of a cured layer of silicone elastomer. The silicone elastomer of the barrier layer 72 is RTV83O, which has a higher viscosity and a greater chemical strength than RTV835. These properties allow the barrier layer 72 to act as a protective layer to prevent damage to, and minimise wear and tear of, the elastic, cushioning layer 14 caused by contact with the wearer, other fabrics or other objects.
The elastic, cushioning layer 14 is therefore able to be used as an outer cushion on an outer surface of the first fabric 12.
It is envisaged that, in other embodiments, the barrier layer 72 may cover part or whole of the surface of the first fabric 12.
Optionally the fifth fabric material may further include flocking material 16 applied to the surface of the barrier layer 72.
A method of manufacturing the fifth fabric element 70 is described as follows with reference to Figure 8. The method of manufacturing the fifth fabric element 70 is identical to the first and second methods of manufacturing the first fabric element 10, except that the method of manufacturing the fifth fabric element 70 further includes the step of depositing the barrier layer 72 on top of the elastic, cushioning layer 14.
After the uncured RTV835 silicone elastomer 22 is dispensed through the extruder head 18 to apply a layer of uncured RTV835 silicone elastomer to the surface of the first fabric 12, an uncured RTV83O silicone elastomer is dispensed through the extruder head 18 to apply a layer of uncured RTV83O silicone elastomer on top of the layer of uncured RTV835 silicone elastomer. This is followed by curing both layers of RTV835 and RTVS3O silicone elastomer via exposure to heat to respectively form the elastic, cushioning layer 14 and the barrier layer 72.
It is envisaged that, in other embodiments, a fabric element according to the invention may be manufactured using a combination of two or more of the above-described methods of manufacturing the different embodiments of the fabric element.
It is also envisaged that, in other embodiments, the fabric element according to the invention may be formed or incorporated into an article of clothing. For example, the fabric element in the form of a tubular fabric may be used as a bra strap with a bra wire inside the tubular fabric. Such a bra strap therefore has a elastic, cushioning layer 14 that minimises the discomfort of the bra wearer in the event of bodily contact with the bra wire.
Claims (27)
- CLAIMS1. A method of manufacturing a fabric element comprising an elastic, cushioning layer on a surface of a first, elastic fabric, the method comprising the steps of: selecting an uncured silicone elastomer having a predetermined viscosity; applying a layer of uncured silicone elastomer onto a surface of a first, elastic fabric; and curing the layer of uncured silicone elastomer to form an elastic, cushioning layer, wherein the elasticity of the cured cushioning layer is determined by the viscosity of the uncured silicone elastomer.
- 2. A method according to any preceding claim further including the steps of arranging at least part of the first fabric inside a cavity; and applying the layer of uncured silicone elastomer onto the surface of the part of the first fabric arranged inside the cavity.
- 3. A method according to any preceding claim further including the step of heating the uncured silicone elastomer prior to the step of applying a layer of uncured silicone elastomer onto the surface of the first fabric.
- 4. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the silicone elastomer is a multi-part polymer formed from a plurality of component parts, and wherein the step of heating the uncured silicone elastomer involves the heating of the plurality of component parts of the uncured silicone elastomer.
- 5. A method according to Claim 3 or Claim 4 wherein the uncured silicone elastomer is heated atatemperature in the range of 100°C to 150°C.
- 6. A method according to Claim 5 wherein the uncured silicone elastomer is heated at a temperature of 130°C,
- 7. A method according to any preceding claim further including the step of applying flocking material to the surface of the layer of uncured silicone elastomer prior to curing, or to the surface of the elastic, cushioning layer after the step of curing the layer of uncured silicone elastomer.
- 8. A method according to any preceding claim further including the steps *of depositing a barrier layer on top of the elastic, cushioning layer and curing the barrier layer.
- 9. A method according to any preceding claim further including the step of folding a portion of the first fabric to sandwich the elastic, cushioning layer between folded portions of the first fabric.
- 10. A method according to any of Claims ito 8 further including the step of forming the first fabric into a tubular fabric so that the elastic, cushioning layer is encased within the tubular fabric.
- 11. A method according to Claim 10 wherein the step of curing the layer of uncured silicone elastomer includes the step of heating the tubular fabric inside a heated mould.
- 12. A method according to any of Claims Ito 8 further including the step of forming the first fabric into a tubular fabric so that the elastic, cushioning layer is on an outer surface of the tubular fabric.
- 13. A method according to any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the fabric element further comprises a second fabric, the method including the steps of folding a portion of the second fabric to sandwich the first fabric between folded portions of the second fabric.
- 14. A method according to Claim 13, wherein the fabric element further comprises a third fabric, the method including the step of arranging an edge of the third fabric on top of the elastic, cushioning layer and sandwiching the edge of the third fabric between folded portions of the second fabric.
- 15. A method according to Claim 9, wherein the fabric element further comprises a third fabric, the method including the step of arranging an edge of the third fabric on top of the elastic, cushioning layer and sandwiching the edge of the third fabric between folded portions of the first fabric.
- 16. A method according to any of Claims ito 8, wherein the fabric element further includes a tubular fabric, the method further including the step of arranging the first fabric within the tubular fabric.
- 17. A fabric element comprising a first, elastic fabric and a elastic, cushioning layer in the form of a cured layer of silicone elastomer applied onto a surface of the first, elastic fabric.
- 18. A fabric element according to Claim 17 further including flocking material applied to the surface of the elastic, cushioning layer.
- 19. A fabric element according to Claim 17 or Claim 18 further including a cured barrier layer on top of the elastic, cushioning layer
- 20. A fabric element according to any of Claims 17 to 19 wherein a portion of the first fabric is folded so that the elastic, cushioning layer is sandwiched between folded portions of the first fabric.is
- 21. A fabric element according to any of Claims 17 to 19 wherein the first fabric is a tubular fabric and the elastic, cushioning layer is encased within the tubular fabric.
- 22. A fabric element according to any of Claims 17 to 19 wherein the first fabric is a tubular fabric and the elastic, cushioning layer is on an outer surface of the tubular fabric.
- 23. A fabric element according to any of Claims 17 to 19 further including a secona fabric, wherein a portion of the second fabric is folded and the first fabric is sandwiched between folded portions of the second fabric.
- 24. A fabric element according to Claim 23 further including a third fabric, wherein an edge of the third fabric is arranged on top of the elastic, cushioning layer and sandwiched between folded portions of the second fabric.
- 25. A fabric element according to Claim 20 further including a third fabric, wherein an edge of the third fabric is arranged on top of the elastic, cushioning layer and sandwiched between folded portions of the first fabric.
- 26. A fabric element according to any of Claims 17 to 19 further including a tubular fabric, wherein the first fabric is arranged within the tubular fabric.
- 27. A fabric element generally as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB201211122A GB2503280A (en) | 2012-06-22 | 2012-06-22 | Cushioning fabric elements and methods of manufacture |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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GB201211122A GB2503280A (en) | 2012-06-22 | 2012-06-22 | Cushioning fabric elements and methods of manufacture |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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GB201211122D0 GB201211122D0 (en) | 2012-08-08 |
GB2503280A true GB2503280A (en) | 2013-12-25 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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GB201211122A Withdrawn GB2503280A (en) | 2012-06-22 | 2012-06-22 | Cushioning fabric elements and methods of manufacture |
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GB (1) | GB2503280A (en) |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2004098326A2 (en) * | 2003-04-30 | 2004-11-18 | Sara Lee Corporation | Garments and methods of manufacturing |
US20050130559A1 (en) * | 2002-12-06 | 2005-06-16 | Sara Lee Corporation | Protected underwire |
US20060223415A1 (en) * | 2003-02-03 | 2006-10-05 | Francis Watrin | Moulded textile lingerie item, particularly a bra with suppport regaion made from silicone |
DE102005053637A1 (en) * | 2005-10-31 | 2007-05-16 | Nicole Cloppenburg | Ladies corsetry, has support mechanism in bust part, with which support band is utilized along bust projection, and silicone stripe included in support band and including breadth and height of specific millimeters |
US20090098803A1 (en) * | 2005-04-22 | 2009-04-16 | Nike, Inc | Athletic Bra |
US20100173119A1 (en) * | 2008-05-02 | 2010-07-08 | New Textile Technologies Gmbh | Narrow fabric with elastomeric coating and flock |
GB2481867A (en) * | 2010-07-07 | 2012-01-11 | Stretchline Intellectual Properties Ltd | Fabric with elastomeric bonded hem |
-
2012
- 2012-06-22 GB GB201211122A patent/GB2503280A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050130559A1 (en) * | 2002-12-06 | 2005-06-16 | Sara Lee Corporation | Protected underwire |
US20060223415A1 (en) * | 2003-02-03 | 2006-10-05 | Francis Watrin | Moulded textile lingerie item, particularly a bra with suppport regaion made from silicone |
WO2004098326A2 (en) * | 2003-04-30 | 2004-11-18 | Sara Lee Corporation | Garments and methods of manufacturing |
US20090098803A1 (en) * | 2005-04-22 | 2009-04-16 | Nike, Inc | Athletic Bra |
DE102005053637A1 (en) * | 2005-10-31 | 2007-05-16 | Nicole Cloppenburg | Ladies corsetry, has support mechanism in bust part, with which support band is utilized along bust projection, and silicone stripe included in support band and including breadth and height of specific millimeters |
US20100173119A1 (en) * | 2008-05-02 | 2010-07-08 | New Textile Technologies Gmbh | Narrow fabric with elastomeric coating and flock |
GB2481867A (en) * | 2010-07-07 | 2012-01-11 | Stretchline Intellectual Properties Ltd | Fabric with elastomeric bonded hem |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB201211122D0 (en) | 2012-08-08 |
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