Flame resistant fabrics with improved aesthetics and comfort, and method of making same

Abstract

Fabrics having improved aesthetic characteristics in addition to good FR characteristics and strength are described, as well as a method for making the fabrics. The fabrics are made by subjecting a fabric containing inherently flame resistant fibers to a fluid treatment process such that a fabric with good comfort and aesthetic characteristics is formed. In one form of the invention, the fabric comprises plied yarns, and the fluid treatment process serves to separate the plies from each other. The fabrics have a soft hand, good protective characteristics, good strength and durability, as well as good wicking and soil release characteristics.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] A variety of occupations require workers to come into close contact with hot equipment, hot substances open flames, and electric arcs and the like. For example, oil refinery, petro chemical workers, electricians, military personnel, etc. typically operate in such environments. In order to minimize their risk of injury from the hot elements, such workers typically wear flame resistant apparel. [0002] Flame resistant garments are generally made from flame resistant materials such as those made from aramid fibers (including meta-aramids and para-aramids), melamine fibers, or those treated with flame resistant “FR” chemistries. Prior protective garments have focused strictly on flame resistant protection and durability, since the garments must provide good protection to the wearer, and must withstand hazardous environments. In addition, because many garments are often laundered under industrial wash conditions, they must be capable of withstanding a nu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] With the foregoing in mind, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide flame resistant fabrics having improved wearer comfort at comparable levels of FR protection and strength to conventional FR fabrics.

[0007] It is also an object of the invention to provide FR fabrics having improved aesthetics relative to commercially-available FR fabrics, and in particular, relative to commercially-available fabrics made from inherently FR fibers.

[0008] It is also an object of the invention to provide a method for enhancing the comfort of FR fabrics, and for manufacturing FR fabrics having good comfort and aesthetic characteristics in combination with good strength and durability.

[0009] It is a further object of the invention to provide an FR fabric having improved strength and moisture absorption with improved cleanability and a reduced tendency for soil redeposition.

[0011] The present invention is directed to flame resistant fabrics that provide good protection to the wearer from short exposure open flame, and / or electric arc, while also providing enhanced aesthetics. In particular, the fabrics of the invention have superior hand, physical strength, durability, moisture transport, and soil release, and are more comfortable to the wearer than existing fabrics having comparable levels of FR protection.

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, the prior garments, which have tended to perform relatively well from the standpoint of protection and durability, have been extremely deficient in aesthetic characteristics such as wearer comfort.

For example, they are known to be stiff and to have a harsh handle, and they are generally considered to be hot and uncomfortable to the wearers.

Not only is the discomfort typically associated with these garments a source of displeasure to the wearers, but it may discourage them from wearing the equipment that would optimize their protection, thereby jeopardizing their safety.

Furthermore, these garments are typically so uncomfortable as to require an undergarment of some sort to protect the wearer's skin, which can be undesirable when the garment is to be worn in hot environments.

As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the garment construction modifications made to enhance comfort can have a negative effect on wearer protection.

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