Multi-directional-stretch, flame-resistant fabric

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-directional stretch fabric that has excellent flash fire and flame resistant qualities.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to fabric manufacture, fabrics, and related articles. More particularly, the invention relates to methods and products having improved flash fire and flame resistance and flexibility for the wearer. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART [0002] It is known that various environments require specially crafted articles of clothing to protect the wearer. For example, military personnel, such as pilots, flight crews, tanker crews, special forces, aircraft carrier personnel, first responders, such as firemen, police and EMS workers, petrochemical workers, electrical linemen, etc. require clothing that protects them against flash fire and flame. Although certain protective clothing exists, this clothing is unacceptably rigid and, as such, fails to provide the wearer with the necessary flexibility or freedom of movement to allow the wearer to effectively perform necessary duties. [0003] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,527,597 and 5,694,981 disclose a fabric ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] The invention satisfies the need and avoids the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a light-weight, multi-directional stretch, flash fire and flame resistant fabric that provides both sufficient fire protection and sufficient flexibility for the wearer. In one aspect, a stretch-woven aramid fabric is disclosed that permits improved mobility and durability while at the same time exhibits superior resistance to flash fire and flame.

[0007] The warp and filling yarns are constructed of flame resistant yarns or fibers, in one case N303 solution-dyed Nomex, and may be constructed of para-aramid or meta-aramid fibers. The amount of flame resistant yarn or fiber relative to the amount of elastomeric fiber core must be limited in order for the resultant fabric to provide adequate protection from flash fire or flame. On the other hand, the amount of elastomeric fiber core cannot be reduced to such an extent that the fabric has insufficient stretch and recovery. In one aspect, the flame resistant yarns or fibers are wrapped or spun around an elastomeric core. The yarns or fibers that are wrapped around the elastomeric core protect the core from melting or supporting a flame when the fabric is exposed to flash fire or flame.

[0008] In one aspect, after weaving, the fabric is scoured and heatset to provide certain physical properties including desired stretches and recovery in both directions, weight, width and resistance to shrinkage in laundering. A topical finish to obtain moisture management or water repellency may be applied during the process to provide additional performance characteristics. In another aspect, finishes that detract from the flame resistance performance of the fabric are avoided.

Problems solved by technology

On the other hand, the amount of elastomeric fiber core cannot be reduced to such an extent that the fabric has insufficient stretch and recovery.

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