Multifunctional protective fabric

Abstract

The present invention is directed toward a multifunctional protective fabric and yarn. The fabric has a double knit interlock material of the yarns. The yarns include: a first filament being a liquid crystal polymer filament; and a second filament being selected from the group consisting of: modacrylic, polyacrylonitrile, nylon, glass, aramid, olefins, and combinations thereof. The weight ratio of the first filament to the second filament ranges from 20:80 to 99:1.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 289,021 filed Jan. 22, 2009.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The instant invention relates to fabrics, and more particularly, to multifunctional protective fabrics used in protective garments and accessories, including particular fibers and materials and methods for making the fabrics.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The instant invention relates to multifunctional protective fabrics for protective garments and accessories made from high strength fibers and materials, as well as methods for making such multifunctional protective fabrics. In particular, the fabrics may be formed of high strength fibers that can be incorporated with other materials to produce comfortable garments and accessories that are resistant to abrasion, penetration, laceration, impact and are thermal and flame resistant.[0004]Most protective fabrics used in protective garments, and accessories are generally of lo...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Most protective fabrics used in protective garments, and accessories are generally of low single purpose effectiveness, and limited comfort.

Protective garments and accessories made of conventional commercially available fabrics that are touted as puncture, laceration, abrasion and / or impact resistant are often of questionable wearability, or at least suffer from bulkiness, denseness, rigidity, and quite often, ineffectiveness.

Drysuits as such, are designed to not “breathe” well (i.e. allow in or out passing of air) which can be uncomfortable for the wearer.

While some wetsuit and drysuit manufacturers are bonding thermally insulating materials, such as wool, nylon, or titanium to primary construction materials, modern wetsuits and drysuits offer little to zero protection against abrasion, penetration, and laceration, limiting their effectiveness and becoming even dangerous in adverse conditions.

Environmental factors including reef or rock substrates, marine animals, such as coral, barnacles, stingrays, predators, or even man-made factors such as abrasive or sharp edge materials, and penetrating objects, can compromise the integrity of the suit, garment or accessory, and therefore it's utility.

Protective garments, such as shark-resistant suits, are heavy because they are made of metal, and therefore, are negatively buoyant in the water.

Regarding military and law enforcement use, truly protective garments and accessories are commonly limited to body armor.

Conventional body armor is bulky, heavy, cumbersome, and uncomfortable to wear.

Conventional body armor is usually tailored to stop blunt-force objects and ballistic threats, but can be ineffective against other hazards such as sharp edged weapons, or other objects.

Further due to the constraints of commercially available materials (bulk, rigidity etc.), conventional body armor is limited from protective coverage of broader areas of the body beyond the torso of the wearer.