Flame-resistant functional undergarment for racing drivers and astronauts and flame-resistant multifilament yarn

Abstract

The flame-retardant effect of knitted functional underwear made from a base yarn and a basic knitted structure along at least one area of ​​the functional underwear, with several additional areas having different functional knitted structures, is intended to be increased. This is achieved by the fact that the knitted, single-layer functional underwear predominantly has a 3D knitted structure knitted with the base yarn, which comprises a plurality of knitted, raised hollow shapes with air inclusions, i.e., tubular or circular.tubular and thus longer than wide hollow forms are knitted in during the knitting process and the base yarn of the 3D knitted structure is formed from a multifilament yarn of - between 80 and 120 individual yarn filaments, and wherein the total weight of the multifilament yarn is proportionally formed from: - 50wt% to 60wt% viscose filament, preferably > 55wt%, - 20wt% to 30wt% aramid filament, preferably 20wt% and 25wt%, - 10wt% to 20wt% polyamide filament, preferably between 15wt% and 20wt%, - 1wt% to 5wt% elastane filament, most preferably 3wt% and - 0.1wt% to 2wt% carbon fibers, preferably 1wt%.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention describes knitted functional underwear with flame-retardant properties made of a base yarn and a basic knitting structure at least along one area of ​​the functional underwear, wherein several areas with different functional knitting structures are additionally knitted in and a flame-retardant multifilament yarn. State of the art

[0002] Functional underwear is also known as technical underwear or baselayer and is a special type of clothing worn under a sports suit to protect the body and / or regulate it optimally, so that moisture transport and temperature regulation can be achieved, often differently in different areas of the body.

[0003] Functional underwear is characterized by several key features. First, it is designed to effectively wick moisture away from the skin to keep the body dry, making it particularly useful during strenuous activities and changing weather conditions. It also aids in temperature regulation, with models available for both cold and warm weather. The close fit ensures comfort and freedom of movement without causing uncomfortable chafing. This underwear often incorporates odor-inhibiting properties to minimize unwanted smells, especially during intense physical activity. Additionally, some models offer UV protection, making them ideal for outdoor activities.

[0004] Functional underwear is versatile and provides an important foundation for activities such as hiking, skiing, running, cycling and more.

[0005] The knitted performance underwear of interest here can be made from various materials and construction methods, and knitting is one of them. Most knitted performance underwear pieces are made from synthetic or technical fibers such as polyester, nylon, or merino wool. These materials are often processed in special knitting patterns to achieve desired properties such as moisture management, temperature regulation, and breathability.

[0006] Knitted functional underwear can feel particularly comfortable against the skin if it is preferably at least partially seamless to minimize friction and irritation. In this case, individual pieces are knitted seamlessly in one piece and in a tubular shape. The choice of material and knit pattern depends on the intended use. For example, merino wool can offer natural insulation and odor control, while synthetic fibers such as polyester can have better moisture-wicking and drying properties.

[0007] Commercially available knitted functional underwear is unsuitable for use under racing suits for motorcyclists and, for example, for astronauts in space. Neither the strength, abrasion resistance, flame-retardant properties, nor wearing comfort are currently satisfactory in meeting these requirements. Neither the knitting patterns nor the knitted material used can produce the desired robust knitted functional underwear.

[0008] From CN 208 533 026 U, flame-retardant knitted or woven garments with hollow shapes are known, in which two separate yarns are processed. Description of the invention

[0009] The present invention aims to develop a flame-resistant knitted functional underwear that is optimized for use under a racing suit or an astronaut suit and has improved properties in terms of strength, abrasion resistance and, above all, flame protection, while still offering greater wearing comfort than known functional underwear.

[0010] This goal is achieved through the selection and combination of a special yarn and an optimized 3D knitting structure.

[0011] Variations in feature combinations or minor adjustments to the invention can be found in the detailed description, illustrated in the figures, and included in the dependent patent claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0012] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will also become apparent from the following description of slightly modified embodiments of the invention, some of which will be clear to a person skilled in the art simply from the drawings. These are illustrated in Figure 1 shows a perspective front view of knitted functional underwear with several knitting patterns and a base yarn, while Figure 2 shows a perspective back view and a partially cutaway side view of the knitted functional underwear. Figure 1Figure 3a shows a schematic view into a single raised knitted hollow shape on a knitted surface of the base yarn. Figure 3b shows an embodiment of the 3D knitted structure with hexagonally arranged hollow shapes in a top view of the knitted surface, while Figure 3c shows a 3D knitted structure with differently oriented elongated hollow shapes parallel to each other, and Figure 3d shows a plurality of hollow shapes arranged in a uniform rectangular pattern in a top view. Description

[0013] The knitted functional underwear presented here, generally seamless and single-layered, at least in parts, is knitted with a special multifilament yarn in a basic knit structure, with at least several areas featuring a novel 3D knit structure. This multifilament yarn forms the base yarn of the functional underwear and may also be combined with other, different yarns in certain sections. Seamlessly knitted tubular sections of the functional underwear are joined to form a top and bottom. The special multifilament yarn may be used exclusively in some areas of the functional underwear and blended with an additional, different yarn during the knitting process in other areas. The functional underwear is primarily flame-retardant.

[0014] Since different areas are exposed to less elevated temperatures and / or additional functions such as moisture wicking or breathability are desired, the yarn blend and knitting pattern may differ in these areas, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 recognizable.

[0015] The basic knit fabric made of special multifilament yarn has a 3D knit structure, which is created by the knitting pattern used, knitted on a circular knitting machine.

[0016] The other functional knit structures are made from the multifilament yarn alone, blended with other yarns, or knitted into the functional underwear from a different yarn, as can be seen from the differently structured and colored sections in the functional underwear. These different functional knit structures are knitted into the elbows, spine, chest, genitals, and backs of the knees.

[0017] This 3D knitted structure, made from a special multifilament yarn, comprises knitted hollow shapes with air pockets. These hollow shapes are created during the knitting process as elongated, i.e., longer than they are wide, and thus tubular or tube-shaped elements. Due to the air pockets and their tubular shape, these hollow shapes protrude from the knitted surface, forming raised hollow forms. Distributed throughout the functional underwear, this 3D knitted structure forms the base fabric made from the multifilament yarn, which is defined in more detail below. A majority of the hollow shapes are preferably homogeneous and distributed across the functional underwear in a regular, repeating pattern.

[0018] Due to the 3D knitting structure, knitted hollow shapes with air pockets, arranged in various hollow-shape patterns, lie directly on the user's skin, i.e., projecting away from the knitted surface of the base yarn on the skin side. The user's skin is in Figure 3a Indicated by the thick black line. These hollow shape patterns comprise a plurality of knitted hollow shapes, thus forming the 3D knitted structure. The elongated hollow shapes and the knitted surface are formed by the multifilament yarn, as shown schematically in Figure 3a recognizable. Besides downward-facing hollow shapes, these can also be interwoven with the knitted surface or form part of the knitted surface, as shown in the diagram of Fig. 3a was hinted at.

[0019] The majority of the hollow shapes should be evenly distributed across the surface, in at least one area of ​​the functional underwear. Figure 3bThe structure consists of hexagonal hollow shapes, each with a hollow shape at its center, as indicated by the dashed hexagon shown in the example. The central hollow shape can also be omitted. All raised hollow shapes face the skin side of the wearer when the functional underwear is being worn.

[0020] In Figure 3c are longer than in Figure 3b The diagram shows hollow shapes in different orientations rotated relative to each other. Here too, air inclusions within the hollow shapes, as well as in the rows between them, are advantageous for the flame-retardant effect.

[0021] Naturally, the knitted construction method lends itself particularly well to regular patterns, as demonstrated by a rectangular pattern made up of a multitude of hollow shapes. 3D figure As shown. As indicated, a parallelogram arrangement can also be defined with or without a central hollow shape.

[0022] The individual hollow forms can be spaced apart and aligned, touching each other, or partially connected, as in Figure 3c The stitches should be arranged in a raised position, projecting away from the knitted surface of the base yarn. The formation of air channels between the knitted surface and the user's skin is important.

[0023] All 3D structures should be knitted in over a large area, distributed across at least one section of the functional underwear, especially in areas exposed to flames, i.e., preferably in areas where higher heat loads occur, where the flame-retardant effect is particularly important.

[0024] The finished functional underwear is primarily worn directly against the skin under racing suits or astronaut clothing. The increased surface area, resulting from the 3D knit structure, significantly enhances heat and flame resistance. This special 3D knit structure creates a better microclimate and improves flame-retardant performance for both drivers and astronauts.

[0025] To enhance the performance of the finished functional underwear, the base yarn used is a multifilament yarn consisting of at least 80 to 120 individual yarn filaments. Preferably, the number of individual yarn filaments in the multifilament yarn is greater than 100, and particularly preferably 115 ± 5 individual yarn filaments in a single strand. Due to the high number of individual yarn filaments, the multifilament yarn exhibits extremely high strength.

[0026] Since the yarn filaments are produced by extrusion, the average diameters of the individual yarn filaments are typically between 50 micrometers and 200 micrometers, and the average diameter of the processed multifilament yarn is typically between 0.8 mm and 1.6 mm.

[0027] Thinner multifilament yarns with Tex values ​​ranging from 50 to a maximum of 200 are used to manufacture this functional underwear. Tex is a metric unit and measures the weight in grams per 1000 meters of yarn.

[0028] Additionally, the individual yarn filaments are preferably twisted or braided together, giving the multifilament yarn a stranded structure. This increases the cohesion of the yarn filaments and further enhances the overall strength. This can be achieved through high-twisting, air texturing, or air swirling.

[0029] The chemical composition of the resulting multifilament yarn is similar to the protein structure of wasp spider silk, resulting in a robust and ultimately flame-retardant multifilament yarn, which is composed of the following yarn filaments in weight percent of the resulting multifilament yarn: 50 wt% to 60 wt% viscose filament, a cellulose-based man-made fiber also known as rayon, preferably > 55 wt%, more preferably 56 wt%, 20 wt% to 30 wt% aramid filament, preferably between 20 wt% and 25 wt%, more preferably 23 wt%, where aramid is defined as a polyamide with aromatic groups in the main chain, in which at least 85% of the amide groups are directly bonded to two aromatic rings. Meta-aramids (e.g., Nomex® from DuPont or Teijinconex® from Teijin Aramid), para-aramids (e.g., Kevlar® from DuPont), and para-aramid copolymers (Technora® from Teijin Aramid) can be used as aramid. 10 wt% to 20 wt% polyamide filament, preferably between 15 wt% and 20 wt%, most preferably 17 wt%, wherein the polyamide is preferably PA 6.6 = polyhexamethylene adipamide and / or PA 6 = polycaprolactam and / or PA14 = polytetradecanamide and / or PA11 = polyaminoundecanedioamide and / or PA12 = polylaurinlactam.1wt% to 5wt% elastane filament, usually preferably 3wt%, i.e. an elastomeric filament which consists of at least 85 wt% polyurethane and is therefore also abbreviated as PUE (for Polyurethane Elastic) and 0.1wt% to 2wt% carbon fibers or carbon fibers, usually preferably 1wt% . of the total weight of the resulting multifilament yarn with advantageously 80 to 120 individual yarn filaments made from the different materials.

[0030] The chemical and physical properties of the individual yarn filaments along and across the fiber direction or fiber orientation are different, which is why the individual yarn filaments and the multifilament yarn can be described as anisotropic.

[0031] Due to the properties of the multifilament yarn, its strand structure, and the chemical composition described above, heat conduction is effectively prevented. The slightly textured surface of the multifilament yarn offers minimal surface area for flames to catch, so the multifilament yarn itself has a flame-retardant effect. This flame-resistant multifilament yarn has no melting point, so there is no risk of burns from hot, liquid plastic. The material only chars at temperatures above 400 °C.

[0032] The properties of the multifilament yarn alone can achieve a flame-retardant effect. Combining the multifilament yarn with the 3D structures described above, featuring numerous hollow shapes distributed throughout the single-layer functional underwear, results in optimized flame-retardant functional underwear for racing drivers and astronauts.

[0033] Elements such as cuffs on arms and legs, the collar and the waistband are not provided here in the form of 3D knitting with hollow shapes, but in a different way, possibly knitted in with additional yarn.

[0034] Along the knitted leg lengths, it is advantageous to incorporate compression bandages, formed from the multifilament yarn or other yarns, or even knitted-in silicone or latex inserts. These compression bandages spiral completely around the upper and / or lower leg.

Claims

1. Knitted functional underwear with a flame-retardant effect made of a base yarn and a basic knit structure along at least one area of the functional underwear, whereby several areas with different functional knit structures are also knitted in, characterized by the fact that the knitted single-layer functional underwear forms a 3D knitting structure knitted with the base yarn, which comprises a plurality of knitted raised hollow shapes with air pockets, i.e. tubular or tubular and thus knitted in longer than broadly formed hollow shapes knitted in the knitting process and the basic yarn of the 3D knitting structure is formed from a multifilament yarn of - between 80 and 120 individual yarn filaments, and where proportionately the total weight of the multifilament yarn of: - 50wt% to 60wt% viscose filament, preferably > 55wt%, - 20wt% to 30wt% aramid filament, preferably 20wt% and 25wt%, - 10wt% to 20wt% polyamide filament, preferably between 15wt% and 20wt%, - 1wt% to 5wt% elastane filament, usually preferably 3wt% and - 0.1wt% to 2wt% carbon fiber, preferably 1wt%.

2. Knitted functional underwear according to claim 1, wherein the plural of hollow forms is homogeneous and distributed over the functional underwear in a regular repeating pattern.

3. Knitted functional underwear according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the knitted raised hollow forms with air pockets are knitted in the wearing state of the functional underwear in a protruding orientation towards the skin side of a carrier from a knitted surface of the base yarn.

4. Knitted functional underwear according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least parts of the functional underwear and the majority of hollow forms are seamlessly knitted in the knitting process on a circular knitting machine.

5. Knitted functional underwear according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow forms with air pockets of the knitted 3D knitted structure, arranged in a hexagonal structure of hollow forms with or without a hollow form in the center.

6. Knitted functional underwear according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the multifilament yarn comprises 115 (+ / -5) individual yarn filaments.

7. Flame retardant multifilament yarn, characterized by the fact that the multifilament yarn is made up of between 80 and 120 individual yarn filaments, with the yarn filaments accounting for the following proportions by weight of the resulting multifilament yarn:- 50wt% to 60wt% viscose filament, preferably > 55wt%,- 20wt% to 30wt% aramid filament, preferably 20wt% and 25wt%, - 10wt% to 20wt% polyamide filament, preferably between 15wt% and 20wt%,- 1wt% to 5wt% elastane filament, usually preferably 3wt% and - 0.1wt% to 2wt% carbon fibers, preferably 1wt%.

8. Flame-retardant multifilament yarn according to claim 7, wherein the multifilament yarn comprises 115 (+ / -5) individual yarn filaments.

9. Flame-retardant multifilament yarn according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the mean filament diameters of the individual yarn filaments are between 50 microns and 200 microns and the individual yarn filaments are twisted or intertwined with each other so that the multifilament yarn has a strand design.

10. Flame-retardant multifilament yarn according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the mean diameters of the processed multifilament yarn are between 0.8 mm and 1.6 mm.

11. Flame-retardant multifilament yarn according to one of claims 7 to 10, which has Tex values between 50 and 200 Tex.

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