3D three-dimensional spacer fabric with longitudinal filaments, permeable to air

Abstract

Three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) for rain protection with air-permeable three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric. The invention relates to the field of rain protection devices such as umbrellas, tents, or rainwear. The rain protection device comprises a three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric whose pressure loss coefficient is less than 5. Preferably, to facilitate installation, the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric is stretchable so that it can be tensioned. The three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) is a succession of parallel and oblique knitted meshes (M) connected to each other by a multitude of longitudinal filaments (F). The knitted faces (M) do not allow water to pass through, i.e., they are knitted over 100% of their surface and coated with a hydrophobic product, or are directly woven into a waterproof fabric. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 5.

Description

Title of the invention: 3D three-dimensional spacer fabric with longitudinal filaments, permeable to air

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

[0002] The invention relates to the field of three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics. PREVIOUS ART

[0003] The classic three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics as shown [Fig.l], 2 and 3 are technical fabrics (T) composed of two knitted faces (Ml) and (M2) with meshes (M) making each face, the two faces are connected by a multitude of transverse nylon filaments (F). These fabrics are notably used integrated into mattresses.

[0004] [Fig.l] illustrates a first example of a three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) with fine mesh and a thickness of 7.5 mm.

[0005] [Fig.2] illustrates a second example of a three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) with a wide mesh (M) and a double thickness of approximately 1.5 centimeters.

[0006] [Fig.3] shows a third example of a three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric with a wide mesh, the surface area of ​​the knitted part of which is almost the same as the surface area of ​​the fabric on each side.

[0007] It is possible according to the invention to envisage using such fabrics in devices for protection against the sun, against the rain or against mosquitoes for their quality of air permeability.

[0008] This air permeability is partly an optimization depending on the level of protection chosen; simply put, the higher the protection, the less easily air can pass through.

[0009] This will have two consequences. The first consequence is that a reduction in the quantity of air that can pass through can be considered as a loss of performance in terms of comfort.

[0010] The second consequence is that the force of the wind exerted will be all the stronger as this entails risks of use, for example in the case of a parasol or an umbrella, or risks of deterioration, or even destruction, for example in the case of a shade sail.

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric according to the invention comprises longitudinal filaments unlike conventional 3D spacer fabrics whose filaments are transverse.

[0013] The filaments connect the knitted faces (M) which are substantially parallel to each other, positioned either perpendicular to the fabric or obliquely.

[0014] Preferably, the pressure drop coefficient of the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric is less than 5, if possible less than 1.

[0015] For good mechanical resistance, the 3D spacer fabric is unravelable

[0016] Preferably to facilitate the installation of the rain protection device, the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric is extensible

[0017] For the installation of the rain protection device, it is advantageous if the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric is put under tension.

[0018] Preferably, the knitted faces of the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric do not allow water to pass through.

[0019] To protect from rain or sun, the knitted surface of the stitches represents 100% of the surface of the knitted face.

[0020] In terms of use, it is possible to combine the different devices such as for example a device for both protection against the sun and against the rain with the same three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric.

[0021] In the case of a stroller, it is also possible to make a device with the same technical fabric (T) three-dimensional 3D spacer which protects the baby from the sun, rain and mosquitoes while allowing air to pass through.

[0022] In terms of manufacturing process, the manufacturing process of the longitudinal filament three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric uses three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric knitting machines.

[0023] In the case of small series, it is possible to produce them by assembling three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics superimposed and then laser-cut into slices.

[0024] For larger series, it is possible to industrialize a process to produce them directly on 3D spacer fabric knitting machines. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which reference will be made to the attached drawings.

[0026] [Fig. 1] illustrates a first example of a three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric with fine mesh and a thickness of 7.5 mm.

[0027] [Fig.2] illustrates a second example of a three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric with large mesh and double thickness approximately 1.5 centimeters.

[0028] [Fig.3] shows a third example of a three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric with a wide mesh, the surface area of ​​the knitted part of which almost represents the surface area of ​​the fabric on each side.

[0029] [Fig.4] shows in section a three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric with longitudinal filaments according to the invention, the meshes of which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the fabric.

[0030] [Fig.5] shows in section a three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric with longitudinal filaments according to the invention, the meshes of which are parallel to each other and oblique to the fabric.

[0031] [Fig.6] shows a machine for knitting three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The filaments (F) of the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric according to the invention are longitudinal, unlike conventional 3D spacer fabrics whose filaments are transverse.

[0033] The fabric (T) is then a succession of knitted stitches (M) substantially parallel to each other, connected to each other by a multitude of filaments (F).

[0034] Unlike a three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric as shown [Fig. 1], [Fig.2] and [Fig.3], it is preferable that the knitted faces (M) do not allow water to pass through at all, i.e. are knitted over 100% of their surface and preferably coated with a hydrophobic product, either directly knitted or woven into a waterproof fabric.

[0035] Depending on the case depending on the respective position of the rain protection device and the direction of the rain, the meshes (M) are perpendicular as illustrated [Fig.4] or oblique as illustrated [Fig.5],

[0036] Thus, depending on the inclination of the fabric, the mesh allows protection from the sun or rain, for example, while allowing air to pass through in a different direction.

[0037] This is particularly the case for parasols and umbrellas. In the case of umbrellas, the inclination of the fabric varies depending on its position, while the wind is most often horizontal, influencing the direction of the rain.

[0038] Then the angle of inclination of the mesh (M) can vary continuously depending on its distance from the center of the umbrella which leads to a specific product.

[0039] In the case of a tent, it may include as a double roof such a 3D spacer fabric with longitudinal filaments allowing the wind to pass horizontally while protecting against falling rain.

[0040] Similarly for rainwear, the orientation of the stitches must be defined according to the selected part of the garment, whether it is a hood, sleeves or trouser legs, the back or simple, very localized gussets.

[0041] In addition, the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics are mechanically sound and will withstand strong winds. They withstand forces of several tens of kilos per m2.

[0042] For good mechanical resistance, the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) is unravelable.

[0043] Preferably, to allow air to pass through better, the pressure drop coefficient of the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric is less than 5, or even if possible 1. This coefficient represents the opposition to the passage of air through the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric. It is the ratio between the pressure drop measured in Pascal between the upstream and downstream pressure when the fabric is crossed by an air flow at a speed V given in meters per second and the equivalent of the kinetic energy of the air U2 pV2, p being the density of the air.

[0044] A pressure loss coefficient of less than 5 makes it possible to be more permeable than the low permeability fabrics usually sold on the market.

[0045] A pressure loss coefficient of less than 1 makes it possible to limit the consequences of wind force and, for example, to prevent an umbrella from turning inside out or flying away with all the risks that this entails.

[0046] Preferably to facilitate the installation of a protective device such as for example against rain, the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric is extensible.

[0047] For this, to maintain a form of elasticity so that the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) remains extensible, it is not necessary to carry out the geometric stabilization operation by thermal process used in the case of 3D spacer fabrics integrated into mattresses to guarantee the dimensional conformity expected for use in a mattress.

[0048] Unlike the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics integrated into the mattresses, it is not necessary to implement the thermal stabilization process which would make the fabric (T) not very extensible. For example, the heat treatment may consist of bringing the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) to 200°C for 30 seconds to ensure dimensional conformity.

[0049] By not doing so, the 3D spacer fabric can remain stretchable for values ​​greater than 30%, or even 50% depending on their design.

[0050] This also has the advantage in terms of compactness that the volume of the fabric (T) in the stored position, as is the case for example with a folded umbrella or a rolled-up tent flysheet, takes up less space.

[0051] For the installation of the device, it is advantageous for the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric to be tensioned. This is particularly advantageous in the case of an umbrella where the 3D spacer fabric is stretched over the ribs of the umbrella.

[0052] In terms of use, of course in the context of this invention, it is possible to combine the different devices such as for example a device for both protection against the sun and against the rain in a general way combining for example the parasol and umbrella function with the same technical fabric (T) three-dimensional 3D spacer.

[0053] In the case of a stroller, it is also possible to produce a device with the same technical fabric (T) three-dimensional 3D spacer which protects the baby from the sun, rain and mosquitoes while allowing air to pass through.

[0054] In terms of manufacturing process, the manufacturing process of the rain protection device uses 3D spacer fabric knitting machines (MT) like the one illustrated [Fig.6].

[0055] In the case of longitudinal filaments (F) it is possible to produce them for small series by assembling conventional three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics (T) superimposed and then laser-cut into slices to the desired thickness.

[0056] For larger series, it is possible to industrialize a process to produce them directly on machines (MT) for knitting three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics like the one illustrated [Fig.6]. Industrial application

[0057] In terms of industrial application, the invention applies for example to devices for protection against the sun, rain, or mosquitoes.

[0058] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and shown, but those skilled in the art will be able to provide any variation in accordance with its spirit for a range of products in different fields.

Claims

Claims

1. Three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) characterized by the fact that it is in the form of a 3D knit composed of a succession of knitted stitches (M) positioned either perpendicular to the fabric or obliquely, connected to each other by a multitude of filaments (F).

2. Three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) according to claim 1 characterized in that the knitted stitches (M) are substantially parallel to each other.

3. Three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the pressure loss coefficient is less than 5.

4. Three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric is extensible.

5. Three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the knitted faces (M) of the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (M) do not allow water to pass through.

6. Three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the knitted surface of the stitches (M) represents 100% of the surface of the fabric.

7. Method for manufacturing the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it uses machines for knitting three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics.

8. A method according to claim 7 comprising assembling three-dimensional 3D spacer fabrics and then laser cutting them into slices.

9. Use of a three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is used in a device for protection against the sun, against the rain or against mosquitoes.

10. Use according to claim 9 characterized in that the three-dimensional 3D spacer fabric (T) is put under tension in the protection device.

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