Fabric elements

Abstract

A fabric element (20) is provided that includes a TiO2 additive, the fabric element (20) including a mark (22) formed in or on a surface of the fabric element (20), the mark (22) including a titanium oxide that is greater than TiO2.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fabric element and a method for making a fabric element.

[0002] It is known to print information onto clothing using a variety of techniques, such as screen printing or direct-to-garment printing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, titanium dioxide (TiO 2 A fabric element comprising a TiO 2 additive, the fabric element including a mark formed in or on a surface of the fabric element, the mark being 2 A fabric element is provided that comprises titanium oxide greater than or equal to 100% by weight.

[0004] Typically, TiO in powder form (e.g., in nanoparticle form) 2 is incorporated as an additive into fabrics to provide protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 2 Due to the size and color of TiO in the fabric, this 2 It provides a degree of opacity and whiteness depending on the amount of

[0005] The inventors have demonstrated that the laser (e.g., a UV laser or CO laser) can be used to generate oxygen-rich samples, preferably under hypoxic or zero-oxygen conditions compared to atmospheric oxygen levels at sea level. 2 Laser irradiation of TiO 2 It has been found that prolonged exposure to TiO produces a mark that is distinguishable by color from the remainder of the fabric element by the naked eye. 2The use of a laser to irradiate the mark not only allows for the precise production of marks according to the desired shape and size, but also requires only irradiation of selected areas of the surface of the fabric element. The formation of marks on the fabric element of the present invention is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, since it does not require water and uses significantly less energy (up to 90% in some cases) than traditional ink-based printing methods that require the use of heat for drying or curing. Furthermore, the marks on the fabric element of the present invention are more durable and less likely to discolor than traditional ink-based marks that fade over time, especially after being subjected to multiple washes. Also, the formation of marks on the fabric element of the present invention has a high reproducibility that ensures consistency between products.

[0006] The mark may include, but is not limited to, Ti 2 O 3 , Ti 3 O 5 Or Ti 4 O 7 TiO 2 It may also contain any titanium oxide having a higher

[0007] Higher titanium dioxide may be infused into the fibers of the fabric element.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fabric element is made of 0.01 to 5.0 wt. % TiO 2 The fabric element may contain additives. Preferably, the fabric element contains 0.25 to 3.0 wt. % TiO 2 Contains additives.

[0009] In further embodiments of the present invention, the fabric element may be made from synthetic fabric materials such as polyester, polypropylene, polyether, or nylon. Alternatively, the fabric element may be made from natural fabric materials. The fabric element may be woven, nonwoven, knitted, washable, or reusable.

[0010] In further embodiments of the present invention, the markings may include letters, words, numbers, symbols, pictures and / or graphic elements. Examples of marks include, but are not limited to, logos, brand names, product information, manufacturer information, production information, and washing information.

[0011] The present invention is applicable to various types of textile elements, non-limiting examples of which are described below.

[0012] The fabric elements may be rigid, stretchable or elastic. The present invention allows for the creation of marks on the surface of the fabric elements that only affect the surface fabric material, such as the fabric fibers, without causing minor damage to the fabric material and adversely affecting the stretchability or elasticity of the fabric elements, which would affect the end use of the fabric elements.

[0013] The textile element may be or form part of a label. In such embodiments, the marking may be or include product information, manufacturer information, production information, and / or washing information. The present invention is particularly useful for mass production of labels providing economies of scale while allowing for the formation of marks having high readability.

[0014] The textile element may be a garment or may form part of a garment. The textile element of the present invention is applicable to a wide range of garments. For example, the textile element may be a waistband or may form part of a waistband. The textile element may be or form part of a bra strap, bra cup, wristband, beaded band, shirt or other garment. Alternatively, the textile element may be or form part of a non-garment element made of textile. The markings on the textile element of the present invention are washable using industrial and domestic washing processes without affecting the color of the marking or the properties of the textile element.

[0015] The fabric elements may be dyed or undyed.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a textile element comprising a mark formed in or on a surface of the textile element, the method comprising the steps of: TiO 2 Providing a fabric element containing the additive; A laser is used to irradiate an area of ​​the surface of the fabric element to form a mark in or on the surface of the fabric element, thereby forming a TiO 2 The absorption of laser radiation by the laser-irradiated TiO 2 This causes TiO 2 forming a titanium oxide higher than 100 nm, wherein the mark comprises a titanium oxide higher than 100 nm.

[0017] The features and advantages of the first aspect of the invention and its embodiments apply mutatis mutandis to the features and advantages of the second aspect of the invention and its embodiments.

[0018] In the method of the present invention, the laser may be a UV laser. The UV laser may be a UVA wavelength UV laser. The UV laser may be a 355 nm wavelength UV laser.

[0019] In the method of the present invention, the laser is CO 2 It may be a laser.

[0020] Preferably, TiO 2 is exposed to irradiation by the laser under hypoxic or zero oxygen conditions when compared to atmospheric oxygen levels at sea level.

[0021] In the method of the present invention, the mark is formed by a method using a TiO 2 Any titanium oxide having a higher 2 O 3 , Ti 3 O 5 Or Ti 4 O 7 may include:

[0022] In the method of the present invention, higher titanium dioxide may be infused into the fibers of the fabric element.

[0023] In the method of the present invention, the fabric element is provided with 0.01 to 5.0 wt. % TiO 2 Additive, preferably 0.25-3.0 wt% TiO 2 Additives may also be included.

[0024] In the method of the present invention, the textile element may be made from a synthetic textile material. Alternatively, the textile element may be made from a natural textile material. The textile element may be woven, nonwoven, knitted, washable, or reusable.

[0025] In the method of the present invention, the mark may include letters, words, numbers, symbols, pictures and / or graphic elements.

[0026] In the method of the present invention, the fabric element may be rigid, stretchable or elastic.

[0027] In the method of the present invention, the textile element may be a label or may form part of a label.

[0028] In the method of the present invention, the textile element may be or form part of a garment. In such an embodiment, the textile element may be or form part of a waistband. The textile element may be or form part of a bra strap, bra cup, wristband, headband, shirt, or other article of apparel. Alternatively, the textile element may be or form part of a non-apparel element made from textile.

[0029] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a textile element obtainable by a method according to the second aspect of the present invention or any one of its embodiments.

[0030] The features and advantages of the first and second aspects of the invention and their embodiments apply mutatis mutandis to the features and advantages of the third aspect of the invention and its embodiments.

[0031] It will be understood that the term "fabric" herein encompasses the term "cloth."

[0032] It will also be understood that the fabric element of the present invention may include a single mark or multiple marks on a surface of the fabric element, and the method of the present invention may include forming a single mark or multiple marks (e.g., having different intensities or shades of gray and / or black) on a surface of the fabric element.

[0033] It will be understood that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this patent specification is intended merely to help distinguish between similar properties and is not intended to indicate the relative importance of one property over another, unless otherwise specified.

[0034] It is expressly intended that within the scope of this application, the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives described in the preceding paragraphs and claims, and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular their individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and all features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination, except where such features are incompatible. Applicant reserves the right to modify the originally filed claims, including the right to amend the originally filed claims to depend on and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim, even though Applicant did not originally claim it as such, or to file new claims accordingly.

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 shows a fabric element according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a method of manufacturing a textile element according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a method of manufacturing a textile element according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3 shows a fabric element according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or schematic form for reasons of clarity and conciseness.

[0038] Although the following embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the manufacture of garment labels and elastic waistbands, it will be understood that the following embodiments of the present invention are applicable mutatis mutandis to other types of textile elements.

[0039] A fabric element according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.

[0040] The textile element 20 is a woven jacquard label 20 for attachment to a garment. The label 20 is made from polyester, but may be made from another synthetic textile material such as nylon. The label 20 preferably contains TiO in an amount ranging from 0.01 to 5.0% by weight. 2 Contains additives, especially TiO 2 The additive is TiO 2 The additives are mixed into the polymer matrix used to form the synthetic fibers of label 20 so as to infuse the fibers of label 20 .

[0041] In the embodiment shown, the label 20 includes markings 22 formed on a surface of the label 20. The markings 22 on the label 20 include washing information for the garment to which the label 20 is attached. The markings 22 on the label 20 may further include product information, manufacturer information, and / or production information.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, the mark 22 on the label 20 is initially formed of TiO 2The additive is applied to the label 20 (step 100) and then irradiated (step 200) an area on the surface of the label 20 using a UV laser with a wavelength of 355 nm. Other wavelengths in the UVA band may be used. 2 The TiO absorbs the UV radiation, resulting in the formation of marks 22 in the irradiated areas (step 300). 2 Additives may be infused into the fibers to create a low / zero oxygen environment when compared to atmospheric oxygen levels at sea level, which may include TiO 2 When exposed to UV light, the darker color of titanium dioxide (e.g., Ti 2 O 3 , Ti 2 O 5 , Ti 4 O 7 Generate.

[0043] On the other hand, TiO outside the irradiated area 2 In this way, the UV irradiated areas form marks 22 on the surface of the label 20, and the marks are not exposed to the UV laser. 2 The UV laser is controlled so that marks 22 are written as washing information.

[0044] During the irradiation step, the fabric element may be manipulated to be in a relaxed or stretched state to properly expose the target area for better coloration and consistency of the mark.

[0045] FIG. 3 shows a label printing machine for carrying out a label manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] The label printing machine includes a UV laser and a holding device configured to fix the label 20 so that the label 20 does not move freely. The UV laser is controllable to irradiate one or more areas of the surface of the label 20 to form the above-mentioned mark 22.

[0047] In other embodiments of the present invention, the label 20 may be attached to a non-apparel product, such as a box or container.

[0048] A fabric element according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.

[0049] The fabric element 120 of FIG. 4 is manufactured in the same manner as the fabric element 20 of FIG. 1, except that the fabric element 120 of FIG.

[0050] Marking 124 is formed on the surface of waistband 120 in the same manner that marking 22 is formed on the surface of label 20 described above. This allows for easily identifiable marking 124, such as a logo, to be formed on waistband 120 without significantly damaging the waistband material or adversely affecting the stretchability of the waistband.

[0051] Similarly, marks may be formed on other stretchable or elastic textile elements.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional matrix plot of laser output power (X-axis) versus laser motion speed (Y-axis) versus laser pulse frequency (Z-axis). The laser output power at 100% is 5 W. The laser output power affects the energy density of the irradiation. The laser motion speed affects the laser exposure time. As shown in FIG. 5, the three parameters can be adjusted to generate marks 22 with varying shades of gray. Thus, it is possible to customize marks 22 to have any desired shade of gray.

[0053] In Figure 5, it is shown that the darkest shade (indicated by ΔL=0) is obtained using a laser translation speed of 1500 mm / s, a laser pulse frequency of 20 kHz, and a laser output power of 5 W at 100%. "ΔL" represents the brightness difference between the real sample and the control sample. The grey shade of the mark 22 can be lightened by varying the laser translation speed, the laser pulse frequency, and the laser power.

[0054] In another embodiment of the present invention, the UV laser is a CO 2 It is envisioned that the laser may be replaced by a different type of laser, such as a laser.

[0055] It will be understood that the above values ​​are merely intended to help explain the operation of the present invention and may vary depending on the fabric elements and the requirements of their manufacture.

[0056] The listing or discussion of an apparently prior-published document or apparently prior-published information in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document or information is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.

[0057] The preferences and options with respect to a given aspect, feature, or parameter of the invention should be considered as disclosed in combination with any and all preferences and options with respect to all other aspects, features, and parameters of the invention, unless the context dictates otherwise.

Claims

1. TiO 2 A fabric element including an additive, the fabric element including a mark formed in or on a surface of the fabric element, the mark being TiO 2 A fabric element comprising titanium dioxide less than 100% by weight.

2. The mark is Ti 2 O 3 , Ti 3 O 5 Or Ti 4 O 7 The fabric element of claim 1 comprising:

3. 3. The fabric element of claim 1 or 2, wherein the low titanium dioxide is infused into the fibers of the fabric element.

4. The fabric element comprises 0.01 to 5.0 wt. % TiO 2 The fabric element of claim 1 or 2, comprising an additive.

5. The textile element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said textile element is made from synthetic or natural textile materials.

6. The textile element of claim 1 or 2, wherein said marking comprises a letter, a word, a number, a symbol, a picture and / or a graphic element.

7. The fabric element of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fabric element is rigid.

8. The fabric element of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fabric element is stretchable or elastic.

9. 3. A textile element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the textile element is a label or forms part of a label.

10. The textile element of claim 1 or 2, wherein the textile element is a garment or forms part of a garment.

11. The fabric element of claim 10, wherein the fabric element is or forms part of a waistband.

12. The fabric element of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fabric element is dyed.

13. 1. A method of manufacturing a fabric element including a mark formed in or on a surface of the fabric element, comprising: TiO 2 Providing a fabric element containing the additive; A laser is used to irradiate an area of ​​the surface of the fabric element to form a mark in or on the surface of the fabric element, thereby forming a TiO 2 The absorption of laser radiation by the laser-irradiated TiO 2 This causes TiO 2 forming a titanium oxide less than 100%, wherein the mark comprises a titanium oxide less than 100%.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the laser is a UV laser.

15. The laser is CO 2 The method of claim 13, which is a laser.

16. The mark is Ti 2 O 3 , Ti 3 O 5 Or Ti 4 O 7 16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, comprising:

17. 16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the low titanium dioxide is infused into the fibers of the fabric element.

18. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the fabric element comprises 0.01 to 5.0 wt. % titanium dioxide additive.

19. 16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the textile element is made from a synthetic or natural textile material.

20. 16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the marks comprise letters, words, numbers, symbols, pictures and / or graphic elements.

21. 16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the fabric element is rigid.

22. 16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the fabric element is stretchable or elastic.

23. 16. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the textile element is or forms part of a label.

24. 16. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the textile element is a garment or forms part of a garment.

25. A textile element obtainable by the method according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

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