Knitting method for producing moisture-wicking, quick-drying single-knit fabric

Abstract

Method for manufacturing a moisture-wicking, quick-drying single-knit fabric. Embodiments herein disclose a knitting method for manufacturing a moisture-wicking, quick-drying single-knit fabric. The knitting method includes providing a circular knitting machine and positioning three different knitting loops on the front and back sides of the fabric to create different loop height combinations, respectively. The three different knitting loop combinations create different structural designs on the fabric surface. Furthermore, the method can include manufacturing yarns of any material that are processed into single jersey knit fabrics. The different structural designs can improve the fabric's ability to absorb moisture from the skin, transport it to the outer surface, and release it into the surrounding air, thereby optimizing comfort and performance.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a knitting method for producing a moisture-wicking, quick-drying single-knit fabric. In particular, the present invention has excellent absorbency, moisture permeability, and good drying properties that far exceed national standards. [Background technology]

[0002] With the continuous improvement of living standards, people's demands for comfort are increasing, and general moisture-wicking and quick-drying products can no longer meet these demands. In particular, when playing sports, the human body produces a large amount of sweat. If the sweat is not absorbed and discharged in a timely manner, the fabric will become wet with sweat and stick to the skin, causing severe discomfort.

[0003] Clothing, typically considered a second skin, plays an important role in providing comfort to the wearer regardless of changing environmental conditions. Clothing should act as a medium for the transport of water vapor and liquid water. Several techniques have been developed to impart moisture transport properties to fabrics. These include fiber shape and diameter, yarn blends, knitting techniques, and chemical treatments.

[0004] In one form of known prior art, fabrics are treated with hydrophilic auxiliaries during the finishing process. These auxiliaries adhere to the surface of the fabric, allowing for rapid moisture transport and evaporation. However, this functionality can decrease or even disappear after multiple wears and washes. The use of chemicals in the manufacturing process can also have ecological impacts. Therefore, there is a need to develop fabrics that combine excellent absorbency, quick-drying properties, and breathability without the addition of chemical auxiliaries.

[0005] When the body sweats, ordinary clothing sticks to the skin and is unable to expel sweat in a timely manner, failing to meet people's demands for health and comfort. Therefore, moisture-wicking fabrics, developed in recent years, have become popular due to their comfortable wearability. Existing moisture-wicking fabrics incorporate temperature-regulating yarns, moisture-wicking yarns, and some blends of these. Moisture-wicking functional additives are added to the fabric finish to impart moisture absorption and evaporation functions to the fabric. Both of these techniques have drawbacks, such as the high cost of weaving functional yarn blends and the complicated post-processing. Fabrics treated with moisture-wicking functional additives cannot withstand washing, as fabric structure is an important factor affecting fabric performance and style. The additives adhere to the fabric surface, enabling rapid moisture transport and evaporation. However, this functionality may deteriorate or even disappear after multiple wears and washes. The use of chemicals in the manufacturing process may also have ecological impacts.

[0006] Therefore, the performance of moisture-wicking fabrics is affected not only by the type of fiber and the blend ratio of the fabric, but also by the structure of the yarn and the fabric, etc. Therefore, knitted fabrics with single-guide wet function are popular because they can quickly guide moisture while ensuring the quick drying of the inner layer of the fabric.

[0007] Currently, research into the moisture absorption and quick-drying properties of fabrics is also being actively conducted. For example, Chinese Patent No. 112105771 discloses a single-face knitted fabric. This knitted fabric is a single-face woven weft knitted fabric having a surface and an inner surface, the inner surface being formed by arranging hydrophobic yarns (b) and hydrophilic yarns (A) alternately at intervals along the weft coil, with a hydrophobic portion disposed on the inner surface. This fabric has excellent moisture absorption and quick-drying properties and a dry feel against the skin. Taiwan Patent Application No. M485256 discloses a moisture-wicking single-guide wet fabric structure comprising a moisture-guiding layer, a diffusion layer, and an evaporation layer. The moisture-guiding layer is an inner layer having a pad structure and is structured by the pad to be in direct contact with the human skin surface. The diffusion layer and evaporation layer are arranged on the outer layer of the moisture-guiding layer and are connected by tucks, loops, and a fabric structure connected to the pad structure of the moisture-guiding layer. The disadvantages of this patented technology are that the chemical auxiliaries are more difficult to use, the outer layer needs to be hydrophilized in advance, which results in a long process flow, high interweaving costs, and the fabric cannot withstand washing after hydrophilization.

[0008] As living standards improve, people's needs change, and so do their expectations for clothing and textiles. In particular, fabrics used in casual and sportswear must have good moisture transport properties to keep the body and clothing microclimates cool, dry, and comfortable. Good moisture transport properties also require moisture to move quickly from one side of the fabric to the other, then spread over a large surface area to maximize the comfort effect of evaporation. Furthermore, such fabrics dry faster than regular fabrics.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a moisture-wicking, quick-drying knitted fabric to solve the technical problems. The fabric developed by this method exhibits the advantages of excellent absorbency, moisture permeability, and good drying properties, far exceeding the national standard. Summary of the Invention

[0010] As will become apparent from the following description, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0011] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a knitting method for producing a moisture-wicking, quick-drying single-knit fabric. Furthermore, the present invention has excellent absorbency, moisture permeability, and good drying properties that far exceed national standards.

[0012] This manufacturing method is intended to develop moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics that do not require chemical treatment to be effective. The knitting structure of this method imparts excellent moisture transport properties, such as moisture wicking, quick-drying, and breathability, to the fabric.

[0013] One embodiment of a knitting method for producing a moisture-wicking, quick-drying single-knit fabric includes preparing a knitting machine and positioning three different knit loops to create various loop combinations of different heights on the front and back sides of the fabric. The three different knit loop combinations can create different structural designs on the fabric surface. Loop length is considered the primary knitting structure parameter in this invention. Loop length is a measurement of the length of the yarn on the yarn axis in the loop. Therefore, the different structural designs can improve the fabric's ability to absorb moisture from the skin, transport it to the outer surface, and release it into the surrounding air, optimizing comfort and performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] The invention will now be described by way of non-limiting embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a loop arrangement on the front of the fabric, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a loop arrangement on the underside of the fabric, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0017] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0018] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a knitting method for producing a moisture-wicking, quick-drying single-knit fabric. Furthermore, the present invention has excellent absorbency, moisture permeability, and good drying properties that far exceed national standards.

[0019] Because this knitted fabric is single-sided textured, it is lighter and thinner than double-sided textured knitted fabrics made with the same fineness of yarn, making it more suitable for sports. On the other hand, the sweat conduction path of the single-sided knitted fabric is relatively short, resulting in better quick-drying properties.

[0020] The knitted fabric of the present invention is preferably a plating stitch or a laid stitch, of which a plating stitch is preferred from the viewpoints of dynamic moisture transport index performance, smoothness when worn, and comfort of the fabric.

[0021] One embodiment of a knitting method for producing a moisture-wicking, quick-drying single-knit fabric includes preparing a knitting machine and positioning three different knit loops to create various loop combinations of different heights on the front and back sides of the fabric. The three different knit loop combinations can create different structural designs on the fabric surface. Loop length is considered the primary knitting structure parameter in this invention. Loop length is a measurement of the length of the yarn on the yarn axis in the loop. Therefore, the different structural designs can improve the fabric's ability to absorb moisture from the skin, transport it to the outer surface, and release it into the surrounding air, optimizing comfort and performance.

[0022] Therefore, the knitting machine can be a single-sided circular knitting machine, a double-sided circular knitting machine, or any kind or type of circular knitting machine.Furthermore, the present invention corresponds to the combination of different loop lengths, namely, normal loop (N), tight loop (T), and loose loop (L), to form a kind of knitted structure with fast moisture permeability and drying speed.

[0023] The present invention further includes creating yarns that are processed into single jersey knit fabrics. The combination of different knit loops enhances moisture wicking and quick drying properties, and the fabric construction provides superior performance fabrics. The yarns can be made from polyester, cotton, acrylic, nylon, spandex, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or any material suitable for making yarns.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a loop arrangement on the front of the fabric, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Regular Loop (N): The stitch height and width are standard and it is used as a connection between two other loops. Tight Loop (T): Slightly shorter and tighter than the regular loop (N). The regular loop (N) has a convergence function that works in conjunction with other knitting loops. Loose loop (L): The largest in height and width among the three loops, it is the main component of the pin dot structure on the surface of the fabric.

[0025] Therefore, the airlet structure on the front of the fabric, with its combination of N, T and L knitted loops, can promote moisture diffusion and ventilation within the fabric structure, allowing more moisture to evaporate into the air, keeping you dry and comfortable.

[0026] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the loop arrangement on the backside of a fabric according to one embodiment of the present invention. On the backside of the fabric, the structured surfaces of knitted loops N and T allow for a pin-dot structure, which helps break the surface tension of sweat and increase the absorbency of the fabric. This mechanism allows moisture to evaporate away from the skin through the fabric surface. The structured surfaces of N and L not only provide a fast drying rate and efficient moisture transport away from the skin, but also improve air circulation and fabric breathability through the formation of airlets.

[0027] In another embodiment, the percentage of total residual moisture is calculated to determine how quickly a fabric can dry in a given amount of time. The water retention capacity of a fabric depends on how the fabric is supported vertically or horizontally, and on the mechanical treatments used to remove the moisture.

[0028] To check the drying rate of a fabric, record the initial weight of the sample as A, then immerse the sample in water until it is completely wet. Remove excess water by wiping with a pad and record the weight again as B. Allow the sample to dry for 30 minutes. Record the final weight of the sample as C. Residual moisture calculation: Residual moisture percentage=(CA) / (BA)×100 A = original (dry) weight (grams) B = Weight of the (wet) fabric after wiping with the pad (grams) C = weight of fabric after 30 minutes of drying (grams) Drying speed - moisture retention rate (%) = 5.24%

[0029] Another embodiment determines how much liquid a fabric can take up and retain within the fibers, a very important property that affects many other properties such as feel, static buildup, shrinkage, water repellency, wrinkle recovery, etc.

[0030] To test the water absorption capacity of a fabric, place a burette under it, pour a drop of water from the burette onto the fabric, start a timer, and stop the timer once the drop is absorbed by the fabric. Absorbency - Drop Test (seconds): Wetting time = <1 second

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present subject matter, a knitted structure provides a fabric with excellent moisture transport properties, such as moisture wicking, quick drying, and breathability. The fabric is manufactured from yarns and processed into a single jersey knit fabric. Primarily, the present invention develops a moisture wicking and quick drying fabric that does not require chemical treatments to achieve this effect.

[0032] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A knitting method for producing a moisture-wicking, quick-drying single-knit fabric, comprising: providing a knitting machine; placing three different knitting loops to create various loop combinations of different heights on the front and back sides of the fabric, wherein the three different knitting loop combinations can create different structure designs on the fabric surface; Producing a yarn of any material, the yarn being processed into a single jersey knit fabric; Including, The different structural designs optimize comfort and performance by improving the fabric's ability to absorb moisture from the skin, transport it to the outer surface, and release it into the surrounding air. How to knit.

2. 2. The knitting method of claim 1, wherein the three different knitting loops consist of normal loops (N), tight loops (T) and loose loops (L).

3. 3. The knitting method according to claim 2, wherein said regular loop (N) produces the height and width of a standard stitch used as a connection between two other said loops.

4. 3. The knitting method of claim 2, wherein the tight loop (T) has a length that is slightly shorter than the normal loop (N) and is tighter, so that the tight loop (T) has a convergence function that works in conjunction with other knitted loops.

5. The knitting method according to claim 2, wherein the loose loop (L) has the largest height and width among the three loops, thereby giving the fabric surface a pin dot structure.

6. 10. The knitting method of claim 1, wherein the water retention capacity of a fabric depends on how the fabric is supported vertically / horizontally and on the mechanical treatments applied to remove the water.

7. 10. The knitting method of claim 1, wherein loop length is considered the primary knitting construction parameter.

8. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein loop length is a measurement of the length of the yarn on the yarn axis at the loop.

9. 10. The knitting method of claim 1, wherein a drop test is used to determine how much liquid the fabric can take up and retain within the fibers.

10. The knitting method of claim 1 , wherein the knitted fabric is plated.

11. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the knitting machine can be a single-sided circular knitting machine, a double-sided circular knitting machine, or any kind or type of circular knitting machine.

12. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the yarn can be made from polyester, cotton, acrylic, nylon, spandex, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or any material suitable for making yarn.

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