Swimsuit

Abstract

To provide a swimming suit having low frictional resistance in water.SOLUTION: This swimming suit 1 is composed of a stretchable warp knitted fabric containing an elastic yarn and a non-elastic yarn, and contains a stripe pattern continuing in one direction in at least a part, wherein the stripe pattern contains a concave stripe part 2 and a convex stripe part 3, and the stripe pattern partially contains a warp knitted fabric formed by a herringbone texture. The herringbone structure preferably has at least two courses in which the surface is the sinker surface of the knitted fabric and the direction of the non-elastic yarn is the same direction. The difference in height between the concave stripe portion and the convex stripe portion is preferably 50 to 500 μm on average, and the pitch between the convex stripe portion and the adjacent convex stripe portion is preferably 300 to 1500 μm on average. It is preferable that at least a part of the swimsuit fabric is water-repellent finished.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to swimsuits.

Background Art

[0002] Sports clothing and swimsuits are preferably highly stretchable. In addition, one of the functions required for swimsuits and caps is how to reduce the surface friction resistance of swimsuits in water during swimming. Conventionally, various stretch fabrics have been proposed. In Patent Document 1, it is proposed to provide a hydrophilic part by printing and then immerse the entire fabric in a water repellent to reduce fluid resistance. The present applicants proposed a swimsuit in Patent Document 2 in which water repellent parts and non-water repellent parts are arranged in stripes in the body length direction, proposed in Patent Document 3 to continuously provide a plain weave part and a double weave part, and proposed in Patent Document 4 to form a stripe pattern by embossing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the conventional swimsuits have a problem of high friction resistance in water.

[0005] In order to solve the above conventional problems, the present invention provides a swimsuit with low friction resistance in water.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a swimsuit made of a stretchable warp-knitted fabric containing elastic yarn and non-elastic yarn, wherein at least a portion of the swimsuit includes a stripe pattern that is continuous in one direction, the stripe pattern includes recessed stripe portions and raised stripe portions, and the stripe pattern is formed by a herringbone structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention provides a swimsuit made of a stretchable warp-knitted fabric containing elastic and non-elastic yarns, which includes a stripe pattern that is continuous in one direction in at least a portion of the fabric, which includes recessed stripe portions and raised stripe portions, and which includes a portion of the warp-knitted fabric formed by a herringbone structure, thereby providing a swimsuit with low frictional resistance in water. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a plan view (magnification 80x) of a swimsuit fabric according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional photograph of line II (magnification 80x) of Figure 1A. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a plan view (5x magnification) of a swimsuit fabric according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the arrangement of non-elastic threads added. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a knitting diagram of a swimwear fabric according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a knitting diagram of a swimsuit fabric according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fluid resistance measuring device for swimwear fabric according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6A is a schematic plan view of the airfoil model used in the fluid resistance measuring device, and Figure 6B is a schematic side view thereof. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic front view of a swimsuit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a schematic view of the reverse side of the swimsuit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The present invention relates to a swimsuit made of a stretchable warp-knitted fabric containing elastic and non-elastic yarns. An example of the elastic yarn is a polyurethane-based elastic yarn. The non-elastic yarn is preferably a polyester fiber yarn such as polyethylene terephthalate, or a nylon fiber yarn such as nylon 6 or nylon 66. Both the elastic and non-elastic yarns are preferably filament yarns.

[0010] The swimsuit fabric includes a stripe pattern that is continuous in one direction in at least part of it, and the stripe pattern includes recessed stripe portions and raised stripe portions, and the stripe pattern is formed by a V-shaped pattern of herringbone structure. Not only does it form a bumpy structure, but the inclusion of a herringbone pattern reduces frictional resistance in water. Furthermore, because it is a knitted bumpy stripe structure, it is possible to form recessed stripe portions and raised stripes with a fine pitch. Reducing the pitch from one raised to the other in the bumpy stripe reduces frictional resistance in water, but it is difficult to achieve a smaller bumpy structure with conventional embossing technology, and it is even more difficult to form a herringbone pattern on such a small bumpy structure.

[0011] The herringbone structure is not particularly limited, as long as it has a V-shaped pattern in part, formed by combining right-hand and left-hand twill stitches directly or at intervals. Examples of such structures include Atlas knit. The surface is the sinker surface of the knitted fabric, and it is preferable that there are at least two courses in which the direction of the non-elastic yarns is the same. This allows the uneven structure of the herringbone structure to be more pronounced.

[0012] The pitch (rib interval) between the convex stripe portion and the adjacent convex stripe portion is preferably an average of 300 to 1500 μm, more preferably an average of 330 to 1200 μm, and even more preferably an average of 350 to 1000 μm. Also, the width of the concave stripe portion is preferably an average of 100 to 300 μm, more preferably an average of 110 to 250 μm, and even more preferably an average of 120 to 200 μm. Thereby, a concave stripe portion and a convex stripe with a fine pitch can be formed, and the water flow resistance can be reduced.

[0013] The height difference (concave and convex depth) between the concave stripe portion and the convex stripe portion is preferably an average of 50 to 500 μm, more preferably an average of 80 to 400 μm, and even more preferably an average of 100 to 350 μm. Thereby, a concave stripe portion and a convex stripe with a fine pitch can be formed, and the water flow resistance can be reduced.

[0014] The inelastic yarn of the swimsuit fabric is preferably a stretchy knitted fabric in which a synthetic fiber multifilament yarn and an elastic yarn are interwoven with a polyurethane (spandex) fiber yarn.

[0015] It is preferable that the swimsuit fabric is entirely coated with a water repellent. The water repellent used for the water repellent treatment may be any material such as a fluorine-based, silicone-based, paraffin-based, etc. However, in view of the market environment that requires fluorine-free, the use of a non-fluorine-based water repellent such as a paraffin-based, acrylic-based hydrocarbon-based, silicone-based alone or in combination is more preferable. In addition, in order to improve the durability of the water repellent performance, it is preferable to use a crosslinking agent in combination with the water repellent. As the crosslinking agent, at least one type such as a melamine-based resin, a blocked isocyanate-based compound, a glyoxal-based resin, and an imine-based resin can be used, and the crosslinking agent is not particularly limited.

[0016] The aforementioned swimwear fabric preferably has an elongation rate of 60-180% in both the warp and weft directions, measured using the JIS L1096(2010) A method cut strip method (17.7N (1.8kg) load, 5cm width), more preferably 70-170%, and even more preferably 80-160%. This improves the fit of the swimwear and makes it easier to put on and take off.

[0017] The thickness of the swimwear fabric is preferably 0.8 mm or less, more preferably 0.7 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.6 mm or less. This makes it possible to create a thin swimsuit with low water resistance. When sewing the swimsuit, a lining is added to certain parts, such as the crotch area, and it is preferable that the total thickness of the swimwear fabric (outer fabric) and the lining be 0.8 mm or less.

[0018] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing swimwear fabric, which involves knitting a warp-knitted fabric using a warp knitting machine having two or more reeds. In this process, non-elastic yarn is supplied to the front and middle reeds, and elastic yarn is supplied to the back reed. Non-elastic yarn and elastic yarn can be used in the middle reed as needed. In this way, a herringbone-like stripe pattern consisting of recessed stripe portions and raised stripe portions is formed using non-elastic yarn.

[0019] The swimsuit of the present invention features a stripe pattern formed by a herringbone weave, arranged in the direction of the human body's height (body length). This reduces water resistance. The swimsuit is a competitive swimsuit, and it is preferable to manufacture it with a pattern 20% to 40% smaller than the standard human body size. This allows for a snug fit. The standard human body size is, for example, the Japanese standard size set by the Japan Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (JASPO), which is listed in Tables 1 to 3 below. Table 1 is for men's / unisex, Table 2 is for women's, and Table 3 is for juniors.

[0020] [Table 1] [Table 2] [Table 3]

[0021] The fineness of the elastic fiber yarn used in this invention is preferably 22 to 156 dtex. The non-elastic fiber yarn is preferably 20 to 100 dtex in total fineness, and the single fiber fineness is preferably 0.1 to 3 dtex or less. In terms of weight reduction, the mass per unit area of ​​the fabric (basis weight) is preferably 200 to 300 g / m². 2 Preferably, and more preferably, 210-290 g / m² 2 And more preferably 220-290 g / m² 2 The elastic fiber yarn used is spandex yarn, for example, Asahi Kasei Fibers Corporation's "Roica" or Toray Operontex Corporation's "Lycra". Since the stress differs depending on the type of spandex fiber, it is preferable to select it appropriately according to the application. However, in the case of swimwear, since it is assumed that it will be used in a swimming pool, it is preferable to use spandex fibers with excellent chlorine resistance such as "Roica SP", "Lycra-176B", "Lycra-176E", "Lycra-254B", and "Lycra-909B".

[0022] The aforementioned fabric preferably has an elongation rate of 60-180% in both the warp and weft directions, measured using the JIS L1096(2010) A method cut strip method (17.7N (1.8kg) load, 5cm width), more preferably 70-170%, and even more preferably 80-160%. If the stretchability falls within the above range, it has moderate elasticity, is easy to wear, and is suitable for sportswear, including swimwear.

[0023] The following explanation will be given using the drawings. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same object. Figure 1A is a plan view (80x magnification) of a swimwear fabric according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view (80x magnification) of line II of Figure 1A. This swimwear fabric 1 is formed by alternating arrangements of recessed stripe portions 2 and raised stripe portions 3 that are continuous in one direction, and is formed as a herringbone structure overall. The pitch 4 between a raised stripe portion 3a and an adjacent raised stripe portion 3b in Figure 1B is preferably 300 to 1500 μm, depending on the yarn used. The height difference between the recessed stripe portions 2 and the raised stripe portions 3 is preferably 50 to 500 μm, depending on the yarn used.

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of the non-elastic yarn 6 added to a plan view (5x magnification) of a swimsuit fabric according to one embodiment of the present invention. Such movement of the non-elastic yarn 6 can be achieved by a half-tricot warp knit fabric. When knitting the fabric, the concave stripe portions and convex stripe portions are arranged horizontally as shown in Figure 2, but in a swimsuit, the stripe portions are sewn in the direction of height (body length).

[0025] Figure 3 is a knitting diagram of a swimsuit fabric according to one embodiment of the present invention. The numbers 1 to 7 above represent the needle numbers, and this is an example where there are two courses, a and b, in which the direction of the non-elastic yarn 6 is the same. 7 is the elastic yarn. Figure 4 is a knitting diagram of a swimwear fabric according to another embodiment of the present invention, which differs from Figure 3 in that it has three courses a, b, and c in which the direction of the non-elastic yarn 7 is the same. Both can form a herringbone structure. [Examples]

[0026] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the following examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples. The measurement methods for each characteristic value in the examples are as follows: <Pitch between convex striped sections and adjacent convex striped sections, and height difference between concave striped sections and convex striped sections> The pitch and height difference of the striped areas of the fabric were measured using a KEYENCE VR-6000 one-shot 3D shape measuring machine and an analysis application. Using the VR-6000, a fabric surface photograph at 80x magnification, as shown in Figure 1A, was taken. After shape correction was performed using the analysis application, the fabric cross-section was observed horizontally to the striped pattern, as shown in Figure 1B. At that time, the values ​​for pitch and height difference were measured at more than 10 locations based on the definitions of pitch and height difference shown below, and the average value was calculated. • Pitch (rib spacing) between convex striped sections and adjacent convex striped sections The pitch (rib spacing) is defined as the distance between one convex stripe section adjacent to another convex stripe section that is perpendicular to a line perpendicular to a stripe section. • Difference in height between the recessed stripe section and the raised stripe section The difference in elevation is defined as the distance between the lowest and highest points of the unevenness adjacent to the line perpendicular to the stripe. <Extension rate> Measurements were taken according to JIS L1096 (2010) Method A, the cut-strip method. The test specimen was 5 cm wide and the gripping distance was 20 cm. The initial load was a load equivalent to gravity acting on a length of 1 m across the width of the test specimen. The tensile speed was 20 cm / min. The elongation rate (%) at a load of 17.7 N (1.8 kg) was measured. The elongation rate indicates the stretchability. <Frictional resistance in water> Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a fluid resistance measuring device 10 for swimwear fabric, according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this fluid resistance measuring device 10, water is placed in a circulating water tank and the water is flowed at a constant flow velocity of 0.13 m / s. The direction of the water flow is indicated by arrow 11. An airfoil model 12 is fixed to a support arm extending downward from a force sensor 14 fixed to a support base, and swimwear fabric is placed around the surface of this airfoil model 12 in a circular pattern. In this way, the drag force indicated by arrow 13 is measured by the force sensor 14, and the frictional resistance in the water is measured. Figure 6A is a schematic plan view of an airfoil model used in a fluid resistance measuring device, and Figure 6B is a schematic side view thereof. This airfoil model is an aircraft airfoil model created by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA, now NASA) and is registered as NACA0012. The thick leading edge of the airfoil is considered the nose, and the method of attaching the fabric is determined so that it faces the direction of water flow. The dimensions are a length of 150 mm, a wingspan of 17.5 mm as seen from the plan view, and a height of 100 mm as seen from the side view. Drag coefficient C D The drag coefficient C is calculated using the following formula. D It has no units.

number

[0027] (Example 1) 1. Using thread (1) Elastic thread • Polyurethane yarn (fineness 44decitex, manufactured by Toray Operontex Co., Ltd. as "Lycra" 176E, hereafter referred to as 44T-176E) Polyurethane yarn (fineness 55decitex, manufactured by Toray Operontex Co., Ltd. as "Lycra" 254E, hereafter 55T-254E). (2) Non-elastic yarn Polyethylene terephthalate multifilament raw silk (fineness 56 dtex, 36 filaments, Toray Industries' "Tetron" E62, hereafter 56T-36-E62) 2. Knitting patterns The warp knitted fabric was prepared using a 32-gauge tricot warp knitting machine. In this process, non-elastic yarn was supplied to the front reed and elastic yarn to the back reed. In this manner, a herringbone-like stripe pattern, consisting of concave and convex stripe sections as shown in Figures 1-3, was formed using non-elastic yarn. 3. Water-repellent treatment The aforementioned raw knitted fabric was subjected to the same dyeing process as for ordinary polyester two-weight tricot knitted fabrics, including relaxation and scouring in a bath at 80°C, drying, heat setting, dyeing with cationic dyes in a bath at 130°C, and drying. Next, the product was immersed in a non-fluorine water-repellent treatment solution according to the following formulation, squeezed with a mangle to a 60% wringing rate, dried at 130°C for 2 minutes, and then given a final set at 170°C, which also served as a curing process. [Formula for water-repellent treatment solution] • "Neoseed (registered trademark)" NR-158 (manufactured by Nikka Chemical Co., Ltd.): 5.0% by mass • "Amidia (registered trademark)" M-3 (manufactured by DIC Corporation): 0.3% by mass • "Catalyst" ACX (manufactured by DIC): 0.3% by mass Isopropyl alcohol: 1.0% by mass ·Water: 93.5% by mass 4. Sewing swimwear The knitted fabric obtained as described above was sewn into the women's competitive swimwear shown in Figures 7 and 8. During sewing, the continuous stripe pattern of the swimwear fabric was aligned in the direction of the swimwear's height. Furthermore, the pattern was sewn to be 30% smaller than the standard human body size. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, this swimwear 20 was sewn so that the stripe pattern 21, consisting of recessed and raised stripe sections formed by the herringbone structure, was in the direction of height (body length). When this swimwear was tested, it was confirmed that it had a high stretch recovery rate, low frictional resistance in water, high stretchability making it easy to wear, and good adhesion to the skin, making it suitable for competitive swimming.

[0028] (Example 2) The procedure was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a tricot warp knitting machine was set to 36 gauge and the non-elastic yarn was knitted as shown in Figure 4.

[0029] (Example 3) The procedure was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the polyurethane elastic yarn was replaced with 55T-254E instead of 44T-176E.

[0030] (Comparative Example 1) The procedure was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the knitted fabric described in Comparative Example 1 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 6012817 was used.

[0031] (Comparative Example 2) The procedure was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the embossed knitted fabric described in Example 1 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 6012817 was used.

[0032] (Comparative Example 3) Polyurethane yarn (fineness 44 decitex, Toray Operontex "Lycra" 176E, hereafter 44T-176E) was used as the elastic yarn, and polyethylene terephthalate multifilament raw silk (fineness 56 dtex, 24 filaments, Toray "Tetron" E62, hereafter 56T-24-FS92) was used as the non-elastic yarn. Here, the non-elastic yarn was placed on the front and middle reeds, and the elastic yarn on the back reed. Yarn was passed through all needles on the middle and back reeds, while on the front reed, one needle was passed through and two needles were left unpassed. The process was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a tricot with an uneven stripe structure without a herringbone pattern was knitted as shown in the structure diagram in Figure 4. The above conditions and results are summarized in Table 4.

[0033] [Table 4]

[0034] From the results in Table 4, it was confirmed that the fabrics of the swimsuits in Examples 1-3 had a higher stretch recovery rate and lower frictional resistance in water compared to the comparative example. Using this fabric, a competitive swimsuit 20, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, was sewn. This swimsuit 20 was sewn so that the stripe pattern 21, consisting of recessed and raised stripe sections formed by a herringbone structure, ran in the direction of height (body length). When this swimsuit was tested, it was confirmed that it had a high stretch recovery rate, low frictional resistance in water, high stretchability making it easy to wear, and good adhesion to the skin, making it suitable for competitive swimming. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0035] 1. Swimsuit fabric 2. Recessed stripe section 3,3a,3b Convex striped section 4. Pitch between the convex stripe section and the adjacent convex stripe section. 5. Difference in height between the recessed stripe section and the raised stripe section. 6. Inelastic yarn 7 Elastic thread 10 Fluid resistance measuring device 11 Water flow direction 12 Airfoil Models 13 Drag 14 Force Sensors 20 competitive swimwear 21 Stripe pattern

Claims

1. A swimsuit made of a warp-knitted fabric containing elastic and non-elastic threads, At least a portion of the material includes a continuous stripe pattern in one direction, the stripe pattern includes recessed stripe portions and raised stripe portions, the height difference between the recessed stripe portions and raised stripe portions is an average of 50 to 500 μm, and the pitch between a raised stripe portion and an adjacent raised stripe portion is an average of 300 to 1500 μm. The aforementioned stripe pattern is formed by a herringbone structure. The herringbone structure is characterized by including in part a warp-knitted fabric in which the surface is the sinker surface of the knitted fabric and there are at least two courses in which the direction of the non-elastic yarns is the same.

2. The swimsuit according to claim 1, wherein the non-elastic yarn is a synthetic fiber multifilament yarn, and the elastic yarn is composed of a stretchable knitted fabric made of a spandex fiber yarn.

3. The swimsuit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the swimsuit contains a water-repellent agent.

4. The swimsuit according to claim 3, wherein the water repellent is a non-fluorine water repellent, either paraffin-based or acrylic-based hydrocarbon-based, or silicone-based, either alone or in combination.

5. The swimsuit according to claim 3, comprising, in addition to the water-repellent agent, at least one crosslinking agent selected from the group consisting of melamine resin, blocked isocyanate compound, glyoxal resin, and imine resin.

6. The swimsuit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stripe pattern is arranged in the direction of the height of the human body (body length direction).

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