WO2008149127A1

WO2008149127A1 - A fabric

Info

Publication number: WO2008149127A1
Application number: PCT/GB2008/001985
Authority: WO
Inventors: George Charlton Lamb
Original assignee: Lamb, Nathan, George, Charlton
Priority date: 2007-06-07
Filing date: 2008-06-09
Publication date: 2008-12-11

Abstract

The invention relates to a fabric (1) which can be made up into a material for use in items of apparel such as a cricket helmet. The fabric (1) comprises a plurality of layers of material, a first layer (2) in use being adjacent a body of a wearer, or part thereof, and comprising a phase change material adapted to obviate variations in temperature. The second layer (3) is adapted to absorb moisture, the arrangement being such that in use moisture at the first layer (2) is absorbed by the second layer (3), so that perspiration is adsorbed and comfort of a user is maintained. The layers are held together in a knitted envelope (4).

Description

A FABRIC

The invention relates to a fabric, and particularly to an item of temperature equalisation apparatus, particularly one which can improve the comfort of a user, for example when the apparatus is an item of apparel, footwear, insoles, fashion or clothing accoutrements, duvets or other bedding including mattresses, pillows, mattress pads, sleeping bags and the like.

Apparatus such as items of apparel while being fashion items and/or utilitarian, often need to provide comfort and protection for a wearer, particularly when the item is a protective item such as a sports helmet, for example a cricket helmet. Such items provide protection to the head of the wearer against impact of a cricket ball, but also have the disadvantage that they often cause a wearer to perspire, so that sweat can be formed which can run into the eyes of the wearer and cause loss of concentration and/or impairment of vision, at least temporarily. In other applications, it is also important to be able to provide temperature equalisation, but at present this requirement is not readily met.

It is an object of the invention to seek to mitigate these disadvantages.

According to the invention, there is provided a fabric, comprising a plurality of layers of material, a first layer being adapted to obviate variations in temperature and a second layer adapted to absorb moisture, the arrangement being such that in use any moisture at the first layer is absorbed by the second layer.

Thus, using the invention it is possible to absorb moisture such as perspiration formed when wearing an item of apparel made up from the fabric.

The two layers may be superposed and enclosed in a material carrier. The carrier may comprise a knitted cotton carrier. This provides for relative simplicity in construction of the fabric.

The two layers and the carrier may be bonded together to provide a composite unit, particularly the two layers and the carrier may be heat bonded together. This again is a relatively simple construction which is also relatively light in weight.

The two layers may also be secured together, for example in a particular embodiment the two layers may be secured together by respective threads of the layers being interengaged. Thus the two layers may be secured together by yarns of the two layers being knitted together.

The fabric may comprise two layers, one of which suitably comprises the first layer and the other of which suitably comprises the second layer.

There may be three layers, the first layer, the second layer and a layer intermediate the first and second layers.

At least one of the layers, suitably the intermediate layer, may be impact resistant. This provides for projection against the impact of a projectile used in a game, for example a cricket ball.

There may be means to obviate bacterial growth. Said means may comprise an anti- fungicidal means.

There may also be means to obviate nauseous odours.

The respective means may be applied by spraying.

Alternatively, the means may comprise a nano-technology means applied to or incorporated in one or more of the layers. The absorbent layers may be adapted to absorb about 25% of its own weight of moisture.

There may be means which is resistant to the formation of stains. This is particularly important when playing a game such as cricket.

The fabric may be made up into an item selection from at least the group comprising a protective item of clothing, a shoe insole, a helmet for use in sport, a seat cover, a protective jacket, a kerchief, a pair of gloves, tights, underclothes, a pair of socks, a headband, a wrist band and the like.

The item may comprise a protective helmet such as a cricket cap or helmet.

The cricket helmet may include an absorbent band which may be permanently or removably attached to the helmet.

The item of apparel may comprise a plurality of layers of material, an inner one of which may be adapted for contact with a part of a body of a user and which is moisture repellent and an outer one of which remote from the first layer in use is adapted for evaporation of moisture.

The fabric may be natural or artificial fabric, and the impregnation means may be applied for example by spraying or by impregnation by immersion, or incorporation in the material for forming the fabric where such is an artificial fabric.

Suitably, the inner and outer layers may comprise a fabric, and an intermediate layer may be impact resistant and an absorber of moisture such as sweat, suitably being able to absorb up to 25% of its own weight of moisture. Suitably too, the impact-resistant layer may be of the kind which is malleable to conform to the shape of a body part to which it may be applied, but which on impact "hardens" virtually instantaneously to protect the wearer against impact of say a cricket ball. As hereinbefore described, the item of apparel may be a helmet such as a cricket helmet. There may be an absorbent band on the interior of the helmet and which may be permanently or releasably attached to the helmet, the latter allowing for changing and/or replacing.

The band may be elastic, and it may be attached, suitably removably, by a hook-and- pile arrangement.

A fabric and an item of apparel embodying the invention as hereinafter described, by way of example, in the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-section through a fabric according to the invention, and

Fig. 2 shows a schematic vertical cross-section through an item of apparel in the form of a cricket helmet according to the invention.

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, there is shown a cross-section through a fabric 1 comprising a plurality of layers of material, a first layer 2 being adapted to obviate variations in temperature and a second layer 3 adapted to absorb moisture, the arrangement being such that in use any moisture at the first layer 2 is absorbed by the second layer 3. Thus when the fabric 1 is made up into an item of apparel, the first layer 2 is positioned in use adjacent the skin of the wearer/user so that perspiration is absorbed by the second layer 3.

The layers 2 and 3 are superposed and bonded together as by heat bonding to form a laminate, which is held in a carrier 4 such as a knitted cotton carrier, though in an embodiment, not shown, the layers 2, 3 can be secured together by interengagement of threads of the layers, for example by knitting yarns of the layers together.

The layer 2 which is in use next to the skin of a user or wearer is a phase change material. Such a material comprises in the embodiment microcapsules of different paraffins embedded in an acrylic compound binder shell to interact with the user's body and act to obviate excessive temperature variations. There is a dynamic action as the layer 2 acts to absorb, store and release heat as the microcapsules change from a solid to a liquid phase, and vice versa. The layer 2 has an optimum level for absorbing heat and providing a phase change. As a wearer becomes hot owing to exercise and/or exposure to heat, such as a cricket player, the optimum level is passed and the player perspires. When this happens, the layer 3, which is a superabsorbent material, soaks up the perspiration, virtually instantaneously thereby keeping the player dry, and comfortable. The second layer 3, the superabsorbent layer, is in the embodiment a polyacrylate based fibre material, which exhibits high rates of absorption of moisture such as saline and water. Thus perspiration can be absorbed in seconds.

Thus in use, the fabric 1 provides a sweat absorbent 3 with a phase change material 2 that provides a cooling effect. Stated in another way, the layer 3, in absorbing the sweat, causes the phase change layer 2 to revert to a solid phase from a liquid phase, so providing a cooling effect without the need to wet the second layer 3. There is then a constant dynamic equilibrium established which not only absorbs perspiration, but also keeps the body as cool as possible.

Referring to Fig. 2 of the drawings, there is shown the fabric 1 of Fig. 1 comprising part of an item of apparel in the form of a cricket cap or helmet 5, the first or inner layer 2 of the fabric being adapted for contact with a part of the body (the head 6) of a wearer and the second or outer layer 3 being an absorbent of moisture. The layer 3 can also be adapted for evaporation of moisture in certain circumstances. However, its main utility is in its ability to absorb moisture and retain it without leakage, dripping or run off.

There are in the embodiment shown three layers, an intermediate layer 7 between the inner and outer layers which latter is an absorber of moisture, suitably a super-absorber in that it can absorb up to 25% by weight of its own weight of moisture. The intermediate layer 7 is impact resistant, although it will be understood that one or both of the other layers 2,3 can have this property too so that on impact, the force of a blow is absorbed and is not transmitted to the wearer. The impact resistance may be provided by a malleable material which can be moulded to the required shape for application to a body part, and which "hardens" vertically instantaneously when it receives a blow. Thus a player of say cricket, hockey, ice hockey or the like is protected from injury if struck by a projectile such as a cricket ball (when playing cricket).

The material of at least the inner 2 and outer 3 layers may be natural, artificial, or mixture of both, fabric which may be impregnated with or incorporate as by immersion with means which can obviate bacterial growth, fungus and/or odours. The means can be a nano-technology means.

The layer 2 of material which is in contact with the head of the user has in the embodiment a lining a surface of which in contact with the head 6 is a non-irritant thereto and which repels moisture, i.e. it is hydrophobic, to the absorbent layer 3, the moisture then being able to evaporate through the outer layer 9 which is a breathable outer shell fabric so that the moisture, escapes from the helmet 1 by evaporation.

This act of evaporation extracts heat from the interior of the helmet 5 so that the wearer's head 6 is kept cool, in other words there is a temperature equalisation between the had 6 of the wearer and the surrounding ambient air 'A' which makes for comfort for the wearer. The outer layer 3 may be treated with a material by spraying which enhances evaporation.

There may also be a head band 8 permanently or temporarily attached to the inner surface of the helmet 5, which band may itself be formed of layers as hereinbefore described.

The cricket cap or helmet 5 of the embodiment may have an outer shell 9.

In the embodiment, the layer 2 which is in contact with the body (head 6 in the embodiment) is a temperature equalisation layer in the form of a fibre or fabric which is adapted to cool the body when the ambient air 'A' is warm or hot, and to warm the body when the ambient air is cool or cold. The total effect may be achieved by either combining any or all of the above in any series of layers or by a composite mix of fibres.

The range of apparatus covers all clothing, footwear and headwear, and also includes all items affecting the body such as bedding (sheets, duvets, pillows, mattresses, etc.) and any protective devices such as cricket/football pads, body/chest protection vests, etc., protective footwear, as well as cricket helmets as referred to above.

The item of apparel is waterproof but breathable.

The impact resistant layer/fibre/material may be incorporated either in the mix of fibres or as a final or penultimate layer (with breathing holes), subject to finishing treatment to achieve anti stain, waterproof etc. qualities.

The material of the layer in contact with the body in use provides an equalisation of heat to or from the body, in other words it provides a buffer which seeks to obviate perspiration and provides for warmth to protect against cold, e.g. chill or shivering.

This is achieved in that the material of the layer in contact with the skin of the user, suitably a phase change material which undergoes a phase change equal or substantially so to an ideal skin temperature, resulting in a consistent and comfortable temperature adjacent the skin.

The apparatus can be used in:-

1. Food packaging;

2. Medical, wound and surgical dressings/dental;

3. cable wraps;

4. shoe insoles;

5. safety masks/gloves;

6. personal hygiene products;

7. body clothes;

8. filtration; 9. industrial.

The layer of material which is in contact with the head of the user has in the embodiment a surface of which in contact with the head is a non-irritant thereto and which repels moisture, i.e. it is hydrophobic, to the absorbent layer, the moisture then evaporating through the outer layer which is a breathable outer shell fabric so that the moisture, escapes from the helmet 5 by evaporation. When in contact with the wearer's skin, heat passes directly from the body and into the fabric. Because of the even distribution of water-absorbent material such as polymer throughout the layer, cooling is provided evenly throughout the entire fabric and can continue to cool for up to eight hours, depending on the degree of contact, environmental conditions, wearer physical activity, and type of outer clothing worn.

hi use, the dynamic action at the layer 2 providing temperature equalisation effect thus reduces temperature "spikes", which can cause stress, particularly to games' players owing to sometimes erratic fluctuations in body temperature whilst playing a game, such as cricket. The outer layer 9 may be treated by spraying with a material which enhances evaporation.

Where the apparatus is a cricket cap or helmet, there may also be a head band, not shown, permanently or temporarily attached to the inner surface of the helmet, which band may itself be formed of layers as hereinbefore described.

hi an embodiment, a combination of items forming a cap or helmet embodying the invention may be:

1. Knitted cap lining

2. Sympatex/Cortex type membrane which is breathable, i.e. it passes moisture from inside to outside (to the absorbent material) but prevents moisture returning (inwards to the head).

3. Absorbent material. 4. Another layer membrane which prevents moisture penetrating from outside to the absorbent layer.

5. Any other decorative (or the like) cover which may/may not have a distinctive marking to identify the model.

and/or

6. Which may have an impact resistant foam to afford protection.

It will be understood that using material of the invention, a dynamic effect is achieved in the one fabric, namely either keeping the body of a wearer of an item of apparel made from the material warm when the ambient temperature is cold, or cool when the ambient temperature is high or when the body temperature is raised owing to exercise or exertion.

Thus using the invention, the core body temperature of a wearer is maintained at a desired comfort level i.e. not too hot and not too cold, whatever the ambient temperature conditions or degree of exertion of the wearer.

There is an optimum point/limit to the absorption of heat by the layer 2, and when that stage is reached sweating will take place, which brings the other fabric/fibre 3 into play, as this is a high performance absorbent material (which for every gram weight of material is capable of absorbing 25 grams of water) as this is next to and in combination with the 'phase change' material.

Any sweat passes to and is absorbed by the absorbent fibre/fabric which is colder, and now moist, than the phase change material.

With a hot material adjacent to a cold moist material there is a heat transfer from hot to cold, and as a result, capacity for extra heat absorption occurs in the phase change material. The continuing absorption of body heat prevents further sweating and a continuous dynamic action ensues.

In addition, in conditions of low relative humidity and sunny, hot ambient temperature, evaporation of the moisture in the absorbent material will take place which is a further coolant effect upon the body. Using the invention, body sweating/heat loss of a wearer of a garment, cap or hat made from the material is reduced or eliminated.

The range of application of fabric embodying the invention as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings is wide. This material made up from the fabric can be used as furniture covers, e.g. in chairs, sofas, seats etc such as domestic furniture, in vehicles such as automobiles, trains, ships, aeroplanes, metro, subway and underground, kitchen cloths, (when it can be combined with a paper or pulp to provide a kitchen towel) and as safety materials in absorbing moisture e.g. water in petrol or diesel fuel. It can also be used in storage as a "cold" material to maintain produce such as fish cold or chilled. It will be appreciated that the layer 3 absorbs any melted ice, so there is no leakage of water. There are many applications which benefit from the combination of phase change in the layer 2 and absorption of water/moisture in the layer 3.

Further, the layers 2 and/or 3 may comprise, or be combined with, or be adjacent to, an arrangement of carbon fibres. This can provide a strong yet light fabric, which can also be used as a template or "mould" to provide an item such as a cap or helmet of a desired final shape.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A fabric, comprising a plurality of layers of material, a first layer being adapted to obviate variations in temperature and a second layer adapted to absorb moisture, the arrangement being such that in use any moisture at the first layer is absorbed by the second layer.

2. A fabric according to claim 1, the two layers being superposed and enclosed in a material carrier.

3. A fabric according to claim 2, the fabric carrier comprising a knitted cotton carrier.

4. A fabric according to claim 3, the two layers and the carrier being bonded together to provide a composite unit.

5. A fabric according to claim 4, the two layers and the carrier being heat bonded together.

6. A fabric according to claim 1, the two layers being secured together.

7. A fabric according to claim 6, the two layers being secured together by respective threads of the layers being interengaged.

8. A fabric according to claim 7, the two layers being secured together by yarns of the two layers being knitted together.

9. A fabric according to any preceding claim, there being two layers, one of which comprises the first layer and the other of which comprises the second layer.

10. A fabric according to any of claims 1 to 8, there being three layers, the first layer, the second layer and a layer intermediate the first and second layers.

11. A fabric according to claim 10, at least one of the layers being impact resistance.

12. A fabric according to any preceding claim, comprising means to obviate bacterial growth.

13. A fabric according to claim 12, the means comprising anti-fungicidal means.

14. A fabric according to any preceding claim, comprising means to obviate nauseous odours.

15. A fabric according to any of claims 12 to 14, the respective means being applied by spray.

16. A fabric according to any of claims 12 to 14, the means comprising a nano- technology means applied to or incorporated in one or more of the layers.

17. A fabric according to any preceding claim, the absorbent layers each being adapted to absorb about 25% of its own weight of moisture.

18. A fabric according to any preceding claim, comprising means which is resistant to the formation of stains.

19. A fabric according to any preceding claim, made up into an item selection from at least the group comprising a protective item of clothing, a shoe insole, a cap or helmet for use in sport, a seat cover, a protective jacket, a kerchief, a pair of gloves, a pair of socks, a head band and the like.

20. An item according to claim 19, comprising a protective helmet.

21. An item according to claim 20, comprising a cricket helmet.

22. An item according to claim 21 , including an absorbent band.

23. An item according to claim 22, the band being permanently attached to the helmet.

24. An item according to claim 22, the band being removably attached to the helmet.

25. An item according to claim 19, the item of apparel comprising a head or wrist band.

26. An item of apparel according to any one of claims 19 to 25, comprising a plurality of layers of material, an inner one of which may be adapted for contact with a part of a body of a user and which is moisture repellent and an outer one of which remote from the first layer is adapted for evaporation of moisture.