FABRIC

Abstract: A multilayer cloth comprising at least two separate layers which are interlocked. The layers have different deniers so as to provide a denier gradient through the thickness of the fabric. At least one of the layers has a woven construction.

Description: FABRIC The present invention relates to a fabric and more particularly, but not exclusively to a clothing fabric. It is known to produce breathable fabrics such as those marketed under the trade mark GORETEX (RTM). Breathable fabrics are substantially impermeable to water from one side thereof whereas they allow water vapour to exit through the fabric from the other side. These fabrics are used as a component of clothing, particularly jackets and coats. Here the fabric provides rainproofmg while at the same time preventing the entrapment of water vapour from perspiration under the coat. The present invention seeks to provide a further breathable fabric suitable for making into clothing. According to the present invention there is provided a multilayer cloth comprising at least two separate layers interlocked, the layers having differing deniers so as to provide a denier gradient through the thickness of the fabric, at least one of the layers being of a woven construction. The denier gradient enables condensation formed on the inside of the garment to migrate to the surface of the fabric layer whereupon it evaporates. In use the finer denier layer is located at the outside of the garment. The woven layer provides windproofing. Ideally all of the layers are woven. The weave pattern of the finer layer may comprise any conventional weave pattern for example plain weave or twill weave such as 2/2 twill, 2/1 twill or 3/1 twill. The cloth is preferably of a Duplex construction. The individual layers are linked together by locking of the thread from the coarse back layer to the fine face layer. Permanent contact between the back and face layers is preferred, but not necessary, although it is the contact of yarns with the face that increases the capillarity of the fabric, creating the wicking action which is necessary for transport of the condensation from the innerside to the outerside of the garment. The number of contact points between the threads of the backing layer and the face layer is preferably in the range from 120 to 220 per cm 2 . A typical fabric in accordance with the invention would comprise two individual interlocked layers. The layers may be made from any conventional natural or synthetic material such as polyamide or more preferably polyester. Part of the fibres in the back are preferably raised, for example by emerising, to produce a light nap. The outer face of the fabric may be provided with a hydrophylic coating finish in order to enhance the capillary action of removal of water vapour from the inner face of the garment. The garment may also comprise an inner lining layer for the fabric in accordance with the present invention which is provided at the outerside of the garment. In order that the present invention may be more readily understood a specific embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Fig.l is a plan view of the back layer of a fabric in accordance with the present invention; and Fig.2 is a cross section through the fabric of Fig.l along the line A-A . A fabric for use in the outerlayer of a garment has a Duplex-style configuration, i.e. it comprises two individual interlocked layers. The upper layer as illustrated comprises a 50f88 polyester microfibre warp (85-95 ends per cm) and various polyester wefts, including 50f88 with 2/167f20 false twist textured or 78f36 false twist textured; or 170f272 air jet textured with 2/167f30 false twist textured (40-68 picks per cm). The back layer threads were the 2/167f30 or 78f36 false twisted textured. A dobby weave was used. In use water vapour from perspiration is transported from the inner to the outer face of the fabric by capillary action. It is to be understood that the above described embodiment is by way of illustration only. Many modifications and variations are possible.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A multilayer cloth comprising at least two separate layers interlocked, the layers having differing deniers so as to provide a denier gradient through the thickness of the fabric, at least one of the layers being of a woven structure. 2. A multilayer cloth as claimed in claim 1, wherein said multilayer cloth is used to form a clothing garment, the finer denier layer being located at the outside of the garment. 3. A multilayer cloth as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein all of the layers of the cloth are woven. 4. A multilayer cloth as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cloth is of a Duplex construction. 5. A multilayer cloth as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the number of contact points between threads of the said layers is in the range from 120 to 220 per cm 2 . 6. A multilayer cloth as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fabric is provided with a hydrophylic coating.

Inventors: LAYCOCK STEPHEN JOHN, WALKER HARRY, LAYCOCK, STEPHEN, JOHN, WALKER, HARRY
Applicants: LAYCOCK STEPHEN JOHN, SCAPA GROUP PLC, WALKER HARRY, LAYCOCK, STEPHEN, JOHN, WALKER, HARRY
Application year: 1995
Main classification: A41D31
IPC codes: A41D31, D03D11