GB1044701A - Method and apparatus for reducing shrinkage of elastic fabrics - Google Patents

Abstract

1, 044, 701. Finishing fabrics; textile treating apparatus. UNITED ELASTIC CORPORATION. Jan. 13, 1965 [Jan. 17, 1964], No. 1534/65. Headings D1L and D1S. [Also in Division F4] The shrinkage of elastic fabrics having covered elastic threads in the warp, the covering comprising a blend of from 10-50% by weight polypropylene with cellulosic fibres, is controlled or reduced by padding the fabric with an aqueous finish, removing moisture to normal content routinely obtained in textile finishing operations prior to final drying and passing the fabric under low tension, only sufficient to keep the fabric from sagging, between extended infra-red heating surfaces, the infra-red heaters having temperatures between 600 and 1400‹F and being spaced from the fabric from 1-10<SP>11</SP>. The weft threads may also comprise a blend of polypropylene and cellulosic fibres. A preferred blend contains 25-37.5% polypropylene and the remainder rayon. In examples, the warp comprises rubber or spandex threads covered with a blend of 62.5% rayon staple and 37. 5% polypropylene and also cotton threads and the weft comprises cotton threads or cotton covered rubber threads or a blend of 37.5% polypropylene with 62.5% rayon staple. As shown, the fabric 4, Fig. 1, passes through a steamer or steam hood 15, past a safety switch 13 and is guided by rolls 3 through a padding tank 2 containing water and a detergent or wetting agent. Heaters (not shown) may be provided for the padding bath. The fabric 4 passes between squeeze rolls 5 which leave, for example, 40-80% moisture in the fabric. The fabric then passes a safety switch 12, Fig. 2, and over rollers 6, tension being provided by ironing rolls 7, Fig. 3, to prevent the fabric sagging. Infra-red heaters 14, Fig. 2, are mounted on frames 11 carried by side arms 10 journalled on shafts 8 in a framework 9. In operation, the frames 11 are swung until they are spaced the desired distance from the fabric 4. The temperature of the heaters 14 may be varied by varying the flow of current thereto. After leading the ironing rolls 7, Fig. 3, the fabric passes a safety switch (not shown) and finally passes over drying drums 18.