US20030104742A1

US20030104742A1 - Method making yarn softer and smoother and the product thereof

Info

Publication number: US20030104742A1
Application number: US10/002,877
Authority: US
Inventors: Hiroshi Niwa
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-12-05
Filing date: 2001-12-05
Publication date: 2003-06-05

Abstract

This invention pertains to a method of improving the comfort, softness, and texture of textile products in both semi-finished and finished forms and the product of this method. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains to a method of improving the comfort, softness, and texture of textile products in both semi-finished and finished forms and the product thereof.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention resides in a method of softening textile fibers and the softened textile fibers made by this method. The method of softening textile fibers includes the following steps: Blending an Aloe Vera solution capable of absorption directly into textile fibers. Impregnating textile fibers with said Aloe Vera solution. Drying said impregnated textile fibers.

The details of the method of softening textile fibers include the following steps: Blending an Aloe Vera solution suitable for improving the comfort, softness, and texture of textile fibers, and capable of absorption directly into textile fibers. Applying a coating of the Aloe Vera solution onto the outer surface of a roller. Running textile fibers over the outer surface of the roller and through the coating of Aloe Vera solution. Impregnating the textile fibers with Aloe Vera solution. Drying the impregnated textile fibers.

A variation of the method of softening textile fibers includes the further steps of: Filling a reservoir with the Aloe Vera solution. Pumping the Aloe Vera solution from the reservoir through a tube and through a means for application. Applying a coating of the Aloe Vera solution onto the outer surface of the roller using a means for application.

Another variation of the method of softening textile fibers includes the further steps of: Varying the volumetric flow rate of the Aloe Vera solution passing through the means for application. Metering the volumetric application of the Aloe Vera solution so as to impregnate the textile fibers and derive consistent quality and not impair the conversion of the textile fiber into yarn. Yet another variation of the method of softening textile fibers includes the further steps of: Applying a coating of the Aloe Vera solution onto the outer surface of an upper roller using the means for application. Locating a lower roller below the upper roller to sandwich the textile fibers passing therebetween in constant contact with both rollers. Propelling the upper roller and the lower roller to drive the textile fibers forward.

Still another variation of the method of softening textile fibers uses a nozzle as the means for application.

A further variation of the method of softening textile fibers includes the step of: Driving the textile fibers forward between the upper and the lower roller and into a storage container.

A still further variation of the method of softening textile fibers includes the step of: Incorporating the method of softening textile fibers as part of a fiber stretch break machine.

Another further variation of the method of softening textile fibers includes the step of: Locating the method of softening textile fibers on a fiber stretch break machine immediately after the continuous filament textile fibers have been stretch broken into smaller, discrete fiber lengths.

In still another variation of the method of softening textile fibers, the textile fibers can be made from acrylic, wool, or cotton fibers.

In yet another variation of the method of softening textile fibers, the impregnated textile fibers are dried at ambient air temperature.

The present invention also resides in a method of softening yarn and the product thereof. The method of softening yarn includes the following steps: Blending an Aloe Vera solution capable of absorption directly into a yarn. Impregnating yarn with said Aloe Vera solution. Drying said impregnated yarn.

The details of the method of softening yarn include the following steps: Blending an Aloe Vera solution suitable for improving the comfort, softness, and texture of yarn, and capable of absorption directly into yarn. Applying a coating of the Aloe Vera solution onto the outer surface of a roller. Running the yarn over the outer surface of the roller and through the coating of the Aloe Vera solution. Impregnating the yarn with the Aloe Vera solution. Drying the impregnated yarn.

A variation of the method of softening yarn includes the steps of: Filling a reservoir with the Aloe Vera solution. Placing part of the outer surface of the roller into the Aloe Vera solution in the reservoir. Revolving the roller to apply a coating of the Aloe Vera solution on the outer surface of the roller. Driving the yarn forward at a rate that promotes optimal yarn impregnation. Replenishing constantly the coating of the Aloe Vera solution on the outer surface of the roller.

Another variation of the method of softening yarn includes the step of: Maintaining a constant amount of the Aloe Vera solution in the reservoir during the application procedure.

Yet another variation of the method of softening yarn includes the step of: Varying the propelling speed of the roller to optimize the absorption rate of the Aloe Vera solution into each type of yarn.

Yet a further variation of the method of softening yarn includes the step of: Locating the method of softening textile yarn as the last operation at the end of the continuous steam bulker machine resulting in a uniformly consistent application of the Aloe Vera solution.

A further variation of the method of softening yarn includes the step of: Locating an Aloe Vera solution filled feeder bottle above the reservoir to gravity feed and consistently maintain the Aloe Vera solution level in the reservoir.

In a variation of the method of softening yarn, the impregnated yarn is dried at ambient air temperature. In another variation of the method of softening yarn, the yarn is made from acrylic, wool, or cotton fibers.

In yet another variation of the method of softening yarn, the yarn is made from two plies, three plies, or four plies of twisted yarn fibers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more filly understood by reference to the following drawings that are for illustrative purposes only: [0025]
FIG. 1 is an orthogonal view of the method of softening textile fibers; [0026]
FIG. 2 is an orthogonal view of the method of softening yarn. [0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention resides in a method of softening [0028] textile fibers 14 and the softened textile fibers 18 made by this method. The method of softening textile fibers 14 includes the following steps: Blending an Aloe Vera solution 22 capable of absorption directly into textile fibers 14. Impregnating textile fibers 14 with said Aloe Vera solution 22. Drying said impregnated textile fibers 14.
The details of the method of softening [0029] textile fibers 14 include the following steps: Blending an Aloe Vera solution 22 suitable for improving the comfort, softness, and texture of textile fibers 14, and capable of absorption directly into textile fibers 14. Applying a coating 20 of the Aloe Vera solution 22 onto the outer surface 46 of a roller 26. Running textile fibers 14 over the outer surface 46 of the roller 26 and through the coating 20 of Aloe Vera solution 22. Impregnating the textile fibers 14 with Aloe Vera solution 22. Drying the impregnated textile fibers 14.
A variation of the method of softening [0030] textile fibers 14 includes the further steps of: Filling a reservoir 30 with the Aloe Vera solution 22. Pumping the Aloe Vera solution 22 from the reservoir 30 through a tube 38 and through a means for application 42. Applying a coating 20 of the Aloe Vera solution 22 onto the outer surface 46 of the roller 26 using the means for application 42.
Another variation of the method of softening [0031] textile fibers 14 includes the further steps of: Varying the volumetric flow rate of the Aloe Vera solution 22 passing through the means for application 42. Metering the volumetric application of the Aloe Vera solution 22 so as to impregnate the textile fibers 14 and derive consistent quality and not impair the conversion of the textile fibers 14 into yarn.
Yet another variation of the method of softening [0032] textile fibers 14 includes the further steps of: Applying a coating 20 of the Aloe Vera solution 22 onto the outer surface 46 of an upper roller 26 using the means for application 42. Locating a lower roller 54 below the upper roller 26 to sandwich the textile fibers 14 passing therebetween in constant contact with both rollers. Propelling the upper roller 26 and the lower roller 54 to drive the textile fibers 14 forward.
Still another variation of the method of softening [0033] textile fibers 14 uses a nozzle 58 as the means for application 42.
A further variation of the method of softening [0034] textile fibers 14 includes the step of: Driving the textile fibers 14 forward between the upper 26 and the lower roller 54 and into a storage container.
A still further variation of the method of softening [0035] textile fibers 14 includes the step of: Incorporating the method of softening textile fibers 14 as part of a fiber stretch break machine.
Another further variation of the method of softening [0036] textile fibers 14 includes the step of: Locating the method of softening textile fibers 14 on a fiber stretch break machine immediately after the continuous filament textile fibers 14 have been stretch broken into smaller, discrete fiber lengths.
In still another variation of the method of softening [0037] textile fibers 14, the textile fibers 14 can be made from acrylic, wool, or cotton fibers.
In yet another variation of the method of softening [0038] textile fibers 14, the impregnated textile fibers 14 are dried at ambient air temperature.
As shown in FIG. 2, the present invention also resides in a method of softening [0039] yarn 114 and the product thereof. The method of softening yarn 114 includes the following steps: Blending an Aloe Vera solution 118 capable of absorption directly into a yarn 114. Impregnating yarn 114 with said Aloe Vera solution 118. Drying said impregnated yarn 122.
The details of the method of softening [0040] yarn 114 include the following steps: Blending an Aloe Vera solution 118 suitable for improving the comfort, softness, and texture of yarn 114, and capable of absorption directly into yarn 114. Applying a coating 126 of the Aloe Vera solution 118 onto the outer surface 130 of a roller 134. Running the yarn 114 over the outer surface 130 of a roller 134 and through the coating 126 of the Aloe Vera solution 118. Impregnating the yarn 114 with the Aloe Vera solution 118. Drying the impregnated yarn 122.
A variation of the method of softening [0041] yarn 114 includes the steps of: Filling a reservoir 138 with the Aloe Vera solution 118. Placing part of the outer surface 130 of a roller 134 into the Aloe Vera solution 118 in the reservoir 138. Revolving the roller 134 to apply a coating 126 of the Aloe Vera solution 118 on the outer surface 130 of a roller 134. Driving the yarn 114 forward at a rate that promotes optimal yarn 114 impregnation. Replenishing constantly the coating 126 of the Aloe Vera solution 118 on the outer surface 130 of a roller 134.
Another variation of the method of softening [0042] yarn 114 includes the step of: Maintaining a constant amount of the Aloe Vera solution 118 in the reservoir 138 during the application procedure.
Yet another variation of the method of softening [0043] yarn 114 includes the step of: Varying the propelling speed of the roller 134 to optimize the absorption rate of the Aloe Vera solution 118 into each type of yarn 114.
Yet a further variation of the method of softening [0044] yarn 114 includes the step of: Locating the method of softening textile yarn 114 as the last operation at the end of the continuous steam bulker machine resulting in a uniformly consistent application of the Aloe Vera solution 118.
A further variation of the method of softening [0045] yarn 114 includes the step of: Locating an Aloe Vera solution 118 filled feeder bottle 146 above the reservoir 138 to gravity feed and consistently maintain the Aloe Vera solution 118 level in the reservoir 138.
In a variation of the method of softening [0046] yarn 114, the impregnated yarn 122 is dried at ambient air temperature.
In another variation of the method of softening [0047] yarn 114, the yarn 114 is made from acrylic, wool, or cotton fibers.
In yet another variation of the method of softening [0048] yarn 114, the yarn 114 is made from two plies, three plies, or four plies of twisted yarn fibers.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of softening textile fibers comprising the steps of:

blending an Aloe Vera solution suitable for improving the comfort, softness, and texture of textile fibers, and capable of absorption directly into textile fibers;

impregnating textile fibers with said Aloe Vera solution; and

drying said impregnated textile fibers.

2. Softened textile fibers comprising:

textile fibers; and

impregnate said textile fibers with Aloe Vera solution according to the method of claim 1.

3. A method of softening textile fibers comprising the steps of:

applying a coating of said Aloe Vera solution onto the outer surface of a roller;

running textile fibers over the outer surface of said roller and through said coating of said Aloe Vera solution;

impregnating said textile fibers with said Aloe Vera solution; and

drying said impregnated textile fibers.

4. Softened textile fibers comprising:

textile fibers; and

impregnate said textile fibers with Aloe Vera solution according to the method of claim 3.

5. A method of softening textile fibers according to claim 3 comprising the further steps of:

filling a reservoir with said Aloe Vera solution;

pumping said Aloe Vera solution from said reservoir through a tube and through a means for application; and

applying a coating of said Aloe Vera solution onto said outer surface of said roller using said means for application.

6. A method of softening textile fibers according to claim 5 comprising the further steps of:

varying the volumetric flow rate of said Aloe Vera solution passing through said means for application; and

metering the volumetric application of said Aloe Vera solution so as to impregnate said textile fibers and derive consistent quality and not impair the conversion of said textile fibers into yarn.

7. A method of softening textile fibers according to claim 6 comprising the further steps of:

applying a coating of said Aloe Vera solution onto the outer surface of an upper roller using said means for application;

locating a lower roller below said upper roller to sandwich said textile fibers passing therebetween in constant contact with both rollers; and

propelling said upper roller and said lower roller to drive said textile fibers forward.

8. Softened textile fibers comprising:

textile fibers; and

impregnate said textile fibers with Aloe Vera solution according to the method of claim 7.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein said means for application being a nozzle.

10. A method of softening textile fibers according to claim 7 comprising the further step of:

driving said textile fibers forward between said upper and said lower roller and into a storage container.

11. A method of softening textile fibers according to claim 8 comprising the further step of:

incorporating said method of softening textile fibers as part of a fiber stretch break machine.

12. A method of softening textile fibers according to claim 8 comprising the further step of:

locating said method of softening textile fibers on a fiber stretch break machine immediately after the continuous filament fiber has been stretch broken into smaller, discrete fiber lengths.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said textile fibers being made from acrylic fibers.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said textile fibers being made from wool fibers.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein said textile fibers being made from cotton fibers.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein drying said impregnated textile fibers at ambient air temperature.

17. Softened textile fibers comprising:

textile fibers; and

impregnate said textile fibers with Aloe Vera solution according to the method of claim 12.

18. A method of softening yarn comprising the steps of:

blending an Aloe Vera solution suitable for improving the comfort, softness, and texture of yarn, and capable of absorption directly into textile fibers;

impregnating the yarn with said Aloe Vera solution; and

drying said impregnated yarn.

19. Softened yarn comprising:

yarn; and

impregnate said yarn with Aloe Vera solution according to the method of claim 18.

20. A method of softening textile yarn comprising the steps of:

blending an Aloe Vera solution suitable for improving the comfort, softness, and texture of a yarn, and capable of absorption directly into the yarn;

running the yarn over the outer surface of said roller and through the coating of said Aloe Vera solution; and

impregnating said yarn with said Aloe Vera solution; and

drying said impregnated yarn.

21. Softened yarn comprising:

yarn; and impregnate said yarn with Aloe Vera solution according to the method of claim 20.

22. A method of softening textile yarn according to claim 20 comprising the further steps of:

filling a reservoir with said Aloe Vera solution;

placing part of said outer surface of said roller into said Aloe Vera solution in said reservoir;

revolving said roller to apply said coating of said Aloe Vera solution on said outer surface of said roller;

driving said yarn forward at a rate that promotes optimal yarn impregnation; and

replenishing constantly said coating of said Aloe Vera solution on said outer surface of said roller.

23. A method of softening textile yarn according to claim 22 comprising the further step of:

maintaining a constant amount of said Aloe Vera solution in said reservoir during the application procedure.

24. A method of softening textile yarn according to claim 22 comprising the further step of:

varying the propelling speed of said roller to optimize the absorption rate of said Aloe Vera solution into each type of yarn.

25. A method of softening textile yarn according to claim 24 comprising the further step of:

incorporating said method of softening textile yarn on a continuous steam bulker machine.

26. A method of softening textile yarn according to claim 24 comprising the further step of:

locating an Aloe Vera solution filled feeder bottle above said reservoir to gravity feed and consistently maintain said Aloe Vera level in said reservoir.

27. A method of softening textile yarn according to claim 25 comprising the further step of:

locating said method of softening textile yarn as the last operation at the end of said continuous steam bulker machine resulting in a uniformly consistent application of said Aloe Vera solution.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein drying said impregnated yarn at ambient air temperature.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein said yarn being made from acrylic fibers.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein said yarn being made from wool fibers.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein said yarn being made from cotton fibers.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein said yarn being made from two plies of twisted textile fibers.

33. The method of claim 28, wherein said yarn being made from three plies of twisted textile fibers.

34. The method of claim 28, wherein said yarn being made from four plies of twisted textile fibers.

35. Softened yarn comprising:

yarn; and

impregnate said yarn with Aloe Vera solution according to the method of claim 28.