US3849849A

US3849849A - Method of identifying yarns

Info

Publication number: US3849849A
Application number: US00355086A
Authority: US
Inventors: M Gottlieb
Original assignee: LIBERTY FABRICS OF NEW YORK Inc
Current assignee: PATTERN Co Inc
Priority date: 1973-04-27
Filing date: 1973-04-27
Publication date: 1974-11-26
Anticipated expiration: 1991-11-26

Abstract

A method of weaving, warping, and knitting textured fabrics wherein the yarns utilized may be readily identified thereby allowing verification of the pattern and easy replacement of broken yarns. Set and stretch textured yarns are arranged in accordance with a predetermined pattern. Once the yarns are either partially wound on the warp, arranged in the loom, or threaded through the knitting machine, identification and verification of the pattern may be accomplished by partially relieving the yarn tension and viewing the degree of slack in each yarn. The yarn with the greater amount of slack is the set yarn while the yarn with the lesser amount of slack is the stretch yarn. The same technique may be further utilized in the identification of yarns broken during weaving, warping or knitting.

Description

States latent n91 Goy 28/722 R Gottlieb I g Nov. 26, 1974 METHOD OF IDENTIFYING YARNS Primary ExaminerLouis K. Rimrodt [7 5] Inventor: Michael M. Gottlieb, New York, N.Y. [57] ABSTCT [73] Assignee: Liberty Fabrics of New York, Inc., A method of weaving, warping, and knitting textured New York, N.Y. fabrics wherein the yarns utilized may be readily identified thereby allowing verification of the pattern and [22] Filed 1973 easy replacement of broken yarns. Set and stretch tex- [21] Appl. No.: 355,086 tured yarns are arranged in accordance with a predetermined pattern. Once the yarns are either partially wound on the warp, arranged in the loom, orthreaded $18.31. h gh h hin identification and erifi- E 5 32 32 5 cation of the pattern may be accomplished by partially 0 care 7 6 6 relieving the yarn tension and viewing the degree of slack in each yarn. The yarn with the greater amount 56 R i Ct d of slack is the set yarn while the yarn with the lesser I 1 e erences e amount of slack is the stretch yarn. The same tech- UNITED STATES PATENTS nique may be further utilized in the identification of 2,114,004 4/1938 Reinthal 28/725 X yarns broken during weaving, warping or knitting. 3,216,082 11/1965 4 Claims, N0 Drawings u 1 METHOD OF TDENTIFYING YARNS ing, warping and knitting textured yarns and more particularly to the identification of the particular textured yarns utilized. t

Textured yarns have been used increasingly during recent years for knitted and woven fabrics. Textured yarns are advantageous, depending'on the type selected, in that they provide the resultant fabric with strength along with bulk, thermalinsulation, absorbency, rugged performance and stretch. Further, the yarns are versatile in that the resultant fabric can be produced in a great variety of patternsor designs dependent upon the selection of the yarns for the particular pattern. For instance, the fabric might be knit or woven in undyed form for either a printed style or a piece dyed solid shade. Further, cross dyed styles might be obtained by using cationic-dyable and deep dying yarns. A regular dying textured nylon yarn might be added in this latter combination to produce a three color fabric.

Generally speaking there are three categories of textured yarns, namely, stretch'yarns (single heater false twist textured), set yarns (double heater false twist textured), and bulk yarns (stuffer box set or crimped yarns). Stretch yarns are characterized by their high elongation and rapid recovery. Set yarns on the other hand are some times referred to as modified stretch yarns in that they have been modified so as to reduce their stretch and recovery but retain much of their clave, or during a yarn dying operation. Bulk yarns,

which'frequently have many attributes of set yarns, are of a limited stretch and greatly increased'mass adapted to impart a full hand to the fabric and maybe used as set yarns .in this invention.

. During knitting oftexturedwarp knit fabrics and also during preparation'ofthe warp, a great number of yarns are arranged in accordance with a predetermined pattern. Since each of these yarns, in the stretch or set condition has basically the same appearance, difficulties havebeen encountered in distinguishing between the different yarns utilized in the pattern. Identification of each of the yarns is generally necessary during initial weaving, warping and knitting of .the pattern and also whenever one desires to check the pattern. Yarn identification is further required when broken yarns are encountered. Present weaving and knitting practice, both when yarn breakage; is encountered or when the pat ternis to be checked,,generally requires that the ma-. chine be stopped and apiece of the fabric cut from the .run. The cut piece of fabric is then dyed to ascertain whether the yarns are in the proper arrangement. Of course, this technique is highly inefficient and causes substantial machine downtime; Moreover, if an error occurs in warping, hundreds of pounds of yarn would be rendered unusable.

Because of the yarns being virtually indistinguishable while being processed, such as in weaving, knitting and warping, it has-been proposed to pre-dye the different yarns to be utilized. In this manner one may readily check the pattern or otherwise identify the yarns used since their colors are distinguishable from one another. Aside from the additional expense, one drawback with respect to this system is that a large inventory of yarns is necessary. Another solution practiced by certain manufacturers is that of utilizing a 4 bar machine to fabricate fabrics normally made on a 2 bar machine.

Although this permits somewhat better identification of the yarns than when making a 4 bar fabric on a 4 bar machine, it reduces the number of possible designs capable of being produced on the machine.

By the method disclosed herein, an effective and simple method is provided whereby textured-yarns utilized in warping, weaving and knitting may be readily identified without the drawbacks of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION partially wound on the warp and placed under the necessaryamount of tension. In order to positively identify each of the yarns, the tension is slightly relieved and the amount of slack in the yarns-is compared. Those yarns displaying the greater amount of slack, i.e., less recovery, are identified as the set yarns whereas the yarns with the lesser amount of slack are the stretch yarns.

In the case where yarns are to be identified during the knitting of a warp knit fabric, the yarns are as before arranged according to the predetermined pattern and appropriately threaded through the needles, guide bars, etc. of the knitting machine. In order to positively identify the yarns, the tension is relieved so that the amount of slack in the respective yarns might be compared to ascertain whether the yarn is a stretch or set yarn. Similarly, for wovenfabrics the comparison may be made of the yarns arranged in the loom. Inthe case where broken yarns are encountered, either in preparing the warp, weaving or during knitting, the yarns may be identified in a manner similar to that previously des'cribedQlVlore specifically, the broken yarns are first grasped and placed under tension an amount sufficient so that the yarns are substantially taut. Next, the tension previously applied to each yarn is relieved slightly so that the degree of slack in the respective yarns may be viewed. Here again, the yarn which has the greater amount of slack will be the set yarn whereas the-one with the lesser amountof slack will be the stretch-yarn. I

Asv is apparent, this manner of identifying yamsis both positive and adapted to-eliminate the lengthy machine downtime associated "with the prior art tech niques. Moreover, usageof the combination of set'and stretch yarns as in the present invention, produces fab,- rics comparable tov those conventionally produced.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to. provide a method of identifying yarns utilized in the preparation of a warp for weaving or for warp knit fabrics.

his anotherobject of this invention to provide a method of identifying yarns utilized in the knitting of warp knit fabrics or in weaving.

it is still another object of this invention to provide a method of identifying broken yarns encountered ei- 'ther during knitting of warp knit fabrics, during preparation of a warp, or during weaving.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT To illustrate the number of yarns or ends present in a particular knitting machine, reference is made to a 24 gauge 168 inches tricot machine. If 4 beams, each 42 inches wide are used, and each beam has a total of 1,008 ends or yarns, there are a total of 4,032 ends or by taking an end of each of the yarns and laying them parallel to one another. The operator then grasps the ends of the two yarns with his finger, the fingers being spaced approximately 3 inches apart. Next, the yarns are stretched so as to place them in tension much like during warping or knitting. In this tension condition, the yarns will both appear identical. Next, the tension is slightly relieved, resulting in the stretch yarn appearing in a substantially straight line while the set yarn sags or droops considerably. When one views a stretch and set yarn in the manner described, they are readily identifiable from one another.

This same technique is adapted to be employed during warping and knitting. For instance during warping, once the yarns have been arranged in accordance with a predetermined pattern and at least partially wound on each bar, three of one yarn and one of the other on Bar 1 while Bar 2 has one of the first yarn and three of the other yarn, thus making a total of 8,064 yarns in the machine. Each warp would have 4,032 ends. More complicated repeats and those using a greater number of yarns are being fabricated to satisfy todays fabric requirements.

Since the number of yarns utilized to knit a particular fabric is very high and the yarns are closely spaced with respect to one another, it is virtually impossible to difthe bearn, by slightly relieving the yarn tension, identification can be made. In this somewhat relaxed condition, the stretch yarn will lie substantially in a straight line whereas the set yarn will appear slack. Similarly, during knitting, a partial relieving of the tension placed on the yarns will similary cause the set yarns to appear slack and droop while the stretch yarns will remain in time not only for resetting the yarn but firstly in identiferentiate between one yarn and another. Therefore, it

is quite complicated to check the pattern when the machine is first setup. As previously mentioned, the common technique employed is to take a piece of the actual knitted fabric, cut it out and dye it in order to see if the pattern is correct. If the pattern is found to be incorrect, the machine must be reset to obtain the correct repeat and rechecked in the manner previously described. Most often it is extremely difficult to determine precisely which yarns were incorrectly. positioned.

To overcome these problems, it has been found that by utilizing textured yarns, one stretch and one set, the yarns may be positively identified at any time. For instance, in the 3 l and l 3 pattern, each warp will be provided with stretch and set yarns. More specifically, by wayof example, one warp is provided with three stretch yarns and one set yarn whereas the other warp is provided with one stretch yarn and three set yarns respectively. Identification of each of the respective set and stretch yarns may readily be performed.

For example, when using set and stretch type yarns, in this instance the set polyester yarn could be dyable with cationic type dye stuffs whereas the stretch yarn is dyed with a dispersed type dye-stuffs; identification of each yarn is made by a simple tension test. More specifically, the characteristics of the stretch polyester textured yarn are such that it will retract much more than a set type polyester yarn. This stretch test is performed fying which yarns have broken. A common practice heretofore is that when yarn breakage is encountered, the machine is stopped, the yarns reset, a newly knitted or woven portion cut out and dyed to check that the pattern has been properly reset. This procedure is of course time consuming and costly. By using the method of this invention, the broken yarns are grasped between the fingers, stretchedto apply tension to theyarns, the tension then being slightly relieved thereby allowing for identification of the stretch and set yarns. Each of the yarns may be then readily placed in its proper position in accordance with the particular pattern and weaving or knitting continued without any further machine downtime.

By practice of the method of this invention, one can positively identify the yarns used in the pattern both quickly and without any complex procedures. Further the identification may be performed either in checking patterns during warping, weaving-or knitting, and mayalso be used when replacing broken yarns. The advantages over the complicated prior art techniques result in positive identification and a more economical manufacture of textured woven and warp knitted fabrics.

Although the above description is directed to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is noted that other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit'and scope of the present discloficient so thatthe yarns assume a slack position;v

and

comparing the amount of slack displayed by the combination of yarns utilized in the pattern, those yarns displaying the greater amount of slack being identifiable as the set yarns whereas those with the lesser amount of slack being identifiable as the stretch yarns.

c 2. A method of identifying yarns during the knitting of warp knit fabrics formed of textured yarns which comprises the steps of:

arranging the yarns on a warp in accordance with a r stretch. and set textured yarns;

threading the yarns through the appropriate means in l the knitting machine in accordance with the predetermined pattern;

relieving the tension of the yarns an amount sufficient so that the yarns assume a slack position; and comparing the amount of slack displayed by .the combination of yarns utilized in the pattern, those yarns displaying the greater amountof slack being identifiable as the set yarns whereas those with the lesser amount of slack being identifiable as the stretch yarns. t

3. A method of identifying yarns during the fabrication of woven fabrics formed of textured yams which comprises the steps of: arranging the yarns on a warp in accordance with a predetermined pattern utilizing a combination of stretch and set textured yarns;

introducing the yams through the appropriate means in a loom in accordance with the predetermined pattern; relieving the tension of the yarns an amount sufficient so that the yarns assume a slack position; and

comparing the amount of slack displayed by the combination of yarns utilized in the pattern, those yarns displaying the greater amount of slack being identifiable as the set yarns whereas those with the lesser amount of slack being identifiable as the stretch yams.

4. A method of producing a fabric with textured 5 yarns wherein broken yarns may be readily identified predetermined pattern utilizing a combination of comprising the steps of:

arranging the yarns in accordance with a predetermined pattern utilizing a combination of stretch and set textured yarns;

grasping a plurality of said broken yarns and applying a tension force thereon sufficient so that the yarns assume a substantially taut position;

relieving the tension of the yarns an amount sufficient so that the yarns assume a slack position; and

stretch yarns.

Claims

1. A method of identifying yarns during the preparation of a warp of textured yarns which comprises the steps of: arranging the yarns in accordance with a predetermined pattern utilizing a combination of stretch and set textured yarns; at least partially winding the prearranged yarns on the warp; relieving the tension of the warp yarns an amount sufficient so that the yarns assume a slack position; and comparing the amount of slack displayed by the combination of yarns utilized in the pattern, those yarns displaying the greater amount of slack being identifiable as the set yarns whereas those with the lesser amount of slack being identifiable as the stretch yarns.

2. A method of identifying yarns during the knitting of warp knit fabrics formed of textured yarns which comprises the steps of: arranging the yarns on a warp in accordance with a predetermined pattern utilizing a combination of stretch and set textured yarns; threading the yarns through the appropriate means in the knitting machine in accordance with the predetermined pattern; relieving the tension of the yarns an amount sufficient so that the yarns assume a slack position; and comparing the amount of slack displayed by the combination of yarns utilized in the pattern, those yarns displaying the greater amount of slack being identifiable as the set yarns whereas those with the lesser amount of slack being identifiable as the stRetch yarns.

3. A method of identifying yarns during the fabrication of woven fabrics formed of textured yarns which comprises the steps of: arranging the yarns on a warp in accordance with a predetermined pattern utilizing a combination of stretch and set textured yarns; introducing the yarns through the appropriate means in a loom in accordance with the predetermined pattern; relieving the tension of the yarns an amount sufficient so that the yarns assume a slack position; and comparing the amount of slack displayed by the combination of yarns utilized in the pattern, those yarns displaying the greater amount of slack being identifiable as the set yarns whereas those with the lesser amount of slack being identifiable as the stretch yarns.

4. A method of producing a fabric with textured yarns wherein broken yarns may be readily identified comprising the steps of: arranging the yarns in accordance with a predetermined pattern utilizing a combination of stretch and set textured yarns; grasping a plurality of said broken yarns and applying a tension force thereon sufficient so that the yarns assume a substantially taut position; relieving the tension of the yarns an amount sufficient so that the yarns assume a slack position; and comparing the amount of slack displayed by said plurality of broken yarns previously grasped, those yarns displaying the greater amount of slack being identifiable as the set yarns whereas those with the lesser amount of slack being identifiable as the stretch yarns.