GB2223245A - Manufacturing darning thread - Google Patents

Abstract

A process of manufacturing darning thread, comprising twisting staple fibres 12 around a heat-shrinkable filament 11 to form a core-spun yarn, untwisting the core-spun yarn in the opposite direction, and covering the untwisted core-spun yarn with a heat-adhesive filament 2. The thread can be used for preventing the edges of knitted articles fraying. <IMAGE>

Description

PROCESS OF MANUFACTURING DARNING THREAD This invention relates to a process of manufacturing darning thread of the type which is used to prevent the edges of knitted articles such as gloves and sweaters from ravelling.

Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings illustrates known darning thread comprising a heat-shrinkable filament a, staple fibres b wrapped around the filament a, and a thermoplastic filament c. Heating the filament c, after knitting, causes it to melt and adhere at the same time, thereby preventing the edges of knitted articles from ravelling. However, the staple fibres are twisted, and the points at which it is bonded by the thermoplastic material are both hard and located on the outermost part of the thread. The adhesive also permeates into the staple fibres b, and hardens the whole thread.

When a knitted article comprising a known darning thread is put on or off by a user, the hard points in the thread touch the user's skin each time. Thus, for example, gloves can be uncomfortable and can cause abrasion.

According to the present invention, a process of manufacturing darning thread comprises twisting staple fibres around a heat-shrinkable filament to form a core-spun yarn, untwisting the core-spun yarn in the opposite direction, and covering the untwisted core-spun yarn with a heat-adhesive filament.

In this invention, staple fibres are twined around a heat-shrinkable filament to form a core-spun yarn, and the core-spun is untwisted in the opposite direction, to give a relatively thick, untwisted core-spun yarn. The heat-adhesive filament is then applied, and melted, and the heat-shrinkable filament is heated sufficiently to cause it to shrink without melting. The product can avoid the problems associated with the prior art, and therefore the edges of knitted articles such as gloves or sweaters manufactured using the process are comfortable.

The invention will now be illustrated by way of example only with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, which are respectively schematic plan and cross-sectional views of an embodiment of darning thread according to the invention. The drawings show a darning thread comprising an untwisted core-spun yarn 1 and a heat-adhesive filament 2 covering the untwisted core-spun yarn I. The latter is a material of common knowledge, e.g. composed of a heat-shrinkable filament 11 such as a Spandex filament used as the core and staple fibres 12 covering the core filament. After preparation of the core-spun yarn 1, it is untwisted and covered with the heat-adhesive filament 2 at the same time.

The thread is subjected to heating, at a uniform temperature. The temperature should be sufficiently high to melt the heat-adhesive filament 2 and to shrink the untwisted core-spun 1 without melting it.

Darning threads of this invention adhere well to adjoining threads, and prevent ravelling. The untwisted sheath of the core-spun yarn, the untwisted staple fibres, are soft. Even after melting and adhesion, the heat-adhesive filament does not permeate the thread which maintains a soft surface.

Claims (2)

1. A process of manufacturing darning thread, which comprises twisting staple fibres around a heat-shrinkable filament to form a core-spun yarn, untwisting the core-spun yarn in the opposite direction, and covering the untwisted core-spun yarn with a heat-adhesive filament.

2. A process according to claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.