Invista North America S.a.r.l.

The Lycra Company LLC

Invista Norh America S.à.r.l

Invista Technologies S.a.r.l.

Willem Bakker

Hong Liu

Steven Wayne Smith

Gregory Paul Weeks

Geoffrey David Hietpas

Bernd Pulvermacher

Michel Verdan

Nicolas Philippe Berthoud

Tianyi Liao

Juan Cera

Achille Mayelle Bivigou Koumba

Maurice Perron

Dong Wang

Daniele Maggi

Geoffey Davis Hietpas

Andreas J Blab

Lijuan Pi

Steven W Smith

Gregory P Weeks

Achille M Bivigou Koumba

Included are multiple component elastic fibers prepared by a solution-spinning process such as dry spinning or wet spinner of spandex fibers including polyurethaneurea and polyurethane compositions. These fibers have a cross-section including at least two separate regions with definable boundaries wherein at least one region defined by the boundaries of the cross-section includes a polyurethaneurea or polyurethane composition. One region of the fiber includes a fusibility improvement additive to enhance adhesion to itself or to a substrate.

Fusible bicomponent spandex

Included are segmented polyurethane elastic fibers or spandex fibers, capable of bonding to polymer fiber such as nylon or polyamide fibers, in addition to bonding to itself, for apparel textile applications. More particularly the invention relates to bicomponent spandex fibers, with a heat resistant core and a heat sensitive sheath, spun from polymer solutions. The nylon fabrics containing such spandex fibers have enhanced stretch performance and improved surface appearance after heat treatment to activate the fusing and bonding between nylon fibers and spandex fibers.

A method and system that facilitates the size selection for garments such as hosiery or pantyhose with the aim to improve comfort and fit for the wearer is provided.

Method and system for improving size selection of garments

The invention provides hosiery including a panty portion that is asymmetrical. The hosiery provides a comfortable fit for a variety of different sizes including larger sizes and maternity.

Pantyhose with asymmetrical panty

A continuous method for producing composite elastic yarns at speeds up to 700 m/min by (a) stretching (drafting) an elastomeric yarn (e.g., spandex) by 2.0&#xd7; (100%) to 10.5&#xd7; (950%) while heating (max. heating temperature 220&#xb0; C.) in a single or double stage draft, (b) air-jet entangling with a relatively inelastic yarn component to create a composite elastic yarn, and then (c) in-line heat-treating (max. heating temperature 240&#xb0; C.) the composite elastic yarn. The initial draft stage(s) may also be carried out at ambient temperature. The resulting composite elastic yarn has improved stitch clarity, particularly suited for hosiery, and its properties can be tailored to provide fabric properties for knit and woven fabrics hitherto not possible with standard spandex yarns.

Air-jet method for producing composite elastic yarns

A continuous method for producing composite elastic yarns at speeds up to 700 m/min by (a) stretching (drafting) an elastomeric yarn (e.g., spandex) by 2.0&#xd7;(100%) to 10.5&#xd7;(950%) while heating (max. heating temperature 220&#xb0; C.) in a single or double stage draft, (b) air-jet entangling with a relatively inelastic yarn component to create a composite elastic yarn, and then (c) in-line heat-treating (max. heating temperature 240&#xb0; C.) the composite elastic yarn. The initial draft stage(s) may also be carried out at ambient temperature. The resulting composite elastic yarn has improved stitch clarity, particularly suited for hosiery, and its properties can be tailored to provide fabric properties for knit and woven fabrics hitherto not possible with standard spandex yarns.

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Divonne, France

Willem Bakker