Malden Mills Industries, Inc.

Yechiel Naor

Moshe Rock

Douglas Stanley Lumb

Amnon Gabay

Amiram Inbal

Robert Ryan

Lloyd Pease

The present invention relates to an improved method for embossing and decorating a thermoplastic velvet-like fabric. A transfer sheet supporting a thermally-activated decoration is simultaneously passed with a fabric between two rolls which are under pressure with respect to each other. At least one of the rolls is engraved so as to cause embossing of the fabric. The passing of the fabric and transfer sheet between the rolls is carried out at a temperature sufficient to activate the decoration and allow the transfer of the decoration to the embossed portions of the fabric. The fabric may be heated prior to the embossing-decorating step so that the velvet-like pile is at least partially plasticized. The fabric is then brushed to erect the pile to an erect position. If the decorating is printing, the fabric may be heated immediately before and after the embossing/printing step to transfer a sufficient amount of dye, and to penetrate and seal the dye within the fabric.

Method for treating velvet-like fabric which is simultaneously embossed

A drapable, water vapor permeable, wind and water resistant composite fabric including a fabric substrate, a layer of a foamed water vapor porous adhesive in the surface area of one side of the fabric substrate and a layer or fabric material suitable for exposed use on the other is provided. The fabric material is preferably a layer of flocked fibers. The cellular structure of the foamed adhesive permits water vapor to pass through, however, wind and liquid water is inhibited from passing through the foam barrier. The foamed adhesive is inhibited from penetrating deeply into the fabric substrate during manufacture by an adhesive barrier material on the fabric which may be substantially removed during later processing. The resultant fabric is drapable and particularly suited for use in apparel, replacing two or more single purpose fabric layers within one multipurpose fabric layer.

Drapable, water vapor permeable, wind and water resistant composite

Growing community of inventors

Brookline, MA, United States of America

Yechiel Naor