Bobby Dean Canipe

US Patent:

52654451, Nov 30, 1993

Filed:

Sep 1, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/937048

Inventors:

Douglas M. Shytles - Kings Mountain NC
Bobby R. Canipe - Lawndale NC

International Classification:

D04B 2308
D04B 2310

US Classification:

66192

Abstract:

A method of making a breathable elastic web fabric comprises the steps of forming rows of chain stitches using a set of chain threads to define a plurality of lengthwise wales and widthwise courses, moving the front and back weft threads from side to side on each course in a pre-determined pattern as each course is formed to tie the wales and chain stitches together and to provide a plurality of staggered ventilation holes, and laying-in one elastomeric thread in each of the wales. The elastomeric thread is sandwiched between the front weft threads and the back weft threads, and enclosed in the underlap of each chain stitch. Preferably, the holes are formed in sets, the holes in each set being separated by at least one locking stitch to provide widthwise stability. In a pattern repeat of twelve courses and twenty four wales, the pattern for each weft bar is 1, 9, 1, 10, 1, 9, 5, 13, 4, 13, 5, 13. The holes comprise approximately 12 to 25 per cent of the extended surface area of the fabric.