Method for selective stabilization and/or alteration of elastic modulus in textile fabrics and textile fabrics produced thereby

Abstract

A textile fabric is treated subsequent to formation thereof to selectively stabilize, modify or otherwise alter the elastic power or elastic modulus of one or more discrete portions or areas of the fabric in comparison to other untreated or differently treated fabric areas or portions, by the localized application of an elastomeric material, either in liquid, vaporous or gaseous form, to be absorbed into the structure of the fabric.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of selectively altering the elastic properties of a textile fabric in a selected discrete area thereof by selectively applying to the discrete area of the fabric an elastomeric composition.  
     
     
         2 .. The method of  claim 1 , wherein a mask, stencil or printing screen is overlaid over the area during application of the elastomeric material.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the elastomeric material is applied by a selectively controllable ejection nozzle.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the elastomeric composition is an aqueous-based elastomeric composition.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the elastomeric composition is vaporous or gaseous.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the elastomeric composition penetrates into the structure of the fabric.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the textile fabric is an elastic fabric.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the fabric is an apparel fabric.  
     
     
         9 . A method of selectively altering the elastic modulus or elastic power of a textile fabric substantially as described herein.  
     
     
         10 . A textile fabric produced according to the method of one or more of the foregoing claims.