Method and Apparatus for Creating Patterns in Dyed Textiles by Water-Jet Treatment

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for creating patterns on dyed materials ( 1 ), comprising the following steps: a continuous length of a dyed material ( 1 ) of a predetermined width is transported on a support element ( 2 ) in a machine direction with a selected web speed; at least one jet distributor is provided above the dyed material ( 1 ) that is transported on the support element ( 2 ), said distributor producing columns or bars of fluid jets ( 4 ), which are produced with a selected distributor pressure and spray onto the opposing face of the dyed material ( 1 ) that is transported on the support element ( 2 ); the fluid jets ( 4 ) strike the opposing face of the dyed material ( 1 ) whilst the latter is transported on the support element ( 2 ) in the direction of the machine; the fluid jets ( 4 ) traverse the defined openings ( 6 ) of a template ( 5 ) before striking the opposing face of the dyed material ( 1 ).

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A method of patterning a dyed textile web, the method comprising the steps of:
 passing the dyed textile web continuously in a predetermined travel direction through a patterning station;   supporting the web in the station on a support element;   directing from a nozzle array at least one water jet at the web in the station on the element; and   interposing between the nozzle array and the web in the station a template having at least one pattern hole so as to intercept at least a portion of the water jet such that the water jet only impinges a predetermined region of the web and washes dye out of the web at this region.   
     
     
         10 . The patterning method defined in  claim 9  wherein the template is endless and is formed with an array of holes, the method further comprising the step of
 continuously moving the template between the nozzle array and the web.   
     
     
         11 . The patterning method defined in  claim 10  wherein the template and web are moved in the same direction. 
     
     
         12 . The patterning method defined in  claim 9  wherein the support is underneath the web and the jet is directed downward at the web. 
     
     
         13 . The patterning method defined in  claim 12  wherein the array emits a plurality of jets in a row extending transverse to the travel direction. 
     
     
         14 . The patterning method defined in  claim 9 , further comprising sucking water from jets through the web by a suction box forming the support element. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus for patterning a dyed textile web, the apparatus comprising:
 conveyor means for transporting the dyed textile web continuously in a predetermined travel direction through a patterning station;   a support element underneath the web in the station;   a nozzle array having at least one water jet directed at a the web in the station on the element; and   a template interposed between the nozzle array and the web in the station and having at plurality of small pattern holes so as to intercept at least a portion of the water jet such that the water jet only impinges a predetermined region of the web and washes dye out of the web at this region.   
     
     
         16 . The patterning apparatus defined in  claim 15  wherein the jet includes a row of nozzles extending transverse to the direction, directed downward, and each emitting a respective such water jet.