Process for recycling denim waste
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
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Dec 6, 1994
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Jan 21, 1994
filing date -
Jan 21, 1994
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
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Abstract
Denim fabric suitable for use as apparel is made from 40-100% fibers produced from denim waste (pre-consumer and/or post-consumer). The denim waste is collected, starch and size are removed, and it is subjected to garnetting to produce denim fibers, the vast majority of fiber lengths greater than about 0.4 inches, and an average length greater than 0.5 inches. The denim fibers are then opened, and subjected to low-tension carding, as by using a Rieter C-4 card with conveyor belt. The carded denim fibers are spun into filling yarn having a yarn count between about 4.0/1 to 16.0/1, and/or a warp or knitting yarn having a yarn count between about 4.0/1 to 16.0/1. The warp or knitting yarn may be plied with like reclaimed warp yarn, or with virgin fiber warp yarn. There may also be the steps of adding lubricant to the fibers, sorting the denim waste by color and separately processing different colors of denim waste, making the denim fabric into apparel, dyeing the yarn or fabric to provide a substantially uniform color or fabric, and/or cleaning the fibers between the opening and carding steps. The denim fabric produced has strength and related properties sufficient for consumer use.
First Claim
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