WARP-KNITTED INTEGRATED PLUSH FABRIC AND PREPARATION METHOD THEREOF

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT/CN2024/141262, filed on Dec. 23, 2024, which is based upon and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411259822.1, filed on Sep. 10, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the technical field of plush fabrics and their preparation method, particularly to a warp-knitted integrated plush fabric and preparation method thereof.

BACKGROUND

With the development of society and the advancement of technology, people's requirements for the quality of fabrics used in clothing and home textiles are increasingly high. Plush products, as a major category in autumn and winter clothing and home textile products, are characterized by their rich variety and wide application. Consumers now demand not only the aesthetic appearance, comfort, and warmth of plush products but also their environmental friendliness, diversity, and safety in use.

In recent years, “integrated plush” fabrics and products have emerged on the market and become popular for a while. The so-called “integrated plush” mainly refers to double-sided plush that can be directly integrated without the need for lamination. It is also known as “lamination-free” plush. Since there is no need for lamination processing, it avoids the hazards brought by the use of chemical substances such as glue and the problem of fabric separation due to glue delamination during use. As a result, the product's safety and durability are enhanced. Currently, most integrated plush fabrics on the market are weft-knitted structures. For example, Patent CN 112593336 A describes a leather and fur integrated cloth and a production process. The leather and fur integrated cloth is made of a weft-knitted double-faced machine structure, 222 dtex/96F polyester filament yarn is adopted on the front face of the leather and fur integrated cloth, 21^SJC is adopted on the back face of the leather and fur integrated cloth, and 83 dtex/36F polyester filament yarn is adopted as a middle connecting yarn. After conventional plush dyeing and finishing processes, it forms a double-sided integrated fabric with one side being a cotton plain structure and the other side being a polyester plush structure. The use of a weft-knitted double-sided machine enables the production of different weft-knitted fabrics on both sides. However, the knitting efficiency is low, and the weft-knitted structure is prone to unraveling. The connection between the two sides relies solely on a single polyester filament, resulting in low connection strength. Additionally, the structure that can only form one side of flat fabric and one side of plush is also very limited. Another example is Patent CN 114737305 A, which provides an integrated cut loop pile fabric, including a knitted structure and a plurality of yarn sets woven into the knitted structure, each yarn set includes lining yarn and wool yarn forming a pile loop on the single face of the knitted structure, the lining yarn presses the wool yarn, and the pile loop is cut to form cut loop pile. Essentially, this product is still a weft-knitted cut loop pile fabric, which suffers from low knitting efficiency and an easily unraveling structure. Moreover, the weft-knitted plain structure itself is relatively loose and not dense enough. Even with the lining yarn (or what can be called “binding yarn”) pressing down the wool yarn, it is still difficult to completely avoid the problem of shedding. In addition, the structure of this type of fabric is relatively fixed and lacks flexibility and variability. It is also challenging to achieve wide-width or even extra-wide-width fabric to meet the requirements for home textile applications. Furthermore, Patent CN 107460619 A discloses a method for producing short-pile flannel, which involves pulling the pile on the front side of a warp-knitted single-face flannel to the back side to form a double-sided plush fabric. As a result, the material, pile height, and style of the plush on the back side of the fabric can only depend on the plush on the front side. This leads to a monotonous and identical plush feel on both sides of the fabric, lacking creativity. Moreover, during the process of pulling the plush from the front side to the back side, the fullness of the plush on the front side is reduced. Additionally, this process of pulling the plush can easily damage the loop structure and fibers at the base of the plush on the front side, thereby causing shedding issues.

Therefore, there is an urgent need for a warp-knitted integrated plush fabric and its preparation method that offer high knitting efficiency, significant differences and variations in the plush styles on the front and back sides, stable structure that is not prone to unraveling, minimal shedding of the fabric's pile, no need for lamination, environmental friendliness, durability, and suitability for clothing and home textiles.

Existing plush fabrics have the following technical issues:

• • 1. Weft-knitted integrated plush fabrics have relatively simple structures, limited variations between the front and back sides, poor stability, and a tendency to unravel and shed. Additionally, they require specialized cut loop pile machines for production, resulting in low efficiency and difficulty in achieving wide or extra-wide widths.
  • 2. Warp-knitted plush products, due to their inherent structural limitations, result in the fabric's front side having the same yarn material as the back side's base fabric. The back side cannot be used directly and requires lamination or napping. For napping, approximately 40% of the front side's plush is pulled to the back side. Essentially, the material, pile height, and style of the back side's plush can only depend on the front side's plush. The front and back sides' plush influence each other, and neither can be independently formed or processed. This results in a monotonous and uniform plush feel on both sides, lacking creativity. It also reduces the fullness of the front side's plush. Moreover, pulling the plush from the front side to the back side through the base fabric can damage the fabric's structure and fibers, thereby exacerbating shedding.

SUMMARY

To address the aforementioned technical issues, the present invention provides a warp-knitted integrated plush fabric, including a first plush layer and a second plush layer, and a connecting layer located between the first plush layer and the second plush layer;

wherein the first plush layer includes a front guide bar underlap layer formed by processing the front guide bar underlaps;

the connecting layer, from the first plush layer to the second plush layer, successively includes a middle guide bar underlap layer, a back guide bar underlap layer, a middle guide bar loop layer, and a front guide bar loop layer, each layer being formed by interweaving the corresponding middle guide bar underlaps, back guide bar underlaps, middle guide bar loops, and front guide bar loops successively;

the second plush layer includes a back guide bar loop layer, a back guide bar underlap layer, or a combination layer of both, wherein the back guide bar loop layer is formed by processing the back guide bar loops, the back guide bar underlap layer is formed by processing the back guide bar underlaps, and the combination layer is formed by processing both the back guide bar loops and underlaps.

Optionally, the front guide bar utilizes an N+1 needle closed tricot stitch, with the Lapping Notation being: 1−0/N−(N+1)//(N≥15); or

the front guide bar utilizes two N+1 needle and P+1 needle closed tricot stitches in the same direction, with the Lapping Notation being: 1−0/N−(N+1)/(N≥15) and 1−0/P−(P+1)//(P≤10), respectively.

Optionally, the middle guide bar utilizes an L+1 needle closed tricot stitch, with the Lapping Notation being: L−(L+1)/1−0//(1≤L≤3); or

the middle guide bar utilizes two L+1 needle closed tricot stitches in opposite directions, with the Lapping Notation being: L−(L+1)/1−0//(1≤L≤3) and 1−0/L−(L+1)//(1≤L≤3), respectively.

Optionally, the back guide bar utilizes an M+1 needle open tricot stitch, with the Lapping Notation being: 0−1/(M+1)−M//(2≤M≤5); or

the back guide bar utilizes an M needle weft insertion stitch, with the Lapping Notation being: M−M/0−0//(2≤M≤5); or

the back guide bar utilizes an M+1 needle open tricot stitch, with the Lapping Notation being: (M+1)−M/0−1//(2≤M≤5); or

the back guide bar utilizes two M+1 needle open tricot stitches in opposite directions, with the Lapping Notation being: 0−1/(M+1)−M//(2≤M≤5) and (M+1)−M/0−1//(2≤M≤5), respectively; or the back guide bar utilizes two M needle weft insertion stitch in opposite directions, with the Lapping Notation being: 0−0/M−M//(2≤M≤5) and M−M/0−0//(2≤M≤5), respectively; or the back guide bar utilizes one M+1 needle open tricot stitch and one M needle weft insertion stitch, with the Lapping Notation being: 0−1/(M+1)−M// and 0−0/M−M//(2≤M≤5), respectively.

Optionally, the front guide bar utilizes 75-300D polyester draw texturing yarn (DTY) low-elasticity yarn with round cross-section, with the denier per filament (DPF) ranging from 0.52-1.04D, or 75-300D polyester fully drawn yarn (FDY) filament with flat cross-section, with the DPF ranging from 1.04-4.16D;

the middle guide bar utilizes 50-100D polyester FDY or DTY conventional polyester filament and the actual amount of warp let off of the middle guide bar is 0.85 to 0.95 times the calculated amount of warp let off;

the back guide bar utilizes 75-300D polyester DTY low-elasticity yarn with round cross-section, with the DPF ranging from 0.52-1.04D; or one selected from the group consisting of 75-300D polyester sea-island yarn, solution-dyed polyester filament, lyocell filament, and silk; wherein the actual amount of warp let off of the back guide bar is 1.5 to 3 times the calculated amount of warp let off.

The present invention also provides a method for preparing the warp-knitted integrated plush fabric, including the following steps:

• • S100: determine the yarn raw materials for knitting and warp the yarns using the selected warping machine;
  • S200: use a warp knitting machine equipped with no less than three guide bars, divide the guide bars into three groups for the knitting of the front guide bar, middle guide bar and back guide bar respectively, and perform the on-machine knitting:
  • A. yarn setting: front guide bar: 1 in 1 out; middle guide bar: full setting; back guide bar: full setting;
  • B. knitting: the knitting process is performed with the following amounts of warp let off:
  • front guide bar: the Lapping Notation is 1−0/17−18// and the actual amount of warp let off used is 0.9-1.1 times the calculated amount of warp let off;
  • middle guide bar: the Lapping Notation is 1−2/1−0// and the actual amount of warp let off used is 0.85-0.95 times the calculated amount of warp let off;
  • back guide bar: the Lapping Notation is 0−1/3−4// and the actual amount of warp let off used is 1.5-3 times the calculated amount of warp let off;
  • the drawing density used in knitting ranges from 13 to 20 cpc, and the machine operating speed ranges from 1500 to 2200 rpm;
  • S300: perform dyeing and finishing processes on the knitted greige to obtain the warp-knitted integrated plush fabric.

Optionally, in step S200, before on-machine knitting, the back guide bar tension compensator is adjusted, that is, the tension rod of the back guide bar tension compensator is extended forward by 15-35 cm; and the back guide bar tension compensator is equipped with a tension spring having a tension sensitivity of not less than 0.1 cN.

Optionally, in step S100, the yarn warping method is performed as follows:

• • front guide bar: using an SGZ400D intelligent computer-controlled warping machine, with the warping beam specification: Φ21×21″; number of warp patterns: 293 ends; number of warping beams: 8; warping speed: 1200 rpm; warping tension: 8-9 cN;
  • middle guide bar: use an SGZ300D computer-controlled high-speed warping machine, with the warping beam specification: Φ21×21″; number of warp patterns: 588 ends; number of warping beams: 8; warping speed: 1500 rpm; warping tension: 5-6 cN;
  • back guide bar: using an SGZ400D intelligent computer-controlled warping machine, with the warping beam specification: Φ21×21″; number of warp patterns: 588 ends; number of warping beams: 8; warping speed: 1200 rpm; warping tension: 8-9 cN.

Optionally, in step S300, the dyeing and finishing processes include:

• • performing greige back side pre-setting, back side napping or brushing, and back side shearing on the second plush layer side in sequence;
  • performing greige front side pre-setting, front side napping and front side polishing on the first plush layer side in sequence;
  • performing dyeing, softening and washing, drying and hot blowing on the first plush layer side and the second plush layer side that have been processed in the previous steps in sequence;
  • then performing front side polishing and shearing on the first plush layer side, and performing back side shearing on the second plush layer side; finally, the greige undergoes tumbling and fabric rolling.

Optionally, during the knitting process, for the knitting yarn, a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera is used to capture images of the yarn feeding and detect the vibration of the knitting machine;

each single yarn is identified using image recognition, and according to the feeding distance of each single yarn and the detected knitting machine vibration data, the vibration transmission of each single yarn is simulated and analyzed using simulation technology, obtaining the vibration data of each point of each single yarn within the feeding distance; wherein the vibration data includes vibration amplitude;

using machine vision recognition technology to perform image preprocessing on the captured real-time images, and each single yarn is identified through image recognition, and the vibration data of the corresponding single yarn is combined to perform image analysis of each single yarn, obtaining the yarn diameter data of each point of the real-time feeding single yarn;

the yarn diameter data is compared with the upper and lower limit threshold values of the corresponding single yarn diameter, and if the yarn diameter data deviates from the range defined by the upper and lower limit threshold values, an alarm signal is generated.

The warp-knitted integrated plush fabric and its preparation method of the present invention can be diversified in combination to achieve differentiated appearance effects of “hair” on the front side and “plush” on the back side. The styles of the two sides can be independent of each other without mutual influence. Moreover, by combining the selection of yarn raw materials and adjustments in post-finishing processes, a variety of stylistic variations can be extended. For example, the front side can achieve appearance effects such as A imitation rabbit fur, B imitation mink fur, C imitation wool, D imitation milk plush, E arctic plush, etc., while the back side can achieve appearance effects such as V imitation suede, W imitation polar fleece, X imitation orlon fleece, Y imitation corduroy, Z imitation chenille, etc. The combinations of A to E and V to Z can be randomly and arbitrarily selected to form a variety of structural variations. Additionally, the colors of the front and back plush systems can also be independently chosen and freely combined, creating numerous stylistic effects in terms of color. Unlike traditional fabric structures, which may be subject to certain limitations or result in similar front and back effects, lacking creativity.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be further described in the following specification, and will become apparent in part from the specification or can be learned by practicing the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention can be realized and obtained by the structures specifically pointed out in the written specification and the accompanying drawings.

The technical solutions of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the invention and are not intended to limit the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a warp-knitted integrated plush fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a knitting structure diagram of the warp-knitted integrated plush fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for preparing a warp-knitted integrated plush fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an application case of the method for preparing a warp-knitted integrated plush fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a shape diagram of the application case of the method for preparing a warp-knitted integrated plush fabric during the on-machine knitting process according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a shape diagram of the application case of the method for preparing a warp-knitted integrated plush fabric during the dyeing and finishing processes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings should be understood as illustrative and explanatory of the invention, and not as limiting the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1−2, the present invention provides a warp-knitted integrated plush fabric, including a first plush layer 1, a second plush layer 3, and a connecting layer 2 located between the first plush layer 1 and the second plush layer 3;

wherein the first plush layer 1 includes a front guide bar underlap layer formed by processing the front guide bar underlaps;

the connecting layer 2, from the first plush layer 1 to the second plush layer 3, successively includes a middle guide bar underlap layer 21, a back guide bar underlap layer 22, a middle guide bar loop layer 23, and a front guide bar loop layer 24, each layer being formed by interweaving the corresponding middle guide bar underlaps, back guide bar underlaps, middle guide bar loops, and front guide bar loops successively;

the second plush layer 3 includes a back guide bar loop layer, a back guide bar underlap layer, or a combination layer of both, wherein the back guide bar loop layer is formed by processing the back guide bar loops, the back guide bar underlap layer is formed by processing the back guide bar underlaps, and the combination layer is formed by processing both the back guide bar loops and underlaps.

The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: The warp-knitted integrated plush fabric of the technical solution can be woven using a three-guide bar or four-guide bar Tricot warp knitting machine. The structure of the warp-knitted integrated plush fabric includes a first plush system (i.e., the first plush layer) on the front side, a second plush system (i.e., the second plush layer) on the back side, and a connecting system (i.e., the connecting layer) in the middle. The warp-knitted integrated plush fabric is formed by at least one front guide bar, one back guide bar, and one middle guide bar. The first plush system is formed by processing the underlaps of the front guide bar. The second plush layer may include a back guide bar loop layer or (partially) a back guide bar underlap layer. The second plush layer may also be a combination layer of back guide bar loop layer and back guide bar underlap layer. Specifically, the following scenarios are possible: a. The back guide bar is a single guide bar (looping), forming the back guide bar loop layer; b. The back guide bar is a single guide bar (weft insertion), forming (partially) the back guide bar underlap layer; c. The back guide bar consists of two guide bars, both of which are looping, forming the back guide bar loop layer; d. The back guide bar consists of two guide bars, both of which are weft insertion. The weft-insertion structure consists only of extension yarns without loops. Both back guide bars form (partially) the back guide bar underlap layer; e. The back guide bar consists of two guide bars, one for weft insertion and one for looping, forming (partially) the back guide bar underlap layer and back guide bar loop layer, processed from the back guide bar loops or partially underlaps. The first and second plush systems are independent of each other and do not affect each other. The cross-sectional structure of the warp-knitted integrated plush fabric, from the front to the back, includes at least the following six layers: front guide bar underlap, middle guide bar underlap, back guide bar underlap, middle guide bar loop, front guide bar loop, and back guide bar loop. The relative layer positions of this cross-sectional structure of the integrated plush fabric are maintained throughout subsequent processing. This warp-knitted plush structure breaks through the limitations of the inherent plush structure of the traditional warp knitting technology (the cross-sectional structure, from the front to the back, is sequentially front guide bar underlap, middle guide bar underlap, back guide bar underlap, back guide bar loop, middle guide bar loop, front guide bar loop, i.e., the back guide bar is sandwiched in the core layer, successively “wrapped” by the underlaps and loops of the middle and front guide bars), achieving an innovative change in the relative positions and layer relationships of the front, middle, and back guide bars, thereby establishing a structural basis for the formation of warp-knitted integrated plush. The warp-knitted integrated plush fabric of the present invention can be diversified in combination to achieve differentiated appearance effects of “hair” on the front side and “plush” on the back side. The styles of the two sides can be independent of each other without mutual influence. Moreover, by combining the selection of yarn raw materials and adjustments in post-finishing processes, a variety of stylistic variations can be extended. For example, the front side can achieve appearance effects such as A imitation rabbit fur, B imitation mink fur, C imitation wool, D imitation milk plush, E arctic plush, etc., while the back side can achieve appearance effects such as V imitation suede, W imitation polar fleece, X imitation orlon fleece, Y imitation corduroy, Z imitation chenille, etc. The combinations of A to E and V to Z can be randomly and arbitrarily selected to form a variety of structural variations. Additionally, the colors of the front and back plush systems can also be independently chosen and freely combined, creating numerous stylistic effects in terms of color. Unlike traditional fabric structures, which may be subject to certain limitations or result in similar front and back effects, lacking creativity.

In one embodiment, the front guide bar utilizes an N+1 needle closed tricot stitch, with the Lapping Notation being: 1−0/N−(N+1)//(where Nis a positive integer and N≥15); for example, the Lapping Notation is 1−0/17−18//; or

the front guide bar utilizes two N+1 needle and P+1 needle closed tricot stitches in the same direction, with the Lapping Notation being: 1−0/N−(N+1)//(N≥15) and 1−0/P−(P+1)//(P≤10).

The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: This solution further defines the knitting structure of the front guide bar (warp knitted structure). For the production of plush fabric products, it enhances the operability and guidance of the production process, facilitates standardization of production, aids in quality control and management of products, and contributes to increased production efficiency.

In one embodiment, the middle guide bar utilizes an L+1 needle closed tricot stitch, with the Lapping Notation being: L−(L+1)/1−0//(1≤L≤3); for example, the Lapping Notation is 1−2/1−0//; or

the middle guide bar utilizes two L+1 needle closed tricot stitches in opposite directions, with the Lapping Notation being: L−(L+1)/1−0//(1≤L≤3) and 1−0/L−(L+1)//(1≤L≤3).

The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: This solution further defines the knitting structure of the middle guide bar (warp knitted structure). For the production of plush fabric products, it enhances the operability and guidance of the production process, facilitates standardization of production, aids in quality control and management of products, and contributes to increased production efficiency.

In one embodiment, the back guide bar utilizes an M+1 needle open tricot stitch, with the Lapping Notation being: 0−1/(M+1)−M//(2≤M≤5); for example, the Lapping Notation is 0−1/4−3//; or

the back guide bar utilizes an M needle weft insertion stitch, with the Lapping Notation being: M−M/0−0//(2≤M≤5); or

the back guide bar utilizes an M+1 needle open tricot stitch, with the Lapping Notation being: (M+1)−M/0−1//(2≤M≤5); or

the back guide bar utilizes two M+1 needle open tricot stitches in opposite directions, with the Lapping Notation being: 0−1/(M+1)−M//(2≤M≤5) and (M+1)−M/0−1//(2≤M≤5); or the back guide bar utilizes two M needle weft insertion stitch in opposite directions, with the Lapping Notation being: 0−0/M−M//(2≤M≤5) and M−M/0−0//(2≤M≤5); or the back guide bar utilizes one M+1 needle open tricot stitch and one M needle weft insertion stitch, with the Lapping Notation being: 0−1/(M+1)−M// and 0−0/M−M//(2≤M≤5).

The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: This solution further defines the knitting structure of the back guide bar (warp knitted structure or weft insertion stitch). The actual organizational structure is not limited to the above structures. Adjustments to the knitting process and organizational structure based on this foundation, such as changing the loop-forming structure to a weft insertion stitch, changing the open loop to a closed loop, or altering the range of values for M, should all be considered within the scope of protection of this technical invention. For the production of plush fabric products, it enhances the operability and guidance of the production process, facilitates standardization of production, aids in quality control and management of products, and contributes to increased production efficiency.

In one embodiment, the front guide bar utilizes 75-300D polyester DTY low-elasticity yarn with round cross-section, with the DPF ranging from 0.52-1.04D, or 75-300D polyester FDY filament with flat cross-section, with the DPF ranging from 1.04−4.16D; wherein D is the fineness unit “denier” or “denier count” (i.e., Denier);

the middle guide bar utilizes 50-100D polyester FDY (or DTY conventional polyester filament, with the actual amount of warp let off of the middle guide bar being 0.85 to 0.95 times the calculated amount of warp let off;

the back guide bar utilizes 75-300D polyester DTY low-elasticity yarn with round cross-section, with the DPF ranging from 0.52-1.04D; or one selected from the group consisting of 75-300D polyester sea-island yarn, solution-dyed polyester filament, lyocell filament, and silk, with the actual amount of warp let off of the back guide bar being 1.5 to 3 times the calculated amount of warp let off.

The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: This solution further defines the yarn raw materials used and the feeding parameters (amount of warp let off). For the production of plush fabric products, it enhances the operability and guidance of the production process, facilitates standardization of production, aids in quality control and management of products, and contributes to increased production efficiency; wherein the amount of warp let off refers to the length of warp yarns (generally in mm) required to produce 480 courses (including loops and underlaps). The amount of warp let off is related to factors such as the machine model, knitting structure, and loop density. The calculated amount of warp let off can be obtained through theoretical calculation. In existing technologies, the actual amount of warp let off generally does not significantly deviate from the calculated amount of warp let off. The calculated amount of warp let off, also known as the theoretical amount of warp let off, is obtained through theoretical calculation. Operators usually input the theoretical amount of warp let off into the warp knitting machine for machine debugging. Before knitting, the amount of warp let off is adjusted according to the actual knitting conditions, but usually within a small range, i.e., the deviation from the theoretical amount of warp let off does not exceed #10%. In this solution, the actual amount of warp let off of the middle guide bar is chosen to be less than the calculated amount of warp let off, while the actual amount of warp let off of the back guide bar is chosen to be significantly greater than the calculated amount of warp let off. Thus, based on the structure of the plush fabric, further protection of structural optimization and process refinement is achieved, i.e., limitations and protection are provided for the processes of the front, middle, and back guide bars (knitting structure, lapping process, loop opening/closing form, amount of warp let off relationship, and other structural parameters).

As shown in FIG. 2, the present invention also provides a method for preparing the aforementioned warp-knitted integrated plush fabric, including the following steps:

• • S100: determine the yarn raw materials for knitting and warp the yarns using the selected warping machine;
  • S200: use a warp knitting machine equipped with no less than three guide bars, divide the guide bars into three groups for the knitting of the front guide bar, middle guide bar and back guide bar respectively, and perform the on-machine knitting:

for example, use a Tricot warp knitting machine (gauge: E28) with no less than three guide bars (e.g., three or four guide bars), and divide the guide bars into three groups responsible for the front guide bar, middle guide bar, and back guide bar knitting; for example, if there are four guide bars, one of the groups responsible for the front, middle, and back guide bars will consist of two guide bars; wherein the machine width of the warp knitting machine: 210 inches;

• • A. yarn setting: front guide bar GB1:1 in 1 out; middle guide bar GB2: full setting; back guide bar GB3: full setting;
  • B. knitting:
  • perform knitting according to the following process:
  • front guide bar GB1: the actual amount of warp let off used is 0.9 to 1.1 times the calculated amount of warp let off; for example, if the calculated amount of warp let off is 8350 mm/rack, the actual amount of warp let off is 8360 mm/rack;
  • middle guide bar GB2: the actual amount of warp let off used is 0.85 to 0.95 times the calculated amount of warp let off; for example, if the calculated amount of warp let off is 1360 mm/rack, the actual amount of warp let off is 1200 mm/rack;
  • back guide bar GB3: the actual amount of warp let off used is 1.5 to 3 times the calculated amount of warp let off; for example, if the calculated amount of warp let off is 2230 mm/rack, the actual amount of warp let off is 4200 mm/rack;
  • the drawing density used in knitting ranges from 13 to 20 cpc, for example, the drawing density can be set at 16.5 cpc, and the machine operating speed ranges from 1500 to 2200 rpm; for example, the machine operating speed can be set at 1800 rpm; that is, the drawing density and machine operating speed are fixed values, when starting the actual knitting process, these two parameters need to be set in advance on the machine;
  • S300: perform dyeing and finishing processes on the knitted greige to obtain the warp-knitted integrated plush fabric.

The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: The method for preparing the warp-knitted integrated plush fabric of the technical solution can achieve diversified combinations, resulting in differentiated appearance effects of “hair” on the front side and “plush” on the back side. The styles of the two sides can be independent of each other without mutual influence. Moreover, by combining the selection of yarn raw materials and adjustments in post-finishing processes, a variety of stylistic variations can be extended. For example, the front side can achieve appearance effects such as A imitation rabbit fur, B imitation mink fur, C imitation wool, D imitation milk plush, E arctic plush, etc., while the back side can achieve appearance effects such as V imitation suede, W imitation polar fleece, X imitation orlon fleece, Y imitation corduroy, Z imitation chenille, etc. The combinations of A to E and V to Z can be randomly and arbitrarily selected to form a variety of structural variations. Additionally, the colors of the front and back plush systems can also be independently chosen and freely combined, creating numerous stylistic effects in terms of color. Unlike traditional fabric structures, which may be subject to certain limitations or result in similar front and back effects, lacking creativity. Based on the structure of the plush fabric, further protection of structural optimization and process refinement is achieved, i.e., limitations and protection are provided for the processes of the front, middle, and back guide bars (knitting structure, lapping process, loop opening/closing form, amount of warp let off relationship, and other structural parameters), especially for the process details of the back guide bar. Specifically, during the greige knitting process, the process details of the back guide bar can be protected by adjusting the tension compensator.

During the on-machine knitting process, the shapes of the yarns of the front guide bar, middle guide bar, and back guide bar are as shown in FIG. 5. The dot array in the figure is used to form a positioning grid to aid understanding. The front guide bar forms a spanning 18-needle closed tricot stitch, the middle guide bar forms a spanning 2-needle closed tricot stitch, and the back guide bar forms a spanning 4-needle open tricot stitch. Moreover, during the knitting process, the back guide bar underlaps are loosely and flexibly woven into the greige, creating a “stored” effect (similar to the state of a compressed spring).

In one embodiment, in step S200, before on-machine knitting, the back guide bar tension compensator is adjusted, that is, the tension rod of the back guide bar tension compensator is extended forward by 15-35 cm; and the back guide bar tension compensator is equipped with a tension spring having a tension sensitivity of not less than 0.1 cN.

The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: During the greige knitting process, the tension compensator is adjusted by extending the tension rod forward by 15 to 35 cm. At the same time, the tension spring is replaced with a high-precision and sensitive one (sensitive to small tension fluctuations, with a tension sensitivity of no less than 0.1 cN) to timely compensate for the tension regulation in the “overly loose” state. This stabilizes and evenly distributes the yarn tension, preventing the back guide bar yarns from “floating” uncontrollably. For the excess amount of warp let off of the back guide bar, during the knitting process, the underlaps are loosely and flexibly woven into the greige, “storing” them (similar to the state of a compressed spring). During post-processing, when the loosely and flexibly woven underlaps are subjected to a napping external force, a portion of the underlaps (the excess 50 to 200% amount of warp let off) is transformed into loops, which are elongated, similar to a spring becoming straightened. This “pushes out” the loops. Thus, during the greige knitting process, the process details of the back guide bar are protected by adjusting the tension compensator. The relationship between the loop height of the back guide bar loops (back side loops) and the amount of warp let off is as follows:

H=[(R−R₀)÷480−1.43d]÷2×η

• • wherein,
  • H: the loop height of the back guide bar loops (back side loops), measured in mm; a back guide bar loop can be approximately regarded as a semicircular arc plus two loop columns; the height of the loop column, denoted as H, corresponds to the value of the conversion coefficient; the loop height of the back guide bar loops (back side loops) falls within the range of 1.6 to 2.0 mm, as calculated using the aforementioned formula; in practice, a back side loop height data range of 1.5 to 6.0 mm is considered acceptable;
  • R: the actual amount of warp let off of the back guide bar, measured in mm/480 courses;
  • R₀: the calculated amount of warp let off of the back guide bar, measured in mm/480 courses;
  • d: the thickness of the needle head, measured in mm;
  • η: the conversion coefficient (i.e., back guide bar underlaps convert into back guide bar loops), which can be adjusted and set on the machine within the range of 80 to 99%; the above relationship formula correlates the loop height of the back guide bar loops (back side loops) with the amount of warp let off, enabling interlinked control of the two control parameters; this ensures smooth, precise, and efficient production of high-quality and stable plush fabric.

In one embodiment, in step S100,

• • the yarn raw materials can be selected as follows:
  • the front guide bar selects 75D/72F wavy flat cross-section super matt polyester FDY filament;
  • the middle guide bar selects 45D/24F round cross-section semi-gloss polyester FDY filament;
  • the back guide bar selects 75D/144DF round cross-section full-dull polyester DTY filament.

The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows:

The yarn warping method is as follows:

• • front guide bar: using an SGZ400D intelligent computer-controlled warping machine, with the warping beam specification: 21×21″ (inches); number of warp patterns: 293 ends;
  • number of warping beams: 8; warping speed: 1200 rpm; warping tension: 8 to 9 cN;
  • middle guide bar: using an SGZ300D computer-controlled high-speed warping machine, with the warping beam specification: Φ21×21″; number of warp patterns: 588 ends; number of warping beams: 8; warping speed: 1500 rpm; warping tension: 5 to 6 cN;
  • back guide bar: using an SGZ400D intelligent computer-controlled warping machine, with the warping beam specification: Φ21×21″; number of warp patterns: 588 ends; number of warping beams: 8; warping speed: 1200 rpm; warping tension: 8 to 9 cN.

The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: This solution further defines the yarn raw materials used, equipment operating parameters, and feeding parameters (amount of warp let off). For the production of plush fabric products, it enhances the operability and guidance of the production process, facilitates standardization of production, aids in quality control and management of products, and contributes to increased production efficiency.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, in step S300, the dyeing and finishing processes include:

• • for the second plush layer side (referring to the side of the second plush layer, i.e., the back side), sequentially perform greige back side pre-setting, back side napping or brushing, and back side shearing; the greige back side pre-setting involves placing the back side of the greige facing up for pre-setting (temperature 180 to 190° C., for example, using a temperature of 185° C., machine operating speed 20 to 25 m/min), to stabilize the size and structural form of the greige; napping is performed using a 48-roll×2 and 60-roll×2 napping machine, with four linked rolls continuously napping on the back side of the greige to achieve short, dense, and uniform plush;
  • for the first plush layer side (referring to the side of the first plush layer, i.e., the front side), sequentially perform greige front side pre-setting, front side napping, and front side polishing; the greige front side pre-setting involves placing the front side of the greige facing up for pre-setting (temperature 215° C., machine operating speed 20 m/min), to impart a certain degree of stiffness to the greige; front side napping is performed using a 24-roll×2 and 36-roll×2 napping machine, with four linked rolls continuously napping on the front side of the greige to achieve longer and more uniform long pile; front side polishing conditions: temperature 170 to 180° C., machine operating speed 15 to 20 m/min;
  • for the first and second plush layer sides processed in the previous steps, sequentially perform dyeing, washing and softening, drying, and hot blowing; greige dyeing, white greige dyeing (color-knitted greige does not require dyeing) is performed using a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid dyeing machine, with disperse dyes in a PH 6 to 7 environment; the dyeing process involves a heating rate of 1.5° C./min, a holding temperature of 120 to 130° C., a holding time of 30 to 45 minutes, and a cooling rate of 1.8° C./min; dyeing can achieve alkali reduction; washing and softening: softening is carried out using a padding machine, and the softener and smoothing agent are mixed with tertiary water at a concentration of 30 to 60 g/L and then injected into the padding bath, the process employs a two-dip, two-roll method, the softening speed is controlled at 5 to 15 m/min, and after softening, the dyed fabric is dewatered; drying: the setting machine temperature is set to 160 to 170° C., for example, using 165° C., with a machine operating speed of 20 to 50 m/min, for example, using 30 m/min, to remove excess moisture from the fabric; hot blowing: temperature 160 to 180° C.; air volume 12 m³/min; speed 20 m/min; this process fluffs up the front side plush, achieving a better fluffy effect; then, the first plush layer side undergoes front side polishing and shearing, at a temperature of 170 to 190° C., to trim excessively long pile, improve the flatness and hand feel of the front side, and essentially set the form of the front side plush; the second plush layer side undergoes back side shearing, with a shearing depth of 0.5 mm, a blade lifting angle α=12°, and a circular blade speed of 900 r/min, trimming the excessively long pile to reduce the elongation of long pile on the back side, which can be stretched due to the friction with water flow and the cylinder wall after entering the cylinder; finally, the greige (referring to the greige processed through the aforementioned steps) undergoes tumbling and fabric rolling; tumbling: the tumbling drum temperature is set to 120° C., with steam tumbling to make the front side of the fabric clearer and more distinct, and to cause the back side plush to contract, gather, and even form particles, preventing pile shedding; fabric rolling: the final form of the pilled fabric is fixed, and the fabric is rolled and stored.

The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: The warp-knitted integrated plush fabric of the technical solution has a fabric processing procedure as shown in FIG. 4, which can include: S1. back side facing up for pre-setting (referring to greige back side pre-setting), which aims to stabilize the size and structural form of the greige after it has undergone heating, thermal equilibrium, molecular chain reorientation, and cooling stages, especially to ensure uniform fabric tension and uniform size and height of back side loops (which is beneficial for subsequent uniform napping or brushing on the back side); S2. back side napping (using 36 to 60 rolls of elastic needles or straight needles to ensure fine and even nap, without shedding or damaging the root of the loops) or brushing (using a sandpaper brushing machine to break and brush the loops on both sides evenly); S3. greige secondary pre-setting (referring to greige front side pre-setting) (front side facing up, 210 to 220° C., 20 m/min, the temperature should not be too high, if it exceeds 220° C., the fabric will become stiff to the touch; if it is below 210° C., the fabric will be too soft and not crisp enough; during the napping process, the fabric is easily affected by the needle action, causing the fabric surface to loosen, resulting in uneven napping, incomplete penetration of the napping effect, and the inability to reach the bottom layer; additionally, the underlaps on the bottom layer cannot be severed); S4. front side napping (using 20 to 36 rolls of steel needles or bent needles, with relatively higher pile on the front side, making it unsuitable for high roll napping machines with more than 36 rolls; bent needles are used to first lift the underlaps and then break them); S5. front side polishing (170 to 180° C., 15 to 20 m/min, light polishing to impart a certain degree of luster and smoothness to the front side plush fabric); S6. back side shearing (shearing depth 0.5 mm, blade lifting angle α, to reduce the elongation of long pile on the back side, which can be stretched due to the friction with water flow and the cylinder wall after entering the cylinder)→S7. dyeing (to flush away the residual floating fibers after back side shearing, reduce shedding, and allow the fabric to fully shrink inside the high-temperature dyeing cylinder, making the back side plush more dense; when the base yarn is sea-island yarn, alkali reduction treatment is required)→S8. washing and foftening→S9. drying and setting (can be carried out at 160 to 170° C., 30 m/min)→S10. hot blowing at 160 to 180° C., 20 m/min, to further fluff up the front side plush and achieve a better fluffy effect→S11. back side shearing (shearing depth 0.2 mm, blade lifting angle B, to trim excessively long pile)→S12. front side polishing and shearing (to trim excessively long pile, improve the flatness and hand feel of the front side, and essentially set the form of the front side plush)→S13. tumbling (with 120° C. steam tumbling to cause the back side plush to contract, gather, and even form particles, preventing shedding)→S14. fabric rolling. The processing of the back side (S1, S2, and S6) and the front side (S3, S4, and S5) can be carried out independently without interfering with each other. That is, the front side can be processed first, or the back side can be processed first. The front and back sides can also be processed simultaneously, or the different processes of the front side (S3, S4, and S5) and the back side (S1, S2, and S6) can be interlaced (for example, in the order of S3, S1, S4, S2, S5, and S6). In other words, the processes of the front side (S3, S4, and S5) and the back side (S1, S2, and S6) do not constrain each other. The two sides of the warp-knitted integrated plush can be processed independently. One side can be napped or ground while the other side is being napped. The processing of the two sides does not affect each other and can be carried out independently. According to the specific product style, the above processing procedures can be partially added or reduced and the sequence adjusted. Then, the front and back sides are processed together for S7, S8, S9, and S10. After that, the back side S11 and the front side S12 are carried out. The back side S11 and the front side S12 can be performed simultaneously, or the back side S11 can be done first followed by the front side S12, or vice versa. Finally, S13 and S14 are carried out. Using the above process, the final fabric is produced with a finished weight of 420 g/m², a front pile height of 8.5 mm, presenting an imitation rabbit fur appearance, and a back side with fine, short pile, presenting a suede-like appearance. Moreover, not only are the plush appearances of the front and back sides completely different, but the colors also vary, creating a “integrated plush” effect as if two different fabrics are combined. The integrated plush fabric, tested according to the AATCC-2019 standard, has a shedding rate of 0.071%, and a horizontal washing shrinkage rate of 0.1%, indicating that both the shedding rate and the horizontal washing shrinkage rate are low; a longitudinal tear strength of 35.7 N, and an air permeability of 1690 g/m²/24 hrs, indicating good longitudinal tear strength and air permeability.

During the dyeing and finishing processes, as shown in FIG. 6, the dot array in the figure is used to form a positioning grid to aid understanding. The underlaps of the front guide bar are broken to form the first plush layer; the middle guide bar loops and underlaps undergo little change and constitute part of the connecting layer; the loosely and flexibly woven underlaps of the back guide bar, when subjected to an external napping force, transform a portion of the underlaps into loops, which are elongated, similar to a spring becoming straightened, and form the second plush layer through napping or brushing.

In one embodiment, in step S200, during the knitting process, for the knitting yarns, a CCD camera is used to capture images of the yarn feeding and to detect the vibration of the knitting machine;

• • each single yarn is identified using image recognition, and according to the feeding distance of each single yarn and the detected knitting machine vibration data, the vibration transmission of each single yarn is simulated and analyzed using simulation technology, obtaining the vibration data of each point of each single yarn within the feeding distance; wherein the vibration data includes vibration amplitude;
  • using machine vision recognition technology to perform image preprocessing on the captured real-time images, and each single yarn is identified through image recognition, and the vibration data of the corresponding single yarn is combined to perform image analysis of each single yarn, obtaining the yarn diameter data of each point of the real-time feeding single yarn;
  • the yarn diameter data is compared with the upper and lower limit threshold values of the corresponding single yarn diameter, and if the yarn diameter data deviates from the range defined by the upper and lower limit threshold values, an alarm signal is generated.

The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: This solution takes into account that yarn raw materials in roll (bundle) form are not suitable for individual unwinding and diameter inspection before use. To prevent excessive deviation of yarn diameter in the middle of the roll (bundle), which can cause inconsistent appearance and quality of the woven plush fabric. This solution employs machine vision recognition technology to monitor the diameter of the feeding yarn in real time and introduces simulation technology to perform vibration transmission simulation analysis. The diameter monitoring incorporates the analyzed vibration data into consideration, thereby achieving the purpose of vibration compensation in diameter monitoring. This makes the yarn diameter data obtained from the diameter monitoring more accurate and reliable, and reduces the error of the diameter monitoring. Then, through the allowable diameter range determined by the preset upper limit threshold and lower limit threshold of the diameter, it is judged whether the real-time diameter data meets the requirements. For example, if the maximum outer dimension of the vibration-affected movement range of a certain point on the yarn, obtained from the image analysis of a single yarn, is 45 mm, and the vibration amplitude of that point, obtained from the vibration transmission simulation analysis in the simulation, is 21.5 mm (indicating that the center of the yarn at that point will produce a radial deviation movement of 21.5 mm in any radial direction within 360 degrees), then the real-time monitored diameter data at that point can be calculated as 2 mm (i.e., 45 mm-21.5 mm×2=2 mm). This solution issues a warning message when the yarn diameter data deviates, enabling staff to take appropriate measures in a timely manner. This can enhance the consistency, stability, and quality of the products, reduce the number of defective and substandard items, and thereby improve efficiency.

Additionally, multiple second CCD cameras can be set up to capture knitting images of the yarns of each guide bar, such as front guide bar, middle guide bar and back guide bar, for example, take pictures from such as the side, top, and bottom of the machine, at preset angles. The knitting images of the yarns of each guide bar are preprocessed. Then, through image recognition, the interlacing patterns of the yarns on each guide bar, as well as the upper and lower layer positions and structural relationships formed by the knitting of the yarns, are determined. For example, when shooting from the side of the machine, from top to bottom, the correct knitting pattern forms the following structure layers in the greige: front guide bar underlap layer, middle guide bar underlap layer, back guide bar underlap layer, middle guide bar loop layer, front guide bar loop layer, and back guide bar loop layer. The interlacing patterns, upper and lower layer positions, and structural relationships of the yarns are compared with the corresponding set standards to determine whether they meet the requirements. For example, if the interlacing pattern is the same as the set standard, it indicates compliance; if not, appropriate measures are taken to make adjustments. This can further improve the consistency, stability, and yield of product quality, reduce the number of substandard and defective products, and thereby increase efficiency.

In one embodiment, by recording and storing the yarn diameter data of various points of a single yarn, the uniformity index of the single yarn is calculated using the following formula:

τ = 1 n ⁢ ∑ i = 1 n ( d i - d _ ) 2

• • in the above formula, τ represents the uniformity index of a single yarn; n represents the total number of monitoring points of the yarn diameter data of a single yarn (i.e., the total number of yarn diameter data); d_i represents the yarn diameter data of the i-th point of the monitored single yarn; d represents the mean value of the yarn diameter data of the monitored single yarn;
  • based on the usage of each single yarn in the yarn raw materials during knitting (such as which part of the woven plush fabric it is used for), a weight value is assigned to each single yarn;
  • combining the uniformity index of each single yarn and its assigned weight value, the quality data of the woven plush fabric is assessed, for example, the quality data of the plush fabric can be equal to the sum of the products of the uniformity index of each single yarn and its corresponding weight value; the quality data is used to grade and manage the quality of the plush fabric.

The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: On the basis of the aforementioned yarn diameter data monitoring, this solution employs a set algorithm to evaluate the uniformity of the yarn diameter, thereby obtaining a quality assessment of the yarn raw materials. This quality assessment of the yarn raw materials can serve as a basis for future yarn selection. Furthermore, by combining the weight assigned to the yarn during knitting, the quality data of the woven plush fabric is analyzed. This data is used to grade and manage the quality of the plush fabric. This solution avoids the influence of subjective human factors in quality assessment, thereby improving the objectivity and reliability of the assessment.

The present invention can achieve the following beneficial effects:

• • 1. The present invention replaces weft-knitted integrated plush with warp-knitted integrated plush, solving the problems of the loose and insufficiently dense structure of the weft-knitted integrated plush, the tendency of weft-knitted loops to unravel easily, and the low connection strength between the two sides of the weft-knitted fabric relying solely on a single yarn. It also overcomes the inherent structural limitations of weft-knitted plush fabric, which has one side as plain fabric and the other side as plush, and the problem of shedding caused by the simple pressing of pile yarns by weft yarns (or “binding yarns”). Moreover, compared with weft-knitted integrated plush, warp-knitted integrated plush has higher knitting efficiency and is more easily produced in wide and extra-wide widths. This structure can be realized on a single-bed warp knitting machine (single-face warp knitting machine) without relying on double-face machines or specialized weft-knitting equipment, making the production process simple and efficient.
  • 2. The innovative warp-knitted structure breaks through the limitations of the inherent structure of warp-knitted plush fabrics, solving the problem that both the front plush and the back base fabric of the fabric are made of the same yarn material, and the back side cannot be used directly and needs to be laminated or napped. For lamination, it increases production processes and losses, and the use of adhesive lamination poses the risk of chemical residue and poor durability. For warp-knitted plush napping, about 40% of the front plush is pulled to the back side. Essentially, the material, pile height, and style of the back plush can only depend on the front plush. The front and back plushes influence each other and cannot be independently formed or processed, resulting in a relatively monotonous and uniform pile feel on both sides, lacking creativity. Moreover, reducing the fullness of the plush on the front side, and pulling the plush from the front to the back side through the base fabric can damage the fabric structure and fibers, thereby exacerbating shedding. The warp-knitted plush of the present invention, through structural innovation, does not require lamination and does not need to pull the front plush through the base fabric to the back side. Instead, the front and back plushes are treated as two independent systems that do not affect each other, effectively solving the many drawbacks of lamination and pulling the front plush to the back side from a physical structural perspective.
  • 3. The warp-knitted integrated plush of the present invention has a high degree of freedom in the dyeing and finishing processes. The front and back plushes can be processed independently without affecting each other. Depending on the desired product style, the back plush can be processed first, followed by the front plush, or the order can be reversed. Traditional warp-knitted plush fabrics have relatively fixed processing procedures, generally processing the front plush first, then pulling part of the front plush to the back side to form a double-sided plush after the plush style on the front is basically formed. Weft-knitted integrated plush is usually processed mainly on the front plush with less processing on the back side. The processing of the warp-knitted integrated plush of the present invention breaks the limitations of traditional warp-knitted or weft-knitted plush fabric processing. The priority selectivity, flexibility and diversity of two-sided processing are both relatively strong. Different finishing processes can be applied to each side without being limited to a single processing method. This effectively avoids the many problems caused by the mutual influence and constraints of the front and back plushes in traditional double-sided plush fabric processing. The dyeing and finishing processes of warp-knitted integrated plush improve the post-processing of weft-knitted integrated plush and conventional warp-knitted double-sided plush, making the operation more flexible and versatile. It also avoids problems that occur in traditional dyeing and finishing processes, thereby improving product quality.
  • 4. Due to the independence of the two sides of the warp-knitted integrated plush, there is a high degree of independence in the selection of yarn raw materials, color selection, threading patterns, and appearance forms for each side. At the same time, there is a high degree of combinability between the two sides, which greatly increases the richness of warp-knitted integrated plush products. In addition, during fabric processing and later use, problems such as fabric damage and breakage caused by loose structure and loop unraveling are less likely to occur. Moreover, the fabric has extremely superior dimensional stability in both horizontal and vertical directions. Under multiple washing conditions, its horizontal shrinkage rate can be maintained at 0 to 0.2%, which is significantly better than the traditional process product's horizontal shrinkage rate of 1 to 3%. According to AATCC-2019 standard testing, the shedding rate of the warp-knitted integrated plush fabric is 0.01 to 0.1%, less than 0.1%; the longitudinal tear strength is 25 to 50 N, and the air permeability is 1500 to 2000 g/m²/24 hrs, i.e., the air permeability is greater than 1500 g/m²/24 hrs, thereby improving the daily use performance and comfort of the product.

It is evident that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present invention fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalent technologies, then the present invention is also intended to include these modifications and variations.