Claims:CLAIMS
What is claimed is
1. A printable fabric comprising:
- a first set of threads made of cotton or a cotton blend; and
- a second set of threads made of polyester,
- wherein the first and second set of threads are cross-weaved to form a first side and a second side of the printable fabric, and
- wherein the first side comprises a first float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent and a first float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent, and
- wherein the second side comprises a second float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent and a second float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent.

2. The printable fabric according to claim 1, wherein the cotton blend comprises one of a material selected from the group of: rayon, hemp, lyocell, acetate, ramie, modal, linen, viscose, elastane, or any other cellulosic fibre.

3. The printable fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first set of threads range from 16s to 80s of any of a ring spun yarn or open-end yarn.

4. The printable fabric according to claim 1, wherein the polyester comprises one of a polyester filament or a polyester spun.

5. The printable fabric according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the second set of threads range from 14D to 200D of any of a filament yarn or spun yarn.

6. A reversible printed fabric comprising:
- a first side; and
- a second side,
- wherein each of the first and second side comprises
- a first set of threads made of cotton or a cotton blend; and
- a second set of threads made of polyester,
- wherein the first and second set of threads are cross-weaved with
the first side having a first float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent and a first float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent, and
the second side comprises a second float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent and a second float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent, and
- wherein each of the first and second side comprises a same printed pattern with the first side having a first colour of the printed pattern and the second side having a second colour of the printed pattern.

7. The reversible printed fabric according to claim 6, wherein the cotton blend comprises one of a material selected from the group of: rayon, hemp, lyocell, acetate, ramie, modal, linen, viscose, elastane, or any other cellulosic fibre.

8. The reversible printed fabric according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first set of threads range from 16s to 80s of any of a ring spun yarn or open-end yarn.

9. The reversible printed fabric according to claim 6, wherein the polyester comprises one of a polyester filament or a polyester spun.

10. The reversible printed fabric according to claim 6 or 9, wherein the second set of threads range from 14D to 200D of any of a filament yarn or spun yarn.

11. A method for producing a reversible printed fabric, the method comprising:
- cross-weaving a first set of threads and a second set of threads to form a printable fabric having a first side and a second side of the printable fabric, wherein the first side comprises a first float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent and a first float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent, and wherein the second side comprises a second float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent and a second float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent;
- applying a printing paste on one of the first side or the second side based on a printing pattern under a controlled printing condition, wherein the controlled printing condition comprises a plurality of printing parameters comprising at least a pre-determined printing machine, a pre-determined printing speed and a drying temperature, and wherein the controlled printing condition allows each of the first and second side to be printed simultaneously in a single pass to form a same printed pattern with a first colour on the first side and a second colour on the second side;
- fixing the first and second colours on the first and second sides respectively; and
- removing excess first and second colours from the first and second sides to produce the reversible printed fabric.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of printing parameters comprises a drying temperature of 150°C, a printing pressure of 80-90 bar, a printing speed in a range of 15-20 metres/minute.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein fixing the first colour comprises steaming at a temperature in a range of 102-125°C for a time period of 10 minutes, and fixing the second colour comprises curing at a temperature of 180°C for a time period of 10 minutes.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein removing excess first and second colours comprises washing in a dispersing agent and soap at a predefined speed in a range of 20-35 metres/minute at a temperature of 80°C for a predefined time.

15. The method according to claim 11, the method further comprises finishing the reversible printed fabric, wherein the finishing comprises application of a softening agent to the reversible printed fabric after removing the excess first and second colours therefrom.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein the printing paste comprises a stock paste, a reactive dye and a disperse dye in a predefined proportion ranging between 90%:3%:1% and 94%:6%:5%, and wherein the stock paste comprises 1.5% of a soaping agent, 1.5% of a resist salt granule, 2.5% of a mild alkali, 8.0% of a dye solubilization and disaggregating agent, 2.0% of an antifoam and de-aerating agent, and 2.0% of a thickening agent mixed in 82.5% of water.
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
PRINTABLE FABRIC AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING REVERSIBLE PRINTED FABRIC
2. APPLICANT(S)
a) Name :WELSPUN CORP LIMITED
b) Nationality :India
c) Address : Welspun House, 6th Floor, Kamala City, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai – 400013.

3. PREAMBLE TO DESCRIPTION

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to textiles; and more specifically, to printable fabrics and reversible printed fabrics. Moreover, the present disclosure also relates to methods for producing reversible printed fabrics.
BACKGROUND
Textile industry is a major employment provider and revenue generator globally. Recently, textile industry has achieved several technological advancements, and has adopted to environmental-safe operational procedures. Moreover, the textile industry is further evolving in terms of advanced printing techniques for fabrics having global acceptability. Printed fabrics are employed for a variety of applications starting from garments to home textile and other outdoor applications.
Conventional printing methods include printing fabrics, for example cotton, polyester, lyocell, rayon, nylon, wool, silk, linen, hemp or any other textile fibres or their blends, using roller printers, flat-bed printing or digital printers. However, depending upon the type of fibres, additional precautions may be required to be taken during printing, especially if the printing is to be done on both sides of the fabric. Moreover, conventional printing methods for printing the fabric on both sides requires at least two sequential passes of the fabric over the printing machine, such as flat-bed printing arrangement, for a printing on either side. In such case, printing on one side of the fabric is achieved using any of a rotary printer, a flat-bed printer or a digital printer using a conventional method of printing, and subsequently, the same fabric is re-printed on the other side (reverse side) in a second operation, i.e. in the same or different machine, using the conventional method of printing. In such case, the fabric is required to be run twice in the printing machine, by one side in the first operation and by second side in the second operation. However, the flat-bed printing method is a semi-continuous process and has a lower productivity, thereby reducing the productivity of operation by half. At the same time, such dual operation increases the time required for printing and costs associated therewith. This presents a huge scope for further improvement in the current printing methods for producing fabrics useable from both sides and methods for producing thereof.
Recent advances in duplex printing (or double-side printing) involves using rotary printing method over flat-bed printing method. However, conventional rotary printing machines also fail to produce the desired results, such as in terms of quality and look, of the final product. Moreover, fabrics for use in reversible applications are required to be fabricated in a manner so as to obtain the desired printing effect on both sides of the fabric.
Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with the conventional reversible fabrics and method of production thereof.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure seeks to provide a printable fabric. The present disclosure also seeks to provide a reversible printed fabric. The present disclosure further seeks to provide a method for producing a reversible printed fabric. The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to the existing problem of fabric printing to produce a reversible printed fabric in a single operation. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in prior art, and provides a unique fabric construction comprising different fibre substrates in both sides of the fabric, a unique combination of printing paste to provide a fabric having same printed pattern in different colours on either side of the fabric, and producing the reversible printed fabric in a single pass through the printing machine.
In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a printable fabric comprising:
- a first set of threads made of cotton or a cotton blend; and
- a second set of threads made of polyester,
- wherein the first and second set of threads are cross-weaved to form a first side and a second side of the printable fabric, and
- wherein the first side comprises a first float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent and a first float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent, and
- wherein the second side comprises a second float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent and a second float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent.
In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a reversible printed fabric comprising
- a first side; and
- a second side,
- wherein each of the first and second side comprises
- a first set of threads made of cotton or a cotton blend; and
- a second set of threads made of polyester,
- wherein the first and second set of threads are cross-weaved with
the first side having a first float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent and a first float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent, and
the second side comprises a second float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent and a second float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent, and
- wherein each of the first and second side comprises a same printed pattern with the first side having a first colour of the printed pattern and the second side having a second colour of the printed pattern.
In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for producing a reversible printed fabric, the method comprising:
- cross-weaving a first set of threads and a second set of threads to form a printable fabric having a first side and a second side of the printable fabric, wherein the first side comprises a first float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent and a first float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent, and wherein the second side comprises a second float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent and a second float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent;
- applying a printing paste on one of the first side or the second side based on a printing pattern under a controlled printing condition, wherein the controlled printing condition comprises a plurality of printing parameters comprising at least a pre-determined printing machine, a pre-determined printing speed and a drying temperature, and wherein the controlled printing condition allows each of the first and second side to be printed simultaneously in a single pass to form a same printed pattern with a first colour on the first side and a second colour on the second side;
- fixing the first and second colours on the first and second sides respectively; and
- removing excess first and second colours from the first and second sides to produce the reversible printed fabric.
Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and enables a cost-effective, time-efficient and effective method for producing a reversible printed fabric comprising a unique fabric construction.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printable fabric, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a reversible printed fabric, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is an illustration of steps of method for producing a reversible printed fabric, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a reversible printed fabric, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIGs. 5 to 8 are illustrations of first and second sides of exemplary reversible printed fabrics, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.
In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a printable fabric comprising:
- a first set of threads made of cotton or a cotton blend; and
- a second set of threads made of polyester,
- wherein the first and second set of threads are cross-weaved to form a first side and a second side of the printable fabric, and
- wherein the first side comprises a first float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent and a first float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent, and
- wherein the second side comprises a second float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent and a second float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent.
In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a reversible printed fabric comprising
- a first side; and
- a second side,
- wherein each of the first and second side comprises
- a first set of threads made of cotton or a cotton blend; and
- a second set of threads made of polyester,
- wherein the first and second set of threads are cross-weaved with
the first side having a first float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent and a first float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent, and
the second side comprises a second float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent and a second float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent, and
- wherein each of the first and second side comprises a same printed pattern with the first side having a first colour of the printed pattern and the second side having a second colour of the printed pattern.
In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for producing a reversible printed fabric, the method comprising:
- cross-weaving a first set of threads and a second set of threads to form a printable fabric having a first side and a second side of the printable fabric, wherein the first side comprises a first float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent and a first float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent, and wherein the second side comprises a second float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent and a second float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent;
- applying a printing paste on one of the first side or the second side based on a printing pattern under a controlled printing condition, wherein the controlled printing condition comprises a plurality of printing parameters comprising at least a pre-determined printing machine, a pre-determined printing speed and a drying temperature, and wherein the controlled printing condition allows each of the first and second side to be printed simultaneously in a single pass to form a same printed pattern with a first colour on the first side and a second colour on the second side;
- fixing the first and second colours on the first and second sides respectively; and
- removing excess first and second colours from the first and second sides to produce the reversible printed fabric.
The present disclosure provides a reversible printed fabric and method of producing thereof. The present disclosure produces a reversible printed fabric by passing a printable fabric through a rotary printing machine in a single pass (or operation). The conventional methods, such as flat-bed printing, are non- or semi-continuous and require frequent human intervention thereby increasing the time of operation. The present disclosure involves printing the reversible printed fabric via a rotary printing machine through a continuous operation and in a single pass. Consequently, providing a method with higher accuracy and lower time consumption in comparison to contemporary methods. Moreover, the unique fabric construction comprising different fibre substrates in both sides of the fabric and a unique combination of printing paste enables printing the same printed patterns, in different colours, on either side of the fabric, thereby producing the reversible printed fabric in a single pass, thereby, resulting in an overall reduction in cost due to the dye required, time and effort saved due to the single operation instead of a dual-operation. Beneficially, the present disclosure also provides the user with two usable sides of the fabric while printing only one side of the fabric. It is a consequence to the fabric production type that provides different threads on either side of the fabric, and method of production thereof under controlled conditions to get the desired results.
The present disclosure provides the printable fabric. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "fabric" as used herein refers to a woven, knitted or non-woven substrate, such as a cloth, comprising natural or synthetic (or a combination thereof) fibres (namely, threads), filaments (extremely long fibres) or yarns (spun fibres). It will be appreciated that the terms "fibres", "filaments" or "yarns" constitute the basic element in a fabric. The fibres, filaments or yarns include any natural or synthetic material, such as a natural or regenerated cellulose, a derivative of cellulose, polyamides such as wool, polyesters or acrylonitrile polymer, and so forth suitable for spinning into a twisted structure that is homogenous across the length and cross-section. Specifically, the fibres or filaments are twisted around each other to produce yarns, selected from a group of carded, combed, woollen or worsted yarns. Moreover, the fabric consists any type of fibres selected from a group of cotton, polyester, lyocell, rayon, nylon, wool, silk, linen, hemp or any other fibres or their blends.
Furthermore, the term "printable fabric" as used throughout the present disclosure refers to the fabric operable to feature a broad range of patterns in a broad range of colours thereon. The printable fabrics find use in a wide variety of applications, especially in the textile industry, such as garments, home textiles and/or outdoor applications. In an example, in home textiles, the printable fabrics are used as bedsheets, curtains, furnishings, cushions, pillow-covers, duvet covers, and so forth. Typically, the printable fabric is designed to be printed by techniques known to a person skilled in the art using conventional printing techniques including but not limited to a rotary printing, a roller printing, a flat-bed printing, or digital printing techniques.
The printable fabric of the present disclosure comprises a first set of threads made of cotton or a cotton blend and a second set of threads made of polyester. The first and second set of threads are cross weaved to form a first side and a second side of the printable fabric. The terms "first set of threads" and "second set of threads" refer to two basic components, i.e. fibres, filaments or yarns, for producing the printable fabric. Moreover, the first set of threads are made of cotton or a cotton blend, and the second set of threads are made of polyester. The term "cotton" as used herein refers to 100% cotton that is obtained from pure cotton yarn. Moreover, the term "cotton blend" refers to a mixture of cotton fibres with other types of natural or synthetic fibres. Optionally, the cotton blend comprises one of a material selected from the group of: rayon, hemp, lyocell, acetate, ramie, modal, linen, viscose, elastane, or any other cellulosic fibre. More optionally, the one of a material selected from the group of: rayon, hemp, lyocell, acetate, ramie, modal, linen, viscose, elastane, or any other cellulosic fibre is in a range of 10-50%. In an example, the cotton blend comprises a 50-70% of cotton fibres and a 30-50% of other types of natural or synthetic fibres. In this regard, the cotton blend typically comprises 50, 55, 60 or 65% up to 55, 60, 65 or 70% of cotton fibres and 30, 35, 40 or 45% up to 35, 40, 45 or 50% of other types of natural or synthetic fibres, for example polyester. The cotton blend may for example comprise 60% of cotton fibres and 40% of polyester. Optionally, the polyester comprises one of a polyester filament or a polyester spun. More optionally, the polyester comprises one of a 100% polyester filament or a 100% polyester spun yarn. In an example, a printable fabric of 100 square meters, may comprise a 100% cotton and a 100% polyester filament yarn to form such as a fabric for a shirt.
Optionally, the first set of threads range from 16s to 80s of any of a ring spun yarn or open-end yarn, and the second set of threads range from 14D to 200D of any of a filament yarn or spun yarn. Typically, the proportion of the first and second set of threads used per square inch (i.e. yarn count) determines the closeness or looseness of a weave of the printable fabric. Specifically, a higher yarn count represents a greater density and a tighter weave in the fabric. The yarn count is the degree of yarn thickness and is expressed by means of 's' or 'Ne', 'Denier (D)', 'Tex', 'Dtex', and so forth. Optionally, the first set of threads is made of cotton or cotton blend ring-spun yarn of 16s to 80s count, or open-end yarn of 16s to 30s count (prepared with an equivalent of 16-30 turns per inch of the ring yarn) depending on the desired tightness of weave. Typically, 's' or 'Ne' is a British count that refers to the number of hanks of 840 yards per pound weight of the yarn (each hank consists of 840 yards of yarn). Generally, thicker the yarn, the smaller the s-value of the yarn. For example, 60s yarn is thinner than the 16s yarn. Optionally, the second set of threads is made of 100% polyester filament yarn ranging from 14 Denier (D) to 200D depending on the type of fabric. Typically, D is an American weight unit that refers to the weight in grams of a 9000 metres long yarn. Generally, D refers to the fineness of the yarn, i.e. the lower the denier number, the finer is the size of the yarn, therefore fabric with higher value of D will be thicker, heavier, stronger and more durable than the same fabric with lower value of D. For example, 100D polyester will be stronger than 70D polyester. In an example, a polyester camping tent comprises 75D or 150D, while polyester event shelters are made with 150D to deal with greater climatic stress such as longer exposure to sun. Optionally, the yarn count of the printable fabric ranges from 120D to 1400D, depending upon the desired quality of the printable fabric and or its end use. Typically, the yarn count may be, for example, in a range of 120, 130, 140, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 600, 800, 1000 or 1200D up to 130, 140, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 or 1400D. In an example, the yarn count of the fabric is 1015. In another example, the yarn count may be 397D.
The term "cross-weave" refers to a process of interlacing the first set of threads and the second set of threads so that they cross each other, for example orthogonally, i.e. at an angle of 90°, to produce an integrated or woven structure, for example a fabric, using hands or a power-operated loom. Specifically, the longitudinal first set of threads, known as warp, and the transverse second set of threads, known as weft or fill, are arranged in a plane to produce a fabric. More specifically, the first set of threads is held in tension on a special frame (or loom) and the second set of threads is passed over-and-under the first set of threads in a regular pattern to produce a cross-weave. Beneficially, the cross-weave produces a fabric with negligible or no yarn slippage or misplacement of threads. Additionally, the cross-weave produces a sheer fabric to allow light and air to pass through freely without disturbing the woven symmetry of the fabric. It will be appreciated that, the cross-weave comprising of the first and second set of threads produces a knitted or woven fabric. Generally, the cross-weave is performed to keep the first and second set of threads in a given position to form the desired structure, i.e. the printable fabric. Moreover, unlike a plain weave, the cross-weave produces different weave patterns on the first side and the second side of the printable fabric. The term "first side" refers to a technical face or right-side of the printable fabric that has a better finish with finer yarns on the face and thus exposed to show the appearance of the fabric. The term "second side" refers to a technical back of the printable fabric that is not exposed and forms the inner side of the fabric. In an example, if the two sides differ, the design is featured on the first side of the printable fabric and the solid colour forms the second side of the printable fabric. Typically, the first side is shiner than the second side of the printable fabric.
Moreover, examples of cross-weave include but are not limited to a twill weave or a satin weave. In a typical twill weave, the first and second set of threads are interlaced in a manner that each of the first set of threads floats across two or more second set of threads with a progression of interlacing by one either to the right or to the left, thereby producing a distinct diagonal line (or rib or ridge) across the fabric. The lines may run from an upper right corner to a lower left corner of the fabric, producing a Z-twill or right-hand twill weave, or from an upper left to a lower right corner of the fabric, producing an S-twill or left-hand twill weave. In an example, the twill weave fabrics include denims, flannel, gabardine, and so forth. In a typical satin weave, the first and second set of threads are interlaced in a manner that four or more of the first set of threads float over a single second set of threads (thereby producing long warp floats) with a progression of interlacing by two either to the right or to the left, thereby resulting in a glossy fabric on a first side and a dull fabric on the second side. Alternatively, a satin weave may also result from four or more of the second set of threads floating over a single first set of threads (thereby producing long weft floats). In an example, the satin weave fabrics include slipper satin, satin crepe, and so forth. In an exemplary embodiment, a woven fabric comprising a twill weave pattern with 2 threads per insertion of a first set of threads made of a 30s Cotton Ring Spun and a second set of threads made of 75D polyester filament, with a thread count of 216 with 84 end per inch (EPI) and 66 pick per inch (PPI) having 2 threads insertion per pick, as shown in Table 1. The terms "EPI" and "PPI" as used herein refers to the first set of threads (or warps) per inch of the woven fabric and the second set of threads (or wefts) per inch of the woven fabric. In order to calculate the EPI, wrap the first set of threads around a 1-inch portion of a stick snuggly to leave no space between the consecutive first set of threads and count the number of first set of threads wrapped in one inch as EPI. Similarly, to calculate the PPI, wrap the second set of threads around a 1-inch portion of a stick snuggly to leave no space between the consecutive second set of threads and count the number of second set of threads wrapped in one inch as PPI. The term "number of threads per insertion" as used herein refers to the number of threads inserted in a pick. The EPI, PPI and the number of threads per insertion account for the total thread count. Herein, the thread count of 216 is obtained by adding EPI to a multiplication of PPI and the number of threads per insertion, i.e., 84 + (66×2). The Table 1 shows cross-woven construction of 10 fabrics for reversible printed fabric. In an exemplary twill weave, a woven fabric comprises 120 EPI and 70 PPI of a 40s cotton ring spun yarn and 75D polyester filament yarn with 2 threads per insertion, respectively.

Fabric type Thread Count (D) Weave Type First set of threads (warps) (S/Ne) Second set of threads (wefts) (Filament) (D) End Per Inch (EPI) Pick Per Inch (PPI) No of threads per insertion
1 150 Twill or Satin 20s OE Cotton or Ring Spun 120D 78 72 1
2 216 Twill or Satin 30s Cotton Ring Spun 75D 84 66 2
3 260 Twill or Satin 40s Cotton 75 D 120 70 2
4 300 Twill or Satin 60s Cotton 75 D 154 73 2
5 397 Twill or Satin 60s Cotton 50 D 175 74 3
6 511 Twill or Satin 60s Cotton 30 D 175 84 4
7 607 Twill or Satin 60s Cotton 25 D 175 72 6
8 756 Twill or Satin 60s Cotton 20 D 180 72 8
9 1015 Twill or Satin 60s Cotton 15 D 175 70 12
10 1201 Twill or Satin 80s Cotton 14 D 205 83 12

Table 1. Cross-woven construction of 10 fabrics for reversible printed fabric
The first side comprises a first float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent and a first float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent. The second side comprises a second float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent and a second float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent. The term "float percentage" as used herein refers to a percent area covered by the first set of threads to the second set of threads in the given printable fabric area. Specifically, the float percentage is the ratio of the first set of threads to the second set of threads exposed at one of the first or second side of the printable fabric. It will be appreciated that since the woven fabric comprises the first side and the second side, therefore, the float percentage on either side is complementary. For example, if on one side, for example the first side, of the cross-woven printable fabric, the number of the first set of threads is 70 (ends per inch) and the number of the second set of threads is 30 (picks per inch), and the interlacing of the yarns leaves a space equal to the yarn diameter, then the first float percentage of the first set of threads is 70 percent (%) and the first float percentage of the second set of threads is 30 percent (%) on the first side of the printable fabric. Then on the other side, i.e. the second side, of the cross-woven printable fabric, the number of the first set of threads is 30 (ends per inch) and the number of the second set of threads is 70 (picks per inch), and the interlacing of the yarns leaves a space equal to the yarn diameter, then the second float percentage of the first set of threads is 30% and the second float percentage of the second set of threads is 70% on the second side of the printable fabric. In an example, a printable fabric may comprise a 100% cotton and a 100% polyester filament yarn to form a printable fabric, wherein the first side (or the technical face) comprises a first float percentage of 60% of the first set of threads made of 100% cotton and a first float percentage of 40% of the second set of threads made of 100% polyester filament yarn, and the second side (or the technical back) comprises a second float percentage of 40% of the first set of threads made of 100% cotton and a second float percentage of 60% of the second set of threads made of 100% polyester filament yarn. In another example, a printable fabric may comprise a cotton-rayon blend and a 100% polyester spun yarn to form such as a fabric for a shirt, wherein the first side (or the technical face) of the shirt comprises 60% of cotton-rayon blend and 40% of 100% polyester spun yarn, and the second side (or the technical back) of the shirt comprises 40% of cotton-rayon blend and 60% of 100% polyester spun yarn.
Optionally, the printable fabric is woven on a power-operated loom, for example an air-jet loom, a Sulzer-and-Rapier loom, and so forth. More optionally, the woven printable fabric undergoes a pre-processing process before being supplied to the textile industries or end-users for various applications. The pre-processing process include, but is not limited to, a conventional process involving singeing-de-sizing-bleaching-mercerization. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the process of singeing removes protruding short fibres from the surface of the fabric by passing the fabric over an open flame at a very high speed to prevent scorching, thereby improving the wettability, stiffness and elasticity of the printable fabric. Further, the process of de-sizing extinguishes any sparks produced on the fabric during singeing, in order to remove starch from the fabric to make the fabric more absorbent. The process of bleaching is performed to remove the natural colouring matters and provide the printable fabric with the required whiteness using known bleaching agents including but not limited to sodium hypochlorite, sodium chlorite, sodium perborate and sodium percarbonate. The process of mercerization involves treating the printable fabric with a cold concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide for about 1 minute to reshape the bean-shaped cross-section of fibres to rounded cross-section, to improve strength, elasticity and dimensional stability. Optionally, the printable fabric is subjected to stretching through a stenter for straightening the second set of threads to prepare the printable fabric for further use, such as for example printing.
Typically, the first set of threads and the second set of threads are selected from a group comprising natural or synthetic fibres or any combination thereof that may be dyed using a suitable dye (or colour or printing ink). For example, cotton is a natural product harvested from a cotton plant and then spun into fibres or yarn. Additionally, cotton is highly absorbent and absorbs liquids, fluids, dyes, and so forth. Moreover, polyester is a synthetic product, manufactured by mixing chemicals together thereby creating a strong and durable fibre. Furthermore, polyester is not as absorptive as cotton and beneficially doesn't get stained, for example with liquids, fluids, oils and dyes, as easily as cotton. However, both cotton (or cotton blends) and polyester fibres are dyeable and may feature a wide range of colours. However, percentage of fabric construction is an important parameter in determining the strength of a colour on the fabric. In this regard, notably, colours on cotton fibres appear brighter as compared to colours on the polyester fibres or cotton blend fibres.
The present disclosure also provides a reversible printed fabric. The term "reversible printed fabric" refers to a fabric appearing the same on both the first and the second sides and is useable from both the sides, especially after printed. Typically, the reversible printed fabrics are configured to be printed using techniques known in the art, such as for example, a reactive printing, a disperse printing, a pigment printing, a discharge printing, a resist printing, and so forth. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the reversible printed fabric uses the aforementioned novel printable fabric and includes the limitations of the printable fabric as mentioned above. For example, the reversible printed fabric comprises a first side and a second side, wherein each of the first and second side comprises a first set of threads made of cotton or a cotton blend; and a second set of threads made of polyester. Moreover, the first and second set of threads are cross-weaved with the first side having a first float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent and a first float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent, and the second side comprises a second float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent and a second float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent.
Moreover, in addition to the aforementioned properties of the printable fabric, each of the first and second side of the reversible printed fabric comprises a same printed pattern with the first side having a first colour of the printed pattern and the second side having a second colour of the printed pattern. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "printed pattern" refers to an any repeated design (or pattern), such as a geometric design, a floral design, a lattice design, a medallion design, a stripe design, a polka design, a text, an image, and so on, that is applied, by means of printing or embossing, on the surface of a substrate, in this case a printable fabric. The print pattern is not woven into the fabric but produced with a colour or a dye at definite sites, preferably in sharply defined patterns by application of pressure. Typically, printing is performed using various methods known in the art, such as for example, a reactive printing, a disperse printing, a pigment printing, a discharge printing, a resist printing, a screen printing, a block printing, and so forth. In an embodiment, the printed pattern is produced using wooden blocks, stencils, engraved plates, rollers, silkscreens, and so forth. Generally, the printed fabric comprises a technical face with printed pattern exposed and a technical back with no printed pattern thereon.
Furthermore, the same printed pattern on the first and second side of the reversible printed fabric is a result of the cross-weaving of the reversible printed fabric and the novel composition of the reversible printed fabric. Specifically, the cross-weaving of the said fabric comprises spaces between each of the adjacent laid first and/or second set of threads, thereby allowing the reversible printed fabric to be printed on both the first and second sides with the same printed pattern. More specifically, the spaces between the first and/or second set of threads allow the colour or the dye for producing the printed pattern to disperse therethrough to print both the first and second sides of the reversible printed fabric simultaneously. It will be appreciated that the aforesaid ways of producing the printed pattern on the first and second sides of the reversible printed fabric applies a predefined pressure at both the first and second sides of the reversible printed fabric to produce the same printed pattern on the first and second sides of the reversible printed fabric. Moreover, the novel composition of the reversible printed fabric, i.e. the first side comprising predominantly cotton or cotton blend and the second side comprising predominantly polyester, enable the same printed pattern on both the first and second side to be printed in different colours. Specifically, the printed pattern on the first side appears darker in colour than the printed pattern on the second side as a result of the float percentage on the respective sides. More specifically, the first side comprising a first float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 50-70% and a first float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 30-50% absorb more colour to exhibit a darker shade as compared to the second side comprising a second float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 30-50% and a second float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 50-70%. Optionally, suitable dyes or colours are used for printing printed patterns on the reversible printed patterns. More optionally, dyes or colours with specific characteristics such as reactivity with the fabric, flow and fixation properties, and so forth, are selected to prevent the dye from spreading beyond the limits of the desired printed pattern, such as by capillary attraction. Beneficially, the reversible printed fabric is printed on both the first and second sides thereof with colour, and both sides the first and second sides of the reversible printed fabric is useful for the consumers.
Optionally, the cotton blend comprises one of a material selected from the group of: rayon, hemp, lyocell, acetate, ramie, modal, linen, viscose, elastane, or any other cellulosic fibre. More optionally, the one of a material selected from the group of: rayon, hemp, lyocell, acetate, ramie, modal, linen, viscose, elastane, or any other cellulosic fibre is in a range of 10-50%. More optionally, the first set of threads range from 16s to 80s of any of a ring spun yarn or open-end yarn.
Optionally, the polyester comprises one of a polyester filament or a polyester spun. More optionally, the polyester comprises one of a 100% polyester filament or a 100% polyester spun yarn.
Moreover, the present disclosure also relates to the method as described above. The various embodiments and variants disclosed above apply mutatis mutandis to the method.
The method comprises cross-weaving a first set of threads and a second set of threads to form a printable fabric having a first side and a second side of the printable fabric, wherein the first side comprises a first float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent and a first float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent, and wherein the second side comprises a second float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent and a second float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent. As afore-mentioned, the cross-weaving of the first and second set of threads with said novel composition enables production of the printable fabric that allows air and light to pass therethrough. Such breathable fabric allows printing the same printed pattern on either side of the fabric simultaneously. Optionally, the cross-woven fabric is subjected to several stages of pre-processing and post-processing to convert the printable fabric into the reversible printed fabric. The various pre-processing stages involved in producing the reversible printed fabric include but do not limit to washing and bleaching, stretching through a stenter, selection and preparation of suitable colours, and selection of a printing pattern and means for producing the printed pattern on the cross-woven fabric (in this case the reversible printed fabric).
Moreover, the method comprises applying a printing paste on one of the first side or the second side based on a printing pattern under a controlled printing condition, wherein the controlled printing condition comprises a plurality of printing parameters comprising at least a pre-determined printing machine, a pre-determined printing speed and a drying temperature, and wherein the controlled printing condition allows each of the first and second side to be printed simultaneously in a single pass to form a same printed pattern with a first colour on the first side and a second colour on the second side. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "printing paste" as used herein refers to a viscous ink with special characteristics. The preparation of the printing paste is important for the overall printing process. Moreover, the printing paste is prepared considering the different techniques and/or machineries used for printing and the post-processing steps for production of the reversible printed fabric. Furthermore, the printing paste must physically bind with the fabric to produce a colour-fast reversible printed fabric, and thus must account for chemical and physical process occurring between the fabric and the dye. The printing paste is a composition comprising a colouring matter (such as a suitable dye or colour) compatible with the reversible printed fabric, a solvent, a binding agent, and one or more of auxiliaries, such as a thickening agent, a fixing agent, a plasticizer, a defoamer, and so forth.
Optionally, the printing paste comprises a stock paste, a reactive dye and a disperse dye in a predefined proportion ranging between 90%:3%:1% and 94%:6%:5%, wherein the stock paste comprises 1.5% of a soaping agent, 1.5% of a resist salt granule, 2.5% of a mild alkali, 8.0% of a dye solubilization and disaggregating agent, 2.0% of an antifoam and de-aerating agent, and 2.0% of a thickening agent mixed in 82.5% of water. The printing paste may for example comprise the stock paste in a range from 90, 91, 92 or 93% up to 91, 92, 93 or 94%, the reactive dye in a range from 3, 4 or 5% up to 4, 5 or 6%, and the disperse dye in a range from 1, 2, 3 or 4% up to 2, 3, 4 or 5%. Notably, the reactive dyes are characterized with wash colour-fastness and a wide range of bright colours for cotton or other cellulosic fabrics. Moreover, most of the reactive dyes have one or two reactive groups for bonding with the fibre thus enabling about 50-85% of the reactive dye to fix to the fabric. Furthermore, the disperse dye is a class of non-ionic dye and provide wash colour-fastness to synthetic fibres such as polyester, elastane, as well as cellulosic blends thereof. Optionally, the reactive dye is a Novacron® reactive dye and the disperse dye Terasil® disperse dye. In an example, a 4% of Novacron® reactive dye and a 4% of Terasil® disperse dye is mixed with the stock paste to prepare the printing paste. Beneficially, the Novacron® reactive dye is cost-effective and require less amount of water and salts for dying of cotton or cotton blends. It will be appreciated that the dyes selection plays an important role in determining the final product, i.e. the reversible printed fabric. For example, selection of a Red-coloured reactive dye and a contrast Yellow-coloured disperse dye produces a good-looking reversible printed fabric. In such case, the first side of the reversible printed fabric, predominantly cotton or cotton blend, appears redder while the second side of the reversible printed fabric, predominantly polyester, appears yellow or orange in tone. Notably, the stock paste functions as the solvent and auxiliaries for the dissolution of the reactive and disperse dyes in the prepared printing paste. More optionally, the stock paste comprises dissolving 1.5-3.0% of a soaping agent such as Albatex AD®, 1.5-3.0% of a resist salt granule such as Lyoprint RG-GR®, 2.5-5.0% of a mild alkali such as sodium bicarbonate, 8.0-15.0% of a dye solubilization and disaggregating agent such as urea, 2.0-6.0% of an antifoam and de-aerating agent such as Lyoprint AP®, and 2.0-5.0% of a thickening agent such as Lyoprint RD-HT®, in 50.0-82.5% of water as shown in Table 2. In an example, the stock paste comprises dissolving 1.5% of Albatex AD®, 1.5% of Lyoprint RG-GR®, 2.5% of sodium bicarbonate, 8.0% of urea, 2.0% of Lyoprint AP®, and 2.0% of Lyoprint RD-HT®, in 82.5% of water. The Table 2 shows the composition of the stock paste and chemical functions of respective ingredients of the stock paste. In an example, the printing paste is prepared from 3% of the reactive dye, 4% of the disperse dye and 92% of the stock paste to produce the reversible printed fabric.
Ingredient Percentage composition Chemical function
Albatex AD® 1.5-3.0% Protective colloids, dispersing, chelating agent
Lyoprint RG-GR® 1.5-3.0% Reduction inhibitor and oxidizing agent
Sodium bicarbonate 2.5-5.0% pH controller for reactive dyes
Urea 8.0-15% Hygroscopic agent
Lyoprint AP® 2.0-6.0% Antifoam and de-aerating agent
Lyoprint RD-HT® 2.0-5.0% Hybrid thickener
Water 50.0-82.5% Solvent

Table 2. Stock paste ingredients with respective proportions and chemical functions
Optionally, the method comprises adding 1.5% of Albatex AD® and 1.5% of Lyoprint RG-GR® in 82.5% of water. The mixture is stirred for 10 minutes to properly (completely) dissolve the ingredients in water. Subsequently, 2.5% of sodium bicarbonate, 8.0% of urea, and 2.0% of Lyoprint AP® are sequentially added to the above mixture and the said mixture is stirred for 10 minutes. Finally, 2.0% of Lyoprint RD-HT® is added slowly in the mixture and the resultant mixture is kept for 1 hour to cool down. Optionally, the pH of the stock paste is adjusted in a range of 8.0-8.5. Notably, the pH of the stock paste is adjusted by adding a mild alkali to the said mixture. Optionally, the mild alkali is sodium bicarbonate.
The prepared printing paste is applied on one of the first side or the second side based on a printing pattern under a controlled printing condition. As mentioned above, the application of printing paste may be achieved using various methods known in the art, such as for example, a reactive printing, a disperse printing, a pigment printing, a discharge printing, a resist printing, a screen printing, a block printing, and so forth. In an embodiment, the printed pattern is produced using wooden blocks, stencils, engraved plates, rollers, silkscreens, and so forth. Generally, the printed fabric comprises a technical face with printed pattern exposed and a technical back with no printed pattern thereon.
In the present disclosure, the printing paste is applied on the first side by passing the fabric through a rotary printing machine under controlled printing conditions. The controlled printing condition allows each of the first and second side to be printed simultaneously in a single pass to form a same printed pattern with a first colour on the first side and a second colour on the second side. The term "rotary printing machine" as used herein refers to a printing machinery for printing desired patterns and/or images onto a substrate, such as fabric. In an embodiment, a typical rotary printing machine comprises a set of rollers (namely magnet rod), a dryer fan, a cloth guide, a set of radiators, and control valves. The roller comprises the desired print pattern on its surface that is produced with a printing paste on the surface of the fabric. Optionally, the set of rollers is mounted sequentially and enveloped circumferentially by a roller belt. Optionally, the set of rollers comprise a plurality of perforations (namely, screen mesh), based on the desired printing pattern, on its cylindrical surface for passing the printing paste onto the fabric effectively. Optionally, the perforations are generally circular in shape and have a diameter lesser than 5mm. Optionally, the screen mesh is 125 number of holes per square inch. The aforesaid components of a typical rotary printing machine are arranged in a manner so as to facilitate the printing process and produce the reversible printed fabric in a single operation (namely, pass through the rotary printing machine). In such case, the printable fabric is fed into the rotary printing machine, optionally by a power-operated feeder or by hand, guided onto the set of rollers with the aid of a cloth guide. The fabric under tension is pressed onto the contour of the rollers, on which the printed pattern is produced. Upon passing through the set of rollers, the same printed pattern is printed on either side of the fabric, due to passing of the printing paste through the fabric from the first side to the second side under pressure exerted by the magnet rod. Notably, there exists colour variation on either side due to the composition of the respective sides. This colour variation provides two differently coloured printed patterns on either side of the reversible printed fabric, beneficially in a single operation of printing. Consequently, the end product is useable as differently coloured product on either side with low operation cost. Optionally, the rotary printing machine may comprise a doctor blade operable to scrape off extra printing paste from the surface of the fabric. More optionally, the doctor blade is shaped and sized in a manner so as to accommodate its sharpness and angle of inclination throughout. Preferably, the doctor blade is a thin sharp blade of steel in contact with the surface of the roller.
Optionally, the controlled printing condition comprises a plurality of printing parameters comprising at least a pre-determined printing machine, a pre-determined printing speed and a drying temperature. More optionally, the controlled printing condition further comprises a composition of the printable fabric, an exposed composition of the first and second set of threads on the first and second sides of the reversible printed fabric respectively, a choice of reactive and disperse dyes, a technique and/or a machinery used for printing (such as the rotary printing machine), a magnet rod of the rotary printing machine, a screen mesh of the rotary printing machine, and so forth. Optionally, the plurality of printing parameters comprises a drying temperature of 150°C, a printing pressure of 80-90 bar, a printing speed in a range of 15-20 metres/minute. Optionally, the size of the magnet rod of the rotary printing machine is in a range of 15-20 mm. Specifically, the magnet rod provides the pre-determined printing pressure, in a range of 80-90 bar. It will be appreciated that the magnet rod and the magnet pressure exerted thereby plan a vital role in printing the reversible printed fabric. It will be appreciated that a magnet rod of 15-20 mm size is bigger and thus heavier as compared to conventionally used rods of 10-12 mm, and therefore provides an excessive pressure inside the screen passing over the fabric. The excessive pressure applied by the magnet rod results in the printing paste, provided through the screen mesh of the rotary printing machine, to flow from the first side of the reversible printed fabric to the second side of the reversible printed fabric. The passing of the printing paste from the first side of the reversible printed fabric to the second side of the reversible printed fabric results in printing the desired print pattern on either side of the reversible printed fabric in a single operation. Moreover, the printing speed also plays an important role in the printing process. The printing speed of 15-20 metres/min (m/min) for printing the first and second sides of the reversible printed fabric provides substantial penetration of the printing paste inside the fabric composition, thereby providing the desired result of printing. In an example, under controlled printing conditions if the printed pattern on the first side is printed in 'Teal' colour, then the printed pattern on the second side may take up a 'Green' colour. In another example, under controlled printing conditions if the printed pattern on the first side is printed in 'Red' colour, then the printed pattern on the second side may take up an 'Orange' colour.
Furthermore, the method comprises fixing the first and second colours on the first and second sides respectively. The first colour on the first side gets fixed on the first set of threads made of cotton or cotton blend through a steaming process. The fixing of the first colour comprises steaming the reversible printed fabric at a temperature in a range of 102-125°C for a time period of 10 minutes. It will be appreciated that the temperature in the range of 102-125°C is provided in a special chamber designed for steaming the reversible printed fabric. More optionally, the said chamber has a roof temperature of 125°C and an overall temperature of 102°C for fixing the first colour, wherein the first side of the reversible printed fabric is arranged to face the chamber roof. Moreover, the second colour on the second side gets fixed on the second set of threads made of polyester through a curing process. The fixing of the second colour comprises curing the reversible printed fabric at a temperature of 180°C for a time period of 10 minutes.
Furthermore, the method comprises removing excess first and second colours from the first and second sides to produce the reversible printed fabric. Optionally, removing excess first and second colours comprises washing in a dispersing agent and soap at a predefined speed in a range of 20-35 metres/minute at a temperature of 80°C for a predefined time. More optionally, the washing is achieved using a dispersing agent of 2 gpl and a soap of 2 gpl with the aforesaid washing speed at the said temperature.
Optionally, the method further comprises finishing the reversible printed fabric, wherein the finishing comprises application of a softening agent to the reversible printed fabric after removing the excess first and second colours therefrom. Optionally, a silicone softener in a range of 5-30 gpl is used to finish the reversible printed fabric. More optionally, the finishing of the reversible printed fabric is achieved in a stenter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a block diagram of a printable fabric 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The printable fabric 100 comprises a first set of threads 102 made of cotton or a cotton blend. The printable fabric 100 further comprises a second set of threads 104 made of polyester. The first set of threads 102 and second set of threads 104 are cross weaved to form a first side 106 and a second side 106 of the printable fabric 100. The first side 106 comprises a first float percentage of the first set of threads 102 in a range of 50-70 percent and a first float percentage of the second set of threads 104 in a range of 30-50 percent, and the second side 108 comprises a second float percentage of the first set of threads 102 in a range of 30-50 percent and a second float percentage of the second set of threads 104 in a range of 50-70 percent.
Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is a block diagram of the reversible printed fabric 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The reversible printed fabric 200 comprises a first side 202 and a second side 204. Each of the first side 202 and second side 204 comprises a first set of threads 206 made of cotton or a cotton blend and a second set of threads 208 made of polyester. The first set of threads 206 and second set of threads 208 are cross-weaved with the first side 202 having a first float percentage of the first set of threads 206 in a range of 50-70 percent and a first float percentage of the second set of threads 208 in a range of 30-50 percent, and the second side 204 comprises a second float percentage of the first set of threads 206 in a range of 30-50 percent and a second float percentage of the second set of threads 208 in a range of 50-70 percent, and wherein each of the first side 202 and second side 204 comprises a same printed pattern 210 with the first side 202 having a first colour 212 of the printed pattern 210 and the second side 204 having a second colour 214 of the printed pattern 210. As shown, first colour 212 is shown in dashed lines and the second colour 214 is shown in a combination of dash and dotted lines.
Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is a flowchart of a method 300 method for producing a reversible printed fabric, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At a step 302 a first set of threads and a second set of threads are cross-weaved to form a printable fabric having a first side and a second side of the printable fabric, wherein the first side comprises a first float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent and a first float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent, and wherein the second side comprises a second float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent and a second float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent. At a step 304, a printing paste is applied on one of the first side or the second side based on a printing pattern under a controlled printing condition, wherein the controlled printing condition comprises a plurality of printing parameters comprising at least a pre-determined printing machine, a pre-determined printing speed and a drying temperature, and wherein the controlled printing condition allows each of the first and second side to be printed simultaneously in a single pass to form a same printed pattern with a first colour on the first side and a second colour on the second side. At a step 306, the first and second colours are fixed on the first and second sides respectively. At a step 308, excess first and second colours are removed from the first and second sides to produce the reversible printed fabric.
The steps 302 to 308 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein.
Referring to FIG. 4, illustrated is a reversible printed fabric 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The reversible printed fabric 400 comprises a first side 402 composed of a first set of threads made of cotton or a cotton blend and a second set of threads made of polyester. The first and second set of threads are cross-weaved to provide the first side 402 with a first float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent and a first float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent, i.e. the first side comprises more cotton (or cotton blend) content exposed. The first side 402 is consequently printed to have a printed pattern 404A thereon. The printed pattern 404A is printed in a first colour 406 selected for printing. Moreover, the reversible printed fabric 400 comprises a second side 408 (shown adjacent to the first side 402) composed of a first set of threads made of cotton or a cotton blend and a second set of threads made of polyester. The first and second set of threads are cross-weaved to provide the second side 408 with a second float percentage of the first set of threads in a range of 30-50 percent and a second float percentage of the second set of threads in a range of 50-70 percent, i.e. the second side comprises more polyester content exposed. The second side 408 is consequently printed to have a printed pattern 404B thereon. The printed pattern 404B is printed in a second colour 410 selected for printing. As shown, each of the first side 402 and second side 408 comprise a printed pattern 404A and 404B respectively, where 404A and 404B are exactly same. Moreover, the printed pattern 404A of the first side 402 has the first colour 406 of the printed pattern 404A and the printed pattern 404B of the second side 408 has the second colour 410 of the printed pattern 404B. As shown, first colour 406 is darker and brighter than the second colour 410, mainly due to the difference in the first and second float percentages of the first and second set of threads in the first side 402 and the second side 408 respectively.
Referring to FIGs. 5 to 8, illustrated are first and second sides of exemplary reversible printed fabrics 500, 600, 700 and 800, in accordance with various embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the reversible printed fabrics 500, 600, 700 and 800 include different printed patterns and different colours corresponding to the first and second sides thereof.
Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.