WO2018175940A1 - Moisture-wicking fabric having a cooling burst - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosure concerns fabric comprising (a) moisture-wicking fibers or yarns and cotton fibers or yarns; and (b) a chemical treatment comprising sugar polyols.

Description

MOISTURE-WICKING FABRIC HAVING A COOLING BURST

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to fabrics having both moisture-wicking fibers and a coating that impart a cooling burst to the fabric.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Wicking fabrics provide a dry comfortable feeling to wearers when sweating and in contact with skin. Jade containing fabrics provide an initial cooling effect but not an activated, or sustained, cooling effect upon body.

SUMMARY

[0003] There is a need in the art for fabrics providing the advantage of activated cooling effect upon body moisture/sweat contact or a change in body temperature.

[0004] In some aspects, the disclosure provides fabric comprising (a) moisture-wicking fibers or yams and cotton fibers or yarns; and (b) a chemical treatment comprising sugar polyols.

[0005] Another aspect of the disclosure concern garments comprising such fabrics.

[0006] An additional aspect concerns methods of providing an activated cooling effect to a garment or fabric comprising moisture-wicking fibers and cotton fibers comprising applying an additive package comprising one or more sugar polyols to the garment or fabric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The following is a brief description of the drawings which are exemplary of the various aspects described herein.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of the temperature difference observed at varying dosages after home laundries (HL) for treated jade fabrics. [0009] FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of the temperature difference observed at varying values for home laundries (HL) for treated jade fabrics dried at high heat and low heat.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of the temperature difference observed at varying values for home laundries (HL) for treated jade fabrics with and without softener added.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of the temperature difference observed at varying values for home laundries (HL) for treated jade fabrics based on the type of garment (male or female designated).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Moisture-wi eking fibers or yarns (including in some embodiments jade- containing fabric and fibers) have been developed to exploit properties of jade that may allow its user or wearer to experience a cooling effect. While jade fabric may conventionally provide such a cooling effect, the articles and methods of the present disclosure present an activated cooling effect or sensation upon certain contact or elicited response. Conventional jade fabrics however cool only initially, and gradually equalize with the wearer's body temperature. The disclosed jade fabrics, and methods of making thereof, include additives that provide functional properties to a jade fabric or garment or specific portions thereof and gives a cool burst in addition to conventional coolness of jade fabrics.

[0013] While not wanting to be bound by theory, it is believed that traditional jade- containing fibers have inherent fiber cooling technology because of natural jade particles, the additives of the instant disclosure exhibit endothermic reactions upon contact with moisture giving a cooling burst at in the disclosed jade fabric. These additives may include but are not limited to sugar polyol compounds, such as xylitol and erythritol, and combinations thereof.

[0014] The instant disclosure relates to a moisture-wicking fabric (including denim and other woven fabrics) which can be used to make jeans, pants or shirts with a cooling effect or sensation where the cooling effect is activated when the fabric is exposed to moisture or sweat of the wearer's body. In further aspects, the present disclosure relates to an inherent cooling sensation and wi eking in the jade fiber that would be further enhanced with topical cooling application activated by moisture such as perspiration or sweat. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a jade-containing fabric, and methods of making thereof, wherein the jade- containing fabric can be used in the construction of jeans, pants or shirts with improved freshness characteristics where freshness may be obtained either through reducing the bacterial growth or through odor control. The moisture-wicking fabric (including denim) can be used to construct jeans, pants or shirts which has both cooling and freshness characteristics. The instant disclosure further relates to any of the fabrics contemplated herein that are treated with other chemistries or chemical additives to enhance functionalities like cooling and wi eking properties.

[0015] The moisture-wicking fabric of the instant disclosure may comprise one or more of moisture-wicking fibers and cotton fibers, and a chemical treatment comprising sugar polyols. Advantages of the disclosure articles and methods include one or more of:

~ cooling sensation when garment comes in contact with sweat or moisture which is beneficial when the body temperature changes in hot and humid condition;

~ freshness of the garment through bacterial growth reduction or deterrence and odor control;

~ breathable nature of the fabric/garment; and

~ fabric or garment that wicks and allows a quick dry to the interior (moisture management).

[0016] The cooling effect (or cooling burst or cooling sensation) as described herein may refer to a noticeable change in temperature experienced by the wearer or user in contact with the treated fabric and moisture. A user may experience a feeling of coolness. In some examples, the cooling effect may describe a change in temperature up to about 3 °C (based on the absolute value). The cooling effect may describe a change in temperature from about 0.5 °C to about 3 °C or from about 1 °C to about 3 °C or from about 1 °C to about 2 °C. Chemically treated fabrics of the present disclosure may induce a cooling effect for a user or wearer corresponding to about 1 °C to about 3 °C when the treated fabric is subj ected to moisture and tested using infrared (IR) imaging and analytical techniques. Moisture may refer to water or bodily fluids such as sweat. The difference in temperature for the cooling effect is based on the difference in temperature observed at a non-treated fabric and a treated fabric subjected to the same testing conditions. For example, the treated fabric and non-treated fabric may be contacted with a volume of water, after which IR imaging detects a temperature difference (for example, decrease) of about 1 °C to about 3 °C at the surface of the treated fabric compared to the surface of the treated fabric.

[0017] Jade for the materials described herein is available from a variety of sources. These include jadeite, nephrite, naturally occurring jade, and synthetic jade.

[0018] The present disclosure combines a moisture-wicking fibers and cotton fibers with an additive package or treatment comprising sugar polyols. The disclosed jade-containing fibers comprise moisture-wicking and cooling fibers which include jade and combined with one or more additives that provide the jade-containing fabric certain enhanced cooling properties. These additives may include sugar polyols. Sugar polyols are sugar alcohols, that is, an alcohol having two or more hydroxyl groups generally formed by reducing the carbonyl group of a monosaccharide. Suitable sugar polyols include erythritol (having four carbons, thus C₄), threitol (C₄), arabitol (Cs), xylitol (Cs), mannitol (Ce), sorbitol (Ce), iditol (Ce). In some aspects, the sugar polyol additives of the present disclosure can include xylitol or erythritol, or combinations thereof. In a specific example, the sugar polyol is xylitol. While not wanting to be bound by theory, sugar polyols (and proprietary combinations thereof) applied as a treatment to jade-containing fabrics described herein may undergo endothermic reactions upon contact with moisture. These endothermic reactions may give rise to the described cooling burst, or cooling sensation of the disclosed jade-containing fabric.

[0019] The amount of additive, such as a sugar alcohol, may be based on the total weight of the fabric. The amount of additive introduced may be based on a percentage of the total weight of the jade fiber fabric. In some examples, the additive may be present in an amount of about 2 wt. % to about 10 wt. % based on the weight of the jade fiber fabric. The sugar alcohol may be present in an amount of from about 2 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, from about 3 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, from about 3 wt. % to about 8 wt. %, from about 3 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, or from about 3 wt. % to about 5 wt. % based on the total weight of the jade fiber fabric. In a specific example, the xylitol is present in an amount of about 5 wt. % based on the total weight of the jade fiber fabric.

[0020] Application of the additive chemistries to provide the effects described herein can be done to either a fabric used to construct the garment or to a garment itself. The application method for functional chemistry may be by any method known in the art. In some embodiments, conventional pad-dry-cure methods as well as exhaust, spray or foam methods may be used. In a specific example, the application of the additive package, such as a sugar polyol, may be performed via an exhaust method for coating fabric. Exhaust methods for coating fabric are well known in the art.

[0021] Functional finish(es) can promote the cooling sensation or freshness (controlling bacterial growth and odor), or other functional chemistry that renders the fabric or garment hydrophobic from outside (or from an outer surface of the fabric, for example, the exterior of a garment), flame retardant, hydrophilic, anti-stain, softness, nano-tech, wrinkle resistant, insect or bug repellent, abrasion resistance, moisture management, sunscreen/ultraviolet (UV) properties or other useful functionalities. [0022] Functional finishes can be applied to one or more discrete portions of a fabric, or ajade fabric, by the introduction of chemical additives. In some examples, at least one chemical additive may be fixed to the jade fabric - and particles of the chemical additive embedded within fibers of the fabric. Certain chemical additives may be more useful in certain regions of a fabric. For example, chemical additives providing functional properties, including but not limited to, antimicrobial, odor control and/or moisture transport properties can be more useful in areas of the jade fabric that will be proximate a wearer's more moisture prone regions, such as the armpit or crotch. In another example, stain resistance chemical additives may be more useful in regions of the fabric that will be proximate a wearer's shirt collar or shirt cuff.

[0023] A further functional finish may comprise a fabric softener. In some examples, the softener may be applied with the additive package. As a specific example, the softener may be applied in the exhaust method during an additive bath or in a subsequent bath. An example of a softener may comprise an amino-functional silicone.

[0024] Regardless of the functional finish applied, it is presumed that the selected functional finish does not diminish or inhibit the cooling properties of the treated fabric. For example, a sealant or sealing functional finish to inhibit the surface or to impart water-repellant properties to the treated fabric may be inappropriate.

[0025] In some embodiments, certain additives are added as a wet finish. Once the finish is applied, drying of the fabric or garment can be performed by any suitable method including tumble drying or thermal drying.

[0026] Curing of the additive chemistries is not needed in some embodiments. It will be recognized that certain chemical additives need not be cured, and that other known processes such as drying processes may fix the additive to the jade fabric. However if curing is needed methods including thermal, laser, UV, IR, microwave, or other known curative steps may be used. [0027] Moisture-wi eking fabric of the present disclosure may comprise jade powder, or a jade-containing additive powder. Jade can be converted to a powder by conventional means. The jade-containing additive powder preferably comprises at least about 50 wt. % jade or at least about 70 wt. %, or at least about 80 wt. % or at least about 90 wt. % jade as a weight percentage of the powder. The powder can be mixed with the thermoplastic polymer used to form the jade- containing thermoplastic fiber by conventional means.

[0028] The amount of jade powder in the thermoplastic polymer may be any amount that provides the desired properties. In some embodiments, the jade powder is used in an amount of between about 0.3 percent by weight and about 1 .5 percent by weight of the fibers, or about 0.4 percent by weight and about 1.5 percent by weight, or about 0.5 percent by weight and 1.5 percent by weight, or about 0.6 percent by weight and about 1.5 percent by weight, or about 0.7 percent by weight and about 1.5 percent by weight, or about 0.9 percent by weight and about 1.5 percent by weight, or about 1.0 percent by weight and about 1.5 percent by weight, or from about 0.4 percent by weight and about 1.4 percent by weight, or about 0.4 percent by weight and about 1.3 percent by weight, or about 0.4 percent by weight and about 1.2 percent by weight, or about 0.4 percent by weight and about 1.2 percent by weight, or about 0.4 percent by weight and about 1.1 percent by weight, or about 0.4 percent by weight and 1.0 percent by weight.

[0029] In some embodiments, the jade-containing fiber may be formed by blending jade powder into a molten thermoplastic polymer prior to extrusion. The mixture of molten thermoplastic polymer containing jade powder may be extruded to produce a filament by conventional fiber spinning methods.

[0030] The jade-containing fibers may optionally be blended with one or more conventional fibers, such as cellulose, cotton, flax, silk, wool, ramie, polyester, nylon, rayon, urethanes, spandex, plant-based fibers such as corn-based fibers, hemp, jute, polypropylene, polybenzimidazole, acetate, acrylics, and the like. Preferably, jade-containing fibers are blended with cotton, nylon, polyester, or combinations thereof.

[0031] Various types of nylon may be used in the disclosed products. Types of nylon include nylon-6,6, nylon-6, 12, nylon-4,6, nylon-6, nylon-12 and the like. The most common types of nylon are nylon-6 and nylon-6,6.

[0032] Various types of polyester are available for use in the disclosed products. These include PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PCDT (poly-1, 4-cyclohexylene-dimethylene terephthalate).

[0033] The j ade-containing fabrics comprise j ade-containing yarn. The yarn comprising jade-containing fibers that is used to form the fabric may comprise about 10 to about 90 wt. % or about 20 to about 80 wt. % or about 30 to about 70 wt. % or about 40 to about 60 wt. % or about 50 wt. % jade-containing fibers based on weight of the yarn.

[0034] In other embodiments, the jade powder may be added in a manner where the jade is surface rich rather than uniformly distributed. This may be established by surface application techniques known in the art. The application may be to the fibers, yam, fabric or article (such as a garment).

[0035] Any suitable cotton fiber or yam may be utilized. Some cotton is conventional cotton and other cotton may be hydrophobic cotton.

[0036] Some fabrics comprise fill yams and warp yams. The yam comprising moisture- wicking fibers may be used in the fill yams, the warp yams, or both. In certain embodiments, the yam comprising the moisture-wicking fibers may be used in only one of the fill yams and warp yams. In a woven fabric, a pick is a filing thread or yam that runs crosswise or horizontally in woven fabric. The pick interlaces with the warp to form a woven fabric. The weft comprises the threads of a textile that run vertically through the loom and are parallel to the selvage. [0037] The present disclosure anticipates a broad range of jade containing fibers or fabric that may be treated with the disclosed additives. The jade fabric may have a varied weight or thread count. Some fabrics disclosed herein are of the construction: 88 ends * 62 picks, 3* 1 twill. For the warp, alternate ends of cotton 100% (8.5+10+12) are used. For the weft, alternate picks of (TransDRY™ cotton 20 count + Spandex 70 denier (D)) + (jade nylon + Spandex 70 D) may be used. TransDRY™ cotton is a commercially available water repellant cotton fabric configured for moisture management. TransDRY™ fabrics dry up to twice as fast as untreated cotton and do not become over-saturated and uncomfortable during exercise. It is noted that the water repellant features of the moisture wicking TransDRY™ fabric do not interfere with the cooling effect properties introduced by the additive package. However, as noted herein, a water repellant surface finish may negatively affect the cooling effect.

[0038] In some embodiments, the jade-containing fabric comprises from about 75 weight percent (wt. %) to about 85 wt. % cotton, about 10 about 20 wt. % nylon and about 1-5 wt. % spandex fiber based on the weight of the fabric. In other embodiments, the jade-containing fabric comprises about 83 wt. % cotton, about 15 wt. % nylon and about 2 wt. % spandex fiber based on the weight of the jade-containing fabric.

[0039] In addition to use in jeans, pants and shirts, the yarns and fabrics of the instant disclosure can be used for a variety of other end uses. These uses include bedding and linens, towels (including exercise towels), upholstery (including for outdoor furniture, seats for cars, busses or other vehicles), shipping and packaging supplies (e.g., in shipping boxes to wick moisture, keep contents cool, pad contents; in food packaging), storage jackets for vehicle (or any device prone to rusting, the materials may be combined with silica gel or another material with desirable properties), mats for under the hood of a car, over the transmission, tapes and wraps for pipes, medical supplies (e.g., blankets for heat exhaustion), protective gear (e.g., as a liner - helmets, shoulder pads, shin guards), footwear, headwear (e.g., sweatbands), outdoor/camping equipment, beach wear, animal apparel (e.g., horse saddles, dog jackets), and construction supplies.

[0040] In some aspects, articles may have fabric with jade-containing fibers that can be in the form of removable or replaceable panels. For example, a jacket or pants may have a removable liner comprising a functionalized jade fabric, or functionalized moisture-wi eking fabric.

[0041] The cooling burst as described herein may refer to a noticeable change in temperature experienced by the wearer or user in contact with the treated fabric and moisture. A treated jade fabric according to the present disclosure may maintain the described cooling burst properties after a number of washes. Specifically, the treated jade fabric may maintain the cooling effect after a number of home laundry (HL) cycles. A HL cycle may refer to standard washing conditions according to AATCC 135 (which is related to ISO 3759) or to standard washing conditions according to AATCC 143 (which is related to ISO 15487). The multiple HL cycles correspond to normal laundering of soiled clothing or garments at home which may occur over the useful life an item. The instant disclosure evaluates the cooling effect of the treated fabric after several HL cycles, for example after 1 cycles, after 5 cycles, and after 10 cycles. In an example, after one or more HL cycles, the treated and non-treated fabric may be dried and contacted with a volume of water. IR imaging may be used to detect a temperature difference of about 1 °C to about 3 °C at the surface of the treated fabric compared to the non-treated fabric. Aspects

[0042] The present disclosure comprises at least the following aspects.

[0043] Aspect 1. A fabric comprising:

~ moisture-wicking fibers or yarns and cotton fibers or yarns; and

~ chemical treatment comprising a sugar polyol. [0044] Aspect 2. A fabric comprising: moisture-wicking fibers or yams and cotton fibers or yams; and from about 2 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of a chemical treatment comprising sugar polyols based on the total weight of the fabric.

[0045] Aspect 3. A fabric comprising: moisture-wicking fibers or yams and cotton fibers or yams; and from about 2 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of a chemical treatment comprising sugar polyols based on the total weight of the fabric, wherein the fabric exhibits a temperature difference of about 1 °C to about 2 °C when compared to a non-chemically treated fabric, wherein the non-chemically treated fabric and the fabric are subjected to moisture and tested using infrared imaging.

[0046] Aspect 4. The fabric of any of Aspects 1-3, wherein the chemical treatment is present in an amount of from about 2 wt. % to about 8 wt. %.

[0047] Aspect 5. The fabric of any of Aspects 1-4, wherein the chemical treatment is present in an amount of from about 3 wt. % to about 8 wt. %.

[0048] Aspect 6. The fabric of any of Aspects 1-4, wherein the chemical treatment is present in an amount of from about 3 wt. % to about 6 wt. %.

[0049] Aspect 7. The fabric of any of Aspects 1-4, wherein the chemical treatment is present in an amount of from about 3 wt. % to about 5 wt. %.

[0050] Aspect 8. The fabric of any of Aspects 1-7, wherein the sugar polyol comprises one or both of xylitol and erythritol.

[0051] Aspect 9. The fabric of any of Aspects 1-8, wherein the moisture-wicking fiber is a jade-containing thermoplastic fiber.

[0052] Aspect 10. The fabric of any one of Aspects 1-8, wherein the moisture- wicking fiber comprises nylon or polyester. [0053] Aspect 11. The fabric of any of Aspects 1-10, wherein the fabric comprises yam having about 10 wt. % to about 90 wt. % jade-containing thermoplastic fiber based on weight of the yam.

[0054] Aspect 12. The fabric of Aspect 11, wherein the fabric comprises yarn having about 20 wt. % and about 80 wt. % jade-containing thermoplastic fiber based on weight of the yarn.

[0055] Aspect 13. The fabric of aspect 11, wherein the fabric comprises yarn having about 10 wt. % to about 90 wt. % jade-containing nylon fiber based on weight of the yam.

[0056] Aspect 14. The fabric of any one of Aspects 1-13, wherein the moisture- wicking fibers are located in discrete regions of the fabric.

[0057] Aspect 15. The fabric of any one of Aspects 1-14, additionally comprising spandex fibers.

[0058] Aspect 16. The fabric of Aspect 14, comprising a blend of cotton, nylon, and spandex.

[0059] Aspect 17. The fabric of Aspect 17, comprising about 75 to about 85 wt. % cotton, about 10 about 20 wt. % nylon and about 1-5 wt. % spandex fiber based on the weight of the fabric.

[0060] Aspect 18. The fabric of any one of Aspects 1-17 comprising a warp comprising cotton fibers and a weft comprising cotton fibers, nylon fibers and spandex fibers.

[0061] Aspect 19. The fabric of aspect 18, wherein the warp comprises alternating ends of cotton fibers and the weft comprises alternate picks of cotton fibers, nylon, and spandex fibers, wherein the nylon fibers are jade-containing fibers.

[0062] Aspect 20. The fabric of aspects 1-19, wherein the fabric causes an activated cooling sensation for a user, wherein the cooling sensation is activated by contact between the fabric and moisture or sweat of a user. [0063] Aspect 21. The fabric of aspects 1-20, wherein the fabric causes an activated cooling sensation for a user, wherein the cooling sensation is repeatedly activated by contact between the fabric and moisture or sweat of a user, such that the cooling sensation is lasting or sustained.

[0064] Aspect 22. The fabric of any one of aspects 1-21, wherein the fabric exhibits a temperature difference of about 1 °C to about 3 °C when subjected to moisture and tested using infrared imaging when compared to a non-chemically treated fabric, wherein the non-chemically treated fabric and the fabric are subjected to moisture and tested using infrared imaging.

[0065] Aspect 23. The fabric of any one of aspects 1-22, wherein the fabric exhibits a temperature difference of about 1 °C to about 2 °C when subjected to moisture and tested using infrared imaging when compared to a non-chemically treated fabric, wherein the non-chemically treated fabric and the fabric are subjected to moisture and tested using infrared imaging.

[0066] Aspect 24. The fabric of any one of aspects 3-23, wherein the fabric and the non-chemically treated fabric are subjected to one or more HL cycles according to AATCC 135 or AATCC 143.

[0067] Aspect 25. A fabric comprising a jade containing fabric and one or more chemical additives.

[0068] Aspect 26. A fabric comprising a jade containing fabric and a chemical treatment comprising sugar polyols.

[0069] Aspect 27. A fabric comprising moisture-wicking fibers and cotton fibers and a chemical treatment comprising xylitol, erythritol, or a combination thereof.

[0070] Aspect 28. A garment comprising fabric of any one of Aspects 1-27.

[0071] Aspect 29. The garment of Aspect 28, wherein the garment is jeans, pants or a shirt or outerwear. [0072] Aspect 30. The garment of any of Aspects 28-29, wherein the jade-containing thermoplastic fibers are located in discrete regions of the garment.

[0073] Aspect 31. The garment of any of Aspects 28-30, wherein the additive package is disposed at discrete regions of the garment.

[0074] Aspect 32. The garment of any of Aspects 28-30, wherein the garment is treated with the additive package at discrete portions of the garment.

[0075] Aspect 33. The garment of any of Aspects 28-30, wherein the additive package is disposed throughout a surface the garment.

[0076] Aspect 34. The garment of any one of Aspects 28-33, wherein at least a portion of the garment is treated with additives designed to perform one or more of providing controlling bacterial growth, controlling odor, rendering the garment hydrophobic from outside, providing flame retardancy, hydrophilicity, anti-stain, softness, nano-tech, wrinkle resistance, insect or bug repellent, abrasion resistance, or moisture management.

[0077] Aspect 35. The garment of Aspects 28-34, wherein the garment elicits an activated cooling sensation for a wearer, wherein the cooling sensation is activated by contact between the fabric and moisture or sweat of a user.

[0078] Aspect 36. A method of providing an activated cooling effect to a garment or fabric comprising moisture-wicking fibers and cotton fibers comprising applying an additive package comprising one or more sugar polyols to the garment or fabric.

[0079] Aspect 37. The method of Aspect 36, wherein the sugar polyol comprises one or both of xylitol and erythritol.

[0080] Aspect 38. The fabric of any of Aspects 36-37, wherein the moisture-wicking fiber is a jade-containing thermoplastic fiber.

[0081] Aspect 39. The method of any of Aspects 36-38, wherein the moisture- wicking fibers comprise nylon or polyester. [0082] Aspect 40. The method of any of Aspects 36-39, wherein the additive package is applied using a pad-dry, exhaust, spray or foam method.

[0083] Aspect 41. The method of any of Aspects 36-40, wherein the additive package is applied to a surface of the garment or the fabric.

[0084] Aspect 42. The method of any of Aspects 36-41, wherein the additive package is applied to discrete regions or portions of the garment or fabric

[0085] Aspect 43. The method of any of Aspects 36-41, wherein the additive package is applied to one or more sections or portions of the garment or fabric.

[0086] Aspect 44. A functionalized jade-containing fabric comprising jade-containing fibers or yams, cotton fibers or yarns, and one or more additives comprising a sugar polyol.

[0087] Aspect 45. A functionalized j ade-containing fabric comprising j ade-containing fibers or yams, cotton fibers or yarns, and one or more additives comprising a sugar polyol, wherein the functionalized jade-containing fabric exhibits a temperature difference of about 1 °C to about 2 °C when compared to a non-functionalized jade-containing fabric, wherein the non- functionalized jade containing fabric and the functionalized jade-containing fabric are subjected to moisture and tested using infrared imaging.

EXAMPLES

[0088] The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how the compounds, compositions, articles, devices and/or methods claimed herein are made and evaluated, and are intended to be purely exemplary and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.), but some errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, temperature is in °C or is at ambient temperature, and pressure is at or near atmospheric. Unless indicated otherwise, percentages referring to composition are in terms of weight percent (wt. %). [0089] There are numerous variations and combinations of processing conditions, e.g., component concentrations, desired solvents, solvent mixtures, temperatures, pressures and other ranges and conditions that can be used to optimize the results obtained from the described process. Only reasonable and routine experimentation will be required to optimize such process conditions.

[0090] Jade-containing fabric samples were obtained having the characteristics presented in Table 1.

Table 1. Characteristics of the jade-containing fabric samples.

[0091] The jade fabric samples were treated and evaluated for cooling properties after a series of home laundries (HL). Samples were treated with varying amounts of sugar alcohol xylitol. A non-treated sample was used as a comparative sample. Conditions for sample treatment are as follows:

[0092] The xylitol was in a microencapsulated form. The desired amount of xylitol was added in amounts from 5% to 10% based on the weight of the jade fabric. For the exhaust method, the jade fabric at a 6: 1 liquid to fabric ratio was added to a rotary washing machine at 30 °C The pH was adjusted to about 6 (using an acid such as acetic acid or acetic acid). The machine was run 10 for minutes at about 15 revolutions per minute (rpm) to about 25 rpm (up to as many as about 30 rpm). Where softener is included, softener was added at this stage and then run for another 10 minutes. The machine is drained and the fabric was extracted and tumble dried at about 50 to 100 °C.

[0093] The jade fabric samples (both non-treated and treated) were maintained in ambient conditions for 2-3 hours so that the samples would have equal or about equal temperature and/or humidity. The non-treated and treated jade fabric samples were washed according to various home laundry (HL) cycles which replicate home washing. A HL cycle may be performed using standard washing conditions according to AATCC 135 (which is related to ISO 3759) or using standard washing conditions according to AATCC 143 (which is related to ISO 15487).

[0094] A 1 millimeter (ml) volume of 25 °C distilled water was applied on the sample and allowed to absorb into the fabric. Infrared (IR) images were taken to determine the temperature change among the non-treated and treated fabric samples after the water was applied. Before recording any images, the camera was kept in the place for several seconds to register IR radiation from sample. The temperature readings were obtained using an FLIR IR camera and were taken at two to three different points along a fabric sample to get the temperature variation at different locations. The observed values were averaged and presented in Table 2 after the different HL cycles for Jade Fabric 1 at varying amounts of xylitol (5%, 8%, and 10% based on the fabric weight) and at different exhaust method durations for application of the xylitol (10 minutes or 20 minutes). Temperature change reported is the difference between the temperature of the non-treated jade fabric and the treated jade fabric.

Table 2. Temperature difference observed for jade fabric after HLs.

0 1.4 1.2 1.8 1.1 1.7 1.6

Temperature 1 2.7 2.6 2.6 2.5 2.9 2.7 change 5 1.6 1.4 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.4

10 1.5 1.3 *1.1 * 1 1.7 1.2

[0095] FIG. 1 provides a graphical representation of the results. It was apparent that the 5% xylitol treated jade exhibited the optimum cooling burst in that the largest temperature changes on average were observed.

[0096] The effect of drying temperature on cooling effect was studied. After application of the chemistry, the samples (batch 1 and batch 2 comprising treated Jade Fabric 1) were dried in oven. After varying HL cycles, samples at 5% (xylitol) weight on garment (5% OWG) were observed at low heat (40-50 °C), mid heat (60-65 °C), and high heat (75-85 °C). Results are presented in Table 3.

Table 3. Effect of drying temperature on treated jade fabric samples.

[0097] FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of the temperature differences observed. The results demonstrated that the drying temperature had a minimal effect on the observed cooling properties. These results suggest that a low range for heat would be appropriate for drying garments formed from the treated jade fabric. For example, drying at 90 °C ± 10.

[0098] The effect of a functional finish such as a softener was also examined. An amino functional silicone softener was introduced during the exhaust method as described above. The softener was added in an amount of 2 grams per liter (2 g/1) fluid. The treated jade samples were evaluated for the effect of the softener on the temperature change after varying softener conditions (at 10 minutes in same bath, at 10 minutes in new bath). The exhaust method for application of the xylitol was also varied at either 10 minutes or 20 minutes. Table 4 presents these results.

Table 4. Effect of softener on treated jade fabric samples.

[0099] FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of these results. The effect of the softener was more apparent after 1 - 2 HL wash cycles. However, as the HL values increased, the effect of softener appeared to level out as values for the temperature difference for the different samples converged at about 1.5 °C at 10 HLs. These results suggest that the cooling effect was compatible with existing softeners.

[00100] The effect of jade fabric type on the change in temperature was also evaluated. Jade fabric samples at different weights were observed. Wear test garment M60 (Jade Fabric 2), a women's apparel fabric having a weight of 8.45 ounces was evaluated for temperature change at 5% OWG. The wear test garment P66, a men's apparel fabric having a weight of 9.75 ounces was evaluated for comparison at 5 % OWG. Table 5 presents these results.

Table 5. Effect of type of fabric on treated jade fabric samples.

1 2.3 2

5 1.7 1.7

[00101] FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of these results. Both samples exhibited a temperature difference suggesting that the xylitol treatment was effective for both garments. Definitions

[00102] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term "comprising" can include the embodiments "consisting of and "consisting essentially of." Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined herein.

[00103] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a chemical additive" includes mixtures of two or more chemical additives.

[00104] Ranges can be expressed herein as from one value (first value) to another value (second value). When such a range is expressed, the range includes in some aspects one or both of the first value and the second value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent 'about,' it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as "about" that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11 , 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[00105] As used herein, the terms "about" and "at or about" mean that the amount or value in question can be the value designated some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is "about" or "approximate" whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where "about" is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[00106] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase "optional curing treatment" means that the curing treatment may or may not be applied and that the description includes fabrics to which the curing treatment has been applied and also fabrics that have not been subjected to a curing treatment.

[00107] As used herein, the term "effective amount" refers to an amount that is sufficient to achieve the desired modification of a physical property of the composition or material. For example, an "effective amount" of a curing additive refers to an amount that is sufficient to achieve the desired improvement in the property modulated by the formulation component, e.g., achieving the desired level of curing. The specific level in terms of wt % in a composition required as an effective amount will depend upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the fabric and chemical additive selected and the end use of the fabric or garment.

[00108] Disclosed are the components to be used to prepare the compositions of the disclosure as well as the compositions themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these compounds cannot be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular compound is disclosed and discussed and a number of modifications that can be made to a number of molecules including the compounds are discussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the compound and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class of molecules A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of molecules D, E, and F and an example of a combination molecule, A-D is disclosed, then even if each is not individually recited each is individually and collectively contemplated meaning combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the compositions of the disclosure. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the methods of the disclosure.

[00109] A weight percent of a component, unless specifically stated to the contrary, is based on the total weight of the formulation or composition in which the component is included. [00110] As used herein the terms "weight percent," "wt. %," and "wt. %," which can be used interchangeably, indicate the percent by weight of a given component based on the total weight of the composition, unless otherwise specified. That is, unless otherwise specified, all wt. % values are based on the total weight of the composition. It should be understood that the sum of wt. % values for all components in a disclosed composition or formulation are equal to 100.

[00111] Each of the materials disclosed herein are either commercially available and/or the methods for the production thereof are known to those of skill in the art.

[00112] It is understood that the compositions disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result.

[00113] As used herein, "sugar" refers to carbohydrates of the general formula Cn(H20) n. A "sugar polyol" refers to a sugar alcohol. Sugar polyols may be characterized by the general formula HOCH2(CHOH)_nCH20H . Sugar polyols may be monomeric or polymeric.

[00114] The term "cooling burst," and its derivatives, may refer to a cooling sensation actuated by contact with the disclosed fabric or a garment or article of apparel comprised thereof.

[00115] The term "denim" refers to a cotton containing twill fabric.

[00116] The term "jean" refers to pants that comprise denim fabric.

[00117] The term "jade-containing fiber" references thermoplastic fiber comprising jade powder in a thermoplastic polymer network. In one example, the jade powder may have been-co-extruded with a thermoplastic resin to provide jade-containing fibers. In some preferred embodiments, the thermoplastic is nylon or polyester. In some embodiments, the jade powder is substantially uniformly distributed throughout the fiber. The jade powder may be used in an amount sufficient to provide the fiber with the desired cooling effect. The amount of jade powder is selected such that the powder does not interfere with the desired fiber properties. [00118] The term "non-chemically treated fabric" may refer to a jade fabric that has not been treated with the disclosed additive package.

[00119] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific aspects in which the invention can be practiced. These aspects are also referred to herein as "examples." Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[00120] Upon review of the description and aspects of the present invention, those skilled in the art will understand that modifications and equivalent substitutions may be performed in carrying out the invention without departing from the essence of the invention. Thus, the invention is not meant to be limiting by the aspects described explicitly above, and is limited only by the claims that follow.

Claims

Claimed:

A fabric comprising:

a. moisture-wicking fibers or yarns and cotton fibers or yams; and

b. chemical treatment comprising sugar polyols.

A fabric comprising:

a. moisture-wicking fibers or yarns and cotton fibers or yams; and

b. from about 3 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of a chemical treatment comprising sugar polyols based on the total weight of the fabric.

The fabric of any one of claims 1 -2, wherein the sugar polyol comprises one or both of xylitol and erythritol.

The fabric of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the moisture-wicking fiber or yarn is a jade- containing thermoplastic fiber.

The fabric of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the moisture-wicking fiber or yarn comprises nylon or polyester.

The fabric of claim 5, wherein the fabric comprises yam having about 10 wt. % to about 90 wt. % jade-containing thermoplastic fiber based on weight of the yam.

The fabric of any one of claims 1 -6, wherein the fabric exhibits a temperature difference of about 1 °C to about 3 °C when compared to a non-chemically treated fabric, wherein the non-chemically treated fabric and the fabric are subjected to moisture and tested using infrared imaging.

8. The fabric of any one of claims 1-7, additionally comprising spandex fibers.

9. The fabric of claim 8 comprising about 75 to about 85 wt. % cotton, about 10 about 20 wt. % nylon and about 1 -5 wt. % spandex fiber based on the weight of the fabric.

10. The fabric of any one of claims 1-9 comprising a warp comprising cotton fibers and a weft comprising cotton fibers, nylon fibers and spandex fibers.

1 1. A garment comprising fabric of any one of claims 1-10.

12. The garment of claim 1 1, wherein the garment is jeans, pants or a shirt.

13. The garment of claim 1 1 or claim 12, wherein the jade-containing thermoplastic fibers are located in discrete regions of the garment.

14. The garment of any one of claims 11 -13, wherein at least a portion of the garment is treated with additives designed to perform one or more of providing controlling bacterial growth, controlling odor, rendering the garment hydrophobic from outside, providing flame retardancy, hydrophilicity, anti-stain, softness, nano-tech, wrinkle resistance, insect or bug repellent, abrasion resistance, or moisture management.

15. A method of providing an activated cooling effect to a garment or fabric comprising moisture-wicking fibers or yarns and cotton fibers or yarns comprising applying an additive package comprising one or more sugar polyols to the garment or fabric, wherein the additive package is present in an amount from about 2 % to about 10 % based on the weight of the garment or fabric.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the sugar polyol comprises one or both of xylitol and erythritol.

17. The method of any one of claims 15-16, wherein the moisture-wicking fiber or yarn is a jade-containing thermoplastic fiber or yam.

18. The method of any one of claims 15-17, wherein the moisture-wicking fibers or yarns comprise nylon or polyester.

19. The method of claims 15-18, wherein the additive package is applied using a pad-dry, exhaust, spray or foam method.

20. A fabric comprising:

a. A jade fiber; and

b. from about 2 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of a treatment comprising sugar polyols based on the total weight of the fabric, wherein the treatment is disposed at the fiber.