TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to a method of forming top bedsheets, bottom bedsheets or
pillowcases, and to the products produced by such method.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Traditional bedsheet products made from woven fabric constructions have several disadvantages.
For instance, the bottom fitted sheets oftentimes do not hold their fit position properly,
and bottom sheets, top sheets, and pillow cases have potentially harsh hand if optimum
laundering procedures are not followed. In addition, woven bedsheet products prepared
from cotton wrinkle easily unless provided with permanent press resin finish. Sheets
constructed with a fairly high percentage of synthetic fiber,such as polyester blended
with the cotton, provide a smooth appearance after washing. However, the durable press
resin finished sheets, and sheets made from conventional fiber blends, often have
a harsh hand.
[0003] In order to overcome the problems associated with woven fabric constructions of bedsheets
and pillow cases, sheets have been prepared (particularly bottom fitted sheets) from
100 percent cotton in a jersey knit construction, such as shown in U.S. patent 3,789,441.
While such sheets solve the harsh hand problem, at least during early stages of their
life, and have a no-iron construction, such sheets have problems of their own. For
instance, the 100 percent cotton fabric is weak, tears easily, absorbs and maintains
moisture too readily, and often becomes harsh over time.
[0004] It has also been suggested to form fitted sheets from a nylon tricot-knitted fabric.
While this material is lighter in weight than cotton, it often feels harsh and has
poorer absorbency than cotton.
[0005] According to the present invention, a sheeting product is provided which overcomes
the problems inherent in the prior art as discussed above. The invention relates generally
to the construction of top sheets, bottom (fitted contour) sheets, and pillow cases
which have numerous advantages compared to one or all of the prior art products discussed
above. The invention relates specifically to sheeting products, and a method of producing
sheeting products from a conventional sheath and core yarn.
[0006] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the composite yarn
consists essentially of a core comprising primarily synthetic material, together with
a sheath comprising preferably primarily cotton or other cellulosic fibers. The core
synthetic material, which should have greater strength than the sheath fibers, may
be either in staple or continuous filament form. Polyester is the preferred synthetic
material, but nylon or other synthetic materials could be used, so long as they are
comparable to polyester in terms of strength, softness and wicking properties.
[0007] The composite yarn in this first embodiment is composed of at least 50 percent cotton
or other cellulosic fiber and less than 50 percent of the synthetic material.
[0008] The sheath and core yarn in this first embodiment may be prepared in the manner as
set forth in Japanese patent publication 53-35051 published April 1, 1978, in the
name of the Murata Machine Manufacturing Co., Ltd., or as set forth in Japanese patent
publication 11775 issued March 17, 1981 in the name of Unitika Co., the disclosures
of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Other methods of making sheath/core
yarns may be used, including the method disclosed in commonly-owned U.S. application
Serial Number 813,569 filed December 26, 1985, the disclosure of which is also incorporated
herein by reference.
[0009] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sheath fibers, which completely
cover the core fibers, comprise more than 50 percent of the yarn, and preferably about
68-83 percent o f the yarn. The sheath
fibers are short staple fibers, such as cotton or cellulosic fibers having smoothness
of hand properties comparable to cotton (when constructed into a fabric). The core
fibers have properties distinctly different from the sheath fibers. Preferably the
core fibers are long staple synthetic fibers, which, as in the first embodiment, have
enhanced strength compared to the sheath fibers. The preferred core fiber is polyester,
or synthetic polymer fibers that are comparable to polyester as far as strength, softness,
and wicking properties are concerned.
[0010] The sheath and core yarn according to this alternative embodiment of the invention
preferably is produced as set forth in co-pending U.S. application serial number 824,788,
filed January 31, 1986 entitled "Roving Blending for Making Sheath/Core Spun Yarn",
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0011] In the practice of the present invention, the sheath/core yarn is circular knit into
a fabric, and preferably into a jersey knit configuration on a conventional circular
knitting machine. Typical fabric weight is about four ounces per square yard utilizing
a yarn count of thirty two singles (32/1). The knit fabric is also preferably finished
to give a relaxed shrinkage of about five percent in both the length and the width
dimensions. The fabric is then formed into a top bedsheet, bottom bedsheet, or pillow
case by conventional techniques.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, it has been discovered that improved sheath/core
yarn construction knitted bedding components can be even further improved by a bacteriostatic
and fungistatic treatment using the improved antimicrobial agent DC 5700™, marketed
by Dow Corning Corporation for the BIOGUARD™ treatment of socks and other hosiery
items, conventional sheeting woven from polyester/cotton blended yarn, carpets comprised
wholly of synthetic fibers and wholly of wool fibers, and uniforms comprised wholly
of synthetic fibers or of blended fiber yarns.
[0013] For either of the yarn constructions described hereinabove, the amount of the agent
added is normally less than 3 percent by weight of the fiber, and preferably in the
range of 0.1 to 1.0 percent. The DC 5700™ agent may be added by spraying or by aqueous
treatment, after the fabric to be treated is scoured.
[0014] The sheeting products according to the present invention have the following advantages
compared to one or all prior art constructions discussed above: They have longer wear
life than 100 percent cotton. They remain softer (especially when formed with a staple
fiber core) after repeated washing and tumble drying over a longer period of time.
They absorb moisture more quickly and dry more quickly because the moisture is wicked
through the polyester core from moist to dry areas, and during drying will return
moisture from the wet core to the drying cotton sheath areas. The product is stronger
than 100 percent cotton knit sheeting, having better abrasion resistance, greater
bursting strength, and greater tearing resistance. The sheeting according to the invention
also has superior stretch and recovery properties compared with 100 percent cotton,
and is more wrinkle resistant, with improved no-iron characteristics. It also has
improved moisture absorbency, good hand and good surface characteristics.
[0015] In addition, it has been found that the BIOGUARD™ treatment will not interfere with
the normal moisture absorbing properties of the cotton or other cellulosic sheath
fibers, and will not interfere with the normal hydrophobic and wrinkle resistant properties
of the synthetic core fibers or filaments.
[0016] The BIOGUARD™ treatment will improve the performance of sheath/core yarn bedding
products by preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi in the synthetic fibers and
filaments of the yarn core while it is wicking moisture absorbed by the cotton sheath.
[0017] The BIOGUARD™ treatment on the cotton shea th will also prevent bacteria and
fungi from growing on fibers in the cotton sheath during the time that it is holding
moisture or when such fibers are otherwise subjected to conditions that would normally
give rise to growth of bacteria, fungi and mildew.
[0018] It is the primary object of the present invention, therefore, to provide top sheets,
bottom sheets, and pillow cases (and a method of producing the same) having good hand
and surface characteristics, and good strength.
[0019] It is another object of this invention to provide bacteriostatically and fungistatically
treated top sheets, bottom sheets and pillow cases prepared from fabric having a sheath/core
yarn construction. Other objects of the invention will become clear from inspection
of the detailed description of the invention which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020]
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary pillow case according to the present
invention;
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary top bedsheet according to the present
invention;
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a typical bottom (fitted contour) bedsheet according
to the present invention;
FIGURE 4 is a schematic view of exemplary apparatus for producing a sheath/core yarn
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention which may be utilized in the construction
of the products of FIGURES 1 through 3;
FIGURE 5 is a drawing simulating the enlargement of a photomicrograph of a yarn produced
by the apparatus shown in FIGURE 4, with polyester fibers in the core and cotton fibers
in the sheath;
FIGURE 6 is a side schematic view of exemplary apparatus for producing a sheath/core
yarn in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, which also may
be utilized in the construction of the products of FIGURES 1 through 3;
FIGURES 7 and 8 are schematic cross-sectional views of a sliver and roving prior to
drafting, and the final composite roving after drafting, respectively, which are produced
during the manufacture of sheath/core yarn by the apparatus shown in FIGURE 6;
FIGURE 9 is a drawing simulating an enlargement of a photomicrograph of a yarn produced
by the apparatus shown in FIGURE 6, with polyester fibers in the core and cotton fibers
in the sheath.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] An exemplary pillow case that may be produced according to the present invention
is illustrated by reference numeral 1 in Figure 1, having a fabric body 2, and sewn
edges 3. An exemplary top sheet according to the invention is illustrated by reference
numeral 4 in Figure 2, having a main fabric body 5 and sewn hems 6. An exemplary bottom
(fitted contour) bedsheet according to the invention is shown at 7 in Figure 3, having
a main fabric body 8, and seams 9.
[0022] The fabric forming the bodies 2, 5 and 8 of the sheeting products illustrated in
Figures 1 through 3 is produced, according to the present invention, from a sheath/core
yarn. The sheath/core yarn has a configuration illustrated schematically at 22 in
Figure 5. The composite yarn 22 consists essentially of a core comprising primarily
continuous filaments 25, preferably polyester, together with sheath fibers comprising
primarily cotton staple fibers 26. At the sheath/core interface, there is significant
blending between the fibers 26, and the filaments 25 so that the sheath is well-rooted
in the core. It is to be understood that while the sheath fibers are illustrated in
Figure 5 as being all cotton, the sheath may include relatively small amounts of synthetic
fibers, such as polyester staple fibers, so long as the composite yarn contains more
than 50% cotton fibers.
[0023] The yarn 22 is made into the sheeting products 1, 4, 7 according to the invention
preferably by circular knitting the yarn into a fabric on a conventional circular
knit machine A jersey knit configuration is preferred. Such knitting
can be practiced on a Monarch knitting machine, Model RL4 with 2520 needles in a circumference
of 94 inches.
[0024] The fabric 2, 5, 8 according to the invention, may have various weights depending
upon the particular market to which it is directed. However, preferably the weight
is approximately four ounces per square yard, utilizing a yarn count of thirty two
singles (32/1). Also, after production of the knit fabric 2, 5, 8, it is preferably
finished utilizing a conventional compressive shrinking machine, to give a relaxed
shrinkage of approximately five percent in both the length and the width dimensions.
[0025] Exemplary apparatus and method for producing the yarn 22 for use in this invention
is illustrated schematically in Figure 4. The apparatus includes a set of back feed
rollers 10 for feeding a sliver of staple fibers to an apron 11 (or the like drafting
means), a pair of front rolls 12, a first vortex air nozzle 13, and a second vortex
air nozzle 14. The vortex nozzles are preferably the conventional components of a
Murata airjet spinner. The nozzles may be, e.g., brass or ceramic, with 3, 4 or 6
jets per nozzle, preferably all disposed in the same plane. It will be apparent that,
as exemplified by the companion roll depicted in outline above roll 12, similar companion
roll and an apron (neither shown) lie above roll 10 and apron 11, each functioning
as a working pair with its mate.
[0026] Combined with the components 10-14 are means for feeding a non-torqued filament strand
S (to become the core) into operative association with the staple fibers F (to become
the sheath) downstream of the apron 11 and rolls 12. These means comprise a supply
of core filament 16, an eyelet 17 comprising a guide means for the strand S from the
supply 16, a tension disc or like tensioning means 18, gripping means such as the
solenoid gripper 19, and feeding means such as the pneumatic feeder 20. A detector
21 actuates the solenoid gripper 19 to grip the strand S to stop the feeding of filaments
in the event of a stop in the vortex jet or take-up portion of the apparatus. The
strand S breaks once stopped, and after processing parameters have been corrected,
start-up is effected by the pneumatic feeder 20. The pneumatic feeder 20 preferably
comprises a simple aspirating jet which is actuated to feed the strand S back into
operative association with the front rolls 12 and fibers F.
[0027] The staple fibers when fed to the vortex air stream of the first air jet nozzle 13
are subjected to a torque which makes them twist in the direction of the torque applied
(a false S-twist in the Figure 4 embodiment). Tension is supplied by the jet 13 pulling
against the rolls 12 at the same time, causing a ballooning action to take place similar
to the yarn ballooning action in a ring spinning process. The continuous filament
strand S fed into the same vortex stream in jet 13 under controlled tension (as determined
by the rolls 12 and tension disc 18) is subjected to the same torque and ballooning
action. However, since the filament strand has no free ends, it cannot migrate to
the outside of the yarn, and tends to stay very close to the center of the yarn. By
virtue of the turbulent vortex action in the jet 13, the filament strand S and the
staple fibers F experience a certain degree of blending at their interface; apparently
the twisting and ballooning action of the jet on strand S and fibers F open up strand
S, permitting staple fibers F to be embedded to a significant degree in the body of
the core filament strand S. In effect, the core filament strand displaces the staple
fibers F at the center of the yarn, this action meanwhile being accompanied by a significant
measure of effective blending at their interface.
[0028] In the second jet nozzle 14, the twist imparted by the first nozzle 13 is removed
by applying an opposite twist (a false Z twist in the Figure 1 embodiment), imparting
a fasciated surface appearance by wrapping many of the surf ace fiber ends in a helical
manner. The resulting yarn has the distinct structure illustrated in Figure 5.
[0029] In an alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sheath/core yarn has
a configuration illustrated schematically in FIGURE 9. As is readily apparent from
an inspection of FIGURE 9, the core 30 which comprises fibers 32 is extremely cohesive,
while the sheath 34, comprising amoeba-shaped fibers 36, completely covers the core
40 with little intermixing between the core and the sheath.
[0030] The sheath fibers 36 in the yarn accordng to the invention, preferably comprise short
staple fibers. Cotton, or cellulosic fibers having smoothness of hand properties comparable
to cotton (when produced into a fabric) are the preferred fabrics, particularly cotton.
The fibers 36 illustrated in FIGURE 9 are cotton.
[0031] The core fibers 32 for the yarn used in the production of products according to the
invention, have distinctly different properties from the sheath fibers 36. The core
fibers 32 preferably are long staple synthetic fibers, particularly polyester or other
synthetic polymer fibers having strength, wicking, and like properties comparable
to those of polyester. Polyester fibers are illustrated in the drawing in FIGURE 9.
[0032] The core 30 is completely covered by the sheath 34 in the yarn, as can be readily
illustrated by producing the core and sheath of differently colored fibers. The sheath
fibers comprise more than 50 percent of the yarn fibers, and preferably comprise between
about 68-83 percent.
[0033] As in the previous embodiment, the yarn is made into the sheeting products 1, 4,
7 according to the invention preferably by circular knitting the yarn into a fabric
on a conventional circular knit machine. A jersey knit configuration is again preferred,
as may be accomplished using the same Monarch knitting machines previously described.
[0034] The fabric according to this embodiment of the invention may also have a weight of
approximately four ounces per square yard utilizing a yarn count of thirty two singles
(32/1). Similarly, after production of the knit fabric, it too is preferably finished
utilizing a conventional compressive shrinking machine to give a relaxed shrinkage
as in the first embodiment.
[0035] Exemplary apparatus for producing the yarn according to this alternative embodiment
of the invention is illustrated schematically in FIGURE 6. The apparatus is more fully
described in said co-pending U.S. application serial number 824,788 filed January
31, 1986. The apparatus includes sliver can 40 from which a sliver 42 of first fibers
(to become the sheath) is drawn, a drafting apparatus 44 which comprises a pair of
rear rolls 46, a pair of front rolls 48, and an apron 50 intermediate the rolls 46,
48, and a roving spinning frame 52. In addition, there is provided a supply 54 of
a roving 56 of second fibers (to become the core), which have distinctly different
properties than the first fibers. For instance the sliver 42 can be of cotton or like
short staple fibers, while the roving 56 from roving supply 54 is of polyester or
like synthetic long staple fibers. A trumpet 58 is disposed between the supplies 40,
54 and the rolls 46. The roving 60 which is produced has a distinct sheath and core
arrangement, and to make the roving 60 into yarn one passes it through a conventional
second draft stage 62 and then to a yarn spinning frame 64 for ring spinning the roving
into yarn. The drafting apparatus 44 typically would apply a draft ratio of about
10-1, while the second draft apparatus 62 would typically apply a draft ratio of about
6-1.
[0036] In order to ensure good cohesiveness of the core of the composite roving being produced,
various properties thereof will be controlled. One way to control core cohesiveness
is by controlling the twist imparted to the roving 56 (that is the twist that the
roving 56 has when it is utilized in the apparatus of FIGURE 6). The apparatus is
operable to produce the desired yarn according to the present
invention when the twist multiple of the roving 56 is anywhere within the range of
about 0.25-1.25 turns per inch, however it is desired that the twist multiple of the
roving 56 be within the range of about 0.25-0.8 turns per inch, and preferably within
the range of about 0.5-0.75. Another way to control core cohesiveness is by controlling
the relative frictional properties of the fibers of the roving 56 and the sliver 42.
For instance the roving 56 can be treated with finish so that the fibers thereof have
higher friction than the fibers of the sliver 42. Where the fibers of the roving 56
naturally have higher frictional properties (such as when the roving 56 is polyester
and the sliver 42 is cotton), such finishing may not be necessary, but may be desirable
even under such circumstances in order to properly and precisely control the core
cohesion. Another way of controlling core cohesion is to make sure that the roving
56 is placed at the exact center line of the sliver 42, and maintaining a slight tension
as by utilizing the trumpet 58 heretofore described.
[0037] The sliver 42 preferably has a flat configuration (see FIGURE 7) when it exits trumpet
58, having about a 3 to 1 width to height ratio.
[0038] The roving 60 is illustrated schematically in FIGURE 8, having a core 30 that is
cohesive and essentially completely distinct from the sheath 34, the sheath 34 completely
covering the core, and the core comprising the second fibers and the sheath 34 comprising
the first fibers.
[0039] As previously stated, it is a further feature of this invention to provide a bacteriostatic
and fungistatic treatment for sheath and core construction yarns of the type described
hereinabove.
[0040] The antimicrobial agent utilized in this invention is a bioactive silyl quaternary
amine compound. The preferred material is 3-(trimethoxysily)-propyloctadecyldimethyl
ammonium chloride which is described in U.S. Patent No. 3,730,701, the disclosure
of which is hereby incorporated by reference. A class of suitable bioactive silyl
quaternary amine compounds have the formula:
in which R is C
11-22 alkyl group and R¹ is chlorine or bromine. The preferred silicone quaternary amine
is 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propyloctadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and is available
as 42% active solids in methanol from Dow Corning Corporation of Midland, Michigan
under the designation DC-5700™ (formerly Q9-5700). This material, marketed under the
name BIOGUARD™, is well accepted in commerce and has been approved not only as a bacteriostatic
textile treatment but also as a bacteriocidal component for medical device/non-drug
applications.
[0041] This material can be applied to the fabric topically, e.g., by spraying, or by aqueous
treatment, after scouring the fabric. The amount of agent added is low, normally less
than three (3) percent by weight, and preferably in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 percent.
Optimum bioassay performance is achieved when 0.75 percent is added, based on the
weight of fiber. Optimum antimicrobial performance is obtained by aqueous treatment
after hydrolyzing the agent at a liquor to goods ratio of 20 to 1 at warm temperatures,
preferably about 110-115°F. Temperatures above 115°F should be avoided to prevent
homopolymerization. After application, a twenty minute dwell time is satisfactory,
followed by extraction and drying of the fabric.
[0042] The antimicrobial agent is preferably applied during the finishing stage of the fabric
manufacturing process. For example, after the sheath/core yarn is prepared in accordance
with the examples given above, it may be circular knit into a fabric, preferably a
jersey knit configuration, on the Model RL4 Monarch Knitting Machine Model described
above; the Monarch LRE MD MY Circular Knit eyelet machine, 18 or 20 cut, 30 inch diameter
(as a single jersey); or on a Monarch RWSY single knit pattern wheel, 18 or 20 cut,
30 inch diameter machine.
[0043] Typically, the fabric weight will be as previously described, and may be similarly
finished to give a relaxed shrinkage of 5 percent in both length and width dimensions.
[0044] The antimicrobial agent may be applied before or after the shrinkage treatment hereinabove
or, alternatively, before or after the final formation of the fabric into bottom sheets,
top sheets, or pillow cases.
[0045] The combination of knitted products of sheath/core yarn construction and the antimicrobial
agent DC-5700™ offer a particular advantage because it has been discovered that the
agent permanently bonds to the fiber surface. Nevertheless, the small amount of agent
added to the fabric does not interfere with the normal performance of the fibers in
terms of properties. On the other hand, the permanent bonding of the agent to individual
fabric fibers ensures that the bacteriostatic and fungistatic characteristics of the
sheeting products will be retained even after repeated launderings.
[0046] In accordance with this invention, an exemplary method of producing bacteriostatically
and fungistatically treated sheeting products comprises the following steps:
(1) providing yarn of sheath,core yarn construction wherein the sheath fibers comprise
cotton or other cellulosic fibers comparable to cotton in smoothness of hand, and
wherein the core fibers or filaments have properties different than the sheath fibers
and are preferably staple fibers or filaments of polyester or other comparable polymers,
and wherein the fabric is at least fifty percent cotton;
(b) circular knitting the sheath/core yarn into a jersey knit fabric;
(c) finishing the fabric on a compressive shrinkage machine to give the fabric a relaxed
shrinkage of five percent in both length and width dimensions;
(d) scouring the fabric;
(e) applying an antimicrobial agent, preferably a bioactive silyl quaternary amine
compound;
(f) forming the fabric into sheeting products such as bed sheets and pillowcases.
[0047] In an alternative embodiment, step (e) may be carried out after step (f).
[0048] It will thus be seen that in accordance with this invention, improved sheeting products
are produced in conjunction with a process for bacteriostatic and fungistatic treatment.
While the invention has been disclosed in what is presently conceived to be the most
practical and preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art that other modifications may be made therein which are nevertheless
within the scope of the claims which follow.
1. The method of forming top bedsheets, bottom bedsheets or pillowcases characterized
by the steps of:
(a) making a sheath/core yarn having a sheath of primarily cotton fibers or cellulosic
fibers having smoothness of hand properties comparable to those of cotton and a core
of primarily synthetic material having strength properties significantly greater than
the sheath fibers;
(b) circular knitting the sheath/core yarn into a knit fabric;
(c) cutting and sewing the fabric to form top bedsheets, bottom bedsheets or pillow
cases.
2. The method as defined in claim 1, and further characterized in that the sheath
fibers comprise primarily staple cotton fibers and the core comprises continuous filament
polyester.
3. The method as defined in claim 1, and further characterized in that the sheath
fibers comprise primarily staple cotton fibers and the core comprises staple polyester
fibers.
4. The method as defined in claim 1 characterized in that step (a) is practiced by:
(i) moving a sliver of staple fibers and a distinct core filament strand composed
of a plurality of continuous filaments, together in a generally linear direction;
(ii) acting upon the sliver an d core filament
strand to effect ballooning and twisting of the core filament strand and staple fibers,
to effect blending of the core filaments and the staple fibers at their interface;
and
(iii) further acting upon the staple fibers and the core filament strand to remove
the twisting imparted in step (ii), and to produce a composite yarn having a core
comprising mainly continuous filaments, a cover comprising mainly staple fibers, and
considerable interfacial blending so that the cover is well rooted in the core.
5. The method as defined in claim 1 characterized in that step (a) is practiced by:
(i) feeding a sliver of sheath fibers, and a roving of core fibers, to the drafting
apparatus so that the roving of core fibers is at the center line of, and on top of,
the sliver of sheath fibers;
(ii) passing the roving and sliver together through the rear rolls, apron, and front
rolls of the drafting apparatus to produce a drafted composite sliver; and
(iii) mechanically imparting a twist to the drafted composite sliver thereby providing
a yarn having a sheath and core configuration with the sheath completely covering
the core and comprising more than 50 percent of the yarn.
6. The method as recited in claim 5 further characterized in that step (a) is practiced
so that the sheath fibers comprise between about 68-83 percent of the yarn.
7. The method as recited in claim 1 characterized by the further step of applying
an antimicrobial agent to the fabric.
8. The method as recited in claim 7 characterized in that the antimicrobial agent
is bioactive silyl quaternary amine compound having the formula:
wherein R is an alkyl of 11 to 22 carbon atoms and R¹ is a bromine of chlorine.
9. A top bedsheet, bottom bedsheet, or pillow case characterized by a circular jersey
knit fabric made of yarn having a sheath and core configuration, the sheath fibers
comprising predominantly cotton or cellulosic fibers having smoothness of hand properties
comparable to those of cotton, and the core comprising predominantly synthetic material
having strength properties significantly greater than the sheath fibers.
10. A top bedsheet, bottom bedsheet or pillow case as defined in claim 9 and further
characterized in that the fabric has an antimicrobial agent applied thereto.