WO2002024018A1 - Band-type object especially made of cotton, fibre, none-woven fabric and method for production of said band-type object - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to band-type and graphically designed products, especially watch bracelets, suitcase straps, bands, decorative bands, belts and the like, in addition to a method for the production thereof. The base material of the band-type products, preferably contains cotton or can alternatively or additionally contain cellulose and/or hemp and/or plastics and is preferably used in a fibre, non-woven fabric form although it can also be used in the form of wovens. The base material is reinforced by means of a reinforcing agent so that it remains sufficiently flexible. A synthetic latex made from a dispersion of a polymer made of 2-chloro-butadiene and/or natural latex and/or natural rubber and/or silicon rubber and /or polyurethane is especially used as a reinforcing agent. One advantage of the inventive band-type reinforced flexible products is high service life, in addition to low production costs, recyclability, compatibility with body contact and good opportunities for graphic design of the surfaces. The method for producing these band-type products consists of a number of steps: provision of a reinforced multipurpose compressed sheet made of raw material, pre-treatment with heat and humidity using pressure and finishing the desired form of the band-type objects using a heated band steel cutting tool.

Description

 Band-shaped article of daily use, in particular from cotton-fiber fleece, and method for producing the band-shaped article

The present invention relates to band-shaped and graphically designed products, in particular a watch band, suitcase band, hat band, jewelry band, belt and the like, as well as a method for producing such band-shaped objects according to the preambles of the independent claims.

A band-shaped object in the form of a watch band, suitcase band, hat band, jewelry band, belt and the like is subject to a number of requirements, such as high bending and alternating load resistance, thinness and flexibility, high tensile strength, graphic surface design,

Surface feel on both sides,

Skin compatibility or allergy-free when used as a watch strap and resistant to fungal attack, long service life in terms of function and visual appearance, lower general manufacturing costs, lower production costs even for customer-specific small series, high integral service life cycle requirements or reusability, usability and disposability and many other aspects ,

Known band-shaped objects predominantly use materials made of leather, in particular of a so-called upper leather and lining leather or of laminates in connection with fabrics and plastic materials, as well as of thermoplastic elastic materials and laminates with an embedded graphic design, as well as with metallic elements. AT 379 734 describes straps with seams made of threads and fibers to increase the tensile strength, particularly when used as a watch strap.

EP 0 038 793 describes an object made of, in particular, flexible material, in which, in order to avoid skin allergies or skin irritations, the side facing the skin has a layer which transfers allergens and / or irritants to or into the skin of the wearer prevented. The layer can be a metal layer or a lacquer layer containing metal particles.

EP 0 097 638 also describes a belt made of upper material and lining, in particular leather, which are connected to one another via an elastic layer. The material of the elastic middle layer, the so-called connection layer, can extend to the outer edges of the longitudinal edges. In a further embodiment, the upper leather and lining leather can consist of a single cut which is bent in the area of the loop to be formed. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to leather straps, so the upper material and / or the lining can also be made of another material, into which the material of the connecting layer can penetrate from its underside.

EP 0 133 181 mentions a belt consisting of an upper part and a lining, which are made in particular of leather or leather-like material and are connected to one another by gluing, sewing or the like. At least one end of the belt is provided with a connecting part made of rigid material, such as metal or plastic, a strain relief member being arranged between the upper material and the lining, which is connected to the connecting part by forming a loop. Adhesive bonding, welding, mechanical fastening, such as clamping, are mentioned as connection technologies for the strain relief member. In EP 0 149 442, a belt consisting of at least two layers is mentioned and a braided, woven, knitted and similar cover layer for producing a high-quality belt is mentioned.

EP 0 199 708 describes a method for producing objects which have at least one layer of leather or leather-like material and a layer of plastic which is connected to this layer in a form-fitting manner. Injection molding, injection molding and injection stamping are already

Process called and further that the plastic can be formed into a spatial structure when it is introduced into the mold to form connecting parts, closures or the like, and can also form an eyelet running transversely to the longitudinal extension of the belt and that the plastic can be attached to one

End of the strap to a clasp and at the other end to one

Can form closing counterpart. In addition, it is already stated here that connecting parts, decorative parts, in particular made of metal, can be connected to the layer of leather by introducing the plastic into the mold.

EP 0 812 679 describes so-called inlaid decorative laminates with thermoplastic injection molding and can be used to produce very flexible, elastic, graphically and surface-largely largely arbitrary and highly abrasion-resistant components, in particular straps such as watch strap parts.

WO 99/51119 describes a band-shaped object, in particular a bracelet, jewelry band, watch band, a single element therefor, and a method for producing the band-shaped object. The band-shaped object comprises at least one continuous holding means and at least one individual element held thereon and the individual elements for receiving the holding means have at least one recess. described band-shaped object. A disadvantage of the band-shaped objects of the prior art is that they only insufficiently meet the requirements mentioned at the outset, such as a long service life, low manufacturing costs, recyclability, compatibility with physical contact and good options for the graphic design of the surfaces.

The object of the present invention is to provide band-shaped objects, starting from the above-mentioned prior art, which better meet these requirements, such as a long service life, low manufacturing costs, recyclability, compatibility with physical contact and good possibilities for graphic design of the surfaces. ,

The technical teaching of the independent claims serves to solve the above-mentioned tasks.

According to the invention, in particular a cotton fiber fleece is used for the band-shaped objects, which is, for example, consolidated with synthetic latex and / or natural latex and / or a matrix of polyurethane dispersion and, after appropriate pretreatment, graphically e.g. by means of screen printing, offset printing, digital printing media such as color copiers and laser and ink jet printers, and the desired band-shaped objects are produced using (band steel cutting) tools, which can be treated afterwards.

In particular, the following cotton fiber fleece is used for this:

Cotton-Cotton-Fiberflies Texon Möckmühl T 438 - Cotton, consolidated with a synthetic latex, consisting of a dispersion of a polymer from 2-chloro-butadiene as well as anti-aging and vulcanizing agent, cotton-cotton content> 60%, density <0.70 g / cm ³ , pH 7.0 - 8.5 Alternatively or in addition to this: instead of 2-chloro-butadiene

^• * ^• Matrix made of natural latex or natural rubber dispersion ^■ Matrix made of silicone rubber dispersion ^■ Matrix made of polyurethane dispersion

Alternatively or in addition to this: instead of cotton fiber fleece

^■ _► Cellulose fiber fleece

^• * Hemp paths / fleece

^■ * Polyester satin fabric / fleece

^■ _► Polypropylene fabric / Tile • * Microfiber fabric / Tile made from various thermoplastic materials

According to the invention, therefore, in particular a cotton fiber fleece is used for the band-shaped objects, which is, for example, solidified with synthetic latex (as offered by the Type T438 from Texon Möckmühl) and / or natural latex and / or a matrix of polyurethane dispersion and after appropriate pretreatment is designed graphically by means of screen printing, offset printing, digital printing media such as color copiers and laser and ink jet printers, and is brought into the desired band-shaped shape by means of band steel cutting tools and possibly treated.

The invention is based on the knowledge that such cotton fiber fleece elements with material thicknesses of 0.3 to 3.0 mm, preferably 0.8 to 2.0 mm and typically 1.5 mm after appropriate conditioning, that means storage and / or treatment in temperature and humidity conditions in the stack over a period of at least 24 hours, which are then also required for the graphic processing, are very easy to machine. Typical values are 22 ° C plus / minus 2 degrees and a relative humidity of 55% plus / minus 5% or, if possible and when realizing graphically demanding designs and when using large-format print formats with less deviation. Machinability here is the creation of the stack in one

Printing machine understood, the stacking on a stack and further the possibility to print such sheets in, for example, offset printing machines and / or gravure printing machines and / or screen printing machines and / or color copying machines and / or color laser printers and / or color inkjet printers and / or digital offset printing machines ( as offered by Indigo or Xeikon).

Experience has shown that low-cost and very high-resolution graphic designs can be realized with offset printing machines for medium to large series.

Small series and samples, on the other hand, are preferably produced using color copying machines and screen printing.

Effect colors, such as metallic effects, luminescent and phosphorescent or long afterglow effects, as well as iriodin effects and iridescent color effects and dirt-repellent effects are preferably produced using screen printing technology and, moreover, the printing techniques already mentioned are used in various combinations.

In particular, using color copiers and / or offset printing machines, graphically designed printing sheets are also provided with effect inks by means of screen printing; dirt-repellent coatings, such as those that can be obtained from Ciba / Du Pont using Oleophobol C or S, are preferably spray-coated and form a kind of transparent Teflon-like and thus highly dirt-repellent Surface.

The invention is further based on the knowledge that such cotton

Fiber-fleece materials using band steel cutting tools are very simple, reproducible, cost-effective and precisely positioned in the form of a band

Object can be brought and in particular the edges obtain a preferably one-sided rounding and fraying can be avoided and at the same time necessary (elongated) hole-shaped cutouts can be produced.

In a further development, the band steel knives in particular can be provided with different angles and thus adapted or optimized to the different requirements and circumstances, such as material thickness and density of the cotton fiber fleece material.

In an additional development, the band steel cutting tools can also be equipped with embossing elements, so that the outer contour and the mostly hole-shaped cutouts can be produced in one work step and corresponding surface embossings are produced. The corresponding strip steel cutting tools are preferably operated and at reduced temperature to reduce the process times required for this. Temperatures in the range from room temperature to about 130 ° C, but typically 90 ° C are used.

In a development of the embodiment, at least one end of the band-shaped object is e.g. reduced by grinding and / or by splitting using tools with special knives in such a way that a loop is formed by bending through about 180 ° and the reduced-thickness elements come to lie on top of one another and can be connected to one another under pressure using cold glue and / or hot glue and in particular be pretreated with adhesive in such a way that the connection can only be established in the application and adaptation to, for example, a special product, such as a watch.

In a further variant of the embodiment, at least one end of the band-shaped object is made thick in this way, for example by grinding and / or by splitting using special knives reduced that the band-shaped object can be inserted into an injection molding tool and / or casting tool and / or transfer molding press tool and at least one thick reduced end of the band-shaped object is molded with thermoplastic and / or injection-moldable thermoplastic elastomers such that so that closure elements are formed and the total thickness in the connection area is only insignificantly thicker than the band-shaped object.

In particular, these casting techniques can be used to form connecting parts, closures or the like to form a spatial structure, and also to form an eyelet extending transversely to the longitudinal extension of the band-shaped object, and the plastic can be closed at one end of the band-shaped object and closed at the other end a closing counterpart are formed.

In addition, metallic elements, such as spring axles and / or metallic decorative elements, as well as other plastic elements can be introduced into the casting molds and shaped in this way to form an integral element.

In a further development of the molding of closure elements by means of casting technology, the high closing pressure of injection molding machines and / or of transfer molding presses can be used to emboss the surface of the band-shaped object, and in particular the tool temperature can be increased, so that with usual casting cycle times permanent surface embossing can take place. Temperatures in the range from room temperature to 130 ° C. are preferred, but 90 ° C. are typical.

In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to drawings showing several possible embodiments. Here go from the Drawings and their description further features and advantages of the invention.

Show it:

FIG. 1 a shows a schematic plan view of a band-shaped object in a preferred embodiment with a hole-loop end region,

Figure 1 b: schematically shows a plan view of a band-shaped object in a preferred embodiment with loops-loops

end,

Figure 2a: schematically shows the section along the line A-B through the

Longitudinal axis of the band-shaped object according to FIG. 1a,

Figure 2b: schematically shows the section along the line A-B through the

Longitudinal axis of the band-shaped object according to FIG. 1b,

FIG. 3: schematically shows the section through an end piece with holes in a band-shaped object,

FIG. 4: schematically shows the section through another end piece of a band-shaped object in the semi-finished state,

FIG. 5: schematically shows the section through another end piece of a band-shaped object according to FIG. 4 in the finished state, that is to say with a glued end region,

6a: an embodiment modified from FIG. 4 with a molded-on thermoplastic element with an eyelet, 6b: an embodiment modified from FIG. 6a with a molded-on thermoplastic element with an eyelet and anchoring of the thermoplastic element,

7a: top view of FIG. 6a,

7b: top view of FIG. 6b,

8: an embodiment modified with respect to 6b

Multiple anchor,

9: top view of FIG. 8.

FIG. 1 a schematically shows a top view of a band-shaped object 1 with a hole and loop end area, a plurality of holes 4 being made in the end area 3 and the thickness of the band-shaped object 1 being reduced in the loop end area 5, in order to then in a later process step this loop end area to form the final loop, in which loop a corresponding anchoring element, for example a watch, is then received. The band-shaped object 1 is thus designed according to FIG. A in the form of a watch bracelet, with FIG. 2a showing the sections along the line a - b according to FIG. 1a of this watch bracelet. It can be seen here that three through holes 4 are made in the loop end region, which can then accommodate a further anchoring element of another band-shaped object, such as the second band of a wristwatch.

According to FIG. 3, an enlarged representation is now shown in the area of these through holes 4, it being evident that the through holes 4 have upper cut edges 6 on their upper visible side, which are introduced in the same process step as the production of the band-shaped object by the band steel cutting tool, or but in a separate process step, which can be upstream or downstream of the process step of producing the band-shaped object.

Figures 1b and 2b each show a top view and a side view in section of another embodiment of a band-shaped object 2 with loop end regions 5 on both sides, with corresponding anchoring elements of separate objects or other in turn in both end regions after appropriate folding and connection (gluing, welding) band-shaped objects can be included.

According to FIG. 4, a loop end region 5, which is shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b, is shown on an enlarged scale. It can be seen here that the thickness or thickness of the respective band-shaped object 1, 2 is correspondingly reduced in the region of this loop end region 5, here preferably to approximately 50% of the thickness or thickness of the band-shaped object

Objects 1, 2. In the lower region of this loop end region, that is to say in the subsequently machined region, an appropriate adhesive layer 7 is now applied, which then, after introduction of a corresponding anchoring element in this region, enables the loop formed in the region of the loop end region to the

Anchoring element then remains in the desired position.

The finished loop is then shown in FIG. 5, the loop-reduced end area being looped around the eyelet 8 as an anchoring element in the loop end area 5 of the band-shaped objects 1, 2, the applied adhesive layer 7 shown in FIG. 4 then showing the loop holds in position around the eyelet 8 by gluing the outer end region onto the further inner end region of the band-shaped object 1, 2. The adhesive layer 7 is therefore glued to itself again, preferably in the form that the band-shaped object 1, 2 after the formation of the loop 12 essentially Has the same thickness or thickness over its entire length, and only experiences a slight increase in thickness with the shape of a bead in the area of the eyelet 8.

6a shows, compared to FIG. 4, a modified embodiment of a band-shaped object 1, 2 in the loop end region in an enlarged view. It can be seen here that in a further process step according to the embodiment of the band-shaped object 1, 2 according to FIG. 4, no adhesive 7 was applied in the thick, reduced end region 5 of the band-shaped object 1, 2, but that after the thickness reduction in the end region 5, a thermoplastic was applied there Element 9 is formed with eyelet 11.

According to FIG. 6b, a similar molding of a thermoplastic element 9 with an eyelet 11 is shown in the end region 5 of the band-shaped end region 1, 2, but an anchor 10 is provided for the further or exclusive securing of the thermoplastic element. This anchor 10 is passed through a corresponding opening in the end region 5 of the band-shaped object 1, 2 and thus forms a positive connection.

FIGS. 7a and 7b show the respective top views of FIGS. 6a and 6b, it being possible to see in the figures that the eyelet 11 passes completely through the width of the band-shaped object 1, 2 and in FIG. 7b that the anchoring 10 can also be provided in multiple forms, for example across the width.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show yet another embodiment of the molding of a thermoplastic element with an eyelet on the thick, reduced hose end region 5 of a band-shaped object 1, 2. In this embodiment, therefore, there are not just one or more eyelets 10 according to the embodiment in the figures 6a, 6b, 7a and 7b are provided, but there are such anchors are provided in multiple designs and in addition other anchors in the form of undercuts or the like.

drawing Legend

Band-shaped object with hole and loop end area Band-shaped object with loop-loop end area Hole end area Holes Loop end area Upper cutting edge Adhesive layer eyelet Molded thermoplastic element Anchoring eyelet loop

Claims

claims 1. band-shaped object (1; 2) for use in everyday objects, in particular as a watch strap, suitcase band, hat band, jewelry band, belt and the like, characterized in that the base material of the band-shaped object (1; 2) is solidified by means of a strengthening agent, that it's still flexible enough. 2. Band-shaped object (1; 2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base material of the band-shaped object (1; 2) contains cotton. 3. Band-shaped object (1; 2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base material of the band-shaped object (1; 2) contains cellulose and / or hemp. 4. Band-shaped object (1; 2) according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that the base material of the band-shaped object (1; 2) contains plastic. 5. Band-shaped object (1; 2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the plastic is a polyester and / or polyester satin and / or polypropylene. 6. Band-shaped object (1; 2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the base material of the band-shaped Object (1; 2) consists of a fiber fleece or a fabric. 7. Band-shaped object (1; 2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the solidifying agent contains a synthetic latex. 8. Band-shaped article (1; 2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the synthetic latex consists of a dispersion of a polymer of 2-chloro-butadiene. 9. Band-shaped object (1; 2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the solidifying agent contains a natural latex and / or natural rubber and / or silicone rubber. 10. Band-shaped object (1; 2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the solidifying agent contains a polyurethane. 11. Band-shaped object (1; 2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the band-shaped object (1; 2) Contains anti-aging agents and / or vulcanizing agents. 12. Band-shaped object (1; 2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one outer side of the band-shaped object (1; 2) is graphically designed in terms of printing technology. 13. Band-shaped object (1; 2) according to claim 12, characterized in that effect colors such as fluorescent, phosphorescent, metallic, iriodin and iridescent color effects are used. 14. Band-shaped object (1; 2) according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that dirt-repellent effects are used. 15. Band-shaped object (1; 2) according to claim 1 to 14, characterized in that the band-shaped object (1; 2) has a total thickness of about 0.3 to 3.0 mm. 16. Band-shaped object (1; 2) according to claim 1 to 15, characterized in that the band-shaped object (1; 2) has additional surface embossings. 17. A band-shaped object (1; 2) according to claim 1 to 16, characterized in that at least one end of the band-shaped object (1; 2) is molded with thermoplastic and / or injection-moldable thermoplastic elastomers such that closure elements (9) are formed become. 18. A method for producing a band-shaped object (1; 2), in particular cotton fiber fleece, characterized in that the following method steps are carried out: a) Provision of a flexible multiple-use press sheet made from raw material, consolidated by means of consolidation means, for the production of the band-shaped object (1; 2); b) pretreatment with heat and moisture under pressure; c) at least one-sided graphic design of the surface; and d) making the desired shape of the band-shaped object (1; 2) by means of a tool. 19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the tool for the design of the band-shaped object (1; 2) in Step d) is a band steel cutting tool. 20. The method according to any one of claims 18 or 19, characterized in that steps c) and d) are interchanged. 21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the multiple use sheet approximately a size of A4 or 700x1200 mm. 22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that by means of the tool other desired cutouts are made simultaneously with the band shape according to step d) or separately in the band-shaped object (1; 2) or its base material. 23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that by means of the tool, the processing edges are rounded off on the cutting side simultaneously with the strip shape according to step d) or separately into the strip-shaped object (1; 2) or its base material and the cutting edges without Fraying are made. 24. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that additional surface embossings are introduced by means of the tool simultaneously with the band shape according to step d) or separately into the band-shaped object (1; 2) or its base material. 25. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that the strip steel cutting tool is operated at an elevated temperature in the range approximately between room temperature and 130 ° C. 26. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 25, characterized in that the graphic design of the surface is carried out by means of printing machines. 27. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 26, characterized in that, at the same time as the band shape according to step d) or separately, the band-shaped object (1; 2) or its base material is reduced in thickness at least at one end. 28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that the reduction in the thickness of the at least one end of the band-shaped Object (1; 2) or its base material by grinding and / or splitting takes place by means of tools having special knives. 29. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 28, characterized in that loops are formed by bending and superimposing the thick reduced ends of the band-shaped object (1; 2) or its base material, which are connected to one another with cold adhesive and / or hot adhesive under pressure , 30. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 28, characterized in that the reduced-thickness ends of the band-shaped object (1; 2) or its base material are pretreated with adhesive such that the connection of the loops only with the attachment to the respective Commodity is done. 31. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 30, characterized in that at least one of the reduced-thickness ends of the band-shaped object (1; 2) or its base material is inserted into an injection molding tool and / or casting tool and / or transfer molding press tool and is molded with thermoplastic and / or injection-moldable thermoplastic elastomers, so that closure elements are formed. 32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that additional surface embossings are brought about simultaneously with the insertion into an injection molding tool and / or casting tool and / or transfer molding press tool. 33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that in order to reduce the cycle times of the embossing, the injection molding tool and / or casting tool and / or transfer molding press tool is increased Temperature is operated approximately in the range from room temperature to 130 ° C.