DE102018220513B4 - Method for providing at least a section of an item of clothing or footwear and a section of an item of clothing or footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for providing at least part of an item of clothing or footwear, in particular an upper part (100; 100a; 300; 300a; 500; 700) of a shoe (1000; 1000a; 2000; 3000), comprising the steps: a. Producing a 3D-shaped preform (110; 110a; 210; 310; 310a; 510; 710) from a tubular fabric (111; 211; 311); andb. Coating the 3D-shaped preform (110; 110a; 210; 310; 310a; 510; 710) at least partially with at least one layer of nonwoven fibers (120; 120a; 320; 320a; 520; 720); c. wherein the tubular fabric (111; 211; 311) comprises at least one of: thermoplastic fibers and / or yarns, fusible fibers and / or yarns, fibers and / or yarns coated with at least one adhesive.

Description

Technical area:

The present invention relates to a method for providing at least a section of an item of clothing or footwear, in particular an upper part of a shoe, and a section of an item of clothing or footwear, in particular a shoe.

Description of the prior art:

Nonwoven fabrics are made from fibers or yarns that are randomly arranged and bonded together by chemical, mechanical, thermal or solvent treatment. In contrast to woven or knitted fabrics, the fibers or yarns in non-woven fabrics are therefore not provided in a regular network or loop structure.

Nonwoven fabrics are very versatile because they can be specially developed for the desired properties. For example, they can be designed to be very durable and stable, uniform, heat-resistant and / or environmentally friendly. At the same time, they can be offered in almost any shape. Therefore, nonwoven fabrics are used in a wide variety of products and articles, including apparel, such as shoes and sports equipment. For example, it is known in the art, e.g. B. off JP 3 074 549 B2 or US 2017/0 238 659 A1 To produce sections of a shoe from non-woven fabrics by spraying non-woven fibers onto a last.

Nevertheless, it is often desirable to combine nonwoven fabrics with normal fabrics in order to create synergies and thus fabric connections with particularly advantageous properties. Simply put, a normal fabric can counteract some or even all of the shortcomings of a particular nonwoven fabric, e.g. B. in terms of stiffness, tear strength and / or burst strength and / or vice versa.

However, the provision of products comprising such tissue components is generally complex and costly because it involves numerous steps. On the one hand, the non-woven fabric and the normal fabric must be connected to one another. On the other hand, the resulting tissue component has to be processed further, e.g. By cutting, gluing, sewing and / or welding to finally obtain the desired, normally 3D-shaped product. Even when non-woven fibers are sprayed directly onto a base layer, such as from the US 2018/0 148 861 A1 is known, either the resulting joint (s) or the base layer (s) as such must be cut, glued, sewn, welded and / or otherwise processed in order to obtain the desired product, which entails significant costs and the manufacturing process extended. The same applies to the subject of the US 2018/0 242 690 A1 after which a fabric material, such as a knitted fabric, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric or embroidered fabric, is preformed and provided on a last as a first layer, over which a second layer of polymeric material is then spray formed. These problems also arise with the US 2015/0 282 565 A1 according to which light textile structures are selectively supported in different areas by support elements, for example made of a nonwoven material, in order to form footwear components.

There is therefore a need for a method of providing an item of clothing or footwear, or at least a portion thereof, which at least partially overcomes the difficulties described above.

Summary of the invention:

The aforementioned need is at least partially covered by a method according to claim 1.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for providing at least a section of an item of clothing or footwear, in particular an upper part of a shoe, comprising the steps of generating a 3D-shaped preform from a tubular fabric and coating the 3D-shaped preform at least partially with at least one layer of nonwoven fibers, the tubular fabric comprising at least one of thermoplastic fibers and / or yarns, fusible fibers and / or yarns, fibers and / or yarns coated with at least one adhesive.

Such a method can make it possible to provide at least a portion of an item of clothing or footwear, such as an upper part of a shoe, which comprises a fabric component and a nonwoven fabric, in an efficient and inexpensive manner, since it minimizes the number of processing steps required: 3D-shaped preforms can be made from widely available tubular fabrics with minimal post-processing and without discarding individual cutting, laminating, sewing, and / or other processing steps traditionally used in making products from essentially 2D-shaped starting materials. In addition, since the preform is already in the desired shape, e.g. B. that of a shoe upper, it is not or only slightly necessary to process the fabric component further after the 3D-shaped preform has been coated with nonwoven fibers. The direct coating of the 3D-shaped preform with nonwoven fibers can also make it possible to dispense with and / or skip complex and costly additional preprocessing steps that would otherwise be required to initially connect the nonwoven and the normal fabric.

Since the tubular fabric comprises at least one thermoplastic fibers and / or yarns, fusible fibers and / or yarns, fibers and / or yarns coated with at least one adhesive, the creation of the 3D-shaped preform can, in particular, involve fusing the fibers and / or or comprise yarns of the tubular fabric. The fusing can take place by the action of heat on the tubular fabric, e.g. B. by a heat gun, a heating oven or a hot spatula. As a result, the 3D-shaped preform and thus the resulting clothing or footwear, or the corresponding section thereof, can be provided with increased rigidity and / or stability. In some embodiments, the fibers and / or yarns of the tubular fabric are fused while it is placed on a last so that it maintains the shape of the last. In further embodiments, the fibers and / or yarns of the tubular fabric are fused while it is not arranged on a last. In such cases the tubular fabric can be shaped into the desired shape by other means, e.g. B. it can be placed in a mold or inflated.

If the tubular fabric is provided with sufficient rigidity and / or stability, i. H. if it supports itself after the fusing of its fibers and / or yarns, the coating of the 3D-shaped preform can be carried out at least partially with at least one layer of nonwoven fibers in the absence of a last. This can in particular enable an air flow through the tubular fabric, which sucks the nonwoven fibers against the 3D-shaped preform, without having to provide a strip specially designed for this purpose. Because these strips can be difficult to remove and expensive to manufacture, this can result in significant cost and time savings. In some embodiments, no last can be used at all. In other embodiments, a simple and therefore inexpensive last can be used to produce the 3D-shaped preform from the tubular fabric. However, it can be removed and / or disposed of after fusing the fibers and / or yarns of the tubular fabric. This can enable the use of simple disposable or disposable strips.

Overall, the respective cost and time savings can ultimately also enable an increased degree of customization with regard to corresponding items of clothing. For example, the shoe upper can be provided according to the wishes and / or preferences of the wearer at a reasonable cost. A coating of non-woven fibers can be applied to a 3D-shaped preform of the upper part according to the wishes and needs of the wearer, be it for practical or purely aesthetic purposes or both.

The tubular fabric can comprise at least one of: a braided fabric tube, a woven fabric tube, preferably a round-woven fabric tube or a knitted or knitted fabric tube, preferably a round-knitted or knitted fabric tube. These woven tubes are widely available at a reasonable cost and require a minimum of post-processing in making a 3-D shaped preform. In addition, they are light, yet durable.

The tubular fabric can be sufficiently air-permeable so that the nonwoven fibers can be sucked against the 3D-shaped preform. This can facilitate the application of nonwoven fibers to the 3-D shaped preform as the suction can hold the fibers in place until they are bonded to the tubular fabric and / or a lower layer of nonwoven fibers.

The creation of the 3D-shaped preform can include pulling the tubular fabric over a last. This can represent a simple, inexpensive and time-saving way of shaping the tubular fabric, since it naturally adapts to the shape of the last. The last can be, for example, a last of a shoe, so that the tubular fabric can be shaped into a 3D-shaped preform of a shoe upper. In other embodiments, the last can have a different shape, so that the tubular fabric can be used as a 3D-shaped preform in the form of another item of clothing or footwear or a section thereof, such as a vest, a bra, a ball or a piece of protective clothing, is trained. The last can be manufactured using additive manufacturing processes such as 3D printing. In this way, the individual requirements and / or wishes of the wearer can be taken into account in a cost- and time-efficient manner. In some embodiments, the molding can have vents provide into which and / or through the air can be sucked, so that the nonwoven fibers can in turn be sucked against the 3D-shaped preform when placed on the last. In some embodiments, this can be used during the coating step to guide nonwoven fibers to and from individual sections of the 3-D preform. Additionally or alternatively, this can also be used after the coating step to hold the fibers in place until they have bonded to the tubular fabric and / or the lower layers of nonwoven fibers.

As already mentioned above, the last can be a disposable last. For example, it can be molded from cardboard. This can provide a particularly inexpensive way of taking into account the individual requirements and / or preferences of the wearer. In addition, this can make it possible to destroy the last after use, which can facilitate removal of the last from the 3D-shaped preform.

The nonwoven fibers can comprise a thermoplastic material. This can mean that the nonwoven fibers are particularly suitable for use in the above method. For example, the fibers can be applied in a hot and thus flexible state so that they can closely follow the shape of the preform when it is deposited on one of its surfaces. In addition, after cooling and hardening, they can automatically adhere to the 3D-shaped preform and / or to one another.

The thermoplastic material can comprise one or more polymers, in particular one or more polyesters, one or more polyurethanes and / or one or more polyamides. These materials have proven to be particularly good for use in nonwoven fiber coatings.

Coating, at least partially, the 3D-shaped preform with at least one layer of nonwoven fibers may include varying the amount of the nonwoven fibers used for coating over at least two sections of the 3D-shaped preform. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the 3-D shaped preform may not be coated with nonwoven fibers at all, while at least one other portion is. Simply put, the 3-D shaped preform can be placed under a shower made of nonwoven fibers, with different sections of the preform remaining in the shower longer than others, while other sections cannot be placed under the shower at all. This can be done manually or by attaching the 3D-shaped preform - or optionally a strip in the preform - to a robot arm. In some embodiments, such a robotic arm can follow preprogrammed trajectories; H. it can perform predefined translations and / or rotations of the 3D-shaped preform. In other embodiments, it can be directly controlled and directed by one or more people. By varying the amount of nonwoven fibers applied to the 3D-shaped preform, the properties of the corresponding item of clothing or footwear, or at least a section thereof, can be adapted. Among other things, the air permeability, the expansion and the degree of mechanical protection can be varied locally. For example, a 3D-shaped preform of a shoe upper can be provided with several layers of fleece fibers in a heel section for increased stability, but entirely without fleece fibers in the lateral and medial sides of a metatarsal section for ventilation purposes.

The above method may further include the step of bonding the at least one layer of nonwoven fibers to the 3-D shaped preform. This can improve the adhesion of the nonwoven fibers to the tubular fabric and thus give the item of clothing or footwear, or at least a section thereof, increased stability and durability. Bonding can be achieved through the use of a heat lamp, air oven, heat gun, or heated last. In addition, a welding beam can be used for binding, e.g. B. a laser beam and / or a welding beam generated by an ultrasonic welding device. A welding beam can melt and fuse material. Compared to the other heating means listed above, such as a heat lamp, a welding beam can enable a more targeted and / or localized heat treatment.

The method can further comprise the step of attaching patches and / or reinforcing elements to the 3D-shaped preform and / or the at least one layer of nonwoven fibers. This can be done for practical reasons, such as improving the stability and durability of the item of clothing or footwear, or at least a section thereof, and / or for purely aesthetic reasons. In some embodiments, Patches and / or reinforcing elements are attached to the 3D-shaped preform before it is at least partially coated with at least one layer of nonwoven fibers. In other embodiments, patches and / or reinforcement elements can be applied after the 3-D shaped preform has been coated with a first layer of nonwoven fibers, but before it is coated with additional layers of nonwoven fibers. In further embodiments, patches and / or reinforcing elements can be applied to the 3D-shaped preform and / or the at least one layer of nonwoven fibers after the coating step has been completed.

In addition, the method can further comprise the step of providing a base layer under the tubular fabric. This can make it possible to further adapt the properties of the item of clothing or of the footwear, or sections thereof. For example, the base layer can provide additional stability, optionally only locally, so that the overall performance of the item of clothing or footwear can be improved. As an alternative or in addition, the base layer can also have padding, so that the wearing comfort of the item of clothing or of the footwear can be increased. In addition, the provision of a base layer under the tubular fabric can also serve aesthetic purposes.

The base layer can comprise a nonwoven fabric. As mentioned earlier, nonwoven fabrics can be designed to have a variety of properties. Accordingly, a base layer comprising a nonwoven fabric can offer a high degree of flexibility with regard to its properties. This in turn can make it easier to take into account the requirements and / or preferences of the wearer, as well as the requirements of the activity in which the item of clothing or shoes are to be used.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a portion of an item of clothing or footwear provided by the above method, i. H. to a portion of a garment or footwear that comprises a 3D-shaped preform made from a tubular fabric and at least one layer of non-woven fibers that covers at least a part of the 3D-shaped preform, the tubular fabric at least one of thermoplastic fibers and / or Yarns, fusible fibers and / or yarns, fibers and / or yarns coated with at least one adhesive. Such garments or corresponding sections thereof can be provided in a cost and time-efficient manner because, as already described above, many processing steps which are normally required in the provision of such products from 2D starting materials, such as cutting, lamination, sewing and / or other processing steps , can simply be omitted and / or skipped. In addition, the resulting increases in efficiency can ultimately enable greater individualization of the corresponding products at reasonable costs. This can be advantageous in particular in the case of shoes, in particular sports shoes, since these are confronted with ever increasing demands on performance and fit. In particular, the upper parts of sports shoes must increasingly be customizable, as they determine the general fit and to a large extent also the performance of the shoe. However, the further production efficiency can also benefit from the present invention. If, for example, not only a 3D-shaped preform, such as an upper part, is coated with the at least one layer of nonwoven fibers, but also a sole element contained in the shoe, this can increase the adhesion between these two components or even make it possible in the first place.

Figure list

• 1: Beispiel eines Schuhoberteils, das auf einem Leisten gemäß einem Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung bereitgestellt ist;
• 1A: Beispiel für ein Schuhoberteil, umfassend eine Basisschicht, die gemäß einem Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung bereitgestellt wird;
• 2: Beispiel einer 3D-förmigen Vorform eines Schuhoberteils, die gemäß einem Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung bereitgestellt ist;
• 2A: Beispiel eines Wegwerfleistens gemäß einem Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 3: Beispiel für einen Schuh, umfassend ein Oberteil, das gemäß einem Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung bereitgestellt ist;
• 3A: Beispiel für einen Schuh, umfassend ein Oberteil, das gemäß einem Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung bereitgestellt ist;
• 4: Beispiel eines Schuhs, umfassend ein Oberteil, das gemäß einem Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung bereitgestellt ist;
• 4A: Beispiel eines Sohlenelements eines Schuhs, umfassend ein Oberteil, das gemäß einem Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung bereitgestellt ist;
• 5A, 5B: Beispiel für einen Schuh, umfassend ein Oberteil, das gemäß einem Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung breitgestellt ist.
• 5. Detaillierte Beschreibung möglicher Ausführungsformen:

Possible embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail in the following detailed description with reference to the following figures:

• 1 : Example of an upper provided on a last according to an aspect of the present invention;
• 1A : An example of a shoe upper comprising a base layer provided according to one aspect of the present invention;
• 2 : Example of a 3-D shaped preform of a shoe upper provided in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
• 2A : Example of a disposable last according to an aspect of the present invention;
• 3 : An example of a shoe comprising an upper provided in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
• 3A : An example of a shoe comprising an upper provided in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
• 4th : Example of a shoe comprising an upper provided in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
• 4A : Example of a sole element of a shoe comprising an upper provided according to an aspect of the present invention;
• 5A , 5B : An example of a shoe comprising an upper provided in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
• 5. Detailed description of possible embodiments:

For the sake of brevity, only a few embodiments are described below described. The person skilled in the art will recognize that the specific features described in relation to these embodiments can be modified and combined in different ways and that individual features can also be omitted if they are not essential. The general explanations in the above sections also apply to the more detailed explanations that follow.

Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various steps involved in the method described herein are completely interchangeable, i.e. H. they can be carried out in any order. Although the following relates primarily to an upper of a shoe, those skilled in the art will recognize that any other item of clothing or footwear, whether in whole or in part only, can be provided according to the method described herein.

1 shows an upper part of a shoe 100 on a ledge 140 made by a method according to the present invention. The top 100 includes a 3-D shaped preform 110 and at least one layer of nonwoven fibers 120 . A top texture of the 3D shaped preform 110 is against the at least one layer 120 in a section of the top 100 outlined, which is in the vicinity of a hallux of a wearer when a shoe comprising the upper 100 , will be carried. The 3D-shaped preform 110 is made from a tubular fabric 111 manufactured (not in 1 shown). The tubular fabric 111 may be in the form of a tube. In some embodiments, the tubular fabric 111 include the shape of a cylinder. In other embodiments, the tubular fabric 111 comprise the shape of a prism, e.g. B. that of a parallelepiped or cube. In some embodiments, the tubular fabric 111 comprise two openings which are substantially opposite one another, e.g. E.g., the openings in the base and top may be comprised of a cylindrical or prismatic shape. In other embodiments, the openings may e.g. B. be included in the side surface of a cylindrical or prismatic shape. In still further embodiments, the tubular fabric 111 Include openings that do not face each other. The tubular fabric 111 can also comprise more than two openings. It can also include only one opening. Generally, the tubular fabric 111 include any shape that delimits a spatial volume not equal to zero and includes at least one opening.

In some embodiments, the tubular fabric 111 comprise a braided fabric tube. In other embodiments, the tubular fabric 111 a woven fabric tube, in particular a round-woven fabric tube. In further embodiments, the tubular fabric 111 comprise a knitted or knitted fabric tube, in particular a round-knitted or knitted fabric tube. Generally, the tubular fabric 111 can be provided in any shape that enables a 3D-shaped preform, such as the 3D-shaped preform, to be produced by a small number of processing and / or finishing steps 110 , from the tubular fabric 111 to manufacture. As described above, the tubular fabric 111 not be provided as a tube, but may take a variety of different forms, whether braided, woven, knitted, knitted, or otherwise provided. In addition, the tubular fabric 111 be air permeable.

In the embodiment of 1 becomes from the tubular fabric 111 by pulling the tubular fabric 111 over the ledge 140 a 3D shaped preform 110 manufactured. The last 140 includes the shape of a shoe. In other embodiments, the last 140 any other shape, ie the shape of another piece of clothing or footwear, or one or more portions thereof. The last 140 may include plastic, wood-based material, fabric material, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the last can 140 can be provided by additive manufacturing processes such as 3D printing. This can enable the groin 140 to be provided according to the requirements and / or preferences of the wearer. In some embodiments, the last can 140 be provided with ventilation holes, openings and / or other suitable structures in and / or on its surface that allow a pressure difference to be generated, ie with ventilation holes, openings and / or other suitable structures that allow an air flow through a 3D -shaped preform 110 to generate when they are on the ledge 140 is placed. Generating an air flow may include drawing air into ventilation holes, openings and / or other suitable structures or blowing air out of ventilation holes, openings and / or other suitable structures. Air can last 140 fed or through a main opening 142 be discharged from this. In some embodiments, a gas or gas mixture other than air can be used. For example, a gas or gas mixture other than air can be passed through the main opening 142 the last 140 are fed. Likewise, the method described herein can be performed in a closed space that includes a controlled atmosphere that contains another gas or May contain gas mixture as air. The pressure difference can be used to transfer nonwoven fibers to or from individual sections of the last 140 and thus to or from individual sections of the 3D-shaped preform 110 , during the coating step. In addition, the pressure differential can be used to hold nonwoven fibers in place until they meet the 3-D shaped preform 110 and / or lower layers of nonwoven fibers are connected. The last 140 can therefore be provided with ventilation holes, openings and / or other suitable structures in one or more corresponding sections, or optionally in all sections. Alternatively or additionally, nonwoven fibers can also be guided and / or held in place using electrostatic forces. For example, a 3D-shaped preform can be electrostatically charged so that it attracts or repels nonwoven fibers, which can optionally be prepared accordingly.

In the embodiment of 1 is the 3D-shaped preform 110 completely and essentially uniformly with at least one layer of non-woven fibers 120 coated. In other embodiments, the 3D-shaped preform 110 but neither completely nor uniformly with at least one layer of non-woven fibers 120 be coated. See. and below for the details of the coating step.

1A shows a top 100a that is similar to the top 100 the 1 is. The top 100a is incomplete and essentially uniform with at least one layer of non-woven fibers 120a coated. In particular, an upper metatarsal and / or instep area is free of non-woven fibers. See. and below for details on the coating step. Besides, the top is 100a , different from the top 100 the 1 , with a base layer 130a under a tubular fabric 111a (not in 1A designated), from which a 3D-shaped preform 110a was produced. Hence the top includes 100a a "sandwich" construction. The base layer 130a comprises a non-woven fabric. In other embodiments, the base layer 130a different materials, in particular different fabrics. The material of the base layer 130a can be selected according to the needs and / or preferences of the wearer, particularly with regard to comfort and performance. For example, the base layer 130a provide padding. Basically, the base layer 130a , ie their shape and material, are chosen in such a way that they counteract any deficiencies in terms of function and / or comfort that an upper material like the upper material may have 100 the 1 that doesn't have a base layer like the base layer 130a includes, can bring with it.

The base layer 130a can under the tubular fabric 111a be provided by placing them on a ledge, such as the ledge 140 the 1 , and then the tubular fabric 111a is pulled over the bar. If the base layer 130a comprises a nonwoven fabric, as in the embodiment of FIG 1A is the case, the nonwoven fabric can be provided on such a last by depositing appropriate fibers directly on the last. In further embodiments, the tubular fabric 111a who have favourited 3-D preform 310 and / or the top 100a turned inside out, leaving the base layer 130a can be attached directly to the inside. If the base layer 130a comprises a non-woven fabric, the corresponding fibers can then be deposited on the inside according to one aspect of the present invention, cf. 3 and below for details on the coating step that can be used for this purpose. In some embodiments, the base layer 130a , possibly comprising several, optionally separate sections, under the tubular fabric 111a be provided by the base layer 130a or their several sections on the tubular fabric 111a with the inside out. This can comprise a method similar to the step of attaching patches and / or reinforcing elements to the 3D-shaped preform and / or the at least one layer of nonwoven fibers, as described above.

2 shows a 3D-shaped preform 210 . In contrast to the 3D-shaped preform 110 the end 1 , is the 3D-shaped preform 210 neither with at least one layer of non-woven fibers, such as the layer 120 (still) coated, still on a last, like the last 140 , placed. Rather, the 3D-shaped preform is supported 210 itself. The 3D-shaped preform 210 can according to the invention from a tubular fabric 211 (not shown) comprising thermoplastic fibers and / or yarns, fusible fibers and / or yarns and / or fibers and / or yarns coated with at least one adhesive. The person skilled in the art will also recognize that the above explanations relating to the tubular fabric 111 equally for the tubular fabric 211 can apply. All or part of the fibers and / or yarns contained in the tubular fabric 211 can be thermoplastic, meltable and / or coated with at least one adhesive. Such fibers and / or yarns can be made into a self-supporting 3D-shaped preform 210 have been fused by applying heat to the tubular fabric 211 is applied, e.g. B. by a heat gun, a heating oven or a hot spatula. In some Embodiments can be the fibers and / or yarns of the tubular fabric 211 have been fused while the tubular fabric 211 on a last, like the last 140 , was placed so that it retains the shape of the respective last. In some embodiments, the respective last can be a simple, possibly disposable or disposable last. In some embodiments, such a ledge may be inflatable. In still further embodiments, such a strip can be produced by additive manufacturing processes, such as e.g. B. 3D printing, are provided. This can allow it to be provided according to the requirements and / or preferences of the wearer.

2A shows a disposable last 240 . The last 240 comprises a large number of (corrugated) cardboard discs 246 who strive on connecting 244a , 244b are arranged and the cardboard slices 246 , essentially perpendicular, penetrate. In the embodiment of 2A also include the connecting struts 244a , 244b Carton. In other embodiments, the discs 246 , as well as the connecting struts 244a , 244b but each independently of one another, comprise a different material such as paper, wood or another, optionally disposable, material. In 2A the cardboard slices extend 246 from a medial to a lateral side of the groin 240 . In other embodiments, the cardboard slices 246 from a heel to a front of the last 240 extend. In 2A are the cardboard discs 246 arranged so that they are flush with each other. In further embodiments, the cardboard slices 246 be arranged at a constant or variable distance. The provision of performance 240 in this form, a simple and inexpensive individualization with regard to the requirements and / or preferences of the wearer can be made possible.

With reference to 2 can a last such. B. the strips 240 , have been removed after the fibers and / or yarns of the tubular fabric 211 fused, possibly by destroying the last, but in other embodiments it can also be in the 3D-shaped preform 210 remain for further processing. In still further embodiments, the fibers and / or yarns of the tubular fabric could 211 may have been fused while not on a ledge, such as the ledge 140 , were placed. In such cases, the tubular fabric 211 have been brought into the desired shape by other means, e.g. B. in and / or on a mold, or it may have been inflated. In some embodiments, the tubular fabric 211 be draped directly onto a body part of a wearer, e.g. B. on a foot that it should cover after processing.

The tubular fabric 211 the 2 includes three types of fibers and / or yarns, such as fibers and / or yarns 212 , 214 , 216 (not all individually marked). In other embodiments, the tubular fabric 211 comprise only one or two different types of fibers and / or yarns. In still further embodiments it can comprise more than three different types of fibers and / or yarns. Only one or two types of fibers and / or yarns, such as fibers and / or yarns 212 , 214 , 216 , can be thermoplastic, meltable and / or coated with at least one adhesive. In some embodiments, all types of fibers and / or yarns, such as fibers and / or yarns, can be used 212 , 214 , 216 , thermoplastic, meltable and / or coated with at least one adhesive.

Fibers and / or yarns 212 , 214 , 216 of the tubular fabric 211 are braided in such a way that gaps are created between individual fibers and / or yarns, creating the tubular fabric 211 and with it the 3D-shaped preform 210 becomes permeable to air, other gases and / or gas mixtures. These gaps can be between 0.001 cm and 2 cm wide, preferably between 0.05 cm and 1 cm wide, most preferably between 0.1 cm and 0.2 cm wide. In other embodiments, fibers and / or yarns can be like fibers and / or yarns 212 , 214 , 216 closely braided, woven or knitted or knitted, but tubular fabrics 211 can have one or more perforations. In still further embodiments, fibers and / or yarns can be used 212 , 214 , 216 as such be permeable to air.

In the embodiment of 2 are all three types of fibers and / or yarns, such as fibers and / or yarns 212 , 214 , 216 , each in more than one section of the tubular fabric 211 and / or the 3-D shaped preform 210 includes. For example, fibers and / or yarns 212 in a lateral side of a heel portion, as well as in a sheet of the 3D-shaped preform 210 contain. Fibers and / or yarns 212 are made with fibers and / or yarns 214 interspersed. Fibers and / or yarns 216 are in a lateral side of a metatarsal portion of the 3D-shaped preform 210 , as well as in a section of the 3D-shaped preform 210 which are located near a wearer's little toe when wearing a shoe having an upper having a 3D-shaped preform 210 includes. In addition are fibers and / or yarns 216 in a section of the 3D shaped preform 210 included, which has a foot opening 219 includes that of a foot opening edge 218 is delimited by which a foot of a wearer and / or z. B. a last, like the last 140 , into the 3D-shaped preform 210 can be used and / or removed therefrom. Fibers and / or yarns 216 are made with fibers and / or yarns 214 interspersed. In other embodiments, a certain type of fibers and / or yarns, such as fibers and / or yarns, for example 212 , 214 , 216 , each in only one section of the 3D-shaped preform 210 be included. In yet another embodiment, a certain type of fibers and / or yarns, such as fibers and / or yarns, for example 212 , 214 , 216 , each in all sections of the 3D-shaped preform 210 be included.

3 shows a shoe 1000 with a sole element 400 and a top 300 . The shoe 1000 can be a soccer shoe. However, the present invention is not limited to soccer shoes, see e.g. B. 3A and the corresponding description below. In other embodiments, the shoe 1000 however, be any other type of shoe, in particular any other type of sports shoe, such as a golf shoe, running shoe, basketball shoe, etc. The sole element 400 includes a heel counter 410 and studs 420a , 420b . In the embodiment of 3 is the sole element 400 integrally formed, with the exception of the tips of the studs 420a , 420b . In further embodiments, the sole element 400 be a composite structure consisting of any number of individual parts. For example, the sole element 400 a midsole, an outsole, and a heel counter attached to the midsole. In other embodiments, the sole element 400 and with it the shoe 1000 have no heel counter at all. In still further embodiments, the sole element 400 from a single, z. B. rubber, (outer) sole exist. In principle, the sole element 400 be adapted to the requirements of the activity in which the shoe 1000 should be used. Alternatively or additionally, the sole element 400 can be adapted to the requirements and / or preferences of the wearer. The sole element 400 can therefore individually, e.g. B. be provided by additive manufacturing processes, such as 3D printing, or according to a set of standardized parameters, e.g. In terms of its dimensions and materials.

The top 300 is provided in accordance with the present invention, that is, it is based on a 3-D shaped preform 310 made from a tubular fabric 311 (not shown) is made with at least one layer of nonwoven fibers 320 is coated, provided. In principle it could be the 3D-shaped preform 310 the 3D-shaped preform 210 the end 2 although it is in the special embodiment of the 3 is not. The 3D-shaped preform 310 however, it may be provided in the same way as the 3D-shaped preform 210 in 2 . In particular, the 3D-shaped preform 310 be self-supporting. In other embodiments, the 3D-shaped preform 310 may be provided in the same way as the 3-D shaped preform 110 the end 1 . Then the 3D-shaped preform can 310 retain their shape due to the stability created by at least one layer of non-woven fibers 320 is given with which it is coated.

The 3D-shaped preform 310 can with at least one layer of fleece fibers 320 coated by placing them in a shower made of non-woven fibers. In some embodiments, nonwoven fibers can flow out of a fiber blowing device. For example, the fiber blowing device can comprise a nozzle from which nonwoven fibers are sprayed. In other embodiments, nonwoven fibers can simply drip from the nozzle. In still further embodiments, nonwoven fibers can be applied to the 3D-shaped preform 310 be applied differently, e.g. B. by electrospinning. In some embodiments, the nonwoven fibers can comprise one or more thermoplastic materials, for example one or more polymers. The nonwoven fibers can then be heated before and / or while they flow out of the fiber blowing device. They can then be flexible so that they match the shape of the 3D shaped preform 310 can follow exactly when deposited on one of their surfaces. In addition, after cooling and hardening, they can automatically be placed on the 3D-shaped preform 310 and / or adhere to one another. Additionally or alternatively, nonwoven fibers can be used in an additional connection step with the 3D-shaped preform 310 and / or lower layers of nonwoven fibers are connected.

This joining step may involve spraying one or more adhesives, applying a bonded topsheet film, possibly at least one layer of nonwoven fibers 320 and / or a 3D-shaped preform 310 can at least partially penetrate, comprise the outer and / or inner wrapping, sewing, embroidery and / or laser sintering. Additionally or alternatively, hot pressing with a flexible mold can be used during the joining process.

By varying the exposure, ie the length of time it takes a given section of the 3D-shaped preform 310 If fleece fibers remain in the shower, the amount of fleece fibers and thus the number of layers of fleece fibers deposited on this section can be varied. This allows mechanical properties of the upper material 300 and thus of the shoe 1000 such as B. air permeability and elongation, can be adjusted locally. In some embodiments, such as for example that of 1 , can be a 3D-shaped preform such as the 3D-shaped preform 310 , be evenly coated with one or more layers of fleece fibers, resulting in essentially homogeneous properties of the upper part 300 leads. In other embodiments, such as that of 3 , can be a 3D-shaped preform, such as the 3D-shaped preform 310 , be unevenly coated with one or more layers of non-woven fibers, resulting in inhomogeneous, possibly tailor-made and / or specially developed properties of the upper part 300 leads. In particular, the 3D-shaped preform comprises 310 and with it the top 300 multiple layers of nonwoven fibers in a heel section and in a section defining a foot opening 319 includes that of a foot opening edge 318 is delimited. In contrast, a sheet is the top 300 only slightly coated with fleece fibers, ie it only comprises a few layers of fleece fibers. A lateral side of a metatarsal portion of the upper 300 is essentially free of nonwoven fibers, while a front portion of the upper part 300 is completely free of non-woven fibers. In the embodiment of 3 varies the amount of nonwoven fibers, that is, the number of nonwoven layers, such as the layer 320 , gradually from a section of the upper part 300 to the next. In other embodiments, the number of layers of nonwoven layers, such as the layer 320 to vary abruptly.

In some embodiments, the 3D-shaped preform must be 310 may be held while placed in the nonwoven fiber shower. This can be done with the help of holding means. In some embodiments, a ledge, such as the ledge 140 from 1 , act as holding means, ie the 3D-shaped preform 310 is coated while it is (still) on the respective bar. Then this strip can comprise means for attachment, e.g. B. can the last 140 a thread in the main opening 142 for this purpose include. Optionally, such a strip can also comprise ventilation holes, openings and / or other suitable structures, as above with regard to the strip 140 the 1 described. It may be necessary to use such a last when a 3D-shaped preform, such as the 3D-shaped preform 310 , is not self-supporting so that it maintains the desired shape during the coating step.

When the 3D-shaped preform 310 as in the embodiment of 3 , is self-supporting, it can be made with at least one layer of non-woven fibers 320 be coated while not lying on such a ledge. Instead, the 3D-shaped preform 310 be held by other means. For example, it may comprise excess tissue that is received by holding means such as a clamp and after the coating step has been completed, e.g. B. by cutting, removed. In other embodiments, retaining means can be incorporated into the 3D-shaped preform 310 via the foot opening 319 are introduced from the foot opening edge 318 is delimited. These holding means can then comprise a device which can be adapted so that it can expand so that at least two sections thereof against two, possibly opposite, inner surfaces of the 3D-shaped preform 310 to press. In addition, regardless of how the self-supporting 3D-shaped preform 310 is maintained during and / or after the coating step, an air flow through the 3D-shaped preform 310 to be provided. Such a flow of air can be provided by a tube, the end of which is in the 3-D shaped preform 310 can be placed. In other embodiments, corresponding nozzles and / or valves can be contained in the holding means. In some embodiments, these can generate a negative pressure and / or a vacuum, which can also at least help the 3D-shaped preform 310 to keep.

In general, the manufacture of a self-supporting, 3-D shaped preform, such as the 3-D shaped preform 310 , made of tubular fabric 311 beneficial as this creates an air flow through the 3-D shaped preform 310 made possible without a strip comprising ventilation holes, openings and / or other suitable structures having to be provided. Since the production of such strips can be difficult and thus expensive, this can lead to considerable savings in costs and time. A self-supporting, 3D-shaped preform, like the 3D-shaped preform 310 but can also be coated while placed on a ledge designed to provide airflow, as above with respect to the ledge 140 from 1 described.

Regardless of their exact shape, holding means can be attached to a coating device, such as a robotic arm, for example, which allows the exposure and thus the deposition of nonwoven fibers on individual sections of the 3D-shaped preform 310 controls. Such a coating device can be controlled directly by one or more people, optionally in real time. Alternatively, the coating device can use the 3-D shaped preform 310 move along preprogrammed trajectories, ie it can do predefined translations and / or rotations of the 3D-shaped preform 310 carry out. In other embodiments, retaining means can be attached to a handle that enables a person to control the position and / or orientation of the 3D-shaped preform 310 to vary manually within the shower of fleece fibers. In further embodiments, the fiber blowing device and / or the one or more Nozzles from which fleece fibers flow out, relative to the 3D-shaped preform 310 moved to create the same effect. However, it can be technically simpler and therefore more efficient to use the 3D-shaped preform 310 to move instead of the fiber blowing device and / or one or more nozzles.

In the embodiment of 3 is the sole element 400 with one or more adhesives on the top 300 attached. In further embodiments, the sole element 400 on the top 300 be attached differently, e.g. B. by welding by means of radiation, a convection oven, infrared lamps, local application of a heat gun or vacuum forming. In some embodiments, the top 300 be at least partially coated with at least one layer of non-woven fibers on a floor so that they can act as an adhesive layer, in particular if they contain thermoplastic material and the sole element 400 is attached while the nonwoven fibers have not cooled and hardened.

3A shows a shoe 1000a with a sole element 400a and a top 300a . The shoe 1000 can be a running shoe. In principle, the shoe can 1000a and especially his top 300a in the same way as the shoe 1000 and the top 300 the end 3 to be provided. The corresponding explanations apply. Unlike the sole element 400 of the shoe 1000 the 3 , comprises the sole element 400a of the shoe 1000a the 3A however, a midsole and an outsole. In addition, the midsole can contain foam particles. In addition, in the embodiment of 3A the patches 350a on the top 300a of the shoe 1000a attached, in particular at least partially to the at least one layer of nonwoven fibers 320a . In further embodiments, reinforcement elements can be attached to the upper part 300a instead of, or in addition to, the patches 350a to be appropriate.

In the embodiment of 4th is a sole element 600 - as in 4A shown in detail - of a shoe 2000 on a top 500 of the shoe 2000 over at least one layer of fleece fibers 520 attached. That is, a 3D-shaped preform 510 of the top 500 may, possibly loosely, on the sole element 600 attached or at least placed next to this for attachment, and then both the upper part 500 as well as the sole element 600 with at least one layer of fleece fibers 520 be coated. In particular, they can be coated in such a way that there is at least one layer of fleece fibers 520 over at least one upper edge of the sole element 600 and at least one lower edge of the lateral, medial, front, and / or rear side surfaces of the 3-D shaped preform 510 extends and / or covers them. In addition, in the embodiment of FIG 4th at least one layer of non-woven fibers 520 the 3D-shaped preform 510 completely and substantially uniformly, with the exception of a blade section and a section in which a foot opening like the foot openings 219 , 319 can be arranged. Apart from that, all of the above explanations can also apply to the top 500 are valid. In the embodiment of 4th can the sole element 600 using additive manufacturing processes such as 3D printing, such as from 4A can be seen.

5A , 5B show a further embodiment of a shoe 3000 provided in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The shoe 3000 includes a top 700 which in turn is made by a 3D-shaped preform 710 is provided with at least one layer of nonwoven fibers 720 is coated. Under the 3D preform 710 , or a tubular fabric 711 (not in 5A , 5B shown) from which it was made is a base layer 730 provided. The top 700 is basically similar to the top 110a the 1A , but can also be provided differently, e.g. B. similar to the top 300 the 3 . That is, all of the above explanations can be applied to the upper part 700 be applied though the top 700 or shoe 3000 (still) on the groin 740 is placed. The shoe 3000 further comprises a sole element 800 . In principle, the sole element 800 similar to the sole element 400 the 3 be, that is, it includes studs 820a , 820b such as studs 420a , 420b the 3 , and possibly a heel counter (not shown) such as B. heel counter 410 . However, the sole element 800 any other shape and form, possibly depending on the activity for which the shoe is to be used, as well as the needs and / or preferences of the wearer, as previously described.

In contrast to the embodiments of the 3 and 4th is the sole element 800 the 5A , 5B not on the underside of a shell 700 attached and / or placed underneath. Rather, it's in the top 700 placed so that studs 820a , 820b the bottom of the top 700 penetrate. The shoe 3000 or the top 700 can by pulling a tubular fabric 711 over the ledge 740 and the sole element 800 be provided, wherein the sole element 800 immediately under the last 740 may be placed prior to coating the resulting 3-D shaped preform 710 with at least one layer of non-woven fibers 720 . In other embodiments, the sole element 800 be provided and / or introduced after the coating step, ie after the 3D-shaped preform 710 with at least one layer of non-woven fibers 720 is covered. In the embodiment of 5A , 5B are the top 700 and the sole element 800 neither completely nor evenly with at least one layer of fleece fibers 720 coated. In particular, a central portion is the underside of the top 700 which between the studs 820a and 820b is arranged, not coated with non-woven fibers, as in 5B shown. However, in other embodiments, the top 700 and the sole element 800 completely and substantially uniformly with at least one layer of nonwoven fibers 720 be coated. See. 3 and above for details regarding the coating step.

Claims (20)

A method for providing at least part of an item of clothing or footwear, in particular an upper part (100; 100a; 300; 300a; 500; 700) of a shoe (1000; 1000a; 2000; 3000), comprising the steps: a. Producing a 3D-shaped preform (110; 110a; 210; 310; 310a; 510; 710) from a tubular fabric (111; 211; 311); and b. Coating the 3D-shaped preform (110; 110a; 210; 310; 310a; 510; 710) at least partially with at least one layer of nonwoven fibers (120; 120a; 320; 320a; 520; 720); c. wherein the tubular fabric (111; 211; 311) comprises at least one of: thermoplastic fibers and / or yarns, fusible fibers and / or yarns, fibers and / or yarns coated with at least one adhesive. Procedure according to Claim 1 wherein the tubular fabric (111; 211; 311) comprises at least one of: a braided fabric tube, a woven fabric tube, preferably a round woven fabric tube or a knitted or knitted fabric tube, preferably a round-knitted or knitted fabric tube. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the tubular fabric (111; 211; 311) is sufficiently air-permeable so that the nonwoven fibers can be sucked against the 3D-shaped preform (110; 110a; 210; 310; 310a; 510; 710). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein generating the 3D-shaped preform (110; 110a; 210; 310; 310a; 510; 710) is drawing the tubular fabric (111; 211; 311) over a strip (140; 240; 740) includes. Procedure according to Claim 4 wherein the last (140; 240; 740) is a disposable last. Procedure according to Claim 1 wherein creating the 3D-shaped preform (110; 110a; 210; 310; 310a; 510; 710) comprises fusing the fibers and / or yarns of the tubular fabric (111; 211; 311). Procedure according to Claim 6 wherein coating the 3D-shaped preform (110; 110a; 210; 310; 310a; 510; 710) at least partially with at least one layer of non-woven fibers (120; 120a; 320; 320a; 520; 720) in the absence of any strips is carried out. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nonwoven fibers comprise a thermoplastic material. Procedure according to Claim 8 , wherein the thermoplastic material comprises one or more polymers, in particular one or more polyesters, one or more polyurethanes and / or one or more polyamides. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating of the 3D-shaped preform (110; 110a; 210; 310; 310a; 510; 710) at least partially with at least one layer of nonwoven fibers (120; 120a; 320; 320a; 520; 720 ) comprises varying the amount of nonwoven fibers used for coating over at least two sections of the 3D-shaped preform (110; 110a; 210; 310; 310a; 510; 710). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a section of the 3D-shaped preform (110; 110a; 210; 310; 310a; 510; 710) is coated entirely without nonwoven fibers. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of bonding the at least one layer of nonwoven fibers (120; 120a; 320; 320a; 520; 720) to the 3D-shaped preform (110; 110a; 210; 310; 310a; 510 ; 710). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of attaching patches (350a) and / or reinforcing elements to the 3D-shaped preform (110; 110a; 210; 310; 310a; 510; 710) and / or the at least one layer made of non-woven fibers (120; 120a; 320; 320a; 520; 720). A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of providing a base layer (130a; 730) under the tubular fabric (111; 211; 311). Procedure according to Claim 14 wherein the base layer (130a; 730) comprises a non-woven fabric. Section of an item of clothing or footwear that has been produced by a method according to one of the Claims 1 - 15th provided. A portion of a garment or footwear comprising: a. a 3D-shaped preform (110; 110a; 210; 310; 310a; 510; 710) made from a tubular fabric; and b. at least one layer of non-woven fibers (120; 120a; 320; 320a; 520; 720) covering at least a portion of the 3D-shaped preform; c. wherein the tubular fabric comprises at least one of: thermoplastic fibers and / or yarns, fusible fibers and / or yarns, fibers and / or yarns coated with at least one adhesive. Section of a piece of clothing or footwear Claim 16 or 17th , wherein the item of clothing or the footwear is a shoe (1000; 1000a; 2000; 3000), in particular a sports shoe. Section of a piece of clothing or footwear Claim 18 wherein the portion is comprised in an upper (100; 100a; 300; 300a; 500; 700) of the shoe (1000; 1000a; 2000; 3000). Section of a piece of clothing or footwear Claim 18 or 19th wherein the shoe (1000; 1000a; 2000; 3000) comprises a sole element (400; 400a; 600; 800) and wherein the at least one layer of non-woven fibers (120; 120a; 320; 320a; 520; 720) also at least a part of the sole element (400; 400a; 600; 800) covered.

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