EP0291189A2 - Method and apparatus for the production of thermally bonded fibrous articles - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for the production of thermally bonded fibrous articles Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0291189A2
EP0291189A2 EP88303710A EP88303710A EP0291189A2 EP 0291189 A2 EP0291189 A2 EP 0291189A2 EP 88303710 A EP88303710 A EP 88303710A EP 88303710 A EP88303710 A EP 88303710A EP 0291189 A2 EP0291189 A2 EP 0291189A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mould surface
mould
fibrous mass
mass
process according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP88303710A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0291189A3 (en
Inventor
Richard Louis Brucciani
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Pal International Ltd
Original Assignee
Pal International Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pal International Ltd filed Critical Pal International Ltd
Publication of EP0291189A2 publication Critical patent/EP0291189A2/en
Publication of EP0291189A3 publication Critical patent/EP0291189A3/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A42—HEADWEAR
    • A42C—MANUFACTURING OR TRIMMING HEAD COVERINGS, e.g. HATS
    • A42C1/00—Manufacturing hats
    • A42C1/04—Blocking; Pressing; Steaming; Stretching
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
    • D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
    • D04H1/54—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by welding together the fibres, e.g. by partially melting or dissolving
    • D04H1/542—Adhesive fibres
    • D04H1/544—Olefin series
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
    • D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
    • D04H1/54—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by welding together the fibres, e.g. by partially melting or dissolving
    • D04H1/558—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by welding together the fibres, e.g. by partially melting or dissolving in combination with mechanical or physical treatments other than embossing
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
    • D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
    • D04H1/54—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by welding together the fibres, e.g. by partially melting or dissolving
    • D04H1/541—Composite fibres, e.g. sheath-core, sea-island or side-by-side; Mixed fibres
    • D04H1/5418—Mixed fibres, e.g. at least two chemically different fibres or fibre blends

Definitions

  • This invention concerns a process and apparatus for the production of thermally bonded fibrous articles especially, but not necessarily exclusively, those of textile fibre and of generally shell-like form.
  • a process for the production of a thermally bonded fibrous article includes the steps of:-
  • the fibre mass may comprise of textile fibres and be a mixture of staple fibres of differing kind, one of which has a lower melt point than the remainder or may be staple bi-component fibres either alone or mixed with other fibres.
  • the mould surface may be the outer surface of a mould of male formation or the inner surface of a mould of female formation.
  • the mould surface may be porous and subjected to suction, firstly to draw a current of fibre charged air against the surface to deposit the fibre mass and hold it in position thereon, secondly to draw heated air through the fibre mass to cause fusion of the melt component thereof, and thirdly to draw cool air through the fibre mass to cause stabilisation thereof. Pressure air may then be applied through the mould surface to displace the moulded structre.
  • the invention also includes apparatus for carrying out any process as aforesaid.
  • the articles to be produced are hats having a domed centre portion surrounded by a brim.
  • the apparatus includes a mould of male formation having an outer surface 10 whose size and shape correspond with those of the hats to be produced.
  • the wall 10a of the mould which provides the surface 10 is of porous construction and forms a closure to a plenum chamber 11 from which air may be drawn by means of pump 12 or into which air may be supplied by means of pump 13.
  • the wall 10a whose outer surface 10 may be treated with a release medium such as polytetrafluoroethylene for example, forms a closure to a duct 14 communicating with atmosphere and incorporating electrical resistance heaters 15.
  • the duct is equipped with a door 16.
  • Loose textile staple fibres may be introduced to duct 14 by a chute 20 extending from mechanical means 17 arranged to harvest such fibres from a supply hopper 18 thereof and deliver a predetermined mass thereof.
  • the fibre may be staple bi-component fibres having polyethylene and polypropylene components whose melting points are approximately 135°C and 165°C respectively.
  • the apparatus is controlled by suitable automatic means which may include a microprocessor to perform the following operational cycle.
  • the fibre mass need not be comprised exclusively by bi-component fibres. It can comprise any fibre mixture capable of being thermally bonded to form an integral structure.
  • fibre mass may be natural fibres such as of cotton or wool for example or mineral fibres such as of carbon, glass or asbestos for example.
  • the fibres may be deposited and held on the mould surface by different means such as by centrifugal forces, for example.
  • the fibres may be preheated whilst in flight and before deposition on the mould surface by operating heaters 15 during the deposition step.
  • a further mould surface may be provided to engage the fibrous mass on the opposite side from the first mould surface and the two mould surfaces may be heated to effect the thermal bonding step.
  • the apparatus may comprise a number of stations each adapted for a different process step, the moulds being indexed from station to station.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Nonwoven Fabrics (AREA)

Abstract

There is disclosed a method and apparatus wherein a thermally bondable mass of fibre is deposited on a mould surface shaped to conform with the articles, for example hats, to be produced. The mass is thermally bonded whilst held on the mould surface to form an integrated structure.

Description

  • This invention concerns a process and apparatus for the production of thermally bonded fibrous articles especially, but not necessarily exclusively, those of textile fibre and of generally shell-like form.
  • According to the present invention, a process for the production of a thermally bonded fibrous article includes the steps of:-
    • (a) providing a mould surface having a shape corresponding with that of the article to be produced;
    • (b) depositing a layer of loose thermally bondable fibrous mass over said surface and holding it in position thereon;
    • (c) forming an integrated structure by thermally bonding the fibrous mass;
    • and (d) removing the structure from the mould surface.
  • The fibre mass may comprise of textile fibres and be a mixture of staple fibres of differing kind, one of which has a lower melt point than the remainder or may be staple bi-component fibres either alone or mixed with other fibres.
  • The mould surface may be the outer surface of a mould of male formation or the inner surface of a mould of female formation.
  • The mould surface may be porous and subjected to suction, firstly to draw a current of fibre charged air against the surface to deposit the fibre mass and hold it in position thereon, secondly to draw heated air through the fibre mass to cause fusion of the melt component thereof, and thirdly to draw cool air through the fibre mass to cause stabilisation thereof. Pressure air may then be applied through the mould surface to displace the moulded structre.
  • The invention also includes apparatus for carrying out any process as aforesaid.
  • The invention will be further apparent from the following description, with reference to the single figure of the accompanying drawing, which shows, by way of example only, a diagrammatic cross-section through one form of apparatus for producing articles by one process embodying the invention.
  • The articles to be produced are hats having a domed centre portion surrounded by a brim.
  • The apparatus includes a mould of male formation having an outer surface 10 whose size and shape correspond with those of the hats to be produced. The wall 10a of the mould which provides the surface 10 is of porous construction and forms a closure to a plenum chamber 11 from which air may be drawn by means of pump 12 or into which air may be supplied by means of pump 13.
  • The wall 10a whose outer surface 10 may be treated with a release medium such as polytetrafluoroethylene for example, forms a closure to a duct 14 communicating with atmosphere and incorporating electrical resistance heaters 15. The duct is equipped with a door 16.
  • Loose textile staple fibres may be introduced to duct 14 by a chute 20 extending from mechanical means 17 arranged to harvest such fibres from a supply hopper 18 thereof and deliver a predetermined mass thereof. The fibre may be staple bi-component fibres having polyethylene and polypropylene components whose melting points are approximately 135°C and 165°C respectively.
  • The apparatus is controlled by suitable automatic means which may include a microprocessor to perform the following operational cycle.
    • (a) Pump 12 is operated to draw air from duct 14 and through wall 10 whilst means 17 is operated whereby the predetermined mass of fibre is entrained in the resulting air current for deposition and retention on mould surface 10. The arrangement and sizes of pores in the surface 10 are such that the fibre is deposited to conform with a required distribution.
    • (b) Means 17 is disenabled and heaters 15 are operated whereby heated air having a temperature above 135°C but below 165°C is drawn through the fibre mass to cause fusion of the melt component thereof to produce an integrated structure.
    • (c) The heaters 15 are switched off whereby cool air is drawn through the structure to stabilise it.
    • (d) Pump 12 is stopped and pump 13 operated to displace the completed hat from the mould surface for removal through door 16.
  • It will be appreciated that it is not intended to limit the invention to the above example only, many variations, such as might readily occur to one skilled in the art, being possible, without departing from the scope thereof.
  • Thus, different articles may be produced such as face masks, brassiere cups and so on.
  • The fibre mass need not be comprised exclusively by bi-component fibres. It can comprise any fibre mixture capable of being thermally bonded to form an integral structure.
  • Included within the fibre mass may be natural fibres such as of cotton or wool for example or mineral fibres such as of carbon, glass or asbestos for example.
  • The fibres may be deposited and held on the mould surface by different means such as by centrifugal forces, for example.
  • The fibres may be preheated whilst in flight and before deposition on the mould surface by operating heaters 15 during the deposition step.
  • A further mould surface may be provided to engage the fibrous mass on the opposite side from the first mould surface and the two mould surfaces may be heated to effect the thermal bonding step.
  • The apparatus may comprise a number of stations each adapted for a different process step, the moulds being indexed from station to station.

Claims (10)

1. A process for the production of a thermally bonded fibrous article including the steps of:
(a) providing a mould surface having a shape corresponding with that of the article to be produced;
(b) depositing a layer of loose thermally bondable fibrous mass over said surface and holding it in position thereon;
(c) forming said layer into an integrated structure by thermally bonding the fibrous mass; and
(d) removing the structure from the mould surface.
2. A process according to claim 1 wherein said mould surface is porous and wherein suction is applied to the underside of the surface to draw a current of fibre charged air against the surface to deposit the fibrous mass and hold it in position.
3. A process according to claim 2 wherein the thickness of the fibrous mass over the mould surface is controlled by providing a predetermined mass of fibre during the deposition step and arranging for the arrangement and sizes of the pores in the mould surface to be such as to draw said mass against the mould surface in conformity with a required distribution.
4. A process according to claim 2 wherein the air current is heated to pre-heat the fibres whilst in flight.
5. A process according to claim 1 wherein said mould surface is porous and wherein suction is applied to the underside of the surface to draw a current of heated air through the fibrous mass to effect the thermal bonding step.
6. A process according to claim 1 or claim 2 including the step of providing a further mould surface to engage the fibrous mass on the opposite side from said first mould surface.
7. A process according to claim 6 wherein the two mould surfaces are heated to effect the thermal bonding step.
8. Apparatus for the production of a thermally bonded fibrous article comprising
(a) a mould surface having a shape corresponding with that of the article to be produced;
(b) means for depositing a layer of loose thermally bondable fibrous mass over said surface and holding it in position; and
(c) means for forming said layer into an integrated stucture by thermally bonding the fibrous mass.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said mould surface is porous and wherein means is provided for applying suction to the underside of the surface to draw a current of fibre charged air against the surface to deposit the fibrous mass and hold it in position.
10. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said mould surface is porous and wherein means in provided for applying suction to the underside of the surface to draw a current of heated air through the fibrous mass to effect the thermal bonding step.
EP88303710A 1987-05-09 1988-04-25 Method and apparatus for the production of thermally bonded fibrous articles Withdrawn EP0291189A3 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB878711013A GB8711013D0 (en) 1987-05-09 1987-05-09 Production of thermally bonded textile articles
GB8711013 1987-05-09

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0291189A2 true EP0291189A2 (en) 1988-11-17
EP0291189A3 EP0291189A3 (en) 1989-10-25

Family

ID=10617087

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88303710A Withdrawn EP0291189A3 (en) 1987-05-09 1988-04-25 Method and apparatus for the production of thermally bonded fibrous articles

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0291189A3 (en)
JP (1) JPS63295750A (en)
AU (1) AU1601788A (en)
GB (2) GB8711013D0 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0588017A1 (en) * 1992-07-16 1994-03-23 Teijin Limited Method for molding nonwoven web into molded form, method for manufacturing cushioning article, and apparatus therefor
US5695376A (en) * 1994-09-09 1997-12-09 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Thermoformable barrier nonwoven laminate
WO2017016547A3 (en) * 2015-07-27 2017-03-30 Fiber Engineering Gmbh Textile three-dimensional moulded part and a method for producing a textile three-dimensional moulded part
EP3430930A1 (en) * 2017-07-18 2019-01-23 Mayser Holding GmbH & Co. KG Method for manufacturing a head covering

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9206434D0 (en) * 1992-03-21 1992-05-06 Johnson Keith D B Rapid clothing manufacture

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2587814A (en) * 1946-11-09 1952-03-04 Owens Corning Fiberglass Corp Method and apparatus for making a fibrous preform
US2609539A (en) * 1948-06-03 1952-09-09 American Viscose Corp Bust receiving and supporting member
FR1170213A (en) * 1955-11-30 1959-01-12 American Viscose Corp Seamless clothing, methods and means of manufacture
EP0124387A1 (en) * 1983-03-17 1984-11-07 Isover Saint-Gobain Method and apparatus for fabricating composite sheets

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1211737A (en) * 1967-12-07 1970-11-11 Ici Ltd Producing reinforced thermoplastic materials
US3791783A (en) * 1971-06-28 1974-02-12 Structural Fibers Apparatus for forming fiber preforms

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2587814A (en) * 1946-11-09 1952-03-04 Owens Corning Fiberglass Corp Method and apparatus for making a fibrous preform
US2609539A (en) * 1948-06-03 1952-09-09 American Viscose Corp Bust receiving and supporting member
FR1170213A (en) * 1955-11-30 1959-01-12 American Viscose Corp Seamless clothing, methods and means of manufacture
EP0124387A1 (en) * 1983-03-17 1984-11-07 Isover Saint-Gobain Method and apparatus for fabricating composite sheets

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0588017A1 (en) * 1992-07-16 1994-03-23 Teijin Limited Method for molding nonwoven web into molded form, method for manufacturing cushioning article, and apparatus therefor
US5489351A (en) * 1992-07-16 1996-02-06 Teijin Limited Method for molding nonwoven web into molded form
US5505815A (en) * 1992-07-16 1996-04-09 Teijin Limited Apparatus for molding nonwoven web into molded form
US5695376A (en) * 1994-09-09 1997-12-09 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Thermoformable barrier nonwoven laminate
US6159881A (en) * 1994-09-09 2000-12-12 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Thermoformable barrier nonwoven laminate
WO2017016547A3 (en) * 2015-07-27 2017-03-30 Fiber Engineering Gmbh Textile three-dimensional moulded part and a method for producing a textile three-dimensional moulded part
EP3430930A1 (en) * 2017-07-18 2019-01-23 Mayser Holding GmbH & Co. KG Method for manufacturing a head covering

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS63295750A (en) 1988-12-02
AU1601788A (en) 1988-11-10
GB2204525B (en) 1990-03-07
GB8809385D0 (en) 1988-05-25
EP0291189A3 (en) 1989-10-25
GB2204525A (en) 1988-11-16
GB8711013D0 (en) 1987-06-10

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