EP0932715B1 - Elastic multi-layered knitted article - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a multi-layer knitted fabric with high stability, variable patterning and designation, defined elasticity and its use as well as one made from it Seat.

Such knitted fabrics are particularly designed for applications in which on the one hand high mechanical resilience and, on the other hand, specifically required the desired elasticity is. Seating is a preferred application. The technical structure of seating with Until now, textiles as seats have been made using a frame in which one - in Rule woven - textile was fixed laterally by springs. The woven, largely rigid Textile had a high mechanical strength and the elasticity was due to the Connection of the textiles realized with springs on the frame.

In connection with the conception of new covers one would like to use Replace springs, as these significantly affect the visual appearance of the seating participate. Furthermore, when using springs, there is always the risk that lighter items of clothing get caught in the feathers or in the spring suspensions. The rigid tissue, on the other hand, adapts only to a limited extent to different body shapes, supports it on the other hand, not at essential points, e.g. the lordosis area.

US-A 4,062,204 shows a knitted fabric containing rows of stitches having fleets which are offset from each other in different courses. The essay "new variants for Backs of RR-Jaquard flat knits "by Hans-Jürgen Bauer in ITB yarn and Surface production 3/93, pages 127 to 131 show that there are also knitted fabrics, the fleets have different lengths, which in this essay for guiding threads between different intasi areas can be used. The book "The knitting and knitting" by Klaus-Peter Weber, Melliand 1981, pages 79 to 88 show that right-right knits have a relatively high transverse elasticity, while floatation tends to be in knitted fabrics low transverse elasticity can be used.

EP-B1 503 836 and EP-B1 518 582 show a multi-layer knitted fabric with elastic and stable Areas with respect to cross stability and cross elasticity, in which the stable areas a Contain weave with successive first courses, alone or for the most part Part of fleets with a length of the spacing of at least one wales have, which are mutually offset in adjacent rows of stitches.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mechanically stable knitted fabric not only high mechanical strength, but also in different areas variable elasticity and designation with possible use of different, has in particular elastic materials.

Such a knitted fabric is the subject of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are Subject of the corresponding subclaims.

A multi-layer knitted fabric with selectively adjustable cross stability and Cross elasticity, in stable areas has a basic bond with successive first ones Stitch rows, which alone or for the most part fleets with a length of Have a distance from at least one wales, in adjacent first Stitches are offset from one another, the first rows of stitches providing transverse stability of the knitted fabric over the length of the fleet. If necessary, the lateral stability in addition to using more or less elastic materials in different areas of the knitted fabric.

The base weave preferably contains the multi-layer knitted fabric selectively adjustable cross stability and cross elasticity a sequence of first and second Stitch rows, which second stitch rows predominantly consist of stitches consist. By appropriate selection of the successive sequence of the first and second Rows of stitches according to the requirements for elasticity and transverse stability of the Knitted fabrics can have partially different elastic and stable areas in a knitted fabric to adjust. The share of second rows of stitches is in cross-elastic knitted areas higher than in cross-stable knitted areas. Here referred to as transverse elastic or transverse stable the direction of the needle bed. The stability cannot be determined only by the sequence of the first and second course, but also by the length of the fleets, one larger fleet length a higher transverse stability with reduced longitudinal stability brings. However, this can be increased, for example, via a warp thread entry.

The knitted fabric contains a basic weave with at least two layers of knitted fabric, which are preferably separately on at least one front and rear needle bed Flat knitting machine can be manufactured. Each layer contains an alternating sequence of second rows in which at least the majority of the active needles a stitch is formed and first rows of stitches in which fleets are formed. The Fleets are created by knitting with at most every second active needle, so that the fleets produced are at least the length of the distance between two active needles. The second courses are preferably with at least approximately all active Knitted needles.

A typical elasticity typical of the knitting is inherent in the knitted second rows of stitches the first rows of stitches will result in higher transverse stability, i.e. stability in the direction of the needle bed or in the direction of the courses. This stability is all the more higher, the longer the fleets and the denser the sequence of the first courses in the Are basic. On the other hand, with increased fleet length, the longitudinal stability also decreases, i.e. the stability in the direction of the rod. Here the strengths in longitudinal as well in the transverse direction, however, by selecting the warp and / or weft insertion.

The sequence and number of the first and second courses, e.g. a first Row of stitches followed by two second courses or two first courses followed by a second row of stitches or alternating sequences of a first and a second row of stitches, the desired property of the knitted fabric, either one higher elasticity or higher transverse stability, individually in the desired manner, in particular also partially and controlled with the selection of different materials set to graze. As already described, this can also be determined by the length of the Fleets in the first rows of stitches can be set.

An alternating arrangement of four is preferably used in the base weave Rows of stitches used. The first two rows of stitches have already been described Service. The second row of stitches is followed by a third row of stitches, the same How the first row of stitches is formed and the third row of stitches is followed by one fourth row of stitches, which in turn is formed in the same way as the second row of stitches is, however, the fleets of the third course compared to the fleets of the first Stitches are offset. In this way, the overall stability of the knitted fabric is increased.

Most of the time, the two layers of knitting graze separately on a front and rear needle bed knitted. In the end, you knit two separate layers, the one around them can be entangled or otherwise connected. In this way, one Kind of large hose or any other contour generated, which only on a frame must be spanned. In this way, the arrangement is unnecessary separate fasteners on the knitted fabric, which, however, also additionally or alternatively can be provided.

The fleets of the first and third rows of stitches are also in a very stable structure the two superimposed layers offset against each other, which in turn is analogous for offset clinker brick construction on house walls, positive for the overall stability of the knitted fabric effect.

The two layers of the base weave can also be made by a pile thread or by others Joining techniques are interconnected, which also changes the knitting thickness and other parameters such as let the strength be influenced.

In areas where a higher elasticity is to be provided, a or several other knitted ties in the form of a net tie, inside of the two layers of the base structure are connected to one another in such a way that a net-like, high-strength, but also highly elastic, highly openwork structure is created. Also in In these areas, the elasticity and strength can be selected by a corresponding selection Control the knitted weave and the materials used. This structure is at Seating should preferably be provided in the back area, in which there is good ventilation in addition to the required elastic properties must be guaranteed. This net tie is characterized by a connected single or multi-layer structure, in the first Stitches form a stitch on each active needle, but the Mesh thread at defined needle spacing on the needles of at least one second Needle bed is placed on catch. In one or more subsequent second Row of stitches are separately formed on the first needle bed, these fleets in the case of several successive second courses, preferably offset from one another are. In the subsequent third rows of stitches, a structure of the first becomes again Knitted row of stitches. Finally, in the fourth row of stitches, the Needles of the second bed hung back on the first needle bed, causing the holes in the Network structure arise. These four rows of stitches are used to create the network structure successively knitted. About the distance of the catches on the second needle bed and through possibly repeating the second row of stitches can be the stitch size of the Set network structure as desired. The network structure can of course also be done via set other parameters, e.g. the selected needles, the distance between the applied needles Catches and selection of necklaces. Usually larger holes made by simply covering / transferring stitches. Can be used for stabilization in particular in the hole edge area, a weft running along with it is inserted. The fleets that are either installed or integrated serve as pure stabilization elements and have no significant influence on the optics. In addition, to increase the Stability between two layers of a pile thread can be provided.

By combining the basic structure with the network structure, a desired one can also be created Structuring of the knitted fabric can be achieved. Furthermore, through a targeted Use of the network structure in the basic structure at specific points e.g. at the seat or Provide the back area of a piece of furniture with more elastic and openwork areas. By a defined - especially partial / sequential - connection of basic structure and supplementary knitted ties, preferably different network structures, with different (mesh) strengths and rigid or elastic materials can be Manufacture self-supporting and especially patterned seat covers.

The knitted structures mentioned above are ideally suited for production a self-supporting structured seat cover, whereby by the self-supporting Knitted fabric is taken into account both the mechanical properties as well as the optical properties due to the shapely and structurable Structure. In this way, both the stability properties and the seating comfort can be realized what was previously not considered possible. Such from the above Knitted seat element can be two-dimensional, two-and-a-half or three-dimensional structure. Of course, the knitted fabric, especially in the edge area, by additional fastening elements on the frame be attached. However, it is preferable to choose the tubular structure in which no separate fastening elements between the knitted fabric and the load-bearing one Tubular frames must be provided.

Fig. 1

das Nadelschema einer Basisbindung des erfindungsgemäßen Gestricks;

Fig. 2

das Nadelschema einer Netzbindung des erfindungsgemäßen Gestricks;

Fig. 3

die Anwendung von Basisstruktur und Netzstruktur in der Rückenlehne eines Sitzmöbels,

Fig. 4

einen Querschnitt IV-IV durch die Rückenlehne aus Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

Fäden, die in Randbereichen eines Bezugs verwendet werden können,

Fig. 6

die Herstellung eines Loches in einer Netzstruktur,

Fig. 7

ein Verfahren zum sauberen Stricken von bogenförmigen Rändern, und

Fig. 8

einen Ausschnitt einer Basisbindung.

The invention is described below, for example, using the schematic drawing. In this show:

Fig. 1

the needle diagram of a basic weave of the knitted fabric according to the invention;

Fig. 2

the needle diagram of a net binding of the knitted fabric according to the invention;

Fig. 3

the use of the basic structure and mesh structure in the backrest of a piece of seating furniture,

Fig. 4

3 shows a cross section IV-IV through the backrest from FIG. 3,

Fig. 5

Threads that can be used in the edge areas of a cover

Fig. 6

making a hole in a network structure,

Fig. 7

a method for clean knitting of arcuate edges, and

Fig. 8

a section of a basic weave.

Fig. 1 shows the structure of the basic weave of a knitted fabric of the present invention.

According to Fig. 1 a) stitches are formed on the needles of the front needle bed, wherein a stitch is formed on each active needle. In the same row of stitches 1 b) on the rear needle bed, one on each active needle Stitch formed. 1 c) and d) now show the formation of the second course. According to Fig. 1 c) Fleets are formed on the front needle bed by the mesh thread only on every second needle. Alternatively, it can also be used on every third, fourth etc. needles are calculated. It is still possible not to cultivate the fleet To form thread at the connection points, but by catch-laying. In the same In Fig. 1 d) the fleets are formed on the rear needle bed, the fleets on the rear needle bed opposite the fleets on the front needle bed. These fleets according to Fig. 1 c) and 1 d) give according to the selected length and Sequence in the knitted fabric of the base weave increased Stability in the longitudinal direction of the needle bed. In the procedural steps e) and f) is again first on the front and then a stitch on the back needle bed on each active needle educated. In Figs. G) and h) are again in one fourth row of stitches generated by turn of the Verma thread every second, fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth etc. active needle is connected. It should be emphasized that the liquors according to process steps g) and h) in the fourth stitch row compared to the fleets in the process steps c) and d) in the second row of stitches by one Needle position are offset. Of course, the sequence of meshes and fleets chosen arbitrarily become. For example, twice in a row the first or third rows of stitches according to process steps a), b) and e) and f) are formed and / or several times in succession, i.e. in several rows of stitches in a row, fleets formed according to the process steps c) and d) or g) and h) become. By choosing this sequence and by choosing the fleet lengths in process steps c), d) and g) and h) is the elasticity or stability of the knitted fabric set in the desired manner. if the fleets according to Process steps c), d) and g) and h) not cumulated, but can only be placed on catch, a further increase can be made of stability. The basic structure can also be only by offset fleets according to steps c + d, g + h produce.

Fig. 2 shows the needle diagram for the net binding, which e.g. in insertable into the base binding in the manner shown in FIG is. Due to the net tie a heavily broken and provided more elastic structure than the base weave, which primarily has a high stability and as a support structure serves. The network binding is a connected double-surface structure.

In a first row of stitches, as shown in FIG. 2a, on the back Needle bed cumulated on each active needle during the stitch thread on needles of the front needle bed in defined Distances, in the present case at a distance of two needles, is caught. Then in a second and third row of stitches as a succession of two second rows of stitches can be viewed on the back needle bed Fleets knitted that are each six meters long Extend needles, the fleets of the second and third Row of stitches are staggered about 1: 1. In a The fourth stitch row according to FIG. 2d is the method step 2a repeated and the catch is in the following fifth row of stitches as shown in FIG. 2e hung back again. In process steps f) to k) the education of these five courses repeated, with the fleets of the seventh and eighth course according to the procedural steps g) and h) compared to the fleets in the second and third course are again offset according to b) and c). The net-like Structure is created when the catches hang back from the front needle bed on the back needle bed according to the procedural steps e) and k) reached. The applied catches, selected needles, Length and integration of the fleets and transfer of the needles or However, catches can also be chosen individually.

Fig. 3 shows the backrest of a seat cover 10, the one Tubular frame 12 is stretched. The double-layer cover can be single or double-bed knitted. The tubular frame 12 is preferably made of painted or chromed Steel pipe or another precious metal, plastic or Light metal or composite materials from the above materials. The Seat cover 10 is in the entire base area 14, especially in the area the suspension formed by the base weave according to FIG. 1. There are several mesh areas 16 in the backrest area provided that are knitted with the net tie. In these Mesh areas 16 is the elasticity due to the binding character the net tie increases. In addition, the knitted fabric is in this network areas 16 heavily broken, so that the corresponding Passage of the back is well ventilated. Through commitment these areas 16 can be made using other binding techniques Create inlaid patterns of variable design. The seat cover 10 thus looks visually appealing and at the same time has one high functionality. The edge area 13 of the cover is with Rubber thread worked. This is the case with arcs or semicircular shapes usual staircase structure - in the picture at the top Edge area - neatly laminated. The one with a rubber thread knitted edge area also serves as a shock absorber that occurs quickly high mechanical stress on the cover. hereby edge areas can also be made insensitive to impact. in the lower end of the cover can be reinforced Perforated strip or perforated edge strip 17 for fixing the cover on a crossbar can be integrated. An improved connection the reference to the Lochrandlaiste 17 can be used of fuses. When pinching the cover between two heated parts of the perforated edge, the Knitted structure in the perforated edge area are fused, so that in the area of the holes no overuse of individual Stitches or stitch areas occurs. The area 15 between Perforated edge strip 17 and frame 12 is preferably linked or also knitted with melting thread, so that the subsequent Heating this area 15 by fusing the knitted structure a clean and mechanically insensitive Conclusion is achieved.

At the lower edge of the cover, a fixing strip is worked into the cover,

FIG. 4 shows the cross section IV-IV from FIG. 3. Here it is clear to see that the base bond consists of the two Layers 18 and 20 in the base region 14 between the tubes 12 of the Chair frame is stretched. It is also easy to see that the two layers 18, 20 of the base bond in the area of Net tie 16 are interconnected, this network area 16 for the appropriate ventilation of the backrest surface provides.

Fig. 5 shows threads used in edge areas 13, 15 of the cover can be. The thread 28 shown in Fig. 5a) has a PES / PA base 30 and is defined with a thermal thread 32 Shrink wrapped. When heating with such Thread 28 knitted area 15 pulls the knitted fabric together in a defined manner and possibly merges something so that a good attachment to the frame 12 or one defined voltage in the corresponding area 15 and a smooth finish are generated. Fig. 5b) shows an elastic Thread 33 with a PES / PA base thread 34, which with a Rubber thread 36 is twisted. Even with such a thread can be a good fit of the cover on the frame and a lamination reach from arched staircase areas (upper backrest edge). By using this thread in the frame area 13 an area knitted with this thread 33 also shock absorbing or -damping properties.

6 shows the production of a hole 40 in a network structure 42. The hole is created by transferring stitches 44 Knit outwards according to the arrows and then knit together of stitches. There are two in the edge of the hole Warp threads 46, 48 guided, which give the hole good stability. In this way, stable network structures can also be created with large holes that are visually appealing and ensure good ventilation for use in the seat cover area.

Fig. 7 shows the method for clean knitting of arcuate Edges. First one or more rows of stitches are used Knitted rubber thread. Then the rubber coating produced in this way Bar 50 gradually connected to areas with are knitted with normal thread. First, one goes to the bar 50 central section 52 knitted, the height of one or has several rows of stitches. Then the neighboring ones Areas 54 additionally knitted, again over a or several rows of stitches. The knitted area expanded over the areas 56 and 58 until finally over the entire area The width of the last 50 is continued with normal thread becomes. You get a smooth clean curved edge that by using the rubber thread, e.g. 33 from FIG. 5, resiliently applied to the frame.

Fig. 8 shows a section with a length of four courses A to D and a width of four meshes 1 to 4 a basic bond. The courses A to D of this basic weave contain staggered fleets at the points 1 to 4 are meshed. You can also click on these points Be caught. By choosing different thread materials and different fleet lengths, the elasticity or stability properties of the basic weave in each course A to D and individually at all meshing points 1 to 4 be managed.

3 and 4 illustrate that not only by the execution the basic weave and net weave per se the elasticity or Stability of the knitted fabric defined at different points is adjustable, but this choice can continue through targeted Arrangement of network areas 16 within the basic binding areas 14 are supported. Here too the high Functionality of the arrangement of these areas with a corresponding Decor effect can be combined.

The. Invention is not based on the described embodiments limited. For example, the first (front) layer with the second (Rear) layer connected by inserted / bound pile threads become. To stabilize the knitted fabric in the longitudinal direction (Stick direction) or cross direction can be partial / sequential also warp / weft threads especially made of high tenacity Materials are inserted / integrated.

The first layer can be different from the second layer Strengths and materials are worked. Of course, the layers can also be partially different Strengths, different materials or material hybrids - in particular elastic or shrinking - or variable binding structures are worked. Using from shrinking textile threads, the knitting is only on the Frame stretched and then shrunk so that you have an optical attractive tight fit of the knitted fabric on the frame, if necessary, avoiding gradations or stairs receives.

You can also use elastic materials if there is a decrease / increase in the 'stairs / peaks' in the edge area be laminated in the horizontal / vertical border area the 'rubber thread mesh' serves as a shock absorber.

In addition to different network structures, other bonds can also be created can be integrated with similar properties.

A stable perforated edge as a finish serves for fixation and tensioning the cover in the direction of the rod. Of course you can other fasteners can also be integrated directly.

On a four-bed machine, a stable 'hose cover' are made with two layers of knitted fabric the advantage that the desired stability / elasticity through different binding structures easier, more economical and is more durable to achieve.

Knitting with a twin assembly offers in particular that easy way, about stable passages with a + b needles stretchy passages to work only with a needles.

Large network holes can also be caused by moving Stitches can be achieved. To stabilize the edge area an additional thread is integrated.

In addition to the different Metz structures or bonds Similar properties can also be used effectively in patterns known intarsia technique, these elements are incorporated then preferably consist of elastic materials.

The boundaries that are necessarily open are linked or sealed by a fuse.

A tube cover can also be made using of elastic materials. This tube cover will then pulled over a foam core.

The basic binding can be done by different combinations of all or only selected needles with / without elastic threads as well like the network structure or binding structure in Elasticity and stability can be defined.

In elastic areas, loops or warp or weft threads can be used specifically made of elastic threads with a defined stretching behavior be manufactured or incorporated. In this way can be a specific tension in a knitted fabric adjust or marginal parts can be worked so that they are close to the frame.

The knitted fabric of a seat cover consists of a Multi-layer structure. To achieve curved, cylindrical convex or concave deformations of the knitted fabric can be the different Layers with different mesh and / or Number of double crochet.

A seat is made with a cover that is made of there is a multilayer structure. The layers are then advantageous different functions assigned. For example, a lower layer can be designed as a carrier layer, while a A seating position oriented towards the seat Function, e.g. perforated areas or moisture absorbing Properties. These layers can be together entangled or connected by a pile thread his.

In one embodiment of the invention is a seat provided with a cover made of an elastic knitted tube is made. This elastic knitted tube will stretched around the frame and thus fixes itself on Frame. Elastane or material hybrids can be used as the material elastic components are used.

Claims (20)

1. A knit (10) including elastic (16) and stable (14) portions as regards transverse stability and transverse elasticity, said stable portions (14) comprising a multi-ply basic knit with a sequence of first courses solely or predominantly comprising floats having the length of the spacing of at least one wale mutually staggered in adjoining first courses, said first courses engineering the transverse stability of the knit (10) via the float length, characterized in that the plies of said basic knit are interconnected in part(s) of the knit (10) in forming a strongly perforated netlike structure (16).
2. The knit as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that said basic knit contains a succession of first and second courses, said second courses predominantly consisting of loops.
3. The knit as set forth in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that elastic knit portions are knitted with an elastic thread, such as e.g. rubber or Elasthan.
4. The knit as set forth in claim 2, characterized in that the transverse stable portions are knitted solely with first courses, the floats of which are preferably mutually staggered.
5. The knit as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that in the transverse stable portions the reduction in the longitudinal stability of the knit due to the increased float length is compensated by the inclusion of warp threads.
6. The knit as set forth in any of the previous claims, characterized in that the net knit is structured as follows:

   a) in the first courses the loop threads are sunk at each selected needle of at least a first needle bed, said loop threads being tucked in defined needle spacings on the needles of at least a second needle bed,

   b) in the second courses long floats are produced on the first needle bed

   c) step b) is optionally repeated, the floats of adjoining second courses being mutually staggered,

   d) in the third courses step a) is repeated, and

   e) in the fourth courses the tuck is transferred from the needles of the second needle bed to the first needle bed, the first, second, third and fourth courses being engineered successively in the above sequence.
7. The knit as set forth in claim 6, characterized in that provided between the plies of the net knit is a pile thread alternatingly joined at defined spacings to both plies by sinking or tucking.
8. The knit as set forth in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that basic knit and net knit are arranged in accordance with a predefined visual pattern.
9. The knit as set forth in any of the claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the net knit or other perforated structure is provided in the more elastic knit portions and/or as a climatic zone.
10. The knit as set forth in any of the previous claims, characterized in that ided bez plies of a multi-ply basic knit is a pile thread alte joined at defined spas to both plies by sinking or tucking.
11. The knit as set forth in any of the previous claims, characterized in that the floats of several plies are looped or tucked staggered in a net knit and/or in a basic knit, more particularly 1x1.
12. The knit as set forth in any of the previous claims, characterized in that the floats of successive courses are looped or tucked staggered in a net knit and/or in a basic knit, more particularly 1x1.
13. The knit as set forth in any of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises a multi-ply structure in which the various plies are knitted with loops and/or wales differing in number.
14. The knit as set forth in any of the previous claims, characterized in that a visible ply of the knit comprises an intarsia knit for application of logos or design elements.
15. Use of the knit as set forth in any of the previous claims for a self-supporting seat cover fixed to a frame.
16. A seat cover (10) for fixing to a frame, comprising a knit (10) including elastic (16) and stable (14) portions as regards transverse stability and transverse elasticity, the stable portions (14) comprising a multi-ply basic knit with a sequence of first courses solely or predominantly comprising floats having the length of the spacing of at least one wale mutually staggered in adjoining first courses, said first courses engineering the transverse stability of the knit (10) via the float length, characterized in that in the seat and/or backrest portion the basic knit is replaced by a perforated netlike structure (16).
17. A seat including a frame between the elements of which a self-supporting knit as set forth in any of the claims 1 to 15 or a seat cover as set forth in claim 16 is tensioned as the seating surface area and/or backrest, said seating surface area and an outer portion of the backrest being formed by the basic knit and a more central portion of the backrest and/or seating surface area being formed by the net structure.
18. The seat as set forth in claim 17, characterized in that the basic knits and/or net knits are fabricated more particularly in part of shrink-fit and/or elastic materials or hybrids.
19. The seat as set forth in claim 17 or claim 18 whose cover comprises a multi-ply structure including a supporting ply and a seating ply oriented facing the seating surface area featuring a climatic function, said plies being interconnected more particularly by a pile thread.
20. The seat as set forth in any of the claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the cover is fabricated from an elastic hose knit which is tensioned about the frame.

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