MXPA00005541A

MXPA00005541A - Stitchless seam construction of elastomeric fabric

Info

Publication number: MXPA00005541A
Application number: MXPA/A/2000/005541A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Huber Richard
Original assignee: Huber Richard
Priority date: 1998-10-05
Filing date: 2000-06-05
Publication date: 2002-02-26

Abstract

A method is provided for joining two pieces (10, 12) of elastomeric fabric together without the need for sewing or stitching the seam. This is accomplished by cutting piece (10) to form a first edge (16) having first geometric pattern (20), cutting piece (12) to form a second edge (18) having second geometric pattern (22) which corresponds with pattern (20), applying a bonding agent to lateral surface (24) of pattern (20), applying a bonding agent to lateral surface (24) of pattern (22), and mating edges (16, 18) to create intersecting seam (14) between pieces (10, 12). Seam (14) is immobilized to allow the bonding agent to set. Tape (26) may be placed on one or both sides of seam (14) for additional strengthening.

Description

CONSTRUCTION OF SEAMS WITHOUT ETIASTOMERIC FABRIC STITCHES Background of the Invention This invention relates to a stitchless sewing method of an elastomeric fabric construction, such as useful medical devices for knee trusses, arms, and torso and recreational suits and other articles of clothing. cloth as suits for diving, suits for wet conditions, suits for dry conditions, gloves, hats, waterproof boots and aviator and survival suits, elastomerics, or parts of cloth, or fabric, which lead to reduced construction costs, better durability, impermeability, increased flexibility, and a total increase in the strength of the articles of the suits of which the seam is a part.

Background of the Invention Typically, two pieces of elastomeric fabric are joined together by gluing and splicing the straight edges of two pieces of the fabric together. This is followed by stitching the two pieces Ref.121008 together and then the inner seam is covered with a tape, such as nylon. For example, in the construction of a seam on a recreational suit, the two pieces of fabric, commonly of neoprene, are glued each on their edge and then used together followed by the invisible knitting of the two pieces together where the knitted fabric does not penetrate through to the other side of the neoprene. Other types of knitted fabrics are also used, such as knitted fabric without reliefs or knitting by overprinting stitches. A manual gluing or heat welding tape can then be placed on the seam, on the inner part, to further strengthen the seam. However, the use of knitted fabric and tape reduces stretch and flexibility of the neoprene. The majority of items' of personal clothing glued and knitted by stitches are made in third world countries because the manufacturing process is labor intensive and the cost of this work in the third world countries is significantly less than in the United States of America. Illustrative of the common methods of construction of seams in the elastomeric fabric, represented by recreational suits, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,741,050; 4,593,418; 4,416,027; and 3,246,621 and French Patents Nos. 1,306,301 and 1,306,990. The related technology is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,551 and British Patent No. GB 319,416. The U.S. Patent No. 4,741,050 teaches that a seam can be constructed by inserting the adhesive between two pieces of elastomeric fabric and then knitting them by overwrap points together. The U.S. patent No. 4,593,418 teaches a variation of the adhesive and knitting techniques with an elastomeric strip that is superimposed on the joining pieces. The U.S. Patent No. 4,416,027 teaches a method of construction of the seam in which two pieces of the elastomeric fabric are grooved along the lateral facing edges. A rubber filling fabric is then inserted with the adhesive into the grooves and the seam is formed by this, followed by the knitting by stitches on the outer side of the garment, only. The U.S. patent No. 3,246,621 teaches a method which forms a seam by simply splicing the fabrics together by overprinting points of the fabric. French Patents Nos. 1,306,301 and 1,306,990 refer to a technique that splices the edges together with adhesive and then adhesively applies an elastomeric strip to overlap the edges, followed by the fabric in spots. The U.S. patent No. 5,036,551 teaches a method of manufacturing laminated thermoplastic elastomeric fabrics. An incidental reference is made to the formation of a laminated seam without sewing by sealing with an adhesive. Nevertheless, the described seam is formed by layers of superposition of the thermoplastic elastomeric fabric (ie lamination), a technique which is effective and long-lasting but does not attempt to adhere the splice edges of the fabric which have already been laminated. In this regard, it is important to note that most elastomeric fabrics with thermoplastics can be "welded" together only if the fabrics have not already been cured by preheating. For example, if a batch of neoprene resin has been formed into two sheets and cured by heating, these two sheets can not be physically joined together by heating again. They require the addition of an adhesive or other thermoplastic which has not yet undergone a transformation (for example curing) by heat to be joined. Otherwise, if the heat is applied again, these two pieces will simply degrade into a carbonized plastic that does not retain any of the desired properties. British Patent No. GB 319,416 teaches splicing of elastomeric materials, and specifically deals with the attachment of a material to a backing or surface. The purpose of interfixing as described in this patent will be to prevent fissures and rupture in the cork when the rubber is applied thereon and subsequently stretched during ordinary use. The problems with the seam joining techniques described in the prior art are manifold. The seams are easily rounded or separated because of fabric failure due to stitches during normal use. Stitches that are punched through the fabric weaken the seam and cause leakage. Knitting by dots by itself weakens the fabric by breaking the macro from which the fabric is made. If the seam is covered with tape after knitting, the strip covered with tape causes irritation of the skin and can be discharged from the seam itself through friction of the skin. This again opens the seam stitched by failure. The use of the knitted fabric to join two pieces of the fabric together in and by themselves reduces the stretch and elasticity of the suit article of which the seam is a part, making the suit article less flexible and elastic. The combination of knitted fabric with the use of ribbon placement, or any other fabric to cover the woven seam, makes up this reduction in stretch, flexibility and elasticity. The failure of the seam, which is inherent in its construction method, substantially increases the repair costs of the manufacturers and reduces the useful life of the article of clothing or fabric. Finally, the stitching by stitches and the placement of the tape is an intense process in terms of work, which not only consumes a lot of time but is expensive. The present invention solves these problems and provides other related advantages.

Brief Description of the Invention The present invention lies in a method of joining two pieces of elastomeric fabric together without the need for stitching or knitting at stitches. This is effected using a seam construction method which is based on the creation of a first predetermined configuration which corresponds to a second predetermined configuration to form a seam without stitching.

In one embodiment a first piece of an elastomeric fabric has an edge that is cut to form a first predetermined geometric configuration. The fabric may consist of conjugated dienes, polychloroprene, chloroprene, alpha olefin polymers and copolymers, or neoprene. A second piece of the elastomeric fabric also has an edge that is cut to form a second predetermined geometric configuration. The first and second geometrically configured edges correspond casually to each other. Preferably, the geometric configurations have proximal and far ends which are arcuate. A bonding agent is applied along the length of the first and second corresponding geometrically shaped edges, which are then adjusted together to form a seam. The seam can be of intersection or interfix depending on the shape of the predetermined geometric configuration selected. The bonding agent can be double sided tape, liquid thermoplastic polymer or an adhesive. These can be activated with heat depending on the material used. The adhesive may consist of epoxies, urethane, polyurethanes, cyanoacrylates, acrylics, or silicones. The pieces of tissue are immobilized until the bonding agent has had the opportunity to fully harden, creating a piece of the fabric with seams without stitching. Another embodiment uses the above method, but the tape is applied along the length of the seam on one or both sides of the fabric to further seal the seam. The tape may include a flexible polyester fabric having an adhesive coating on one side, and it may be either heat welded or manually glued. In any case, the tape is fixed by activation with heat. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: Figure 1 is a top and side perspective view of a first piece of elastomeric fabric having straight edges; Figure 2A is a side and top perspective view of the elastomeric fabric part of Figure 1 having an edge cut in a first geometric configuration; Figure 2B is a top and side perspective view of the piece of elastomeric fabric of Figure 1 having a cut of the edge in another first geometric configuration; Figure 3 is a second piece of elastomeric fabric with straight edges; Figure 4A is a top and side perspective view of the second piece of the elastomeric fabric of the Figure 3 having an edge cut in a second geometric configuration corresponding to the first geometric configuration of Figure 2A; Figure 4B is a top and side perspective view of a piece of the elastomeric fabric of the Figure 3 having an edge cut in another second geometric configuration corresponding to the first geometric configuration of Figure 2B; Figure 5A is a plan view of the first piece of the elastomeric fabric of Figure 2A, which is attached to the second piece of the elastomeric fabric of Figure 4A at its first and second geometrically shaped edges, creating a single piece of fabric, united, with an interlock seam; Figure 5B is a top plan view of the first piece of the elastomeric fabric of Figure 2B, which is joined to the second piece of the elastomeric fabric of Figure 4B on its corresponding first and second geometrically shaped edges, creating a single piece knitted together with an interlock seam; Figure 6A is a top plan view of the fabric bonded with an intertidal seam of Figure 5A with the tape being applied over the length of the seam; and Figure 6B is a top plan view of the fabric bonded with an interlock seam of Figure 5B with the tape applied over the length of the seam.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Modalities As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention lies in a method of joining two pieces of elastomeric fabric 10 and 12 together without the need to sew or knit a stitch 14 thereon. With reference to Figures 1 and 3, the first and second fabric pieces 10 and 12 are preferably selected from the group consisting of conjugated dienes, polychloroprene, chloroprene, neoprene, and alpha olefin polymers and copolymers. The edges 16 and 18 which are to be brought together to join the fabric pieces 10 and 12 together and which will define the seam 14, are cut to form the corresponding geometric configurations as illustrated in Figures 2A, 2B and 4A, 4B . With reference to Figures 2A and 2B, the edge 16 of the first piece of elastomeric fabric 10 is cut to form a first predetermined geometric configuration 20, 20 '. The accompanying drawings illustrate two exemplary geometrical configurations, but it should be understood that there are several additional possibilities of configurations sizes that could be suitable for use in relation to the process of the present invention. Preferably, the first geometric configuration 20, 20 'includes arcuate surfaces which more effectively disperse the unavoidable stresses and stresses which will be placed on the seam 14, 14'. larly, the edge 18 of the second piece of the elastomeric fabric 12 is cut to form a second predetermined geometric configuration 22, 22 'which corresponds to the first geometric configuration 20, 20'. See Figures 4A and 4B.

With the first and second geometric configurations 20, 20 'and 22, 22' cut into the corresponding edges 16 and 18 of the first and second pieces of the elastomeric fabric 10 and 12, a bonding agent is then applied to the exposed side surfaces 24 of edges 16 and 18. The bonding agent can be either a double-sided tape, a liquid thermoplastic polymer, or an adhesive. The tape and the polymer are activated with heat to harden them. A preferred adhesive is a urethane because it generally tends to be more flexible than other adhesives, however, any adhesive from the families of epoxy, urethane, cyanoacrylate, acrylic, or silicone will achieve the desired results. The first geometric shaped edge 16 is then matched to the second geometric shaped edge 18 to create an interlock seam 14, 14 'between the first and second pieces of the elastomeric fabric 10 and 12. See Figures 5A and 5B. The result is a single piece of elastomeric fabric with a seam without interlocking stitches 14, 14 '. The interlock seam 14, 14 'is then immobilized until the bonding agent has had the opportunity to fully harden. With reference to Figures 6A and 6B, a heat-activated tape 26 can then be applied on one or both sides of the interlock seam 14, 14 'to further seal the seam. Preferably, the tape 26 is applied either by heat welding or by manual gluing. From the previous description, a number of advantages in the use of this method of construction of seams in elastomeric fabrics becomes evident. This method of seam construction eliminates the need for stitching or knitting. This provides dresses to wear that irritate the skin less. This method also reduces the incidence of seam failure, often caused by the continuous friction applied to the graffiti of the seam. Without the need for knitted fabric, the fabric is also more impervious to water, eliminating the leak frequently associated with sewn fabrics. An additional advantage of this method as the opposite of the stitch weaving method is the reduction in the number of steps required to build a seam, leading to savings in cost, labor and fabric. This will reduce the manufacturing cost of the fabric article. This method maintains the integrity of the fabric by the very natural feature of the intersection of geometric configurations which is derived from the strength or strength of the middle portions of the intersection configuration across the edge of the seam. This leads to a stronger seam and also increases the stretch and elasticity of the fabric, creating a stronger, more flexible and elastic fabric article when compared to other methods. Although the description described above illustrates alternative sewing designs for purposes of illustration, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention because various specifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention will not be limited, except by the appended claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following

Claims

1. A method for providing a stitchless seam between two pieces of elastomeric fabric, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: cutting a first piece of elastomeric fabric to form a first edge having a first predetermined configuration; cutting a second piece of elastomeric fabric to form a second edge having a second predetermined configuration corresponding to the first configuration; apply a binding agent to the first and second configured edges; matching or matching the first configured edge with the second edge configured to create a seam between the first and second pieces of the elastomeric fabric; and immobilize the seam until the bonding agent has had the opportunity to harden.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second configurations are geometric.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the first and second edges geometrically configured intersect when they are made to marry or are paired.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the first and second edges geometrically configured interfere when they are paired.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastomeric fabric is selected from the group consisting of conjugated dienes, chloroprene, neoprene and alpha olefin polymers and copolymers.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the bonding agent comprises a double sided strip activated with heat.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the binding agent comprises a liquid thermoplastic polymer.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the bonding agent comprises an adhesive.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that it is selected from the group consisting of epoxies, urethanes, polyurethanes, cyanoacrylates, acrylics, and silicones.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the shaped edges have proximal and remote ends, and where the far ends are arcuately shaped.

11. A method for providing an intersection seam without stitching between two pieces of the elastomeric fabric, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: cutting a first piece of the elastomeric fabric to form a first edge having a first predetermined geometric configuration; cutting a second piece of elastomeric fabric to form a second edge having a second geometric configuration which corresponds to the first geometric configuration; applying a bonding agent to the first and second geometric shaped edges; matching or matching the first geometrically shaped edge with the second geometric shaped edge to create an intersecting seam between the first and second elastomeric fabric pieces; immobilize the intersecting seam until the bonding agent has had the opportunity to harden; and apply a tape on a first side of the interlock seam.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the first and second edges geometrically configured interfere when they are paired.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the tape is activated with heat to seal the first and second underlying geometric shaped edges.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the tape is applied on a second side of the intersecting seam.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the elastomeric fabric is selected from the group consisting of conjugated dienes, polychloroprene, chloroprene, neoprene, and alpha olefin polymers and copolymers.

16. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the bonding agent comprises a double-sided strip activated with heat.

17. The compliance method. with claim 12, characterized in that the binding agent comprises a ther oplastic polymer. liquid.

18. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the bonding agent comprises an adhesive selected from the group consisting of epoxies, urethanes, polyurethanes, cyanoacrylates, acrylics, and silicones.

19. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the shaped edges have near and far edges, and where the ends remote from the configured edge are rounded.

20. A method for providing an interlock stitch without stitching between two pieces of elastomeric fabric, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: cutting a first piece of elastomeric fabric to form a first edge having a first predetermined geometric configuration which includes the arcuate surfaces; cutting a second piece of elastomeric fabric to form a second edge having a second predetermined geometric configuration which corresponds to the first geometric configuration; applying a bonding agent to the first and second geometric shaped edges; bridging or splicing the first geometrically shaped edge with the second geometrically shaped edge to create an interlock seam between the first and second pieces of the elastomeric fabric; immobilize the interlock seam until the bonding agent has had the opportunity to fully harden; and apply the heat activated tape on a first side of the interlock seam.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the tape comprises a flexible polyester fabric having an adhesive coating on one side thereof.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the tape is applied by either heat welding or manual gluing.

23. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the binding agent is selected from the group consisting of a double-sided strip activated with heat, a liquid thermoplastic polymer, or an adhesive.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the adhesive is selected from the group consisting of epoxies, urethanes, polyurethanes, cyanoacrylates, acrylics, and silicones.