WO2016116834A1

WO2016116834A1 - Equipment and process for forming anti-slip portions on garments

Info

Publication number: WO2016116834A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/050164
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giovanni Cartabbia; Paolo CARTABBIA
Original assignee: Macpi S.P.A. Pressing Division
Priority date: 2015-01-22
Filing date: 2016-01-14
Publication date: 2016-07-28

Abstract

Apparatus and process for the formation of non-slip portions on garments; the apparatus comprising: a support (4) having a mobile engagement surface (5) for a garment (3); at least one reel holder (6) for a reel (7) of a tape (8) comprising a support layer (9) and a layer of non-slip material (10); an application device (11) operatively connected to the reel holder (6) and selectively engageable against the mobile surface (5) and against the garment (3) for applying the layer of non-slip material (10) onto said garment (3); wherein the reel holder (6) and the application device (11) define at least in part a feeding path and feeding direction of the tape (8) unwound from the reel (6); wherein the apparatus (1) further comprises a cutting device (22) operatively interposed between the reel holder (6) and the application device (11); wherein said cutting device (22) comprises at least one blade (23) acting along a parallel direction to a longitudinal extension of the tape (8) and is configured to longitudinally divide the tape (8) into parallel strips (8', 8", 8"') while said tape (8) advances along the feeding path and before it reaches the application device (11).

Description

"Equipment and process for forming anti-slip portions on garments"

DESCRIPTION

Field of the finding

The object of the present invention is eguipment and a process for forming anti- slip portions on garments.

By anti-slip portions it is intended, in the present description and in the enclosed claims, elements applied to the garment and constituted by materials adapted to adhere to the and/or make friction with the body (the skin) of the person who wears the garment itself in order to prevent said garment or parts thereof from slipping. A typical example of such anti-slip portions are the fixing strips arranged inside the edges or bands of thigh-high stockings which prevent the stockings from slipping along the leg. Such anti-slip portions can in any case be applied to different types of garments (e.g. on undergarments, such as stockings/socks, tops, underwear, or on athletic and/or technical articles or even on medical articles, such as bands, braces, etc.).

Background of the finding

In such context, it is known to form said anti-slip portions (in strips or spots) by applying silicone-based liquid products on the garment, which are then solidified in a furnace and in contact with the air. The use of silicone-based products has per se several drawbacks. Silicone can in fact give rise to intolerances and allergies. The resistance to washing of the garments provided with such anti-slip portions is limited (frequently, cracking and/or breakage of said silicone portions are generated), so that the anti-slip effect is quickly lost. If such liquid products are deposited on open fabrics, e.g. perforated fabrics, they frequently pass through the material, for example up to the face of the garment that remains visible. The liquid deposition also does not allow forming narrow and thin strips with controlled width since the liquid tends to be expanded. All the catalyst liquid silicone-based products thus have poor elasticity and are plastically deformed. It should be observed that such products are mixed with a catalyst at the time of application and, after mixing, they must be applied quickly otherwise they will suffer progressive deterioration and, above all, the variation of their characteristics between the start and the end of the application - which negatively affects the finished product. Machines are known which deposit the liquid product in a flat manner, after which the garment or part thereof is inserted in a furnace so that the chemical reaction and the drying occur in acceptable times. Overall the working is therefore rather long, complex and thus also costly. It is also known to make anti- slip portions along a closed path, as for the abovementioned stockings, with junctions or with inserts of fabric pieces previously prepared in an open and flat manner and then joined by means of sewing. Machines are also known that are capable of applying the liquid product directly along a closed path, but in the case of formation of closed strips, the overlap zone between the head and the tail of the strip remains clearly visible and - given that it is also thick - it can add discomfort for the person who wears the garment.

In such context, it is also known to form said anti-slip portions by applying a tape constituted by a support layer and by an adhesive layer (usually non-silicone and low-quality, i.e. with poor technical characteristics) on the garment and with the adhesive in contact with the fabric. The application occurs in a flat manner, pressed on head-head machines. The tape is cut to size, positioned and then separated from the adhesive that remains on the fabric. The working times are thus long, in particular if it is desired to apply the tape in a closed manner. Such known tapes are usually wound in reels of about 100m and have a width that ranges from 6mm and up. It should be observed that preparing, cutting and using reels under 6mm width cannot be proposed on an industrial level due to numerous difficulties that present themselves during the cutting step and in the subsequent handling of said reels. Indeed, the reels of tape are obtained from rolls with several meters width, rotted and cut into pieces. If the piece is too thin, it does not stay together and it disintegrates already during the cutting. In addition, even if one is able to cut it, a reel this narrow (e.g. under 6mm) does not have consistency and one is unable to manage/handle it. Another disadvantage is due to the fact that the adhesive - if very costly machines are not used with cooled blades - tends to melt during the cutting (due to the heat generated by the cutting itself), forming welded-together sections that give rise to further difficulties in the subsequent step of application on the fabric. It follows that the known application by means of support tapes of known type does not allow forming narrow strips of anti-slip portions.

Summary In such context, the Applicant has observed that the solution employed in the prior art has the abovementioned defects and/or drawbacks.

Finally, the Applicant has observed that the processes and the equipment of known type for forming anti-slip portions, in particular with closed ring (continuous or with sections), do not allow obtaining high-quality products with limited production costs.

In such context, the Applicant has therefore set the general objective of improving the quality of the anti-slip portions and of the garments that comprise them and of reducing the production cost thereof.

In particular, the Applicant has set at least one of the following objects:

^■ to form anti-slip portions into strips, continuous or with sections, preferably in a closed ring, also with reduced widths (e.g. under 6mm);

^■ to form anti-slip portions into strips, continuous or with sections, parallel and spaced as desired, e.g. for improving the breathability;

■ to form anti-slip portions into strips in a closed ring that has uniform characteristics along the entire circumferential extension thereof;

^■ to simplify and quick the formation of said anti-slip portions in strips with particular attention given to the steps of start and end application on a garment;

■ to adapt, with simplicity, the formation process to garments of different type and size.

The Applicant has found that the indicated objective and at least one of the above- listed objects and still others are substantially attained by equipment and a process for forming anti-slip portions on garments according to one or more of the enclosed claims and/or according to one or more of the following aspects.

In particular, the present invention relates to equipment for forming anti-slip portions on garments, comprising:

a support having a movable surface of engagement for a garment;

at least one reel-holder for a reel of a tape comprising a support layer and an anti- slip material layer;

an application device operatively connected to the reel-holder and selectively engageable against the movable surface and against the garment in order to apply the anti-slip material layer on said garment; wherein the reel-holder and the application device at least partly define a feed path and a feed direction for the tape unwound from the reel.

The garment, or at least one part thereof, is extended on the movable surface of the support and is moved together therewith. The application device is engaged against the garment, or portion thereof, extended on the movable surface.

Preferably, the starting tape has a width comprised between about 2mm and about 30mm.

According to a first aspect, the equipment comprises a cutting device operatively interposed between the reel-holder and the application device; wherein said cutting device comprises at least one blade acting along a direction parallel to a longitudinal extension of the tape and is configured for longitudinally dividing the tape into parallel strips while said tape advances along the feed path and before reaching the application device.

Preferably, said cutting device comprises at least two blades acting along parallel and spaced directions.

Preferably, said at least one blade is of circular type or of nail type.

The Applicant has verified that the cutting device according to the invention allows using a reel of tape sufficiently wide so as to not create problems in the management thereof (storage, handling, etc.) and hence also relatively low-cost (simple warehouse management since one must manage a single reel) and simultaneously be able to precisely form strips of anti-slip material of reduced width (with respect to the width of the starting tape) deposited in parallel. This also allows limiting the production cost of the garment in its entirety.

Preferably, said cutting device comprises a guide device placed downstream and preferably also upstream of said at least one blade, with respect to the advancement direction, and configured for guiding the advancement of the tape. Preferably, said guide device placed downstream comprises a spreader configured for keeping the just-cut strips spaced.

The Applicant has verified that in this manner it is possible to form strips of anti- slip material not only of reduced width but also deposited in parallel at the desired distance, if there are more than, also at differentiated distances. In this manner it is possible to improve the breathability and the grip of the garments in the zones affected by said portions. Preferably, the spreader placed downstream has a plurality of seats, the same number of seats as there are cut strips.

Preferably, two adjacent seats are spaced from each other by a respective spacer. Preferably, the spreader comprises a small plate having one or more grooves defining said seats.

Preferably, each of said seats has a width comprised between about 2mm and about 30mm.

Preferably, each of said seats has a width less than or equal to about 6mm, more preferably comprised between about 2mm and about 6mm.

Preferably, each of said spacers has a width comprised between about 2mm and about 6mm.

Preferably, the guide device/spreader can be substituted.

Preferably, said at least one blade can be substituted with another of different type and/or with a different number of blades.

This allows changing the format as desired (width, distance) of the portions of anti- slip material as a function of the garment.

It is also possible to install a guide device with a single seat if one did not wish to cut the tape but instead deposit it with its starting width, e.g. comprised between 2mm and 30mm as mentioned above.

Preferably, the cutting device comprises an abutment base, preferably an abutment plate, for the tape and wherein said at least one blade acts against said abutment base.

Preferably, by means of non-illustrated devices, said at least one blade is movable between an operating position in which it is placed against or in proximity to the abutment base, in order to cut the tape, and a rest position, in which it lies spaced from said abutment base. When the blade is in the rest position, it is possible to remove a tape to be substituted and/or install a new tape or execute maintenance operations.

Preferably, the cutting device comprises means (e.g. a spring) in order to adjust the pressure exerted by said at least one blade against the abutment base and against the tape. When the blade is in the operating position, it is held against the abutment base while it cuts the tape.

In accordance with a second aspect independent of or dependent on the first aspect, the application device comprises: an applicator roller driven to rotate around a main axis thereof; wherein the applicator roller has a radially external surface, preferably made of silicone, on which the tape is partially wound and the support layer is in contact with said radially external surface; wherein said tape is driven together with the radially external surface of the applicator roller;

a heating device;

wherein the applicator roller is movable with respect to the support between a first position spaced from the movable surface of the support and a second position where the radially external surface and the anti-slip material layer of the tape are in contact with said movable surface and with the garment;

wherein the heating device is configured for activating the anti-slip material layer, rendering it plastic and determining the separation thereof from the support layer and the transfer thereof onto the garment.

Preferably, the heating device is operatively active in proximity to the applicator roller.

Preferably, the movable surface is a closed surface that is movable in rotation.

Preferably, the support is driven to rotate around a main axis thereof.

Preferably, the support rotates with an angular velocity comprised between about

10 rev/min and about 15 rev/min.

Preferably, the support has a substantially cylindrical shape and the movable surface is a radially external surface of the support. More preferably, the support is barrel-shaped with a cylindrical central zone. The cylindrical zone is that intended to receive the garment part with the anti-slip material layer. The barrel shape serves to more easily fit the garment on the support.

Preferably, at least in a mutual contact zone between the radially external surface of the applicator roller and the movable surface of the support, a peripheral velocity of said applicator roller is substantially equal to a linear velocity of the movable surface of the support.

The Applicant has verified that the anti-slip material layer present on the tape is brought to plastic state by the action of the heating device so that, with the applicator roller in the second position, it adheres to the garment and simultaneously is easily detached from the support layer. In other words, due to the heat and the rotary movements of the applicator roller and of the support, the anti-slip material layer of the tape is transferred via contact onto the garment (which is moved at its same velocity), being progressively detached from the support layer as it comes into contact with said garment.

The anti-slip material layer (in a single strip or in multiple parallel strips) can be applied as one or more circular arcs arranged along the circumferential extension of the garment and of the support, or closed, for the entire circumferential extension of the garment and of the support, both as continuous strip(s) or strips with sections.

Once the application has terminated, said applicator roller is detached from the movable surface of the support and brought into the first position. Since the anti- slip material layer is still hot (and possibly still heated by the heating device) and in plastic state, the anti-slip material layer is cut/torn cleanly at the zone of previous contact. The portion of anti-slip material placed upstream of said preceding contact zone remains on the tape and the portion of anti-slip material placed downstream of said preceding contact zone remains on the garment.

Preferably, the heating device has an operating portion facing a portion of said radially external surface.

In a different embodiment, the heating device is placed upstream of the applicator roller.

Preferably, the operating portion of the heating device acts over the entire width of a zone of the applicator roller intended to receive the tape. Preferably, the heating device is of overheated air blower type.

Preferably, the operating portion comprises a mouth directed towards the radially external surface of the applicator roller.

Preferably, the mouth is defined by a slit which is preferably extended over the entire width of a zone, preferably central, of the applicator roller intended to receive the tape.

The solution with overheated air blowing is simple and effective and allows preserving the integrity of the anti-slip material layer, both during the application and in the step of cutting/tearing, without ruining it, as instead would occur with the use of mechanical members.

Preferably, the heating device is placed in proximity to a zone of contact between the radially external surface of the applicator roller and the movable surface of the support. Preferably, a distance between the operating portion of the heating device and a zone of contact between the radially external surface of the applicator roller and the movable surface of the support is comprised between about 10mm and about 20mm.

In this manner, the anti-slip material layer which has just past under the heating device maintains the heat and the plasticity up to the contact zone.

In an alternative embodiment, the heating device comprises a heater element placed upstream of the applicator roller, with respect to the advancement direction. Preferably, said heater element has a heated surface on which the tape slides before reaching the applicator roller. Preferably, the heated surface terminates in proximity to the applicator roller. Preferably, the heater element comprises heating elements configured for heating, preferably via conduction, the heated surface. Preferably, the heated surface is curved and convex. Preferably, the heater element is movable with respect to the support together with the applicator roller between the first position and the second position.

Preferably, the application device comprises a separator element placed in proximity to the aforesaid mutual contact zone. Preferably, the separator element comprises a lamina provided with an edge. Preferably, the separator element is movable between a first position, wherein the lamina is spaced from the applicator roller and from the tape, and a second position, wherein the edge is brought into contact with the tape that lies in contact with the applicator roller, in a manner so as to tear/cut the anti-slip material layer when the latter is heated.

Preferably, the application device comprises a small plate having one or more grooves defining respective seats (one or more) for the tape that slides therein. Preferably, the small plate of the application device is situated at the applicator roller, for guiding the tape from the heated surface up to said applicator roller. Preferably, the small plate of the application device is mounted on the heater element. Preferably, the small plate of the application device is structurally similar to the small plates of the spreader/guide device.

Preferably, the application device comprises a driving device placed downstream of the applicator roller, with respect to the advancement direction, and engageable with the support layer of the tape separated from the anti-slip material layer. The driving device drives the support layer (whole and lacking anti-slip material layer) away from the applicator roller and carries it towards an evacuation zone (e.g. a collection bin).

Preferably, the driving device comprises a group of rollers, preferably including at least one roller that is powered and synchronized with the transfer velocity.

Preferably, the driving device comprises a suction group placed downstream of the group of rollers, with respect to the advancement direction.

In accordance with a third aspect, independent of or dependent on the first and/or second aspect, the equipment comprises:

a melting device engageable with the support and configured for heating and melting the anti-slip material layer deposited on the garment;

wherein said melting device comprises:

a form, preferably heated, having a surface that is counter-shaped with respect to a part of the movable surface of the support;

a heated belt, translated along its longitudinal extension and having one section placed in front of the counter-shaped surface;

wherein the melting device is movable with respect to the support between:

a disengagement position wherein the support is spaced from the counter-shaped surface and from the belt and the belt is spaced from said counter-shaped surface; and

a work position wherein the movable surface of the support is engaged with the counter-shaped surface and the support rotates on itself, wherein said section of the belt is in contact with the movable surface and is moved together with said movable surface, wherein said section of the belt lies interposed between the movable surface and the counter-shaped surface and substantially in contact with said counter-shaped surface.

The Applicant has verified that the hot belt, being flexible, partially encloses the support, transmitting heat in an effective and uniform manner to the anti-slip material layer previously deposited on the garment. The form prevents the external dispersion of the heat of the belt; rather, if heated, it contributes to effectively heating the anti-slip material layer and to causing the melting of said anti-slip material layer on the garment.

Preferably, the support and the movable surface do not comprise heater elements, i.e. they are not directly heated. The garment is therefore only heated on the face that bears the anti-slip material layer and is directed towards the belt. Such face is that in contact with the body and is not visible when the garment is worn. The opposite face of the garment, intended to remain visible when the garment itself is warn, is instead in contact with the substantially cold support and therefore does not risk being ruined by the heat.

Preferably, the counter-shaped surface is concave and with circular arc. In this manner, it is correctly engaged with a cylindrical support.

Preferably, the counter-shaped surface has a diameter slightly greater than that of the cylindrical support.

Preferably, the counter-shaped surface and said section of the belt partially enclose the cylindrical support according to an angle substantially equal to about 180°, preferably slightly less than 180°, more preferably about 170°.

Preferably, the belt is moved along a closed path.

Preferably, the belt is heat-resistant with respect to the temperature that it reaches.

Preferably, the belt is flat.

Preferably, the belt comprises carbon and/or kevlar and/or teflon fibers. More preferably, carbon and/or kevlar fibers covered with teflon.

Preferably, the form is made of metal, more preferably of light alloy with hard anodizing.

Preferably, the form is substitutable.

Preferably, the melting device comprises a support frame.

Preferably, the form is removably mounted on said support frame. The form can be substituted with another form provided with a different counter-shaped surface (in particular with different diameter) adapted to be engaged with supports of different size (e.g. for different garments).

Preferably, the support frame has at least one slit, preferably two, for the passage of the belt, wherein the support frame comprises heater elements, preferably electric heating elements, adapted to heat the form and/or the slits and hence the belt. Preferably, a first slit is placed upstream of the form, with respect to the movement of the belt, and a second slit is placed downstream. The slit or the slits define actual furnaces where the belt transits and is heated. Preferably, the melting device comprises a plurality of wheels mounted on the support frame and on each of which the belt is partially wound to form the closed path.

Preferably, at least one of said wheels is powered, in order to move the belt.

Preferably, the melting device comprises a recovery and tensioning device configured for maintaining the belt taut both in the work position and in the disengagement position and in addition for stably maintaining said belt against the support in the work position.

Preferably, the support frame comprises a first trolley carrying the form, two transmission wheels belonging to said plurality of wheels and placed at the sides of said form and a powered wheel belonging to said plurality of wheels.

Preferably, the melting device comprises at least one first actuator, e.g. pneumatic, configured for translating the first trolley between the work position and the disengagement position.

Preferably, the recovery and tensioning device comprises a second trolley movable in translation with respect to the first trolley and carrying two recovery wheels belonging to said plurality of wheels, wherein the belt is partially wound on said recovery wheels and on said powered wheel in a manner so as to form a double S.

Preferably, the recovery and tensioning device comprises elastic means interposed between the first trolley and the second trolley.

Preferably, said elastic means comprise one or more second pneumatic actuators. When the first actuator pushes the first trolley towards the support, the belt which lies taut in front of the counter-shaped surface comes into contact with the support and against the garment that lies thereon. While the support, with the belt adhered thereto, partially penetrates into the concavity defined by the counter-shaped surface, the belt itself, by acting on the recovery wheels, pulls said recovery wheels and the second trolley constrained thereto towards the support, in opposition to the elastic means interposed between the first trolley and the second trolley.

Preferably, said elastic means are adjustable for varying the tensioning of the belt in a manner so as to vary the pressure of said belt against the support and the garment. Preferably the adjustment of the second pneumatic actuators is made by verifying and varying the air pressure.

The present invention also regards a machine for forming anti-slip portions on garments, comprising at least one equipment according one or more of the preceding aspects.

Preferably, the machine comprises:

a base;

at least one head mounted on the base, wherein said at least one head comprises the support for a garment and the melting device;

wherein the support is rotatable on the base around a main axis thereof;

wherein the melting device is movable on the base and with respect to the support between the disengagement position and the work position.

Preferably, in one embodiment of the machine, the base is fixed and the machine comprises two heads.

Preferably, the machine comprises two application groups, each mounted at a respective head; wherein each application group comprises the application device, said at least one reel-holder, preferably two, and preferably also the cutting device. Preferably, the heads and/or the application groups are symmetric.

Preferably, in a different embodiment of the machine, the base comprises a carousel configured for rotating via pitches around a rotation axis and peripherally carrying four or five heads.

Preferably, the machine comprises:

a loading and unloading station placed alongside the carousel and having an access area for the operator.

an application station placed alongside the carousel and comprising said at least one reel-holder, preferably two, the application device and preferably also the cutting device;

a cooling station placed alongside the carousel and comprising at least one cooling device.

The abovementioned stations are preferably fixed. The carousel rotates, e.g. in counter-clockwise sense, bringing each head in sequence into the loading and unloading station (where a garment already provided with anti-slip portions is removed from the support by an operator and a garment to be worked is fit on the support by the operator), into the application station (wherein the anti-slip material layer is applied, in one or more strips, continuous or with sections), in the cooling station (wherein the formed anti-slip portions are cooled). Preferably, the action of the melting device already starts in the application station and then continues during the transit of the support from the application station to the cooling station, and is interrupted just before the latter. The cooling is important because it stabilizes the anti-slip portions before the garment is touched/handled by the operator in the loading and unloading station. If the handling occurred while the anti-slip material is still hot, this could compromise the adhesion of the same to the garment. Such drawback would not be immediately visible but could be manifested (the material could be detached) after sale and during use of the garment.

Preferably, the cooling device is of cold air blower type.

Preferably, the application station and the cooling station are situated on diametrically opposite sides of the carousel.

Preferably, the carousel rotates via pitches with angular movements of 90° each time. Preferably, in order to complete said 90°, it employs about 2s.

Preferably, the machine comprises a finishing station situated between the cooling station and the loading and unloading station.

Preferably, the carousel rotates via pitches with angular movements of 72° each time.

Preferably, the finishing station comprises a cutting apparatus configured for cutting the garment brought by the support.

Preferably, said cutting apparatus is facing the support when the latter is situated in the finishing station.

Preferably, said cutting apparatus is of laser type or blade type or for cutting under pressure.

Preferably, provision is made for finishing the edges of the garment, in particular of a stocking, by cutting said the garment at the anti-slip material layer placed at an edge. The cutting apparatus cuts the fabric and the anti-slip material layer, preferably while the support rotates. In such a manner, the anti-slip material layer remains perfectly flush with the cut edge of the garment. In other words, a cut edge of the anti-slip material layer remains perfectly flush with a cut edge of a fabric of the garment. The fabric of the garment hence does not project beyond the anti-slip material layer and therefore does not tend to be turned up backward when the garment, in particular the stocking, is worn. In the case of the stocking, in particular of a thigh-high stocking, the turned-up edge of the stocking is thus prevented from driving downward the entire stocking while the latter is worn.

The present invention also regards a process for forming anti-slip portions on garments, comprising:

feeding a continuous tape along a feed path coinciding with its longitudinal extension; wherein the continuous tape comprises a support layer and an anti-slip material layer;

moving the garment along a predefined path and through a mutual contact zone; applying, at the mutual contact zone, the continuous tape on the garment by making the anti-slip material layer adhere against said garment while said garment and said tape are moved with mutual contact;

simultaneously with the application, separating the support layer from the anti-slip material layer adhered to the garment;

causing the melting of the anti-slip material layer adhered to the garment on said garment.

Preferably, the continuous tape is fed by unwinding it from a reel.

Preferably, the garment is moved along a closed path.

Preferably, the garment is made to rotate on itself.

In other words, the tape during its advancement and the garment during its movement transit into a mutual contact zone in which the tape releases the anti- slip material layer and the garment simultaneously receives said anti-slip material layer.

In a first aspect of the process, provision is made for longitudinally cutting, for example by means of one or more fixed or rotary blades, the continuous tape into at least two strips while said continuous tape is fed along the feed path and before applying it. It is thus possible, starting from a reel having a specific width, to deposit a plurality of strips of reduced width on the garment.

Preferably, provision is made for separating and maintaining said at least two strips parallel and spaced after the cutting and during the application. The zones of the garment placed between two strips of anti-slip material allow breathing.

Preferably, the number of strips is comprised between two and five.

Preferably, each strip has a width comprised between about 2mm and about

30mm. Preferably, each strip has a width less than 6mm, more preferably comprised between about 2mm and about 6mm.

Preferably, a distance between two adjacent strips is comprised between about 2mm and about 6mm.

Preferably provision is made for changing the number of strips and/or their width and/or their distance based on the type of anti-slip portions and/or on the type of garment.

In a second aspect of the process, the continuous tape along the feed path is partially wound around an applicator roller placed in the mutual contact zone, with the support layer in contact with said applicator roller;

wherein applying comprises:

placing the applicator roller and the anti-slip material layer in contact with the garment while the applicator roller rotates, the tape advances and the garment is moved together with the tape into a zone of contact of the applicator roller with the garment;

heating a predefined zone of the continuous tape placed immediately upstream of the contact zone, wherein the heating activates the anti-slip material layer and determines the separation thereof from the support layer and the transfer thereof onto the garment.

The passage of the anti-slip material layer from the support layer to the garment is obtained in a simple and effective manner by means of the localized heating of the tape.

Preferably, the garment is fit on a rotary support and the applicator roller is placed in contact with said rotary support.

Preferably, during the application, an advancement velocity of the tape (which substantially coincides with a peripheral velocity of the applicator roller and of the rotary support) is comprised between about 3 m/min and about 6 m/min. Such velocity allows shortening the times for forming the anti-slip portions.

Preferably, the heating is executed by blowing overheated air on the predefined zone of the tape. The hot air blowing determines the heating of the anti-slip material, simultaneously ensuring the integrity thereof so that the applicator roller remains in contact with the support.

Preferably, said predefined zone is extended over the entire width of the tape. Preferably, said predefined zone is substantially rectilinear. Preferably, said predefined zone is heated to an activation temperature comprised between about 140 °C and about 180 °C.

Alternatively, the heating is executed by means of a heated surface, on which the tape slides before reaching the application roller.

Preferably, provision is made for moving away the support layer lacking the anti- slip material layer and placed downstream of the applicator roller.

Preferably, moving away comprises: feeding said support tape along a part of the feed path placed downstream of the applicator roller.

The support layer, by now lacking the anti-slip material layer, is driven away while still whole and then for example collected, in order to be eliminated.

Preferably, the process also comprises: separating the anti-slip material layer already deposited on the garment from the anti-slip material layer placed upstream and still on the support layer of the tape by moving the applicator roller away with respect to the support. As mentioned above in more detail, the simple moving way determines the clean cutting of the anti-slip material layer since the anti-slip material is in the plastic softening state.

Preferably, such moving way is executed while the heating is still active. Preferably, such moving way is executed while the applicator roller and/or the support still rotate. Alternatively, such moving way is executed while the applicator roller and/or the support are stopped, i.e. the rotation is blocked.

Preferably, such separation is only executed at the end of the application on a garment, in a manner so as to form a continuous strip (or multiple parallel and continuous strips) of anti-slip material on the garment. Alternatively, such separation is executed multiple times during the application on a single garment, in a manner so as to form a strip with sections (or multiple parallel strips with sections) of anti-slip material on the garment.

Preferably, the support with the garment is rotated an angle greater than the round angle, e.g. 365°, in a manner so as to form an overlap zone (e.g. about 2mm- 5mm) between a head and a tail of the strip (or of the strips) of anti-slip material. Such overlap zone is visible just after the application but disappears after the melting described hereinbelow.

At the end of the application on a garment and before passing to the application on the successive garment, one section of the tape (e.g. of about 15mm), which extends from the predefined zone placed below the mouth to the just-cut edge, is partially cooled and is not intended to be heated during the subsequent application. Such section however perfectly adheres to the subsequent garment since it remains in the plastic/sticky state (i.e. it remains active). Therefore, there are substantially no tape discards.

In a third aspect of the process, causing the melting comprises: abutting one section of a heated belt against the anti-slip material layer already deposited on the garment, wherein said section is translated along its longitudinal extension together with a movable surface of a rotary support carrying said garment.

Preferably, provision is made for arranging the belt section between a surface that is counter-shaped with respect to the support and said support.

Preferably, said counter-shaped surface is heated.

Preferably, provision is made for sliding (grazing or touching) the belt section on the counter-shaped surface, preferably heated.

Preferably, provision is made for pressing the belt section, e.g. by placing said belt under traction, against the anti-slip material layer deposited on the garment and against the rotary support.

Preferably, the belt is made to transit through one or more heated slits placed upstream and/or downstream of the section in contact with the rotary support. Preferably, in order to cause the melting, the anti-slip material layer deposited on the garment is brought to a melting temperature of at least 140 °C, preferably comprised between about 140 °C and about 180 °C.

Preferably, the belt is heated to a temperature of at least 160 °C, preferably comprised between about 160 °C and about 190 °C.

Preferably, the counter-shaped surface is heated to a temperature of at least 180 °C, preferably comprised between about 180 °C and about 200 °C.

Preferably, the support is not heated.

Preferably, during the melting, a belt advancement velocity (which coincides with a linear peripheral velocity of the rotary support) is comprised between about 3 m/min and about 6 m/min.

Preferably, the melting is at least partially executed simultaneously with the application.

Preferably, the belt section and the form are placed on one side of the support that is diametrically opposite with respect to the mutual contact zone. Preferably, as already mentioned above, the support has a substantially cylindrical shape, more preferably barrel-shaped. The garment is fit on the support and lies in contact with a radially external surface of said support. The portion on which the anti-slip material layer is deposited preferably remains arranged on the cylindrical central zone of the barrel.

In one embodiment, the support is solid. The garment, for example a stocking, or a part of a garment, e.g. a sleeve, is completely turned up and fit on the support, preferably from below.

In a different embodiment, the abovementioned support is hollow, i.e. it has a central passage. The garment, e.g. a stocking, or a part of a garment, e.g. a sleeve, is inserted in the passage and only an upper edge of the garment is turned up and fit on the support, preferably from above.

Preferably, the tape has a width comprised between about 2mm and about 30mm, more preferably between about 10mm and about 25mm.

Preferably, the tape wound in a reel has a length comprised between about 50m and about 150m.

Preferably, the anti-slip material layer of the tape is a technopolymer comprising a mixture of elastomers.

Preferably, the anti-slip material layer has a thickness comprised between about 100 micron and about 400 micron.

Preferably the melting point of the anti-slip material layer is comprised between about 140 °C and about 180 °C.

The anti-slip material layer has, even after the application and the melting, the following characteristics:

■ very high elastic return;

^■ compatibility with substantially all the textile products, both elastic and otherwise;

^■ weldability;

^■ high surface grip, which is maintained unaltered even after many washes without generating breakage and/or cracking;

^■ thin and soft, it respects the elastic modulus of the fabric on which it is applied;

^■ anallergic (silicone free). Preferably, the support layer of the tape is made of heat-resistant and size-stable material.

Preferably, the softening point of the support layer is much higher than that of the anti-slip material layer, e.g. about 250 °C.

The Applicant has verified that overall, the solution as described above and as claimed allows attaining the following objectives:

^■ use of the two-layer tape (support layer and anti-slip material layer);

^■ possibility to work in the open or in a closed ring with continuous application or with sections;

■ in the case of depositing in closed ring, head and tail junction are invisible at least after the melting;

^■ possibility of entering into the machine with a wide tape, still however attaining thinner, possibly spaced strips;

^■ cutting/separation of only the anti-slip material layer while the support layer remains intact and can be quickly and easily recovered in order to be evacuated;

^■ adaptability to garments of different shape and size;

^■ quality of the garment even after the formation of the portions of anti-slip material, since only the hidden face of said garment is heated while the opposite face, intended to remain visible, is not subjected to thermal shocks.

Overall, the finding in the above-described aspects and combinations, and/or according to that claimed, allows attaining the above-listed objects and objectives. Further characteristics and advantages will be clearer from the detailed description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments of equipment, of a process and of a machine for forming anti-slip portions on garments in accordance with the present invention.

Description of the drawings

Such description will be set forth hereinbelow with reference to the enclosed drawings, provided only as a non-limiting example, in which:

^■ figure 1 shows, in perspective and schematic view, equipment for forming anti-slip portions on garments; ^■ figure 1A illustrates a portion of a two-layer tape used in the equipment of figure 1 ;

^■ figure 2 illustrates, in perspective view, an element of the equipment of figure 1 ;

^■ figure 3 illustrates, in perspective view, a variant of the element of figure 2;

^■ figure 4 illustrates, in perspective view, a further variant of the element of figure 2;

^■ figure 5 shows, in perspective view, an application device belonging to the equipment of figure 1 ;

^■ figure 6 illustrates in a top view of the device of figure 5 in a first operating configuration;

^■ figure 7 illustrates the device of figure 5 in a second operating configuration;

^■ figures 7a, 7b, 7c illustrate a different embodiment of the application device pursuant to figures 5, 6 and 7;

^■ figure 8 shows, in a top view, a melting device belonging to the equipment of figure 1 in a first operating configuration;

^■ figure 9 illustrates the device of figure 8 in a second operating configuration;

^■ figure 10 illustrates a garment with anti-slip portions defined by continuous strips;

^■ figure 1 1 illustrates the garment of figure 10 with the anti-slip portions defined by discontinuous dashed strips;

^■ figure 12 illustrates the support of figure 10 during one step of the process and with the garment fit from below;

^■ figure 13 illustrates a variant of the support of figure 10 with the garment turned up and fit from above;

^■ figure 14 illustrates a first embodiment of a machine for forming anti-slip portions on garments integrating the apparatus of figure 1 ;

^■ figure 15 is a plan view of the machine of figure 14;

^■ figure 16 illustrates a second embodiment of a machine for forming anti-slip portions on garments integrating the apparatus of figure 1 ;

^■ figure 17 is a plan view of the machine of figure 16;

^■ figure 18 illustrates a variant of the machine pursuant to figures 16 and 17. Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

With reference to figure 1 , reference number 1 overall indicates equipment for forming anti-slip portions 2 on garments 3. By anti-slip portions it is intended, in the present description and in the enclosed claims, elements applied to the garment 3 and constituted by materials adapted to adhere to the and/or make friction with the body (the skin) of the person who wears the garment 3 itself, in order to prevent said garment or parts thereof from slipping. In the enclosed exemplifying figures, such anti-slip portions 2 are fixing strips arranged inside stockings 3 which prevent the stockings 3 themselves from slipping along the leg.

The illustrated equipment 1 comprises at least one support 4 of substantially cylindrical shape and having a radially external cylindrical surface 5 intended to receive the garment 3, fitted thereon. In the illustrated embodiments, the garment 3, e.g. a stocking, has a tubular form and is fit on the support in a manner such that the fabric lies extended and in contact with the radially external surface 5. In figures 1 , 5-9, 12, 14-17, the illustrated supports 4 have barrel shape with a cylindrical intermediate portion. The stocking 3 is completely turned up and fit on the support 4, e.g. from below. The support 4 illustrated in figure 13 is hollow, i.e. it has a central passage. The stocking 3 is inserted in the passage and only an upper edge of the stocking 3 is turned up and fit on the support 4, preferably from above.

The equipment 1 comprises a reel-holder 6 (figure 1 ) intended to receive and support a reel 7 of a tape 8. The tape 8 is two-layer and, as is better seen in figure 1A, comprises a support layer 9 and an anti-slip material layer 10. The anti-slip material layer 10 is adhered to the support layer 9 and supported by the latter. The tape 8 wound in reel 7 has, for example, a length of about 100m and a width of about 10mm. The reel-holder 6 can rotate around a rotation axis "X-X" thereof in order to allow the unwinding of the tape 8 from the reel 7.

The anti-slip material layer 10 is a technopolymer comprising a mixture of elastomers. The melting point of the anti-slip material layer is equal to about 150 °C. The anti-slip material layer 10 has for example a thickness equal to about 150 micron.

The support layer 9 is made of heat-resistant, size-stable material. The support layer 9 has a much higher heat resistance than the anti-slip material layer 10. Preferably, the softening point of the support layer 9 (higher than the melting point of the anti-slip material layer 10) is for example about 220 °C.

The support 4 is supported by suitable means, not illustrated in figure 1 , and a motor, not illustrated, allows rotating it around a main axis Ύ-Υ". The radially external surface 5 of the support 4 is therefore movable in rotation along a closed path.

The equipment 1 also comprises an application device 1 1 operatively connected to the reel-holder 6 and selectively engageable against the stocking 3 supported by the radially external surface 5 of the support 4, in order to apply the anti-slip material layer 10 on the stocking itself 3.

The application device 1 1 comprises an applicator roller 12 driven by a suitable motor, not illustrated, to rotate around a main axis "Z-Z" thereof parallel to the main axis "Y-Y" of the support 4. The applicator roller 12 has a radially external surface 13, e.g. made of silicone, on which the tape 8 coming from the reel-holder 6 is partially wound for an arc of about 180°. The tape 8 coming from the reel 7 defines a first outgoing section of a feed path of the tape 8 itself (and in a advancement direction), then it is partially wound around said applicator roller 12 and then continues along a second return section of the feed path, parallel to the first outgoing section (figure 1 ). The tape 8 is partially wound on the applicator roller 12 with the support layer 9 placed in direct contact with said radially external surface 13. Due to the friction between the support layer 9 and the radially external surface 13, the applicator roller 12 drives the tape 8 therewith, making it unwind from the reel 7.

The application device 1 1 comprises a heating device 14 configured for blowing overheated air on a predefined and limited zone 15 of the tape 8 placed in contact with the applicator roller 12. As is more visible in figures 1 and 5-7, the heating device 14 comprises a mouth 16 directed towards the radially external surface 13 of the applicator roller 12. The mouth 16 has a substantially rectilinear slit which is extended over the entire width of a central zone of the applicator roller 12 intended to receive the tape 8 or at least over the entire width of the tape 8 itself. The predefined zone 15 is thus rectilinear and is extended over the entire width of the tape 8.

As is more visible in figures 6, 7, 8 and 9, the support 4 and the applicator roller 12 are movable relative to each other between a first position, where they lie spaced (figure 7), and a second position where the radially external surface 13 and the anti-slip material layer 10 of the tape 8 are in contact with the radially external surface 5 of the support 4 and with the stocking 3 in a mutual contact zone 17 (figures 6 and 8).

The mouth 16 is situated in proximity to the aforesaid mutual contact zone 17, for example at a distance of about 15mm. It follows that also the predefined zone 15 (directly hit by the hot air flow) is placed immediately upstream of the contact zone 17 with respect to the advancement direction of the tape 8.

In a different embodiment of the application device 1 1 illustrated in figures 7a, 7b and 7c, the heating device 14 does not operate with air (no mouth 16 is present) but transmits heat via conduction to the tape 8 upstream of the predefined zone 15. In particular, the application device 1 1 of figures 7a-7c comprises a heater element 100 placed upstream of the applicator roller 12. The heater element 100 is provided with a surface 101 heated via conduction by means of heating elements (within the heater element 100 and not illustrated in the drawings), on which the tape 8 slides before reaching the applicator roller 12. The heated surface 101 is placed immediately upstream of the applicator roller 12. The heated surface 101 is curved and convex. The heater element 100 is shaped in order to be interposed between the applicator roller 12 and a guide roller 102 which accompanies the tape 8 on the heated surface 101 .

The heater element 100 is moved, with respect to the support 4, together with the applicator roller 12, as is visible from the comparison between the figures 7b and 7c. More in detail, the applicator roller 12, the guide roller 102 and the heater element 100 form a movable assembly between the first and the second position. The heater element 100 is shaped for at least partly housing the applicator roller 12 and the guide roller 102.

In this embodiment, a separator element 103 is also present, comprising a lamina 104 provided with a thin but not necessarily cutting edge 105. Such edge 105 is substantially parallel to a rotation axis of the applicator roller 12. The separator element 103 is movable between a first position (figures 7a and 7c), wherein the lamina 104 is spaced from the applicator roller 12 and from the tape 8, and a second position (figure 7b), wherein the edge 105 is brought into contact with the tape 8 that lies in contact with the applicator roller 12. The separator element 103 is situated in proximity to the aforesaid mutual contact zone 17, i.e. in place of the mouth 16.

Between the reel-holder 6 and the applicator roller 12, a guide device 18 (figure 1 ) is arranged that is configured for guiding the advancement of the tape 8. The guide device 18 comprises one or more small plates 19, each having one or more seats/grooves 20 intended for housing the tape 8 that slides therein. In the embodiment of figures 1 and 2, the guide device 18 comprises two small plates that are consecutively arranged and connected by a central abutment plate 21. Each of the small plates 19 has a single seat 20, substantially as wide as the tape 8. The two seats 20 are aligned along the feed path. The tape 8 slides within the seats 20 and is guided towards the applicator roller 12.

In the embodiments of figures 3 and 4, the guide device 18 integrates a cutting device 22.

In the embodiment of figure 3, the cutting device 22 comprises a single circular blade 23 that is engaged against the abutment base 21 . The blade 23 acts along a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the tape 8 and to the feed path and is configured for dividing the tape 8 itself into two strips 8', 8" while said tape 8 advances along the feed path and before reaching the applicator roller 12. In such embodiment, the guide device 18 comprises a small plate 19 placed upstream of the blade 23 provided with a single seat 20 as wide as the tape 8 and a small plate 19 placed downstream of the blade 23 provided with two seats 20 parallel and spaced by an intermediate spacer 24. The small plate 19 downstream acts as a spreader 25 for the just-cut strips 8', 8" of tape 8. The two strips 8', 8" continue parallel and spaced up to the applicator roller 12. Each of the seats 20 has for example a width of 3mm. The spacer 24 has for example a width of 4mm.

In the embodiment of figure 4, the cutting device 22 comprises two circular and parallel blades 23 and is configured for dividing the tape 8 itself into three strips 8', 8", 8"'. The small plate 19 placed downstream of the blade 23 is provided with three seats 20 parallel and spaced by respective intermediate spacers 24. Two of the seats 20 each have, for example, a width of 2.5mm and the third seat 20 has for example a width of 1 mm. One of the spacers 24 has for example a width of 4mm and the other of 2mm.

The small plates 19 downstream and upstream and the group of the blades 23 can be substituted as a function of the starting width of the tape 8 in the reel 7, of the number, of the width and of the distance of the strips 8', 8", 8" that one wishes to obtain.

The blade 23 or blades 23 is/are also movable between an operating position wherein it/they is/are placed against (thrust, e.g. by a spring) or in proximity to the abutment base 21 , for cutting the tape 8, and a rest position, wherein it/they lies/lie spaced from said abutment base 21 .

In the embodiment of figures 7a, 7b, 7c, a small plate 19 similar to those of the guide device 18, i.e. provided with one or more seats 20 intended to house the tape 8 that slides therein, is also mounted on the heater element 100. In particular, such small plate 19 is situated at the applicator roller 12 for guiding the tape 8 from the heated surface 101 up to said applicator roller 12.

A driving device 26 is placed downstream of the applicator roller 12, with respect to the advancement direction. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1 , the driving device 26 comprises a group 27 of three rollers including one roller 28 that is powered. The powered roller 28 lies in contact with the other two to define a path with double "S" for the support layer 9 intended to pass therethrough, as detailed hereinbelow. The driving device 26 also comprises a suction group 29 (Venturi tube) placed downstream of the group of rollers 27, with respect to the advancement direction.

During use and in accordance with the process according to the present invention, the reel 7 of tape 8 is installed on the reel-holder 6 and the tape 8 partially unwound, arranged around the applicator roller 12 and engaged in the group of rollers 27. The tape 8 is also arranged on the abutment plate 21 of the guide device 18.

The support 4 is rotated around the main axis "Y-Y" thereof with a predefined peripheral velocity "Vs". The support 4 rotates, for example, with an angular velocity of about 13 rev/min. The applicator roller 12 is rotated in the direction opposite that of the support 4 and with a peripheral velocity "Vr" (which corresponds to the advancement velocity of the tape 8 along the feed path) equal to the peripheral velocity "Vs" of the support 4 itself. Such peripheral velocities "Vs", "Vr" are for example about 5 m/min. The applicator roller 12 and the group of rollers 27 drive the tape 8 along the feed path (figure 1 ).

If the cutting device 22 is present with the blade 23 (or the blades 23), a first section of the tape 8 is arranged below the blade 23 and starts to be cut into strips 8', 8", 8". The strips 8', 8", 8" are situated in the respective spaced seats 20 and continue their course along the feed path parallel and spaced around the applicator roller 12 and up to the group of rollers 27 (figures 3 and 4).

The heating device 14 is activated and (in the embodiment of figures 1 and 5-7) the overheated air hits the predefined zone 15 of the anti-slip material layer 10 brought by the tape 8 (as a single strip or as multiple parallel strips). The temperature "Ta" of the overheated air, which substantially corresponds to the activation temperature "Tn" to which the predefined zone 15 of the tape 8 is brought, is for example about 150 °C. At such activation temperature "Tn" activates the anti-slip material layer 10 which becomes plastic while the support layer 9 maintains its size characteristics unchanged.

In the embodiment variant of figures 7a-7c, the heating elements, not visible, of the heating device 14 are activated and heat the tape 8 via conduction before it reaches the predefined zone 15.

The applicator roller 12 is brought into contact with the support 4 (figure 6) or better yet the tape 8 placed on the radially external surface 13 of the applicator roller 4 is abutted against the stocking 3 brought by the radially external surface 5 of the support 4 at the mutual contact zone 17. In said mutual contact zone 17, the anti-slip material layer 10 (as a single strip or in multiple parallel strips) is pressed against the stocking 3 and the support 4 while the tape 8 and the stocking 3 roll on each other with the same peripheral velocity "Vs", "Vr". The anti-slip material layer 10 present on the tape 8 at the plastic state adheres to the stocking 3 and simultaneously is detached from the support layer 9. The stocking 3 carries the anti-slip material layer 10 away from the support layer 9. In other words, the anti- slip material layer 10 is transferred by contact on the stocking 3, being progressively detached from the support layer 9 as it comes into contact with said stocking 3.

The anti-slip material layer 10 remains attached to the stocking 3, forming a single strip or multiple strips that are parallel and spaced.

If the support 4 completes a complete revolution around the main axis Ύ-Υ" with the applicator roller 12 always in contact, the or the strips of anti-slip material 10 are continuous and form a closed ring (figure 10). If the support 4 completes a complete revolution around the main axis "Y-Y" with the applicator roller 12 which is intermittingly abutted and detached, the strip or strips of anti-slip material 10 form a sequence of sections (figure 1 1 ).

It is also possible that the strip or the strips (continuous or with sections) are only extended for an arc of circumference limited and less than 360°.

Indeed, each time the applicator roller 12 is detached/separated from the support 4, the portion of anti-slip material (hot and plastic) placed upstream of said contact zone 17 remains on the tape 8 while the portion of anti-slip material placed downstream of said contact zone 17 remains on the stocking 3, i.e. the anti-slip material layer 10 is cut/torn cleanly without the aid of mechanical devices.

In the variant of figures 7a-7c, in order to assist the cutting/tearing of the anti-slip material layer 10, it is sufficient to abut the edge 105 of the lamina 104 against the anti-slip material layer 10, i.e. bring the separator element 103 into the abovementioned second position of figure 7b. The consistency of the heated anti- slip material layer 10 is such that the contact with the lamina 104 suffices for determining the tearing thereof.

In a preferred embodiment (figure 7), the support 4 completes a rotation slightly greater than 360° before being detached from the applicator roller 12, in a manner so as to form an overlap zone (e.g. about 5mm) between a head and a tail of the strip (o of the strips) of anti-slip material deposited on the stocking 3.

The support layer 9 (as a single strip or into parallel strips) continues downstream of the mutual contact zone 17, no longer with the anti-slip material layer 10, up to the group of rollers 27 and suction group 29 which provides to evacuate it.

The equipment 1 also comprises a melting device 30 (figure 1 , 8 and 9) with the support 4 and configured for heating and melting the anti-slip material layer 10 deposited on the stocking 3, on which said layer has been previously applied as detailed above.

The melting device 30 comprises a support frame 31 constituted by a first trolley 32 and by a second trolley 33 (schematically represented in figures 8 and 9). The first trolley 32 is for example mounted on a base (not illustrated in figures 1 , 8 and 9) and is movable in translation by means of a suitable first actuator, e.g. pneumatic (not illustrated), suitably driven. The second trolley 33 is constrained to the first trolley 32 so as to be able to translate in the same direction as the first trolley 32 and is coupled to the same by means of elastic means 34 schematically illustrated in figures 8 and 9. Such elastic means 34 can for example be one or more second pneumatic actuators. The force exerted by the first pneumatic actuator is greater than that exerted by the second pneumatic actuators.

The first trolley 32 bears a metallic form 35, for example made of light alloy, having a surface 36 that is counter-shaped with respect to the radially external surface 5 of the support 4. Such counter-shaped surface 36 is concave and is extended as a circular arc for about 180° (figure 8). Two transmission wheels 37 are mounted on the first trolley 32, free to rotate and at opposite ends of the counter-shaped surface 36. A powered wheel 38 is mounted on the first trolley 32 behind the form 35, on the side opposite the counter-shaped surface 36. The powered wheel 38 is driven to rotate around an axis parallel to that of rotation of the transmission wheels 37.

The second trolley 33 carries two recovery wheels 39 free to rotate around respective axes parallel to those of the transmission wheels 37 and of the powered wheel 38. The second trolley 33 with the recovery wheels 39 form a recovery and tensioning device, whose operation will be detailed hereinbelow.

The transmission wheels 37 and the recovery wheels 39 are placed at the vertices of an ideal rectangle. The powered wheel 38 is placed inside said ideal rectangle in a position equidistant from the two recovery wheels 39.

A flat belt 40 is partially wound on the transmission wheels 37, on the recovery wheels 39 and on the powered wheel 38, to form a closed path.

More in detail (figures 8 and 9), the belt 40 is partially wound outside (with respect to the ideal rectangle) the two transmission wheels 37 and the two recovery wheels 39. One section 40A of the belt 40 which is situated interposed between the two transmission wheels 37 lies in front of the counter-shaped surface 36. The belt 40 is also partially wound around the powered wheel 38, on a portion of a radially external surface of said powered wheel 38 directed towards the form 35. The belt sections 40, which lie in contact with the two transmission wheels 37 and with the powered wheel 38 and are interposed between said transmission wheels 37 and said powered wheel 38, thus form a double S. The driven rotation of the powered wheel 38 determines the translation of the belt 40 along its longitudinal extension, i.e. along the closed path identified thereby.

The first trolley 32 has a pair of slits 41 obtained in a metallic body, e.g. made of light alloy, belonging to the first trolley 32 itself, through which the belt 40 transits. Each of the slits 41 is rectilinear and is extended starting from a respective transmission wheel 37 towards a respective recovery wheel 39. With respect to the movement of the belt 40 along the closed path, one of the slits 41 is placed upstream of the counter-shaped surface 36 and the other downstream.

The first trolley 32 is also provided with electric heating elements, not illustrated, which when power supplied heat the metallic body of the first trolley 32 and the form 35. In this manner, also the slits 41 are heated and define actual furnaces where the belt 40 transits and is in turn heated. The belt 40 is for example made of carbon and/or kevlar fibers covered with teflon. The belt 40 is heat-resistant with respect to the temperature that it reaches once heated.

The form 35 is removably mounted on the first trolley 32 in a manner such that it can be substituted, for example with another form provided with a counter-shaped surface 36 with different size.

By means of the first actuator, not illustrated, which moves the first trolley 32 and/or by means of the movement of the support 4, the melting device 30 is movable with respect to the support 4 between a disengagement position and a work position.

In the disengagement position (figure 8), the support 4 is spaced from the counter- shaped surface 36 and from the section 40A belt 40 placed in front of the counter- shaped surface 36. Said section 40A lies taut between the transmission wheels 37 and spaced from the counter-shaped surface 36. Indeed, in such first position, the elastic means 34 maintain the recovery wheels 39 spaced from the transmission wheels 37 by maintaining the abovementioned section 40A of the belt 40 taut in front of the counter-shaped surface 36 (preload).

In the work position (figure 9), the radially external surface 5 of the support 4 is engaged with the counter-shaped surface 36 and said section 40A of the belt 40 lies interposed between the radially external surface 5 and the counter-shaped surface 36 and grazes said counter-shaped surface 36. In such second position, said section 40A is partially wound (according to an arc of about 170°) on the support 4 and said support 4 pushes the section 40A towards the counter-shaped surface 36. The belt 40 consequently pulls the recovery wheels 39 towards the transmission wheels 37 in opposition to the elastic means 34 which are compressed and maintain the belt 40 taut and the abovementioned section 40A pressed against the support 4. The abovementioned elastic means 34 can be adjusted so as to adjust the preload of the belt 40 and the pressure exerted on the support 4.

During use and in accordance with the process according to the invention, the heating elements are driven to heat the belt 40 and the form 35 up to a temperature "Tc" of about 200°C. Such temperature is about equal to or slightly greater than the melting temperature "Tf" of the anti-slip material which is for example about 150 °C.

The support 4 with the stocking 3 and the anti-slip material layer 10 (in one or more strips), previously applied thereon (figures 10 and 1 1 ) by the application device 1 1 , is brought into the abovementioned work position (figure 9). The support 4 rotates on itself around the main axis Ύ-Υ" thereof and the belt 40 is moved in order to be moved at the same peripheral velocity of the support 4. By way of example, an advancement velocity "Vc" of the belt (which coincides with a peripheral velocity of the support 4) is about 5 m/min. The belt 40 is therefore moved in contact with the anti-slip material layer 10 and with the stocking 3 carried by the radially external surface 5 of the support 4 and is moved together with said anti-slip material layer 10.

Due to the described structure, the pressure exerted by the belt 40 on the support 4 and on the anti-slip material layer 10 progressively increases starting from the inlet placed immediately downstream of the transmission wheel 37 situated on the right in figure 9, reaches a maximum at a median and symmetry line of the counter-shaped surface 36 (and of the section 40A of belt 40) before decreasing and reaching zero at the outlet placed immediately upstream of the transmission wheel 37 situated on the left in figure 9.

The heat of the belt 40 in contact with the anti-slip material layer 10 causes the melting thereof and the close adhesion of the latter to the stocking 3. The opposite face of the stocking 3, intended to remain visible when the stocking 3 itself is worn, is instead in contact with the support 4 that is not heated and therefore does not risk being ruined by the heat.

According to that illustrated in figure 1 , the application and the melting at least partly occur simultaneously. In this case, the support 4 with the stocking 3 are brought into the work position of figure 9 and simultaneously or immediately before or after the applicator roller 12 is abutted against the stocking 3 and against the support 4 in a diametrically opposite zone with respect to the radially external surface 5 and to the section 40A of the belt 40. The peripheral velocity "Vr" of the applicator roller 12, the peripheral velocity "Vs" of the support 4 and the advancement velocity "Vc" of the belt 40 coincide with each other. The anti-slip material layer 10 is therefore melted immediately after its application on the stocking 3.

The equipment 1 as illustrated above can be integrated in different types of machines for forming anti-slip portions on garments.

A machine 42, according to an exemplifying embodiment, illustrated in figures 14 and 15, comprises a base 43 configured for resting against the ground and supporting a pair of symmetric heads 44.

Each of the heads 44 comprises the above-described melting device 30 mounted on the base 43 and a support 4 of the above-described type mounted on the base 43 and driven in order to be able to rotate around the main axis "Y-Y" thereof. The support 4 is arranged in front of the melting device 30. The melting device 30 is movable on the base 43 and with respect to the support 4 between the disengagement position and the work position, described above. In the disengagement position, the melting device 30 is retracted inside a casing of the base 43. In the work position, the melting device 30 is extracted from the casing. The machine 42 illustrated in figures 14 and 15 also comprises two symmetric application groups 45, each mounted at a respective head 44, carried by the same base or by an independent support. Each application group 45 comprises an application device 1 1 , a pair of reel-holder 6 and a cutting device 22, as described above. The two reel-holders 6 serve for receiving two reels 7 in a manner such that when the tape of a first reel-holder 6 terminates, the tape 8 of the other reel- holder 6 can be immediately placed in the machine while a new reel 7 is loaded on the first reel-holder 6. In the illustrated embodiment, each application group 45 is borne by an arm 46 which can rotate in order to move the group 45 itself between a position (as in figures 6 and 8) where the respective applicator roller 12 is placed against the support 4 and a second position where the same applicator roller is slightly spaced from the support 4 (as in figures 7 and 9). The arm 46 is also movable into a rest position (see the arm 46 on the left in figure 15), where the applicator roller is spaced from the respective support 4 to an extent to allow the operator to insert or remove a stocking 3. On each machine 42, an operator works who is positioned at the two heads 44 and works on both. In a different embodiment, the machine 42 is of carousel type (figures 16 and 17). The base 43 comprises a carousel 47 configured for rotating via pitches around a rotation axis "W-VV with respect to a fixed base 48 (figure 16). The carousel 47 has a cross-like form in plan view and peripherally carries four heads 44 at the ends of the arms of the cross. Each head 44 is substantially like that described above. The four supports 4 remain arranged in radially peripheral positions of the carousel 47. In the disengagement position, the melting device 30 is retracted inside a casing of the carousel 47.

Around the base 43 and the carousel 47, work stations are arranged in which each head 44 is carried by means of rotation via pitches of the carousel 47 itself.

Such work stations comprise (figure 17):

^■ a loading and unloading station 49, in which there is sufficient space for an operator who must remove a stocking 3 already subjected to the formation process and fit a new stocking 3 to be subjected to said process;

■ an application station 50, placed alongside the carousel 47 and downstream of the loading and unloading station 49, with respect to a rotation direction of the carousel 47, e.g. counter-clockwise; in the application station 50, an application group 45 is arranged of the above-described type;

^■ a cooling station 51 placed alongside the carousel 47, downstream of the application station 50 and comprising at least one cooling device 52 which blows cold air against the support 4 and the stocking 3 while it rotates; the cooling station 51 is placed in a diametrically opposite position with respect to the application station 50.

The applicator group 45 is able to move the applicator roller 12 into the above- described first and second position (figures 6,8 and 7,9) and also into a further rest position (not illustrated) in which the group 45 and in particular the applicator roller 12 are moved away from the head 44 in order to allow maintenance operations. The carousel 47 rotates by pitches, i.e. with alternated movements, bringing each head 44 in sequence into the loading and unloading station 49, into the application station 50, into the cooling station 51 and once again into the loading and unloading station 49. With each pitch, the carousel 47 travels an angle of 90° in a time of about 2s.

The four supports 4 continue to rotate on themselves (e.g. with an angular velocity of about 13 rev/min) while the carousel 47 rotates via pitches except in the loading and unloading station 49, where the support 4 present therein can be stopped by the operator, in order to fit and remove the stockings, and then once again started (e.g. by means of a pedal command).

The action of the melting device 30 already starts in the application station 50 and then continues during the transit of the support 4 from the application station 50 to the cooling station 51 , and is interrupted just before the latter. As in fact can be observed in figure 17, the melting device 30 is extracted in the work position while it is situated in the application station 50 and while it transits towards the cooling station 51 . In the cooling stations 51 and in the loading and unloading station 49, the cooling device 30 is instead retracted in the disengagement position in order to leave free the support 4.

In an embodiment variant of the carousel machine 42 illustrated in figure 18, the carousel 47 has five heads 44 and there are four stations instead of three. A finishing station 53 is in fact present that is situated between the cooling station 51 and the loading and unloading station 49.

In such variant, with every pitch the carousel 47, which has five heads that must be stopped in four stations, travels an angle of about 72°.

The finishing station 53 comprises a cutting apparatus 54 (laser or with blade or with pressure), not illustrated in detail, which is configured for cutting the stocking 3 brought by the support 4 which lies in that step in the finishing station 54. In particular, the cutting apparatus 54 finishes the edge of the stocking 3 provided with the anti-slip portion 2.

With reference to figure 12, the cutting apparatus 54 executes a cut on the anti-slip material layer 10 and through the underlying fabric along a cutting line "C" which is extended entirely around the support 4. Such cutting line "C" can assume different shapes, for example it can be linear or undulated. In this manner, the portion of stocking 3 which in figure 12 is situated above the cutting line "C" is separated and discarded and the anti-slip material layer 10 therefore lies flush with the edge of the stocking 3. Instead, in figure 13, it is the portion of stocking 3 that is situated below the cutting line "C" to be separated and discarded, always obtaining a finished edge provided with the anti-slip portion 10.

Claims

1 . Equipment for forming anti-slip portions on garments, comprising:

a support (4) having a movable surface (5) of engagement for a garment (3);

at least one reel-holder (6) for a reel (7) of a tape (8) comprising a support layer (9) and an anti-slip material layer (10);

an application device (1 1 ) operatively connected to the reel-holder (6) and selectively engageable against the movable surface (5) and against the garment (3) in order to apply the anti-slip material layer (10) on said garment (3);

wherein the reel-holder (6) and the application device (1 1 ) at least partly define a feed path and a feed direction for the tape (8) unwound from the reel (6);

wherein the equipment (1 ) comprises a cutting device (22) operatively interposed between the reel-holder (6) and the application device (1 1 ); wherein said cutting device (22) comprises at least one blade (23) acting along a direction parallel to a longitudinal extension of the tape (8) and is configured for longitudinally dividing the tape (8) into parallel strips (8', 8", 8"') while said tape (8) advances along the feed path and before reaching the application device (1 1 ).

2. Equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the cutting device (22) comprises a guide device (18) placed downstream of said at least one blade (23), with respect to the advancement direction, and configured for guiding the advancement of the tape (8).

3. Equipment according to claim 2, wherein the guide device (18) comprises a spreader (25) configured for keeping the just-cut strips (8', 8", 8"') spaced.

4. Equipment according to claim 3, wherein the spreader (25) has a plurality of seats (20), equal to the number of the cut strips (8', 8", 8"'); wherein two adjacent seats (20) are spaced from each other by a respective spacer (24).

5. Equipment according to one of the claims from 1 to 4, comprising a melting device (30) engageable with the support (4) and configured for heating and melting the anti-slip material layer (10) deposited on the garment (3);

wherein said melting device (30) comprises:

a form (35) having a surface (36) that is counter-shaped with respect to a part of the movable surface (5) of the support (4);

a heated belt (40), translated along its longitudinal extension and having one section (40A) placed in front of the counter-shaped surface (36); wherein the melting device (30) is movable with respect to the support (4) between:

a disengagement position, wherein the support (4) is spaced from the counter-shaped surface (36) and from the belt (40) and the belt (40) is spaced from said counter-shaped surface (36); and

a work position, wherein the movable surface (5) of the support (4) is engaged with the counter-shaped surface (36) and the support (4) rotates on itself, wherein said section (40A) of the belt (40) is in contact with the movable surface (5) and is moved together with said movable surface (5), wherein said section (40A) of the belt (40) lies interposed between the movable surface (5) and the counter-shaped surface (36) and substantially in contact with said counter-shaped surface (36).

6. Equipment according to claim 5, wherein the melting device (30) comprises a support frame (31 ), wherein the support frame (31 ) has at least one slit (41 ) for the passage of the belt (40), wherein the support frame (31 ) comprises heater elements adapted to heat the slit (41 ) and hence the belt (40).

7. Equipment according to one of the preceding claims 5 or 6, wherein the melting device (30) comprises a recovery and tensioning device (33, 34, 39) configured for maintaining the belt (40) taut both in the work position and in the disengagement position and also for stably maintaining said belt (40) against the support (4) in the work position.

8. Equipment according to claim 7, comprising: a first trolley (32) carrying the form (35), two transmission wheels (37) placed at the sides of said form (35) and a powered wheel (38); wherein the recovery and tensioning device (33, 34, 39) comprises a second trolley (33) movable in translation with respect to the first trolley (32) and carrying two recovery wheels (39), wherein the belt (40) is partially wound on said recovery wheels (39) and on said powered wheel (38) in a manner so as to form a double S; wherein the recovery and tensioning device (33, 34, 39) comprises elastic means (34) interposed between the first trolley (32) and the second trolley (33).

9. Equipment according to one of the claims from 1 to 8, wherein the application device (1 1 ) comprises:

an applicator roller (12) driven to rotate around a main axis (Z-Z) thereof; wherein the applicator roller (12) has a radially external surface (13) on which the tape (8) is partially wound and the support layer (9) is in contact with said radially external surface (13); wherein said tape (8) is driven together with the radially external surface (13) of the applicator roller (12); a heating device (14);

wherein the applicator roller (12) is movable with respect to the support (4) between a first position spaced from the movable surface (5) of the support

(4) and a second position where the radially external surface (13) and the anti-slip material layer (10) of the tape (8) are in contact with said movable surface (5) and with the garment (3); wherein the heating device (14) is configured for activating the anti-slip material layer (10), rendering it plastic and determining the separation thereof from the support layer (9) and the transfer thereof onto the garment (3).

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the support (4) has a substantially cylindrical shape, the movable surface (5) is a radially external surface of the support (4) and the support (4) is driven to rotate around a main axis (Y-Y) thereof.

1 1 . Apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the heating device (14) comprises a heater element (100) placed upstream of the applicator roller (12), with respect to the advancement direction, wherein the heater element (100) has a heated surface (101 ), on which the tape (8) slides before reaching the applicator roller (12), and comprises heating elements configured for heating said heated surface (101 ) via conduction.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1 1 , wherein the heated surface (101 ) is curved and convex.

13. Apparatus according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the heated surface (101 ) terminates in proximity to the applicator roller (12).

14. Process for forming anti-slip portions on garments, comprising:

feeding a continuous tape (8) along a feed path coinciding with its longitudinal extension; wherein the continuous tape (8) comprises a support layer (9) and an anti-slip material layer (10);

moving the garment (3) along a predefined path and through a zone of mutual contact (17) with the tape (8);

applying, at the mutual contact zone (17), the continuous tape (8) on the garment (3) by making the anti-slip material layer (10) adhere against said garment (3) while said garment (3) and said tape (8) are moved with mutual contact; simultaneously with the application, separating the support layer (9) from the anti- slip material layer (10) adhered to the garment;

causing the melting of the anti-slip material layer (10) adhered to the garment (3) on said garment (3);

wherein provision is made for longitudinally cutting the continuous tape (8) into at least two strips (8', 8", 8"') while said continuous tape (8) is fed along the feed path and before applying it.

15. Process according to claim 14, comprising: separating and maintaining said at least two strips (8', 8", 8"') parallel and spaced after the cutting and during the application.

16. Process according one of the claims 14 or 15, wherein causing the melting comprises: abutting one section (40A) of a heated belt (40) against the anti-slip material layer (10) already deposited on the garment (3), wherein said section (40A) is translated along its longitudinal extension together with a movable surface (5) of a rotary support (4) carrying said garment (3).

17. Process according to the preceding claim, wherein the section (40A) of belt (40) is arranged between a surface (36) that is counter-shaped with respect to the support (4) and said support (4), wherein said counter-shaped surface (36) is heated; wherein the section (40A) of belt (40) is made to slide on the counter- shaped surface (36).

18. Process according one of the claims 16 or 17, wherein the melting is at least partially executed simultaneously with the application and wherein the section (40A) of belt (40) and the form (35) are placed on one side of the support (4) that is diametrically opposite with respect to the mutual contact zone (17).

19. Process according one of the claims from 14 to 18, wherein applying comprises:

placing the applicator roller (12) and the anti-slip material layer (10) in contact with the garment (3) while the applicator roller (12) rotates, the tape (8) advances and the garment (3) is moved together with the tape (8) into a zone of contact (17) of the applicator roller (12) with the garment (3);

heating a predefined zone (15) of the continuous tape (8) placed immediately upstream of the contact zone (17), wherein the heating activates the anti-slip material layer (10) and determines the separation thereof from the support layer (9) and the transfer thereof onto the garment (3).

20. Process according to the preceding claim, comprising: separating the anti- slip material layer (10) already deposited on the garment (3) from the anti-slip material layer (10) placed upstream and still on the support layer (9) of the tape (8) by means of the simple moving way of the applicator roller (12) from the support (4) while the anti-slip material (10) is in the plastic state.

21 . Process according to the preceding claim, wherein said separation is executed multiple times during the application on a single garment (3), in a manner so as to form a strip with sections of anti-slip material (10) on the garment (3).

22. Process according one of the claims from 19 to 21 , wherein the garment (3) is fit on a rotary support (4) and the applicator roller (12) is placed in contact with said rotary support (4), wherein the support (4) with the garment (3) is rotated an angle greater than the round angle, in a manner so as to form an overlap zone between a head and a tail of the strip of anti-slip material (10).

23. Process according one of the claims from 14 to 22, comprising: finishing edges of the garment (3), by cutting said the garment (3) at the anti-slip material layer (10), in a manner such that a cut edge of the anti-slip material layer (10) remains perfectly flush with a cut edge of a fabric of the garment.