Strumpfhose

Patent Lawyers ….[...][...][...]….[...][...]..

Hofmann St [...]

• • • " •

Dr Thomas [...]

[...]. 3, 50 Mailbox

6830 Rankweil, Austria

43 (0) 5522 73,137-T + 43 (0) 5522 73,137 F + 10 M office@vpat.at

I www.vpat.at

25914/33/ss

140127

1

The invention relates to a pair of pantyhose, comprising at least one connecting seam, the pantyhose are welded together by the two sock trousers parts covering the joint face and along which a reinforcing band on the two interconnected sock trousers parts is glued by the joint face.

It is known to connect pieces of sheet material, by the pieces are welded along the seam to be formed under the action of heat, for example by ultrasonic welding. It is further known, in order to reinforce the weld seam, a reinforcing band on the weld seam must be attached with glue.

A pantyhose of the aforementioned type is apparent from DE 20 2005,021,963 U1. Here than textile article, which have welded joints, sportswear and/or clothing is to be supported directly on the skin, as underpants, swimwear, and also referred to as pantyhose [...]. On these glued, in order to reinforce the welded joints is a reinforcing strip. If said textile article is extensible, a stretchable reinforcing band is also used, wherein, in order to protect the welded seam is, the reinforcing band less readily stretchable than the material of the textile article. If inelastic are the substances of the textile article, can also be inelastic the reinforcing band.

A garment, in particular a directly on the skin supported garment, with apparent from the EP similar-wise 1,293,137 A1 is in parts connected.

2

Task of the invention is to provide an improved panty hose of the aforementioned type. according to invention this is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1.

In the pantyhose according to the invention the woven reinforcing strip has in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing strip extending warp threads, their extensibility is more than 200%, and transversely to the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing strip extending weft threads on, their extensibility less than 70%, preferably less than 50% is.

By the great extensibility in the longitudinal direction can in the vicinity of the seam in the longitudinal direction of the seam be achieved a high extensibility of the pantyhose. Through the low extensibility transversely to the longitudinal direction of the reinforcement band can effect a good protection against the seam would a introducing forces acting transversely to the longitudinal direction of the seam, the tearing the connecting seam, are achieved.

Since the reinforcing strip transversely to its longitudinal direction only a relatively small extent, the entire extensibility is hardly affected thereby in this direction of the pair of tights. Preferably, the width (i.e. the dimension perpendicular to its longitudinal extension) of the reinforcing strip is less than 1 cm. 2 cm and is e.g. at about

In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the invention is provided, as previously described that the pantyhose a with a joining seam between first and second knitted hose parts has covered reinforcement band. This hose parts are cut open in the region of a panty section of the pantyhose and over a rear connecting seam that is in the area of the rear side of the pantyhose (therefore in the buttocks region), and via a front connecting seam that is in the area of the front side of the panty hose, connected to one another.

3

If "extensibility" of a thread in the present (= yarn) by the Font the speech is, so the maximum extension of the thread is hereby meant (= elongation of the thread), without tears that the thread.

Additional advantages and details of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the appended drawing. In this show:

Fig. 1 to 3, schematic representations of basic manufacturing steps for forming a panty hose according to the invention;

Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the finished pantyhose;

Fig. 5, a schematic representation of the seaming;

Fig. a schematic representation of portions of two along the seam 6 sock trousers parts welded together, prior to unfolding, in cross-section;

Fig. sock trousers parts after the application of the reinforcing strip 7 the joined;

Fig. 8, a schematic representation of adhesively bonding of the reinforcing strip;

A schematic representation of applying of the hotmelt adhesive to the reinforcing band 9 Fig..

A embodiment of a according to the invention and variants in more detail below with reference to the setting of the pantyhose Fig. 1 to 9 explained.

Fig. round-knitted 1 shows two hose parts 1, 2 can be constructed in 1.2 conventional-wise. The hose parts. In the embodiment shown, they are with a knitted-on collar 3 provided. 1.2 cut markingmesh stop 4 into the respective hose part is a knit and a 5.

The hose parts 1.2 are cut open along the respective first and second, with the formation of 4 cut markingedges of cut 8, 9 ; 10, 11, as this is represented in 2 Fig.. The cutting the hose parts takes place here in the region of a panty section of the pantyhose 1.2 to be formed.

4

In the lower end portions of said first and second cutting edges 8, 9 is connected to a first of the hose parts 6 a gusset 1, cf. Fig. along a seam 3. The compound 7 takes place.

However, the first and the second hose part 1, 2 are in connected areas of the first cutting edges 6 lying above the gusset 8, 10 and 6 lying above the gusset in areas of said second cutting edges 9, 11 and the second hose part 2 is connected with each other in lower end portions of said first and second cutting edges 10, 11 with the gusset 6. It is hereby 12 between the first and the second hose part 1.2 a rear connecting seam, the will therefore be by means of the seat zone of the pantyhose extends, and a front connecting seam 13, the will therefore be by means of the waist area of the pantyhose extends, as well as a connecting seam 6 and the second hose part 2 formed between the gusset 14. In the junction seams 12, 13 and 14 are preferably sections of a continuous seam. On the connecting seams 7, 12, 13 and 14 are glued support straps 31, as described further below. Fig. 4 shows the finished pantyhose (in the upper region thereof).

Apart from the formation in the regions of the connecting seams 7, 12, 13, 14, which in more detail below with reference to the Fig. 5 to 9 is explained more precisely, the training corresponds to that of conventional pantyhose.

Exemplary are in the Fig. 5 to 7 in the region of the front seam 13 lying portions of the first and second hose portions 1.2 represented. For constructing the front 13 by melting the two hose parts 1.2 are welded seam of a yarn of the hose parts 1, 2 13 connected to each other along the joining seam that is, along the joining seam 13 with each other, as this is schematically represented in Fig. 5. The hose parts 1.2 are placed in to their first cutting edges 8, 10 adjacent areas one above the other, wherein the first cutting edges 8, 10 parallel and flush to each other.

5

The in the finished state of the pantyhose 15.17 of the first and second hose part 1.2 forming surfaces the outer sides are here directed towards each other. The hose parts with their in the finished state of the pantyhose 1.2 could also the inner sides 16, 18 be turned towards one another forming surfaces. Consequently hose parts are at a short distance from the first 1.2 edges of cut 8, 10, the 5 mm is preferably less than, and parallel to the first 8 edges of cut , 10 welded together, to form the joint face is 13, which therefore a weld seam. Preferably, in this welding at the same time at the edge of the seam 13 lying edge strips 19, 20 (these are therefore [...] constitute a) cut off. According to it would also be possible, and the edge strips during welding 13 form only the joint face 19, 20 cut off in a separate work step.

The welding the hose parts 1.2 along the seam by ultrasonic welding takes place in the embodiment 13. The superposed [...] 21.22 1.2 be carried out between two hose parts for this purpose. One of these workpieces being, in the embodiment the welded structure 21, the sonotrode is is acted upon with ultrasonic waves. When other Welded structure 22 it is the counterpart, i.e. the anvil of the ultrasonic sealing equipment. The Welded structure 21 has a planar bearing surface 23, on which the superposed hose parts 1, 2 rest. The Welded structure 22 is in the form of a rotatable wheel formed about the axis of rotation 24. 23 and 24 is parallel to the bearing surface at right angles to the longitudinal extent of rotation The be formed as a wheel 22 a 13. The the seam has 24 rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation formed Welded structure 25 outer peripheral surface, the rests 22 and 23 is parallel to the bearing surface on the superposed hose parts 1.2 with the the welded structure. The outer peripheral surface 25 is therefore [...] formed. First and second side flanks 26 on both sides close to the peripheral surface 25, at 27, which are rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation 24.

6

The first side flank 26 is extended by said edges of cut 8, 10 side remote from the circumferential surface 25 at right angles to the axis of rotation 24 26 closes. The first side flank an angle with a plane 28 a, which is preferably 5° 75 ° + /-, + /-2 ° particularly 75 preferably °.

The second side flank 27, on the closer to the 8 edges of cut , 10 side of the peripheral surface 25 is located, at least substantially at right angles to the axis of rotation is preferably comprises deviations from the right angle 24. Essentially of up to 5° here at right angles.

In principle it would also be possible to make Welded structure 22, which is formed in the form of the described wheel, and the welded structure and the sonotrode 21 be treated with ultrasonic ultrasonic sealing equipment form the anvil of the form.

In Fig. are 5 hose parts 1, 2 and the bearing surface 23 and 25 for the sake of clarity with a small distance from one another represented circumferential surface.

Indeed, each other at these parts lie.

The hose parts to permit of welding along the seam weldable 1.2 have at least one yarn, which is therefore is bloomable. This allows the connection of the two hose parts by its melting 1, 2 along the seam 13 is melted at least one meltable yarn at least to such an extent the. When welding, it is achieved that the connection between the two hose parts 1.2. The meltable yarn Points, in particular is formed on or a thermoplastic from a thermoplastic. Preferably, this activity constitutes polyamide. Other meltable yarns could also be provided instead or in addition.

Instead of welding by means of ultrasound could also be other types of thermal welding carried out, for example, laser welding or a welding by means of at least one heated welded structure.

A portion of the hose parts welded together along the seam 13 is 1.2 6 represented in Fig.. The hose parts welded together along the joining seam, 1.2 13 are folded away from each other in the sequence, as indicated in 6 by the arrows 29 Fig., 30 is indicated.

The hose parts 13 connected to each other along the joining seam, 1.2 are therewith. This A seam but on its own for use of the pantyhose 13 would be too little stably. It will thus in a further process step, a reinforcing band 13 which covers the seam 31 glued, which has a width of 0.5 cm to 2 cm favorably. The reinforcing band 13 and extends with its longitudinal extension in the direction of the seam 31 is therefore in an area adjacent to the joint face with the first hose part 31 1 1 and hose part of the first in a subsequent region of the second hose part 13 at the joint face with the second hose part 2 glued 2. In the embodiment shown, the reinforcing band 16 31 is on the inner insides, 18 of the hose parts 1.2 glued, as this is preferably. Instead, on the outer sides 15 31 could also the reinforcing band, or it could be glued both to the inner sides 16 17, 18 and on the outer sides 15, 17 a respective reinforcing band 31 be glued.

The reinforcing strip 31 has on hose parts 1, 2 bonded state, when no external force acts on the pantyhose, a certain amount of ripple in the direction of its longitudinal extent on, 7 and 8 is indicated in greater detail further below is basis Fig. Fig. explained.

The reinforcing strip 31 is preferably woven. In Fig. 7 are schematically represented by two weft threads 40 and 41 short portions of two warp threads. The warp threads 40 in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the reinforcing strip 31 extend, therefore also in the longitudinal direction of the seam 13, i.e. parallel to this. The weft threads 41 extend transversely, in particular, at a right angle, to the direction of the

8

Longitudinal extension of the reinforcing strip 31, consequently, also at right angles to the seam 13.

The warp threads 40 are formed from a yarn, which has an extensibility of more than 200%. In particular it is true of all warp threads 31 to 40 of the reinforcing strip.

Preferably, the warp threads are formed of such a point on or at least one 40 Spandex fiber. In an advantageous embodiment what matters in the warp threads as the core 40 is a core-yarn with at least one Spandex fiber. The core can be wound around one or more times, for example with polyamide.

The reinforcing strip 31 has weft threads 41 on, the is formed from a yarn be, whose extensibility less than 70%, preferably less than 50%. This applies advantageously at least for more than half of the weft threads 41, preferably for all the weft threads to 41.

The weft threads can be formed from one or multiple fiber 41. In an advantageous embodiment the weft threads are made of polyamide and/or polyester all or at least in part and/or polypropylene.

The bonding of the reinforcing strip 31 is 8 represented schematically in Fig.. For adhering of the reinforcing strip along the joining seam 31 be 1.2 together with the reinforcing band 13 interconnected hose parts 31, on which an adhesive is applied on the side facing the hose parts 1.2 34, between first and second pressure rollers 32, 33 carried out. The pressure rollers 32, 33, and the interconnected hose parts 31 press the reinforcing band 1.2 in a pressure portion together.

When adhesive preferably comprises a hotmelt adhesive 34 it is. This is melted by means of a hot air blower 35, before the reinforcing band 31 9

the pressure portion reaches. By pressing the hose parts 34 coated reinforcing tape with the adhesive 31 to the joined 1.2 coalesces the reinforcing band 31 with these.

The pressure rollers 32, 33 are positioned parallel to one another about their driven axes of rotation. The drive means 8 are not shown for the sake of simplicity in Fig.. The drive is provided with first and second rotational speeds, the lead to corresponding peripheral speeds v1 and v2 (= tangential speeds on the circumference of the respective pressure roller 32, 33). The first pressure roller 32, on the the interconnected hose parts 1, 2 bear, together with the peripheral speed v1 with 1.2 takes connected first and second hose portions, i.e. there is no slip between the first pressure roller 32 and the interconnected hose parts 1.2 before. The same goes for the entrainment of the adjacent reinforcing strip 31 by the second pressure roller 33 at the second pressure roller 33 at substantially the peripheral speed v2.

Returning to point to achieve the entrainment of the hose parts 1.2 or of the reinforcing strip 31 with the peripheral speed of the respective pressure roller 32, 33, the pressure rollers 32, 33 preferably surfaces made of an adhesive material, in particular rubber-covered surfaces, and/or roughened surfaces.

The 95% of the circumferential speed in the embodiment is from peripheral speed v1 v2, wherein a range of 90% to 97% is preferred.

This the layers are brought together with the interconnected hose parts 31 of the reinforcing strip it is 1.2 to a relative speed, and thus to a movement, between the reinforcing strip 31 and the interconnected hose parts 34 is introduced in spaces between 1.2. The adhesive thereby better 1.2 the yarn or yarns of the hose parts, what an improved bonding of the reinforcing strip 31 with the hose parts 1.2 results.

10

Through the greater peripheral speed ν2 is supplied as the layers are brought together with the interconnected 31 of the reinforcing strip v1 1.2 also a greater length of the reinforcing strip 31 than that of the hose parts 1.2 hose parts. This means that the interconnected hose parts 1, 2 in the with the reinforcing strip 31 are stretched locally spliced area. This elongation is fixed with the reinforcing strip 31 by the bonding, so that the stitches of the hose parts 31 are stretched on the reinforcing band 1.2 in their bonded areas. This meshes are therefore also greater than stitches, which originates from regions spaced from the reinforcing strip 31. When bonding of the reinforcing strip are also immediately adjacent said reinforcing strip 31 1 31 sock trousers partsalong-stretched the portions of the, 2. This elongations lead after sticking the reinforcing strip 31, when no external force acts on the pantyhose (= in the relaxed state of the pantyhose), to the already mentioned corrugated course of the reinforcing strip 31 is. When people wear the pantyhose these stretched, so that the corrugated pattern of the reinforcing strip 31 is pulled straight. The ripple of the reinforcing strip with respect to a plan view of a broad side of the reinforcing strip 31 leads 31 to 31 alternately successive convex and concave portions in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing tape. The warp threads 40 of the reinforcing strip 31 extend wavily therefore, while the weft threads 41 run straight.

When supplying the first and second hose parts 1, 2 between the pressure rollers 32, 33 is exerted on the interconnected first and second hose portions are preferably no train 1, 2, the acts against the propulsion by the pressing roller 32, on the the interconnected first and second hose parts 1, 2 bear. 1.2 13 the joint face between the two hose parts could Such a damage before said adhering of the reinforcing strip 31. Am reinforcing strip 31 could be exerted against it such a train, whereby possibly the ripple of the reinforcing strip 31 could be reduced or eliminated.

The rear seam is 12 in the same manner as previously described except for differences hereinafter 13 formed for the front seam described. The hose parts 1.2 are superimposed here in to the second cutting edges 9, 11 and 12 in the manner described along the rear portions joining seam is glued over the rear seam welded together and further a reinforcing strip 31 12. The bonding of the reinforcing tape in the manner described above is likewise 31, wherein the following modification is beneficial:

The speed difference between the peripheral speed is advantageously greater than the difference between sticking and the peripheral speed v2 v1 31 over the front of the reinforcing strip 12 during the bonding of the reinforcing strip 31 is. In embodiment seam over the rear seam 32 80% of the peripheral speed of the first pressure roller 12 the peripheral speed of the second pressure roller 33 v1 v2, wherein a value of 70% to 90% is preferred. The difference in length between the supplied length of the reinforcing strip 31 and the interconnected hose parts 1.2 is thus greater than in the front seam 12 in the rear seam 13 in the relaxed state of the pantyhose also leads to a stronger. These undulation of the glued-on reinforcing strip 31 is finished state of the pantyhose. In the force, which for a certain stretching of the pantyhose in the region of the rear seam 12 is needed, less than the force that codes for the same stretching of the pantyhose in the region of the front seam 13 is needed, based in each case on the longitudinal direction of the connecting seam 12, 13 can thereby to the required greater elongation of the rear. The pantyhose 12 13 in comparison with the front seam weld line (based on the longitudinal direction of the respective connecting seam) when wearing the pantyhose be adapted.

In an analogous manner, as described for the region of the front seam 7 6 13 is carried out with the first hose part of the gusset the area of the connecting seam 1 and the vicinity of the seam 14 of the gusset 6 with the second hose part 2. Again, 7 or 14 is initially carried out by welding the seam 1 or second hose part 2 to the gusset of the first hose part 6 in the manner described. Furthermore, the reinforcement strip is glued in the manner described in the 31.

Since the compound 1 with the hose parts 6 of the gusset is loaded 2 particularly, it can be provided, the connecting seams 7, 14 and optionally also adjoining portions of the connecting seams 12, 13 additionally comprising a thread to sew. In this range the additional stitching do not significantly interfere with the optical impression of the pantyhose by a filament. At least in portions of the front and rear connecting seams 12, adjacent the collar 3, and go the extend over more than 70% of the total extent of the respective connecting seam 12, 13, no additional sewing is performed with a thread. Although the pantyhose is carried under a relatively thin fabric is these portions of the front and rear connecting seams Draw 12, 13 thus hardly ab. Also a very good wearing comfort is achieved.

When [...] the pantyhose is formed on the joint face 31, a reinforcing band 7, for example, initially the seam 7 glued. Then the connecting seams are formed Subsequently 12, 13, 14 and it is a continuous reinforcing strip 31 on these glued. First of all in the form of welded seams to be formed but also for example, the connecting seams 7, 12, 13, 14 and only then start support straps 31 are applied formed. Over adjoining connecting seams 7, 12, 13, 14 can be at least partially a continuous reinforcing strip 31 can be glued or adhered separate support straps 31 it.

These junction seams are sewn with a thread additionally in areas of Falls that is, in the regions of the connecting seams 7, 14 and optionally adjoining portions of the 12 [...] , 13 could in this area during the adhering a reinforcing tape ν1 ν2 31 or it could also be the same as the internal diameter and the circumferential speeds in this area also accounts for 31 constituted by a stuck reinforcing strip.

According to it would also be possible that the connecting seams 7, 14 and optionally adjoining portions of the connecting seams 12, 13 only stitched with a thread, not therefore be welded.

Instead of constant circumferential speeds v1, v2 the pressure rollers 32, 33 via a respective connecting seam during of adhesively bonding of the reinforcing strip 31 could also have a varying peripheral speed of the first pressure roller during of adhesively bonding 32 and/or the second pressure roller 33 be provided.

Fig. 9 shows schematically a possible embodiment for providing the adhesive 31 to the reinforcing band 34 is unwound from a roll and 31 here. The reinforcing band with one of a further role unwound band 36 brought together, which is made from a hot-melt adhesive. The by means of guide rollers 37, 38 39 via a guided [...] bands are applied to each other, in which the band 31 is connected with the reinforcing band 36 and thereby at least partially melted. The so 34 coated with the adhesive 31 can in turn be rolled up in the sequence reinforcing strip, are supplied together with the interconnected so as to be supplied later sock trousers parts the pressure rollers 32, 33, or directly the pressure rollers 32, 33.

A, for example chemically curing, adhesive 31 between the interconnected sock trousers parts and the reinforcing band could also liquid are supplied before being assembled.

The masses per unit area of the hose parts to bear against the legs lie 1.2 at least in the regions of the hose parts^{2 and} 1.2 preferably between 300 g/15 g/m provided for^{2 m,} preferably between^{2 and} 20 g/m^{2 70 g/m.}

For example, 1.2 sock trousers parts Go in the fabric (apart from the region of the collar 3) rows of each other on, are formed from a yarn, which is formed by a containing polyamide covered elastane, and rows, are formed from a yarn made from a polyamide, each other on. It could also be provided from the form a yarn made from polyamide less rows, for example, every third row, or all rows of the elastane form with polyamide covered.

Different modifications of the described embodiment of the invention are conceivable and possible, without to leave the scope of the invention. Therefore, to mention a gusset also even eliminated.

Legend

reference numbers to the:

• [...][...][...][...][...] *

Patent lawyers ** *"? •*

•" [...][...]

Dr Thomas [...]

[...]. 3, 50 Mailbox

6830 Rankweil, Austria

43 (0) 5522 73,137-T + 43 (0) 5522 73,137 F + 10 M office@vpat.at

I www.vpat.at

25914/33/ss

140127

16