Method for manufacturing a reversible closure for a textile article

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a closure (44) for a textile article, the closure (44) being made of plastic, the method comprising: Depositing the plastic material directly onto the textile article (40), Cutting the deposited plastic material to create the closure (44) for the textile article. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 7

Description

Title of the invention: Method for manufacturing a reversible fastening means for a textile article. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of the manufacture of accessories for textile articles.

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a reversible closure means for a textile article. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Reversible fastening means for textile articles are important components in the textile industry, requiring both functionality and aesthetics. Traditional zippers, often made of metal or nylon, are widely used due to their robustness and durability. However, these closures require complex manufacturing processes, involving the precise assembly of teeth onto strips of fabric, which can be both costly and time-consuming.

[0004] Metal zippers are generally produced by a process of manufacturing a set of individual teeth. The fabric strips are first woven or knitted, and then the metal teeth are individually manufactured by cutting and stamping metal wires into specific shapes. These teeth are then attached one by one to the fabric strips using specialized machines that crimp them in place. This process requires high precision and multiple steps, making manufacturing expensive and time-consuming.

[0005] For plastic zippers, an injection molding process is often used. This process begins with the preparation of the plastic polymer, which is heated to its melting point. The molten plastic is then injected into a mold shaped like zipper teeth. Once the plastic has cooled and hardened, the teeth are removed from the mold and attached to the fabric or tape strips using assembly machines. In some cases, the injection molding is performed directly around the fabric strips, eliminating the attachment step. Although this process allows for the relatively rapid production of plastic zippers in large quantities, it requires expensive molds and sophisticated equipment to ensure the accuracy and quality of the finished products.One advantage of plastic closures is that they are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and offer great design flexibility.

[0006] Snap fasteners, available in metal and plastic, are valued for their ease of use and their ability to provide a secure closure. However, their application to clothing often requires specialized tools and additional manufacturing steps.

[0007] Thus, traditional manufacturing methods, such as plastic injection molding, require expensive molds and relatively long cycle times. Furthermore, the assembly of reversible closure components often requires post-processing to ensure adequate performance, which complicates production.

[0008] There is therefore a need to limit the complexity and slowness of the manufacturing processes for current reversible closure means. Existing technologies are often expensive, time-consuming, and require specialized tools, which limits their efficiency and adaptability.

[0009] There is therefore a need for an innovative method which makes it possible to manufacture these closures in a simpler and faster way, while maintaining the reversible properties and durability required for frequent use. Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention offers a solution to the problems mentioned above, by proposing a simple, fast and inexpensive method for manufacturing reversible garment closure means.

[0011] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fastening means for a textile article, the fastening means being made of a material comprising mainly plastic, the method comprising: • Application of the material directly onto the textile item, • Cutting the deposited material to create the article closure mechanism textile.

[0012] By depositing the material directly onto the textile article, the manufacturing process eliminates the need for traditional injection molding steps, which are generally complex and time-consuming. This direct deposition simplifies the production process, reducing both the time and costs associated with creating reversible closure means for textile articles.

[0013] The subsequent cutting of the deposited material to create the closure means further simplifies the manufacturing process. This method allows for the precise formation of the closure directly onto the textile, ensuring seamless integration and reducing the need for additional assembly steps. This results in a more efficient production flow and potentially higher yields.

[0014] Furthermore, the direct deposition and cutting method can improve the durability and functionality of the closure. By forming the closure directly onto the textile, the bond between the closure and the textile is likely to be stronger, which can improve the overall performance and longevity of the closure in practical applications.

[0015] In addition to the characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the manufacturing process according to one aspect of the invention may have one or more additional characteristics from among the following, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations: • The material is cut by waterjet cutting or thermal cutting. Waterjet and thermal cutting allow for greater precision in forming the closure. Using advanced cutting techniques like waterjet cutting makes it possible to create complex patterns and fine details that would be difficult to achieve with traditional cutting methods. This also reduces material waste, as the cutting is more precise and controlled. Thermal cutting, whether performed with a hot wire or by thermocompression followed by knife cutting, offers the added advantage of sealing the material edges during the cutting process. This can prevent fraying or edge degradation, thus increasing the durability and longevity of the closure. • Thermal cutting includes: • a hot wire cutter or • thermocompression followed by cutting with a knife. • The material is solely a thermoplastic material; thermoplastic material is a polymer, and the deposition of the thermoplastic material comprises the following steps: • melting of thermoplastic material, • deposition of the thermoplastic material, and • drying of the thermoplastic material. • The material is deposited by spraying. Spraying allows for a uniform and controlled application of the material onto the textile article. This deposition method offers great flexibility in terms of design and customization, enabling the creation of various patterns and shapes for the fastener. Spraying the material ensures optimal adhesion to the textile, strengthening the bond between the fastener and the article. This improved adhesion contributes to the durability and strength of the fastener. even under conditions of frequent and intensive use. Furthermore, spray deposition can be carried out quickly and efficiently, thus reducing production time and associated costs. This method also minimizes material waste, as the spray can be precisely controlled to deposit only the necessary amount of material. • Spray deposition includes the projection of molten plastic material or a liquid composition comprising plastic material. • the material is deposited on a predefined part of the textile article and the part of the textile article is made of the same material as the material of the fastening means. • the textile article has an outer layer of the same material as the material of the fastening means. • the textile article includes at least one manufacturing step involving the projection of molten plastic material or a liquid composition comprising plastic material. • The closure method is chosen from: a zipper, a button, a snap button. • The textile item is chosen from: a strip of fabric, a garment, a bag, a tent, a sheet, a curtain.

[0016] Another aspect of the invention relates to a closing means obtained by the process according to the invention.

[0017] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a textile article comprising the closure means according to the invention.

[0018] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a system configured to implement the method according to the invention.

[0019] In one embodiment of the system according to the invention, the system comprises a cutting device and a spraying machine comprising at least one spray nozzle, the spraying machine being configured to carry out the deposition step of the manufacturing process for the closure means according to the invention, the cutting device being configured to carry out the cutting step of the manufacturing process for the closure means according to the invention.

[0020] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] The figures are presented for illustrative purposes only and are in no way limiting of the invention. • Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a reversible closure mechanism for a textile article manufactured by a process according to the invention. • Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the steps in the manufacturing process of a reversible closure means for a textile article according to the invention. • Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a cutting knife for manufacturing a reversible closure mechanism for a textile article according to the invention. • Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a step of depositing plastic material on a textile article of a manufacturing process according to the invention. • Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a textile article with a plastic material deposit according to a step of a manufacturing process according to the invention. • Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a textile article with an integrated reversible closure mechanism manufactured by a process according to the invention. • Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a textile article according to an embodiment of the invention with an integrated reversible closure mechanism manufactured by a process according to the invention. • Fig. 8A shows a schematic representation of the deposition of plastic material on a textile article according to a step of a process according to an embodiment of the invention. • Fig. 8B shows a schematic representation of the textile article after the plastic material has been deposited and formed according to a step of a process according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing on different figures has a unique reference.

[0023] The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a means of closing a textile article.

[0024] In this document, the term "textile article" means a product made from textile fibers, whether natural, synthetic, or a mixture of both. This includes, but is not limited to, textile tape, clothing, bags, tents, sheets, curtains, and other similar products. Textile articles may be woven, knitted, nonwoven, or manufactured by other textile manufacturing processes. In the In the context of the invention, a textile article incorporates a reversible closure means manufactured according to the process according to the invention.

[0025] The term "reversible fastening means" means a device or mechanism used to securely open and close a textile article. This includes, but is not limited to, zippers, buttons, snap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, and magnetic clasps. In the context of the invention, the fastening means is made of a material comprising at least some plastic and is integrated directly onto the textile article by the method described below. In the case of magnetic clasps, magnets may be embedded in a material deposited according to the method described below.

[0026] The expression "opening and closing a textile article" refers to the action of manipulating a fastening means to allow access to the interior of the textile article, to separate and join two elements of the textile article, or to secure it to the user's body or to a fixed object. This includes the use of the reversible fastening means. When the textile article is a garment, these actions allow the garment to be put on or taken off, as well as to adjust its opening for reasons of comfort, style, or functionality. When the textile article is a strip of fabric, the reversible fastening means allows the two strips forming the strip of fabric to be separated when they are attached to each other.

[0027] An example of a reversible closure means is shown schematically in [Fig. 1]. Such a reversible closure means is manufactured by a process according to the invention. The closure means shown in [Fig. 1] is a zipper 10, also called a zip fastener. Such a zipper comprises two rows A and B of teeth 11. The teeth 11 are staggered, that is, the teeth 11 in columns A and B alternate. The teeth 11 are designed to engage and disengage with each other in order to open and close the zipper mechanism 10. Each tooth has a specific shape that allows the tooth 11 to interlock with the adjacent tooth 11 on the opposite row, ensuring a secure closure when the zipper mechanism 10 is in the closed position.

[0028] Rows A and B of teeth 11 are aligned so that they can be easily engaged and disengaged by a slider (not shown in [Fig. 1]), which moves along the length of the zipper mechanism 10. The slider facilitates the opening and closing of the zipper mechanism 10 by guiding the teeth 11 into and out of engagement with each other. To facilitate the use of the slider, end teeth (not shown) may be present to form a stop for the slider and to facilitate its engagement in the two rows of teeth A and B. Such end teeth and cursors are known to the person skilled in the art and can be added manually or automatically after the manufacturing process described below.

[0029] According to the invention, the teeth 11 are made from a material comprising at least some plastic, which is deposited directly onto the textile article during the manufacturing process. This direct deposition method eliminates the need for traditional injection molding processes, simplifying production and reducing associated costs and time. The teeth 11 are then cut from the deposited material.

[0030] Thus, the invention relates to a method 20 for manufacturing a means for closing a textile article, the method 20 being schematically represented in [Fig.2].

[0031] The fastening means of the textile article manufactured via the manufacturing process 20 according to the invention is made of a material comprising mainly plastic, preferably thermoplastic. This material is preferably chosen for its flexibility, strength, and durability. For the plastic contained within the deposited material, several types of polymers can be used depending on the specific requirements of the application. The polymer(s) used may be chosen from: polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyurethane dispersion (PUD), or any other plastic polymer. The plastic may be a bioplastic, for example, one or more water-soluble bioplastics or one or more recyclable water-soluble polymers.Bioplastics are defined as polymers derived from renewable sources (bio-based polymers) and biodegradable polymers. Thus, a bioplastic can be bio-based but not biodegradable, bio-based and biodegradable, or derived from fossil resources (often petrochemicals) and yet biodegradable. Bioplastics should not be confused with biocompatible plastics. For example, bioplastics can include natural latex, polylactic acid, and thermoplastic polyurethanes. Natural latex, of plant origin, is extracted in liquid form from several plants and trees, primarily the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), and forms rubber after polymerization. It is advantageous because it is bio-based, biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, and elastic. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a homopolymer of lactic acid.It is advantageous because it is biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, and can be bio-based, notably being obtained primarily from corn. Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) of isocyanate block polyurethane. They are advantageous because they are recyclable and can be bio-based, biodegradable, and elastic.

[0032] The material may comprise, in addition to the plastic material, another material, for example a bio-based material. The additional material may be biocompostable and / or biodegradable. For example, the additional material, included in the material deposited with the plastic material, may be a bio-based filler, for example powdered walnut shells, powdered olive kernels, powdered cellulose nanofibers, powdered starch, powdered alginate, powdered carbon black, or a mixture of one or more of these components, for example ground into powder.

[0033] The additional material may further comprise bio-based fibers. For example, these bio-based fibers may be viscose, cotton, wool, silk, cashmere, flax, fur, mammal hair, mycelium fibers, cellulose fibers, wood fibers, hemp fibers or a mixture of one or more of these components.

[0034] The process 20 includes a material deposition step 21. The material may be solely a plastic material, but, in another embodiment, the deposited material is preferably a liquid composition comprising a water-soluble binder and a water-based solvent in which the binder is dissolved. The binder mainly comprises a water-soluble polymer, such as those described above, while the solvent mainly comprises water. A liquid composition according to the invention comprises a binder comprising a water-soluble polymer representing 30 to 70% by weight of the liquid composition, and a solvent comprising water representing 30 to 70% by weight of the liquid composition. A filler, for example, a filler consisting of loose fibers and / or a powder, may be added to the liquid composition, with at least 5% by weight of the filler being bio-based.

[0035] In one embodiment, 5 to 70%, preferably 30 to 65% and more preferably 40 to 60% by weight of the bio-based filler, consists of viscose fibers, cotton fibers, wool fibers, silk fibers, cashmere fibers, flax fibers, fur fibers, mammal hair, mycelium fibers, cellulose fibers, wood fibers, hemp fibers, mycelium powder, rice powder, wheat powder, wood powder, starch powder, alginate powder, carbon black powder, wheat flour, corn flour, millet flour, hemp flour, rapeseed flour, soybean hull powder, walnut hull powder, olive kernel powder, cellulose nanofiber powder, bio-based polyamide powder or fibers, or polypropylene powder or fibers. bio-based, from bio-based polyethersulfone powder or fibers or from bio-based polyurethane powder or fibers,taken alone or in mixtures.

[0036] In one embodiment, 5 to 70%, preferably 30 to 65% and more preferably 40 to 60% by weight of the bio-based filler are constituted of at least one bio-based material containing at least 5% by weight of calcium, preferably at least 10% by weight, which notably improves the tensile strength, compressive strength, and / or water absorption capacity of the resulting textile article. This bio-based material containing at least 5% by weight of calcium is, for example, gypsum powder, limestone powder, bone meal, calcium carbonate powder, or chalk powder, which advantageously reduces the environmental and ecological impact of the process. Indeed, calcium carbonate increases the tensile and compressive strength of the resulting textile article. Magnesium sulfate increases both the tensile and compressive strength of the resulting textile article, as well as its water absorption capacity.Gypsum, on the other hand, only increases the tensile strength of the resulting textile article, while sodium sulfate increases the textile article's ability to absorb water.

[0037] In one embodiment, the water-soluble binder comprises at least 10%, preferably at least 30%, and more preferably at least 60% by weight of a bio-based and / or biodegradable polymer, which notably reduces the carbon footprint of the process. For example, the water-soluble binder comprises at least 5%, preferably at least 30%, and more preferably at least 70% by weight of an elastomer, which notably allows for the production of a textile article with elastic properties.For example, the water-soluble binder comprises at least 5%, preferably at least 30% and more preferably at least 70% by weight of natural latex of plant origin, latex of plant origin treated to reduce its protein content, bio-based polylactic acid, bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane, bio-based polyurethane dispersion, dispersion of rosin of plant origin, dispersion of terpene of plant origin, bio-based acrylic polymer or polymer matrix hydrogel, taken alone or in mixture, which advantageously reduces the environmental and ecological impact of the process.

[0038] For example, the water-soluble binder comprises at least 10%, preferably at least 20% and more preferably at least 30% by weight of electrically conductive polymer, which in particular allows instrumentation 1 obtained.

[0039] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises 1 to 30% by weight of magnesium sulfate and / or sodium sulfate, which in particular improves the tensile strength, compressive strength and / or water absorption capacity of the resulting textile article.

[0040] In one embodiment, the liquid composition or filler comprises a water-soluble bridging agent capable of forming ionic and / or covalent bonds with a The water-soluble polymer of the binder allows for the improvement or modification of the textile article's physical properties, particularly its mechanical strength and / or elasticity. For example, the bridging agent primarily comprises fungal spores, fungal mycelium, silicate derivatives, or magnesium chloride derivatives, used alone or in mixtures, which advantageously reduces the environmental and ecological impact of the process.

[0041] In one embodiment, the filler comprises a coalescing agent, the quantity of which represents from 0.1 to 10%, preferably 1 to 5% by weight of the liquid composition. For example, the coalescing agent is 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate, a glycerol acetal, butyl glycol, a fatty acid ester, propylene glycol, or ethyl acetate, taken alone or in mixtures.

[0042] In one embodiment, said liquid composition comprises at least one pigment, which advantageously makes it possible to produce a textile article with at least one layer dyed in the mass.

[0043] In one embodiment, said liquid composition comprises a water-soluble viscosity-modifying agent, which advantageously allows the viscosity of the liquid composition to be adjusted, for example, to thicken or thin it, particularly to ensure adhesion to the substrate without excessive dripping, for example, when the application surface is not entirely flat and horizontal. Viscosity here also refers to the rheological properties of the liquid composition. For example, the viscosity-modifying agent is polylactic acid, sugar, a polysaccharide derivative, alginate, potato dextrose, agar, glucose, malt, peptone, or yeast extract, used alone or in mixtures, which advantageously reduces the environmental and ecological impact of the process.

[0044] In one embodiment, said liquid composition has a dynamic viscosity between 0.1 and 10,000 mPa.s at 20°C, which provides a wide viscosity range suitable for different spraying conditions and different applications envisaged.

[0045] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises a water-soluble adhesive agent, which notably improves the bond between the different layers of the textile article if necessary. Indeed, the bond between layers can be achieved through the polymers themselves present in each layer, particularly when they belong to the same chemical family. For example, the adhesive agent is an aqueous dispersion of rosin and terpene, both of plant origin, which advantageously reduces the environmental and ecological impact of the process.

[0046] One aspect of the invention also relates to a textile article comprising alternating layers of water-soluble polymer-based material and a filler comprising a powder and / or fibers, said textile article being a product resulting from the process according to the invention. By its composition and production process, this textile article advantageously presents a considerably reduced environmental and ecological impact compared to previous textile articles.

[0047] When the material is solely a plastic material, it is previously melted to obtain a liquid composition to be deposited.

[0048] Melting plastic involves heating the plastic to a temperature at which the material transitions from a solid to a molten state. This process begins with the selection of a suitable plastic polymer, such as polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polycarbonate, or thermoplastic polyurethane, depending on the specific requirements of the reversible closure means 10. The selected polymer is then subjected to controlled heating in a specialized apparatus designed to ensure uniform temperature distribution and prevent material degradation.

[0049] The temperature required for melting varies depending on the type of polymer used, as each polymer has a specific melting point. The heating apparatus generally includes temperature sensors and control systems to maintain the plastic material within the optimal temperature range for melting, thus ensuring consistent quality and performance of the molten plastic.

[0050] Once the plastic material has reached a molten state, it can be easily handled for subsequent processing steps. The molten plastic is then ready to be deposited onto the textile substrate, where it will form the basis of the reversible closure mechanism. Precise control of the melting process makes it possible to obtain the desired properties of the final product, including flexibility, strength, and durability.

[0051] Once melted, or from the liquid composition when the composition is not melted, the material is deposited onto a textile article at a step 22, allowing seamless integration of the reversible closure means 10 onto the textile article. The invention covers any material deposit made directly onto the textile article. The expression "deposited directly onto the textile article" refers to the process by which a material, generally plastic, is applied directly to the surface of a textile article without going through intermediate molding or assembly steps. The objective is to integrate the material homogeneously and precisely onto the textile article, ensuring optimal adhesion and seamless integration. By depositing the material directly onto the textile, the process eliminates the need for complex and costly injection molding and assembly steps.

[0052] The material can be deposited in various ways, for example by spraying, extrusion or coating, depending on the specific requirements of the application. This flexibility in the deposition method makes it possible to create a variety of patterns and shapes.

[0053] A preferred embodiment of this deposition step 22 is schematically represented in [Fig. 4]. In the embodiment of [Fig. 4], the material is depositioned by spraying. Spraying allows for a uniform and controlled application of the molten plastic or liquid composition 42 onto the textile article 40. This makes it possible to create various patterns and shapes for the fastening mechanism, thus offering design flexibility and customization options. Spraying also allows the process to be carried out at ambient temperature, unlike coating (cold) or extrusion (hot). Furthermore, spraying allows for the deposition of a thin layer, which therefore dries quickly. It is thus possible to deposit several successive layers and achieve rapid drying of a thick strip of material.

[0054] The spraying process involves projecting the material onto the textile article 40. The spraying machine, represented by reference numeral 41 in [Fig. 4], is equipped with specially designed spray nozzles to project the molten plastic material or liquid composition 42 uniformly onto a predefined area of ​​the textile article 40. These nozzles can be adjusted to control the flow rate and direction of the spray, thus enabling precise and customized application. The machine 41 may also include an integrated heating system to maintain the plastic material at the appropriate melting temperature, as well as an automated control system to monitor and adjust the spraying parameters in real time. This level of control and precision ensures that the molten plastic material or liquid composition 42 is applied optimally, ensuring strong and durable adhesion to the textile.

[0055] When a liquid composition with a filler is used, the spraying of the material may include spraying the liquid composition and spraying a filler consisting of loose fibers and / or a powder, the spraying of the filler being simultaneous with or subsequent to the spraying of the liquid composition. Advantageously, during the material deposition step 22, the filler represents 30 to 60% by weight of the deposited material.

[0056] According to a further aspect of the invention, during the deposition step 22, the weight ratio of the bridging agent in the deposited material is in the range between 1:100 and 1:1, preferably between 1:10 and 1:4, and more preferably between 2:10 and 3:10, which in particular makes it possible to improve or modify the physical properties of the textile article in a satisfactory manner.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the invention, during the deposition step 22, said deposited liquid composition completely covers a filler comprising fibers, at least 80% of these fibers having a length between 3 and 7 mm, preferably between 3 and 5 mm, and more preferably between 3 and 4 mm, which in particular makes it possible to reinforce the textile article obtained.

[0058] The deposition 22 of the material 41 is carried out according to a predefined shape, at a predefined location on the textile article 40. For example, in [Fig. 4], the molten plastic material or a liquid composition 42 is projected uniformly and in a controlled manner onto the textile article 40, forming a continuous vertical band of material. This band is represented by dotted lines, indicating the area where the material is deposited.

[0059] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the result of a drying step 23 of the deposited material. This result is a strip of material 43 after deposition 22, for producing a zipper. This strip of material is now in a solid, hardened state, the material having cooled, either naturally or by a drying and / or cooling mechanism. For example, after hardening, the material has a hardness between 60 and 90 Shore A. In one embodiment, after a drying step, the process includes a stabilization step of the deposited material, this stabilization step comprising at least one of the following substeps: • a heat treatment; • plasma therapy; and / or • crosslinking by irradiation.

[0060] Alternatively, in [Fig. 8A], the molten plastic material or liquid composition 42 was sprayed in a controlled manner to form two distinct circular deposits, identified by reference numerals 46a and 46b. These circular deposits were applied precisely and uniformly to the surface of the textile article 40, creating raised cylindrical shapes. The arrangement and circular shape of the deposits 46a and 46b make it possible to create specific fastening elements, such as buttons or snap fastener components, directly integrated onto the textile article 40.

[0061] Once the material has been deposited in step 22 and hardened in step 23, it is cut in a step 24 to form the reversible closure means.

[0062] Step 24 of the manufacturing process, schematically represented in [Fig. 2], is a cutting step, carried out by a cutting device. For example, it can be used to cut the strip of material 43 placed on the textile article 40 of [Fig. 5]. This cutting can be carried out by various techniques, such as waterjet cutting or thermal cutting. Waterjet cutting allows for greater precision, making it possible to create complex patterns and fine details. Thermal cutting, on the other hand, can, for example, be carried out using a hot wire. The cutting Hot thread sewing involves using an electrically heated wire to cut through the material deposited on the textile article. The hot wire melts and separates the material, following defined contours to form the fastening mechanism.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment of step 24, to form a zipper or other reversible closure, the cutting is a thermal cutting process, comprising heat compression followed by knife cutting. Heat compression is advantageous because it offers the additional benefit of sealing the edges of the material before cutting, and also allows for pre-defining a cutting shape, which is then executed by the knife, resulting in the desired final shape.

[0064] Thermocompression involves applying heat and pressure to a material to give it a predefined shape. Once the desired shape has been obtained by thermocompression, a knife is used to precisely cut the material according to the defined contours. The knife, mounted on a stable support, is configured to make cuts in hardened material, ensuring that the fastening elements, such as the teeth of a zipper, are correctly formed and aligned. The knife consists of a series of blades or teeth aligned to match the specific contours of the fastening elements. The knife can be made of a single blade or a plurality of blades. Each blade of the knife is configured to make cuts in the material deposited on the textile article.In another embodiment, the cut 23 can be made by a plurality of knives of different shapes, or the cut can comprise a plurality of cuts with the same knife.

[0065] This combination of thermocompression and knife cutting allows the material to be pre-formed before cutting, then to be cut precisely and cleanly thanks to the preform, creating a reliable and durable means of closure.

[0066] As the cutting takes place on the textile article 40, in a first embodiment, the textile article 40 can be pre-cut and the material placed on the pre-cut before the cutting of the material, the cutting not cutting the textile article 40 again. In a second embodiment, the textile article 40 can be cut with the material 43 during the cutting step 24, which makes it possible to create, in a single cut, the opening of the textile article 40 and the closing means 44.

[0067] For example, [Fig. 6] shows the result of step 24 for creating a zipper 44. The zipper 44 created was directly placed and cut on the textile article 40. The textile article may have been pre-cut or be cut during step 24 at the same time as the strip of material 43. To make the cut in [Fig. 6], a knife 30, shown schematically in [Fig. 3], for example made of metal, may be used. This knife may be used alone on the strip of material 43, or the strip of material 43 may have been preformed by thermocompression and then cut with the knife 30. The knife 30 consists of a series of blades or teeth aligned to match the specific contours of the closure elements, such as the teeth of a zipper 44 in [Fig.3].

[0068] For example, [Fig. 8B] shows the result of step 24 for creating snap fasteners, formed from a male snap fastener 47a and a female snap fastener 47b. A cutter for forming snap fasteners 47a and 47b is not shown in the figures. Such a cutter is a cutting tool specially designed to create circular fasteners on a textile article. It consists of blades or dies aligned to match the specific contours of the male and female snap fasteners. Each blade or die is shaped to make cuts in the material 46a and 46b deposited on the textile article 40. It can be used alone or in combination with a thermocompression process to preform the material before the final cutting, thus ensuring the correct formation of the snap fasteners 47a and 47b.

[0069] The method may further include a step 25 of adding accessories to finalize the closure means, for example, adding a slider and stops to the sets of teeth 44 formed in [Fig. 6], in the example of a zipper. These accessories may also be decorative elements, or the addition of a coating to the closure means created.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the textile article comprises at least one predefined portion 45, this portion being made of the same material as that used to manufacture the reversible closure means. This embodiment is shown in [Fig. 7], in which the portion 45 is made of the same material as the deposited material. The material deposit 21 is then carried out at least partially on this portion 45 of the textile article 40, which allows for better adhesion of the reversible closure means to the textile article 40. The portion 45 of the textile article 40 may have been created by spraying, making it possible to use the same spraying machine to create a portion of the textile article 40 and the closure means 44.

[0071] In another embodiment, the textile article 40 comprises an outer layer made entirely of the same material as the reversible fastening means. "Outer layer" means a layer in contact with the fastening means once it has been deposited. In yet another embodiment, the textile article 40 is made entirely of the same plastic material as the reversible fastening means, which makes it possible to create both a textile article and its fastening means using the same machine. This is achieved by depositing a greater thickness of material in the location of the fastening means to be created. For example, in the case of a zipper 44, a thicker strip of material 40 is used. that the rest of the textile article can be deposited. Thus, in a material depositing operation 21 and a cutting operation 23, i.e. in two steps, a textile article and its reversible closure means can be created, without requiring an additional step, the invention thus providing a simple and rapid process for manufacturing a textile article comprising a reversible closure means.

[0072] In yet another embodiment, the textile article 40 is a textile strip, and the reversible fastening means is deposited directly onto the textile strip. Thus, the textile strip is covered with material. The textile strip can then be easily joined to another textile article, such as a garment, without sewing, by layering, when the other textile article is made of the same material as that sprayed onto the textile strip. Indeed, thanks to the use of the same material, it is possible to join the fabric-covered textile strip to another textile article made of that material by heating and applying pressure, with perfect chemical compatibility achieved between two identical materials. This makes it possible to obtain a strong fastening means, lined with a textile strip, and joined to another textile article without the need for sewing.

Claims

Demands

1. Method (20) of manufacturing a closure means (44,47a,47b) for a textile article, the closure means (44,47a,47b) being made of a material comprising mainly plastic material (42), the method (20) comprising: - Deposition (22) of the material (42) directly onto the textile article (40), - Cutting (24) of the deposited material to create the closure means (44,47a,47b) for the textile article.

2. A manufacturing method (20) according to claim 1 in which the cutting (24) of the material (42) is carried out by water jet cutting or by thermal cutting.

3. Method (20) of manufacturing according to claim 2 wherein the thermal cutting comprises: - a hot wire cutting or - a thermocompression followed by a knife cutting (30).

4. A manufacturing process (20) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the material comprises only thermoplastic material (42), wherein the thermoplastic material is a polymer, and wherein the deposition (22) of the thermoplastic material (42) comprises the steps of: - Melting (21) of the thermoplastic material, - Deposition (22) of the thermoplastic material, and - Drying (23) of the thermoplastic material.

5. A manufacturing method (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deposition (22) of the material (42) is carried out by spraying the material (42).

6. A manufacturing method (20) according to claims 4 and 5 in which the spray deposition (22) comprises the projection of the molten thermoplastic material (42).

7. A manufacturing method (20) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the deposition (22) of material (42) is carried out on a predefined part (45) of the textile article (40) and wherein the part (45) of the textile article (40) is made of the same material (42) as the material (42) of the closure means (44,47a,47b).

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14. A manufacturing method (20) according to claim 7, wherein the textile article (40) comprises an outer layer of the same material (42) as the material (42) of the fastening means (44, 47a, 47b). A manufacturing method (20) according to claim 8, wherein the textile article (40) is manufactured by a process comprising at least one material projection manufacturing step. A manufacturing method (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means (44, 47a, 47b) is selected from: a zipper, a button, a snap fastener. A manufacturing method (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the textile article (40) is selected from: a textile strip, a garment, a bag, a tent, a sheet, a curtain. A fastening means (44, 47a, 47b) obtained by the method (20) according to any one of the preceding claims. Textile article (40) comprising the closure means (44,47a,47b) according to claim 12. System configured to implement the process (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a cutting device and a spraying machine (41) comprising at least one spray nozzle, the spraying machine being configured to carry out the deposition step (22) of the process (20) for manufacturing a closure means, the cutting device being configured to carry out the cutting step (24) of the process (20) for manufacturing a closure means.

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