Method of joining two protective materials together and protective apparel including articles made using the method

Abstract

The present application relates to a method of joining two protective materials together and to a protective garment comprising an article manufactured using the method. The invention relates to a method of joining a first protective material (10) to a second protective material (20), the second protective material being formed of a thermal insulating fabric having a mesh-like configuration. The method comprises the steps of: providing a plurality of individual glue points (30) on an inner surface (14) of the first protective material (10); and heat pressing the second protective material (20) onto the first protective material (10) to melt the plurality of individual glue points (30) to thereby securely fix the second protective material (20) to the first protective material (10). The invention also relates to a protective garment, in particular a protective garment for motorcyclists, comprising an article manufactured using the method.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on June 12, 2019, with application number 201980053976.6 and invention title "Method for joining two protective materials together and protective clothing including articles made using the method". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a method for joining a first protective material to a second protective material. Specifically, this invention relates to a method for joining a protective material, such as natural leather or similar material, to an insulating fabric having a mesh configuration.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a protective garment, particularly a protective garment for motorcyclists, the protective garment comprising articles manufactured using the method. Background Technology

[0004] Passengers on two-wheeled vehicles (such as scooters or motorcycles) typically wear protective clothing made of natural or synthetic leather.

[0005] In fact, leather provides good protection against wear and tear and atmospheric factors such as wind and rain, while also ensuring a proper degree of breathability.

[0006] However, when sliding along the road surface, regardless of whether the clothing is torn, the friction between the ground and the clothing will generate considerable heat, causing the outer surface of the clothing to overheat.

[0007] This heat can transfer to the rider's skin, causing inflammation and burns.

[0008] To reduce thermal conductivity, it is known to combine leather with insulating fabrics (such as Kevlar®), which can provide additional abrasion protection.

[0009] EP 2207438 and AU 19996318 describe a garment article made of leather, on the inside of which multiple pieces made of abrasion-resistant and heat-insulating fabric are sewn together.

[0010] While these solutions are considered effective, they are not without their drawbacks.

[0011] First, in the event of slippage, the stitching becomes a weakness of the jacket or suit because it is prone to tearing before reaching the leather. Therefore, they must be made with special yarns, such as double-twisted nylon yarn.

[0012] Furthermore, the presence of seams negatively impacts the final appearance of the garment, as they remain visible.

[0013] Furthermore, the seams are typically arranged along the perimeter of a single piece, which means the piece cannot fully adhere to the outer fabric. This can result in garments with an irregular overall thickness, negatively impacting the wearer's comfort and aerodynamics.

[0014] Finally, the method of fixing with sutures is relatively slow and requires a high degree of specialization to perform.

[0015] It is also known to bond natural leather to durable fabrics by gluing.

[0016] However, the fabric and leather are joined together using a continuous polymer film, which on the one hand allows the use of stitches to be eliminated, but on the other hand negatively affects the breathability of the leather.

[0017] Furthermore, the provision of these continuous polymer films stiffens the components formed by the leather and the underlying fabric, thus reducing the overall comfort of the garment. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for attaching a first protective material (such as natural leather or similar material) to an insulating fabric, which overcomes or at least limits the disadvantages described with reference to the prior art.

[0019] In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for connecting a first protective material to a thermal insulation fabric, such that the thermal insulation fabric is securely and stably fixed to the second protective material without negatively affecting the breathability of the first protective material.

[0020] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a method for joining a first protective material with an insulating fabric, such that the resulting article has a regular and constant thickness.

[0021] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a method for attaching a first protective material to an insulating fabric such that the appearance of the first protective material is not negatively affected.

[0022] Furthermore, the objective of this invention is to provide a method for attaching a first protective material to an insulating fabric in a simple and quick manner without the need for specialized work.

[0023] Finally, one objective of the present invention is to provide protective clothing that provides a better level of protection while having a pleasing appearance and being very comfortable.

[0024] The aforementioned objectives and main tasks are achieved by the methods and protective clothing described in accordance with this application.

[0025] This application also relates to the following: 1) A method for joining a first protective material (10) and a second protective material (20) together, the first protective material (10) having an outer surface (12) designed to remain visible and an inner surface (14) opposite to said outer surface (12), the second protective material (20) being made of thermal insulation fabric and having a mesh configuration, The method further includes the following steps: - Provide a plurality of individual adhesive points (30) formed by small clusters of adhesive on the inner surface (14) of the first protective material (10). - The second protective material (20) is hot-pressed onto the first protective material (10) to melt the plurality of individual adhesive points (30) arranged on the first protective material (10), thereby firmly fixing the second protective material (20) to the first protective material (10) through the plurality of individual adhesive points (30).

[0026] 2) The method according to 1) is characterized in that the plurality of individual adhesive points (30) are arranged on a support layer (32), the support layer (32) being configured to be placed between the inner surface (14) of the first protective material (10) and the opposing surface of the second protective material (20).

[0027] 3) The method according to 2) is characterized in that the support layer (32) has a mesh configuration and the plurality of individual adhesive points (30) are integrated in the mesh.

[0028] 4) The method according to 3) is characterized in that the support layer (30) is soaked in adhesive.

[0029] 5) According to the method described in 3), the support layer (30) is formed of adhesive.

[0030] 6) The method according to 5) is characterized in that the support layer (30) is made of polyamide adhesive with a melting point between 75°C and 90°C, preferably between 80°C and 85°C.

[0031] 7) The method according to 1), characterized in that the hot pressing step is performed at a temperature substantially the same as the melting point of the plurality of individual adhesive points (30) or the support layer.

[0032] 8) The method according to 1), characterized in that the hot pressing step is carried out at a pressure between 2 bar and 4 bar.

[0033] 9) The method according to 1), characterized in that the hot pressing step is performed for a time period between 40 and 60 seconds.

[0034] 10) The method according to 1) is characterized in that the first protective material (10) is made of natural leather, particularly cow leather or kangaroo leather, or similar material.

[0035] 11) The method according to 1) is characterized in that the second protective material (20) having a mesh configuration is made of a heat-insulating and abrasion-resistant fabric.

[0036] 12) The method according to 11) is characterized in that the second protective material (20) having a mesh configuration is formed of aromatic polyamide fibers, especially Kevlar®.

[0037] 13) A protective garment (60), particularly a motorcyclist's garment, comprising at least one outer portion made of natural leather or similar material, characterized in that an insulating fabric (20) having a mesh configuration is applied to the inner surface of said outer portion using the method according to any one of 1) to 12). Attached Figure Description

[0038] Features and further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several examples of embodiments provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are illustrated in a non-limiting manner, in which: - Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the steps of the method according to the present invention is shown; - Figure 2 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 Views that are similar to, but relate to, different embodiments of, the method according to the invention; - Figure 3 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 Similar views, but relating to further embodiments of the method according to the invention; - Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating further steps of the method according to the present invention is shown; - Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of an article obtained by the method according to the invention is shown; - Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a protective garment in an open configuration is shown, the protective garment comprising articles manufactured using the method according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] First refer to Figure 1-5 The present invention relates to a method for connecting a first protective material 10 and a second protective material 20 together.

[0040] The first protective material 10 has an outer surface 12 designed to remain visible and an inner surface 14 opposite to the outer surface 12. The first protective material 10 is preferably made of abrasion-resistant material, particularly natural leather, such as cowhide or kangaroo leather, or similar materials.

[0041] When the first protective material 10 is made of natural leather or similar material, the outer surface 12 is the so-called "top side" and the inner surface 14 is the so-called "skin side" of the leather.

[0042] Preferably, the first protective material 10 has a thickness between 1 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0043] The second protective material 20 is made of heat-insulating fabric and has a mesh or looseweave configuration.

[0044] For the purposes of this invention, "mesh or loosely woven configuration" is understood to mean that there are channels or openings 22 between the longitudinal and transverse yarns forming the fabric, extending laterally along the material to allow air to pass through. Therefore, the second protective material 20 is breathable while maintaining substantially its thermal insulation properties.

[0045] Advantageously, the second protective material 20 can be made of a fabric that is not only heat-insulating but also abrasion-resistant. Preferably, the second protective material 20 is made of aramid fibers, particularly Kevlar®.

[0046] Preferably, the thickness of the second protective material is between 1 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0047] Specific reference Figure 1 According to the present invention, the method includes a first step in which a plurality of individual adhesive points 30 formed by small clusters of adhesive are arranged on the inner surface 14 of the first protective material 10.

[0048] Preferably, the plurality of individual adhesive points 30 are formed by small clusters of adhesive (hot melt adhesive) that can be activated by heat. As will be explained below, the plurality of individual adhesive points 30 allow adhesion between the first protective material 10 and the second protective material 20 without compromising the breathability of the second protective material 20 (i.e., the thermal insulation fabric).

[0049] Multiple individual adhesive points 30 can be arranged on the inner surface 14 of the first protective material 10 by an adhesive supply device (not shown in the figure, as this is well known to those skilled in the art), which can be manually controlled or controlled by a programmable control unit.

[0050] exist Figure 2In the alternative embodiment shown, a plurality of individual adhesive points 30 are arranged on a support layer 32, which is configured to be positioned between the inner surface 14 of the first protective material 10 and the opposing surface of the second protective material 20.

[0051] For example, the support layer 32 can be a breathable paper, or it can be made of a breathable nonwoven fabric.

[0052] The adhesive points can be arranged on both sides of the support layer, or they can be configured such that the adhesive arranged on one side of the support layer penetrates the layer and passes through to the opposite side.

[0053] Once placed between the first and second protective materials, a support layer 32 with adhesive points 30 is arranged thereon, thus allowing adhesion between the first and second protective materials.

[0054] from Figure 2 As can be clearly seen, the support layer 32 can also advantageously have a mesh or loosely woven configuration. For the purposes of this invention, utilizing the mesh or loosely woven configuration of the support layer 32 in a manner similar to that described with reference to the second protective material 20, it is understood that there are channels or openings 34 extending laterally along the support layer between the filaments forming the support layer 32 to allow air to pass through.

[0055] Reference Figure 3 Multiple individual adhesive points can be integrated within a support layer having a mesh configuration. For the purposes of this invention, "integrated within a support layer" should be understood to mean that multiple individual adhesive points form a single entity with the support layer; more specifically, the adhesive points are embedded within the support layer. In this case, the support layer is identified by reference numeral 30.

[0056] Advantageously, the support layer 30 can be impregnated with adhesive.

[0057] Alternatively, the support layer 30 can be formed directly from an adhesive, such as a solvent-based or water-based adhesive.

[0058] In particular, the mesh support layer can be made of polyamide adhesive with a low melting point, for example, between 75°C and 90°C, or even more preferably between 80°C and 85°C.

[0059] As already mentioned, after a plurality of individual adhesive points 30 or a support layer 30 having a plurality of individual adhesive points are arranged on the inner surface 14 of the first protective material 10, the second protective material 20 is hot-pressed onto the first protective material 10.

[0060] Reference Figure 4 This pressing operation can be easily performed using a standard hot pressing process.

[0061] Preferably, the hot-pressing step is performed at a temperature above the melting point of the plurality of adhesive points 30 (which are individual or form part of a support layer), thereby allowing bonding and adhesion between the first and second protective materials. The temperature is set above the melting temperature of the adhesive points because the presence of the second insulating material also serves as insulation in this process step.

[0062] For example, when using low-melting-point adhesives, hot pressing can be performed at a temperature of approximately 130°C to ensure bonding without damaging the first protective material, especially if the first protective material is made of natural leather.

[0063] The hot pressing operation is preferably performed for a period of 40 to 60 seconds; even more preferably for a period of approximately 50 seconds. This time period ensures that all adhesive points 30 or the support layer are completely melted at the end of the pressing operation, without damage to the surface of the first protective material.

[0064] Preferably, the hot pressing operation is carried out at a pressure between 2 bar and 4 bar (especially 3 bar).

[0065] Therefore, at the end of the hot pressing operation, an article 50 with a three-layer structure is obtained (see...). Figure 5 ): an outer layer formed of a first protective material 10, an intermediate layer formed of a plurality of adhesive points and / or a support layer 30, and an inner layer formed of a second protective material 20.

[0066] from Figure 5 As can be clearly seen, the special feature of connecting the first protective material 10 with the second protective material 20, which has a mesh configuration, together (through individual adhesive points or through a support layer that also has a mesh configuration) results in the article 50 remaining breathable as a whole.

[0067] The channels or openings 22 of the second protective material are preferably intended to coincide with portions of the first protective material that do not have individual adhesive points, or, in the case of a mesh support layer 30, to coincide with openings or channels 34 of the mesh support layer 30.

[0068] When the article 50 produced according to the method of the invention is used in clothing, the configuration of the second protective material 20 allows any water vapor generated by body perspiration to pass through it. When the first protective material 10 is made of natural leather, the water vapor can therefore advantageously diffuse outwards, ensuring a high degree of comfort for the user.

[0069] Figure 6 A protective garment 60 in an open configuration is shown, comprising an article 50 made using the method according to the invention.

[0070] In particular, the back portion of the garment 60 may be made of natural leather or similar material, and the insulating fabric 20 with a mesh structure may be applied to the inner surface of this portion in the manner described above.

[0071] When the insulation fabric is made of Kevlar® with a thermal conductivity of 0.043 W / m*K, it can be observed that by attaching this fabric to the outer leather of the garment, an increase of approximately 40% in the garment's impact abrasion resistance and a reduction of approximately 60% in the garment's thermal conductivity can be achieved without negatively impacting the garment's breathability in any way.

[0072] According to standard UNI EN 13595-1:2004, the abrasion resistance of the articles according to the invention is tested using P60 sandpaper.

[0073] Note that the abrasion resistance of the leather layer without insulation fabric is in the range of 6-8 seconds, with an average of 6.66 seconds.

[0074] The abrasion resistance of the articles according to the invention is in the range of 9-11 seconds, with an average of 9.46 seconds, wherein the insulating material layer made of Kevlar is bonded together with the same leather layer.

[0075] The thermal conductivity of the articles according to the invention was tested at a contact temperature of 80°C in accordance with standard UNI EN ISO 12127-1:2016.

[0076] Note that the contact heat resistance of the leather layer without insulation fabric is in the range of 40-43 seconds, with an average of 41.4 seconds.

[0077] According to the method of the present invention, the contact heat resistance of the same leather layer bonded to the heat insulation material layer made of Kevlar is in the range of 67-70 seconds, with an average of 68.7 seconds.

[0078] The risk of clothing tearing is reduced when sliding along asphalt, and the risk of burns is reduced to an even greater extent due to the heat generated by friction between the ground and the clothing.

[0079] Figure 6 A jacket is shown, but other types of clothing, such as trousers, suits, or pullovers, can also be designed to include items manufactured using the method according to the invention.

[0080] Based on the above description, it is now clear how the predetermined objective can be advantageously achieved using the method and clothing according to the invention.

[0081] In particular, using the method according to the invention, protective materials (such as leather) can be attached to insulating fabrics in a stable and secure manner without adversely affecting the breathability of the leather. Due to the mesh structure of the insulating fabric, an article with overall breathability can be obtained.

[0082] Furthermore, the resulting item has a uniform and constant thickness. In fact, the insulation fabric is no longer just secured along its perimeter. It adheres to the outer leather over its entire area, ensuring high grip and preventing wrinkles or folds from forming along its center.

[0083] Furthermore, by using the method according to the invention, the seam arrangement between the first protective material and the second protective material can be eliminated, thereby improving the appearance of the final garment.

[0084] Furthermore, the hot-pressing operation that connects the first and second protective materials together is easy to implement and, in addition to being fast, can be carried out by non-specialized workers.

[0085] Finally, clothing made using articles manufactured according to the method of the present invention ensures greater comfort for the user while providing better protection against impacts and any burns caused by friction.

[0086] It is evident that the above description of embodiments applying the innovative principles of the present invention is provided by way of example of these innovative principles and is therefore not to be considered a limitation on the scope of the claims made herein.

[0087] For example, the features of the various solutions shown here can be combined with each other to meet specific needs and requirements.

[0088] Finally, the exact form and proportions of each part may vary depending on specific practical requirements.

Claims

1. A method for joining a first breathable protective material (10) with a second protective material (20), the first breathable protective material (10) having an outer surface (12) designed to remain visible and an inner surface (14) opposite to the outer surface (12), the second protective material (20) being made of a thermally insulating fabric having a mesh or loosely woven configuration configured to have channels or openings (22) extending transversely along the material between the longitudinal and transverse yarns forming the fabric. The method further includes the following steps: - Provide a plurality of individual adhesive points (30) formed by small clusters of adhesive on the inner surface (14) of the first breathable protective material (10). - The second protective material (20) is hot-pressed onto the first breathable protective material (10) to melt the plurality of individual adhesive points (30) arranged on the first breathable protective material (10), thereby firmly fixing the second protective material (20) to the first breathable protective material (10) through the plurality of individual adhesive points (30), such that the resulting connection creates an adhesive-free area on the inner surface (14), the adhesive-free area being arranged to coincide with the channel or opening (22) of the second protective material (20), wherein the first breathable protective material (10) is made of abrasion-resistant material and the second protective material (20) having a mesh or loosely woven configuration is made of heat-insulating and abrasion-resistant fabric.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of individual adhesive points (30) are arranged on a support layer (32), which is configured to be placed between the inner surface (14) of the first breathable protective material (10) and the opposing surface of the second protective material (20).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The support layer (32) has a mesh or loosely woven configuration, and the plurality of individual adhesive points (30) are integrated in the mesh or loosely woven configuration.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The support layer (32) is soaked in adhesive.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The support layer (32) is formed of adhesive.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The support layer (32) is made of polyamide adhesive with a melting point between 75°C and 90°C, preferably between 80°C and 85°C.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The hot pressing step is carried out at a temperature above the melting point of the plurality of adhesive points (30), which are either individual or part of a support layer.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The hot pressing step is in 2×10 5 Pa and 4×10 5 The test was conducted at a pressure between 2 bar and 4 bar.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The hot pressing step is performed for a period of 40 to 60 seconds.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first breathable protective material (10) is made of natural leather, especially cow leather or kangaroo leather.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The second protective material (20), which has a mesh or loosely woven configuration, is formed of aromatic polyamide fibers.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the first breathable protective material (10) is between 1 mm and 1.5 mm, and the thickness of the second protective material (20) is between 1 mm and 1.5 mm.

13. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The support layer (32) is made of breathable paper or breathable nonwoven fabric.

14. A protective garment (60), particularly a motorcyclist's garment, comprising at least one item (50) of a three-layer structure: - An outer layer formed of a first breathable protective material (10), the first breathable protective material (10) having an outer surface (12) designed to remain visible and an inner surface (14) opposite to the outer surface (12). - An intermediate layer formed by multiple individual adhesive points (30), said multiple individual adhesive points (30) being formed by small clusters of adhesive; - An inner layer formed of a second protective material (20), the second protective material (20) being made of heat-insulating fabric, the second protective material (20) having a mesh or loosely woven configuration, in, The first breathable protective material (10) is made of abrasion-resistant material and the second protective material (20) is made of heat-insulating and abrasion-resistant fabric having a mesh or loose weave configuration. The second protective material (20) is formed of aramid fiber. The first breathable protective material (10) and the second protective material (20) are joined together using the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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