Hot press system

Abstract

Hot press system (21) for use in the manufacture of footwear or clothing, comprising: at least one hollow first roller (11) comprising an outer surface (12) and an inner surface (19), wherein the inner surface (19) defines a core (16), the core (16) comprising a first heating element (13), and wherein the outer surface (12) of the first roller (11) has a first circumferential indentation (15).

Description

1. Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a hot pressing system for producing shoes or clothing and methods for producing shoes or clothing. 2. State of the art

[0002] When manufacturing fabrics for footwear or clothing, it is often necessary to seal a cut edge to prevent fraying or tearing. Currently, this involves a process in which a hot melt adhesive is applied to the fabric in a first step, followed by heat in a second step, and pressure in a third step. In other words, at least three separate steps are currently required to seal a fabric with hot melt adhesive. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for reducing the number of steps required to seal a fabric. A reduced number of steps reduces the complexity of the process and can reduce the production time and hence the cost of an article of clothing or footwear.

[0003] Since the application of heat and pressure are separate steps, there is also a risk of the softened hot melt adhesive shifting after the heat is applied and before the pressure is applied. Reducing the number of process steps can therefore also reduce the risk of misalignment and thus reduce the amount of fabric that must be disposed of due to production defects.

[0004] WO 2009 / 027701 A1 relates to a method for reinforcing a seam, particularly, but not exclusively, in conforming garments or other textile articles made of stretchable textiles such as football shirts, swimwear, bodysuits and briefs.

[0005] GB 1 049 522 A relates to a method and apparatus for combining or laminating two continuous material webs.

[0006] US 4 737 212 A relates to a method for joining 1st and 2nd material layers, each having one side with a thermoplastic material, the method comprising continuously rotatable pressure rollers and a heating gas.

[0007] WO 2007 / 122 661 A1 relates to a method for the integral joining of two or more pieces of fabric in the manufacture of articles such as clothing.

[0008] US 3413178 A relates to a machine for welding a thermoplastic strip to a workpiece, the machine comprising, inter alia, a frame, two mutually engaging rollers carried by the frame, a device for guiding a thermoplastic strip between the rollers, and a shoe comprising a metal block with a heating unit therein.

[0009] WO 02 / 016125 A1 relates to a method and apparatus for producing a flexible curtain.

[0010] US 2749966 A relates to a method for sealing flattened, sewn end closures of paper bags. 3. Summary of the invention

[0011] This object is achieved by the teachings of the independent claims, in particular by a hot pressing system for use in the manufacture of footwear or clothing, comprising: at least a first hollow roller comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a core, the core comprising a first heating element, and the outer surface of the first roller having a first circumferential notch.

[0012] The term "hollow" means that the empty, unfilled first roll is itself at least partially hollow, i.e., that it comprises a cavity or core defined by an outer surface and an inner surface of the first roll. The cavity or core does not have to extend the entire length of the first roll. The first core may extend at least 50% of a length of the first roll, preferably at least 75%. This allows for uniform heat transfer from the core to the outer surface. For example, the first core may be formed by a milling process starting from a solid, substantially cylindrical workpiece, e.g., a piece of metal, e.g., a bar.

[0013] However, the core includes a first heating element that partially or completely fills the core. It is also possible for additional elements to be arranged within the core. In other words, the term "cavity" should not be understood to require an empty core of the first roller or a core that only includes the first heating element.

[0014] The first roller, for example, may be substantially cylindrical. The term "substantially cylindrical" is to be understood to mean that the outer surface is cylindrical in the topological sense. The substantially cylindrical outer surface may have a variable radius due to manufacturing defects or to selectively compress certain areas more than others of a fabric, footwear, or clothing article. The substantially cylindrical outer surface may also have a texture to impart structure to the fabric. A "fabric" in the present context may be any textile, e.g., a knit, a warp, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a leather, etc.

[0015] The hot-pressing system enables the simultaneous application of heat and compression of the fabric for an article of clothing or footwear in a single operation, e.g., to seal a cut edge of a fabric or to create a reinforcement area with increased flexural rigidity. This reduces the number of steps required compared to methods using a device known in the art, e.g., a press, thereby reducing complexity. For example, a bonding agent may be applied to the fabric for the article of clothing or footwear, as described elsewhere. Alternatively or additionally, the fabric may comprise a fusible yarn, which may have a melting temperature of less than 200°C, preferably less than 150°C. Furthermore, the risk of misalignment, e.g.,of a hot glue applied to the fabric, reduced by combining the steps of heating and pressing.

[0016] The first roller may comprise a material with a thermal conductivity of greater than 10 W / mK, preferably greater than 50 W / mK, and most preferably greater than 100 W / mK. It should be understood that the thermal conductivity is to be measured using standard measurement techniques at 273.15 K and a pressure of 1 bar, also known as standard temperature and pressure (STP). Therefore, the heat generated by the first heating element is well conducted from the first core to the outer surface. Suitable materials for the first roller include stainless steel, copper, steel, aluminum, other metals, a polymer or plastic with the specified thermal conductivity, combinations thereof, and other suitable materials. These materials have desirable thermal conductivity and offer good abrasion resistance.

[0017] The first roller may further comprise a first thermometer. The first thermometer may be removable to allow easy replacement of defective thermometers. The first thermometer may be any device capable of measuring temperature on a relative or absolute scale using a suitable method. For example, a thermocouple would be suitable. The first thermometer therefore makes it possible to determine the temperature of the first roller in order to select a temperature that is sufficiently high to melt the bonding agent and / or the fusible yarn, but not too high, so that damage to the fabric can be prevented. The thermometer can be arranged between the heating element and the outer surface to allow accurate determination of the temperature.

[0018] The heating element may comprise a first electrically conductive wire. This enables safe and controllable heat generation through Joule heating. For example, the first electrically conductive wire may comprise a metal alloy comprising iron, nickel, chromium, copper, manganese, and / or cobalt. Such alloys have a high melting temperature and a relatively constant electrical resistivity over a wide temperature range, enabling safe operation and easy temperature control. The term "electrically conductive" is understood in the conventional sense, meaning that materials can be divided into electrical conductors, semiconductors, and electrical insulators.

[0019] The first roller may comprise a coil comprising the first electrically conductive wire. To generate a preferred amount of heat, it may be necessary to use a first electrically conductive wire with a length much greater than a longitudinal length of the first roller to prevent overheating of the first electrically conductive wire. Therefore, the first electrically conductive wire is preferably arranged in the form of a coil to save space and ensure sufficient heat dissipation to the outer surface.

[0020] The electrically conductive wire may have an electrical insulation with a thermal conductivity of more than 5 W / mK. The inventors have found that, to ensure effective heat application by the first roller, the electrical insulation preferably has a thermal conductivity of more than 5 W / mK, preferably 10 W / mK, and most preferably 15 W / mK.

[0021] The electrical insulation can be applied as a coating to the electrically conductive wire. It is also possible for the surface of the wire to comprise an oxide, for example a magnesium oxide, which serves as electrical insulation. This arrangement is particularly space-saving. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical insulation can occupy a substantial part of the volume of the core, e.g. at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, most preferably at least 40%, e.g. as a filler that fills substantially all the available space in the first core. The inventors have found that this improves the thermal contact between the first heating element and the outer surface. It is possible for a first material to be used as a coating and a different second material to create a strong thermal connection around the insulated electrically conductive wire.

[0022] The electrical insulation, i.e., the first and / or second material, may comprise a ceramic material, for example, porcelain, glass, quartz, mica, fireclay, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, and / or steatite. Each of these materials may be in the form of a powder, a solid, or a potting compound. To prevent a short circuit, the electrically conductive wire must be electrically insulated.

[0023] However, many electrical insulators are poor thermal conductors because poor electrical conductors tend to be poor thermal conductors and vice versa.

[0024] The electrical insulation may comprise magnesium oxide. Magnesium oxide can provide a particularly high thermal conductivity of between 45 and 60 W / mK, thus enabling particularly good thermal contact between the first heating element and the outer surface.

[0025] As noted above, the outer surface of the first roller has a first circumferential notch, or the outer surface of the first roller may have a first circumferential projection. A notch may be a groove. This may improve the alignment of a fabric and prevent inadvertent lateral movement of the fabric during the process.

[0026] The hot pressing system may further include a pressing surface configured to form a compression zone with the outer surface of the first roller for compressing a fabric for a footwear or apparel article.

[0027] It should be understood that a pressing surface does not need to have direct contact with the first roll. Typically, the fabric is placed at least partially between the first roll and the pressing surface in the compression zone.

[0028] It should be understood that the presence of a contact surface can be beneficial, but is not absolutely necessary for the operation of the hot-pressing system. For example, it is possible for the hot-pressing system to be used to simultaneously apply heat and pressure to a fabric held under tension without the presence of a contact surface.

[0029] The outer surface of the first roller and / or the pressing surface can be coupled with a spring mechanism. A spring mechanism or biasing mechanism can be preloaded or tension-loaded. The coupling can be direct or with one or more intermediate elements. For example, the first roller can be moved via a carriage, with the contact force adjusted by the spring mechanism. The spring mechanism allows the relative position of the first and pressing surfaces to be controlled. Therefore, the force exerted by the outer surface and the pressing surface on a fabric can be controlled. This is particularly useful because the hot-pressing system can be used for different fabric thicknesses and / or bonding agents without adjustment. Furthermore, excessive force or pressure can damage the fabric, which can be prevented by the spring mechanism.

[0030] The spring mechanism may enable substantially linear displacement and / or rotational movement.

[0031] The spring mechanism may comprise a spring. A spring enables a simple and durable construction of a spring mechanism that allows both essentially linear and rotary movement. A rubber pad and / or rubber damper may be used additionally and / or alternatively, e.g., to adjust a desired pressure force.

[0032] The hot-pressing system may further comprise a second roller, wherein the second roller has an outer surface, and wherein the outer surface forms the pressing surface of the hot-pressing system. The inventors have discovered that the use of the first and second rollers enables particularly high production speeds. Alternatively, the pressing surface may be substantially flat.

[0033] The second roller may further comprise an inner surface, the inner surface defining a second core, the second core comprising a second heating element. The inventors have found that for uniform heat application, it is advantageous to heat the fabric and / or the bonding agent from both sides, i.e., from the first roller and the second roller.

[0034] In general, the second roller may have similar or identical properties to the first roller as described herein.

[0035] At least one of the first roller and the pressing surface may have a protrusion. It is also possible for only one of the first roller and the pressing surface to have a protrusion. Alternatively, both the first roller and the pressing surface may have a protrusion. The inventors have found that a protrusion is useful for preventing accidental slippage of the fabric during use of the hot-pressing system. It is not necessary for the other of the first roller and the pressing surface to have a corresponding groove.

[0036] The other of the first roller and the pressing surface may have a groove, wherein the protrusion is configured to be inserted into the groove when the first roller and the pressing surface press against each other. In other words, the first roller may comprise a groove and the pressing surface, e.g. the second roller, may have a corresponding protrusion. Alternatively, the first roller may have a protrusion and the pressing surface, e.g. the second roller, may have a corresponding groove. Alternatively, the first roller may have a first protrusion and a second groove and the pressing surface, e.g. the second roller, may have a first groove corresponding to the first protrusion and a second protrusion corresponding to the second groove. Thus, the groove(s) may form a path through which the fabric and / or the connecting means travel.Therefore, this arrangement advantageously improves the alignment of the fabric and the fastener, particularly before the fabric and / or the fastener solidifies.

[0037] The projection and / or groove can be arranged circumferentially around the first and / or second roller. This enables particularly simple and reliable processing.

[0038] The hot-press system may further comprise at least one motor, wherein the first roller is rotatable about a first axis and / or the second roller is rotatable about a second axis by means of the motor. A single motor may be used to rotate the first roller and the second roller. Alternatively, a first motor may be used to rotate the first roller and a second motor may be used to rotate the second roller. A motor can be precisely controlled electronically and is preferable to manually operated rotation to automate the process and avoid worker fatigue.

[0039] The hot pressing system may further comprise a guide means for guiding a fabric for a footwear or a garment article towards the compression zone located between the first roller and the pressing surface, e.g. the second roller.

[0040] The guide or feeder can be used to ensure that a fastener is correctly aligned before it is placed on the fabric, for example at the fabric edge, and before the fabric and fastener, if present, enter the compression zone.

[0041] The guide means may comprise a material with a thermal conductivity of more than 10 W / mK, preferably more than 50 W / mK, and most preferably more than 100 W / mK. Suitable materials include stainless steel, copper, steel, aluminum, and other metals. These materials have desirable thermal conductivity and offer good abrasion resistance.

[0042] The guide means may include a third heating element. Therefore, the guide means may preheat the fabric and / or the connecting means. This may increase production speed, as a shorter compression time during which the fabric is compressed between the outer surface and the contact surface may be required. The guide means may include a third thermometer to ensure that a suitable temperature, neither too high nor too low, is set.

[0043] The guide means may comprise a first guide surface and a second guide surface arranged in a V-shaped configuration. The first and / or second guide surface may be substantially flat. A V-shaped configuration is understood to mean any configuration in which the first and second guide surfaces are arranged at an angle between 5° and 150°, preferably between 20° and 120°, which can assist in pre-folding the connecting means around the fabric.

[0044] The hot-press system may further comprise at least one control unit for controlling the temperature of the first, second (if present), and / or third (if present) heating elements. For example, a first control unit may control the temperature of the first heating element, the second control unit may control the temperature of the second heating element, and a third control unit may control the temperature of the third heating element. Alternatively, a single control unit may control the temperature of all three heating elements. The inventors have found that it is important to precisely control the temperature of the heating elements to avoid damage to the fabric and / or to prevent fusible material, such as the bonding agent and / or the fusible yarn, from adhering to the hot-press system. On the other hand, the temperature must be sufficiently high to melt the bonding agent and / or the fusible yarn.For example, the at least one control unit may allow the temperature of the first roller, the second roller and / or the guide means to be controlled to an accuracy of better than 1°C, preferably better than 0.5°C.

[0045] The heat-pressing system can be used to seal a fabric edge. The inventors have found that the heat-pressing system is particularly useful for sealing the edge of a fabric, such as a cut edge, because it compresses and heats the fabric in a single process step, simplifying production and reducing the likelihood of errors due to misalignment.

[0046] Sealing the edge of the fabric can involve the use of hot melt adhesive, tape, or seam tape. Seam tape and / or tape can include a hot melt adhesive. Seam tape is configured to fit around the edge of a seam to allow the seam to be sealed. This allows for a precise and localized join.

[0047] The invention further relates to a method for treating a fabric for footwear or clothing, comprising applying a bonding agent that melts or softens upon application of heat to the fabric and / or incorporating a fusible yarn into the fabric and feeding the fabric into the hot pressing system according to the present invention.

[0048] A bonding agent can be any material that melts or softens upon application of heat, preferably at less than 200°C, more preferably at less than 150°C. For example, a hot-melt adhesive or a metal or metal alloy with a low melting temperature, for example, an alloy comprising tin, is a bonding agent. A fusible yarn can be incorporated by any known method, e.g., sewing, knitting, weaving, etc.

[0049] The present method offers a smaller number of process steps and thus less complexity compared to the prior art methods. Furthermore, the production time can be reduced compared to the prior art techniques.

[0050] Feeding the fabric into the hot-pressing system according to the present invention may comprise: (c) heating at least a first portion of the fabric and / or the bonding agent by heating at least one of the first, second (if present), or third (if present) heating elements; and (d) compressing at least a second portion of the fabric in the compression zone. The first portion and the second portion may partially or completely overlap. This fully utilizes the advantages of the hot-pressing system described herein.

[0051] The bonding agent and / or the fusible yarn may comprise a thermoplastic polymer. For example, the bonding agent and / or the fusible yarn may comprise thermoplastic polyurethane, which has excellent adhesive properties and is non-toxic.

[0052] The fastener can be in the form of a seam tape, a ribbon, or a film. This shape allows for particularly easy and precise placement of the fastener on the fabric. Placement can be performed using an automated setup, such as a patch placement machine.

[0053] The fastener can be applied to an edge of the fabric. This can help prevent fraying and tearing that could otherwise occur at the fabric edge due to loosely cut fibers or yarns. Applying a tape, for example, can involve folding the tape over the cut edge.

[0054] The fabric can be for an upper part of a footwear item. For example, the fastener can be used around the collar opening of a footwear upper. The collar opening is subjected to considerable stress during exercise, so the method according to the present invention not only prevents fraying but can also increase the flexural rigidity of the upper around the collar opening, thus increasing stability.

[0055] The invention further relates to footwear or an article of clothing comprising a fabric produced by a method according to the present invention. Footwear can be any shoe, in particular a sports shoe, such as a soccer shoe, a running shoe, a basketball shoe, a golf shoe, a tennis shoe, a hiking shoe, a hiking boot, etc. An article of clothing can be any type of clothing, in particular sports clothing, e.g. a shirt, a jersey, shorts, pants, a cap, etc. Footwear or an article of clothing produced by a method according to the present invention is less susceptible to manufacturing defects such as imprecisely aligned sealing elements, e.g. hot melt adhesive patches, than those known in the prior art. As a result, a footwear or clothing article according to the present invention is also more durable than those known in the prior art. 4. Short description of the characters

[0056] In the following, some exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the figures. Fig. 1A-C: show exemplary first rollers according to the present invention; Fig. 2A-B: shows an exemplary hot pressing system according to the present invention; Fig. 3A-3B: show an exemplary guide means for a hot pressing system according to the present invention; Fig. 4: shows an exemplary hot pressing system according to the present invention; Fig. 5A-B: illustrate an exemplary method according to the present invention; and Fig. 6: shows the consolidation of a suture by a method and apparatus according to the present invention using a suture tape. 5. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0057] Only a few embodiments of the invention are described in detail below. It should be understood that these exemplary embodiments can be modified and combined with each other in various ways, wherever compatible, and that certain features can be omitted where they appear unnecessary.

[0058] Fig. 1A-B show an exemplary hot press system 21 for use in the manufacture of footwear or apparel, comprising: at least one hollow first roller 11 having an outer surface 12 and an inner surface 19, the inner surface 19 defining a core 16, the core 16 including a first heating element 13. In this example, the outer surface 12 is substantially cylindrical.

[0059] The first roller 11 comprises a material with a thermal conductivity of more than 10 W / mK at 273.15 K and a pressure of 1 bar, also known as standard temperature and pressure (STP). The first roller 11 comprises stainless steel.

[0060] The first core 16 extends over more than 50% of the length of the first roller. The first roller 11 is attached to a separate holder 14, which is intended to facilitate the installation of the first roller 11 in a hot-press system 21, as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 is described.

[0061] The first heating element 13 comprises a first electrically conductive wire wound as a coil, which comprises the first electrically conductive wire. In this example, the wire comprises an alloy comprising approximately 55% copper, 44% nickel, and 1% manganese, sometimes referred to as Constantan® or Konstantan®. The electrically conductive wire comprises electrical insulation with a thermal conductivity of greater than 5 W / mK. In this example, the electrical insulation is applied as a coating to the electrically conductive wire. This arrangement is particularly space-saving.

[0062] The electrical insulation comprises a magnesium oxide, which enables a particularly high thermal conductivity between 45 and 60 W / mK and thus enables a particularly good thermal contact between the first heating element 13 and the outer surface 12.

[0063] The outer surface 12 of the first roller 11 comprises a first circumferential groove 15.

[0064] The Fig. 1A-B show an example in which the electrical insulation was applied only as a coating on the electrically conductive wire.

[0065] Fig. 1C shows a cross-section of a first roller 11 according to another embodiment. The first roller 11 includes an outer surface 12 and an inner surface 19 configured to form a first core 16. The first core 16 includes a heating element 13. In this example, the first core 16 includes an electrically insulating but thermally conductive filler material 17 that fills substantially all of the available volume within the core 16. The filler material 17 occupies more than 40% of the volume of the core 16.

[0066] The first roller 11 further includes a first thermometer 18, which is arranged between the first heating element 13 and the first core 16. The first thermometer 18 is removable to allow for easy replacement of defective thermometers. In this example, a thermocouple is used as the first thermometer 18.

[0067] Fig. 2 shows another exemplary hot pressing system 21 according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 2A shows the general arrangement of the hot pressing system 21, while Fig. 2B shows a cross section of the second roller 22.

[0068] As in Fig. 2A, the hot press system 21 is for use in the manufacture of footwear or apparel and includes: a hollow first roller 11 having an outer surface 12 and an inner surface (not shown), the inner surface defining a core (not shown), the core including a first heating element.

[0069] The hot press system 21 further includes a pressing surface 24 configured to form a compression zone 29 with the outer surface 12 of the first roller 11 for compressing a fabric for a footwear or garment article (not shown).

[0070] The outer surface 12 of the roller 11 is coupled to a spring mechanism 25. In this example, the spring mechanism 25 allows for substantially linear displacement. However, in other examples, the spring mechanism 25 may allow for rotational movement. The spring mechanism 25 includes a spring attached to a base 27. Alternatively or additionally, a rubber cushion and / or a rubber damper may be used.

[0071] The hot-pressing system 21 further comprises a second roller 22. The second roller 22 comprises an outer surface 24, and the outer surface 24 forms the contact surface 24 of the hot-pressing system.

[0072] Fig. 2B shows a cross-section of the second roller 22. The second roller 22 further includes an inner surface 51, the inner surface 51 defining a second core 52, the second core 52 including a second heating element 53 and a second thermometer 54.

[0073] The second heating element 53 comprises a second electrically conductive wire wound as a coil, which surrounds the second electrically conductive wire. The second electrically conductive wire comprises an insulation applied as a coating. In contrast to the Fig. 1C, the second core 52 does not comprise any filler. However, it is possible that the second core also comprises a filler. Likewise, it is possible that the second core 52 Fig. The first core shown in Figure 1C contains no filler.

[0074] Back at the Fig. 2A, the first roller 11 comprises a groove 15 and the pressing surface 24 a corresponding protrusion 23, the protrusion 23 being configured to be inserted into the groove 15 when the first roller 11 and the pressing surface 24 press against each other. In other examples, the first roller 11 may not have a groove, while the pressing surface 24 still has a protrusion, or vice versa. It is also possible for the first roller 11 to comprise a first protrusion and a second groove, and the pressing surface 24, e.g., the second roller, to comprise a first groove corresponding to the first protrusion and a second protrusion corresponding to the second groove. In this example, the protrusion 23 is arranged to extend around the second roller 22, while the groove 15 is arranged to extend around the first roller 11. The groove 15 thus forms a path through which the fabric and / or the connecting agent can pass.

[0075] The Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B show an exemplary guide 31 for a hot press system 21 according to the present invention.

[0076] The guide means 31 guides a fabric toward the compression zone 29 located between the outer surface 12 and the contact surface 24. The guide means 31 or the feeder can be used to ensure that a fastener is correctly aligned before it is placed on the fabric, for example, the fabric edge or a fiber, and before the fabric and / or fastener enters the compression zone 29.

[0077] The guide means 31 comprises a material with a thermal conductivity of more than 10 W / mK. In this example, the guide means 31 comprises stainless steel.

[0078] In the example of Fig. 3A, the guide means 31 comprises a third heating element 13. Therefore, the guide means 31 can preheat the fabric and / or the connecting means. In the example of Fig. 3B, the guide means 31 does not comprise a heating element.

[0079] The guide means 31 comprises a first guide surface 32 and a second guide surface 33 arranged in a V-shaped configuration. In the example of Fig. 3A the guide surfaces are longer than in the example of Fig. 3B. The first 32 and / or the second 33 guide surfaces are essentially flat in both examples.

[0080] Fig. 4 shows another exemplary hot pressing system 21 according to the present invention.

[0081] The hot pressing system 21 is similar to that described with reference to Fig. 2, but additionally comprises a guide means 31, e.g. as described with reference to Fig. 3A-B. An opening of the V-shaped guide surfaces of the guide means 31 along a vertical direction. The arrow labeled 28 indicates the direction in which a fabric, to which a bonding agent may have been applied, would be introduced into the transfer press.

[0082] The exemplary hot-press system 21 further includes a motor and a control unit 34. In this example, the second roller 22 is rotatable about a second angle by means of the motor. Alternatively, a first motor can be used to rotate the first roller 11 and a second motor to rotate the second roller 22. The control unit controls the temperature of the first and second heating elements. The exemplary control unit enables the temperature of the first roller 11 and the second roller 22 to be controlled with an accuracy of better than 0.5°C.

[0083] The Fig. 5A-B illustrate an exemplary method according to the present invention. Fig. 5A shows an exemplary fabric for an upper 41 of a footwear item. The upper 41 comprises a plurality of yarns 43. Some of the yarns are loose around the collar opening 42 of the upper due to previous processing steps such as cutting.

[0084] In Fig. 5B, a seam tape was applied with a bonding agent 44 that melts or softens upon exposure to heat. The melting temperature of the exemplary bonding agent is approximately 130° C. In this example, the bonding agent 44 is a hot-melt adhesive. The bonding agent comprises thermoplastic polyurethane, which has excellent adhesive properties and is non-toxic.

[0085] The shoe upper with the applied bonding agent is then fed into the hot pressing system 21 described herein to seal the collar opening.

[0086] Fig. Figure 6 shows the consolidation of a suture by a method and apparatus according to the present invention using a suture tape.

[0087] Fig. 6 specifically illustrates how a piece of fabric 61 according to the present invention is introduced into the hot-pressing system. A seam tape 62 has been applied to one edge of the fabric 61. The seam tape is positioned to be pressed by the projection 23 of the second roller 22 into a corresponding groove in the first roller (not shown). This allows the seam tape 62 to be secured under pressure and heat to prevent inadvertent misalignment of the seam tape 62. Reference symbol: 11 first roller 12 Exterior surface 13 first heating element 14 Bracket 15 grooves 16 core 17 Filler 18 first thermometer 19 inner surface 21 Hot pressing system 22 second roller 23 lead 24 Contact surface 25 Spring mechanism 26 elements 27 Base 28 Insertion direction 29 compression zone 31 Guide tools 32 first guide surface 33 second guide surface 34 Motor and control unit 41 shoe upper 42 collar area 43 yarn 44 lanyards 51 Inner surface of the second roller 52 second core 53 second heating element 54 second thermometer 61 fabric 62 seam tape

Claims

[1] Hot pressing system (21) for use in the manufacture of footwear or clothing, comprising: at least one hollow first roller (11) comprising an outer surface (12) and an inner surface (19), the inner surface (19) defining a core (16), the core (16) comprising a first heating element (13), and wherein the outer surface (12) of the first roller (11) has a first circumferential notch (15). [2] The hot press system (21) of claim 1, further comprising a pressing surface (24) configured to form a compression zone (29) with the outer surface (12) of the first roller (11) for compressing a fabric for a footwear or clothing article. [3] Hot pressing system (21) according to claim 2, wherein the outer surface (12) of the roller (11) and / or the pressing surface (24) is coupled to a spring mechanism (25). [4] The hot pressing system (21) according to claim 3, wherein the spring mechanism (25) comprises a spring. [5] Hot pressing system (21) according to any one of claims 2-4, comprising a second roller (22), wherein the second roller (22) comprises an outer surface (24), and wherein the outer surface (24) forms the contact surface (24) of the hot pressing system. [6] The hot press system (21) of claim 5, wherein the second roller (22) further comprises an inner surface (51), the inner surface (51) defining a second core (52), the second core (52) comprising a second heating element (53). [7] Hot pressing system (21) according to any one of claims 2-6, wherein at least one of the first roller (11) and the pressing surface (24) has a projection (23). [8] The hot pressing system (21) according to claim 7, wherein the other of the first roller (11) and the pressing surface (24) has a groove (15), and wherein the projection (23) is configured to engage the groove (15) when the first roller (11) and the pressing surface (24) press against each other. [9] Hot pressing system (21) according to any one of claims 5-8, further comprising at least one motor, wherein the first roller (11) is rotatable about a first axis and / or the second roller (22) is rotatable about a second axis by means of the motor. [10] A hot pressing system (21) according to any one of claims 2-9, further comprising a guide means (31) for guiding a fabric for a footwear or clothing article towards the compression zone (29) located between the first roller (11) and the pressing surface (24). [11] Hot pressing system (21) according to claim 10, wherein the guide means (31) comprises a third heating element (13). [12] Hot pressing system (21) according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the guide means (31) comprises a first guide surface (32) and a second guide surface (33) arranged in a V-shaped configuration. [13] Hot pressing system (21) according to any one of claims 1-12, further comprising at least one control unit for controlling the temperature of the first (13), second (53) and / or third heating element. [14] A hot-pressing system (21) according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the hot-pressing system is for sealing an edge of a fabric. [15] The hot press system (21) of any of claims 1-14, wherein sealing the edge of the fabric comprises using a hot melt adhesive, a tape, or a seam tape. [16] A method of treating a fabric for a footwear or article of clothing, comprising (a) applying a bonding agent (44) which melts or softens upon application of heat to the fabric and / or incorporating a fusible yarn into the fabric, and (b) feeding the fabric into the hot pressing system according to any one of claims 1-14. [17] The method of claim 16, wherein the supplying comprises: (c) heating at least a first portion of the fabric and / or the connecting means by heating at least one of the first (13), second (53) or third heating elements and (d) compressing at least a second portion of the material in the compression zone. [18] A method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the connecting agent (44) and / or the fusible yarn comprises a thermoplastic polymer. [19] A method according to any one of claims 16-18, wherein the connecting means (44) is in the form of a seam tape, a tape or a film. [20] A method according to any one of claims 16-19, wherein the connecting means (44) is applied to an edge (42) of the fabric. [21] A method according to any one of claims 16-20, wherein the fabric is for an upper (41) of a footwear. [22] Footwear or clothing comprising a fabric produced by a process according to any one of claims 16-21.

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