Textile element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing a textile element. The method comprises the steps of dispensing a thread, heating the thread, and arranging the heated thread in a thread pattern. The present invention further relates to an apparatus for producing the textile element.

Description

1. Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a textile element comprising a thread arranged in a thread pattern and a device for producing the textile element. 2. Technical area

[0002] Various products are formed at least partially from textile elements. For example, clothing items such as sportswear, but also shirts, pants, jackets, shoes, or others in general are often formed from various textile elements. Each of these components is generally adapted to provide various desired properties, such as cushioning, stability, moisture management, durability, abrasion resistance, stretch, etc. In recent years, textile manufacturers have developed a new technique in which at least part of a textile element is manufactured by winding one or more threads or strands around predefined anchor points. This allows various desired properties to be provided and individually adjusted based on the winding pattern of the threads or strands.

[0003] For example, document US 2022 / 0104588 A1 discloses a method for manufacturing an upper for a footwear article, including providing a frame and a support component and defining a plurality of anchor points on the frame. The method further includes wrapping a first continuous thread around the plurality of anchor points defined on the frame and around the support component such that the first continuous thread extends from the frame to the support component.

[0004] Furthermore, documents US 2019 / 0307208 A1 and US 11,602,196 B2 disclose footwear articles including one or more continuous threads wound around anchor points. The winding of the one or more continuous threads forms a thread pattern that imparts desired properties to components of the footwear article.

[0005] However, designing and manufacturing a frame with the required anchor points for each textile component is labor-intensive, complicated, and results in an immense number of frames that must be stored. Furthermore, customization of the thread pattern is limited by the frame's shape or form. Furthermore, after the thread pattern has been wound, additional manufacturing steps are required to produce a textile element ready for use in creating a final product. For example, the excess thread material of the loop wrapped around the anchor point generally needs to be trimmed or otherwise removed from the textile element.

[0006] Thus, familiar processes of winding a thread in a thread pattern are generally less suitable for customization, result in waste production based on the cut excess material, and are usually labor-intensive and less cost-effective. Therefore, there is a continued need for innovation in the manufacturing of textile elements.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to improve manufacturing processes for textiles and devices for manufacturing such textiles so that the disadvantages of the prior art set out above are at least partially overcome. 3. Summary of the invention

[0008] The above-mentioned objects are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims of the present invention. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0009] The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a textile element. The method comprises the steps of dispensing a thread, heating the thread, and arranging the heated thread in a thread pattern.

[0010] The claimed invention therefore provides a textile element in which the thread can be first heated and then arranged in a thread pattern. In other words, the heating may comprise heating the thread prior to arranging the thread. This eliminates the need for winding threads around anchor points and a subsequent heating step for joining the wound threads together to form a thread pattern, as known in the art. Instead, the claimed invention provides a method for arranging the heated thread in which winding around anchor points may be eliminated. This is possible at least in part because the thread is heated as it is arranged in a thread pattern. In contrast, in the prior art, heating occurs after the threads are wound around anchor points.However, according to the invention, anchor points can be omitted because the heated thread adheres at least partially to the underlying substrate, previously deployed portions of the thread, or other previously deployed threads. Thus, the heated thread itself provides the necessary "anchor points."

[0011] Furthermore, in this way, the design or shape of the thread pattern can be individually adjusted. The design or shape of the thread pattern may depend solely on the arrangement of the heated thread. The term "thread pattern" according to the present invention may comprise a pattern of a thread laid out on already laid out threads. The threads of the thread pattern may be attached to one another. For example, the thread or multiple threads may be bound at at least one intersection point within the thread pattern. As a result, the thread pattern may lack any of the known mechanical manipulation techniques of threads or yarns, such as weaving, knitting, sewing, and others.

[0012] The method may include applying pressure to at least a portion of the thread pattern. The inventors found that applying pressure after arranging the heated thread in a thread pattern greatly increases the bond strength or quality of the heated thread to the already arranged thread pattern. Thus, additional components adapted to maintain a shape or form of the thread pattern can be omitted.

[0013] Applying pressure may comprise using a first circular object that follows a path of the thread pattern. The circular object may, for example, be a cylinder or a sphere. By following the path of the thread pattern, the circular object can be adjusted to apply the required amount of pressure to the thread pattern, particularly to the recently arranged portion of the thread pattern. For example, the pressure may be applied using the circular object immediately after the heated thread has been arranged in the thread pattern. This allows the thread to still be heated, i.e., at least above ambient temperature, when pressed onto the already arranged thread pattern. This can greatly increase the bonding of the heated thread with the already arranged thread pattern.

[0014] Additionally, applying pressure may further comprise applying a substantially constant first pressure to at least a first portion of the thread pattern using the first circular object. The term "substantially constant" is to be understood to include small pressure deviations introduced by a manufacturing device. For example, pressure deviations of up to 5% may be understood to be "substantially constant." Based on the substantially constant first pressure, a minimum pressure required to result in a high-quality bond of the heated thread to the pre-arranged thread pattern may be ensured. Additionally or alternatively, the first pressure may be kept substantially constant regardless of the thickness of the pre-arranged thread pattern.

[0015] In some embodiments, the method may include cooling the first circular object. This may reduce the cooling time of the recently positioned heated yarn, for example, below a glass transition temperature of a thread material. This may eliminate inadvertent detachment or separation of the positioned heated thread from the thread pattern after applying pressure using the first circular object. Thus, a high-quality and stable bond of the positioned thread to the thread pattern may be provided.

[0016] Applying pressure may further comprise applying pressure using a second circular object that follows the path of the thread pattern. The second circular object may be positioned in front of the first circular object along the path. In other words, the second circular object may be positioned along the path of the thread pattern between the heated thread to be positioned and the first circular object. The second circular object may be smaller in size than the first circular object. This allows the second circular object to more accurately apply pressure to the recently positioned heated thread and an already positioned portion of the thread pattern.

[0017] Additionally, the method may include heating the second circular object, in particular above ambient temperature. This allows the second circular object to prevent the heated thread from cooling too quickly due to contact between the heated thread and a second circular object that is at ambient temperature or lower. This eliminates the need to cool the heated thread before forming a bond with the already arranged thread pattern. Thus, a high-quality and stable bond between the arranged thread and the thread pattern can be ensured.

[0018] Applying pressure may comprise applying a substantially constant second pressure to at least a second portion of the thread pattern using the second circular object. Based on the substantially constant second pressure, a minimum pressure required to result in a high-quality bond of the heated thread to the pre-arranged thread pattern may be ensured. Additionally or alternatively, the second pressure may be kept substantially constant regardless of the thickness of the pre-arranged thread pattern. The substantially constant second pressure may be greater than the substantially constant first pressure.This allows the heated second circular object to ensure a stable bond between the heated thread and the already arranged thread pattern, while the first circular object, which can be cooled, can ensure that the already established bonds are maintained or do not detach unintentionally.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the heating may further comprise softening or melting at least a portion of the thread, in particular a sheath portion of the thread. In this way, the heated thread can be attached to the already arranged thread pattern without the need for additional adhesives, such as an adhesive.

[0020] Heating may comprise heating the thread using at least one of a laser, a heat gun, a blower, heating plates, or a radiation-emitting device. The radiation-emitting device may be configured to emit at least one of: electromagnetic radiation, radio-frequency radiation, microwave radiation, infrared radiation, or ultraviolet radiation. Depending on the textile element to be produced, a corresponding heating area may be required. A heat gun, a blower, or heating plates, for example, can heat a larger area compared to a laser. Thus, if a very precise and small heating area is required compared to a heating area of ​​a blower, heat gun, or heating plates, the laser may be advantageously selected.On the other hand, if a larger heating area is required compared to the heating area of ​​the laser, the blower, heat gun, or heating plates can be advantageously selected. In some embodiments, the laser can comprise multiple beams and / or at least one defocused / expanded beam. The radiation emitting device offers the advantage that the emitted radiation can be specifically selected based on the material of the filament to be heated.

[0021] Heating may comprise simultaneously heating the thread and at least a portion of the thread pattern. The inventors have found that by disposing the heated thread on a portion of the thread pattern that also has a temperature above ambient temperature, a high-quality and stable bond of the disposed thread to the thread pattern can be provided. In these embodiments, heating may comprise simultaneously heating the thread and at least a portion of the thread pattern using the same heating means.

[0022] Arranging may include overlapping at least a portion of the thread pattern with the heated thread. In this way, the heated thread may be bonded to at least the portion of the thread pattern with which it overlaps. Based on this, after the recently arranged heated thread consolidates or cools to ambient temperature, this recently arranged heated thread will be part of the thread pattern.

[0023] Arranging may include omitting the wrapping of the thread around anchor points. As noted above, the claimed invention offers the advantage that anchor points may not be required for arranging a thread pattern. Thus, additional steps for removing excess material of the thread pattern that was required to maintain a shape of the thread pattern until fixation, as known in the art, such as the portion of the thread wrapped around the anchor points, may be omitted. This may result in more cost-effective production of textile elements with less excess material.

[0024] The method may further comprise disposing at least a first or initial layer of the thread pattern on a substrate. At the start of producing a new thread pattern, there is no part of the already disposed thread pattern on which the heated thread can be disposed and bonded. Thus, a non-bonding substrate may be required. Advantageously, the thread pattern may be removably attached to the substrate so that the thread pattern of at least the first or initial layer can be retained. For example, the substrate may comprise a layer of a non-bonding material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), from which the disposed and cooled first or initial layer of the thread pattern can be removed, particularly without damaging the thread pattern. Alternatively, the substrate may be soluble in a liquid.This also eliminates the need for a frame or anchor points for producing the first or initial layer of the thread pattern. In these embodiments, the method may include removing the thread pattern from the substrate.

[0025] Dispensing the filament may include dispensing the filament before heating the filament. For example, a nozzle may be used to dispense and guide the filament in a direction toward the already disposed filament pattern or toward the substrate if the first or initial layer of the filament pattern is being disposed. Heating of the filament may be directed to the portion of the filament between the nozzle and the filament pattern or substrate. Thus, by heating the filament immediately before the filament contacts the filament pattern or substrate, inadvertent bonding to parts of the disposition means, such as parts of the nozzle, may be prevented. Additionally or alternatively, by heating the filament immediately before the filament contacts the filament pattern or substrate, a time for cooling the filament is reduced.Thus, the amount of excess heat above the desired temperature applied to the thread, taking into account the time required to cool the thread until placement, is essentially zero. In other words, since the thread may be heated immediately before the heated thread is placed, the temperature difference of the thread between the maximum temperature after heating and the temperature during placement may be essentially zero. The term "essentially zero" as used herein should be understood to include small temperature variations that do not affect the bond strength between the thread and the thread pattern.

[0026] The thread may comprise a thermoplastic material, in particular at least one of: thermoplastic polyurethane, co-polyester or co-polyamide.

[0027] In some embodiments, the thread may comprise a non-thermoplastic material, particularly at least one of: thermosetting polyester, a synthetic thread material, or a natural thread material. Examples of natural thread materials may include cotton, silk, linen, bamboo, wool, or cashmere. Examples of synthetic thread materials may include rayon, nylon, or acrylic.

[0028] The thread may comprise a core comprising the non-thermoplastic material. This can significantly reduce the risk of the heated thread tearing apart during assembly compared to a thread without a core comprising the non-thermoplastic material. Additionally or alternatively, the thread may comprise a sheath comprising the thermoplastic material. In this way, at least the sheath can be softened based on heating. Furthermore, the heated sheath can be adapted to bond to the already arranged thread pattern.

[0029] In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a textile element. The apparatus may comprise means for performing any method described herein. In particular, the apparatus may comprise means for dispensing a thread, means for heating the thread, and means for arranging the heated thread in a thread pattern.

[0030] The various advantages, embodiments and functions of the present invention, as discussed above with respect to a method for producing a textile element, also apply analogously to embodiments of an apparatus for producing the textile element and are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0031] The device may comprise means for applying pressure to at least a portion of the thread pattern. The means for applying pressure may comprise a first circular object arranged to follow a path of the thread pattern. The means for applying pressure may further comprise means for applying a first constant pressure to at least a first portion of the thread pattern using the first circular object. The device may further comprise means for cooling the first circular object.

[0032] The means for applying pressure may further comprise a second circular object arranged to follow the path of the thread pattern, wherein the second circular object may be arranged in front of the first circular object. The device may further comprise means for heating the second circular object. The means for applying pressure may further comprise means for applying a second constant pressure to at least a second portion of the thread pattern using the second circular object.

[0033] The heating means may be adapted to soften or melt at least one portion of the thread, in particular a sheath portion of the thread.

[0034] The means for heating the filament may comprise at least one of: a laser, a heat gun, a blower, heating plates, or a radiation emitting device. The radiation emitting device may be configured to emit at least one of: electromagnetic radiation, radio frequency radiation, microwave radiation, infrared radiation, or ultraviolet radiation.

[0035] The means for heating the thread may be adapted to heat the thread and at least a portion of the thread pattern simultaneously.

[0036] The means for heating the thread may be further adapted to heat the thread prior to arranging the thread in the thread pattern.

[0037] The means for arranging may further comprise means for overlapping at least a portion of the thread pattern with the heated thread.

[0038] The means for arranging may be adapted to avoid wrapping the thread around anchor points.

[0039] The device may further comprise a substrate and wherein the means for arranging may be adapted to arrange at least a first layer of the thread pattern on the substrate.

[0040] The thread pattern may be removably attached to the substrate so that the thread pattern of at least the first layer can be retained, in particular after removal of the thread pattern from the substrate.

[0041] The device may further comprise means for removing the thread pattern from the substrate.

[0042] The dispensing means may be adapted to dispense the thread before heating the thread.

[0043] The thread may comprise a thermoplastic material, in particular at least one of: thermoplastic polyurethane, co-polyester, and co-polyamide. Examples of natural thread materials may include cotton, silk, linen, bamboo, wool, or cashmere. Examples of synthetic thread materials may include rayon, nylon, or acrylic.

[0044] The thread may comprise a non-thermoplastic material, in particular at least one of: thermosetting polyester, a synthetic thread material and a natural thread material.

[0045] The thread may comprise a core comprising the non-thermoplastic material. Additionally or alternatively, the thread may comprise a sheath comprising the thermoplastic material. 4. Short description of the characters

[0046] Possible embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail in the following detailed description with reference to the following figures: Fig. 1 shows a representation of an embodiment of an apparatus for producing a textile element; Fig. 2 shows a representation of another embodiment of an apparatus for producing a textile element; Fig. 3 shows a representation of another embodiment of an apparatus for producing a textile element; Fig. 4 shows a representation of another embodiment of an apparatus for producing a textile element; and Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a method for producing a textile element. 5. Detailed description of some exemplary embodiments

[0047] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail with reference to an apparatus and a method for producing a textile element. While specific feature combinations are described below with reference to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. In particular, not all features need to be present to implement the invention, and the embodiments may be modified by combining certain features of one embodiment with one or more features of another embodiment.

[0048] Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus 100 for producing a textile element. The apparatus 100 comprises a nozzle 130 for dispensing a thread 110. The thread 110 may comprise a core of non-thermoplastic material, for example, thermosetting polyester, and a sheath of thermoplastic material, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane (not shown). Disposed within the nozzle 130 is a heating source 120 for applying heat 125 to the thread 110. The heating source 120 may be in the form of a laser, a heat gun, heating plates, a blower, a radiation emitting device, or others. Based on the applied heat 125, at least the sheath portion of the thread 110 may be melted or softened.

[0049] The nozzle 130 can further be used to arrange the heated thread 110 into a thread pattern 160. The apparatus 100 further includes a pressing cylinder 140 attached to the end of an arm 150. The opposite end of the arm 150 is attached to one side of the nozzle 130. The arm 150 can be configured to apply a substantially constant first pressure with the pressing cylinder 140 to a first portion of the thread pattern 160, namely the portion in contact with the pressing cylinder 140.

[0050] The nozzle 130, the heat source 120, and the arm 150 with the pressing cylinder 140 may together form part of a movable assembly 170, which may be adapted to be movably disposed over a surface on which the thread pattern 160 may be disposed. Thus, by moving the movable assembly 170 over the surface while the nozzle 130 dispenses the heated thread 110, the heated thread 110 may be disposed in a desired pattern of the thread pattern 160. The surface may, for example, be a non-bonding substrate on which an initial or first layer of the thread pattern 160 may be removably disposed without damaging the pattern of the thread pattern 160. Furthermore, since the pressing cylinder 140 may also be part of the movable assembly 170, the pressing cylinder 140 directly follows the path of the thread pattern 160.Based on the substantially constant pressure exerted by the pressing cylinder 140, the recently deposited heated thread 110 can be pressed onto the already deposited thread pattern 160 or onto the non-bonding substrate if the first or initial layer of the thread pattern 160 is deposited. Because at least a portion of the thread 110 is softened or melted, the pressure exerted by the pressing cylinder 140 results in a high-quality bond between the recently deposited heated thread 110 and the already deposited thread pattern 160. To enhance cooling and consolidation of the recently bonded heated thread 110 with the thread pattern 160, the pressing cylinder 140 can be cooled below ambient temperatures.

[0051] In this way, the apparatus 100 provides an improved manufacturing process for a textile element without requiring anchor points around which the thread must be wound to form a thread pattern, as is known in the art. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the assembly 170 could be fixed, and a table or substrate moved beneath the assembly 170 to produce the thread pattern 160.

[0052] Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus 200 for producing a textile element. Similar to apparatus 100, apparatus 200 comprises a nozzle 230 for dispensing the thread 210, a press cylinder 240 attached to an arm 250 for exerting a substantially constant first pressure on a portion of the thread pattern 260. Apparatus 200 further comprises a heat source 220, like apparatus 100. These components may all be part of the movable assembly 270, providing the same advantage as mentioned with respect to apparatus 100, which will not be repeated here.

[0053] However, in contrast to apparatus 100, in apparatus 200, heat source 220 is disposed outside of nozzle 230. Specifically, heat source 230 is disposed on a second arm 255 having an opposite end, which may be attached to nozzle 230 or to movable assembly 270 generally. Thus, filament 210 is first dispensed from nozzle 230 prior to heating. After dispensing filament 210, heat 225 is applied to filament 210 immediately before pressed onto filament pattern 260 or onto the non-bonding substrate if the first or initial layer of filament pattern 260 is disposed.This can advantageously reduce a maximum temperature applied to the filament 210 because an excess amount of heat required in the apparatus 100 can be reduced when considering the time required for the heated filament 110 to pass through the nozzle 130 after being heated until it is pressed onto the substrate 160, where the filament 110 begins to cool. In addition, the heating source 220 not only applies heat 225 to the filament 210, but it also applies heat to a portion of the filament pattern 260 onto which the heated filament 210 is pressed. This further increases a bond strength and quality between the filament 210 and the filament pattern 260 compared to an embodiment with a non-heated filament pattern. Furthermore, the arm 255 may include a computer-controlled actuator (not shown) for adjusting a position and direction of the heating source 220.This allows the arm 255 to be advantageously used to efficiently control the portion of the filament pattern 260 and the filament 210 to which heat 225 is applied. Again, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the assembly 270 could be fixed, and a table or substrate is moved beneath the assembly 270 to produce the filament pattern 260.

[0054] Fig. 3 illustrates one embodiment of an apparatus 300 for manufacturing a textile element. Similar to apparatus 200, apparatus 300 includes a nozzle 330 for dispensing the thread 310, a press cylinder 340 attached to an arm 350 for exerting a substantially constant first pressure on a portion of the thread pattern 360. Apparatus 300 further includes a heating source 320 that applies heat 325 to the already dispensed thread 310 immediately before the heated thread 310 is pressed onto the substrate 360 ​​by the press cylinder 340. These components can all be part of the movable assembly 370, providing the same advantages as mentioned above with respect to apparatus 100 and 200, which will not be repeated here.

[0055] However, in apparatus 300, the heating source 320 is disposed on the same side of the movable assembly 370 as the arm 350 and the pressing cylinder 340. In this manner, the heating source 320 may also be adapted to simultaneously apply heat to the thread 310 and at least a portion of the thread pattern 360 onto which the heated thread 310 is pressed, as in apparatus 200. However, an additional arm, such as the second arm 255 in apparatus 200, may be omitted. This may reduce the size and / or cost of the apparatus 300. Again, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the assembly 370 could be fixed, and a table or substrate moved beneath the assembly 370 to produce the thread pattern 360.

[0056] Fig. 4 illustrates one embodiment of an apparatus 400 for manufacturing a textile element. Similar to apparatus 200, apparatus 400 includes a nozzle 430 for dispensing the thread 410, a press cylinder 440 attached to an arm 450 for exerting a substantially constant first pressure on a portion of the thread pattern 460. Apparatus 400 further includes a heating source 420 that applies heat 425 to the already dispensed thread 410 immediately before the heated thread 410 is pressed onto the substrate 460. Again, these components may all be part of a movable assembly 470, providing the same advantage as mentioned above with respect to apparatus 100, 200, and 300, which will not be repeated here.

[0057] However, in addition to the pressing cylinder 440, the apparatus 400 further includes a second pressing cylinder 445 attached to a second arm 455. The pressing cylinder 445 is arranged between the pressing cylinder 440 and the nozzle 430. With this arrangement, the pressing cylinder 445 first applies a second pressure to the thread pattern 460 and the recently arranged thread 410 before the cylinder 440 applies a first pressure to the thread 410 already connected to the thread pattern 460.

[0058] In contrast to the pressing cylinder 440, which can be cooled as described above, the second pressing cylinder 445 can be heated above ambient temperature. In this way, cooling of the already heated thread 410 prior to pressing onto the also already heated portion of the thread pattern 460 can be omitted. The inventors found that a second heated pressing cylinder 445 further increases and improves the bond strength between the thread 410 and the thread pattern 460. Since the heated and recently bonded thread pattern 460 can be prone to detachment if the tension exerted on the thread 410 by the movable assembly 470 is too high, immediate cooling of the recently bonded portion of the thread pattern can be advantageous. For this purpose, the pressing cylinder 440 is provided in the device 400.The pressing cylinder 440 ensures that the bond is maintained, and since the pressing cylinder 440 can be cooled, the temperature of the recently bonded portion of the thread pattern 460 can be reduced, so that peeling can be eliminated.

[0059] It should be noted that a second pressing cylinder, such as the pressing cylinder 445, as in Fig. 4, may also be provided in any of the devices 100, 200, or 300. It should also be noted that in other embodiments, the assembly 470 could be fixed and a table or substrate moved beneath the assembly 470 to produce the thread pattern 460.

[0060] Fig.5 illustrates one embodiment of a method 500 for manufacturing a textile element. The method includes the step of dispensing 510 a thread, as described above. The method further includes the step of heating 520 the thread, as described above. The method further includes the step of arranging 530 the heated thread in a thread pattern, as described above. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2022 / 0104588 A1

[0003] US 2019 / 0307208 A1

[0004] US 11,602,196 B2

[0004]

Claims

[1] A method (500) for producing a textile element, comprising: Dispensing (510) a thread; Heating (520) the thread; and Arranging (530) the heated thread in a thread pattern. [2] The method of claim 1, further comprising applying pressure to at least a portion of the thread pattern. [3] The method of claim 2, wherein applying pressure comprises using a first circular object that follows a path of the thread pattern. [4] The method of claim 3, wherein applying pressure further comprises applying a substantially constant first pressure to at least a first portion of the thread pattern using the first circular object. [5] The method of claim 3 or 4, further comprising cooling the first circular object. [6] A method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein applying pressure comprises applying pressure using a second circular object that follows the path of the thread pattern, the second circular object being arranged in front of the first circular object along the path. [7] The method of claim 6, further comprising heating the second circular object. [8] The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein applying pressure further comprises applying a substantially constant second pressure to at least a second portion of the thread pattern using the second circular object. [9] Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heating further comprises softening or melting at least a portion of the thread, in particular a sheath portion of the thread. [10] A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein heating further comprises heating the thread by means of at least one of: a laser, a heat gun, a blower, heating plates or a radiation emitting device, in particular wherein the radiation emitting device is configured to emit at least one of: electromagnetic radiation, radio frequency radiation, microwave radiation, infrared radiation or ultraviolet radiation. [11] The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein heating further comprises simultaneously heating the thread and at least a portion of the thread pattern. [12] The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein heating further comprises heating the thread prior to disposing the thread. [13] The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said arranging comprises overlapping at least a portion of said thread pattern with said heated thread. [14] A method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said arranging comprises omitting to wrap the thread around anchor points. [15] The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising disposing at least a first layer of the thread pattern on a substrate. [16] The method of claim 15, wherein the thread pattern is removably attached to the substrate such that the thread pattern of at least the first layer is maintained. [17] The method of claim 15 or 16, further comprising removing the thread pattern from the substrate. [18] A method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein dispensing comprises dispensing the thread before heating the thread. [19] Method according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the thread comprises a thermoplastic material, in particular at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane, co-polyester or co-polyamide. [20] A method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the thread comprises a non-thermoplastic material, in particular at least one of: thermosetting polyester, a synthetic thread material or a natural thread material. [21] The method of claim 20, wherein the thread comprises a core comprising the non-thermoplastic material. [22] A method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the thread comprises a sheath comprising the thermoplastic material. [23] Device (100, 200, 300, 400) for producing a textile element, the device comprising: Means for dispensing (130, 230, 330, 430) a thread (110, 210, 310, 410); means for heating (120, 220, 320, 420) the thread; and Means for arranging (170, 270, 370, 470) the heated thread in a thread pattern (160, 260, 360, 460). [24] The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising means for applying pressure (140, 240, 340, 440, 445) to at least a portion of the thread pattern. [25] The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the means for applying pressure comprises a first circular object (140, 240, 340, 440) arranged to follow a path of the thread pattern. [26] The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the means for applying pressure further comprises means for applying a substantially constant first pressure (150, 250, 350, 450) to at least a first portion of the thread pattern using the first circular object. [27] Apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, further comprising means for cooling the first circular object. [28] Apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the means for applying pressure further comprises a second circular object (445) arranged to follow a path of the thread pattern, the second circular object being arranged in front of the first circular object. [29] The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising means for heating the second circular object. [30] The apparatus of claim 28 or 29, wherein the means for applying pressure further comprises means for applying a substantially constant second pressure (455) to at least a second portion of the thread pattern using the second circular object. [31] Device according to one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the heating means are adapted to soften or melt at least a portion of the thread, in particular a sheath portion of the thread. [32] Apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the means for heating the thread comprises at least one of: a laser, a heat gun, a fan, heating plates or a radiation emitting device, in particular wherein the radiation emitting device is adapted to emit at least one of: electromagnetic radiation, radio frequency radiation, microwave radiation, infrared radiation or ultraviolet radiation. [33] Apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 32, wherein the means for heating the thread is adapted to heat the thread and at least a portion of the thread pattern simultaneously. [34] Apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 33, wherein the means for heating the thread is further adapted to heat the thread prior to arranging the thread in a thread pattern. [35] Apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 34, wherein the means for arranging further comprises means for overlapping at least a portion of the thread pattern with the heated thread. [36] Apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 35, wherein the means for arranging are adapted to refrain from winding the thread around anchor points. [37] The device of any one of claims 23 to 36, wherein the device further comprises a substrate and wherein the means for arranging is adapted to arrange at least a first layer of the thread pattern on the substrate. [38] The device of claim 37, wherein the thread pattern is removably attached to the substrate such that the thread pattern of at least the first layer is maintained. [39] Apparatus according to claim 37 or 38, further comprising means for removing the thread pattern from the substrate. [40] Apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 39, wherein the means for dispensing are adapted to dispense the thread before heating the thread. [41] Device according to one of claims 23 to 40, wherein the thread comprises a thermoplastic material, in particular at least one of: thermoplastic polyurethane, co-polyester or co-polyamide. [42] Device according to one of claims 23 to 41, wherein the thread comprises a non-thermoplastic material, in particular at least one of: thermosetting polyester, a synthetic thread material or a natural thread material. [43] The device of claim 42, wherein the thread comprises a core comprising the non-thermoplastic material. [44] A device according to any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the thread comprises a sheath comprising the thermoplastic material.

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