Textile stiffening with embedded monofilament reinforcement elements

Abstract

Textile stiffening for reinforcing flexible surfaces, characterized in that two or more essentially parallel monofilaments (2) with a diameter between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm are embedded in a textile sheath (1), preferably in the form of a closed felled seam, and are fixed in their position by at least one fixing seam (3).

Description

1. Preface

[0001] The present invention relates to the reinforcement of textile surfaces, in particular textile stiffeners to improve the stability and shape retention of sails, kites, wings, paragliders and similar textile constructions.

[0002] Further applications include the clothing industry, the fashion industry, as well as sporting goods and backpacks. Particularly in outdoor products, the weight reduction, which is a key feature of the present invention, often plays an important, if not decisive, role.

[0003] Conventional reinforcement methods are often associated with increased weight, larger pack size, or limited adaptability. Against this background, a textile stiffening method is presented that offers an economical, lightweight, and flexibly adaptable solution by embedding monofilament reinforcement elements in a textile sheath. Within the scope of this application, these reinforcement elements are hereinafter referred to simply as monofilaments. 2. Description of the invention Title of the invention:

[0004] Textile stiffening with embedded monofilament reinforcement elements Technical field:

[0005] The invention relates to the textile reinforcement of flexible surfaces by means of monofilaments (e.g. fishing lines) embedded in a textile sheath, in particular to avoid creases, folds or deformations in stretched textiles. State of the art:

[0006] Previously known textile stiffeners mostly use external reinforcing elements such as fiberglass rods or glued-on reinforcing strips. These increase weight, pack size, and manufacturing complexity. Sewing monofilaments into textiles is known, but not in the industrially pre-producible form described here, with a closed felled seam and defined finishing. Description of the invention:

[0007] The invention provides for embedding two or more essentially parallel monofilaments (preferably fishing lines with a diameter of approximately 0.5–1.5 mm) in a textile sheath, preferably in the form of a closed felled seam. The monofilaments are fixed by a centrally placed seam. The resulting textile stiffener can be pre-produced to length and later sewn onto the substrate (sail, fabric, etc.) by means of a further fastening seam. The monofilaments do not extend to the end of the closed felled seam; rather, the empty end is folded over and sewn to the substrate with the fastening seam. This is done to prevent the monofilaments from slipping out of the felled seam and also to avoid damage to the substrate by the sharp edges of the monofilaments.

[0008] Monofilaments with low kinking susceptibility are particularly preferred. This ensures that the stiffening retains its shape stability even after repeated folding, rolling, or bending, preventing permanent kinking or breakage of the monofilaments. Suitable materials include thermoplastic polymers such as polyamide or fluoropolymers, which offer high flexibility combined with fatigue strength. Advantages of the invention: - Continuous pre-production of any length, regardless of the later intended use - Adjustable length and arc shape - More homogeneous force distribution under tension - Reduced packing size and weight - significantly lower costs compared to rod or laminate solutions - Improved aerodynamics through flat integration - Use of monofilament reinforcement elements with low kinking sensitivity, which increases the durability of the stiffening and avoids permanent kinking or breaking of the monofilaments. 3. Explanations of the drawings The drawings consist of 2 pages ( Fig. 1, Fig. 1a, Fig. 2, Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b, Fig. 4) These are not to scale, but serve only as a schematic representation. The explanations and reference lists for the drawings are attached separately. Figure 1: Preferred embodiment of the textile stiffening (with two monofilaments)

[0009] The illustration shows the preferred variant with two parallel monofilaments (2) embedded in a textile sheath (1), sewn in the center with a fixing seam (3). The textile sheath is constructed as a closed felled seam and is slightly longer than the monofilaments. The resulting empty end piece (4) is folded over to prevent the monofilaments from slipping out and to protect the carrier material (6) from damage by the sharp edges of the monofilaments. The textile sheath with the folded empty end piece is attached to the carrier material by the fastening seam (5). Reference symbol list: 1 Textile cover, finished with a closed felled seam 2 Two parallel monofilaments (e.g. fishing lines, Ø 0.5-1.5 mm) 3. Fixing seam of the monofilament 4 Empty end piece 5. Fastening seam on the carrier material 6 Carrier material Figure 1a: Detailed view of the final processing (top view, section)

[0010] The monofilaments (2) terminate before the end piece (4), and the textile sheath (1) is folded over. This design avoids sharp edges at the ends and is implemented at each end of the stiffener. Same reference symbols as in Figure 1. Figure 2: Another variant of the textile stiffening (with three monofilaments)

[0011] This variant shows three parallel monofilaments (2) sewn into the textile sheath (1) by two parallel fixing seams (3). This arrangement increases the stiffness of the structure while reducing the flexibility of rounded or arched stiffeners.

[0012] The parallel seams can be made more quickly here using a twin needle. Same reference symbols as in Figure 1 / 1a and Figure 3a / 3b: Application example 1, Textile stiffening, e.g., on tent walls or sun sails

[0013] The stiffening element (1) is integrated into a textile surface (3) along a defined path. Fig. Figure 3a shows the arc-shaped stiffening above the fastening tab (4) when tensioning a sail on the flat sail edge (2) by the guy rope (5), Fig. Figure 3b shows the stiffening when tensioning a sail tip. Reference symbol list: 1. Incorporated textile stiffening (according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 2) 2 Sail edge 3. Textile surface (e.g., tent wall) 4 fastening tabs 5 guy rope Figure 4: Application example 2, Textile stiffening on a profile chamber wall (e.g. in paragliders, kites, wings)

[0014] The textile stiffening (1) is applied to the profile chamber wall (3) along a defined path. This is preferably done in an arc shape over the attachment tabs (4) of the flying lines (5) and along the profile leading edge (2). Reference symbol list: 1. Incorporated textile stiffening (according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 2) 2 profile nose 3 profile chamber wall 4 fastening tabs 5 flying lines

[0015] The following relevant intellectual property rights were identified during the research for the utility model application. This list is not exhaustive and serves only as a comparison to contextualize the technical background and to delimit the claimed technical teaching: 1. EP2901443A1 - Flexible Stiffeners for Wings (Ozone) Invention for integrating flexible stiffening elements into inflatable wings. Difference: no textile flat-felled seam with embedded monofilaments, but separate elements, partially glued or sewn in. 2. US20120031994A1 - Reinforced Sail Construction: Application to sails with additional reinforcement strips. Difference: not an integral textile construction with flat-felled seams, but a multi-layer construction with laminates. 3. WO2014149765A1 - Paraglider with Reinforcing Ribs (Triple Seven) Use of crescent-shaped ribs for profile stabilization. Difference: the shaping ribs are separate components and are not defined by the seam technique. 4. EP1988775B1 - Sails with shaped elements. Specifically for windsurfing sails with integrated shaped strips. Difference: no textile integration, but film or fiber composite materials. 5. DE102008012345A1 - Textile reinforcement in paragliders. Purely textile additional layer for local reinforcement. Difference: no shape-giving effect, no monofilaments, no flat-felled seam. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] EP 2901443A1

[0015] US 20120031994A1

[0015] WO 2014149765A1

[0015] EP 1988775B1

[0015] DE 102008012345A1

[0015]

Claims

[1] Textile stiffening to reinforce flexible surfaces, characterized by , that two or more substantially parallel monofilaments (2) with a diameter between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm are embedded in a textile sheath (1), preferably in the form of a closed cap seam, and are fixed in their position by at least one fixing seam (3). [2] Textile stiffening according to claim 1, characterized by , that the textile sheath (1) is longer than the monofilaments (2) at at least one end and the resulting empty end piece (4) is folded over and sewn to the carrier material (6) with at least one fastening seam (5), thereby preventing the monofilaments from slipping out and protecting the carrier material from damage caused by the monofilaments. [3] Textile stiffening according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the textile sheath (1) with the embedded monofilaments (2) can be pre-produced in continuous length and cut to the desired length regardless of the intended use. [4] Textile stiffening according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the textile cover (1) is formed as a closed felled seam, with the monofilaments running completely inside the cover. [5] Textile stiffening according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the textile covering (1) is made of spinnaker material or another lightweight, flexible textile. [6] Textile stiffening according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that three or more monofilaments (2) are provided, each of which is fixed by parallel fixing seams (3). [7] Textile stiffening according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the monofilaments (2) are made of a material which has a low susceptibility to bending, in particular thermoplastic polymers such as polyamide or fluoropolymers. [8] Use of the textile stiffening according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that it serves to reinforce flexible surfaces in kites, sails, wings, paragliders, tents or similar textile wing and fabric constructions.

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