Method for producing a loop seam
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023754125
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-06-09
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-06-07
AI Technical Summary
Current methods for trimming and connecting textile pieces face challenges with materials of different textures, such as leather and foil-like materials, due to needle specificity, friction issues, and defects like missed stitches, leading to waste, environmental pollution, and increased costs, especially when processing thick or multiple layers.
A novel method involving the creation of a loop seam by introducing recesses in the textile edge, forming and guiding loops through these recesses to connect and trim textile pieces, which allows for independent perforation of materials and uses a single thread or bundle for multiple layers, simplifying the process and avoiding needle-specific issues.
This method reduces waste and environmental impact by enabling efficient processing of various materials, including elastic and recycled ones, while creating durable and resilient seams that can be easily recycled, and reduces the need for multiple machines and energy consumption.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Method for producing a loop seam
[0002] Technical environment
[0003] The invention relates to a method for producing a loop seam intended for trimming and joining textile pieces using a thread-like connecting element. State of the art
[0004] Methods for trimming and joining textile pieces are known in a variety of forms from the state of the art.
[0005] Edge finishing, also known as edge serging, is a process that seals the edges of a piece of fabric so that the material cannot fray. This is usually done using an overlock or coverlock seam, also called a chain stitch or zigzag stitch, and requires sewing machines that usually process more than three threads at the same time. Another option for edge finishing is to finish and secure the edge using a tuck-in or / and turn-up method. For this, the fabric edge is folded inwards once, then again if necessary, and finally secured with a seam. The previously open edge of the fabric is then on the inside and can no longer fray.
[0006] Such measures are essential for producing clothing that can withstand heavy wear, such as workwear or sportswear, with appropriate longevity.
[0007] In addition, connecting seams between textile pieces for the production of clothing are known in various designs. In the production of these connecting seams, the needles required and the corresponding needle thicknesses play a significant role. There are needle diameters and needle tips for different materials. The problem often arises that materials of different textures (e.g. leather or foil-like materials) cannot be joined successfully because the needles used are specifically designed for only one of the materials and may not be able to penetrate both materials simultaneously, which is a basic prerequisite for a reliable material connection. In this context, umbilical hernias are known to occur due to the material and its toughness, which result in corresponding material losses and time for the production of the garments.In some cases, garments may have to be reworked or discarded entirely, creating waste, which is obviously detrimental from an environmental perspective.
[0008] In particular, when manufacturing and processing materials made of synthetic fibers, there is the additional problem that the corresponding friction on the needle causes the resistance within the material used to have such a negative effect on the threads required for joining that the sewing machine used malfunctions.
[0009] Furthermore, practice has shown that although modern sewing machines are equipped with the option of adjusting various parameters such as stitch size, thread tension and sewing speed to suit different requirements, it cannot be ruled out that so-called skipped stitches may occur. This is when the needle does not penetrate the fabric at all, or penetrates the fabric too closely, too far, or at irregular intervals, contrary to what was planned and set on the machine. The resulting seam is therefore faulty and not optional, meaning it must be undone and sewn again. With some materials, such as delicate cotton or silk, the entire pattern piece must be replaced because the seams cannot be undone without damaging the material. This also requires additional time and material loss, and therefore environmental pollution and costs.
[0010] Another disadvantage of the prior art has been identified: the problem of the presser foot height, commonly known as the "presser foot height," is that every sewing machine has a certain amount of leeway in the height below the presser foot (the device mounted around the needle that presses the material down and together to facilitate the process). This means that, above a certain height, the sewing process is prevented because the machine cannot grasp and transport the fabric. This problem is particularly evident when working with leather and when making clothing from very thick and numerous layers of material.
[0011] Object of the invention
[0012] Based on the known state of the art and the well-known problems described above, the object of the invention is to provide a novel method for trimming and joining textile pieces, which enables easier processing, less waste, and thus reduced environmental impact. Furthermore, it also enables the production of clothing from completely different material compositions. Finally, the production of textile pieces from numerous fabric layers in the area of trouser waistbands and collars should also be carried out smoothly, and corresponding materials such as foils and rubber should be processed. Solution to the problem
[0013] The stated object is achieved according to the invention by the technical teaching set out in the characterising part of claim 1.
[0014] The novel process is characterized by the following process steps:
[0015] • Making recesses in the edge area of the textile piece intended for trimming, whereby the recesses are arranged parallel to the textile edge, spaced from it and laterally next to each other,
[0016] • Forming the thread-like connecting element into a loop,
[0017] • Pulling the formed loop from the front to the back of the textile piece through one of the recesses in the edge area of the textile piece in such a way that after pulling through the formed loop is on the back,
[0018] • Forming a second loop in front of the cutout on the front of the textile piece,
[0019] • guiding the second loop over the edge of the textile piece in such a way that the tip of the second loop passes through the eyelet-like opening of the first loop on the back of the textile piece,
[0020] • Returning the second loop to the front side of the textile piece and pulling the second loop from the front side to the back side of the textile piece through a next recess located laterally adjacent to the previous recess in such a way that after pulling through the formed second loop is located on the back side, which is used for continuing the process to a new first loop.
[0021] The described process steps represent the production of a subsection of the inventive loop seam, with the production process of a subsection being repeated after completion of the last process step, ultimately resulting in a continuous loop seam for trimming textile pieces and—after trimming—for joining two textile pieces. A key aspect of the novel loop seam and its production is that, due to the perforation of the fabric material as the first basic step of the process, no special consideration needs to be given to the materials to be joined (no special needle-specific precautions are necessary, for example, for joining leather and foil materials) or their thickness.
[0022] Optimal solutions can be chosen for the perforation of the material, since this process step is independent of the further work necessary to produce the loop seam.
[0023] Furthermore, it should be noted that the cutouts or perforations in the materials can be precisely created, even in technically complex areas, thus preventing material damage. It should be noted here that inserting a zipper often results in the needles used on conventional sewing machines hitting the metal of the zipper, causing the needle to bend or break, thus damaging the machine. By perforating the material beforehand, the seam path is determined in such a way that, as described above, corresponding material problems cannot arise in the first place.
[0024] Another positive aspect is that the perforation of the material avoids the need for a large number of stitches during production, as described above, and also alleviates the problem of having to sew thick materials or a large number of layers of material.
[0025] Another advantage is that the edge finishing described above is significantly simplified by the innovative process for producing a loop seam. Depending on the ratio of the materials to be joined to the edge width, in addition to the buffer perforation, the diameter of the loops, and the spacing of the perforations, the respective edge can be created with just a single strip, strand of thread, or bundle while simultaneously sewing several layers of fabric. Edge finishing in today's industry usually requires one or more separate work steps or requires machines that require at least two differently routed threads to create a seam. Furthermore, these machines cannot perform the hemming and seaming steps in a single operation for all materials.The usual process known from the state of the art involves first finishing the edges of the fabrics to be processed with an overlock machine, and then joining the fabrics together on a conventional sewing machine in a subsequent step. This involves the use of several different machines, which naturally generate corresponding energy consumption and are considered problematic from a cost and environmental perspective.
[0026] In contrast, in the method according to the invention, the spacing of the perforations is such that it is proportional to the distance from the fabric edge and the diameter of the loop formed by the connecting material during the sewing process that, by pulling the corresponding loop along the seam, the fabric edge is folded in and secured, thus neatening it. The neatening function of the loop seam according to the invention is thus superior to conventional edge neatening in that it achieves in a single step what is possible in the prior art in several steps (single or multiple folded edges followed by stitching).
[0027] In practice, it has also proven advantageous that, compared to the current state of the art, stretch materials can be processed without any problems, while maintaining the maximum elasticity of the resulting seams. While conventional, modern industrial sewing machines can process stretch thread under certain conditions, this does not result in the seam itself becoming or remaining highly elastic. To create secure, tear-resistant, and durable stretch seams, an overlock machine with at least two threads of different lengths is essential.
[0028] The loop seam according to the invention facilitates the creation of elastic seams with the aid of a single thread, which can also be strips or bundles of connecting material made from old clothing. Practical tests have shown that recycled tights are the ideal material for producing such strips as connecting materials. This represents an excellent resource from an environmental perspective, as sheer tights are often only worn once and then disposed of. In principle, the seam according to the invention is also applicable to non-recycled materials.
[0029] Finally, with regard to the advantages of the invention, it should be noted that the eyelet formation carried out during the process steps can be seen as a further advantage. The eyelets are created during the seam production process by the interlocking loops. They can be used for cords or button eyes and represent a functional and at the same time aesthetically pleasing aspect of the seam, whereby the edge finishing is retained even under load and tensile stress. The load-bearing capacity can be adjusted by the ratio of the diameter of the connecting material to the distance between the material edge and the material perforation, resulting in an extremely durable seam. This makes clothing more durable and thus the associated CO2 emissions can be significantly reduced. At the same time, production steps such as sewing in buttonholes or attaching eyelets are no longer necessary.This means fewer machines and less energy consumption are required, which in turn means fewer emissions and less working time.
[0030] Since the fashion industry continues to experience significant growth rates, which, especially today, given the heightened sensitivity to environmental issues related to production and transport, naturally result in increased CO2 emissions in the millions of tons annually. Naturally, large quantities of pesticides are released during production, enormous amounts of water are consumed in cotton production, and large quantities of petroleum are extracted and refined for the production of synthetic fibers. Recently, trends have emerged to examine the accumulation of old clothing from a recycling perspective. With regard to the invention, it is certainly useful to consider the accumulation of old clothing in terms of its potential for recycling.Economical, quick, and clean separation of the clothing components is of great importance. Due to its nature, the loop seam created using the method according to the invention has the advantage of being quick to create but also even quicker to undo. The interlacing of the loops creates a stable seam, but without knotting. By simply pulling, after loosening the start or end points of a seam, the entire connecting material can be completely and completely removed from the seam without leaving any residue and can thus be fully recycled. The previously joined materials are residue-free and can be clearly identified and reconnected using the remaining perforation. They can thus be directly recycled, processed into other products, or made into new connecting material.Complete recycling becomes simple, quick, and thus economically viable and competitive, representing an absolute first in this field and in the textile industry. The lifespan of a garment is significantly extended; even textiles with a very short average lifespan (such as tights) can be used as joining materials, thus extending their life cycle significantly and significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
[0031] Many fiber mixtures, the composition of different fabrics, and the presence of buttons and zippers often make economically viable separation difficult. While mechanical separation of fibers, especially cotton and wool, is a technically established process, it comes at the expense of quality. To produce usable yarn, large quantities of virgin fibers must be added. Recycling of synthetic fibers is significantly limited, and only a few companies offer chemical recycling of synthetic materials. Chemical processes for restoring natural fibers are possible, but still require considerable investment in research and development.
[0032] Due to its simplicity, the described process is suitable for both manual and machine production. In the area of very high-quality fashion, such as haute couture, a certain degree of manual labor is required to meet the basic criteria for entry into the industry (haute couture creations must be tailor-made, handcrafted unique pieces). The loop stitch according to the invention is particularly interesting here because it can be produced entirely and exclusively by hand, making it conceivable for a fashion company to operate entirely without machines and without CO2 emissions. Due to its versatility and rapid implementation, the stitch is particularly competitive, and the hand-made loop stitch is visually very striking, which can represent an ideal aesthetic trademark and recognition feature.Furthermore, it can be applied by hand in places, even in very expressive - and extreme - forms that may not be able to be adequately achieved by a machine.
[0033] In addition to clothing, products that are intended for handcrafting and create additional sales dimensions are also conceivable. Examples include self-sewing kits that, using prefabricated pattern pieces, pre-perforated cutouts, matching fasteners, and appropriate clips for guiding the fasteners through the perforations, are easily and aesthetically pleasingly joined by hand following a specific process. The result is a textile item with handcrafted elements that can later be worn as fashionably relevant clothing, with the idea of genuine and genuine sustainability through recycled materials adding an additional positive element.It is important to note that the method according to the invention does not require sharp needles, which pose a potential health hazard, so that such sets can also be used for children's clothing.
[0034] Particular embodiments of the method according to the invention also result from the features of claim 1 in conjunction with the subclaims which refer back to the main claim.
[0035] It has proven particularly advantageous to have the second loop, which passes through the first loop on the back of the fabric, pass through either from the front or from the back. Both variants provide a beneficial configuration depending on the application.
[0036] Furthermore, an expedient further development of the method according to the invention provides for the loop located on the back to be twisted at least once after the loop has been pulled through one of the recesses in the piece of textile.
[0037] Furthermore, it may be advantageous, after completion of the production of the loop seam according to the invention through the first loop, to pull a further thread-like connecting element for coupling the first textile piece provided with the loop seam to a second textile piece which has an identically shaped second further loop seam arranged in the edge region of the second textile piece produced according to the method of the claim, wherein the further thread-like connecting element is guided through the corresponding first loop of the further loop seam.
[0038] Character description
[0039] An exemplary embodiment of the loop seam produced according to the inventive method for trimming and joining textile pieces using a thread-like connecting element is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. It shows:
[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective schematic representation of the first process step for producing the loop seam,
[0041] Figure 2 Schematic representation of two possibilities following the process step from Figure 1 ,
[0042] Figure 3 is a perspective schematic representation of the second process step for producing the loop seam,
[0043] Figure 4 is a perspective schematic representation of what follows after the second process step,
[0044] Figure 5A is a perspective schematic representation of a first embodiment variant following the process step from Figure 4, Figure 5B is a perspective schematic representation of a second embodiment variant following the process step from Figure 4,
[0045] Figure 6 is a perspective schematic representation of the process step following the process step shown on the back in Figure 5A or 5B,
[0046] Figure 7 is a perspective schematic representation of the last process step following that of Figure 6 and
[0047] Figure 8 is a perspective schematic representation of a connection between two pieces of textile using the loop seam according to the invention.
[0048] The schematic representations in Figures 1 to 8 each depict a textile piece designated by reference numeral 1, in which, for simplification purposes, two adjacent recesses are visible. The recesses 2 are designed as round holes in the textile body 1 and are formed in the edge region of the textile body 1 in the form of a perforation parallel to the textile body edge using suitable tools.
[0049] A thread-like connecting element 3 is threaded through the central hole of the perforation and is pulled from the front through the textile piece 1, so that a first loop 4 is formed on the back. The free ends of the connecting element 3 thus protrude forward from the textile piece 1.
[0050] After the loop 4 has been pushed through and formed, this loop 4 can be arranged untwisted in an embodiment A as shown in Figure 2 or as a loop with a single or (not shown) multiple twists as shown in embodiment B.
[0051] After the formation of the loop 4, in the next step a second loop 5 is formed from the thread-like connecting element 3 to produce the loop seam, as indicated in Figure 3.
[0052] Figure 4 shows the subsequent process step: the second loop 5 formed in Figure 3 is guided over the edge of the textile piece 1 to the opening of the loop 4. The loop 4 can be guided from its back side (Figure 5A) or its front side (Figure 5B). Both variants are possible and are selected based on design considerations.
[0053] After carrying out the process step shown in Figure 4, the loop 5 is guided from the rear plane of the textile piece 1 back to the front, so that it is possible to pull the front end of the loop 5 through the further recess located next to the one recess 2.
[0054] Figure 7 shows the final method step of pulling the free end of the loop 5 through the further recess 2. This results in the same starting position for the loop 5 as already shown in Figure 1. The method sequence as shown in Figures 2 to 8 can therefore now begin from the beginning. A series of individual loops is thus formed which, viewed as a whole over the edge region of the textile piece 1, form the loop seam according to the invention. By pulling the individual loops together, the edge of the textile piece 1 is enclosed, resulting in a trimming which provides reliable protection against fraying of the edge of the textile piece 1.In Figure 7, to illustrate the fact that after the loop 5 has been pushed through the further recess 2, a new start is made to produce another individual loop, the loop 5 is simultaneously marked as loop 4 NEW.
[0055] Finally, the illustration in Figure 8 illustrates how two textile pieces 1, each provided with a loop seam according to the invention at their mutually adjacent edge regions, can be coupled together by means of a thread-like connecting band 6. For this purpose, the connecting band 6 is alternately passed through the adjacent loops 4 and 5 present in the loop band. This results in a shoelace-like coupling of the loop seams and, after tightening the connecting band 6 and the connecting elements 3 belonging to the two loop seams, a connecting seam of the two textile pieces 1 to be coupled.
[0056] The described joining technique, as well as the production of the loop seam according to the invention, are illustrated in Figures 1-8, each with thread-like connecting elements 3 and connecting tape 6. This in no way deviates from the scope of the invention if, where appropriate, recycled fabric strips are used as connecting elements 3 or connecting tape 6, these are made from wider fabric strips. The use of such fabric strips, as already described in the description, can create a special, visually interesting additional effect for design purposes.
[0057] List of reference symbols Textile piece Recess Connecting element First loop Second loop Connecting band
Claims
Patent claims Method for producing a loop seam intended for the trimming and joining of textile pieces using a thread-shaped connecting element, characterized by the following process sequence steps: • Introduction of recesses (2) in the edge region of the textile piece (1) intended for trimming, wherein the recesses (2) are arranged parallel to the textile edge, spaced from it and laterally next to one another, • Forming the thread-like connecting element into a first loop (4), • Pulling the formed loop (4) from the front to the back of the textile piece (1) through one of the recesses (2) made in the edge area of the textile piece (1) in such a way that after pulling through the formed loop (4) is located on the back, • Forming a further second loop (5) in front of the recess (2) on the front side of the textile piece (1), • guiding the second loop (5) over the edge area of the textile piece (1) in such a way that the tip of the second loop (5) passes through the eyelet-like opening of the first loop (4) located on the back of the textile piece (1), • Returning the second loop (5) to the front side of the textile piece (1) and pulling the second loop (5) through from the front side to the back side of the textile piece (1) through a next recess (2) located laterally adjacent to the previous recess in such a way that after pulling through the formed second loop (5) is located on the back side, which is used to continue the process to form a new first loop (4 NEW). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the recesses (2) in the edge region of the textile piece (1) are designed as perforations with a round diameter. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that before the recesses (2) are made in the edge region of the textile piece (1), this edge region is folded inwards at least once towards the middle of the textile piece (1), the (2) recesses being located in the region outside the folded edge region.Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the edge region of the textile piece (1) is folded inwards twice, so that three superimposed textile layers of the textile piece (1) are produced in the edge region.
5. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that after the loop (4) has been pulled through one of the recesses (1) of the textile piece, the loop (4) located on the back is twisted at least once.
6. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second loop (5) passes through the first loop (4) on the back of the textile piece (1) from the front.
7. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second loop (5) passes through the first loop (4) on the back of the textile piece (1) from behind.
8. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a further thread-like connecting element (6) for coupling the first textile piece (1) to a second textile piece (1) is pulled through the first loop (4), which second textile piece (1) has an identically shaped second further loop seam produced according to the method of claim 1 and arranged in the edge region of the second textile piece (1), wherein the further thread-like connecting element (6) is guided through the corresponding first loop (4) of the further loop seam.