Method for manufacturing an ornamental element and / or covering in leather or a leather substitute or the like, to be fixed to a support so as to form an article, for example of furniture, leather goods, luggage, jewelry

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a leather ornamental and / or covering element, comprising the steps of providing (120) strips extending generally longitudinally and having a variable thickness from a first end of thinnest thickness to a second end opposite the first end; assembling (130) the strips by superposition to form a block of strips having a first thinned end formed by the thinnest first ends of the plurality of strips and a second end opposite the first thinned end and formed by the second ends of the strips, the block having a variable thickness formed by the sum of the variable thicknesses of the strips; slicing (140) the block of strips in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of extension of the strips to obtain slices of predetermined thickness;and to jointly assemble (170) slices and / or portions of slices forming ornamental and / or covering sub-elements so as to obtain the ornamental and / or covering element having a defined pattern. (Fig. 1);

Description

Title of the invention: Method for manufacturing an ornamental element and / or covering in leather or a leather substitute or the like, to be fixed to a support so as to form an article, for example of furniture, leather goods, luggage, jewelry Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an ornamental and / or covering element made of leather or a leather substitute or the like, to be fixed to a support so as to form an article, for example of furniture, leather goods, luggage, or jewelry.

[0002] The present invention further relates to an article, for example of furniture, leather goods, luggage, or jewelry, comprising a support on which at least one such decorative and / or covering element made of leather or a leather substitute is fixed. State of the art

[0003] Articles are known, for example leather goods, luggage, jewelry, leather or leather substitute or similar articles, etc., which are provided with a support on which at least one decorative or covering element is attached.

[0004] Patent application FR 2 362 725 describes a composite sheet material, usable in particular as wall covering, furnishing element, seat covering and any decorative element, as well as in leather goods and clothing. In particular, this material comprises a plurality of pre-cut elements assembled by fixing on a common sheet support made of rot-proof material. The method for manufacturing this composite sheet material consists of carrying out a pre-assembly of the pre-cut elements, on their reverse side, using adhesive tapes and then carrying out their fixing on the common support by gluing, and preferably by heat-sealing using a heat-activatable glue such as a synthetic resin.

[0005] Patent application EP 1 333 104 describes a method for manufacturing a composite material in sheets, which is intended for the production of leather goods, luggage, jewelry, leather or leather substitute articles or the like. In particular, to produce such a material, it is described that it is necessary to start with a first and a second essentially continuous sheets and an essentially discontinuous insert having a certain local rigidity, to interpose the insert between the first and the second sheets, to ensure the joining of the sandwich comprising the first and the second sheets and the insert placed between them, to press the sandwich so as to produce the composite material of which at least one of the layers has reliefs on its outer face corresponding to the discontinuities of the insert.

[0006] Patent application FR 2 913 028 describes a method for producing leather, leather substitute or similar covering pieces, which are used for example to produce parquet floors, partitions or to cover walls, doors or various objects. In particular, the pieces are made from a plurality of strips of leather, leather substitute or similar which are arranged in the same longitudinal direction, superimposed and associated with each other so as to form a compact block of superimposed strips, then the block is cut in a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and / or in the longitudinal direction so as to form leather covering pieces of chosen thickness.

[0007] US Patent 1,862,878 describes a method of manufacturing a shoe heel and in particular the manufacture of a covering to be affixed to such a heel, which covering is formed from a plurality of thin strips fixed together edge-to-edge and extending around the back and sides of a heel body, with the thin strips which may have a constant or variable width depending on where they are fixed on the heel body. Statement of the invention

[0008] The invention aims to provide a method for manufacturing an ornamental and / or covering element made of leather or a leather substitute or the like, to be fixed to a support so as to form an article, for example of furniture, leather goods, luggage, jewelry, which is particularly simple and convenient.

[0009] The invention thus relates, in a first aspect, to a method for manufacturing at least one decorative and / or covering element made of leather or a leather substitute or the like, to be fixed to a support so as to form an article, for example of furniture, leather goods, luggage, or jewelry, comprising the steps:

[0010] - providing a plurality of strips made of leather or a leather substitute or the like, each strip extending generally longitudinally and having a variable thickness from a first end of thinner thickness to a second end opposite the first end;

[0011] - to assemble the plurality of strips by superposition to form a block of strips having a first thinned end formed by the thinnest first ends of the plurality of strips and a second end opposite the first thinned end and formed by the second ends of the plurality of strips, the block having a variable thickness formed by the sum of the variable thicknesses of the plurality of strips;

[0012] - to cut the block of strips in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction extension method of the plurality of strips to obtain slices of predetermined thickness; and

[0013] - to securely assemble a plurality of slices and / or portions of slices forming ornamental and / or covering sub-elements so as to obtain an ornamental and / or covering element having a defined pattern.

[0014] In accordance with the manufacturing method according to the invention, it is possible to form ornamental and / or covering sub-elements having main faces obtained from the edges of the strips and therefore from the dermis mainly comprising the flesh and the grain of leather or leather substitute or the like, rather than from the external faces of the strips, and which also have an appearance associated with the variable thicknesses of the strips. This makes it possible, once the ornamental and / or covering sub-elements are assembled, to form an ornamental and / or covering element having a predefined pattern and which can then be fixed to a support so as to form an article, for example of furniture, leather goods, luggage, or jewelry.

[0015] Other particularly simple and convenient characteristics of the method according to the invention are described below.

[0016] The method may comprise the steps of providing a splitting mold, providing strips of generally constant thickness, positioning each of the strips on the mold and splitting each strip thus positioned to obtain the strips of variable thickness from the first end of thinner thickness towards the second end.

[0017] The method may include a step of gluing the plurality of strips by superposition to form the block of strips.

[0018] The method may comprise a step of providing at least one pattern, a step of arranging each slice on the pattern and a step of cutting the slice to the format of the pattern to obtain a respective slice portion.

[0019] The method may comprise a step of edge-to-edge bonding of the plurality of slices and / or portions of slices forming ornamental and / or covering sub-elements.

[0020] The method may comprise a step of providing a film and a step of bonding the plurality of slices and / or portions of slices forming ornamental and / or covering sub-elements assembled on the film.

[0021] The method may comprise a step of providing a support, for example rigid or semi-rigid, and a step of mechanically securing to this support one or more decorative elements according to a defined pattern, the assembly being able to equip an article for example of furniture, leather goods, luggage, jewelry.

[0022] At least one strip has a variable thickness and is defined by a thickness profile from the first end to the second end.

[0023] At least one strip has a variable thickness and is defined by a continuously progressive thickness profile from the first end to the second end.

[0024] At least one strip has a variable thickness and is defined by a thickness profile that is not continuously progressive from the first end to the second end.

[0025] Each band of the plurality of bands has generally the same thickness profile.

[0026] The bands of the plurality of bands generally have at least partially different thickness profiles.

[0027] The invention also relates, in a second aspect, to an article, for example of furniture, leather goods, luggage, jewelry, comprising a support on which is fixed at least one such decorative element and / or covering made of leather or leather substitute obtained according to the process as described above. Brief description of the figures

[0028] The invention, according to an exemplary embodiment, will be well understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, given for information purposes and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings briefly described below.

[0029] [Fig.l] is a block diagram representing different stages of a method of manufacturing an ornamental and / or covering element made of leather or a leather substitute or the like, according to the invention.

[0030] [Fig.2] schematically represents in perspective a stage of the process of the [Fig.l].

[0031] [Fig. 3] schematically represents in perspective another step of the process of [Fig. 1],

[0032] [Fig.4] schematically represents in perspective yet another stage of the process of [Fig.l].

[0033] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates in perspective a split strip obtained following the implementation of the steps of the method visible in Figures 2 to 4.

[0034] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates in perspective a block of split strips such as those visible in [Fig.5] and which are assembled during the implementation of another step of the method of [Fig.1].

[0035] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates in side view the block of [Fig.6].

[0036] [Fig.8] schematically illustrates a slice of a first predetermined thickness completed from the block of split strips as seen in [Fig.6] and which is obtained during the implementation of another step of the method of [Fig.l].

[0037] [Fig.9] is a view similar to that of [Fig.8], but showing a slice of a second predetermined thickness less than the first predetermined thickness.

[0038] [Fig. 10] schematically represents in perspective another step of the process of [Fig. 1], starting from a slice as visible in [Fig. 9] and with a view to obtaining an ornamental and / or coating sub-element.

[0039] [Fig. 11] schematically represents in perspective another step of the process of [Fig.l] and in particular the assembly of several sub-elements of ornamentation and / or covering as visible in [Fig. 10].

[0040] [Fig. 12] schematically represents in perspective yet another step of the process of [Fig. 1] and in particular the bonding of the assembly visible in [Fig. 11] and its bonding onto a film.

[0041] [Fig. 13] schematically represents in perspective yet another step of the method of [Fig.l] and in particular the mounting of the assembly visible in [Fig. 12] on a support to form an article, for example of furniture, leather goods, luggage, jewelry, comprising a support on which is fixed at least one such decorative element and / or covering made of leather or leather substitute. Detailed description

[0042] [Fig.l] is a block diagram representing different stages of a method of manufacturing an ornamental and / or covering element made of leather or a leather substitute or the like.

[0043] In particular, in the illustrated example, the manufacturing method comprises step 100 of providing a plurality of strips of leather or leather substitute or the like, each extending generally longitudinally and having a determined width and a generally constant thickness.

[0044] The manufacturing method comprises the step 110 of providing a splitting mold and the step 120 of positioning each of the strips on the mold, splitting each strip thus positioned to obtain and provide strips of variable thickness from a first end of thinner thickness to a second end opposite the first end.

[0045] The manufacturing method comprises the step 130 of assembling, in particular by gluing, the plurality of strips thus split by superposition to form a block of strips having a first thinned end formed by the thinnest first ends of the plurality of split strips and a second end opposite the first thinned end and formed by the second ends of the plurality of split strips.

[0046] The block thus has a variable thickness formed by the sum of the variable thicknesses of the plurality of split strips.

[0047] The manufacturing method comprises the step 140 of slicing the block of strips in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of extension of the plurality of strips to obtain slices of predetermined thickness.

[0048] The manufacturing method comprises the step 150 of providing at least one pattern having a predetermined format.

[0049] The manufacturing method comprises the step 160 of arranging each slice on the pattern and cutting the slice to the size of the pattern to obtain a respective slice portion.

[0050] The manufacturing method comprises step 170 of securely assembling, in particular by edge-to-edge gluing, the slice portions forming ornamental and / or covering sub-elements so as to obtain an ornamental and / or covering element having a defined pattern.

[0051] The manufacturing method comprises step 180 of providing a film and step 190 of bonding to the film the plurality of slices and / or portions of slices forming assembled ornamental and / or covering sub-elements.

[0052] The manufacturing method comprises step 200 of providing a support and a step 210 of mechanically securing to the support, for example rigid or semi-rigid, one or more decorative elements according to a defined pattern, the assembly thus manufactured being able to equip an article for example of furniture, leather goods, luggage, jewelry.

[0053] Figures 2 to 5 schematically represent in perspective steps 100 to 120 of the method illustrated in [Fig.l], with a view to obtaining a plurality of split strips 1.

[0054] Each strip 1 of leather or leather substitute or the like extends generally longitudinally and has a contour 3 defining a determined width and a generally constant thickness, an upper external face 4 and a lower external face 5.

[0055] The upper external face 4 and the lower external face 5 can be formed respectively by the epidermis and the flesh of the dermis if it is leather.

[0056] The splitting mold 2 extends generally longitudinally and is provided with a contour 6 here larger than that of the strips 1, a flat upper reference face 7 and a cavity 8 formed as a recess in the flat upper reference face 7.

[0057] The cavity 8 has a longitudinal ramp profile, that is to say that it is deeper at a first end 9 of the cavity 8 than at a second end 10 opposite the first end 9.

[0058] Each strip 1 is adapted to be positioned on the mold 2 and partially in- introduced into cavity 8.

[0059] A splitting tool (not shown) is used to split the strip 1 along the upper plane reference face 7, so that the strip 1 thus split has a split outer face 11 which is in a plane substantially identical to that of a upper plane reference face 7.

[0060] The strip 1 thus split has a split external face 11, the lower external face and sides 14 which are formed by the dermis of the leather, including the grain and / or the flesh, as well as a variable thickness defined here between a first thin end 12 and a second end 13 of the split strip 1.

[0061] In other words, the strip 1 thus split has a variable thickness and is defined by a thickness profile from the first end 12 towards the second end 13.

[0062] In the illustrated example, the thickness profile of the strip 1 is continuously progressive from the first end 12 towards the second end 13.

[0063] Alternatively, the thickness profile of the strip 1 may be non-continuously progressive from the first end to the second end.

[0064] Each band of the plurality of bands may have overall the same thickness profile, as in the illustrated example, or the bands of the plurality of bands may have overall thickness profiles that are at least partially different.

[0065] Figures 6 and 7 show a block 20 of split strips obtained by implementing the assembly step 130 of the method illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0066] The block 20 is here obtained by gluing the plurality of split strips 1 superimposed on each other.

[0067] The block 20 has a first thinned end 21 formed by the thinnest first ends 12 of the plurality of split strips 1 and a second end 22 opposite the first thinned end 21 and formed by the second ends 13 of the plurality of split strips 1.

[0068] The block 20 thus has a variable thickness formed by the sum of the variable thicknesses of the plurality of split strips 1.

[0069] In the example illustrated, the strips 1 are arranged so that the thickness of the block 20 is continuously progressive from its first thinned end 21 towards its second end 22 which is therefore widened.

[0070] The block 20 is formed, on the sides, by the sides 14 of the split strips 1.

[0071] Figures 8 and 9 show slices 25 respectively of a first predetermined thickness e1 and of a second predetermined thickness e2 less than the first predetermined thickness e1, obtained by implementing step 140 of cutting the block 20 of slit strips 1.

[0072] The slices 25 are cut from the block 20 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of extension of the plurality of strips 1.

[0073] [Fig.10] shows steps 150 and 160 of the method illustrated in [Fig.1], with a view to obtaining an ornamental and / or covering sub-element 32.

[0074] Each slice is arranged on a template 30, for example made of plastic or metal and having a predetermined format defined by a contour 31, then cut to the format of the template 30 so as to form a slice portion corresponding to an ornamental and / or covering sub-element 32 having a contour 33 corresponding to that of the template 30.

[0075] Here, the pattern 30 has a rectangular and in particular square outline 31.

[0076] Alternatively, the pattern may have a different shape, for example circular, round, oval, diamond-shaped, triangular, etc.

[0077] Figures 11 and 12 schematically represent in perspective steps 170 to 190 of the method illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0078] Several ornamental and / or covering sub-elements 32, or portions of slices previously cut on the pattern 30, are assembled according to a determined pattern.

[0079] In the illustrated example, a pattern is formed from four ornamental and / or covering sub-elements 32 arranged in a square.

[0080] These ornamental and / or covering sub-elements 32 are glued to each other edge to edge.

[0081] A film 34 may be provided and each assembly formed of several ornamental and / or covering sub-elements 32 glued together may be glued onto the film 34 in order to reinforce the holding of the ornamental and / or covering sub-elements 32 together.

[0082] Alternatively, it is possible to do without such a film.

[0083] The assembly formed of the ornamental and / or covering sub-elements 32 glued to each other and optionally glued to the film forms an ornamental and / or covering element presenting the determined pattern.

[0084] [Fig. 13] schematically represents in perspective steps 200 and 210 of the method illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0085] A support 36 is provided and a plurality of ornamental and / or covering elements are arranged and mechanically secured, for example by gluing, on the support to form an article 35.

[0086] In the example described, the support 36 is formed from one or more wooden plates, so that the article 35 can form a piece of furniture.

[0087] Alternatively, the support may be made of leather or equivalent, plastic, metal so that the article may be an article, for example, of leather goods, luggage, jewelry.

[0088] According to the manufacturing method described above, it is possible to form ornamental and / or covering sub-elements having main faces obtained from the edges of the strips and therefore from the dermis mainly comprising the flesh and the grain of leather or leather substitute or the like, rather than from the external faces of the strips, and which also have an appearance associated with the variable thicknesses of the strips. This makes it possible, once the ornamental and / or covering sub-elements are assembled, to form an ornamental and / or covering element having a predefined pattern and which can then be fixed to a support so as to form an article, for example of furniture, leather goods, luggage, jewelry.

[0089] It is recalled more generally that the invention is not limited to the examples described and represented.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for manufacturing at least one decorative and / or covering element made of leather or a leather substitute or the like, to be fixed on a support (36) so as to form an article (35) for example of furniture, leather goods, luggage, jewelry, comprising the steps: - providing (120) a plurality of strips made of leather or a leather substitute or the like (1), each strip extending generally longitudinally and having a variable thickness from a first end (12) of the thinnest thickness towards a second end (13) opposite the first end;- assembling (130) the plurality of strips by superposition to form a block of strips (20) having a first thinned end (21) formed by the thinnest first ends of the plurality of strips and a second end (22) opposite the first thinned end and formed by the second ends of the plurality of strips, the block having a variable thickness formed by the sum of the variable thicknesses of the plurality of strips; - slicing (140) the block of strips in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of extension of the plurality of strips to obtain slices (25) of predetermined thickness; and - assembling (170) together a plurality of slices and / or portions of slices forming ornamental and / or covering sub-elements (32) so as to obtain an ornamental and / or covering element having a defined pattern.;

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the steps of providing (110) a splitting mold (2), providing (100) strips (1) of generally constant thickness, positioning each of the strips on the mold and splitting each strip thus positioned to obtain the strips of variable thickness from the first end (12) of thinner thickness towards the second end (13).

3. Method according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it comprises a step of gluing the plurality of strips (1) by superposition to form the block of strips (20).

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a step of providing (150) at least one pattern (30), a step of arranging each slice (25) on the pattern and a step of cutting the slice to the format of the pattern to obtain a respective slice portion.

5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a step of edge-to-edge bonding of the plurality of slices and / or portions of slices forming ornamental and / or covering sub-elements (32).

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a step of providing (180) a film (34) and a step (190) of bonding the plurality of slices and / or portions of slices forming ornamental and / or covering sub-elements (32) assembled on the film.

7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a step of providing (220) a support (36) and a step of mechanically securing (210) one or more decorative elements on the support according to a defined pattern, the assembly being able to equip an article (35) for example furniture, leather goods, luggage, jewelry.

8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one strip (1) has a variable thickness and defined by a thickness profile from the first end (12) towards the second end (13).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one strip (1) has a variable thickness and defined by a continuously progressive thickness profile from the first end (12) towards the second end (13).

10. Method according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that at least one strip (1) has a variable thickness and defined by a thickness profile which is not continuously progressive from the first end to the second end.

11. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that each strip (1) of the plurality of strips has generally the same thickness profile.

12. Method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the strips (1) of the plurality of strips generally have at least partially different thickness profiles.

13. Article for example of furniture, leather goods, luggage, jewelry, comprising a support (36) on which is fixed at least one decorative element and / or covering made of leather or leather substitute obtained by implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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