IMPROVED MULTI-LAYER ELEMENT

Abstract

IMPROVED MULTILAYER ELEMENT The invention relates to a multilayer element (100) which comprises a first layer (A) comprising at least one yarn (1) comprising sections arranged side by side and / or intertwined; the at least one yarn (1) comprises at least one elongated thin filament impregnated with a resin; said multilayer element (100) comprises a second layer (B) comprising a film (2) on which said at least one yarn (1) of the first layer (A) is fixed; the film (2) is made of a material suitable for fusion with the resin; the film (2) is made of a waterproof material. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: IMPROVED MULTILAYER ELEMENT

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved multi-layer element.

[0002] In particular, the field concerned is that of multi-layer elements which are used as fabrics or membranes in roofs, coverings, tensile structures and / or capitals, and which must meet structural and aesthetic requirements.

[0003] The applicant of the present utility model application has been working in this field for several years, continually developing new structures suitable for use as fabrics or membranes. With the present invention, the applicant has set itself the objective of increasing the artistic freedom of designers who create fabrics, membranes or similar structures, given that these objects are currently obtained using technology that negatively affects the aesthetic characteristics of the object in terms of desired strength and elasticity.

[0004] More specifically, these prior art objects comprise a plurality of interwoven threads that create a reticular grid (definable as a textile reinforcement) extending over the entire surface of the object. The aesthetics of the finished object, but also the structural characteristics of the object, depend on the number of threads used, the trajectory in which they are arranged, the thickness and the number of points of intersection of the threads.

[0005] Such threads comprise filaments impregnated with a resin whose function is to attach the overlapping portions of the threads. The resin is superheated and activated during the manufacturing process. Once the object is manufactured, the resin hardens, which stabilizes the arrangement of each thread and the attachment between the threads at the points where they are superimposed on each other.

[0006] To obtain such an object, it is therefore necessary to create a design comprising a sufficiently high number of wires, as well as a sufficiently high number of contact points between the wires, so as to define a large number of high-resistance points.

[0007] Based on careful observation of this latter aspect, the inventor has endeavored to find a solution for manufacturing objects without having to take into consideration the structural implications that are currently felt on the basis of aesthetic choices regarding the arrangement of the wires.

[0008] More specifically, the inventor's aim is to manufacture objects in which the thread or threads are not superimposed on each other, or objects in which the thread or threads are superimposed on each other at such a small number of points that, even if it were possible to manufacture them with current technology, it would be impossible to ensure the necessary stability and strength of the object.

[0009] In other words, the aim of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by designing a new multi-layer element in which the wire or wires can be extended along any type of trajectory, without affecting the structural properties of the multi-layer element.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention aims to design a multi-layer element which is impermeable to water.

[0011] These objectives are achieved thanks to the present invention which relates to a multilayer element comprising:

[0012] - a first layer comprising at least one wire comprising sections arranged side by side and / or intertwined with each other; said at least one yarn comprising at least one elongated thin filament impregnated with a resin; and

[0013] - a second layer comprising a film on which said at least one wire of the first layer is arranged and fixed; said film being made of a material suitable for fusion with the resin; said film being impermeable to water.

[0014] Advantageously, said film is made of the same material as the resin used to impregnate the at least one filament of the at least one wire.

[0015] Advantageously, said at least one filament of the at least one wire extends along a trajectory comprising:

[0016] - at least one curvilinear section; and / or

[0017] - two consecutive inclined sections defining an angle.

[0018] Advantageously, said at least one wire comprises sections which are interlaced and fixed by means of an adhesive, defining junction points.

[0019] Advantageously, said first layer comprises first wires and second wires interlaced and superimposed, defining the junction points of a grid.

[0020] Advantageously, the multilayer element further comprises third wires interwoven with said first wires and second wires and arranged above, below and between the first and second wires.

[0021] Advantageously, the multilayer element further comprises fourth wires superimposed on the other wires.

[0022] Advantageously, said at least one thread comprises a plurality of filaments fixed by means of the resin used to impregnate them.

[0023] Advantageously, said film is translucent or transparent so as to distinguish the at least one filament from the at least one thread relative to the film.

[0024] Advantageously, said film has a perimeter edge; wherein said at least one wire has no points touching the perimeter edge of the film.

[0025] Advantageously, said film is waterproof.

[0026] Advantageously, the at least one filament is made of carbon and / or meta-aramids and / or para-aramids and / or meta-aramid and / or poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) and / or polypropylene and / or polyester and / or ceramic and / or high elastic modulus polyester and / or basalt and / or aromatic polyester produced by polycondensation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid (marketed under the name Vectran®) and / or very high molar mass polyethylene (marketed under the name Spectra®) and / or bamboo and / or hemp;

[0027] wherein the resin consists of:

[0028] - polyester and polyurethane resins based on polyether; or

[0029] - epoxy resins; or

[0030] - carbamate resins; or

[0031] - caprolactone resins; or

[0032] - polyolefin resins; or

[0033] - fluorinated polymer plastics.

[0034] For the sake of clarity of explanation, the description of the multilayer element according to the invention continues with reference to the appended drawings, which have only an illustrative and non-limiting value, in which:

[0035] [Fig-1] is a schematic axonometric view of the multilayer element according to the invention in a first embodiment; in this [Fig.l], a first layer of the multilayer element comprises a single wire which is twisted with an irregular trajectory, having a plurality of superimposed sections;

[0036] [Fig.2] is a schematic axonometric view of the multilayer element according to the invention in a second embodiment; in this [Fig.2], the first layer of the multilayer element comprises a single wire which is twisted so as to define a spiral;

[0037] [Fig.3] is a schematic axonometric view of the multilayer element according to the invention in a third embodiment; in this [Fig.3], the first layer of the multilayer element comprises a plurality of wires which are twisted in the manner of intersecting loops;

[0038] [Fig.4] is a schematic axonometric view of the multilayer element according to the invention in a fourth embodiment; in this [Fig.4], the first layer of the multilayer element comprises a plurality of wires arranged side by side without crossing;

[0039] [Fig.5] is a schematic axonometric view of the multilayer element according to the invention in a fifth embodiment; in this [Fig.5], the first layer of the multilayer element comprises a plurality of wires twisted so as to define a grid;

[0040] [Fig.5A] is an enlarged view of [Fig.5];

[0041] [Fig.6] is a schematic axonometric view of the multilayer element according to the invention in a sixth embodiment; in this [Fig.6], the first layer of the multilayer element comprises a plurality of wires twisted so as to define a grid;

[0042] [Fig.ôA] is an enlarged view of [Fig.6];

[0043] [Fig.7] is a sectional view of the multilayer element according to the invention, which illustrates in particular a wire of the first layer of the multilayer element;

[0044] [Fig.8] is a schematic view of a structure in which the multilayer element according to the invention is used.

[0045] The attached figures describe a multilayer element according to the invention, which is designated overall by the reference numeral 100.

[0046] The multilayer element 100 comprises a first layer A comprising at least one wire 1; 101; 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d comprising sections arranged side by side and / or intertwined. It should be noted that, in the present utility certificate application, the term "intertwined" indicates that the wires or sections of wires are superimposed on each other and are therefore in contact with each other at a point.

[0047] The at least one yarn 1; 101; 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d is a composite yarn comprising at least one elongated thin filament 10 impregnated with a polymer or natural resin 11. More precisely, as shown in [Fig.7], the at least one yarn 1; 101; 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d comprises a plurality of filaments 10 arranged side by side and fixed by means of the resin 11 used to impregnate them.

[0048] Said filaments 10 are made of carbon and / or meta-aramids and / or para-aramids and / or meta-aramid and / or poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) and / or polypropylene and / or polyester and / or ceramic and / or high elastic modulus polyester and / or basalt and / or aromatic polyester produced by polycondensation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid (marketed under the name Vectran®) and / or very high molar mass polyethylene (marketed under the name Spectra®) and / or bamboo and / or hemp and / or organic or plant type. In practice, the threads are of synthetic or natural origin. The materials listed above are given only as examples, and the filaments 10 may also be made of other materials.

[0049] Furthermore, the multilayer element 100 comprises a second layer B comprising a film 2 on which the wire 1; 101; 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d of the first layer A is arranged and fixed, acting as a support for the wire 1; 101; 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d. The film 2 is made of a material suitable for fusion with the resin 11 of the wire 1; 101; 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d.

[0050] More precisely, the film 2 of the second layer B is made of the same material as the resin 11 used to impregnate the filament(s) 10 of each wire 1; 101; 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d.

[0051] The fact that the film 2 and the resin 11 are made of the same material protects the multilayer element 100 against delamination phenomena (i.e., separation of the wires from the film) which frequently occur when different materials are fixed and when the multilayer element is subjected to high stresses or shocks.

[0052] Indeed, the resin 11 and the film 2 made of the same material create an indissoluble bond between the wires and the film. In other words, the resin 11 and the film 2 are fused, generating a homogeneous structure.

[0053] The film 2 and the resin 11 are made of a waterproof material.

[0054] Resin 11 and film 2 consist of:

[0055] - polyester and polyurethane resins based on polyether; or

[0056] - epoxy resins; or

[0057] - carbamate resins; or

[0058] - caprolactone resins; or

[0059] - polyolefin resins; or

[0060] - fluorinated polymer plastics.

[0061] The materials listed above are given only as examples, and the film 2 and consequently the resin 11 may be made of other materials which are similar to those listed above.

[0062] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the film 2 is translucent or transparent so that the filament 10 of the yarn(s) can be distinguished from the film 2. Such a feature has an aesthetic advantage in that, if the yarn(s) follow a path such that they create designs or shapes that are particularly eye-catching, an observer can then, thanks to the translucency or transparency of the film 2, appreciate such artistic forms even if the yarn(s) are arranged behind the film 2.

[0063] By way of illustration, Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 6A represent different types of multilayer elements 100 which differ by the number of wires 1; 101; 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d of the first layer A and / or by the trajectories followed by said wires 1; 101; 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d of the first layer A.

[0064] By way of example, [Fig.l] shows a multi-layer element 100 in which the first layer A comprises a single wire 1 with sections that are interlaced (superimposed on each other), defining junction points 30. Furthermore, the wire 1 has a free path that includes curvilinear sections 4 extending along the along an arc of circumference greater than 90°, and consecutive inclined sections defining broken lines 5 with edges.

[0065] [Fig.2] shows a multi-layer element 100 in which the first layer A comprises a single wire 101 extending along a spiral path and devoid of interlaced or superimposed sections.

[0066] [Fig. 3] shows a multi-layer element 100 in which the first layer A comprises a plurality of wires 102 which define a plurality of loops which cross and overlap, defining junction points 30.

[0067] [Fig.4] shows a multi-layer element 100 in which the first layer A comprises a plurality of wires 103 arranged side by side which follow similar curvilinear paths and are never intertwined or superimposed.

[0068] Figures 5, 5A, 6 and 6A show two different types of multilayer elements 100 in which the first layer A of each multilayer element 100 comprises:

[0069] - first threads 1a and second threads 1b interlaced and superimposed according to respective directions; and

[0070] - third threads Ia intertwined with the first threads Ia and with the second threads 1b and arranged above, below and between the first and second wires 1a, 1b; said third wires 1c having a direction independent of the direction of the first and second wires 1a, 1b.

[0071] Furthermore, the first layer A also comprises one or more fourth wires Id superimposed on the first, second and third wires 1a, 1b, 1c and having a direction independent of the direction of the first, second and third wires.

[0072] By crossing, the first wires 1a, the second wires 1b, the third wires 1c and the fourth wires 1d define the junction points 30 of a grid 3. In other words, said wires 1a; 1b, 1c, 1d create a grid 3 with remarkable structural properties. In addition, the graphic pattern of the grid 3 composed of the first wires 1a, the second wires 1b, the third wires 1c and the fourth wires 1d is extremely eye-catching.

[0073] The directions of the first wires 1a and the second wires 1b are mutually inclined with an angle of inclination between 0° and 90°, excluding the extremes.

[0074] The directions of the first wires 1a and the third wires 1c are mutually inclined with an angle of inclination between 0° and 90°, excluding the extremes.

[0075] The directions of the second wires 1b and the third wires 1c are mutually inclined with an angle of inclination between 0° and 90°, excluding the extremes.

[0076] The directions of the fourth wires Id and the third wires Ic are mutually inclined with an inclination angle between 0° and 90°, excluding the extremes.

[0077] Advantageously, the mutual arrangement of the first, second, third and fourth wires 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d ensures high technical resistance of the grid 3.

[0078] Furthermore, the threads 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d define meshes on said grid 3 which are defined by an irregular closed broken line, i.e. with different sides and different angles.

[0079] With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, optionally, the yarn 1, 101 or the yarns 102, 103, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d of the first layer A may be devoid of points touching a perimeter edge 20 of the film 2.

[0080] In this case, the wire 1; 101 or the wires 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d have no structural function, but only an aesthetic function.

[0081] The multilayer element 100 according to the invention can be used for roofs.

[0082] By way of illustration, [Fig.8] represents a possible application of the multilayer element 100 according to the invention.

[0083] More specifically, in [Fig.8], the multi-layer element 100 is used as a cover for a tensile structure T.

[0084] Alternatively, said multi-layer element 100 may also be used as a cover for a gazebo or similar structure.

[0085] Advantageously, the multilayer element 100 has a darkening effect, because it reduces reverberation, and a soundproofing effect.

[0086] The foregoing description highlights the advantages of the present invention.

[0087] The presence of the film 2 of the second layer B fixed to the wire or wires of the first layer A allows designers and artists to give free rein to their imagination, arranging the wires according to the desired trajectories without affecting the structural properties of the multi-layer element 100.

[0088] Indeed, with such an invention, designers and artists can arrange the wire or wires in any trajectory to obtain any type of design.

[0089] Furthermore, it should be recalled that, thanks to the fact that the resin 11 of the wire and the film 2 are made of the same material, the two layers A, B can be melted together, which reduces the aforementioned risks of delamination.

[0090] Finally, it should be noted that, thanks to the waterproof film 2, said multilayer element 100 can also be used as a waterproof coating.

[0091] Many variations may be made, by those skilled in the art, to the present embodiment of the invention, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Multilayer element (100), characterized in that it comprises: - a first layer (A) comprising at least one yarn (1; 101; 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) comprising sections arranged side by side and / or intertwined with each other; said at least one yarn (1; 101; 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) comprising at least one elongated thin filament (10) impregnated with a resin (11); and - a second layer (B) comprising a film (2) on which said at least one yarn (1; 101; 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) of the first layer (A) is arranged and fixed; said film (2) being made of a material suitable for fusion with the resin (11); said film (2) being impermeable to water.

2. Multilayer element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said film (2) is made of the same material as the resin (11) used to impregnate the at least one filament (10) of the at least one wire (1; 101; 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d).

3. Multilayer element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said at least one filament (10) of the at least one wire (1; 101; 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) extends along a path comprising: - at least one curvilinear section; and / or - two consecutive inclined sections defining an angle.

4. Multilayer element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said at least one wire comprises sections which are interlaced and fixed by means of an adhesive (11), defining junction points (30).

5. Multilayer element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said first layer (A) comprises first wires (1a) and second wires (1b) interlaced and superimposed, defining the junction points (30) of a grid (3).

6. Multilayer element (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises third wires (le) interlaced with said first wires (la) and second wires (1b) and arranged above, below and between the first and second wires (la, 1b).

7. Multilayer element (100) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it further comprises fourth wires (Id) superimposed on the other wires (la, 1b, 1c).

8. Multilayer element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said at least one thread (1; 101; 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) comprises a plurality of filaments (10) fixed by means of the resin (11) used to impregnate them.

9. Multilayer element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said film (2) is translucent or transparent so as to distinguish the at least one filament (10) from the at least one wire (1; 101; 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) relative to the film (2).

10. Multilayer element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said film (2) has a perimeter edge (20); wherein said at least one wire (1; 101; 102; 103; 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) has no points touching the perimeter edge (20) of the film (2).

11. Multilayer element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one filament (10) is made of carbon and / or meta-aramids and / or para-aramids and / or meta-aramid and / or poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole), PBO, and / or polypropylene and / or polyester and / or ceramic and / or high elastic modulus polyester and / or basalt and / or aromatic polyester produced by polycondensation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid and / or very high molar mass polyethylene and / or bamboo and / or hemp; wherein the resin (11) consists of: - polyether-based polyester and polyurethane resins; or - epoxy resins; or - carbamate resins; or - caprolactone resins; or - polyolefin resins; or - fluoropolymer plastics.

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