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▶ ディヴィエイト イディ エッセ．エルレ．エルレ．の特許一覧
(19)【発行国】日本国特許庁(JP)
(12)【公報種別】公開特許公報(A)
(11)【公開番号】P2022087047
(43)【公開日】2022-06-09
(54)【発明の名称】熱収縮糸を備えたニット加工品
(51)【国際特許分類】
A47C 31/11 20060101AFI20220602BHJP
D04B 1/00 20060101ALI20220602BHJP
D04B 21/14 20060101ALI20220602BHJP
D04B 1/16 20060101ALI20220602BHJP
D04B 21/16 20060101ALI20220602BHJP
【ＦＩ】
A47C31/11
D04B1/00 B
D04B21/14 Z
D04B1/16
D04B21/16
【審査請求】未請求
【請求項の数】6
【出願形態】ＯＬ
【外国語出願】
(21)【出願番号】P 2021190183
(22)【出願日】2021-11-24
(31)【優先権主張番号】102020000028904
(32)【優先日】2020-11-30
(33)【優先権主張国・地域又は機関】IT
(71)【出願人】
【識別番号】521513948
【氏名又は名称】ディヴィエイト イディ エッセ．エルレ．エルレ．
【氏名又は名称原語表記】ＤＶ８ ＩＤ ｓ．ｒ．ｌ．
(74)【代理人】
【識別番号】110001368
【氏名又は名称】清流国際特許業務法人
(74)【代理人】
【識別番号】100129252
【弁理士】
【氏名又は名称】昼間 孝良
(74)【代理人】
【識別番号】100155033
【弁理士】
【氏名又は名称】境澤 正夫
(72)【発明者】
【氏名】フリッツェ、トルステン アルフレッド
【テーマコード（参考）】
4L002
【Ｆターム（参考）】
4L002AC02
4L002BB01
4L002CB01
4L002DA01
4L002EA00
4L002FA06
(57)【要約】
【課題】簡易で自動的で費用対効果の高い技術的手段によりユーザの心地良さに対するニーズを満たす加工品を提供する。
【解決手段】ニット加工品（１）およびスライダ（１２）を備える、椅子、アームチェア、ソファなどのためのアセンブリが記載される。加工品（１）は、多層と、多層を固定するための筒状形状の両端部（１１）を備え、多層は、前記両端部（１１）において加工品（１）のスライダ（１２）に固定された編地前層（２）および編地後層（３）を備える。更に、加工品（１）は、多層に連結された熱収縮糸（５）を備え、熱収縮糸（５）は、加工品（１）の両端部（１１）間をよこ糸として延びるように、スライダ（１２）に対して一連の離間配置された接続点（７）で固定される。
【選択図】図１
【解決手段】ニット加工品（１）およびスライダ（１２）を備える、椅子、アームチェア、ソファなどのためのアセンブリが記載される。加工品（１）は、多層と、多層を固定するための筒状形状の両端部（１１）を備え、多層は、前記両端部（１１）において加工品（１）のスライダ（１２）に固定された編地前層（２）および編地後層（３）を備える。更に、加工品（１）は、多層に連結された熱収縮糸（５）を備え、熱収縮糸（５）は、加工品（１）の両端部（１１）間をよこ糸として延びるように、スライダ（１２）に対して一連の離間配置された接続点（７）で固定される。
【選択図】図１
【特許請求の範囲】
【請求項1】
椅子、アームチェア、ソファなどのためのアセンブリであって、
ニット加工品（１）と、
スライダ（１２）と、を備え、
前記加工品（１）は、多層と、前記多層を固定するための筒状形状の両端部（１１）を備え、
前記多層は、前記両端部（１１）で前記スライダ（１２）に固定された編地前層（２）および編地後層（３）を備え、
前記加工品（１）はまた、前記多層に固定された熱収縮糸（５）を備え、前記熱収縮糸（５）は、前記加工品（１）の前記両端部（１１）間をよこ糸として延びるように、前記スライダ（１２）に対して一連の離間配置された接続点（７）で固定される前記アセンブリにおいて、
前記熱収縮糸（５）は、前記編地後層（３）の外側部分において更なる一連の離間配置された接続点（７）で編地後層（３）に固定され、
前記編地前層（２）は、離間配置された複数のプラスチック要素（２１）を備え、前記プラスチック要素（２１）が前記編地を貫通することを特徴とするアセンブリ。
ニット加工品（１）と、
スライダ（１２）と、を備え、
前記加工品（１）は、多層と、前記多層を固定するための筒状形状の両端部（１１）を備え、
前記多層は、前記両端部（１１）で前記スライダ（１２）に固定された編地前層（２）および編地後層（３）を備え、
前記加工品（１）はまた、前記多層に固定された熱収縮糸（５）を備え、前記熱収縮糸（５）は、前記加工品（１）の前記両端部（１１）間をよこ糸として延びるように、前記スライダ（１２）に対して一連の離間配置された接続点（７）で固定される前記アセンブリにおいて、
前記熱収縮糸（５）は、前記編地後層（３）の外側部分において更なる一連の離間配置された接続点（７）で編地後層（３）に固定され、
前記編地前層（２）は、離間配置された複数のプラスチック要素（２１）を備え、前記プラスチック要素（２１）が前記編地を貫通することを特徴とするアセンブリ。
【請求項2】
接続点（７）は、前記編地後層（３）の５回以上のビーティング毎に備えられることを特徴とする、請求項１に記載のアセンブリ。
【請求項3】
前記熱収縮糸（５）の数は、前記加工品（１）の全糸の２０％未満であることを特徴とする、請求項１又は２に記載のアセンブリ。
【請求項4】
前記熱収縮糸（５）の数は、前記加工品（１）の全糸の３％から８％の間であることを特徴とする、請求項２に記載のアセンブリ。
【請求項5】
前記多層が、前記編地前層（２）と前記編地後層（３）との間にパディングを備えることを特徴とする、請求項１～４のいずれか一項に記載のアセンブリ。
【請求項6】
前記加工品（１）が、前記両端部（１１）の間に筒状形状を有することを特徴とする、請求項１～５のいずれか一項に記載のアセンブリ。
【発明の詳細な説明】
【技術分野】
【0001】
本発明は、熱収縮糸を備えたニット加工品に関する。
【背景技術】
【0002】
椅子、アームチェア、および、ソファの製造業者達は、軽量性、費用対効果、組み立ての容易さと共に快適性を追求することにより、ニットウェアの分野に関心を持ち注目するようになった。
【0003】
現在では、編地、すなわち、所与の技術的特性を与えるのに役立つ糸を編み込んだ生地によりシートや背もたれを作ることが広く普及している。
【0004】
本出願人は、副糸が所定の軌道に沿うよこ糸に配置され、少なくとも１種類の主糸に周期的に編み込まれるモジュール式の椅子用生地を記載する、特許文献１に係る伊国特許出願の保有者である。
【0005】
主となる生地は、２層の編地、すなわち前層と裏層の間に閉じ込められたクッション要素を含み得る。
【0006】
副糸は、編地に編み込まれても、または、単に前記編地層間に挿入されてもよい。
【0007】
主糸が連結されることにより、その内部に１本または複数本の副糸が挿入される複数の筒状部分を画定することができる。
【0008】
副糸は、主糸に対して異なる特性、例えば、熱特性を規定する、すなわち、熱の印加または低下に比例して伸張または収縮可能である。言い換えると、副糸は熱収縮タイプであってよい。
【0009】
主糸と副糸は、生地の両周辺領域で相互に結合されている。前記結合は、前記筒状周辺領域に挿入されたスライダによって行われる。副糸は、筒状領域において、糸と編み針との間で通常起こるような、「イギリス」式のフックでスライダに結合される。
【0010】
「イギリス」式のフックは、イギリス式ニットまたは右手編みまたはスローイングとしても知られており、生地に編み込まれる糸が右手で担持される、既知のスタイルのウエスタンニットである。
【0011】
このスタイルは、全世界的ではないものの英語圏全体に普及している。他のウエスタンニットのスタイルには、コンチネンタルニット（「左手編み」としても知られている）と複合編みが含まれる。
【0012】
イギリス式ニット技術に関しては、先にキャストオンされて、編み針に編み目がすでにあると仮定すると、糸が右手に巻き付けられてピンと引っ張られる（１つの方法では、糸のテールを、ピンと引っ張るために右手の小指に巻き付けられ、コントロールするために人差し指の上に架け渡たされる）。右手は直近に編まれた編み目を有する編み針を保持する。段の最初では、右手は空の編み針を保持する。左手は他の編み針を保持する。
【0013】
既知の編み機は、イギリス式ニット技術を適用することができる。
【0014】
出願人の以前の特許出願において、副糸が熱特性を有する場合、すなわち熱収縮糸である場合、熱が印加された結果、その生地は収縮する。この収縮により生地が持ち上がり、前層と裏層との間にパディングがない場合でもパディング効果を生みだす。パディングがある場合、前記収縮は、熱収縮タイプの糸と交互に加工された詰め物部分を隆起させる。
【0015】
不利なことに、熱収縮糸はユーザが直接もたれる前層の編地の糸よりも本質的にはるかに硬く、ユーザは熱収縮糸を感じてしまう。
【0016】
熱収縮糸が生地に発生させる持ち上がり効果は、特にシートの場合、支持の不快感を増幅する。
【0017】
さらに、使用に際し、熱収縮糸において帯も視覚的に作成され、生地の元の外観が変化してしまう。
【0018】
特許文献２は、編み込まれることにより編地の層に挿入および連結された熱収縮糸を含み、または従来の生地または皮革から作られた多層ニット加工品について記載している。前記加工品は、バッグ、ソファ、ジャケット、靴などのアクセサリーでの使用に適している。
【0019】
不利なことに、特許文献２の目的である非常に硬い加工品が作成される。特許文献３、特許文献４、および特許文献５は、熱収縮性材料を含む椅子用の編地を開示している。
【先行技術文献】
【特許文献】
【0020】
【特許文献1】伊国特許出願第１０２０１９００００１１５０８号明細書
【特許文献2】国際公開第２０１８／１３４７４３号パンフレット
【特許文献3】独国特許出願公開第１０２０１４００３０９９号明細書
【特許文献4】特開２０１５－２２１１１２号公報
【特許文献5】米国特許出願公開第２０１５／１７３５１４号明細書
【発明の概要】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
【0021】
本発明の目的は、もたれた際にユーザにとって快適な、熱収縮糸を備えたニット加工品を含むアセンブリを作成することである。
【0022】
本発明のさらなる目的は、前記加工品が、椅子、ソファ、アームチェアなどの支持構造に対し容易に連結されることである。
【0023】
本発明のさらに別の目的は、前記加工品が、短時間で容易に作成され、時間の経過に抗い、それが組み込まれた製品の快適な心地よさを維持することである。
【課題を解決するための手段】
【0024】
本発明によれば、前記およびさらなる目的は、請求項１に開示されるように、椅子、アームチェア、ソファなどのためのアセンブリにより達成される。
【0025】
有利なことに、加工品は下面でのみ収縮する、すなわち、編地後層のみが収縮する。
【0026】
その結果、編地前層が編地後層から離れる距離移動が実現し、すなわち、端部での編地前層のスライダとの結合を考慮した立体効果が得られる。
【0027】
熱収縮糸が編地前層に対して独立することで、編地前層が柔軟で変形可能であり続けることが可能となる。
【0028】
有利なことに、編地前層は、編地後層に対して、全く異なる技術的効果を受ける。
【発明の効果】
【0029】
本発明に係る加工品は、簡易で自動的で費用対効果の高い技術的手段によりユーザの心地良さに対するニーズを満たす。
【0030】
本発明のこれらおよびその他の特徴は、添付の図面において非限定的な例として示されるその実際的な実施形態の以下の詳細な説明からさらに明らかになるであろう。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【0031】
【発明を実施するための形態】
【0032】
椅子、アームチェア、ソファなどのためのニット加工品１は、編地前層２、編地後層３、および必要に応じて前記層２、３間のパディングを含む。編地前層２は、ユーザが接触する層を意味する。椅子とアームチェアは、一般的に、ユーザが着座するための製品、例えば、車両の座席、航空機の座席、車椅子などであると理解される。
【0033】
パディングは、機械で層２、３に連結可能なフィラメント織り、または、層２、３間の間隙に特別な結合なしで挿入可能なフィラメント織りで構成される。
【0034】
加工品１は、複数の熱収縮糸５をさらに含む。
【0035】
層２、３は、筒状のニット多層を形成する。
【0036】
加工品１は、２つの筒状の端部１１を備える。
【0037】
熱収縮糸５は、加工品１の端部１１に、熱収縮糸５に対して直交する方向に延びる前記端部１１に挿入されたスライダ１２で連結されている。
【0038】
図３から明らかなように、層２、３はこれらの端部１１で連結されている。
【0039】
熱収縮糸５は、それらが強固な結合を有するように巻かれる２つの端部１１の間でよこ糸として延びる。
【0040】
加工品１の前記端部１１は、椅子、ソファまたはアームチェアの剛性支持構造への取り付けを可能にし、したがって、支持構造および前記加工品１を含む支持編地を含むシートアセンブリを形成する。
【0041】
層２、３は、パディングを封入可能な筒状構造を形成する一方、熱収縮糸５は、編地後層３の外側（図２および図３）、すなわち、シート内で見えない、または、ユーザと接触しない層、例えば椅子の背もたれの後部に配置される。
【0042】
適切に離間配置された接続点７の離散的な組により、「イギリス」式として知られるタイプのフックで、熱収縮糸５を編地後層３の外側に結合する。
【0043】
熱収縮糸５は、前記接続点７を除いて、２つの端部１１の間の編地後層３上で自由である。
【0044】
好ましくは、接続点７は、編地後層３の少なくとも５回のビーティング毎に配置され、ここで、ビーティングとは、編地後層３のたて糸の列が隣接する方向を意味する。少なくとも５回のビーティング毎とは、５回以上のビーティング毎を意味する。
【0045】
好ましくは、熱収縮糸５の数は、加工品１の全糸の２０％未満であり、さらにより好ましくは、３％から８％の間である。有利なことに、以下に説明する技術的効果は、最終製品の費用効果を高めることによって最適化される。
【0046】
端部１１においてさえ、熱収縮糸５は接続点７で「イギリス式」でフックされている。熱収縮糸５は、スライダ１２に巻かれ、したがって、強固な連結を生み出す。
【0047】
図２および図３に示されるように、端部１１の間に直線に構成された熱収縮糸５を備えて加工品１が作成されると、熱、例えば、蒸気が編地後層３に印加されて、前記熱収縮糸５がその固有の特性のために永久的かつ不可逆的に収縮する。
【0048】
有利なことに、加工品１は下面でのみ収縮する、すなわち、編地後層３のみが収縮する。
【0049】
熱収縮糸５が編地前層２には結合されていないため、編地前層２は収縮しない。
【0050】
その結果、編地前層２が編地後層３から離れる距離移動が実現し、すなわち、端部１１における編地前層２とスライダ１２との結合を考慮した立体効果が得られる。シートの場合、前記移動は、編地前層２が持ち上がることからなり、すなわち、パディング効果が達成される。２つの層間にパディングがない場合、実際のポケットが作成される。
【0051】
層２、３との間でパディングを並行して加工する場合、熱収縮糸５が永久的に収縮することで、２つの層２、３間の間隙で同時に加工されるパディングが伸びて平らになることを防止する。パディングは、伸ばされると平らになる傾向があるが、持ち上がったままとなる。したがって、ひとたび椅子アセンブリ内で加工品１に張力がかけられると、パディングは、張力下で、熱収縮糸５が「イギリス式」でフックされた編地後層３にぶら下がったままとなる。
【0052】
前記の技術的効果は、熱収縮糸５の数に応じて変化もする。
【0053】
パディングの存在により、前記の技術的効果も変化する。パディングが層２および層３と同時に加工される場合、マシンプログラミングによって、密度と高さが可変のパディングを規定することができる。
【0054】
熱収縮糸５が編地前層２から独立していることで、編地前層２が柔軟で変形可能なままであることが可能となる。
【0055】
端部１１のスライダ１２は、熱収縮糸５の収縮効果が編地前層２に適用されることなく、層２、３および熱収縮糸５の両方に対して安定した結合を規定するので、スライダ１２の機能は非常に重要である。
【0056】
有利なことに、編地前層２は、編地後層３に対して、完全に異なる技術的効果を受ける。
【0057】
本発明による加工品１は、簡易で費用対効果の高い技術的手段により、ユーザの心地よさに対するニーズを満たす。
【0058】
前記の技術的効果は、編地前層２が「折り紙」タイプである、すなわち、固有の三次元変形能を有する場合に、さらに顕著となる。なお、図１、図４、図５において編地前層２は「折り紙」タイプであるが、編地前層２が「折り紙」タイプではなく、標準タイプであっても、この技術的な離間効果は存在する。
【0059】
より詳細には、加工品１において、「折り紙」タイプの編地前層２は、「折り紙」効果、すなわち、特に生地の表面に直交する方向での三次元変形能を生み出すように離間配置された複数のプラスチック要素２１を含む。
【0060】
「折り紙」タイプの編地前層２は、３Ｄ印刷プロセス（３Ｄプリンタ）、または好ましくはプラスチック射出成形プロセスを使用して作成される。
【0061】
それは、一般的に、端部１１でスライダ１２に固定された前記編地層２、３と、編地後層３下と端部１１において「イギリス式」でフックされた熱収縮糸５とを既に備える加工品１から始まるプラスチック成形プロセスである。
【0062】
より詳細には、プラスチック材料を追加するプロセス中、編地前層２は、好ましくは金属製、例えば、アルミニウム製の支持台上に配置されて、編地後層３を隔離する。支持台は基本的に層２、３間に置かれる。
【0063】
編地前層２上に印刷されたプラスチック材料は、編地前層２と一体化し、編地前層２に局所的な剛性を与える複数のプラスチック要素２１を形成する。図５は、プラスチック要素２１が編地前層２に貫通する様子を示す。
【0064】
有利なことに、編地後層３は、プラスチック材料を追加するプロセスの影響を受けない。
【0065】
前記プラスチック要素２１は、印刷制御または金型の形状に応じて可変の設計を有し、編地前層２内にプラスチック要素２１が不在の領域が残るように離間配置されている。
【0066】
有利なことに、生地の前記不在領域は変形可能であり、したがって「折り紙」タイプの編地前層２の三次元変形能を可能にする。
【0067】
印刷プロセスの終わりに、「折り紙」タイプの編地前層２は支持台から簡単に外される。これは、プラスチック要素２１の作成後には、生地の前記不在領域により接触の不連続性が生み出されるからである。
【0068】
プラスチック要素２１が作成されると、熱収縮糸５を含む編地後層３に熱が印加されて、編地後層３は有利に収縮する。
【0069】
２つの層２、３が端部１１で結合されているので、この収縮は、２つのスライダ間の距離の短縮を引き起こし、したがって、折り紙形状のプラスチック要素２１を持ち上げる／作動させる。
【0070】
編地前層２が「折り紙」タイプの場合、折り紙によって三次元効果が付与されるため、層２、３間にパディングは必要ない。
【符号の説明】
【0071】
１ 加工品
２ 編地前層
３ 編地後層
５ 熱収縮糸
７ 接続点
１１ 端部
１２ スライダ
２１ プラスチック要素
２ 編地前層
３ 編地後層
５ 熱収縮糸
７ 接続点
１１ 端部
１２ スライダ
２１ プラスチック要素
【図1】
【図2】
【図3】
【図4】
【図5】
【外国語明細書】
"Knitted artefact with heat-shrinking yarns”
* * * *
relates to a knitted artefact with heat-shrinking yarns.
The search for comfort combined with lightness, cost-effectiveness and ease of assembly, has led chair, armchair and sofa manufacturers to look with interest at the knitwear sector.
It is now widespread to make seats and backrests of knitted fabrics, namely with the interlacing of yarns useful to confer given technical characteristics.
The present applicant is the holder of the Italian patent application No. 102019000011508, which describes a modular chair fabric comprising a periodic interlacing with at least one main yarn, in which a secondary yarn is arranged in a weft along a predetermined trajectory.
The main fabric may include cushioning elements trapped between two layers of knitted fabric, namely a front layer and a back layer.
The secondary yarn may be woven into the knitted fabric or simply inserted between said knitted fabric layers.
The main yarn interlocking may define a plurality of tubular portions within which one or more secondary yarns are inserted.
The secondary yarn defines different characteristics with respect to the main yarn, e.g. thermal properties, namely it can undergo elongation or shrinkage proportional to the application or subtraction of heat, namely the secondary yarn can be of the heat-shrinking type.
The main yarn and the secondary yarn are mutually bonded at two perimetric areas of the fabric. Said bonding takes place by means of a slider inserted in said tubular perimeter areas. The secondary yarn is bound to the slider with an "English" type hook in the tubular area, as usually occurs between the yarn and the knitting needle.
The “English” type hook, also known as English knitting or right-hand knitting or throwing, is a known style of western knitting where the yarn to be knit into the fabric is carried in the right hand. This style is prevalent throughout the English-speaking world, though it is by no means universal. Other Western knitting styles include continental knitting (also known as "left-hand knitting") and combined knitting.
Relating to the English knitting technique, assuming that there are already stitches on the needles, having been cast on previously, the yarn is wrapped around the right hand for tension (in one method, the tail of the yarn is wrapped around the little finger of the right hand for tension, and over the index finger for control). The right hand will hold the needle with the most recently knit stitches. If at the beginning of a row, the right hand will hold the empty needle. The left hand holds the other needle.
Known knitting machines are able to apply the English knitting technique.
In the applicant's previous patent application, if the secondary yarn has thermal properties, namely it is a heat-shrinking yarn, the fabric shrinks as a result of the application of heat. Said shrinkage raises the fabric creating a padding effect even in the absence of padding between the front layer and the back layer. In the presence of padding, said shrinkage causes the raising of padded sections processed in alternation to the heat-shrinking type yarn.
Disadvantageously, the user feels the heat-shrinking yarns, which are inherently much stiffer than the yarns of the knitted fabric of the front layer on which the user rests directly.
The raising effect that the heat-shrinking yarns generate on the fabric amplifies the discomfort of the support, especially if it is a seat.
Furthermore, with the use, strips are created also visually at the heat-shrinking yarns which alter the original appearance of the fabric.
WO-2018/134743 describes a multilayer knitted artefact comprising a heat-shrinking yarn inserted and connected by stitching to a layer of knitted fabric or made from conventional fabrics or leather. Said artefact is suitable for use in accessories such as bags, sofas, jackets and shoes.
Disadvantageously, a very rigid artefact is produced, which is the object of WO-2018/134743.
DE-102014003099, JP-2015221112 and US-2015/173514 disclose knitted fabrics for chairs comprising heat shrinkable material.
It is the object of the present invention is to make an assembly comprising a knitted artefact with heat-shrinking yarns, comfortable for a resting user.
It is a further object of the present invention that said artefact is easily associated with a supporting structure of a chair, a sofa, an armchair and the like.
It is a yet further object of the present invention that said artefact is easy to make, in a short time and that it resists to the passing of time maintaining a pleasant comfort of the product in which it is integrated.
According to the invention, said and further objects are achieved by an assembly for chairs, armchairs, sofas and the like, as disclosed in claim 1.
Advantageously, the artefact only shrinks underneath, namely only the knitted fabric rear layer shrinks.
As a result, a distancing movement of the knitted fabric front layer away from the knitted fabric rear layer is achieved, namely a three-dimensional effect considering the bonding of the knitted fabric front layer with the slider at the ends.
The independence of the heat-shrinking yarns from the knitted fabric front layer allows the latter to remain flexible and deformable.
Advantageously the knitted fabric front layer undergoes a completely different technical effect with respect to the knitted fabric rear layer.
The artefact according to the present invention meets the user’s comfort needs with simple, automated and cost-effective technical means.
These and other features of the present invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of practical embodiments thereof illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:
figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a portion of an artefact according to the present invention;
figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of a portion of the artefact;
figure 3 shows a perspective bottom view of an end portion of the artefact;
figure 4 shows the enlarged content of circle B of figure 1;
figure 5 shows a side view of a portion of the artefact.
A knitted artefact 1 for chairs, armchairs, sofas and the like, comprises a knitted fabric front layer 2, a knitted fabric rear layer 3 and, where appropriate, a padding between said layers 2, 3. Knitted fabric front layer 2 means the layer with which a user comes into contact. Chairs and armchairs are generally understood to be products for the seating of users, e.g. car seats, aircraft seats, wheelchairs and more.
The padding consists of a filament weave which can be connected to the layers 2, 3 by machine or inserted in the gap between layers 2, 3 without any particular bonding.
The artefact 1 further comprises a plurality of heat-shrinking yarns 5.
The layers 2, 3 form a tubular knitted multilayer.
The artefact 1 comprises two tubular ends 11.
The heat-shrinking yarns 5 are connected to the ends 11 of the artefact 1 at sliders 12 inserted in said ends 11 which develop in an orthogonal direction with respect to the heat-shrinking yarns 5.
As apparent in figure 3, the layers 2, 3 are connected at these ends 11.
The heat-shrinking yarns 5 develop in weft between the two ends 11 at which they wind to have a solid bond.
Said ends 11 of the artefact 1 allow the attachment to rigid supporting structures of the chair, sofa or armchair, thus forming seat assemblies that therefore comprise a supporting structure and a supporting knitted fabric comprising said artefact 1.
The layers 2, 3 create a tubular structure which can enclose a padding, while the heat-shrinking yarns 5 are positioned outside the knitted fabric rear layer 3 (figures 2 and 3), namely the layer which is not visible in a seat or not in contact with the user, for example a rear portion of a chair backrest.
A discrete set of appropriately spaced connection points 7 binds the heat-shrinking yarns 5 on the outside of the knitted fabric rear layer 3 with a type of hook known as "English".
The heat-shrinking yarns 5 are free on the knitted fabric rear layer 3, between the two ends 11, unless said connection points 7.
Preferably a connection point 7 is provided at least every five beatings of the knitted fabric rear layer 3, wherein beating means a direction of adjacent rows of warp yarns of the knitted fabric rear layer 3. At least every five beatings means that it can be every five or more beatings.
Preferably, the number of heat-shrinking yarns 5 is less than 20% of the total yarns of the artefact 1, even more preferably between 3% and 8%. Advantageously the technical effect described below is optimized by increasing the cost-effectiveness of the final product.
Even at the ends 11, the heat-shrinking yarns 5 are hooked "in English" with connection points 7. The heat-shrink yarns 5 are wound to the sliders 12 thus creating a solid connection.
Once the artefact 1 has been made with the heat-shrinking yarns 5 configured in a straight line between the ends 11, as shown in figures 2 and 3, heat is applied to the knitted fabric rear layer 3, e.g. steam, and said heat-shrinking yarns 5 shrink permanently and irreversibly due to their intrinsic properties.
Advantageously the artefact 1 shrinks only underneath, namely only the knitted fabric rear layer 3 shrinks.
The knitted fabric front layer 2 does not shrink because the heat-shrinking yarns 5 are not bound to the knitted fabric front layer 2.
As a result, a distancing movement of the knitted fabric front layer 2 away from the knitted fabric rear layer 3 is achieved, namely a three-dimensional effect considering the bonding of the knitted fabric front layer 2 with the slider 12 at the ends 11. In the case of a seat, said movement consists of a raising of the knitted fabric front layer 2, namely a padding effect is achieved. In the absence of padding between the two layers, a real pocket is created.
In case of processing a padding in parallel between the layers 2, 3, the permanent shrinkage of the heat-shrinking yarn 5 prevents the extension and flattening of the simultaneously processed padding in the gap between the two layers 2, 3. The padding tends to flatten when extended and remains raised. Therefore, once the artefact 1 is tensioned in the chair assembly, the padding remains hanging on the knitted fabric rear layer 3 to which the heat-shrinking yarns 5 are hooked "in English" under tension.
Said technical effect also varies according to the number of heat-shrinking yarns 5.
The presence of padding also varies said technical effect; if the padding is processed simultaneously with layers 2, 3, the machine programming can define padding of variable density and height.
The independence of the heat-shrinking yarns 5 with respect to the knitted fabric front layer 2 allows the latter to remain flexible and deformable.
The function of the sliders 12 at ends 11 is very important because they define a stable bond for both the layers 2, 3 and the heat-shrinking yarns 5, without the shrinkage effect of the heat-shrinking yarns 5 being applied to the knitted fabric front layer 2.
Advantageously the knitted fabric front layer 2 undergoes a completely different technical effect with respect to the knitted fabric rear layer 3.
The artefact 1 according to the present invention meets the user’s comfort needs with simple and cost-effective technical means.
Said technical effect is even more pronounced when the knitted fabric front layer 2 is of the "origami" type, namely it has an intrinsic three-dimensional deformability. It is worth noting that in figures 1, 4 and 5, the knitted fabric front layer 2 is of the "origami" type, but this technical distancing effect is present even if the knitted fabric front layer 2 is of the standard type, namely not of the "origami" type.
In more detail, in the artefact 1, the knitted fabric front layer 2 of the “origami” type comprises a plurality of plastic elements 21 spaced apart to create the “origami” effect, namely a three-dimensional deformability, in particular in a direction orthogonal to the surface of the fabric.
The knitted fabric front layer 2 of the “origami” type is made using a 3D printing process (3D printer), or preferably a plastic injection moulding process.
It is generally a plastic moulding process which takes place starting from an artefact 1 already comprising said knitted fabric layers 2, 3 fixed to the sliders 12 at the ends 11, and the heat-shrinking yarns 5 hooked "in English" under the knitted fabric rear layer 3 and at the ends 11.
In more detail, the knitted fabric front layer 2 is placed on a support, preferably metallic, e.g. aluminium, to isolate the knitted fabric rear layer 3 during the process of adding plastic material. Basically, the support is interposed between the layers 2, 3.
The plastic material printed on top of the knitted fabric front layer 2 creates a plurality of plastic elements 21 which integrate with the knitted fabric front layer 2 conferring localized rigidity to the knitted fabric front layer 2. Figure 5 shows how the plastic elements 21 penetrate the knitted fabric front layer 2.
Advantageously, the knitted fabric rear layer 3 is not affected by the process of adding plastic material.
Said plastic elements 21 have a variable design according to the printing control or the shape of the mould and are spaced to leave areas in the knitted fabric front layer 2 free from plastic elements 21.
Advantageously, said free areas of fabric are deformable, thus allowing three-dimensional deformability of the knitted fabric front layer 2 of the “origami” type.
At the end of the printing process, the knitted fabric front layer 2 of the “origami” type is easily separated from the support because said free areas of fabric create contact discontinuities following the creation of the plastic elements 21.
Once the plastic elements 21 have been made, heat is applied to the knitted fabric rear layer 3 which contains the heat-shrinking yarn 5: advantageously, the knitted fabric rear layer 3 shrinks.
Since the two layers 2, 3 are bound at the ends 11, this shrinkage causes a shortening of the distance between the two sliders, thus raising/activating the origami-shaped plastic elements 21.
If the knitted fabric front layer 2 is of the "origami" type, no padding is required between the layers 2, 3 because the three-dimensional effect is given by the origami.
* * * *
relates to a knitted artefact with heat-shrinking yarns.
The search for comfort combined with lightness, cost-effectiveness and ease of assembly, has led chair, armchair and sofa manufacturers to look with interest at the knitwear sector.
It is now widespread to make seats and backrests of knitted fabrics, namely with the interlacing of yarns useful to confer given technical characteristics.
The present applicant is the holder of the Italian patent application No. 102019000011508, which describes a modular chair fabric comprising a periodic interlacing with at least one main yarn, in which a secondary yarn is arranged in a weft along a predetermined trajectory.
The main fabric may include cushioning elements trapped between two layers of knitted fabric, namely a front layer and a back layer.
The secondary yarn may be woven into the knitted fabric or simply inserted between said knitted fabric layers.
The main yarn interlocking may define a plurality of tubular portions within which one or more secondary yarns are inserted.
The secondary yarn defines different characteristics with respect to the main yarn, e.g. thermal properties, namely it can undergo elongation or shrinkage proportional to the application or subtraction of heat, namely the secondary yarn can be of the heat-shrinking type.
The main yarn and the secondary yarn are mutually bonded at two perimetric areas of the fabric. Said bonding takes place by means of a slider inserted in said tubular perimeter areas. The secondary yarn is bound to the slider with an "English" type hook in the tubular area, as usually occurs between the yarn and the knitting needle.
The “English” type hook, also known as English knitting or right-hand knitting or throwing, is a known style of western knitting where the yarn to be knit into the fabric is carried in the right hand. This style is prevalent throughout the English-speaking world, though it is by no means universal. Other Western knitting styles include continental knitting (also known as "left-hand knitting") and combined knitting.
Relating to the English knitting technique, assuming that there are already stitches on the needles, having been cast on previously, the yarn is wrapped around the right hand for tension (in one method, the tail of the yarn is wrapped around the little finger of the right hand for tension, and over the index finger for control). The right hand will hold the needle with the most recently knit stitches. If at the beginning of a row, the right hand will hold the empty needle. The left hand holds the other needle.
Known knitting machines are able to apply the English knitting technique.
In the applicant's previous patent application, if the secondary yarn has thermal properties, namely it is a heat-shrinking yarn, the fabric shrinks as a result of the application of heat. Said shrinkage raises the fabric creating a padding effect even in the absence of padding between the front layer and the back layer. In the presence of padding, said shrinkage causes the raising of padded sections processed in alternation to the heat-shrinking type yarn.
Disadvantageously, the user feels the heat-shrinking yarns, which are inherently much stiffer than the yarns of the knitted fabric of the front layer on which the user rests directly.
The raising effect that the heat-shrinking yarns generate on the fabric amplifies the discomfort of the support, especially if it is a seat.
Furthermore, with the use, strips are created also visually at the heat-shrinking yarns which alter the original appearance of the fabric.
WO-2018/134743 describes a multilayer knitted artefact comprising a heat-shrinking yarn inserted and connected by stitching to a layer of knitted fabric or made from conventional fabrics or leather. Said artefact is suitable for use in accessories such as bags, sofas, jackets and shoes.
Disadvantageously, a very rigid artefact is produced, which is the object of WO-2018/134743.
DE-102014003099, JP-2015221112 and US-2015/173514 disclose knitted fabrics for chairs comprising heat shrinkable material.
It is the object of the present invention is to make an assembly comprising a knitted artefact with heat-shrinking yarns, comfortable for a resting user.
It is a further object of the present invention that said artefact is easily associated with a supporting structure of a chair, a sofa, an armchair and the like.
It is a yet further object of the present invention that said artefact is easy to make, in a short time and that it resists to the passing of time maintaining a pleasant comfort of the product in which it is integrated.
According to the invention, said and further objects are achieved by an assembly for chairs, armchairs, sofas and the like, as disclosed in claim 1.
Advantageously, the artefact only shrinks underneath, namely only the knitted fabric rear layer shrinks.
As a result, a distancing movement of the knitted fabric front layer away from the knitted fabric rear layer is achieved, namely a three-dimensional effect considering the bonding of the knitted fabric front layer with the slider at the ends.
The independence of the heat-shrinking yarns from the knitted fabric front layer allows the latter to remain flexible and deformable.
Advantageously the knitted fabric front layer undergoes a completely different technical effect with respect to the knitted fabric rear layer.
The artefact according to the present invention meets the user’s comfort needs with simple, automated and cost-effective technical means.
These and other features of the present invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of practical embodiments thereof illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:
figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a portion of an artefact according to the present invention;
figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of a portion of the artefact;
figure 3 shows a perspective bottom view of an end portion of the artefact;
figure 4 shows the enlarged content of circle B of figure 1;
figure 5 shows a side view of a portion of the artefact.
A knitted artefact 1 for chairs, armchairs, sofas and the like, comprises a knitted fabric front layer 2, a knitted fabric rear layer 3 and, where appropriate, a padding between said layers 2, 3. Knitted fabric front layer 2 means the layer with which a user comes into contact. Chairs and armchairs are generally understood to be products for the seating of users, e.g. car seats, aircraft seats, wheelchairs and more.
The padding consists of a filament weave which can be connected to the layers 2, 3 by machine or inserted in the gap between layers 2, 3 without any particular bonding.
The artefact 1 further comprises a plurality of heat-shrinking yarns 5.
The layers 2, 3 form a tubular knitted multilayer.
The artefact 1 comprises two tubular ends 11.
The heat-shrinking yarns 5 are connected to the ends 11 of the artefact 1 at sliders 12 inserted in said ends 11 which develop in an orthogonal direction with respect to the heat-shrinking yarns 5.
As apparent in figure 3, the layers 2, 3 are connected at these ends 11.
The heat-shrinking yarns 5 develop in weft between the two ends 11 at which they wind to have a solid bond.
Said ends 11 of the artefact 1 allow the attachment to rigid supporting structures of the chair, sofa or armchair, thus forming seat assemblies that therefore comprise a supporting structure and a supporting knitted fabric comprising said artefact 1.
The layers 2, 3 create a tubular structure which can enclose a padding, while the heat-shrinking yarns 5 are positioned outside the knitted fabric rear layer 3 (figures 2 and 3), namely the layer which is not visible in a seat or not in contact with the user, for example a rear portion of a chair backrest.
A discrete set of appropriately spaced connection points 7 binds the heat-shrinking yarns 5 on the outside of the knitted fabric rear layer 3 with a type of hook known as "English".
The heat-shrinking yarns 5 are free on the knitted fabric rear layer 3, between the two ends 11, unless said connection points 7.
Preferably a connection point 7 is provided at least every five beatings of the knitted fabric rear layer 3, wherein beating means a direction of adjacent rows of warp yarns of the knitted fabric rear layer 3. At least every five beatings means that it can be every five or more beatings.
Preferably, the number of heat-shrinking yarns 5 is less than 20% of the total yarns of the artefact 1, even more preferably between 3% and 8%. Advantageously the technical effect described below is optimized by increasing the cost-effectiveness of the final product.
Even at the ends 11, the heat-shrinking yarns 5 are hooked "in English" with connection points 7. The heat-shrink yarns 5 are wound to the sliders 12 thus creating a solid connection.
Once the artefact 1 has been made with the heat-shrinking yarns 5 configured in a straight line between the ends 11, as shown in figures 2 and 3, heat is applied to the knitted fabric rear layer 3, e.g. steam, and said heat-shrinking yarns 5 shrink permanently and irreversibly due to their intrinsic properties.
Advantageously the artefact 1 shrinks only underneath, namely only the knitted fabric rear layer 3 shrinks.
The knitted fabric front layer 2 does not shrink because the heat-shrinking yarns 5 are not bound to the knitted fabric front layer 2.
As a result, a distancing movement of the knitted fabric front layer 2 away from the knitted fabric rear layer 3 is achieved, namely a three-dimensional effect considering the bonding of the knitted fabric front layer 2 with the slider 12 at the ends 11. In the case of a seat, said movement consists of a raising of the knitted fabric front layer 2, namely a padding effect is achieved. In the absence of padding between the two layers, a real pocket is created.
In case of processing a padding in parallel between the layers 2, 3, the permanent shrinkage of the heat-shrinking yarn 5 prevents the extension and flattening of the simultaneously processed padding in the gap between the two layers 2, 3. The padding tends to flatten when extended and remains raised. Therefore, once the artefact 1 is tensioned in the chair assembly, the padding remains hanging on the knitted fabric rear layer 3 to which the heat-shrinking yarns 5 are hooked "in English" under tension.
Said technical effect also varies according to the number of heat-shrinking yarns 5.
The presence of padding also varies said technical effect; if the padding is processed simultaneously with layers 2, 3, the machine programming can define padding of variable density and height.
The independence of the heat-shrinking yarns 5 with respect to the knitted fabric front layer 2 allows the latter to remain flexible and deformable.
The function of the sliders 12 at ends 11 is very important because they define a stable bond for both the layers 2, 3 and the heat-shrinking yarns 5, without the shrinkage effect of the heat-shrinking yarns 5 being applied to the knitted fabric front layer 2.
Advantageously the knitted fabric front layer 2 undergoes a completely different technical effect with respect to the knitted fabric rear layer 3.
The artefact 1 according to the present invention meets the user’s comfort needs with simple and cost-effective technical means.
Said technical effect is even more pronounced when the knitted fabric front layer 2 is of the "origami" type, namely it has an intrinsic three-dimensional deformability. It is worth noting that in figures 1, 4 and 5, the knitted fabric front layer 2 is of the "origami" type, but this technical distancing effect is present even if the knitted fabric front layer 2 is of the standard type, namely not of the "origami" type.
In more detail, in the artefact 1, the knitted fabric front layer 2 of the “origami” type comprises a plurality of plastic elements 21 spaced apart to create the “origami” effect, namely a three-dimensional deformability, in particular in a direction orthogonal to the surface of the fabric.
The knitted fabric front layer 2 of the “origami” type is made using a 3D printing process (3D printer), or preferably a plastic injection moulding process.
It is generally a plastic moulding process which takes place starting from an artefact 1 already comprising said knitted fabric layers 2, 3 fixed to the sliders 12 at the ends 11, and the heat-shrinking yarns 5 hooked "in English" under the knitted fabric rear layer 3 and at the ends 11.
In more detail, the knitted fabric front layer 2 is placed on a support, preferably metallic, e.g. aluminium, to isolate the knitted fabric rear layer 3 during the process of adding plastic material. Basically, the support is interposed between the layers 2, 3.
The plastic material printed on top of the knitted fabric front layer 2 creates a plurality of plastic elements 21 which integrate with the knitted fabric front layer 2 conferring localized rigidity to the knitted fabric front layer 2. Figure 5 shows how the plastic elements 21 penetrate the knitted fabric front layer 2.
Advantageously, the knitted fabric rear layer 3 is not affected by the process of adding plastic material.
Said plastic elements 21 have a variable design according to the printing control or the shape of the mould and are spaced to leave areas in the knitted fabric front layer 2 free from plastic elements 21.
Advantageously, said free areas of fabric are deformable, thus allowing three-dimensional deformability of the knitted fabric front layer 2 of the “origami” type.
At the end of the printing process, the knitted fabric front layer 2 of the “origami” type is easily separated from the support because said free areas of fabric create contact discontinuities following the creation of the plastic elements 21.
Once the plastic elements 21 have been made, heat is applied to the knitted fabric rear layer 3 which contains the heat-shrinking yarn 5: advantageously, the knitted fabric rear layer 3 shrinks.
Since the two layers 2, 3 are bound at the ends 11, this shrinkage causes a shortening of the distance between the two sliders, thus raising/activating the origami-shaped plastic elements 21.
If the knitted fabric front layer 2 is of the "origami" type, no padding is required between the layers 2, 3 because the three-dimensional effect is given by the origami.
1. Assembly for chairs, armchairs, sofas and the like, comprising a knitted artefact (1) and sliders (12), wherein the artefact (1) comprises a multilayer and two ends (11) of tubular shape for fixing the multilayer,
wherein the multilayer comprises a knitted fabric front layer (2) and a knitted fabric rear layer (3) fixed to the sliders (12) at said two ends (11),
wherein the artefact (1) also comprises heat-shrinking yarns (5) fixed to the multilayer, wherein the heat-shrinking yarns (5) are fixed with a series of connection points (7) spaced apart to the sliders (12) so as to develop in weft between the two ends (11) of the artefact (1),
characterized in that
the heat-shrinking yarns (5) are fixed to the knitted fabric rear layer (3) at the external part of the knitted fabric rear layer (3), with a further series of connection points (7) spaced apart,
wherein the knitted fabric front layer (2) comprises a plurality of plastic elements (21) spaced apart, wherein the plastic elements (21) penetrate the knitted fabric.
2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that a connection point (7) is provided for every five or more beatings up of the knitted fabric rear layer (3).
3. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of heat-shrinking yarns (5) is less than 20% of the total yarns of the artifact (1).
4. Assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the number of heat-shrinking yarns (5) is between 3% and 8% of the total yarns of the artefact (1).
5. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multilayer comprises a padding between the knitted fabric front layer (2) and the knitted fabric rear layer (3).
6. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the artefact (1) has a tubular shape between the two ends (11).
wherein the multilayer comprises a knitted fabric front layer (2) and a knitted fabric rear layer (3) fixed to the sliders (12) at said two ends (11),
wherein the artefact (1) also comprises heat-shrinking yarns (5) fixed to the multilayer, wherein the heat-shrinking yarns (5) are fixed with a series of connection points (7) spaced apart to the sliders (12) so as to develop in weft between the two ends (11) of the artefact (1),
characterized in that
the heat-shrinking yarns (5) are fixed to the knitted fabric rear layer (3) at the external part of the knitted fabric rear layer (3), with a further series of connection points (7) spaced apart,
wherein the knitted fabric front layer (2) comprises a plurality of plastic elements (21) spaced apart, wherein the plastic elements (21) penetrate the knitted fabric.
2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that a connection point (7) is provided for every five or more beatings up of the knitted fabric rear layer (3).
3. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of heat-shrinking yarns (5) is less than 20% of the total yarns of the artifact (1).
4. Assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the number of heat-shrinking yarns (5) is between 3% and 8% of the total yarns of the artefact (1).
5. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multilayer comprises a padding between the knitted fabric front layer (2) and the knitted fabric rear layer (3).
6. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the artefact (1) has a tubular shape between the two ends (11).
An assembly is described for chairs, armchairs, sofas and the like, comprising a knitted artefact (1) and sliders (12). The artefact (1) comprises a multilayer and two ends (11) of tubular shape for fixing the multilayer, wherein the multilayer comprises a knitted fabric front layer (2) and a knitted fabric rear layer (3) fixed to sliders (12) of the artefact (1) at said two ends (11). The artefact (1) further comprises heat-shrinking yarns (5) associated with the multilayer, wherein the heat-shrinking yarns (5) are fixed with a series of connection points (7) spaced apart to the sliders (12) so as to develop in weft between the two ends (11) of the artefact (1). (Fig.1).
