Method for producing at least two-layered articles.

(42) Date of commencement of the patent: 15. 1. 1994 (45) Date of issue: 25. 8.1994 (56) Documentation:

(73) Patent owner:

DE-0S2949044 DE-0S3302789 CH-PS 617124 DE-0S2144371 US-PS4110139

DE-OS3130121 DD-PS 219108 DE-0S3314341 DE-OS 2945939 US-PS4053545

DD-PS 131900 DE-PS2101786 AT-PS 336881 US-PS 4075266 US-PS3163686

DE-0S2820179

DE-0S2024771

DE-0S1660133

US PS4525231

HIRSCH ARMBÄNDER GESELLSCHAFT MBH A-9020 KLAGENFLIRT, CARINTHIA (AT).

(54) METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AT LEAST TWO-PURPOSE OBJECTS (57) The invention relates to a method of producing articles comprising at least one layer of sheet material and a layer of plastic bonded to this layer. The layer of sheet material is introduced into a mold cavity adjacent to at least one of the mold walls, preferably held in the mold cavity layer of sheet material 'by applying negative pressure in particular in the region of the peripheral edges of the layer on a wall of the mold cavity. In the mold cavity, a plastic in a flowable state or in a solid state, preferably as a preform, which is converted at least in the region of its surface in a plastic state introduced. The formed as a sheet of sheet material blank of leather or leather-like material is introduced into the mold cavity, wherein the outline shape of the outline of the outer CD edges of the article to be produced corresponds, and its edges are disposed within the mold cavity. To its connection with the position of leather or leather-like material is allowed to penetrate the plastic in this partially. The plastic is molded around the outer edges of the layer of leather or leather-like material covering.

AT 398 026

ISR <3? 733ZS

AT 398 026 B

The invention relates to a method for producing objects, having at least one layer of sheet material and a layer of plastic connected to this layer, wherein the layer of sheet material is placed in a mold cavity adjacent to at least one of the mold walls, the layer of sheet material inserted into the mold cavity, preferably by applying a negative pressure, in particular in the region of the peripheral edges of the layer, adheres to a wall of the mold cavity and into the mold cavity a plastic in a fi lable state or in a solid state, preferably as a preform, which at least in the area of ​​its surface is transformed into a plastic state, So far, one has proceeded in the production of leather or leather-like material and an associated layer of a plastic so, that the two layers have been glued together with the aid of an adhesive. This procedure has the disadvantage that the so obtained, composite materials in further, u. U. quite elaborate steps must be processed to the final items. This results in forced cut edges in the material of leather or leather-like material, which are disadvantageous because of the possible there entry of moisture into the leather. Moreover, it was forced in the production of spatial structures to make complicated blanks, which then by sewing, gluing, welding u. like. completed to the spatial object.

In a known Ve rfahren for coating film material, such as Polyethylene with an injectable and compressible composition - according to US Pat. No. 4,075,266 - the purpose of the coating is to stabilize the shape of the film material so that it can be used, for example, as a dashboard. In this method, the procedure is such that a stretched over the mold cavity provided on a movable mold cavity film is clamped at the edge of the mold cavity by a pressure ring and sucked in the manner of a deep drawing process to the mold wall by applying vacuum via lines. Then plastic mass is injected into the space between the voltage applied to the one mold wall film and the stationary molded part, which is then to be evenly distributed in the mold cavity by further closing the mold with shut-off supply channel. It is disadvantageous in this described procedure that adhesion problems arise between the injected material and the peripheral edges which are outside the mold cavity.

According to another known method for the production of plastic-coated metal strip - according to US-PS 4,525,231 it is known to produce, for example, handles for motor vehicles. For this purpose, the strip to be encapsulated (eg a steel strip) is inserted into a mold cavity and fixed via holes provided at its ends by means of pins outside the mold cavity. The encapsulation of the metal strip is carried out in such a way that the metal strip is coated on all sides with plastic to its ends. In this method, the outer layer and the cushion layer is subsequently, ie after the encapsulation of the metal strip, applied and secured in their joint area by means of a seam by fusing. This creates a large proportion of rejects, since the metal strips are brought into a specific shape only after encapsulation with the material and in the subsequent bending in the desired shape, the handle on the surface is often damaged.

The invention has for its object to provide a method by which a finished at least in terms of its shape and contour object can be obtained in a single step from a preferably finished and trimmed layer of leather or leather-like material.

In the solution of this problem, the invention provides that a blank made of leather or a similar material is introduced into the mold cavity as a layer of sheet material, whose outline shape corresponds to the outline shape of the outer edges of the article to be manufactured, and whose edges are arranged inside the mold cavity, in that the plastic can be partially penetrated into its connection with the layer of leather or leather-like material and that the plastic is formed around the outer edges of the layer of leather or leather-like material so as to cover it.

When using the method according to the invention can largely any layers of leather or leather-like material, as well as very thin leather (fluffy leather) are processed into ready-made objects. It is of particular advantage in the method according to the invention that the plastic layer connected to the leather seals all cut edges and the meat side of the layer of leather or spring-like material. This results in not only an all-round protection of the layer of leather or leather-like material, but it is also a positive connection between the two layers of the invention obtainable article guaranteed.

It is also advantageous that the plastic is introduced into the mold cavity by injection molding, because a cost-effective production process for such articles can be realized in large quantities.

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It is also possible that the plastic is introduced into the mold cavity by injection molding or injection compression molding, because this is achieved in particular in the processing of thermosets a cost-effective manufacturing process.

A further advantageous procedure is achieved by introducing a made by heating flowable plastic in the mold cavity. As a result, a positive connection of the layer of leather or leather-like material with the introduced plastic is achieved in a simple manner.

It is likewise advantageous if a crosslinkable plastic in the form of a flowable prepolymer or monomer is introduced into the mold cavity. When such curing plastics are used, curing of the mold achieves cross-linking of the plastic, which makes it possible to produce resistant articles.

But it is also advantageous if one introduces a thermoplastic in the mold cavity, because this preforms can be used and only the surface for connection to the layer of leather or leather-like material must be melted or heated.

Another advantageous procedure is achieved by introducing the thermoplastic material with a temperature between 100 ° C and 300 ° C, preferably 200 ° C, because thereby an intimate connection between the introduced plastic and the layer of sheet material, which is already in Mold cavity is reached.

But it is also possible that one applies a pressure in the mold cavity of 100 to 1000 bar when using the injection molding. As a result, virtually any shape can be made from flat leather layers, with corrugations or objects with different wall thickness, etc. being able to be produced.

It is also advantageous if the position of leather or leather-like material when placed in the mold cavity gives the shape present in the finished article. Thereby, the final outline shape of the layer of leather or leather-like material can be determined prior to insertion into the mold by punching or cutting or by a simultaneously performed with the Schiießbewegung the mold punching. Thus, the outline shape of the outer edges of the inserted layer corresponds to the object to be manufactured, so that subsequently no edges have to be punched or cut.

Another advantageous method is characterized by pretreating the layer of leather or leather-like material with a leather curing agent or flexibilizer, because on the one hand achieves a more resistant surface of the layer of leather or leather-like material and on the other hand the position of leather or leather-like material a spatial Gives shape, without this undergoes a permanent damage in the shaping.

But it is also possible that the situation of leather or leather-like material with a primer, which is adapted to the plastic to be processed, pretreated, since this achieves a more intimate and stable connection of the layer of leather or leather-like material with the introduced plastic.

It is also advantageous if one introduces different plastics, for example plastics of different elasticity and / or color, into the mold cavity preferably successively into different regions. As a result, it is possible, for example, to achieve a higher pull-out strength in the area of ​​connection parts and to use plastics in the other areas which are distinguished by their design and at the same time allow good deformability.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that one forms the plastic when introduced into the mold to form connecting parts, closing, or the like. To a spatial structure. This achieves a one-piece component in a simple manner, which results in low production costs with minimal number of components.

Another advantageous procedure is achieved if, in the production of belts, especially watch straps, the plastic is shaped into a loop extending transversely to the longitudinal extent of the belt. As a result, the following assembly work, for example, thrust loops or closing can be avoided later, resulting in a saving of individual parts and thus a cost-effective component can be produced.

So it is also possible that one forms the plastic at one end of the belt to a buckle and at the other end to a closing counterpart, as this in a simple manner exactly matched components can be made in one operation and thus further processing operations can be saved ,

It can also be advantageous if the temperature of the mold is kept constant, a temperature of 120 ° C., preferably 40 ° C., not being exceeded. This is especially for the protection of the situation of leather or ied similar material of advantage, because in the short term are for real leather

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Temperatures up to 120 ° C possible without the leather being permanently damaged. It is therefore advisable, in the embodiment of this method according to the invention, not to heat the mold separately, but to supply it with the temperature via the introduced heated plastic. Thus, in the work cycle equilibrium between executed and dissipated heat, wherein the mold is kept by itself in a medium temperature range.

Likewise, it is advantageous if you insert the cut to the final contour shape or punched layer of leather or leather-like material in a substantially planar template or multiple blanks in a storage magazine and from the template or which transmits in the magazine in its associated half-mold, in which it is held on a mold wall and her possibly at least partially given their present form in the finished article. This allows the formation of the initially flat layer of leather or leather-like material by applying pressure to the correspondingly shaped wall of the mold. In this case, in the method according to the invention, the suction openings are preferably arranged in the region of the outer edges of the layer of leather or leather-like material. Another way to give the position of leather or leather-like material in the process according to the invention their final spatial shape, is the position by the filling pressure under which the plastic is introduced into the mold to press the mold wall. Furthermore, it is advantageous to use a plastic, in particular a thermosetting plastic, to which a blowing agent for foaming the plastic is admixed. As a result, the volume increase occurring when crosslinking thermosets and / or foaming plastics can also be used to press the layer of leather or leather-like material close to the wall of the mold assigned to it.

Finally, it is also possible that with the layer of leather or leather-like material by the introduction of the plastic in the mold connection parts trim parts, in particular of metal connects. This makes it possible in the manufacture of watch straps to connect with the watch strap on the applied to the leather plastic trim or spring pins, which can be attached to the watch case on the watch case.

When using hardening plastics, it is advisable to introduce these into the mold in the form of a prepolymer or monomer and then let it cure in the mold (by crosslinking).

In either case, a blowing agent may be added to the plastic to ensure that the layer of plastic in the finished article has a foam structure. Depending on the determination of the article which can be produced according to the invention, the plastic used can be rigid or stiff to rubber-elastic.

Another possibility is to effect the deformation of the layer of leather or leather-like material partly by suction on the mold wall of the mold half and partly by the filling pressure of the plastic. In this case, one will usually endeavor to proceed so that the deformation under the action of the pressure of the plastic, the extent of the extensibility of the layer of leather or leather-like material does not exceed, so that they are no Reiativbewegung when introducing the plastic in the form of the Mold wall, in particular in the region of its edges performs.

Examples of plastics which can be processed by the process according to the invention or which can be used in this process are thermoplastic rubbers, polyurethane, ionomers, silicone rubber and all thermoplastics, eggastopiasts or thermosetting plastics. Also suitable are polyolefins such as polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene.

The plastic associated with the layer of leather or leather-like material by the method according to the invention can also be used to connect with the layer of leather or leather-like material more objects. Such objects can in the case of belts, closing, buckles od. Dgi. or in suitcases od. Bags fittings or fittings.

The production of the watch band shown in cross-section in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings will be described below by way of example by way of injection molding:

in a mold half of an injection mold a suitably cut leather strip 2 is inserted into the mold so that its outer surface 4 rests against the mold wall and sucked by in the region of its longitudinal side edges 5 vacuum openings (for example, a ring encircling slot) is sucked to the mold half. The insertion of the layer 2 in the mold cavity can be done manually or with the aid of a transfer device that removes the cut leather strip defined from a template with a flat support surface or a storage magazine and inserts into the mold half. This procedure has the advantage that the layer 2 is inserted exactly defined in the mold half and so difficult because of the applied negative pressure or even impossible, subsequent adjustments of the situation can be omitted. Then the mold is closed.

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The plastic forming the layer 1, in the present case a thermoplastic rubber (polyurethane), is melted in the injection unit and conveyed into the screw antechamber, wherein after the presence of a sufficient amount of plastic, the screw is advanced axially to carry out the injection process and the mold cavity with the plastic melt is completed. The temperature of the plastic in the screw antechamber (melt temperature) is about 250 degrees C, the temperature of the tool on average 40 degrees C and the injection pressure, that is, the pressure applied to the screw axially during the injection process is 100 bar.

After a cooling phase of 10 seconds, the mold is opened and the watch band or the watch band part can be removed, of course, an automatic ejector can act.

As mentioned, the situation of leather or leather-like material can be cut to size by hand or with the aid of a conversion device, which z. B. from a template, a magazine or a punching or cutting device removes, are inserted into the open mold. In the mold, the sheet may be held by, for example, gravity and / or by applying a vacuum. The mold half, in which the layer of leather or leather-like material is inserted, relative to the other Formhäifte transversely to the closing direction displaceable (sliding table, round table od. Like.) To simplify the insertion process.

According to the method of the invention, a wide variety of objects can be produced. Examples are: small leather goods, watchbands, pen cases, jewelry boxes, leather cases, ring binders, desk pads, leather buttons, belts, leather steering wheels, leather helmets, balls, cases for games, lighters, etc. for embodiments for articles and connecting parts which can be produced by the method according to the invention or Closing, which is integral with the Kunststoffiage connected by the method according to the invention with the layer of leather or leather-like material and optionally can be produced in a two-component injection molding process, are partially shown schematically in the accompanying drawings.

Figures 1 to 29 show various embodiments of watch bands, Figures 30 and 31 with the plastic layer integrally formed Anschlußteiie, Fig.32 integrally formed with the plastic layer Klappschiieße, Fig.33 to 43 with the plastic layer integrally formed closing and closing counterparts and the Fig.44 to 46 producible by the process according to the invention sliding loops for belts.

A shown in Figure 1 belt consists of a layer 1 of plastic, for example polyurethane, polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, a thermoplastic, a polyamide od. like. elastic plastics. This layer 1 is covered on its visible side with a strip 2 of leather or leather-like material. As can be seen from Figure 1, the outer surface 3 of the layer 1 in the uncovered areas of the strip 2 of the same with the outer surface 4 of the strip 2 is flush, so that there are no steps between the two materials of which the belt consists.

As further seen in Fig. 1, the longitudinal edges 5 of the strip 2 are bent around the longitudinal side edges 6 of the layer 1 made of plastic, wherein the longitudinal edges 5 but at a distance from the lower surface of the belt.

Fig. 1 shows, finally, that the longitudinal edges 5 of the strip 2, which has an elongated flat cross-section, are formed tapering.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a belt which can be produced according to the invention, in which a strip 7 made of leather or leather-like material is provided on the lower surface of the layer 1 made of plastic. The strip 2 has a width that is less than the width of the layer. 1

A provided on the visible side strip 8 of leather or leather-like material, which is narrower than the width of the layer 1 of plastic, is shown in Figure 3. 3 clearly shows that the longitudinal side surfaces of the strip 8 provided at the longitudinal edges 5 of the strip 8 enclose an acute angle for the widthwise extension of the strip and converge toward the interior of the belt.

An embodiment with two parallel strips 10 is shown in Figure 4. Also in this embodiment, the outer surfaces 4 of the strips 10 are continuous in the outer surface 3 of the layer t made of plastic.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 5 corresponds substantially to that shown in Fig. 4, wherein elevations 11 are provided in the region between the strips 10 on the layer 1 of plastic. The elevations 11 may in the form of longitudinal ribs, buckling u. Like. Be formed so that a three-dimensional design of the visible surface of the belt is achieved.

Another three-dimensional design of the visible surface of a belt is shown in Fig. 6, where formed by strips 12 of leather or leather-like material, which have an elliptical cross section in the illustrated embodiment, formed on the visible surface of the belt longitudinal ribs.

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From the previously described figures it can be seen that the belt can be curved transversely to its longitudinal extent. It can, as Fig. 7 shows an embodiment can be selected in which the visible surface formed by a strip 13 of the belt has a smaller radius of curvature than the lower surface thereof. The belt is therefore thicker in its longitudinal center than at its longitudinal edges. This embodiment can be achieved by the method according to the invention readily by a corresponding shape of the mold cavity.

It is understood that the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 for the strips, which are connected to the layer 1 made of plastic and for the cross-sectional shapes of the present invention can be produced belt combined with each other. In particular, the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 may be combined with a strip provided on the lower surface with each of the other embodiments shown in Figs. 1 and 3 to 7.

If holes 14 are provided in the belt according to the invention, then there are various possibilities for forming these and producing them according to the method of the invention,

In the in Fig. 9 1, which extends from the belt shown in FIG. 1, the strip 2 of leather or leather-like material is drawn into the hole 14, so that the wall of the hole consists partly of the areas 15 of the strip 2 drawn into the hole. As with all other embodiments of the present invention can be produced belt in this embodiment, in the region of the hole, a stepless transition between the material of the plastic carrier 1 and the strip 2 and his in the hole 14 pulled in area 15 is provided.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in which both the provided on the visible surface strip 8 and the provided at the bottom of the belt strip 7 from below or extend from above into the hole 14. The protruding into the hole 14 areas 15 and 16 the strips 7 and 8 terminate at a distance from one another, wherein the portion of the plastic carrier 1 arranged between the ends of the regions 15 and 16 is flush with the outer surfaces of the regions 15 and 16 of the strips 7 and 8 extending into the hole 14.

Another possibility for forming a hole in the belt according to the invention is shown in FIG. 10. There, a hole 17 is provided in the strip 1 connected to the layer 1 made of plastic, whose diameter is greater than the diameter of the hole 14 in the layer 1. The material of the layer 1 extends in the region of the hole 17 to the outer surface 4 of the strip 2 and ends there with this flush.

It is understood that combinations of the embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10 are possible, for example, on the lower surface of the belt, the embodiment shown in Fig. 10 and on the visible surface of the belt, the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 can be realized. To the belts according to the invention with pins, ζ. As pins on watch cases or buckles to connect, for example, the embodiments shown in Fig. 12 or 13 and 14 can be selected.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, an eyelet 18 is integrally formed in the sheet 1 of plastic at one end, the strip 2 at the visible surface of the belt at least partially around the eyelet 18 extends around, whereas at the lower surface of the belt provided strips 7 may end before the eyelet.

In the in Figs. 13 14 and 14, a loop formed for attachment of the belt to pins, as is known per se, is formed by gluing. For this purpose, two adhesive surfaces 19 and 20 are provided on the layer 1 of plastic. The special feature of the in Fig. 13 shown embodiment is that the layer 1 is tapered in stages in the region of its looping end to be looped, so that there is no significant thickening of the belt in the finished glued loop. Characterized in that the free end 21 of the layer 1 is chamfered and at the beginning of the adhesive surface 20, a corresponding Schrägffäche 22 is provided, also results in a largely step-free transition between the provided on the inner surface of the belt strip 7 and the folded portion of the belt.

Both in Fig. 12 and in Fig. 13 it is indicated that the provided on the Sichtfiäche of the belt strip 4 can extend around the free end 23 of the layer 1 around and ends there at a distance from the lower surface, whereas the strip 7 scarce before the end 23 of the situation 1 ends.

According to a weathered embodiment, the strip 2 on the upper side of the layer 1 and the strip 7 on the underside consist of a single blank, which is bent in the region of the eyelet 18. In this case, results in the eyelet area an embodiment which is similar to FIG. 12, but wherein the strip 2 integrally merges into the strip 7.

An advantage of the method according to the invention is also that strips of leather or similar material having the same thickness everywhere, for example wedge-shaped belts, ie belts which become thinner from one end to the other, can be produced simply by

AT 398 026 Β one forms a corresponding wedge-shaped layer 1.

In addition, when using appropriate shapes according to the method of the invention, even with the use of strips which are the same thickness everywhere, any desired surface structures can be produced. The tedious and time-consuming trimming (thinning and sharpening) of leather or leather-like materials is then eliminated.

In the in Fig. 15 shown in cross section embodiment of a belt according to the invention, the longitudinal edges 5 of the strip 2 are bent around the longitudinal side edges 6 of the layer 1 and located on the underside of the belt and in the embodiment shown substantially in the longitudinal center of the belt. The longitudinal edges 5 may adjoin one another or be arranged at a distance from each other. In any case, the outer surface 3 of the layer 1 is flush with the outer surface 4 of the strip 2.

The belt shown in FIG. 16, designed as a two-part watch band, consists of upper leather 31 and lining leather 32 in both band parts. Upper leather and lining leather are connected to one another via a layer 33 of elastic plastic 3.

As can be seen from FIG. 18, the longitudinal edges 34 of the upper leather 31 are bent downwards in the region of the longitudinal edges 35 of the belt and the longitudinal edges 36 of the lining leather 32 are bent upward. The longitudinal edges 34 and 36 do not touch each other, but end at a distance from each other, wherein the space between the longitudinal edges 34 and 36 of the layer 33 is ausgefüilt. Thus, the outermost edges 37 of the longitudinal edges 35 of the belt which can be produced according to the invention are formed by the layer 33.

The material of the layer 33 extends from the fiber side (meat side) both in the upper 31 and in the leather lining 32, so that upper leather 31 and lining leather 32 in particular in the region of the longitudinal edges 35 impregnated from its inside (fiber side) ago and with the Layer 33 are positively connected.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 18 and the embodiment according to FIG. 19, in which the belt is profiled transversely by longitudinal grooves provided in the region of the upper 31, the edges 34 and 36 respectively overlap about one third of the total width of the longitudinal edges 35.

In connection with FIG. 19, it should be pointed out that the profiling of the belt is achieved without the upper leather 31 having to be specially machined or having different thicknesses.

A similar design, as has been described for the longitudinal edges 35, is also possible in the region of the pointed or rounded end 38 of the belt and in the region of the eyelets 39. As shown particularly in FIG. 17, the upper leather 31 and the lining leather 32 only partially surround the eyelet 39, the space left between them being filled by the plastic of the layer 33.

In Fig. 20 is a cross section through a belt is shown, in which the upper leather 31 does not extend to the longitudinal side edges 35, but before ends. By contrast, the lining leather 32 has edges 36 which are bent upwards in the region of the longitudinal edges 35.

In addition to the in Fig. 16 eyelet 39 shown can be used to attach the inventively produced belt also loop training or Be provided hook. Various possibilities for this are shown in FIGS. 21 to 29 shown. FIG. 21 shows a Einhakband, in which the paneled by the upper leather 31 hook 40 from the upper leather 31 and lining leather 32 interconnecting layer 33 is formed. As indicated in Fig.21, the hook 40 may have locking means for closing. Further details of such hooks are shown in FIG. 30 and 31 shown.

Figs. 22 and 23 show a gluing step wherein the belt end projecting portion of the upper 31 as shown in Fig. 23 can be adhered to the underside of the belt to form a loop.

Fig. 24 also shows a loop-like design, wherein the loop is formed by an inserted leaf spring 29 elastic, so that the loop no longer has to be fixed by gluing. The leaf spring, which may be formed, for example, substantially U-shaped, is incorporated immediately in the production of the belt according to the invention and may, for example, have the form known from EP-OS 0 096 682.

Figs. 25 to 29 show diagrammatically various practical embodiments for adhesive loops on belts (watch bands) which can be produced according to the invention.

A hook shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 consists of the actual hook 41, from the root of which a layer 33 of plastic originates

The upper 31 and the lining 32 of the belt shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 may terminate in the recesses 44 and 45, respectively, of the hook root 42. But it is also possible that in particular the upper member 31 completely disguises the hook 41

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The opening 46 of the hook 41 can be closed by a closing part 49 connected to the free end of the hook 41 via a film hinge 47 (cf. FIG. 31). The free end of the closure member 49 carries a bead-like nose 50 which can be snapped into a groove 43 on the hook root 42, the outer edge 43 'may be barb-like. In particular from FIG. 31 It can be seen that the hook 41 is completely closed after the latching of the closure member 49, so that, for example, a pin of a clock is encompassed from all sides.

The closing member 49 may also, as indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 31, be profiled, so that the closed hook 41 has completely smooth surfaces on both sides.

In Fig. 31 is still indicated that the recess 35 on the hook root 42 limiting rib 52 may have a broadening 53, on which initials or other symbols can be attached. Instead of an areawise widening of the rib 52, this can also be designed to be wider throughout.

The inner surface 49 'of the closure member 49 may have the same radius of curvature as the inner surface 41' of the hook 41, the centers of curvature (s) coinciding with the hook 41 closed, as shown in Fig. 31.

The layer of plastic, for example, the layer 1 or 33 can also be connected to a folding clasp or, what is easily possible with the method according to the invention, be formed directly as a folding clasp.

Such an embodiment of a folding clasp is shown in FIG. 32 shown. In this embodiment, two hinged parts 61 are pivotably connected via film hinges 62 with an elongated part 60. At the longitudinal side edges of the elongate member 60 longitudinal ribs 65 and 66 are formed, between which the hinged parts 61 are added in their folded down to the elongated member 60 position. Preferably, the outer surfaces of the hinged parts 61, d. H. their convex curved surfaces with the parallel to the elongated member 60 extending surfaces of the ribs 65 and 66 flush.

Each flap part 61 bears integrally formed on a projection 63. The projections 63 engage in folded down on the elongate member 60 folding parts 61 in the flap part 60 provided in recesses 64 a. In this way, the film hinges 62 are relieved of strain with the folding clasp closed.

In order to obtain the pivotable Klappteiie 61 in its folded down on the elongated member 60 closed position, the integrally formed on the flap members 61 projections 63 carry on their side surfaces projecting ribs 67, which preferably have a substantially triangular cross-section. These ribs 67 engage in the closed position in grooves formed in the region of the longitudinal sides of the recesses 64 under the longitudinal ribs 65 and 66.

Of the free ends of the hinged parts 61 go the layers 1 or 33, wherein between the folding parts 61 and the layers 1 or 33 are provided of plastic film hinges 69.

At the layers of the inventively producible articles can be formed with these one-piece moldings. Such moldings may be close to belts, for example. Various embodiments are shown in Figs. 33-43.

A closing body 70 is provided at the free end of an elastic plastic layer 1 or 33 forming a layer of a belt (watch band).

As can be seen from FIG. 22, the closing body 70 is formed in one piece with the layer 1.

The closing body 70 has an upper wall 71 and a base wall 72. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the upper wall 71 can be folded up relative to the base wall 72 about a film hinge 73 in the region of the side wall 74 of the closing body 70 (see FIG.

The sidewall 74 opposite side wall 75 of the closing body 70 is formed as a snap closure and consists of two mutually lockable longitudinal ribs 75 and 76th

At the bottom of the upper wall 71 of the closing body 70 is provided with a toothing 77. The toothing 77 is located with the closing body 70 closed against the top of the belt 78, which is to be fastened in the closing body 70 at. The top of the belt 78 is provided with one of the teeth 71 according to the same profile.

The in Fig. 36 shown embodiment of the present invention manufactures buckle with the exception that the side wall 75 is not formed as a snap connection, but as the side wall 74 is formed as an integral continuous wall, which in FIG. 33 shown embodiment. When in Ftg. 36 In the embodiment shown, the end of the belt 78 to be fixed in the closing body 70, as shown in FIG. 38 shown held by the residual stress of the shooting body 70. When pressure is applied to the side surfaces 74 and 75 (cf. FIG. 37) increases the distance between the upper wall 71 and the base wall 72, so that the end of the belt 78 can be pulled out of the shooting body 70. In order to facilitate this deformation of the closing body 70, a slit 79 extending in the belt longitudinal direction is provided in the base wall Ti.

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The embodiment shown in FIG. 39 of a clasp which can be produced according to the invention again has a closing body 70 consisting of base wall 72 and upper wall 71, the two walls having side walls 74 and 75 having predetermined bending points 73 being connected to one another in one piece. The fastened end of the belt 78 has on its upper side at least one, but preferably a plurality of wedge-shaped elevations 80, which serve in the insertion direction rear surfaces 81 as abutment surfaces.

The in Fig. 40 shown embodiment of the buckle according to the invention has a closing body 82 of an upper wall 83 and a base wall 84, which are connected to each other via webs 85 which are elastically deformable. As the wall 83 moves, the distance between the facing surfaces of the walls 83 and 84 is increased. In order to facilitate the displacement of the upper wall 83, this is in the region of its two side surfaces with friction-increasing ribs 86 od. like. equipped. The walls 83 and / or 84 and possibly the strap 78 may be roughened to increase the tensile strength of the clasp and / or equipped with positive locking arrangements.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 41, the closing body 70 is composed of a top wall 71, a base wall 72, and two side walls 74 and 75 integrally connected to the walls. Also in this embodiment, the closing body 1 is elastic with the layer 1 (33) Plastic integrally formed.

In the upper wall 71 of the clasp 70 of FIG. 41 a recess 90 is provided. From this recess 90 go from opposite edges 91 and 92 of terminal strips 93 and 94, which cross the opening 95 of the closing body 1 substantially diagonally. As Fig. 41 shows, predetermined bending points 96 are provided in the terminal strips 93 and 94. By pressing on the side walls 74 and 75 of the closing body 70, the terminal strips 93 and 94 buckle with simultaneous reduction of the slot 79 and release the clamped in the closing body 70 belt 78 free.

Also in this embodiment, the belt 78 may be designed to be friction-increasing at least on its surface facing the clamping strips 93 and 94. In addition, additionally or alternatively, the upper side of the base wall 72 and / or the underside of the belt 78 facing the latter can be designed to increase the friction.

In the in Figs. 42 and 43 shown embodiment carries the closing body 100 at its upper wall 71 via a film hinge 102 a pivotable eccentric cam 101st To operate the eccentric cam 101, this is equipped with a projection 103. The arrangement can be made so that the eccentric cam 101 in a relaxed position from the top of the base wall 71 of the closing body 100 has a distance which is smaller than the thickness of the end to be fastened to the belt 78, so that the eccentric cam 101 under elastic bias abuts against the top of the belt. When pulling in the sense of opening the clasp 100, the eccentric cam 101 wedges against the top of the belt 78, so that it is clamped.

The contact pressure of the eccentric cam 101 to be determined in the closing body 100 end of the belt 78 may additionally or alternatively to an elastic bias in the sense described above also be achieved by a locking of the eccentric cam 101 on one or both side walls 74, 75 of the closing body 100, as is indicated by latching means 104 in Fig. 43.

With the method according to the invention can also produce annular objects. This variant is described using the example of a serving as a push loop ring.

The thrust loop 110 shown in FIG. 44 in view and in FIG. 45 in section consists of a layer of plastic in the form of an annular carrier 111 and a layer 112 of leather or leather-like material covering the surfaces of the annular carrier 111 on the outside.

The ply 112 may terminate prior to the annular end edges 113 of the carrier 111 or may be at least partially drawn around the end edges 113.

In the in Fig. 46 In the embodiment shown, the annular ends 114 of the layer 112 are spaced apart on the inner surface 115 of the annular carrier 111. From Fig. 46 Furthermore, it can be seen that the areas of the carrier 111 which are not covered by the layer 112 are flush with the surface of the layer 112, so that stepless transitions between the different materials from which the shear loop can be produced according to the invention result. This also applies in particular to the impact region extending in the image plane between the ends of the layer 112 running perpendicular to the annular end edges 114 of the annular support 11t.

The thrust loop 110 according to the invention can be produced by injection molding, wherein, for example, can proceed so that inserted into a corresponding shape preforms made of leather or leather-like material, which then form the layer 112, are back-injected with the annular carrier 111 forming plastic in the injection mold , In this process, the material of the carrier 111 penetrates from the bottom (in the case of leather, this is the fiber or meat side) in the layer 112, so

AT 398 026 B that results in an intimate positive connection between the two materials

For the annular support 111 particularly suitable materials are PU elastomer, PE ionomer or LD-PE (= low density PE).