Composite layered strap with mixed fibre and binder esp. for watch

The invention relates to a band-shaped object, such as a watch band or belt, and a method for its production.

A ribbon-shaped object and a method for producing the same is known from CH 397 934 A, the ribbon-shaped object consisting of non-twisted and non-twisted fibers of finite length that run approximately parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction and are connected to one another by a thermoplastic binding agent. As fiber materials, natural fibers such as sisal fibers, plant fibers or staple fibers, for example plastic or glass can also be used, these fibers having a finite length. The production of this tape-shaped object in the form of a packaging tape takes place as follows: the fibers of finite length are arranged parallel to one another to form a carpet, then the fibers are connected to one another by means of a thermoplastic binder and the carpet is made into individual tapes before or after the binder is applied is divided. This fiber material coated with the binder is guided over fixed heating cylinders after the binder has been applied for the purpose of distributing and drying it, whereby the connection of the individual fiber materials to one another takes place due to the hardened binder

Furthermore, the most diverse designs of watch straps in single and multi-layer construction are known, usually several layers of leather, usually using the so-called rembording process, are connected to one another to form a watch strap or a belt, as is known from AT 252 634 B, for example . Furthermore, it is also known to use one or more layers of leather or leather-like material such as also to connect plastic films with a plastic layer made of extruded or injected plastic to form an object, for example a watch strap or a belt, as is known from EP 0 199 708 B, for example.

Further tape-shaped objects, in particular tapes for packaging purposes, are connected to one another from continuous threads or strands or bundles in a layer running parallel to one another with a binding agent, as has become known from AT 219 482 B and US Pat. No. 4,130,686 A. The individual threads can also be arranged next to one another in several strands running parallel to one another in order to form the band-shaped object.

The present invention is based on the object of creating a strap-shaped object such as a watch strap and a method which enables it to be produced inexpensively and with different spatial shapes.

This object of the invention is achieved in that at least one layer of the same is formed by a multicompound material consisting of a mixture of 50% to 90% of the fiber material, e.g. the fibers, elementary fibers, fibrils, protofibrils, at least part of which is this fiber material made of leather and / or artificial leather is formed, and optionally filler materials and from 10% to 50% of the binder. The advantage here is that a mixture can now be produced from the different fibers, which can be processed in the manner of an extrusion material. This surprisingly now also opens up the possibility of creating a multicompound material that is predominantly or entirely made of leather, i.e. of fibers or threads made of leather, be it leather scraps or full leather, which is combined with the binders form a kind of pasty mass, which by extrusion or Pressing can be brought into a desired three-dimensional shape, so that a band-shaped object such as a watch strap is created.This surprisingly also enables the processing of otherwise no longer usable residues of leather or leather blanks, which have essentially the same characteristics as band-shaped objects made of leather. In addition, this production of the multicompound material means that it can be used in conjunction with cover layers made of full leather as well as with cover layers formed by the layer or foils and therefore full leather material for the production of spatially curved band-shaped objects and thus also primary resources can be saved without that disadvantages in terms of comfort and appearance have to be accepted. Furthermore, intermediate or Cover layers or entire band-shaped objects are produced which differ only insignificantly in their wearing and stress properties from band-shaped objects made of full leather layers , with the advantage that this layer2

AT 407 693 B th, while avoiding several additional layers of adhesive, any three-dimensional shape can be granted.

Due to the further development according to claim 2, it is also possible to use the smallest remaining stocks of leather for the production of such band-shaped objects or their cover and / or intermediate layers.

The fine distribution of the fiber materials, according to claim 3, opens up a high elasticity and suppleness as well as a low bending resistance, so that objects made of such material can also be used as watch straps, which are subject to very strong deformations due to their use.

The further development according to patent claim 4 enables good interlocking of the individual fibers and thus the production of a layer that can also be subjected to high loads in tension and bending.

Furthermore, according to patent claim 5, the use of compressible fiber materials is also possible, so that the density of a strip-shaped object or such a layer produced therefrom can be controlled by appropriate compression, whereby by clamping the fiber materials of the multicompound material over the binding agent or through the coring, this compacted layer and thus the desired density can be achieved even with materials that can otherwise be resiliently restored to their original position.

Another embodiment according to patent claim 6 is also advantageous, since both the elasticity and the strength properties can be easily adapted to the different purposes depending on the fiber material and possibly filler material by the choice of the amount of binder.

However, an embodiment according to claim 7 is also advantageous, since it enables simple adaptation to the different types of stress, such as tension and bending, with the same basic processing options being obtained through the appropriate choice of materials.

The embodiment variant according to claim 8 enables the construction of spatial Deckbzw. Intermediate layers using a wide variety of residual or primary materials.

However, an embodiment according to claim 9 is also possible, since this results in a higher strength layer, which for example forms a base layer and has a coarser consistency and thus a firmer cohesion and greater flexural resistance than the layers made of finer materials.

A favorable bond and a good overall biological result is achieved through the training according to claim 10.

Various simplified connection and fastening options and a different elasticity of the manufactured objects can be achieved by the further design variants according to claims 11 to 13.

The further development according to claim 14 enables a reduction in the adhesion between the introduced layer and the mold walls of a molding tool, whereby a damage-free removal of the layer while still moist is achieved even with complicated spatial shapes.

An improved elasticity and bending strength of the objects is achieved by the feature according to claim 15.

An embodiment of the band-shaped object, in particular as a watch strap, which consists of two cover layers connected to one another and is designed according to patent claim 16, is also advantageous. Because an intermediate layer or at least one top layer consists of the layer of fiber and possibly filler material and binder, the elasticity and strength properties of such watch straps, as well as the wearing comfort and especially the water vapor diffusion resistance can be easily adapted to the different areas of use.

The further development according to patent claim 17 advantageously means that if one of the cover layers is formed by the layer according to the invention, this can be applied or extruded or sprayed directly onto the further cover layer.

But it is also a further development according to claim 18 possible, whereby a firm cohesion and a high-strength base layer can be achieved, which in the spatial

AT 407 693 B

Deformation due to the finer structure and the higher elasticity of the finer-grain cover layers builds up less resistance when the object is deformed. In addition, the penetration of moisture or liquid into the cover layers can be avoided due to the finer structure and the higher density.

A further development according to claim 19 is also advantageous, since it allows the multicompound material to be applied in a not yet hardened, malleable state using a carrier layer that simultaneously acts as a reinforcement and can be connected to it during application or molding.

The embodiment variant according to claim 20, in addition to producing an optically continuous side edge, covers the connection area between the cover layers and the carrier layer and thus reduces the risk of the cover layer becoming detached from the carrier layer.

The further development according to claim 21 makes it possible to surround the front side of the cover layer and, if necessary, the carrier layer with a correspondingly thick material layer, so that damage to the band-shaped object in the highly stressed front edge areas, especially when these are used as a watch strap, is avoided and thus the service life of such band-shaped objects can be increased significantly.

The embodiment variant according to claim 22 enables the use of a cover layer or a carrier layer or a reinforcement layer as mold surfaces for producing a further cover layer or intermediate layer, whereby the number of operations for producing a strip-shaped object can be reduced.

The further development according to claim 23 enables a wide range of design options and design-related training with one and the same manufacturing process.

An embodiment according to patent claim 24 is also advantageous, since it allows the surface of a cover layer to be protected in a simple manner from fraying or detachment of individual fibers or threads, especially when it is designed as a layer according to the invention.

The development according to patent claim 25 creates a hard-wearing surface which nevertheless makes it possible to recognize the structure of the cover layer and, on the other hand, enables the cover layer to be produced from fibers or fiber materials.

A further development according to patent claim 26 is also advantageous, since it does not hinder the evaporation of the body fluid, especially when wearing a band-like object on the surface of the skin, and thereby a high level of comfort is achieved.

A further development according to patent claims 27 and 28 is also advantageous, since this facilitates the processing of the multicompound material, in particular via extruders and the molding onto carrier or cover layers and, on the other hand, the cover layers have sufficient elasticity and sufficient adhesion after curing.

The further development according to patent claim 29 has the advantage that the adhesive hardens in a defined manner and, moreover, subsequent evaporation of adhesive components can be prevented by the chemical setting by the solvent. In this way, favorable anti-allergy properties can also be achieved if necessary.

The embodiment variants according to patent claims 30 and 31 have the advantage that the fastening of components which require a tear-proof holder and are arranged in the end region of the band-shaped objects can be considerably improved.

The invention also comprises a process for the production of band-shaped objects, such as a watch strap or belt, in which fiber materials made of natural and / or plastic materials of finite length are mixed with a binding agent and are thus connected to one another after drying to form a layer.

This process is characterized in that the fiber materials are brought to a length between 5 μm and 10 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 3 mm, whereupon this fiber material is mixed with a solvent, the binder, a plasticizer and mold release agent and optionally with filler materials and is mechanically mixed into a paste-like state, after which the mixture is compacted and pressed into a mold cavity and then the layer is removed from the mold cavity and dried outside the mold cavity. The advantage of this solution is that the mixture of fiber materials and

AT 407 693 B

Binder, which forms a multicompound material, which can optionally also be mixed with filler materials, produced in a simple mixing process using, above all, organic components, such as leather and other natural materials, and in a molding process, for example an extrusion or injection molding process can be introduced for shaping, whereby the processing of such pasty masses is made considerably easier without the need for binding plastics which have been liquefied by heat and / or pressure. In addition, the production of very dense and fine-pored cover layers from the recycling material is made possible, and it is thereby possible in a simple manner to produce objects, in particular watch straps, only from recycling materials, for example leather. In addition, this makes it possible, in a simple manner, in accordance with the procedure for earlier watch straps made of leather or plastic, to produce the eyelet from the same cover layer materials as the rest of the object and still achieve high tear resistance and high tensile strength.

However, a procedure according to patent claim 33 is also advantageous, since the density and the strength of the individual cover layers can thereby be kept constant even over a larger number of cover layers through the previous production of a block.

By running the method according to claim 34, in addition to a targeted reinforcement of a strip-shaped object, it is also possible to accelerate its treatment, in particular drying after the application of one or more layers, since, for example, there is no need to wait until the binder is completely in the respective form has cured, but just wait until the layer is so dimensionally stable that it does not detach from the carrier layer, can be removed from the mold cavity.

By proceeding in accordance with patent claim 35, it is now possible to produce tape-shaped objects that consist of several layers only from the layers according to the invention.

By the measures according to patent claim 36 it is achieved that, for example, the fine-pored and a higher protection against moisture causing layer can be pulled down not only over a surface of a coarse-pored layer arranged underneath, but also over its side edges, so that inside such an object, for example for the production of a core layer with coarse-pored or longer fibers and threads or Filling materials can be worked, whereby, for example, higher tensile and tear strengths are made possible for the object.

Finally, by applying more than one layer in one operation, it is made possible that several corresponding layers can be produced in a mold cavity, these layers being able to be applied simultaneously to two opposite surfaces or in direct succession. This reduces the number of individual operations for producing a multilayer tape-shaped article.

The invention is explained below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

Show it:

1 shows a watch strap with an intermediate layer designed according to the invention in a plan view and a simplified, schematic representation;

FIG. 2 shows the band part of the watch strap according to FIG. 1 in side view, in section and on an enlarged scale; FIG.

FIG. 3 shows the band part according to FIG. 2 in plan view; FIG.

FIG. 4 shows the band part according to FIG. 3 in an end view, in section, along the lines IV-IV in FIG. 3;

5 shows a variant embodiment of a hinge part according to the invention in a side view, in section;

6 shows another embodiment variant of a strip-shaped object in an end view, in section;

7 shows another belt part according to the invention with an intermediate layer in a side view, in section;

8 shows the intermediate layer according to FIG. 7 in an end view, in section, according to the lines VIIIVIII in FIG. 7 and on an enlarged scale;

AT 407 693 B

9 shows an intermediate layer according to the invention, which is arranged on a reinforcement layer, in side view, in section;

10 shows a band-shaped object using an intermediate layer according to the invention in side view, sectioned, with an insert part arranged between the cover layer and the intermediate layer, in side view;

11 shows a band-shaped object using an intermediate layer according to the invention with reinforcing elements embedded in the intermediate layer or arranged between the intermediate layer and a cover layer, in a side view, in section.

In Fig. 1, band-shaped objects 1 and 2, which for example form a band and an eyelet part of a watch strap 3 for a watch 4, are shown. Of course, it is also possible that these band-shaped objects 1, 2 can be formed as belts, loops, fastening straps, carrying straps or the like. Each of the objects 1 and 2 is connected to a watch case 6 via a hinge arrangement 5. This hinge arrangement 5 comprises a hinge pin 7 which is held in the watch case 6 and which passes through the objects 1, 2 in an eyelet 8, 9.

A buckle 10 is fastened or pivotably mounted on the object 2 in the end region opposite the watch case 6.

In FIGS. 2 to 4, the object 1, namely the intermediate layer 12 forming a layer 11 and the cover layer 13 receiving this intermediate layer 12, is shown. The cover layer 13 can be formed by a strip or a film made of leather or plastic, textile or any other material. Furthermore, this cover layer 13 can be designed, for example, when textiles are used as woven, knitted fabrics, nets or lattices. The intermediate layer 12 is applied directly to the cover layer 13 and connected to it by a molding process.

As can also be seen from the representations in FIGS. 2 to 4, the object has a spatially curved three-dimensional shape and is provided, for example, in the edge areas with elevations 14 and in the central area with an additional elevation 15, which, as best shown in FIG 1 can be seen, is located between the hinge arrangement 5 and openings 16 for the pin of the buckle 10, but can also extend further in the direction of the end of the strap facing away from the hinge arrangement 5.

As shown schematically in FIG. 4, the layer 11 according to the invention consists of a fiber material 17 which is composed of a mixture of fibers 18, elementary fibers 19 and filler materials 20. This mixture comprises 50% to 90% of the volume of the intermediate layer 12 in the uncompacted state. 10% to 50% of the volume of the intermediate layer 12 is formed by a binder 21.

The fiber materials 17 can consist of natural and / or plastic materials. The fiber material 17 is preferably fibers 18, elementary fibers 19, but optionally also fibrils and protofibrils made of leather or synthetic leather. Of course, it is also possible to use this mixture of fiber materials 17, fibers 18 or To add threads or elementary fibers 19, fibrils or protofibrils of natural fibers such as cotton or camel hair or other natural or synthetic materials. It is also possible to add cellulose fibers, cellulose or fibers or flakes obtained from recycled plastics or natural materials to this mixture. Among other things, it is also possible to use fibers 18 or To add threads or elementary fibers 19 made of graphite and / or ceramic and / or silver and / or glass in order to achieve high strength, for example.

This mixture of fiber materials 17 is mixed with the binder 21. This binder 21 can be formed by latex, polyurethane dispersions, synthetic resin, polyacrylate dispersions with plasticizers, natural rubber or any other dispersion adhesive.

Binding agents 21 are preferably used which are formed from natural materials, for example coagulating materials, in order to coagulate out under the influence of pressure or temperature, for example, or to develop the adhesive effect, so that the fiber materials 17 are fixed or held in their compacted position by the binding agent 21 can. This connection can take place via a covalency, an electrovalence, a complex bond or a hydrogen bridge bond.

AT 407 693 B

Due to the size of the compression or the compression factor and the size of the fibers 18 or fiber materials 17 and the type of binder 21 used, it is also possible to influence the surface structure of the layer 11 and make it rougher or smoother. For the production of the layer 11, fiber materials 17 have proven to be particularly advantageous which have a length between 5 μm and 10 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 3 mm, and whose fiber diameter is between 0.0015 μm and 300 μm, preferably between 20 μπι and 200 μηη is. Above all, it is furthermore also possible to use filling materials 20 which are formed by wood chips, cork, silver threads, camel hair, glass microspheres, cotton, cellulose or other materials.

In order, if desired, to ensure that the layer 11 is well ventilated and above all has a low water vapor diffusion resistance, it is possible in one embodiment of the layer 11 according to the invention that natural materials or plastic materials are used as fiber materials 17 which prevent the passage of water vapor offer a slight resistance. This means that a water vapor diffusion resistance number is less than 100,000 in any case.

This can e.g. B. can be achieved in that a large part of the fiber materials 17 of the mixture has a very low water vapor diffusion resistance and / or in that the binder 21 has a correspondingly low water vapor diffusion resistance. If, for example, a higher proportion of water vapor-impermeable materials, such as glass microspheres, metal threads, fiber materials 17 made of metal or water vapor diffusion-resistant plastics, is used in the mixture, it must be ensured that the binding agent 21 has a correspondingly low resistance to water vapor diffusion or gas diffusion. If, on the other hand, the fiber material 17 consists predominantly of leather, which has a relatively low resistance to water vapor diffusion, the binding agent 21 can, for example, have a higher water vapor diffusion resistance number.

The advantage of forming a layer 11 with the characteristics described above is that it enables the water vapor permeability and gas permeability to be adapted to different uses and / or cover layer materials, so that especially when the objects 1, 2 with the intermediate layer 12 according to the invention worn on the body, as is the case, for example, with watch straps 3, these have a high level of comfort and this level of comfort cannot be distinguished, for example, from a strap made entirely of leather. By using the layer 11, however, compared to a full leather strap, the possibility of achieving the same result with lower-quality materials is opened up, which enables inexpensive production of high-quality objects 1, 2, and at the same time a residual utilization of sections in the production of the leather layers take place in an advantageous manner.

In addition, through the appropriate shaping and compression and the addition of appropriate binders 21, the layer 11 can be universally adapted to different customer requirements and conditions of use, for example different bending loads, strains or compressive strengths, as is the case with thin leather layers, as is usually the case Manufacture of such objects 1, 2, in particular for watch straps 3, are used, not possible.

The binder 21 or also the filler materials 20 used enable the individual fiber materials 17 to solidify sufficiently. Of course, it is also possible that when using a different binding agent 21, this binding agent 21 can also be fastened and connected to further leather-like or similar layers 11 or to one or more cover layers 13 at the same time as the production of the bond between the fiber materials 17. As a result, the cover layer 13 can be used at the same time as a carrier material or carrier layer and support surface for the layer 11. Above all, it is also when, in order to avoid excessive stiffening of the intermediate layer 12, the use of additional binders 21 in the area of ​​the surface 22 of the layer 11 facing away from the cover layer 13 is avoided and therefore the connection of fiber materials 17 is not so permanent that Further processing of such semi-finished products from the top layer 13 and the intermediate layer 12 is not a problem.

The advantage of this solution is above all that, for example, when a

AT 407 693 B further cover layer 23, this can be connected to the surface 22 of the intermediate layer 12 via an adhesive layer 24 applied to it, so that a firm bond or bond is established through the penetration of an adhesive 25 of the adhesive layer 24 into the cavities of the layer 11. Connection with the fiber materials 17 is achieved not only in the surface area, but also in the areas below, as shown schematically by the hatching penetrating into the deeper areas of the layer 11. As a result, a tear-resistant consistency of the object 1 that absorbs the expansion and compressive forces during the spatial deformation of such objects 1, 2 is achieved.

The proportion of fiber material 17 made of leather can be approx. 25%, of adhesive 25 and 40% and of mold release agent approx. 5%. Part of the mold release agent can be paste-like and have a viscosity greater than 3,000 mPa sec and preferably be formed by isobutylene in mineral oil, and the remainder of the mold release agent is liquid and has a viscosity greater than 1 mPa sec.

As is further indicated schematically in FIGS. 2 to 4, it is possible at least in one end region - preferably that forming the eyelet 8 - to provide an insert 26 which is embedded or arranged between the cover layer 13 and the intermediate layer 12 and this overlaps over part of its length. As indicated schematically, the eyelet 8 can be formed by pivoting this insert 26 inward. This insert 26 serves primarily to reinforce and to hold the hinge pin 7 of the hinge arrangement 5 in a tear-proof manner the end 27 of the insert 26 facing away from the layer 11 or even further. A material with a high tensile strength or high tensile strength is preferred as the material for the insert 26. Tear strength selected. For this purpose, nets, grids, knitted fabrics made of threads, natural or plastic materials or metals can be used as well as plastic films, which can also be provided with openings, for example. A length 28 depends on the approximately occurring forces and the adhesion surfaces required for their proper transmission.

In a further possible embodiment of an object 1 according to FIG. 5, it is shown that a layer 11, which can be formed from the materials described above, is in turn applied to a carrier layer 29 formed as a cover layer 13. The layer 11, which for example at the same time forms the surface of the object 1 on the side facing away from the cover layer 13, in turn has a three-dimensional shape produced by shaping. In contrast to the embodiment variant shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, no separate insert 26 - as shown in FIG. as indicated schematically by the denser hatching, for example. B. from an initial thickness 30 to a final thickness 31 and thus has a significantly higher flexural and tensile strength than the layer 11 over the length of the cover layer 13. The extension 32 thus formed and provided with a higher density can, however, in both end regions of the object 1 can be arranged, as again indicated by dashed lines, turned over and used to form the eyelet 8.

If, for example, the object 1 is designed, like the object 2, in its two end regions with an eyelet 9 for receiving the hinge pin 7 of the hinge arrangement 5 or the buckle 10, then such an extension 32 can be arranged in both end regions of the object 1.

Of course, the ratio of the initial thickness 30 to the final thickness 31 can be determined depending on the desired strength values, and it is also possible, among other things, to provide longer, schematically indicated threads or fibers 33, which extend from the layer 11 into the extensions 32 by a higher one To ensure pull-out strength and a better hold.

In Fig. 6 a further embodiment variant of an object 1 is shown, in which a layer 11 can be produced in a separate operation. This layer 11 in turn consists of fiber materials 17, for example fibers 18, leather and optionally cellulose. A possible mixture for the intermediate layer 12 can, for example, consist of 75% of the weight or volume due to fibers 18 made of leather and 25% of the weight or volume, filler material

AT 407 693 B and binder 21, or one of the mixtures as described in connection with the other exemplary embodiments can be used.

The ratio of coarse fibers 18 to greasy fibers 18 is preferably about 90:10, ie the proportion of coarse fibers by far predominates at 90%. In order to achieve sufficient flexibility with this binding, it is possible to add a plasticizer 34, for example in the amount of 5%, to this mixture or to the binding agent 21.

During the production of the layer 11, this is applied to a carrier layer 35, which can be formed by a knitted fabric, woven fabric, fleece, lattice or the like made of natural or synthetic fibers or metal or a film made of these materials, optionally with openings.

After this layer 11 has been produced and cured, the layer 11 may adhere to a surface 36 of the carrier layer 35 facing it by the binder 21 inherent in the mixture, or by an additional adhesive layer applied to the carrier layer 35, indicated schematically by dashed lines 37, a further layer 11 serving as a cover layer 38 can then be applied, for example. This cover layer 38 formed by the layer 11 can, for example in the case of a watch strap, form a surface 39 lying on the skin of the user and facing away from the carrier layer 35. It is formed on a surface 40 of the carrier layer 35 opposite the surface 36 so that it is firmly connected to the surface 40 with the binder 21 inherent in the layer 11 or via an additional adhesive layer 37, which is again indicated schematically by dash-dotted lines.

If the consistency of the layer 11 is chosen so that it is extremely fine-pored or has an intensive cohesion of the individual fiber materials 17 made of fibers 18 or threads or elementary fibers 19, then sealing of the surface 39 is no longer necessary.

However, for example, the layer 11 forming an outer cover layer 41 on its surface 42 facing away from the carrier layer 35 and / or the layer 11 forming the cover layer 38 on its surface 39 also facing away from the carrier layer 35 with a surface layer 43, which is only partially indicated is, for example, made of a transparent varnish, which can both increase the suppleness of these surfaces 42 and 39 and prevent the penetration of moisture or dirt into the multicompound material.

Of course, it is also possible to produce this surface layer 43 from a binding agent 21, which can then penetrate into the surface 39 and 42 or into the cavities between the individual fibers 18 or elementary fibers 19 and thus result in firm adhesion. Such a sealing with a binding agent 21 can prove to be particularly advantageous if, after the production of this semi-finished product, a surface layer 43 or a cover layer, for example made of leather or plastic, is to be applied to the surfaces 39. If an activatable binding agent 21 is then used, in which the adhesive force of the binding agent 21 becomes effective again after the application of pressure and temperature before the final hardening, this binding agent 21 can be used at the same time to fasten such cover layers 44. One possible design of such a cover layer 44 is shown with dot-dash lines in the area of ​​the surface layer 43 facing the surface 39.

Of course, the surface layer 43 can also be formed by a transparent, preferably supple, but highly tear-resistant plastic film.

By means of these design variants, a generous design option for such an object 1 is now achieved. Thus, both surfaces 39 and 42 facing the viewer of such an object 1 can now be formed with a design formed by the fibers 18 or elementary fibers 19 and filler materials 17 used, or considerable additional work processes can thus be carried out, such as the previous splitting of leather layers or layers. the production and application of further layers, e.g. B. plastic films, can be saved. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier layer 35 is shown spatially deformed, but it is also possible that this carrier layer 35 is planar. In the selected embodiment, the longitudinal side edges 45 of the object 1 are formed by the material of the layer 11 that forms the cover layer 41. Since this is subject to the greater stresses from the outside, for example in the case of a watch strap 3, when the cover layer 38 rests, for example, on the skin surface of the wearer, the composition of the layer 11,

AT 407 693 B, in particular, the proportion of binder 21 or other additives must be selected so that this surface layer 43 has a higher density or resistance than, for example, the layer 11 forming the cover layer 38 the different areas of application and stresses are taken into account.

If a protective lacquer or a liquid sealant or the like is used as the surface layer 43, this can penetrate into the open fiber composite, i.e. into the so-called microcompound material, especially when it usually has a high viscosity, so that individual fibers are loosened 18 is prevented from the surfaces 42 and 39 during further work processes or later use.

Another embodiment variant of a layer 11 is shown in FIG. 7. As shown, this layer 11 can in turn consist of fiber materials 17 or a mixture of such fiber materials 17.

The individual fibers 18 or the filling materials 20 are in turn connected to one another via a binding agent 21. A desired three-dimensional shape of the layer 11 can be produced by a pressing or embossing process with possibly simultaneous drying of the binding agent 21.

In order to increase the deformation of the layer 11 or the flexibility of the same without the layer 11 breaking, for example in the area of ​​its surfaces 22, it is possible to use a reinforcing layer 46 inside the layer 11, for example made of a net, lattice, knitted fabric, braid , Mat or similar made of different materials, such as metal, glass, ceramic or different plastic or, if necessary, natural fibers.

By defining a width of the reinforcement layer 46 in relation to a total width of the layer 11, the flexural strength and the cohesion of the layer 11 can be adapted to the different conditions of use. Above all, it is possible, for example, with a smaller width of the reinforcement layer 46, to avoid excessive stiffening of the layer 11, especially if the layer 11 on its surface 22 and 36 with corresponding decorative layers made of plastic or leather, for example plastic films or natural leather layers or Synthetic leather layers, is connected to form a sandwich component. In particular, if the reinforcement layer 46 has a smaller width than the width of the layer 11, the layer 11 can also simultaneously form the outer layer or surface layer or the surface of the layer 11 in general, the outer surface of the object 1.

During the production of the layer 11, this can be applied to a cover layer 13, for example made of leather or a plastic film or similar materials, for example also a textile fabric, fleece, knitted fabric or the like. Even with such a configuration, it is again possible to reinforce the object 1 in the area of ​​the eyelets 8, 9 - as shown in FIG. 1 It can be seen - to provide an insert 26 which is additionally reinforced by a part 47 of the layer 11 which covers it and which also has a significantly higher density compared to the remaining area of ​​the layer 11.

8 shows a further embodiment variant of a layer 11 arranged as an intermediate layer 12, which in turn consists of fiber materials 17 and a binding agent 21 and optionally of filler materials 20 and can be designed in accordance with the exemplary embodiments described above.

In order to facilitate the production of such an intermediate layer 12, the mixture of fiber materials 17 and the binding agent 21 is applied to the carrier layer 29, which is made of the a wide variety of natural and synthetic materials, such as metal, glass, ceramics, natural fibers, synthetic fibers or synthetic leather, can be formed.

This use of the carrier layer 29 can, for example, significantly increase the strength of the intermediate layer 12 by combining it with the carrier layer 29. It is thus also possible, inter alia, to use this carrier layer 29 to simplify the handling of the intermediate layer 12 during the production and drying of the same, and it is thus possible under certain circumstances to make do with a smaller amount of binder 21. This has the advantage that more flexible intermediate layers 12 can be created if the binder content, which usually stiffens the intermediate

AT 407 693 B layer 12 leads, can be kept low. A cover layer 13, for example made of leather or a plastic part, can then be applied to the carrier layer 29. The connection between this cover layer 13 and the carrier layer 29 can take place via adhesive or by spraying the cover layer 13 directly onto the carrier layer 29.

The surface 22 of the intermediate layer 12 can also be covered with a cover layer 23. This cover layer 23 can for example be formed by a plastic film, a leather strip, synthetic leather or the like. For the design and permanent attachment of this cover layer 23, it is also possible to provide elevations 14 in the area of ​​the longitudinal side edges 48, which are supported by an insert part 49, for example a plastic piping strip or a plastic tube or the like. can be formed. A seam 51 for permanent connection of the cover layer 13 to the cover layer 23 and the carrier layer 29 and the intermediate layer 12 can be created between the insert part 49 and the central region of the intermediate layer 12 in the groove-shaped depression 50 formed thereby. Of course, it is also possible that this insert part 49 not only along the longitudinal side edges of the intermediate layer 12 or the cover layer can be arranged, but it is also possible for this insert part 49 to run at least along one of the two end side edges or to extend from a longitudinal side edge over at least one end side edge and the opposite longitudinal side edge.

Depending on the configuration of the object 1, it is possible to arrange the carrier layer 29 in such a way that it comes to bear directly on the outer cover layer 23, but it is also possible that the intermediate layer 12 is located between the carrier layer 29 and the outer cover layer 23 extends into the area of ​​a support surface 52 of the object 1.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment variant of an object 1 according to the invention, in which the layer 11 is applied, for example, to a carrier layer 29 formed by a knitted or woven fabric 53. As already explained with reference to the exemplary embodiments described above, this layer 11 consists of the fibers 18 and elementary fibers 19, which form the fiber material 17 and are connected via the binding agent 21 to an optionally arranged filler material 20.

For the design or partial reinforcement of such a layer 11, it is now possible to provide insert parts 54 which can have a spatial shape adapted to the desired reinforcement effects. These insert parts 54 can in turn be formed from a wide variety of materials, but preferably from leather or plastic parts.

10 and 11 show a variant of an object 1 in which additional reinforcing elements 55 or fastening elements, for example plastic parts produced by an injection molding or casting process or possibly metal parts or wooden parts are arranged in the end region of an intermediate layer 12. In the present case, these reinforcing elements 55 are formed by a bore having cylindrical parts to form eyelets 8, 9, for example in watch straps 3, for the joint arrangement 5 between the watch case 6 and the objects 1, 2, i.e. the parts of the watch strap 3. In order to ensure a corresponding anchoring of the same in the intermediate layer 12 or the layer 11 or To enable between this and the cover layers 13 and / or 23, these are provided with anchoring parts 56, for example protruding flags, ribbons, threads or the like, in order to achieve an intimate connection with the fiber materials 17 or the layer 11 over a large area . A necessary pull-out force depending on the permissible tensile forces of the layer 11 can be determined by a length 57 of the anchoring parts 56.

As can also be seen in particular from FIG. 10, it is also possible to arrange shaped elements 58 between the intermediate layer 12 and the cover layer 23. These can be placed on the surface 22 of the intermediate layer 12 or embedded in the surface area of ​​the intermediate layer 12 and consist of different materials, preferably plastic.

This also makes it possible to achieve partial reinforcements of the intermediate layer 12.

Furthermore, it is shown on the basis of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 10 and 11 that moisture, for example from a hand 59 of a user, for example water vapor schematically drawn in by wavy arrows 60, can penetrate the cover layer 13 made of leather, for example. As further in this presentation

AT 407 693 B shown, the use of fiber materials 17, which for the most part consist of at least 30% of the volume of leather or leather scraps, and due to the high water vapor permeability of this material, the water vapor according to the further schematically drawn arrows 61 via a Thickness 62 of the intermediate layer 12 pass through. This passage of water vapor is slowed down by the binding agent 21, but due to the small layer thicknesses between the individual fiber materials 17, sufficient water vapor permeability is still achieved.

This has the advantage that objects 1, 2 worn on the body, for example watch straps 3 or the like, are more comfortable to wear, since moisture build-up between the skin surface and the object 1 or 2 is prevented.

Even in the event that a cover layer 23 facing away from the skin surface has only an extremely low water vapor permeability or no water vapor permeability at all, it is possible, due to the water vapor permeability of the intermediate layer 12, to dissipate the water vapor laterally over the thickness 62 of the intermediate layer 12, so that still an improvement comfort can be achieved.

When producing the individual layers 11, it can also prove to be advantageous to use filler materials 20 which consist of flakes of leather or leather waste or leather recycled parts. In this case it is advantageous if the flakes have a maximum longitudinal dimension of 3 mm and a thickness of 0.5 mm. Flakes which have a length and width of 3 mm and a thickness of 0.5 mm are particularly preferred. By using these filling materials in the layer 11, larger connecting surfaces and thus more intimate cohesion can be achieved, which enables the objects to be subjected to greater stress or bending.

Particularly in the production of the individual layers, it is also advantageous, inter alia, if several layers 11 equipped according to the invention are applied to a carrier and / or intermediate layer in one operation, ie after this carrier or intermediate layer has been positioned in a mold cavity. This application in one operation can take place in that these layers are applied simultaneously, for example on the opposing surfaces of the carrier and / or intermediate layers or when the same is clamped or positioned in the mold cavity, immediately one after the other. In particular, the production of cover layers also proves to be advantageous if, according to the method, these cover layers are produced from a block made of multicompound material by peeling, cutting or splitting.

It is also possible for a release agent, in particular a biodegradable oil or a small proportion of silicone, to be added to the multicompound material. Furthermore, a dye can be added to the multicompound material and / or consist of different colored base materials.

Finally, for the sake of order, it should be pointed out that in the drawings individual components and assemblies are shown disproportionately and distorted to scale for a better understanding of the invention.

All or individual features of the individual exemplary embodiments can also form the subject matter of independent inventions, if appropriate also with other individual features of other exemplary embodiments.