EP2147610B1 - Method for manufacturing a gemstone assembly - Google Patents

Description

1. a. Aufbringen einer Tiefziehfolie auf die Sichtflächen der Schmucksteine.
2. b. Tiefziehen der, vorzugsweise erhitzten Tiefziehfolie mittels Unterdruck und anschließendes Abziehen der Tiefziehfolie mitsamt den Schmucksteinen vom Tiefziehwerkzeug.
3. c. Abziehen der Tiefziehfolie vom Träger, vorzugsweise nach Aushärten des Trägermaterials.

The invention relates to a method for producing a gemstone stone arrangement with a plurality of gemstones, which are held by a bendable carrier in receiving openings, and wherein the gemstones each have a setting surface and a viewing surface and in the desired arrangement or randomly arranged so arranged that the Visible surfaces on one side of an imaginary surface and the setting surfaces on the other side of the imaginary surface, wherein on the setting surfaces and between these a carrier material is applied in liquid form and forms the bendable carrier after curing, characterized in that the gems sieved and then be converted into a thermoforming tool, the gems lie with their setting surfaces in the thermoforming tool, wherein the following steps are carried out:

1. a. Applying a thermoforming foil on the visible surfaces of the gemstones.
2. b. Deep drawing of the, preferably heated thermoforming film by means of vacuum and subsequent removal of the thermoforming sheet together with the gemstones from the thermoforming tool.
3. c. Removing the thermoforming sheet from the carrier, preferably after curing of the carrier material.

The prior art already includes methods for producing gemstone arrangements which are held by a thermoplastic film, wherein a hot melt adhesive layer has been applied to the film or to the setting surfaces of the gemstones with which they are arranged in the film. Such a gemstone arrangement and the method used for their preparation is for example in the AT 338 020 shown, wherein the thermoplastic film is placed on the gems and then deep-drawn and form in the film receiving openings in which the gems are held by the film and the adhesive. Disadvantages of this method are on the one hand its complexity, since a large number of aids and process steps is necessary and on the other hand that the handling of the film and the hot melt adhesive is unwieldy. In addition, it has been found in practice that the gemstones are held particularly well by the film in such gemstone arrangements.

Another method for the production of decorative elements is in the DE 42 14 035 revealed. Here, negative molds are laid out of damp clay with stones and then poured out with liquid hot melt adhesive. It turns out to be disadvantageous that an unwieldy mold made of wet clay is necessary, and that the placement of the gems is either done individually by hand and is therefore very laborious, or takes place uncontrollably. Special coated setting surfaces can thus be considered little.

A method for embedding gemstones by means of an injection molding in plastic carrier describes the FR 734 608 , Also, this process is cumbersome and requires many tools, especially the necessary tools for injection molding.

EP1454553 discloses a gemstone formation having a plurality of gemstones, wherein the gemstones are partially embedded in a silicone layer.

The object of the invention is to provide a method for producing a gemstone stone arrangement, which avoids the disadvantages mentioned above and facilitates the manufacturing process.

This is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1.

An arrangement of the gemstones, where visible surfaces and setting surfaces of the gems are separated by an imaginary surface, the implementation of the gems is facilitated in a carrier crucial. By this areal separation, the application of the carrier material is made possible in a particularly advantageous manner. The carrier is formed from a liquid, curable material, wherein the carrier material is applied in liquid form to the side of the setting surface and cures there. After hardening of the carrier, the gems are already directly connected to this and an additional adhesive layer or the like is not necessary. In addition, such a compound is very stable. The carrier itself is thin and bendable and flexible even after curing. It may be particularly advantageous that the liquid carrier material is applied from above along the force of gravity on the setting surfaces of the gemstones.

The gemstones for the method according to the invention have generally setting surfaces, with which they are arranged in the carrier, and viewing surfaces, which lie on the viewer facing side of the carrier. The visible surfaces and additionally or alternatively the setting surfaces can be specially designed for their purpose. For example, the setting surfaces may have a special geometric shape, for example, a rotating cone, so that the carrier can hold the gems particularly well. The visible surfaces in turn can be ground, for example faceted, to increase the visual appeal of the gem. It may also be provided special coatings for visible surfaces and setting surfaces.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims and are explained in more detail below.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided to arrange the gemstones in regular rows and columns. In this case, the gems can be arranged, for example with a screening device so that they are arranged in regular rows and columns, while the setting surfaces and the visible surfaces are aligned such that the visible surfaces and the setting surfaces of the gems are each on one side of an imaginary surface. It can be particularly advantageous that the imaginary surface is as smooth as possible, that is, for example, portions of a plane or a spherical surface and is aligned at least in the application zone of the carrier material such that the carrier material is applied from above along the force of gravity on the setting surfaces of the gems , For example, by a grid-like arrangement, gemstones may be attached to an article, such as a garment or a fashion accessory, in a band shape.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the gems protrude with their visible surfaces at least partially out of the bendable carrier. This ensures that the gemstone arrangement receives a particularly advantageous decorative appearance, especially when the visible surfaces of the gemstones are cut faceted.

The carrier material is applied in a liquid state in a thin layer on the setting surfaces of the gemstones and between them. In this case, in a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the liquid carrier material can be applied by spraying, spraying, doctoring, brushing and additionally or alternatively rolling. All of these processes, which are known per se in the prior art, are distinguished by their ease of use and the low technical outlay required for this purpose. In particular, no specially required molds made of metal or ceramic materials, cavities or the like are necessary for this purpose.

In the method according to the invention, the gems are screened in a desired pattern or grid-shaped, wherein the sieve the size of Gemstones is adapted and then transferred into a thermoforming tool, so that the gems lie with their setting surfaces in the thermoforming tool. If the setting surfaces have been provided with a reflective layer or with an interference-generating layer or with an absorbing layer, therefore, the gems lie with the coated side down in the deep-drawing tool.

It is provided that a thermoplastic thermoforming sheet is applied to the visible surfaces of the dies arranged in the thermoforming tool. By heating, this thermoforming sheet is brought into a thermoplastic state, whereby the film assumes the complete contour of protruding from the thermoforming tool visible surfaces of the gemstones.

Furthermore, it is provided to deep draw the deep-drawing film by means of negative pressure, whereby the adaptation of the thermoforming sheet to the contour of the visible surfaces of the gems is further improved. Subsequently, the thermoforming sheet is removed together with the gemstones from the thermoforming tool.

In one embodiment of the invention, the withdrawn thermoforming sheet is reversed with the embedded gemstones, so that the setting surfaces of the gems point upwards. Subsequently, the carrier material can be applied in liquid form to the setting surfaces and between them from above, ie along the force of gravity. The gemstones are thereby covered with liquid carrier material to the depth at which the thermoforming sheet is. If the gemstones are thus sheathed to the rondist of the film, the gems are embedded with their setting surfaces to the Rondiste in the carrier.

It may also be advantageous, after the carrier has cured, to apply an adhesive film layer, hotmelt adhesive layer, filler layer, composite layer, effect layer and additionally or alternatively a cover layer. Such layers are particularly advantageous if further optical effects are desired or they serve as application device of the gemstone arrangement, for example, on a garment. Also protective layers for the transport of the gemstone arrangement may be advantageous.

With the method described above, a gemstone assembly can be made with a plurality of gemstones which are at least partially disposed in and supported by a bendable support in receiving apertures, the bendable backing being of a reactive resin, preferably polyurethane resin and / or acrylate resin and / or or epoxy resin.

Such a reactive resin, which becomes liquid at the time of heat input and then cures, has the properties that it is flexible and flexible after curing, but the gemstones can still hold well because its tensile strength is sufficiently high. It may be polyurethane resin and additionally or alternatively acrylate resin and epoxy resin. A possible combination is, for example, a copolymer of acrylate resin and urethane resin. If such a resin is applied to the gemstones in liquid form or the gemstones are immersed in such a liquid resin and then hardens this resin, so it has the desired due to its chemical base mechanical properties in terms of tensile strength and flexibility.
It may also be particularly advantageous to produce the bendable support from exactly one layer consisting of a reactive resin. This has the advantage that the production of the carrier is particularly economical and the carrier can be designed to be particularly flexible.

Upon stretching of the bendable support along a straight line, the bendable support is irreversibly deformed or torn before the bendable support loses the ability to retain the gems due to the deformations of the receiving openings caused by the expansion.

If, for example, a tensile force is exerted on such a gemstone arrangement, the receiving opening initially expands along the direction of the tensile force in the context of the linear elasticity region, as a result of which the adhesion forces of the film to the gemstones in this direction are reduced. At the same time, however, due to the elasticity of the carrier material, a contraction of the receiving openings takes place in a direction perpendicular to the tensile force, which causes a resultant force on the gemstones out of the carrier. The stone is thereby, in addition to the above-mentioned lower adhesion, from the receiving openings forced out. It was found here that a good connection between gemstones and support is given if such deformations remain low until the irreversible deformation limit or the breaking point.

One of the main fields of application of such gemstone arrangements is to decorate garments, fashion accessories or the like by the attachment of gemstones. By such a gemstone arrangement such an ornament is particularly easy and easy. Since the objects to which such a gemstone stone arrangement is applied, may have arbitrarily shaped surfaces, the gemstone stone arrangement must itself be bendable for adaptation to this surface. Of course, the gems should remain as permanently as possible in the carrier, which is achieved by the deformations of the receiving opening at tensile stresses, as they generally arise when bending the gemstone order at least locally, remain low, so that the adhesion forces are approximately as in the case of an unloaded such gemstone arrangement or at least big enough to hold the gemstones in the carrier. Only when the tensile stress is very large, the carrier deforms irreversibly or it breaks off. However, such stresses do not occur in the usual use of such a gemstone arrangement, so that such a case can occur practically only under wanton force of action on the wearer.

It may be advantageous to perform the elongation of the gemstone stone arrangement according to the valid international standards for tensile tests in plastics (ISO 527-1 and ISO 527-2). The observed tensile strength correlates with the deformations in the elasticity range and therefore provides information about the extent of these deformations. A high value of the tensile strength causes them to be held by the carrier to the irreversible deformation limit or the breaking point.

The gemstones may be at least partially embedded in the carrier. This can be achieved by arranging the gemstones in liquid carrier material or by applying carrier material in a liquid state to the gemstones. Subsequently, the carrier material then hardens. Cast in gemstones have a very good connection to the substrate, which can remain free through the at least partially pouring and parts of the gems to give the gemstone arrangement the desired visual effect.

Furthermore, provision may be made for the carrier material to be so thin that the ends of the setting surfaces with which the gemstones are arranged in the carrier project beyond the remaining carrier surface on the side of the carrier facing away from the visible surfaces of the semi-precious stones. In this case, the support surface on the side facing away from the visible surfaces of the gems side of the carrier may be substantially planar and additionally or alternatively protrude the ends of the setting surfaces of the gems over the substrate or even the ends of the setting surfaces are encased by the substrate, so that the carrier material itself forms a relief-like surface on the side facing away from the visible surfaces of the wearer.

It may be provided that the arrangement of the gems is grid-shaped. The gemstones can also be arranged in any pattern or randomly on the carrier.

Since a plurality of gemstones are used in particular in a grid-like arrangement of the gemstones, a cost-effective type of gemstones is particularly desirable. For this purpose, the gemstones are preferred glass stones. Particularly shapely gemstone arrangements are achieved when the glass stones themselves are ground, for example in the form of a faceted surface. It may be sufficient if the visible surfaces of the glass blocks are ground. Of course, chatons or gems can also be used for a gemstone arrangement.

In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the carrier, at least between the setting surfaces of the gemstones, a thickness between 0.2 and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 1 mm. However, it can be provided that the thickness of the carrier is lower on the ends of the setting surfaces or no carrier material is located on the ends of the setting surfaces.

In a preferred embodiment, the gemstones used can have a reflection layer on their setting surfaces. But it can also be provided that the gemstones have non-mirrored setting surfaces. In particular with glass blocks, optically attractive combination effects between the color of the carrier material and the refractive properties or the color of the gemstones can then be achieved. Furthermore, it can be provided that the carrier itself is at least partially made of transparent material. This is particularly beneficial when the gemstone assembly is to be placed on a garment or a fashion accessory, whereby the color of the garment or the fashion accessory is not covered by the material of the wearer. However, it can also be provided that the carrier is colored, whereby, in particular in the case of non-mirrored back side of the gem stones, the color of the carrier material shines through the gems.

It may further be provided that at least parts of the gems are coated with a bonding agent. Such an adhesion promoter, for example based on a polyurethane or an epoxide, can further improve the connection between the gemstones and the support.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the gemstones to be substantially embedded in the carrier as far as the rondist. As a result, the similiar layer is better protected.

Other decorative effects can be created by the gemstones at least partially with interference-generating layers or with absorbent

Layers are provided, for example, by vapor deposition of the gems with such a layer.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that one or more further layers are arranged on the side of the carrier facing away from the visible surfaces. This can include, for example, an effect layer, the gemstone arrangement in plan view a preferred visual appearance can give. Metal foils, such as gold foils, aluminum foils or vapor-deposited polyester foils with a metallic effect or colored plastic foils are particularly suitable for such an effect layer. Furthermore, for example with a hot-melt adhesive layer, a filling layer, preferably consisting of easily compressible material, may be applied. Furthermore, it may be advantageous, in turn, for example by means of a hotmelt adhesive layer to arrange a layer of adhesive film, preferably self-adhesive film. Such a self-adhesive film has the advantage that with this the gemstone arrangement can be particularly easily attached to a desired object, wherein the gemstone arrangement adheres to the article by the self-adhesive film. For transporting the gemstone arrangement, it may further be provided that a covering layer, for example of paper or plastic, preferably silicone-coated paper, protects the self-adhesive film.

Fig. 1 - 6

verschiedene Schritte einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens und

Fig. 7

einen Querschnitt einer Schmucksteinanordnung.

Further details and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the description of the figures with reference to the drawings. It shows or shows:

Fig. 1 - 6

various steps of an embodiment of the method according to the invention and

Fig. 7

a cross section of a gemstone arrangement.

In Fig. 1 a Aufsiebvorrichtung 4 is shown, which serves for spreading the gems 8 in the desired arrangement or motif shape. In the illustrated schematic section, the gems 8 are arranged in rows and columns. The gems 8 are arranged in the Aufsiebplatte 3 by a reciprocating Aufsiebvorrichtung 4 such that the optionally coated setting surfaces 2 of the gems 8 vertically downward in the Aufsiebplatte 3, the 8 has the setting surfaces of the gemstones 8 corresponding receiving openings addressed are, while the visible surfaces 1 of the gems 8 remain outside the Aufsiebplatte 3 and are directed upwards. In this embodiment, the upper plate level of the Aufsiebplatte 3 coincides with the Rondiste 7 of the gems 8, which separates the visible surfaces 1 and 2 set the gemstones 8 in this case.

In Fig. 2 is shown schematically, as above the visible surfaces 1 of the transferred into a thermoforming tool 5 gems 8 a thermoplastic thermoforming sheet 6 is arranged. Below or in the deep-drawing tool 5 further devices are arranged, which suck with a vacuum pump and arranged for it in the deep-drawing tool 5 suction air from the space between the Aufsiebplatte 3 and the thermoforming sheet 6 and thereby generate a negative pressure. For the sake of clarity, the illustration of such devices known per se in the prior art for generating a vacuum in the figure is dispensed with. Also not shown is a heater which can heat the thermoforming sheet 6. This may be, for example, a heat radiator arranged above the deep-drawing film 6. It can also be provided that the film together with thermoforming tool 5 is arranged in an oven.

In Fig. 3 is shown as the thermoforming sheet 6 completely assumes the contour of the protruding from the thermoforming mold 5 visible surfaces 1 of the gems 8 after the thermoforming sheet 6 has been heated and thereby reaches a certain temperature dependent on the film material has reached a thermoplastic state and at the same time by means of the thermoforming tool 5 extracted air and the resulting negative pressure was deep drawn. If the temperature is lowered again, the thermoforming sheet 6 solidifies and thereby holds the gemstones 8 with their visible surfaces 1.

Fig. 4 shows how the gems are deducted 8 with the thermoforming sheet 6 from the thermoforming tool 5. The recesses 9 provided for the gemstones 8 in the deep-drawing tool 5 are also visible. Due to the solidification of thermoforming sheet 6 adhere the visible surfaces 1 of the gems 8 in thermoforming film. 6

After the thermoforming sheet 6 has been turned with gemstones 8 adhering therein and therefore the visible surfaces 1 of the gems 8 pointing downwards, the liquid carrier material 11 is applied in a thin layer on the setting surfaces 2 and between these and rolled up by means of a roller device 10, as shown schematically in Fig. 5 is shown.

Thereafter, the carrier material can cure, so that the gems 8 are held permanently in the bendable carrier 12. Therefore, as in Fig. 6 shown - the thermoforming sheet 6 are removed again. The gems 8 are embedded in the bendable support 12 of the gemstone stone arrangement 13 according to the invention such that only their visible surfaces 1 protrude.

In Fig. 7 a cross section through a gemstone arrangement 13 is shown. The thin, bendable carrier 12 has a thickness such that the tips of the setting surfaces 2 of the gems 8 protrude to the lower end of the carrier 12. The gems 8 are embedded up to their Rondiste 7 in the carrier 12, which separates the visible surfaces 1 of the setting surfaces 2 of the gems 8.

It goes without saying that the gemstone arrangement is not limited to the embodiments shown in the figures and the description, nor should be limited by these.

In this case, the invention may have only one type of gems in terms of shape and / or material, as well as a plurality of different types of gems, so be homogeneous or heterogeneous. Also, not all gemstones need to be equally embedded in the carrier, although this is preferred.

Claims (3)

1. A process for the production of a gemstone arrangement comprising a plurality of gemstones (8) which are held by a flexible carrier (12) in receiving openings, and wherein the gemstones (8) each have a setting surface (2) and a visible surface (1) and are so arranged in the desired arrangement or randomly distributed that the visible surfaces (1) are on one side of a notional surface and the setting surfaces (2) are on the other side of the notional surface, wherein a carrier material (11) is applied in fluid form to the setting surfaces (2) and between them and after hardening forms the flexible carrier (12), characterised in that the gemstones (8) are sieved on and are then transferred into a deep drawing tool (5), the gemstones (8) lying with their setting surfaces (2) in the deep drawing tool (5), wherein the following steps are taken:

   a. Application of a deep drawing film (6) to the visible surfaces (1) of the gemstones (8).

   b. Deep drawing of the, preferably heated, deep drawing film (6) by means of reduced pressure and then pulling off the deep drawing film (6) together with the gemstones (8) from the deep drawing tool (5).

   c. Pulling off the deep drawing film (6) from the carrier (12), preferably after hardening of the carrier material (11).
2. A process as set forth in claim 1, characterised in that the carrier material (11) is applied in such a way that the visible surfaces (1) project at least partially out of the hardened flexible carrier (12).
3. A process as set forth in one of claims 1 through 2, characterised in that the carrier material (11) is applied in fluid form to the setting surfaces (2) of the gemstones (8) and between them, by at least one way selected from the group consisting of spraying, sprinkling, wiping, brushing and rolling.

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