阅读说明：本技术 防滑服装及其制造方法 (Anti-slip garment and manufacturing method thereof ) 是由 A·阿里奇 G·阿里奇 S·戴拉普帕 于 2014-07-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种防滑服装,它包括至少一种纺织品结构体和连接到所述纺织品结构体上的至少一个防滑部分,所述防滑部分包括选自如下的至少一种热塑性聚合物：(a)苯乙烯的嵌段共聚物,(b)乙烯与至少一种C-(3)-C-(12)α-烯烃,可能地与至少一种二烯烃三元共聚单体的共聚物,(c)至少一种丁烯与至少一种二烯烃的共聚物,(d)乙烯与至少一种选自丙烯酸C-(1)-C-(8)烷酯,甲基丙烯酸C-(1)-C-(8)烷酯和乙烯基C-(2)-C-(8)羧酸酯当中的具有乙烯不饱和度的酯的共聚物。本发明还提到前述防滑服装的制造方法。(The present invention relates to a slip-resistant garment comprising at least one textile structure and at least one slip-resistant portion connected to said textile structure, said slip-resistant portion comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of: (a) block copolymers of styrene, (b) ethylene and at least one C 3 ‑C 12 Alpha-olefins, possibly with at least one diene terpolymer, (C) copolymers of at least one butene with at least one diene, (d) ethylene with at least one monomer chosen from acrylic acid C 1 ‑C 8 Alkyl esters, methacrylic acid C 1 ‑C 8 Alkyl esters and vinyl C 2 ‑C 8 Copolymers of esters having ethylenic unsaturation among carboxylic esters. The invention also provides a manufacturing method of the anti-skid garment.)

1. A slip-resistant garment comprising at least one textile structure and at least one slip-resistant portion attached to said textile structure, said slip-resistant portion comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a block copolymer of styrene and a copolymer of styrene,

(b) ethylene and at least one C₃-C₁₂Copolymers of alpha-olefins, possibly with at least one diene terpolymer,

(c) copolymers of at least one butene with at least one diene,

(d) ethylene and at least one acrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl ester, methacrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl esters and C₂-C₈Copolymers of vinyl esters of carboxylic acids with ethylene unsaturation.

2. The slip-resistant garment of claim 1, wherein the slip resistant portion is an elastic band comprised of layers of slip resistant material comprising a mixture of:

a. at least one block copolymer of styrene;

b.10 to 250phr of at least one plasticizer chosen from paraffinic oils, naphthenic oils, polyolefin oils.

3. The slip-resistant garment of claim 2, wherein the slip-resistant material further comprises

c. One or more of the following components:

c1. a hydrocarbon resin;

c2.1 to 50phr of at least one polyisobutene.

4. The non-slip garment of claim 3, wherein the non-slip material comprises the hydrocarbon resin and the 1 to 50phr of the at least one polyisobutylene.

5. The slip resistant garment of any one of claims 2-4, wherein the elastic ribbon is secured to the textile structure by hot pressing the elastic ribbon on a surface of the textile structure.

6. Slip-resistant garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said thermoplastic polymer is a block copolymer of styrene selected from the group consisting of: styrene/butadiene/styrene (SBS), styrene/ethylene/butadiene/styrene (SEBS), styrene/ethylene/propylene/styrene (SEPS), styrene/ethylene/butadiene/propylene/styrene (SEBPS), styrene/isoprene/styrene (SIS), styrene/isobutylene/styrene (SIBS), or mixtures thereof.

7. Slip-resistant garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said thermoplastic polymer is a block copolymer of styrene having a shore a hardness (measured according to ASTM 2240 or ISO 7619) of from 20 to 90, preferably from 35 to 70.

8. Slip-resistant garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said slip-resistant portion further comprises 1-50phr of at least one polyisobutylene, preferably a polyisobutylene having a medium molecular weight Mw in the range of 100-2500000.

9. Slip-resistant garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said slip-resistant portion further comprises from 1 to 50phr of at least one hydrocarbon resin.

10. Slip-resistant garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said slip-resistant portion comprises 10 to 250phr of at least one plasticizer selected from the group consisting of paraffinic oils, naphthenic oils, polyolefin oils.

11. Slip-resistant garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said slip-resistant portion comprises 0.5 to 50phr of at least one functionalized polyolefin, preferably a maleated polyolefin.

12. Slip-resistant garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slip-resistant portion is in the form of a thin layer and its thickness ranges from 0.02mm to 5mm, preferably from 0.1mm to 2 mm.

13. Slip-resistant garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slip-resistant portion is arranged at the edge of at least one opening of the garment.

14. Slip-resistant garment according to any one of the preceding claims, selected from the group consisting of sport sweaters, trousers, socks, pantyhose, body-shaping undergarments, protective clothing, dresses, straps for fixing or supporting joints.

15. A method of making a slip-resistant garment as defined in claim 1, comprising the steps of:

-providing a textile structure;

-attaching at least one slip resistant part to the textile structure, the slip resistant part comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a block copolymer of styrene and a copolymer of styrene,

(b) ethylene and at least one C₃-C₁₂Copolymers of alpha-olefins, possibly with at least one diene terpolymer,

(c) copolymers of at least one butene with at least one diene,

(d) ethylene and at least one acrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl esters, methacrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl esters and C₂-C₈Copolymers of vinyl esters of carboxylic acids with ethylene unsaturation.

16. Use of a polymeric material comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a block copolymer of styrene and a copolymer of styrene,

(b) ethylene and at least one C₃-C₁₂Copolymers of alpha-olefins, possibly with at least one diene terpolymer,

(c) copolymers of at least one butene with at least one diene,

(d) ethylene and at least one acrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl esters, methacrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl esters and C₂-C₈Copolymers of vinyl esters of carboxylic acids with ethylene unsaturation.

Technical Field

The invention relates to an anti-slip garment and a manufacturing method thereof.

Background

As is known in the garment industry, it is sometimes required that the worn garment remains as in place as much as possible with respect to the body of its user, i.e. without slipping on the skin (if the garment is in direct contact therewith) or slipping with respect to other worn garments and the body with which the garment is in contact.

This need arises in particular in the hosiery industry (socks and pantyhose), the underwear garment industry, the protective clothing industry and the body-shaping underwear industry (for example, body-shaping underwear tights), sports garments (so-called sportswear) (for example, cyclists or horse racing pants) and dresses (for example, shirt waist fasteners).

A similar need also arises in the medical fabric industry, where it is required that garments, such as braces, bandages, antithrombotic phlebitis medical socks, etc., remain in a starting position, to the longest possible extent, once worn by the user.

In the prior art, various solutions are available aimed at avoiding slipping of the garment on the skin or slipping with respect to another garment or substrate.

For purposes of this specification, the terms "slip" and "slippery" are used interchangeably to mean that the garment moves relative to the body of the user (if the garment is in direct contact with the user's skin) or relative to another textile substrate with which the garment is in contact when the garment is worn by the user (e.g., another garment).

Currently, the most used solution to avoid garment slippage, particularly in the hosiery industry, is to apply anti-slip elements, usually made of silicone elastomeric polymer materials, on a portion of the garment intended to be provided with anti-slip properties.

Some examples of textile articles known from the prior art comprising a non-slip element comprising an elastomeric silicone layer are the following:

shorts (above and below the knee) and jersey (long or short sleeves) types, such as used in sports types, which provide continuous leg and arm movement, such as cycling and running. In these garments, a silicone layer is arranged in the vicinity of the hem of the leg or sleeve in the inner part (i.e. in the part facing the user's body) in order to maintain the fabric in position with respect to the user's leg or arm, reducing its slipping on the skin (or any other underlying garment) and preventing the free end from rolling (so-called curling);

stockings (panti-hose) usually made using polyamide yarns in combination with elastic yarns, for example, long to the thigh (so-called "thigh-stockings"). The silicone layer is typically attached to a fabric layer (e.g., openwork) that is sewn near the hem of the leg of the sock. The contact between the silicone layer and the leg allows the sock to remain in place, stretch, and not form wrinkles;

fabric harnesses, for example for securing or supporting joints (e.g. ankles, knees, wrists and elbows). The silicone layer, in addition to other elements, such as tension and Velcro closure elements, holds the strap in place;

underwear garments aimed at protecting and shaping the underwear. In these garments, a layer of silicone is applied, for example around the legs, under the chest, around the wrist or around the thighs.

In the aforementioned articles of the prior art, the non-slip silicone element can be manufactured, for example, by applying a layer of a liquid polymerizable composition on the surface of the fabric forming the garment, and subsequently polymerizing said composition, until a silicone elastic layer (solid) is formed.

Alternatively, the preformed elastic silicone slip resistant element may be secured to the garment by needle punching or by an adhesive (e.g., a glue layer).

In addition to the application of the silicone layer, it is also possible to introduce elastic yarns or elastic yarn fabrics into the fabric structure forming the garment by means of a knitting, sewing or embroidering process, obtaining an anti-slip effect. The presence of these elastic yarns and/or elastic textiles can reduce slippage of the garment when in contact with the body of the user.

The prior art anti-slip elements have various disadvantages. The use of silicone polymers in particular shows ecological, health and economic problems.

The method of producing and applying silicone non-slip parts to fabrics is for example accompanied by the formation of bad odours or even harmful emissions, which result in expensive and cumbersome suction and purification treatment systems with gaseous emissions.

Another drawback of silicone materials relates to the fact that: a non-negligible percentage of users whose skin is sensitive in contact with these materials. In these cases, prolonged skin contact with such anti-slip materials can cause skin irritation and hypersensitivity to occur, especially when wearing garments for prolonged activity or this implies that the user is strongly sweaty.

In addition, in terms of garment quality, the silicone anti-slip element and the relative method of application to the fabric have a negative impact on the initial characteristics of the garment, such as varying its thickness, feel and elasticity characteristics.

In addition, in the case where the non-slip garment is applied by a sewing process, this process implies an additional machining step, which increases the cost of the finished product, and in addition represents a limitation on the performance of the production process (for example, sewing time is one of the most costly factors in the tailoring industry).

If a garment with an anti-slip effect (such as a sock) is worn in direct contact with the skin, problems arise relating to the fact that: a suitable anti-slip effect is only ensured if the anti-slip part produces a sufficiently high compression on the part of the body on which the garment is worn. However, the use of garments that produce high compression creates high discomfort for the user and in some cases (e.g. medical socks) it can alter normal blood circulation due to the so-called "tourniquet" effect.

In addition, the silicone materials used in the prior art are prone to deterioration of the initial elastic properties, compression and therefore anti-slip capacity after continuous and long-term use. These disadvantages reduce the useful life of the slip resistant garment on which these materials are used. The deterioration is a consequence of the progressive and cumulative effects of the material and of the repeated "stretch-recovery" cycles of the elastic layer associated with the operations of putting on and taking off the garment and of the retention during use in a high stretch state for a long period of time.

In addition, the elastomeric properties of silicone materials deteriorate progressively even after repeated washing and exposure to UV rays.

In view of the prior art outlined above, it is clear that there is a need to be able to have a slip-resistant garment that is able to at least partially overcome the above mentioned drawbacks.

Disclosure of Invention

The main object of the present invention is therefore to provide a non-slip garment wherein the non-slip properties are imparted by a material substantially free of silicone material.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a slip-resistant garment which, once worn, is capable of remaining substantially in the worn position or, in any case, of generating a certain resistance to slipping.

A second object of the invention is to provide a slip-resistant garment, the slip-resistant effect of which is produced by friction of a slip-resistant material on the skin or on a textile substrate.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a slip-resistant garment that does not create excessive compression on the user's body in order to avoid the "tourniquet" effect.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a slip-resistant garment wherein the portion that produces the slip-resistant effect is such that it does not have any significant effect on this aspect of the garment and on the starting characteristics (e.g., thickness, hand and elastic characteristics, etc.).

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a slip-resistant garment wherein the garment, when worn, does not irritate the skin of the user, as would occur with silicone-based slip-resistant materials.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for the preparation of non-slip garments, which method is easy to implement, cheap and has a low environmental impact.

The applicant has now found that these and other objects which will be evident to a person skilled in the art can be achieved by using an anti-slip material based on olefin and/or styrene polymers, and therefore substantially free of silicone material.

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a slip-resistant garment comprising at least one textile structure and at least one slip-resistant portion connected to said textile structure, said slip-resistant portion comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a block copolymer of styrene and a copolymer of styrene,

(b) ethylene and at least one C₃-C₁₂Copolymers of alpha-olefins, possibly with at least one diene terpolymer,

(c) saturated or semi-saturated copolymers of at least one butene with at least one diene,

(d) ethylene and at least one monomer selected from acrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl ester, methacrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl esters and vinyl C₂-C₈Copolymers of esters of carboxylic acid esters with ethylenic unsaturation.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing the aforementioned anti-slip garment, comprising the following steps:

-providing a textile structure;

-attaching at least one slip resistant portion to the textile structure, the slip resistant portion comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a block copolymer of styrene and a copolymer of styrene,

(b) ethylene and at least one C₃-C₁₂Copolymers of alpha-olefins, possibly with at least one diene terpolymer,

(c) saturated or semi-saturated copolymers of at least one butene with at least one diene,

(d) ethylene and at least one monomer selected from acrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl ester, methacrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl esters and vinyl C₂-C₈Copolymers of esters of carboxylic acid esters with ethylenic unsaturation.

According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a polymeric material comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a block copolymer of styrene and a copolymer of styrene,

(b) ethylene and at least one C₃-C₁₂Copolymers of alpha-olefins, possibly with at least one diene terpolymer,

(c) saturated or semi-saturated copolymers of at least one butene with at least one diene,

(d) ethylene and at least one monomer selected from acrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl ester, methacrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl esters and vinyl C₂-C₈Copolymers of esters of carboxylic acid esters with ethylenic unsaturation.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "garment" refers to an article suitable for being worn by a user, comprising a textile structure based on fibers or yarns of natural, synthetic or artificial origin, including articles obtained by weaving, knitting and non-woven fabric (TNT) substrates.

Drawings

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following illustrative and non-limiting description, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a sock half-sock or "invisible socks" in a worn state;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a sock being worn as such;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a pantyhose or thigh highsock also being worn;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a medical bandage or sling that is also worn;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a jersey.

Detailed Description

With reference to the accompanying drawings, a slip-resistant garment according to the invention is indicated in its entirety with 1.

The non-slip garment according to the invention is suitable for several uses, mainly in the garment industry and in the medical textile industry, in particular in the hosiery industry, the underwear industry, the protective and body-shaping underwear industry and the sports apparel industry.

Examples of garments which can impart an anti-slip effect according to the invention are: stockings, socks (fig. 2), pantyhose (fig. 3), stockings (so-called "invisible socks") (fig. 1), thigh stockings (fig. 3), body suits or protective clothing (e.g., tights, belts, etc.), dresses (e.g., shirt waist fasteners), or the sportswear industry, cycling wear, or cyclist shorts. Further examples of garments which can impart a slip-resistant effect according to the invention are: textile braces (fig. 4), for example, are used to secure or support joints (e.g., ankles, knees, wrists, and elbows).

According to a preferred embodiment, the anti-slip garment 1 is a stocking, often called "invisible stocking".

As can be seen in fig. 1, the slip-resistant garment 1 comprises a textile structure 2, which defines a space for a portion of the body C of a user U to fit (engaging) in the particular case of the lower part of the user's foot.

The void of the textile structure 2 ends at an access opening 3 defined by respective edges 4 of the textile structure 2, which edges 4 are arranged such that the foot of the user U fits under the ankle, with reference to the "invisible sock" shown in figure 1.

With the aim of ensuring a stable fit between the textile structure 2 and the body C of the user U, the slip-resistant garment 1 advantageously comprises at least one slip-resistant portion 5 adapted to fit, preferably directly, to the skin of the body C of the user U.

In particular, it is preferable to arrange the non-slip portion 5 of the non-slip garment 1 on the textile structure 2 inside the cavity thus defined, so as to directly fit the foot of the user U.

As can be seen in fig. 1, the non-slip part 1 is preferably applied to the textile structure 2 at the edge 4 of the incoming opening 3 to ensure that it is stable in its position during use of the garment 1.

However, still for the sake of stability between the garment 1 and the body C of the user U, the application of the non-slip portion 5 in other parts of the cavity of the garment 1 is not excluded.

In addition, it is possible to provide the garment 1 with several anti-slip portions 5 to cooperate in increasing the stability of the garment 1 with respect to the body C of the user U.

Advantageously, the non-slip portion 5 extends along the entire development of the edge 4 of the opening 3 of the garment 1.

Advantageously, the non-slip portion is applied to the garment in a continuous layer. However, it is not excluded that the non-slip portion may be obtained by applying the non-slip polymeric material in a discontinuous manner, i.e. by applying the material on a given portion (application portion) of the garment, so as to have a plurality of areas (non-slip areas) of said application portion covered by said non-slip material, wherein each of said non-slip areas is adjacent to an area of the same non-slip application portion.

The non-slip portion 5 has a width "L" sufficient to ensure a stable fit between the garment 1 and the body C of the user U, which preferably comprises from 1mm to 50mm, preferably equal to 20 mm.

According to the solution of the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the anti-slip garment 1 is a sock, the textile structure 2 of which is completely similar to the textile structure 2 of the anti-slip garment 1 shown in fig. 1.

Indeed, even the textile structure 2 of the sock of figure 2 has a cavity ending with an opening 3 delimited by respective edges 4, said edges 4 being arranged at or above the ankle of the foot of the user U.

Even the embodiment shown in fig. 2, may have the same non-slip portion 5.

According to the solution of the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the anti-slip garment 1 is a pantyhose or thigh-high sock, the structural features of which are similar to those of the garment 1 shown in fig. 1 and 2.

Indeed, even the slip-resistant garment 1 of fig. 3 is provided with a textile structure 2, said textile structure 2 defining a cavity fitting the legs of the user U. The cavity ends with an opening 3 delimited by respective edges 4, where there is a non-slip part 5 fitting the same as in the other embodiments at said edges 4.

According to the embodiment shown in fig. 4, the slip-resistant garment 1 is a medical bandage or a sling or similar garment, the textile structure 2 of which is substantially tubular, whereby it provides a fit of a part of the body C of the user U completely across the garment 1.

In this case, the textile structure 2 defines a cavity, which ends in two openings 3 arranged at opposite sides, wherein each side is defined by a respective edge 4.

As can be seen in fig. 4, the garment 1 is provided with at least one non-slip portion 5 arranged at the respective opening 3, preferably a non-slip portion 5 arranged at each opening 3 of the garment 1.

Preferably, the non-slip part 5 in the garment 1 subject of fig. 4 is the same as that provided subject of the embodiment in relation to fig. 1-3.

According to the subject embodiment of fig. 5, the anti-slip garment 1 is a jersey or similar garment.

In this case, the textile structure 2 of the garment 1 has three substantially tubular portions la, lb, respectively corresponding to the sleeves, a central portion la and two lateral portions lb connected to each other to define a cavity provided with four openings 3, each of which is defined by a respective edge 4 for insertion into an opposite portion of the body of the user.

Still referring to fig. 5, the garment 1 is provided with at least one non-slip portion 5 arranged at the at least one opening 3 provided for the garment. Preferably, the garment 1 comprises two non-slip parts 5, one for each sleeve.

It is not excluded that the other openings 3 of the garment 1 are provided with respective non-slip portions 5 which can be directly fitted to the body of the user.

Each anti-slip portion 5 may extend along the entire expanse of the edge 4 of the respective opening 3 (left sleeve la) or only along one of its portions (right sleeve la), depending on the type of fit to be established between the textile structure 2 of the garment 1 and the body of the user.

Although the illustrated embodiment refers to a particular embodiment of a garment, it should be observed that the aforementioned non-slip portion 5 may be applied to any type of garment, or wearable item that provides an area when in direct contact with the body of a user or when in contact with an underlying textile substrate (e.g., another garment).

Advantageously, the position and fit of such non-slip portions 5 may vary depending on the type of garment on which they should be applied and the friction intended to be created between the body of the user and the textile structure of the garment.

According to the invention, the non-slip part is selected from at least one thermoplastic polymer of:

(a) a block copolymer of styrene and a copolymer of styrene,

(b) ethylene and at least one C₃-C₁₂Copolymers of alpha-olefins (EPR), possibly with at least one diene terpolymer (EPDM),

(c) copolymers of at least one butene with at least one diene, i.e.saturated or semi-saturated copolymers of 1-butene, 2-butene or isobutene (butyl rubbers),

(d) ethylene and at least one acrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl esters, methacrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl esters and C₂-C₈Copolymers of vinyl esters of carboxylic acids with ethylene unsaturation.

In the present description and claims, the expression "phr" ("relative to 100 parts of rubber") is used to indicate the amount of a given component present in a thermoplastic material, expressed in parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of thermoplastic polymer.

In some applications, the thermoplastic polymer may be a crosslinked or partially crosslinked elastomeric material. The degree of crosslinking determines the elastic recovery properties of the grip portion.

Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer is a block copolymer of styrene selected from the group consisting of: styrene/ethylene/butadiene/styrene (SEBS), styrene/ethylene/propylene/styrene (SEPS), styrene/ethylene/butadiene/propylene/styrene (SEBPS), styrene/butadiene/styrene (SBS), styrene/isoprene/styrene (SIS), styrene/isobutylene/styrene (SIBS), or mixtures thereof.

Even more preferably, the elastomeric material is selected from the group consisting of SEBS, SEPS, SBS and mixtures thereof. SEBS and SEPS are particularly preferred because the slip resistant parts obtained have a greater resistance to ageing and yellowing, for example after exposure to UV radiation.

Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer is a copolymer having styrene blocks with a shore a hardness (measured according to ASTM 2240 or ISO 7619) of 20 to 90, preferably 35 to 70.

The styrene block copolymer preferably has a styrene content varying between 5% and 50% by weight, more preferably between 8% and 40%, even more preferably between 15% and 35%, relative to the weight of the elastomer.

SEBS, which is particularly suitable for the invention, is marketed under the trade name SEBS(Shell Chemical Co.),(Asahi Kasei Chemicals Co.), Calprene-H (Dynasol), Europrene SOL TH (Versalis), Septon (Kuraray).

Alternatively, the thermoplastic polymer may be selected from ethylene and at least one C₃-C₁₂A copolymer of an alpha-olefin (b). Among these, the following should be preferred: ethylene-propylene (EPR), ethylene-propylene-diene (EPDM), ethylene-l-butene, ethylene-l-octene and mixtures thereof.

With regard to the copolymer (c), a butyl rubber of at least one butene (e.g., 1-butene, 2-butene or isobutene) and at least one diene, copolymers of isobutene and isoprene are particularly preferred. In these copolymers, isoprene is preferably present in an amount equal to or less than 5 wt%, more preferably equal to or less than 3 wt%.

Possibly present in ethylene and at least one C₃-C₁₂The diene termonomers in the copolymer of alpha-olefins (b) may be conjugated or non-conjugated. The termonomer may, for example, be selected from 1, 3-butadiene, 1, 4-hexadiene, 1, 6-octadiene and the like; monocyclic or polycyclic diolefins, for example 1, 4-cyclohexadiene and 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene.

As regards the copolymers (d) of ethylene obtained by polymerizing ethylene and at least one ester having ethylenic unsaturation, they are preferably copolymers of ethylene with a monomer chosen from acrylic acid C₁-C₈(preferably C)₁-C₄) Alkyl esters, methacrylic acid C₁-C₈(preferably C)₁-C₄) Alkyl esters and vinyl C₂-C₈(preferably C)₂-C₆) A copolymer of at least one ester among carboxylic acid esters. The amount of ester present in the copolymer preferably ranges from 5 wt% to 50 wt%, preferably from 15 wt% to 40 wt%.

C₁-C₈Examples of acrylates and methacrylates are: ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, t-butyl acrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and the like.

Vinyl C₂-C₈Examples of carboxylic acid esters are: vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate and the like.

Advantageously, the non-slip properties of the thermoplastic material according to the invention can be adjusted according to the application requirements by adding one or more further compounds to the thermoplastic polymer.

The properties of the non-slip part according to the invention can be adjusted, for example, by adding one or more hydrocarbon resins to the thermoplastic material. Preferably, the non-slip part comprises from 1 to 50phr, more preferably from 5 to 30phr, even more preferably from 5 to 20phr, of at least one hydrocarbon resin. The hydrocarbon resin may be solid or liquid at room temperature. Preferably, the hydrocarbon resin has a maximum softening point (as measured by the ASTM E-28 method, Ring and ball softening point) of no more than 150 ℃, more preferably from 90 ℃ to 110 ℃. In the case of a liquid hydrocarbon resin, its concentration in the non-slip portion is preferably comprised in the range from 1 to 25 phr.

The hydrocarbon resin, which is a tackifier compound, allows to modify the surface friction of the thermoplastic material in the non-slip portion with respect to the surface of the material with which it is intended to come into contact, thus modifying its ability to slide with respect to the latter.

The hydrocarbon resins are generally aliphatic and/or aromatic resins obtained by polymerizing hydrocarbon fractions derived from oil refining processes. The resin may be at least partially hydrogenated. They are marketed, for example, under the trade name Regalite^TM,Eastotac^TM(Eastman), Norsolene (Total), Escorez (Exxon), and the like.

The non-slip portion may further comprise 10 to 250phr, preferably 30 to 120phr, of at least one plasticizer selected from the group consisting of paraffinic oils, naphthenic oils, polyolefinic oils and mixtures thereof. Generally, these are products of petroleum origin, for example under the trade name Nyflex on the market^TMOr Nytex^TM(Nynas), Ondina (Shell), OB (Roloil).

The plasticizer allows the shore a hardness and the modulus of elasticity of the thermoplastic material to be adjusted in order to adapt the characteristics of the non-slip portion to the softness and extensibility characteristics of the textile structure to which it is applied.

The non-slip part may also comprise from 1 to 50phr, more preferably from 5 to 30phr, of at least one Polyisobutene (PIB), the average molecular weight (weight average Mw, measured by GPC) of which is preferably from 100 to 2500000, more preferably from 200 to 500000, even more preferably from 800 to 100000. Polyisobutenes useful in the present invention are commercially available under the trade names Oppanol B (Basf), Indopol (Ineos) and polybutene (Daelym).

The PIB can adjust the degree of friction generated by the non-slip portion on the material with which it is in contact. In addition, in combination with hydrocarbon resins, PIB imparts water repellency characteristics to the non-slip portion and is thus wash resistant, and in addition, the non-slip portion tends to accumulate lower amounts of impurities (e.g., fabric ends, dust, etc.).

The viscosity of the formulation can also be adjusted by adding suitable amounts of the aforementioned plasticizers, as well as hydrocarbon and/or polyisobutylene resins. This can be used, for example, to adjust the degree of sinking of the material forming the non-slip part in the textile support or its adhesion to the same support, especially when applied by hot pressing.

To further assist in anchoring the non-slip portion to some textile substrates, the non-slip portion may also include one or more functionalized olefin polymers, such as functionalized olefin polymers having maleic acid functionality or the like. Examples of olefin polymers which can be functionalized are polyethylene, polypropylene, EPDM and EVA. Typically, such functionalities are included in the polymer having maleic acid functionality in percentages varying from 0.1% to 3% by weight, preferably from 0.3% to 1.5% by weight, relative to the weight of the functionalized polymer. These polymers are commercially available, for example, under the trade names Orevac-Lotader (Archema), Exxelor (Exxon), Bynel-Fusabond-Elvaloy (Du Pont), and the like.

Preferably, the non-slip portion comprises a total amount of 0.5 to 50phr of one or more functionalized olefin polymers.

The non-slip portion may also include other additives such as antioxidants, colorants, pigments, UV stabilizers, reinforcing fillers, and the like.

The production of the non-slip part according to the invention can be carried out according to the techniques customary in the processing of thermoplastic products (extruders, blenders, mixers, stretchers, dissolvers, etc.). For example, the non-slip part may be produced by mixing, in the molten state of the thermoplastic polymer, possibly one or more additives selected from those mentioned above, and subsequently extruding, co-extruding, calendering, spreading with a doctor blade or moulding in the form of a thin layer (film), in order to obtain a thermoplastic product having the desired thickness and from which a non-slip part having the appropriate size and shape can be obtained.

The thickness of the non-slip portion is preferably comprised in the range between 20 micrometers and 5 millimeters, preferably between 100 micrometers and 0.5 mm. The shape and size of the non-slip portion may vary as a function of the particular application for which it is intended.

In a preferred embodiment, the slip prevention part is obtained in the form of a band. The dimensions of the ribbons may vary over a wide interval as a function of the particular application. For example, the length of the ribbon may range from 1cm to 100cm, more preferably from 10cm to 80cm, and the width may range from 0.5cm to 20cm, more preferably from 1cm to 5 cm.

The strip may be cut into non-slip portions of a desired shape and size.

One of the main advantages of the non-slip part according to the invention lies in the fact that: they can be fixed directly to the textile structure of the garment to which the anti-slip properties are to be imparted, by hot-pressing the aforementioned anti-slip parts on the surface of the textile structure. Conventional means, such as continuous heat welding means, heated platen flattening or other techniques using similar means, may be used for this purpose.

The material in the non-slip part may also be deposited in fluid form on the textile structure by extrusion and then cooled when hardened. A further technique for applying the non-slip portion to the textile structure is calendering and spreading with a doctor blade.

In alternative embodiments, the non-slip portion may be applied to a support substrate (e.g., TNT, cotton, jersey, Lycra leaves, etc.) by the aforementioned techniques prior to application to the garment.

The non-slip portion together with the support substrate may thus be secured to the garment in various ways, for example mechanically, such as by sewing, taping, or using an adhesive. Possibly, the support substrate may be removed prior to securing the non-slip portion to the garment.

The present invention shows various advantages over the prior art. The non-slip portions according to the present invention effectively maintain the garment on which they are applied in the position in which they are worn, thereby preventing or reducing its slippage on the skin or other textile substrate.

In particular, when the non-slip garment is worn in direct contact with the skin, it remains in the wearing position, mainly due to friction generated on the skin by the polymeric material of the non-slip portion.

In the case of tights (for example socks, pantyhose, braces), this property of the anti-slip material according to the invention allows the use of anti-slip parts which exert a significantly low compression on the user's body, but effectively counteracts the slipping of the garment, thus avoiding the "tourniquet" effect.

If the material forming the non-slip part has a high elasticity, it can be advantageously applied to an elastic garment without altering the elastic characteristics of the latter starting from. In addition, the material forming the non-slip portion is characterized by high resistance to wear and washing, with the result that the performance characteristics remain substantially unchanged throughout the useful life of the garment.

Due to the fact that they are made of polymeric materials that do not contain silicone, the non-slip garment according to the invention can also be worn by persons allergic or hypersensitive to these materials.

In addition, the non-slip part has a surface which is very smooth and substantially free of roughness when applied to the garment in the form of a continuous, flat and low-thickness layer. The absence of roughness reduces the irritation of the skin even when the non-slip garment is used for long lasting activities or activities involving significant perspiration. In addition, this characteristic of the non-slip portion allows to obtain a non-slip garment of high quality, since the fixing thereof to the textile structure does not significantly modify the initial characteristics of the garment (such as the feel and thickness).

In addition, the anti-slip properties of the anti-slip part according to the invention can advantageously be adjusted as a function of the application requirements of the anti-slip part.

The method of manufacturing and fixing the non-slip material according to the invention to the garment is extremely simple to obtain and does not produce bad odours or harmful emissions that may occur in the process of manufacturing silicone non-slip materials.

The following examples are provided for the purpose of illustrating the present invention only, and therefore they should not be considered as limiting the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Examples

The polymer compositions shown in table 1 were prepared by co-rotating twin-screw mixers (amounts expressed in phr):

TABLE 1

(1) Copolymer SEBS (about 32 wt% bound styrene);

(2) paraffinic/naphthenic oils;

(3) polyisobutene (medium molecular weight Mw equal to 2100 g/mol);

(4) hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins having a softening point (ring and ball softening point, as measured by ASTM method E-28) of 100 ℃;

(5) hindered primary phenolic antioxidants.

Each of the three formulations in table 1 was extruded as a control with a thickness equal to about 200 μm. Samples measured at about 80x80mm were obtained from this control.

On each of samples 1-3, the static and dynamic coefficients of friction and the average dynamic load were determined according to the method of ASTM D1894-11, evaluating the sliding friction on metal surfaces, sliding of pre-established dimensions and weight, the sliding base of which was previously covered by each of the previously prepared samples. The results are shown in table 2.

On each of the three samples, the percentage values of elongation at break, the modulus of elongation for 100% and 300% elongation, were further determined according to the method UNI EN ISO 527-3/2/200. The results are shown in table 3.

TABLE 2

Sample numbering	Coefficient of static friction	Coefficient of dynamic friction	Average dynamic load (N)
				1	4.30	3.98	8.78
2	5.03	4.52	9.71
				3	6.79	5.26	13.86

TABLE 3

Sample numbering	Elongation at Break (%)	Modulus of 100% elongation (MPa)	Modulus of 300% elongation (MPa)
				1	1080	0.22	0.36
2	1012	0.29	0.41
				3	958	0.33	0.56

The results of the experiments confirm that the material according to the invention has an optimum static and dynamic coefficient of friction for use as a slip-resistant part for preventing slipping of garments on the skin or on textile substrates.

In addition, the elastic portion of these materials allows for use also on elastic textile substrates.

In addition, the friction and therefore the anti-slip properties can be adjusted according to the application requirements, which is shown by the increase in the friction value with respect to sample 1 (which can be used, for example, for socks and pantyhose), which can be obtained by adding polyisobutylene or hydrocarbon resins in the formulation (samples 2 and 3, which can be used, for example, for harnesses in the sports clothing and medical industries).

Furthermore, the present invention relates to the following items:

item 1. a slip resistant garment comprising at least one textile structure and at least one slip resistant portion attached to said textile structure, said slip resistant portion comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a block copolymer of styrene and a copolymer of styrene,

(b) ethylene and at least one C₃-C₁₂Copolymers of alpha-olefins, possibly with at least one diene terpolymer,

(c) copolymers of at least one butene with at least one diene,

(d) ethylene and at least one acrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl ester, methacrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl esters and C₂-C₈Carboxylic acid ethyl esterCopolymers of esters of alkenyl esters having ethylene unsaturation.

Item 2. slip-resistant garment of any one of the preceding items, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is a block copolymer of styrene selected from the group consisting of: styrene/butadiene/styrene (SBS), styrene/ethylene/butadiene/styrene (SEBS), styrene/ethylene/propylene/styrene (SEPS), styrene/ethylene/butadiene/propylene/styrene (SEBPS), styrene/isoprene/styrene (SIS), styrene/isobutylene/styrene (SIBS), or mixtures thereof.

Item 3. slip-resistant garment of any one of the preceding items, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is a block copolymer of styrene having a shore a hardness (measured according to ASTM 2240 or ISO 7619) of 20 to 90, preferably 35 to 70.

Item 4. slip-resistant garment of any of the preceding items, wherein the slip-resistant portion further comprises 1 to 50phr of at least one polyisobutylene, preferably polyisobutylene having a medium molecular weight Mw in the range of 100-.

Item 5. slip-resistant garment of any of the preceding items, wherein the slip-resistant portion further comprises 1 to 50phr of at least one hydrocarbon resin.

Item 6. slip-resistant garment of any one of the preceding items, wherein the slip-resistant portion comprises 10 to 250phr of at least one plasticizer selected from the group consisting of paraffinic oil, naphthenic oil, and polyolefinic oil.

Item 7. slip-resistant garment of any of the preceding items, wherein the slip-resistant portion comprises 0.5 to 50phr of at least one functionalized polyolefin, preferably a maleated polyolefin.

Item 8. slip-resistant garment according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the slip-resistant portion is in the form of a thin layer and its thickness is in the range of 0.02mm to 5mm, preferably 0.1mm to 2 mm.

Item 9. slip-resistant garment of any of the preceding items, wherein the slip resistant portion is disposed at an edge of at least one opening of the garment.

Item 10. slip resistant garment of any one of the preceding items, selected from the group consisting of a jersey, pants, socks, pantyhose, body-shaping underwear, protective clothing, dress, and straps for securing or supporting joints.

Item 11. a method of making a slip resistant garment of item 1, comprising the steps of:

-providing a textile structure;

-attaching at least one slip resistant part to the textile structure, the slip resistant part comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a block copolymer of styrene and a copolymer of styrene,

(b) ethylene and at least one C₃-C₁₂Copolymers of alpha-olefins, possibly with at least one diene terpolymer,

(c) copolymers of at least one butene with at least one diene,

(d) ethylene and at least one acrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl esters, methacrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl esters and C₂-C₈Copolymers of vinyl esters of carboxylic acids with ethylene unsaturation.

Item 12. use of a polymeric material comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a block copolymer of styrene and a copolymer of styrene,

(b) ethylene and at least one C₃-C₁₂Copolymers of alpha-olefins, possibly with at least one diene terpolymer,

(c) copolymers of at least one butene with at least one diene,

(d) ethylene and at least one acrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl esters, methacrylic acid C₁-C₈Alkyl esters and C₂-C₈Copolymers of vinyl esters of carboxylic acids with ethylene unsaturation.