Method for producing natural skins

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and the production of natural leathers from pieces of natural leather torn into different-sized fibers which are sorted and placed, once they have been mixed with a binder, in successive layers (6, 7 and 8) on a support sheet (9) provided with filaments crossing the different layers. The support sheet (9) and filaments (10) are extracted once the binder substance has cured.

Claims

1. A method for producing natural leathers from pieces of natural leather, by means of defibrating pieces of leather into different-sized fibers which are sorted and separated into classes based on their dimensions, the fibers of each class being mixed with a plastic-type binder substance in an inactive state, comprising: a) spreading at least one layer with the different classes of fibers together with the binder material on a support sheet provided with an unlimited number of filaments crossing the different layers and partially projecting from the free surface of the outermost layer; b) curing the binder substance; and c) separating the support sheet of the innermost layer, extracting the filaments from said sheet to obtain small-sectioned perforations crossing all the layers.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the different classes of fibers are spread in two or more successive layers, together with the binder material, on the support sheet.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the filaments of the support layer are made from a repellant-type material with respect to the type of fibers and binder substance and which cannot be changed by the curing conditions of said binder substance.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising placing at least one layer made from impermeable materials.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising placing at least one layer made from thermally insulating materials.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising placing at least one layer made from fire-resistant materials.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the layers is electrically conductive.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the support sheet has through holes located between the filaments of said sheet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The different phases of the production process of the invention are depicted in the attached drawings in a schematic manner and by way of non-limiting example, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 shows the portions or pieces of leathers on which the method of the invention is based, for the recycling thereof.

(3) FIG. 2 shows the natural leather fibers obtained from the pieces or portions of leathers of FIG. 1, by means of grinding and tearing thereof.

(4) FIG. 3 depicts the sorting of the obtained natural leather fibers, separated by their sizes and characteristics.

(5) FIG. 4 shows the arrangement of successive layers of different classes of fibers, mixed with a binder, on a support sheet.

(6) FIG. 5 shows the structure of the leather obtained with the method of the invention, once the support sheet is separated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

(7) The method of the invention is a process for recycling of portions (1) of natural leathers coming from different activities. These portions are subjected to a process of defibrating, for example in drums with blades which tear the portions (1) of leathers into minute fibers (2) having different dimensions, as depicted in FIG. 2.

(8) Then these fibers are separated, grouping them together according to their dimensions and characteristics to obtain different classes (3, 4 and 5), as depicted in FIG. 3, for example.

(9) Then each class of fibers is mixed with a plastic-type binder substance in an inactive state, for example in powder form.

(10) The different classes of fibers with the binder substance are then spread in successive layers (6, 7 and 8) on a support sheet (9) which has an unlimited number of filaments (10) made from a substance that is chemically repellant with respect to the binding agent and fibers making up each of the layers (6, 7 and 8). Furthermore, these filaments (10) will have sufficient length to cross all the layers arranged on the support sheet (9) and partially project from the free surface of the outermost layer (8).

(11) Then the assembly made up of the layers is subjected to a process for curing the binder substance, and finally the support sheet is separated and the filaments (10) are extracted, obtaining an assembly (11) depicted in FIG. 5 made up of layers with fibers having different characteristics and provided with an unlimited number of small-sectioned perforations (12) by way of pores which assure breathing between the inner and outer surfaces of the assembly.

(12) It must also be pointed out that the production system of the invention represents a major breakthrough in terms of environmental care, sustainability and personal health, because on one it reduces the amount of waste to be recycled in cases of replacing tanned natural leather, the consumption of water and of tanning pollutants is reduced, and in many cases it allows replacing synthetic leather, with all the health problems that leather of this type causes due to the lack of breathability.