Holding device for protecting a holding element

Abstract

A retaining device comprising a strip (10) having an upper surface (12) extending along a longitudinal direction (X-X), the upper surface (12) being provided with a retaining element (20), characterized in that the upper surface (12) of the strip (10) includes at least one material seam (30), the at least one material seam (30) defining a profile (40) having an inner surface, the inner surface including the retaining element (20), each of the at least one seam (30) having two ends associated in pairs, the ends being less than or equal to 1 mm apart, the at least one material seam (30) being formed by depositing a substance on the upper surface (12) of the strip (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of hook and loop retention systems, and in particular to hook and loop retention systems for securing decorative elements to foam. Background Technology

[0002] Hook and loop retention systems are commonly used to secure foam trim pieces, such as those used in vehicle seats or coatings.

[0003] A recurring problem involves the integration and protection of retaining elements in decorative components. In practice, foam injection tends to cover the retaining elements, thus causing them to fail. Various methods have been proposed to protect the retaining elements. However, these different methods introduce significant constraints during manufacturing and / or limit the shape of the strips of retaining elements that can be produced.

[0004] Therefore, document WO98 / 05232 provides an example of a decorative element fastening device and an associated manufacturing method. In this document, a coating is applied to a strip with hooks; the coating is then cut and partially removed to form a single continuous profile around the hook area. However, this method is technically restrictive.

[0005] This disclosure aims to overcome these problems, at least in part. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To at least partially overcome the aforementioned problems, this disclosure relates to a retaining device comprising a strip having an upper surface extending longitudinally, the upper surface being provided with a retaining element, characterized in that the upper surface of the strip includes at least one material seam defining a profile having an inner surface including the retaining element, each of the at least one seam having two ends associated in pairs, the ends being less than or equal to 1 mm apart.

[0007] According to one example, the upper surface of the strip includes at least two material seams defining a profile, each of the at least two seams having two ends associated in pairs, the distance between the ends of each pair being less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0008] The device typically includes a metal element that extends longitudinally between the two seams.

[0009] According to one example, the retaining elements are configured as several columns extending along the longitudinal direction, and each of the seams extends along a path having a non-zero component along the longitudinal direction at all points.

[0010] According to one example, the seam overlaps at at least one point in a vertical direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the strip.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the seam is tangent at at least one point.

[0012] According to one example, each of the at least one seam has a width between 0.3 mm and 10 mm, particularly between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, and in another case, a width between 0.4 mm and 5 mm.

[0013] According to one example, at least one, preferably each of the retaining elements, more specifically the retaining elements arranged in the profile, has a maximum dimension “La” measured laterally along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the upper surface of the strip, and wherein each of the at least one seam has a width including between 0.2*La and 10*La, for example, between 0.5*La and 10*La.

[0014] According to one example, the retaining element is preferably arranged in the profile and has a height Ha measured in a vertical direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the strip, and wherein each of the at least one seam has a thickness that is strictly greater than Ha when measured in the vertical direction.

[0015] According to one example, each of the seams includes at least one elastic material in its formulation.

[0016] According to one example, the seam comprises several parts, for example, a lower part arranged to allow fixation to the belt, particularly the base of the belt, and an upper part arranged at the free end of the lower part. For example, the density difference between the lower and upper parts is at least 0.2, particularly at least 0.4. For example, the lower part comprises at least one elastic material in its formulation, and the upper part comprises a material with a density less than 0.2.

[0017] As one example, the density of the seam material is greater than 0.2, or even greater than 0.5.

[0018] According to one example, each of the seams is made of an elastic material and / or an elastic thermoplastic.

[0019] According to one example, the seam is formed to at least partially cover the retaining element.

[0020] According to one example, the seams(s) are created by extrusion.

[0021] According to one example, the strip includes a base, for example, produced by injection and / or extrusion, which is integrally formed with the retaining element.

[0022] According to one example, the base is a woven fabric comprising base yarns and warp yarns interwoven with each other. Therefore, the proposed retaining device including seams allows for a good compromise in defining the flexibility of the retaining device, enabling easy positioning of the retaining device prior to the foaming operation without making the foaming operation too rigid and thus uncomfortable for the user of the seat with the retaining device.

[0023] According to one example, the base of the belt is a woven fabric comprising base yarns and warp yarns interwoven with each other, and the retaining element is formed by yarns arranged at least partially in the base.

[0024] According to one example, the yarn forming the retaining element is a monofilament yarn. According to one example, the yarn forming the retaining element is arranged in a "V" and / or "W" shape in the base, including heads at its two free ends.

[0025] According to one example, the seam is formed of a material that is non-porous and / or has no open and / or closed cells.

[0026] According to one example, the belt includes retaining elements arranged outside the profile and outside the at least one seam to allow for better mechanical anchoring of the belt in the foam.

[0027] According to one example, the strip includes retaining elements arranged outside the profile and outside the at least one seam to allow for better mechanical anchoring of the strip within the foam. These anchoring retaining elements are specifically arranged, for example, in the corners of the retaining device, and / or these anchoring retaining elements define at least two distinct anchoring regions, specifically two opposing anchoring regions. These anchoring retaining elements typically define at least X distinct anchoring regions, where X is an even integer between 4 and 100, and the X anchoring regions are particularly opposite to each other and / or regularly distributed around the perimeter of the profile and / or symmetrically arranged relative to the centerline of the retaining device (which extends substantially longitudinally and is equidistant from the side edges of the retaining device).

[0028] According to one example, the base of the belt has a thickness "E", which is typically between 0.2 mm and 1 mm, and particularly between 0.3 mm and 0.7 mm.

[0029] According to one example, the retaining device includes means for anchoring in foam, which is attached to the base of the belt and to the surface opposite the surface including the retaining element.

[0030] According to one example, the device for anchoring in foam is formed of a ring (e.g., a knitted fabric including the ring) and an optional support membrane, which is fixed to the base of the strip on a surface opposite to the surface including the retaining element, for example using an adhesive (e.g., an adhesive including magnetic particles).

[0031] According to one example, the seam is arranged on the outside of the wall and / or rib, which are formed on the base of the strip and / or strip.

[0032] In one example, each seam is continuous and formed of the same material.

[0033] According to one example, each profile is defined by at least one seam, and the perimeter of the profile is typically between 30 mm and 2050 mm.

[0034] According to one example, the ratio of the perimeter of the profile to the width of the seam is greater than 3, especially greater than 10, especially greater than 30 and / or less than 8000, especially less than 7000, especially less than 4000.

[0035] According to one example, each retaining element includes a rod and a head, and the retaining element is adapted to cooperate with a mating portion including a ring to produce a "convex-concave" type hook-and-loop closure.

[0036] According to one example, each retaining element includes a rod and a head, and the retaining element is adapted to cooperate with a mating portion including the retaining element to produce a "convex-convex" type hook-and-loop closure, the retaining element including the rod and the head respectively.

[0037] According to one example, each retaining element forms at least one loop, and the retaining element is adapted to cooperate with a mating portion including the retaining element to produce a "concave-convex" type hook-and-loop closure, the retaining element comprising a rod and a head respectively.

[0038] This disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a retaining device, wherein:

[0039] - Provides a strip having an upper surface extending longitudinally, the upper surface being provided with a retaining element.

[0040] - At least one material seam is formed on the upper surface of the strip by depositing material to define the profile, each of the at least one seam having two ends that are associated in pairs and the distance between the ends of each pair of ends is less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0041] According to one example, at least two material seams are formed by depositing material on the upper surface of a strip, each of the at least two seams having two ends that are associated in pairs, with the distance between the ends of each pair of ends being less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0042] According to one example, the belt has metal elements extending longitudinally, and wherein seams are formed in pairs, each pair on either side of the metal element.

[0043] According to one example, material deposition is performed via an injection nozzle to deposit material onto the upper surface of a belt that moves longitudinally.

[0044] According to one example, the material seams overlap at at least one point in a vertical direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the strip.

[0045] According to one example, the material seam is tangent at at least one point.

[0046] According to one example, each of the at least one seam has a width between 0.3 mm and 10 mm, particularly between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, and in another case, a width between 0.4 mm and 5 mm.

[0047] According to one example, the retaining element preferably arranged in the profile has a maximum dimension “La” measured laterally along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the upper surface of the strip, and wherein each of the at least one seam has a width including between 0.5*La and 10*La.

[0048] According to one example, the retaining element, preferably arranged in the profile, has a height “Ha” measured in a vertical direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the strip, and wherein each of the at least one seam has a thickness that is strictly greater than Ha, measured in a vertical direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the strip.

[0049] According to one example, each of the seams includes at least one elastic material in its formulation.

[0050] According to one example, the seam comprises several parts, for example, a lower part arranged to allow fixation to the belt, particularly the base of the belt, and an upper part arranged at the free end of the lower part. For example, the density difference between the lower and upper parts is at least 0.2, particularly at least 0.4. For example, the lower part comprises at least one elastic material in its formulation, and the upper part comprises a material with a density less than 0.2.

[0051] As one example, the density of the seam material is greater than 0.2, or even greater than 0.5.

[0052] According to one example, each of the seams is made of an elastic material and / or an elastic thermoplastic.

[0053] According to one example, the seam is formed to at least partially cover the retaining element.

[0054] According to one example, the seams(s) are created by extrusion.

[0055] According to one example, the strip includes a base, for example, produced by injection and / or extrusion, which is integrally formed with the retaining element.

[0056] According to one example, the base is a woven fabric comprising ground yarns and warp yarns interwoven with each other. Therefore, the proposed retaining device including seams allows for a good compromise in defining the flexibility of the retaining device, enabling easy positioning of the retaining device prior to the foaming operation without making the foaming operation too rigid and thus uncomfortable for the user of the seat with the retaining device.

[0057] According to one example, the base of the belt is a woven fabric comprising ground yarns and warp yarns interwoven with each other, and the retaining element is formed by yarns arranged at least partially in the base.

[0058] According to one example, the yarn forming the retaining element is a monofilament yarn. According to one example, the yarn forming the retaining element is arranged in a "V" and / or "W" shape in the base, including heads at its two free ends.

[0059] According to one example, the seam is formed of a material that is non-porous and / or has no open and / or closed cells.

[0060] According to one example, the belt includes retaining elements arranged outside the profile and outside the at least one seam to allow for better mechanical anchoring of the belt in the foam.

[0061] According to one example, the strip includes retaining elements arranged outside the profile and outside the at least one seam to allow for better mechanical anchoring of the strip within the foam. These anchoring retaining elements are particularly arranged, for example, at the corners of the retaining device, and / or these anchoring retaining elements define at least two distinct anchoring regions, particularly two opposing anchoring regions. These anchoring retaining elements typically define at least X distinct anchoring regions, where X is an even integer between 4 and 100, and the X anchoring regions are particularly opposite to each other and / or regularly distributed around the perimeter of the profile and / or symmetrically arranged relative to the centerline of the retaining device (which extends substantially longitudinally and is equidistant from the side edges of the retaining device).

[0062] According to one example, the base of the belt has a thickness "E", which is typically between 0.2 mm and 1 mm, and particularly between 0.3 mm and 0.7 mm.

[0063] According to one example, the retaining device includes means for anchoring in foam, which is attached to the base of the belt and to the surface opposite the surface including the retaining element.

[0064] According to one example, the device for anchoring in foam is formed of a ring (e.g., a knitted fabric including the ring) and an optional support membrane, and the device for anchoring in foam is fixed to the base of the strip on a surface opposite to the surface including the retaining element, for example using an adhesive (e.g., an adhesive including magnetic particles).

[0065] According to one example, the seam is arranged on the outside of the wall and / or rib, which are formed on the base of the strip and / or strip.

[0066] In one example, each seam is continuous and formed of the same material.

[0067] According to one example, each profile is defined by at least one seam, and the perimeter of the profile is typically between 30 mm and 2050 mm.

[0068] According to one example, the ratio of the perimeter of the profile to the width of the seam is greater than 3, especially greater than 10, especially greater than 30 and / or less than 8000, especially less than 7000, especially less than 4000.

[0069] According to one example, each retaining element includes a rod and a head, and the retaining element is adapted to cooperate with a mating portion including a ring to produce a "convex-concave" type hook-and-loop closure.

[0070] According to one example, each retaining element includes a rod and a head, and the retaining element is adapted to cooperate with a mating portion including the retaining element to produce a "convex-convex" type hook-and-loop closure, the retaining element including the rod and the head respectively.

[0071] According to one example, each retaining element forms at least one loop, and the retaining element is adapted to cooperate with a mating portion including the retaining element to produce a "concave-convex" type hook-and-loop closure, the retaining element comprising a rod and a head respectively.

[0072] According to one example, after producing the material seam, a strip is cut around each contour defined by the material seam.

[0073] This disclosure also relates to a seat, such as a car seat, including

[0074] -Foamy objects,

[0075] - A cover for covering at least a portion of a foam object, and

[0076] - As previously defined, the retaining device

[0077] The retaining device is arranged in the foam object to allow at least one attachment to be formed between the foam object and the cover.

[0078] According to one example, the device is integrated with the foam object. Attached Figure Description

[0079] The invention and its advantages will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples.

[0080] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 An example of a device according to one aspect of the invention is illustrated schematically.

[0081] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 Another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention is illustrated schematically.

[0082] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 Another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention is illustrated schematically.

[0083] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 Another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention is illustrated schematically.

[0084] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 Another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention is illustrated schematically.

[0085] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 Another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention is illustrated schematically.

[0086] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 Another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention is illustrated schematically.

[0087] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 Another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention is illustrated schematically.

[0088] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 An embodiment of the proposed device is illustrated schematically.

[0089] [ Figure 10A ] Figure 10A Another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention is illustrated schematically.

[0090] [ Figure 10B ] Figure 10B It shows Figure 10A A variant of .

[0091] [ Figure 11A ] Figure 11A Another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention is illustrated schematically.

[0092] [ Figure 11B ] Figure 11B It shows Figure 11A A variant of .

[0093] [ Figure 12 ] Figure 12 Schematic illustration Figure 11B A cross-sectional view of an example of a retaining element.

[0094] In all the accompanying drawings, common elements are identified by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0095] Figure 1 An example of a retaining device according to one aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0096] The proposed device includes a belt 10 having a substantially flat upper surface 12. The belt 10 extends along a longitudinal direction XX. A transverse direction YY is defined as perpendicular to the longitudinal direction XX and extends in the plane defined by the upper surface 12 of the belt 10. A vertical direction ZZ is also defined as perpendicular to the plane defined by the longitudinal direction XX and the transverse direction YY, that is, perpendicular to the upper surface 12 of the belt 10. The belt typically comprises weft and warp yarns forming a woven fabric.

[0097] The upper surface 12 of the belt 10 is provided with retaining elements 20. These may be, for example, hooks adapted to engage with other hooks or rings to create a hook-and-loop connection. The belt 10 may have a base, for example, produced by injection and / or extrusion, which may be integrally formed with the retaining elements 20.

[0098] The retaining elements 20 are typically arranged to form a line extending longitudinally, and the longitudinal spacing between two consecutive retaining elements 20 defines a longitudinal distance. Different rows of retaining elements are typically arranged such that the retaining elements define rows laterally (YY), or staggered, that is, such that two consecutive rows are offset longitudinally by half a distance.

[0099] The device includes a seam 30 formed on the upper surface 12 of the belt 10.

[0100] The seam 30 is formed by depositing material onto the upper surface 12 of the strip 10, for example, as described later. The seam 30 is typically formed by extrusion. The seam is typically formed from a non-porous material and / or without open and / or closed cells.

[0101] exist Figure 1In the example shown, four seams 30 are shown, which are formed on the upper surface 12 of the belt 10 and will be represented by 30a, 30b, 30c and 30d respectively, or more generally by adding the mark a, b, c or d to indicate the relevant seam or part thereof.

[0102] In the example shown, seams 30 are arranged in pairs, each pair defining one or more contours. For example... Figure 1 As shown, joints 30a and 30b are symmetrical or substantially symmetrical and have a non-linear profile along the longitudinal direction. The profile refers to the trajectory of the joint 30 under consideration on the upper surface 12 of the band 10, typically a projection onto a plane defined by the longitudinal XX and transverse ZZ of a curve passing through the center of the cross section of the joint 30 under consideration.

[0103] Therefore, seams 30a and 30b have portions 30a1 and 30b1 that are separated from each other and far apart, and portions 30a2 and 30b2 that contact each other. Thus, two consecutive portions 30a2 define a profile 40, each profile 40 having an inner surface in which a retaining element 20 is disposed. The profile here defines a profile defined by one or more seams 30 such that the ends of the seams defining the profile under consideration are spaced apart by no more than 1 mm, the interval being measured, for example, in a direction parallel to the upper surface 12 of the belt 10. Each profile 40 generally has a maximum dimension measured in the plane defined by the upper surface 12 of the belt 10, the maximum dimension being between 0 mm and 50 mm, or between 0 mm and 30 mm.

[0104] Profile 40 (excluding seam dimensions) includes at least one length extending along the longitudinal direction XX and at least one width extending along the transverse direction YY. Profile 40 includes at least two different widths, which are preferably non-zero, and / or Profile 40 includes at least two different lengths, which are preferably non-zero. Profile 40 has a central portion and two longitudinal ends, the width of Profile 40 at the central portion being greater than at least one width at at least one longitudinal end.

[0105] Each profile 40 is defined by at least one seam 30, and the perimeter of the profile 40 is generally between 30 mm and 2050 mm.

[0106] The ratio of the perimeter of the outline 40 to the width of the seam 30 is generally greater than 3, especially greater than 10, especially greater than 30 and / or less than 8000, especially less than 7000, especially less than 4000.

[0107] Joints 30c and 30d have similar profiles to joints 30a and 30b, respectively.

[0108] In the example shown, parts 30a2 and 30b2 are tangent along the longitudinal direction XX, while seams 30a and 30b do not overlap, that is, seams 30a and 30b do not overlap along the vertical direction ZZ.

[0109] The joint 30 forms a sealing device around each contour 40. More specifically, when the upper surface 12 of the band 10, as shown, is placed against a flat surface, the joint 30 allows for the isolation of different contours 40. Therefore, material, such as foam, can be injected around the various contours 40 while preventing the injected material from penetrating into the individual contours 40. This allows for the protection of the retaining elements 10 arranged in the contours and prevents them from being covered by material, which could render them ineffective. It should be noted that the contours do not need to be strictly closed. The ends of the joint can be adjacent or non-adjacent. A maximum interval of 1 mm can exist between the two ends of the same joint or several joints defining the contours 40 under consideration. The maximum interval “e” is measured from one end of the joint and is the minimum distance separating the end in question from another associated end or from a portion located near (typically less than 5 mm) another associated end. Such a contour can be described as closed, provided that such an interval of less than or equal to 1 mm has been observed to produce a sealing effect preventing material (e.g., foam) from penetrating into the contour 40.

[0110] The joint 30 is typically formed to completely or partially cover the retaining element. The retaining element 20 covered by the joint 30 is shown in dashed lines. The joint 30 is typically arranged outside the wall or rib formed on the belt 10 and / or the base of the belt 10.

[0111] For each seam 30, the length, thickness, and width are defined, where the length is its maximum dimension, the thickness is its maximum dimension along the vertical direction ZZ, and the width is its maximum dimension along the direction perpendicular to its length and its height.

[0112] Therefore, if we take into account that the retaining element 20 has a maximum dimension “La” measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the upper surface of the strip, then the seam 30 has a width including between 0.5*La and 10*La, particularly between 0.5*La and 3*La.

[0113] According to one example, each of the at least one seam has a width between 0.3 mm and 10 mm, or between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, or particularly between 0.4 mm and 5 mm.

[0114] If we take into account that the retaining element 20 has a height Ha measured in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the strip, then the seam 30 has a thickness measured in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the strip, which includes between 0.98Ha and 2Ha, is typically strictly greater than 1.00Ha, and is typically included between Ha and 1.5Ha, or between 1.01Ha and 1.5Ha.

[0115] exist Figure 12 An example of the shape of retaining element 20, generally referred to herein as a "mushroom," is shown, comprising a rod having a generally cylindrical, rotary shape, with a head, part of a sphere, mounted at the top of the rod. The figure shows the maximum dimension La, height Ha, and thickness E of band 10. It should be clearly understood that this embodiment is not limiting, and the retaining element can have other shapes, such as a shape generally referred to as "four-lobed," comprising a rod having a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the rod, the cross-section being "+" or "cross-shaped," with a head at the top having four connecting parts, and / or, for example, a shape generally referred to as "three-lobed," comprising a rod having a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the rod, the cross-section being "Y"-shaped or "Y"-shaped with branches of equal length, the branches being paired and separated at angles between 100° and 140°, with a head at the top having three connecting parts, or based on the same principle, such as, a shape generally referred to as "five-lobed." The thickness E of band 10 is typically between 0.2 mm and 1 mm, or, for example, between 0.3 mm and 0.7 mm.

[0116] The retaining element 20 may also be in the form of a ring, adapted to cooperate with a mating portion including the retaining element, the retaining element comprising a rod and a head respectively, to produce a "concave-convex" type hook-and-loop closure.

[0117] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the different seam pairs are spaced apart from each other in certain areas (referred to as gap areas). Therefore, seams 30a and 30b do not contact seams 30c and 30d. This configuration allows for defining multiple sets of profiles 40 spaced apart from each other, which therefore allows for cutting strips comprising several aligned profiles 40 with widened edges, facilitating anchoring, for example, in foam. As a variant embodiment, the spacing between seams can be considered to be smaller or larger specifically depending on the application.

[0118] According to one example, seam pairs are typically spaced at least 10 mm or at least 5 mm apart in the YY direction in the gap area.

[0119] For example, in the gap area, the seam pairs are typically spaced apart by a maximum distance of 400mm, 200mm, or 100mm along the transverse YY direction.

[0120] The seam 30 is typically produced by extrusion and may be made of an elastic material and / or an elastic thermoplastic, or each seam 30 typically includes at least one elastic material and / or an elastic thermoplastic in its formulation. The material density of each seam 30 is typically greater than 0.2 or greater than 0.5.

[0121] Each seam 30 is typically adjacent and formed of the same material. Seams 30 forming a pair of seams can be made of different materials, for example, materials with different chemical resistances.

[0122] According to one example, the seam 30 may have several portions, such as a lower portion arranged to allow fixation to the belt (particularly the base of the belt), and an upper portion arranged at the free end of the lower portion. For example, the density difference between the lower and upper portions is at least 0.2, particularly at least 0.4. For example, the lower portion comprises at least one elastic material in its formulation, and the upper portion comprises a material with a density less than 0.2.

[0123] The material of each seam 30 can be different colors, especially for easy positioning in the injection mold or for easy cutting of patterns.

[0124] The device according to the invention advantageously includes an optimized maximum surface of the available retaining element 20, the profile of which has a complex shape.

[0125] The band 10 typically includes a retaining element 20 disposed outside the profile 40 and outside the at least one seam 30 to allow the band 10 to be better mechanically anchored in the foam.

[0126] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A variation of the example shown.

[0127] This variation and Figure 1 The variant already shown is similar. The difference lies in the trajectory of the seam 30. In this embodiment, it can be seen that the seams are arranged in pairs as in the above embodiments, but each pair of seams overlaps in a given area.

[0128] More specifically, in this embodiment, each seam 30 has at least two regions, and for said at least two regions, the two seams overlap, that is, one on top of the other along the vertical direction ZZ. 30a3 and 30b3 represent the overlapping portions of seams 30a and 30b.

[0129] Each joint 30 thus has a profile that is symmetrical about the central axis but offset by the length of profile 40 along the longitudinal direction XX. Each joint 30 intersects at regular intervals, each interval corresponding to the length of profile 40 along the longitudinal direction XX.

[0130] In addition, Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the seams 30 of different seam pairs are tangent. In fact, in Figure 2 As can be seen, portions 30a1 and 30d1 of seams 30a and 30d are tangent to a portion of the contours of seams 30a and 30d, and portions 30b1 and 30c1 are tangent to a portion of the contours of seams 30b and 30c. This configuration allows for increased device compactness and thus reduces the amount of product waste at the end of the latter cutting step. As an example, in Figure 2 The cutting line CC is shown in the figure.

[0131] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 Another example of a variation of the illustrated embodiment. In this example, seams 30a and 30b form a pair of non-overlapping seams 30, as already referred to Figure 1 As mentioned above.

[0132] The following description is relative to Figure 1 The differences between the embodiments already described in the text.

[0133] In this embodiment, a metal element, such as a metal rod 50 or a seam made of metal material, is located between seams 30a and 30b. The metal element 50 is typically positioned to define a central axis between seams 30a and 30b. The metal element 50 typically extends longitudinally ZZ. Portions 30a2 and 30b2 of seams 30a and 30b thus contact the metal element 50 on either side without overlapping. Alternatively, seams 30a and 30b may have as already referenced... Figure 2 The overlapping portion is typically formed at the metal element 50.

[0134] Therefore, the metal element 50 allows for even greater rigidity of the strip cut from the belt 20 than the at least one seam 30.

[0135] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 Another example of a variation of the embodiment already shown.

[0136] In this embodiment, seams 30a and 30b have a discontinuous layout. More specifically, in the example shown, seams 30a and 30b are discontinuous at their portions 30a2 and 30b2, respectively. These discontinuous portions 30a2 and 30b2 are typically made such that the projection of the discontinuous portions along the longitudinal direction XX has zero intersection. In other words, considering a pair of portions 30a2 and 30b2 of seams 30a and 30b, if the continuous segments of these portions are cut along the longitudinal direction, then for each segment, at least one of the two seams does not have a discontinuous segment. Therefore, this allows ensuring that portions 30a2 and 30b2 of a pair of seams 30a and 30b form a barrier over the entire length of portions 30a2 and 30b2 of a pair of seams 30a and 30b.

[0137] This embodiment particularly allows for a reduction in the amount of material required and the total weight of the seam 30, especially in areas outside the contour or in areas between two contours.

[0138] Figure 5 Another embodiment according to one aspect of the invention is shown.

[0139] In this embodiment, a distinction is made between linear or substantially linear seams extending along the longitudinal direction XX and wavy seams having, for example, a sinusoidal layout between two linear seams.

[0140] The illustrated embodiment shows a band 10 comprising four linear seams 30a, 30c, 30d and 30f and two wavy seams 30b and 30f.

[0141] The wavy seams 30b and 30f contact the linear seams, or at different crests of the waves, at a distance of less than or equal to 1 mm from the linear seams. Therefore, in this example, two subsets can be defined: a first subset formed by seams 30a, 30b, and 30c, and a second subset formed by seams 30d, 30f, and 30g, separated by a strip that typically includes one or more rows of retaining elements. For example, to obtain two separate products, and if it is necessary to be near seams 30a and 30g, the strip 10 can be cut longitudinally XX between seams 30c and 30d. In both subsets, the ends of the wavy seams are paired with the linear seams to define sections of retaining elements that are protected during material injection onto the strip 10.

[0142] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A variation of the illustrated embodiment, wherein the linear seam is thicker, where thickness refers to the lateral dimension, that is, the lateral direction is in the plane with 10 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0143] Therefore, except that the linear joints 30c and 30d here are formed by a single joint 30c with a larger thickness, this embodiment is similar to Figure 5 Similar to the embodiments already shown. In order to divide the strip 10 into two separate products, it is typically cut along the longitudinal direction XX in the middle of the thickness of the seams 30a, 30c and 30g.

[0144] Figure 7 It shows Figure 5 Another variation of the embodiment shown.

[0145] In this embodiment, linear seams 30a, 30c, 30d, and 30g are present. However, a single wavy seam 30h is present, which has a pattern that may be regular or irregular, including a transverse portion 30h1 extending in the transverse YY direction to overlap with the respective linear seams, and a connecting portion 30h2 that ensures the material continuity of the seams between the respective transverse portions 30h1, the connecting portion 30h2 being curved and / or including linear segments.

[0146] For those that have already been referenced Figure 5 In the described embodiment, the strip 10 can be cut along several cutting axes to obtain individual products, the cutting axes extending longitudinally XX. Thus, for each of these products, a strip comprising two longitudinal seams and multiple transverse segments is obtained, the transverse segments defining, together with the longitudinal seams, a section of retaining element that is protected during material injection onto the strip.

[0147] Figure 8 It is a combination Figure 6 and Figure 7 Variations of the features of the illustrated embodiment.

[0148] Therefore, it can be found here that... Figure 7 The examples show thicker linear seams 30a, 30c and 30g, and a wavy seam 30h having a transverse portion 30h1 that overlaps with these various linear seams.

[0149] Subsequently, the strip 10 can be cut along several cutting axes extending longitudinally XX, typically at the midpoint of the thickness of each longitudinal seam, to obtain individual products. For each of these products, a strip comprising two longitudinal seams and multiple transverse segments is obtained, which, together with the longitudinal seams, define a section for retaining elements that is protected during material injection onto the strip.

[0150] The various embodiments described above can be implemented independently or in combination. For example, pairs of seams 30 can be produced, having tangential and overlapping portions alternately or non-alternatingly, regularly or irregularly. In embodiments that include the overlap of all or part of the seams 30, metal elements, such as metal rods 50 or seams made of metal materials, can also be integrated.

[0151] In the various embodiments shown in the preceding figures, it can be seen that the profile 40 is defined by the seams 30 of the discontinuous deposition of the forming material, and in this sense, an interface is observed between the various seams that define the profile 40.

[0152] Figure 9 The reference is shown schematically. Figures 1 to 8 An embodiment of the apparatus shown.

[0153] In the example shown, seams 30a and 30b are formed by material deposition via a material deposition device 60, such as a nozzle. In the example shown, there are two nozzles 60a and 60b that are movable laterally along the YY direction.

[0154] The nozzles are set to offset along the longitudinal direction XX so that they can move along the transverse direction YY without contacting each other, especially when the seams overlap by 30.

[0155] The belt 10 is positioned on the support and is typically moved longitudinally XX by a drive mechanism (e.g., a conveyor or one or more drive rollers (not shown)).

[0156] As a variant embodiment, the support can be a roller, and the nozzle 60 can be disposed on the periphery of the roller and can be translated along an axis parallel to the axis of the roller.

[0157] Alternatively, the belt 10 can remain fixed, and the material deposition device 60 can then move along the longitudinal direction XX and the transverse direction YY.

[0158] The method may further include the step of adjusting (calibrating) the thickness of the retaining device by means of means for adjusting the thickness of the retaining device, at least upstream of the step of forming the at least one seam 30.

[0159] The method may also incorporate a device for maintaining a constant thickness of the retaining device, adapted to maintain a constant thickness of the retaining device before and during the step of forming the at least one joint 30. Optionally, the retaining device is adapted to maintain a constant thickness of the retaining device before the step of forming the at least one joint 30 and is arranged adjacent to the device for forming the joint. Optionally, after the step of forming the at least one joint 30, the retaining device also maintains a constant thickness of the retaining device at a distance of at least 10 cm. Optionally, the device for maintaining a constant thickness is arranged such that tension is applied to the retaining device at least during the step of forming the at least one joint 30, optionally before and / or after the step of forming the at least one joint 30.

[0160] According to one example, the means for adjusting and maintaining the retaining device includes at least one roller upstream of the step of forming the at least one seam 30, and optionally includes at least one roller downstream of the step of forming the at least one seam 30.

[0161] The illustrated embodiment shows an apparatus for forming a series of seams. However, it should be understood that it can be generalized to an apparatus having multiple material deposition devices 60 to form a desired number (specifically, depending on the total width of the strip) of seams 30.

[0162] In cases where belt 10 includes metal elements (e.g., metal rod 50 or, for example, additional metal seams), the metal elements may be associated with the belt, for example, before the material for forming seam 30 is deposited.

[0163] Figure 10A and Figure 10B Two variations of another embodiment are shown, wherein a profile 40 is generated to form an element referred to as a pellet or "sheet" according to commonly used names in the art.

[0164] Here, profile 40 is defined by two seams 30a and 30b, whose ends are paired and associated to form a closed profile as defined above. Each of these two figures shows a pair of adjacent ends and a pair of non-adjacent ends.

[0165] As shown in the figure, it can be seen that the joints 30a and 30b create a discontinuity in the material 35 at their ends, even when the ends are adjacent. The resulting profile is referred to as discontinuity. When the ends are adjacent, the ends of the joints can be joined so that they contact each other (e.g., ...). Figure 10A (Illustrated schematically) so that they overlap vertically (ZZ) or are tangent at a given distance (e.g.) Figure 10B(Illustrated schematically). In the case of end overlap, the ends typically overlap by at least 1 mm. Subsequently, the projection of the plane defined by the upper surface 12 of the band 10 at one end typically overlaps with the projection of the plane defined by the upper surface 12 of the band 10 at the other end.

[0166] Such a profile 40 can be produced, for example, by holding the belt 10 in place and moving the material deposition apparatus 60 along the longitudinal XX and longitudinal YY directions, or, where the geometry of the resulting profile 40 allows, by referring to... Figure 5 The manner described is as follows. Therefore, each of the seams 30a and 30b of a pair of seams 30 under consideration generally has the following profile: at all points, along the direction of travel of the belt 10 (i.e., longitudinally, if referring to...) Figure 9 The example shown has a non-zero component. Figure 10A , 10B In 11A and 11B, one or more seams are arranged on the retaining element, but in alternative embodiments, the seam (or these seams) may be arranged between two retaining elements.

[0167] Figure 11A and Figure 11B It has been shown that references have been made. Figure 11A and Figure 11B Variations of the described embodiments. In these embodiments, the profile 40 is defined by a single seam 30 of material, the two ends of which are joined. It should be understood that the ends may also be unjoined, as specifically referred to Figure 10A and Figure 10B As shown.

[0168] If you have already referred Figure 10A and Figure 10B As described, a discontinuity in material 35 is observed at the joint between the two ends of the seam 30. The ends of the seam can be joined together to contact each other. Figure 11A ), so that they overlap vertically (ZZ), or so that they are tangent at a given distance ( Figure 11B ).

[0169] In order to produce such a profile 40 defined by a single seam 30 of the material, material deposition is typically performed via a material deposition apparatus 60, which is movable along two axes, such as longitudinal XX and transverse YY, while holding the belt 10 in place, but it is also movable to produce different patterns, for example, continuously on the same belt 10.

[0170] The different shapes of pellets produced as a result are typically symmetrical about a central axis.

[0171] In the various embodiments shown, the creation of the seam 30 allows for the formation of sealing elements for injecting a material such as foam around the contour 40, thereby retaining the retaining elements 20 within the contour 40 so that they remain functional.

[0172] The fineness of the seam 30 allows for a reduction in the width of the manufactured parts, which in turn allows for improved perceived quality in assembled products such as seats or vehicle trim pieces.

[0173] In various embodiments, the joint 30 typically has a circular or semi-circular, triangular, rectangular, hook-shaped, lip-shaped (e.g., single or multiple lips), column-shaped cross-section, or more generally any shape suitable for manufacturing a sealing element.

[0174] According to one example, various seams 30 undergo a rolling step after they are deposited on the upper surface 12 of the strip 10, specifically in order to normalize their height.

[0175] In various embodiments, the retaining element is, for example, a hook having a rod and a head. The head typically has a maximum projected size along the plane defined by the upper surface 12 of the band 10, which includes a maximum projected size between 0.1 and 2 mm, or between 0.2 and 0.9 mm. The rod typically has a maximum projected size along the plane defined by the upper surface 12 of the band 10, which includes a maximum projected size between 0.1 and 0.8 mm, or between 0.1 and 0.6 mm.

[0176] The resulting different shapes and geometries of the contour 40 are shown by way of example only and are not limiting. In fact, it should be understood that the deposition of the material used to create the seam 30 allows for the creation of various shapes and patterns on the upper surface 12 of the belt 10, particularly contours with symmetrical, asymmetrical or arbitrary shapes, repeating or not repeating, joining or separating to adapt to different seat shapes, especially so-called “surface type” seats, that is, seats without visible seams.

[0177] The belt 10 includes a base formed by injection and / or extrusion, which is integrally formed with the retaining element. In one variant embodiment, the base is a woven fabric comprising ground yarns and warp yarns interwoven with each other. In another variant embodiment, the base is a woven fabric comprising ground yarns and warp yarns interwoven with each other, and the retaining element is formed of yarns at least partially arranged in the base. More specifically, the yarns forming the retaining element are monofilament yarns. The yarns forming the retaining element are arranged in the base in a “V” and / or “W” shape.

[0178] The base and retaining element may be as described in one of the following patent applications: US2005268439A1, EP0604869A1, WO18007338A1, WO17187096A1 and WO11100999A1.

[0179] Therefore, the proposed structure allows for the formation of a barrier that protects the retaining element during material injection onto the strip 10. The proposed structure offers significant flexibility in the geometry of the profile 40 and is more advantageous in production than methods designed to deposit partial masks onto the strip 10.

[0180] Therefore, the proposed structure allows for the use of less material in manufacturing products than prior art products, which use solid and continuous caps to create a tight barrier during foam injection. As shown in this specification, the applicant was indeed able to observe, surprisingly, that it is not necessary to have edges that form a perfect seal to prevent foam from penetrating into the inner surface of the contour under consideration, thereby preventing the retaining elements present in that inner surface from being covered by foam.

[0181] Furthermore, the production of material seams with two ends, joined or separated, significantly simplifies product manufacturing while retaining retaining elements. In particular, this invention allows for the elimination of the cutting steps required in known methods, which significantly simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces or even eliminates waste.

[0182] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent that modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined in the claims. In particular, individual features of different illustrated / mentioned embodiments may be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

[0183] It is also clear that all features described with reference to a method can be applied individually or in combination to an apparatus, and conversely, all features described with reference to an apparatus can be applied individually or in combination to a method.

Claims

1. A retaining device comprising a band (10) having an upper surface (12) extending along a longitudinal direction (X-X), said upper surface (12) being provided with retaining elements (20), characterized in that, The upper surface (12) of the belt (10) includes at least one material seam (30), the at least one material seam (30) defining a profile (40) having an inner surface including a retaining element (20), each of the at least one seam (30) having two ends associated in pairs, the distance between the ends of each pair being less than or equal to 1 mm, the at least one material seam (30) being formed by depositing material on the upper surface (12) of the belt (10).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The upper surface (12) of the band (10) includes at least two material seams (30) defining a contour (40), each of the at least two seams (30) having two ends associated in pairs, the distance between the ends of each pair being less than or equal to 1 mm.

3. The device according to claim 2, comprising a metal element (50) extending longitudinally between two seams (30).

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The retaining elements (20) are configured as a plurality of columns extending along the longitudinal direction (XX), and each of the seams (30) extends along a path having a non-zero component along the longitudinal direction (XX) at all points.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The seam (30) overlaps at at least one point along the vertical direction (ZZ) perpendicular to the upper surface (12) of the band (10).

6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The joint (30) is tangent at at least one point.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the at least one seam (30) has a width between 0.5 mm and 10 mm.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the retaining elements (20) has a maximum dimension "La" measured laterally (YY) along the upper surface (12) of the belt (10) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (XX) and parallel to the longitudinal direction (10), and wherein each of the at least one seam (30) has a dimension including 0.

2. La and 10 The width between La.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The retaining element (20) has a height Ha measured in a vertical direction (ZZ) perpendicular to the upper surface (12) of the band (10), and each of the at least one seam (30) has a thickness greater than Ha measured in the vertical direction (ZZ).

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the seams (30) is made of an elastic material.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the retaining elements (20) has a maximum dimension "La" measured laterally (YY) along the upper surface (12) of the belt (10) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (XX) and parallel to the longitudinal direction (10), and wherein each of the at least one seam (30) has a dimension including 0.2 La and 10 The width between La.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the retaining elements (20) arranged in the contour has a maximum dimension "La" measured laterally (YY) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (XX) and parallel to the upper surface (12) of the band (10), and wherein each of the at least one seam (30) has a dimension including 0.2 La and 10 The width between La.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The retaining element (20) is arranged in the profile and has a height Ha measured in a vertical direction (ZZ) perpendicular to the upper surface (12) of the strip (10), and wherein each of the at least one seam (30) has a thickness greater than Ha measured in the vertical direction (ZZ).

14. A method for manufacturing a retaining device, wherein: - Provide a strip (10) having an upper surface (12) extending along the longitudinal direction (XX), the upper surface (12) being provided with a retaining element (20). - At least one material seam (30) is formed on the upper surface (12) of the strip (10) by depositing material to define the profile (40), each of the at least one seam (30) having two ends that are associated in pairs and the distance between the ends of each pair of ends is less than or equal to 1 mm.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, At least two material seams (30) are formed by depositing material on the upper surface (12) of the strip (10), each of the at least two seams (30) having two ends that are associated in pairs and the distance between the ends of each pair of ends is less than or equal to 1 mm.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, Material deposition is performed via an injection nozzle to deposit material onto the upper surface (12) of the band (10), which moves longitudinally (XX).

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The material seam (30) overlaps at at least one point along the vertical direction (ZZ) perpendicular to the upper surface (12) of the strip (10).

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein, After the material seam (30) is produced, the strip (10) is cut around each contour (40) defined by the material seam (30).

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