A folding mat
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522409275.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-13
AI Technical Summary
在长期使用过程中,这些间隙处容易形成应力集中点,最终导致部件脱落或垫主体开裂
1.本申请通过双向折叠引导结构与包裹结构的协同作用,实现叠层精准定位与边缘约束,本申请的包裹结构直接集成于垫主体,形成一体化束缚,避免部件脱落风险。此外,交错折叠结构设计减少叠层错位,提高折叠效率。
Smart Images

Figure CN224714807U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of folding technology of plate and pad structures, and specifically relates to a folding pad. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, during daily car use, the windshield is susceptible to various environmental factors, causing numerous problems for car owners. For example, in hot summer weather, prolonged direct sunlight on the windshield can cause a rapid increase in interior temperature, affecting not only driving comfort but also potentially accelerating the aging of the interior materials. In cold winter conditions, frost easily condenses on the windshield, requiring drivers to spend time de-icing, impacting travel efficiency. Furthermore, fallen leaves, dust, and other debris easily adhere to the windshield, increasing the difficulty of cleaning. To address these issues, various automotive windshield protectors have emerged on the market. Among them, folding protectors have gained popularity due to their ease of storage and portability. However, existing folding windshield protectors are made of thin and lightweight materials. While this facilitates folding and storage, it sacrifices their protective effect. Increasing the thickness of the protector would inevitably compromise its folding and storage advantages, creating a significant structural design contradiction. Therefore, there is an urgent need to overcome this contradiction and design a folding protector that is both easy to fold and provides enhanced protection.
[0003] Most mainstream folding mats on the market have several shortcomings in structural design and functional implementation. In terms of folding methods, traditional solutions mainly employ three forms: bi-fold, multi-segment parallel fold, or rolling. While bi-fold mats are simple to operate, the limited number of layers results in a still relatively large volume after storage, especially for large mats, where the storage effect is unsatisfactory. Multi-segment parallel folds, while theoretically increasing the number of layers, often suffer from misalignment and uneven edges due to the lack of a precise folding guidance mechanism, requiring users to repeatedly adjust and significantly reducing usability. Rolling folding mats have technical drawbacks such as wrinkles easily forming on the unfolded surface and the need for manual tension control during rolling; furthermore, the cylindrical structure formed by rolling is not conducive to subsequent stacking and storage.
[0004] In terms of structural stability, existing folding mats face significant challenges in achieving Z-shaped folds. After the initial fold is formed, the lack of effective constraint structures on the edges of the mat makes it prone to "bursting" or edge misalignment due to uneven tension distribution between layers. This not only results in irregular fold shapes, making handling difficult, but also severely affects stacking stability. Although some products attempt to provide folding guidance through printed markings, the lack of actual physical guidance makes it difficult to ensure dimensional consistency with each fold, exacerbating edge dispersion. The resulting folds often appear skewed and can even loosen under slight external force.
[0005] Reliability of the fastening mechanism is another significant technical challenge. Existing solutions primarily rely on single straps or Velcro for fixation, but these methods cannot effectively address the issue of the discrete edges on both sides after a Z-fold. Straps typically only bind in one direction and cannot simultaneously restrain the discrete edges on opposite sides after a Z-fold, limiting the range of fixation. During transport, the discrete edges are prone to coming apart under vibration or external force. While Velcro is convenient, it suffers from technical drawbacks such as decreasing adhesion over time and susceptibility to dust and hair. Furthermore, most fastening components are connected to the pad body via post-stitching or bonding. After repeated folding and stress, the connections are prone to problems such as stitching breakage and adhesive layer detachment, leading to failure of the fastening function.
[0006] From a manufacturing process perspective, existing folding mats generally employ a multi-component assembly model. The folding guide structure and fixing components are mostly manufactured independently and then combined with the mat body through sewing, riveting, or gluing. This production method not only increases manufacturing steps and costs but also inevitably creates assembly gaps. During long-term use, these gaps easily become stress concentration points, eventually leading to component detachment or mat body cracking. Although some products attempt to use a one-piece molding process, this often only applies to the mat body itself, failing to truly integrate key components such as the folding section and edge restraint structure with the mat body. These still require post-processing and assembly, making it difficult to guarantee overall structural strength and withstand the impact of edge dispersion after Z-folding over a long period. Utility Model Content
[0007] This invention provides a folding pad to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[0008] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows: A folding mat includes a mat body having a front and a back side. The mat body is characterized in that it has a first folding portion and a second folding portion extending laterally. The first folding portion and the second folding portion are respectively located on the front and back sides of the mat body and are arranged at equal intervals along the vertical direction of the mat body. The first folding portion and the second folding portion are used to guide the mat body to fold in a Z-shape to form a preliminary folded body. It also includes several vertically extending folding structures and wrapping structures. Several of the folding structures are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the wrapping structure. Several of the folding structures on the same side are equally spaced, and two adjacent groups of folding structures are staggered on the front and back sides of the pad body. The folding structures on both sides of the wrapping structure are used to guide the initial folded body to fold in a Z-shape towards the wrapping structure. The wrapping structure is used to wrap and bind the inner edge of the initial folded body after the Z-shape fold to form the final folded body.
[0009] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the first folding portion and the second folding portion divide the pad body into three identical folding portions, and the folding structure divides each of the folding portions into several identical folding units.
[0010] Furthermore, this application also proposes that a strap and a fixing buckle are respectively provided on the upper and lower end faces of the final folded body. A snap fastener that cooperates with the fixing buckle is fixed at the outer end of the strap. In the final folded body state, the strap wraps around the fixing buckle from the side away from the wrapping structure to wrap and bind the outer edge of the initial folded body after the Z-shaped fold. The snap fastener cooperates with the fixing buckle to fix the strap.
[0011] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the folding structure includes an inner fold, a middle fold, and an outer fold arranged sequentially along the vertical direction of the pad body. The inner fold, middle fold, and outer fold of adjacent folding structures are arranged in opposite order. The inner fold and middle fold of the same folding structure are located on the same side of the pad body, and the outer fold is located on the other side of the pad body. The outer fold, in the state of the initial folded body, is folded in a Z-shape towards the side closer to the wrapping structure along the guiding direction of each inner fold.
[0012] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the wrapping structure includes a first flat wrapping portion and a second flat wrapping portion formed by thermoforming. Both the first flat wrapping portion and the second flat wrapping portion are groove-shaped structures. The first flat wrapping portion extends from one side of the pad body through the first fold portion and to the second fold portion. The second flat wrapping portion extends from the other side of the pad body to the second fold portion, so that the ends of the first flat wrapping portion and the second flat wrapping portion are aligned to form a continuous wrapping surface.
[0013] Furthermore, this application also proposes that, assuming the thickness of the pad body is x and the number of layers on one side of the wrapping structure is y, the width of the first flat wrapping part and the second flat wrapping part should not be less than (2*3y-2)x.
[0014] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the inner folding portion includes two consecutively arranged first folding seams, the first folding seams being folding groove structures with a right-angled triangular cross-section. When the folding units located on both sides of the first folding seams are folded inward at 90° along the first folding seams, the side of the area between the two first folding seams forms a support structure that abuts and cooperates with the side of the folding groove structure.
[0015] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the intermediate fold is located on the fold in the middle, and the intermediate fold is a rectangular groove structure formed by hot pressing.
[0016] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the outer folding portion includes two parallel second folding seams, and a support structure is formed between the two second folding seams. The support structure is located on the outside in the final folded state to support the outside of the final folded body, and the distance between the two second folding seams is not less than 4x.
[0017] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the pad body, the first fold, the second fold, the folding structure, and the wrapping structure are integrally formed by hot pressing.
[0018] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are as follows: 1. This application achieves precise positioning and edge constraint of the stacked layers through the synergistic effect of the bidirectional folding guide structure and the wrapping structure. The wrapping structure of this application is directly integrated into the pad body, forming an integrated constraint and avoiding the risk of component detachment. In addition, the staggered folding structure design reduces stacking misalignment and improves folding efficiency.
[0019] This application effectively solves the problem of edge dispersion after Z-folding, forming a stable and compact folded body. The wrapping structure physically wraps the inner edges, preventing the layers from loosening during handling. The bidirectional folding guide structure ensures consistent folded dimensions, reducing manual adjustment operations. The overall structure is integrally molded using a hot-pressing process, improving durability and reducing production complexity.
[0020] 2. This application divides the folding parts into equal parts (first folding section and second folding section) and further divides them into folding units, thereby creating a standardized path for the folding process and eliminating edge dispersion problems caused by differences in the length of the folding segments. The folding unit design of this application improves the folding accuracy to the unit level and significantly reduces the probability of stacking misalignment.
[0021] This application solves the problems of layer misalignment and uneven edges caused by uneven folding segment lengths during Z-folding. Through the synergistic effect of equally divided folding sections and folding units, each layer of the folded body is aligned in both the horizontal and vertical directions, forming a compact and regular folding shape, thereby improving storage efficiency and stability of the folded body.
[0022] 3. This solution utilizes symmetrically arranged straps and fasteners on the upper and lower ends to form a double-ring constraint structure. This expands the straps' coverage of the discrete edges to the entire circumference of the folded body, significantly improving fixation reliability. Furthermore, the rigid connection of the snaps and fasteners offers higher tensile strength compared to Velcro. For example, under impact, the fastening structure prevents fixation failure due to decreased adhesion. This application effectively constrains the discreteness of the outer edge of the initially folded body after Z-shaped folding. Through a combination of circumferential wrapping and multi-point fastening, the stacked edges remain tightly fitted after folding, preventing shape damage due to edge loosening during handling. Simultaneously, the rigid fastening structure enhances the durability of the fastening components, allowing them to withstand repeated folding and unfastening operations without easily falling off.
[0023] 4. A three-dimensional folding guide system is formed by alternating forward and reverse folding structures. The inner, middle and outer folding parts work together to control the folding angle and path, so that the layers form a self-locking structure during the staggered folding process. This eliminates the cumulative error caused by unidirectional folding in the existing technology and effectively solves the technical problems of layer misalignment and edge dispersion during Z-shaped folding. Through the cooperation of the alternating folding guide structure and multi-level support components, the folding units are ensured to be accurately stacked according to the preset path to form a final folded body with a regular shape and aligned edges, avoiding the loosening of the layers during transportation.
[0024] 5. The integrated hot-pressed double-wrap structure creates a 360-degree wrap around the internal layers during folding, eliminating gaps at the edges. Existing split-type wrapping components require additional assembly and are prone to stress concentration. This solution's integrated grooved structure evenly distributes stress during folding, preventing localized cracking and effectively solving the problem of edge dispersion after Z-shaped folding. The continuous wrapping surface provides comprehensive edge constraint, improving the morphological stability of the folded body. The combination of the grooved structure and hot-pressing process simplifies the production process, eliminating later assembly steps, while enhancing the connection between the wrapping structure and the pad body, ensuring it doesn't detach during long-term use. The extended layout of the double wrapping section allows for precise positioning of the folded layer edges, reducing the risk of loosening due to edge misalignment during handling.
[0025] 6. By establishing a mathematical relationship between the wrapping width and the number of layers, the wrapping structure can adapt to folds with different numbers of layers. Simultaneously, the continuous groove structure of the guide slot physically constrains the folding path, overcoming the technical defect of discrete edges after folding in existing technologies. This achieves effective wrapping of the inner edge of the initial fold after Z-shaped folding. The width of the wrapping structure dynamically adjusts according to the number of layers, ensuring that discrete edges are completely covered regardless of the number of folds. The continuous groove structure of the guide slot provides precise path guidance for secondary folding, avoiding layer misalignment during folding. The final fold has neat edges and a stable structure, facilitating handling and stacking. Attached Figure Description
[0026] Figure 1 This is a front view of a specific embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a rear view of a specific embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 This is one of the three-dimensional structural schematic diagrams of a specific embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 4 This is a frontal perspective view of a specific embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the folding process of the preliminary folding body in a specific embodiment of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the folding process of the final folded body in a specific embodiment of this utility model; Figure 7 This utility model Figure 6 Enlarged view of section A in the middle.
[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are provided to further illustrate the present invention and constitute a part of the present invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention.
[0028] In the attached diagram: 1. Main body of the pad; 11. Folding unit; 2. First folding part; 3. Second folding part; 4. Folding structure; 41. Inner folding part; 411. First fold seam; 42. Middle folding part; 43. Outer folding part; 431. Second fold seam; 432. Support structure; 5. First flat wrapping part; 51. Second flat wrapping part; 6. Strap; 61. Snap fastener; 62. Fixing buckle. Detailed Implementation
[0029] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this utility model, a detailed description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0030] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0031] Furthermore, it should be understood in the description of this utility model that the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0032] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0033] In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the first feature "on" or "below" the second feature may be in direct contact with the first and second features, or indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "implementation," "example," "aspect," or "specific example" indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0034] Reference Figures 1-7 A folding mat includes a mat body 1, which has a front and a back side. The mat body 1 is provided with a first folding part 2 and a second folding part 3 extending laterally. The first folding part 2 and the second folding part 3 are located on the front and back sides of the mat body 1, respectively, and are arranged at equal intervals along the vertical direction of the mat body 1. The first folding part 2 and the second folding part 3 are used to guide the mat body 1 to fold in a Z-shape to form a preliminary folded body. It also includes several vertically extending folding structures 4 and a wrapping structure. Several folding structures 4 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the wrapping structure. Several folding structures 4 on the same side are equally spaced, and two adjacent sets of folding structures 4 are staggered on the front and back sides of the pad body 1. The folding structures 4 on both sides of the wrapping structure are used to guide the initial folded body to fold in a Z-shape towards the wrapping structure. The wrapping structure is used to wrap and bind the inner edge of the initial folded body after the Z-shape fold to form the final folded body.
[0035] The first fold 2 and the second fold 3, extending laterally, are folding guide structures extending along the width of the pad body 1. Specifically, they can be implemented using a hot-pressed groove structure, and their function is to guide the initial Z-shaped folding of the pad body 1. The vertically extending folding structure 4 is a folding guide unit extending vertically along the pad body 1. Specifically, it can be implemented using a hot-pressed groove structure staggered on both sides, and its function is to guide the initially folded body to undergo a secondary Z-shaped fold, causing the layers to converge towards the wrapping structure. The wrapping structure is a constraint component located in the central region of the folded body. Specifically, it can be implemented using a hot-pressed flat groove structure, and its function is to wrap the inner edges of the layers after the secondary folding, preventing them from disintegrating.
[0036] Specifically, the pad body 1 is folded alternately by the first fold 2 and the second fold 3 to form a preliminary Z-shaped structure, at which point the layers are evenly spaced vertically. Subsequently, the vertical folding structures 4 located on both sides of the wrapping structure guide the preliminary folded body through a second Z-shaped fold. Because adjacent folding structures 4 are staggered on opposite sides, the layers naturally converge towards the wrapping structure during the folding process. After the second fold, the wrapping structure wraps the inner edges of the layers, forming a compact final folded body. During this process, the staggered folding structures 4 ensure controllable movement trajectories of the layers, and the wrapping structure eliminates edge loosening through physical constraints.
[0037] Compared to existing technologies, traditional solutions rely solely on unidirectional folding guidance, failing to address the edge dispersion issue after Z-shaped folding. This application, however, achieves precise layer positioning and edge constraint through the synergistic effect of a bidirectional folding guidance structure and a wrapping structure. In existing technologies, fixing components are mostly external straps 6, while the wrapping structure of this application is directly integrated into the pad body 1, forming a unified constraint and avoiding the risk of component detachment. Furthermore, the staggered folding structure 4 design reduces layer misalignment and improves folding efficiency.
[0038] Through the above technical solution, this application effectively solves the problem of edge dispersion after Z-shaped folding, forming a stable and compact folded body. The wrapping structure physically wraps the inner edges to prevent the layers from loosening during handling. The bidirectional folding guide structure ensures consistent folded dimensions and reduces manual adjustment operations. The overall structure is integrally formed through a hot-pressing process, improving durability and reducing production complexity.
[0039] The folding panel structure proposed in this application is mainly used in various application scenarios, including but not limited to automotive windshield shading and protection, outdoor mats, and children's crawling mats. When applied to automotive windshield shading and protection, the panel body 1 needs to be adapted to the automotive windshield to ensure its compatibility and fit. For example, an insertion seam is provided in the middle of the upper side of the panel body 1 to avoid the mounting bracket of the rearview mirror in the passenger compartment. A V-shaped reserved opening corresponding to the insertion seam is provided in the middle of the panel body 1. In addition, rearview mirror protectors and side window glass protectors can be added symmetrically on both sides of the panel body 1 to achieve all-round protection for the automotive windshield, rearview mirror, and side window glass.
[0040] As a specific example of the above implementation method, refer to Figures 1-5 The first folding part 2 and the second folding part 3 divide the pad body 1 into three identical folding parts, and the folding structure 4 divides each folding part into several identical folding units 11.
[0041] The first fold 2 and the second fold 3 are folding guide structures extending laterally along the pad body 1. Specifically, they can be achieved using continuous creases or grooves formed by hot pressing. Their function is to divide the pad body 1 into three regions of equal size laterally, ensuring a uniform starting position for the folded sections during Z-folding. Each folded section is an independent folding area formed by the first fold 2 and the second fold 3. The length of each folded section can be one-third of the total length of the pad body 1, ensuring consistent layer thickness after folding through equal division. The folding unit 11 is a sub-unit formed by further dividing the folded sections by the folding structure 4. Specifically, it can be achieved using vertical fold lines or folding grooves. Its function is to subdivide each folded section into multiple equal-width units, ensuring uniform stress on each layer during folding and preventing layer misalignment.
[0042] Specifically, during the folding process, the first folding section 2 and the second folding section 3 guide the main body 1 to be folded twice along the horizontal direction, forming three stacked folding sections. Each folding section is vertically divided into multiple folding units 11 under the guidance of the folding structure 4. Since both the folding sections and folding units 11 are equally divided structures, the bending angle of each folding unit 11 is consistent with that of the adjacent unit during folding, so that the stacked edges are automatically aligned after the Z-shaped folding, forming a neat preliminary folded body without manual adjustment.
[0043] Compared to existing technologies, traditional folding pads lack equal division of folding sections, leading to inconsistent lengths during folding and resulting in layer misalignment. This application, however, achieves a standardized folding path by equally dividing the first folding section 2 and the second folding section 3, combined with secondary division of the folding sections by the folding unit 11, thus eliminating edge dispersion problems caused by differences in folding section lengths. In existing technologies, the folding structure 4 is mostly arranged in a single direction, failing to achieve multi-level subdivision folding. The folding unit 11 design in this application improves folding accuracy to the unit level, significantly reducing the probability of layer misalignment.
[0044] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problem of layer misalignment and uneven edges caused by uneven length of folding segments during Z-folding. Through the synergistic effect of equally divided folding sections and folding unit 11, each layer of the folded body is aligned in both the horizontal and vertical directions, forming a compact and regular folding shape, thereby improving storage efficiency and stability of the folded body.
[0045] As a preferred embodiment of this application, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figures 4-6 The upper and lower ends of the final folded body are respectively provided with a strap 6 and a buckle 62. The outer end of the strap 6 is fixed with a snap 61 that cooperates with the buckle 62. In the final folded body state, the strap 6 wraps around the buckle 62 from the side away from the wrapping structure to wrap and bind the outer edge of the initial folded body after the Z-shaped fold. The snap 61 cooperates with the buckle 62 to fix the strap 6.
[0046] The strap 6 is a flexible strip-shaped component, which can be made of nylon webbing or elastic band. Its length can be set to cover the perimeter of the outer edge of the folded body, for example, it can be 1.2-1.5 times the height of the folded body. It is used to apply circumferential restraint force to the discrete outer edge after folding. The fixing buckle 62 is a connecting component fixed to the end face of the folded body. It can be made of plastic buckle or metal buckle seat. For example, it is combined with the pad body 1 by heat pressing or riveting. It is used to provide a fixing support point for the strap 6. The snap buckle 61 is a fastening component that matches the fixing buckle 62. It can be made of male and female snap buckle 61 structure. For example, it can be made of metal snap buckle 61 or plastic buckle. It is fixed to the end of the strap 6 by sewing or heat fusion. It is used to realize the detachable connection between the strap 6 and the fixing buckle 62.
[0047] Specifically, after the initial folded body completes the Z-fold, its outer edge is prone to separation due to lamination tension. At this time, the straps 6 located on the upper and lower end faces start from the side away from the wrapping structure, and wrap around the outer edge of the folded body to the fixing buckle 62. By fastening the snap 61 with the fixing buckle 62, the straps 6 form a closed loop structure. The wrapping path of the straps 6 covers the entire lamination of the outer edge of the folded body, for example, it can wrap along the edge in a U-shape or O-shape, thereby applying uniform radial pressure to the separated edge and preventing the lamination from loosening due to vibration during handling or stacking.
[0048] Compared to existing technologies, traditional solutions using a single strap 6 can only bind the folded body in one direction, failing to cover the discrete areas on both sides of the Z-shaped folded edge. This solution, however, uses straps 6 and fasteners 62 symmetrically positioned at the top and bottom ends to form a double-circumferential constraint structure. For example, at least two circumferential fixing points can be applied at the top and bottom ends of the folded body, expanding the straps 6's coverage of the discrete edges to the entire circumference of the folded body, significantly improving fixation reliability. Furthermore, the rigid connection between the snaps 61 and fasteners 62 offers higher tensile strength than Velcro; for instance, under external impact, the fastening structure prevents fixation failure due to decreased adhesion.
[0049] Through the above technical solution, this application can effectively constrain the dispersion problem of the outer edge of the initial folded body after Z-shaped folding. By combining circumferential wrapping and multi-point fastening, the stacked edges remain tightly fitted after folding, avoiding shape damage caused by loose edges during transportation. At the same time, the rigid fastening structure improves the durability of the fixing components, which can withstand repeated folding and unfastening operations without easily falling off.
[0050] As a preferred embodiment of the folding structure 4 in this application, refer to Figures 1-7 The folding structure 4 includes an inner folding part 41, a middle folding part 42, and an outer folding part 43 arranged vertically along the pad body 1. The inner folding part 41, the middle folding part 42, and the outer folding part 43 of adjacent folding structures 4 are arranged in opposite order. The inner folding part 41 and the middle folding part 42 that make up the same folding structure 4 are located on the same side of the pad body 1, and the outer folding part 43 is located on the other side of the pad body 1. The outer folding part 43 is located in the initial folded state and is folded in a Z-shape towards the side closer to the wrapping structure along the guiding direction of each inner folding part 41.
[0051] The inner folding part 41 is a folding guide component located at the starting position of the folding structure 4. It can be implemented using a continuous crease structure formed by hot pressing, controlling the folding angle and direction by forming physical folding guide lines, thus solving the folding misalignment problem in existing technologies. The middle folding part 42 is a support component located in the middle section of the folding structure 4, specifically implemented using a rectangular groove hot pressing structure. It maintains the planar shape of the folding unit 11 through rigid support, preventing layering distortion during folding. The outer folding part 43 is a guide component located at the end of the folding structure 4, specifically implemented using a double parallel crease structure. It ensures that adjacent folding units 11 are orderly stacked towards the wrapping structure by limiting the folding path, avoiding edge dispersion. The adjacent folding structures 4 are arranged in opposite order, with the same vertically arranged folding structures 4 alternately set on the front and back sides. This can be achieved through a mirror symmetry layout, eliminating cumulative layering errors through staggered folding.
[0052] Specifically, after the initial folded body is formed, the folding structure 4 on the same side guides the folding unit 11 to make its first 90-degree bend towards the wrapping structure through the inner folding part 41. The middle folding part 42 maintains the planar stability after bending, and the outer folding part 43 further guides the secondary bending action. Since the adjacent folding structures 4 are arranged in opposite order, the folding units 11 on the front and back sides alternately overlap towards the wrapping structure, forming an interlocking layered structure. In this process, the continuous creases of the inner folding part 41 ensure that the folding angle is precisely controllable, the rigid support of the middle folding part 42 prevents the layer from collapsing, and the double crease structure of the outer folding part 43 limits the deviation of the folding path.
[0053] Compared with existing technologies, current folding guide structures mostly use single-sided printed markings or unsupported creases, which cannot achieve precise positioning for alternating folds, resulting in layer misalignment and edge dispersion. This solution forms a three-dimensional folding guide system through alternating forward and reverse folding structures 4. The inner, middle, and outer folding parts work together to control the folding angle and path, enabling the layers to form a self-locking structure during the staggered folding process. This eliminates the cumulative error caused by unidirectional folding in existing technologies, effectively solving the technical problems of layer misalignment and edge dispersion during Z-shaped folding. Through the cooperation of the alternating folding guide structure and multi-level support components, it ensures that the folding unit 11 is precisely stacked along the preset path, forming a final folded body with a regular shape and aligned edges, avoiding loosening of the layers during transportation.
[0054] As a preferred embodiment of the package structure, refer to Figures 1-6The wrapping structure includes a first flat wrapping part 5 and a second flat wrapping part 51 formed by hot pressing. Both the first flat wrapping part 5 and the second flat wrapping part 51 are groove-shaped structures. The first flat wrapping part 5 extends from one side of the pad body 1 through the first folded part 2 and extends to the second folded part 3. The second flat wrapping part 51 extends from the other side of the pad body 1 to the second folded part 3, so that the ends of the first flat wrapping part 5 and the second flat wrapping part 51 are aligned to form a continuous wrapping surface.
[0055] The hot-press forming process involves plastically deforming the material under heat and pressure to form a predetermined structure. Specifically, a hot-press mold can be used to press a grooved structure onto the surface of the pad body 1. This process ensures a seamless connection between the wrapping part and the pad body 1. The grooved structure is a guide channel with a U-shaped or semi-circular concave cross-section. Its concavity depth can be set to 0.5-0.8 times the material thickness, used to accommodate the stacked edges and restrict displacement during folding. The through extension means that the first flat wrapping part 5 extends continuously from one side of the pad body 1 across the transverse fold to another fold. This can be achieved by adjusting the layout of the hot-press mold to ensure that the wrapping part forms a continuous constraint surface after folding. The end alignment means that the ends of the two wrapping parts are on the same plane after folding. This can be achieved by controlling the ratio of the extension length to the folding distance, for example, by setting the extension length to an integer multiple of the folding distance.
[0056] Specifically, after the pad body 1 completes the initial Z-shaped fold, the first flat wrapping part 5 and the second flat wrapping part 51 cover the inner edge of the stack through the continuous guide surface of the groove structure. The design of the first flat wrapping part 5, which runs through the transverse fold, ensures that it maintains structural integrity during folding deformation, while the layout of the second flat wrapping part 51 extending to the second fold 3 ensures that the ends of the two wrapping parts form a seamless connection after folding. When the stack is folded a second time towards the wrapping structure, the sidewall of the groove structure generates a wrapping force on the edge of the stack, restricting its transverse displacement. At the same time, the rigid structure formed by the hot pressing process can resist the tension dispersion during the folding process.
[0057] Compared to existing technologies, traditional wrapping structures are often split components or only cover one edge, failing to form a continuous constraint surface. This solution utilizes a thermo-pressed, integrated double-wrap structure to create a 360-degree wrap around the internal layers during folding, eliminating discrete gaps at the layer edges. Existing split wrapping components require additional assembly and are prone to stress concentration, while this solution's integrated grooved structure evenly distributes stress during folding, preventing localized cracking and effectively solving the problem of discrete inner edges after Z-shaped folding. The continuous wrapping surface achieves omnidirectional edge constraint, improving the morphological stability of the folded body. The combination of the grooved structure and thermo-pressing process simplifies the production process, eliminating later assembly steps, while enhancing the connection strength between the wrapping structure and the pad body 1, ensuring it does not detach during long-term folding use. The extended layout of the double wrapping section allows for precise positioning of the folded layer edges, reducing the risk of loosening due to edge misalignment during handling.
[0058] As a preferred embodiment of this application, refer to Figures 1-7 Let the thickness of the pad body 1 be x, and the number of layers on one side of the wrapping structure be y. Then the width of the first flat wrapping part 5 and the second flat wrapping part 51 should not be less than (2*3y-2)x. That is, the first folding part 2 and the second folding part 3 guide the Z-shaped folding to form the initial folded body. The first flat wrapping part 5 and the second flat wrapping part 51 form vertically aligned guide grooves. The two sides of the guide grooves are guided by the folding structure 4 to fold towards the wrapping structure in a Z-shape. The Z-shaped folding structure 4 on both sides of the guide grooves is finally folded 90° towards the guide grooves so that the wrapping structure wraps the inner edge of the initial folded body. At this time, the number of layers wrapped by the wrapping structure is 2*3y-2. Therefore, the width of the first flat wrapping part 5 and the second flat wrapping part 51 should not be less than (2*3y-2)x.
[0059] The number of layers, y, represents the number of folding units 11 on one side of the wrapping structure in its final folded state. This number can be determined by the number of folds guided by the folding structure 4; for example, when the number of folds is two, the number of layers is three. This parameter is used to calculate the required thickness range of the folded body to be covered by the wrapping structure, ensuring that the wrapping surface completely covers the edges of the layers.
[0060] The guide groove is a continuous groove-shaped structure formed by aligning the first flat wrapping part 5 and the second flat wrapping part 51. Specifically, it can be achieved by pressing a recessed area onto the surface of the pad body 1 using a hot pressing process. The guide groove provides a vertically aligned folding baseline during the initial folding body formation stage, enabling the subsequent folding structure 4 to fold along a predetermined path towards the wrapping structure.
[0061] Specifically, after the first folding section 2 and the second folding section 3 guide the pad body 1 to perform an initial Z-shaped fold to form a preliminary folded body, the folding units 11 on both sides of the wrapping structure are guided to perform a second Z-shaped fold along the folding structure 4. Since the width of the wrapping structure is limited to not less than (2*3y-2)x, when the number of layers increases, the wrapping surface can cover the inner edges of all folding units 11. For example, when the number of layers is three, the width of the wrapping structure is designed to be not less than sixteen times the thickness of the pad body, ensuring that after the folding unit 11 is folded 90° towards the guide groove, its edge is completely wrapped in the groove structure, preventing the layers from spreading outward due to uneven tension.
[0062] Compared to existing technologies, the wrapping structure of current folded pads typically employs a fixed width design, failing to consider the dynamic relationship between the number of layers and the pad thickness. This results in the wrapping surface failing to cover discrete edges when the number of layers increases. This application establishes a mathematical relationship between the wrapping width and the number of layers, enabling the wrapping structure to adapt to folds with different numbers of layers. Simultaneously, it utilizes the continuous groove structure of the guide groove to physically constrain the folding path, thus resolving the technical defect of discrete edges after folding in existing technologies.
[0063] Through the above technical solution, this application achieves effective wrapping of the inner edge of the initial folded body after Z-shaped folding. The width of the wrapping structure is dynamically adjusted according to the number of layers to ensure that discrete edges are completely covered under different folding times. The continuous groove structure of the guide groove provides precise path guidance for secondary folding, avoiding layer misalignment during folding. The final folded body has neat edges and a stable structure, which is convenient for handling and stacking.
[0064] As a preferred embodiment of the inner fold portion 41, refer to Figures 1-7 The inner folding part 41 includes two consecutively arranged first folding seams 411. The first folding seam 411 is a folding groove structure with a right-angled triangular cross section. When the folding unit 11 located on both sides of the first folding seam 411 is folded inward at 90° along the first folding seam 411, the side of the area between the two first folding seams 411 forms a support structure 432 that abuts and cooperates with the side of the folding groove structure.
[0065] The first folding seam 411 is a linear groove formed on the surface of the pad body 1 by a hot-pressing process. Its cross-section is an isosceles right triangle. For example, the groove depth can be 4 / 5 to 5 / 6 of the pad body thickness, and the bottom angle of the groove is 45°. This structure limits the folding angle through its geometry. When the folding unit 11 bends along the groove, the right-angled slope guides the folding unit 11 to form a precise 90° inward fold. The support structure 432 is the contact surface formed by the sides of two adjacent folding units 11 and the slope of the folding groove.
[0066] When the folding unit 11 is folded inward along the first fold seam 411, the inclined surface of the right-angled triangular folding groove guides the folding unit 11 to bend at a fixed angle. The two consecutively arranged folding grooves enable adjacent folding units 11 to complete a 90° fold simultaneously. After folding, the side of the unit forms a surface contact with the inclined surface of the folding groove. This contact surface, through the dual action of friction and geometric restraint, prevents the folding unit 11 from shifting or springing back after folding, thereby maintaining the shape stability of the folded body.
[0067] Compared to existing technologies, traditional folding pads only use printed lines or shallow indentations as folding guides, which cannot control the folding angle. After folding, the lack of physical restraint structures between the layers leads to edge misalignment. This solution achieves precise control of the folding angle through a right-angled triangular folding groove. At the same time, the support structure 432 formed by the folding unit 11 and the inclined surface of the groove automatically generates mechanical restraints after folding, maintaining the edge alignment of the folded body without manual adjustment.
[0068] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problem of edge dispersion caused by lack of physical constraints between the stacked layers after Z-shaped folding. The folding unit 11 maintains stable contact under the constraint of the support structure 432, effectively preventing the folded body from becoming loose or misaligned, ensuring that the folded pad has a regular shape, which is convenient for handling and stacking storage.
[0069] As one specific embodiment of the intermediate folding portion 42, refer to Figures 1-4 The middle fold 42 is located on the folding section in the middle, and the middle fold 42 is a rectangular groove structure formed by hot pressing.
[0070] The intermediate fold 42 is a folding guide structure located on the intermediate folding section of the pad body 1. Specifically, it can be achieved by forming a recessed rectangular groove structure on the surface of the pad body 1 using a hot pressing process. The depth and width of this groove structure are determined according to the thickness of the folding section and the folding direction. The rectangular groove structure is a continuous recessed structure with four straight sides and right angles. Specifically, it can be formed by pressing on the surface of the pad body 1 using a hot pressing mold, and its length direction is consistent with the vertical extension direction of the folding section.
[0071] Specifically, after the pad body 1 forms a preliminary folded body through the first fold 2 and the second fold 3, the intermediate fold 42, as a guide structure located in the intermediate fold section, physically constrains the folding direction through the geometric features of its rectangular groove structure. When the preliminary folded body undergoes a secondary Z-shaped fold towards the wrapping structure, the straight edges on both sides of the rectangular groove structure form rigid guide surfaces, forcing the folding section to fold at an equal width along the length of the groove, ensuring that the folding angles of adjacent folding units 11 remain right angles and preventing layer shifting during the folding process. At the same time, the thermo-pressed rectangular groove structure forms an integrated structure with the pad body 1, and the groove edge will not tear due to stress concentration when subjected to repeated bending stress during the folding process.
[0072] Compared to existing technologies, traditional folding pads rely solely on printed markings or folding guide lines without physical structure in the middle area, making it impossible to precisely control the folding angle and layer alignment, which easily leads to misalignment after folding in the middle area. This solution, however, utilizes a thermoformed rectangular groove structure to create a rigid guide surface with a fixed geometry in the middle folding section. This allows for precise layer alignment without manual adjustment during the folding process, while also avoiding the structural strength reduction issues caused by assembling independent folding pieces with the pad body 1.
[0073] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problem of stacking misalignment caused by the lack of physical guiding structure in the middle area during Z-folding. The rectangular groove structure enables precise control of the folding angle, ensuring the alignment of the stacking edges. At the same time, the integrated hot pressing molding process eliminates assembly gaps, improves the durability of the middle folding part 42, and prevents the failure of the guiding structure caused by repeated folding.
[0074] As a preferred embodiment of the outer folding portion 43, refer to Figures 1-4 The outer folding part 43 includes two parallel second folding seams 431, and a support structure 432 is formed between the two second folding seams 431. The support structure 432 is located on the outside in the final folded state to support the outside of the final folded body. The distance between the two second folding seams 431 is not less than 4x.
[0075] The outer fold 43 is achieved using a hot-pressed groove structure, which guides the pad body 1 to bend in a predetermined direction during the folding process. The second fold seam 431 are parallel physical folding guide seams, with a spacing designed to be no less than four times the thickness of the pad body 1, for example, 4x or greater, to ensure that the support structure 432 formed after folding has sufficient contact area. The support structure 432 is a rigid area formed by the region between the two second fold seams 431. In the final folded state, the support structure 432 is on the outside of the final folded body to provide support and protection, resisting external pressure and preventing deformation of the folded body.
[0076] Specifically, the outer fold 43 defines the boundary of the support structure 432 through two parallel second fold seams 431. When the folding unit 11 bends along the second fold seams 431, the support structure 432 remains planar and located outside the folded body. During folding, the distance between the two second fold seams 431 is not less than 4x, for example, it can be 4x, 5x or greater, so that the support structure 432 forms a stable surface contact rather than a line contact when it contacts the adjacent stack. In the final folded state, the support structure 432 covers the edge of the outer stack and offsets the tension difference between the stacks through its own rigidity, preventing the edges of the folded body from spreading out due to uneven force.
[0077] Compared to existing technologies, the outer fold of conventional folded pads typically has only a single fold seam, resulting in a lack of rigid support surface on the outer side after folding, making the edges of the stack susceptible to misalignment due to external pressure. In contrast, this solution utilizes a support structure 432 formed by double fold seams, which directly bears external pressure after folding. Simultaneously, by limiting the minimum spacing, it ensures effective contact between the support surface and the stack, avoiding localized stress concentration caused by insufficient support area.
[0078] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problem of the lack of rigid support on the outer edge of the existing folding pad after Z-shaped folding, which leads to the dispersion of the stacked layers. The support structure 432 forms a stable outer surface after folding, so that when the folded body is subjected to external force during transportation or stacking, the relative displacement between the stacked layers is effectively limited, thereby maintaining the regular shape of the folded body.
[0079] In addition, this application further proposes that the pad body 1, the first fold 2, the second fold 3, the fold structure 4, and the wrapping structure are integrally formed by hot pressing.
[0080] The hot-pressing process involves heating and pressurizing materials to form them within a mold. Specifically, it utilizes thermoplastic materials and a mold with a predetermined groove structure. This process creates a seamless connection between the pad body 1 and each folding guide structure. The pad body 1 serves as the base layer of the folding pad, using closed-cell foam material and hot-pressed to achieve a predetermined thickness and shape. Its surface is then pressed with a mold to form folding guide structures. The first fold 2 and the second fold 3 are laterally extending groove structures, formed by alternating pressing on the front and back of the pad body 1 with a mold, used to guide the Z-shaped folding direction. The folding structure 4 is a vertically extending groove or slit structure, formed by alternating pressing on both sides of the pad body 1 with a mold, used to control the dimensions of the folding unit 11. The wrapping structure is a groove or flat strip structure, formed by continuous pressing on the edge areas of both sides of the pad body 1 with a mold, used to constrain the edge shape after folding.
[0081] Specifically, the hot-pressing process involves placing the pad body 1 material into a mold with a predetermined groove structure. After heating and softening the material, pressure is applied, causing the material to fill the folded portion, folded structure 4, and wrapping structure area of the mold, forming a single, integral pad with a precise folding guide structure. This process eliminates seams or adhesive interfaces between the folded portion and the pad body 1. The groove depth and width of the folded structure 4 are controlled by mold parameters, and the continuous grooves of the wrapping structure are simultaneously formed through the mold's extension area. Thus, the folding guide structure and the pad body 1 achieve physical continuity, avoiding stress concentration problems caused by assembly gaps.
[0082] Compared to existing technologies, traditional folding mats require separate assembly of the folding sections and fixing structures through sewing or gluing, leading to easy cracking at the interface. The thermoforming process, however, integrates all functional structures directly onto the mat body 1, eliminating the need for separate component assembly. In existing technologies, folding guide lines are merely printed markings, lacking a physical guiding structure. In contrast, the grooved folding sections formed by thermoforming can precisely control the folding angle and layer alignment, preventing folding misalignment.
[0083] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problems of insufficient interface strength and low folding accuracy caused by multi-component assembly. The folding guide structure forms a seamless connection with the pad body 1, ensuring uniform stress on each structure during repeated folding and preventing component detachment or pad cracking due to assembly gaps. The hot-pressing integrated molding process simultaneously forms a wrapping structure, so that the folded edges are wrapped by a continuous groove structure, effectively suppressing layer dispersion and improving the morphological stability of the folded body. This process simplifies the production process, reduces sewing or bonding steps, lowers production costs, and improves product consistency.
[0084] For any parts not mentioned in this utility model, existing technologies can be used or referenced.
[0085] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.
[0086] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of this utility model should be included within the scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A folding mat, comprising a mat body having a front and a back side, characterized in that, The pad body is provided with a first folding part and a second folding part extending laterally. The first folding part and the second folding part are located on the front and back of the pad body, respectively, and are arranged at equal intervals along the vertical of the pad body. The first folding part and the second folding part are used to guide the pad body to fold in a Z-shape to form a preliminary folded body. It also includes several vertically extending folding structures and wrapping structures. Several of the folding structures are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the wrapping structure. Several of the folding structures on the same side are equally spaced, and two adjacent groups of folding structures are staggered on the front and back sides of the pad body. The folding structures on both sides of the wrapping structure are used to guide the initial folded body to fold in a Z-shape towards the wrapping structure. The wrapping structure is used to wrap and bind the inner edge of the initial folded body after the Z-shape fold to form the final folded body.
2. A folding mat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fold and the second fold divide the pad body into three identical fold sections, and the folding structure divides each fold section into several identical folding units.
3. A folding mat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The final folded body is provided with a strap and a buckle at its upper and lower ends respectively. The outer end of the strap is fixed with a snap fastener that cooperates with the buckle. In the final folded body state, the strap wraps around the buckle from the side away from the wrapping structure to wrap and bind the outer edge of the initial folded body after the Z-shaped fold. The snap fastener cooperates with the buckle to fix the strap.
4. A folding mat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The folding structure includes an inner fold, a middle fold, and an outer fold arranged vertically along the main body of the pad. The inner fold, middle fold, and outer fold of adjacent folding structures are arranged in opposite order. The inner fold and middle fold of the same folding structure are located on the same side of the main body of the pad, and the outer fold is located on the other side of the main body of the pad. The outer fold is in the state of the initial fold and is folded in a Z-shape towards the side of the wrapping structure along the guiding direction of each inner fold.
5. A folding pad according to claim 2, characterized in that, The wrapping structure includes a first flat wrapping part and a second flat wrapping part formed by hot pressing. Both the first flat wrapping part and the second flat wrapping part are groove-shaped structures. The first flat wrapping part extends from one side of the pad body through the first fold and to the second fold. The second flat wrapping part extends from the other side of the pad body to the second fold, so that the ends of the first flat wrapping part and the second flat wrapping part are aligned to form a continuous wrapping surface.
6. A folding pad according to claim 5, characterized in that, Let the thickness of the pad body be x, and the number of layers on one side of the wrapping structure be y. Then the width of the first flat wrapping part and the second flat wrapping part should not be less than (2*3y-2)x.
7. A folding mat according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner folding part includes two consecutively arranged first folding seams. The first folding seam is a folding groove structure with a right-angled triangular cross section. When the folding units located on both sides of the first folding seam are folded inward at 90° along the first folding seam, the side of the area between the two first folding seams forms a support structure that abuts and cooperates with the side of the folding groove structure.
8. A folding mat according to claim 4, characterized in that, The intermediate fold is located on the fold in the middle, and the intermediate fold is a rectangular groove structure formed by hot pressing.
9. A folding mat according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer folding part includes two parallel second folding seams, and a support structure is formed between the two second folding seams. The support structure is located on the outside in the final folded state to support the outside of the final folded body. The distance between the two second folding seams is not less than 4x.
10. A folding mat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pad body, the first fold, the second fold, the folding structure, and the wrapping structure are integrally formed by hot pressing.