Improved retaining device and associated production method

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) comprising a support (22) that has a lower face (22B) and an upper face (22A), the support (22) forming a strip extending in a longitudinal direction (MD), a base (12) extending in the longitudinal direction (MD) between a first end and a second end, the base (12) having a lower face (12B) facing the upper face (22A) of the support (22), and an upper face (12A), the base (12) having a constant thickness between its lower face (12B) and its upper face (12A), a plurality of retaining elements (16) extending from the upper face (12A) of the base (12), characterized in that the base (12) is secured to the support (22) in a non-uniform manner, and comprises at least one segment that is secured to the support (S), and at least one portion that is not secured to the support (P).

Description

Description Title of the invention: Improved retaining device and associated manufacturing method Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of retaining devices, typically of the self-gripping type. Prior art

[0002] Processes for manufacturing self-gripping retaining elements such as hook retaining elements are usually high-speed continuous processes. Conventional processes thus make it possible to produce tapes or reels comprising a base having one face from which retaining elements extend.

[0003] This ribbon is then cut and attached to a support for use.

[0004] However, the elements thus obtained are rigid elements, which can lead to products that are rough or unpleasant to the touch, or even injure the user.

[0005] The present invention thus aims to respond to these problems, while minimizing the industrial impact. Statement of the invention

[0006] In order to at least partially address these issues, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a retaining device, in which: - a continuous base is formed, the base extending in a longitudinal direction, the base having a lower face and an upper face, the upper face of the base comprising a plurality of retaining elements and / or preforms for forming retaining elements, the base having a constant thickness between its lower face and its upper face, in particular over at least 30% of the surface of the base, or at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% of the surface of the base, - a support is provided having a lower face and an upper face, the support extending in a longitudinal direction, in particular extending continuously, - the support is applied, in particular continuously in the longitudinal direction and / or in a transverse direction, to the base so as to secure the lower face of the base to the upper face of the support in a non-uniform manner in the longitudinal direction and / or in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction so as to define portions of the base secured to the support, and portions of the base not secured to the support, the assembly formed by the support and the base forming a product.

[0007] The application of the support to the base is for example such that the length of the base development and the length of the support development, in the area of ​​application of the support to the base, have a difference of less than 10%, in particular continuous contact in the longitudinal direction and / or in a transverse direction is made between all or part of the lower surface of the base and the support.

[0008] According to an example: - the product is unmolded, comprising a support and a base secured in a non-uniform manner to the support, - all or part of the portions of the base not attached to the support are cut out and separated from the product.

[0009] According to one example, said cutout defines at least one edge of the base not secured to the support, and is made so as to maintain a non-zero distance between said at least one edge of the base not secured to the support and at least one adjacent portion of the base secured to the support.

[0010] According to one example, following the cutting step or simultaneously with the cutting step, the cut portions of the base and separated from the device are collected. retaining, and the material is reused in order to produce the base(s) and / or the retaining elements(s) and / or the preform(s).

[0011] According to one example, following the cutting step or simultaneously with the cutting step, calendering is carried out on all or part of a periphery of segments of the base so as to secure it or confirm its securing to the support and / or for example so as to reduce its thickness.

[0012] The reduced thickness of all or part of a periphery of segments of the base in order to secure it or confirm its attachment to the support may thus not be directly derived from the formation of the base.

[0013] According to one example, the preforms are calendered in such a way as to modify the geometry of all or part of the preforms to obtain retaining elements, in particular prior to the cutting step.

[0014] According to one example, the base is secured to the support in particular by partial penetration of the support into the base, by application of the support to the base downstream of the formation of the base, prior to the securing of the lower face and the base.

[0015] According to one example, the base and the support are made of different materials, in particular materials of different natures.

[0016] In one example, the support comprises fibers and / or filaments and / or yarns on its upper face, for example the support comprises a web of nonwoven material.

[0017] According to one example, the support is calendered by zone prior to its application to the base, the at least one calendered zone of the support, in particular the calendered zones of the support having a thickness less than at least 10%, preferably at least 30%, the at least one uncalendered zone, typically at least one zone extending continuously in the longitudinal direction, in particular to the uncalendered zones and a surface greater than 5 mm 2 , in particular at least 15 mm 2 , determining during the application of the support at least one zone, in particular zones of greater thickness put under pressure on the base which is secured to the base, and at least a calendered area, in particular calendered areas of lower thickness which are not secured to the base.

[0018] According to one example, an upper face of the at least one uncalendered zone of the support, in particular uncalendered zones of the support, extends along an uncalendered plane and an upper face of the at least one calendered zone of the support, in particular calendered zones of the support, extends along a calendered plane distinct from the uncalendered plane, the at least one uncalendered zone of the support or the uncalendered zones of the support being intended to be secured to the base and the at least one calendered zone of the support or the calendered zones of the support being intended not to be secured to the base.

[0019] According to one example, the application of the support to the base is carried out in a non-uniform manner, so that the underside of the support defines: - a first set of zones in which the support is secured to the base, - a second set of zones in which the support is not secured to the base, in which the first set of zones extends along a first plane PI and the second set of zones extends along a second plane P2 distinct from the first plane PI, the first plane PI being closer to the lower face of the base than the second plane P2.

[0020] The first set of zones and the second set of zones may each comprise one or more zones.

[0021] According to one example, the application of the support to the base is carried out by means of a roller having solid portions adapted to apply a force tending to secure the support to the base, and hollowed-out areas, configured so as not to apply a force tending to secure the support to the base.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a device comprising: - a support, having a lower face and an upper face, the support forming a strip extending in a longitudinal direction, - a base, the base extending in the longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end, the base having a lower face opposite the upper face of the support, and an upper face, the base having a constant thickness between its lower face and its upper face, in particular over at least 30% of the surface of the base, or at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% of the surface of the base, - a plurality of retaining elements extending from the upper face of the base, characterized in that the base is secured to the support in a non-uniform manner, and comprises at least one segment secured to the support, and at least one portion not secured to the support.

[0023] According to one example, the length of the base development and the length of the support development, in the area of ​​application of the support to the base, have a difference of less than 10%, in particular continuous contact in the longitudinal direction and / or in the transverse direction is made between all or part of the lower surface of the base and the support

[0024] The invention also relates to a device comprising: - a support, having a lower face and an upper face, the support forming a strip extending in a longitudinal direction, - a base, extending in the longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end, the base having a lower face opposite the upper face of the support, and an upper face, the base having a constant thickness between its lower face and its upper face, in particular over at least 30% of the surface of the base, - a plurality of retaining elements extending from the upper face of the base, characterized in that 100% of the surface of the peripheral portion is secured to the support and all or part of the peripheral portion secured to the support has a thickness less than the thickness of an interior portion of the base.

[0025] According to an example, the length of the base development and the length of the support development, in the area of ​​application of the support on the base, have a difference of less than 10%, in particular continuous contact in the longitudinal direction and / or in the transverse direction is made between all or part of the lower surface of the base and the support.

[0026] The invention also relates to a device comprising, the device (10) comprising: - a support, having a lower face and an upper face, the support (22) forming a strip extending in a longitudinal direction (MD), - a base (12), extending in the longitudinal direction (MD) between a first end and a second end, the base (12) having a lower face (12B) facing the upper face (22A) of the support (22), and an upper face (12A), the base (12) having a constant thickness between its lower face (12B) and its upper face (12A), in particular over at least 30% of the surface of the base, - a plurality of retaining elements (16) extending from the upper face (12A) of the base (12), the base (12) is secured to the support (22) in a non-uniform manner, and comprises at least one segment secured to the support (S), and at least one portion not secured to the support (P), the support comprises fibers and / or filaments and / or threads on its upper face, for example the support comprises a sheet of non-woven material, the support is calendered by zone prior to its application to the base, the at least one calendered zone of the support, in particular the calendered zones of the support having a thickness less than at least 10%, preferably at least 30%, the at least one non-calendered zone, typically at least one zone extending continuously in the longitudinal direction, in particular the non-calendered zones and a surface greater than 5 mm 2 , in particular at least 15 mm 2, determining during the application of the support at least one zone, in particular zones of greater thickness put under pressure on the base which is secured to the base, and at least one calendered zone, in particular calendered zones of lesser thickness which is not secured to the base.

[0027] In one example, the underside of the support defines - a first set of zones in which the support is secured to the base, - a second set of zones in which the support is not secured to the base, in which the first set of zones extends along a first plane PI and the second set of zones extends along a second plane P2 distinct from the first plane PI, the first plane PI being closer to the lower face of the base than the second plane P2.

[0028] The first set of zones and the second set of zones each typically comprise one or more zones.

[0029] According to one example, the base comprises a periphery portion forming an outer periphery of the base extending over a maximum distance of 3mm, in particular 2mm, in particular 1mm, in particular 0.5mm, in which at least 3%, in particular at least 5%, 7%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% or 45% of the surface of the periphery portion is not secured to the support and in particular has a thickness substantially equal to the constant thickness of the base and / or of the inner portion of the base.

[0030] According to one example, the base comprises a periphery portion forming an outer periphery of the base extending over a maximum distance of 3mm, in particular 2mm, in particular 1mm, in particular 0.5mm, wherein at least 3%, in particular at least 5%, 7%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% 45%, 50% or 60% of the surface of the periphery portion is secured to the support and has a thickness less than the thickness of a central portion of the base. The reduced thickness of all or part of a periphery of the base is typically not directly derived from the formation of the base.

[0031] According to one example, the base comprises a periphery portion forming an outer periphery of the base extending over a maximum distance of 3 mm, in particular 2 mm, in particular 1 mm, in particular 0.5 mm, wherein at least 50%, in particular at least 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the surface of the periphery portion is not secured to the support and has a thickness less than the thickness of an inner portion of the base, in particular the periphery portion not secured to the support has a thickness substantially equal to the constant thickness of the base and / or the inner portion of the base.

[0032] According to one example, the base comprises a periphery portion forming an outer periphery of the base extending over a maximum distance of 3 mm, in particular 2 mm, in particular 1 mm, in particular 0.5 mm, wherein at least 50%, in particular at least 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the surface of the periphery portion is secured to the support and all or part of the periphery portion secured to the support has a thickness less than the thickness of a central portion of the base. Alternatively, 100% of the surface of the periphery portion is secured to the support. The reduced thickness of all or part of a periphery of the base is typically not directly derived from the formation of the base.

[0033] According to an example, the surface area of ​​the base not fixed to the support is at most 25%, 22%, 20%, 18%, or 15% of the total surface area of ​​the base.

[0034] In one example, the support is without folds or "pleat" according to the English designation.

[0035] According to one example, 100% of the surface of the peripheral portion is secured to the support, a portion resulting from calendering of the at least one portion not secured to the support, and all or part of the peripheral portion secured to the support has a thickness less than the thickness of an interior portion of the base.

[0036] According to one example, the peripheral portion is devoid of retaining elements.

[0037] According to one example, the peripheral portion comprises retaining elements.

[0038] In one example, the support comprises fibers and / or filaments and / or yarns on its upper face, for example the support comprises a web of nonwoven material.

[0039] In one example, the support comprises calendered areas and uncalendered areas, the calendered areas of the support having a thickness at least 10%, preferably at least 30%, less than the uncalendered areas and an area greater than 5 mm. 2 , in particular at least 15 mm 2 , such that an upper face of the uncalendered areas of the support extends along an uncalendered plane PI' and an upper face of the calendered areas of the support extends along a calendered plane P2' distinct from the uncalendered plane PI', the uncalendered areas of the support being secured to the base and the calendered areas of the support not being secured to the base. The support may typically comprise one or more calendered areas and one or more uncalendered areas.

[0040] In one example, the base is secured to the support by partially encapsulating the support in the base.

[0041] According to one example, the base and the support are made of different materials, in particular materials of different natures.

[0042] In one example, the base has a variable width depending on the transverse direction.

[0043] According to one example, the base is included in an area delimited by two parallel lines extending in the longitudinal direction, and in which an occupancy rate of the base in this area is strictly less than 100%, preferably less than 95%, in particular less than 80% and / or greater than 5%, in particular greater than 15%, more particularly greater than 35%, in other cases greater than 55%.

[0044] According to one example, a maximum dimension of the base along a line in the longitudinal direction is strictly less than the maximum dimension of the support in the longitudinal direction.

[0045] According to one example, the support comprises at least one notch or cutout formed in a portion of the support distant from edges of the support, the at least one notch or cutout being able in particular to be formed in the support in periphery of the edge of the base, in particular more or less 3mm from the edge of the base, in particular more or less 2mm from the edge of the base.

[0046] According to one example, the device comprises a reference means for cutting, for example a marking, a hole, an embossing and / or even a layer of ink.

[0047] The present invention also relates to a system comprising a device as defined above, and a complementary base in particular extending in the longitudinal direction, the complementary base having an upper face and a lower face, the lower face being devoid of retaining elements. The complementary base may for example have all or part of the characteristics of the base.

[0048] The invention further relates to an absorbent article, for example of the baby diaper type or an adult incontinence diaper, which comprises - a top sheet, a bottom sheet and an absorbent core, arranged between the two top and bottom sheets, - at least one device as defined above.

[0049] According to one example, the absorbent article, for example, of the baby diaper type or an adult incontinence diaper which comprises at least complementary retaining elements, arranged to cooperate with the retaining elements of the device to achieve the closure of the absorbent article and / or to achieve the assembly, in particular the temporary assembly, of one or more sub-assemblies of the absorbent article. Brief description of the drawings

[0050] The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the detailed description given below of different embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples.

[0051] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a device according to one aspect of the invention.

[0052] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 represents an example of apparatus for the production of such a device.

[0053] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a detailed view of Figure 2.

[0054] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 shows another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention.

[0055] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 shows another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention.

[0056] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a cutting step.

[0057] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 shows another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention.

[0058] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 shows a detailed view of part of an exemplary apparatus for implementing the invention.

[0059] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 represents another example of apparatus for implementing the invention.

[0060] [Fig. 10] Figure 10 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a cutting and removal step.

[0061] [Fig. 11] Figure 11 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a cutting and removal step.

[0062] [Fig. 12] Figure 12 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a cutting and removal step.

[0063] [Fig. 13] Figure 13 schematically illustrates an example of a device.

[0064] [Fig. 14] Figure 14 schematically illustrates another example of a device.

[0065] [Fig. 15] Figure 15 schematically illustrates another example of a device.

[0066] [Fig. 16] Figure 16 schematically illustrates another example of a device.

[0067] [Fig. 17] Figure 17 schematically illustrates another example of a device.

[0068] [Fig. 18] Figure 18 shows an example of a roller.

[0069] [Fig. 19] Figure 19 shows another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention.

[0070] Throughout the figures, common elements are identified by identical numerical references. Description of the embodiments

[0071] Figure 1 shows an example of a device according to one aspect of the invention.

[0072] Figure 1 schematically represents a retaining device 10 comprising a base 12 which has an upper face 12A and a lower face 12B and a plurality of retaining elements 16 extending from the upper face 12A of the base 12. By continuous base, it is meant that the base 12 is understood to be continuous in the machine direction MD. In certain cases, a continuous base may be devoid of through openings or recesses in the areas not having retaining elements. The base 12 typically has a constant width, the width being measured in the transverse direction CD. In an alternative embodiment, the base 12 could have a variable width or could be for example in a serrated form.

[0073] Each retaining element 16 comprises a rod 18 and a head 19. The retaining device 10 comprises a support 22 having a lower face 22B and an upper face 22A, the support forming a strip extending in a longitudinal direction. The support 22 is typically a woven or non-woven material. It is understood that the shape shown for the retaining elements 16 is not limiting. The retaining elements may take the form of hooks, mushrooms, harpoons, or any shape suitable for cooperating with a counterpart to produce a self-gripping connection.

[0074] The retaining elements 16 typically have a height of, in certain areas, between 0.7 and 3 mm, in particular between 0.9 mm and 2.5 mm, and in other areas between 0.10 mm and 0.7 mm, in particular between 0.15 and 0.45 mm, in particular between 0.2 mm and 0.40 mm, the height being measured in a direction perpendicular to the upper face 12A of the base 12.

[0075] The base typically has a density of retaining elements between 50 and 3000 hooks / cm 2 , or typically between 100 and 800 hooks / cm 2 , or between 50 and 450 hooks / cm 2 , especially between 100 and 400 hooks / cm 2 , more particularly between 150 and 350 hooks / cm 2 , in some cases between 230 and 290 hooks / cm 2 .

[0076] The base 12 and the retaining elements 16 are typically made of a thermoplastic material, for example a non-elastic thermoplastic material. The base 12 and the retaining elements 16 are made such that they can be stretched under the effect of a stretching force exerted in a given direction and without substantially returning to their initial shape and dimensions after release of this stretching force; in certain cases, the base breaks under the effect of a stretching force. This is, for example, a base and the retaining elements which retain a residual deformation or remanence after elongation and release (residual deformation also called “permanent set” or “SET”) greater than or equal to 20%, preferably greater than or equal to 30%, of its initial dimension (before elongation) for an elongation of 100% of its initial dimension, at room temperature (23°C - degrees Celsius).In some cases, the base 12 and the retaining elements 16 and / or preform may be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer material and / or from an elastomer base. “Based on” means the majority material in the given composition, for example at least 30%, or at least 50% of said material.

[0077] The base 12 is secured to the support 22. More precisely, the lower face 12B of the base 12 is secured to the upper face 22A of the support 22.

[0078] The connection between the base 12 and the support 22 is achieved by partial encapsulation and / or partial coating and / or partial penetration of the support 22 into the base 12.

[0079] The retaining device 10 can be manufactured for example by means of an apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 3 which presents a detailed view thereof. The apparatus 100 makes it possible to manufacture a strip 26 for a retaining device, the strip 26 can then be cut or subdivided into a plurality of retaining devices 10. The strip 26 comprises the base 12 which is here continuous, and a plurality of retaining elements 16. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the retaining elements 16 are hooks, each hook comprising a rod 18 surmounted by a head 19.

[0080] The apparatus 100 as shown comprises a molding strip 102 positioned on rotational drive means 104 comprising here two rollers 104A, 104B, a material distribution means 106, for example an injector, adapted to carry out an injection of molding material, for example thermoplastic.

[0081] The assembly formed by the molding strip 102 and the rotation drive means 104 thus forms a molding device.

[0082] Machine direction MD refers to the direction of movement of the molding strip 102 in the apparatus 100 during the manufacture of the retaining device, in accordance with the English acronym for "Machine Direction", and transverse direction CD refers to the direction perpendicular to the machine direction MD. These directions are thus identified in the various figures. The machine direction MD corresponds to the longitudinal direction when the retaining device 10 is in the apparatus. The product thus formed defines a strip or ribbon extending in the machine direction MD, and typically has a fixed width in the transverse direction CD.

[0083] The illustrated example comprising two rollers 104A, 104B is not limiting, the number and arrangement of the roller(s) 104 may vary in particular in order to to adapt to the length of the molding strip 102 and to the different stations of the apparatus. For example, three rollers could be used or even just one such that the molding strip is arranged on the periphery of the single roller to form a sleeve or a screen according to the commonly used English language designations. In particular, only one of the two rollers can be driven in rotation by motorized means, for example the roller 104A, the other roller 104B being free, that is to say without motorized means, and driven in rotation via the molding strip, itself driven by the roller 104A.

[0084] The molding strip 102 as presented comprises an internal face 102A and an external face 102B, the internal face 102A being in contact with the rotation drive means 104.

[0085] The material distribution means 106 is arranged so as to inject molding material onto the outer face 102B of the molding strip 102.

[0086] More precisely, the material distribution means 106 is arranged opposite the molding strip 102, spaced from the molding strip 102 so as to define an air gap “e” indicated in FIG. 2. Reference A denotes the limit of the material injected onto the external face 102B of the molding strip 102, corresponding to the rear edge of the material injected onto the molding strip 102 relative to the direction of movement of the molding strip 102.

[0087] The molding strip 102 is provided with a plurality of cavities 102C allowing the production of retaining elements or preforms for the production of retaining elements, for example by a subsequent calendering operation or any other suitable operation. Throughout the description, the term retaining elements will be used to designate retaining elements or preforms for the production of retaining elements intended to form a self-gripping closure of the hook-hook or hook-loop type. In the case of the formation of preforms or precursors for obtaining retaining elements, the apparatus may then comprise a device for forming adapted to achieve deformation of said preforms with a view to obtaining the retaining elements.

[0088] The cavities 102C are each typically formed to define a stem 102C1 extending from the outer face 102B to the inner face 102A of the molding strip 102 and a head 102C2 extending between the stem 102C1 and the inner face 102A of the molding strip 102.

[0089] The molding strip 102 typically has a thickness of between 50 and 500 micrometers, or typically between 70 and 350 micrometers.

[0090] The molding strip 102 is typically continuous, and typically has a perimeter of between 200 mm and 3000 mm, or typically between 400 mm and 2000 mm.

[0091] The molding strip 102 has a cavity density 102C of between 50 and 3000 cavities / cm 2 , or typically between 100 and 800 cavities / cm 2 or between 50 and 450 cavities / cm 2 , especially between 100 and 400 cavities / cm 2 , more particularly between 150 and 350 cavities / cm2 , in some cases between 230 and 290 cavities / cm 2 .

[0092] It is thus understood that the arrangement of the cavities 102C determines the arrangement of the retaining elements on the retaining device formed using the apparatus 100. The cavities 102C are typically arranged in rows and columns, said rows and columns being arranged respectively in the transverse direction CD and the machine direction MD. Each row and column is composed of one or more cavities 102C, where appropriate aligned in the transverse direction CD and the machine direction MD respectively.

[0093] Within a single row, successive cavities 102C are typically spaced regularly along a transverse interval. Within a single column, successive cavities 102C are typically spaced regularly along a machine interval. Alternatively, said rows are spaced regularly along a first transverse interval and a second transverse interval, the second transverse interval not being an integer multiple of the first transverse interval and the first transverse interval being less than the second transverse interval, and / or said columns are regularly spaced according to a first machine interval and according to a second machine interval, the second machine interval not being an integer multiple of the first machine interval and the first machine interval being less than the second machine interval.

[0094] The rows and columns of cavities 102C may be aligned, or arranged in a staggered pattern. More specifically, the various cavities 102C may be arranged so as to be aligned along the transverse direction CD and along the machine direction MD, or be offset so as to form a staggered or honeycomb pattern, two successive rows or two columns then being offset respectively along the transverse direction and along the machine direction, by a pitch corresponding to half the transverse interval or half the machine interval respectively.

[0095] As will be seen later, it results that the retaining elements 16 formed using these cavities 102C are arranged in a columnar and row arrangement, respectively in a primary direction and a secondary direction, typically corresponding to the machine direction MD and the transverse direction CD.

[0096] In the illustrated example, the heads 24 of the cavities 102C open onto the internal face 102A of the molding strip 102. The cavities 102C are therefore through-holes. Such an embodiment is not limiting, the cavities 102C may also be blind, and therefore not open onto the internal face 102A of the molding strip 102 and / or the cavities 102C may only comprise one rod 102C1.

[0097] The portions of the cavities 102C forming the rods 102C1 typically extend in a direction perpendicular to the external face 102B of the molding strip 102. The portions of the cavities 102C forming the rods 102C1 typically have a rotation geometry around an axis perpendicular to the external face 102B of the molding strip 102, or a geometry having a plane of symmetry extending in a direction parallel to the direction of travel of the molding strip 102 and / or in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the molding strip 102.

[0098] The portions of the cavities 102C forming the heads 102C2 typically extend radially or transversely relative to an axis perpendicular to the external face 102B of the molding strip 102, and may have rotational symmetry around this axis perpendicular to the external face 102B of the molding strip 102. The portions of the cavities 102C forming the heads 102C2 typically have a substantially frustoconical or hexahedral shape.

[0099] The portions of the cavities 102C forming the heads 102C2 may be linear or curved, for example to form curved portions towards the inner face 102A or towards the outer face 102B of the molding strip 102 extending from the portions of the cavities 102C forming the rods 102C1. The molding strip may further have a shape such as those described in patent applications WO0213647 A2 and / or W00050208 A2.

[0100] The portions of the cavities 102C forming the heads 102C2 may have a constant or variable thickness.

[0101] In the example shown in the figures, the portions of the cavities 102C forming the heads 102C2 extend radially around the portions of the cavities 102C forming the rods 102C1, and have a general disc shape.

[0102] The molding strip 102 may have on its internal face 102A or on its external face 102B a particular texture such as grooves, a network of grooves or a network of passages forming a vent or spikes, or be substantially smooth.

[0103] The molding strip 102 may be formed by a superposition of several strips, and is therefore not necessarily a single piece or single material. The molding strip 102 may be composed of one or more materials or composites, typically metallic of the Ni, Cu, stainless steel type, or any other suitable material.

[0104] The material distribution means 106 is typically arranged so as to inject molding material into the molding strip 102 in a section of the molding strip 102 where the latter bears against a drive roller, in this case the drive roller 104A in the example shown in FIG. 2. The drive roller then forms a bottom for the cavities 102C.

[0105] In the case where the injection of molding material is carried out while the molding strip 102 is not bearing against a drive roller, the material distribution means 106 can then comprise a base arranged on the other side of the molding strip 102, so that the internal face 102A of the molding strip 102 is bearing against the base when the injection of material is carried out, the base then forming a bottom for the cavities 102C of the molding strip 102.

[0106] The injection of material against the molding strip 102 and into the cavities 102C makes it possible to obtain a base 12 having a constant or substantially constant thickness, in particular over at least 30% of the surface of the base 12, or over at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% or 80% of the surface of the base. For example, the base 12 has a thickness of between 10 and 250 micrometers, in particular between 10 and 120 micrometers, or for example between 25 and 80 micrometers. The injection of material against the molding strip 102 is a continuous method of depositing material making it possible to produce a continuous base 12 in the machine direction MD and successively fill the molding cavities 102C in the machine direction MD.By constant thickness of the base 12, we expect a thickness of the base 12 which comprises flat or substantially flat lower and upper faces, or faces which have a particular texture such as grooves, a network of grooves or a network of passages forming a vent or spikes, or to be substantially smooth.

[0107] By constant thickness, it is meant here that the upper face of the base 12 and the lower face of the base 12 are substantially flat and parallel to each other, with a constant or substantially constant gap whether in the longitudinal direction or in the transverse direction or a frequency constant along a defined axis. The thickness is typically measured in an area outside the plumb line of the retaining element.

[0108] However, it is understood that variations in thickness may exist, due to the tolerances of the manufacturing process, and also depending on the shrinkage of the material during its cooling. The notion of constant thickness here describes a ribbon resulting from a continuous deposit of material, as opposed to localized deposits of material forming clusters with a decreasing thickness from the center towards the ends.

[0109] The base 12 thus typically has a constant thickness over at least 30% of its surface, the surface of the base 12 being measured in the plane defined by the machine direction MD and the transverse direction CD. Alternatively, the base 12 thus typically has a constant thickness over at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% of its surface.

[0110] The use of a molding strip 102 associated with drive means 104 compared to the use of conventional forming means such as rollers in which molding cavities are directly made is advantageous for several reasons.

[0111] The use of a molding strip 102 is particularly advantageous in terms of modularity. The molding strip can in fact be easily removed and replaced from the drive means, unlike a solid roller for which the disassembly and reassembly operations are particularly complex to carry out. Such an advantage is particularly observed when the two rollers 104A, 104B are fixed to a frame on one and the same side, leaving the end of the other side free for inserting / removing the molding strip. A means for guiding the molding strip can also be used to facilitate its insertion and / or removal.

[0112] In addition, the production of a molding strip is greatly simplified compared to the production of a roll comprising molding cavities. Such rolls are in fact typically produced by stacking successive slices, thus requiring multiple machining operations and resulting in significant constraints during assembly and at each change of hook reference and has a significant mass requiring these rollers to be held by their two ends, which consequently complicates their replacement.

[0113] The cavities 102C in the molding strip 102 may be produced by a chemical etching process or by using a laser at the locations where it is desired to form retaining elements 16. It may also be envisaged to produce the molding strip 102 with cavities 102C distributed uniformly over the entire molding strip 102 and then to plug the cavities 102C at the locations where it is desired to form areas 20 devoid of retaining elements 16, so as to form retaining elements 16 in a uniform or localized manner.

[0114] In Figure 2, the separation between the ribbon 26 and the molding strip 102 is identified by the reference C, this point corresponding for example to the level from which the base 12 of the ribbon 26 is no longer in contact with the molding strip 102. Provision may be made for the molding strip 102 to engage on the demolding roller 108, that is to say that the demolding roller 108 forms a lever in the molding strip 102 to facilitate the demolding of the preforms and / or hooks.

[0115] In the example shown, the cavities 102C of the molding strip 102 are through-cavities. The apparatus may then comprise an element, such as a scraper 110, positioned so as to scrape the internal face 102A of the molding strip 102 to remove excess molding material if necessary. Injection means the continuous action of shaping a molding material in a cavity by melting, for example, distribution, supply, molding, injection, extrusion.

[0116] The apparatus presented and the associated method also present means and a step of associating a support 22, typically made of non-woven (or woven) material with the base 12.

[0117] Such association of a support 22 on a base 12 comprising retaining elements 16 is typically achieved by means of an adhesive, or via fusion of the base or the strip and / or mechanical anchoring.

[0118] In order to achieve such a securing of a support 22, for example made of non-woven fabric, to the base 12 of the retaining device 10, the proposed apparatus 100 may comprise means for driving the support 22, adapted to provide a strip feed and to apply the support 22 against the lower face 12B of the base 12 downstream of the material distribution means 106, in particular continuously in the longitudinal direction MD and / or in the transverse direction CD.

[0119] The apparatus 100 shown in the figures comprises such means.

[0120] As seen in the figures, the apparatus as presented comprises support drive means 112, here consisting of two rollers 112A, 112B, configured to provide a support supply 22 downstream of the material distribution means 106.

[0121] The support 22 is typically a layer of non-woven material, a thermoplastic film, an elastic film or a composite film, or a thermally consolidated set of fibers and / or filaments. The support 22 is for example a sheet of fibers and / or filaments.

[0122] In the example shown in the figures, the support 22 is shown as being a layer of non-woven material.

[0123] The substrate drive means 112 are configured to supply the apparatus with support 22, and to apply this support 22 against the lower face 12B of the base 12 downstream of the material distribution means 106, and downstream of the formation of the base 12 by application of the material against the molding strip 102 and in the cavities 102C.

[0124] The substrate drive means 112 are configured so that this application is carried out prior to the solidification of the base 12. Thus, this application causes at least partial penetration of the support 22 beyond a plane defined by the lower face 12B of the base 12. We identify by the reference B in the figures the point of contact between the base 12 and the support 22.

[0125] More specifically, the lower face 12B of the base 12 is substantially planar, and defines a plane. The application of the substrate against this face causes penetration of portions of the support 22, for example fibers and / or filaments of the layer of nonwoven material in the case where the support 22 is a layer of nonwoven material within the base 12, thereby passing through the lower face 12B of the base 12. According to one embodiment, the base 12 could be heated by the application of a hot fluid to the lower surface of the base 12 and / or to the upper surface of the support 22 or substrate to allow the base 12 and the support 22 to be fixed, for example as described in document WO2011087752 A2 incorporated by reference in the description and to the content of which reference may be made.

[0126] Throughout the description, it is understood that "substrate" or "support" have the same meaning and are equivalent such that they can be interchanged with each other.

[0127] To the extent that such an application is carried out prior to the solidification of the base 12, it is not necessary to heat the base 12 and / or the support 22 in order to produce such a bond.

[0128] For example, considering a base 12 made of polypropylene, the application of the substrate against the lower face 12B of the base 12 is typically carried out when the lower face 12B of the base 12 has a temperature between the melting temperature of the material and the Vicat softening temperature B of the material constituting it minus 30°C (degrees Celsius) or between the melting temperature of the material constituting it and the Vicat softening temperature A of the material constituting it. More particularly, when the base comprises a polypropylene-based material, the lower face 12B of the base 12 has a temperature between 75°C and 150°C, typically of the order of 105°C, this temperature typically being measured by means of an infrared or laser camera. The term VICAT softening temperature is understood to mean the temperature obtained according to one of the methods described in the ISO 306 or ASTM D 1525 standards with a heating rate of 50°C / h and a standardized load of 50N for VICAT B and a standardized load of ION for VICAT A. Other types of materials than Polypropylene (PP) could be used, for example, another thermoplastic material such as Polyethylene (PE), a PE-PP copolymer, a polyamide (PA), a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyester, a polylactic acid (PLA), a Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), these materials can be used independently or in combination.

[0129] In the case where the support 22 is a set of thermally consolidated fibers and / or filaments, the connection with the base 12 is also achieved by penetration into the base 12 of a portion of the fibers and / or filaments of the support 22.

[0130] In the case where the support 22 is a set of consolidated fibers and / or filaments, for example thermally consolidated, a thermoplastic film, an elastic film or a composite film, the bonding with the base may then result in a shrinkage phenomenon of the base 12 during its cooling, this shrinkage promoting the bonding surface between the substrate and the base of the ribbon. This shrinkage has no impact on the visual appearance for the end user.

[0131] The application of the support 22 on the base 12 is typically carried out in such a way that, in the area of ​​application of the support 22 on the base 12, the length of a development of the base 12 and the length of a development of the support 22 have a difference of less than 10%, in particular a continuous contact in the longitudinal direction MD and / or in the transverse direction CD is produced between all or part of the lower surface of the base 12 and the support 22. The development designates the projection onto a plane of an element considered, in this case the base 12 and the support 22 on a plane typically parallel to the inner face of the base 12.

[0132] In the case where the support 22 is a layer of non-woven material, the demolding of the retaining elements is carried out easily even with a non-woven whose grammage is less than 80 g / m 2 (mass of material in grams per square meter of non-woven). For example, the weight of the non-woven woven can be between 5 g / m 2 and 120 g / m 2 , or between 25 g / m 2 and 100 g / m 2 , or between 10 g / m 2 and 70 g / m 2 , in some cases, between 10 g / m 2 and 50 g / m 2 .

[0133] The assembly formed by the base 12, the retaining elements 16 and the support 22 of the retaining device may have a weight of between 30 and 150 g / m 2 , especially between 40 and 120 g / m 2 support, more particularly between 45 and 100 g / m 2 of support, the grammage value being indicated here in relation to the surface of the support 22.

[0134] In the case where the support 22 is a layer of non-woven material, the apparatus may comprise a calendering device upstream of the substrate drive means 112, thus making it possible to carry out a calendering step locally or not of the layer of non-woven material prior to its application against the base 12.

[0135] The support 22 can thus be calendered by zone prior to its application to the base 12, the calendered zones of the support 22 having a thickness at least 10%, preferably at least 30%, lower than the non-calendered zones and a surface area greater than 5 mm. 2 , in particular at least 15 mm 2. When the support 22 is applied against the base 12, these zones of distinct thickness will then determine zones of greater thickness put under pressure on the base 12 which are secured to the base 12, and calendered zones of lesser thickness which are not secured to the base 12. According to one example, as shown for example in FIG. 17, an upper face of the uncalendered zones of the support 22 extends along an uncalendered plane PI' and an upper face of the calendered zones of the support 22 extends along a calendered plane P2' distinct from the uncalendered plane PI', the uncalendered zones of the support 22 being intended to be secured to the base 12 and the calendered zones of the support 22 being intended not to be secured to the base 12.In the example illustrated in Figure 17, the upper face of the calendered zones of the support 22 extending along a calendered plane P2' extends in or substantially in the first plane PI corresponding to the upper face 22A of the substrate 22. In an alternative embodiment, the upper face of the calendered zones. of the support extending along a calendered plane P2' can extend further from the base 22 than the first plane PI corresponding to the lower face 22B of the substrate 22 or vice versa.

[0136] This method of securing a support 22 to a base 12 comprising retaining elements 16 is particularly advantageous in that it does not cause deformation of the base 12, and therefore advantageously makes it possible to retain the shape of the base 12 obtained during the injection step, and in particular to retain the straight edges that can be obtained via the method and apparatus described previously.

[0137] This method of securing a substrate to a ribbon can be applied to a method of forming a ribbon as described above, or more generally to any other method of forming a ribbon comprising retaining elements such as hooks.

[0138] The application of the support 22 to the base 12 is here carried out in a non-uniform manner, so as to define portions of the base 12 secured to the support 22, and portions of the base 12 not secured to the support 22.

[0139] By portion of the base 12 secured or not to the support 22 is meant a portion of the base 12 delimited by a contour on its upper face 12A for which the lower face 12B of the base 12 is secured or not to the support 22, regardless of the securing means used. In other words, a non-secured portion may for example correspond to a portion for which a recess exists between the base 12 and the support 22 and / or for which the support 22 and the base 12 can be deformed independently of each other.

[0140] The non-uniform application of the support 22 to the base 12 is achieved for example by means of the roller 112B which has an irregular surface, for example provided with patterns, thus defining projections and depressions on the surface of the roller 112B. It is understood that the projections will apply a force tending to secure the support 22 to the base 12, while the depressions will not apply a force allowing such a securing. For illustration purposes, the roller 112B is shown as having two notches defining depression areas. Figure 18 shows an example of such a roller 112B. In the illustrated example, the roller comprises two pairs of grooves 113 formed on the outer surface of the roller 112B, the two pairs of grooves being offset by 180°. It can be seen that each groove extends from a lateral end of the roller 112B over less than half of the roller in the transverse direction CD. The grooves 113 of each pair of grooves are arranged opposite each other. Thus, a regular or flat central portion is maintained between the grooves 113 of each pair of grooves. Such a configuration makes it possible to obtain discontinuous joining in the machine direction MD, as for example illustrated in Figure 10 or to obtain continuous joining in the machine direction MD, as for example illustrated in Figure 12.

[0141] This therefore results in an irregular penetration of the support 22 into the base 12. The irregular appearance of the lower face 22B of the support 22 which results from this is shown schematically in the various views. More precisely, it is understood that the relief zones of the roller 112B cause penetration or not of the substrate 22 into the base 12. Thus, it can be seen in the various figures, in particular figures 1, 4 and 5 that the substrate 22 penetrates into the base 12 in the zones of application of a force by the roller 112B, but does not penetrate into the base 12 in the zones of non-application of a force by the roller 112B.

[0142] The irregular appearance of the substrate 22 is schematically represented in the various figures, for which two planes defining its lower face 22B can generally be defined: - a first plane PI corresponding to the lower face 22B of the substrate 22 at the level of the zones of application of a force by the roller 112B, and - a second plane P2 corresponding to the lower face 22B of the substrate 22 at the level of the zones of non-application of a force by the roller 112B, the second plane P2 being distinct from the first plane PI, and typically parallel or substantially parallel to the first plane PI.

[0143] The roller 112B may be made of a material such as stainless steel, rubber, polyurethane, composite, or a combination of several materials, including a combination of several of these materials. The roller 112B may also comprise one or more rings or envelopes bearing the laminating pattern according to the invention allowing them to be disassembled quickly and easily depending on the pressure zones to be applied. In an alternative embodiment, in the case where the substrate 22 is calendered beforehand, the roller 112B may be smooth. In a complementary or alternative manner, the outer surface of the roller 112B may have a hardness less than or equal to 100 Shore A, in particular less than or equal to 90 Shore A and / or greater than 40 Shore A, in particular greater than or equal to 60 Shore A, measured according to the ISO 48-4:201 8 or ISO 868:2003 method.

[0144] It is thus possible to define a first set of zones in which the substrate 22 is secured to the base 12, and a second set of zones in which the substrate 22 is not secured to the base 12, the first set of zones extending in the first plane P1, and the second set of zones extending in the second plane P2. The second set of zones may in particular include zones which do not or no longer comprise a base 12.

[0145] In other words, in the areas of application of a force by the roller 112B, the substrate 22 penetrates at least partially into the base 12. Thus, the thickness of the substrate 22 extending outside the base 12 is reduced. Due to the application of a compressive force by the roller 112B, the total thickness of the substrate 22 (i.e. the cumulative thickness of the substrate extending outside the base 12 and having penetrated into the base 12) in the areas of application of a force by the roller 112B is reduced relative to the initial thickness of the substrate 22. By initial thickness of the substrate 22 is meant the thickness of the substrate upstream of the roller 112B. Conversely, in the areas where a force is not applied by the roller 112B, the substrate 22 does not penetrate into the base 12. The thickness of the substrate extending outside the base 12 then typically corresponds to the initial thickness or substantially to the initial thickness of the substrate 22.

[0146] According to one example, the distance between the first plane PI and the second plane P2 is typically greater than 10 micrometers.

[0147] According to one example, the ratio of the distance between the first plane PI and the second plane P2 to the thickness of the base 12 is typically between 0.01 mm and 3 mm, in particular between 0.01 mm and 1 mm, in other cases between 1 mm and 3 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0148] It is understood that the representation of the variations of the substrate is schematic and not limiting. The upper face 22A of the substrate 22 is notably represented as being at a distance from the base 12 for the purposes of illustration and readability of the figures, but it is understood that it may be in abutment against the lower face 12B of the base 12, or in the same plane.

[0149] In contrast, in the case of a uniform application of the support 22 against the base 12, a substantially flat lower face 22B of the substrate 22 would be observed.

[0150] This results in a device comprising a support 22 and a base 12 as defined previously, and for which the base 12 has a plurality of segments secured to the support 22, these segments being connected to each other by connecting portions not secured to the support 22.

[0151] Such non-uniform application of the support against the base is unconventional and counter-intuitive. Advantageously, to obtain devices according to the invention using rollers rotating at high speed to apply pressure, it is preferable to ensure continuous contact between these rollers to avoid jolts at each transition between a support zone and a non-support zone and thus avoid damaging these rollers. This continuous contact can be achieved in one (or more) zone(s) in which the application of the support 22 on the base 12 is carried out and / or outside one (or more) zone(s) in which the application of the support 22 on the base 12 is carried out.For example, the roller 112B having solid portions adapted to apply a force tending to secure the support 22 to the base 12, and hollowed-out zones, configured so as not to apply a force tending to secure the support 22 to the base 12, comprises a maximum outer perimeter, and all straight lines extending in the direction CD and passing through the maximum outer perimeter intersect at least one point of the roller 112B. Thus, such a. roller 112B is devoid of a surface cavity extending continuously over the entire width of the roller 112B along a straight line perpendicular to the machine direction MD. Continuous contact is thus not made in an area where there is the base 12 but in an area where there is no support 22. Alternatively, to improve the performance of the non-contact area, it is also possible to produce suction from this cavity of the roller 112B to limit the contact of the support 22 on the base 12 by tending to move the support 22 away from the base 12. Such continuous contact may also be duplicated in systems other than rollers 112B, for example for ultrasonic welding modules.

[0152] Figures 4 and 5 show two examples of such devices.

[0153] These figures schematically show the connection between the base 12 and the support 22 by a penetration of the support 22 into the base 12, which symbolizes an encapsulation zone of the support 22 in the base 12 to ensure the connection between the base 12 and the support 22.

[0154] These figures also show the application of a force by the roller 112B by means of arrows. It can be seen here that the application is non-uniform over the entire base 12, and that the connection between the base 12 and the support 22 is only made opposite the areas of application of force by the roller 112B. The areas of non-application of force correspond, for example, to the notches in the roller 112B mentioned previously.

[0155] As indicated previously, this results in a non-homogeneous penetration of the substrate 22 into the base 12; the lower face 22B of the substrate 22 is thus essentially included in the first plane PI and the second plane P2 which are distinct.

[0156] These figures show an alternation of segments S and connecting portions P, arranged successively in the longitudinal direction MD.

[0157] The connecting portions P may be provided with retaining elements 16 or be devoid of them, as shown respectively in FIGS. 4 and 5, depending on the configuration of the molding strip 102.

[0158] The shape and location of the connecting portions P can be freely defined via the means carrying out the application of the support 22 on the base 12, whether at by means of an adhesive, by welding or by partial penetration of the support 22 into the base 12.

[0159] This non-uniform joining of the base 12 to the support 22, or of the support 22 to the base 12, causes a discontinuity in the appearance of the support 22, in particular in the case where the support 22 is a non-woven fabric. The discontinuity in the appearance of the support 22, in particular a visually discernible discontinuity in the appearance of the support 22, is materialized by a difference in the weight of the support 22 and / or in the surface density of the fibers and / or filaments, and / or in thickness.

[0160] "Visually discernible" means visible and visually detectable at a distance of approximately 0.5 meters or more, to the naked eye of an ordinary observer with 20 / 20 vision, under indoor office lighting conditions deemed appropriate for reading printed textual materials.

[0161] Indeed, due to the partial attachment of the base 12 to the support 22, a discontinuity in the appearance of the support 22 is observed in particular from the lower face 22B of the support 22 between the areas attached to the base 12 and the areas not attached to the base 12. Indeed, as described previously, the non-uniform application of the substrate 22 against the base 12 results in non-uniform penetration of the substrate 22 into the base 12. Thus, unlike conventional methods which result in a uniform appearance, the proposed method makes it possible to obtain products in which the substrate 22 has a non-planar lower face 22B, or more generally extending essentially in two distinct planes corresponding to the areas of application or not of a force aimed at attaching the substrate 22 to the base 12.

[0162] After forming such a device, the P-bonding portions can be removed, for example during an ablation or de-weeding step.

[0163] The apparatus shown in Figure 2 illustrates a particular embodiment for carrying out such steps. Alternatively, these steps can be carried out subsequently. The intermediate product obtained is then packaged in reels or rolls, and the P-bonding portions will then be removed in a subsequent step.

[0164] After demolding by the demolding roller 108, a cutting device 120 is positioned, adapted to make cuts of the base 12, between each segment and each connecting portion.

[0165] In the illustrated example, the cutting device 120 is a roller provided for example with blades, associated with a second roller 122 forming a cutting support. It is understood that this example is not limiting, and that any suitable cutting device can be used.

[0166] The effect of the cut is shown schematically in Figure 6. The cuts are identified in this figure by dotted lines marked by the CC axis.

[0167] As seen in this figure, the cutouts are typically made so that all or part of the connecting portions P are separated from the segments S. On the other hand, the cutouts are typically made so as not to encompass part of the segments S. In other words, the cutouts are made so as not to cross the connecting zones between the base 12 and the support 22 which are here symbolized the penetration zones of the support 22 in the base 12. Thus, a non-zero gap D exists between the periphery of the penetration zones of the support 22 in the base 12 and the cutouts. In other words, if the force application zones for securing the support 22 to the base 12 are represented, a non-zero gap D exists between the periphery of the force application zones and the cutouts.

[0168] The portions thus cut out are therefore devoid of zones in which the base 12 is secured to the support 22, which in particular makes it possible to avoid tearing or damage to the support 22 when removing the cut out parts.

[0169] The product obtained thus comprises a support 22 on which different retaining zones are secured, each retaining zone comprising a base provided with retaining elements. Due to the non-zero gap D between the periphery of the force application zones and the cutouts, it is understood that each retaining zone has on all or part of its periphery an edge of dimension D which is not secured to the support 22. This edge may for example extend over a distance of less than 3mm, in particular less than 2mm, less than 1mm or less than 0.5mm from the external periphery of each retention zone.

[0170] The proposed device may have a reference means or element for cutting, for example a marking, a hole, an embossing or a layer of ink, which may for example be formed on the upper face 12A of the base 12, so as to form a visual reference to guide the cutting operation or to allow simplified verification of the cuts made.

[0171] The apparatus presented then comprises a removal device 130 associated with a roller 122 forming a removal support and a suction device 140 arranged downstream of the cutting device 120. These two devices are adapted to carry out removal of the connecting portions and their recovery by suction. The removal device 130 is for example a roller provided with brushes or gripping elements, making it possible to isolate the gripping portions, the latter then being sucked up by the suction device 140 typically to be recycled. Alternatively, the removal device 130 and / or the suction device 140 could be an in-line cleaning system using rollers with or without contact.In an alternative embodiment, the removal device 130 and / or the suction device 140 could comprise a module with rotating blades or a cylinder with cutting plates or equivalent or even with a guillotine-type cutting module, more particularly of the half-cut type.

[0172] Thus, when the product passes through the removal device 130 and the suction device 140, the cut portions are separated from the support 22, and are sucked up to be evacuated from the apparatus. The material thus sucked up can for example then be recycled and then reinjected by the material distribution means 106.

[0173] At the end of the removal device, a device is thus obtained comprising a support 22 and a plurality of disjointed segments secured to the support 22. These different base segments typically have a constant or substantially constant thickness, as opposed to zones of retaining elements which would be formed by localized deposits of material directly on the support. 22 which would have a non-uniform thickness, and in particular which would decrease towards the edges of said zones. Figure 7 thus presents an example of the device obtained. Due to the non-zero gap D, it can be observed that the external periphery of the different segments is not secured directly to the support 22, whether by welding, the addition of an adhesive or by partial encapsulation of the support 22 in the base 12. According to one example, D is greater than Omm and less than 3mm, in particular less than 2mm, more particularly in particular less than 1mm, and in particular in particular less than 0.5mm.

[0174] In particular, it can be seen in Figure 7 that the removal of a part of the base 12 not secured to the support 22 preserves the irregular structure of the lower face 22B of the support 22, and in particular the different zones extending in two distinct planes P1 and P2.

[0175] Optionally, the apparatus may also comprise a consolidation device 150 associated with a roller 152, the consolidation device being adapted to calender all or part of the periphery of the segments. In the example illustrated, the consolidation device 150 takes the form of a roller adapted to calender all or part of the contour of the upper face 12A of the base 12. In an alternative embodiment, the consolidation device 150 could be a hot calendering module or an ultrasonic welding module, for example an ultrasonic welding module with a rotating head.

[0176] In a variant, the consolidation can be carried out simultaneously with the cutting step, according to one example, the cutting can be carried out by an ultrasonic system, advantageously allowing the cut edge to be welded simultaneously.

[0177] For example, at least 10%, in particular 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% or 45% of the periphery of the segments may be calendered and / or secured to the support 22.

[0178] According to one example, the periphery portion forming an external periphery of the base 12 extends over a maximum distance of 3 mm, in particular 2 mm, in in particular 1 mm, in particular 0.5 mm from the external periphery of the base segment considered. The periphery portion may include retaining elements or be devoid of them.

[0179] According to one example, at least 50%, in particular 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the surface of the peripheral portion is not secured to the support. According to one example, at least 50%, in particular 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the surface of the peripheral portion is secured to the support 22. Alternatively, 100% of the surface of the peripheral portion is secured to the support 22. According to one example, all or part of the peripheral portion secured to the support 22 has a thickness less than the thickness of an inner portion of the base segment in question. The surface of the peripheral portion secured to the support 22 may have a decreasing shape, the decrease of which is oriented towards the outside of the base 12, for example the base 12 has the general shape of a bevel.

[0180] Figure 8 shows a detailed view of the example illustrated in Figure 2.

[0181] As seen in this figure, the consolidation device 150 is here configured so as to calender an upstream end of a segment and the downstream end of another segment. The consolidation device, if necessary, crushes the retaining elements 16 present at the periphery of the segments, and carries out a calendering operation and thus reduces the thickness of the base 12 over all or part of the periphery of each segment.

[0182] The calendering operation is typically carried out on all or part of a periphery of each segment, typically including all or part of a periphery of each segment not secured to the base 12, and may also include all or part of a periphery of each segment secured to the base 12.

[0183] For example, the thickness of the base 12 can then be reduced by a minimum of 10, 20, 30 or 40%, and by a maximum of 50, 60, 70 or 80%. It is thus understood that the reduced thickness of all or part of the periphery of the base, or each segment of the base, typically results from the calendering operation, and not from the formation of the base by injection of material.

[0184] The consolidation device 150 and the calendering that it performs typically makes it possible to secure or confirm or reinforce the securing of the support 22 to the base 12.

[0185] Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the apparatus described previously.

[0186] In this embodiment, the cutting and material removal operations are carried out simultaneously. The cutting device 120 and the removal device 130 are here represented as being two rollers arranged on either side of the product after demolding.

[0187] Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous when the material to be removed forms a continuous skeleton of material and is particularly easy to roll up.

[0188] In this embodiment, there is shown, optionally, a preform calendering device 125 which comprises a preform calendering roller 125 associated with a second roller 127 forming a calendering support for forming retaining elements. It is understood that this example is not limiting, and that any suitable preform calendering device can be used, in particular, the preform calendering device 125 could be arranged before or after the consolidation device 150 and / or before or after the removal device 130 and / or before or after the cutting device 120.

[0189] In this embodiment, the consolidation device 150 takes the form of a device comprising a hammer and anvil system designated respectively by the references 150 and 152. It is understood that this embodiment is not limiting, and that the consolidation device can take any form suitable for carrying out crushing or calendering of all or part of the periphery of the segments, for example a cam movable in translation.

[0190] In an alternative embodiment, the consolidation device 150 may be a hot calendering module or an ultrasonic welding module, for example an ultrasonic welding module with a rotating head. In an alternative embodiment, the cutting may be carried out simultaneously with the cutting step; according to one example, the cutting may be carried out by an ultrasonic system, advantageously allowing the cut edge to be welded simultaneously.

[0191] Figure 10 schematically represents an example of a device obtained at different stages.

[0192] By way of example, the retaining device has a ratio of the distance S to the distance P, in the longitudinal direction MD, which is greater than 1, in particular greater than 1.5, in particular greater than 5, in particular greater than 10 and / or less than 2000, in particular less than 1000, more particularly less than 500, in particular less than 200, in particular less than 100, or which is greater than or equal to 0, in particular greater than 0.1, in particular greater than 0.2 and / or less than or equal to 1, in particular less than 0.9, more particularly less than 0.8.

[0193] By way of example, as an alternative or in combination in particular with the ratio values ​​mentioned in the paragraph above, the retaining device has a ratio of the distance S to the distance P, in the transverse direction CD, which is greater than 1, in particular greater than 1.5, in particular greater than 5, in particular greater than 10 and / or less than 2000, in particular less than 1000, more particularly less than 500, in particular less than 200, in particular less than 100, or which is greater than or equal to 0, in particular greater than 0.1, in particular greater than 0.2 and / or less than or equal to 1, in particular less than 0.9, more particularly less than 0.8.

[0194] This figure shows a device comprising the support 22 on which the base 12 is formed continuously. As already described previously, the base 12 is partially secured to the support 22. The connecting segments S are here cut and removed via cuts made along the transverse direction CD. A product is thus obtained comprising the support 22 and a plurality of disjoint segments secured to the support 22, these segments here retaining their initial width insofar as in this example, only cuts along the transverse direction CD are made.

[0195] The base 12 typically has a width (measured along the transverse direction CD) strictly less than the width of the support 22. The base 12 is thus arranged on the support 22 in such a way that the support 22 has areas without a base on either side of the base 12 along the transverse direction CD. According to one example, the periphery of the base 12 is at any point at least 3 mm from the periphery of the support 22.

[0196] In such an embodiment in which base portions are cut along the transverse direction CD, the total dimension of the base along the longitudinal direction MD, or the sum of the different base portions along the longitudinal direction MD is strictly less than the dimension of the support 22 along the longitudinal direction MD.

[0197] Figure 11 shows another example of a device obtained at different stages.

[0198] This figure shows a device comprising the support 22 on which the base 12 is formed continuously. The support 22 is secured to the base 12 in this case in such a way as to define geometric shapes, in this case having the shape of a portion of a ring or a bean or a peanut or any other shapes with retaining elements such as, for example, those described in documents WO2019145646 A1, WO2021116612 A1, WO2021116613 A1. The areas secured to the support 22 which thus correspond to the segments are marked by dotted lines.

[0199] The segments S of the base 12 are therefore here surrounded by connecting portions not secured to the support 22. The cutouts are made around each segment, and are represented by dotted lines surrounding each segment. material removed from the strip here forms a continuous ribbon with recesses corresponding to the segments S.

[0200] According to another variant, the base 12 may have a single continuous segment extending in the longitudinal direction MD. The cuts are then made on either side of this segment in the transverse direction CD. Figure 12 schematically represents such a variant. In this embodiment, it can be seen that the cuts have been made on either side of a continuous strip of material extending in the longitudinal direction MD.

[0201] More generally, in the products obtained, if we consider that the base 12 obtained at the end of the cutting step is delimited by two parallel lines extending in the longitudinal direction MD, the base 12 has an occupancy rate of the zone delimited between these two parallel lines strictly less than 100%, or for example less than 95% or less than 80%, typically greater than 5%, for example greater than 15%, greater than 35% or greater than 55%.

[0202] In the embodiments shown in Figures 10, 11 and 12, the base 12 has retaining elements 16 formed uniformly or substantially uniformly on its upper face 12A. It is understood that these examples are not limiting, and that the retaining elements 16 may only be formed on a portion of the upper face 12A of the base 12, for example only on the portions of the upper face 12A corresponding to the segments S, that is to say the portions of the base which are secured to the support 22.

[0203] The resulting segments can form different patterns, depending on the desired technical and visual effect.

[0204] The strips thus obtained can then be cut to obtain retaining devices in order to integrate them into different products or articles.

[0205] The products obtained are typically associated with a complementary device comprising a complementary base provided with complementary elements adapted to cooperate with the retaining elements for form a self-gripping bond. The complementary device may or may not have properties and a structure similar or identical to the device as described.

[0206] The invention as proposed thus makes it possible to produce retaining devices comprising a support 22 on which segments provided with retaining elements secured to the support 22 are arranged. These segments have a constant thickness, where appropriate with the exception of all or part of the periphery which is calendered in order to improve the mechanical strength thereof. The segments obtained are thus more regular and have better homogeneity compared to products obtained by localized deposits of material on the support. In addition, the proposed invention makes it possible to form a device provided with different segments spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction MD, which is complex to achieve by conventional methods which generally propose a differentiation in the transverse direction CD via co-extrusion methods which are not suitable for such a formation of disjointed segments in the longitudinal direction MD.Indeed, conventional processes which generally propose a differentiation according to the transverse direction CD only require a change in the shape of the die which is not the case for a device equipped with different segments spaced from each other according to the longitudinal direction MD.

[0207] The method employed makes it possible to preserve the support 22 by avoiding tearing or degradation of the support 22 when removing portions of the base 12 while reducing and limiting the amount of material used to produce the base and the retaining elements to the desired function. In other words, it is possible to obtain a product which does not include an oversized base due to constraints linked to the manufacturing process of the base and / or the retaining elements.

[0208] The manufacturing process used also allows for recycling of the base material 12 which is removed during the process. The offcuts can therefore be recycled and reinjected into the process, particularly for the formation of the base 12. For example, depending on the shape of the cut portions, the material injected for the formation of the base may contain between 1 and 80% recycled material, or between 10 and 50% recycled material.

[0209] Figures 13, 14, 15 and 16 show various examples of retaining elements that can be used.

[0210] In the example shown in Figures 13, 14 and 15, the retaining elements are hooks having a body having a generally triangular shape, and a head extending from the top of the body to one side, so as to form a retaining portion. Such types of retaining elements are typically arranged in pairs with heads extending in two opposite directions.

[0211] The example shown in Figure 16 shows retaining elements each comprising a rod, and a head formed by a disc extending from the free end of the rod, the disc extending radially around the rod so as to form gripping portions. It is understood that a head can take the form of a disc, or more generally any shape adapted so as to form fins extending around the free end of the rod.

[0212] The example shown in Figure 17 is a variant of Figure 13, in which the retaining elements are of the type described with reference to Figure 16.

[0213] Optionally, the device may comprise several distinct base portions.

[0214] Figure 19 shows a variant illustrating such an embodiment. This figure shows a variant of Figure 11; it shows the base 12 provided with retaining elements 16. In this embodiment, the portions of the base 12 not secured to the support 22 are not provided with retaining elements. In this embodiment, it can be seen that a portion of the support 22 is secured to a part of the base without retaining elements. After removal of the portions of the base not secured to the support 22, a device 10 is thus obtained comprising a base 12 provided with retaining elements 16 as already described previously, and also a complementary base 13 without of retaining elements, separate from the base 12, and secured to the support 22. Such an embodiment makes it possible in particular to define gripping zones.

[0215] The device as presented can in particular be used in the context of an absorbent article, for example of the baby diaper type or an adult incontinence diaper, which comprises - a top sheet, a bottom sheet and an absorbent core, arranged between the two top and bottom sheets, - at least one device as proposed, - at least complementary retaining elements, arranged to cooperate with the retaining elements of the device to achieve the closure of the absorbent article and / or to achieve the assembly, in particular the temporary assembly, of one or more sub-assemblies of the absorbent article.

[0216] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it is obvious that modifications and changes may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various illustrated / mentioned embodiments may be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

[0217] The sum of the percentages of the surface area of ​​the peripheral portion secured to the support 22 and of the surface area of ​​the peripheral portion not secured to the support 22 is equal to 100%.

[0218] In some cases, the retaining device comprises a ratio of the surface area S to the surface area P which is greater than 1, in particular greater than 1.5, in particular greater than 5 and / or less than 2000, in particular less than 1000, more particularly less than 500.

[0219] In other cases, the retaining device comprises a ratio of the surface area S to the surface area P which is greater than or equal to 0, in particular greater than 0.1, in in particular greater than 0.2 and / or less than or equal to 1, in particular less than 0.9, more particularly less than 0.8.

[0220] In particular, in an alternative embodiment, in particular for all of the embodiments described and / or in combination of embodiments described, the cutting operation, the material removal operation and the operation of securing to the support 22 are carried out simultaneously, for example with an ultrasonic welding module, for example an ultrasonic welding module with a rotating head.

[0221] In particular, in an alternative embodiment, in particular for all of the embodiments described and / or in combination of embodiments described, the cutting operation and the operation of securing the base 12 to the support 22 are carried out simultaneously, for example with an ultrasonic welding module, for example an ultrasonic welding module with a rotating head.

[0222] In particular, in an alternative embodiment, in particular for all of the embodiments described and / or in combination of embodiments described, the preform calendering device 125 could be arranged before or after the consolidation device 150 and / or before or after the removal device 130 and / or before or after the cutting device 120.

[0223] It is also obvious that all the characteristics described with reference to a method are transposable, alone or in combination, to a device, and conversely, all the characteristics described with reference to a device are transposable, alone or in combination, to a method.

Claims

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a retaining device (10), wherein: - a continuous base (12) is formed, the base extending in a longitudinal direction (MD), the base (12) having a lower face (12B) and an upper face (12A), the upper face (12A) of the base (12) comprising a plurality of retaining elements (16) and / or preforms for forming retaining elements, the base (12) having a constant thickness between its lower face (12B) and its upper face (12A), in particular over at least 30% of the surface of the base, - a support (22) is provided having a lower face (22B) and an upper face (22A), the support (22) extending in the longitudinal direction (MD), in particular extending continuously, - the support (22) is applied, in particular continuously in the longitudinal direction (MD) and / or in a transverse direction (CD), to the base (12) so as to secure the lower face (12B) of the base (12) to the upper face (22A) of the support (22) in a non-uniform manner in the longitudinal direction (MD) and / or in the transverse direction (CD) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (MD) so as to define portions of the base secured to the support (S), and portions of the base not secured to the support (P), the assembly formed by the support (22) and the base (12) forming a product.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein: - the product comprising the support (22) and the base (12) secured in a non-uniform manner to the support (22) is removed from the mold, - all or part of the portions of the base not attached to the support (P) are cut out and separated from the product.

3. Method according to claim 2, in said cutout defines at least one edge of the base (12) not secured to the support (22), and is made so as to maintain a non-zero distance between said at least an edge of the base (12) not secured to the support (22) and at least one adjacent portion of the base (12) secured to the support (22).

4. Method according to one of claims 2 or 3, in which following the cutting step or simultaneously with the cutting step, the cut portions of the base (12) are collected and separated from the product, and the material is reused so as to produce the base(s) (12) and / or the retaining element(s) (16) and / or the preform(s).

5. Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which following the cutting step or simultaneously with the cutting step, calendering is carried out on all or part of a periphery of portions of the base secured to the support (S) so as to secure it or confirm its securing to the support (22).

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which, in particular prior to the cutting step, calendering of the preforms is carried out so as to modify the geometry of all or part of the preforms to obtain retaining elements (16).

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the base (12) is secured to the support in particular by partial penetration of the support (22) into the base (12), by application of the support (22) to the base (12) downstream of the formation of the base, prior to the solidification of the lower face (12B) of the base (12).

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the base (12) and the support (22) are made of different materials, in particular materials of different natures.

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the support comprises fibers and / or filaments and / or threads on its upper face, for example the support comprises a sheet of non-woven material.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the support (22) is calendered in zones prior to its application to the base (12), the at least one calendered zone of the support (22), in particular the calendered zones of the support (22), having a thickness less than or equal to 10%, preferably at least 30%, the at least one uncalendered zone, in particular the uncalendered zones and a surface greater than 5 mm 2 , in particular at least 15 mm 2, determining during the application of the support (22) at least one zone, in particular zones, of greater thickness put under pressure on the base (12) which is secured to the base (12), and at least one calendered zone, in particular calendered zones, of lesser thickness which is not secured to the base (12).

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein an upper face of the at least one uncalendered zone of the support (22), in particular uncalendered zones of the support (22), extends along an uncalendered plane and an upper face of the at least one calendered zone of the support (22), in particular calendered zones of the support (22), extends along a calendered plane distinct from the uncalendered plane, the at least one uncalendered zone of the support or the uncalendered zones of the support (22) being intended to be secured to the base (12) and the at least one calendered zone of the support or the calendered zones of the support (22) being intended not to be secured to the base (12).

12. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the application of the support (22) on the base is carried out in a non-uniform manner, so that the lower face (22B) of the support (22) defines: - a first set of zones in which the support (22) is secured to the base (12), - a second set of zones in which the support (22) is not secured to the base (12), in which the first set of zones extends along a first plane (PI) and the second set of zones extends along a second plane (P2) distinct from the first plane (PI), the first plane (PI) being closer to the lower face (12B) of the base (12) than the second plane (P2).

13. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which the application of the support (22) on the base (12) is carried out by means of a roller (112B) having solid portions adapted to apply an effort tending to secure the support (22) to the base (12), and hollowed-out areas, configured so as not to apply an effort tending to secure the support (22) to the base (12).

14. Device (10) comprising: - a support (22), having a lower face (22B) and an upper face (22A), the support (22) forming a strip extending in a longitudinal direction (MD), - a base (12), extending in the longitudinal direction (MD) between a first end and a second end, the base (12) having a lower face (12B) facing the upper face (22A) of the support (22), and an upper face (12A), the base (12) having a constant thickness between its lower face (12B) and its upper face (12A), in particular over at least 30% of the surface of the base, - a plurality of retaining elements (16) extending from the upper face (12A) of the base (12), characterized in that the base (12) is secured to the support (22) in a non-uniform manner, and comprises at least one segment secured to the support (S), and at least one portion not secured to the support (P).

15. Device (10) according to claim 14, wherein the base (12) comprises a periphery portion forming an outer periphery of the base (12) extending over a maximum distance of 3mm, in particular 2mm, in particular 1mm, in particular 0.5mm, wherein at least 3%, in particular at least 5%, 7%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% or 45% of the surface of the periphery portion is not secured to the support (22) and in particular has a thickness substantially equal to the constant thickness of the base (12) and / or of the inner portion of the base (12).

16. Device (10) according to one of claims 14 to 15, wherein the base (12) comprises a periphery portion forming an outer periphery of the base (12) extending over a maximum distance of 3mm, in particular 2mm, in particular 1mm, in particular 0.5mm, wherein at least 3%, in particular at least 5%, 7%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% 45%, 50% or 60% of the surface of the peripheral portion is secured to the support (22) and has a thickness less than the thickness of an inner portion of the base (12).

17. Device (10) according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the base (12) comprises a peripheral portion forming an external periphery of the base extending over a maximum distance of 3 mm, in particular 2 mm, in particular 1 mm, in particular 0.5 mm, wherein at least 50%, in particular at least 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the surface of the peripheral portion is not secured to the support (22), and has a thickness substantially equal to the constant thickness of the base (12) and / or of the inner portion of the base (12), in particular the peripheral portion not secured to the support has a thickness substantially equal to the constant thickness of the base and / or of the inner portion of the base.

18. Device (10) according to one of claims 14, 15 or 16, wherein the base (12) comprises a periphery portion forming an outer periphery of the base extending over a maximum distance of 3mm, in particular 2mm, in particular 1mm, in particular 0.5mm, wherein at least 50%, in particular at least 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the surface of the periphery portion is secured to the support and all or part of the periphery portion secured to the support (22) has a thickness less than the thickness of an inner portion of the base (12).

19. Device according to claim 18 in which 100% of the surface of the peripheral portion is secured to the support (22), a part being derived from calendering of the at least one portion not secured to the support (P), and all or part of the peripheral portion secured to the support (22) has a thickness less than the thickness of an interior portion of the base (12).

20. Device (10) comprising: - a support (22), having a lower face (22B) and an upper face (22A), the support (22) forming a strip extending in a direction longitudinal (MD), - a base (12), extending in the longitudinal direction (MD) between a first end and a second end, the base (12) having a lower face (12B) facing the upper face (22A) of the support (22), and an upper face (12A), the base (12) having a constant thickness between its lower face (12B) and its upper face (12A), in particular over at least 30% of the surface of the base, - a plurality of retaining elements (16) extending from the upper face (12A) of the base (12), characterized in that 100% of the surface of the peripheral portion is secured to the support (22) and all or part of the peripheral portion secured to the support (22) has a thickness less than the thickness of an interior portion of the base (12).

21. Device (10) according to one of claims 14 to 20, in which the lower face (22B) of the support (22) defines - a first set of zones in which the support (22) is secured to the base (12), - a second set of zones in which the support (22) is not secured to the base (12), in which the first set of zones extends along a first plane (PI) and the second set of zones extends along a second plane (P2) distinct from the first plane (PI), the first plane (PI) being closer to the lower face (12B) of the base (12) than the second plane (P2).

22. Device (10) according to one of claims 16 to 21, in which the peripheral portion is devoid of retaining elements (16).

23. Device (10) according to one of claims 16 to 21, in which the peripheral portion comprises retaining elements (16).

24. Device (10) according to one of claims 14 to 23, in which the support (22) comprises fibers and / or filaments and / or threads on its upper face (22A), for example the support (22) comprises a sheet of non-woven material.

25. Device according to claim 24, in which the support (22) comprises calendered zones and uncalendered zones, the calendered zones of the support (22) having a thickness at least 10%, preferably at least 30%, less than the uncalendered zones and a surface area greater than 5 mm. 2 , in particular at least 15 mm 2, such that an upper face of the uncalendered areas of the support (22) extends along an uncalendered plane PI' and an upper face of the calendered areas of the support (22) extends along a calendered plane P2' distinct from the uncalendered plane PI', the uncalendered areas of the support (22) being secured to the base (12) and the calendered areas of the support (22) not being secured to the base (12).

26. Device (10) according to one of claims 14 to 25, in which the base (12) is secured to the support (22) by partial penetration of the support (22) into the base (12).

27. ​​Device (10) according to one of claims 14 to 26, in which the base (12) and the support (22) are made of different materials, in particular materials of different natures.

28. Device (10) according to one of claims 14 to 1, in which the base (12) has a variable width in the transverse direction (CD).

29. Device (10) according to one of claims 14 to 28, in which the base (12) is included in an area delimited by two parallel lines extending in the longitudinal direction (MD), and in which an occupancy rate of the base (12) in this area is strictly less than 100%, preferably less than 95%, in particular less than 80% and / or greater than 5%, in particular greater than 15%, more particularly greater than 35%, in other cases greater than 50%.

30. Device (10) according to one of claims 11 to 29, in which a maximum dimension of the base (12) along a line in the longitudinal direction (MD) is strictly less than the maximum dimension of the support (22) in the longitudinal direction (MD).

31. Device (10) according to one of claims 14 to 30, in which the support (22) comprises at least one notch or cutout formed in a portion of the support distant from the edges of the support (22), in particular at least one notch or cutout is formed in the support (22) at the periphery of the edge of the base (12), in particular at more or less 3mm from the edge of the base (12), in particular more or less 2mm from the edge of the base (12).

32. Device (10) according to one of claims 14 to 31, comprising a reference means for cutting, for example a marking, a hole, an embossing and / or a layer of ink.

33. System comprising a device (10) according to one of claims 14 to 32, and a complementary base in particular extending in the longitudinal direction, the complementary base having an upper face and a lower face, the lower face being devoid of retaining elements.

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