Improved restraint system for the protection of restraint elements

Abstract

Improved restraint device for the protection of restraint elements. Restraint device, comprising a tape (10) having an upper face (12) extending in a longitudinal direction (XX), said upper face (12) being provided with restraint elements (20), characterized in that the upper face (12) of the tape (10) comprises at least one cord (30) of material defining a contour (40) having an internal surface comprising restraint elements (20), each of said at least one cord (30) having two ends, said ends being associated in pairs, the distance between the ends of each pair of ends being less than or equal to 1 mm. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Improved restraint device for the protection of restraint elements technical field

[0001] The present exposition relates to the field of self-gripping type retention systems, in particular for fixing linings onto foam. Previous technique

[0002] Self-gripping type retention systems are commonly used for fixing foam padding, for example for vehicle seats or upholstery.

[0003] A recurring problem concerns the integration and protection of the retention elements within the linings. Indeed, foam injection tends to cover the retention elements, rendering them ineffective. Various methods have been proposed to protect the retention elements. However, these methods impose significant constraints during manufacturing and / or limit the shapes of the retention element strips that can be produced.

[0004] Document WO98 / 05232 thus presents an example of a lining fastening device and the associated manufacturing process. In this document, a lining is positioned on a tape equipped with hooks; this lining is then cut and partially removed to form a single continuous contour around a hook area. Such a process is, however, technically demanding.

[0005] The present presentation aims to address at least partially these issues. Description of the invention

[0006] In order to address at least partially the aforementioned problems, the present description relates to a retention device comprising a ribbon having an upper face extending in a longitudinal direction, said upper face being provided with retention elements, characterized in that the upper face of the ribbon comprises at least one cord of material defining a contour having an internal surface comprising retention elements, each of said at least one cord having two ends, said ends being associated in pairs, the distance between the ends of each pair of ends being less than or equal to 1mm.

[0007] According to one example, the upper face of the ribbon comprises at least two cords of material defining a contour, each of said at least two cords having two ends, said ends being associated in pairs, the distance between the ends of each pair of ends being less than or equal to 1mm.

[0008] The device can typically include a metallic element extending in the longitudinal direction, between two cords.

[0009] According to one example, the retaining elements are arranged in several columns extending along the longitudinal direction, and in that each of the cords extends along a path having at every point a non-zero component along the longitudinal direction.

[0010] According to one example, said cords overlap at least one point along a vertical direction, perpendicular to the upper face of the ribbon.

[0011] According to one example, said cords are tangent at at least one point.

[0012] According to an example, each of said at least one cord has a width between between 0.3mm and 10mm, in particular between 0.5mm and 10mm, in another case a width between 0.4 and 5mm.

[0013] According to an example, at least one, preferably each of said retaining elements, more particularly arranged in the contour, have a maximum dimension "La" measured along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the upper face of the ribbon, and in which each of said at least one cord has a width between 0.2*La and 10*La, for example between 0.5*La and 10*La.

[0014] According to one example, said retaining elements, preferably arranged in the contour, have a height Ha measured along a vertical direction, perpendicular to the upper face of the ribbon, and in which each of said at least one cord has a thickness measured along the vertical direction strictly greater than Ha.

[0015] According to one example, each of said cords comprises in its formulation at least one elastomeric material.

[0016] According to one example, the cord comprises several portions, for example a lower portion arranged to allow attachment to the tape, in particular the base of the tape, and an upper portion arranged at the free end of the lower portion. For example, the lower and upper portions have a difference in material density of at least 0.2, in particular at least 0.4. For example, the lower portion comprises in its formulation at least one elastomeric material and the upper portion comprises a material with a density less than 0.2.

[0017] According to an example, the density of the cord material is greater than 0.2, or even greater than 0.5.

[0018] According to one example, each of said cords is made of elastomeric material and / or a thermoplastic elastomeric material.

[0019] According to one example, the cords are formed so as to at least partially envelop retaining elements.

[0020] According to one example, the said cord(s) are produced by extrusions.

[0021] According to one example, the ribbon comprises a base, for example from injection and / or extrusion, which is formed in one piece with the retaining elements.

[0022] According to one example, the base is a woven fabric comprising a ground yarn and a warp yarn intertwined with each other. A retention device such as the one proposed, comprising a cord, thus allows for a good compromise in the flexibility of the retention device, enabling its easy positioning before the foaming operation without it being too rigid and consequently felt by the user of a seat incorporating the retention device.

[0023] According to one example, the base of the ribbon is a woven fabric comprising a ground yarn and a warp yarn interlaced with each other, and the retaining elements are formed by yarns arranged at least partly in the base.

[0024] In one example, the wires forming the retaining elements are monofilament wires. In another example, the wires forming the retaining elements are arranged in the base in the form of a "V" and / or a "W" having a head at their two free ends.

[0025] According to one example, the cords are formed of a non-porous material and / or one devoid of open and / or closed cells.

[0026] According to one example, the tape includes retaining elements arranged outside the contour and outside at least one cord to allow better mechanical anchoring of the tape in the foam.

[0027] According to one example, the tape includes retaining elements arranged outside the contour and outside the at least one cord so as to allow for better mechanical anchoring of the tape in the foam. These anchoring retaining elements are, for example, arranged in particular at corners of the retaining device and / or these anchoring retaining elements define at least two distinct anchoring zones, in particular two opposing anchoring zones. These anchoring retaining elements of the retaining device typically define at least X distinct anchoring zones, with X an even integer between 4 and 100, the X anchoring zones being in particular opposite in pairs and / or regularly distributed around the periphery of the contour and / or being arranged symmetrically with respect to a midline of the retaining device (said midline extending substantially in the longitudinal direction and being equidistant from the lateral edges of the retaining device).

[0028] According to one example, the base of the ribbon has a thickness "E" typically between 0.2mm and 1mm, in particular between 0.3mm and 0.7mm.

[0029] According to one example, the retention device comprises an anchoring means in the foam attached to the face of the base of the tape opposite to that comprising the retention elements.

[0030] According to one example, the anchoring means in the foam is formed of loops, for example of a knit comprising loops, and optionally a support film, the anchoring means in the foam being fixed to the face of the base of the tape opposite to that comprising the retaining elements, for example with an adhesive, for example an adhesive comprising magnetic particles.

[0031] According to one example, the cords are arranged outside of walls and / or ribs formed on the ribbon and / or on the base of the ribbon.

[0032] According to one example, each cord is continuous, and made of the same material.

[0033] According to one example, each contour is bordered by at least one cord, and the perimeter the contour is typically between 30 mm and 2050 mm.

[0034] According to an example, the ratio of the perimeter of the contour to the width of the cord is greater than 3, in particular greater than 10, in particular greater than 30 and / or less than 8000, in particular less than 7000, in particular less than 4000.

[0035] According to one example, each retaining element comprises a stem and a head, the retaining elements are adapted to cooperate with a counterpart comprising loops to achieve a self-gripping closure of the "Male-Female" type.

[0036] According to one example, each retaining element comprises a rod and a head, the retaining elements are adapted to cooperate with a counterpart comprising retaining elements each comprising a rod and a head to achieve a self-gripping closure of the "Male-Male" type.

[0037] According to one example, each retaining element forms at least one loop, the retaining elements are adapted to cooperate with a counterpart comprising retaining elements each comprising a stem and a head to achieve a self-gripping closure of the "Female-Male" type.

[0038] The present description also relates to a method for manufacturing a restraint device in which: - a ribbon is provided having an upper surface extending in a longitudinal direction, said upper surface being provided with retaining elements, - at least one cord of material is formed on the upper face of the ribbon by depositing material, so as to define a contour, each of said at least one cord having two ends, said ends being associated in pairs, the distance between the ends of each pair of ends being less than or equal to 1mm.

[0039] According to one example, at least two cords of material are formed by depositing material on the upper face of the tape, each of said at least two cords having two ends, said ends being associated in pairs, the distance between the ends of each pair of ends being less than or equal to 1mm.

[0040] According to one example, the ribbon is provided with a metallic element extending along the longitudinal direction, and in which the cords are formed in pairs, each pair being on either side of a metallic element.

[0041] According to one example, the deposition of material is carried out by injection nozzles, making a deposit of material on the upper face of the ribbon, said ribbon being driven in movement along the longitudinal direction.

[0042] According to one example, said cords of material overlap at least one point along a vertical direction, perpendicular to the upper face of the ribbon.

[0043] According to one example, said cords of material are tangent at at least one point.

[0044] According to an example, each of said at least one cord has a width between between 0.3mm and 10mm, in particular between 0.5mm and 10mm, in another case a width between 0.4 and 5mm.

[0045] According to one example, said retaining elements, preferably arranged in the contour, have a maximum dimension "La" measured along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the upper face of the ribbon, and in which each of said at least one cord has a width between 0.5*La and 10*La.

[0046] According to one example, said retaining elements, preferably arranged in the contour, have a height "Ha" measured along a vertical direction, perpendicular to the upper face of the ribbon, and in which each of said at least one cord has a thickness measured along a vertical direction, perpendicular to the upper face of the ribbon strictly greater than Ha.

[0047] According to one example, each of said cords comprises in its formulation at least one elastomeric material.

[0048] According to one example, the cord comprises several portions, for example a lower portion arranged to allow attachment to the tape, in particular the base of the tape, and an upper portion arranged at the free end of the lower portion. For example, the lower and upper portions have a difference in material density of at least 0.2, in particular of at least 0.4. For example, the lower portion comprises in its formulation at least one elastomeric material and the upper portion comprises a material with a density less than 0.2.

[0049] According to one example, the density of the cord material is greater than 0.2, or even greater than 0.5.

[0050] According to one example, each of said cords is made of elastomeric material and / or a thermoplastic elastomeric.

[0051] According to one example, the cords are formed so as to at least partially envelop retaining elements.

[0052] According to one example, the said cord(s) are produced by extrusions.

[0053] According to one example, the ribbon comprises a base, for example from injection and / or extrusion, which is formed in one piece with the retaining elements.

[0054] According to one example, the base is a woven fabric comprising a ground yarn and a warp yarn intertwined with each other. A retention device such as the one proposed, comprising a cord, thus allows for a good compromise in the flexibility of the retention device, enabling its easy positioning before the foaming operation without it being too rigid and consequently felt by the user of a seat incorporating the retention device.

[0055] According to one example, the base of the ribbon is a woven fabric comprising a ground yarn and a warp yarn interlaced with each other, and the retaining elements are formed by yarns arranged at least partly in the base.

[0056] In one example, the wires forming the retaining elements are monofilament wires. In another example, the wires forming the retaining elements are arranged in the base in the form of a "V" and / or a "W" having a head at their two free ends.

[0057] According to one example, the cords are formed of a non-porous material and / or one devoid of open and / or closed cells.

[0058] According to one example, the tape includes retaining elements arranged outside the contour and outside at least one cord to allow better mechanical anchoring of the tape in the foam.

[0059] According to one example, the tape includes retaining elements arranged outside the contour and outside the at least one cord so as to allow for better mechanical anchoring of the tape in the foam. These anchoring retaining elements are, for example, arranged in particular at corners of the retaining device and / or these anchoring retaining elements define at least two distinct anchoring zones, in particular two opposing anchoring zones. These anchoring retaining elements of the retaining device typically define at least X distinct anchoring zones, with X an even integer between 4 and 100, the X anchoring zones being in particular opposite in pairs and / or regularly distributed around the periphery of the contour and / or being arranged symmetrically with respect to a midline of the retaining device (said midline extending substantially in the longitudinal direction and being equidistant from the lateral edges of the retaining device).

[0060] According to one example, the base of the ribbon has a thickness "E" typically between 0.2mm and 1mm, in particular between 0.3mm and 0.7mm.

[0061] According to one example, the retention device includes an anchoring means in the foam attached to the face of the base of the tape opposite to that comprising the retention elements.

[0062] According to one example, the anchoring means in the foam is formed of loops, by example of a knit comprising loops, and optionally a backing film, the means of anchoring in the foam being fixed to the face of the base of the tape opposite to that comprising the retaining elements, for example with an adhesive, for example an adhesive comprising magnetic particles.

[0063] According to one example, the cords are arranged outside of walls and / or ribs formed on the ribbon and / or on the base of the ribbon.

[0064] According to one example, each cord is continuous, and made of the same material.

[0065] According to one example, each contour is bordered by at least one cord, and the perimeter the contour is typically between 30 mm and 2050 mm.

[0066] According to an example, the ratio of the perimeter of the contour to the width of the cord is greater than 3, in particular greater than 10, in particular greater than 30 and / or less than 8000, in particular less than 7000, in particular less than 4000.

[0067] According to one example, each retaining element comprises a stem and a head, the retaining elements are adapted to cooperate with a counterpart comprising loops to achieve a self-gripping closure of the "Male-Female" type.

[0068] According to one example, each retaining element comprises a stem and a head, the retaining elements are adapted to cooperate with a counterpart comprising retaining elements each comprising a stem and a head to achieve a self-gripping closure of the "Male-Male" type.

[0069] According to one example, each retaining element forms at least one loop, the retaining elements are adapted to cooperate with a counterpart comprising retaining elements each comprising a stem and a head to achieve a self-gripping closure of the "Female-Male" type.

[0070] According to one example, following the creation of the material cords, the ribbon is cut around each contour defined by the material cords.

[0071] The present disclosure also relates to a seat, for example a car seat, comprising - a foam object, - a cover designed to cover at least part of the foam object, and - a restraint device as defined above, in which the retention device is arranged in the foam object to allow at least one attachment between the foam object and the headgear.

[0072] According to one example, the retaining device is one piece with the object in mousse. Brief description of the drawings

[0073] The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the detailed description below of various embodiments of the invention given as examples. non-exhaustive examples.

[0074] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 schematically represents an example of a device according to one aspect of the invention.

[0075] [Fig.2] Fig.2 schematically represents another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention.

[0076] [Fig.3] Fig.3 schematically represents another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention.

[0077] [Fig.4] Fig.4 schematically represents another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention.

[0078] [Fig.5] Fig.5 schematically illustrates the realization of a device as proposed.

[0079] [Fig.6A] Fig.6A schematically represents another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention.

[0080] [Fig.6B] [Fig.6B] represents a variant of [Fig.6A].

[0081] [Fig.7A] Fig.7A schematically represents another example of a device according to one aspect of the invention.

[0082] [Fig.7B] [Fig.7B] represents a variant of [Fig.7A].

[0083] [Fig.8] Fig.8 schematically represents in a cross-sectional view of Fig.7B an example of a retaining element.

[0084] Across all figures, common elements are identified by identical numerical references. Description of the implementation methods

[0085] Figure 1 presents an example of a restraint device according to one aspect of the invention.

[0086] The device as proposed comprises a ribbon 10 having a substantially flat upper face 12. The ribbon 10 extends along a longitudinal direction XX. A transverse direction YY is defined, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction XX, and extending in a plane defined by the upper face 12 of the ribbon 10. A vertical direction ZZ is also defined, perpendicular to the plane defined by the longitudinal direction XX and by the transverse direction YY, that is to say, perpendicular to the upper face 12 of the ribbon 10. The ribbon typically comprises weft yarns and warp yarns forming a woven fabric.

[0087] The upper surface 12 of the tape 10 is provided with retaining elements 20. These may, for example, be hooks adapted to cooperate with other hooks or with loops to create a hook-and-loop type connection. The tape 10 may have a base, for example, produced by injection molding and / or extrusion, which may be formed in one piece with the retaining elements 20.

[0088] The retaining elements 20 are typically arranged to form lines extending along the longitudinal direction, the spacing between two successive retaining elements 20 along the longitudinal direction defining the pitch along the longitudinal direction. The different lines of retaining elements are typically arranged either so that the retaining elements define rows along the transverse direction YY, or in a staggered pattern, that is, so that two successive lines are offset by half the pitch along the longitudinal direction.

[0089] The device includes cords 30 formed on the upper face 12 of the ribbon 10.

[0090] The cords 30 are formed by depositing material on the upper surface 12 of the ribbon 10, for example, as will be described later. The 30 cords are typically produced by extrusion. The cords are typically formed from a non-porous material and / or one devoid of open and / or closed cells.

[0091] In the example illustrated in [Fig.1], 4 cords 30 formed on the upper face 12 of the ribbon 10 are shown, which will be designated respectively by 30a, 30b, 30c and 30d, or more generally by adding the index a, b, c or d to designate the cord concerned or a part of it.

[0092] In the illustrated example, the cords 30 are arranged in pairs, each pair defining one or more contours. As can be seen in [Fig. 1], the cords 30a and 30b are symmetrical or substantially symmetrical and exhibit a nonlinear profile along the longitudinal direction. By profile, we mean the trajectory of the cord 30 under consideration on the upper face 12 of the strip 10, typically the projection onto the plane defined by the longitudinal direction XX and the transverse direction ZZ of a curve passing through the center of the sections of the cord 30 under consideration.

[0093] Thus, the cords 30a and 30b have portions 30a1 and 30b1 that are disjoint and spaced apart, and portions 30a2 and 30b2 at which the cords 30a and 30b are in contact. Two successive portions 30a2 define a contour 40, each contour 40 having an internal surface in which retaining elements 20 are arranged. Here, a contour is defined as a contour delimited by one or more cords 30, such that the ends of said cords defining the contour in question are not spaced more than 1 mm apart, the spacing being, for example, measured along a direction parallel to the upper face 12 of the tape 10. The various contours 40 typically have a maximum dimension measured in the plane defined by the upper face 12 of the ribbon 10 between 0 mm and 50 mm, or between 0 mm and 30 mm.

[0094] The contour 40 (excluding the cord's dimensions) comprises at least one length extending along a longitudinal direction XX and at least one width extending along the transverse direction YY. The contour 40 comprises at least two different widths, preferably non-zero, and / or the contour 40 comprises at least two different lengths, preferably non-zero. The contour 40 has a central portion and two longitudinal ends whose width in the central portion is greater than at least one of the widths in at least one of the longitudinal ends.

[0095] Each contour 40 being bordered by at least one cord 30, the perimeter of the contour 40 is typically between 30 mm and 2050 mm.

[0096] The ratio of the perimeter of the contour 40 to the width of the cord 30 is typically greater than 3, in particular greater than 10, in particular greater than 30 and / or less than 8000, in particular less than 7000, in particular less than 4000.

[0097] Cords 30c and 30d have a similar profile to cords 30a and 30b respectively.

[0098] In the illustrated example, portions 30a2 and 30b2 are tangent along the longitudinal direction XX, without overlap of cords 30a and 30b, that is to say that cords 30a and 30b are not superimposed along the vertical direction ZZ.

[0099] The cords 30 form sealing means around each contour 40. More precisely, when the upper face 12 of the tape 10 as shown is positioned against a flat surface, the cords 30 isolate the different contours 40. Thus, material, for example foam, can be injected around the different contours 40, while preventing the injected material from penetrating them. This protects the retaining elements 10 arranged in the contours and prevents them from being covered with material, which could render them inoperative. It should be noted here that the contours are not necessarily completely closed. The ends of the cords may be joined or not. A maximum spacing of 1 mm may exist between two ends of the same cord or of several cords defining the contour 40 in question.The maximum spacing "e" is measured from the end of one of the cords and is the minimum distance separating the end in question from the other associated end or from a portion located close (typically less than 5 mm) to the other associated end. Such a contour can be described as closed, insofar as it has been found that such a spacing of 1 mm or less is sufficient to create a sealing effect preventing the penetration of material such as foam into the contour 40.

[0100] The cords 30 are typically formed so as to completely or partially enclose retaining elements. The retaining elements 20 that are covered by the cords 30 are shown in dashed lines. The cords 30 are typically arranged outside of walls or ribs formed on the ribbon 10 and / or on the base of the ribbon 10.

[0101] For each cord 30, a length is defined, which is its largest dimension, a thickness, which is its maximum dimension along the vertical direction ZZ, and a width, which is its maximum dimension along a direction perpendicular to its length and height.

[0102] Thus, if we consider that the retaining elements 20 have a maximum dimension "La" measured along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the upper face of the ribbon, the cords 30 have a width between 0.5*La and 10*La, in particular between 0.5*La and 3*La.

[0103] According to one example, each of said at least one cord has a width between 0.3mm and 10mm, or between 0.5mm and 10mm, or in particular between 0.4mm and 5mm.

[0104] If we consider that the retaining elements 20 have a height Ha measured along a direction perpendicular to the upper face of the ribbon, the cords 30 have a thickness measured along a direction perpendicular to the upper face of the ribbon of between 0.98 Ha and 2 Ha, typically strictly greater than 1.00 Ha, typically between Ha and 1.5 Ha, or between 1.01 Ha and 1.5 Ha.

[0105] Figure 8 shows an example of the shape of retaining elements 20, here commonly referred to as a "mushroom," comprising a stem generally having a cylindrical shape of revolution, surmounted by a head having the shape of a portion of a sphere. The maximum dimension La, the height Ha, and a thickness E of the ribbon 10 are indicated in this figure.It is understood that this embodiment is not exhaustive, and that the retaining elements may have another shape, for example, a shape commonly referred to as "quadrilobed" comprising a stem having a cross-section, along a plane perpendicular to the direction of extension of the stem, in the shape of a "+" or a "cross", surmounted by a head with four attachment points, and / or, for example, a shape commonly referred to as "trilobed" comprising a stem having a cross-section, along a plane perpendicular to the direction of extension of the stem, in the shape of a "Y" or a "Y" with arms of equal length, the arms being separated in pairs by an angle between 100° and 140°, surmounted by a head with three attachment points, or, following the same principle, for example, a shape commonly referred to as "pentalobed". The thickness E of the tape 10 is typically between 0.2 mm and 1 mm, or, for example, between 0.3 mm and 0.7 mm.

[0106] The retaining elements 20 can also be in the form of loops, adapted to cooperate with a counterpart comprising retaining elements each comprising a stem and a head to achieve a self-gripping closure of the "Female-Male" type.

[0107] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], the different pairs of cords are, in certain areas (called spacing areas), spaced apart from each other. Thus, the Cords 30a and 30b are not in contact with cords 30c and 30d. This configuration allows for the definition of sets of contours 40 spaced apart from each other, thus enabling the cutting of strips comprising several aligned contours 40 with enlarged edges, which facilitates anchoring, for example, in foam. As an alternative embodiment, the spacing between the cords could be reduced or increased depending on the application.

[0108] According to one example, the pairs of cords are spaced in the spacing areas, at least 10 mm, or at least 5 mm, typically along the transverse direction YY.

[0109] The pairs of cords are spaced, for example, in the spacing zones, at a maximum distance of 400 mm, or 200 mm, or even 100 mm, typically along the transverse direction YY.

[0110] The cords 30 are typically produced by extrusion and may be made of elastomeric material and / or a thermoplastic elastomeric material, or each cord 30 typically comprises at least one elastomeric material and / or a thermoplastic elastomeric material in its formulation. The density of the material of each cord 30 is typically greater than 0.2, or even greater than 0.5.

[0111] Each cord 30 is typically contiguous and made of the same material. The cords 30 forming a pair of cords may be made of different materials, for example materials having different chemical resistances.

[0112] According to one example, the cords 30 may have several portions, for example a lower portion arranged to allow attachment to the tape, in particular the base of the tape, and an upper portion arranged at the free end of the lower portion. For example, the lower and upper portions have a difference in material density of at least 0.2, in particular at least 0.4. For example, the lower portion comprises in its formulation at least one elastomeric material and the upper portion comprises a material with a density less than 0.2.

[0113] The materials of the different cords 30 may have different colours, in particular to facilitate positioning in an injection mold or cutting of patterns.

[0114] The device according to the invention advantageously comprises an optimized maximized surface of available retaining elements 20 whose contour has a complex shape.

[0115] The tape 10 typically includes retaining elements 20 arranged outside the contour 40 and outside at least one cord 30 to allow better mechanical anchoring of the tape 10 in the foam.

[0116] [Fig.2] presents a variant of the example illustrated in [Fig. 1].

[0117] This variant is similar to that already shown in [Fig. 1]. The difference lies in the trajectory of the cords 30. In this embodiment, the cords are arranged in pairs as in the embodiment described previously, but the cords of each pair overlap in given areas.

[0118] More specifically, in this embodiment, the cords 30 of each pair have at least two areas where the two cords are superimposed, i.e., one above the other along the vertical direction ZZ. The overlapping portions of the cords 30a and 30b are designated by 30a3 and 30b3.

[0119] The cords 30 of each pair of cords thus have symmetrical profiles with respect to a central axis but offset by the length of a contour 40 along the longitudinal direction XX. The cords 30 of each pair intersect, here at regular intervals, each interval corresponding to the length of a contour 40 along the longitudinal direction XX.

[0120] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in [Fig. 2], the cords 30 of the different cord pairs are tangent. Indeed, [Fig. 2] shows that portions 30al and 30dl of cords 30a and 30d are tangent along a part of the profile of cords 30a and 30d, and that portions 30b1 and 30c1 are tangent along a part of the profile of cords 30b and 30c. Such a configuration improves the compactness of the device and thus reduces the amount of product waste after the cutting step. As an example, a CC cutting line is shown in [Fig. 2].

[0121] [Fig.3] presents another example of a variant of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2. In this example, the cords 30a and 30b form a pair of non-overlapping cords 30, as already described with reference to [Fig.1].

[0122] The differences compared to the embodiment already described in [Fig.1] are described below.

[0123] In this embodiment, a metallic element, for example a metal rod 50 or a cord made of metallic material, is positioned between the cords 30a and 30b. The metallic element 50 is typically positioned so as to define a median axis between the cords 30a and 30b. The metallic element 50 typically extends along the longitudinal direction ZZ. The portions 30a2 and 30b2 of the cords 30a and 30b thus come into contact with the metallic element 50 on either side of the metallic element 50, without overlapping. Alternatively, the cords 30a and 30b may have an overlap as already described with reference to [Fig. 2], the overlap then typically occurring at the level of the metallic element 50.

[0124] The metallic element 50 thus makes it possible to increase even more than at least one cord 30, the rigidity of a strip cut from the ribbon 20.

[0125] [Fig.4] presents another example of a variant of the embodiment already shown in [Fig. 1].

[0126] In this embodiment, the cords 30a and 30b exhibit a discontinuous path. More precisely, in the illustrated example, the cords 30a and 30b are discontinuous at their portions 30a2 and 30b2, respectively. These discontinuous portions 30a2 and 30b2 are typically constructed such that the projections of the discontinuous portions along the longitudinal direction XX have a zero intersection. In other words, considering the portions 30a2 and 30b2 of the pair of cords 30a and 30b, if we take successive sections of these portions along the longitudinal direction, for each section, at least one of the two cords does not have a discontinuous section. This therefore ensures that portions 30a2 and 30b2 of the pair of cords 30a and 30b form a barrier over the entire length of portions 30a2 and 30b2 of the pair of cords 30a and 30b.

[0127] Such an embodiment makes it possible in particular to reduce the quantity of material required, and the total weight of the cords 30, in particular in an area outside a contour or between two contours.

[0128] The various embodiments described above can be carried out independently or in combination. For example, cords 30 arranged in pairs can be made having tangent and overlapping portions, alternately or not, regularly or not. A metallic element such as a metal rod 50 or a cord made of metallic material can also be integrated into an embodiment that includes an overlap of all or part of the cords 30.

[0129] In the different embodiments shown in the preceding figures, we see that the contours 40 are delimited by cords 30 forming a discontinuous deposit of material, in the sense that we observe an interface between the different cords of each pair of cords defining a contour 40.

[0130] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates the realization of the devices as presented with reference to figures 1 to 4.

[0131] In the illustrated example, the beads 30a and 30b are formed by material deposition via material deposition means 60 such as nozzles. In the illustrated example, two nozzles 60a and 60b are arranged movable along the transverse direction YY.

[0132] The nozzles are arranged so as to be offset along the longitudinal direction XX, so as to be able to move along the transverse direction YY without coming into contact with each other, in particular in the case of overlapping cords 30.

[0133] The ribbon 10 is positioned on a support and is driven in movement along the longitudinal direction XX, typically by drive means, for example a conveyor or one or more drive rollers (not represented in the figures).

[0134] In an alternative embodiment, the support can be a roller, and the nozzles 60 can then be arranged around the periphery of the roller and be movable in translation along an axis parallel to the axis of the roller.

[0135] Alternatively, the ribbon 10 can be kept fixed, and it is then the material deposition means 60 that are mobile along the longitudinal direction XX and along the transverse direction YY.

[0136] The method may also include a step of adjusting (calibrating) the thickness of the retaining device by means of adjusting the thickness of the retaining device to adjust the thickness of the retaining device at least upstream of the step of forming at least one bead 30.

[0137] The method may also implement means for maintaining a constant thickness of the retaining device adapted to maintain a constant thickness of the retaining device before and during the step of forming at least one bead 30. Optionally, the retaining means are adapted to maintain a constant thickness of the retaining device before the step of forming at least one bead 30, and are arranged in the immediate vicinity of the bead-forming means. Optionally, the retaining means also maintain a constant thickness of the retaining device after the step of forming at least one bead 30 over a distance of at least 10 cm. Optionally, the means for maintaining a constant thickness are arranged to apply tension to the retaining device, at least during the step of forming at least one bead 30, and optionally before and / or after the step of forming at least one bead 30.

[0138] According to one example, the means for adjusting and maintaining the retaining device include at least one roller upstream of the step of forming at least one cord 30 and optionally at least one roller downstream of the step of forming at least one cord 30.

[0139] The illustrated example presents a device for forming a pair of cords. It is understood, however, that it can be generalized to an apparatus having multiple means of depositing material 60 to form the desired number of cords 30, in particular depending on the total width of the ribbon.

[0140] In the case of a ribbon 10 comprising a metallic element, such as for example a metallic rod 50 or for example additional metallic cord, the metallic element can for example be associated with the ribbon prior to the deposition of material for the formation of the cords 30.

[0141] Figures 6A and 6B present two variants of another embodiment, in which a contour 40 is made, so as to form an element which is described as a lozenge or "patch" according to the commonly used English term. in this area.

[0142] The contour 40 is here delimited by two cords 30a and 30b, the ends of which are paired to form a closed contour, as defined previously. Each of these two figures shows a pair of contiguous ends and a pair of non-contiguous ends.

[0143] As shown in this figure, the junctions of the cords 30a and 30b at their ends create a discontinuity in material 35, even when the ends are joined. The resulting contour is described as discontinuous. When the ends are joined, the cord ends can meet so as to come into contact with each other (as schematically shown in [Fig. 6A]), so as to overlap along the vertical direction ZZ, or so as to be tangent over a given distance (as schematically shown in [Fig. 6B]). When the ends overlap, they typically overlap by a distance of at least 1 mm. The projection onto the plane defined by the upper face 12 of the ribbon 10 at one end then typically coincides with the projection onto the plane defined by the upper face 12 of the ribbon 10 at the other end.

[0144] Such a contour 40 can, for example, be achieved by keeping the ribbon 10 fixed and moving the material deposition means 60 along the longitudinal direction XX and along the longitudinal direction YY, or, where the geometry of the contour 40 produced allows, in the manner already described with reference to [Fig. 5]. Each of the beads 30a and 30b of the pair of beads 30 considered then typically has a profile having at every point a non-zero component along the direction of advance of the ribbon 10, namely the longitudinal direction, if we refer to the example shown in [Fig. 5]. In Figures 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B, the bead(s) is / are arranged on retaining elements, but alternatively, this / these bead(s) could be arranged between two retaining elements.

[0145] Figures 7A and 7B show variations of the embodiments already described with reference to Figures 6A and 6B. In these embodiments, the contour 40 is delimited by a single bead 30 of material, the two ends of which are joined. It is understood that the ends may also be not joined, as already illustrated in particular with reference to Figures 6A and 6B.

[0146] As already described with reference to Figures 6A and 6B, a discontinuity of material 35 is observed at the junction between the two ends of the cord 30. The ends of the cord can join so as to come into contact with each other ([Fig.7A]), so as to overlap along the vertical direction ZZ, or so as to be tangent over a given distance ([Fig.7B]).

[0147] For the realization of such a contour 40 delimited by a single cord 30 of material, Material deposition is typically carried out via material deposition means 60 movable along two axes, for example along the longitudinal direction XX and the transverse direction YY while the ribbon 10 is held in position, although it can be moved for example for the successive realization of different patterns on the same ribbon 10.

[0148] For the different shapes of pellets thus produced, the shape is typically symmetrical about a central axis.

[0149] In the various embodiments shown, the making of the cords 30 makes it possible to make an element forming a sealing joint to inject a material such as foam around the contour 40, thus preserving the retaining elements 20 in the contour 40 so that they remain functional.

[0150] The fineness of the 30 cords allows the width of the parts produced to be reduced, which improves the perceived quality in an assembled product such as a seat or vehicle trim.

[0151] In the various embodiments, the cords 30 typically have a circular or semi-circular, triangular, rectangular, hook-shaped, lip-shaped (for example single or multiple), stud-shaped, or more generally any shape suitable for making a sealing element.

[0152] According to one example, the different cords 30 are subjected to a calendering step following their deposition on the upper face 12 of the ribbon 10, in particular in order to standardize their height.

[0153] In the various embodiments, the retaining elements are, for example, hooks having a shank and a head. The head typically has a maximum dimension in projection along a plane defined by the upper face 12 of the ribbon 10 of between 0.1 and 2 mm, or between 0.2 and 0.9 mm. The shank typically has a maximum dimension in projection along a plane defined by the upper face 12 of the ribbon 10 of between 0.1 and 0.8 mm, or between 0.1 and 0.6 mm.

[0154] The various shapes and geometries of the contours 40 thus produced are presented solely by way of example, and are not limiting. It is understood that the deposition of material for the production of the cords 30 makes it possible to create various shapes and patterns on the upper face 12 of the ribbon 10, in particular contours having symmetrical, asymmetrical or arbitrary shapes, repetitive or not, joined or disjointed to adapt to the different shapes of seats, in particular to seats of the so-called "surface type", i.e. without visible seams.

[0155] The ribbon 10 comprises a base produced by injection and / or extrusion that is formed in one piece with the retaining elements. In an alternative embodiment, the base is a woven fabric comprising a ground yarn and a warp yarn intertwined with each other. In another alternative embodiment, the base is a woven fabric comprising a ground yarn and a warp yarn in Interlaced with each other, the retaining elements are formed by threads arranged at least partially in the base. More specifically, the threads forming the retaining elements are monofilament threads. The threads forming the retaining elements are arranged in the base in the shape of a "V" and / or a "W".

[0156] The base and retaining elements may be as described in any one of the following patent applications: US2005268439 A1, EP0604869 A1, WO18007338 A1, WO17187096 A1 and WO11100999 A1

[0157] The proposed structure thus makes it possible to form a barrier to protect the retaining elements during the injection of material onto the ribbon 10. The proposed structure offers significant flexibility in terms of the geometry of the contours 40, and is more advantageous in terms of manufacturing than processes which aim to deposit a partial mask on the ribbon 10.

[0158] The proposed structure thus makes it possible to produce a product using less material than prior art products that employ a solid, continuous cover to create a watertight barrier during foam injection. As indicated in the description, the applicant has indeed observed that, surprisingly, it is not necessary to have a perfectly sealed edge to prevent foam from penetrating the internal surface of a given contour and thus prevent the retaining elements present in that internal surface from being covered with foam.

[0159] Furthermore, the production of material cords with two ends, joined or separated, significantly simplifies the manufacturing process while preserving the retaining elements. In particular, the invention eliminates the cutting steps required in known processes, which considerably simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces or even eliminates the waste generated.

[0160] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is evident that modifications and changes can 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 embodiments illustrated / mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0161] It is also evident that all the characteristics described with reference to a process 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 process.

Claims

Demands

1. Retaining device, comprising a ribbon (10) having an upper face (12) extending in a longitudinal direction (XX), said upper face (12) being provided with retaining elements (20), characterized in that the upper face (12) of the ribbon (10) comprises at least one cord (30) of material defining a contour (40) having an internal surface comprising retaining elements (20), each of said at least one cord (30) having two ends, said ends being associated in pairs, the distance between the ends of each pair of ends being less than or equal to 1 mm, said at least one cord (30) of material being formed by depositing material on the upper face (12) of the ribbon (10).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the upper face (12) of the ribbon (10) comprises at least two cords (30) of material defining a contour (40), each of said at least two cords (30) having two ends, said ends being associated in pairs, the distance between the ends of each pair of ends being less than or equal to 1mm.

3. Device according to claim 2, comprising a metallic element (50) extending in the longitudinal direction, between two cords (30).

4. Device according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the retaining elements (20) are arranged in several columns extending along the longitudinal direction (XX), and in that each of the cords (30) extends along a path having at every point a non-zero component along the longitudinal direction (XX).

5. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said cords (30) overlap at least one point along a vertical direction (ZZ), perpendicular to the upper face (12) of the ribbon (10).

6. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein said cords (30) are tangent at at least one point.

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of said at least one cord (30) has a width between 0.5mm and 10mm.

8. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one, preferably each of said retaining elements (20), more particularly arranged in the contour, have a maximum dimension "La" measured along a transverse direction (YY) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (XX) and parallel to the upper face (12) of the ribbon (10), and in which each of said at least one cord (30) has a width between 0.2*La and 10*La, for example between 0.5*La and 10*La.

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said retaining elements (20), preferably arranged in the contour, have a height Ha measured along a vertical direction (ZZ), perpendicular to the upper face (12) of the ribbon (10), and wherein each of said at least one cord (30) has a thickness measured along the vertical direction (ZZ) strictly greater than Ha.

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of said cords (30) is made of elastomeric material.

11. Method of manufacturing a retaining device in which: - a tape (10) is provided having an upper face (12) extending in a longitudinal direction (XX), said upper face (12) being provided with retaining elements (20), - at least one bead (30) of material is formed on the upper face (12) of the tape (10) by deposition of material, so as to define a contour (40), each of said at least one bead (30) having two ends, said ends being associated in pairs, the distance between the ends of each pair of ends being less than or equal to 1mm.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein at least two cords (30) of material are formed by depositing material on the upper face (12) of the tape (10), each of said at least two cords (30) having two ends, said ends being associated in pairs, the distance between the ends of each pair of ends being less than or equal to 1 mm.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the material deposition is carried out by injection nozzles, making a material deposition on the upper face (12) of the ribbon (10), said ribbon (10) being driven in displacement along the longitudinal direction (XX).

14. A method according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein said cords (30) of material overlap at least one point along a vertical direction (ZZ), perpendicular to the upper face (12) of the ribbon (10).

15. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, following the production of the cords (30) of material, the ribbon (10) is cut around each contour (40) defined by the cords (30) of material.

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