Retaining device comprising a base of variable thickness and intermediate elements.

Abstract

A restraint device comprising a base of variable thickness and intermediate elements. The invention relates to a restraint device (1) comprising a base (2) and restraint elements (5) extending from the base and each comprising a rod (6). The base has at least a first upper face (3A) provided with the restraint elements in a first zone (7A), and at least a second upper face (3B) without restraint elements in a second zone (7B). The restraint device comprises intermediate elements (5b) extending from the first upper face and at least partially bordering the second upper face, the intermediate elements being partially formed restraint elements. The first upper face is offset from the second upper face so as to form a step (12) comprising a riser (31) connecting the first upper face to the second upper face. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 8.

Description

Title of the invention: Retaining device comprising a base of variable thickness and intermediate elements. Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a self-gripping type retaining device comprising retaining elements such as hooks, a molding strip for making such a retaining device, a method for preparing such a molding strip and a method for manufacturing a retaining device. Previous technique

[0002] Retaining devices, for example with hooks, are used in particular in the field of hygiene and cooperate with a counterpart with loops forming an application area of ​​the retaining device.

[0003] Examples of restraint devices equipped with restraint elements such as hooks, and methods for making these restraint devices, are known in documents WO2017187096, WO2021116613 and WO2021116612.

[0004] The retaining devices comprise a base having at least a first zone provided with retaining elements and at least a second zone without retaining elements. The retaining elements extend from a first upper face of the base into the first zone and each comprises a rod which may be surmounted by a head.

[0005] It is classically sought to reduce the amount of material used to manufacture these restraint devices in order to reduce the environmental impact and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0006] With known restraint devices, it is sometimes difficult for the user to easily distinguish the area with restraint elements from the area without restraint elements, and therefore to position it correctly on the counterpart or on a counterpart that is difficult for the user to identify, for example, a counterpart with loops or the outer cover of the diaper (or "backsheet"). Grasping these restraint devices is also difficult and causes discomfort for the user at the ends of the base, which are sometimes sharp and / or abrasive.

[0007] Furthermore, during the manufacturing process of the restraint devices, it is necessary to cut the ribbons to obtain separate restraint devices. However, this cutting is not always easy to perform, and the restraint elements are generally damaged during this cutting operation. Description of the invention

[0008] The present presentation thus aims to answer at least partially the problems mentioned above.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, the present description relates to a retaining device comprising a base having at least a first zone provided with retaining elements and at least a second zone without retaining elements. The base extends in a first direction and in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, and has a lower face, a first upper face provided with retaining elements in the first zone, and a second upper face without retaining elements in the second zone. The retaining elements extend from the first upper face in the first zone in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and each includes a rod. The base has a first thickness E1 measured in the third direction in the first zone and a second thickness E2 measured in the third direction in the second zone.The first thickness E1 is less than 300 pm, in particular less than or equal to 120 pm, in particular less than or equal to 100 pm and / or the second thickness E2 being less than or equal to 200 pm, a ratio R1=(E1-E2) / E1 being greater than or equal to 0.1, in particular greater than or equal to 0.2, in particular greater than or equal to 0.3 and / or in particular less than or equal to 1.0, in particular less than or equal to 0.9. .

[0010] The invention thus provides restraint devices comprising less material, thereby reducing environmental impact and manufacturing costs.

[0011] With such a retention device, the retention and / or gripping function is more concentrated in the area where it is needed. With such a retention device, the retention elements form visual cues that improve the discernibility of the retention pattern. Furthermore, gripping is facilitated, and use by new users, for example, young parents changing their newborn's diaper, is easier due to better identification of the gripping area (or retention zone). Applications incorporating such retention devices are easier and simpler to use. Moreover, such retention devices have a reduced amount of material so that it is localized to the areas where the retention function is required, or, in other words, with reduced amounts of material in areas not functional for fulfilling the retention function.

[0012] Furthermore, the retaining devices have improved flexing and / or flexibility capabilities in the first and / or second direction to better position themselves to cooperate with a counterpart, which may be a loop counterpart, for example, particularly intended for applications involving absorbent articles. The winding of the retaining devices in the form of a roll is also facilitated, in particular when winding the retention device in the form of a cut coil.

[0013] The invention also provides retention devices that are less aggressive in areas lacking retention elements, for example, at one or more ends of the base. In particular, the retention devices are less aggressive by reducing or eliminating the appearance of red marks and / or irritation upon contact of the base with the skin, for example, with the skin of an adult, child, and / or infant. The retention devices are especially less aggressive to the touch after a cut has been made in the second area lacking a retention element.

[0014] Restraint devices configured in this way also allow for the formation of a ribbon of restraint devices with fewer constraints during the manufacturing process. These restraint devices are more flexible and lighter for the user while reducing the risk of injury to the wearer. For the same function, since the weight of the restraint device has been reduced, it is therefore possible to reduce the mass transported for the same function.

[0015] Furthermore, during the manufacturing process, the area without a retaining element on the retaining device according to the invention has a lower thickness than the areas without a retaining element of devices according to the prior art, which makes it easier to cut the area without a retaining element and to form external edges at the cutouts that are less protruding and aggressive for the user.

[0016] According to one example, the first upper face is offset from the second upper face along the third direction so as to form a step between the first and second upper faces, the first thickness El being measured between the lower face and the first upper face and the second thickness E2 being measured between the lower face and the second upper face.

[0017] In one example, the second zone extends over a distance d2 along the first direction, which is greater than a distance dl separating two adjacent retaining elements in the first direction, and / or the second zone extends over a distance d3 along the second direction, which is greater than a distance d4 separating two adjacent retaining elements in the second direction. In one example, to perform the comparisons between the distances dl, d2, d3, and / or d4, the absolute value of this distance is used.

[0018] According to one example, the second zone extends over a distance d2 along the first direction, which is greater than a distance dl separating two adjacent retaining elements in the first direction and / or extends over a distance d3 along the second direction, which is greater than a distance d4 separating two adjacent restraint elements in the second direction.

[0019] This allows the second zone to extend over a sufficiently large distance to increase the flexibility and / or suppleness of the tape and / or the retaining device in the main direction and / or the secondary direction, for example, to better position itself to cooperate with a counterpart, and also to facilitate its winding into a roll and / or facilitate cutting between two retaining devices and / or to improve the identification of the area provided with retaining elements while facilitating gripping for the user.

[0020] According to one example, the retaining elements can be arranged so as to be aligned in the first and second directions, with two successive rows or columns then offset respectively in the first and second directions by a step corresponding to half the interval separating two adjacent retaining elements in the first and / or second direction. Such a configuration can be considered equivalent to a staggered arrangement of the retaining elements, unlike a row and column arrangement, which is not offset.

[0021] According to an example, the first and second zones are adjacent along the first direction and / or the second direction.

[0022] According to one example, the restraint device comprises at least two first zones (also called first zones with restraint element), the second zone (also called second zone without restraint element) being positioned between the first two zones.

[0023] According to one example, the restraint device comprises at least two second zones, the first zone being positioned between the two second zones.

[0024] According to an example, the first thickness El is less than 300 pm or El is less than 200 pm, in particular less than or equal to 150 pm, in particular less than or equal to 140 pm, 130 pm, 120 pm, 110 pm, 100 pm, 90 pm, 85 pm, 80 pm, 75 pm or 70 pm, in particular less than 65 pm and / or greater than or equal to 5 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 10 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 15 pm, 20 pm or 30 pm.

[0025] This makes it possible to increase the flexibility and / or suppleness of the tape and / or the retaining device, and to reduce the weight of the tape and / or the retaining device.

[0026] According to one example, the second thickness E2 is less than or equal to 200 pm, in particular is less than or equal to 130 pm, in particular less than or equal to 120 pm, 110 pm, 100 pm, 90 pm, 80 pm, 75 pm, 70 pm or 65 pm, in particular less than or equal to 60 pm, in particular less than or equal to 55 pm, more preferably less than or equal to 50 pm and / or greater than or equal to 1 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 2 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 3 pm, 4 pm or 5 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 10 pm. As an example, the second thickness E2 can be strictly greater than zero.

[0027] According to one example, the first thickness E1 minus the second thickness E2, i.e. E1-E2, is less than 200 pm, in particular less than or equal to 120 pm, in particular less than or equal to 81 pm, 76.5 pm, 70 pm or 65 pm, in particular less than or equal to 60 pm, in particular less than or equal to 55 pm, more preferably less than or equal to 50 pm and / or greater than or equal to 1 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 2 pm, in particular greater than 3 pm, 4 pm or 5 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 10 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 20 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 40 pm.

[0028] According to an example, the first thickness El minus the second thickness E2, i.e. El-E2, is strictly greater than 0.

[0029] This increases the flexibility and suppleness of the tape and reduces the weight of the tape and / or the retention device. Furthermore, with such a second layer, the retention device reduces or eliminates the appearance of red marks and / or irritation if the base comes into contact with the skin, for example, with the skin of adults, children, and / or infants. In particular, the tape is less abrasive to the touch after a cut is made in the second area without a retention element, and / or it improves the identification of the area with retention elements while making it easier for the user to grip.

[0030] According to one example, the area devoid of retaining elements is arranged along at least one edge of the base, for example at least one edge of the base extending in the first direction and / or the second direction.

[0031] Preferably, the area without retaining elements extends continuously along one edge of the base. Preferably, the area without retaining elements extends along at least two, three, or four edges of the base. With such an arrangement, the retaining device reduces or eliminates the appearance of red marks and / or irritation upon contact of the base with the skin, for example, with the skin of adults, children, and / or infants. In particular, the retaining device is less abrasive to the touch after a cutout is made in the second area without retaining elements, and / or the identification of the area with retaining elements is improved while also facilitating gripping for the user.

[0032] According to one example, the restraint device comprises at least two second zones without restraint elements arranged respectively along two opposite edges of the base. The two opposite edges of the base extend in a direction parallel to the first and / or second direction.

[0033] Preferably, the areas without retaining elements extend continuously along the two opposite edges of the base. With such an arrangement, the device of The retention system reduces or eliminates the appearance of red marks and / or irritation if the base comes into contact with the skin, for example, with the skin of adults, children, and / or infants. In particular, the retention device is less abrasive to the touch after a cutout is made in the second area without a retention element, and / or it improves the identification of the area with retention elements while making it easier for the user to grip.

[0034] According to one example, the area without retaining elements completely surrounds the area with retaining elements. With such an arrangement, the retaining device reduces or eliminates the appearance of red marks and / or irritation if the base comes into contact with the skin, for example, with the skin of adults, children, and / or infants. In particular, the retaining device is less abrasive to the touch after a cut has been made in the second area without retaining elements and / or improves the identification of the area with retaining elements while making it easier for the user to grasp.

[0035] According to one example, the restraint device comprises an area without a restraint element at least partially bordered by an area with restraint elements, in particular completely bordered by an area with restraint elements. Thus, with such an area without a restraint element inside, the restraint device is even more optimized in terms of the material used.Furthermore, the retaining elements are arranged specifically where they are required to achieve the desired performance, for example, suitable peel values ​​(e.g. greater than or equal to IN, in particular greater than or equal to 2N and / or less than or equal to 12N, in particular less than or equal to 9N for a rectangular retaining device of 13mm*25.4mm and for example measured according to the method indicated in application WO2019145646) and / or suitable shear values ​​(e.g. greater than or equal to 8N / mm, in particular greater than or equal to 12N and / or less than or equal to 100N, in particular less than or equal to 80N for a rectangular retaining device of 13mm*25.4mm).

[0036] According to one example, the retaining elements may have a height which is greater than or equal to 75 micrometers, in particular greater than or equal to 125 micrometers, in particular greater than or equal to 200 micrometers, more preferably greater than or equal to 250 micrometers and / or less than or equal to 500 micrometers, in particular less than or equal to 425 micrometers, in particular less than or equal to 375 micrometers.

[0037] According to one example, the ratio of the height of the retaining elements to the thickness El of the base in the first zone is greater than or equal to 1.5, in particular greater than or equal to 1.75, in particular greater than or equal to 2.0 and / or less than or equal to 50, in particular less than or equal to 25, in particular less than or equal to 15, even more particularly less than or equal to 10. Thus, with such ratio values, the flexibility and suppleness of the restraint device are further improved.

[0038] According to one example, the ratio of the height of the retaining elements to the thickness E2 of the base in the second zone is greater than or equal to 0.7, in particular greater than or equal to 0.8, in particular greater than or equal to 1.0 and / or less than or equal to 100, in particular less than or equal to 50, in particular less than or equal to 30, even more particularly less than or equal to 20. Thus, with such ratio values, the flexibility and suppleness of the retaining device are further improved with respect to the gripping capacity of the retaining elements.

[0039] According to one example, the retaining elements have a height of between 5 and 5,000 micrometers, more particularly between 5 and 2,000 micrometers, or even more particularly between 20 and 800 micrometers, the height being measured along a direction perpendicular to the upper face of the base.

[0040] According to one example, the stem of the retaining elements has a height which is greater than or equal to 50 micrometers, in particular greater than or equal to 150 micrometers, in particular greater than or equal to 200 micrometers and / or less than or equal to 500 micrometers, in particular less than or equal to 450 micrometers, in particular less than or equal to 300 micrometers.

[0041] According to one example, the retaining elements have a density greater than or equal to 50 retaining elements per cm2, typically greater than or equal to 100 retaining elements per cm2, in particular greater than or equal to 125 retaining elements per cm2 and / or less than or equal to 3000 retaining elements per cm2, or typically less than or equal to 800 retaining elements per cm2, in particular less than or equal to 500 retaining elements per cm2.

[0042] According to one example, the area(s) provided with retaining elements and / or the area(s) without retaining elements are free from any overlap of a nonwoven strip and / or a layer forming an elastic film. "Free from any overlap" means that no layer of nonwoven fabric and / or elastic film is arranged on the face of the base containing the retaining elements. Thus, such a formulation does not preclude the possibility that a film and / or nonwoven fabric may be arranged partially and / or completely on the face of the base opposite the face bearing the retaining elements of the area provided with retaining elements.

[0043] According to one example, the base and the retaining elements are a single piece. This simplifies the manufacturing process by performing a single extrusion / molding step and increases the strength of the retaining device, resulting in a high peel force.

[0044] According to one example, the base has a first surface weight G1 measured in the first zone and a second surface weight G2 in the second zone. The first zone and the second zone being adjacent or successive in the first direction and / or in the second direction. For example, the first basis weight G1 is less than 120 g / m2, a basis weight ratio R3=(G1-G2) / G1 being greater than or equal to 0.1, in particular greater than or equal to 0.2, in particular greater than or equal to 0.3 and / or less than 1.0, in particular less than or equal to 0.8.

[0045] The present disclosure also relates to a ribbon comprising retention devices as defined above and the aforementioned advantages.

[0046] According to one example, the ribbon extends in the first direction and the second direction, the dimension of the ribbon in the first direction being at least ten times greater than or equal to the dimension of the ribbon in the second direction.

[0047] The present description also relates to a molding device adapted for mounting on a molding apparatus and intended for forming a retaining device. The molding device extends along a machine direction and has a width defined along a transverse direction perpendicular to the machine direction. The molding device comprises a first molding zone having open cavities to define molding cavities for forming retaining elements and / or preforms of retaining elements, a second molding zone without open cavities, an inner face, and a first outer face in the first molding zone.The molding device includes an offset zone arranged within the second molding zone, which is partially delimited by a second external face. This offset zone is offset from the first external face along a third direction, perpendicular to the machine direction and the transverse direction. The molding device allows for the simple, rapid, and highly flexible formation of a tape of retaining devices with first and second zones of varying thicknesses.

[0048] According to one example, the molding device has a first thickness Ebl measured between the inner face and the first outer face and a second thickness Eb2 measured between the inner face and the second outer face, which is greater than the first thickness Ebl.

[0049] According to one example, the offset area is formed by embossing.

[0050] According to one example, the molding device comprises a suitable molding strip to be mounted on at least one roll of the molding device, the offset area being formed by a masking layer partially covering the molding strip. The molding device includes open cavities that are not covered by the masking layer in the first area and closed cavities that are sealed by the masking layer in the second area.

[0051] This solution allows for the simple formation of a molding strip and provides flexibility for varying the shapes of the initial areas intended for forming the retaining elements. The retaining elements arranged on the retaining devices have a pattern with a shape that can be easily adapted or customized by completely removing the masking layer from the molding strip and repeating the masking process described below on the same molding strip.

[0052] Alternatively, a ratio R2=(Eb2-Ebl) / Eb2 is strictly greater than 0, in particular greater than or equal to 0.05 and / or strictly less than 1.0, in particular less than or equal to 0.5, notably less than or equal to 0.4.

[0053] According to one example, the molding cavities are arranged at least partially in a molding sleeve and / or in a molding roll. The use of a molding strip with cavities has the advantage of facilitating its replacement with a new molding strip, which may, for example, have different or similar cavities. The use of a molding sleeve and / or a molding roll each requires lengthy assembly and disassembly times, namely several hours, unlike a molding strip, which can be changed in a few seconds, or at most a few minutes.

[0054] According to one example, the masking layer extends over the surface of the molding strip so as to form an endless masking strip in the machine direction.

[0055] According to one example, the cavities, and more particularly the open cavities, can be arranged so as to be aligned along the machine direction and along the transverse direction, with two successive rows or two columns then being offset respectively along the machine direction and along the transverse direction by a step corresponding to half the interval separating two adjacent cavities along the machine direction and / or the transverse direction. Such a configuration can be considered equivalent to a staggered arrangement of the cavities, unlike a row and column arrangement, which is not offset.

[0056] The present description also relates to a method for preparing a molding device for manufacturing a restraint device, for example of the type described in the present invention, extending along a machine direction, and having a width defined along a transverse direction perpendicular to the machine direction, the method comprising a step of forming an offset zone on the molding device so as to form a first external face in a first molding zone having open cavities and to define molding cavities for the formation of restraint elements and / or preforms of restraint elements in the restraint device and a second external face in a second molding zone without open cavities, the second external face being offset with respect to the first external face following a third direction perpendicular to the machine direction and the transverse direction.

[0057] The molding device may have a first thickness Ebl, measured between the inner face and the first outer face, and a second thickness Eb2, measured between the inner face and the second outer face, which is greater than the first thickness Ebl.

[0058] According to one example, the first thickness Ebl and the second thickness Eb2 are measured on the same line extending in the first direction.

[0059] According to one example, the first thickness Ebl and the second thickness Eb2 are measured on the same line extending in the second direction.

[0060] This process makes it possible to form a molding device having first and second zones of different thicknesses in a simple, rapid way while retaining the material in the places where the hooking function is needed, or, in other words, to reduce the amount of material in the non-functional areas to fulfill the hooking function without radically complicating the manufacturing process of the retaining devices.

[0061] With the process of the invention, only one step of gluing the film onto the molding device is necessary, instead of several steps of covering with layers of resin according to the prior art.

[0062] This molding device makes it possible to manufacture tapes of retaining devices having first and second zones of different thicknesses, in a simple way, and in a single extrusion / molding step.

[0063] According to one example, the process comprises the following steps: - provision of a molding support comprising an inner face, an outer support face, and a plurality of cavities, - at least partial covering of the outer surface of the support by a masking layer so as to seal at least part of the cavities with the masking layer and form an offset zone along a third direction on the outer surface of the support, and - removal of the masking layer from part of the outer surface of the support to form the open cavities opening through the first outer surface into the first molding area, and keeping the offset area only in the second molding area delimited in part by the second outer surface formed by the masking layer.

[0064] According to one example, the covering step is carried out with a perforated masking layer so that the removal step is optional.

[0065] According to one example, the covering step is carried out with a perforated masking layer and the removal step is also applied.

[0066] According to a second aspect of the invention, the present description also relates to a retaining device comprising a base having an upper face, a lower face, and at least one first zone provided with retaining elements and at least one second zone without retaining elements. The base extends along a first direction, for example, a machine direction, and has a dimension, for example, a width, defined along a second direction, for example, a transverse direction, perpendicular to the first direction. The retaining elements extend from the upper face into the first zone along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and each comprises a rod. The base has a first basis weight G1 measured in the first zone and a second basis weight G2 in the second zone.The first zone and the second zone being adjacent or successive in the first direction and / or in the second direction. For example, the first basis weight G1 is less than 120 g / m2, a basis weight ratio R3=((G1-G2) / G1) being greater than or equal to 0.1, in particular greater than or equal to 0.2, in particular greater than or equal to 0.3 and / or less than 1.0, in particular less than or equal to 0.8.

[0067] Retaining devices thus configured, by reducing the surface mass of material (grams per unit area) in the second zones, are less susceptible to thermal shrinkage phenomena in the material of the retaining device. The retaining devices according to the invention therefore have a limited risk of undesirable wave formation in the first and / or second direction, which could reduce product quality and increase difficulties in winding, unwinding, and transporting the tape.

[0068] This second aspect of the invention can be used alone or in combination with the first aspect of the invention and its variants which follow from it.

[0069] Indeed, according to one variant, the base also has a first thickness El measured along the third direction in the first zone and a second thickness E2 measured along the third direction in the second zone, the first thickness El being less than 300 pm, in particular less than or equal to 120 pm, in particular less than 100 pm and / or the second thickness E2 being less than or equal to 200 pm, the ratio R1=(E1-E2) / E1 being greater than 0.1, in particular greater than 0.2, in particular greater than 0.3 and / or in particular less than or equal to 1.0, in particular less than or equal to 0.9.

[0070] The restraint devices thus configured, by reducing the thickness and surface mass of material (grams per unit area) in the second zones, are less sensitive to the phenomena of thermal shrinkage of the material of the restraint device. The restraint devices according to the invention therefore have a limited risk of undesired wave formations in the first and / or second direction that are likely to reduce product quality, increase difficulties in winding, unwinding and transporting the tape.

[0071] According to one example, the retaining device includes a third zone and the base has a third thickness E3 measured along the third direction in the third zone and / or a third surface weight G3 in the third zone.

[0072] According to one example, the third zone is a zone devoid of restraint elements.

[0073] According to one example, the third zone being a zone devoid of elements of retained, the RI ratio being greater than or equal to 0.1, in particular greater than or equal to 0.2, in particular greater than or equal to 0.3, and / or less than 1.0, in particular less than or equal to 0.9, the third layer E3 is different from the second layer E2, in particular the third layer E3 being greater than the second layer E2, in particular the third layer E3 being greater than or equal to the second layer E2 by at least 10%.

[0074] According to one example, the third zone being a zone without retaining elements, the ratio R3 being greater than or equal to 0.1, in particular greater than or equal to 0.2, in particular greater than or equal to 0.3, and / or less than 1.0, the third surface weight G3 is different from the second surface weight G2, in particular the third surface weight G3 being greater than the second surface weight G2, in particular the third surface weight G3 being greater than the second surface weight G2 by at least 10%.

[0075] According to one example, the second zone(s) without a retaining element are arranged such that there is at least one straight line extending continuously in a direction parallel to the first direction. Thus, the retaining device can be better anchored to the support.

[0076] According to an example, the first zone(s) equipped with a retaining element and the second zone(s) without a retaining element are arranged in such a way that for each straight line, parallel to the second direction, and passing through the first zone(s) equipped with a retaining element and the second zone(s) without a retaining element, a ratio is defined which is the sum of the extents SE2 of the second zone(s) without a retaining element over the sum of the extents SE1 of the first zone(s) equipped with a retaining element. The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.10, in particular greater than or equal to 0.2, notably greater than or equal to 0.25 and / or less than or equal to 0.9, notably less than or equal to 0.85, 0.80, 0.75, 0.70.Thus, with such a ratio, the base area with reduced thickness and / or weight facilitates flexing and flexibility in the first and / or second direction, allowing for better positioning to cooperate with a counterpart. For example, the counterpart can... It can be a loop counterpart, particularly for applications involving absorbent materials. Winding the tape of the restraint devices into a roll, for example, as cut rolls, is facilitated. Cutting between two restraint devices is also made easier.

[0077] According to an example, the first zone(s) equipped with a retaining element and the second zone(s) without a retaining element are arranged in such a way that for each straight line, parallel to the first direction, and passing through the first zone(s) equipped with a retaining element and the second zone(s) without a retaining element, a ratio is defined which is the sum of the extents SE2 of the second zone(s) without a retaining element divided by the sum of the extents SE1 of the first zone(s) equipped with a retaining element. The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.10, in particular greater than or equal to 0.2, notably greater than or equal to 0.25 and / or less than or equal to 0.9, notably less than or equal to 0.85, 0.80, 0.75 or 0.70.

[0078] Furthermore, with the aforementioned weight ratio R3 and thickness RI values, the flexibility and / or suppleness of the retention device are further improved while reducing and / or eliminating the appearance of red marks and / or irritations in case of contact of the base with the skin.

[0079] According to one example, the first zone equipped with retaining elements is delimited by a contour having at least one curved portion, preferably several curved portions. A curved portion is understood to be a portion of the contour that is not exclusively arranged along the first and second directions but along a direction having both a component along the first direction and a component along the second direction. Thus, thanks to such a curved portion or a plurality of curved portions forming the contour of the first zone equipped with retaining elements, the retaining device has an improved capacity for bending, flexibility, and torsion in the first and / or second direction to better position itself to cooperate with a counterpart, such as a looped counterpart, for example, particularly for absorbent article applications in the field of hygiene.

[0080] According to one example, the first thickness and the second thickness are measured at at least two different positions arranged on the same straight line extending parallel to the first direction.

[0081] According to one example, the first thickness and the second thickness are measured at two different positions arranged on the same straight line extending parallel to the second direction.

[0082] According to one example, the first basis weight and the second basis weight are measured at at least two (different) positions or zones, the barycenter is arranged on the same straight line extending parallel to the first direction.

[0083] According to one example, the first surface weight and the second surface weight are measured at at least two (different) positions or zones whose centroid is arranged on the same straight line extending parallel to the second direction.

[0084] According to one example, the restraint device comprises a straight line extending in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and passing through the second zone, which is devoid of restraint elements. In particular, the thickness of this straight line, extending in a direction parallel to the first direction, is greater than or equal to 2xd⁴ and / or 2xd⁻¹ and / or 2xd⁻² and / or 2xd⁻³, and in particular is greater than or equal to 4xd⁴ and / or 4xd⁻¹ and / or 4xd⁻² and / or 4xd⁻³. Thus, with such ratio values, the flexibility and suppleness, among other things, of the restraint device are improved.

[0085] According to a third aspect of the invention, the present description also relates to a retaining device comprising a base extending in a first direction and a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, and retaining elements extending from the base in a third direction, perpendicular to the first and second directions, the retaining elements each comprising a rod, in which: - the base comprises at least one upper face equipped with retaining elements in a first zone, and at least one second upper face without retaining elements in a second zone, - the restraint device comprises intermediate elements extending from the first upper face in the third direction, and bordering at least partially the second upper face, the intermediate elements being partially formed restraint elements, - the first upper face is offset from the second upper face along the third direction so as to form a step comprising a riser connecting the first upper face to the second upper face.

[0086] According to one example, the intermediate elements are adjacent or intersecting to the riser.

[0087] According to one example, the intermediate elements are adjacent to the riser such that the riser is at a distance less than or equal to the distance dl, separating two adjacent retaining elements in the first direction and / or the distance d4, separating two adjacent retaining elements in the second direction.

[0088] According to one example, a boundary between the first upper face and the second upper face is formed by a succession of intermediate elements and retaining elements positioned at the end of the first upper face.

[0089] According to one example, the second zone is bordered at least partially, in particular totally, by intermediate elements and restraint elements arranged in at least a first zone.

[0090] According to one example, the riser extends below at least one intermediate element and / or below a retaining element.

[0091] According to one example, the second zone is bordered by intermediate elements and restraining elements.

[0092] According to one example, at least a part of the intermediate elements includes a truncated stem extending along the third direction, the truncated stem having a truncated portion opening at least partially towards the second zone.

[0093] According to one example, at least 5% of the intermediate elements have a truncated head, in particular at least 10%, 20%, of the intermediate elements have a truncated head and / or less than 90% of the intermediate elements have a truncated head, in particular less than 80%, 70%, 60% and / or a truncated stem, in particular at least 10%, 20%, of the intermediate elements have a truncated stem and / or less than 90% of the intermediate elements have a truncated stem, in particular less than 80%, 70%, 60%.

[0094] According to an example, let Bt be the width of the intermediate element at the level of the truncated portion and let Ct be the width of a missing portion of the truncated stem of the intermediate element, the ratio Bt / (Bt+Ct) is greater than or equal to 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and / or less than or equal to 0.9, 0.8.

[0095] According to one example, the base has a first thickness El measured along the third direction in the first zone and a second thickness E2 measured along the third direction in the second zone, the first thickness El being less than 120 pm, in particular less than or equal to 100 pm, a ratio R1=(E1-E2) / El being greater than or equal to 0.1, in particular greater than or equal to 0.2, in particular greater than 0.3 and / or in particular less than 1.0.

[0096] According to one example, the second zone extends over a distance d2 along the first direction, which is greater than a distance dl separating two adjacent restraint elements in the first direction and / or extends over a distance d3 along the second direction, which is greater than a distance d4 separating two adjacent restraint elements in the second direction.

[0097] The invention also relates to a ribbon comprising retaining devices as defined above.

[0098] According to one example, the base and / or the retaining elements and / or the intermediate elements are a single piece. This simplifies the manufacturing process by performing a single extrusion / molding step and increases the strength of the retaining device, resulting in a high peel force.

[0099] According to one example, the base and / or the retaining elements and / or the preforms of retaining elements and / or the intermediate elements are produced by extrusion, in particular directly by extrusion, or in other words have not undergone an additional deformation operation, in particular an additional operation after demolding.

[0100] The present disclosure further relates to an absorbent article, for example of the type baby diaper or an adult incontinence diaper, which comprises - an upper sheet, a lower sheet and an absorbent core, arranged between the two upper and lower sheets, - at least one device as defined above.

[0101] According to one example, the absorbent article, for example, of the type baby diaper or adult incontinence diaper, includes at least intermediate 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, including temporary assembly, of one or more sub-assemblies of the absorbent article.

[0102] The present description also relates to a molding device adapted for mounting on a molding apparatus and intended for forming a retaining device, for example as defined above, the molding device extending along a machine direction, having a width defined along a transverse direction perpendicular to the machine direction and comprising: - at least one molding support comprising an external face, and a plurality of cavities opening through the external face, - a masking layer comprising at least one film partially covering the outer face of the molding support so as to obtain a molding device comprising: • a first external face in a first zone comprising open cavities, not covered by the film, defining molding cavities for the formation of retaining elements and / or preforms of retaining elements, and partially open cavities, partially covered by the film, defining molding cavities for the formation of intermediate elements, and • a second external face formed by a surface of the film in a second molding zone comprising closed cavities which are sealed by the film, the second external face being offset by relation to the first external face along a third direction perpendicular to the machine direction and the transverse direction.

[0103] According to one example, the film may comprise two opposite ends along a machine direction, which two opposite ends in the machine direction are coincident and the film has at least one interface, for example a macromolecular interface and / or with a different molecular orientation, arranged at two opposite ends of the film.

[0104] According to one example, the film may comprise two opposite ends in the machine direction, said two opposite ends in the machine direction are disjoint.

[0105] According to one example, the film may comprise a variable thickness.

[0106] According to one example, the film may comprise two opposite ends in a transverse direction, perpendicular to the machine direction, the two opposite ends in the transverse direction are disjoint.

[0107] According to one example, the masking layer comprises at least two films that are disjoint, in particular disjoint at all points.

[0108] According to one example, the masking layer includes a bonding agent arranged at least in part between at least one film and the molding support.

[0109] According to another example, the masking layer is devoid of two coincident ends and lacks an interface arranged at the two ends of the masking layer.

[0110] According to one example, the molding device has in the first molding zone, a first thickness Ebl measured between an inner face of the molding support and the first outer face, and, in the second molding zone, a second thickness Eb2 measured between the inner face and the second outer face, in particular which is greater than the first thickness Ebl, a ratio R2=(Eb2-Ebl) / Eb2 being greater than 0 and / or less than 1.0, in particular less than or equal to 0.9, preferably less than or equal to 0.5, more particularly less than or equal to 0.3.

[0111] According to one example, the film is a polymer-based film, in particular a film based on polyimide and / or polyester and / or PVC and / or a fluorinated polymer and / or an epoxy polymer and / or a silicone (or polysiloxane) and / or an acrylate polymer and / or latex and / or a metallic film (for example, based on copper and / or aluminum and / or steel).

[0112] According to one example, the molding device is a molding strip adapted to be mounted on at least one roller of the molding apparatus.

[0113] According to one example, the molding device is a molding roller.

[0114] The present disclosure also relates to a method for preparing a molding device intended for the manufacture of a restraint device, and extending according to a machine direction, and having a width defined along a transverse direction perpendicular to the machine direction, the process comprising the following steps: - provision of a molding support comprising an external face and a plurality of cavities opening through the external face, - covering the outer surface with a masking layer comprising at least one film so as to seal part of the cavities with at least one film and form an offset zone on the outer surface, the molding support comprising: • a first external face in a first molding zone comprising open cavities so as to define molding cavities for the formation of retaining elements and / or preforms of retaining elements in the retaining device, and partially open cavities defining partially open molding cavities for the formation of intermediate elements, and • a second external face formed by the surface of the film, in a second molding zone comprising closed cavities, the second external face being offset from the first external face along a third direction perpendicular to the machine direction and the transverse direction.

[0115] According to one example, the film is a polymer-based film which is fixed to the outer face of the molding strip by a bonding agent (or adhesive).

[0116] According to one example, the process includes a step of removing at least a portion of the film to form the open cavities and partially open cavities in the first molding zone.

[0117] The characteristics of the third aspect can be combined with the characteristics of the first and second aspects, and vice versa.

[0118] The present exposition also relates to a method of manufacturing a restraint device implemented by a molding apparatus comprising one of the molding devices as defined above.

[0119] The use of a masking layer comprising a film, in particular a polymer, makes it possible to obtain a retention device as described above, and comprising a step between the first and second zone, as well as intermediate elements in the first zone.

[0120] Intermediate elements may be incomplete retaining elements. Like retaining elements, intermediate elements may have a hooking function that has a different functional characteristic than that of retaining elements.

[0121] For the same masking surface, the area provided with retaining elements can have a greater quantity of retaining elements compared to an area provided with retaining elements obtained with a resin masking layer.

[0122] Indeed, tests have shown that using film instead of resin results in more retaining elements at the edge of the area provided with retaining elements, even if these retaining elements are partially formed (or truncated). With resin, fewer retaining elements are formed at the edge of the area provided with retaining elements due to the masking volume required when using resin.

[0123] According to one example, the masking layer extends at least 10% outside the molding cavities. According to another example, the masking layer extends mainly over the surface of the molding device, particularly over the surface of the molding strip; in other words, the masking layer extends at least more than 50% outside the molding cavities, particularly more than 60%, 70%, 80% outside the molding cavities.

[0124] The presence of intermediate elements makes it possible to obtain a retention device with a less aggressive border delimiting the area equipped with retention elements. The intermediate elements are more flexible. The intermediate elements exhibit a greater degree of mobility than fully formed retention elements, due to their truncated stem.

[0125] In the case where a non-woven material is attached to the back of the base, the anchoring of the non-woven material is better in the area devoid of retaining elements.

[0126] During the cooling of the ribbon composed of the retaining devices and / or the retaining device itself, there is also a reduction in deformation, for example cupping, of the base due to the limited amount of material and the effect of thermal shrinkage of the material.

[0127] The user is also provided with better identification of the area equipped with retaining elements to facilitate gripping. The aesthetic appearance is also improved.

[0128] According to one example, the use of a film instead of another masking means such as resin also makes it possible to provide a smoother area free of retaining elements.

[0129] The use of a film as a masking element offers other advantages. Indeed, the process using epoxy resins, for example, as a masking element is tedious because many steps, particularly preparation steps, are necessary to achieve this masking.

[0130] In cases where the protective adhesive is not used and the masking resins are deposited over the entire surface of the molding support, the areas The hooks in which will be molded will need to be released by an additional ablation step, for example using a laser.

[0131] In addition, the use of resin requires the application of several successive layers of resin on the molding strip in order to obtain a reduction in the thickness of the area without retaining elements sufficient to provide sufficient flexibility, which is tedious and time-consuming.

[0132] The thickness and / or cross-section of the film is predefined upstream and the film is glued directly onto the molding support, which requires only one step. Brief description of the drawings

[0133] The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the detailed description below of various embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples.

[0134] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a restraint device from one aspect of the invention;

[0135] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a schematic view of a restraint device according to another aspect of the invention;

[0136] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a schematic view of a ribbon comprising retaining devices according to another aspect of the invention;

[0137] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a representation of a molding device comprising a molding strip according to one aspect of the invention;

[0138] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a detailed schematic sectional view of a portion of the molding strip of the [Fig.4];

[0139] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a detailed schematic sectional view of a portion of the molding strip according to another aspect of the invention;

[0140] [Fig.7] The [Fig.7] is an enlarged schematic top view of a restraint device comprising restraint elements and intermediate elements;

[0141] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a restraint device similar to that of the [Fig.7];

[0142] [Fig.9] The [Fig.9] is another schematic cross-sectional view of a restraint device similar to that of the [Fig.7].

[0143] Across all figures, common elements are identified by identical numerical references. Description of the implementation methods

[0144] Figure 1 schematically represents a retaining device 1 comprising a base 2 having a first upper face 3A, a second upper face 3B and a lower face 4, opposite the upper faces 3A, 3B. The base 2 extends along a first direction X, which may correspond to a machine direction MD such that presented later. Base 2 has a width defined along a second direction Y, perpendicular to the first direction X, and which can correspond to a transverse direction CD, perpendicular to the machine direction MD.

[0145] The base 2 comprises at least a first zone 7A provided with retaining elements 5 and at least a second zone 7B without retaining elements 5. The retaining elements 5 extend from the first upper face 3A of the base 2 into the first zone 7A along a third direction Z which is perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y and each comprises a rod 6. The second upper face 3B in the second zone 7B is without retaining elements 5.

[0146] The retaining elements 5 can be perpendicular or inclined with respect to the first upper face 3A.

[0147] The statement "the retaining elements 5 extend along a third direction Z" means that the retaining elements extend predominantly along a component parallel to the third direction Z. In other words, the largest dimension of the retaining elements extends along a component parallel to the third direction Z.

[0148] The base 2 and the retaining elements 5 are typically made of a thermoplastic material, for example, a non-elastic thermoplastic. The base 2 and the retaining elements 5 are made of a material such that it can be stretched under the effect of a tensile force applied in a given direction and without substantially returning to its original shape and dimensions after the release of this tensile force; in some cases, the base 2 breaks under the effect of a tensile force. For example, the material forming the base 2 and / or the retaining elements 5 retains a residual deformation or set 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).The SET can be measured as indicated in European Patent Application Publication No. EP1783257, and in particular in paragraphs

[0056] to

[0062] of European Patent Application Publication No. EP1783257, which details an example of SET measurement.

[0149] In some cases, the retaining elements can be made of a thermoplastic material, for example an elastic thermoplastic material.

[0150] The retaining device 1 can be manufactured, for example, by means of a molding apparatus 100 as shown in [Fig. 4]. The molding apparatus 100 makes it possible to manufacture a ribbon 26 comprising several retaining devices 1, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. The ribbon 26 can then be cut or subdivided into a plurality of retaining devices 1. This example shows a portion of ribbon 26 including four retaining devices 1. The ribbon 26 can be cut along a first cutting line 28 extending along the first direction X and along a second cutting line 29 extending along the second direction Y.

[0151] The ribbon 26 comprises the base 2, a plurality of first zones 7A provided with retaining elements 5 and a second zone 7B without retaining elements 5 surrounding the first zones 7A. In the embodiment of [Fig.3], the retaining elements 5 are hooks, each hook comprising a shank 6 surmounted by a head 10.

[0152] Base 2 has a first thickness El measured along the third direction Z in the first zone 7A and a second thickness E2 measured along the third direction Z in the second zone 7B which is less than the thickness EL. The first thickness El is measured between the lower face 4 and the first upper face 3A of base 2. The second thickness E2 is measured between the lower face 4 and the second upper face 3B of base 2. The first thickness El and the second thickness E2 can be obtained respectively by performing an average, for example an average of 5 local and individual thickness measurements.

[0153] In the example, the first upper face 3A, the second upper face 3B, and the lower face 4 are substantially parallel to a plane formed by the first direction X and the second direction Y when the retaining device 1 is placed on a flat surface. In an alternative embodiment, the second upper face 3B could have a variable thickness and / or form local undulations.

[0154] The first upper face 3A is offset relative to the second upper face 3B along the third direction Z so as to form a step 12 between the first and second upper faces 3A, 3B. The step 12 has a non-zero thickness E, with E = E1-E2. In other words, the first upper face 3A of the base 2 includes an extra thickness that projects from the second upper face 3B.

[0155] The step 12 includes a riser 31 connecting the first upper face 3A to the second upper face 3B. The riser 31 extends in a general direction that is perpendicular or inclined with respect to the first upper face 3A and / or the second upper face 3B. The riser 31 may be smooth or have raised features.

[0156] According to one example, the riser 31 extends in a general direction forming an angle between 0 degrees and 60 degrees with respect to a direction parallel to the third direction Z and passing through the foot of the riser 31, in particular an angle between 1 degree and 45 degrees. According to one example, the tread 12 and the riser 31 form an acute angle or an obtuse angle.

[0157] According to another example, the first upper face 3A can be inclined relative to the second upper face 3B and / or the lower face 4.

[0158] According to another example, the second upper face 3B can be inclined relative to the lower face 4.

[0159] According to one example, the base lacks an inverted U-shaped rib totally surrounding the first zone 7A provided with a retaining element 5.

[0160] The first thickness El is less than 300 pm, in particular less than or equal to 200 pm, 150 pm, 140 pm, 130 pm, 120 pm, 110 pm, in particular less than or equal to 100 pm, in particular less than or equal to 90 pm, in particular less than or equal to 85 pm, 80 pm, 75 pm or 70 pm, in particular less than or equal to 65 pm and / or greater than or equal to 5 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 10 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 15 pm, 20 pm or 30 pm.

[0161] The second thickness E2 is less than or equal to 200 pm, 120 pm, 110 pm, 100 pm, 90 pm, in particular less than or equal to 80 pm, 75 pm, 70 pm or 65 pm, in particular less than or equal to 60 pm, in particular less than or equal to 55 pm, more preferably less than or equal to 50 pm and / or greater than or equal to 1 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 2 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 3 pm, 4 pm or 5 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 10 pm.

[0162] The ratio R1=(E1-E2) / E1 is greater than or equal to 0.1, in particular greater than or equal to 0.2, in particular greater than or equal to 0.3 and / or in particular less than or equal to 1.0, in particular less than or equal to 0.9.

[0163] For example, for an RI ratio greater than or equal to 0.1 and a thickness El of 80 pm, E2 is less than or equal to 72 pm and the value of E=E1-E2 is greater than or equal to 8 pm, E corresponding to the thickness of step 12.

[0164] For an RI ratio greater than or equal to 0.2 and a thickness El of 80 pm, E2 is less than or equal to 64 pm and the value of E=E1-E2 is greater than or equal to 16 pm.

[0165] For an RI ratio greater than or equal to 0.3 and a thickness El of 80 pm, E2 is less than or equal to 56 pm and the value of E=E1-E2 is greater than or equal to 24 pm.

[0166] For example, the first thickness E1 may be equal to 62.3 pm and the second thickness E2 may be equal to 37.6 pm. The ratio RI is then 0.397 and the value of E=E1-E2 is 24.7 pm.

[0167] For example, the first thickness E1 may be equal to 62.3 pm and the second thickness E2 may be equal to 39.03 pm. The RI ratio is then 0.374 37.4% and the value of E=E1-E2 is 23.27 pm.

[0168] For example, the first thickness E1 may be equal to 10 pm and the second thickness E2 may be equal to 5 pm. The ratio RI is then 0.5 and the value of E=E1-E2 is 5 pm.

[0169] In certain applications, the RI ratio is greater than or equal to 0.1 and strictly less than or equal to 0.2. In such a case, it is thus possible to obtain a base 2 with improved flexibility and / or suppleness compared to a prior art base while reducing the amount of material used without however making the retaining device too flexible and / or too supple for applications requiring a certain rigidity for the proper functioning of the retaining device.

[0170] The second zone 7B extends over a distance d2, extending between two first zones 7A or between a first zone 7A and the edge of the base 2 along the first direction X, which is greater than a distance dl, separating two adjacent retaining elements 5 in the first direction X and / or the second zone 7B extends over a distance d3, extending between two first zones 7A or between a first zone 7A and the edge of the base 2 along the second direction Y, which is greater than a distance d4, separating two adjacent retaining elements 5 in the second direction Y.

[0171] Preferably d2 > 2 x dl, even more preferably d2 > 5 x dl and advantageously d2 > 10 x dl.

[0172] Preferably d3 > 2 x d4, even more preferably d3 > 5 x d4 and advantageously d3 > 10 x d4.

[0173] Preferably d3 > 2 x dl, even more preferably d3 > 5 x dl and advantageously d3 > 10 x dl.

[0174] Preferably d2 > 2 x d4, even more preferably d2 > 5 x d4 and advantageously d2 > 10 x d4.

[0175] With such values ​​d2 and d4, the second zone 7B can extend over a sufficiently large distance to increase the flexibility and suppleness of the tape and / or the retaining device in the first X direction and / or the second Y direction to better position itself to cooperate with a counterpart for example, and also to facilitate its winding into a roll and / or facilitate cutting between two retaining devices.

[0176] By way of example, for comparisons of dl and / or d2 and / or d3 and / or d4, the respective values ​​of dl, d2, d3 and / or d4 taken in the corresponding direction are compared, and not the projection in another direction. For example, for a comparison of d3 and dl, the value of d3 obtained in the second direction Y is compared with the value of dl obtained in the first direction X.

[0177] According to an example, the values ​​used of dl and / or d2 and / or d3 and / or d4, can be minimum and / or average and / or maximum values.

[0178] The second zone 7B (or the projection of the second zone onto a line parallel to the second Y direction) extends in the second Y direction over at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or preferably 90% of the width of base 2. In some cases, the second zone 7B extends in the second direction Y over less than 100% of the width of base 2.

[0179] The second zone 7B extends in the first direction X, between two first zones 7A or between a first zone 7A and the edge of the base 2, by at least 5% of the dimension of a first zone 7A in the first direction X. In other words, d2 is equal to at least 5% of a dimension of a first zone 7A in the first direction X, in particular the maximum dimension of a first zone 7A in the first direction X. This makes it possible to obtain a second zone 7B of lesser thickness between two first zones 7A or between a first zone 7A and the edge of the base 2 which is sufficiently large to ensure enough flexibility to wrap the tape 26 and allow easy cutting in the second zone 7B along the second direction Y and / or reduce or eliminate the appearance of red marks and / or irritation in case of contact of the base 2 with the skin, for example the skin of adults, children and / or infants.In particular, the retaining device is less aggressive to the touch after a cut made in the second area lacking a retaining element.

[0180] Alternatively, the second zone 7B extends, between two first zones 7A, in the first direction X over at least 2%, preferably over at least 5% and even more preferably over at least 10% of a dimension of a first zone 7A along the first direction X, in particular over the maximum dimension of a first zone 7A in the first direction X. This makes it possible to further improve the flexibility of the tape 26 and / or the retaining device.

[0181] The second zone 7B extends, between two first zones 7A, in the first direction X over a distance less than or equal to 70%, in particular less than or equal to 50%, in particular less than or equal to 40%, and preferably less than or equal to 30% of the distance of a first zone 7A in the first direction X.

[0182] The retaining device 1 is manufactured by a molding / extrusion process described later and preferably exclusively by a molding / extrusion process. The base 2 and the retaining elements 5 are formed as a single piece. The raised section or step 12 is formed directly in the base 2 during the molding / extrusion operation without any subsequent cutting or planing operation to form the second zone(s) 7B.

[0183] The second zone 7B, which lacks retaining elements, is formed by extrusion or, in other words, has not undergone a retaining element removal operation, for example, has not undergone a hook removal operation. The formation of the first zone 7A and the second zone 7B is carried out simultaneously.

[0184] The first upper face 3A and / or the second upper face 3B of the base 2 is produced by extrusion or in other words has not undergone an additional operation after extrusion or, put another way, is produced directly by extrusion.

[0185] Base 2 has a similar density of matter in the first and second zones 7A, 7B.

[0186] According to one example, the base 2 and the step 12 are in one piece and are produced by extrusion, in particular in one piece and are produced directly by extrusion.

[0187] According to one example, the base 2 of the retaining device 1 includes a straight edge which extends parallel to the machine direction MD. The edge of the base 2 is such that the maximum deviation along a direction parallel to the transverse direction CD varies along the machine direction MD, between hills and valleys formed along the edge of the base 2 is less than or equal to 3.0 mm, or more precisely less than or equal to 2.0 mm, or even more precisely less than or equal to 1.0 mm, or even between 0.001 mm and 1.0 mm, more particularly between 0.001 mm and 0.5 mm, even more particularly between 0.001 mm and 0.1 mm. Obtaining edges of the base that can thus be described as "straight" is advantageous in that it makes it possible to avoid a subsequent step of rectifying the edges, for example via a cutting step, such straight edges being perceived by the user as a sign of product quality.Furthermore, the equipment and process used make it possible to obtain such straight edges without requiring the formation of a longitudinal thickness at the edge of the ribbon, as such a thickness has no functional purpose.

[0188] Base 2 is preferably devoid of through openings or recesses in the second zones 7B devoid of retaining elements 5. Base 2 typically has a constant width.

[0189] In the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, the retaining device 1 comprises a support layer 8 connected to the lower face 4 of the base 2.

[0190] The support layer 8 may be in the form of a non-woven strip, a thermoplastic film, or a woven strip. For example, the base 2 may be overmolded onto the support layer, which may be the non-woven strip. The base 2 may also be bonded to the non-woven strip by the addition of one or more adhesives, or ultrasonically welded or hot-laminated.

[0191] Alternatively, the retaining elements 5 can be made entirely with the support layer 8, the support layer 8 thus forming the base 2. According to one example, the retaining elements 5 are formed entirely with the support layer 8 by ultrasonics and / or calendering.

[0192] The first and second zones 7A, 7B are adjacent along the first direction X and / or the second direction Y. The restraint device 1 comprises an alternating of first and second zones 7 A, 7B in the first direction X and / or the second direction Y.

[0193] In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the first and second zones 7A, 7B are adjacent and alternate along the first direction X. Alternatively, the first and second zones 7A, 7B could be adjacent and alternate along the second direction Y.

[0194] In this example of figures 1 and 2, the base 2 comprises at least a second zone 7B positioned between two first zones 7A.

[0195] Alternatively, base 2 comprises at least one first zone 7A positioned between two second zones 7B.

[0196] Alternatively, the second zone 7B completely surrounds the first zone(s) 7A and / or the first zone 7B completely surrounds the second zone(s).

[0197] According to one example, the containment device may include between 1 and 10 first zones 7A and / or between 1 and 10 second zones 7B, in particular between 2 and 10 first zones 7A and / or between 2 and 10 second zones 7B, the zones being able to have a different or identical shape and / or thickness and / or density and / or arrangement and / or size and / or composition of containment elements 5.

[0198] According to one example, the first zone 7A of the restraint device has an area greater than or equal to 1 mm2, in particular greater than or equal to 5 mm2 and / or less than or equal to 10,000 mm2, in particular less than or equal to 5,000 mm2.

[0199] According to one example, the second zone 7B of the restraint device has an area greater than or equal to 1 mm2, in particular greater than or equal to 5 mm2 and / or less than or equal to 10,000 mm2, in particular less than or equal to 5,000 mm2.

[0200] The example in [Fig. 3] shows a portion of ribbon 26 comprising four first zones 7A, of which two first zones 7A are adjacent along the first direction X and two first zones 7A are adjacent along the second direction Y. Each of the four first zones 7A is surrounded by a second zone 7B. The ribbon 26 potentially includes four retaining devices 1 which will be obtained in a subsequent cutting step.

[0201] The second zone 7B is continuous and forms a single second zone 7B. The first zones 7A form islands on the second zone 7B.

[0202] Alternatively, the first zone 7A is continuous and forms a single first zone 7A. The second zones form islands on the first zone.

[0203] The base 2 is supported by a support layer 8 formed by a non-woven material.

[0204] The base 2 formed on the ribbon 26 comprises two external transverse edges 9a, 9b opposite and parallel to the first direction X, and an external longitudinal edge 11 parallel to the second direction Y. The two external transverse edges 9a, 9b and the external longitudinal edge 11 partially delimit ribbon 26 and the second zone 7B.

[0205] Each first zone 7A is delimited by a border or step 12 comprising a riser 31 connecting the first upper face 3A to the second upper face 3B and extending globally perpendicularly with respect to the second upper face 3B of the second zone 7B.

[0206] A first portion 7B1 of the second zone 7B extends over a distance d3 between the first external transverse edge 9a and the border 12 of one of the first zones 7A, along the second direction Y.

[0207] A second portion 7B2 of the second zone 7B extends over a distance d3' between two successive first zones 7A, along the second direction Y.

[0208] A third portion 7B3 of the second zone 7B extends over a distance d3” between the edge 12 of another first zone 7A and the second external transverse edge 9b, along the second direction Y.

[0209] The distances d3, d3' and d3” are different in this example.

[0210] Alternatively, the distances d3, d3' and d3” may be identical or different from those shown in Figure 3.

[0211] A fourth portion 7B4 of the second zone 7B extends over a distance d2 between two successive first zones 7A, along the first direction X.

[0212] Fifth portions 7B5 of the second zone 7B extend over a distance d2' between each border 12 of the first two zones 7A and the outer longitudinal border 11b, along the first direction X.

[0213] As explained previously, the ribbon 26 can be cut in the second portion 7B2 of the second zone 7B, along a first cutting line 28 extending along the first direction X. This cutting line can be straight as shown in [Fig.3] or have another shape, for example in the form of a regular undulation, for example in the form of a sinusoid or an equivalent shape.

[0214] According to one example, the second portion 7B2 forms a gripping area for a user of the restraint device arranged on an application, for example for an application of the type of hygiene article or absorbent article.

[0215] The ribbon 26 can also be cut in the fourth portion 7B4 of the second zone 7B, along a second cutting line 29 extending along the second direction Y. This cutting line can be straight as shown in [Fig.3] or have another shape, for example in the form of a regular undulation, for example in the form of a sinusoid or an equivalent shape.

[0216] The distances d2 and d2' are different in this example. According to one example, d2 is approximately equal to 2 x d2'.

[0217] The reduction in thickness in these second and fourth portions 7B2, 7B4 separating two successive first zones 7A and a distance between two successive first zones 7A which is greater than four times the distance between two retaining elements 5 along the first direction X, and / or the second direction Y make it easier to cut.

[0218] The ratio of the width of the first zone 7A to the width of the second zone 7B along the second direction Y is less than or equal to 1, in particular strictly less than 1, in particular less than or equal to 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6.

[0219] Preferably, the lower face 4 has a continuous surface which may be flat or have a repeating pattern.

[0220] Preferably, the lower face 4 extends substantially in a single plane extending along the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0221] The second upper face 3B in the second zone 7B is flat and / or regular. By example, the second upper face 3B in the second zone 7B is at least as flat and / or regular as the first upper face 3A in the first zone 7A. By example, the second upper face 3B in the second zone 7B is flatter and / or more regular than the first upper face 3A in the first zone 7A.

[0222] According to one example, the retaining elements 5 being arranged in a regular pattern, the retaining device 1 comprises raised elements (not shown in the figures) arranged, (in particular exclusively arranged) on the second upper face 3B in the second zone 7B. The raised elements are not retaining elements 5, and the raised elements are arranged in a "Pitch" (or arrangement) such that A1=B1 to within 15%, in particular within 10%, with A1 being the distance, in a first direction between two centers of two successive retaining elements 5, and B1 being the distance, in the first direction, between two centers of two successive raised elements.

[0223] According to one example, the retaining elements 5 and the relief elements are such that the ratio of the maximum heights along the third direction Z of a relief element to a retaining element 5 is less than or equal to 10%, in particular less than or equal to 7% and / or greater than or equal to 0.1%.

[0224] The first thickness El in the first zone 7A and the second thickness E2 in the second zone 7B are substantially constant.

[0225] The retaining elements 5 may optionally form a pattern in the first zone 7A.

[0226] Alternatively, one or more first zones 7A may be included, partially or entirely, in one or more second zones 7B and / or one or more Second zones 7B may be included, partially or entirely, in one or more first zones 7A.

[0227] Alternatively, the first thickness El in the first zone 7A and / or the second thickness E2 in the second zone 7B may vary. Varying the first thickness El allows for the formation of sub-patterns in the first zone 7A, for example, which may themselves form a pattern.

[0228] Alternatively, base 2 comprises a first basis weight G1 in the first zone 7A and a second basis weight G2 in the second zone 7B. The ratio (G1-G2) / G1 is greater than or equal to 0.1, in particular greater than or equal to 0.2, in particular greater than or equal to 0.3 and / or less than 1.0, in particular less than or equal to 0.8.

[0229] For example, when the support layer 8 is a non-woven material, it can interpenetrate the base 2. The second layer E2 in the second zone 7B is partially or entirely included in the thickness of the support layer 8. When the second layer E2 in the second zone 7B is entirely included in the support layer 8, the second upper face 3B of the base 2 is flush with the upper surface 13 of the support layer 8 which at least partially surrounds the base 2.

[0230] Alternatively, at least 10% of the second upper face 3B of the base 2 is flush with the upper surface of the support layer 8, in particular without being completely included in the support layer 8.

[0231] Alternatively, the containment device 1 may comprise at least two initial zones 7A provided with containment elements that are distinct, for example, in the shape and / or thickness and / or density and / or arrangement and / or size and / or composition of the containment elements 5. The containment device 1 may comprise at least 3, 4 or 5 initial zones 7A provided with containment elements that are distinct.

[0232] Alternatively, the restraint device 1 may comprise at least two first zones 7A provided with restraint elements that are distinct and at least two second zones 7B without restraint elements that are distinct. "Distinct" means that the zones differ in their shapes and / or thicknesses and / or densities and / or surfaces and / or are arranged at two opposite ends of the restraint device along the first direction X and / or along the second direction Y.

[0233] Alternatively, the restraint device 1 may include first zones 7A equipped with similar restraint elements and at least two second zones 7B without restraint elements, or three, four or more second zones 7B which may be distinct or identical.

[0234] The second upper face 3B of the base 2 may be substantially flat or planar, for example devoid of asperities perceptible to the touch.

[0235] The lower face 4 at the level of the second zone 7B has a different appearance, which is substantially flat for example, compared to the upper face 3B of the base 2.

[0236] In the present application, heights and thicknesses are typically observed from a photograph obtained with a digital microscope from Keyence Corporation under the reference "VHX 6000", at an appropriate magnification, for example a magnification of X500. The measurements are obtained with the image analysis software of the digital microscope.

[0237] Fig. 4 represents a molding apparatus 100 for manufacturing tapes 26 of retaining devices 1. Such a molding apparatus 100 and a manufacturing process is described in document WO2021116613.

[0238] In this example, the molding apparatus 100 includes a molding device 101 which is formed by a molding strip 102 positioned on rotating drive means 104A, 104B comprising a first roller 104A and a second roller 104B, a material distribution means 106, arranged to inject molding material, for example thermoplastic, onto the external face of the molding strip.

[0239] The assembly formed by the molding strip 102 and the rotational drive means 104A, 104B thus forms the molding apparatus 100.

[0240] Machine direction MD means the direction of movement of the molding strip 102 in the molding device 100 during the manufacture of the retaining device 1, in accordance with the English acronym for "Machine Direction", and cross direction CD means the direction perpendicular to the machine direction MD.

[0241] The illustrated example comprising two rollers 104A, 104B is not limiting; the number and arrangement of the roller(s) may vary, particularly to adapt to the length of the molding strip 102 and the different stations of the molding apparatus 100. For example, three rollers could be used, or even just one, such that the molding strip 102 is arranged around the periphery of the single roller to form a sleeve or screen, according to commonly used English terms. In particular, only one of the two rollers may be driven in rotation by motorized means, for example, a first roller 104A, while a second roller 104B remains free, i.e., without motorized means, and is driven in rotation via the molding strip 102, itself driven by the first roller 104A.

[0242] The molding strip 102 as presented comprises an inner face 102A and an outer face 102B, 102E, the inner face 102A being in contact with the rotating drive means 104A, 104B.

[0243] The material distribution means 106 is arranged to inject molding material onto the external face 102B, 102E of the molding strip 102.

[0244] More specifically, the material distribution means 106 is positioned opposite the outer face 102B, 102E of the molding strip 102, spaced from the molding strip 102 so as to define a gap e shown in [Fig. 4]. The boundary of the injected material on the outer face 102B, 102E of the molding strip 102 is identified by reference numeral C, corresponding to the rear edge of the injected material on the molding strip 102 with respect to the direction of movement of the molding strip 102.

[0245] In the example, the molding strip 102 includes a first molding zone A having open cavities 102C so as to define, from a first external face 102B, molding cavities for the formation of retaining elements and / or preforms of retaining elements and a second molding zone B without open cavities 102C.

[0246] The molding strip 102 includes an offset zone 108 in the second molding zone B, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. Only one offset zone 108 is shown in [Fig. 4] by way of example and for ease of illustration. The molding strip 102 may include several offset zones 108.

[0247] The molding strip 102 also includes a second external face 102E in the second molding zone B which is offset from the first external face 102B along the third direction Z.

[0248] The second external face 102E corresponds to the external face of the offset zone 108.

[0249] The first external face 102B and the second external face 102E can be substantially parallel or inclined with respect to each other when the molding strip 102 is placed on a flat surface parallel to a plane formed by the machine direction MD and the transverse direction CD.

[0250] The molding strip 102 has a first thickness Ebl measured along the third direction Z between the inner face 102A and the first outer face 102B, in the first molding zone A, and a second thickness Eb2 measured along the third direction Z between the inner face 102A and the second outer face 102E, in the second molding zone B, which is greater than the first thickness Ebl.

[0251] The offset zone 108 has a thickness Eb3=Eb2-Ebl which is less than or equal to 200 pm, in particular less than or equal to 120 pm, in particular less than or equal to 81 pm, 76.5 pm, 70 pm or 65 pm, in particular less than or equal to 60 pm, in particular less than or equal to 55 pm, more preferably less than or equal to 50 pm and / or greater than or equal to 1 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 2 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 3 pm, 4 pm or 5 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 10 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 20 pm, in particular greater than or equal to 40 pm.

[0252] For example, Ebl may be equal to 330 micrometers and Eb2 equal to 380 micrometers. Eb3 is then equal to 50 micrometers.

[0253] For example, Ebl may be equal to 220 micrometers and Eb2 equal to 380 micrometers. Eb3 is then equal to 160 micrometers.

[0254] For example, Ebl may be equal to 300 micrometers and Eb2 equal to 310 micrometers. Eb3 is then equal to 10 micrometers.

[0255] The molding strip 102 is provided with a plurality of open cavities 102C in the first molding zone A allowing the production of retaining elements 5 or preforms for the production of retaining elements 5, for example by a subsequent calendering operation or any other suitable operation, for example as described in application WO2017187096. Throughout the description, the term retaining elements 5 or preforms for the production of retaining elements 5 intended to form a hook-and-loop fastener of the hook-and-loop or hook-and-loop type will be used to designate retaining elements 5.

[0256] According to one example, the retaining elements 5 may have a shape that is preferably chosen from the group consisting of hooks, for example T-shaped and / or inverted J-shaped, and / or inverted double J-shaped or mushroom-shaped, or cup-shaped fasteners (or "cup-shaped" according to the usual English designation), and / or a combination of these shapes.

[0257] The open cavities 102C are each typically formed so as to define a stem shape 27 extending from the outer face 102B, 102G to the inner face 102A of the molding strip 102 and a head shape 24 extending between the stem shape 27 and the inner face 102A of the molding strip 102.

[0258] The molding strip 102 typically has a thickness of between 100 and 1000 microns, or typically between 200 and 400 microns.

[0259] The molding strip 102 typically has a perimeter between 200 mm and 3000 mm, or typically between 400 mm and 2000 mm.

[0260] The molding strip 102 has a cavity density 102C greater than or equal to 50 cavities per cm2, typically greater than or equal to 100 cavities per cm2, in particular greater than or equal to 125 cavities per cm2 and / or less than or equal to 3000 cavities per cm2, or typically less than or equal to 800 cavities per cm2, in particular less than or equal to 500 cavities per cm2.

[0261] It is thus understood that the arrangement of the open cavities 102C determines the arrangement of the retaining elements 5 on the retaining device 1 formed using the molding apparatus 100. The open cavities 102C are typically arranged in rows and columns, said rows and columns being arranged respectively according to the transverse direction CD and the machine direction MD. Each row and column is composed of one or more open cavities 102C, where appropriate aligned along the transverse direction CD and the machine direction MD respectively.

[0262] Within the same row, successive open cavities 102C are typically spaced regularly according to a transverse interval. Within the same column, successive open cavities 102C are typically spaced regularly according to a machine interval. Alternatively, said rows are spaced regularly according to 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 smaller than the second transverse interval, and / or said columns are spaced regularly according to a first machine interval and a second machine interval, the second machine interval not being an integer multiple of the first machine interval and the first machine interval being smaller than the second machine interval.

[0263] The rows and columns of open cavities 102C can be aligned, or arranged in a staggered pattern. More specifically, the different open cavities 102C can 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 successive columns then being offset respectively along the transverse direction CD and along the machine direction MD, by a step corresponding to half of the transverse interval or half of the machine interval respectively.

[0264] As will be seen later, it follows that the retaining elements 5 formed using these open cavities 102C are arranged in a column and row arrangement, respectively in a primary direction and a secondary direction, typically corresponding to the machine direction MD and the transverse direction CD.

[0265] In the example illustrated in [Fig.5], head shapes 24 of the open cavities 102C open through the inner face 102A of the molding strip 102 into the first zone A. The open cavities 102C are therefore through-holes.

[0266] The offset zone 108 is formed by a masking layer 105. The open cavities 102C are not covered by the masking layer 105 in the first molding zone A. The second molding zone B of the molding strip 102 includes closed cavities 102D which are plugged or partially plugged by the masking layer 105 and which therefore do not open through the external face of the molding strip 102.

[0267] The open cavities 102C may only include stem forms 27 and no head forms 24.

[0268] The masking layer 105 is a resin deposited in the form of a thin film in this example according to a process described below.

[0269] The portions of the open cavities 102C forming the rod shapes 27 typically extend along the third direction Z perpendicular to the external faces 102B, 102E of the molding strip 102. The portions of the open cavities 102C forming the rod shapes 27 typically have a cylindrical, hyperbolic shape, and / or include at least two opposite parallel faces, in particular at least two opposite parallel faces that are planar.

[0270] The portions of the open cavities 102C forming the head shapes 24 typically extend radially or transversely with respect to the third direction Z. The portions of the open cavities 102C forming the head shapes 24 typically have a substantially frustoconical, cylindrical or hexahedral shape.

[0271] The portions of the open cavities 102C forming the head shapes 24 may be linear or curved, for example, to form portions curved towards the inner face 102A or towards the outer faces 102B, 102E of the molding strip 102 extending from the portions of the open cavities 102C forming the stem shapes 27. The molding strip 102 may further have a shape such as those described in patent applications WO0213647 A2 and / or WO0050208 A2 and / or WO17109902 A1 and / or WO17110106 A1 and / or WO17110127 A1 and / or WO17110825 A1

[0272] The molding strip 102 may have on its inner face 102A or on its outer faces 102B, 102E a particular texture such as scratches and / or grooves, for example extending mainly in the machine direction MD and / or the transverse direction CD, and / or a network of grooves and / or a network of passages forming vents or studs, or be substantially smooth.

[0273] The molding strip 102 can be formed by layering several strips, and is therefore not necessarily a single piece or made of a single material. The molding strip 102 can be composed of one or more materials or composites, typically metallic such as Ni (Nickel), Cu (Copper), Inox (Stainless Steel), or any other suitable material.

[0274] The material distribution means 106 is typically arranged to inject molding material into the molding strip 102 at a section of the molding strip 102 where the latter is supported against a drive roller, in this case the first roller 104A in the example shown in [Fig. 4]. The first roller 104A then forms a base for the open cavities 102C.

[0275] The open cavities 102C in the molding strip 102 can be made by an ablation process, for example a chemical etching process and / or by use by using a laser at the locations where retention elements 5 are to be formed and / or an additive growth process, for example electrochemical, for example from nickel. It is also possible to consider producing the molding strip 102 with open cavities 102C distributed uniformly across the entire molding strip 102 and then sealing the open cavities 102C at the locations where a second zone 7B without retention elements is to be formed, as explained below.

[0276] More specifically, in order to be able to define different configurations in the arrangement of the retaining elements 5 and thus define a ribbon 26 and / or a retaining device 1 having retaining elements 5 arranged so as to form patterns, the molding strip 102 has open cavities 102C having a configuration similar to that of the retaining elements 5. The open cavities 102C are formed directly in the molding strip 102, in the material forming the molding strip 102.

[0277] However, it is understood that creating open cavities 102C in the molding strip 102 is complex, particularly in the case of a non-uniform distribution. Furthermore, such molding strips are dedicated exclusively to the production of retention devices according to the specific arrangement of the open cavities, and it is technically and economically difficult, if not impossible, to reuse them to create other specific arrangements.

[0278] Cavities 102C, 102D can thus be uniformly formed on the molding strip 102, and then some of the cavities 102C, 102D thus formed can be at least partially sealed to form closed cavities 102D in the second molding zone B, while another part of the cavities 102C are not sealed to form open cavities 102C in the first molding zone A, as explained previously. Such total or partial sealing of some of the cavities 102C, 102D thus makes it possible to define two subsets of cavities: functional cavities (open cavities 102C) and non-functional cavities (closed cavities 102D).

[0279] Functional cavities are defined as cavities that can be filled with molding material so as to form directly after demolding retaining elements 5 or preforms of retaining elements which are treated after demolding to form retaining elements 5.

[0280] Non-functional cavities are defined as cavities that have been totally or partially blocked, so that the molding material cannot fully penetrate them to form retaining elements 5 or complete retaining element preforms. It is understood, however, that due to possible material shrinkage, non-functional cavities may lead to irregularities in the formation of the retaining device 5, these irregularities having a dimension less than the retaining elements 5 or the preforms formed by the functional cavities, typically a dimension along a direction perpendicular to the first external face 102B of the base 2 at least 5 times smaller.

[0281] The material used to achieve such total or partial sealing of a portion of the cavities 102C, 102D and to form the offset zone 108 is a masking material, typically distinct from the injection material and / or distinct from the material in which the molding cavities are formed, for example, a material having a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of at least 20°C above that of the molding material. The masking material is, for example, a resin or a film. The masking layer 105 can be formed from a single layer of masking material, or from several layers of masking material, typically between 2 and 20 layers, for example, deposited successively.

[0282] The molding strip 102 includes a molding support 111 having a first external support face 102F and a second external support face 102G.

[0283] According to an example of a method for preparing a molding strip 102, the external support faces 102F, 102G are partially covered by a masking layer 105 such that the first external support face 102F, corresponding to the first external face 102B of the molding strip 102, is not covered by the masking layer 105, and the second external support face 102G is covered by the masking layer 105 so as to form an offset zone 108 on the second external support face 102G and to close part of the cavities 102C, 102D. The external face of the offset zone 108 defines the second external face 102E of the molding strip 102.

[0284] According to one variant, the first and second external faces of support 102F, 102G of the molding support 111 are completely covered by the masking layer 105 so as to seal all the cavities 102C, 102D by the masking layer 105 and form an offset area 108 and / or an overthickness extending over the entire external face of support 102F, 102G.

[0285] A portion of the masking layer 105 is then removed from the first outer surface of the support 102F to form the first outer surface 102B and the open cavities 102C in the first molding zone A. The offset zone 108 is retained only in the second molding zone B, thus providing the closed cavities 102D. The outer surface of the offset zone 108 defines the second outer surface 102E of the molding strip 102, which thus overlaps the second outer surface of the support 102G of the molding support 111.

[0286] The masking layer 105 is removed at least in part, for example, by laser ablation.

[0287] As illustrated in [Fig.5], the closed cavities 102D are at least partially blocked by the covering material of the masking layer 105. The open cavities 102C are through-holes.

[0288] The cavities 102C, 102D may have identical or distinct shapes, and may be arranged according to different patterns.

[0289] Alternatively, the molding strip 102 comprises a succession of first molding zones A and second molding zones B allowing a strip 26 to be obtained comprising retaining devices 1 as described in the example of [Fig.3].

[0290] According to a possible manufacturing process of a ribbon 26, material is injected onto the external support face 102B, 102E of the molding strip 102 while filling the open cavities 102C, corresponding to the upstream front of the material injected onto the molding strip 102 with respect to the direction of movement of the molding strip 102.

[0291] The separation between the ribbon 26 and the molding strip 102 is identified on [Fig.4] by reference D, this point corresponding for example to the level from which the base 2 of the ribbon 26 is no longer in contact with the molding strip 102. It may be provided that the ribbon 26 and / or the retaining device 1 and / or the molding strip 102 are mounted on a demolding roller 109, that is to say that the demolding roller 109 forms a lever on the ribbon 26 to facilitate the demolding of the preforms of retaining elements and / or the retaining elements.

[0292] The molding apparatus 100 may include an element, such as a scraper 110, positioned to scrape the inner face of the molding strip 102A to remove excess molding material as needed. Injection means the action of shaping a molding material by melting, for example, dispensing, filling, molding, injection, extrusion.

[0293] The molding apparatus 100 described above and the associated method may also have means and a step for associating a support layer 8 in the form of a strip which may be a non-woven (or woven or film) strip to the base 2.

[0294] Such an association of a support layer 8 on a base 2 comprising retaining elements 5 is typically achieved by means of mechanical and / or chemical anchoring and / or via an adhesive, or via a fusion of the base 2 or of the support layer 8.

[0295] By way of example, in order to achieve such bonding of a support layer 8, for example made of non-woven fabric, to the base 2 of the retaining device 1, the proposed molding apparatus 100 may include non-woven fabric strip drive means adapted to provide a strip feed and to apply the strip of non-woven material against the lower face 4 of the base 2 downstream of the material distribution means 106.

[0296] Preferably, the tape 26 is then cut at the location of the second band B area(s) to obtain restraint devices 1 which are then attached, for example, to a diaper and / or an adult incontinence diaper or to pants. The reduced thickness at the location of the second band B area(s) facilitates cutting.

[0297] Alternatively, the masking layer 105 may comprise several layers of resins such as from 2 to 18 layers of resins in order to increase the thickness Eb3 of the offset area 108 or any other number of resin layers between 2 and 18, each number in this range being incremented by 1.

[0298] The various resin layers may have a thickness greater than 3 micrometers, in particular greater than 30 micrometers, in particular greater than 60 micrometers, and / or less than 70 micrometers, in particular less than 60 micrometers, in particular less than 30 micrometers. In some cases, the resin layers may have the disadvantage of separating from the molding tape due to their fragility during use of the molding tape, for example, due to the stresses applied.

[0299] Alternatively or in combination, the molding strip can also be locally reinforced with a suitable material, in particular of the bronze and / or copper and / or tin and / or nickel type to form the masking layer 105.

[0300] As an alternative or in combination, the process for preparing the molding strip 102 is based on a principle of differentiated growth, for example by electroforming.

[0301] The preparation process includes a first step of depositing metal such as nickel by electroforming in a localized manner on the molding support 111. The molding support 111 is then covered by rows formed of an alternation of nickel agglomerates and holes along the longitudinal MD and transverse CD directions.

[0302] This step is followed by a resin deposition step on a portion of the nickel agglomerate rows to form a resin layer masking the cavities intended to form the open cavities 102C in the first zone A. The thickness of the resin layer determines the thickness Eb3 of the offset zone 108, which will be produced subsequently. The molding strip 102 includes cavities not covered by the resin layer and intended to form closed cavities 102D in the second zone B.

[0303] The preparation process then includes a second electroforming step to coat the rows of nickel agglomerates not covered by the resin and Seal the cavities not covered by the resin layer. The closed cavities 102D in the second zone B are then obtained during this step. At this stage, all the cavities are thus covered either by the resin layer or by the nickel layer.

[0304] The preparation process then includes a step of removing the resin layer, by laser ablation for example, to form the open cavities 102C in the first molding zone A.

[0305] Alternatively or in combination, the method for preparing the molding strip 102 includes a step of depositing a film, for example a capillary film, onto the molding support 111, for example based on a photosensitive emulsion pre-coated on a polyester and / or polyethylene film, for example a diazo photo film which, after cross-linking, ensures its fixation to the molding support 111. The application of the film, in particular the capillary film, may be local or over the entire external surface of the molding support 111. A removal step, by laser ablation for example, of the unwanted portions of the film is then applied so that the film covers only the second molding zone B and forms the offset zone.

[0306] The film, for example the capillary film, may comprise a thickness greater than or equal to 5 micrometers, in particular greater than or equal to 10 micrometers, in particular greater than or equal to 15 micrometers, and / or less than or equal to 700 micrometers, in particular less than or equal to 500 micrometers, more particularly less than or equal to 120 micrometers, in particular less than or equal to 60 micrometers.

[0307] Alternatively, the masking layer 105 comprises a film, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. The film is applied to all or part of the outer surface of the support 102F, 102G of the molding support 111 so as to form a step and thus a difference in thickness between the second outer surface 102E and the first outer surface 102B. The second outer surface 102E of the molding strip 102 is defined by the outer surface of the film.

[0308] Figure 6 illustrates an example in which the molding device 101 is a molding strip 102, the molding support 111 being in the form of a strip. The molding support 111 comprises an outer face 102F, 102G, and a plurality of cavities 102C, 102D, 102H opening through the outer face 102F, 102G.

[0309] The outer face of support 102F, 102G of the molding support 111 is at least partially covered by the film so as to close part of the cavities 102C, 102D, 102H by at least one film and form an offset area 108 on the outer face 102F, 102G.

[0310] Alternatively, the molding device 101 may be a roller or a sleeve (not shown), the molding support 111 being in the form of a roller or a sleeve.

[0311] The film is a high-temperature resistant polymer-based film, in particular a polyimide-based film and / or polyester and / or PVC and / or a fluorinated polymer and / or an epoxy polymer and / or a silicone (or polysiloxane) and / or an acrylate polymer and / or latex and / or metal.

[0312] The masking layer 105, in particular the film, may advantageously have an elongation at break greater than or equal to 10%, in particular greater than or equal to 12%, in particular greater than or equal to 30%, for example tested according to elongation at break according to ASTM DI000 and at a temperature of 23°C.

[0313] The masking layer 105, in particular the film, may advantageously have a breaking strength greater than or equal to 5 N / cm, in particular greater than or equal to 10 N / cm, in particular greater than or equal to 25 N / cm for example tested according to elongation at break according to ASTM D1000 and at a temperature of 23°C.

[0314] The masking layer 105, in particular the film, may advantageously have an adhesion to steel greater than or equal to 0.5 N / cm, in particular greater than or equal to 1 N / cm, in particular greater than or equal to 1.5 N / cm, for example tested according to elongation at break according to ASTM D1000 and at a temperature of 23°C.

[0315] The masking layer 105, in particular the film, may advantageously have a surface weight greater than or equal to 15 g / m2, in particular greater than or equal to 20 g / m2, in particular greater than or equal to 25 g / m2 and / or less than or equal to 220 g / m2, in particular less than or equal to 170 g / m2, in particular less than or equal to 130 g / m2.

[0316] The masking layer 105, in particular the film, may advantageously have no melting temperature and / or have a melting temperature greater than or equal to 180°C, in particular greater than or equal to 200°C, in particular greater than or equal to 220°C, for example measured by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).

[0317] The masking layer 105 may further comprise an adhesive layer (or adhesive tape) bonded to the second outer face of the support 102G of the molding support 111. The adhesive layer is positioned between the second outer face of the support 102G and the film. For example, the adhesive layer is silicone-based (or polysiloxane-based), in particular a thermosetting silicone (or, according to the English designation, "thermosetting silinone").

[0318] The adhesive layer may advantageously have a surface weight greater than or equal to 5 g / m2, in particular greater than or equal to 10 g / m2, in particular greater than or equal to 15 g / m2 and / or less than or equal to 100 g / m2, in particular less than or equal to 90 g / m2, in particular less than or equal to 75 g / m2.

[0319] The adhesive layer may advantageously have a thickness greater than or equal to 5 micrometers, in particular greater than or equal to 10 micrometers, in particular greater than or equal to 20 micrometers and / or less than or equal to 120 micrometers, in particular less than or equal to 100 micrometers, in particular less than or equal to 80 micrometers.

[0320] The masking layer 105 formed by the adhesive layer and the film has a thickness Eb3 which is predefined upstream.

[0321] According to an example of a method for preparing a molding device 101, the external face of the support 102F, 102G of the molding support 111 is completely covered by the film so as to seal almost all the cavities 102C, 102D, 102H with the film.

[0322] At least a portion of the film is then removed from the molding support 111 to form at least a first molding zone A intended to form at least one pattern of retaining elements 1. The other portion or portions of the film remaining glued to the second outer face of support 102G form at least one offset zone 108 and / or an overthickness in at least a second molding zone B.

[0323] The offset areas 108 are created by cutting the film and the adhesive layer by laser or by digital cutting or other equivalent type of cutting.

[0324] Alternatively, the film is pre-cut to form patterns and then adhered with an adhesive to the second outer surface of the support 102G of the molding support 111. The pre-cut film can form a single unit comprising several cutouts. Alternatively, several films can be pre-cut and then adhered to the second outer surface of the support 102G to form the staggered areas 108.

[0325] Whether the film is pre-cut or not, a molding strip 102 is obtained comprising a first external face 102B in the first molding zone A having open cavities 102C, not covered by the film, defining molding cavities for the formation of retaining elements 1 and / or preforms of retaining elements, and partially open cavities 102H, which are partially covered by the film, defining molding cavities for the formation of intermediate elements 5b.

[0326] The molding strip 102 also includes a second outer face 102E formed by a surface of the film in the second molding zone B having closed cavities 102D which are sealed by the film. The second outer face 102E is offset relative to the first outer face 102B along the third direction Z perpendicular to the machine direction MD and to the transverse direction CD, forming the offset zone 108.

[0327] As illustrated in [Fig. 6], the film forming the masking layer 105 includes an end zone 156 which partially covers and obstructs a portion of the cavities 102C, 102D, 102H, forming the partially open cavities 102H. Each partially open cavity 102H has an external orifice 157 which is covered by the end zone 156 on at least 5%, in particular at least 10% and / or not more than 95%, in particular not more than 90%.

[0328] This partial covering of the cavities 102C, 102D, 102H is possible with a film but not with a resin because the resin fills, partially or completely, the cavity whereas the film only covers the surface.

[0329] The molding strip 102 has, in the first molding zone A, a first thickness Ebl measured between an inner face 102A of the molding support 111 and the first outer face 102B, and, in the second molding zone B, a second thickness Eb2 measured between the inner face 102A and the second outer face 102E. The ratio R2=(Eb2-Ebl) / Eb2 is greater than 0 and / or less than 1.0, in particular less than or equal to 0.9, preferably less than or equal to 0.5, more particularly less than or equal to 0.3.

[0330] The characteristics, particularly those relating to thickness, described previously for the embodiment of [Fig.5] using a resin also apply to the embodiment of [Fig.6] using a film.

[0331] The features of Figures 5 and 6 are entirely compatible and can be combined with each other. For example, certain areas of the masking layer 105 may include both areas as shown in [Fig. 5] and / or other areas as shown in [Fig. 6], particularly in the case where the masking layer 105 comprises at least one film.

[0332] The molding strip 102 is mounted in the molding apparatus 100 described above and a manufacturing process is applied to obtain a retaining device 1 comprising a base 2 extending along a first direction X and a second direction Y, perpendicular to the first direction X, and retaining elements 5 extending from the base 2 along a third direction Z, perpendicular to the first and second directions X, Y. In this example, the retaining elements 5 each comprise a rod 6 surmounted by a head 10. The retaining elements 5 may not comprise a head.

[0333] Detailed examples of restraint devices 1 are illustrated in Figures 7 to 9.

[0334] The base 2 comprises at least a first upper face 3A provided with retaining elements 5 in a first zone 7A, and at least a second upper face 3B without retaining elements 5 in a second zone 7B.

[0335] The first upper face 3A is offset from the second upper face 3B along the third direction Z so as to form a step 12 comprising a riser 31 connecting the first upper face 3A to the second upper face 3B.

[0336] The retaining device 1 comprises intermediate elements 5b in the first zone 7A, extending from the first upper face 3A following the third direction Z. The intermediate elements 5b border (or run alongside) the second upper face 3B, and are partially formed retaining elements 5.

[0337] The term "partially formed" means that the intermediate elements 5b are missing a portion compared with the retaining elements 5, which are fully formed.

[0338] The intermediate elements 5b are obtained by means of the partially open cavities 102H. Indeed, during the manufacturing process of the retaining device 1 by molding / extrusion, the injected molding material only partially fills the partially open cavity 102H because it is partially blocked by the end zone 156 of the film. The molding material does not completely fill the partially open cavity 102H, forming a partially formed retaining element 5, i.e., an intermediate element 5b.

[0339] At least part of the intermediate elements 5b comprise a truncated rod 6' extending along the third direction Z. The truncated rod 6' has a truncated portion 32 opening at least partially towards the second zone 7B, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 9. The truncated portion 32 has an opening 34 oriented towards the second zone 7B, as illustrated in [Fig.9].

[0340] According to one example, the end area 156 of the masking layer 105 (for example including a film) extends vertically to at least one molding cavity of the molding device 101, among all the cavities (see [Fig.6]) and / or the end area 156 of the masking layer 105 (for example including a film) extends at least once vertically to a wall of the molding support 111 in an area without a cavity of the molding device 101 (see [Fig.5]).

[0341] According to one example, the end area 156 of the masking layer 105 (for example including a film) extends vertically over at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 or 15 molding cavities of the molding device 101, among all the cavities and / or the end area 156 of the masking layer 105 (for example including a film) extends at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 or 15 times vertically over the wall of the molding support 111 in a cavity-free area of ​​the molding device 101.

[0342] In Figures 7 and 9, the retaining elements 5 and the intermediate elements 5b are positioned in a staggered pattern. That is to say, the retaining elements 5 are arranged so as to be aligned along the first direction X and along the second direction Y, two successive rows or two columns being then offset respectively along the first direction X and along the second direction Y, by a step corresponding to half the interval separating two adjacent retaining elements 5 or two adjacent intermediate elements 5b along the first and / or the second direction X, Y.

[0343] Figures 8 and 9 represent an example in which the support layer 8, in this case a non-woven, is anchored in the base 2.

[0344] The intermediate element 5b may comprise a truncated stem 6' and a fully formed head 10, as illustrated in [Fig.7], or a truncated head which is partially formed.

[0345] The intermediate element 5b may include a truncated rod 6' without a head 10 or a complete rod 6 without a head 10, as illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0346] The intermediate element 5b may be without a head 10 and include a truncated stem 6' which is shortened along the third direction Z.

[0347] According to one example, the retaining elements 5 and the truncated rod(s) 6' shortened are such that the ratio of the maximum heights along the third direction Z of a truncated rod 6' shortened on a retaining element 5 is strictly greater than 10%, in particular greater than or equal to 15%, in particular greater than or equal to 25% and / or less than or equal to 80%.

[0348] At least 5% of the intermediate elements 5b have a truncated head, in particular at least 10% or 20% of the intermediate elements 5b have a truncated head and / or less than 90% of the intermediate elements 5b have a truncated head, in particular less than 80%, 70%, 60%.

[0349] According to one example, at least 5%, in particular 10%, of the intermediate elements 5b have a truncated head, and / or at least 5%, in particular 10%, of the intermediate elements 5b have a truncated stem 6', and / or at least 5%, in particular 10%, of the intermediate elements 5b are headless and include a shortened stem 6'.

[0350] According to a possible method of evaluating the level of truncation of the intermediate element 5b, let Bt be the width of the intermediate element 5b at the level of the truncated portion 32, as illustrated in [Fig.9], and let Ct be the width of a missing portion of the truncated stem 6' of the intermediate element 5b along a measurement direction parallel to the first and second directions X and Y, the ratio Bt / (Bt+Ct) is greater than or equal to 0.1, in particular greater than or equal to 0.2, or greater than or equal to 0.3, and / or less than or equal to 0.9, in particular less than or equal to 0.8.

[0351] The measurement direction corresponds to the direction in which the missing portion is largest.

[0352] The retaining elements 5 and / or the intermediate elements 5b may extend perpendicularly with respect to the first upper face 3A or be inclined with respect to the first upper face 3A.

[0353] According to an example, the intermediate element 5b comprising a volume V5b and the retaining element 5 comprising a volume V5, the ratio V5b / V5 can be greater than or equal to 0.1, 0.2, or 0.3, and / or less than or equal to 0.9, or 0.8.

[0354] According to an example, the head 10' of the intermediate element 5b comprising a volume V10' and the head 10 of the retaining element 5 comprising a volume V10, the ratio V107 VIO can be greater than or equal to 0, 0.1, 0.2, or 0.3, and / or less than or equal to 0.9, or 0.8.

[0355] According to one example, the rod 6' of the intermediate element 5b comprising a volume V6' and the head 6 of the retaining element 5 comprising a volume V6, the ratio V67V6 can be greater than or equal to 0.1, 0.2, or 0.3, and / or less than or equal to 0.9, or 0.8.

[0356] The intermediate elements 5b are adjacent or intersecting with the riser 31. The intermediate elements 5b run along the second zone 7B.

[0357] The intermediate elements 5b can be positioned flush with the riser 31. The riser 31 extends in a plane running alongside intermediate elements 5b or which is intersecting with intermediate elements 5b.

[0358] The second zone 7B is bordered by intermediate elements 5b and retaining elements 5 that are closest to the second zone 7B. In other words, the second zone 7B is bordered by intermediate elements 5b that are adjacent to or intersecting the riser 31 and by retaining elements 5 adjacent to the riser 31. A retaining element 5 adjacent to the riser 31 is also adjacent to one or two intermediate elements 5b.

[0359] According to one example, the step 12 and / or the riser 31 passes at least once under an intermediate element 5b, in particular said step 12 passes at least once under 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 or 15 intermediate elements 5b of the same first zone 7A. The step 12 and / or the riser 31 passes under at least 10%, 20%, 30% of the intermediate elements 5b and / or less than 50% of the retaining elements 5 arranged at the edge of the first zone 7A, in particular less than 30%, 20%, 10% of the retaining elements 5 arranged at the edge of the first zone 7A.

[0360] According to one example, the projection of the step 12 (and / or the riser 31) intersects at least once a zone formed by the projection of an intermediate element, the projections being respectively made along a plane parallel to the lower face 4 and / or the first upper face 3A and / or the second upper face 3B of the base 2. According to another example, the projection of the step 12 (and / or the riser 31) intersects each zone formed by the respective projections of 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 or 15 intermediate elements, the projections being made along a plane parallel to the lower face 4 and / or the first upper face 3A and / or the second upper face 3B of the base 2.

[0361] The succession of intermediate elements 5b and retaining elements 5 closest to the second zone 7B defines a theoretical boundary line 35 running along the second zone 7B. The boundary line 35 passes substantially through the center of the intermediate elements 5b and the retaining elements 5. The boundary line 35 runs along the riser 31.

[0362] The boundary line 35 crosses at least 30% of intermediate elements 5b. The rest of the boundary line 35 crosses restraint elements 5. In other words, the second zone 7B is bordered by at least 30% intermediate elements 5b, and less than 70% restraint elements 5.

[0363] The riser 31 extends in a general direction which is perpendicular or inclined with respect to the first upper face 3A and / or the second upper face 3B. The riser 31 may be smooth or have raised features.

[0364] According to one example, figures 7 to 9 are schematic figures and / or are schematic figures which are to scale on which it is possible to deduce other features, for example by using a ruler or any other suitable measuring means.

[0365] In an alternative, the base 2 has a first thickness El measured along the third direction Z in the first zone 7A and a second thickness E2 measured along the third direction Z in the second zone 7B, the first thickness El being less than or equal to 300 pm, in particular less than or equal to 120 pm, in particular less than or equal to 100 pm, the ratio R1=(E1-E2) / E1 being greater than or equal to 0.1, in particular greater than or equal to 0.2, in particular greater than or equal to 0.3 and / or in particular less than or equal to 1.0, in particular less than or equal to 0.9.

[0366] Alternatively, the second zone 7B extends over a distance d2 along the first direction X, which is greater than a distance dl separating two adjacent restraint elements 5 in the first direction X and / or extends over a distance d3 along the second direction Y, which is greater than a distance d4 separating two adjacent restraint elements 5 in the second direction Y.

[0367] The distance separating two intermediate elements 5b is identical to the distance separating two retaining elements 5, regardless of the direction.

[0368] Alternatively, the base 2 and / or the retaining elements 5 and / or and the intermediate elements 5b are in one piece.

[0369] 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.

[0370] 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. A restraint device (1) comprising a base (2) extending along a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y), perpendicular to the first direction (X), and restraint elements (5) extending from the base along a third direction (Z), perpendicular to the first and second directions (X, Y), the restraint elements (5) each comprising a rod (6), wherein - the base (2) has at least a first upper face (3A) provided with the restraint elements (5) in a first zone (7A), and at least a second upper face (3B) devoid of restraint elements (5) in a second zone (7B), - the restraint device (1) comprises intermediate elements (5b) extending from the first upper face (3A) along the third direction (Z), and bordering at least partially the second upper face (3B), the intermediate elements (5b) being partially formed restraint elements (5),- the first upper face (3A) is offset relative to the second upper face (3B) along the third direction (Z) so as to form a step (12) comprising a riser (31) connecting the first upper face (3A) to the second upper face (3B).

2. Retaining device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate elements (5b) are adjacent or intersecting with the riser (31).

3. Retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the second zone (7B) is bordered by intermediate elements (5b) and retaining elements (5).

4. Retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a portion of the intermediate elements (5b) comprises a truncated rod (6') extending along the third direction (Z), the truncated rod (6') having a truncated portion (32) opening at least partially into the second zone (7B).

5. Retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least 5% of the intermediate elements (5b) have a truncated head, in particular at least 10% or 20% of the elements intermediates (5b) have a truncated head and / or less than 90% of the intermediates (5b) have a truncated head, in particular less than 80%, 70%, 60%.

6. Retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein, either Bt is the width of the intermediate element (5b) at the truncated portion (32) and Ct is the width of a missing portion of the truncated stem (6') of the intermediate element (5b), a ratio Bt / (Bt+Ct) is greater than or equal to 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and / or less than or equal to 0.9, 0.

8.

7. Retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the base (2) has a first thickness El measured along the third direction (Z) in the first zone (7A) and a second thickness E2 measured along the third direction (Z) in the second zone (7B), the first thickness El being less than 120 pm, in particular less than or equal to 100 pm, a ratio R1=(E1-E2) / E1 being greater than or equal to 0.1, in particular greater than or equal to 0.2, in particular greater than 0.3 and / or in particular less than 1.

0.

8. Retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second zone (7B) extends over a distance d2 along the first direction (X), which is greater than a distance dl separating two adjacent retaining elements (5) in the first direction (X) and / or extends over a distance d3 along the second direction (Y), which is greater than a distance d4 separating two adjacent retaining elements (5) in the second direction (Y).

9. Retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the base (2) and / or the retaining elements (5) and / or the intermediate elements (5b) are of one piece.

10. Ribbon (26) comprising retaining devices (1) as defined according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Molding device (101) adapted for mounting on a molding apparatus (100) and intended for forming a retaining device (1), the molding device (101) extending along a machine direction (MD), having a width defined along a transverse direction (CD) perpendicular to the machine direction (MD) and comprising: - at least one molding support (111) comprising an external face (102F, 102G), and a plurality of cavities (102C, 102D, 102H) opening through the outer face (102F, 102G), - a masking layer (105) comprising at least one film partially covering the outer face (102F, 102G) of the molding support (111) so as to obtain a molding device (101) comprising: • a first outer face (102B) in a first molding zone (A) having open cavities (102C), not covered by the film, defining molding cavities for the formation of retaining elements (5) and / or preforms of retaining elements (5), and partially open cavities (102H), partially covered by the film, defining molding cavities for the formation of intermediate elements (5b), and • a second outer face (102E) formed by a surface of the film in a second molding zone (B) having closed cavities (102D) which are blocked by the film,the second external face (102E) being offset relative to the first external face (102B) along a third direction (Z) perpendicular to the machine direction (MD) and the transverse direction (CD).

12. Molding device (101) according to claim 11, having, in the first molding zone (A), a first thickness Ebl measured between an inner face (102A) of the molding support (111) and the first outer face (102B), and, in the second molding zone (B), a second thickness Eb2 measured between the inner face (102A) and the second outer face (102E), a ratio R2=(Eb2-Ebl) / Eb2 being greater than 0 and / or less than 1.0, in particular less than or equal to 0.9, preferably less than or equal to 0.5, more particularly less than or equal to 0.

3.

13. Molding device (101) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the film is a polymer-based film, in particular a polyimide and / or polyester and / or PVC and / or fluorinated polymer and / or epoxy polymer and / or silicone and / or acrylate polymer and / or latex and / or metallic film.

14. Molding device (101) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the molding device (101) is a molding strip (102) adapted to be mounted on at least one roller (104A, 104B) of the molding apparatus (100).

15. Molding device (101) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the molding device (101) is a molding roller.

16. A method for preparing a molding device (101) for manufacturing a retaining device (1), extending along a machine direction (MD), and having a width defined along a transverse direction (CD) perpendicular to the machine direction (MD), the method comprising the following steps: supply of a molding support (111) comprising an external face (102F, 102G), and a plurality of cavities (102C, 102D, 102H) opening through the external face (102F, 102G), covering the outer face (102F, 102G) with a masking layer (105) comprising at least one film so as to seal part of the cavities (102C, 102D, 102H) with at least one film and form an offset zone (108) on the outer face (102F, 102G), the molding support (111) comprising: • a first external face (102B) in a first molding zone (A) comprising open cavities (102C) so as to define molding cavities for the formation of retaining elements (5) and / or preforms of retaining elements in the retaining device (1), and partially open cavities (102H) defining partially open molding cavities for the formation of intermediate elements (5b), and • a second external face (102E) formed by the surface of the film, in a second molding zone (B) comprising closed cavities (102D), the second external face (102E) being offset from the first external face (102B) along a third direction (Z) perpendicular to the machine direction (MD) and to the transverse direction (CD).

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein the film is a polymer-based film which is fixed to the outer face (102F, 102G) of the molding support (111) by an adhesive.

18. A method according to any one of claims 16 or 17, comprising a step of removing at least a portion of the film to form the open cavities (102C) and the partially open cavities (102H) in the first molding zone (A).

19. A method for manufacturing a restraint device (1) implemented by a molding apparatus (100) comprising a molding device (101) as defined according to any one of claims 11 to 15

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