Molding strip and improved formation method

Abstract

To provide a molding strip and an improved formation method.SOLUTION: There is provided a molding device 100 for forming a retaining device comprising a base 12 provided with a plurality of retaining elements 16, the molding device 100 comprising a molding strip 102 formed from a first material and extending along a machine direction MD, having a width defined along a transverse direction perpendicular to the machine direction MD, and a thickness measured along a direction perpendicular to the machine direction MD and to the transverse direction, and an internal face 102A and an external face 102B, the molding strip 102 comprising a plurality of cavities 102C, characterized in that a portion of the cavities 102C is at least partially closed off by a blocking material, so as to define molding cavities for the formation of retaining elements and / or preforms of retaining elements, and non-functional cavities.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a molding apparatus for manufacturing self-gripping retention elements comprising retention means such as hooks. [Background technology]

[0002] Several systems and methods are known for manufacturing retention elements with retention means such as hooks, as described for example in documents WO2017187096, WO2017187097, WO2017187098, WO2017187099, WO2017187101, WO2017187102, WO2017187103 and WO2019145646.

[0003] A recurring problem concerns the technically complex and expensive production of strips comprising areas with and without retaining elements. Furthermore, it is currently difficult to achieve a clear demarcation between an area with retaining elements and an adjacent area lacking retaining elements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present disclosure aims to at least partially address the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a molding apparatus for forming a retention device comprising a base provided with a plurality of retention elements and / or preforms of retention elements, the molding apparatus comprising: The present invention relates to a molding apparatus comprising a molding strip formed from a first material and adapted to be attached to a support, the molding strip extending along a machine direction and having a width defined along a transverse direction perpendicular to the machine direction and a thickness measured along a direction perpendicular to the machine direction and the transverse direction, the molding strip having an inner surface and an outer surface, and the molding strip comprising a plurality of cavities, wherein some of the cavities are at least partially plugged with a plugging material so as to define molding cavities for forming retention elements and / or preforms of retention elements and non-functional cavities.

[0006] According to one example, the plugging material is different from the first material.

[0007] According to one example, the plugging material and / or the first material and / or the molding material are separate.

[0008] According to one example, the plugging material is formed from a single layer. According to another example, the plugging material is formed from several layers, for example, 2 to 20 layers.

[0009] According to one example, the plugging material extends at least partially into the cavity of the shaped strip. According to one example, the plugging material is fixed to the shaped strip, in particular to at least one wall of the cavity of the shaped strip.

[0010] According to one example, the plugging material extends at least partially between the inner and outer surfaces of the shaped strip.

[0011] According to one example, the plugging material is a resin.

[0012] According to one example, a plugging material is disposed at least partially within the cavity, the plugging material disposed between the inner and outer surfaces of the shaped strip having a shape complementary to at least a portion of the interior volume of the cavity.

[0013] According to one example, the plugging material is at least partially disposed within the cavity in a cross-sectional view along a plane perpendicular to the machine direction and / or a cross-sectional view along a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction, and a height of the plugging material disposed between the inner and outer surfaces of the shaped strip is greater than the sum of the heights of the plugging material outside the inner and outer surfaces of the shaped strip.

[0014] According to one example, the plugging material is secured to the shaped strip, e.g., to form a unitary element formed by the shaped strip and the plugging material. According to one example, the shaped strip and the plugging material are chemically and / or mechanically secured to one another.

[0015] According to one example, the holding elements each comprise a rod and a head, the head being formed by two wings which are opposite and extend along the same direction on both sides of the rod, or the head extending around the entire circumference of the rod over 360°.

[0016] According to one example, the plugging material extends on the inner and / or outer surface of the shaped strip.

[0017] According to one example, the plugging material comprises a polymer and / or a metal compound and / or an alloy and / or a composite, the composite comprising reinforcing elements such as particles and / or fibers and / or filaments, and the plugging material is different from the material of the shaped strip.

[0018] According to one example, the plugging material comprises a polymer, in particular a thermoplastic and / or thermosetting polymer and / or elastomer, such as a resin, more particularly a crosslinked resin, in particular an ultraviolet and / or thermal and / or chemical and / or physical and / or radical crosslinked resin.

[0019] According to one example, the plugging material is sufficiently stable to maintain its integrity during use of the shaped strip, ie, at temperatures between 10° and 300°C.

[0020] According to one example, the plugging material is a compound from the following list: resins and / or sealants, more particularly: epoxy and / or acrylic and / or polyester and / or polyurethane and / or silicone resins, -Epoxy and / or acrylic and / or polyester and / or polyurethane and / or silicone sealants It includes at least one of the following:

[0021] According to one example, some of the set of cavities are at least partially blocked by plugging material such that each of the cavities has at least two discontinuous areas filled with plugging material.

[0022] According to one example, some of the cavities are at least partially blocked by plugging material, such that each of the cavities has an area with plugging material and an area lacking plugging material, the cavities being through cavities, and the areas lacking plugging material generally being through areas, such that the plugging material allows the cross section of the through cavities to be reduced.

[0023] According to one example, the molding cavities are arranged to form a pattern on the molding strip, generally a regular pattern. By "regular" it is meant that the pattern repeats in the machine direction. Alternatively, the molding cavities are arranged to form several different patterns on the molding strip, generally regular patterns, such as alternating or non-alternating patterns on the molding strip and in the machine direction.

[0024] According to one example, the molding strip comprises, for example in the pattern area, a number of cavities / cm along the machine direction and / or along the transverse direction of more than 2 / cm, more particularly more than 5 / cm, in particular more than 10 / cm and less than 1,500 / cm, more particularly less than 1,000 / cm, for example less than 700 / cm, more particularly less than 400 / cm, even more particularly less than 200 / cm.

[0025] According to one example, the molding strip, for example in the pattern area, has an opening ratio of 2% to 45%, particularly 3% to 30%, and more particularly 4% to 20%. Therefore, the number of holding elements to be demolded is limited to allow easier demolding and / or lower demolding forces. The molding strip has a basic repeating surface with at least one molding cavity portion in an area viewed perpendicular to the molding strip. The opening ratio of the molding strip is calculated by the ratio (surface of the molding cavity in the basic repeating surface) / (basic repeating surface). To avoid parallax errors, the opening ratio is preferably measured in a small area of the molding strip.

[0026] According to one example, the mold cavities are arranged to form one or several discontinuous patterns. According to one example, the mold cavities are arranged to form a pattern that repeats on the mold strip, for example, 4 to 600 repetitions of the pattern, or for example, 20 to 200 repetitions of the pattern.

[0027] According to one example, the shaped strip has a thickness of 50 to 500 microns, preferably 70 to 350 microns, possibly 100 to 250 microns.

[0028] According to one example, 10% to 90%, preferably 20% to 80% of the cavities of the total number of cavities in the shaped strip are at least partially blocked by the plugging material.

[0029] According to one example, the shaped strip has a circumference of 200 mm to 3,000 mm, in particular 400 mm to 2,000 mm.

[0030] According to one example, the molding strip has a thickness of 50 to 3,000 / cm 2 , especially 100-800cm 2 The cavity has a density of .

[0031] According to one example, the shaped strip has an edge extending along its end in the machine direction, and a cavity is closed off that is located in the transverse direction at a distance of 2 to 5 mm, sometimes 1 to 5 mm, and in other cases 2 to 7 mm or 1 to 10 mm from the edge of the shaped strip extending in the machine direction.

[0032] According to one example, each pattern has at least one row and / or at least one column comprising at least two groups of discontinuous molded cavities separated by an area of plugged cavities.

[0033] The present disclosure also provides a method for preparing such a molding apparatus, comprising: - providing a shaping strip formed from a first material and adapted to be attached to a support, the shaping strip extending along a machine direction and having a width defined along a transverse direction perpendicular to the machine direction and a thickness along a direction perpendicular to the machine direction and the transverse direction, the shaping strip having an inner surface and an outer surface; a plugging material is applied onto the shaped strip so as to block a portion of the cavity of the shaped strip; It also relates to the method.

[0034] According to one example, during the step of applying the plugging material, all cavities of the shaped strip are closed, after which a step is carried out of removing (or excluding) the plugging material from some of the cavities to define the shaped cavities.

[0035] The present disclosure also relates to a retaining device comprising: a base having an upper surface and a lower surface, extending along a major direction and having a width defined along a minor direction perpendicular to the major direction and a thickness measured along a direction perpendicular to the major and minor directions; and a plurality of retaining elements extending on the upper surface of the base, each retaining element comprising a rod, the retaining elements being integrally formed with the base, for example by extrusion in one piece, the retaining elements being arranged in rows and columns extending along the minor and major directions, respectively, characterized in that at least X rows and / or X columns of the retaining device have a different number of retaining elements, X being equal to 2. In particular, X is equal to 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 to enable the generation of complex patterns with a predetermined level of sufficiently precise detail. More generally, X is generally a natural number comprised between Xmin and Xmax, where Xmin may for example be equal to 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9 or 10 or 12 or 15 or 20, and Xmax may for example be equal to 500 or 450 or 400 or 350 or 300 or 250 or 200 or 150 or 100 or 50. Such a device makes it possible in particular to define patterns having an appearance with an optimized and improved precision compared to the prior art, while maintaining a significant / satisfactory gripping ability, even if it is equivalent to an outer contour having a similar shape and without areas devoid of holding elements.

[0036] According to one example, at least two rows and / or at least two columns of the holding device have different numbers of holding elements, the difference in the number of holding elements of said at least two rows and / or at least two columns being 1 or more, or more particularly 2 or more, or for example 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or more, so as to be able to generate complex patterns with a predetermined level of sufficiently accurate detail.

[0037] According to one example, the plurality of retaining elements form one or several discontinuous patterns, each pattern being formed from a plurality of rows and columns of retaining elements. "Discontinuous" means that the pattern is separated by at least one row and / or one column lacking a retaining element. According to one example, the retaining elements are arranged to form a regular pattern on the upper surface of the base. "Regular" means that the pattern is repeated in the main direction. In one variant, the retaining elements are arranged to form several different patterns on the upper surface of the base, generally regular patterns, for example, patterns that are alternately repeated or not repeated in the main direction on the upper surface of the base.

[0038] According to one example, the retaining elements are arranged to form a pattern, generally a regular pattern, on the top surface of the base. "Regular" means that the pattern repeats in a main direction. Alternatively, the retaining elements are arranged to form several different patterns, generally regular patterns, on the top surface of the base, for example, patterns that alternately repeat or do not repeat in a main direction on the top surface of the base.

[0039] According to one example, the upper surface of the base, for example in the pattern area, comprises a plurality of retaining elements per cm along the main direction and / or along the minor direction, the number of retaining elements being more than 2 / cm, more particularly more than 5 / cm, in particular more than 10 / cm, and less than 1,500 / cm, more particularly less than 1,000 / cm, for example less than 700 / cm, more particularly less than 400 / cm, and even more particularly less than 200 / cm.

[0040] According to one example, for each pattern, each pair of rows arranged consecutively along the main direction has several retaining elements, the number of which may vary to 10 or less retaining elements, in particular 5 or less retaining elements, which may facilitate demolding, for example.

[0041] According to one example, for each pattern, each pair of rows arranged consecutively along the main direction has several retaining elements, optionally having only seven or more retaining elements, in particular eight or more retaining elements, for example nine or more retaining elements, the variation in number being no more than 40%, typically no more than 30% or 15% of the maximum number of retaining elements in the rows of said pair of rows of retaining elements.

[0042] According to one example, for each pattern, each pair of rows arranged consecutively along the minor direction has several retaining elements, the number of which may vary from 15 or less, or from 10 or less, in particular from 5 or less.

[0043] According to one example, for each pattern, each pair of columns arranged consecutively along the minor direction has several retaining elements, optionally having only seven or more retaining elements, in particular eight or more retaining elements, for example nine or more retaining elements, the variation in number being no more than 40%, typically no more than 30% or 15% of the maximum number of retaining elements in the columns of said pair of columns of retaining elements.

[0044] According to one example, each pattern is completely surrounded by an area of the upper surface of the base that is devoid of retaining elements and is positioned at a distance of more than 1.5 mm, in particular more than 2.5 mm, from the edges of the base, in particular from all edges of the base.

[0045] According to one example, each pattern is defined by an outer contour, and each pattern comprises at least one area devoid of retaining elements in the area defined by said outer contour. According to one example, the outer contour may be bordered on the base by slots (continuous or discontinuous) or studs (continuous or discontinuous), and on the molding strip by studs (continuous or discontinuous) or slots (continuous or discontinuous), respectively.

[0046] According to one example, the pattern (or each pattern) is defined by an outer contour, the pattern (or each pattern) comprises at least one area within the area defined by the outer contour that is devoid of retaining elements, and the retaining elements (preferably each retaining element) located proximate to (and / or defining) the outer and / or inner contour have a rod shape similar or identical to the rod shape of the retaining elements at a distance from the outer and / or inner contour. According to one example, the pattern (or each pattern) is defined by an outer contour, the pattern (or each pattern) comprises at least one area within the area defined by the outer contour that is devoid of retaining elements, and the retaining elements (preferably each retaining element) located proximate to (and / or defining) the outer and / or inner contour have a head shape similar or identical to the head shape of the retaining elements at a distance from the outer and / or inner contour. "Proximity" refers to holding elements located in rows and / or columns adjacent to or spaced apart by a maximum of two rows and / or columns from the row and / or column defining the outer or inner contour under consideration. In contrast, holding elements separated from the inner or outer contour under consideration by at least two rows and / or columns are considered to be at a distance from the considered contour, or more generally, holding elements that are not close to the considered contour are considered to be at a distance from the considered contour. Thus, the holding device has a maximum grip, particularly close to the outer and / or inner contour, while having a more accurate representation of the pattern. Thus, holding elements close to (and / or defining) the outer and / or inner contour have an optimized gripping ability without interfering with cooperation with their counterparts.

[0047] According to one example, the pattern (or each pattern) is defined by an outer contour and the pattern (or each pattern) comprises, within the area defined by said outer contour, at least one area lacking a retaining element (or lacking a cavity, if appropriate), and the inner contour has at least one local portion of elongated shape defining a local centerline located at a distance from the local inner contour of less than 20%, in particular less than 15%, of the dimension of the pattern along the main direction and / or the secondary direction. Alternatively or additionally, the pattern (or each pattern) is defined by an outer contour, which comprises at least one region within the region defined by the outer contour that lacks retaining elements, and the inner contour has at least one local portion of elongated shape that defines a local centerline that is spaced from the local inner contour by a distance that is less than 10 mm, or less than 5 mm, in particular less than 3 mm, more particularly less than 2 mm, and even more particularly less than 1 mm and greater (or strictly greater) than the average pitch of the retaining elements in the pattern under consideration. A circular region lacking retaining elements does not constitute a median within the meaning of this document. Thus, the retaining device has maximum grip while allowing for a more detailed and accurate display of the pattern. The local centerline may include straight and / or curved portions. The length of the centerline of at least one inner contour is generally greater than 10 mm, or, for example, greater than 12 mm. The sum of the centerline lengths of the inner contours of the pattern is typically greater than 12 mm, such as greater than 15 mm, and / or typically less than 600 mm, such as less than 400 mm, more particularly less than 200 mm. Such features may also be replaced by cavities formed in the shaped strip as described in the following text.

[0048] According to one example, each pattern has at least one row and / or at least one column comprising at least two groups of discontinuous retaining elements separated by an area lacking retaining elements. According to one example, the retaining elements each include a rod and a head, the head being formed by two wings that are opposite and extend along the same direction, or the head extending around the entire circumference of the rod over 360°.

[0049] According to one example, for each pattern, at least one, and preferably each, area lacking a retaining element contained in the pattern has a width and a length, in which case the ratio between length and width is strictly greater than 1.1, in particular strictly greater than 1.2, and more particularly strictly greater than 1.5.

[0050] According to one example, for each pattern, at least one, and preferably each, area lacking a retaining element contained in the pattern has a maximum dimension and a minimum dimension, whereby the ratio between the maximum dimension and the minimum dimension is strictly greater than 1.1, in particular strictly greater than 1.2, more particularly strictly greater than 1.4, and even more particularly strictly greater than 1.6.

[0051] According to one example, the rows and columns are equally spaced according to minor and major intervals, respectively. According to another example, the rows are equally spaced according to a first minor interval and according to a second minor interval, where the second minor interval is not an integer multiple of the first minor interval and the first minor interval is smaller than the second minor interval, and / or the columns are equally spaced according to a first major interval and according to a second major interval, where the second major interval is not an integer multiple of the first major interval and the first major interval is smaller than the second major interval.

[0052] According to one example, each pattern is completely surrounded by an area of the upper surface of the base that is devoid of retaining elements, said area having a dimension along the major direction that is strictly greater than twice the major spacing and / or along the minor direction that is strictly greater than twice the minor spacing.

[0053] According to one example, the at least one area lacking a retaining element included in the area defined by the outer contour of each pattern has a dimension along the major direction that is strictly greater than twice the major spacing and a dimension along the minor direction that is strictly greater than twice the minor spacing.

[0054] According to one example, for each pattern, the ratio between the surface of the area lacking retaining elements in the outer contour of the pattern and the surface with retaining elements is less than 1. According to one example, at least one pattern is symmetrical. According to another example, the pattern is defined by one or several (inner and / or outer) edges, the sum of the lengths of the inner and outer edges being greater than 70 mm, preferably greater than 95 mm, preferably greater than 100 mm, more particularly greater than 150 mm, and possibly less than 5,000 mm, more particularly less than 3,000 mm. Thus, the longer the outer and inner edges are, the smaller the fakir mat effect becomes. The fakir mat effect is an effect in the field of hook-and-loop fasteners, where an excess of hooks relative to the number of loops makes it difficult, even impossible, for the hooks to penetrate the loops to form the hook-and-loop fastener. Thus, the retaining element device has a greater ability to cooperate with the gripping loops. According to one example, the pattern is inscribed in a four-sided polygon, each side of which is coplanar with a portion of the perimeter of the pattern, the polygon having a perimeter P1. The ratio (Pint+Pext) / P1 is greater than 1, possibly greater than 1.2 or 1.3 or 1.4 or 1.5 or 1.6, and possibly less than 20, in particular less than 15. Thus, the longer the outer and inner edges, the smaller the fakir mat effect. Thus, the holding element device has a greater ability to cooperate with the gripping loop.

[0055] The present disclosure also relates to a molding apparatus for forming a holding device, for example as defined above, comprising a molding strip adapted to be attached to a support, the molding strip extending along a machine direction and having a width defined along a transverse direction perpendicular to the machine direction and a thickness measured along directions perpendicular to the machine direction and the transverse direction, the molding strip having opposite inner and outer surfaces, the molding strip having a plurality of cavities arranged in rows and columns extending along the transverse direction and the machine direction, respectively, the cavities opening onto the outer surface of the molding strip, characterized in that at least Y rows and / or Y columns of cavities of the molding strip have a different number of cavities, Y being equal to 2. In particular, Y is equal to 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 in order to be able to generate complex patterns with a predetermined level of sufficiently precise detail. More generally, Y is generally a natural number comprised between Ymin and Ymax, where Ymin may be equal to, for example, 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9 or 10 or 12 or 15 or 20, and Ymax may be equal to, for example, 500 or 450 or 400 or 350 or 300 or 250 or 200 or 150 or 100 or 50.

[0056] A row of cavities typically contains 1 to 1,000 cavities. A column of cavities typically contains 1 to 1,000 cavities.

[0057] According to one example, at least two rows and / or at least two columns of the molding device have a different number of cavities, the difference in the number of cavities in said at least two rows and / or at least two columns being 1 or more, more particularly 2 or more, or for example 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or more, in order to be able to generate complex patterns with a predetermined level of sufficiently accurate detail.

[0058] According to one example, the cavities form one or several discontinuous patterns, each pattern being formed from a plurality of rows and columns of cavities. "Discontinuous" means that the cavities are separated by at least one row and / or one column that lacks a cavity. According to one example, the cavities are arranged to form a regular pattern on the molding strip. "Regular" means that the pattern is repeated in the machine direction. Alternatively, the cavities are arranged to form several different patterns on the molding strip, generally regular patterns, for example, patterns that are alternately repeated or not repeated in the machine direction on the molding strip.

[0059] According to one example, for each pattern, each pair of rows arranged consecutively along the machine direction has multiple cavities, the number varying from 10 cavities or less, more specifically 5 cavities or less, which may facilitate demolding, for example.

[0060] According to one example, for each pattern, each pair of rows arranged consecutively along the machine direction has several cavities, optionally only having 7 or more cavities, in particular 8 or more cavities, for example 9 or more cavities, the number varying by no more than 40%, typically no more than 30% or 15% of the maximum number of cavities in the rows of said pair of rows of cavities.

[0061] According to one example, for each pattern, each pair of columns arranged consecutively along the transverse direction has several cavities, the number varying from 15 cavities or less, or from 10 cavities or less, more particularly from 5 cavities or less.

[0062] According to one example, for each pattern, each pair of columns arranged consecutively along the transverse direction has several cavities, optionally only having 7 or more cavities, in particular 8 or more cavities, for example 9 or more cavities, the number varying by no more than 40%, typically no more than 30% or 15% of the maximum number of cavities in the rows of said pair of rows of cavities.

[0063] According to one example, each pattern is completely surrounded by an area of the outer surface of the molding strip that is devoid of retaining elements and is positioned at a distance of more than 1.5 mm, in particular more than 2.5 mm, from the edges of the molding strip, in particular from all edges of the molding strip.

[0064] According to one example, each pattern is defined by an outer contour, and each pattern comprises at least one area within the area defined by the outer contour that is devoid of cavities.

[0065] According to one example, each pattern has at least one row and / or at least one column comprising at least two discontinuous groups of cavities separated by an area devoid of cavities.

[0066] According to one example, for at least one pattern, at least one, or for example each, region lacking a cavity contained in the pattern has a width and a length such that the ratio of length to width is strictly greater than 1.2, in particular strictly greater than 1.5.

[0067] According to one example, for each pattern, at least one, or for example each, region free of cavities contained in the pattern has a width and a length such that the ratio of length to width is strictly greater than 1.2, in particular strictly greater than 1.5.

[0068] According to one example, the cavity of the molding device is a through cavity.

[0069] According to one example, the columns and rows are equally spaced according to a transverse spacing and a machine spacing, respectively. According to another example, the rows are equally spaced according to a first transverse spacing and according to a second transverse spacing, where the second transverse spacing is not an integer multiple of the first transverse spacing and the first transverse spacing is smaller than the second transverse spacing, and / or the columns are equally spaced according to a first machine spacing and according to a second machine spacing, where the second machine spacing is not an integer multiple of the first machine spacing and the first machine spacing is smaller than the second machine spacing.

[0070] According to one example, each pattern is completely surrounded by an area of the outer surface of the molding strip that is devoid of cavities, said area having dimensions along the machine direction that are strictly greater than twice the machine spacing and along the transverse direction that are strictly greater than twice the transverse spacing.

[0071] According to one example, the at least one region lacking cavities contained in the area defined by the outer contour of each pattern has a dimension along the machine direction that is strictly greater than twice the machine spacing and a dimension along the cross direction that is strictly greater than twice the cross spacing.

[0072] According to one example, for each pattern, the ratio between the surface of the area lacking cavities and the surface with cavities in the outer contour is less than 1. According to one example, at least one pattern is symmetrical. According to another example, the pattern is defined by one or several (inner and / or outer) edges, the sum of the lengths of the inner and outer edges being greater than 70 mm, preferably greater than 95 mm, preferably greater than 100 mm, more particularly greater than 150 mm, and possibly less than 5,000 mm, more particularly less than 3,000 mm. Thus, the longer the outer and inner edges, the smaller the "fake-kill-mat" effect. Therefore, the holding element device obtained thanks to such a molding device has a greater ability to cooperate with the gripping loops. According to one example, the pattern is inscribed in a four-sided polygon, each side of which is coplanar with a portion of the periphery of the pattern, and the polygon has a perimeter P1. The ratio (Pint+Pext) / P1 is greater than 1, possibly greater than 1.2 or 1.3 or 1.4 or 1.5 or 1.6, possibly less than 20, in particular less than 15. Therefore, the longer the outer and inner edges are, the smaller the "fake-litter" effect. The holding element arrangement obtained by such a forming device therefore has a greater ability to cooperate with the gripping loop.

[0073] The present disclosure further provides a method for manufacturing a substrate, comprising: a base, generally a continuous base, having an upper surface and a lower surface, extending along a major direction and having a width defined along a minor direction perpendicular to the major direction and a thickness measured along a direction perpendicular to the major and minor directions; a plurality of retaining elements extending over the upper surface of the base, each retaining element comprising a rod, the retaining elements being integrally formed with the base, the retaining elements being arranged in rows and columns extending along the minor and major directions respectively, the rows and columns being generally equally spaced according to major and minor intervals, respectively, the plurality of retaining elements forming one or several discontinuous patterns, each A retaining device comprising: retaining elements, each of which has a pattern formed from a plurality of rows and columns of retaining elements, each of which has a rod extending from an upper surface of the base and a head surrounding the rod, characterized in that, for the pattern, and generally for each pattern, the head of the retaining element forming a first end of the pattern along a first direction has a first maximum dimension along a second direction, and the head of the retaining element forming a second end of the pattern along the first direction opposite the first end of the pattern along the first direction has a second maximum dimension along the second direction, the second maximum dimension being strictly smaller than the first maximum dimension.

[0074] According to one example, for the pattern, the maximum dimension of the head of the retaining element decreases along the second direction from the first end of the pattern to the second end of the pattern.

[0075] According to one example, the retention elements forming the first end and the retention elements forming the second end are arranged in the same column or row, the first direction generally corresponding to the main or machine direction, and the direction from the first end to the second end generally corresponding to the running direction of the tape along the machine direction during its manufacture. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0076] The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the detailed description given below of various embodiments of the invention, given as non-limiting examples.

[0077] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a holding device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the molding apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram of one variation of the molding apparatus. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram of the holding device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of a pattern of retaining elements or cavities. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 schematically represents another pattern of retaining elements or cavities. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 schematically represents another pattern of retaining elements or cavities. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 schematically represents another pattern of retaining elements or cavities. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 schematically represents another pattern of retaining elements or cavities. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 schematically represents another pattern of retaining elements or cavities.

[0078] In all figures, common elements are identified by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0079] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a retaining device 10 comprising a generally continuous base 12 and a pattern 14 in the form of a solid disk. As shown in Figure 2, the base 12 includes an upper surface 12A and a lower surface 12B, and the pattern 14 is formed by a plurality of retaining elements 16 extending from the upper surface 12A of the base 12. By "continuous base" we mean that the base lacks through openings or recesses in areas without retaining elements. The base 12 generally has a constant width.

[0080] Each retention element 16 comprises a rod 18. The base 12, and in particular the top surface 12A of the base 12, also comprises an area 20 lacking retention elements 16. For simplicity, the retention elements 16 are represented by hatched areas in FIG. 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the retention device 10 comprises a strip 22 of nonwoven (or woven) material. For example, the base 12 can be overmolded onto the strip 22 of nonwoven material. Alternatively, the base 12 can be bonded onto the strip 22 of nonwoven material. The pattern 14 can be a single pattern (as shown in FIG. 1) or a repeating pattern 14. The pattern 14 is generally defined by a closed contour 14A.

[0081] The base 12 and the retaining element 16 are typically made of a thermoplastic material, such as a non-elastic thermoplastic material. The base 12 and the retaining element 16 are fabricated so that they can stretch under a tension force applied along a predetermined direction without substantially resuming their original shape and dimensions after the tension force is released, and in some cases the base breaks under the tension force. This means, for example, that at room temperature (23°C—Celsius), the retaining element and base retain a residual deformation or remanence (also called a “permanent set” or “SET”) of 20% or more, preferably 30% or more, of their initial dimensions (before stretching) for a stretch of 100% of their initial dimensions and after release.

[0082] The retention device 10 can be manufactured, for example, by an apparatus 100 as shown in Figure 3. The apparatus 100 allows for the production of a tape 26 for the retention device, which can then be cut or subdivided into a plurality of retention devices 10. The tape 26 here comprises a continuous base 12 and a plurality of retention elements 16. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the retention elements 16 are hooks, each comprising a rod 18 with a head 24 mounted thereon.

[0083] The illustrated device 100 comprises a molding strip 102 arranged on a rotary drive means 104, here comprising two rollers 104A, 104B, and a material dispensing means 106, e.g. an injector, suitable for injecting molding material, e.g. a thermoplastic molding material.

[0084] The assembly formed by the forming strip 102 and the rotary drive means 104 thus forms a forming device.

[0085] "Machine direction MD" is an acronym for "machine direction" and means the direction of displacement of the shaped strip 102 in the equipment 100 during the manufacture of the holding device, and "cross direction CD" is an acronym for "cross direction" and means the direction perpendicular to the machine direction MD. These directions are therefore identified in the different figures.

[0086] The illustrated example with two rollers 104A, 104B is not limiting, and the number and arrangement of rollers may be varied to suit the length of the shaped strip 102 and different positions on the equipment. For example, three rollers or only one could be used, so that the shaped strip is placed around a single roller to form a sleeve or screen. In particular, only one of the two rollers can be rotationally driven by a motorized means, for example roller 104A, while the other roller 104B is free, i.e., does not have a motorized means and is rotationally driven via the shaped strip driven by roller 104A.

[0087] The illustrated forming strip 102 has an inner surface 102A and an outer surface 102B, with the inner surface 102A contacting the rotary drive means 104.

[0088] The material dispensing means 106 is positioned to inject molding material onto the outer surface 102B of the molding strip 102.

[0089] More specifically, the material distribution means 106 is positioned facing the forming strip 102 at a distance from the forming strip 102 so as to define an air gap "e" as shown in Figure 3. Reference letter A identifies the limit of the material injected onto the outer surface 102B of the forming strip 102, which corresponds to the trailing edge of the material injected onto the forming strip 102 relative to the displacement direction of the forming strip 102.

[0090] The molding strip 102 is provided with a plurality of cavities 102C that allow the production of retaining elements or preforms for the production of retaining elements, for example by a subsequent calendering operation or any other suitable operation. Throughout this specification, "retaining element" refers to a retaining element or a preform for the production of a retaining element intended to form a self-gripping closure mechanism of the hook-and-hook or hook-and-loop type.

[0091] Each cavity 102C is generally formed to define a rod 102C1 extending from the outer surface 102B toward the inner surface 102A of the molding strip 102, and a head 102C2 extending between the rod 102C1 and the inner surface 102A of the molding strip 102.

[0092] The shaped strip 102 typically has a thickness of 50 to 500 microns, or typically 70 to 350 microns.

[0093] The shaped strip 102 is typically continuous and typically has a perimeter of between 200 mm and 3,000 mm, or typically between 400 mm and 2,000 mm.

[0094] The molding strip 102 has 50 to 3,000 cavities / cm 2 Or generally 100 to 800 cavities / cm 2 The cavity 102C has a density of .

[0095] It will be appreciated, therefore, that the arrangement of cavities 102C determines the arrangement of retention elements on a retention device formed using apparatus 100. Cavities 102C are generally arranged in rows and columns, with the rows and columns being aligned along the cross direction CD and machine direction MD, respectively, with each row and column consisting of one or more cavities 102C aligned along the cross direction CD and machine direction MD, respectively, as needed.

[0096] Within the same row, consecutive cavities 102C are typically equally spaced according to a transverse spacing. Within the same column, consecutive cavities 102C are typically equally spaced according to a mechanical spacing. Alternatively, the rows are equally spaced according to a first transverse spacing and according to a second transverse spacing, where the second transverse spacing is not an integer multiple of the first transverse spacing and the first transverse spacing is smaller than the second transverse spacing, and / or the columns are equally spaced according to a first mechanical spacing and according to a second mechanical spacing, where the second mechanical spacing is not an integer multiple of the first transverse spacing and the first mechanical spacing is smaller than the second mechanical spacing.

[0097] The rows and columns of cavities 102C can be aligned or arranged in a staggered manner. More specifically, different cavities 102C can be arranged to be aligned along the cross direction CD and along the machine direction MD, or offset to form a staggered or honeycomb pattern, with two consecutive rows or two consecutive columns being offset along the cross direction and along the machine direction by a pitch corresponding to half the cross direction spacing or half the machine spacing, respectively.

[0098] As will be seen later, the result is that the retention elements 16 formed using these cavities 102C are arranged in an array of columns and rows along the major and minor directions, which generally correspond to the machine direction MD and the cross direction CD, respectively.

[0099] In the illustrated example, the head 24 of the cavity 102C opens onto the inner surface 102A of the molding strip 102. The cavity 102C is therefore a through cavity. Such an embodiment is not limiting, as the cavity 102C may also be blind and therefore not open to the inner surface 102A of the molding strip 102, and / or the cavity 102C may only contain a rod 102C1.

[0100] The portion of the cavity 102C that forms the rod 102C1 generally extends along a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 102B of the forming strip 102. The portion of the cavity 102C that forms the rod 102C1 generally has a geometry of revolution about an axis perpendicular to the outer surface 102B of the forming strip 102, or a geometry with a plane of symmetry that extends along a direction parallel to the direction of travel of the forming strip 102 and / or along a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the forming strip 102.

[0101] The portion of the cavity 102C that forms the head 102C2 generally extends radially or transversely to an axis perpendicular to the outer surface 102B of the forming strip 102 and may have rotational symmetry about this axis perpendicular to the outer surface 102B of the forming strip 102. The portion of the cavity 102C that forms the head 102C2 generally has a substantially frustoconical or hexahedral shape.

[0102] The portion of the cavity 102C that forms the head 102C2 may be straight or curved, for example to form a curved portion toward the inner surface 102A or outer surface 102B of the shaping strip 102 that extends from the portion of the cavity 102C that forms the rod 102C1. The shaping strip may also have a shape such as those described in WO 0213647 and / or WO 0050208.

[0103] The portion of the cavity 102C that forms the head 102C2 can have a constant or variable thickness.

[0104] In the illustrated example, the portion of cavity 102C that forms head 102C2 extends radially around the portion of cavity 102C that forms rod 102C1 and has the general shape of a disk.

[0105] The shaped strip 102 may have a particular texture on its inner surface 102A or outer surface 102B, such as slots forming vents or pins, a groove network or a channel network, or may be substantially smooth.

[0106] The forming strip 102 can be formed by overlapping several strips and therefore does not necessarily have to be a single piece or a single material. The forming strip 102 can be made of one or several typical metallic or composite materials such as Ni, Cu, stainless steel type, or any other suitable material.

[0107] The material distribution means 106 is generally arranged to carry out the injection of molding material into the molding strip 102 in a section of the molding strip 102, which abuts against a drive roller, in this case drive roller 104A in the example shown in Figure 3. The drive roller then forms the base for the cavity 102C.

[0108] When the molding material is injected without the molding strip 102 abutting the drive roller, the material distribution means 106 may include a base positioned on the other side of the molding strip 102, so that when the material is injected, the inner surface 102A of the molding strip 102 abuts against the base, and this base forms the bottom for the cavity 102C of the molding strip 102.

[0109] Compared to the use of conventional forming means such as rollers where the forming cavities are directly generated, the use of forming strips 102 in conjunction with drive means 104 is advantageous for several reasons.

[0110] The use of the shaping strip 102 is particularly interesting in terms of modularity. The shaping strip can be easily removed from the drive means and replaced, unlike solid rollers, whose removal and reattachment operations are particularly complicated. This advantage is particularly observed when the two rollers 104A, 104B are fixed to the frame on the same side, while the end on the other side allows the shaping strip to be freely introduced / removed. To facilitate the introduction and / or removal of the shaping strip, means for guiding the shaping strip can also be used.

[0111] Furthermore, the manufacture of the shaped strips is greatly simplified compared to the manufacture of rollers with shaped cavities, which in practice are generally manufactured by stacking successive slices, therefore requiring multiple machining operations, causing large stresses during assembly and at each change of reference of the hooks, and having a large mass that requires these rollers to be held by their two ends, thus complicating their replacement.

[0112] The cavities 102C in the molding strip 102 can be created by a chemical etching process or by using a laser where it is desired to form the retaining elements 16. It is also possible to envisage manufacturing the molding strip 102 with the cavities 102C evenly distributed throughout the molding strip 102, and then closing the cavities 102C where it is desired to form the areas 20 without retaining elements 16.

[0113] More specifically, the molding strip 102 has cavities 102C having a configuration similar to the configuration of the retaining elements so that different configurations can be defined in the arrangement of the retaining elements, and thus a tape can be defined having retaining elements arranged to form a pattern. The cavities 102C are formed directly by the molding strip 102 in the material from which the molding strip 102 is formed.

[0114] However, it will be appreciated that the production of cavities 102C in the shaped strip 102 is complicated to achieve, more particularly in the case of non-uniform distribution.

[0115] Thus, the cavities 102C can be uniformly produced on the molding strip 102, and then some of the cavities thus formed can be at least partially blocked, while other parts of the cavities are not blocked. Such total or partial blocking of some of the cavities 102C thus makes it possible to define two subsets of cavities: functional cavities and non-functional cavities.

[0116] By "functional cavity" is meant a cavity that can be filled with molding material to form a retaining element or a preform of a retaining element.

[0117] By "non-functional cavities," we mean cavities that are completely or partially blocked so that molding material cannot penetrate them to form a retention element or a preform for the retention element. However, because of the potential for material removal, non-functional cavities may cause irregularities during the formation of the retention device, but these irregularities are understood to have smaller dimensions, generally at least five times smaller dimensions along a direction perpendicular to the top surface 12A of the base 12, compared to the retention element or preform formed by the functional cavities. In some cases, the cavity 102C of the molding strip 102 includes, in at least one cross-sectional view perpendicular to the inner surface, a dimension W1 at the inner surface of the molding strip that is greater than a dimension W2 at the outer surface of the molding strip, in this view, to enable improved release values. In other cases, the cavity 102C of the molding strip 102 includes, in at least one cross-sectional view perpendicular to the inner surface, a dimension W1 at the inner surface of the molding strip that is smaller than a dimension W2 at the outer surface of the molding strip, in this view, to enable improved demolding. To have a good compromise between peel force and ease of demolding, the ratio W1 / W2 is for example comprised between 0.7 and 1.2, in particular between 0.8 and 1.2.

[0118] The material used to achieve such total or partial closure of a portion of the cavity 102C is a plugging material, which is generally different from the injection material (or molding material). The plugging material is, for example, a resin. The plugging material can be formed of one layer or several stacked layers, typically, for example, 2 to 20 layers that are successively stacked.

[0119] The plugging material may extend to the outer and / or inner surfaces of the molding strip. According to one example, a portion of the set of cavities 102C is at least partially blocked with the plugging material, such that each of the cavities has at least two separate regions filled with the plugging material. According to one example, a portion of the cavities 102C is at least partially blocked with the plugging material, such that each cavity 102C has regions with and without the plugging material. The cavities 102C are through cavities, and the regions lacking the plugging material are generally through regions. As a result, the plugging material allows the cross-section of the through cavities to be reduced. The plugging material is then partially removed, for example, by laser ablation.

[0120] According to one example, 10% to 90%, or 20% to 80% of the total number of cavities 102C in the molding strip 102 are at least partially blocked.

[0121] According to one example, cavities 102C located at a distance along the cross direction CD of 10 mm or less from the edge of the shaped strip 102 extending along the machine direction MD are closed.

[0122] In some cases, cavities 102C are closed that are located at a distance along the cross direction CD of 2 to 5 mm, in some cases 1 to 5 mm, in other cases 2 to 7 mm, or even 1 mm to 10 mm from the edge of the shaped strip 102 extending along the machine direction MD.

[0123] Alternatively, it is possible to plug all of the cavities 102C of the shaped strip in a first step, and then in a second step remove the plugging material from some of the cavities 102C.

[0124] Alternatively, the cavities 102C can be produced by drilling, particularly by laser drilling, in a molding strip 102 that is initially devoid of cavities 102C. Such a method therefore makes it possible to produce cavities 102C only at desired locations.

[0125] Alternatively, the shaping strip 102 can be formed by a differential growth process, for example by electroforming, which is well known in the printing art, by locally placing resin deposits to prevent the growth of metallic material, for example nickel, in some areas that define the cavities. Alternatively, the shaping strip 102 can be formed by a differential decay process, for example an etching process.

[0126] The cavities 102C can have the same or different shapes.

[0127] As will be seen, the cavities 102C can be arranged in different patterns.

[0128] 3 indicates the separation between the tape 26 and the molding strip 102, which point corresponds, for example, to the level at which the base 12 of the tape 26 is no longer in contact with the molding strip 102. The molding strip 102 may be adapted to block the release roller 108, i.e., the release roller 108 may form a lever on the molding strip 102 to facilitate the release of the preforms and / or hooks.

[0129] In the illustrated example, the cavity 102C of the molding strip 102 is a through cavity. The equipment can then include an element such as a scraper 110 arranged to scrape the inner surface 102A of the molding strip 102 to remove excess molding material, if necessary. "Injection" refers to the act of shaping a molding material by a melt process, for example, dispensing, feeding, molding, injection, or extrusion.

[0130] The above apparatus and associated methods may also include means and steps for bonding strips 22 of nonwoven (or woven) material to the base 12.

[0131] Such association of the strip 22 on the base 12 with the retaining element 16 is typically achieved by adhesive, or by melting of the base or the strip, and / or by mechanical fastening.

[0132] For example, in order to fix a strip 22 of nonwoven material to the base 12 of the holding device 10, the proposed equipment 100 can comprise drive means for the strip 22 suitable for carrying out strip feeding and applying the strip to the underside 12B of the base 12 downstream of the material dispensing means 106.

[0133] 4 and 5 show a schematic example of an apparatus 100 equipped with such means.

[0134] The equipment shown is similar to the apparatus presented above with reference to Figure 3. Therefore, the common elements will not be described again here.

[0135] As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the presented device comprises strip drive means 112, here consisting of two rollers 112A, 112B, configured to carry out strip 22 feeding downstream of material distribution means 106.

[0136] The strip 22 is typically a layer of a nonwoven material, a thermoplastic film, an elastic film or a composite film, or a thermally reinforced set of fibers and / or filaments. The strip 22 is, for example, a web of fibers and / or filaments.

[0137] In the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5, the strips are represented as layers of nonwoven material.

[0138] The substrate driving means 110 is configured to feed the strip 22 to the apparatus and apply the strip 22 to the underside 12B of the base 12 downstream of the material dispensing means 106.

[0139] The substrate driving means 110 is configured so that this application is carried out before solidification of the base 12. This application therefore causes at least partial penetration of the strip 22 beyond the plane defined by the lower surface 12B of the base 12. Reference B in the figures identifies the point of contact between the base 12 and the strip 22.

[0140] More specifically, the lower surface 12B of the base 12 is substantially planar and defines a plane, and application of the substrate to this surface, if the strip 22 is a layer of nonwoven material within the base 12, causes portions of the strip 22, e.g., fibers and / or filaments of the layer of nonwoven material, to penetrate and thereby pass through the lower surface 12B of the base 12.

[0141] As long as such application occurs before solidification of base 12, it is not necessary to heat base 12 and / or strip 22 to achieve such bonding.

[0142] Considering a polypropylene base 12 as an example, application of a substrate to the underside 12B of the base 12 is typically performed when the underside 12B of the base 12 has a temperature between the melting temperature of the material and the softening temperature Vicat B of the material constituting the base 12, minus 30°C (°F), or between the melting temperature of the material constituting the base 12 and the softening temperature Vicat A of the material constituting the base 12. More specifically, when the base comprises a polypropylene-based material, the underside 12B of the base 12 has a temperature between 75°C and 150°C, typically around 105°C, which is typically measured using an infrared or laser camera. "Softening temperature Vicat" refers to a temperature obtained according to one of the methods described in the ISO 306 or ASTM D 1525 standards, with a heating rate of 50°C / h, a normalized load of 50N for Vicat B, and a normalized load of 10N for Vicat A.

[0143] The strips 22 may be applied uniformly or non-uniformly to the lower surface 12B of the base 12.

[0144] The bond achieved between the strip 22 and the base 12 can be achieved uniformly or non-uniformly.

[0145] If the strip 22 is a set of thermally strengthened fibers and / or filaments, bonding to the base 12 is also achieved by penetration of some of the fibers and / or filaments of the strip 22 into the base 12 .

[0146] If the strip 22 is, for example, a set of thermally reinforced fibers and / or filaments, a thermoplastic film, an elastic film, or a composite film, the shrinkage phenomenon of the base 12 during its cooling can result from the bonding with the base, and this shrinkage supports the bonding surface between the substrate and the base of the tape, without affecting the visual appearance to the end user.

[0147] If the strip 22 is a layer of nonwoven material, the basis weight is 80 g / m 2 (grams / square meter of material mass of nonwoven material) the hooks are easily released. 2 ~120g / m 2 or 25 g / m 2 ~100g / m 2 , or 10 g / m 2 ~70g / m 2 may be.

[0148] If the strip 22 is a layer of nonwoven material, the apparatus may be provided with a calendering device upstream of the substrate drive means 112, thus making it possible to carry out a step of locally or non-locally calendering the layer of nonwoven material before application to the base 12.

[0149] This mode of fixing the strip 12 to the base 12 with the retaining element 16 is particularly advantageous in that it does not cause deformation of the base 12 and therefore preferably makes it possible to retain the shape of the base 12 obtained during the injection step, in particular the straight edges that can be obtained by the method and equipment described above.

[0150] This mode of fixing the substrate to the tape can be applied to the method for forming the tape as described above, or more generally to any other method for forming a tape that includes retaining elements such as hooks only.

[0151] 6 and 7 show a view of the tape portion 26 obtained by the apparatus 100 of FIG. 4 and the pattern 14 taken separately, respectively.

[0152] The illustrated tape portion 26 has several discontinuous patterns 14, each pattern 14 formed from a plurality of retaining elements.

[0153] Each pattern 14 is surrounded by an area lacking retention elements, thus defining a planar or substantially planar area on the top surface 12A of the base 12.

[0154] The pattern 14 is formed by a series of rows and columns of retaining elements, the columns and rows being arranged along the main direction DP and the secondary direction DS, respectively. Each row and column is formed from one or several retaining elements aligned along the secondary direction DS or the main direction DP, respectively, as required. A row of retaining elements typically comprises 1 to 1,000 retaining elements, more particularly 2 to 500 retaining elements. A column of retaining elements typically comprises 1 to 1,000 retaining elements, more particularly 2 to 750 retaining elements.

[0155] The base 12 generally has a constant width, and the width of the base 12 is generally measured along the main direction DP or the minor direction DS.

[0156] The main direction DP generally corresponds to the machine direction MD of said forming strip 102, and the minor direction DS generally corresponds to the cross direction CD of said forming strip 102.

[0157] The different rows and columns are generally equally spaced according to minor and major intervals, respectively. The major and minor intervals may be equal or different. Alternatively, the rows are equally spaced according to a first minor interval and according to a second minor interval, where the second minor interval is not an integer multiple of the first minor interval and the first minor interval is smaller than the second minor interval, and / or the columns are equally spaced according to a first major interval and according to a second major interval, where the second major interval is not an integer multiple of the first major interval and the first major interval is smaller than the second major interval.

[0158] Each pattern 14 is generally surrounded by an area of the upper surface of the base that is devoid of retaining elements, said area having a dimension that is strictly greater than twice the major spacing along the major direction DP and / or strictly greater than twice the minor spacing along the minor direction DS.

[0159] The retaining elements 16 defining the rows and columns may be aligned or arranged in a staggered manner, which results in particular from the configuration of the cavities 102C of the molding strip 102 used to manufacture the retaining device, as already mentioned above.

[0160] Each pattern 14 is generally surrounded by an area of the top surface 12A of the base 12 that is devoid of retaining elements and is generally located at a distance of at least 1.5 mm, and in some cases at least 2.5 mm, from an edge of the top surface 12A of the base 12. By "edge of the base 12" is meant, for example, an end of the base 12 along the main direction DS or the secondary direction DS.

[0161] The different rows and columns of retaining elements are shown in FIG.

[0162] This figure identifies rows L1 to L9 extending continuously from one end of the pattern 12 along the main direction DP, and columns C1 to C5 extending within the pattern 12.

[0163] The retaining elements 16 are counted in each of the rows L1 to L9 for a predetermined pattern.

[0164] For the pattern shown in Figure 7, the rows have the following numbers of retaining elements: L1: 4, L2: 8, L3: 9, L4: 10, L5: 11, L6: 12, L7: 13, L8: 12, L9: 17.

[0165] Similarly, retaining elements 16 are counted in each of the columns C1 to C5 for the pattern shown in Figure 7, i.e. C1: 27, C2: 26, C3: 27, C4: 26, C5: 25.

[0166] Thus, the proposed pattern 12 has at least two rows and / or two columns with different numbers of retaining elements. More generally, the proposed pattern has at least X rows and / or X columns of retaining elements with different numbers of retaining elements, where X is equal to 2, possibly equal to 3 or 4 or 5, or more generally X is a natural number included between Xmin and Xmax, where Xmin can be for example equal to 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9 or 10 or 12 or 15 or 20, and Xmax can be for example equal to 500 or 450 or 400 or 350 or 300 or 250 or 200 or 150 or 100 or 50.

[0167] The patterns thus formed can have different shapes, as opposed to the continuous, uniform patterns typically produced for retention elements.

[0168] Furthermore, for a given pattern, at least two rows and / or columns have a different number of retaining elements, and the difference in the number of retaining elements between the two rows or columns is 1 or more, more particularly 2 or more, or even 3 or 4 or 5 or more.

[0169] Thus, in the example depicted in FIG. 7, considering rows L1 to L9 and columns C1 to C5, the depicted pattern includes: - Three columns with different numbers of holding elements, where the difference in the number of holding elements is 1 or more (for example columns C1, C2 and C5). - two columns with a different number of holding elements, where the difference in the number of holding elements is equal to 2 (for example columns C1 and C5). - 8 rows with different numbers of retaining elements, where the difference in the number of retaining elements is 1 or more (e.g. L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L9). - two rows with a different number of retaining elements, where the difference in the number of retaining elements is equal to 4 (for example L1 and L2, or L2 and L8).

[0170] Furthermore, for each pair of consecutively arranged rows or columns, the variation in the number of retaining elements between the rows or columns of the pair is generally no more than 10, or no more than 15.

[0171] More generally, for each pair of consecutively arranged rows or columns, the variation in the number of retention elements between the rows or columns of the pair is generally no more than 40%, 30%, or 15% of the maximum number of retention elements in any row of the pattern. For each pair of consecutively arranged columns, the variation in the number of retention elements between the rows or columns of the pair is generally no more than 40%, 30%, or 15% of the maximum number of retention elements in any column of the pattern. Such a characteristic allows for tailoring of the force required to disengage a retention device when the retention element engages a complementary element, such as a retention element or nonwoven material. Such products are also easier to manufacture, particularly easier to release from a molding apparatus.

[0172] 7, pattern 12 is outlined by ribs 13, which here form a continuous outline around pattern 14a. In the example shown, ribs 13 have a rectangular cross-section. However, it will be understood that ribs 13 bordering pattern 14a can have any cross-section and can be continuous or discontinuous.

[0173] 8-11 show other examples of patterns that may be formed by the retaining elements, and therefore by the cavities used to form the retaining elements.

[0174] These figures show a main direction DP and a secondary direction DS.

[0175] The different relationships between the number of retaining elements or cavities in the different rows and columns of the pattern already described with reference to Figure 7 also apply to the patterns shown in Figures 8-11.

[0176] The different patterns presented herein are inscribed in an outer contour, here a circle, having a diameter of, for example, about 24 mm, or more generally, 10 mm to 45 mm. The pattern here is formed by areas within the outer contour that lack retention elements. It is understood that the geometry of the outer contour may vary and is not limited to a circle.

[0177] In the pattern shown in Figure 8, the areas lacking holding elements define a pattern of lotus flower types. In the pattern shown in Figure 9, the areas lacking holding elements define a pattern representing roses. In the pattern shown in Figure 10, the areas lacking holding elements define a pattern representing flowers. In the pattern shown in Figure 11, the areas lacking holding elements define a pattern representing burdock flowers. Figure 12 is a variation of Figure 10. Figure 13 is a variation of Figure 9.

[0178] As can be seen in these figures, the density of the retention elements (or cavities) can vary. Thus, Figures 8, 9, 11, and 12 show retention elements (or cavities) with a density of 1,093 elements / cm. 2 10 and 13 show patterns produced with a density of retention elements (or cavities) of about 273 / cm. 2 1 shows a pattern produced with a density of retention elements (or cavities) of about 1000 nm.

[0179] As can be seen in these Figures 8-13, for each pattern, at least one row and / or at least one column includes at least two groups of discontinuous retaining elements (or cavities) separated by an area lacking retaining elements or cavities.

[0180] By "areas devoid of retaining elements or cavities" is meant areas where retaining elements or cavities would normally be present according to the pitch of the retaining elements or cavities.

[0181] Considering that the rows and columns of retaining elements are equally spaced according to the minor and major intervals, respectively, at least one area lacking retaining elements included in the area defined by the outer contour of each pattern has a dimension along the major direction DP that is strictly greater than twice the major interval and a dimension along the minor direction DS that is strictly greater than twice the minor interval.

[0182] Similarly, considering that the rows and columns of cavities are equally spaced according to the cross spacing and machine spacing, respectively, at least one area lacking a retaining element included in the area defined by the outer contour of each pattern has a dimension along the machine direction MD that is strictly greater than twice the machine spacing and a dimension along the cross direction CD that is strictly greater than twice the cross spacing.

[0183] According to one example, for each pattern, the ratio between the surface of the area lacking retaining elements (or cavities) included in the outer contour and the surface comprising retaining elements (or cavities) is less than 1. The surface of the pattern is defined as the surface covered by circles having radii corresponding to the average pitch, the centers of which, in top view, are respectively located at the centers of the retaining elements (or cavities), and the circumference of each circle passes through the centers of at least one adjacent retaining element (or cavity). The average pitch can correspond to the distance separating two adjacent retaining elements (or cavities). At least one area lacking retaining elements is a surface not covered by the pattern surface.

[0184] According to one example, for each pattern, at least one, or for example each, area lacking a retaining element (or cavity) included in the pattern has a width and a length, in which case the ratio of length to width is strictly greater than 1.2, in particular strictly greater than 1.5.

[0185] According to one example, the pattern (or each pattern) is defined by an outer contour, which comprises at least one region within the region defined by the outer contour that lacks retaining elements (or cavities), and the inner contour has at least one local portion of elongated shape that defines a local centerline that is located at a distance from the local inner contour of less than 20%, in particular less than 15%, of the dimension of the pattern along the main and / or secondary direction, or alternatively or additionally, less than 10 mm, or less than 5 mm, in particular less than 3 mm, more particularly less than 2 mm, and even more particularly less than 1 mm from the local inner contour, and at a distance greater (or strictly greater) than the average pitch of the retaining elements in the pattern under consideration. Such a centerline Lm is shown in FIG. 9. Circular regions lacking retaining elements do not have a center within the meaning of this document. The retaining device therefore has maximum grip while allowing for a more detailed and accurate display of the pattern. The local centerline may include straight and / or curved portions. The length of the centre line of at least one inner contour is generally greater than 10 mm, such as greater than 12 mm. The sum of the lengths of the centre lines of the inner contours of the pattern is generally greater than 12 mm, such as greater than 15 mm, and / or generally less than 600 mm, such as less than 400 mm, more particularly less than 200 mm.

[0186] In addition to, or independently of, the various characteristics described above, the retaining elements 16 can each be fabricated to have a rod extending from the base 12 and a head extending from the end of the rod opposite the base. In this case, the retaining elements 16 are typically fabricated such that, for a given pattern 14, the dimensions of the heads of the retaining elements of the pattern decrease between a first end of the pattern and a second end of the pattern.

[0187] More specifically, typically for each pattern on the tape, a first direction of the pattern, which may be, for example, a major direction DP or a minor direction DS, is defined in consideration of the given pattern, and retaining elements 16 forming a first end of the pattern and a second end of the pattern along the first direction are determined. Each retaining element 16 has a head with a maximum dimension measured along the second direction. The retaining element 16 forming the first end of the pattern has a head with the first maximum dimension. The retaining element 16 forming the second end of the pattern has a head with a second maximum dimension. The second maximum dimension is strictly smaller than the first maximum dimension. The retaining elements 16 forming the first end and the retaining elements 16 forming the second end are arranged in the same column or row. The first direction is the direction MD. The first direction is the direction MD, and the direction from the first end to the second end is the direction MD.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the maximum dimension of the head of the retaining element decreases, generally strictly, from the first end to the second end of the pattern.

[0189] According to one example, the ratio of the second largest dimension to the first largest dimension is between 1.01 and 1.60, in particular between 1.01 and 1.35, more particularly between 1.02 and 1.15, possibly between 1.03 and 1.12.

[0190] Such variation in the maximum dimension of the head of the retaining element makes it possible to modulate the force required to disengage the retaining element by taking into account the peel force from the first end of the pattern to the second end of the pattern.

[0191] The holding device generally has a 180° peel force along the main direction DP and / or along the secondary direction DS that is strictly greater than 0.02 N, possibly strictly greater than 0.1 N.

[0192] The "180° peel" method is a method that makes it possible to measure the peel force, i.e., the force that separates the assembly (here, the holding device) from the coated area. This method will be described below.

[0193] Conditioning of Samples - Condition the samples to be tested at 23°C + / - 2°C and 50% + / - 5% relative humidity for 2 hours (hours).

[0194] Preparation of the retention device - The retention device is generally in the form of a tape having a length in the main direction DP or in the secondary direction DS. The portion of the tape along the main direction DP or the secondary direction DS is 2 The tape is adhered to a piece of paper, and a 2 kg (kilogram) roller is applied or rotated on the holding device in one direction, then the other (back and forth) over the entire length of the tape section. The paper and holding device are cut into 25.4 mm (millimeter) wide bands in the main direction DP or the secondary direction DS at a speed of approximately 700 mm / min (millimeters / minute) using a cutting tool. Each band of paper has a length of 210 mm, and the anti-slip strip is placed in the center of the band.

[0195] Preparation of the application area - A sample of the application area has a width of, for example, 50 mm in the main direction DP or the secondary direction DS depending on the size of the holding device, and a length of up to 200 mm, and the sample is cut in half according to the length.

[0196] Assembly - The band is placed over the sample in the application area so that the holding device is centered over the sample in the application area. A 2 kg (kilogram) roller is applied or rotated over the band in one direction and then in the other direction (back and forth) over the entire length of the band at a speed of approximately 700 mm / min. The sample from the application area is placed in the recessed clamp with a 1 kg weight hanging from the bottom of the band, with the cut surface in the clamp, for 10 seconds. The weight is then removed. This step ensures assembly of the sample from the holding device and application area.

[0197] Measurement - The assembly is then placed in a tensile testing machine equipped with a 100 N (Newton) measuring cell. The band is inserted into the upper (movable) jaw. The force measuring cell reading is set to 0. A sample of the application area is inserted into the lower (fixed) jaw and a slight tension is generated. The force should be between 0.02 N and 0.05 N. During installation, the jaws are 50 mm apart from each other. The assembly is centered between the two jaws. The test is carried out at a constant displacement at a speed of 305 mm / min, with a test run of 50 mm. This test run is adapted depending on the width of the holding device being tested.

[0198] It will be appreciated that to manufacture a tape 26 with such retaining elements 16, the shaped strip 102 used in the device 100 has cavities 102C having a configuration similar to that of the retaining elements.

[0199] It will therefore be understood that to form a predetermined pattern of retaining elements, the molding strip 102 used will have functional cavities 102C arranged in a similar pattern, with non-functional cavities being referred to herein as non-cavities.

[0200] More generally, the forming strip 102 has a plurality of cavities 102C arranged in rows and columns extending along the cross direction CD and machine direction MD, respectively, said cavities 102C opening onto the outer surface of the forming strip 102.

[0201] A row of cavities typically contains 1 to 1,000 cavities. A column of cavities typically contains 1 to 1,000 cavities.

[0202] The cavities 102C are arranged to form patterns, typically discontinuous patterns, on the outer surface of the molding strip 102. Each pattern is formed by a plurality of rows and columns of cavities 102C.

[0203] The different patterns are generally separated.

[0204] The shaped strip may have one or several patterns, which may be repeated on the shaped strip.

[0205] The different rows and columns are typically equally spaced according to transverse spacing and mechanical spacing, respectively. The transverse spacing and mechanical spacing may be equal or different. According to other examples, the rows are equally spaced according to a first transverse spacing and according to a second transverse spacing, where the second transverse spacing is not an integer multiple of the first transverse spacing and the first transverse spacing is smaller than the second transverse spacing; and / or the columns are equally spaced according to a first mechanical spacing and according to a second mechanical spacing, where the second mechanical spacing is not an integer multiple of the first transverse spacing and the first mechanical spacing is smaller than the second mechanical spacing.

[0206] Each pattern is generally surrounded by an area of the outer surface of the forming strip that is devoid of retaining elements, said area having a dimension strictly greater than twice the machine spacing along the machine direction MD and / or a dimension strictly greater than twice the transverse spacing along the transverse direction CD.

[0207] The cavities 102C that define the rows and columns may be aligned or arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0208] Each pattern is generally surrounded by a cavity-free area of the outer surface of the forming strip and is generally spaced at a distance of at least 1.5 mm, and sometimes at least 2.5 mm, from the edge of the outer surface of the forming strip, where "edge of the forming strip" means, for example, the end of the forming strip along the machine direction MD or the cross direction CD.

[0209] Thus, with respect to the retaining element, the pattern formed by the cavities has at least two rows and / or two columns with a different number of cavities. More generally, the proposed pattern has at least Y rows and / or Y columns with a different number of cavities, where Y is equal to 2, or possibly 3 or 4 or 5, or more generally Y is a natural number included between Ymin and Ymax, where Ymin can be for example equal to 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9 or 10 or 12 or 15 or 20, and Ymax can be for example equal to 500 or 450 or 400 or 350 or 300 or 250 or 200 or 150 or 100 or 50.

[0210] Furthermore, for a given pattern, at least two rows and / or columns have a different number of cavities, and the difference in the number of cavities between said two rows or two columns is 1 or more, more particularly 2 or more, or 3 or 4 or 5 or more.

[0211] Furthermore, for each pair of consecutively arranged rows or columns, the variation in the number of cavities between the rows or columns of the pair is generally no more than 10, or even no more than 15.

[0212] More generally, for each pair of consecutively arranged rows, the variation in the number of cavities between the rows or columns of the pair is generally not more than 40%, 30%, or 15% of the maximum number of cavities in a row of the pattern. For each pair of consecutively arranged columns, the variation in the number of cavities between the rows or columns of the pair is generally not more than 40%, 30%, or 15% of the maximum number of cavities in a column of the pattern.

[0213] Alternatively, the pattern may have other shapes, for example, daisies, thistles or cotton flowers or other floral shapes, such as animals, logos, words or "QR Code®".

[0214] Alternatively to Figures 6-13, the patterns can be oriented differently, for example at a 90 degree angle.

[0215] While the present invention has been described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it is apparent that modifications and variations 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 different illustrated / mentioned embodiments can be combined in further embodiments. The description and drawings should therefore be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0216] It is also clear that all features described in relation to a method, either alone or in combination, can be substituted for an apparatus, and conversely, all features described in relation to an apparatus, either alone or in combination, can be substituted for a method.

Claims

1. A base (12) provided with a plurality of holding elements (16) and / or preforms of holding elements. A molding device (100) for forming a holding device (10) comprising: The forming device (100) is formed from a first material and attached to a support (104). a shaped strip (102) adapted to be attached to the 102) extends along the machine direction (MD) and is a width defined along a cross direction (CD) perpendicular to the machine direction (MD) and a width defined along a cross direction (CD) perpendicular to the machine direction (MD) and the cross direction (CD) a thickness measured along a direction perpendicular to the CD (CD) direction, (102) has an inner surface (102A) and an outer surface (102B); The forming strip (102) has a plurality of cavities (102C). 100), A part of the cavity (102C) is provided for holding elements and / or preforms of holding elements. The plugging material is used to define a molded cavity for forming the cavity as well as a non-functional cavity. A molding device (100) characterized in that it is at least partially closed.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the plugging material is different from the first material of the shaped strip (102).

1. The apparatus (100) of claim 1.

3. The plugging material is on the inner surface (102A) of the shaped strip (102) and / or The device (100) of claim 1 or 2, extending on said outer surface (102B).

4. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plugging material is a resin. 。

5. The molding cavities (102C) are formed in a pattern on the molding strip (102).

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the particles are arranged to form a generally regular pattern. The device (100) according to

6. The shaped strip (102) has a thickness of 50 to 500 microns, preferably 70 to 350 microns. The device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, having a thickness of 100 mm.

7. Among the cavities (102C), the cavity (102C) of the molding strip (102) 10% to 90%, preferably 20% to 80% of the total number of plugging holes 02C) are plugged with the plugging material.

7. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the device (100) is at least partially occluded by a ）。

8. The shaped strip has a length of 200 mm to 3,000 mm, in particular 400 mm to 2,000 mm.

8. The device of claim 1, having a perimeter of m.

9. The molding strip (102C) has a thickness of 50 to 3,000 / cm ２ , especially 100 to 800 / cm ２ 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the density of the cavities (102C) is The device.

10. The forming strip (102) extends along its edges along the machine direction (MD) and a distance of 2 to 5 mm from the edge along the cross direction (CD).

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cavity (102C) in which the nozzle is placed is closed. The device.

11. 10. A method for preparing a molding device (100) according to claim 1, comprising: - made from a first material and adapted to be attached to a support (104) A forming strip (102) is provided, the forming strip (102) being in a machine direction The machine direction (MD) extends along the cross direction (C) perpendicular to the machine direction (MD). D) and the width defined along the machine direction (MD) and the cross direction (CD) and a thickness along a vertical direction, and the forming strip (102) has an inner surface (102A) and having an outer surface (102B); - a front part of the cavity (102C) of said shaped strip (102) to close it off A plugging material is applied onto the shaped strip (102). method.

12. During the step of applying plugging material, all of the plugs of the shaped strip (102) The cavity (102C) is closed, and then the 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of removing plugging material to define a molded cavity. How to post.

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