Improved self-adhesive device and related molding device

Abstract

1. A retaining device (10) comprising: a base (12) having an upper surface (12A) and a lower surface (12B), the base (12) extending along a major direction (DP) and having a width defined along a minor direction (DS) perpendicular to the major direction (DP) and a thickness measured along a direction perpendicular to the major direction (DP) and the minor direction (DS); 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, and the retaining elements being arranged in rows and columns extending along the minor direction (DS) and the major direction (DP), respectively, wherein at least X rows and / or X columns of the retaining device have a different number of retaining elements, and X is equal to 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a self - gripping device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as described in the documents of International Publication No. WO2017187096, International Publication No. WO2017187097, International Publication No. WO2017187098, International Publication No. WO2017187099, International Publication No. WO2017187101, International Publication No. WO2017187102, International Publication No. WO2017187103 and International Publication No. WO2019145646, several systems and methods for manufacturing a holding element having a holding means such as a hook are known.

[0003] The repeatedly occurring problem relates to the manufacture of a strip having a region with a holding element and a region without a holding element, which is technically complex and expensive. Further, it is currently difficult to make a clear separation between the region having the holding element and the adjacent region without the holding element.

Summary of the Invention

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

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a holding device, the holding device comprising a base having an upper surface and a lower surface, the base extending along a main direction and having a width defined along a secondary direction perpendicular to the main direction and a thickness measured along a direction perpendicular to the main direction and the secondary direction, and a plurality of holding elements extending on the upper surface of the base, each holding element comprising a rod, the holding elements being integrally formed with the base, for example by extrusion of a part, the holding elements being arranged in rows and columns extending along the secondary direction and the main direction respectively, the device being characterized in that at least X rows and / or X columns of the holding device have a different number of holding elements, X being equal to 2. In particular, X is equal to 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 in order to be able to generate a complex pattern with a sufficient level of accurate detail. More generally, X is generally a natural number comprised between Xmin and Xmax, Xmin 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 Xmax 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. The present invention is particularly capable of defining a pattern having an optimized and improved accuracy compared to those of the prior art, while maintaining a significant / satisfactory gripping ability, even if it is equivalent to an outer contour without areas lacking holding elements having similar shapes.

[0006] According to one example, at least two rows and / or at least two columns of the holding device have a different number of holding elements, and the difference in the number of holding elements of said at least two rows and / or at least two columns is 1 or more, or more specifically 2 or more, or for example 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or more, in order to be able to generate a complex pattern with a sufficient level of accurate detail.

[0007] According to one example, the plurality of retaining elements form one or several discontinuous patterns, and each pattern is 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 retaining elements. 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, generally regular patterns, for example patterns that are alternately repeated or not repeated in the main direction on the upper surface of the base.

[0008] According to one example, the retaining elements are arranged to form a pattern, generally a regular pattern, on the upper surface of the base. "Regular" means that the pattern is repeated in the main direction. Alternatively, the retaining elements are arranged to form several different patterns, generally regular patterns, for example patterns that are alternately repeated or not repeated in the main direction on the upper surface of the base.

[0009] According to one example, for example, the upper surface of the base within the pattern region has a plurality of retaining elements per centimeter along the main direction and / or along the secondary direction, and the number of retaining elements is more than 2 per cm, more specifically more than 5 per cm, particularly more than 10 cavities per cm, less than 1,500 per cm, more specifically less than 1,000 per cm, for example less than 700 per cm, more particularly less than 400 per cm, and even more particularly less than 200 per cm.

[0010] According to one example, for each pattern, each pair of rows arranged continuously along the main direction has several retaining elements, and the variation in their number is 10 retaining elements or less, particularly 5 retaining elements or less, whereby, for example, demolding can be facilitated.

[0011] According to one example, for each pattern, each pair of rows arranged continuously along the main direction has several holding elements. Optionally, the holding elements have only seven or more holding elements, particularly eight or more holding elements, for example nine or more holding elements, and the variation in their number is 40% or less of the maximum number of holding elements in the rows of holding elements of the said pair of rows of holding elements, generally 30% or 15% or less.

[0012] According to one example, for each pattern, each pair of rows arranged continuously along the secondary direction has several holding elements, and the variation in their number is 15 or fewer holding elements, or 10 or fewer holding elements, particularly 5 or fewer holding elements.

[0013] According to one example, for each pattern, each pair of columns arranged continuously along the secondary direction has several holding elements. Optionally, the holding elements have only seven or more holding elements, particularly eight or more holding elements, for example nine or more holding elements, and the variation in their number is 40% or less of the maximum number of holding elements in the columns of holding elements of the said pair of columns of holding elements, generally 30% or 15% or less.

[0014] According to one example, each pattern is completely surrounded by an area on the upper surface of the base lacking holding elements and is positioned at a distance exceeding 1.5 mm, particularly 2.5 mm, from the edge of the base, especially from all edges of the base.

[0015] According to one example, each pattern is defined by an outer contour, and each pattern comprises at least one area lacking holding elements in the area defined by its outer contour. According to one example, the outer contour is bordered by (continuous or discontinuous) slots or (continuous or discontinuous) studs on the base and can also be bordered by (continuous or discontinuous) studs or (continuous or discontinuous) slots on the forming strip respectively.

[0016] According to one example, the pattern (or each pattern) is defined by an outer contour, and the pattern (or each pattern) comprises at least one region lacking a holding element within the region defined by its outer contour, and the holding element (preferably each holding element) arranged adjacent to (and / or defining) the outer and / or inner contour has a rod shape similar or identical to the rod shape of the holding element 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, and the pattern (or each pattern) comprises at least one region lacking a holding element within the region defined by its outer contour, and the holding element (preferably each holding element) arranged adjacent to (and / or defining) the outer and / or inner contour has a head shape similar or identical to the head shape of the holding element at a distance from the outer and / or inner contour. "Adjacent" means a holding element positioned forming adjacent or spaced rows and / or columns up to a maximum of two rows and / or columns from the rows and / or columns defining the outer or inner contour under consideration. In contrast, a holding element separated from the inner or outer contour under consideration by at least two rows and / or columns is considered to be at a distance from the contour under consideration, or more generally, a holding element not adjacent to the contour under consideration is considered to be at a distance from the contour under consideration. Thus, the holding device has a more accurate display of the pattern and in particular has a maximum grip adjacent to the outer and / or inner contour. Thus, the holding element adjacent to (and / or defining) the outer and / or inner contour has an optimized gripping ability without interfering with cooperation with a counterpart.

[0017] According to one example, the pattern (or each pattern) is defined by an outer contour, and the pattern (or each pattern) comprises at least one region lacking a holding element (or lacking a cavity where appropriate) within the region defined by its outer contour, and the inner contour has at least one local portion of an elongated shape defining a local center line arranged at a distance of less than 20%, particularly less than 15%, of the dimension of the pattern along the main direction and / or the secondary direction from the local inner contour. Alternatively or additionally, the pattern (or each pattern) is defined by an outer contour, the pattern (or each pattern) comprises at least one region lacking a holding element within the region defined by its outer contour, and the inner contour has at least one local portion of an elongated shape defining a local center line arranged at a distance of less than 10 mm, or less than 5 mm, particularly less than 3 mm, more particularly less than 2 mm, and even more particularly less than 1 mm and greater than (or strictly greater than) the average pitch of the holding elements within the pattern considered from the local inner contour. A circular region lacking a holding element does not form a median value within the scope of the present document. Thus, the holding device enables a more detailed and accurate display of the pattern while having a maximum grip. The local center line includes a straight portion and / or a curved portion. The length of the center line of at least one inner contour is generally longer than 10 mm, preferably longer than 12 mm. The total length of the center lines of the inner contours of the pattern is generally greater than 12 mm, for example greater than 15 mm, and / or generally less than 600 mm, for example less than 400 mm, more particularly less than 200 mm. Such a configuration can also be replaced by a cavity formed in a forming strip as described in the following text

[0018] According to one example, each pattern has at least one row and / or at least one column comprising at least two groups of discontinuous holding elements separated by regions lacking a holding element. According to one example, each holding element includes a rod and a head, the head being formed by two wing portions which are on opposite sides and extend along the same direction, or the head extending over the entire circumference of the rod over 360°

[0019] According to one example, for each pattern, there is at least one lacking the holding element included in the pattern, preferably each region has a width and a length, in which case the ratio between the length and the width is strictly greater than 1.1, particularly strictly greater than 1.2, and more particularly strictly greater than 1.5.

[0020] According to one example, for each pattern, there is at least one lacking the holding element included in the pattern, preferably each region 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, particularly strictly greater than 1.2, more particularly strictly greater than 1.4, and even more particularly strictly greater than 1.6.

[0021] According to one example, the horizontal rows and the vertical columns are arranged at equal intervals according to respective sub-intervals and main intervals. According to another example, the horizontal rows are arranged at equal intervals according to a first sub-interval and according to a second sub-interval, the second sub-interval is not an integer multiple of the first sub-interval, the first sub-interval is smaller than the second sub-interval, and / or the vertical columns are arranged at equal intervals according to a first main interval and according to a second main interval, the second main interval is not an integer multiple of the first main interval, and the first main interval is smaller than the second main interval.

[0022] According to one example, each pattern is completely surrounded by a region on the upper surface of the base lacking the holding element, and the region has dimensions that are strictly greater than twice the main interval along the main direction and / or strictly greater than twice the sub-interval along the sub-direction.

[0023] According to one example, the at least one region lacking the holding element included in the region defined by the outer contour of each pattern has a dimension along the main direction that is strictly greater than twice the main interval and a dimension along the sub-direction that is strictly greater than twice the sub-interval.

[0024] According to one example, for each pattern, the ratio between the surface of the region lacking the retaining elements included in the outer contour of the pattern and the surface with the retaining elements is less than 1. According to one example, at least one pattern is symmetric. According to other examples, the pattern is defined by one or several (inner and / or outer) edges, and the sum of the lengths of the inner and outer edges is greater than 70 mm, preferably greater than 95 mm, preferably greater than 100 mm, more particularly greater than 150 mm, and in some cases less than 5,000 mm, more particularly less than 3,000 mm. Thus, the longer the outer and inner edges, the smaller the fakir mat effect. The fakir mat effect is an effect in the field of surface fasteners, and this effect makes it difficult, and even impossible, for the hooks to penetrate the loops to form the surface fastener because the number of hooks is excessive with respect to the number of loops. 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 in the same plane as a part of the outer perimeter of the pattern, and the polygon includes a perimeter P1. The ratio (Pint+Pext) / P1 is greater than 1, and in some cases greater than 1.2 or 1.3 or 1.4 or 1.5 or 1.6, and in some cases less than 20, particularly less than 15. Thus, the longer the outer and inner edges, the smaller the fakir mat effect. Thus, the retaining element device has a greater ability to cooperate with the gripping loops.

[0025] Furthermore, the present disclosure is a molding device for forming a holding device as defined above, for example, the molding device includes a molding strip adapted to be attached to a support, the molding strip extends along the machine direction, and has 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 has an inner surface and an outer surface on opposite sides, and the molding strip has a plurality of cavities arranged in rows and columns extending along the transverse direction and the machine direction respectively. The cavities open on the outer surface of the molding strip. In the molding device, at least Y rows and / or Y columns of cavities of the molding strip have different numbers of cavities, and Y is equal to 2. In particular, Y is equal to 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 in order to generate a complex pattern with a sufficient level of accurate details. More generally, Y is generally a natural number included between Ymin and Ymax. 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.

[0026] The rows of cavities generally comprise from 1 to 1,000 cavities. The columns of cavities generally comprise from 1 to 1,000 cavities.

[0027] According to one example, at least two rows and / or at least two columns of the molding device have different numbers of cavities, and the difference in the number of cavities between the at least two rows and / or the at least two columns is 1 or more, more specifically 2 or more, or for example 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or more in order to generate a complex pattern with a sufficient level of accurate details.

[0028] According to one example, the plurality of cavities form one or several discontinuous patterns, and each pattern is 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 lacking cavities. According to one example, the cavities are arranged to form a regular pattern on the forming strip. "Regular" means that the pattern is repeated in the machine direction. Alternatively, the cavities are arranged to form several different patterns, generally regular patterns, such as patterns that are alternately repeated or not repeated in the machine direction on the forming strip.

[0029] According to one example, for each pattern, each pair of rows arranged continuously along the machine direction has a plurality of cavities, and the variation in the number thereof is 10 cavities or less, more specifically 5 cavities or less, whereby, for example, demolding can be facilitated.

[0030] According to one example, for each pattern, each pair of rows arranged continuously along the machine direction has several cavities, and optionally, the cavities have only 7 cavities or more, particularly 8 cavities or more, for example 9 cavities or more, and the variation in the number thereof is 40% or less of the maximum number of cavities in the rows of the pair of rows of cavities, generally 30% or 15% or less.

[0031] According to one example, for each pattern, each pair of columns arranged continuously along the transverse direction has several cavities, and the variation in the number thereof is 15 cavities or less, or 10 cavities or less, more specifically 5 cavities or less.

[0032] According to one example, for each pattern, each pair of vertical columns arranged continuously along the transverse direction has several cavities, and optionally, the cavities have only 7 or more cavities, particularly 8 or more cavities, for example 9 or more cavities, and the variation in the number is 40% or less of the maximum number of cavities in the row of the pairs of rows of cavities, and generally 30% or 15% or less.

[0033] According to one example, each pattern is completely surrounded by a region of the outer surface of the forming strip lacking holding elements and is positioned at a distance greater than 1.5 mm, particularly greater than 2.5 mm, from the edges of the forming strip, particularly from all the edges of the forming strip.

[0034] According to one example, each pattern is defined by an outer contour, and each pattern includes at least one region lacking cavities within the region defined by its outer contour.

[0035] According to one example, each pattern has at least one row and / or at least one column of at least two discontinuous groups of cavities separated by regions lacking cavities.

[0036] According to one example, for at least one pattern, at least one region lacking cavities included in the pattern, or for example each region, has a width and a length such that the ratio of the length to the width is strictly greater than 1.2, particularly strictly greater than 1.5.

[0037] According to one example, for each pattern, at least one region lacking cavities included in the pattern, or for example each region, has a width and a length such that the ratio of the length to the width is strictly greater than 1.2, particularly strictly greater than 1.5.

[0038] According to one example, the cavities of the forming device are through-cavities.

[0039] According to one example, the vertical columns and the horizontal rows are arranged at equal intervals according to their respective transverse intervals and machine intervals. According to another example, the horizontal rows are arranged at equal intervals according to a first transverse interval and according to a second transverse interval, the second transverse interval is not an integer multiple of the first transverse interval, the first transverse interval is smaller than the second transverse interval, and / or the vertical columns are arranged at equal intervals according to a first machine interval and according to a second machine interval, the second machine interval is not an integer multiple of the first machine interval, and the first machine interval is smaller than the second machine interval.

[0040] According to one example, each pattern is completely surrounded by an area of the outer surface of the forming strip lacking cavities, the area having dimensions that are strictly greater than twice the machine interval along the machine direction and strictly greater than twice the transverse interval along the transverse direction.

[0041] According to one example, the at least one area lacking cavities included 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 interval and a dimension along the transverse direction that is strictly greater than twice the transverse interval.

[0042] According to one example, for each pattern, the ratio between the surface of the region lacking the cavity included in the outer contour and the surface with the cavity is less than 1. According to one example, at least one pattern is symmetric. According to other examples, the pattern is defined by one or several (inner and / or outer) edges, and the sum of the lengths of the inner edge and the outer edge is greater than 70 mm, preferably greater than 95 mm, preferably greater than 100 mm, more particularly greater than 150 mm, and in some cases less than 5,000 mm, more particularly less than 3,000 mm. Thus, the longer the outer edge and the inner edge are, the smaller the "fake-mat" effect is. Thus, the holding element device obtained thanks to such a forming device has a greater ability to cooperate with the gripping loop. According to one example, the pattern is inscribed in a four-sided polygon, each side of which is in the same plane as a part of the outer perimeter of the pattern, and the polygon includes a perimeter P1. The ratio (Pint+Pext) / P1 is greater than 1, and in some cases greater than 1.2 or 1.3 or 1.4 or 1.5 or 1.6, and in some cases less than 20, particularly less than 15. Thus, the longer the outer edge and the inner edge are, the smaller the "fake-mat" effect is. Thus, the holding element device obtained thanks to such a forming device has a greater ability to cooperate with the gripping loop.

[0043] The present disclosure further relates to a holding device comprising a base having an upper surface and a lower surface, generally a continuous base, having a width defined along a sub-direction perpendicular to a main direction and extending along the main direction, and a thickness measured along a direction perpendicular to the main direction and the sub-direction, and a plurality of holding elements extending across the upper surface of the base, each holding element comprising a rod, the holding elements being integrally formed with the base, the holding elements being arranged in rows and columns extending along the sub-direction and the main direction respectively, the rows and columns being generally equally spaced according to respective main and sub-spacings, the plurality of holding elements forming one or several discontinuous patterns, each pattern being formed from a plurality of rows and columns of holding elements, each of the holding elements having a rod extending from the upper surface of the base and a head surrounding the rod, and with respect to the pattern, generally for each respective pattern, the head of the holding element forming the first end of the pattern along a first direction having a first maximum dimension along a second direction, and the head of the holding element forming the second end of the pattern along the first direction, opposite to the first end of the pattern along the first direction, having a second maximum dimension along the second direction, the second maximum dimension being strictly smaller than the first maximum dimension.

[0044] According to one example, with respect to the pattern, the maximum dimension of the head of the holding element decreases from the first end of the pattern to the second end of the pattern along the second direction.

[0045] According to one example, the holding element forming the first end and the holding element forming the second end are arranged in the same row or column. The first direction generally corresponds to the main direction or the machine direction, and the direction from the first end to the second end generally corresponds to the running direction of the tape along the machine direction during its manufacture.

[0046] The present disclosure is a forming device for forming a holding device comprising a base provided with a plurality of holding elements and / or preforms of holding elements, The forming device comprises a forming strip which is formed from a first material and is adapted to be attached to a support. The forming strip extends along the machine direction and has 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 forming strip has an inner surface and an outer surface, and in the forming device where the forming strip comprises a plurality of cavities, a part of the cavities is at least partially blocked by a plugging material so as to define a forming cavity for forming a holding element and / or a preform of the holding element and a non-functional cavity. The forming device is also related to this, characterized in that.

[0047] According to an example, the plugging material is different from the first material.

[0048] According to an example, the plugging material and / or the first material and / or the forming material are separate.

[0049] According to an 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.

[0050] According to an example, the plugging material at least partially extends into the cavity of the forming strip. According to an example, the plugging material is fixed to the forming strip, particularly to at least one wall of the cavity of the forming strip.

[0051] According to an example, the plugging material at least partially extends between the inner surface and the outer surface of the forming strip.

[0052] According to an example, the plugging material is a resin.

[0053] According to an example, the plugging material is at least partially disposed within the cavity, and the plugging material disposed between the inner surface and the outer surface of the forming strip has a shape complementary to at least a part of the internal volume of the cavity.

[0054] According to one example, the eyelet sealing material is at least partially disposed within the cavity and is disposed between the inner surface and the outer surface of the forming strip in a cross-sectional view along a plane perpendicular to the machine direction and / or in a cross-sectional view along a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction, and the height of the eyelet sealing material disposed between the inner surface and the outer surface of the forming strip is greater than the sum of the heights of the eyelet sealing material outside the inner surface and the outer surface of the forming strip.

[0055] According to one example, the eyelet sealing material is fixed to the forming strip so as to form an integral element formed by, for example, the forming strip and the eyelet sealing material. According to one example, the forming strip and the eyelet sealing material are fixed to each other chemically and / or mechanically.

[0056] According to one example, the holding elements each include a rod and a head, the head is formed by two wing portions, these wing portions are on opposite sides and extend along the same direction on both sides of the rod, or the head extends over the entire circumference of the rod over 360°.

[0057] According to one example, the eyelet sealing material extends on the inner surface and / or the outer surface of the forming strip.

[0058] According to one example, the eyelet sealing material includes a polymer and / or a metal compound and / or an alloy and / or a composite material, the composite material includes reinforcing elements such as particles and / or fibers and / or filaments, and the eyelet sealing material is different from the material of the forming strip.

[0059] According to one example, the eyelet sealing material includes a polymer, particularly a thermoplastic and / or a thermosetting polymer and / or an elastomer, such as a resin, more particularly a cross-linked resin, particularly a resin cross-linked by ultraviolet light and / or heat and / or chemistry and / or physics and / or radicals.

[0060] According to one example, the eyelet sealing material is sufficiently stable to maintain its integrity during use of the forming strip, i.e., at a temperature of 10° to 300°C.

[0061] According to one example, the eye-sealing material is a compound from the following list, namely, a resin and / or a sealant, more specifically, - epoxy-based and / or acrylic and / or polyester and / or polyurethane and / or silicone resin, - epoxy-based and / or acrylic and / or polyester and / or polyurethane and / or silicone sealant and includes at least one of them.

[0062] According to one example, a part of the set of cavities is at least partially blocked by the eye-sealing material such that each of the cavities has at least two discontinuous regions filled with the eye-sealing material.

[0063] According to one example, a part of the cavity is at least partially blocked by the eye-sealing material such that each of the cavities has a region with the eye-sealing material and a region without the eye-sealing material. The cavity is a through-cavity, and the region without the eye-sealing material is generally a through-region. As a result, the eye-sealing material can reduce the cross-section of the through-cavity.

[0064] According to one example, the forming cavities are arranged to form a pattern, generally a regular pattern, on the forming strip. "Regular" means that the pattern is repeated in the machine direction. Alternatively, the forming cavities are arranged to form several different patterns, generally regular patterns, on the forming strip, such as patterns that are alternately repeated or not alternately repeated on the forming strip and in the machine direction.

[0065] According to one example, the molding strip has, for example within the pattern area, a number of cavities / cm that exceeds 2 per cm, more specifically exceeds 5 per cm, particularly exceeds 10 per cm and is less than 1,500 per cm, more specifically less than 1,000 per cm, for example less than 700 per cm, more particularly less than 400 per cm, and even more particularly less than 200 per cm, along the machine direction and / or along the transverse direction.

[0066] According to one example, the molding strip, for example within the pattern area, has an aperture ratio of 2% to 45%, particularly 3% to 30%, more particularly 4% to 20%. Thus, the number of holding elements to be released is limited so as to enable easier release and / or a lower release force. The molding strip has a basic repeating surface with at least one molding cavity part in the area viewed from a direction perpendicular to the molding strip. The aperture ratio of the molding strip is calculated by the ratio of (the surface area of the molding cavities in the basic repeating surface) / (the basic repeating surface). To avoid parallax errors, preferably, the aperture ratio is measured in a small area of the molding strip.

[0067] According to one example, the molding cavities are arranged to form one or several discontinuous patterns. According to one example, the molding cavities are arranged to form a pattern that is repeated on the molding strip, for example, with 4 to 600 repetitions of the pattern or, for example, with 20 to 200 repetitions of the pattern.

[0068] According to one example, the molding strip has a thickness of 50 to 500 microns, preferably 70 to 350 microns, and in some cases 100 microns to 250 microns.

[0069] According to one example, 10% to 90%, preferably 20% to 80% of the total number of cavities of the molding strip are at least partially blocked by the eye-sealing material.

[0070] According to one example, the forming strip has a perimeter of 200 mm to 3,000 mm, in particular 400 mm to 2,000 mm.

[0071] According to one example, the forming strip has a density of cavities of 50 to 3,000 / cm 2 in particular 100 to 800 / cm 2 .

[0072] According to one example, the forming strip has an edge extending along its end along the machine direction, and cavities located at a distance of 2 to 5 mm, in some cases 1 to 5 mm, in other cases 2 to 7 mm or 1 to 10 mm along the transverse direction from the edge of the forming strip extending along the machine direction are closed.

[0073] According to one example, each pattern has at least one row and / or at least one column having at least two groups of discontinuous forming cavities separated by areas of sealed cavities.

[0074] The present disclosure also relates to a method for preparing such a forming device, - a forming strip formed from a first material and adapted to be attached to a support, the forming 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 forming strip having an inner surface and an outer surface, - a sealing material is applied onto the forming strip so as to close a part of the cavities of the forming strip, which is also related to the method.

[0075] According to one example, during the step of applying the sealing material, all the cavities of the forming strip are closed, and then a step of removing (or excluding) the sealing material from a part of the cavities to define the forming cavities is performed. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

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

[0077] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a holding device according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0078] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 1.

[0079] [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a view of a molding device.

[0080] [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a view of one modification of the molding device.

[0081] [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a detailed view of Figure 4.

[0082] [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a view of the holding device.

[0083] [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a detailed view of Figure 6.

[0084] [Figure 8] Figure 8 schematically represents a pattern of holding elements or cavities.

[0085] [Figure 9] Figure 9 schematically represents another pattern of holding elements or cavities.

[0086] [Figure 10] Figure 10 schematically represents another pattern of holding elements or cavities.

[0087] [Figure 11] Figure 11 schematically represents another pattern of holding elements or cavities.

[0088] [Figure 12] Figure 12 schematically represents another pattern of holding elements or cavities.

[0089] [Figure 13] Figure 13 schematically represents another pattern of holding elements or cavities.

[0090] In all the figures, common elements are identified by the same reference numerals.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0091] FIG. 1 schematically shows a holding device 10 generally comprising a continuous base 12 and a pattern 14 in the form of a solid disk. As shown in FIG. 2, the base 12 includes an upper surface 12A and a lower surface 12B, and the pattern 14 is formed by a plurality of holding elements 16 extending from the upper surface 12A of the base 12. By "continuous base" is meant that the base lacks through openings or recesses in regions without holding elements. The base 12 generally has a constant width.

[0092] Each holding element 16 includes a rod 18. The base 12, particularly the upper surface 12A of the base 12, also includes a region 20 lacking holding elements 16. For simplicity, the holding elements 16 are represented by hatching in FIG. 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the holding device 10 includes a strip 22 of non-woven (or woven) material. For example, the base 12 can be overmolded onto the strip 22 of non-woven material. Also, the base 12 can be joined onto the strip 22 of non-woven material. The pattern 14 can be a single pattern or a repeating pattern 14 (as shown in FIG. 1). The pattern 14 is generally defined by a closed contour 14A.

[0093] The base 12 and the holding elements 16 are generally made of a thermoplastic material, such as a non-elastic thermoplastic material. The base 12 and the holding elements 16 can be stretched under the influence of a tensile force applied along a predetermined direction, and after releasing this tensile force, they can substantially resume their initial shape and dimensions without, in some cases, the base breaking under the influence of the tensile force. This is, for example, a holding element and a base that, at room temperature (23 °C - Celsius), retain a residual deformation or residual magnetization (also called "permanent set" or "SET") of 20% or more, preferably 30% or more of their initial dimensions (before stretching) after stretching and releasing to 100% of their initial dimensions.

[0094] The holding device 10 can be manufactured, for example, by a device 100 as shown in FIG. 3. The device 100 enables the production of a tape 26 for the holding device and can then cut or subdivide the tape 26 into a plurality of holding devices 10. The tape 26 here comprises a continuous base 12 and a plurality of holding elements 16. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the holding elements 16 are hooks, and each hook comprises a rod 18 with a head 24 attached thereon.

[0095] The illustrated device 100 here comprises a forming strip 102 arranged on a rotary drive means 104 with two rollers 104A, 104B, and a material distribution means 106 suitable for injecting a forming material, for example a thermoplastic forming material, such as an injector.

[0096] Therefore, the assembly formed by the forming strip 102 and the rotary drive means 104 forms a forming device.

[0097] The "machine direction MD" means the direction of displacement of the forming strip 102 in the device 100 during the manufacture of the holding device, by the initials of the "machine direction", and the "cross direction CD" means the direction perpendicular to the machine direction MD, by the initials of the "cross direction". Therefore, these directions are identified in different figures.

[0098] The illustrated example with two rollers 104A, 104B is not limiting, and the number and arrangement of the rollers may vary specifically to suit the length of the forming strip 102 and different positions of the device. For example, three rollers or only one can be used such that the forming strip is arranged around a single roller to form a sleeve or a screen. In particular, only one of the two rollers can be rotationally driven by electric means, such as roller 104A, and the other roller 104B is free, that is, has no electric means and is rotationally driven via the forming strip driven by roller 104A.

[0099] The illustrated forming strip 102 has an inner surface 102A and an outer surface 102B, and the inner surface 102A is in contact with the rotational driving means 104.

[0100] The material distribution means 106 is arranged to inject the forming material onto the outer surface 102B of the forming strip 102.

[0101] More specifically, the material distribution means 106 is spaced apart from the forming strip 102 so as to define an air gap "e" shown in FIG. 3, and is arranged facing the forming strip 102. The reference sign A identifies the limit of the material injected onto the outer surface 102B of the forming strip 102 corresponding to the trailing edge of the material injected onto the forming strip 102 with respect to the displacement direction of the forming strip 102.

[0102] The forming strip 102 is provided with a plurality of cavities 102C that enable the production of holding elements or preforms for the production of holding elements, for example, by subsequent calendering operations or any other suitable operations. Throughout this specification, "holding element" refers to a holding element or preform for the production of a holding element intended to form a hook-and-hook or hook-and-loop type self-gripping closure mechanism.

[0103] Each of the cavities 102C is generally formed so as to define a rod 102C1 extending from the outer surface 102B towards the inner surface 102A of the forming strip 102, and a head 102C2 extending between the rod 102C1 and the inner surface 102A of the forming strip 102.

[0104] The forming strip 102 generally has a thickness of 50 to 500 microns or generally 70 to 350 microns.

[0105] The forming strip 102 is generally continuous and generally has a perimeter of 200 mm to 3,000 mm or generally 400 mm to 2,000 mm.

[0106] The forming strip 102 has a density of cavities 102C of 50 to 3,000 cavities / cm 2 or generally 100 to 800 cavities / cm 2 of the cavities 102C.

[0107] Therefore, it is understood that the arrangement of the cavities 102C determines the arrangement of the holding elements on the holding device formed using the apparatus 100. The cavities 102C are generally arranged in rows and columns, and the rows and columns are arranged along the transverse direction CD and the machine direction MD, respectively. Each row and each column are composed of one or more cavities 102C aligned along the transverse direction CD and the machine direction MD as required.

[0108] Within the same row, consecutive cavities 102C are generally arranged at equal intervals according to the transverse interval. Within the same column, consecutive cavities 102C are usually arranged at equal intervals according to the machine interval. Alternatively, the rows are arranged at equal intervals according to a first transverse interval and a second transverse interval, the second transverse interval is not an integer multiple of the first transverse interval, the first transverse interval is smaller than the second transverse interval, and / or the columns are arranged at equal intervals according to a first machine interval and a second machine interval, the second machine interval is not an integer multiple of the first machine interval, and the first machine interval is smaller than the second machine interval.

[0109] The rows and columns of the cavities 102C can be arranged or disposed in a staggered manner. More specifically, different cavities 102C can be arranged so as to be aligned along the transverse direction CD and the machine direction MD, or offset so as to form a staggered or honeycomb pattern, and two consecutive rows or two consecutive columns are offset by a pitch corresponding to half of the transverse interval or half of the machine interval along the transverse direction and along the machine direction, respectively.

[0110] As will become apparent later, as a result, the retaining elements 16 formed using these cavities 102C are generally arranged in an array of columns and rows along the main and secondary directions corresponding to the machine direction MD and the cross direction CD, respectively.

[0111] In the illustrated example, the head 24 of the cavity 102C opens to the inner surface 102A of the forming strip 102. Thus, the cavity 102C is a through cavity. Such an embodiment is not limiting, and the cavity 102C may also be blind, and thus may not open from the inner surface 102A of the forming strip 102, and / or the cavity 102C may include only the rod 102C1.

[0112] The portion of the cavity 102C forming 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 forming the rod 102C1 generally has a geometric shape of rotation about an axis perpendicular to the outer surface 102B of the forming strip 102, or a geometric shape having a plane of symmetry extending along a direction parallel to the running direction of the forming strip 102 and / or along a direction perpendicular to the running direction of the forming strip 102.

[0113] The portion of the cavity 102C forming the head 102C2 generally extends radially or transversely with respect to an axis perpendicular to the outer surface 102B of the forming strip 102 and can have rotational symmetry about this axis perpendicular to the outer surface 102B of the forming strip 102. The portion of the cavity 102C forming the head 102C2 generally has a substantially frustoconical or hexahedral shape.

[0114] The portion of the cavity 102C that forms the head 102C2 may be straight or curved, for example, to form a portion that curves towards the inner surface 102A or the outer surface 102B of the forming strip 102 that extends from the portion of the cavity 102C that forms the rod 102C1. The forming strip may further have a shape such as the shape described in WO 02 / 13647 pamphlet and / or WO 00 / 50208 pamphlet.

[0115] The portion of the cavity 102C that forms the head 102C2 can have a constant or variable thickness.

[0116] In the example shown in the figure, the portion of the cavity 102C that forms the head 102C2 extends radially around the portion of the cavity 102C that forms the rod 102C1 and has the general shape of a disk.

[0117] The forming strip 102 can have a specific texture such as slots, groove networks or passage networks that form vents or pins on its inner surface 102A or outer surface 102B, or can be substantially smooth.

[0118] The forming strip 102 can be formed by overlapping several strips and thus does not necessarily have to be a single part or a single material. The forming strip 102 can be composed of one or several typical metallic materials or composite materials among Ni, Cu, stainless steel types, or any other suitable material.

[0119] The material distribution means 106 is generally arranged to carry out the injection of the forming material into the forming strip 102 in a section of the forming strip 102, and the forming strip abuts against a drive roller, in this case the drive roller 104A in the example shown in FIG. 3. The drive roller then forms the bottom for the cavity 102C.

[0120] When the injection of the molding material is performed with the forming strip 102 not in contact with the drive roller, the material distribution means 106 can include a pedestal disposed on the other side of the forming strip 102. As a result, when the material is injected, the inner surface 102A of the forming strip 102 abuts against the base, and this pedestal forms the bottom for the cavity 102C of the forming strip 102.

[0121] Compared with the use of conventional forming means such as rollers where the molding cavity is directly generated, the use of the forming strip 102 associated with the drive means 104 is advantageous for several reasons.

[0122] The use of the forming strip 102 is particularly interesting in terms of modularity. Unlike a solid roller where the removal and reattachment operations are particularly complex, the forming strip can be easily removed from and replaced with the drive means. Such an advantage is particularly observed when the two rollers 104A, 104B are fixed to the frame on the same side, and the ends on the other side are made to allow the free introduction / removal of the forming strip. Means for guiding the forming strip can also be used to facilitate the introduction and / or removal of the forming strip.

[0123] Furthermore, the manufacture of the forming strip is significantly simplified compared to the manufacture of a roller with a molding cavity. Such rollers are actually generally manufactured by stacking successive slices and thus require multiple machining operations, cause significant stress during assembly and each change in the hook reference, have a large mass that requires holding them through their two ends, and thus complicate their replacement.

[0124] The cavity 102C of the forming strip 102 can be produced by means of a chemical etching process or the use of a laser at a location where it is desirable to form the retaining element 16. It is also possible to manufacture a forming strip 102 having cavities 102C uniformly distributed throughout the forming strip 102 and then to assume that the cavities 102C are closed at locations where it is desirable to form areas 20 without the retaining element 16.

[0125] More specifically, different configurations can be defined in the arrangement of the retaining elements, and thus the forming strip 102 has cavities 102C having a configuration similar to that of the retaining elements so that a tape having retaining elements arranged to form a pattern can be defined. The cavities 102C are formed directly by the forming strip 102 in the material forming the forming strip 102.

[0126] However, it is understood that the production of the cavities 102C within the forming strip 102 is complicated, more specifically in the case of a non-uniform distribution.

[0127] Thus, the cavities 102C can be produced uniformly on the forming strip 102 and then at least partially closed for some of the cavities thus formed, while another part of the cavities remains open. Thus, such an overall or partial closure of some of the cavities 102C makes it possible to define two subsets of cavities, namely functional cavities and non-functional cavities.

[0128] By "functional cavity" is meant a cavity that can be filled with a forming material so as to form a retaining element or a preform of a retaining element.

[0129] "Non-functional cavity" means a cavity that is completely or partially blocked so that the molding material cannot penetrate through the holding element or the preform of the holding element. However, since the material may be removed, non-functional cavities can cause irregularities during the formation of the holding device, but these irregularities are understood to have dimensions that are generally at least five times lower in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface 12A of the base 12 compared to the preform formed by the holding element or the functional cavity. In some cases, the cavity 102C of the molding strip 102 includes a dimension W1 on the inner surface of the molding strip that is larger than the dimension W2 on the outer surface of the molding strip in at least one cross-sectional view perpendicular to the inner surface, in this figure, in order to enable improvement of the peel value. In other cases, the cavity 102C of the molding strip 102 has a dimension W1 on the inner surface of the molding strip that is smaller than the dimension W2 on the outer surface of the molding strip in at least one cross-sectional view perpendicular to the inner surface, in this figure, in order to improve the mold release property. In order to have a good compromise between the peel force and the ease of mold release, the ratio of W1 / W2 is included, for example, between 0.7 and 1.2, particularly between 0.8 and 1.2.

[0130] The material used to achieve such overall or partial blockage of a part of the cavity 102C is generally a plugging material 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 deposited layers, generally, for example, 2 to 20 layers deposited continuously.

[0131] The eyelet seal material may extend on the outer surface and / or the inner surface of the formed strip. According to one example, a portion of a set of cavities 102C is at least partially blocked by the eyelet seal material such that each of the cavities has at least two separated regions filled with the eyelet seal material. According to one example, a portion of the cavity 102C is at least partially blocked by the eyelet seal material, creating a region with the eyelet seal material and a region without the eyelet seal material within each cavity 102C. The cavity 102C is a through-cavity, and the region lacking the eyelet seal material is generally a through-region. As a result, the eyelet seal material can reduce the cross-section of the through-cavity. The eyelet seal material is then partially removed, for example, by laser ablation.

[0132] According to one example, 10% - 90%, or 20% - 80% of the total number of cavities 102C in the formed strip 102 are at least partially blocked.

[0133] According to one example, cavities 102C located at a distance along the cross-direction CD within 10 mm from the edge of the formed strip 102 extending along the machine direction MD are blocked.

[0134] In some cases, cavities 102C located at a distance along the cross-direction CD of 2 - 5 mm, in some cases 1 - 5 mm, in other cases 2 - 7 mm, or even 1 mm - 10 mm from the edge of the formed strip 102 extending along the machine direction MD are blocked.

[0135] Alternatively, in the first step, all of the cavities 102C of the formed strip can be blocked, and then in the second step, the eyelet seal material can be removed from a portion of the cavities 102C.

[0136] Alternatively, the cavity 102C can be manufactured by first perforating the formed strip 102 lacking the cavity 102C, particularly by laser drilling. Thus, such a method enables the manufacture of the cavity 102C only at the desired positions.

[0137] Alternatively, the molding strip 102 can be formed by locally disposing resin deposits in some regions defining the cavity to prevent the growth of a metal material, such as nickel, in those regions, for example, by a differential growth process known as electroforming in the printing field. Alternatively, the molding strip 102 can be formed by a differential attenuation process, such as an etching process.

[0138] The cavity 102C can have the same or different shapes.

[0139] As will be seen later, the cavities 102C can be arranged in different patterns.

[0140] The reference numeral C in FIG. 3 indicates the separation between the tape 26 and the molding strip 102, which corresponds to a level at which, for example, the base 12 of the tape 26 is no longer in contact with the molding strip 102. The molding strip 102 can be configured to block the release roller 108, i.e., the release roller 108 can form a lever on the molding strip 102 to facilitate the release of the preform and / or hook.

[0141] In the illustrated example, the cavity 102C of the molding strip 102 is a through-cavity. The apparatus can then include elements such as a scraper 110 arranged to scrape the inner surface 102A of the molding strip 102 to remove excess molding material as needed. "Injection" means the operation of shaping the molding material by a melting process, such as dispensing, feeding, molding, injecting, extruding.

[0142] The above-described apparatus and related methods can also have means and steps for attaching a strip 22 of non-woven (or woven) material to the base 12.

[0143] Such an association of the strip 22 on the base 12 with the holding element 16 is generally achieved by an adhesive, or by melting the base or the strip, and / or by mechanical fixing.

[0144] For example, to fix a strip 22 of non-woven material to the base 12 of the holding device 10, the proposed apparatus 100 can comprise drive means for the strip 22 suitable for carrying out a strip supply and applying the strip to the lower face 12B of the base 12 downstream of the material distribution means 106.

[0145] Figures 4 and 5 schematically show an example of an apparatus 100 comprising such means.

[0146] The apparatus shown is similar to the apparatus presented previously with reference to Figure 3. Therefore, common elements will not be described again here.

[0147] As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the proposed apparatus comprises strip drive means 112, here consisting of two rollers 112A, 112B, configured to carry out a strip 22 supply downstream of the material distribution means 106.

[0148] The strip 22 is generally a non-woven material, a thermoplastic film, an elastic film or a composite film, or a thermally reinforced set of layers of fibres and / or filaments. The strip 22 is, for example, a web of fibres and / or filaments.

[0149] In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the strip is represented as a layer of non-woven material.

[0150] The substrate drive means 110 is configured to supply the strip 22 to the apparatus and apply this strip 22 to the lower face 12B of the base 12 downstream of the material distribution means 106.

[0151] The substrate driving means 110 is configured such that this coating is performed before the solidification of the base 12. Therefore, this application causes at least a partial penetration of the strip 22 beyond the plane defined by the lower surface 12B of the base 12. The reference sign B in the figure identifies the contact point between the base 12 and the strip 22.

[0152] More specifically, the lower surface 12B of the base 12 is substantially planar and defines a plane. The application of the substrate to this surface causes the penetration of a portion of the strip 22, for example, the fibers and / or filaments of the non-woven material layer of the strip 22, when the strip 22 is a non-woven material layer within the base 12, thereby passing through the lower surface 12B of the base 12.

[0153] As long as such a coating is performed before the solidification of the base 12, there is no need to heat the base 12 and / or the strip 22 to achieve such a bond.

[0154] As an example, considering a base 12 made of polypropylene, the application of the substrate to the lower surface 12B of the base 12 is generally performed when the lower surface 12B of the base 12 has a temperature between the melting temperature of the material and 30 °C below the Vicat B softening temperature of the material constituting it, or between the melting temperature of the material constituting it and the Vicat A softening temperature of the material constituting it. More specifically, when the base contains a polypropylene-based material, the lower surface 12B of the base 12 has a temperature between 75 °C and 150 °C, generally about 105 °C, and this temperature is generally measured using an infrared or laser camera. "Vicat softening temperature" means the temperature obtained according to one of the methods described in ISO 306 or ASTM D 1525 standards, the heating rate is 50 °C / h, the normalized load for Vicat B is 50 N, and the normalized load for Vicat A is 10 N.

[0155] The strip 22 can be applied uniformly or non-uniformly to the lower surface 12B of the base 12.

[0156] The bond achieved between the strip 22 and the base 12 can be achieved uniformly or non-uniformly.

[0157] When the strip 22 is a set of heat-strengthened fibers and / or filaments, the bond with the base 12 is also achieved by the penetration of some of the fibers and / or filaments of the strip 22 into the base 12.

[0158] When the strip 22 is a set of, for example, thermally strengthened 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 bond with the base, and this shrinkage supports the bonding surface between the substrate and the base of the tape. This shrinkage does not affect the visual appearance of the end user.

[0159] When the strip 22 is a layer of non-woven material, even a non-woven material with a basis weight less than 80 g / m 2 (mass of the material in grams per square meter of the non-woven material), the release of the hook is easily performed. By way of example, the basis weight of the non-woven material may be 5 g / m 2 ~120 g / m 2 or 25 g / m 2 ~100 g / m 2 or 10 g / m 2 ~70 g / m 2 and may be.

[0160] When the strip 22 is a layer of non-woven material, the apparatus can comprise a calendering device upstream of the substrate driving means 112, thus enabling the step of locally or non-locally calendering the layer of non-woven material before application to the base 12.

[0161] This mode of fixing the strip 12 to the base 12 provided with the holding element 16 is particularly advantageous in that it does not cause deformation of the base 12, and thus preferably enables the shape of the base 12 obtained during the injection step to be maintained, in particular the straight edges that can be obtained by the methods and apparatuses described above.

[0162] This mode of fixing the substrate to the tape can be applied to the method for forming a tape as described above, or more generally, to any other method for forming a tape including holding elements such as hooks only.

[0163] Figures 6 and 7 respectively show a tape portion 26 obtained by the device 100 of FIG. 4 and a view of the pattern 14 taken separately.

[0164] The illustrated tape portion 26 has several discontinuous patterns 14, and each pattern 14 is formed from a plurality of holding elements.

[0165] Each pattern 14 is surrounded by a region lacking holding elements, and thus defines a flat or substantially flat region on the upper surface 12A of the base 12.

[0166] The pattern 14 is formed by a series of rows and columns of holding elements, and the columns and rows are arranged along the main direction DP and the sub-direction DS respectively. The rows and columns are each formed from one or several holding elements aligned along the sub-direction DS or the main direction DP as required. The rows of holding elements generally comprise 1 to 1,000 holding elements, and more particularly, 2 to 500 holding elements. The columns of holding elements generally comprise 1 to 1,000 holding elements, and more particularly, 2 to 750 holding elements.

[0167] 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 sub-direction DS.

[0168] The main direction DP generally corresponds to the machine direction MD of the forming strip 102 described above, and the sub-direction DS generally corresponds to the cross direction CD of the forming strip 102 described above.

[0169] The different horizontal rows and vertical columns are generally arranged at equal intervals according to the secondary interval and the primary interval respectively. The primary interval and the secondary interval may be equal or different. Alternatively, the horizontal rows are arranged at equal intervals according to a first secondary interval and a second secondary interval, the second secondary interval is not an integer multiple of the first secondary interval, the first secondary interval is smaller than the second secondary interval, and / or the vertical columns are arranged at equal intervals according to a first primary interval and a second primary interval, the second primary interval is not an integer multiple of the first primary interval, and the first primary interval is smaller than the second primary interval.

[0170] Each pattern 14 is generally surrounded by a region on the upper surface of the base lacking the holding element, and the region has a dimension greater than exactly twice the primary interval along the main direction DP and / or greater than exactly twice the secondary interval along the secondary direction DS.

[0171] The holding elements 16 defining the horizontal rows and vertical columns can be arranged in a staggered manner, which results in particular from the configuration of the cavities 102C of the forming strip 102 already used in the manufacture of the holding device as previously described.

[0172] Each pattern 14 is generally surrounded by a region on the upper surface 12A of the base 12 lacking the holding element, and is generally positioned at a distance of at least 1.5 mm, and in some cases at least 2.5 mm, from the edge of the upper surface 12A of the base 12. "The edge of the base 12" means, for example, the end of the base 12 along the main direction DS or the secondary direction DS.

[0173] The different horizontal rows and vertical columns of the holding elements are shown in FIG. 7.

[0174] This figure identifies the horizontal rows L1 - L9 continuously extending along the main direction DP from one end of the pattern 12 and the vertical columns C1 - C5 extending within the pattern 12.

[0175] The holding elements 16 are counted for each of the horizontal rows L1 - L9 for a given pattern.

[0176] In the case of the pattern shown in FIG. 7, the horizontal rows have the following numbers of holding elements. That is, L1: 4, L2: 8, L3: 9, L4: 10, L5: 11, L6: 12, L7: 13, L8: 12, L9: 17.

[0177] Similarly, for the pattern represented in FIG. 7, the holding element 16 is counted in each of the vertical columns C1 to C5. That is, C1: 27, C2: 26, C3: 27, C4: 26, C5: 25.

[0178] Therefore, the proposed pattern 12 has at least two horizontal rows and / or two vertical columns having different numbers of holding elements. More generally, the proposed pattern has at least X horizontal rows and / or X vertical columns of holding elements having different numbers of holding elements, where X is equal to 2, and in some cases equal to 3 or 4 or 5, or more generally X is a natural number included between Xmin and Xmax, and Xmin can 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 Xmax can be equal to, for example, 500 or 450 or 400 or 350 or 300 or 250 or 200 or 150 or 100 or 50.

[0179] The pattern formed in this way can have different shapes, unlike the continuous and uniform patterns generally generated for holding elements.

[0180] Furthermore, for a given pattern, at least two horizontal rows and / or vertical columns have different numbers of holding elements, and the difference in the number of holding elements between the two horizontal rows or two vertical columns is 1 or more, more specifically 2 or more, and further 3 or 4 or 5 or more.

[0181] Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 7, considering the horizontal rows L1 to L9 and the vertical columns C1 to C5, the represented pattern includes the following. - Three vertical columns having different numbers of holding elements, where the difference in the number of holding elements here is 1 or more (for example, vertical columns C1, C2, and C5). - Two vertical columns with different numbers of holding elements, where the difference in the number of holding elements here is equal to 2 (for example, columns C1 and C5). - Eight horizontal rows with different numbers of holding elements, where the difference in the number of holding elements here is 1 or more (for example, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L9). - Two horizontal rows with different numbers of holding elements, where the difference in the number of holding elements here is equal to 4 (for example, L1 and L2, or L2 and L8).

[0182] Furthermore, for each pair of successively arranged horizontal or vertical rows, the variation in the number of holding elements between the horizontal or vertical rows of the pair is generally 10 or less, or 15 or less.

[0183] More generally, for each pair of successively arranged horizontal or vertical rows, the variation in the number of holding elements between the horizontal or vertical rows of the pair is generally 40%, 30%, or 15% or less of the maximum number of holding elements in the horizontal rows of the pattern. For each pair of successively arranged vertical columns, the variation in the number of holding elements between the horizontal or vertical rows of the pair is generally 40%, 30%, or 15% or less of the maximum number of holding elements in the vertical columns of the pattern. Such characteristics make it possible to adjust the force required to release the engagement of the holding device when the holding elements engage with complementary elements such as holding elements or non-woven materials. Such products are also easier to manufacture, especially easier to release from the molding device.

[0184] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the pattern 12 is outlined here by ribs 13 that form a continuous contour around the pattern 14a. In the example shown, the ribs 13 have a rectangular cross-section. However, it is understood that the ribs 13 in contact with the pattern 14a can have any cross-section and can be continuous or discontinuous.

[0185] FIGS. 8 to 11 show other examples of patterns that can be formed by holding elements and thus can be formed by the cavities used to form the holding elements.

[0186] These figures show the main direction DP and the secondary direction DS.

[0187] The different relationships between the numbers of holding elements or cavities in different rows and columns of the patterns already described with reference to FIG. 7 also apply to the patterns shown in FIGS. 8 to 11.

[0188] The different patterns presented here have an outer contour, for example, having a diameter of about 24 mm or more generally from 10 mm to 45 mm, which here is inscribed in a circle. The patterns here are formed by regions lacking holding elements within the outer contour. It is understood that the geometric shape of the outer contour may vary and is not limited to a circle.

[0189] In the case of the pattern shown in FIG. 8, the region lacking holding elements defines a pattern of the type of the iris flower. In the case of the pattern shown in FIG. 9, the region lacking holding elements defines a pattern representing a rose. In the case of the pattern shown in FIG. 10, the region lacking holding elements defines a pattern representing a flower. In the case of the pattern shown in FIG. 11, the region lacking holding elements defines a pattern representing a burdock flower. FIG. 12 is a modification of FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a modification of FIG. 9.

[0190] As can be seen in these figures, the density of the holding elements (or cavities) can vary. Thus, FIGS. 8, 9, 11, and 12 show patterns generated with a density of holding elements (or cavities) of about 1,093 pieces / cm 2 and FIGS. 10 and 13 show patterns generated with a density of holding elements (or cavities) of about 273 pieces / cm 2 As can be seen in FIGS. 8 to 13, for each pattern, at least one row and / or at least one column includes at least two groups of discontinuous holding elements (or cavities) separated by regions lacking holding elements or cavities.

[0191]

[0192] ​The term "region lacking a holding element or cavity" means a region where a holding element or cavity would normally be present by following the pitch of the holding element or cavity.

[0193] Considering that the horizontal and vertical rows of holding elements are equally spaced according to the sub-spacing and main-spacing respectively, at least one region lacking a holding element included in the region defined by the outer contour of each pattern has a dimension along the main direction DP that is strictly greater than twice the main-spacing, and a dimension along the sub-direction DS that is strictly greater than twice the sub-spacing.

[0194] Similarly, considering that the horizontal and vertical rows of cavities are equally spaced according to the transverse-spacing and machine-spacing respectively, at least one region lacking a holding element included in the region 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 transverse direction CD that is strictly greater than twice the transverse-spacing.

[0195] According to one example, for each pattern, the ratio between the surface of the region lacking a holding element (or cavity) included in the outer contour and the surface provided with the holding element (or cavity) is less than 1. The surface of the pattern is defined as the surface covered by a circle having a radius corresponding to the average pitch, the center of which is respectively arranged at the center of the holding element (or cavity) in top view, and the circumference of each circle passes through the center of at least one adjacent holding element (or cavity). The average pitch can correspond to the distance separating two adjacent holding elements (or cavities). At least one region lacking a holding element is the surface not covered by the pattern surface.

[0196] According to one example, for each pattern, at least one region lacking a holding element (or cavity) included in the pattern, or for example each region, has a width and a length, in which case the ratio of the length to the width is strictly greater than 1.2, particularly strictly greater than 1.5.

[0197] According to one example, the pattern (or each pattern) is defined by an outer contour, and the pattern (or each pattern) comprises at least one region lacking a holding element (or cavity) within the region defined by its outer contour. The inner contour has at least one locally elongated portion defining a local center line that is spaced from or instead of or in addition to less than 20%, in particular less than 15%, of the dimensions of the pattern along the main and / or secondary directions from the local inner contour, less than 10 mm, or less than 5 mm, in particular less than 3 mm, more particularly less than 2 mm, and more specifically less than 1 mm from the local inner contour, and at a distance greater than (or strictly greater than) the average pitch of the holding elements in the pattern under consideration. Such a center line Lm is shown in FIG. 9. The circular region lacking the holding element does not have a median value within the scope of the meaning of this document. Thus, the holding device enables a more detailed and accurate display of the pattern while having a maximum grip. The local center line includes a straight portion and / or a curved portion. The length of the center line of at least one inner contour is generally longer than 10 mm, or for example longer than 12 mm. The total length of the center lines of the inner contours of the pattern is generally greater than 12 mm, for example greater than 15 mm, and / or generally less than 600 mm, for example less than 400 mm, and more specifically less than 200 mm.

[0198] In addition to or independently of the various characteristics described above, each of the holding elements 16 can be made 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 holding element 16 is generally manufactured such that for a given pattern 14, the dimensions of the heads of the holding elements of the pattern decrease between the first end and the second end of the pattern.

[0199] More specifically, generally for each pattern of the tape, a first direction of a pattern that can be, for example, the main direction DP or the sub - direction DS is defined in consideration of a predetermined pattern, and a holding element 16 that forms a first end portion of the pattern and a second end portion of the pattern along the first direction is determined. Each of the holding elements 16 has a head with a maximum dimension measured along a second direction. The holding element 16 forming the first end portion of the pattern has a head with a first maximum dimension. The holding element forming the second end portion of the pattern has a head with a second maximum dimension. The second maximum dimension is strictly smaller than the first maximum dimension. The holding element 16 forming the first end portion and the holding element 16 forming the second end portion are arranged in the same vertical or horizontal row. The first direction is the direction MD. The first direction is the direction MD, and the direction from the first end portion to the second end portion is the direction MD.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the maximum dimension of the head of the holding element decreases from the first end portion to the second end portion of the pattern, and generally strictly decreases.

[0201] According to an example, the ratio of the second maximum dimension to the first maximum dimension is from 1.01 to 1.60, particularly from 1.01 to 1.35, more specifically from 1.02 to 1.15, and in some cases from 1.03 to 1.12.

[0202] Such a change in the maximum dimension of the head of the holding element makes it possible to modulate the force required to disengage the holding element by considering the peeling force from the first end portion to the second end portion of the pattern.

[0203] The holding device generally has a 180° peeling force that is strictly greater than 0.02 N along the main direction DP and / or along the sub - direction DS, and in some cases strictly greater than 0.1 N.

[0204] The "180° peeling" method is a method that enables measurement of the peeling force, that is, the force that separates the assembly (here, the holding device) from the application area. This method will be described below.

[0205] Adjustment of the sample - Adjust the sample to be tested at 23 °C + / - 2 °C and 50% + / - 5% relative humidity for 2 hours.

[0206] Preparation of the holding device - The holding device is generally in the form of a tape with a length in the main direction DP or the secondary direction DS. A part of the tape along the main direction DP or the secondary direction DS is adhered to a paper of 80 g / cm 2 and a 2 kg roller is applied or rotated in one direction and then in the other direction (back and forth) over the entire length of the tape portion to the holding device. The paper and the holding device are cut into bands 25.4 mm wide in the main direction DP or the secondary direction DS at a speed of about 700 mm / min. Each band of the paper has a length of 210 mm and the anti-slip strip is arranged at the center of this band.

[0207] Preparation of the application area - The sample of the application area has a width of 50 mm in the main direction DP or the secondary direction DS, for example, depending on the size of the holding device, and a length of up to 200 mm, and the sample is cut in half depending on the length.

[0208] Assembly - The band is placed on the sample of the application area such that the holding device is arranged at the center of the sample of the application area. Apply or rotate a 2 kg roller in one direction on the band and then in the other direction (back and forth) over the entire length of the band at a speed of about 700 mm / min. Place the sample from the application area into a recessed clamp with a 1 kg weight suspended from below the band and the cut surface within the clamp in 10 seconds. Then the weight is removed. This step ensures the assembly of the holding device and the sample from the application area.

[0209] Measurement - Next, the assembly is placed in a tensile testing machine equipped with a 100 N (Newton) measurement cell. The band is inserted into the upper (movable) jaw. The force measurement cell reading is set to 0. Insert the sample in the application area into the lower jaw (fixed) and generate a slight tension. The force should be included between 0.02 N and 0.05 N. During installation, the jaws are 50 mm apart from each other. The assembly is at the center between the two jaws. The test is carried out at a constant displacement at a speed of 305 mm / min, and the test run is 50 mm. This test run is adapted according to the width of the holding device to be tested.

[0210] To manufacture such a tape 26 with the holding element 16, it is understood that the forming strip 102 used in the apparatus 100 has a cavity 102C having a configuration similar to the configuration of the holding element.

[0211] Therefore, to form a predetermined pattern of the holding elements, it is understood that the forming strip 102 used has functional cavities 102C arranged in a similar pattern. Non - functioning cavities are here assimilated as if there were no cavities.

[0212] More generally, the forming strip 102 has a plurality of cavities 102C arranged in rows and columns extending along the transverse direction CD and the machine direction MD respectively, and the cavities 102C open on the outer surface of the forming strip 102.

[0213] The rows of cavities generally comprise from 1 to 1,000 cavities. The columns of cavities generally comprise from 1 to 1,000 cavities.

[0214] The cavities 102C are arranged to form a pattern, generally a discontinuous pattern, on the outer surface of the forming strip 102. Each pattern is formed by a plurality of rows and columns of cavities 102C.

[0215] Different patterns are generally separated.

[0216] The forming strip can have one or several patterns, which can be repeated on the forming strip.

[0217] The different horizontal rows and vertical columns are generally arranged at equal intervals according to the transverse interval and the machine interval respectively. The transverse interval and the machine interval may be equal or different. According to other examples, the horizontal rows are arranged at equal intervals according to the first transverse interval and according to the second transverse interval, the second transverse interval is not an integer multiple of the first transverse interval, the first transverse interval is smaller than the second transverse interval, and / or the vertical columns are arranged at equal intervals according to the first machine interval and according to the second machine interval, the second machine interval is not an integer multiple of the first machine interval, and the first machine interval is smaller than the second machine interval.

[0218] Each pattern is generally surrounded by an area of the outer surface of the forming strip lacking holding elements, and the area has a dimension strictly larger than twice the machine interval along the machine direction MD and / or a dimension strictly larger than twice the transverse interval along the transverse direction CD.

[0219] The cavities 102C defining the horizontal rows and vertical columns can be arranged in a staggered manner.

[0220] Each pattern is generally surrounded by an area without cavities on the outer surface of the forming strip, and is generally arranged at a distance of at least 1.5 mm, and in some cases at least 2.5 mm, from the edge of the outer surface of the forming strip. The "edge of the forming strip" means, for example, the end of the forming strip along the machine direction MD or the transverse direction CD.

[0221] Thus, with respect to the retaining element, the pattern formed by the cavities has at least two rows and / or two columns with different numbers of cavities. More generally, the proposed pattern has at least Y rows and / or Y columns with different numbers of cavities, where Y is equal to 2, or in some cases equal to 3 or 4 or 5, or more generally Y is a natural number included between Ymin and Ymax, and Ymin can 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 can be equal to, for example, 500 or 450 or 400 or 350 or 300 or 250 or 200 or 150 or 100 or 50.

[0222] Furthermore, for a given pattern, at least two rows and / or columns have different numbers of cavities, and the difference in the number of cavities between the two rows or two columns is 1 or more, more specifically 2 or more, or 3 or 4 or 5 or more.

[0223] Furthermore, for each pair of successively arranged rows or columns, the variation in the number of cavities between the rows or columns of the pair is generally 10 or less, or even more specifically 15 or less.

[0224] More generally, for each pair of successively arranged rows, the variation in the number of cavities between the rows or columns of the pair is generally 40%, 30% or 15% or less of the maximum number of cavities in the rows of the pattern. For each pair of successively arranged columns, the variation in the number of cavities between the rows or columns of the pair is generally 40%, 30% or 15% or less of the maximum number of cavities in the columns of the pattern.

[0225] Alternatively, the pattern can have other shapes, such as a chrysanthemum, a thistle or a cotton flower or other flower shapes such as an animal, a logo, a word or a "QR Code (registered trademark)".

[0226] Instead of FIGS. 6 to 13, the pattern can be in different orientations, for example at an angle of 90 degrees.

[0227] Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent 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, the individual features of different illustrated / mentioned embodiments can be combined in further embodiments. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be considered in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense.

[0228] It is also apparent that all the features described in connection with one method can be replaced, alone or in combination, by one device, and conversely, all the features described in connection with one device can be replaced, alone or in combination, by one method.

Claims

1. A base (12) having an upper surface (12A) and a lower surface (12B), extending along a main direction (DP), and having a width defined along a sub-direction (DS) perpendicular to the main direction (DP), and a thickness measured along a direction perpendicular to the main direction (DP) and the sub-direction (DS); and a base (12). A plurality of holding elements (16) extending on the upper surface (12A) of the base (12), each holding element (16) comprising a rod (18) with a head (24) attached thereon, the holding elements (16) being integrally formed with the base (12), and the holding elements (16) being arranged in rows and columns extending along the sub-direction (DS) and the main direction (DP), respectively; and the holding elements (16). A holding device (10) comprising: At least X rows and / or X columns of the holding device have a different number of holding elements (16), where X is equal to 2. The plurality of holding elements form one or several discontinuous patterns, each pattern being formed from a plurality of rows and columns of holding elements. Each pattern is defined by an outer contour (14A), and each pattern comprises at least one region lacking holding elements in the region defined by its outer contour (14A). For each pattern, at least one region lacking the holding elements (16) included in the pattern has a width and a length, and in this case, the ratio of the length to the width is greater than 1.

2. For each pattern, the maximum dimension of the head of the holding element decreases from the first end of the pattern to the second end of the pattern along the sub-direction. The holding device (10).

2. At least two rows and / or at least two columns of the holding device have a different number of holding elements, and the difference in the number of holding elements between the at least two rows and / or the at least two columns is 1 or more. The holding device (10) according to claim 1.

3. At least two rows and / or at least two columns of the holding device have a different number of holding elements, and the difference in the number of holding elements between the at least two rows and / or the at least two columns is 2 or more. The holding device (10) according to claim 2.

4. For each pattern, each pair of rows arranged continuously along the main direction (DP) has several holding elements, and the variation in the number thereof is 10 holding elements or less. The holding device (10) according to claim 1. **Claim 5** The holding device (10) according to claim 4, wherein for each pattern, each pair of rows arranged continuously along the main direction (DP) has several holding elements, and the variation in the number thereof is five or less holding elements. **Claim 6** The holding device (10) according to claim 1, wherein for each pattern, each pair of columns arranged continuously along the secondary direction (DS) has several holding elements (16), and the variation in the number thereof is fifteen or less holding elements (16). **Claim 7** The holding device (10) according to claim 6, wherein for each pattern, each pair of columns arranged continuously along the secondary direction (DS) has several holding elements (16), and the variation in the number thereof is five or less holding elements (16). **Claim 8** The holding device (10) according to claim 1, wherein each pattern is completely surrounded by a region of the upper surface (12A) of the base (12) lacking the holding elements (16), and is positioned at a distance exceeding 1.5 mm from the edge of the base (12). **Claim 9** The holding device (10) according to claim 8, wherein each pattern is completely surrounded by a region of the upper surface (12A) of the base (12) lacking the holding elements (16), and is positioned at a distance exceeding 2.5 mm from all edges of the base (12). **Claim 10** The holding device (10) according to claim 1, wherein each pattern has at least one row and / or at least one column comprising at least two groups of discontinuous holding elements (16) separated by regions lacking the holding elements (16). **Claim 11** The holding device (10) according to claim 1, wherein for each pattern, each region lacking the holding elements (16) included in the pattern has a width and a length, and in this case, the ratio of the length to the width is greater than 1.

2. **Claim 12** [[ID=1,5]]The holding device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the rows and columns are arranged at equal intervals according to each of the secondary interval and the main interval. **Claim 13** The holding device (10) according to claim 12, wherein each pattern is completely surrounded by a region of the upper surface (12A) of the base (12) lacking the holding elements (16), and the region has a dimension greater than twice the main interval along the main direction (DP) and / or greater than twice the secondary interval along the secondary direction (DS). **Claim 14** The at least one region lacking the retaining element (16) included in the region defined by the outer contour (14A) of each pattern has a dimension along the main direction (DP) greater than twice the main spacing and a dimension along the secondary direction (DS) greater than twice the secondary spacing, the retaining device (10) according to claim 12 or 13.

15. For each pattern, the ratio of the surface area of the region lacking the retaining element (16) included in the outer contour (14A) of the pattern to the surface area of the surface provided with the retaining element (16) is less than 1, the retaining device (10) according to claim 1.

16. A molding device (100) for forming the retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the molding device (100) comprises a molding strip (102) adapted to be attached to a support (104), the molding strip (102) extending along a machine direction (MD) and having a width defined along a transverse direction (CD) perpendicular to the machine direction (MD) and a thickness measured along a direction perpendicular to the machine direction (MD) and the transverse direction (CD), the molding strip having opposite inner and outer surfaces, the molding strip (102) having a plurality of cavities (102C) arranged in rows and columns extending along the transverse direction (CD) and the machine direction (MD) respectively, the cavities (102C) opening onto the outer surface (102B) of the molding strip (102), the cavities (102C) being configured to form a retaining element comprising a rod with a head attached thereon, in the molding device (100), at least Y rows and / or Y columns of the cavities (102C) of the molding strip (102) have a different number of cavities (102C), Y being equal to 2, the plurality of cavities (102C) form one or several discontinuous patterns, each pattern being formed from a plurality of rows and columns of cavities (102C), each pattern is defined by an outer contour and each pattern comprises at least one region lacking a cavity (102C) within the region defined by its outer contour, for each pattern, at least one region lacking a cavity (102C) included in the pattern has a width and a length such that the ratio of the length to the width is greater than 1.2, For each pattern, the cavity is configured such that the maximum dimension of the head of the holding element formed by the cavity decreases from the first end of the pattern to the second end of the pattern along the transverse direction (CD). Molding apparatus (100). **Claim 17** The molding apparatus (100) according to claim 16, wherein at least two horizontal rows and / or at least two vertical columns of the molding apparatus (100) have different numbers of cavities (102C), and the difference in the number of cavities (102C) between the at least two horizontal rows and / or the at least two vertical columns is 1 or more. **Claim 18** The molding apparatus (100) according to claim 17, wherein at least two horizontal rows and / or at least two vertical columns of the molding apparatus (100) have different numbers of cavities (102C), and the difference in the number of cavities (102C) between the at least two horizontal rows and / or the at least two vertical columns is 2 or more. **Claim 19** The molding apparatus (100) according to claim 16, wherein for each pattern, each pair of horizontally arranged rows that are continuously arranged along the machine direction (MD) has several cavities, and the variation in the number thereof is 40% or less of the maximum number of cavities (102C) in the horizontally arranged rows of the pair of horizontally arranged cavities (102C). **Claim 20** The molding apparatus (100) according to claim 19, wherein for each pattern, each pair of horizontally arranged rows that are continuously arranged along the machine direction (MD) has several cavities, and the variation in the number thereof is 30% or less of the maximum number of cavities (102C) in the horizontally arranged rows of the pair of horizontally arranged cavities (102C). **Claim 21** The molding apparatus (100) according to claim 16, wherein each pattern has at least one horizontal row and / or at least one vertical column comprising at least two discontinuous groups of cavities (102C) separated by regions lacking cavities (102C). **Claim 22** The molding apparatus (100) according to claim 16, wherein for each pattern, each region lacking cavities (102C) included in the pattern has a width and a length such that the ratio of the length to the width is greater than 1.

2. **Claim 23** The molding apparatus (100) according to claim 22, wherein for each pattern, at least one region lacking cavities (102C) included in the pattern has a width and a length such that the ratio of the length to the width is greater than 1.

5. **Claim 24** The vertical columns and the horizontal rows are arranged at equal intervals according to each of the transverse interval and the machine interval, respectively, the molding apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 16 to 23. [

25. ] Each pattern is completely surrounded by a region of the outer surface (102B) of the molding strip (102) lacking the cavity (102C), the region having dimensions greater than twice the machine interval along the machine direction (MD) and greater than twice the transverse interval along the transverse direction (CD), the molding apparatus (100) according to claim 24.

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