Holding device for protecting a holding element and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

1. A retaining device comprising a tape (10) having an upper surface (12) extending in a longitudinal direction (XX), said upper surface (12) being provided with retaining elements (20), wherein the upper surface (12) of the tape (10) comprises at least one strip (30) of material defining a contour (40) having an inner surface provided with the retaining elements (20), each of said at least one strip (30) having two ends associated in pairs, the ends being spaced apart from each other by a distance of 1 mm or less, and wherein said at least one strip (30) of material is formed by depositing material on the upper surface (12) of the tape (10).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates specifically to the field of hook-and-loop type retention systems for securing trim to foam. [Background technology]

[0002] Hook-and-loop type retention systems are commonly used to secure foam trim for e.g. vehicle seats or coatings.

[0003] A recurring problem concerns the integration and protection of the retaining elements in the trim. Indeed, the injection of foam tends to cover the retaining elements, thus rendering them inoperable. Various methods have been proposed to protect the retaining elements. However, these different methods involve significant constraints during production and / or limitations regarding the shape of the strips of retaining elements that can be produced in this way.

[0004] Thus, document WO 98 / 05232 provides an example of a trim fastening device and an associated manufacturing method, in which a coating is placed on a tape with hooks, which is then cut and partially removed to form a single continuous contour around the area of ​​the hooks. However, such a method has technical limitations.

[0005] This disclosure aims to at least partially overcome these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to at least partially overcome the aforementioned problems, the present disclosure relates to a retaining device comprising a tape having an upper surface extending along a longitudinal direction, said upper surface being provided with a retaining element, wherein the upper surface of the tape comprises at least one seam of material defining a contour having an inner surface provided with the retaining element, each of said at least one seam having two ends, said ends being associated in pairs, and the distance between the ends of each pair of ends being 1 mm or less.

[0007] According to one example, the top surface of the tape comprises at least two seams of material defining a contour, each of said at least two seams having two ends, said ends being associated in pairs, and the distance between the ends of each pair of ends being 1 mm or less.

[0008] The device may generally comprise a metal element extending longitudinally between the two seams.

[0009] According to one example, the retaining elements are arranged in several columns extending along the longitudinal direction, and each seam extends along a path that has a non-zero component along the longitudinal direction at all points.

[0010] According to one example, the seam is overlapped at at least one point in a vertical direction perpendicular to the top surface of the tape.

[0011] According to one example, the seam meets at least one point.

[0012] According to one example, each of said at least one seam has a width comprised between 0.3 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, and in other cases between 0.4 mm and 5 mm.

[0013] According to one example, at least one, and preferably each, of said retaining elements, in particular those arranged within the profile, has a maximum dimension "La", measured in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the upper surface of the tape, and each of said at least one seam has a width comprised between 0.2*La and 10*La, for example between 0.5*La and 10*La.

[0014] According to one example, the retaining element, which is preferably arranged within the contour, has a height Ha measured in a vertical direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the tape, and each of the at least one seam has a thickness, measured in the vertical direction, strictly greater than Ha.

[0015] According to one example, each of said seams includes at least one elastomeric material in its composition.

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

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

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

[0019] According to one example, the seam is formed to at least partially encompass the retaining element.

[0020] According to one example, the seam results from an extrusion molding.

[0021] According to one example, the tape comprises a base which is integrally formed with the holding element, for example resulting from injection and / or extrusion.

[0022] According to one example, the base is a woven fabric with ground and warp threads interwoven with one another. The proposed retaining device with seams therefore makes it possible to define a good compromise of flexibility of the retaining device, allowing easy positioning of the retaining device before the foaming operation, without the retaining device being too stiff and therefore felt by the user of the seat incorporating it.

[0023] According to one example, the base of the tape is a woven fabric comprising ground and warp threads interwoven with one another, the retaining elements being formed by threads at least partially disposed within the base.

[0024] According to one example, the threads forming the retaining elements are monofilament threads. According to one example, the threads forming the retaining elements are arranged on the base in the shape of a "V" and / or a "W" with heads at their two free ends.

[0025] According to one example, the seam is formed from a material that is non-porous and / or lacks open and / or closed cells.

[0026] According to one example, the tape comprises retaining elements arranged outside the profile and outside at least one seam to allow better mechanical fixation of the tape in the foam.

[0027] According to one example, the tape comprises retaining elements arranged outside the contour and at least one seam to allow for better mechanical fixation of the tape in the foam. These retaining elements forming the anchors are, for example, arranged in particular at the corners of the retaining device and / or define at least two separate, in particular two opposing, fastening areas. These retaining elements forming the anchors of the retaining device generally define at least X separate fastening areas, where X is an even integer between 4 and 100, and the X fastening areas are in particular opposite each other and / or regularly distributed around the contour and / or arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the retaining device (which center line extends substantially along the longitudinal direction and is equidistant from the side edges of the retaining device).

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

[0029] According to one example, the retaining device comprises means for fastening to the foam attached to the side of the base of the tape opposite the side comprising the retaining elements.

[0030] According to one example, the means for fastening to the foam is formed from loops, e.g. a knit comprising loops, and optionally a support film, and the means for fastening to the foam is fixed to the side of the base of the tape opposite the side comprising the holding elements, e.g. with an adhesive, e.g. an adhesive comprising magnetic particles.

[0031] According to one example, the seam is located on the outside of walls and / or ribs formed on the tape and / or on the base of the tape.

[0032] According to one example, each seam is continuous and formed from the same material.

[0033] According to one example, each contour is bounded by at least one seam and the perimeter of the contour is generally comprised between 30 mm and 2050 mm.

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

[0035] According to one example, each retaining element comprises a rod and a head, and the retaining elements cooperate with a counterpart comprising a loop to create a "male-female" type hook-and-loop closure.

[0036] According to one example, each retaining element has a rod and a head, and the retaining elements cooperate with each other having a rod and a head to create a "male-male" hook and loop closure.

[0037] According to one example, each retaining element forms at least one loop, and the retaining elements cooperate with each other, each comprising a rod and a head, to create a "female-male" type hook-and-loop closure.

[0038] This disclosure also a tape is provided having an upper surface extending along a longitudinal direction, said upper surface being provided with a holding element, at least one seam of material is formed on the upper surface of the tape by deposition of material to define a contour, each of said at least one seam having two ends, said ends being associated in pairs, the distance between the ends of each pair of ends being 1 mm or less; The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a retention device.

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

[0040] According to one example, the tape is provided with metal elements extending along its length, the seams being formed in pairs, one on each side of the metal element.

[0041] According to one example, the deposition of material is performed by an injection nozzle which deposits material on the upper surface of a tape, said tape being moved in a longitudinal direction.

[0042] According to one example, said seam of material is overlapped at at least one point in a vertical direction perpendicular to the top surface of the tape.

[0043] According to one example, the seam of material meets at least one point.

[0044] According to one example, each of said at least one seam has a width comprised between 0.3 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, and in other cases between 0.4 mm and 5 mm.

[0045] According to one example, the retaining elements, preferably arranged within the contour, have a maximum dimension "La" measured in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the upper surface of the tape, and each of the at least one seam has a width comprised between 0.5*La and 10*La.

[0046] According to one example, the retaining element, preferably arranged within the contour, has a height "Ha" measured in a vertical direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the tape, and each of the at least one seam has a thickness, measured in a vertical direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the tape, that is strictly greater than Ha.

[0047] According to one example, each of said seams includes at least one elastomeric material in its composition.

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

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

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

[0051] According to one example, the seam is formed to at least partially encompass the retaining element.

[0052] According to one example, the seam results from an extrusion molding.

[0053] According to one example, the tape comprises a base which is integrally formed with the holding element, for example resulting from injection and / or extrusion.

[0054] According to one example, the base is a woven fabric with ground and warp threads interwoven with one another. The proposed retaining device with seams therefore makes it possible to define a good compromise of flexibility of the retaining device, allowing easy positioning of the retaining device before the foaming operation, without the retaining device being too stiff and therefore felt by the user of the seat incorporating it.

[0055] According to one example, the base of the tape is a woven fabric comprising ground and warp threads interwoven with one another, the retaining elements being formed by threads at least partially disposed within the base.

[0056] According to one example, the threads forming the retaining elements are monofilament threads. According to one example, the threads forming the retaining elements are arranged on the base in the shape of a "V" and / or a "W" with heads at their two free ends.

[0057] According to one example, the seam is formed from a material that is non-porous and / or lacks open and / or closed cells.

[0058] According to one example, the tape comprises retaining elements arranged outside the profile and outside at least one seam to allow better mechanical fixation of the tape in the foam.

[0059] According to one example, the tape comprises retaining elements arranged outside the contour and at least one seam to allow for better mechanical fixation of the tape in the foam. These retaining elements forming the anchors are, for example, arranged in particular at the corners of the retaining device and / or define at least two separate, in particular two opposing, fastening areas. These retaining elements forming the anchors of the retaining device generally define at least X separate fastening areas, where X is an even integer between 4 and 100, and the X fastening areas are in particular opposite each other and / or regularly distributed around the contour and / or arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the retaining device (which center line extends substantially along the longitudinal direction and is equidistant from the side edges of the retaining device).

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

[0061] According to one example, the retaining device comprises means for fastening to the foam attached to the side of the base of the tape opposite the side comprising the retaining elements.

[0062] According to one example, the means for fastening to the foam is formed from loops, e.g. a knit comprising loops, and optionally a support film, and the means for fastening to the foam is fixed to the side of the base of the tape opposite the side comprising the holding elements, e.g. with an adhesive, e.g. an adhesive comprising magnetic particles.

[0063] According to one example, the seam is located on the outside of walls and / or ribs formed on the tape and / or on the base of the tape.

[0064] According to one example, each seam is continuous and formed from the same material.

[0065] According to one example, each contour is bounded by at least one seam and the perimeter of the contour is generally comprised between 30 mm and 2050 mm.

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

[0067] According to one example, each retaining element comprises a rod and a head, and the retaining elements cooperate with a counterpart comprising a loop to create a "male-female" type hook-and-loop closure.

[0068] According to one example, each retaining element has a rod and a head, and the retaining elements cooperate with each other having a rod and a head to create a "male-male" hook and loop closure.

[0069] According to one example, each retaining element forms at least one loop, and the retaining elements cooperate with each other, each comprising a rod and a head, to create a "female-male" type hook-and-loop closure.

[0070] According to one example, after the material seams are manufactured, the tape is cut around each contour defined by the material seams.

[0071] This disclosure also relates to seats, such as car seats, a foam object; a cap adapted to cover at least a portion of the foam body; a retaining device as defined above; Equipped with A retainer is disposed within the foam body to allow at least one attachment to be formed between the foam body and the cap.

[0072] According to one example, the retainer is integral with the foam. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

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

[0074] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of an apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0075] [Figure 2] 10 shows a schematic diagram of another example of an apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0076] [Figure 3] 10 shows a schematic diagram of another example of an apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0077] [Figure 4] 10 shows a schematic diagram of another example of an apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0078] [Figure 5] 10 shows a schematic diagram of another example of an apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0079] [Figure 6]10 shows a schematic diagram of another example of an apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0080] [Figure 7] 10 shows a schematic diagram of another example of an apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0081] [Figure 8] 10 shows a schematic diagram of another example of an apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0082] [Figure 9] 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the proposed device;

[0083] [Figure 10A] 10 shows a schematic diagram of another example of an apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0084] [Figure 10B] A modification of FIG. 10A is shown.

[0085] [Figure 11A] 10 shows a schematic diagram of another example of an apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0086] [Figure 11B] A modification of FIG. 11A is shown.

[0087] [Figure 12] An example of a retention element is shown schematically in cross section in FIG. 11B.

[0088] In all figures, common elements are identified by the same reference numbers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0089] FIG. 1 shows an example of a holding device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] The proposed device comprises a tape 10 having a substantially flat upper surface 12. The tape 10 extends along a longitudinal direction XX. A transverse direction YY is defined, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction XX and extends in a plane defined by the upper surface 12 of the tape 10. A vertical direction ZZ is also defined, which is perpendicular to the plane defined by the longitudinal direction XX and the transverse direction YY, i.e. perpendicular to the upper surface 12 of the tape 10. The tape generally comprises weft and warp threads that form a woven fabric.

[0091] The upper surface 12 of the tape 10 is provided with retaining elements 20. The retaining elements may be, for example, hooks adapted to cooperate with other hooks or loops to provide a hook-and-loop type connection. The tape 10 may have, for example, a base resulting from injection and / or extrusion molding which may be integrally formed with the retaining elements 20.

[0092] The retaining elements 20 are generally arranged to form a line extending along the longitudinal direction, the spacing between two consecutive retaining elements 20 in the longitudinal direction defining a pitch in the longitudinal direction. The different rows of retaining elements are generally arranged such that the retaining elements define a row in the transverse direction YY, or in a staggered manner, i.e. two consecutive rows are offset in the longitudinal direction by half the pitch.

[0093] The device includes a seam 30 formed on the top surface 12 of the tape 10 .

[0094] Seam 30 is formed by depositing material onto top surface 12 of tape 10, for example, as described below. Seam 30 typically results from extrusion. Seam 30 is typically formed from a material that is non-porous and / or lacks open and / or closed cells.

[0095] In the example shown in FIG. 1, four seams 30 are shown, said seams being formed on the top surface 12 of the tape 10, which are indicated respectively by 30a, 30b, 30c and 30d, or more generally by adding the index a, b, c or d to indicate the relevant seam or part thereof.

[0096] In the illustrated example, the seams 30 are arranged in pairs, each pair defining one or more contours. As can be seen in Figure 1, the seams 30a and 30b are here symmetrical or substantially symmetrical and have a non-linear profile in the longitudinal direction. Profile refers to the locus of the seam 30 considered on the upper surface 12 of the tape 10, generally the projection on the plane defined by the longitudinal direction XX and the transverse direction ZZ of the curve passing through the center of the portion of the seam 30 considered.

[0097] Thus, the seams 30a, 30b have separate portions 30a1, 30b1 spaced apart from one another and portions 30a2, 30b2 where the seams 30a, 30b meet. Two consecutive portions 30a2 thus define contours 40, each having an inner surface on which a retaining element 20 is disposed. Here, a contour is defined by one or more seams 30 such that the ends of the seams defining the considered contour are not spaced apart by more than 1 mm, the distance being measured, for example, in a direction parallel to the top surface 12 of the tape 10. The various contours 40 generally have a maximum dimension measured in the plane defined by the top surface 12 of the tape 10 comprised between 0 mm and 50 mm, or between 0 mm and 30 mm.

[0098] The contour 40 (excluding the dimensions of the seams) includes at least one length extending along the longitudinal direction XX and at least one width extending along the transverse direction YY. The contour 40 includes at least two different widths, which are preferably non-zero, and / or the contour 40 includes at least two different lengths, which are preferably non-zero. The contour 40 has a central portion and two longitudinal ends, the width of which at the central portion is greater than at least one of the widths of at least one of the longitudinal ends.

[0099] Each contour 40 is bounded by at least one seam 30, the perimeter of the contour 40 generally being comprised between 30 mm and 2050 mm.

[0100] The ratio of the perimeter of the profile 40 to the width of the seam 30 is generally greater than 3, in particular greater than 10, in particular greater than 30, and / or less than 8000, in particular less than 7000, in particular less than 4000.

[0101] Seams 30c and 30d have similar contours to seams 30a and 30b, respectively.

[0102] In the illustrated example, the portions 30a2 and 30b2 meet in the longitudinal direction XX without the seams 30a and 30b overlapping, ie, the seams 30a and 30b do not overlap in the vertical direction ZZ.

[0103] The seams 30 form a sealing means around each contour 40. More specifically, when the top surface 12 of the tape 10 as shown is placed against a flat surface, the seams 30 allow the separation of the different contours 40. It is therefore possible to inject a material, such as foam, around the various contours 40 while preventing the injected material from penetrating into the contours 40, thus protecting the retaining elements 10 arranged in the contours and preventing them from being covered with a material that could render them non-functional. Note that the contours are not necessarily strictly closed. The ends of a seam may or may not be continuous. There may be a maximum distance of 1 mm between two ends of the same seam or several seams that define the contour 40 under consideration. The maximum distance "e" is measured from one seam end and is the smallest distance (usually less than 5 mm) separating that end from the associated other end or from a portion located near the associated other end. Such a contour can be described as closed insofar as it is observed that such spacing of 1 mm or less is sufficient to provide a sealing effect that prevents penetration of materials such as foam into contour 40.

[0104] Seam 30 is generally formed to completely or partially surround retaining element 20. The retaining element 20 covered by seam 30 is shown in dotted lines. Seam 30 is generally located on the outside of a wall or rib formed in tape 10 and / or the base of tape 10.

[0105] For each seam 30, its maximum dimension, the length, its maximum dimension in the vertical direction ZZ, the thickness, and its maximum dimension in the direction perpendicular to its length and its height, the width, are defined.

[0106] Thus, if the retaining element 20 is considered to have a maximum dimension "La" measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the upper surface of the tape, the seam 30 has a width comprised between 0.5*La and 10*La, in particular between 0.5*La and 3*La.

[0107] According to one example, each of said at least one seam has a width of 0.3 mm to 10 mm, or 0.5 mm to 10 mm, or in particular 0.4 mm to 5 mm.

[0108] If the retaining element 20 is considered to have a height Ha measured in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the tape, the seam 30 has a thickness measured in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the tape that is comprised between 0.98 Ha and 2 Ha, generally strictly greater than 1.00 Ha, generally comprised between Ha and 1.5 Ha, or comprised between 1.01 Ha and 1.5 Ha.

[0109] FIG. 12 shows an example of a shape of the retaining element 20, commonly referred to herein as a "mushroom," comprising a rod having a generally cylindrical shape of revolution, surmounted by a head having the shape of a portion of a sphere. The figure also shows the maximum dimension La, height Ha, and thickness E of the tape 10. This embodiment is not limiting, and it is clearly understood that the retaining element may have other shapes, such as a shape commonly referred to as a "quatrelobe," comprising a rod having a cross section in the shape of a "+" or "cross" in a plane perpendicular to the direction of extension of the rod, surmounted by a head having four attachment portions, and / or a shape commonly referred to as a "trilobe," comprising a rod having a cross section in the shape of a "Y" or a "Y" with branches of equal length in a plane perpendicular to the direction of extension of the rod, the branches being separated in pairs by an angle of 100° to 140° and surmounted by a head having three attachment portions, or, based on a similar principle, a head commonly referred to as a "pentalobe." The thickness E of the tape 10 is generally between 0.2 mm and 1 mm, or, for example, between 0.3 mm and 0.7 mm.

[0110] The retaining element 20 may also be in the form of a loop, each of which may cooperate with a counterpart comprising a retaining element having a rod and a head to provide a "female-male" type hook and loop closure.

[0111] In the example shown in Figure 1, different pairs of seams are spaced apart from one another in certain areas (known as spacing areas), so that seams 30a, 30b do not come into contact with seams 30c, 30d. Such a configuration makes it possible to define sets of contours 40 that are spaced apart from one another, and thus to cut strips with several aligned contours 40 with wide edges, which makes it possible to facilitate fixation, for example, in foam. In alternative embodiments, the spacing between the seams can be smaller or larger, depending on the particular application.

[0112] According to one example, the pairs of seams are generally spaced apart in the spacing region by at least 10 mm, or at least 5 mm in the transverse direction YY.

[0113] The pairs of seams are for example generally spaced apart in the spacing region by a maximum distance of 400 mm, or 200 mm, or 100 mm in the transverse direction YY.

[0114] The seams 30 are generally made by extrusion and can be made from elastomeric materials and / or elastomeric thermoplastics, or each seam 30 generally includes at least an elastomeric material and / or an elastomeric thermoplastic in its formulation. The density of the material of each seam 30 is generally greater than 0.2, or alternatively greater than 0.5.

[0115] Each seam 30 is generally continuous and formed from the same material. Seams 30 forming a pair of seams may be made from different materials, for example, materials having different chemical resistances.

[0116] According to one example, the seam 30 may have several parts, for example a lower part arranged to allow fixation with the tape, in particular with the base of the tape, and an upper part arranged at the free end of the lower part. For example, the lower and upper parts have a material density difference of at least 0.2, in particular at least 0.4. For example, the lower part includes at least one elastomeric material in its composition, and the upper part includes a material with a density of less than 0.2.

[0117] The various seam 30 materials may have different colors, particularly to facilitate positioning or cutting patterns in an injection mold.

[0118] The device according to the invention preferably comprises an optimized and maximized surface of the available holding elements 20, the contours of which have complex shapes.

[0119] The tape 10 generally comprises retaining elements 20 located outside the contour 40 and outside the at least one seam 30 to allow for better mechanical fixation of the tape 10 in the foam.

[0120] FIG. 2 shows a modification of the example shown in FIG.

[0121] This variant is similar to the one already shown in Figure 1. The difference lies in the trajectory of the seams 30. In this embodiment, the seams are arranged in pairs as in the previous embodiment, but it can be seen that the seams of each pair overlap in a given area.

[0122] More specifically, in this embodiment, each pair of seams 30 has at least two regions where the two seams overlap, i.e., regions one above the other in the vertical direction ZZ. 30a3 and 30b3 indicate the overlapping portions of seams 30a and 30b.

[0123] The seams 30 of each pair of seams therefore have profiles that are symmetrical about the central axis but offset in the longitudinal direction XX by the length of the contour 40. The seams 30 of each pair now intersect at regular intervals, each interval corresponding to the length of the contour 40 in the longitudinal direction XX.

[0124] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the seams 30 of different pairs of seams are contiguous. Indeed, it can be seen in Figure 2 that portions 30a1 and 30d1 of seams 30a and 30d are contiguous with portions of the contours of seams 30a and 30d, and portions 30b1 and 30c1 are contiguous with portions of the contours of seams 30b and 30c. Such a configuration can improve the compactness of the apparatus and, therefore, reduce the amount of product waste at the end of the cutting step of the apparatus. By way of example, cutting line CC is shown in Figure 2.

[0125] Figure 3 shows another example of a variation of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2. In this example, seams 30a and 30b form a pair of non-overlapping seams 30, as previously described with reference to Figure 1.

[0126] The differences from the embodiment already explained in FIG. 1 will be explained below.

[0127] In this embodiment, a metal element, e.g., a metal rod 50 or a joint made of a metal material, is positioned between the joints 30a and 30b. The metal element 50 is generally arranged to define a median axis between the joints 30a and 30b. The metal element 50 generally extends along the longitudinal direction ZZ. Thus, portions 30a2 and 30b2 of the joints 30a and 30b contact the metal element 50 on either side of the metal element 50 without overlapping. Alternatively, the joints 30a and 30b may have an overlap as already described with reference to FIG. 2, with the overlap typically occurring in the metal element 50.

[0128] Thus, the metal elements 50 enable the strip cut from the tape 20 to have greater rigidity than the at least one seam 30 .

[0129] FIG. 4 shows another example of a modification of the embodiment already shown in FIG.

[0130] In this embodiment, the seams 30a and 30b have a discontinuous layout. More specifically, in the illustrated example, the seams 30a and 30b are discontinuous at their portions 30a2 and 30b2, respectively. These discontinuities 30a2 and 30b2 are generally formed such that the projection of the discontinuities in the longitudinal direction XX has zero crossings. In other words, considering the portions 30a2 and 30b2 of the pair of seams 30a and 30b, if the continuous portions of these portions are cut longitudinally, at least one of the two seams for each portion does not have a discontinuous portion. This therefore allows the portions 30a2 and 30b2 of the pair of seams 30a and 30b to form a barrier along the entire length of the portions 30a2 and 30b2 of the pair of seams 30a and 30b.

[0131] Such an embodiment makes it possible to reduce the amount of material required and the total weight of the seam 30, especially in the areas outside the contours or between two contours.

[0132] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0133] In this embodiment, a distinction is made between straight or substantially straight seams extending along the longitudinal direction XX and wavy seams which have, for example, a sinusoidal layout between two straight seams.

[0134] The illustrated example shows a tape 10 with four straight seams 30a, 30c, 30d and 30f and two wavy seams 30b and 30f.

[0135] The corrugated seams 30b and 30f contact the straight seams at different peaks of the corrugations or at a distance of 1 mm or less from the straight seams. Thus, in this example, two subsets can be defined: a first subset formed by seams 30a, 30b, and 30c, and a second subset formed by seams 30d, 30f, and 30g, separated by a strip that may generally comprise one or more rows of retaining elements. The tape 10 can be cut, for example, along the longitudinal direction XX between seams 30c and 30d, and, if necessary, near seams 30a and 30g, to obtain two separate products. In these two subsets, the ends of the corrugated seams are paired with the straight seams to define sectors of retaining elements that are protected during the injection of material onto the tape 10.

[0136] FIG. 6 is a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, in which the straight seam is thicker, where thickness is specified in terms of the dimension in the transverse direction, i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the plane of the tape 10.

[0137] This embodiment is therefore similar to that already shown in Figure 5, except that the straight seams 30c and 30d are now formed by a single seam 30c having a greater thickness. To separate this tape 10 into two separate products, a cut is typically made in the longitudinal direction XX midway between the thicknesses of the seams 30a, 30c and 30g.

[0138] FIG. 7 shows another variation of the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0139] In this embodiment there are straight seams 30a, 30c, 30d and 30g. However, here there is a single wavy seam 30h having a pattern which may or may not be regular, which comprises a transverse portion 30h1 extending in the transverse direction YY so as to overlap the various straight seams, and a connecting portion 30h2 which ensures material continuity of the seam between the various transverse portions 30h1, said connecting portion 30h2 possibly being curved and / or comprising straight portions.

[0140] 5, the tape 10 can now be cut along several cutting axes extending along the longitudinal direction XX in order to obtain separate products. For each of these products, a tape is thus obtained with two longitudinal seams and a number of transverse portions, which define longitudinal seam sectors of the retaining elements that are protected during the injection of material onto the tape.

[0141] FIG. 8 is a variant that combines features of the embodiments shown in FIGS.

[0142] Thus, here it is possible to find straight seams 30a, 30c and 30g which are thicker than the straight seams shown in the example of Figure 7, as well as a wavy seam 30h which has a lateral portion 30h1 which overlaps with these various straight seams.

[0143] The tape 10 can then be cut along several cutting axes extending along the longitudinal direction XX, generally in the middle of the thickness of the various longitudinal seams, to obtain separate products, each of which results in a tape with two longitudinal seams and a number of transverse segments that define longitudinal seam sectors of the retaining element that are protected during the injection of material onto the tape.

[0144] The various embodiments described above can be implemented independently or in combination. For example, it is possible to provide paired seams 30 with alternating or non-alternating, regular or irregular, tangential and overlapping portions. In embodiments with full or partial overlap of the seams 30, it is also possible to integrate metal elements such as metal rods 50 or seams made of metal material.

[0145] In the various embodiments shown in the foregoing figures, it can be seen that the contours 40 are bounded by seams 30 that form discontinuous deposits of material in the sense that an interface is observed between the various seams of each pair of seams that define the contours 40.

[0146] FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the apparatus shown with reference to FIGS.

[0147] In the example shown, the seams 30a and 30b are formed by material deposition via material deposition means 60, such as nozzles. In the example shown, there are two nozzles 60a, 60b that are movable in the lateral direction YY.

[0148] The nozzles are arranged to be offset along the longitudinal direction XX so that they can move along the transverse direction YY without contacting each other, particularly in the case of overlapping seams 30 .

[0149] The tape 10 is then placed on a support where it is generally moved in a longitudinal direction XX by a drive means, for example a conveyor or one or more drive rollers (not shown).

[0150] In an alternative embodiment, the support may be a roller and the nozzle 60 may be arranged around the roller and be translatable along an axis parallel to the axis of the roller.

[0151] Alternatively, the tape 10 can remain stationary, in which case the tape is a material deposition means 60 that is movable in the longitudinal direction XX and the transverse direction YY.

[0152] The method may also include a step of adjusting (calibrating) the thickness of the retaining device by a means for adjusting the thickness of the retaining device to adjust the thickness of the retaining device at least upstream of the step of forming at least one seam 30.

[0153] The method may also implement a means for maintaining a constant thickness of the retaining device adapted to maintain a constant thickness of the retaining device before and during the step of forming the at least one seam 30. Optionally, the maintaining means is suitable for maintaining a constant thickness of the retaining device before the step of forming the at least one seam 30 and is located proximate to the seam forming means. Optionally, the maintaining means also maintains a constant thickness of the retaining device after the step of forming the at least one seam 30 over a distance of at least 10 cm. Optionally, the means for maintaining a constant thickness is configured to apply tension to the retaining device at least during the step of forming the at least one seam 30, optionally before and / or after the step of forming the at least one seam 30.

[0154] According to one example, the means for adjusting and maintaining the holding device comprises at least one roller upstream of the step of forming at least one seam 30, and optionally at least one roller downstream of the step of forming at least one seam 30.

[0155] The illustrated example shows an apparatus for forming a pair of seams, however, it is understood that the invention can be generalized to an apparatus having multiple material deposition means 60 to form any desired number of seams 30, depending particularly on the overall width of the tape.

[0156] In the case of a tape 10 that includes metal elements, such as metal rods 50 or additional metal seams, for example, the metal elements may be associated with the tape prior to depositing the material for forming the seam 30, for example.

[0157] 10A and 10B show two variants of another embodiment in which the contour 40 is generated to form an element called a pellet or "patch" according to the nomenclature commonly used in the field.

[0158] The contour 40 is here bounded by two seams 30a and 30b whose ends are pairwise associated to form a closed contour, as defined above. In each of these two figures, a pair of continuous ends and a pair of discontinuous ends are shown.

[0159] As shown in this figure, it can be seen that even when the ends are continuous, the joints at the ends of seams 30a and 30b form a discontinuity in material 35. The contours created in this manner are called discontinuities. When the ends are continuous, the ends of the seam can be joined so that they touch each other (as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 10A), so that they overlap in the vertical direction ZZ, or so that they abut over a distance (as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 10B). When the ends overlap, they generally overlap over a distance of at least 1 mm. A projection along a plane defined by the top surface 12 of tape 10 at one end typically overlaps a projection along a plane defined by the top surface 12 of tape 10 at the other end.

[0160] Such a contour 40 can be generated, for example, by keeping the tape 10 fixed and moving the material deposition means 60 in the longitudinal direction XX and the longitudinal direction YY, or in the manner already described with reference to Figure 5, if the shape of the generated contour 40 allows it. Each of the seams 30a and 30b of the pair of seams 30 considered then generally has a contour which has at all points a non-zero component in the direction of advancement of the tape 10, i.e. in the longitudinal direction with reference to the example shown in Figure 9. In Figures 10A, 10B, 11A and 11B the seam is arranged on a retaining element, but in alternative embodiments this (or these) seam could be arranged between two retaining elements.

[0161] Figures 11A and 11B show variations of the embodiment already described with reference to Figures 11A and 11B. In these embodiments, the contour 40 is defined by a single seam 30 of material, both ends of which are continuous. It will be appreciated that the ends may be discontinuous, as already described with particular reference to Figures 10A and 10B.

[0162] 10A and 10B, a discontinuity in material 35 is observed at the joint between the ends of seam 30. The ends of the seam can be joined together so that they touch each other (FIG. 11A), overlap in the vertical direction ZZ, or abut over a given distance (FIG. 11B).

[0163] To produce such a contour 40 defined by a single seam 30 of material, material deposition is generally performed via a material deposition means 60 which is movable, for example along two axes, the longitudinal direction XX and the transverse direction YY, while the tape 10 is held in place, but which can be moved, for example, to successively produce different patterns on the same tape 10.

[0164] For the different shapes of pellets thus produced, the shapes are generally symmetrical along a central axis.

[0165] In the various embodiments shown, the creation of the seam 30 makes it possible to create an element that forms a seal for injecting a material such as foam around the contour 40, thus holding the retaining element 20 within the contour 40 and maintaining its functionality.

[0166] The fineness of the seam 30 allows for smaller widths of manufactured parts, improving the perceived quality of the assembled product, such as a seat or vehicle trim.

[0167] In various embodiments, the seam 30 has a generally circular or semicircular shape, a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, a hook shape, a lip shape (e.g., single or multiple lips), a stud-shaped portion, or more generally, any shape suitable for manufacturing a sealing element.

[0168] According to one example, the various seams 30 are subjected to a calendering step after their deposition on the upper surface 12 of the tape 10, in particular to standardize their height.

[0169] In various embodiments, the retaining element is, for example, a hook having a rod and a head. The head generally has a maximum dimension projected along a plane defined by the upper surface 12 of the tape 10 comprised between 0.1 and 2 mm, or between 0.2 and 0.9 mm. The rod generally has a maximum dimension projected along a plane defined by the upper surface 12 of the tape 10 comprised between 0.1 and 0.8 mm, or between 0.1 and 0.6 mm.

[0170] The different shapes and geometries of the contours 40 thus produced are shown by way of example only and are not limiting, and it will be understood that the deposition of material to produce the seam 30 makes it possible to produce various shapes and patterns on the upper surface 12 of the tape 10, in particular contours with symmetrical, asymmetrical or arbitrary shapes, repetitive or non-repetitive, continuous or separated contours, to adapt to various sheet shapes, in particular so-called "surface-type" sheets, i.e., without a visible seam.

[0171] The tape 10 comprises a base resulting from injection and / or extrusion integrally formed with the retaining elements. In an alternative embodiment, the base is a woven fabric comprising interwoven ground and warp threads. In an alternative embodiment, the base is a woven fabric comprising interwoven ground and warp threads, and the retaining elements are formed by yarns at least partially disposed within the base. More specifically, the yarns forming the retaining elements are monofilament yarns. The yarns forming the retaining elements are disposed in the base in the shape of a "V" and / or a "W."

[0172] The base and retaining element may be described in one of the following patent applications: US Patent Application Publication No. 2005268439, European Patent Application Publication No. 0604869, WO18007338, WO17187096 and WO11100999.

[0173] The proposed structure therefore makes it possible to form a barrier that protects the retaining element during the injection of material onto the tape 10. The proposed structure offers great flexibility in terms of the geometry of the contour 40, which is advantageous in terms of manufacturing over methods that aim to deposit a partial mask onto the tape 10.

[0174] The proposed structure therefore makes it possible to produce a product using less material than prior art products that use a solid, continuous cover to create a narrow barrier during the injection of the foam. As shown herein, the applicant has been able to observe, surprisingly, that it is indeed not necessary to have edges that form a perfect seal in order to prevent the penetration of the foam into the inner surface of the profile considered and therefore to prevent the retention elements present on this inner surface from being covered with foam.

[0175] Furthermore, the production of a seam of material with two joined or separated ends while retaining the retaining element significantly simplifies the production of the product. The invention in particular makes it possible to dispense with the cutting step required in known methods, which greatly simplifies the production method and reduces or eliminates the waste generated.

[0176] While the present invention has been described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent that modifications and variations can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of different illustrated / mentioned embodiments can be combined in additional embodiments. Accordingly, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0177] It is also clear that all features described with reference to a method can be transferred, alone or in any combination, to an apparatus, and conversely, all features described with reference to an apparatus can be transferred, alone or in any combination, to a method.

Claims

1. 1. A retaining device comprising a tape (10) having an upper surface (12) extending along a longitudinal direction (X-X), said upper surface (12) being provided with retaining elements (20), wherein said upper surface (12) of said tape (10) comprises at least one seam of material (30) defining a contour (40) having an inner surface provided with the retaining elements (20), each of said at least one seam of material (30) having two ends associated in pairs, the ends being spaced apart by a distance of 1 mm or less between the ends of each pair of ends, and wherein said at least one seam of material (30) is formed by depositing material onto said upper surface (12) of said tape (10).

2. 2. The retaining device of claim 1, wherein the top surface (12) of the tape (10) comprises at least two seams (30) of material defining a contour (40), each of the at least two seams (30) having two ends, the ends associated in pairs, and the distance between the ends of each pair of ends being 1 mm or less.

3. 3. A holding device according to claim 2, comprising a metal element (50) extending longitudinally between the two seams (30).

4. 3. A retaining device according to claim 2, wherein the retaining elements (20) are arranged in several columns extending along the longitudinal direction (X-X), and each of the seams (30) extends along a path having at all points a component along the longitudinal direction (X-X) that is not zero.

5. 5. A holding device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the seam (30) is overlapped at at least one point in a vertical direction (Z-Z) perpendicular to the top surface (12) of the tape (10).

6. 3. The retaining device of claim 2, wherein the seam (30) meets at least one point.

7. 2. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein each of said at least one seam (30) has a width comprised between 0.5 mm and 10 mm.

8. A holding device as described in claim 1, wherein at least one of the holding elements (20) has a maximum dimension "La" measured in a transverse direction (Y-Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X-X) and parallel to the top surface (12) of the tape (10), and each of the at least one seam (30) has a width comprised between 0.2*La and 10*La.

9. A holding device as described in claim 1, wherein the holding element (20) has a height Ha measured in a vertical direction (Z-Z) perpendicular to the top surface (12) of the tape (10), and each of the at least one seam (30) has a thickness measured in the vertical direction (Z-Z) that is strictly greater than Ha.

10. The retention device of claim 1, wherein each of said seams (30) is formed from an elastomeric material.

11. - a tape (10) is provided having an upper surface (12) extending along a longitudinal direction (X-X), said upper surface (12) being provided with holding elements (20); at least one seam (30) of material is formed on said upper surface (12) of said tape (10) by deposition of material so as to define a contour (40), each of said at least one seam (30) having two ends, said ends being associated in pairs, the distance between the ends of each pair of ends being 1 mm or less; A method for manufacturing a retention device.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein at least two seams (30) of material are formed by depositing material on the top surface (12) of the tape (10), each of the at least two seams (30) having two ends, the ends associated in pairs, and the distance between the ends of each pair of ends being 1 mm or less.

13. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the deposition of material on the upper surface (12) of the tape (10) is performed by an injection nozzle, and the tape (10) is moved in the longitudinal direction (X-X).

14. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the seam (30) of material is overlapped at at least one point in a vertical direction (Z-Z) perpendicular to the top surface (12) of the tape (10).

15. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein following the creation of the seams of material (30), the tape (10) is cut around each contour (40) defined by the seams of material (30).

16. A holding device as described in claim 1, wherein each of the holding elements (20) has a maximum dimension "La" measured in a transverse direction (Y-Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X-X) and parallel to the top surface (12) of the tape (10), and each of the at least one seam (30) has a width comprised between 0.2*La and 10*La.

17. A holding device as described in claim 1, wherein at least one of the holding elements (20) arranged within the contour has a maximum dimension "La" measured in a transverse direction (Y-Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X-X) and parallel to the top surface (12) of the tape (10), and each of the at least one seam (30) has a width comprised between 0.2*La and 10*La.

18. A holding device as described in claim 1, wherein the holding element (20) arranged within the contour has a height Ha measured in a vertical direction (Z-Z) perpendicular to the top surface (12) of the tape (10), and each of the at least one seam (30) has a thickness measured in the vertical direction (Z-Z) that is strictly greater than Ha.

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