BR112018071769B1 - METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING AN ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A TAPE OF RETENTION ELEMENTS AND A SUBSTRATE, APPLIANCE, AND RETENTION DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for assembling a set comprising a strip (100) of retaining elements and a substrate (200), said method comprising the following steps: a step of forming a strip of retaining elements by dispensing with a molding in a molding device (1) so as to form a strip (100) of retaining elements comprising a base (51) having a bottom face (511) and a top face (512), the top face (511) of the base (51) being provided with retaining elements; and a step of applying a substrate (200) against the bottom face (511) of the base (51) before said bottom face (512) of the base (51) solidifies so as to cause the substrate (200) to penetrate at least partly beyond a plane defined by the bottom face (511) of the base (51) of the tape (100).

Description

General Technical Field

[001] The present disclosure relates to the field of closure systems, and more particularly relates to closure systems with hooks and to associated methods and apparatus for making them.

State of the art

[002] Closure system comprising self-tightening elements such as hooks are commonly associated with a substrate such as for example a strip of non-woven material thus forming a support for the closure system to be incorporated into a product.

[003] However, mounting the non-woven material on the base of the plastic material including fastening elements such as hooks is problematic. Assembly is carried out in a conventional manner using adhesive or by melting the plastic material so as to cause the non-woven material to penetrate therein at least in part.

[004] However, assembly techniques have drawbacks of damaging the properties of the nonwoven material and/or plastic material including the tightening elements, as well as requiring additional drying or cooling time and considerable additional means for assembly.

[005] Mention can then be made in particular of document US 5 441 687, which discloses a method and a device for associating a substrate on the rear surface of a tape provided with hooks. The device and method presented in the document requires continuous heating of the substrate when it is applied against the background surface of the tape, leading to the aforementioned drawbacks and damage to the properties of the substrate. Document US 2003/041957 also discloses such a method in which the substrate and the tape are necessarily heated in order to allow them to be assembled together.

[006] Document EP 2 850 961 presents a method for attaching a substrate to a tape provided with retention elements in which the substrate is locally compacted in order to promote gripping to the tape, thus leading to considerable modification of the properties of the substrate, in particular softening and thickness of the substrate on the opposite side of the tape.

[007] Document US 2001/0001283 provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing a strip of retaining elements provided with a substrate attached to its bottom surface, in which the substrate and the extruded plastic material pass between two molding rolls to simultaneously form the tape from the retaining elements and secure the tape with the substrate. Such a method considerably increases the complexity of the control formation of the retaining elements and the correct formation of the tape and its contours/shape, in particular as a function of the nature of the substrate.

[008] Furthermore, the substrate is considerably damaged by the temperature and pressure of the tape material required to cast the matter as it passes between the two forming rolls.

[009] In addition, apparatus associated with such manufacturing methods are commonly bulky and require multiple stations to perform the various gripping steps.

[010] The present disclosure therefore aims to address these various problems.

Disclosure Summary First aspect of disclosure

[011] In a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a retention device comprising: a base extending in a longitudinal direction and having a top face and a bottom face; a plurality of retaining elements extending from the top face of the base, each of the retaining elements being formed by a rod surmounted by a head, the rod having a bottom end connected to the base, and a top end opposite from the end bottom, the head surmounting the top end of the stem, and having a bottom face facing towards the base and a top face opposite from the bottom face; the device being distinguished by the base having a thickness lying in the range of 10 micrometers (μm) to 700 μm, where the thickness is the distance between the top face and the bottom face; and the head top face of each retention member includes a rib.

[012] In one example, the head of each retention member includes a handle portion extending radially from the top end of the rod, said rib extending at least in part over the handle portion.

[013] In one example, the head of each retaining member includes two handle portions extending radially from the top end of the rod, each of said handle portions including a rib, said handle portions extending on both sides of the rod .

[014] The head may then include a rib extending continuously between the two handle portions.

[015] In one example, the head further includes a transverse rib extending between two opposite ends of the head on either side of an axis extending in the longitudinal direction and passing through the stem and/or the head, typically through the middle of the stem and/or or of the head, the transverse rib extending over the top end of the stem.

[016] In one example, the at least one handle portion includes a downwardly angled free end.

[017] In one example, the top face of the head of each retaining element as two distinct rims extending at least in part over the same handle portion.

[018] In one example, for each retention element, each of the ribs extends over a fraction of only the periphery of the head, in particular the combined length of the ribs of a retention element under consideration falls in the range of 5% to 95% of the length of the periphery of the head of the retention element under consideration, more particularly in the range of 30% to 85% of the length of the periphery of the head of the retention element under consideration.

[019] In an example, said base has two edges in the longitudinal direction, and each of said edges has peaks and troughs, the maximum displacement between the peaks and troughs along a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction being less than 1 millimeter (mm) over a length in the longitudinal direction that corresponds to three consecutive peaks.

[020] In one example, the width of the base falls in the range of 1 mm to 500 mm, more particularly in the range of 3 mm to 100 mm.

[021] In one example, the retaining elements have a height lying in the range of 5 μm to 5000 μm, or in fact in the range of 5 μm to 2000 μm, or more particularly in the range of 20 μm to 800 μm, with height being measured in a direction perpendicular to the top face of the base.

[022] In one example, the rod of each retaining element has rotational symmetry around an axis perpendicular to the top face of the base.

[023] In one example, each rib of the head extends in a direction that is substantially transverse (eg, within ±30°) to said longitudinal direction of the base.

[024] In one example, the retaining elements have a shape that is asymmetrical with respect to a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the base.

[025] In one example, each retaining element has symmetry with respect to a plane extending in a longitudinal direction of the base and containing the shaft axis of the retaining element. This rib is arranged in such a way as to reinforce the head of the hook, in particular its handle portions, so as to facilitate inserting and/or passing fibers or filaments under the head so as to allow them to be retained. The rib height (measured along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base) typically falls in the range 0.005 mm to 0.1 mm, preferably in the range 0.01 mm to 0.08 mm. The term "rib" designates a longitudinal portion that extends, in its height direction, from the surface of the head substantially outwards from the base. This represents a length (measured substantially along a longitudinal direction) that is greater than its width (measured substantially along a transverse direction). More particularly, the width over length ratio of the rib is strictly less than 1. In other words, the rib forms a projection of the top surface of the hook in such a way that the top surface of the hook is not flat.

[026] In one example, each handle portion extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base.

[027] In one example, each rib, viewed from above the hook, presents a V-shape in which the angle between the two sides of the upside-down V-shape (or U-shape or C-shape) lies in the range of 90° to 180°, more particularly in the range from 110° to 170°, or more precisely in the range from 140° to 150°. The tip of the upside down V shape is typically situated towards the front of the hook in the longitudinal direction.

[028] In one example, the length of at least one rib in a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction of the base is greater than the diameter of the rod in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base.

Second aspect of disclosure

[029] In a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a retaining device with hooks comprising

[030] A base extending in a longitudinal direction and featuring a top face and a bottom face;

[031] A plurality of retaining elements extending from the top face of the base, each retaining element being formed by a rod and a head;

[032] The device being characterized by:

[033] The base has a thickness ranging from 10 μm to 700 μm, where the thickness is the distance between the top face and the bottom face; It is

[034] The base has two edges in the longitudinal direction, each of said edges have ups and downs, where the maximum displacement between the ups and downs along a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction is less than 1.0 mm over a length in the longitudinal direction corresponding to three consecutive highs.

[035] In an example, in the section view in a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction, said edges have rounded shape proportions.

[036] In an example, the maximum displacement between the highs and lows in a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction and over a length in the longitudinal direction corresponding to three successive highs, said maximum displacement falls in the range of 0.001 mm to 1.0 mm, more particularly in the range 0.001 mm to 0.5 mm, even more particularly in the range 0.001 mm to 0.1 mm.

[037] In one example, the three consecutive peaks are over a distance that is less than the distance corresponding to 15 times the pitch of the hook, preferably less than a distance of 25.0 mm.

[038] In one example, the width of the base measured in a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction falls in the range of 1 mm to 500 mm, more particularly in the range of 3 mm to 100 mm.

[039] In one example, the retaining elements have a height lying in the range of 5 μm to 5000 μm, or in fact in the range of 5 μm to 2000 μm, or more particularly in the range of 20 μm to 800 μm, or even more particularly in the range of 100 µm to 500 µm, with height being measured in a direction perpendicular to the top face of the base.

[040] In one example, the rod of each retaining element has rotational symmetry around an axis perpendicular to the top face of the base.

[041] In one example, each of the retaining elements is formed by a rod surmounted by a head, the rod having a bottom end connected to the base, and a top end opposite the bottom end, the head overcoming the end of top of the rod, and having a bottom face facing downwards from the base and a top face opposite from the bottom face, and wherein the top face of the head of each retaining member includes a rib.

[042] In one example, the retaining elements have a shape that is asymmetrical with respect to a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the base.

[043] In one example, each retaining element has symmetry with respect to a plane extending in a longitudinal direction of the base and containing the shaft axis of the retaining element. The tape base is then freed of any extra thickness by extending continuously along its edges, and typically has a thickness that is substantially constant from edge to edge. A thickness is said to be "substantially" constant when the thickness varies by less than 15%. More generally, it can be understood that the base of the tape can be free of any non-functional extra thickness (or of any extra thickness having the sole function of improving the evenness of the tape margins), which is advantageous in terms of production in that it the thickness leads to an overconsumption of material and increases the time that the molds are occupied.

[044] In one example, the device further comprises a layer of nonwoven material attached to the bottom face of the base and/or the top face of the base, and in which fractions of the fibers and/or filaments of the layer of nonwoven material are encapsulated in the base.

[045] In one example, the device further comprises a plastic film or an elastic film or a composite film attached to the bottom face of the base, the surface area of the film in contact with the bottom face of the base being greater than the projection of the base. surface area of the film in a plane defined by the bottom face of the base.

Third aspect of disclosure

[046] In a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for assembling a set comprising a strip of retention elements and a substrate, said method comprising the following steps: a step of forming a strip of retention elements by dispensing a molding material in a mold device, so as to form a strip of retaining elements comprising a base having a bottom face and a top face, the top face of the base being provided with retaining elements; and a step of applying a substrate against the base bottom face before said base bottom face solidifies in such a manner as to cause the substrate to penetrate at least in part through a plane defined by the tape base bottom face.

[047] In an example, during the step of applying a substrate against the bottom face of the base, the bottom face of the base, upstream of the application step, is at a temperature that is lower than its melting temperature, or more particularly lower than the hot deflection temperature of the material forming the base, and the temperature of the base results solely from the tape forming step.

[048] In one example, during the step of applying the substrate against the bottom face of the base, the base is at a surface temperature lying between the melting temperature of the material constituting the base and the Vicat B softening temperature of the base material minus 30°C, more particularly between the melting temperature of the base material and the Vicat A softening temperature of the base material, or indeed in the range of 75°C to 150°C, in particularly substantially equal to 105°C for a base made of polypropylene.

[049] In one example, during the substrate application step against the bottom face of the base, pressure is applied by means of a roller.

[050] In one example, the method includes a subsequent step of demolding the assembly formed by the tape of the retention elements and the substrate.

[051] In one example, the substrate is a layer of nonwoven material, and in which portions of fibers and/or filaments of the layer of nonwoven material are encapsulated in the base.

[052] The step of applying the substrate against the bottom face of the base before the solidification of said bottom face of the base is then typically carried out in such a way as to cause portions of fibers and/or filaments of the non-woven layer to penetrate the base, at least in part.

[053] In a variant, the substrate is a plastic film, an elastic film, or a composite film.

[054] The step of applying the substrate against the bottom face of the base before the solidification of said bottom face of the base is then typically carried out in such a way that the surface area of the substrate in contact with the bottom face is greater than the area surface of the substrate projected onto the bottom face of the base, in particular once the base has cooled.

[055] In one example, following the substrate application step, the base and hooks are cooled in order to cause the material forming the base to shrink, thus causing local deformation of the bottom face of the base, this deformation giving rise to the deformation of the top face of the substrate attached thereto.

[056] In another variant, the substrate is a set of thermally consolidated fibers and/or filaments.

[057] In one example, the substrate is applied non-uniformly against the bottom face of the base in order to obtain non-uniform bond between the base and the substrate.

[058] In one example, the substrate is applied uniformly against the bottom face of the base in order to obtain substantially uniform bonding between the base and the substrate.

[059] In an example, the step of forming the strip of retention elements makes elements released projecting from and/or retracted on the bottom face of the base and distinct from the retention elements, and in which the step of applying the substrate against the bottom face of the base provides connection between the substrate and the base through said released elements.

[060] In an example, during the tape conformation step of retaining elements;

[061] A molding strip is provided that has an inner face and an outer face, and that has a plurality of cavities, each cavity defining a rod extending from the outer face towards the inner face and including an end forming a head that extends from the rod towards the inner face of the mole strip;

[062] the molding strip is positioned on the rotary drive means (e.g. comprising at least two rollers), the inner face of the molding strip being arranged to roll against the drive means; It is

[063] Molding material is dispensed against the outer face of the molding strip through material dispensing means arranged by facing the molding strip so that it fills the space and cavities with molding material to form a strip comprising a base of thickness which is defined by space, and first preform projecting from said base, each comprising a rod and a head, the first preform being formed by plastic materials in the cavities of the molding strip.

[064] In one example, during demolding, the strip and the first preforms are demolded in such a way to deform the first preforms plastically so as to obtain second preforms to conform that is different from the first preforms .

[065] It is then possible, after the demolding step, to carry out a shaping step during which the stripped strip is inserted into a shaping device in order to modify the shape of the heads of the second preforms by shaping.

[066] The step of dispensing the molding material is typically carried out in order to form a strip extending in a longitudinal direction and comprising a base having two edges in the longitudinal direction, each edge having peaks and valleys, where the maximum displacement between the peaks and valleys is less than 1.0 mm over a length in the longitudinal direction corresponding to three consecutive peaks, and that the step of applying the substrate against the bottom face of the base preserves this maximum displacement in a transverse direction towards the longitudinal direction between peaks and troughs less than 1 mm per length in the longitudinal direction corresponding to three consecutive peaks.

[067] This third aspect also provides apparatus for carrying out a method as described above;

[068] a molding device and molding material dispensing means adapted to form a strip of retaining elements comprising a base having a bottom face and a top face, the top face of the base being provided with retaining elements; It is

[069] substrate driving means, adapted to apply the substrate against the bottom face of the tape of the retaining elements downstream of the molding material dispensing means.

[070] In an example, said drive means comprises at least one roller.

[071] Said roller is typically configured so as to press non-uniformly against said bottom face of the base in order to provide non-uniform bonding between the base and the substrate.

[072] This third aspect also provides a retention device, comprising a plastic strip extending in the longitudinal direction, comprising a base having a bottom face and a top face and including a plurality of retention elements extending from said top knife, and a substrate attached to the bottom face of the base;

[073] the retention device being characterized by the substrate penetrating the base beyond a median plane defined by the bottom face of the base of the tape.

[074] In one example, the substrate is a layer of nonwoven material, and in which portions of fibers and/or filaments of the layer of nonwoven material are encapsulated in the base.

[075] In a variant, the substrate is a plastic film, an elastic film, or a composite film, and in which the surface area of the film in contact with the bottom face is greater than the surface area of the projection of the film surface on a plane defined by the bottom face of the base.

Fourth aspect of disclosure

[076] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of forming a retaining device with hooks, in which:

[077] A molding strip is provided that has an inner face and an outer face, and that has a plurality of cavities, each cavity defining a rod extending from the outer face towards the inner face and including an end forming a head that extends from the rod towards the inner face of the molding strip;

[078] the molding strip is positioned on the rotary drive means comprising at least two rollers, the inner face of the molding strip being arranged to roll against the drive means;

[079] Molding material is dispensed against the outer face of the molding strip by the material dispensing means arranged facing the molding strip so as to define a space between the material dispensing means and the molding strip, the step of dispensing the molding molding material being carried out to fill the space and cavities with molding material to form a strip comprising a base thickness which is defined by the space, and first preforms being formed by the plastic material in the cavities of the molding strip molding; It is

[080] the strip and the first preforms are demolded in order to plastically deform the first preforms in order to obtain second preforms in a way that is different from the first preforms.

[081] In one example, after the demolding step, a shaping step is performed during which the stripped strip is inserted into a shaping device in order to modify the shape of the heads of the second preforms by shaping.

[082] In one example, the shaping device comprises at least two rotating elements, each of the rotating elements having a speed that is different from the speed of driving the tape.

[083] In one example, the molding material is polypropylene, and wherein during the shaping step, at least one shaping element of the shaping device is maintained at a temperature ranging from 75°C to 165° C, in particular substantially equal to 120°C, or in fact substantially equal to 140°C, or more precisely substantially equal to 150°C.

[084] In one example, the step of stripping the tape and the first preforms leads to a change in the height of the head and/or rod, and/or a change in the width of the head and/or rod.

[085] In one example, the forming device comprises an element at room temperature (or at an unregulated temperature), and at least one element at a temperature that lies strictly between the hot deflection temperature (HDT) and the melting temperature of the molding material.

[086] In one example, the shaping step produces at least one deformation of a portion of the head of each of the second preforms, said deformation tending, for each preform, to deform one of the ends of the head of the preform so as to form a rib on the top face of the head of the preform.

[087] In one example, during the dispensing step of the impression material, the space between the material dispensing means and the impression strip is in the range of 10 μm to 700 μm, more particularly in the range of 10 μm to 500 μm, or more precisely in the range of 50 μm to 100 μm.

[088] In one example, the step of dispensing the molding material is performed so that the molding material is dispensed while the inner face of the molding strip is rolling against a molding strip drive roller.

[089] In one example, the step of dispensing the molding material is carried out through a sheet of non-woven material arranged on the molding strip, said sheet of non-woven material including voids allowing the molding material to pass through.

[090] The molding material is then typically polypropylene or a polypropylene-based formulation, and the step of dispensing the molding material is typically carried out at a pressure lying in the range of 10 bar to 100 bar, or in fact at range of 30 bar to 50 bar, and at a temperature lying in the range of 150°C to 300°C.

[091] The molding strip is then typically driven at a travel speed lying in the range of 1 meter per minute (m/min) to 500 m/min, more particularly in the range of 5 m/min to 250 m/min min.

[092] In one example, the demolding step is performed while the base of the tape is at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the molding material, or lower than the hot deflection temperature of the molding material.

[093] In one example, the step of dispensing the molding material is carried out so as to form a strip extending in a longitudinal direction and comprising a base having two edges in the longitudinal direction, each of the edges having ups and downs, in which the maximum displacement between the peaks and troughs in a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction is less than 1.0 mm for a length in the longitudinal direction corresponding to three consecutive peaks.

[094] In one example, before the demolding step, a layer of nonwoven material is applied against the bottom face of the base before the bottom face of the base is solidified so as to cause portions of the fibers and/or filaments of the layer of non-woven material penetrating the base, at least in part.

[095] During the step of applying the nonwoven material against the bottom face of the base, the layer of nonwoven material is then typically at room temperature (or at a temperature that is not regulated), and the temperature of the base is the only result of the tape conformation step.

[096] During the step of applying the layer of nonwoven material against the bottom face of the base, the bottom face of the base is typically at a temperature lower than its melting temperature.

[097] This fourth aspect also provides apparatus for carrying out a method as defined above, and comprising:

[098] A molding device, comprising a molding strip in the rotary drive means (e.g. comprising at least two rollers), the molding strip having an inner face and an outer face, the inner face being mounted to support against the rollers, the molding strip having a plurality of cavities, each cavity defining a rod extending from the outer face towards the inner face, and including an end forming a head extending from the rod towards the inner face of the molding strip;

[099] material dispensing means arranged facing the molding device, and configured so as to dispense molding material at a point of the molding strip to form a preform strip having a thickness base defined by a space between the means material dispenser and casting strip, and first preforms, each comprising a rod and a head projecting from said base; It is

[0100] release means configured to release the preform tape formed on the molding strip;

[0101] the mold strip and the release means being configured to demould the strip of preforms leading to the first preforms being deformed in order to form second preforms in a way that is different from the first preforms.

[0102] In one example, the apparatus further comprises a shaping device configured to modify the preform heads by shaping.

[0103] In one example, the apparatus further comprises drive means for driving a layer of non-woven material and adapted to press a non-woven material against the bottom face of the tape base of the retention elements downstream of the material dispensing means .

[0104] This fourth aspect further provides apparatus for forming a hook retaining device, the apparatus comprising: a molding device, comprising a molding strip mounted on the rotary drive means (e.g. comprising at least two rollers), the molding strip having an inner face and an outer face, the inner face being mounted to support against the rollers, the molding strip having a plurality of cavities, each cavity defining a rod extending from the outer face towards the inner face, and including an end forming a head extending from the rod towards the inner face of the casting strip; material dispensing means arranged facing the molding device, and configured in such a way as to dispense molding material at a point on the molding strip so as to form a strip of preforms having a base thickness defined by space, and first preforms -forms, each comprising a stem and a head projecting from said base; and release means configured to release the preform tape formed from the mold strip; the mold strip and the release means being configured to demould the strip of preforms leading to the first preforms being deformed to form second preforms in a way that is different from the first preforms.

[0105] In one example, this apparatus further comprises a shaping device configured to modify the heads of preforms by shaping.

[0106] In one example, the shaping device comprises at least two rotating elements, one of said rotating elements including heating means or temperature regulating means configured so as to maintain it at a temperature that lies strictly between the temperature of heat deflection and the melting temperature of the molding material.

[0107] In another embodiment, the head can be heated before the forming step so that it is at a temperature lying between the heat deflection temperature of the molding material and the melting temperature of the molding material, the device of forming including an element operating at a temperature that is less than the heat deflection temperature of the molding material, for example.

[0108] In an example, said rotating elements of the forming device have respective speeds that are different from that of the mold device.

[0109] In one example, the forming means is configured to form at least one fold in the head of each preform. More particularly, said at least one bend tends to bend at least one end of the head of the preform towards a central portion of the head of the preform.

[0110] In one example, the shaping device comprises a rotating element configured so as to operate at ambient temperature or at a non-regulated temperature, and at least one rotating element having heating means adapted so that said at least one element rotary operates at a temperature which lies strictly between the heat deflection temperature and the melting temperature of the molding material.

[0111] In one example, the rotating elements of the forming device are configured so that they are driven in rotation at different rotational speeds, the rotating element having the lower temperature having a relative speed that is different from the rotating element(s) having a higher temperature.

[0112] In an element, the mold strip cavities extend in a cavity direction that is substantially perpendicular to the outer face of the mold strip, and each defines a rod and a head, each presenting rotational symmetry about said cavity direction , the head having a dimension that is greater than the maximum dimension of the shank as measured radially from the direction of the cavity.

[0113] In one example, the material dispensing means is configured to dispense molding material at a point on the molding strip while the inner face of the molding strip is pressing against a roller of the rotating drive means.

[0114] In one example, the space between the material dispensing means and the molding strip is in the range of 10 μm to 700 μm, more particularly in the range of 20 μm to 500 μm, or more precisely in the range of 50 μm to 100 μm.

[0115] In one example, the rotary drive means for driving the molding strip comprises at least two rollers, each having a diameter in the range of 10 times to 10,000 times the thickness of the molding strip, in particular in the range from 50 times to 5000 times the thickness of the mole strip, eg in the range 100 mm to 250 mm.

[0116] In one example, the apparatus further comprises means for pressing a strip of non-woven material and/or woven material and/or knitted material against the molding strip upstream of the material dispensing means.

[0117] In one example, the cavities in the molding strip are through cavities.

[0118] In one example, the apparatus further comprises a scraper device arranged on the inner face of the molding strip, downstream of the material dispensing means.

[0119] In one example, the molding strip includes an inner strip made of rubber forming its inner face, the ends of the cavities of the molding strip being formed in said inner strip made of rubber.

Fifth aspect of disclosure

[0120] In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for forming a hook retention device, wherein: a molding strip is provided that has an inner face and an outer face, and that has a plurality of cavities, each cavity defining a shank extending from the outer face towards the inner face and including an end forming a head extending from the shank towards the inner face of the molding strip; the molding strip is positioned on rotary drive means comprising at least two rollers, the inner face of the molding strip being arranged to roll against the drive means; molding material is dispensed against the outer face of the molding strip by the material dispensing means arranged facing the molding strip so as to define a space between the material dispensing means and the molding strip, the step of dispensing the molding material being carried out in such a way as to fill said space and the cavities of the molding material so as to form a strip comprising a base of thickness which is defined by the space, and first preforms projecting from said base each comprising a rod and a head, the first preforms being formed by the plastic materials in the cavities of the molding strip; the tape and the first preforms are demoulded; and the demolded tape is inserted into a forming device in order to modify the shapes of the heads of the preforms by conformation.

[0121] In one example, during the step of demolding said and the first preforms, the first preforms are plastically deformed in order to obtain second preforms in a form that is different from the shape of the first preforms, said second preforms subsequently being deformed by the forming device.

[0122] In one example, the shaping device comprises at least two rotating elements, each of the rotating elements having a speed that is different relative to the tape.

[0123] In one example, the molding material is polypropylene, and wherein during the shaping step, at least one shaping element of the shaping device is maintained at a temperature ranging from 75°C to 165° C, and in particular close to 120°C.

[0124] In one example, the step of stripping the tape and the first preforms leads to a change in the height of the head and/or rod, and/or a change in the width of the head and/or rod.

[0125] In one example, the forming device comprises an element at room temperature or at an unregulated temperature, and at least one element at a temperature that lies strictly between the heat deflection temperature (HDT) and the temperature melting of the impression material.

[0126] In one example, the shaping step produces at least one deformation of a portion of the head of each of the second preforms, said deformation tending, for each preform, to deform one of the ends of the head of the preform so as to form a rib on the top face of the head of the preform.

[0127] In one example, the step of dispensing the molding material is performed so that the molding material is dispensed while the inner face of the molding strip is rolling against a molding strip drive roller.

[0128] In one example, the step of dispensing the molding material is performed through a sheet of non-woven material arranged on the molding strip, said sheet of non-woven material including voids allowing the molding material to pass through.

[0129] In an example, during the step of dispensing the impression material, the space between the material dispensing means and the impression strip is in the range of 10 μm to 500 μm, or more precisely in the range of 50 μm at 100 µm.

[0130] The molding material is then typically polypropylene, and the step of dispensing the molding material is typically formed at a pressure lying in the range of 10 bar to 100 bar, or indeed in the range of 30 bar to 50 bar , and at a temperature lying in the range of 150°C to 300°C.

[0131] The molding strip is then typically driven at a travel speed lying in the range of 1 m/min to 500 m/min, more particularly in the range of 5 m/min to 250 m/min.

[0132] In one example, the demolding step is performed while the base of the tape is at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the molding material, or lower than the heat deflection temperature of the molding material.

[0133] In one example, the step of dispensing the molding material is carried out so as to form a strip extending in a longitudinal direction and comprising a base having two edges in the longitudinal direction, each of the edges having ups and downs, in which the maximum displacement between the peaks and troughs in a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction is less than 1.0 mm for a length in the longitudinal direction corresponding to three consecutive peaks.

[0134] In one example, before the demolding step, a layer of non-woven material is applied against the bottom face of the base before the bottom face of the base has solidified to cause portions of fibers and/or filaments of the material layer non-woven to penetrate the base, at least in part.

[0135] In an example, during the step of applying the nonwoven material against the bottom face of the base, the layer of nonwoven material is at room temperature or at a temperature that is not regulated, and the temperature of the base is the only result of the tape conformation step.

[0136] In one example, during the step of applying the strip of nonwoven material against the bottom face of the base, the bottom face of the base is at a temperature lower than its melting temperature.

[0137] This fifth aspect also provides apparatus for carrying out a method as defined above, and comprising: a mold device, comprising a mold strip mounted on rotary drive means e.g. comprising at least two rollers, the mold strip having an inner face and an outer face, the inner face being mounted to support against the rollers, the molding strip having a plurality of recesses, each recess defining a rod extending from the outer face towards the inner face, and including an end forming a head extending from the rod towards the inner face of the casting strip; material dispensing means arranged facing the molding device, and configured to dispense molding material at a point on the molding strip so as to form a strip of preforms having a base thickness defined by space, and first preforms shapes each comprising a stem and a head projecting from said base; release means configured to release the tape from shaped preforms on the mold strip; and a shaping device, configured to modify the heads of the preforms by shaping.

[0138] In one example, the molding strip and the release means are configured so as to demould the strip of preforms leading to the first preforms being deformed in order to form the second preforms in a way that is different from the first preforms.

[0139] In one example, the apparatus further comprises drive means for driving a layer of non-woven material and adapted to press a non-woven material against the bottom face of the tape base of the retention elements downstream of the material dispensing means .

[0140] This fifth aspect also provides apparatus for forming a hook retaining device, the apparatus comprising:

[0141] a molding device, comprising a molding strip mounted on the rotary drive means, e.g. comprising at least two rollers, the molding strip having an inner face and an outer face, the inner face being mounted to support against the rollers, the molding strip having a plurality of cavities, each cavity defining a rod extending from the outer face towards the inner face, and including an end forming a head extending from the rod towards the inner face of the molding strip;

[0142] material dispenser means arranged facing the molding device, and configured so as to inject molding material at a point of the molding strip so as to form a preform strip having a thickness base defined by space, and first preforms each comprising a stem and a head projecting from said base; It is

[0143] release means configured to release the preform tape from the molding strip;

[0144] the mold strip and the release means being configured so as to demould the preform strip leading to the preforms being deformed so as to form second preforms in a way that is different from the first preforms .

[0145] In one example, the apparatus further comprises a shaping device configured to modify the preform heads by shaping.

[0146] In one example, the shaping device comprises at least two rotating elements, one of said rotating elements including heating means or temperature regulating means configured so as to maintain it at a temperature that lies strictly between the deflection temperature by heat and the melting temperature of the molding material.

[0147] In an example, said rotating elements of the forming device have respective speeds that are different from that of the molding device.

[0148] In one example, the forming means are configured so as to form at least one fold of the head of each preform, said at least one fold tending to bend at least one end of the head of the preform in the direction of a central portion of the head of the preform.

[0149] In one example, the shaping device comprises a rotating element configured so as to operate at ambient temperature or at a non-regulated temperature, and at least one rotating element having heating means adapted so that said at least one rotating element operates at a temperature lying strictly between the heat deflection temperature and the melting temperature of the molding material.

[0150] In one example, the rotating elements of the forming device are configured so that they are driven in rotation at different rotation speeds.

[0151] In one example, the cavities of the molding strips extending in a cavity direction substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the molding strip, and each defining a rod and a head, each having rotational symmetry around said cavity direction , the head having a dimension that is greater than the maximum dimension of the shank when measured radially from the direction of the cavity.

[0152] In one example, the material dispensing means are configured to inject the molding material at a point on the molding strip while the inner face of the molding strip is pressing against a roller of the rotary drive means.

[0153] In one example, the space between the material dispensing means and the molding strip is in the range of 10 μm to 700 μm, more particularly in the range of 20 μm to 500 μm, or more precisely in the range of 50 μm at 100 µm.

[0154] In one example, the rotary drive means for driving the molding strip comprises at least two rollers, each having a diameter in the range of 10 times to 10,000 times the thickness of the molding strip, in particular in the range of 50 times to 5000 times the thickness of the molding strip, eg in the range 100 mm to 250 mm.

[0155] In one example, the apparatus further comprises means for pressing the strip of non-woven material against the molding strip upstream of the material dispensing means.

[0156] In one example, the cavities in the molding strip are through cavities.

[0157] In one example, the apparatus further comprises a scraper device arranged on the inner face of the molding strip, downstream of the material dispensing means.

[0158] In one example, the molding strip includes an inner strip made of rubber forming its inner face, the ends of the cavities of the molding strip being formed in said inner strip made of rubber.

Sixth aspect of disclosure

[0159] In a sixth aspect, the present disclosure relates to a retention device comprising

[0160] an elastic film extending in a longitudinal direction;

[0161] a plastic tape extending in the longitudinal direction comprising a base having a bottom face and a top face and including a plurality of retaining elements extending from said top face;

[0162] the retention device being characterized in that the film, the base, and the retention elements are integrally formed by means of extrusion.

[0163] In one example, the film, base, and retaining elements are integrally formed by successive and/or simultaneous extrusion operations.

[0164] In one example, the transition between the elastic film and the base of the tape, in addition to the top face and/or bottom face, is continuous.

[0165] In one example, the plastic tapes and the adhesive film form an intermediate layer having a bottom face and a top face, said device further comprising a layer of non-woven material attached to at least a portion of the bottom face of the intermediate layer.

[0166] The gripping is then typically carried out by partial encapsulation in said intermediate layer.

[0167] Partial encapsulation is typically performed on the elastic film of the intermediate layer.

[0168] Partial encapsulation is typically performed on the plastic tape of the intermediate layer. Partial encapsulation can be carried out on plastic tapes of said intermediate layer and on the elastic film of said intermediate layer.

[0169] In one example, the device further comprises a non-woven layer attached to the top face of the intermediate layer.

[0170] The nonwoven layer is then typically attached to the top face of the intermediate layer by means of adhesive.

[0171] In an example, at least one of the bottom face and/or the top face of the intermediate layer has elements projecting from said face, whose projection elements are different from the retention elements.

[0172] The projection elements are typically in the form of spikes.

[0173] In an example, the base of the plastic tape has a thickness ranging from 10 μm to 700 μm, where the thickness is the distance between the top face and the bottom face, each of the retention elements is constituted by a rod and a head;

[0174] the rod having a bottom end connected to the base, and a top end opposite the bottom end, the head overcoming the top end of the rod, and having a bottom face facing towards the base and a bottom face top opposite the bottom face, and wherein the top face of the head of each retention member includes a rib.

[0175] In one example, the non-woven layer is activated. The non-woven material can be activated prior to lamination or the actual laminate can be activated over its full width.

[0176] This sixth aspect also provides a method of forming a retaining device with hooks, in which:

[0177] a plastic material in the molten state is dispensed into a molding device so as to form a strip having a base and retaining elements projecting from a face of said base; It is

[0178] an elastic material in the molten state is dispensed;

[0179] in such a way that the plastic tape and the elastic film and the retaining elements are integrally made by extrusion, the plastic material tape and the elastic film forming an intermediate layer.

[0180] In one example, the elastic film is formed to extend the tape.

[0181] In one example, after making the intermediate layer, a step is taken of applying a non-woven layer against the bottom face of the intermediate layer before the bottom face of the intermediate layer solidifies, in order to cause portions of the fibers and/ or filaments of the nonwoven layer penetrating at least in part the intermediate layer.

[0182] During the step of applying the nonwoven layer against the bottom face of the intermediate layer, the layer of nonwoven material is typically at room temperature or at a non-regulated temperature, and the temperature of the bottom face of the intermediate layer is the result solely of the step of making the middle layer.

[0183] In one example, the method includes the step of applying a layer of non-woven material against the top face of the intermediate layer.

[0184] The layer of nonwoven material is then typically bonded to the top face of the intermediate layer, typically using an adhesive.

[0185] In one example, before forming the intermediate layer, a support layer is positioned in at least a portion of the molding device.

[0186] In one example, the method includes a previous step of activating the layer(s) of non-woven material.

[0187] In one example, before dispensing material, a molding strip is provided having an inner face and an outer face, and having a plurality of cavities, each cavity defining a rod extending from the outer face towards the inner face , and including a head-forming end extending from the end of the rod towards the inner face of the molding strip, the molding strip is positioned on rotary drive means, e.g. comprising at least two rollers, the inner face of the molding strip being arranged to press against the drive means;

[0188] Molding material is then dispensed by a material dispenser arranged facing the molding strip in such a way as to define a space between the material dispensing means and the molding strip, the molding material being dispensed in such a way as to fill said space and the cavities with molding material so as to form a strip comprising a base of thickness which is defined by the space, and first preforms projecting from said base, each comprising a rod and a head, the first preform being formed by the plastic material in the cavities of the molding strip; It is

[0189] in which the dispensing of the material is followed by a demolding step in which the tape and the first preform are demolded in order to deform the first preforms plastically to obtain second preforms in a way that is different from the one form of the first preforms.

[0190] After the demolding step, a forming step is typically performed during which the stripped strip is inserted into a forming device to modify the shape of the heads of the second preforms by forming.

SUMMARY OF FIGURES

[0191] Other features, objects and advantages of the present disclosure appear from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0192] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of apparatus for making a retaining device with hooks;

[0193] Figures 2 to 10 are detailed views of the shapes of the resulting retaining elements or preforms;

[0194] Figure 11 reproduces the apparatus shown in Figure 1, and adds to the same medium to conform the resulting preforms;

[0195] Figures 12A to 12E and 13A to 13J are detailed views showing the hook forming steps and the resulting hook shapes or preforms;

[0196] Figure 14 is a plan view of the tape obtained in this way; showing the properties of the tape margins;

[0197] Figures 15 and 16 show an example of apparatus for mounting a substrate to a tape, e.g. a tape including a retaining device with hooks;

[0198] Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of the product obtained using such an apparatus; It is

[0199] Figure 18 is a diagram showing another example of a product that can be obtained using the devices described above.

[0200] In all figures, elements that are in common are identified by identical numerical references.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0201] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of apparatus for making a retaining device with hooks.

[0202] The apparatus as shown comprises a molding strip 1 positioned on the rotary drive means 2 comprising in this example two rollers 21 and 22, and material dispenser means 3 adapted to inject molding material, which may for example be a plastic material and/or an elastic material.

[0203] The unit formed by the molding strip 1 and the rotary drive means 2 then form a molding device.

[0204] The example shown comprising two rollers 21 and 22 is not limiting, it being possible to vary the number and arrangement of the rollers, in particular in order to adapt to the length of the molding strip 1 and to the various stations of the apparatus. By way of example, it would be possible to use three rolls, or indeed just one, so that the molding strip is arranged on the periphery of a single roll. In particular, only one of the two rollers needs to be driven in rotation by the motor means, e.g. roller 21, the other roller 22 being free, e.g. without motor means, and being driven in rotation by the casting strip, even driven by roller 21.

[0205] The molding strip 1 as shown comprises an inner face 11 and an outer face 12, the inner face 11 being in contact with the rotary drive means 2.

[0206] The material dispensing means 3 being arranged to inject the molding material into the outer face 12 of the molding strip 1.

[0207] More precisely, the material dispensing means 3 being arranged facing the molding strip 1, being spaced away from the molding strip 1 in order to define a space and shown in Figure 1. Reference A identifies the limit of the injected material on the outer face 12 of the molding strip 1, corresponding to the rear face of the injected material on the molding strip 1, where "rear" is taken in relation to the direction of travel of the molding strip 1.

[0208] The molding strip 1 is provided with a plurality of cavities for making the hooks of the hook holding device.

[0209] Each cavity 13 is formed in such a way as to define a rod 14 extending from the outer face 12 of the molding strip 1 towards its inner face 11, together with a head 15 extending between the rod 14 and the inner face 11 of the strip molding 1.

[0210] In the example shown, the heads 15 of the cavities 13 open on the inner face 11 of the molding strip 1. The cavities 13 are then through cavities. Such a modality is not limiting, it is also possible for the cavities 13 to be blind cavities, and thus for them not to open on the inner face 11 of the mold strip 1.

[0211] The portions of the cavities 13 forming the rod 14 typically extend in a direction perpendicular to the outer face 12 of the molding strip 1. The portions of the cavities 13 forming the rod 14 are typically revolution-shaped about an axis perpendicular to the outer face 12 of the molding strip 1, or shapes that have a plane of symmetry extending in a direction parallel to the direction of travel of the molding strip 1 and/or in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the molding strip 1.

[0212] By way of example, the portions of the cavities 13 forming the rods 14 are generally frustoconical or circular cylindrical in shape around an axis perpendicular to the outer face 12 of the molding strip 1, and each of them has a band at the junction with the outer face 12 of the molding strip 1.

[0213] The portions of the cavities 13 forming the heads 15 typically extend radially or transversely with respect to an axis perpendicular to the outer face 12 of the molding strip 1, and they may exhibit rotational symmetry about this axis perpendicular to the outer face 12 of the molding strip 1. The portions of the cavities 13 forming the heads 15 typically have a shape that is substantially frustoconical or hexahedral.

[0214] The portions of the cavities 13 forming the heads 15 can be linear or rounded, e.g. to form portions that are curved towards the inner face 11 or towards the outer face 12 of the molding strip 1 extending from the portions of the cavities 13 forming the rods 14.

[0215] The portions of the cavities 13 forming the heads 15 may have a thickness that is constant or varying.

[0216] In the example shown in the figures, the portions of the cavities 13 forming the head 15 extend radially around portions of the cavities 13 forming the rods 14, and parts have the general shape of a disk, as can be seen in particular in Figure 2 , which is described below.

[0217] On its inner face 11 or on its outer face 12, the molding strip 1 may have a particular texture, such as slits, an arrangement of grooves, or an arrangement of passages forming openings or spikes, or it may be substantially smooth.

[0218] The molding strip 1 can be made by superimposing a plurality of strips, and is thus not necessarily a single piece or made of a single material.

[0219] The material dispensing means 3 are typically arranged so as to inject material into the molding strip 1 in a section of the molding strip 1 where it supports against a drive roller, specifically the drive roller 21 in the example shown in Figure 1. The drive roller then forms a bottom for the cavities 13.

[0220] When the molding material is injected while the molding strip 1 is not supported against a drive roller, then the material dispensing means 3 may include a base arranged on the other side of the molding strip 1, so that the molding material inner face 11 of molding strip 1 supports against the base while material is being injected, the base then forming a bottom for the cavities 13 of the molding strip 1.

[0221] The molding strip 1 typically has a thickness in the range of 5 μm to 5000 μm, or in fact in the range of 5 μm to 2000 μm, or more precisely in the range of 20 μm to 800 μm, or in fact in the range of 100 μm to 500 μm.

[0222] In the longitudinal direction, the molding strip can have a length ranging from 0.5 meters (m) to 5m.

[0223] In the transverse direction, the molding strip may have a width ranging from 5 mm to 3000 mm.

[0224] Each of the rollers 21 and 22 typically have a diameter in the range of 10 times to 10000 times the thickness of the molding strip 1, or in fact 50 times to 5000 times the thickness of the molding strip 1, more precisely a diameter lying in the range 50 mm to 750 mm, or more particularly a diameter lying in the range 100 mm to 300 mm.

[0225] When compared with conventional forming means such as rolls in which the mold cavities are made directly, the use of a molding strip 1 associated with driving means 2 is advantageous for several reasons.

[0226] The use of a molding strip is particularly advantageous in terms of modularity. Specifically, the molding strip can be easily removed and replaced in relation to the drive means, unlike a solid roll for which the dismantling and reassembling operations are particularly complex to carry out. Such an advantage can be seen in particular when both rollers 21 and 22 are fixed at one end only to a frame, leaving the other end free to receive and/or remove the molding strip. It is also possible to use guide means for the molding strip in order to facilitate inserting and/or removing it.

[0227] Additionally, the molding strip is much easier to make as compared to making a roll which includes molding cavities. Specifically, such rolls are typically made by successively stacking slices, thus requiring multiple machining operations and leading to major restrictions both during assembly and on every occasion where there is a change in specification of the hooks, and such rolls carry considerable weight, requiring them to be those to be maintained at both ends, with the consequence of making them more complex to replace.

[0228] Additionally, the use of a molding strip coupled to the drive means makes it possible to make a molding device of considerable length while conserving fabrication and installation that are simple, in particular when one of the rollers is mounted to be movable in translation so as to modify the displacement between the rollers, and thus allow the molding strip tension to be adjusted. Conversely, making large diameter casting rolls is typically complex, and leads to very heavy casting means, thus entailing that the whole assembly needs to be oversized in order to be able to support such rolls. Additionally, making such large diameter casting rolls does not make it possible to obtain acceptable dimensional tolerances.

[0229] The various steps in forming a retaining device with hooks by means of this apparatus are described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0230] Figure 2 shows the molding material once it is injected into the molding strip 1. Figure 2 is a side view (in section) showing the material in the cavities 13 of the molding strip 1.

[0231] As can be seen in Figure 2, the molding material penetrates the molding strip so as to fill each cavity 13, thus forming a stem and head blank for each of the hooks.

[0232] A layer of molding material is also deposited on the outer face 12 of the molding strip 1 in order to form a base for the retaining device, the thickness of this layer of molding material being determined by the space and between the dispensing means of material 3 and the molding strip 1.

[0233] Space e typically has a thickness lying in the range of 10 μm to 700 μm, or typically in the range of 10 μm to 500 μm, or in fact in the range of 20 μm to 100 μm.

[0234] In the example shown, the cavities 13 in the molding strip 1 are through cavities. The apparatus may then include an element such as a scraper 4 positioned to scrape the inner face 11 of the molding strip 1 in order to remove excess molding material, as required. The term “injection” is used to designate the action of forming a molding material by melting technique, eg dispensing, delivering, moulding, injecting, extruding.

[0235] Injection of molding material into the molding strip 1 using material dispenser means 3 thus makes it possible to form a base 51 and a plurality of elements or preforms, each comprising a rod 52 and a head 53, the assembly thus forming a ribbon 100. As described below, the elements comprising the rods 52 and the heads 53 are typically first preforms which are subsequently subjected to a forming step in order to make the hooks.

[0236] A longitudinal direction is defined in relation to the direction of travel of the tape 100, this longitudinal direction being parallel to the direction of travel of the tape 100. This longitudinal direction is commonly referred to as "machine direction" or "MD". The longitudinal direction is designated by the MD axis in the figures.

[0237] A transverse direction is also defined, commonly referred to as "cross direction" or "CD", corresponding to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and extending parallel to a flat face of the tape 100. The transverse direction is designated by the axis CD in the figures.

[0238] The base 51 has a top face 511 and a bottom face 512 which are typically substantially parallel, the top face 511 being the face provided with hooks and/or preforms.

[0239] The base 51 typically has a thickness lying in the range of 10 μm to 700 μm, or typically in the range of 20 μm to 500 μm, or in fact in the range of 50 μm to 100 μm.

[0240] The base 51 typically has a width in the range of 1 mm to 3000 mm, or more precisely in the range of 2 mm to 400 mm, or in fact between 3 mm and 100 mm, the width of the base 51 being measured along the direction that is transverse to the longitudinal direction, e.g. along a direction parallel to the outer face 12 of the molding strip 1.

[0241] Figures 3, 4, 5 are three views showing hook preforms as formed in this way by injecting the material into the molding strip 1, respectively in a perspective view, a plan view, and a sectioned view.

[0242] It should be understood that these figures show the molding material as it is inside the cavities 13, each time showing isolated from the molding strip 1 in order to show its shape in detail.

[0243] As can be seen in these figures, the hook preforms as shaped in this way, specifically the first preforms, are each in the form of a rod 52 of generally cylindrical or conical shape, surmounted by a head 53.

[0244] A bottom end 521 of the rod 52 is defined, connecting the rod to the base 51, and a top end 522 of the rod 52 is defined opposite from the bottom end 521 of the rod 52.

[0245] The head 53 extends from the top end 522 of the rod 52.

[0246] In the example shown, the head 53 is hexagonal in shape with edges forming circular arcs. Head 53 then has a plurality of portions extending radially from top end 522 of rod 52. Head 53, and more generally the assembly formed by head 53 and rod 52, then exhibit rotational symmetry about an axis passing through from the center of the rod 52 and the head 53. It is possible to obtain several other shapes for the head 53, the purpose of the example shown is merely to illustrate one embodiment. Head 53 may in particular be hexagonal in shape.

[0247] The apparatus as described and associated method makes it possible to operate at high speed tape forming.

[0248] Specifically, conventional production lines for making hook retention devices operate at low forming speeds, these low forming speeds being compensated for by widening the tape being formed. This limit in terms of formation speed is the result in particular of the time required for the injected material to solidify.

[0249] In contrast, the installation and method as described makes it possible to form a tape at a high forming speed, eg faster than 20 m/min, or in fact faster than 40 m/min, 60 m/min, 80 m/min, 100 m/min, 120 m/min, or 150 m/min, or indeed in the range from 1 m/min to 500 m/min, or indeed in the range from 5 m/min min at 250 m/min. Specifically, the described method does not want the material that is injected to form the hooks to be cooled completely, and, additionally, using a molding strip of small thermal inertia, possibly present through cavities, makes it possible to considerably improve the rate at which the tape solidifies.

[0250] In one embodiment, the material dispensing means 3 can inject the molding material through a sheet of non-woven material arranged on the outer face 12 of the molding strip 1.

[0251] A sheet of non-woven material is then arranged on the outer face 12 of the molding strip 1 upstream of the material-dispensing means 3. The sheet of non-woven material can have empty areas to facilitate passing the molding material, and also zones that prevent impression material from passing through.

[0252] Such an embodiment then makes it possible to obtain a tape having a layer of non-woven material on its top face, eg its face having the retaining elements, eg hooks. Injecting the molding material directly onto the sheet of non-woven material then makes it possible to ensure strong cohesion of the non-woven material with the base 51.

[0253] Additionally, by calibrating the distribution of the empty areas that facilitate the passage of the impression material and the areas that prevent the passage of the impression material, it is possible to define a pattern for the distribution of the hooks.

[0254] The substrate in the calibrated zone typically exhibits air permeability that is greater than 2000 liters per square meter per second (L/m2/s), more particularly greater than 4000 L/m2/s in the hook pass zone. This permeability characteristic is either intrinsic to the substrate, or else it is compromised in the substrate by treatment, by drilling, needling, by suction, by embossing, or by some other technique. In one example, the substrate may be a non-woven material, eg a printed non-woven material. By way of example, substrate permeability can be measured using the 1995 ISO 9237 standard at a pressure of 200 pascals (Pa) with 20 square centimeter (cm2) circular test pieces.

[0255] The weight of the nonwoven material typically ranges from 2 grams per square meter (g/m2) to 45 g/m2. When the permeability of the nonwoven material is intrinsic, the permeability can be less than 15000 L/m2/s, or actually less than 7500 L/m2/s. The non-woven material used is typically a non-woven material of thickness lying in the range of 0.10mm to 0.8mm, in particular in the range of 0.20mm to 0.60mm. By way of example, the thickness of non-woven material can be measured in accordance with the 1997 NF EN ISO 9073-2 standard using its method A for normal non-woven fabrics at a pressure of 0.5 kilopascals (kPa) and for a duration of 10 seconds (s).

[0256] The nonwoven material may also have poor mechanical strength locally, or it may be intrinsically weak mechanically, so that the nonwoven material is pierced by the molding material when making the hooks or preforms.

[0257] The material dispensing means 3 can be adapted to dispense two different materials simultaneously or successively, thus making it possible to define two zones made of two different materials on the tape 100.

[0258] More precisely, the material dispensing means 3 can be adapted to simultaneously inject a molding material such as a polypropylene to form the base 51 and the hooks, and an elastic material to form an elastic margin extending the base 51.

[0259] The molding strip 1 can then present shapes suitable for various zones of the strip 100, for example it can present a portion provided with cavities 13 in order to realize preforms or hooks corresponding to the portion where the mold material is injected, and a portion that does not have such cavities 13 corresponding to the portion where the elastic material is injected.

[0260] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the demolding of the previously formed tape 100.

[0261] Because of the shape of the cavities, it can be understood that the heads 53 are necessarily deformed in order to allow them to be extracted from the molding strip 1.

[0262] The portions of the cavities 13 forming the rods 14 and the heads 15 are then of suitable dimensions to allow the heads 53 to pass through the portions of the cavities 13 forming the rods 14 so as to make demolding possible.

[0263] Demolding then leads to the heads 53 being deformed, as shown diagrammatically in Figure 6. This deformation can be of an elastic and/or plastic nature, and can then lead to a modification of the heads 53 and the rod 52 when the deformation is plastic, or the heads 53 and the rods 52 can return to their initial shape after demolding when the deformation is elastic.

[0264] The nature of the deformation depends particularly on the material used, and also on the shapes of the heads 53 and the rods 52.

[0265] In order to reduce the force exerted on the preforms during demolding, demolding is typically carried out in an area where the stripping strip is not in contact with one of the rollers 21 and 22.

[0266] In the example shown in Figure 6, deformation of the head 53 is shown diagrammatically as going from a generally flat shape towards the shape of a corolla of a flower, with portions extending radially or transversely from the top end 522 of the stem 52 thus going from a substantially flat configuration to a configuration in which they slope away from the base 51. The perimeter of the free end of the head 53 typically remains unchanged.

[0267] Next, Figures 7 to 10 show a portion of the tape 100 as demolded in this way.

[0268] In the example shown, stripping of the tape 100 has caused the head 53 to be plastically deformed so that its shape has been modified compared to the shape of the portion of the cavity 13 into which the head 15 was formed.

[0269] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a portion of tape 100 as demolded in this way, Figure 8 is a plan view, and Figures 9 and 10 are two sectional views in two mutually identified perpendicular planes in Figure 7.

[0270] As can be seen in the figures, and in particular in Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10, the head 53 is asymmetrical in shape after demolding; specifically the direction in which the force is directed during demolding leads to distinct deformations in the different portions of the head 53. As shown in Figure 10, in this example, the portion of the head 53 that is positioned at the front of the preform (where "front" is taken with respect to the direction of travel of the molding strip 1) is taken to a greater extent than the head portion 53 which is positioned at the rear of the preform (where "rear" is taken with respect to the direction of travel of molding strip 1), e.g. the head portion 53 which is positioned in front of the preform has an inclination angle which has been modified more than the angle by which the head portion 53 angle which is positioned on the back of the preform has been modified. Such an embodiment is not limiting, it being possible for the head 53 to be made in such a way as to present a shape that is symmetrical after demolding. This deformation of the head 53 leads to the deformation of an enlarged collar around a central portion of the head 53. This collar exhibits sweeps in thickness, e.g. a thickness that tapers away from the stem 52. With respect to the stem 52, the distal end of the collar has a thickness that is less than the proximal end of the collar. Thickness variations make the mechanical bending action more brittle and reduce the thermal inertia required for deformation in a subsequent step, eg when bending and/or forming in the manner described below.

[0271] More particularly, at least a portion of the collar as shaped in this way presents, in the sectional view, an angle A of at least 15° between the main axis and the portion under consideration of said collar and a plane parallel to the plane of the base 51. More particularly, this angle is greater than 35°, even more particularly greater than 45°. In Figure 9, angle A as shown is substantially equal to 55°, and in Figure 10, angle A is substantially equal to 80°.

[0272] As a result of collar forming, the maximum dimension of the head of the first preform as measured in a plane parallel to the plane of the vase 51 (and referred to as head width) is reduced by 10% to 150%, or in fact by 25% to 100% relative to the head width of the second preform and/or the shank diameter of the second preform.

[0273] The height of the head of the second preform is increased by 5% to 100%, or in fact by 12% to 50% in relation to the height of the first preform, where height is measured along a perpendicular plane to the base 51 plane.

[0274] In one example, the width of the head is decreased by 0.05mm to 0.2mm for a rod diameter of about 0.2mm, where the rod diameters of the first and second preforms are substantially identical . The head height is increased by 0.025 mm to 0.1 mm for a rod diameter of about 0.2 mm, where the rod diameters of the first and second preforms are substantially identical.

[0275] It is then considered that the step of injecting molding material into the molding strip 1 forms "first" preforms for the hooks, each comprising a rod 52 and a head 53 (e.g. as shown in Figures 2 to 5), and that the first preforms are subsequently plastically deformed during demolding to form "second" preforms of a shape that is different from the shape of the first preforms, e.g. as shown in Figures 6 to 10 The term “plastic” is used of strain to specify that residual or remaining strain remains after elongation and release.

[0276] In the example shown in Figures 1, 11 and 15, demolding is performed by means of a demolding roller 6, typically configured in such a way as to separate the base 51 of the tape 100 from the molding strip 1 under the effect of tension on the tape and its change of direction. The demoulding roller can be fitted with suction means and/or a surface having a high coefficient of friction, such as for example a rubber coating in order to improve gripping and sliding time. The stripping roller can be motor driven and have a tangential speed that is slightly faster than the speed of the strip. The separation between the strip 100 and the molding strip 1 is referenced C in the figures, this point corresponding to the level at which the base 51 of the strip 100 is no longer in contact with the molding strip 1, for example. Provision can be made for the mold strip 1 to support against the release roller 6 eg the release roller 6 forms a lever on the mold strip 1 to facilitate release of preforms and/or hooks.

[0277] The first or second preforms can then be adapted to perform the function of retention means, or conversely not present such properties.

[0278] Demoulding is typically performed when the base 51 of the tape 100 is at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the molding material, or the temperature at which the molding material flexes under load, e.g. when the face inner 11 of molding strip 1 is at a temperature of about 45°C and the top face 511 of base 51 is at a temperature of about 75°C. The bending temperature under load is commonly referred to as the “heat deflection temperature” (HDT).

[0279] The demolding step can be followed by a shaping step in which the second preforms are modified, and in particular their heads 53 are modified.

[0280] Figure 11 is a diagram showing apparatus for performing such a forming step, and Figures 12 and 13 show two successive changes in shape that may be implemented during such a forming step.

[0281] The apparatus shown in Figure 11 is similar to the apparatus shown in Figure 1, but also includes a shaping device 7 positioned downstream of the demolding roller 6.

[0282] The forming device 7 as shown comprises a driving roller 71 and two forming rollers 72 and 73.

[0283] The function of the drive roller 71 is to guide and drive the tape 100. The function of the forming rollers 72 and 73 is to perform a shaping action on the rods 52 and/or on the heads 53 of the preforms obtained by demolding.

[0284] In the example shown, the forming device 7 comprises two forming rollers 72 and 73 serving to carry out two successive forming steps which are described below. The shaping device 7 is not limited to such a modality, and may have some other number of rollers, or more generally of shaping means, in order to carry out the desired shaping steps. By way of example, the forming device 7 can be configured so as to carry out a single deformation only, in which case there would be only one forming roller.

[0285] The forming rollers 72 and 73 are configured to exert mechanical and/or thermal force on the heads 53 and on the rods 52 of the preforms, in order to cause plastic deformation in order to give a final shape to the hooks.

[0286] Below is a description of an example of conformation, given with reference to Figures 12 to 16.

[0287] After demolding, the tape 100 is driven by the drive roller 71 of the shaping device 7. The shaping rollers 72 and 73 are arranged so that each of them defines a passage between the shaping roller in question and the roller drive 71 through which the tape 100 can pass.

[0288] These passages between the drive roller 71 and the forming rollers 72 and 73 are sized to be smaller than the height of the tape 100, or where appropriate, than the height of the tape 100 and the substrate, so that the forming rollers 72 and 73 exert a force on the preforms.

[0289] In the example shown, the two forming rollers 72 and 73 serve to carry out two successive deformation stages in the preforms.

[0290] Each of the forming rollers 72 and 73 is driven in rotation at a rotational speed that is distinct from the rotational speed of the drive roller 71, and thus also distinct from the speed of travel of the tape 100.

[0291] Taking into account the speed of the drive roller 71 as a reference speed, the first forming roller 72 has a tangential speed that is lower than a drive roller 71, e.g. in the range of 5% to 200 % less than the speed of the drive roll 71, or in fact in the range of 10% to 80% less than the speed of the drive roll 71, and the second forming roll 73 typically has a tangential speed which is greater than that of the drive roller 71, e.g. in the range 5% to 200% greater than that of the drive roller 71, or indeed in the range 10% to 80% greater than that of the drive roller 71.

[0292] Additionally, each of the forming rolls 72 and 73 is typically maintained at a predetermined temperature as a function of the molding material, e.g. in the range of 75°C to 165°C or more particularly substantially equal to 120° C by a tape made of polypropylene, while the drive roll 71 is maintained at ambient temperature or at a temperature which is not regulated, or at a temperature which is less than the heat deflection temperature, e.g. less than 65°C. °C.

[0293] The drive speed and temperature parameters serve to ensure that the head 53 of the preforms adhere to and/or rub against and/or slide over the forming rollers 72 and 73, thus forming the deformation.

[0294] Figures 12a to 12e then show the deformation of a preform after the action of the first forming roller 72. Arrows diagrammatically illustrate the direction of rotation of the forming roller 72 and the direction of travel of the tape 100.

[0295] Upstream of the forming roller 72, the preform under consideration is the same as that described above with reference to Figures 7 to 10.

[0296] Figure 12a is a diagram showing the tape approaching the forming roller 72.

[0297] Next, Figure 12b is a diagram showing the forming action of the forming roller 72 on the preform. As can be seen in this figure, the forming roller 72 flattens and deforms a portion of the head 53. More precisely, the forming roller 72 comes into contact with some of the various portions of the head 53 that extend from the top end 522 of the rod 52 , and drives them toward the center region of the head 53. This deformation of the preform gives rise to partial softening of both the portion that is carried toward a center region of the head 53 and also of the material from the center region of the head 53, and is also led to a substantially flat sloping region being formed on the head face 53.

[0298] Figure 12c is a diagram showing the preform after the action of the forming roller 72. Figures 12d and 12e show two other views, respectively a perspective view and a plan view of such a preform deformed in this way.

[0299] As can be seen in this figure, in this example the forming roller 72 deformed the face of the preform in front of the preform in relation to its direction of travel.

[0300] This deformation leads to a rib being formed that extends in a direction that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the tape 100.

[0301] The deformation action exerted by the forming roller 72 bends a portion of the head 53 of the preform corresponding to the face of the preform in the direction of travel, however this deformation action leads to the flattening of the head portions of the preform shape 53 extending in the direction transverse to the direction of travel, thereby forming fins extending on the other side of the rod 52 in the direction extending transverse to the direction of travel of the tape 100. These fins define handle portions 54 of the head 53, extending radially beyond the preform rod 52 from top end 522 of rod 52.

[0302] The deformation carried out by the forming roller 72 forms a first rib 81 extending at least in part over the handle portions 54.

[0303] More generally, the deformation carried out by the forming rollers 72 leads to a handle portion 54 being formed together with a rib extending at least in part over the handle portion 54. The rib as formed in this way extends over the face of top of head 53, thus providing head 53 with mechanical reinforcement.

[0304] When the head 53 has a plurality of handle portions 54, shaping may then occur to a single rib being formed which extends continuously between the handle portions 43, or to a plurality of disjoint ribs, each extending at least in part on one or more of the handle parts 54.

[0305] After this first deformation by the forming roller 72, a second deformation can be performed by the forming roller 73.

[0306] Figures 13a to 13j are diagrams showing the deformation of the preform by the forming roller 73, and the resulting hook shape. Specifically the term “hook” is used once the preforms have been subjected to the forming steps.

[0307] Figures 13a and 13b show the deformation of the preform by the forming roller 73. As can be seen in these figures, the forming roller 73 is configured to come into contact with a front portion of the preform in relation to its direction of travel, and to deform the head 53 of the preform.

[0308] The temperature and speed of the rotation parameters of the forming roller 73 give rise to the adhesion of the material to the head 53 of the preform, which serves to lift a portion of the head 53 projecting from the rod 52.

[0309] It should be noted in particular that with respect to the tape 100, the forming roller 73 has a direction of rotation that is identical to that of the forming roller 72 described above, and that it has a tangential velocity that is greater than the tangential velocity of drive roller 71.

[0310] As a result of these characteristics of direction and speed of rotation, the forming roller 73 deforms the head 53 of the preform in such a way as to enter the material from the head 53 in the direction of the front of the preform (in relation to its direction of travel).

[0311] As a result, the forming roller 72 performs first deformation of the preform tending to pick up material from the front of the preform towards the central portion of the head 53, where the forming roller 73 performs second deformation of the preform form tending to pick up material towards the front of the preform.

[0312] The first previously formed rib 81 is then taken backwards towards the front of the preform, and extends through the stem 52 of the preform. The first rib as modified in this way is given reference 81' in the figures. For readability reasons, the text refers throughout to the first rib with the reference 81.

[0313] A second substantially transverse rib 82 is formed, likewise extending between two transverse ends of the hook, in this example formed by the handle portions 54.

[0314] As can be seen in Figures 13c to 13j, the hook as formed in this way has a first rib 81 which is a result of both the action of the first forming roller 72 and the action of the second forming roller 73, and also a second rib 82 which is the result of the action of the second forming roller 73.

[0315] Each of these two ribs 81 and 82 extends between two opposite ends of the hook in the transverse direction, eg between the two handle portions 54 in the example shown.

[0316] With reference to the drive direction of the tape through the installation, the hooks define a front face and a back face. The first rib 81 extends substantially along the front faces of the handle portions 54, while the second rib 82 extends substantially along the rear faces of the handle portions 54. The handle portions 54 then typically comprise two distinct ribs extending at least partly on the handle portion in question.

[0317] The handle portions 54 and the first and second ribs 81 and 82 then define transverse ends of the hooks having substantially the same U-shape, with a base that is substantially flat and with two ribs extending in a direction that is substantially perpendicular .

[0318] The ribs 81 and 82 then provide mechanical reinforcement for the handle portions 54, which portions are configured to cooperate with complementary elements such as other hooks or loops so as to form a retention system. The term "mechanical reinforcement" is used here to mean that the hook deforms less under the action of a given force when it has one or more such ribs than a similar hook not having such a rib.

[0319] The handle portions 54 can extend substantially radially with respect to the rod 51, or they can present a free end that inclines towards the base 51, as can be seen for example in Figures 13e, 13i or 13j, thus making it possible improve hook retention properties.

[0320] Each rib 81 and/or 82 extends over only a fraction of the head 53. The rib then typically extends over only a fraction of the periphery of the head 53. The combined length of the ribs typically ranges from 5% to 95 % of the length of the periphery of the head 53, or more precisely in the range of 30% to 70% of the length of the periphery of the head 53. The periphery of the head 53 is considered to be the radial periphery of the head 53 after the step of forming the hooks or while being formed on molding strip 1.

[0321] In this example, at least one of the ribs 81 and 82 typically have a length that is greater than the diameter of the rod 52, its diameter being measured in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0322] As can be seen in the figures, and more particularly in Figures 13d and 13h, when viewed from above the hook, each of the ribs 81 and 82 have a generally upside-down V-shape (either U-shape or U-shape C) having two branches forming an angle, which angle typically lies in the range 90° to 180°, or more precisely in the range 110° to 170°, or indeed in the range 140° to 150°, or is substantially equal to 145°. The two branches of the usually V-shaped rib then converge towards the front of the hook. This embodiment is purely illustrative and the generally V-shape can be inverted so that the rib converges towards the back of the hook, eg by modifying the speed parameters of the forming device 7. Upside down V, or where appropriate, U-shape or C-shape, may point forward in the longitudinal direction.

[0323] Typically, the ribs 81 and 82 are symmetrical about a plane extending in a longitudinal direction from the base 51 and containing a central axis of the rod 52 of the retaining elements.

[0324] Hooks as formed in this way typically have a height lying in the range 5 μm to 5000 μm, or indeed in the range 5 μm to 2000 μm, or more particularly in the range 20 μm to 800 μm, or even more particularly in the range of 100 µm to 500 µm, with the height being measured in a direction perpendicular to the top face 511 of the base 51.

[0325] The head 53 can be heated before the forming step so that it is at a temperature lying between the hot deflection temperature of the molding material and the melting temperature of the molding material, and the forming device 7 may include a rotating element at a temperature that is less than the deflection temperature of the molding material, for example.

[0326] As can be seen in particular in Figures 13f, 13g and 13j, the hook has a substantially flat inclined region of the head face that is arranged at the rear of the hook (relative to the direction of travel of the molding strip 1) .

[0327] Another aspect of the device as described concerns the regularity of the tape produced in this way.

[0328] Injecting molding material using the material dispenser means 3 makes it possible to obtain a tape having edges in the longitudinal direction that are substantially straight immediately in the manufacture of the tape, and without requiring an additional cutting step.

[0329] Figure 14 is a diagram showing the tape 100 as described above when viewed from above, which tape comprises a base joined with preforms or hooks. In the example shown in Figure 14, the tape 100 is shown to be supplied with preforms as described above, in particular with reference to Figures 7 to 10.

[0330] This figure is a diagram of the tape 100 obtained as a result of injecting material into the molding strip 1, the tape then extending in a longitudinal direction as identified by an X-X axis in Figure 14. Figure 14 also shows the transverse direction , identified by a Y-Y axis. The longitudinal direction identified by the X-X axis in this example is parallel to the machine direction, eg the direction in which the tape 100 is driven.

[0331] Two edges 102 and 104 are defined for this tape 100, each edge extending along the longitudinal direction, these two edges 102 and 104 defining the two ends of the tape 100 in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0332] The hooks or preforms are generally arranged close to the edges 102 and 104. The hooks or preforms are typically arranged at a distance D from the edges 102 and 104, being in the range of 2 to 3 times the pitch P of the hooks, typically equal to 2 or 3 times the pitch P of the hooks, the distance D being measured along the transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal direction represented by the X-X axis in Figure 14. The pitch P between the hooks corresponds to the distance between two successive hooks along the longitudinal direction. In the example shown in Figure 14, the hooks or preforms are arranged in columns extending in the longitudinal direction represented by the X-X axis, these columns being identically repeated in the transverse direction. The hooks or preforms can also be arranged in a staggered or “honeycomb” configuration, eg by shifting the columns of the hooks or preforms in the longitudinal direction.

[0333] As shown in Figure 14, each of the edges 102 and 104 has a succession of ups and downs, said succession extending in the longitudinal direction, and said ups and downs extending in a plane parallel to the plane formed by the base 51, the ups and downs lows representing minor irregularities in the distribution of the molding material to form the ribbon 100, it being understood that the edge which is precisely straight cannot be made industrially.

[0334] The lows should be understood as regions of the edges 102 and 104 that are indented towards the inside of the tape 100, while the highs should be understood as regions of the edges 102 and 104 that protrude towards the outside of the tape 100.

[0335] The regularity of edges 102 and 104 can then be evaluated using successive highs and lows.

[0336] In the sectional view in a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction, the edges 102 and 104 have rounded portions. More particularly, the round shape is oriented laterally towards the outside of the base. This rounded shape is made while forming the base. In other words, this rounded shape is not obtained by cutting.

[0337] The apparatus and method as described above make it possible to obtain edges 102 and 104 of the tape so that for a length L along the longitudinal direction corresponding to three consecutive highs, the maximum displacement E between the highs and lows in one direction transverse to the longitudinal direction is less than 3.0 mm, or more precisely less than 2.0 mm, or in fact more precisely less than 1.0 mm, or in fact lying in the range of 0.001 mm to 1.0 mm , more particularly in the range 0.001 mm to 0.5 mm, even more particularly in the range 0.001 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0338] Such a definition is equally applicable to a length corresponding to three consecutive basses; the maximum offset between the peaks and troughs in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction is less than 3.0 mm, or more precisely less than 2.0 mm, or in fact more precisely less than 1.0 mm, or in fact lies within whether in the range from 0.001 mm to 1.0 mm, more particularly in the range from 0.001 mm to 0.5 mm, even more particularly in the range from 0.001 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0339] The three consecutive highs or lows are typically located over a distance that is less than the distance corresponding to 15 times the pitch of the hook, preferably less than a distance of 25 mm.

[0340] Getting edges 102 and 104 can then be said to be “straight” is advantageous to the point that it makes it possible to avoid a subsequent step of straightening the edges, e.g. using a cutting step, where such straight edges are perceived by the user as a sign that the production is of good quality.

[0341] Additionally, the apparatus and method used make it possible to obtain such edges that are straight without requiring any extra longitudinal thickness at the edges of the tape, where such thickness does not present any functional advantage. The base 51 of the tape 100 may then be free of any extra thickness by extending continuously along its edges, and typically has a thickness that is substantially constant from edge to edge. More generally, it can be understood that the base 51 of the tape can be free of any non-functional extra thickness (where the only function would be to improve the evenness of the tape margins), which is advantageous in terms of production since the extra thickness would lead to overconsumption of material and would increase the time of the molds being occupied.

[0342] As can be understood from the above description, the straight edges are obtained by injecting mold material through the material dispenser means 3. The subsequent demolding and forming steps retain the straight edges as described above, so that the steps do not involve applying forces to the base edges 51 of the tape 100. The tape 100 as obtained in this way after several steps thus has an edge which is straight, as defined above.

[0343] Additionally, when at least two different materials are dispensed simultaneously or successively by the material dispensing means 3, the interface between the two materials is then typically made so as to present a straight boundary, as described above with reference to the edges of the base 51 of the tape 100. More precisely, when two materials are dispensed simultaneously or in succession, each material is injected by the material dispensing means 3 in such a way as to form straight edges at both transverse ends of the material tape formed in this way. Consequently, the joints between the two materials are joints between two straight edges as defined above, and thus each of them presents a profile that can be said as "straight" according to the above definition. By way of example, the dispensing means may comprise two injection or extrusion nozzles.

[0344] The apparatus described above and the associated method may also have means and a step for associating a substrate with the tape.

[0345] Such association of a substrate with a tape having gripping elements is typically carried out by means of an adhesive, or by fusing the base or the substrate, as mentioned above.

[0346] In order to secure a substrate to the tape base, the proposed apparatus may include substrate drive means adapted to feed substrate and to apply the substrate against the bottom face 512 of the base 51 of the tape 100 downstream of the dispenser means of material 3.

[0347] Figures 15 and 16 are diagrams showing an example of apparatus including such means.

[0348] The apparatus as shown is similar to that described above with reference to Figure 1; common elements are then not described again.

[0349] As can be seen in Figures 15 and 16, the apparatus as described has substrate drive means 9, consisting in this example of two rollers 91 and 92, whose rollers are configured to feed substrate 200 downstream of the material dispenser means 3.

[0350] The substrate 200 is typically a layer of nonwoven material, a plastic film, an elastic film, or a composite film, or a set of thermoset fibers and/or filaments. By way of example substrate 200 is a sheet of fibers and/or filaments.

[0351] In the example shown in Figures 15 and 16, the substrate is shown as a layer of non-woven material.

[0352] The term “non-woven” material is used to designate a product obtained as a result of forming a sheet of fibers and/or filaments that have been consolidated. Consolidation can be mechanical, chemical, or thermal, and causes bonds to be present between fibers and/or filaments. Such consolidation can be direct, eg carried out directly between the fibers and/or filaments by welding, or it can be indirect, eg via an intermediate layer between the fibers and/or filaments, eg an adhesive layer or a binder layer. The term "non-woven" material refers to a structure in the form of a ribbon or sheet of fibers and/or filaments that are interleaved in a manner that is not uniform, eg irregular, or randomly. A nonwoven material can have a single layer structure or a structure made up of multiple layers. A nonwoven material can also be combined with some other material to form a laminate. A non-woven material can be made from various synthetic and/or natural materials. By way of example, natural materials include cellulose fibers, such as cotton, jute, linen, and the like, and can also include cellulose fibers that have been reprocessed, such as rayon or viscose. Natural fibers for a nonwoven material can be prepared using various methods such as carding. By way of example, synthetic materials comprise, but are not limited to, synthetic thermoplastic polymers known to form fibers which include, without limitation, polyolefins, e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, or the like; polyamides, e.g., polyamide 6, polyamide 6.6, polyamide 10, polyamide 12, and the like; polyesters, e.g., terephthalates, polybutylene terephthalates, polylactic acids, and the like, polycarbonates, polystyrenes, thermoplastic elastomers, vinyl polymers, polyurethanes, and copolymer blends thereof. By way of example, the nonwoven material may be a material such as: spunbond, spunmelt, cast iron, SMS, SMMS, SS, SSS, SSMMS, SSMMMS, with air through, etc.

[0353] The substrate is not limited to a non-woven material, and may more generally be a non-woven material, a woven material, a knitted material, or a combination of a plurality of these materials.

[0354] The substrate drive means 9 are configured to feed the apparatus with substrate 200 and to apply the substrate 200 against the bottom face 512 of the base 51 of the tape 100 downstream of the material dispensing means 3.

[0355] The substrate drive means 9 are configured so that this application takes place before the base 51 of the tape 100 solidifies. Thus, the request causes at least part of the substrate 200 to penetrate through a plane defined by the bottom face 512 of the base 51 of the tape 100. In the figures, reference B designates the point where the base 51 of the tape 100 is placed in contact with the substrate 200.

[0356] More precisely, the bottom face 512 of the base 51 is substantially planar, and defines a plane. Applying the substrate against this face causes portions of the substrate 200, e.g. fibers and/or filaments of the nonwoven material layer when the substrate 200 is the nonwoven material layer, to penetrate the base 51, thus passing through the face bottom 512 of base 51. Figure 17 is then a diagram showing an example of a product that results from this connection between tape 100 and substrate 200.

[0357] So far as such application takes place before the base 51 of the tape 100 has solidified, there is no need to heat the base 51 of the tape 100 and/or the substrate 200 in order to achieve such bonding.

[0358] By way of example, assuming that the base 51 is made of polypropylene, the substrate is typically applied against the bottom face 512 of the base 51 while the bottom face 512 of the base 51 has a temperature lying between the temperature melting temperature and the Vicat B softening temperature of the material constituting it minus 30°C, or indeed between the melting temperature of the material constituting it and the Vicat A softening temperature of the material constituting it. More particularly, when the base comprises polypropylene based material, the bottom face 512 of the base 51 has a temperature lying in the range of 75°C to 150°C, typically around 105°C, this temperature typically being measured using an infrared camera or laser. The Vicat softening temperature is the temperature obtained using one of the methods described in ISO 306 or ASTM D 1525 standards while heating at a rate of 50°C per hour (°C/hr) and with a standardized load of 50 newtons (N) for Vicat B and a standardized load of 10 N for Vicat A.

[0359] More generally, while the substrate 200 is being applied against the bottom face 512 of the base 51, the bottom face 512 of the base 51 is at a temperature lower than its melting temperature, or more particularly lower than the temperature of hot deflection of the material forming the base 51, or in fact substantially equal to ambient temperature (or an unregulated temperature), and the temperature of the base 51 results solely from the tape forming step 100. With reference to points A, B and C defined above, and as can be seen in particular in Figure 15, the distance traveled by the base 51 between points A and B typically lies in the range of 20.0 mm to 400 mm. Likewise, the distance traveled by the base 51 between points B and C typically lies in the range of 400 mm to 1500 mm. The distance traveled by base 51 between points B and C is typically twice as long as the distance traveled by base 51 between points A and B.

[0360] The roller 92 is typically configured to apply the substrate 200 with pressure against the bottom face 512 of the base 51 in order to facilitate penetration of the substrate 200 into the base 51.

[0361] The roller 92 may have patterns or embossed portions on its surface, in order to improve penetration of the substrate 200 in the base 51.

[0362] The substrate 200 can be applied uniformly or non-uniformly against the bottom face 512 of the substrate 51.

[0363] The bond achieved between the substrate 200 and the base 51 of the tape 100 can be uniform or non-uniform.

[0364] When the substrate 200 is a set of thermally consolidated fibers and/or filaments, bonding with the base 51 is also achieved by a fraction of the fibers and/or filaments of the substrate 200 penetrating the base.

[0365] When the substrate 200 is a set of thermally consolidated fibers and/or filaments, a plastic film, an elastic film, or a composite film, a phenomenon may occur during bonding with the base whereby the tape 100 shrinks during cooling, this shrinkage by increasing the bonding area between the substrate and the base of the tape. This shrinkage is of no impact on the visual appearance for the end user.

[0366] More precisely, it is well known that molded parts exhibit a shrinkage phenomenon during cooling of the material. In the present example, the tape 100 has portions of different thickness as a result of the presence of retaining elements projecting from the top face 511 of the base 51. Such zones having extra thickness lead to a shrinkage phenomenon of the material in registration with the rods 52 of the hooks, thus forming material shrinkage zones 530 on the bottom face 512 of the base 51.

[0367] However, just as the substrate 200 is applied against the bottom face 512 of the base 51 before the base 51 solidifies, this material shrinkage happens after the substrate has been applied against the bottom face 512 of the base 51.

[0368] Pressing the substrate 200 against the bottom face 512 of the base 51 in association with the fact that the base 51 is not yet solidified during this application leads to bonding by molecular diffusion between the substrate 200 and against the bottom face 512 of the base 51. Thus, during shrinkage of the base material 51 as it solidifies, as mentioned above, the substrate 200 remains in contact with the bottom face 512 of the base 51, and regions of the film forming the substrate 200 thus continue to closely fit the shape of the material shrinkage zones on the bottom face 512 of the base 51. These regions of the film forming the substrate 200 thus penetrate beyond the plane defined by the bottom face 512 of the base 51. Thus, the surface area of the film forming the substrate 200 in contact with bottom face 512 of base 51 is greater than the projection of the surface area of the film onto a plane defined by bottom face 512 of base 51, thus making it possible to increase adhesion between substrate 200 and tape 100.

[0369] When the substrate 200 is a layer of non-woven material, the hooks are easily demolded, even with a non-woven material having a weight of less than 80 g/m2. By way of example, the weight of the nonwoven material may be in the range of 5 g/m2 to 120 g/m2, or indeed in the range of 10 g/m2 to 70 g/m2.

[0370] When the substrate 200 is a layer of non-woven material, the apparatus may include a calendering device upstream of the substrate driving means 9, thus making it possible (optionally locally) to carry out a calendering step on the layer of non-woven material fabric before pleating it against tape 100.

[0371] This technique for attaching the substrate 200 to the tape 100 is advantageous, in particular that it does not cause the tape 100 to become deformed, and thus advantageously makes it possible to preserve the shape of the base 51 as obtained during the injection step, and in particular to retain the straight edges that can be obtained using the method and apparatus described above.

[0372] This bonding of a substrate to a tape can be applied to a tape forming method as described above, or more generally to any other tape forming method that includes retaining elements such as hooks.

[0373] The above-described various apparatuses and methods can be used independently or in combination.

[0374] By way of example, follows a description with reference to Figure 18 of a product that can be obtained using the apparatus and methods described above.

[0375] Figure 18 then shows a product 300 comprising a tape 100 made of plastics materials, the tape 100 being integrally formed with a film of elastic material 310 by extrusion. More particularly, the tape 100 made of plastics materials is integrally formed with a film of elastic material 310 by extrusion operations which may be simultaneous or in succession. The term "successive extrusion operations" is used herein to mean that the film 310 and/or the tape 300 is made continuously by forming the tape 300 and/or the film 310, or indeed on a single production line.

[0376] Figure 18 is a sectional view in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the product 300 being formed.

[0377] The tape 100 is similar to the tape as described above, and comprises a base 51 and hooks extending from the top face 511 of the base 51.

[0378] The film of elastic material 310 is extruded simultaneously, successively, or before the extrusion of the tape 100 by the material dispenser means 3, thus defining a connection between the tape 100 and the film 310 at one of its transverse ends. The transition between the elastic film 310 and the base 51 of the tank 100 is then typically continuous.

[0379] Thus, the film of elastic material 310, the base, and the tape retaining elements 100 made of plastic material are integrally made and are the result of extrusion.

[0380] Numerical reference 320 designates the interface between the elastic material film 310 and the tape 100.

[0381] The term "wholly" is used to mean that the tape and film are joined together only by simultaneous or successive distributions of material, eg by simultaneous or successive extrusion operations. In other words, the resulting binding is achieved solely by intramolecular diffusion from the tape to the elastic film and/or from the elastic film to the tape.

[0382] This interface 320 can be made in a plane that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the product 300, as shown in Figure 18, or it can be made to overlap between the elastic film 310 and the tape 100.

[0383] When the hooks and the base are made of the same material, it can be seen that there is continuity of the base material in the direction of the hooks, and vice versa. In other words, the material forming the hooks and the material forming the base are contiguous.

[0384] The elastic film 310 is defined as having a top face 311 and a bottom face 312. In the example shown in the figure, the top face 311 of elastic film 310 in this example extends the top face 511 of the base 51 of the tape 100. In the example shown in Figure 18, bottom face 312 of stretch film 310 in this example extends bottom face 512 of base 51 of tape 100.

[0385] The assembly formed by the elastic film 310 and the tape 100 then constitutes an intermediate layer, presenting a bottom face and a top face.

[0386] As can be seen in Figure 18, a substrate 200 is attached to the bottom face of the intermediate layer, e.g. to the bottom face 312 of the elastic film 310 and to the bottom face 512 of the base 51 of the tape 100 .

[0387] The substrate 200 is attached to the intermediate layer by partial encapsulation in said intermediate layer, e.g. by partial encapsulation of the substrate in the base 51 of the tape 100 and in the elastic film 310. This connection is carried out using the method and apparatus as described above with reference to Figures 15 to 17.

[0388] The product 300 as shown also has a support layer 330 attached to the top face of the intermediate layer. This support 330 extends over the top face 311 of the elastic film 310, and also at least in part over the top face 511 of the base 51 of the tape 100.

[0389] The backing layer 330 may be identical in composition to the substrate 200, or it may have a different composition, for example, it may be a layer of non-woven, knitted material, or a net.

[0390] In the example shown, the backing layer 330 is attached to the top face of the intermediate layer by adhesive. Figure 18 is then a diagram showing a layer of adhesive 340 extending over the top face 311 of the elastic film 310, and also at least in part over the top face 511 of the base 51 of the tape 100.

[0391] The backing layer 330 is then typically secured to the top face of the middle layer after securing the substrate 200 to the bottom face of the middle layer.

[0392] It can be readily understood that securing in this manner is merely illustrative, and that any other suitable method may be used to secure the backing layer 330 to the top face of the intermediate layer.

[0393] By way of example, the support layer 330 can be arranged on the molding strip 1 before the material dispensing means 3 dispenses material, so that plastic and elastic materials are injected into the molding strip while the support layer 330 is positioned on casting strip 1, as mentioned above.

[0394] The top face and/or the bottom face of the base 51 of the tape 100 and/or the elastic film 310 can optionally be smooth (with the exception of the hooks). By way of example they may feature relief elements, eg transition elements, hooks that have been eliminated, recesses such as holes or slots, or projections such as spikes, points, domes and/or pegs. These embossed elements can have a height that is less than the height of the retaining elements, more particularly less than 40% of the height of the retaining elements, in particular less than 25% of the height of the retaining elements. Such embossed elements can be advantageous in certain applications, eg in order to define zones of distinct roughness or different surface appearance providing advantages which may be practical and/or aesthetic.

[0395] When the substrate 200 and/or the backing layer 330 is a non-woven material, the substrate 200 and/or the backing 330 can be activated before being attached to the intermediate layer, as mentioned above.

[0396] The term "plastic material" is used to mean a thermoplastic material, more particularly a polyolefin material based on a homopolymer or a copolymer.

[0397] By way of example, a plastic material from the following list: linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), metallocene polyethylene (m-PE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) , ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and polypropylene (PP), having a molecular weight distribution that is monomodal or multimodal (e.g. bimodal), in particular a composition comprising LLDPE and a plastomer, in particular a plastomer based on in polyethylene. It is also possible to use polyamide (PA), polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polybutadiene styrene (PBS).

[0398] The term "elastic material" is used to mean a material suitable to be stretched under the effect of a stretching force exerted in the lateral direction and then to substantially return to its initial shape and dimensions after said stretching force is released. By way of example this could be a material that retains residual or remanent strain after elongation and release (where such residual strain is also referred to as "permanent set" or "set") that is less than 30%, or in fact less than 20% , eg less than 5%, of its initial dimension (before stretching) after being stretched to 100% of its initial dimension, and at room temperature (23 °C). Position can be measured as described in patent application EP 1 783 257, the content of which is incorporated by reference, and in particular paragraphs [0056] to [0062] of publication EP 1 783 257 A1 which describe in detail an example of the measurement position.

[0399] As examples of elastic materials, mention can be made of: styrene/isoprene (SI), styrene/isoprene/styrene (SIS), styrene/butadiene/styrene (SBS), styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene ( SEBS), styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene (SEPS), or styrene isoprene butadiene (SIBS). It is also possible to take into account mixtures of these elastomers with one another or with non-elastomers that modify certain characteristics other than elasticity. For example, up to 50% by weight, but preferably less than 30% by weight of polymer can be added in order to modify certain characteristics of base materials (elasticity, high-temperature behavior, processability, resistance to ultraviolet radiation (UV) , ...), polyvinyl styrenes, polystyrenes or polya-methyl styrenes, epoxy polyesters, polyolefins, eg polyethylene or certain ethylene/vinyl acetates, preferably those of high molecular weight.

[0400] In particular, the elastic material can be a styrene-isoprene-styrene, eg available from the supplier Kraton Polymers, under the name KRATON D (registered trademark), or from the supplier DEXCO POLYMERS LP under the name VECTOR SBC 4211 (trademark). It is also possible to use thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials, in particular a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, in particular PELLETHANE (trademark) 2102-75a from the supplier Dow Chemical Company. It is also possible to use a styrene-butadiene-styrene, in particular KRATON D 2122 (trademark) from supplier Kraton Polymers, or VECTOR SBC 4461 (trademark) from supplier Dexco Polymers LP. It is also possible to use a styrene-ethylene/butadiene, in particular KRATON D 2832 (trade mark) from the supplier Kraton Polymers, or a sequenced stylene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer (SEBS), in particular KRATON (trade mark) G2703. It is also possible to use a copolymer of isooctyl acrylate and acrylic acid with a monomer ratio of 90/10. It is also possible to use a sequenced polyamide polyester copolymer PEBAX (registered trademark) 2533 from the supplier Arkema.

[0401] Other possible materials are polyolefin polymers, mainly ethylene and/or propylene copolymers having the characteristics of elastomers, in particular obtained by metallocene catalysis, such as VISTAMAXX VM-1120 (trademark), available from Exxon Mobil Chemical supplier or indeed rubber filled polymers, such as for example EPDM filled santoprene.

[0402] It is also possible to use materials to improve the connection between plastic materials and elastic material. In a variant embodiment, it is possible to face that each of the cavities in the molding strip includes a rod that extends between the top face and the bottom face of the molding strip, from one of its faces to the other.

[0403] Various systems and methods compatible with the present disclosure are described in patent applications FR 16 53866, FR 16 53870, FR 16 53872, FR 16 53873, FR 16 53888, FR 16 53894, and FR 16 53897, which are incorporated herein in its entirety by reference in this description.

Claims (23)

1. Method for assembling a set comprising a strip (100) of retaining elements and a substrate (200), said method characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a step of forming a strip of retaining elements by dispensing a material of retention molding in a molding device (1) so as to form a strip (100) of retaining elements comprising a base (51) having a bottom face (511) and a top face (512), the top face ( 511) of the base (51) being provided with retaining elements; and a step of applying a substrate (200) against the bottom face (511) of the base (51) following the tape shaping step (100), downstream of dispensing the molding material in the molding device and before said bottom face (511) of the base solidifies so as to cause the substrate to penetrate at least in part through a plane defined by the bottom face (511) of the base (51) of the tape (100); wherein the molding device (1) is a molding strip. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that during the step of applying a substrate (200) against the bottom face (512) of the base (51), the bottom face (512) of the base (51) be at a temperature that is lower than its melting temperature, or more particularly lower than the heat deflection temperature of the substrate material (200), and the temperature of the base (51) results solely from the tape shaping step (100 ). Method, according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the base (51) is made of polypropylene, and in which during the step of applying the substrate (200) against the bottom face (512) of the base ( 51), the base (51) is at a surface temperature lying between the melting temperature of the material and the Vicat B softening temperature of the material constituting the base minus 30°C, or in fact between the melting temperature of the material constituting the base and the Vicat A softening temperature of the material constituting the base, more particularly the bottom face of the base, has a temperature in the range of 75°C to 150°C, in particular equal to 105°C. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that during the step of applying the substrate (200) against the bottom face (512) of the base (51), pressure is applied by means of a roller ( 92). Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it includes a subsequent step of demolding the assembly formed by the tape (100) of the retaining elements and the substrate (200). Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the substrate (200) is a layer of non-woven material, and in which portions of fibers and/or filaments of the layer of non-woven material are encapsulated in the base (51). Method, according to claim 6, characterized in that the step of applying the substrate (200) against the bottom face (512) of the base (51) before the solidification of said bottom face (512) of the base (51) ) be carried out in such a way as to cause portions of the fibers and/or filaments of the nonwoven layer to penetrate the base (51), at least in part. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the substrate (200) is a plastic film, an elastic film, or a composite film. Method, according to claim 8, characterized in that the step of applying the substrate (200) against the bottom face (512) of the base (51) before the solidification of said bottom face (512) of the base (51) ) be carried out in such a way that the surface area of the substrate (200) in contact with the bottom face (512) of the base (51) is greater than the surface area of the substrate (200) projected on the bottom face (512) of the base (51). 10. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that following the step of applying the substrate (200), the base and hooks are cooled in such a way as to cause the material forming the base (51) to shrink, thus causing local deformation of the bottom face (512) of the base (51), this deformation giving rise to the deformation of the top face of the substrate (200) attached to the bottom face (512) of the base (51). Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the substrate (200) is a set of thermally consolidated fibers and/or filaments. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the substrate (200) is applied non-uniformly against the bottom face (512) of the base (51) so as to obtain non-uniform connection between the base (51) and substrate (200). Method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the substrate (200) is applied evenly against the bottom face (512) of the base (51) so as to obtain a uniform connection between the base ( 51) and the substrate (200). 14. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the step of forming the strip (100) of retaining elements makes elements in relief projecting from and/or recessed on the bottom face (512) of the base ( 51) and distinct from the retaining elements, and in which the step of applying the substrate (200) against the bottom face (512) of the base (51) provides connection between the substrate (200) and the base (51) through said elements in relief. 15. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that during the step of forming the strip (100) of retaining elements: a molding strip (1) is provided which has an inner face (11) and an outer face (12), and having a plurality of recesses (13), each recess defining a rod (14) extending from the outer face (12) towards the inner face (11) and including an end forming a head (15 ) extending from the rod (14) towards the inner face (11) of the molding strip (1); the molding strip (1) being positioned on the rotary drive means (2), the inner face (11) of the molding strip (1) being arranged to bear against the drive means (2); and molding material is dispensed against the outer face (12) of the molding strip (1) through the material-dispensing means (3) arranged facing the molding strip (1) so as to define a space between the material-dispensing means (3) and the molding strip (1), the molding material being dispensed so as to fill said space and the cavities (13) with molding material so as to form a ribbon (100) comprising a base (51) of thickness which is defined by space, and first preforms projecting from said base (51), each comprising a rod (52) and a head (53), the first preforms being formed by the plastic material in the cavities (13) of the molding strip (1). 16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that it includes a subsequent step of disassembling the assembly formed by the tape (100) of retaining elements and the substrate (200) during which the tape (100) is demolded in order to deforming the first preforms plastically so as to obtain second preforms of a shape that is different from the first preforms. 17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that after the demolding step, a shaping step is performed during which the stripped strip (100) is inserted into a shaping device (7) in order to modify the shape of the heads (53) of the second preforms by conformation. 18. Method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the step of dispensing the mold material is typically carried out in such a way as to form a tape (100) extending in a longitudinal direction and comprising a base (51) having two edges (102, 104) in the longitudinal direction, each of the edges (102, 104) having peaks and valleys, wherein the maximum offset (E) between the peaks and troughs is less than 1 mm over a length (L) in the direction longitudinal corresponding to three consecutive highs, and in which the step of applying the substrate against the bottom face (512) of the base (51) conserves this maximum displacement (E) in a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction between the highs and lows unless that 1 mm over a length (L) in the longitudinal direction corresponding to three consecutive highs, wherein the top face (511) of the base (51) is free of any extra thickness extending continuously along its edges (102, 104). Apparatus for carrying out a method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it comprises: a molding device (1, 2) and molding material dispenser means (3) adapted to form a strip (100) of retaining elements comprising a base (51) having a bottom face (512) and a top face (511), the top face (511) of the base (51) being provided with retaining elements; and substrate driving means (9) adapted to apply the substrate (200) against the bottom face (512) of the base (51) of the tape (100) of the retaining elements downstream of the molding material dispensing means ( 3). Apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that said substrate driving means (9) comprises at least one roller (91, 92). Apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that said roller (92) is configured to apply the substrate (200) non-uniformly against the bottom face (512) of the base (51) so as to obtain non-uniform bonding. -uniform between the base (51) and the substrate (200). 22. A retention device comprising a plastic strip (100) extending in a longitudinal direction comprising a base (51) having a bottom face (512) and a top face (511) and including a plurality of retention elements extending from said top face (511), and a substrate (200) attached to the bottom face (512) of the base (51); the retention device characterized in that the substrate penetrates the base (51) beyond a plane defined by the bottom face (512) of the base (51) of the tape (100), said retention device being implemented by means of a method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 18, and wherein the substrate (200) is a plastic film, a elastic film, or a composite film, and wherein the surface area of the film in contact with the bottom face (512) of the base (51) is greater than the surface area of the projection of the surface of the film in a plane defined by the face of bottom (512) of the base (51). 23. Retention device according to claim 22, characterized in that the substrate (200) is a layer of non-woven material, and in which portions of the fibers and/or filaments of the layer of non-woven material are encapsulated in the base (51) ).