GB2468869A

GB2468869A - Fastener strip for use with cushion body

Info

Publication number: GB2468869A
Application number: GB0905028A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Eiji Gonda; Meirion Williams; Kiichiro Ishikawa
Original assignee: YKK Europe Ltd
Current assignee: YKK Europe Ltd
Priority date: 2009-03-24
Filing date: 2009-03-24
Publication date: 2010-09-29
Also published as: GB0905028D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a surface fastener strip 10 suitable for use or integration in a surface of a foaming resin mould body, the surface fastener strip comprising a plurality of fastener segments 12, each surface fastener segment comprises a flat base and a plurality of engaging elements 3 integrally moulded and extending outwardly from the base 2; and at least two arms continuous with the end portions of at least two surface fastener segments; the arms extending between and connected to the end portions of adjacent surface fastener segments such that a curving or bending portion 4 being less than a width of the segments and flexible about three orthogonal axes is formed. The segments may have foam intrusion prevention walls 5. Also claimed is a method of forming a cushion body having such a surface fastener strip.

Description

FASTENER STRIP

The present invention relates to an improved fastener strip, more specifically a hook and/or loop fastener strip. Most especially the present invention relates to a hook or loop fastener strip with vertical sealing members located along side edges of a fastening layer and wherein the component segments or lozenges of the fastener strip are connected by a curving or bending portion comprising two or more connecting arms and to a method of making and using same.

The invention finds particular application in areas where the fastener strip is molded or secured in place during formation of a required object, for example a foam-molded product such as a seat, but is not limited thereto.

The fastener strip of the present invention is particularly useful in the manufacture of automobile seats where the fastener strip is molded in place during manufacture of the seat such that when a seat cover with a co-operating fastener strip is applied to the seat the mating surfaces of the fastener strips engage.

Seats for use in cars, trains, sofas, office chairs, and the like are often provided with a cushion body, and an external material in the form of a seat cover is then disposed over the cushion body. The cushion body is usually manufactured from so-called "rock wool," which is made by interlacing a rigid fiber (for example a palm fiber, a hemp fiber, or a bold synthetic fiber) and firmly fixing it by means of rubber or like material. Alternatively, this cushion body is molded from various *.. : types of foaming resin materials to achieve the desired shape of product. * *

The cushion body usually has a curved surface having both concave and convex regions that have been ergonomically designed. For example, the shape of the cushion body is usually designed to allow a passenger or user to maintain a relatively comfortable seating posture even when seated for long periods of time.

Whilst it is difficult to manufacture cushion bodies efficiently on a mass production I...

scale using rock wool, it is possible to manufacture a cushion body made of a foaming resin using a single manufacturing step, with a variety of design shapes.

The cushion body is made for example using a foaming resin material (such as for example a urethane foam resin) which is poured into a mold defining the desired shape, and the foaming resin material molded into the desired shape simultaneously with foaming.

Once the cushion body has been molded, an external material (for example, various fibre cloths or natural or artificial leather materials) is applied and connected over the outer surface of the cushion body. This integral mounting may be achieved by pouring the foaming resin into the external material to integrate the cushion body on the inner surface of the external material at the same time as molding. Alternatively, the external material may be slipped over and firmly fixed to the outer surface of the cushion body after the cushion body has been successfully molded in the form of a seat cover.

A general method for applying an external material to such a cushion body made of a foaming resin material is known wherein a male surface fastener member is integrally and firmly fixed in a particular region on the outer surface of the cushion body. Known male surface fastener members comprise a narrow flat base material or web with numerous hook-shaped or loop-shaped engaging elements extending from one face of the base material or web. The engaging elements of the surface fastener members are integrally fixed in place on the external surface of the cushion body such that the engaging elements are exposed (that is, the elements face away from the outer surface of the cushion body). The external material comprises co-operating elements possibly attached to a separate fastener member secured at certain locations on the inner surface of the external material or cover. Accordingly, when the external material or cover is slipped over the cushion body, the co-operating elements on the inner surface of the external material are pressed against the engaging elements of the surface fastener *: members on the cushion body thereby fixing firmly the external material to the e.. cushion body.

The external material may be made of various materials, such as for example pile-S...

woven knit fabric, natural leather, artificial leather, and the materials may be S...

formed in advance into a bag-like" shape mirroring the appearance of the cushion body. Once the external material or cover has been slipped over the cushion . body, and the co-operating elements arranged on the inner surface of the external S...

material pressed against the engaging elements secured onto the outer surface of the cushion body, the external material is joined and firmly fixed along the concave face of the cushion body, thereby preventing uplift of the external material from the cushion body.

A problem therefore arises of integrally and firmly fixing the surface fastener members to the cushion body in an efficient and effective manner. To this end the engaging elements formed on the outer face of the surface fastener member are disposed to face a projecting face of a mold for molding a concave face of a cushion body according to the shape of the projecting face. A foaming resin material is then poured into the mold so as to form the cushion body, and at the same time, the surface fastener member is partially embedded in the face of the cushion body with the engaging elements of the surface fastener member being exposed to the outside of the cushion body. It is most desirable during the foaming and molding process of the cushion body, to prevent the foaming resin material from being poured into the zone on which the engaging elements are formed. This can be achieved by the use of solid walls that are integrally formed along a peripheral edge portion of a base material of web material of the surface fastener member. The walls surround the engaging elements along the longitudinal edges of the surface fastener. A lateral solid wall is elongated in a width direction of the surface fasteners and is disposed between adjacent segments, or groups, of surface fasteners. This lateral solid wall prevents foaming resin from intruding between the fastener elements in a longitudinal direction. The height of the walls may be slightly higher than the heights of the engaging or fastener elements surrounded by the walls to prevent the foaming resin from penetrating into the engaging elements zone. Examples of surface fasteners having these types of solid walls are disclosed in US patent numbers 5,061,540 and 5,766,723. * * . ** I

In US 5,061,540 there is described a method of securely mounting and fixing the S...

fastening or engaging elements on a predetermined region of the convex face : portion of the bottom face of the mold. In particular, in US 5,061,540, a *::::* permanent magnet is located in the region of the mold adjacent to the portion on . : which the surface fastener is to be mounted, and a magnetic material is formed in * or attached to the base material of the fastener strip. Thus, when the surface I. fastener member is positioned near the region of the mold having the magnet, the magnet strongly attracts the magnetic material located in the surface fastener toward the magnet thereby holding the surface fastener in place in the mold.

The magnetic material and the permanent magnet may be curved or straight. For example, the permanent magnet may be formed of a flexible material, such as a synthetic resin, having a ferrite magnet and a magnetic powder mixed therein, and the magnetic material may be formed of a thin tape material or a wire made of steel or both, or be a series of magnets arranged in series. The magnetic material may be integrally buried in the base material at the same time as the molding of the surface fastener or rest or protrude on either face of the surface fastener.

As detailed above, longitudinal solid walls of the surface fastener or fastener strip are described in US patent numbers 5,061,540 and 5,766,723. These patents describe forming longitudinal walls along two longitudinal edges of the base material in a width direction on the face of the base material on which engaging elements are formed. The engaging elements are segmented into groups, defining zones of engaging elements, and the lateral walls are positioned between these groups of engaging elements. Thus, the foaming resin material is prevented from intruding from the longitudinal and lateral directions due to the lateral and longitudinal solid walls respectively.

In recent years, it has become well known to integrally mold the engaging elements and the solid walls in succession and simultaneously on the surface of the base or web material by injecting or extruding a molten resin onto a peripheral face of a die wheel that is rotatably driven in one direction. The peripheral face has many cavities for molding the engaging elements and the solid walls.

However, if the molded fastener strip or surface fastener is to be long, the molding intervals of the lateral solid walls are determined by the number of rows of the engaging elements to be arranged between the lateral solid walls and an external diameter of the die wheel. Thus, repetition of a predetermined interval cannot be avoided. * S I...

On the other hand, to obtain a seating posture that is regarded as the most *..

preferable posture from the viewpoint of ergonomics, a concave-convex face made for example by a moderately curved face is formed on a surface of a sheet for an automobile seat. The shape of the concave-convex face, particularly the length thereof, is not fixed but varied. In addition, to obtain stability of the surface IS..

shape of the seat and stability of the seating posture, a plurality of linear recesses are formed so as to surround the peripheries of bottom, back, and shoulder region of the seat. In addition, the cushion body and the external material or cover are joined and integrated along the linear recesses. The surface fastener member is integrated with the seat cushion body along the concave face portion of the seat and the liner recesses. Upon applying the external cover material to the seat cushion body, pressure is applied to engage the co-operating surface fasteners on the inner surface of the external cover material with the engaging elements formed on the surface fastener.

Accordingly, the surface fastener members are required to have a sufficient length corresponding to the length of the concave face portion of the cushion body, and the linear recess of various sizes of cushion bodies. Thus, it is necessary to cut the long surface fasteners into a required length depending on the length of the concave portion or linear recesses of the cushion body. As a result, the long surface fasteners may be cut within the engaging element zone of the surface fastener and not adjacent one of the lateral solid walls. When this occurs, the foaming resin material can intrude into the cut engaging element forming zone, which results in the engaging elements in this exposed area being buried in the foaming resin material, and the ability of the engaging elements in this zone to engage the cooperating elements on the external material is lost or compromised.

Particularly, in the conventional surface fasteners as disclosed in US 5,061,540 and 5,766,723, the spacing between the lateral solid walls is limited by the spacing between the groups of engaging elements formed on the surface of the base or web material and the diameter of the die wheel, as noted above.

Consequently, the spacing of the lateral solid walls is difficult to adjust in order to allow the fastener to be used in linear recesses having varying lengths. In addition, because engaging elements cannot be formed on the base material in the area of the lateral solid wall and because engaging elements formed too close *:::: to the wall would not be able to join effectively with corresponding engaging elements, (for example female elements) the effective engaging surface area of a...

the surface fastener is reduced by the thickness of the lateral solid walls and an adequate amount of spacing between the lateral solid walls and the rows of engaging elements formed next to the walls. Thus, if the lateral solid walls were S...

positioned more closely together, the engaging force of the fastener member S... * S 0*S*

In addition, in many cases, a linear recess on the surface of the mold for forming the cushion body may be curved along a flat face of the mold in a direction that is substantially parallel with the surface of the cushion body. Prior art surface fastener members are straight and are easily curved in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the base material so as to follow the linear recess. However, if the recess in the surface of the mold is curved in a width direction, the known prior art surface fastener members are not able to bend in the width direction of the base material to fit within the curved recess.

Therefore, according to for example US 6,656,563, short surface fastener strips have been described which are connected to each other via a hinge part' that is flexible in a length direction, and the surface fastener members are positioned adjacent each other such that the surface fastener members may be bent to some extent relatively in a horizontal direction for use with curved linear recesses.

In addition, in the male surface fastener member described in US 6,656,563, the foaming resin is prevented from intruding into the engaging element forming zone by means of a gasket formed around the perimeter of the face of the engaging elements forming a protected zone on the surface fastener member, or by providing a shield to cover the engaging element forming zone of the surface fastener strip.

The molded surface fastener member disclosed in U.S. 6.656,563 is manufactured by using a rotating die wheel on which various cavities are defined in a peripheral face thereof. The cavities define the shape of the engaging elements, the gasket, and the hinge. A molten resin is extruded or continuously injected toward the peripheral face of the rotating die wheel. These multiple cavities are arranged at predetermined intervals in the peripheral direction of the rotating die wheel and The axial direction thereof, which is a relatively complicated process and which results in increased manufacturing costs.

Furthermore, in some prior art surface fasteners, a cover is provided over the engaging elements of the surface fastener to prevent intrusion of the foaming resin into the areas between the engaging elements. This type of surface fastener requires the additional step for an operator of having to remove the cover after : formation of the cushion body in order to expose the engaging elements, which reduces the efficiency of the manufacturing process and increases installation costs, installation space, and waste.

A significant problem associated with the surface fastener members described in the prior art is that, whilst the members or strips have limited flexibility to enable the strips to follow curved magnetic pathways associated with the molding arrangements for the production of for example car seats, the nature of the fastener strips is such that there is an inherent resistance in the member or strips at the points where the individual component parts in the form of segments join.

For example, the rigid hinge portion allows only limited flexibility in the horizontal plane of the fastener member. This resistance results in lifting' of the strips from the surface of the mold even when permanent magnets are used, as the member or strips attempt to overcome the resistance. Unfortunately, any lifting' or movement of the fastener strip from the desired location in the molding process will result in foam migrating to the coupling elements during the foam molding process and hence impaired coupling between for example the male and female elements of the surface fastening strip on the seat and external material respectively.

In EP 0562 820 Al there is described a method of attaching a fastening tape to a molded article such as a car seat and a mold therefore in which a fastening tape carries on one side a multiplicity of hooks and on the other a plurality of anchoring elements to anchor the molding material in the mold. In one embodiment described in EP 0562 820 Al a row of individual fastening tapes are joined by connecting threads thereby allowing limited movement of the units in the horizontal plane of the fastening tape.

A similar arrangement is disclosed in JP 2788564 B, the connecting threads being incorporated at the peripheral edges of the individual fastening tapes.

Likewise, in JP 3146003 a surface fastening strip is disclosed in which in one 1S embodiment individual units present in the strip are connected by joining sections which allow the fastening strip to be flexible about the longitudinal axis thereof but which allows only very limited flexibility in the horizontal plane of the fastening S...

strip. * * *..

. : In WO 2008/048992 there is disclosed a touch fastener product that includes an S..: elongated base having multiple segments connected by joints in the form of slits in the base that allow bending of the base subject to the size of the slit. Each segment has an upper surface and a lower surface and a plurality of touch fastener elements extending from the lower surface of the base.

The present invention therefore seeks to overcome the aforementioned problems and provide an improved fastener strip which is not only flexible with respect to the longitudinal plane of the fastener strip but which is also flexible with respect to the horizontal plane of the fastener strip both in and out of the planes of the segments or lozenges of the fastening strip thereby allowing intricate and apparent seam designs to be constructed according to the orientation of the fastener strip on the cushion body and the co-operating cover material.

The flexibility of the fastening strip of the present invention allows the arrangement and positioning of the fastening strip into intricate designs and avoids lifting' problems associated with less flexible fastening strips and thereby the inherent problems of foam bleed' into the areas of the fastening elements of the fastener strip.

Therefore according to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a surface fastener strip suitable for use or integration in a surface of a foaming resin mold body, the surface fastener strip comprising: a plurality of fastener segments or lozenges; wherein each surface fastener segment or lozenge comprises; a substantially flat base and a plurality of engaging elements integrally molded and extending outwardly from a first surface of the base; and a first end and a second end on opposing sides of each segment or lozenge; and at least two arms continuous with at least the first and second end portions of at least two surface fastener segments or lozenges respectively; and wherein the arms extend between and are connected to the first and second end portions of adjacent surface fastener segments or lozenges along a longitudinal axis of the surface fastener member such that a curving or bending portion being less than a width of the segments or lozenges and flexible about three orthogonal axes is formed. a...

Each fastener segment or lozenge further comprises: i) first and second longitudinal resin intrusion prevention walls extending upwardly from the first surface and along a length direction of the base material, the first and second longitudinal resin intrusion prevention walls being arranged adjacent the longitudinal side edge portions of the first surface, and ii) first and second substantially lateral resin intrusion prevention walls, located between the first and second longitudinal resin intrusion prevention walls, and wherein; each lateral resin intrusion prevention walls comprises a plurality of engaging elements that are arranged in series in a width direction of the first surface.

The first and second substantially lateral resin intrusion prevention walls are preferably spaced apart longitudinally along the first surface of the base material.

Each longitudinal resin intrusion prevention wall may be comprised of the same material as the base material or may be a foam.

It is preferred that each longitudinal resin intrusion prevention walls comprises at least a first row of divisional segments and a second row of divisional segments wherein the first and second rows of segments are disposed adjacent each other in the lateral direction: and wherein each of the first and second rows of divisional segments comprise a plurality of wall portions, each defining a gap there between in the longitudinal direction; and wherein the gaps between the divisional segments of the first row of divisional segments are offset in a lateral direction with respect to the gaps between the divisional segments of the second row of divisional segments.

In addition, each engaging element comprises: an element main body having an extended portion rising from the first surface; and an engaging head portion, extending from an upper end of the rising portion toward a molding direction; and a column portion molded adjacent to the element main body in the width direction of the base material, the column portion having a height that is substantially equal to a height of an apex of the engaging head portion as measured from the first surface of the base material, and wherein the engaging elements are at least partially aligned such that a side surface of each engaging element is closely spaced apart with the side surface of the adjacent engaging element in the width direction of the base material. S. *

It is also preferred that the curving or bending portion comprises at least two S...

integrated arms extending between and connected to the end portions of adjacent surface fastener segments or lozenges along a longitudinal axis of the fastener strip. Likewise, in one preferred embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention the arms extending between and connected to the first and second end portions of adjacent surface fastener segments or lozenges are substantially parallel. In which case the arms are located towards the centre of the fastener strip. In addition, the arms are separated by a gap A'. The gap A' preferably comprises a distance of between 1 and 3mm.

In an alternative embodiment the arms extending between and connected to the first and second end portions of adjacent surface fastener segments or lozenges are substantially non-parallel, but are still located towards the centre of the fastener strip.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the arms extending between and connected to the first and second end portions of adjacent surface fastener segments or lozenges are substantially the same length.

In an alternative embodiment one of the arms extending between and connected to the first and second end portions of adjacent surface fastener segments or lozenges is longer than the other arm, In this way, it is possible for the fastener strip to rotate preferentially in one direction compared to another opposing direction depending on the length of each arm, the strip tending towards bending towards the side of the strip with the longer arm.

The shape of the arms may also be varied such that again the fastener strip will rotate preferentially in one horizontal plane of the strip depending on the shape of the arms.

Also in accordance with the present invention the fastener segments or lozenges further comprise recesses located at the ends thereof. The at least two arms S... . have a length sufficient to connect the plurality of fastener segments or lozenges in a longitudinal direction. *5** * * S...

The at least two arms may be comprised of a monofilament or alternatively a wire ** or a film. In addition, the at least two arms may further comprise engaging elements disposed along the length thereof. S. SS

In a preferred embodiment of a fastener strip according to a first aspect of the present invention the at least two arms are further strengthened along the length thereof and engaging elements extend from a second surface of the base material. The strengthening of the arms need not be continuous and when it is not the presence of the strengthening material, which is preferably made of the same material as the base material, will prevent the lozenges or segments sliding along arms made of monofilament, wire or other material different to the base material.

The base material may be comprised of a first material and the curving or bending portion in the form of at least two arms is comprised of a second material.

In addition, it is preferred that the fastener strip comprises hook-type or loop-type engaging elements. Likewise, it is preferred that the base material comprises magnetically attractable material and that the magnetic material is attached to the base material.

In an alternative embodiment covering material is removably attached to the engaging elements and said covering material may also contain cooperating elements removably attached to the engaging elements. The covering material preferably melts or dissipates during a molding process.

It is also a preferred embodiment that backing material is attached to a second surface of the base material.

The lozenges or segments may be of different sizes.

In addition, one or more of the fastener segments or lozenges comprise one or *:::: more wings. The wings extend outwardly from the segments or lozenges and provide an additional mechanism by which the fastener strip may be secured to the cushion body during the molding process.

S S...

Furthermore, the arms may be of different shapes and in such cases the fastener S...

may tend to curve in only one width direction. S. * * . . * *5

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a cushion body comprising at least one integrally molded surface fastener strip according to a first aspect of the present invention comprising steps of: i) molding a continuous surface fastener strip into a tape-like shape or structure,

II

the surface fastener strip comprising a plurality of surface fastener segments or lozenges; ii) cutting the surface fastener strip at predetermined intervals; iii) arranging the surface fastener strip into a mold for forming the cushion body wherein the first surface of the surface fastener strip is disposed to face and contact an inner face of the mold; iv) flowing a foaming resin into the mold for forming the cushion body; v) removing the foaming resin from the mold for forming the cushion body.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a surface fastener strip according to the first aspect of the present invention wherein each surface fastener segment or lozenge is formed form a continuous length of surface fastener strip by means of: i) cutting and removing at predetermined longitudinal intervals along the length of the surface fastener strip selected portions of the strip on each side of the surface fastener in a length direction.

The step of cutting each surface fastener segment or lozenge from the continuous length of surface fastener material may comprise cutting a substantially triangular shaped portion from each longitudinal side of the continuous surface fastener strip. Alternatively, the step of cutting each surface fastener segment or lozenge from the continuous length of surface fastener material may comprise cutting a substantially rectangular shaped portion from each longitudinal side of the continuous surface fastener strip or a substantially arcuate shaped portion from each longitudinal side of the continuous surface fastener strip.

Likewise, the step of cutting each surface fastener segment or lozenge strip from S'S.

the continuous surface fastener strip may comprise alternately cutting a first S...

shaped portion from one longitudinal side of the continuous surface fastener strip *"* and a second shaped portion from the opposing longitudinal side of the continuous surface fastener strip. For example, the first shaped portion may be rectangular and the second shaped portion arcuate, In addition, the method of manufacturing the surface fastener strip further comprises the step of: i) cutting and removing at predetermined longitudinal intervals along the length of the surface fastener strip substantially elliptical portions of the strip in substantially the centre of the strip.

The step of molding the continuous surface fastener strip into the tape-like shape comprises the steps of: rotating a die wheel in one direction, the die wheel comprising many cavities for molding engaging elements formed in a peripheral direction of a peripheral face; extruding or injecting a molten resin material toward the peripheral face of the die wheel; squeezing an extruded or injected molten resin material into the cavities for molding engaging elements and molding the continuous surface fastener formed into the tape-like shape, the continuous surface fastener strip comprising a continuous flat-type base material and engaging elements that extend upwardly from the flat-type base material; and detaching the surface fastener strip while the surface fastener is being carried by the die wheel.

In an alternative example of the method of manufacturing a cushion body according to the second aspect of the present invention the method comprises the steps of: i) injection molding a discrete surface fastener lozenges or segment onto a continuous structure to form to a tape-like shape or structure; ii) arranging the surface fastener strip into a mold for forming the cushion body * S..

wherein the first surface of the surface fastener strip is disposed to face and contact an inner face of the mold; iii) flowing a foaming resin into the mold for forming the cushion body; iv) removing the foaming resin from the mold for forming the cushion body.

*". It is preferred that the continuous structure consists of two continuous structures S...

and that the continuous structure consists of either one of more monofilaments or one of more films.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a surface fastener strip according to a first aspect of the present invention wherein S. the fastener strip is integrated onto a surface of a foaming resin mold body simultaneously with molding of the foaming resin mold body.

Further, various embodiments of the present invention will now be described below with typical examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure la is a plan view partially showing a male surface fastener member according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure lb is a plan view partially showing a male surface fastener member according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a cross sectional view taken through a line II -II of Figure la.

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view taken through a line Ill -Ill of Figure la.

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view taken through a line IV -IV of Figure la.

Figure 5A is a side view of a divisional segment of the male surface fastener member shown in Figure 1 as viewed from line 5A-5A of Figure 2.

Figure 5B is a side view of a divisional segment of the male surface fastener member shown in Figure 1 as viewed from line 5B-5B of Figure 2.

Figure 5C is a side view of engaging elements of the male surface fastener member shown in Figure 1 as viewed from line 5C-5C of Figure 3.

Figure 5D is a side view of engaging elements of the male surface fastener member shown in Figure 1 as viewed from line 5D-5D of Figure 3.

Figure 5E is a side view of engaging elements of the male surface fastener member shown in Figure 1 as viewed from line 5E-5E of Figure 3.

Figure 5F is a cross-sectional view of the male surface fastener member shown in S...

: Figure 1 as taken through line 5F-5F of Figure 3.

Figures 6a and 6b illustrate plans views of the curved or bending portion of a male fastener strip according to the present invention.

: Figure 6c illustrates a plan view of a fastener strip for a male surface fastener *.* member according to a first aspect of the present invention.

Figures 6d to 6h illustrate alternative plan views of the curved or bending portion of a fastener strip according to the present invention.

Figures 6i and 6j also illustrate alternative plan views of the curved or bending portion of a fastener strip according to the present invention in a straight and arched configuration.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary manufacturing process for forming a male surface fastener member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a sectional view showing a male surface fastener strip mounted and fixed in a mold for molding a foaming resin mold body according to a third aspect of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a partial surface view of a cushion body, which is an example of the foaming resin mold body, according to the present invention.

Figure 10 is a partial perspective view showing an inner surface of the mold for molding the foaming resin mold body according to the present invention.

Figure 11 is a partial plan view showing a surface fastener partially buried in the foaming resin mold body according to the present invention.

Figure 12 is a plan view of the surface fastener strip shown in Figure lb that is partially cut.

Figure 13 is a plan view partially showing a surface fastener member according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 14 is a partial longitudinal cross sectional view of the surface fastener strips and curving portion shown in Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a partial lateral cross sectional view of the surface fastener strips and the curving portion shown in Figure 13.

Considering the present invention in more detail. In Figure la there is illustrated a male surface fastener strip 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention which is configured by connecting the end portions of a plurality of segments or lozenges 12 of male surface fastener strip 10 in a longitudinal direction via a curving or bending region 4. Each segment or lozenge 12 has an engaging element zone upon which many engaging elements 3 are formed. The engaging elements 3 extend upwardly from a first surface 2a of a flat-type base material 2 in rows, in a width direction and in a longitudinal direction of the base material or web 2. Also present are longitudinal resin or foam intrusion prevention walls 5, for preventing foaming resin from intruding into the zone of engaging elements 3 from the right and left hand side (longitudinal) edges of the base material 2 during formation of for example a cushion seat for a car. The longitudinal resin intrusion prevention walls 5 extend upwardly from the first surface 2a of the base or web material adjacent along each longitudinal edge of the segments or lozenges 12, According to the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures Ia and 2, each engaging element 3 has an element main body 3a and a column portion 3b.

Each element main body 3a further comprises a rising portion 3a-2 and an engaging head portion 3a-1 elongated from the upper end of the rising portion 3a- 2 in a lateral direction, as shown in Figure 5E.

As shown further in Figure 2, each column portion 3b is of substantially the same height as that of each of the element main body sections 3a, and arranged to be integrated with the element main body 3a and in close contact with the side surface of the element main body 3a. In particular, as shown in Figures 2 and 5D, each space portion 3c is lower in height and thinner in thickness than the element main body and column portions. The space portion 3c is also arranged to be in close contact between each adjacent column portion 3b and element main body 3a.

According to the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures la, lb and 6a to 6i, the curving portion or bending region 4 comprises at least two arms 8a and 8b comprised of flexible synthetic resin material. The arms 8a and 8b extend in a longitudinal direction between the segments or lozenges 12 and are formed integrally with the base material 2.

Also present in the embodiment of Figure la and lb is a block-shaped projecting portion 2d which extends upwardly from the first surface 2a of the base material 2 and also in a longitudinal direction along each side and for the length of the segments or lozenges 12. The block-shaped projecting portion houses the magnetic material that also extends in a longitudinal direction along the length of the segments or lozenges 12 *S.. * * *

::..: The curving or bending regions 4 are of a length of between 3mm and 8mm in a...

length, more preferably between 4mm and 6mm in length. The curving or bending regions 4 are located between adjacent surface fastener strip segments 12 that are arranged in an end-to-end relationship along the longitudinal axes of the male surface fastener strips 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure la, the curving or *..: bending portion 4 comprises at least two arms 8a and 8b which are exposed * a..

****** between the end portions of respective male surface strip fasteners segments or lozenges 12.

The arms 8a and 8b of the curving or bending regions 4 are preferably comprised of the same material as the male surface strips fastener segments 12, but are much narrower than the segments 12 and are integrally formed with adjacent male surface fastener segments. In addition, whilst as described below the at least two arms may comprise a variety of shapes which may be the same or different for each arm, it is preferred that the arms 8a and 8b are linear.

The linear arms of the curving or bending regions 4 may be comprised of continuous monofilaments or threads made of for example a synthetic resin or alternatively maybe comprised of discrete monofilaments or other structures made of a synthetic resin whilst possessing sufficient length to connect the end portions of two adjacent male surface fastener strips 12 together for example as illustrated in Figure lc.

The at least two arms may be comprised of the same material as the fastener segments 12 or alternatively, the arms may be comprised of a different material, for example foam. In addition, the at least two arms are preferably located towards the centre of the segments or lozenges 12.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the curving or bending portions may further comprise a magnetic material (for example an iron powder, a nickel powder, a cobalt powder, or an alternative magnet powder) and a metal wire having a magnetic property (for example iron, nickel or cobalt (Fe, Ni, and Co).

The metal wire may comprise a single metal wire or alternatively may comprise a combination of metal wires. -As mentioned above, the arms 8a and 8b are preferably between 3mm and 8mm in length and preferably between 4mm and 6mm in depth. In addition, the at least two arms 8a and 8b are also preferably spaced apart by a gap of between 0.5mm and 2.5 mm, more preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm denoted by gap A' in *.S.

Figure 6a. 0.*

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the linear arms of the curving or bending regions 4 further comprise engaging elements 3 as previously . : described in relation to the main connecting area or zone of each male surface strip fasteners segments or lozenges 12 and visible on Figure 6c.

It should also be noted that whilst the present invention primarily describes a male fastener strip with male engagement elements, the present invention can equally be applied to fastener strips with for example female engaging elements. In addition, whilst the engaging elements are primarily described in relation to only one surface of the fastener strip, engaging elements may be located on the arm portions and on the reverse side of the fastener strip and arm portions. The presence of engaging elements on both sides of the fastener strip enables the strip to be more securely bound to the foam material during the molding process.

A key feature of the fastener strip of the present invention is therefore the curving or bending regions 4 which will now be considered in more detail. In Figures 6a and 6b there is illustrated an expanded view of the curving or bending region 4 in a straight and bent configuration respectively.

In Figure 6a in which the curving or bending portion is in a straight-line configuration, the two arms 8a and 8b can be seen to be parallel to one another and spaced apart by a gap A'. Also present adjacent each of the linear arms are recessed areas 15a and 15b, 15c and 15d disposed adjacent each of the (linear) arms respectively. In Figure 6b the curving or bending region 4 is illustrated in a rotated configuration about the horizontal plane of the fastener strip. It can be seen that as the curving or bending region between the strip fastener segments or lozenges 12 is rotated in the horizontal plane of the fastener strip, thereby drawing sides 17a and 17b of the segments 12 together, a first side of the curving or bending region denoted by 16a is reduced in size as side edges 17a and 17b on opposing sides of the recess area 16a are caused to move closer together. At the same time the recess area denoted by 16b with opposing sides 17c and 17d move away from each other.

This movement of the curving or bending region 4 also has a bearing on the gap .. : A' located between the arms 8a and 8b such that as the region denoted by 16a is ****** reduced in size and the arm 8a is also caused to move towards the gap A' with the result that the gap A' is compressed to some extent. It will be appreciated **s. that the same mechanism will apply when the curving or bending portion is bent in **..

the opposing direction such that the gap 16b is caused to be reduced in size and the gap 16a is caused to be opened further. * * * * ** S...

Therefore in the strip fastener of the present invention the gap denoted by A' between the arms 8a and 8b and the recesses 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d are important in that they allow the arms to move in the horizontal plain of the strip fastener. Consequently as the strip fastener is moved about the curving portions 4, the strip fastener remains flat in the plain of the strip fastener and is not caused to lift thereby impairing the molding of the strip fastener in the cushion body and allowing foam to bleed' into the engagement zone.

In Figures 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h and 6i there are illustrated alternative embodiments of the fastener strip according to the present invention with modifications to the connecting arms and the shape of the recesses 15a to 15d and the gap A'.

In Figure 6d the curving or bending portion 4 is mainly as illustrated in Figures la, lb and 6a, wherein the arms 8a, 8b are parallel and are separated by a gap A' which is substantially elliptical in shape and wherein recesses 16a and 16b further comprise additional recesses or indentations 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d respectively.

The presence of the additional recesses or indentations is important as the recesses allow for movement of sides edges 17a and 17b and 17c and 17d into the recesses during rotation of the segments 12.

In Figure 6e the recesses 16a' and 16b' are analogous to the recesses in 6d however the indentations or smaller recesses denoted by 15a' to 15d' are positioned closer together and the gap "A" extends further into each end of conjoined fastener segments or lozenges 12.

In Figure 6g a similar situation is visible however the recesses 16a and 16b on opposing sides of the fastener strip vary such that on one side of the fastener strip each of the recesses 16a are identical and likewise on the opposing side of the fastener strip the recesses denoted by 16b are identical, however the smaller recesses 15a and 15b are much larger on one side than the recesses denoted by 15c and 15d on the opposing side.

*:::: In Figure 6h it can be seen that one of the arms is linear and the second arm follows a curved or parabolic arrangement. Likewise in Figure 6f the two connecting arms follow a parallel L' shaped arrangement. It will however, be appreciated by one skilled in the art that Figures 6f and 6h are directed to strip *S..

fasteners in which it is preferred that the fastener strip bends in one direction only thereby forming a uni-directional strip.

* Therefore in the light of Figures 6a to 6g illustrating a fastener strip bending region 4 according to the present invention, it can be seen that the two arm portions 8a, 8b are able to expand or collapse independently depending on the movement of the fastener strips or lozenges. In addition, the fastener strip curving region 4 according to the present invention allows flexibility of the connecting strip about the longitudinal axis of the strip but also about the horizontal plane of the strip in two directions, such that manipulation of the strip about three orthogonal axes is possible.

In addition, the presence of the at least two arms prevents the segments 12 rotating horizontally with respect to one another and thereby causing the fastener strip to lift when placed in for example a mold.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the arms are positioned towards the centre of the fastener strip segments 12.

in the embodiment illustrated in Figure la, each longitudinal resin intrusion prevention wall 5 actually includes a plurality of rows of intrusion prevention segments, 5a, 5b and 5c, which extend in a longitudinal direction along the right and left longitudinal side edges of the male surface fastener strip 1. Each of the longitudinal resin intrusion prevention segments 5a, 5b, 5c are divided at predetermined pitches in the longitudinal direction.

That is, according to the embodiment, shown in Figure Ia and Ib, each longitudinal resin intrusion prevention wall 5 arranged along the edges on the right and left sides, comprise three adjacent rows of divisional segments, 5a, 5b and 5c and each of the segments 5a, 5b, 5c, is spaced apart in the width direction.

Respective divisional segments 5a, 5b, 5c, of each of the three rows of the longitudinal resin intrusion prevention walls 5 are adjacent each other in a longitudinal direction and are arranged in a zigzag manner or offset with respect to *..* : each other so as to seal gaps between the adjacent rows of divisional segments 5a in the width direction.

In addition, the height of the longitudinal resin intrusion prevention walls 5 as measured from the base plate 2 is substantially equal to the height of the apex of the engaging elements 3 as measured from the base plate 2.

**b. . . . As noted above, a longitudinal gap formed between adjacent rows of the first resin intrusion prevention segments 5a, and a width gap formed between adjacent divisional segments 5a, 5b, 5c creates a passage for the foaming resin material that is injected inside of a mold (not illustrated). During the foaming process, the foaming resin material therefore slowly intrudes from a width direction of the (male) surface strip fastener segment 12 toward the engaging elements 3 through the longitudinal gap between the segments 5a, Sb, 5c after progressing through the width gaps between the divisional segments 5a, 5b, 5c. However, due to the multiple rows of divisional segments 5a, 5b, 5c disposed in an offset relationship with each adjacent row, the foaming resin material has substantially cured before it passes through the innermost longitudinal resin intrusion prevention wall 5c (that is, the wall that is nearest to the engaging element forming zone).

Accordingly, the foaming resin material at least partially surrounds, joins, and firmly fixes the divisional segments 5a, 5b, and Sc without reaching the engaging element forming zone. That is, the lower surface 2b and a portion of the upper surface 2a of the base material 2 are buried in the foaming resin mold product when the foaming resin material seeps around the lower surface 2b of the base material 2 towards the upper surface 2a of the base material 2 and into the gap between the divisional segments 5a, Sb, Sc of the outermost longitudinal resin intrusion prevention wall 5 in the width direction. This seeping of the foaming resin material into a portion of the wall 5 allows the surface fastener strip 10 to be fixed more firmly to the foaming resin material.

The longitudinal resin intrusion prevention wall 5 may be comprised of the same material as the flat-type base material 2, or in alternative embodiments, the intrusion prevention wall 5 may be comprised of a string-like body as described in US 6,939,596. The sealing property of the intrusion prevention wall 5 may be improved by continuing a linear magnetic body or a string-like body in a length direction of the base material 2 in the vicinity of the upper ends of the right and left intrusion prevention wall portions as described in PCT/JP2008/070207 and 4. S * S )SS* The engaging element forming zone includes many engaging elements 3 that *e..

extend upwardly from the base material 2 and are vertically arranged in rows in a * S **.* . . . . . width direction and a longitudinal direction of the base material 2. I. *

4...:. According to the embodiments shown in Figures la and lb. the side faces of the engaging elements in a particular row are arranged closely to each other in a width direction of the base material 2 so as to define lateral rows of engaging elements, and the lateral rows are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the base material 2.

The lateral rows preferably extend in a width direction, and many engaging elements 3 are disposed closely with respect to each other such that the gap between adjacent engaging elements 3 prevents the flow of foaming resin there through. For example, the gap between the side faces of a column portion 3b and the side face of an adjacent element main body 3a is in the range of 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm, and in the particular embodiment shown in Figure la, the gap is 0.1 mm.

The closely-spaced rows of engaging elements 3 therefore form the lateral resin intrusion prevention wall 6, which prevents the foaming resin material from intruding in a longitudinal direction of the male surface strip fastener 10 into the engaging element forming zone.

Even though arbitrary cuts can be made in the creation of this surface fastener, lateral resin intrusion prevention walls 6 need not be formed by every row of elements. Such other rows can be formed by the omission of engaging element 3b from between engaging elements 3a. Preferably lateral resin intrusion prevention walls 6 may be formed at least every three rows.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the lateral resin intrusion prevention wall 6 according to various embodiments includes many engaging elements 3 closely arranged in rows. The rows of engaging elements 3 extend between the resin intrusion prevention walls 5 on the right and the left of each segment or lozenge 12 in the width direction, and the ends of the second resin prevention wall 6 are arranged adjacent to the innermost row 5c, of the resin intrusion prevention walls.

Furthermore, even when the male surface fastener strip 10 is cut into an arbitrary length in a longitudinal direction in the vicinity of an end edge of a segment or lozenge 12, the lateral rows of engaging elements 3 forming the lateral resin intrusion prevention wall 6 remains in place to prevent foaming resin material from intruding in a longitudinal direction into the zone of engaging elements during the molding process. Therefore, in this arrangement it becomes possible to cut the S...

(male) surface fastener strip 10 at any point along the length of the strip and also, : cut each end portion of the segments or lozenges 12 into a desired shape as *. exemplified in Figures 6d to 6h without significantly compromising the ability of the surface fastener strip 10 to resist intrusion of the foaming resin into the engaging *.. element 3 zone during the molding process whilst still obtaining the flexibility SI*.

required of the surface fastener strip of the present invention.

The engaging elements that are partially destroyed by an arbitrary cut or are exposed to the foam during the injection molding process as a result of the cut are not protected from ingress of foam. However as the foam ingresses amongst these exposed or partially destroyed elements the foam begins to cure and this seeping of the foam allows surface fastener strip 10 to be fixed more firmly to the foaming resin material. The foam does not progress to the engaging element zone, as it will be prevented from ingressing further by a later lateral resin intrusion prevention wall 6.

It can also be seen in the embodiment shown in Figure 6c, that the lateral resin intrusion prevention wall 6 is partially divided in a width direction, and the divided gaps are located at intervals that are not large enough to allow intrusion of the foamed resin. However, in an alternative embodiment, it is not always necessary for the second resin intrusion prevention wall 6 to be divided. For example, the second resin intrusion prevention wall 6 may be a continuous wall that substantially covers the entire surface 2a of the base material 2.

Likewise, it is not necessary that the material used to make the lateral resin intrusion prevention wall 6 is the same as the material or materials used to make the base of the fastener strip. For example, if a material that is softer than the base material, such as a string or an elastomer is used along the upper face of the lateral resin intrusion prevention wall 6, the sealing property of the lateral resin intrusion prevention wall 6 can be improved.

Whilst in the preferred embodiment of the present invention it can be seen that the effective barrier to the ingress of foam during the molding process is comprised of four distinct units as defined by the two longitudinal resin intrusion prevention walls 5 on each side of the segments or lozenges 12 and the lateral resin intrusion prevention walls 6 aligned horizontally across the lozenges or segments thereby forming a four walled barrier for protection of the engaging elements, it will be appreciated that an alternative arrangement to obtain the same effect may be achieved by a unitary barrier protecting the engaging segments, or alternatively, a : combination barrier comprised of a selected number of wall units. * * *.*S

As can be seen in Figure 5e the engaging head portion 3a-1 of each coupling element main body 3a is preferably formed into bibbed hook shapes, which **** . extend upwardly from the rising portion or stalk 3a-2 and curve and extend in a longitudinal direction from the upper end of the rising portion 3a-2. However, the shape of the engaging head portion 3a-1 is not limited to the above-described shape, and any suitable shape for an engaging element, such as for example a mushroom-shape or a single hook shape, can be adopted as required.

S

As mentioned above, the surface fastener strip 10 preferably comprises one or more linear magnetic bodies 7. In the embodiment shown in Figure la, lb and 6c two linear magnetic bodies 7 are included. The linear magnetic bodies 7 are preferably elongated in a longitudinal direction and are integrally fusion-bonded to the base material 2. Preferably, a first linear magnetic body 7 is disposed within the zone of the engaging elements 3 near the right side edge portion of the base material 2, and a second linear magnetic body 7 is disposed within the zone of the engaging elements 3 near the left side edge portion of the base material 2. The linear magnetic body 7 may include at least one metal selected from the group comprising: iron, cobalt, nickel, or the like, or alternatively may be in the form of a monofilament comprised of a synthetic resin material having a magnetic powder made of for example an alloy of one of these metals. If a magnet is then subsequently mounted on the foaming resin body during the molding process as described above, the linear magnetic body 7 will be disposed on the foaming resin body adjacent the magnet. As an alternatively, a narrow, tape-shaped metal foil can be utilised in place of the linear magnetic body 7.

In the case of an alternative situation which does not employ a permanent magnet to align the fastener strip by means of magnetic material located within the foaming body during manufacture the fastener strip needs to be secured in place by alternative means, for example, adhesive, stitching or staples and the like but not limited thereto. However, the nature of the fastener strip is such that it may still be used in these alternative-manufacturing processes due to the inherent flexibility.

In yet a further alternative, a linear or tape-shaped magnet may be directly .. : secured to the base material 2 of the male surface fastener strip 10. ln addition, the above-described linear magnetic body 7 may be omitted and replaced by a monofilament having the magnetic powder mixed therein or a metal wire having a ::::.. magnetic property in the region of the curving or bending portion 4.

According to a specific method for forming a thicker portion of the base material, * * as shown in Figure 2, a block-shaped projecting portion 2c may be intermittently S...

molded along a longitudinal row of the engaging elements 3 on each of the right and left side edge portions of the base material 2 upon molding of the male surface fastener strip 10. The linear magnetic body 7 is allowed to penetrate through a longitudinal direction of the projecting portion 2c, and the linear magnetic body 7 is integrally buried with a part of the upper face of the linear magnetic body 7 being intermittently exposed to the outside. In this way, the linear magnetic body 7 that is mounted in the base material 2 makes positioning and fixing of the surface fastener strip 10 on a predetermined position of the mold more accurate and reliable. This positioning and fixing is facilitated by using a magnetic attractive force effected by a magnet (not illustrated) that is mounted on the mold (not illustrated) of the foaming resin molded body.

The linear magnetic body 7 may be circular in cross-section or alternatively may be for example tape-like, thin metal plates, or the magnetic bodies may be separately mounted.

In addition, the magnetic body or a magnet may be attached to the surface fastener strip 10, by applying for example, a magnetic resin, such as a resin bonding agent or a resin paint having a magnetic powder, onto the lower surface of the base material 2 to form a magnetic coating layer.

Alternatively, the magnetic powder may be mixed into any of the base material 2, the engaging elements 3, the first resin intrusion prevention wall 5, or the lateral wall portion (the engaging element row) serving as the lateral resin intrusion prevention wall 6. The resin layer having the magnetic powder may also be subject to a lamination processing on the upper surface of the first resin intrusion prevention wall 5 arid the upper surface of the lateral wall portion. The application of the processes described above is not limited to a magnetic body but may also be applied to a magnet body.

In an alternative embodiment to that shown in Figure la as illustrated in Figure ib, a fin-like strip 9 may be intermittently molded and integrated in the longitudinal direction along the right and left side edges of the base material 2. In addition, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, a concave-convex, or wave-shaped, face 2e may be formed on a second surface 2b of the base material 2. The fin-like strip 9 and the concave-convex face 2e are formed to increase the surface area for receiving and bonding with the foaming resin material during molding of the resin body, thus providing a further anchoring effect by burying the strip 9 and face 2e into the S...

foaming resin mold body.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in Figures Ia and lb and 6d to 6h, it can be seen that the segments or lozenges are substantially rectangular in shape but with the added feature that each of the corners on each segment or lozenge is removed. The shape of each lozenge or segment is important for two reasons. First of all, the removal of the corners of the segments or lozenges prevents overlapping of the individual segments. Secondly, the removal of each corned of each segment creates a fastener strip with greater flexibility in the horizontal plane of each segment or lozenge, that is, each lozenge or segment 12 may be flexed about the horizontal plane of the fastener strip to enable seams to be formed with a more complete curve shape.

This can be seen more clearly in Figures 6i wherein two specific angles in relation to the fastener strips of the present invention are considered, firstly, angle 01, which represents the angle of the cut portions of the lozenge or segments 12 relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fastener strip. The angle is preferably between 20 0 and 75 0 more preferably between 30 0 and 60 o.

Most preferably however, the angle 01, is between 35 0 and 60 A second angle of importance in the fastener of the present invention is the angle 2 which is the angle measured between two segments of lozenges 12. When the fastener strip is in the form of a vertical strip with no bending about the curved or bending portion 4, the angle horizontal 02 will have a value of 00. However, the angle of 02 will vary from a value of between 0 0 and 75 0 depending on the value of Most preferably the value of 02 may be between 10 0 and 80 more preferably between 20 0 and 60 o Most preferably however, the angle 02, is between 35 0 and 55 Also in relation to the fastener strip 10 according to the present invention it is possible to reinforce the strip and the at least two arm portions 8a, 8b whilst still maintaining the required flexibility of the fastener strip. In a preferred embodiment the reinforcing strip is comprised of plastic. The reinforcing strip may the same width as the fastener strip or narrower than the reinforcing strip.

If a continuous reinforcement strip is used along the length of the fastener strip it is possible for the individual lozenges or segments to move relative to the reinforcing strip. It is has therefore been found that for the present invention if portions of the reinforcement strip are removed this reduces any movement of the segments or lozenges with respect to the reinforcing strip.

Manufacturing Process According to a second aspect of the present invention, a surface fastener strip 10 having the above-described structural features may be manufactured according to various manufacturing processes; one suitable method is disclosed in US 5,620,769 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Without repeating the disclosure in this patent, the inventors have provided a brief description of an exemplary apparatus and method for manufacturing the surface fastener strip 10 according to the present invention.

Thus, a surface fastener strip 10' is manufactured initially as a long, continuous, tape-like shape. Subsequently, the surface fastener strip 10' is cut to the required length. For example, each of the surface fastener strips 10 may be cut to the required length such that the strips 10 are complete'y separated from each other at the point of the curving or bending portion 4.

According to one embodiment, the surface fastener strip 10 shown in Figure la and 6c is formed in a long, continuous, tape-like shape, and the surface fastener strip 10 is then cut at regular length intervals in a lateral direction.

The curving or bending portion 4 of the surface fastener member 10 may be completely cut to achieve a surface fastener member 10 that has a certain overall length from the outer longitudinal edge of the first segment or lozenge of the fastener strip 10 to the outer longitudinal edge of the last segment or lozenge of the fastener strip 1.

Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary method of manufacturing a male surface fastener strip described according to the first aspect of the present invention and exemplified in Figure la. In particular, the method commences by placing a continuous injection nozzle 31 for dispensing a molten resin toward a peripheral *...

face of a die wheel 30, which is driven and rotated in one direction. In the centre zone of the peripheral face of the die wheel 30, multiple cavities 30a are formed *:*. for molding the engaging elements 3, and cavities for molding plural rows (for * example, three rows) of the divisional segments 5 (5a, Sb, 5c) are formed along S...

each of the right and left edge portions of the peripheral face of the fastener strip.

These cavities for molding the divisional segments 5a, 5b, Sc are extended intermittently in a peripheral direction (the illustration thereof is herein omitted).

On the other hand, on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the peripheral face region of the die wheel 30, which is equivalent to the position opposed to the injection nozzle, continuous supplying portions 32 and 33 for supplying the linear magnetic body 7 and the linear body 15 made of a synthetic resin are provided. From the continuous supplying portion 32, two strands of the linear magnetic bodies 7 are continuously supplied to a first portion and a second portion of the engaging element forming zone, wherein the first portion is between the right edge and the centre and the second portion is between the left edge and the centre. The continuous supplying portion 33 continuously supplies two or more pieces of the linear body 15 made of synthetic resin to a portion of the engaging element zone that is between the magnetic bodies 7 in the width direction. The continuous supplying portions 32, 33 supply the respective bodies 7, 15 toward the opposed position with respect to the injection nozzle 31 of the die wheel 30.

A cooling liquid is passed through the inside of the die wheel 30 to cool the wheel.

Furthermore, the lower half part of the die wheel 30 is soaked in a cooling liquid tank (not illustrated) that is arranged below the wheel. In addition, a take-up roll 34 of the surface fastener strip 10 is provided, and on the downstream side thereof, a cutting blade 35 is arranged for cutting the molded surface fastener strip at each predetermined interval. The cutting blade 35 is intermittently activated via an actuating device (not illustrated).

Therefore in a continuous manufacturing process of the surface fastener strip 10 according to a first aspect of the present invention, a molten resin material 100 is continuously injected from the continuous injection nozzle 31 toward the peripheral face of the die wheel 30. The die wheel 30 is driven and rotated in one direction, and the molten resin material 100 to be injected to the peripheral face continuously molds the base material 2 of the surface fastener strip at a gap between the injection nozzle 31 and the die wheel 30. At the same time, the molten resin material 100 molds the engaging elements 3, the first resin intrusion prevention wall 5, and the divisional segments 5a, 5b and 5c respectively, in each of the above-described cavities in series. During the molding period, the liner magnetic body 7 and the linear body 15 made of a synthetic resin are introduced from a position nearer to the upstream side in a rotational direction of the die wheel 30 compared to the injection position of the molten resin material 100.

The molten resin material 100 used to form the base material 2 may be comprised of any thermoplastic polymeric material such as for example but not limited to: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, polybutylene terepthalate (PBT), and copolymers thereof.

In addition, various embodiments of the curving or bending portion comprised of at least two arms 8a, 8b may be formed of any thermoplastic polymeric material, such as, for example but not limited to: polyethylene, 10 polypropylene, polyester, nylon, PBT, and copolymers thereof.

In certain embodiments, the arms are made of a first material and the base material 2 is made of a second material that is different from the first material. For example, in one particularly preferred embodiment, the resin utilized for the molten resin material 100 is PBT, and the resin utilized for the arms is polyester.

However, in other various embodiments, the arms and the base material 2 may be formed of the same material.

According to one embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, on the peripheral face of the die wheel 30, two pieces of linear magnetic body guiding grooves (not illustrated) are intermittently formed for exposing substantially one-third of the cross section of the linear magnetic body 7 from the surface of the die wheel 30 to the surface of the base material.

Accordingly, as described above and as shown in Figure 7, the surface fastener strip 10' is formed into a continuous tape-like shape to be molded onto the peripheral face of the die wheel 30 and is held on the peripheral face of the die wheel 30 and carried through about a half of the diameter in accordance with the rotation of the wheel 30. The surface fastener strip 10' is then cooled and q solidified during this stage. The surface fastener strip 10' is then removed from * the peripheral face of the die wheel 30 by the take-up roller 34 or the like, and the surface fastener strip 10' moves to a cutting step and then a winding step (not illustrated). As a result, a surface fastener strip 10 is produced, which is a long finished product, such as the embodiment shown in Figure la, having a plurality of S...

segments or lozenges 12 connected together via the curving or bending portion 4.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure la, part of the synthetic resin monofilaments that form the base material 2 is used to form the arms of the curving or bending portion 4. Thus, the arms of the curving or bending portion 4

S

are integrally formed with the base material 2 of the plurality of fastener segments or lozenges 12.

The strength of the arms is such that it allows the continuous surface fastener strip 10 from the die wheel 30 without the arms breaking.

In addition, to produce the embodiment shown in Figure la, the lower surface 2b of the base material, which is opposite the upper surface side 2a on which the engaging elements 3 are formed, is molded into a concave-convex face 2e, which is shown in Figures 2 to 4. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the lower surface 2b may be formed as a flat face.

To cut the continuous surface fastener strip 10 such that the segments 12 remain connected by the curving or bending portion 4, a cutting blade 35 is intermittently moved up and down to cut out right and left wedges in the width direction of the base material 2 in the form of isosceles-triangular shapes, leaving the curving or bending portion 4 in the form of arms 8a and 8b made of a synthetic resin (a monofilament) with a predetermined length between the adjacent surface fastener segments 12. In addition, a cut out in made between the arms at a prepared distance and size so as to achieve the recessed area between the arms.

To remove the base material portion covering the monofilament portions that form the arms of the curving or bending portion 4, a die (not illustrated) is provided that has a cut shape which mirrors the continuous surface fastener strip 10 for cutting the above-described base material portion at the same time and leaving the arms on the lower part of a passage of the continuous surface fastener strip 10 opposed to the cutting blade 35 and thereby forming the required arms of the fastener of the present invention. S...

The remaining passage of the continuous surface fastener can be cut away with an appropriately shaped die, a hot air knife, chemical cut or other method known I...

to in the art. * SI

:..:: According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of S... . . . . the fastener strip according to a first aspect of the present invention and prepared by a method according to a second aspect of the present invention.

In order to integrally mold the (male) surface fastener strip 10 prepared according to the second aspect of the present invention and described in relation to the first aspect of the present invention as illustrated for example in Figure la, into a cushion body made of for example a foaming resin material (not illustrated), as shown in Figure 8, the following steps are required.

Firstly, the surface fastener strip 10 is mounted and fixed inside a cushion body mold 50 provided with an upper mold portion 51 and a lower mold portion 52 with the engaging element forming face of the surface fastener strip 10, (for example the male part of surface fastener) faced to a part of the cushion body mold 50.

The projecting face 52a for forming a recess on the seat of the cushion body is formed in the centre of the lower mold portion 52, and the (male) surface fastener strip is mounted and fixed to the projecting face 52a.

To mount and fix the surface fastener strip 10 of the present invention to the projecting face 52a, a permanent magnet 53 is attached in the zone of the projecting face 52a of the lower mold portion 52, and the linear magnetic bodies 7 that are buried in the surface fastener strip 10 are attracted to the magnet 53 so as to align and fix the (male) surface fastener strip 10 at a predetermined position on the projecting face 52a.

The foaming resin material used to form the cushion body is then injected inside the mold 50 and distributed through the entire inside of the mold 50. The foaming resin material flows over the second surface 2b of the (male) surface fastener strip *.. 10, around the fins 9 (if present), and on towards the periphery of the plural rows of engaging elements 3, the longitudinal resin intrusion prevention segments 5a, 5b, 5c, and the outer lateral resin intrusion prevention walls 6. Foaming of the : resin is commenced during the flow of the material. * * S...

The surface fastener strip 10 is positioned and fixed in place by the attractive effect of the permanent magnet 53 of the mold 50. The position of the surface fastener strip 10 relative to the permanent magnet 53 remains substantially the same despite the flowing and foaming pressure of the foaming resin material due to the strength of the magnet.

In addition, the foaming resin material flowing as described above tries to intrude from a width direction of the surface fastener strip 10 into the zone of the engaging elements 3 through the gap formed between the arranged plural rows of the first resin intrusion prevention walls 5 (5a, 5b, 5c) and the gap formed between respective divisional segments 5a, 5b, 5c.

However, the foaming resin material foams and is solidified before it reaches the engaging element zone, being interrupted by the arranged plural rows of first resin intrusion prevention walls 5 and respective divisional segments 5a, 5b, 5c of the longitudinal resin intrusion prevention wall 5. Therefore, the foaming resin material cannot reach the engaging element forming zone.

Furthermore, the surface fastener strip 10 may be cut according to the intended use of the fastener 10, and in certain cases, (not shown in Figure 12), a part of the lateral row of the engaging elements 3 may be cut away. However, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the lateral row 6 of the engaging elements 3 is molded at a normal lateral row of the engaging elements 3, so that foaming resin material merely reaches one or two rows of the engaging elements at the most, (as shown in Figure 12), due to close proximity of the side surfaces of the engaging elements 3 to each other, creating the lateral resin intrusion prevention wall 6.

When the external cover is applied to the cushion body with integral surface fasteners strip 10, the cover is secured to the portions of the cushion body possessing the for example male surface fastener strips 10 by pressing the engaging portion of each surface fastener strip 10 against for example female engaging elements on the inner surface of the external cover material. The cover material may therefore be positioned securely to the cushion body and in close contact with the curved faces without slipping' away from the cushion body.

According to various embodiments of the invention, the lateral rows of engaging * *** elements 3 that form the lateral wall portion 6 include substantially the same number of engaging elements 3 as a normal engaging element row such that the lateral row 6 of the for example male engaging elements are fastened with corresponding for example female engaging elements formed on the inner surface of the cover material across nearly the entire face of the (male) surface fastener strip 10.

This arrangement dramatically improves the engaging strength of the lateral row of engaging elements. As a result, even if a force in a displacement direction is applied to the seating portion of the cover material, the lateral row of the engaging elements can not be detached easily, and further, the cushion body is not damaged by the engagement of the (male) surface fastener strip 10 and the female engaging elements on the cover material because the engagement can sustain a slight movement between the cover material and the cushion body.

As described above, in the case of the above-described cushion body, many linear recesses are formed on the surface thereof, such as the seating face and the rear part. Furthermore, the linear recesses are not limited to being in a straight line, and an advantage of the surface fastener strip of the present invention is that the strip may be curved along the surface of the cushion body in many cases to enable the formation of intricate designs.

The (male) surface fastener strip 10 is preferentially arranged in the linear recess.

If the recess is rectilinear, the projecting face 52a of the cushion body mold 50 is also rectilinear, and if the recess is curved, the projection face 52a is also curved.

Figure 9 illustrates a shape of a linear recess 101 to be formed on the surface of such a cushion body 200 and a male surface fastener strip 10 to be integrated with the linear recess 101.

Figure 9 also illustrates the curved projection face 52a to be formed in the mold 50 for integrating the male surface fastener strip 10 to the linear recess 101 and the surface fastener strip 10 when mounted on the curved projection face 52a.

.. : If the linear recess 101 is rectilinear, as shown in Figure 9, the continuous male surface fastener strip 10 formed in a straight, rectilinear shape may be mounted and fixed in the recess. In addition, the male surface fastener strip 10 of the S...

present invention is able to rotate and bend about three orthogonal axes thereby *. improving the design possibilities for the seams on the seat cover.

It will be appreciated that whilst the engaging elements of the present invention are not additionally covered or protected prior to insertion of the fastener strips in S...

the mold and even during the molding process that this is in fact an option.

For example, instead of or in addition to the barrier to the ingress of foam during the molding process comprised of four distinct units as defined by the two longitudinal resin intrusion prevention walls 5 on each side of the segments or lozenges 12 and the lateral resin intrusion prevention walls 6 aligned horizontally across the lozenges or segments, it is possible to cover which additionally protects the engaging elements.

The cover may be in the form of an envelope or a space filling means that substantially fills any spaces amongst the engaging means. Alternatively, the cover may when used with hook type fastening elements leave just the tips of the hooks exposed. The space filling cover may comprise an elastonier, a thermoplastic or a thermoset. It is typically however flexible.

Alternative Embodiments of the Surface Fastener Strip Figure 12 illustrates a modified example of the embodiment shown in Figure la.

The parts corresponding to the same parts in Figure la have the same names and the same reference numerals.

The modified example of the embodiment shown in Figure 12 is different from the embodiment shown in Figure la in that when the portions of the base material 2 are cut along the width direction to segment the base material, the portion of engaging elements 3 that covers the segment being left intact. Thus, the curving or bending portion 4 and the engaging elements 3 that are disposed vertically adjacent are left. In the modified embodiment shown in Figure 12, the cut portions of the base material 2 are cut substantially in the shape of for example triangles such that the apexes of two triangular cut portions are opposite each other.

When the arms on the curving or bending portion 4 further comprises engaging elements 3 the presence of the engaging elements creates an anchor effect by * *** means of the engaging elements being buried in the foaming resin molding body.

: This arrangement allows the (male) surface fastener strip 10 to be strongly fixed in the molten resin material.

It is possible for engaging elements on the reverse of the strip to be comprised of foam, thereby assisting the adhesion process during molding for example a cushion seat to the seat foam.

Figure 13 illustrates an alternative embodiments of the invention wherein the main configuration of the (male) surface fastener strip 10 is not substantially different from the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the parts in common with the other embodiment have been given the same names and the same reference numerals as the other embodiments.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, wherein individual segments 12 have been separated and it is required to reconnect the end portions of the surface fastener strip segments, the segments to be connected are provided with first slits la, la' having a first length and second slits ib, lb', having a second length, wherein the second length is shorter than the first length. The first slits la, la' extend from an end of the strip 10 along the longitudinal axis of the strip 10, and the second slits Ib, lb are created within the segment or lozenge 12 in the longitudinal axis of the strip 10.

The separated segments are then joined by means of a narrow plate-like bar strip 4a made of a synthetic resin. The bar strip 4a has a substantially rectangular cross sectional and in one embodiment, is separately formed from the strips 10.

The bar strip 4a engages adjacent strips 10 to secure them in an end-to-end relationship to form an extended in length surface fastener strip 10. In an alternative embodiment, the narrow plate-like bar strip 4a may be made of a metal.

As also shown in Figure 13, the narrow plate-like bar strip 4a has first and second fastening strips 4a-1 and 4a-2 to be fitted and fastened with the first and second slits 1 a and lb of the surface fastener strip 10. According to the embodiment in Figure 13, the first fastening strip 4a-1 is formed into a narrow rectangular shape, and engages with the slits Ia on two adjacent segments 12. The second fastening strip 4a-2 is formed into an arrowhead shape, and engages with the second slit lb of an individual segment 12. The width of a head portion of the arrowhead shape of the second fastening strip 4a-2 from left to right is longer than S...

the length of the second slit lb thereby improving the connection.

As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the connection between the in this case male surface fastener segments 12 provided with the above-described configurations is made in such a manner that the first fastening strip 4a-1 of the narrow plate-like bar strip 4a is fitted to each of the first slits la of the connecting ends of adjacent male surface fastener segments 12, and the arrowhead portion of the second fastening strip 4a-2 of the narrow plate-like bar strip 4a is fastened to the second slit lb by inserting the arrowhead of the fastening strip 4a-2 of the narrow plate-like bar strip 4a into the second slit lb of the male surface fastener strip 1. The cross-section of the curving portion according to this embodiment is formed into a modified cross section, of which the thickness is larger than the width of the male surface fastener segment 12. By creating a cross section of the curving portion in this way, the male surface fastener segment 10 is easily curved in a width direction but is hardly curved in a thickness direction. Therefore, the installation operation of the male surface fastener strip 10 is easily carried out. Various embodiments of the structure of this type of connection portion 4a are described in US application serial number 12/1 33,572, incorporated by reference.

In alternative embodiments for joining the ends of cut strips together each free end of the segments or lozenges 12 may be provided with a cut out in the form of for example a circular or elliptical fastening hole or orifice. A joining means is then employed which comprises for example an independent bar to which is attached on each end thereof securing leg portions, which cooperate with the fastening orifice and secure the free ends of the fastener strips together.

In addition to the embodiments of the present invention described above it will be appreciated that various other kinds of configurations that have been conventionally known in the art may be adopted as the configuration of the engaging elements for the present invention, for example, forming the recess on the surface of the base material so as to raise the engaging elements from its bottom face, securing flexibility of the surface fastener, and adjusting the heights of the engaging elements, the divisional wall portion, and the lateral wall portion lower in the event that the entire thickness of the surface fastener is to be made thinner. * I I I. I S... * S I... S...

I S... S... * S *.IS * * . * SS *S.. S * I...

Claims

CLAIMS1. A surface fastener strip suitable for use or integration in a surface of a foaming resin mold body, the surface fastener strip comprising: a plurality of fastener segments or lozenges; wherein each surface fastener segment or lozenge comprises; a substantially flat base and a plurality of engaging elements integrally molded and extending outwardly from a first surface of the base; and a first end and a second end on opposing sides of each segment or lozenge; and at least two arms continuous with at least the first and second end portions of at least two surface fastener segments or lozenges respectively; and wherein the arms extend between and are connected to the first and second end portions of adjacent surface fastener segments or lozenges along a longitudinal axis of the surface fastener member such that a curving or bending portion being less than a width of the segments or lozenges and flexible about three orthogonal axes is formed.
2. A fastener strip as claimed in claim 1 wherein each fastener segment or lozenge further comprises: I) first and second longitudinal resin intrusion prevention walls extending upwardly from the first surface and along a length direction of the base material, the first and second longitudinal resin intrusion prevention walls being arranged adjacent the longitudinal side edge portions of the first surface, and ii) first and second substantially lateral resin intrusion prevention walls, located between the first and second longitudinal resin intrusion prevention walls, and wherein; each lateral resin intrusion prevention walls comprises a plurality of *...* engaging elements that are arranged in series in a width direction * *** of the first surface. ** * * I I * *1
3. A fastener strip as claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein the first and second *.** substantially lateral resin intrusion prevention wall are spaced apart longitudinally along the first surface of the base material.
4. A fastener strip according to claim 2 or 3 wherein each longitudinal resin intrusion prevention wall is comprised of the same material as the base material.
5. A fastener strip according to claim 2 or 3 wherein each longitudinal resin intrusion prevention wall comprises a foam.
6. A fastener strip according to any of claims 2 to 5 wherein each longitudinal resin intrusion prevention walls comprises: at least a first row of divisional segments; and a second row of divisional segments wherein the first and second rows of segments are disposed adjacent each other in the lateral direction; and wherein each of the first and second rows of divisional segments comprise a plurality of wall portions, each defining a gap there between in the longitudinal direction; and wherein the gaps between the divisional segments of the first row of divisional segments are offset in a lateral direction with respect to the gaps between the divisional segments of the second row of divisional segments.
7. A fastener strip according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein each engaging element comprises: an element main body having an extended portion rising from the first surface; arid an engaging head portion, extending from an upper end of the rising portion toward a molding direction; and a column portion molded adjacent to the element main body in the width direction of the base material, the column portion having a height that is substantially equal to a height of an apex of the engaging head portion as : measured from the first surface of the base material, and wherein the engaging elements are at least partially aligned such that a side surface of each engaging element is closely spaced apart with the side surface of the adjacent engaging element in the width direction of the base material. *... * * ****

*. :
8. A fastener strip according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the curving or * " bending portion comprises at least two integrated arms extending between and * S..connected directly to the end portions of adjacent surface fastener segments or lozenges along a longitudinal axis of the fastener strip.
9. A fastener strip according to any of claims 1 to 8 wherein the arms extending between and connected to the first and second end portions of adjacent surface fastener segments or lozenges are substantially parallel.
10. A fastener strip according to any of claims 1 to 8 wherein the arms extending between and connected to the first and second end portions of adjacent surface fastener segments or lozenges are substantially non-parallel.
11. A fastener strip according to any of claims 1 to 9 wherein the arms extending between and connected to the first and second end portions of adjacent surface fastener segments or lozenges are substantially the same length.
12. A fastener strip according to any of claims 1 to 8 wherein one of the arms extending between and connected to the first and second end portions of adjacent surface fastener segments or lozenges is longer than the other arm.
13. A fastener strip according to claim 9 wherein the arms are located towards the centre of the fastener strip and are separated by a gap A'.
14. A fastener strip according to claim 13 wherein the gap A' comprises a distance of between 1 and 3mm.
15. A fastener strip according to any of claims 1 to 14 wherein the fastener segments or lozenges further comprise recesses located at the ends thereof.
16. A fastener strip according to any of claims I to 15 wherein the at least two arms have a length sufficient to connect the plurality of fastener segments or lozenges in a longitudinal direction. * S *...
17. A fastener strip according to any of claims I to 16 wherein one or more of ** the fastener segments or lozenges comprise one or more wings. S... * . *.*.
18. A fastener strip according to any of claims 1 to 17 wherein the at least two arms are comprised of monofilament. **S S S...
19. A fastener strip according to any of claims 1 to 17 wherein the at least two arms are comprised of wire.
20. A fastener strip according to any one of claims ito 17 wherein the at least two arms are comprise of film.I
21. A fastener strip according to any of claims ito 20 wherein the at least two arms further comprise engaging elements disposed along the length thereof.
22. A fastener strip according to any of claims 1 to 21 wherein the at least two arms are further strengthened along the length thereof.
23. A fastener strip according to any of claims I to 22 wherein engaging elements additionally extend from a second surface of the base material.
24. A fastener strip according to any of claims I to 23 wherein the base material is comprised of a first material and the curving or bending portion in the form of the at least two arms is comprised of a second material.
25. A fastener strip according to any of claims 1 to 24 wherein the fastener strip comprises hook-type or loop-type engaging elements.
26. A fastener strip according to any of claims I to 25 wherein the base material comprises magnetically attractable material.
27. A fastener strip according to any of the claims of 1 to 26 wherein magnetic material is attached to the base material.
28. A fastener strip according to any of the claims 1 to 27 wherein covering : material is removably attached to the engaging elements. * .
29. A fastener strip according to claim 28 wherein covering material containing ***.: cooperating elements is removably attached to the engaging elements. S.. * S * S..
30. A fastener strip according to claim 28 or 29 wherein the covering material . S: melts or dissipates during a molding process. S * *...
31. A fastener strip according to any of the claims 1 to 30 wherein backing material is attached to a second surface of the base material
32. A fastener strip according to any of the claims 1 to 31 wherein the lozenges or segments are of different sizes.
33. A method of manufacturing a cushion body comprising at least one integrally molded surface fastener strip according to claims 1 to 32 comprising steps of: i) molding a continuous surface fastener strip into a tape-like shape or structure, the surface fastener strip comprising a plurality of surface fastener segments or lozenges; ii) cutting the surface fastener strip at predetermined intervals; iii) arranging the surface fastener strip into a mold for forming the cushion body wherein the first surface of the surface fastener strip is disposed to face and contact an inner face of the mold; iv) flowing a foaming resin into the mold for forming the cushion body; v) removing the foaming resin from the mold for forming the cushion body.
34. A method of manufacturing a surface fastener strip as claimed in any of claims I to 32 wherein each surface fastener segment or lozenge is formed form a continuous length of surface fastener strip by means of cutting and removing at predetermined longitudinal intervals along the length of the surface fastener strip selected portions of the strip on each side of the surface fastener in a length direction.
35. A method according to claim 33 wherein the step of cutting each surface fastener segment or lozenge from the continuous length of surface fastener material comprises cutting a substantially triangular shaped portion from each *. . longitudinal side of the continuous surface fastener strip.
36. A method according to claim 33 wherein the step of cutting each surface **** fastener segment or lozenge from the continuous length of surface fastener material comprises cutting a substantially rectangular shaped portion from each longitudinal side of the continuous surface fastener strip.
37. A method according to claim 33 wherein the step of cutting each surface fastener segment or lozenge from the continuous length of surface fastener material comprises cutting a substantially arcuate shaped portion from each longitudinal side of the continuous surface fastener strip.
38. A method according to claim 33 wherein the step of cutting each surface fastener segment or lozenge strip from the continuous surface fastener strip comprises alternately cutting a first shaped portion from one longitudinal side of the continuous surface fastener strip and a second shaped portion from the opposing longitudinal side of the continuous surface fastener strip.
39. A method according to claim 38 wherein the first shaped portion is rectangular and the second shaped portion is arcuate.
40. A method according to any of claims 33 to 39 wherein the manufacture of the surface fastener strip further comprises the step of cutting and removing at predetermined longitudinal intervals along the length of the surface fastener strip substantially elliptical portions of the strip in substantially the centre of the strip.
41. A method according to any of claims 33 to 40 wherein the step of molding the continuous surface fastener strip into the tape-like shape comprises the steps of: rotating a die wheel in one direction, the die wheel comprising many cavities for molding engaging elements formed in a peripheral direction of a peripheral face; extruding or injecting a molten resin material toward the peripheral face of the die wheel; squeezing an extruded or injected molten resin material into the cavities for molding engaging elements and molding the continuous surface fastener formed into the tape-like shape, the continuous surface fastener strip comprising a continuous flat-type base material and engaging elements that extend upwardly from the flat-type base material; and detaching the surface fastener strip while the surface fastener is being carried by the die wheel.S * S *S42. A method of manufacturing a cushion body comprising at least one integrally molded surface fastener strip according to claims 1 to 32 comprising steps of: i) injection molding a discrete surface fastener lozenges or segment onto a continuous stIucture to form to a tape-like shape or structure; ii) arranging the surface fastener strip into a mold for forming the cushion body wherein the first surface of the surface fastener strip is disposed to face and contact an inner face of the mold; iii) flowing a foaming resin into the mold for forming the cushion body; iv) removing the foaming resin from the mold for forming the cushion body.43. A method according to claim 42 wherein the continuous structure consists of two continuous structures.44. A method according to claim 42 wherein the continuous structure consists of one of more monofilaments.45. A method according to claim 42 wherein the continuous structure consists of one of more films.46. Use of a surface fastener strip according to any one of claims 1 to 32 wherein the fastener strip is integrated onto a surface of a foaming resin mold body simultaneously with molding of the foaming resin mold body.47. A fastener strip according to any of claims 1 to 32 as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. *S.. * * * * *.. S. *S.IIISI * I I.I *1