Method of attaching a fastening tape to a molded article and the fastening tape used for such

• US 4,933,035 A
• Filed: 01/11/1989
• Issued: 06/12/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/1983
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Aplix SA (Aplix)
• Original Assignee: Aplix SA (Aplix)
• Inventors: Queval, Bruno, Billarant, Patrick J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ball, Michael W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Aftergut, Jeff H.
• Application Number:
  US07/295,778
• Time in Patent Office: 517 Days
• Field of Search: 428/43, 428/57, 428/120, 428/910, 428/100, 428/900, 24/306, 24/444, 297/DIG. 6, 264/46.7, 264/46.4, 264/313, 264/257, 264/509, 156/155, 156/245, 156/247, 156/289
• US Class Current: 156/155
• CPC Class Codes: A44B 18/0076 Adaptations for being fixed to a moulded article during moulding
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 33/0044 for sealing off parts of inserts projecting into the mould cavity
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 33/14 against the mould wall
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 37/0082 Mechanical anchoring B29C66/303 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 70/68 by incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or layers , e.g. foam blocks mould constructions therefor B29C33/12; joining preformed parts by moulding B29C65/70
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2105/04 cellular or porous
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/5825 by hooks, staples, clips, snap fasteners or the like
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 428/90 Magnetic feature
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/2708 Combined with diverse fastener
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/2725 with feature facilitating, enhancing, or causing attachment of filament mounting surface to support therefor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24017 Hook or barb
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24182 Inward from edge of web or sheet

Abstract

A fastening tape (4) is attached to a molded item (2) such as a seat cushion with a face of gripping hooks (5) turned outwardly to hold a seat cover (3) having complementary fastening member thereon. The tape (4) is molded into the seat cushion (2) during the molding process. Since a liquid molding substance is used, the hooks (5) on the tape (4) are covered with a thin plastic film (17) which prevents the molding liquid from contaminating and clogging the hooks (5). In one embodiment, the film (17) has a relatively low disintegration temperature whereby the heat applied to the mold to cure the cushion (2) disintegrates the film (17) after the cushion has cured, leaving the exposed hooks (5) unclogged and ready for use. In another embodiment, film (17) has a relatively high disintegration temperature and is removed in a separate step subsequent to the molding process by additional heat, such as an open flame.

Claims

1. A method for securing a fastening member to an article to be molded, said fastening member having a base carrying numerous hook-like projections for mating, releasable engagement with a complementary fastener to form a fastener assembly, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) applying a thin, protective film to the fastening member to sealingly enclose the hook-like projections around the entire periphery of the fastening member while positioned in a mold to protect against leakage of molding liquid past the film onto the hook-like projections during the molding operation;

(b) positioning a length of the fastening member in the mold so that the hook-like projections will be exposed on the surface of the completed molded article and introducing molding liquid into the mold;

(c) curing the molded liquid to form a solid; and

(d) removing the protective film from the fastening member after the molded molding liquid is cured to expose said hook-like projections for mating, releasable engagement with said complementary fastener.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of applying said protective film further comprises affixing at least one peripheral edge of said protective film to the corresponding peripheral edge of the base carrying the hook-like projections.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein said protective film is affixed at least along the longitudinal peripheral edges of the base.

5. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of curing the molded molding liquid to form a solid further comprises the step of cold setting the molded liquid.

2. A method for securing a fastening member to an article to be molded, said fastening member having a base carrying numerous hook-like projections for mating, releasable engagement with a complementary fastener to form a fastener assembly, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) applying a thin, protective film to the fastening member to sealingly enclose the hook-like projections around the entire periphery of the fastening member while positioned in a mold to protect against leakage of molding liquid past the film onto the hook-like projections during the molding operation;

(b) positioning a length of the fastening member in the mold so that the hook-like projections will be exposed on the surface of the completed molded article and introducing molding liquid into the mold;

(c) curing the molded molding liquid to form a solid at a temperature below which the protective film disintegrates; and

(d) applying heat to the protective film subsequent to the molding process causing said film to disintegrate and expose said hook-like projections for mating, releasable engagement with said complementary fastener.

6. In a fastening member having a base carrying on one side numerous hook-like projections, the improvement which comprises a temporary thin protective film positioned over said hook-like projections and sealingly enclosing the hook-like projections around the entire periphery of the fastening member while said fastening member is being molded into a molded article, said film protecting said hook-like projections against clogging by the molding liquid and being removable from covering relation to the hook-like projections after the molding liquid has solidified.

7. In a fastening member having a base carrying on one side numerous hook-like projections for mating, releasable engagement with a complementary fastener to form a fastener assembly, the improvement which comprises:

(a) a film positioned to cover and enclose said hook-like projections; and

(b) sealing means cooperating with said base and said film to seal against the flow of a molding liquid into said hooks while molding the fastening member into a molded article.

8. A fastening member according to claim 7, wherein said sealing means comprises means for creating sealing contact between said film and said base.

9. A fastening member according to claim 7, wherein said sealing means comprises an ultrasonic weld between said film and said base.

10. A fastening member according to claim 7, wherein sealing means comprises an adhesive.

11. A fastening member according to claim 7, wherein said sealing means comprises means for creating a magnetic attraction between said film and said base.