CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001 ] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/366,675 filed on June 20, 2022, and Danish Patent Application No. PA202370024 filed on January 19, 2023, the disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002 ] The present disclosure relates to a retention clip, a seat assembly having a retention clip, and a method of assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a seat assembly;

[0004] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a retention clip according to the present disclosure;

[0005 ] Figure 3A and 3B are front and side views of a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a retention clip according to the present disclosure;

[0006] Figure 4 is a side view of a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a retention clip according to the present invention inserted into a cushion material; and

[0007] Figure 5 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure " DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, features, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0009 ] It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and that various and alternative forms are possible. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ embodiments according to the disclosure.

[0010 ] O"One or more” and/or “at least one” includes a function being performed by one element, a fun"ction being performed by more than one element, e.g., in a distributed fashion, several functions being performed by one element, several functions being performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

[0011 ] It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a first contact, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact. [0012 ] The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, '‘an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0013 ] As used herein, the term “if’ is, optionally, construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is, optionally, construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context.

[0014] Referring to Figure 1, an example of a seat assembly 10 is shown. The seat assembly 10 may be configured for use in a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle like a car or truck. The seat assembly 10 may include a seat back 12 and a seat bottom 14. The seat back 12 may be configured to support the back of a seat occupant. The seat bottom 14 may be configured to support a seat occupant. In a vehicular application, the seat bottom 14 may be mounted to a support surface, such as a vehicle floor.

[0015 ] The seat back 12 may be pivotal about an axis 16 with respect to the seat bottom

14. For example, one or more recliner mechanisms, pivot pins, or the like may pivotally connect the seat back 12 to the seat bottom 14. Alternatively, the seat back 12 or a portion thereof may not be pivotally connected to the seat bottom 14. For instance, the seat back 12 may be pivotally mounted to a vehicle body structure, such as may be the case in some bench seat configurations. [001 ] The seat back 12 may include a head restraint 20 that may be configured to support the head of a seat occupant. The head restraint 20 may be disposed at the top of the seat back 12. The head restraint 20 may be unitary with the seat back 12 or may be a separate component that is adjustably positionable with respect to the top of the seat back 12.

[0017 ] The seat back 12 and the seat bottom 14 may each have at least one seat cushion

30. The seat back 12 and the seat bottom 14 may each also have side bolsters 32 and a center seating portion 34 of the cushion 30. A seat component 36 may be secured to the cushion 30 with one or more retainers as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0018 ]

The seat component 36 may be disposed over or upon the cushion 30. The seat component 36 may have any suitable configuration and be of any suitable type. For instance, the seat component 36 may be a trim cover, trim cover material, or trim cover assembly that provides at least a portion of a visible exterior surface of the seat assembly 10. The trim cover 36 may include a plurality of trim panels that may be assembled in any suitable manner, such as by stitching. The trim panels may be made of any suitable material or materials, such as fabric, leather, vinyl, or combinations thereof. The seat component 36 may also or alternatively be a component that is concealed by or disposed under a trim cover and is disposed on the cushion 30, such as a temperature adjusting device like a heating pad or heating mat, an inflatable device for enhancing comfort of a seat occupant like a lumbar support or that provide massage functionality, an air-permeable material that facilitates airflow for a ventilated seat, or the like.

[0019 ] The cushion 30 may be at least partially concealed by the seat component 36 and may be directly or indirectly supported by a support structure of the seat assembly 10, such as a frame, panel, support wires, or the like. The cushion 30 includes a three-dimensional mesh structure formed of randomly looped and bonded filaments 70, only a small number of examples of which are shown in Figure 4, pictorially represented by randomly drawn lines for simplicity. For example, the filaments 70 may be extruded filaments that are made of a polymeric material, such as a thermoplastic resin that is polyamide based, polyester based, polyimide based, polyolefin based, polypropylene based, polystyrene based, or combinations thereof. As one example, filaments 70 may be made of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The extruded filaments 70 may be randomly looped, curled, or entangled and may be bonded together where one filament 70 contacts another, thereby resulting in a lightweight, air permeable cushion having openings or voids between the filaments 70. A method of making an extruded filament mesh cushion is disclosed in United States patent application number 17/555,875, filed on December 20, 2021, entitled “System and Method of Making a Mesh Cushion,” a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix A. As such, the cushion 30 may not be made of foam, such as urethane foam, and may partially or completely replace a conventional urethane foam cushion. Alternatively, the cushion may be a conventional foam cushion, such as a urethane foam cushion.

[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a retention clip 40 according to the present disclosure. Figure 3A and 3B are front and side views, respectively, of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a retention clip 40 according to the present disclosure.

[0021] As seen therein, and with continuing reference to Figure 1, the retention clip 40 includes an anchor 42 having a body 44 with a first end 46 and a second end 48 opposite the first end, the second end 48 terminating in a tip. The anchor 42 has a plurality of barbs 50, each barb 50 extending from the body 44 in a direction away from the tip. The retention clip 40 also includes a retention feature 52 extending away from the first end 46 of the anchor 42. A material of a cushion 30 is gripped between the body 44 and each of the plurality of barbs 52 when the anchor 44 is inserted into the cushion 30 (see Figure 4), thereby attaching the retention clip 40 to the cushion 30. In that regard, the retention clip 40 may be inserted or installed from an “A” side of the cushion 30. Moreover, the tip at the second end 48 of each anchor 42 may serve or function to pierce the material of the cushion 30, which may include the surface of the cushion 30.

[0022] The retention clip 40 further includes a base 54. The anchor 42 and the retention feature 52 are disposed on opposite sides of the base 54, which has a width greater than a width of the body 44. The anchor 42, the retention feature 52, and the base 54 are formed as an integral piece, but may alternatively be individual components attached to each other. In that regard, the retention clip 40, including the anchor 42, retention feature 52, and the base 54, may be formed by injection molding.

[0023] As seen in Figures 2 and 3A, the retention feature 52 comprises a pair of spaced apart arms 56 extending from the base 54, each arm 56 terminating in a retention member 58. The arms 56 and retention members 58 are configured to cooperate with a mating attachment feature (not shown) of a trim cover 36, such as beaded Duon® attached to a trim cover 36. More specifically, the retention members 58 have angled guide surfaces 60 that serve or function to guide a mating attachment feature of a trim cover 36 into a space 62 between the arms 56. In the regard, the arms 56 are elastically deformed to receive the matting attachment feature of a trim cover 36. After such insertion of the mating attachment feature of a trim cover 36 into the space 62, the arms 56 return to the positions shown in Figures 2 and 3A and the retention members 58 serve or function to hold the mating feature of the trim cover 36 in the space 62, thereby attaching the trim cover 36 to the retention clip 40. In that regard, the retention feature 52 of the retention clip 40 may be attached to a trim cover 36 after the anchor 42 of the retention clip 40 is inserted into a cushion 30. 0024] As also seen in Figures 2, 3A, and 3B, the body 44 of the anchor 42 includes a plurality of arms 64, each of which includes a plurality of barbs 50. As shown, body 44 of the anchor 42 has six arms 64, although any number of arms 64 may alternatively be provided. It is noted that the anchor 40, retention feature 52, and/or base 54 are exemplary only, and may generally take or be provided with any shape and/or size. For example, the retention feature 52 may be of any known, appropriate, or suitable type, and the barbs 50 and may generally take or be provided with any shape and/or size. It is also noted that the second end 48 of the anchor 42 may be provided with a pointed tip. In that regard, an anchor 42 having a second end 48 terminated in a pointed tip with a sharp or acute angle and having a smaller cross-sectional area (for a cross-section taken across the body 44 of the anchor 42 in a direction parallel to the base 54) requires the application of less force to insert the anchor 42 into a material of a cushion 30 than does an anchor 42 having a second end 48 terminating in a flat tip or a pointed tip with a greater angle and having a larger cross-sectional area. [0025] It is still further noted that the number of barbs 50 for the anchor 42 illustrated in Figures 2, 3 A, and 3B is also exemplary only, and any number of barbs 50 may be provided. Moreover, the number of barbs 50 on each side of an anchor 42 may be different, the barbs 50 on each arm 64 need not be located directly across from each other (i.e., mirrored), the barbs 50 along an arm 64 need not be equally spaced from each, and each barb 52 may take or be provided with a different shape. In that regard, the larger the size and/or the greater the number of the barbs 50 of an anchor 42, the more effective the anchor 42 is in grabbing a material of a cushion 30 and the more resistive the anchor 42 will be to removal from or backing out of the cushion 30.

[0026] It should be noted, however, that the optimal size and shape of the anchor 40, including barbs 50, may be dependent upon the nature of the material of the cushion 30. In that regard, for a cushion 30 including a three-dimensional mesh structure formed of randomly looped and bonded filaments 60 of an extruded polymeric material or materials as previously described, the manufacturing process may result in a cushion 30 having a material with a larger or smaller cell structure. As a result, the size and shape of the anchor 40 shown in Figures 2, 3A, and 3B, or an anchor 40 having a different size or shape than those shown, may be best suited to the material of a particular cushion 30.

[0027] Figure 4 is another side view of a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a retention clip 40 according to the present disclosure. As seen therein, the retention clip 40 is partially disposed in a material of a cushion 30. More specifically, the anchor 42 of the retention clip 40 is shown in phantom inserted into the material of the cushion 30, with the base 54 of the retention clip 40 located at a surface of the cushion 30. As previously described, insertion of the anchor 42 of the retention clip 40 into the material of the cushion 30 attaches the retention clip 40 to the cushion 30. Thereafter, the retention feature 52 may be attached to a cooperating attachment feature of a trim cover 36 to attach the retention clip 40 to the trim cover 36. In such a fashion, the trim cover 36 is thereby attached to the cushion 30.

[0028] The retention clip 40 of the present disclosure may thus replace known mechanisms, devices, systems, means, or methods for attaching a trim cover 36 to a cushion 30, such as a conventional polyurethane foam cushion, including a clip attached to a trim cover 36 and configured to cooperate with a beaded Duon® attachment feature of a cushion 30, a hog ring and wire fastener, and/or any known attachment system including an attachment feature or fastener molded or formed into the cushion 30, such as foam embedded clips. In that regard, it is noted that the retention clip 40 of the present disclosure need not be formed or molded into the material of a cushion 30. It is also noted that the retention clip 40 of the present disclosure facilitates and/or enables attachment of a trim cover 36 to a cushion 30 that lacks a recess or recesses provided, formed, or created in the cushion for receiving the anchor 42, such as a cushion 30 having a three-dimensional mesh structure formed of randomly looped and bonded filaments 70 of an extruded polymeric material or materials as previously described. Nevertheless, the retention clip 40 of the present disclosure is also suitable for attachment of a trim cover 36 to a cushion 30 that includes a recess or recesses, such as an elongated channel, hole, indentation, or trench provided, formed, or created therein for receiving the anchor 42, which recess or recesses may be provided in any suitable location, for example where a side bolster 32 meets a center seating portion 34 of the cushion 30 (see Figure 1).

[0029 ] In that regard, as seen in Figure 4, the cushion 30 includes a three-dimensional mesh structure formed of randomly looped and bonded filaments 70, only a small number of examples of which are shown, pictorially represented by randomly drawn lines for simplicity. As previously described, the second end 48 of the anchor 42 terminates in a tip, and the plurality of barbs 52 extend from the body 46 in a direction away from the tip of the anchor 44, which may serve or function to pierce the material of the cushion 30. As also previously described, when the anchor 42 is inserted into the cushion 30, the material of the cushion 30 (i.e., the looped and bonded filaments 70) is gripped between the body 44 and each of the plurality of barbs 50. The retention clip 40 of the present disclosure thus provides a trim clip with a push-pin style base, where the retention clip 40 grabs a material of a cushion 30, such as strands or filaments of foamless mesh cushions or pads. The retention clip 40 of the present disclosure also provides barbs or barbed attachments and a trim clip to enable or facilitate adhesion of a trim cover 36 to a cushion 30, such as strands or filaments of foamless mesh cushions or pads. [0030] Referring next to Figure 5, an exemplary flowchart is shown illustrating a nonlimiting, exemplary embodiment of a method 80 according to the present disclosure. As seen therein, and with continuing reference to Figures 1-4, a method 80 of assembling a seat assembly comprises providing 82 a retention clip 40 including an anchor 42, the anchor 42 having a body 44 with a first end 46 and a second end 48 opposite the first end 46, the second end 48 terminating in a tip, the anchor 42 having a plurality of barbs 50, each barb 50 extending from the body 44 in a direction away from the tip, the retention clip 40 further including a retention feature 52 extending away from the first end 46 of the body 44. The method 80 further comprises inserting 84 the anchor 42 into a cushion 30, wherein a material of the cushion 30 is gripped between the body 44 and each of the plurality of barbs 50, and attaching the retention feature 52 to a trim cover 36, thereby attaching the trim cover 36 to the cushion 30.

[0031] According to the method 70 of assembly of the present disclosure, inserting 84 the anchor 42 into the cushion may comprise piercing 88 the material of the cushion 30 with the tip of the anchor 42. As previously described, the retention clip 40 may further comprises a base 54, and the anchor 42 and the retention feature 52 may be disposed on opposite sides of the base 54. As also previously described, the anchor 42, the retention feature 52, and/or the base 54 may be or may be formed as an integral piece. Moreover, the retention feature 52 may be attached to the trim cover 36 after the anchor 42 is inserted into the cushion 30, as also previously described.

[0032 ] The method 80 of assembly of the present disclosure my further comprise providing 90 a cushion 30 that is a three-dimensional mesh structure formed of looped and bonded filaments, as previously described. As also previously described, such filaments may be extruded and formed into the three-dimensional mesh structure. Moreover, as previously described, the assembly method 80 of the present disclosure also facilitates and/or enables attachment of a trim cover 36 to a cushion 30 that lacks a recess or recesses provided, formed or created in the cushion for receiving the anchor 42, such as a cushion 30 having a three- dimensional mesh structure formed of randomly looped and bonded filaments 70 of an extruded polymeric material or materials as previously described. Nevertheless, the retention clip 40 of the present disclosure is also suitable for attachment of a trim cover 36 to a cushion 30 that includes a recess or recesses provided, formed, or created therein.

[0033] Item 1: According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a retention clip comprising an anchor having a body with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end terminating in a tip, the anchor having a plurality of barbs, each barb extending from the body in a direction away from the tip, and a retention feature extending away from the first end of the anchor, wherein a material of a cushion is gripped between the body and each of the plurality of barbs when the anchor is inserted into the cushion.

[0034] Item 2: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the retention clip according to Item 1 further comprising a base, wherein the anchor and the retention feature are disposed on opposite sides of the base.

[0035] Item 3: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the retention clip according to Item 2 wherein the base has a width greater than a width of the body.

[0036] Item 4: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the retention clip according to any of Items 1-3 wherein the anchor and the retention feature are an integral piece.

[0037] Item 5: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the retention clip according to any of Items 2-4 wherein the anchor, the retention feature, and the base are an integral piece.

[0038] Item 6: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the retention clip according to any of Items 1-5 wherein the retention feature is attached to a trim cover after the anchor is inserted into the cushion.

[0039] Item 7: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the retention clip according to any of Items 1-6 wherein the tip pierces the cushion material. [0040] Item 8: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the retention clip according to any of Items 1-7 wherein the material of the cushion comprises a mesh formed of looped and bonded filaments.

[0041] Item 9: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the retention clip according to Item 8 wherein the filaments are extruded and formed into a three-dimensional structure.

[0042] Item 10: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the retention clip according to any of Items 1-9 wherein the material of the cushion lacks a formed recess for receiving the anchor.

[0043] Item 11 : In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a seat assembly comprising a cushion, a trim cover, and a retention clip according to any of Items 1-10, wherein the retention clip attaches the trim cover to the cushion.

[0044] Item 12: According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of assembling a seat assembly, the method comprising providing a retention clip including an anchor, the anchor having a body with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end terminating in a tip, the anchor having a plurality of barbs, each barb extending from the body in a direction away from the tip, the retention clip further including a retention feature extending away from the first end of the body, inserting the anchor into a cushion, wherein a material of the cushion is gripped between the body and each of the plurality of barbs, and attaching the retention feature to a trim cover, thereby attaching the trim cover to the cushion.

[0045] Item 13: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method according to Item 12 wherein inserting the anchor into the cushion comprises piercing the material of the cushion with the tip of the anchor.

[0046] Item 14: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method according to any of Items 12-13 wherein the retention clip further comprises a base, and wherein the anchor and the retention feature are disposed on opposite sides of the base. 0047] Item 15: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method according to any of Items 12-14 wherein the anchor and the retention feature are an integral piece. 048] Item 16: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method according to any of Items 13-15 wherein the anchor, the retention feature, and the base are an integral piece.

[0049] Item 17: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method of any of Items 12-16 wherein the retention feature is attached to the trim cover after the anchor is inserted into the cushion.

[0050] Item 18: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method according to any of Items 12-17 further comprising providing a cushion that is a three- dimensional mesh structure formed of looped and bonded filaments. 0051 ] Item 19: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method according to Item 18 wherein the filaments are extruded and formed into the three-dimensional mesh structure.

[0052 ] Item 20: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method according to any of Items 12-19 wherein the material of the cushion lacks a formed recess for receiving the anchor.

[0053 ] While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms according to the disclosure. In that regard, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the various features, elements, components, methods, procedures, steps, and/or functions of various implementing embodiments may be combined or utilized in any combination or combinations and/or may be performed in any order other than those specifically described herein to form further embodiments according to the present disclosure.

APPENDIX A

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MAKING A MESH CUSHION

TECHNICAL FIELD

[ 0054] This relates to a system and method for making a mesh cushion, such as a mesh cushion for a seat.

BACKGROUND

[0055 ] A three-dimensional filaments-linked structure manufacturing apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,806,272.

SUMMARY

[0056] In at least one embodiment, a method of making a mesh cushion is provided. The method may include extruding a material through a plurality of filament forming openings in a die plate to form a plurality of filaments. The filaments may be deposited on a first roller and a second roller. The first roller may be rotatable about a first axis and may define a first recess. The second roller may be rotatable about a second axis and may define a second recess. The first roller and the second roller may be rotated to direct the filaments into the first recess and the second recess and through a gap that is located between the first roller and the second roller, thereby forming the filaments into a mesh cushion having a variable cross-sectional shape.

[0057 ] The first and second rollers may be spaced apart from the die plate and may be positioned below the die plate.

[0058 ] The filaments may be deposited while the first roller and the second roller are rotating.

[0059] The first recess and the second recess may not have mirror symmetry. [0060] The first roller may include a first center portion and a first end plate. The first recess may extend from the first center portion. The first end plate may be rotatable about the first axis with the first center portion. The first end plate may extend further from the first axis than the first center portion. The first end plate may overlap the second roller to direct filaments into the gap between the first and second rollers.

[0061] The second roller may include a second center portion and a second end plate. The second recess may extend from the second center portion. The second end plate may be rotatable about the second axis with the second center portion. The second end plate may extend further from the second axis than the second center portion. The second end plate may overlap the first roller to direct filaments into the gap between the first and second rollers.

[0062] The first end plate of the first roller and the second end plate of the second roller may overlap each other to direct filaments into the gap.

[0063 ] At least a portion of the first roller and the second roller may be positioned above a funnel that defines a funnel opening through which the material may pass.

[0064] Filaments that are extruded through the die plate may be provided to a chamber that is partially defined by a housing that extends between the die plate and the funnel. The first roller and the second roller may be at least partially received in the chamber.

[0065] An environmental control subsystem may control temperature and humidity of air in the chamber to control the thickness of the filaments. The environmental control subsystem may be mounted to the housing. The environmental control subsystem may maintain the temperature of air in the chamber within a predetermined temperature range. The predetermined temperature range may be no more than 10°F less than the melting temperature of the material.

[0066] A method of making a mesh cushion may include extruding material through a plurality of filament forming openings in a die plate to form a plurality of filaments. The filaments may be directed into a funnel to consolidate and engage the filaments. The filaments may then be deposited into a mold. The mold may be at least partially submerged into a fluid to cool and harden the filaments into a mesh cushion. [0067 ] The mold may be disposed on a conveyor. The conveyor may move or lower the mold into the fluid.

[0068 ] The mold may be partially received in the fluid when the filaments are deposited.

[0069 ] The filaments that are extruded through the die plate may be provided to a chamber that includes the housing and that extends between the die plate and the funnel.

[0070 ] A method of making a mesh cushion may include providing a die set that includes a first die plate and a second die plate that are disposed adjacent to each other. The material may be extruded through a first set of filament forming openings in the first die plate and through a second set of filament forming openings in the second die plate to form a plurality of filaments. The relative position of the second die plate with respect to the first die plate may be changed so that the second die plate prevents the material from passing through some members of the first set of filament forming openings, thereby reducing the number of filaments that are formed by the die set. Filaments formed by the die set may be submerged into a fluid to cool and harden the filaments into the mesh cushion.

[0071 ] The second set of filament forming openings may have fewer members than the first set of filament forming openings.

[0072] The second die plate may be movable between a first position and a second position. The second die plate may permit the material to pass through some of the members of the first set of filament forming openings when the die plate is in the first position and in the second position.

[0073] At least one member of the second set of filament forming openings may be larger than a member of the first set of filament forming openings to permit material to flow through the member of the first set of filament forming openings when the second die plate is in the first position and in the second position.

[0074] Filaments may be directed into a funnel to consolidate and engage the filaments before submerging the filaments. [ 0075] A method of making a mesh cushion may include extruding a material through a plurality of filament forming openings in a die plate to form a plurality of filaments. The die plate may be coupled to a robotic manipulator that is configured to move the die plate along a plurality of axes. The filaments may be deposited into a mold. The mold may be at least partially submerged into a fluid to cool and harden the filaments, thereby forming the filaments into the mesh cushion. The robotic manipulator may move the die plate when depositing the filaments to vary a filament density of the mesh cushion.

[0076] Material may be extruded through the plurality of filament forming openings at a substantially constant flow rate.

[0077] The robotic manipulator may move the die plate away from the mold to decrease the diameter of the filaments when the filaments reach and are deposited in the mold.

[0078] The robotic manipulator may move the die plate toward the mold to increase the diameter of the filaments when the filaments reach and are deposited in the mold.

[0079] The robotic manipulator may repeatedly move the die plate toward the mold and then away from the mold to change the filament density.

[0080] The robotic manipulator may move the die plate and a horizontal plane at a faster speed to decrease filament density and at a slower speed to increase the filament density.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0081 ] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an example of a system for making a mesh cushion.

[0082] Figure 2 is a plan view of a portion of Figure 1 taken below a die plate and above rollers that may be provided with the system.

[0083] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a second example of a system for making a mesh cushion. [0084] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a third example of a system for making a mesh cushion.

[0085 ] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate examples of differently sized filaments.

[0086 ] Figures 6A and 6B are examples of die plates that may be provided with any system associated with Figures 1 through 4.

[0087 ] Figure 7 is a side view illustrating stacked die plates.

[0088 ] Figures 8A and 8B are plan views of the stacked die plates in first and second positions, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0089 ] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0090 ] In the following description, when reference is made to terms qualifying absolute positions, such as terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or relative positions, such as terms "above", "under", "upper", "lower", etc., or to terms qualifying directions, such as terms "horizontal", "vertical", etc., it is referred to the orientation of the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, expressions approximately, substantially, and in the order of mean to within 10%, preferably to within 5%.

[0091 ] Referring to Figure 1, an example of a system 10 for making a mesh cushion 12 is shown. The system may include an extruder subsystem 20, an environmental control subsystem 22, a material handling subsystem 24, and a control subsystem 26. [0092] The extruder subsystem 20 may be configured to extrude a material 30 into filaments 32. In at least one configuration, the extruder subsystem 20 may include a container 40, a feeder 42, a manifold 44, and an extruder 46. The extruder subsystem 20 may also include a first roller 50, a second roller 52, and a roller drive unit 54.

[0093 ] The container 40 may contain and store pieces of the material 30 that is to be extruded. For instance, the container 40 may be configured as a hopper that may hold beads, granules, flakes, pellets, or powder made of the material 30. The material 30 may be a polymeric material, such as polyester or polyethylene. The container 40 may be directly mounted to or remotely positioned from the feeder 42.

[0094 ] The feeder 42 may receive the material 30 from the container 40. The feeder 42 may gradually melt and transport the material to the manifold 44. The feeder 42 may have any suitable configuration. For instance, the feeder 42 may include a barrel that may receive a rotatable screw. Rotation of the screw may force the material 30 to move through the barrel and may help heat the material 30 due to the friction generated as the screw rotates. Heating elements, such as thermocouples, may be disposed proximate the barrel and may provide thermal energy that may heat the barrel and the material 30. Optionally, the heating elements may be arranged to provide a heating profile having multiple zones in which the temperature of the material 30 is gradually increased as the material progresses through the barrel. Cooling equipment may also be provided to help keep the temperature below a predetermined value if too much heat is generated. The material 30 may exit the feeder 42 in a molten plastic state.

[0095] The manifold 44 may receive the molten material 30 from the feeder 42 under pressure. The manifold 44 may direct the material 30 from the feeder 42 to the extruder 46.

[00 6] The extruder 46 may extrude the material 30 into filaments 32. The extruder 46 may have any suitable configuration. For instance, the extruder 46 may include one or more die plates 60, a housing 62, and a funnel 64.

[0097] One or more die plates 60 may be provided that may include a plurality of filament forming openings 70. The filament forming openings 70 may be small through holes that may be spaced apart from each other and may be sized to create back pressure in the manifold 44 and the barrel. Material 30 provided by the manifold 44 may pass through a fdament forming opening 70 under pressure (i.e., be extruded from the die plate 60), thereby forming a filament 32. A filament may be formed by each filament forming opening 70 through which the material 30 passes under pressure.

[0098 ] The housing 62 may receive and support the die plate 60. In addition, the housing 62 may extend between the die plate 60 and the funnel 64. The housing 62 may cooperate with the die plate 60 and the funnel 64 to completely define or partially define a chamber 80. The chamber 80 may be disposed below the die plate 60 and above the funnel 64. As such, filaments 32 formed by or extruded through the die plate 60 may be provided to the chamber 80. The chamber 80 may be an enclosed area that is at least partially separated or isolated from the surrounding environment. In Figures 1, 3, and 4, a side of the housing 62 closest to the viewer from the perspective shown has been omitted to better show features inside the housing 62. The environmental control subsystem 22 may help control the environment in the chamber 80 as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0099 ] The funnel 64, if provided, may be disposed proximate the bottom of the housing 62. The funnel 64 may define a funnel opening 90 through which material 30 or a mesh cushion 12 made from the material 30 may pass. The funnel opening 90 may have a smaller width or extend along a shorter distance than the filament forming openings 70 extend along the die plate 60. As such, the funnel opening 90 may help consolidate or condense the filaments 32 in one or more configurations. In at least one configuration, the funnel 64 may extend into a fluid that is provided with the material handling subsystem 24, which may help isolate the chamber 80 from ambient air and the surrounding environment. It is also contemplated that the funnel 64 may be omitted in one or more configurations. It is also contemplated that the housing 62 may extend into a fluid in the material handling subsystem 24 if the funnel 64 is omitted. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the funnel 64 receives material 30 that has passed between and has been formed by the first roller 50 and the second roller 52. [ 0100] The first roller 50 may be positioned between the die plate 60 and the funnel 64. For instance, the first roller 50 may be positioned below and may be spaced apart from the die plate 60. At least a portion of the first roller 50 may be disposed above the funnel 64 and may be spaced apart from the funnel 64. As such, the first roller 50 may be at least partially received in the chamber 80. The first roller 50 be rotatable about a first axis 100. In at least one configuration and as is best shown in Figure 2, the first roller 50 may have a first center portion 110, at least one recess 112, one or more end plates 114, or combinations thereof.

[0101 ] The first center portion 110 may extend around or encircle the first axis 100. In at least one configuration, the first center portion 110 may be disposed at a constant or substantially constant radial distance from the first axis 100. The first center portion 110 may be positioned above the funnel 64. 0102] At least one recess 112 may extend from the first center portion 110 toward the first axis 100. In the configuration shown, a single recess 112 is illustrated; however, it is contemplated that multiple recesses may be provided. Moreover, multiple recesses may be spaced apart from each other.

[0103 ] One or more end plates 114 may be provided with the first roller 50. In the configuration shown, two end plates 114 are shown that are disposed proximate opposite ends of the first center portion 110. An end plate 114 may be rotatable about the first axis 100 with the first center portion 110. In addition, an end plate 114 may extend further from the first axis 100 than the first center portion 110. The end plates 114 may help contain filaments 32 so that filaments 32 do not roll off an end of the first roller 50 and may help direct filaments 32 into a gap 116 that is located between the first roller 50 and the second roller 52. The size and configuration of the gap 116 may vary as the first roller 50 and the second roller 52 rotate.

[0104 ] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the second roller 52 may be generally aligned with the first roller 50. As such, the second roller 52 may be positioned between the die plate 60 and the funnel 64 and may be positioned below and may be spaced apart from the die plate 60. At least a portion of the second roller 52 may be disposed above the funnel 64. As such, the second roller 52 may be at least partially received in the chamber 80. The second roller 52 be rotatable about a second axis 100'. In at least one configuration and as is best shown in Figure 2, the second roller 52 may have a second center portion 110', at least one recess 112', one or more end plates 114', or combinations thereof.

[0105 ] The second center portion 110' may extend around or encircle the second axis 100'. In at least one configuration, the second center portion 110' may be disposed at a constant or substantially constant radial distance from the second axis 100'. The second center portion 110' may be positioned above the funnel 64.

[0106 ] At least one recess 112' may extend from the second center portion 110' toward the second axis 100'. In the configuration shown, a single recess 112' as illustrated; however, it is contemplated that multiple recesses may be provided and that the recesses may be spaced apart from each other. In at least one configuration, a recess 112' that is provided with the second roller 52 may not have mirror symmetry with a corresponding recess that is provided with the first roller 50, thereby allowing a mesh cushion to be formed with opposing sides that have different configurations.

[0107] One or more end plates 114' may be provided with the second roller 52. In the configuration shown, two end plates 114' are shown that are disposed proximate opposite ends of the second center portion 110'. An end plate 114' may be rotatable about the second axis 100' with the second center portion 110'. In addition, an end plate 114' may extend further from the second axis 100' than the second center portion 110'. The end plates 114' may help contain filaments 32 so that filaments 32 do not roll off an end of the second roller 52 and may help direct filaments 32 into the gap 116.

[0108] An end plate 114 that is provided with the first roller 50 may engage and may overlap an adjacent end plate 114' that is provided with the second roller 52 to help direct filaments 32 into the gap 116. In addition, an end plate may overlap a roller to which the end plate is not attached. For instance, an end plate 114 that is provided with the first roller 50 may overlap the second roller 52 to help direct filaments into the gap 116. In addition or alternatively, an end plate 114 that is provided with the first roller 50 may have an outside circumference or outer surface that faces away from the first axis 100 that is disposed closer to the second axis 100' than the second center portion 110' is disposed to the second axis 100'. An end plate 114' that is provided the second roller 52 may have an outside circumference or outer surface that faces away from the second axis 100' that is disposed closer to the first axis 100 than the first center portion 110 is disposed to the first axis 100. An end plate 114, 114' may be received inside the funnel 64 or may be disposed outside the funnel 64. The outside circumference or outer surface of an end plate 114, 114' may or may not be positioned above the funnel 64.

[0109] The roller drive unit 54 may be configured to rotate the first roller 50 and the second roller 52. For instance, the roller drive unit 54 may rotate the first roller 50 and the second roller 52 in opposite directions about their respective axes. In Figure 1, the first roller 50 may be rotated in a clockwise direction about the first axis 100 from the perspective shown while the second roller 52 may be rotated in a counterclockwise direction about the second axis 100' from the perspective shown as is represented by the curved arrow lines. In addition, the roller drive unit 54 may synchronize rotation of the first roller 50 and the second roller 52 so that the recess 112 of the first roller 50 is aligned with the recess 112' of the second roller 52 during each roller revolution, thereby allowing opposite sides of the mesh cushion 12 to be formed with a desired cross section at each point along its length. Improper roller synchronization may result in recess misalignment and an improperly formed mesh cushion 12.

[ 011 ] It is noted that the first roller 50, the second roller 52, and the roller drive unit 54 may be omitted in various extruder subassembly configurations, such as the configurations shown in Figures 3 and 4. 0111 ] Filaments 32 may be deposited on the first roller 50 and the second roller 52 while the first roller 50 and the second roller 52 are rotating. Rotation of the first roller 50 and the second roller 52 may direct the filaments 32 toward and through the gap 116, thereby consolidating the filaments 32 and placing each filament 32 into contact with one or more other filaments 32. Filaments 32 may bend or twist in irregular ways and in a generally nonpatterned or nonrepeating manner. The recesses 112, 112' may further form filaments 32 so that the filaments 32 that contact the surface of each roller that defines a corresponding recess 112, 112' become a contoured exterior surface of the part. Thus, since the cross sectional area of each roller varies due to the presence and configuration of a corresponding recess 112, 112', the first and second rollers 50, 52 may form filaments 32 into a mesh cushion 12 having a variable cross sectional shape.

[0112] Referring to Figure 1, the environmental control subsystem 22 may control one or more attributes or characteristics of the air inside the chamber 80. For instance, the environmental control subsystem 22 may control the temperature of air in the chamber 80, the humidity of air in the chamber 80, the flow of air in the chamber 80, recirculation of air in the chamber 80, exhausting air from the chamber 80, or combinations thereof, to help control the thickness of the filaments 32. In at least one configuration, the environmental control subsystem 22 may include a fan 120 and one or more temperature modifying devices. 0113] In Figures 1, 3, and 4, two temperature modifying devices 122, 124 are shown; however, it is contemplated that a different number of temperature modifying devices may be provided. A temperature modifying device may have any suitable configuration. For instance, a temperature modifying device may be configured as a heat exchanger, heating element, cooling element, or the like. As one example, a first temperature modifying device 122 may be configured to heat air while a second temperature modifying device 124 may be configured to cool and/or dehumidify air that is circulated by the fan 120 from the chamber 80, through the environmental control subsystem 22, and back to the chamber 80.

[ 114] The environmental control subsystem 22 may be used to maintain the temperature of the air in the chamber 80 within a predetermined temperature range. The predetermined temperature range may be slightly less than the melting temperature of the material 30. As an example, the predetermined temperature range may be no more than 10°F less than the melting temperature of the material 30. Similarly, the environmental control subsystem 22 may be used to maintain the humidity of the air in the chamber 80 within a predetermined humidity range.

[0 115] Components of the environmental control subsystem 22, such as the fan 120, and the temperature modifying devices 122, 124 may be mounted to the housing 62 or may be vemotely positioned from the extruder subsystem 20 and fluidly connected to the chamber 80 by any suitable conduit, such as a hose or duct.

[0116] The material handling subsystem 24 may receive the material 30 after the material 30 exits the extruder subsystem 20. The material handling subsystem 24 may be provided in various configurations. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the material handling subsystem 24 includes a tank 130 and a conveyor 132.

[0117] The tank 130 may receive the material 30 exiting the extruder subsystem 20. In addition, the tank 130 may receive a fluid 134, such as water. The fluid 134 may be provided in a liquid state and may be provided at a temperature that is significantly less than the melting temperature of the material 30. As such, the fluid 134 may cool and harden the filaments 32 into the mesh cushion 12. Thus, the fluid 134 may cool the filaments 32 so that the filaments 32 are no longer in a sticky molten state.

[0118] The conveyor 132 may transport the mesh cushion 12. In the least one configuration, the conveyor 132 or a portion thereof may be received in the tank 130 and may be at least partially submerged in the fluid 134. The length of the conveyor 132 that is disposed in the fluid 132 may be sufficient to provide adequate cooling and hardening of the filaments 32 for subsequent material handling operations. 011 | In the configuration shown in Figure 1, a portion of the conveyor 132 is shown that is located below the extruder subsystem 20 and that is submerged in the fluid 134. The conveyor 132 may be spaced apart from the extruder subsystem 20 and the funnel 64 so that there is sufficient space for the filaments 32 to exit the funnel 64. The conveyor 132 may be disposed closer to the surface of the fluid 134 than is shown. Moreover, it is contemplated that a portion of the conveyor 132 may exit the fluid 134 to facilitate removal of the mesh cushion 12 from the tank 130.

[0120 ] In the configuration shown in Figure 3, the material handling subsystem 24 may also include at least one mold 140. The mold 140 may be positionable on the belt of the conveyor 132 and the conveyor 132 may be configured to move the mold 140 with respect to the extruder subsystem 20. The mold 140 may define a mold cavity 142 into which the filaments 32 may be deposited or dispensed. The mold cavity 142 may be open in a direction that faces upward or toward the extruder subsystem 20.

[ 0121 ] The mold 140 may or may not be positioned in the tank 130 when filaments 32 are deposited into the mold cavity 142. In Figures 3 and 4, an example is shown in which the mold 140 is partially received in the fluid 134 when the filaments 32 are deposited into the mold cavity 142. In a configuration in which the extruder subsystem 20 is stationary, the conveyor 132 may advance the mold 140 underneath the funnel 64 and with respect to the funnel 64, thereby allowing the mold cavity 142 to be filled with filaments 32. The mold 140 may then be lowered into the fluid 134.

[0122 ] The mold 140 may be lowered into or at least partially submerged into the fluid 134 in various ways. In the configuration shown, the conveyor 132 is configured to lower the mold 140 into the fluid 134. The conveyor 132 is inclined downward into the tank 130 so that the mold 140 is lowered into the fluid 134 as the mold 140 moves away from the funnel 64, thereby allowing the fluid 134 to circulate through the filaments 32 and the mold cavity 142 to cool and harden the filaments 32. As another example, the mold 140 may be lowered into the fluid 134 or lifted out of the fluid 134 without the use of a conveyor 132, such as by moving the mold 140 in a generally vertical direction or in a rotating loop that may move into and out of the fluid 134. It is also contemplated that the conveyor 132 may be omitted and that the mold 140 may be moved manually or in another manner, such as during small batch manufacturing. 01 3 ] In the configuration shown in Figure 4, material handling subsystem 24 may be similar to or the same as that shown in Figure 3. However, in Figure 4 the extruder subsystem 20 is mounted to or couple to a robotic manipulator 150.

[0124] The robotic manipulator 150 may be movable along multiple axes and may have multiple degrees of freedom. For instance, the robotic manipulator 150 may be configured to move the extruder subsystem 20 along a first axis 152, a second axis 154, and a third axis 156.

[01 5 ] The first axis 152 may be a vertical axis. [0126] The second axis 154 may be a horizontal axis that may be disposed perpendicular to the first axis 152 and that may extend in a left/right direction from the perspective shown.

[0127] The third axis 156 may be disposed perpendicular to the first axis 152 and the second axis 154 and may extend in a forward/backward direction from the perspective shown.

[0128] The extruder subsystem 20 may deposit filaments 32 into the mold cavity 142 when the mold 140 is stationary or in motion. It is also contemplated that the conveyor 132 may be omitted and that the mold 140 may be moved manually or in another manner, such as during small batch manufacturing. The configuration shown in Figure 4 and its associated attributes will be discussed in more detail below.

[0129] Referring to Figure 1, the control subsystem 26 may monitor and control operation of the system 10. For instance, the control subsystem 26 may include one or more or control modules or electronic controllers 200 that may monitor and/or control operation of one or more subsystems of the system 10. For instance, a controller 200 may be a microprocessorbased controller that may be electrically connected to or communicate with components of the extruder subsystem 20 such as the feeder 42 and the roller drive unit 54, the environmental control subsystem 22, the material handling subsystem 24, or combinations thereof. The controller 200 may also control operation of the robotic manipulator 150, if provided. For simplicity, a single controller is shown in Figures 1; however, it is contemplated that multiple control modules or controllers or a distributed control architecture may be provided with the control subsystem 26. The control subsystem 26 is also provided with the configurations shown in Figures 3 and 4 but has been omitted from these figures merely for clarity.

[0130 ] The controller 200 may also process input signals or data from various input devices or sensors. Input devices that may be provided with the system 10 may include a temperature sensor 160 and a humidity sensor 162.

[0131 ] The temperature sensor 160 may provide a signal indicative of the temperature of air in the chamber 80. The temperature sensor 160 may be of any suitable type, such as a thermistor, thermocouple, semiconductor-based temperature sensor, infrared sensor, or the like. The temperature sensor 160 may be provided in any suitable location. For instance, the temperature sensor 160 may be provided in the chamber 80 or may be provided in the environmental control subsystem 22.

[0 132] The humidity sensor 162 may provide a signal indicative of the humidity of air in the chamber 80. The humidity sensor 162 may be of any suitable type, such as a capacitive humidity sensor, resistive humidity sensor, or thermal conductivity humidity sensor. The humidity sensor 162 may be provided in any suitable location. For instance, the humidity sensor 162 may be provided in the chamber 84 or may be provided in the environmental control subsystem 22. 013] 3 Referring again to Figure 4, the robotic manipulator 150 may be configured to move the extruder subsystem 20 to vary the filament density of the mesh cushion 12. For example, the material 30 may be extruded through the filament forming openings 70 in one or more die plates 60 at a substantially constant flow rate. Thus, the filaments 32 may be expected to have substantially the same diameter or thickness given a constant filament forming opening size. However, the filaments 32 become thinner as the distance from the die plate 60 and the filament forming openings 70 increases. This is best understood with reference to Figures 5A and 5B. 0134] In Figure 5A, a magnified view of a portion of a die plate 60 and a filament forming opening 70 is shown. The die plate 60 is positioned at a first distance Z1 above a surface S.

[0135 ] In Figure 5B, the die plate 60 is positioned at a second distance Z2 above the surface S, with Z1 being less than Z2. The filament 32 is thinner or has a smaller diameter at the surface S in Figure 5B due to the thinning that occurs when the filament 32 extends over an increased distance and the material 30 is in a molten, non-hardened state. These characteristics may be used to vary the filament density of the mesh cushion 12. For instance, the robotic manipulator 150 may move the die plate 60 upward or away from the mold 140 to decrease the size, thickness, or diameter of the filaments 32 when deposited in the mold 140. Conversely, the robotic manipulator 150 may move the die plate 60 toward the mold 140 to increase the size, thickness, or diameter of the filaments 32 when deposited in the mold 140.

[0136] The robotic manipulator 150 may also move the die plate 60 when depositing filaments 32 to vary the filament density in other ways. For instance, the robotic manipulator 150 may repeatedly move the die plate 60 toward the mold 140 and then away from the mold 140 and/or decrease its rate of travel and/or increase its stationary dwell time to increase the filament density. As another example, the robotic manipulator 150 may move the die plate 60 in a horizontal plane (i.e., along the second axis 154 and/or the third axis 156) at a faster speed or spend less time in a particular area to decrease the filament density. Conversely, the robotic manipulator 150 may move the die plate 60 and the horizontal plane at a slower speed or spend more time in a particular area to increase the filament density. Accordingly, filament density may increase as the time spent at a particular area increases, which allows more filaments to be deposited, and filament density may decrease as the time spent in a particular area decreases.

[0137] It is also noted that in Figure 4, the environmental control subsystem 22 and various components of the extruder subsystem 20 may be omitted, such as the portion of the housing 62 located below the die plate 60, the funnel 64, or both.

[0138] Referring to Figures 6A through 8B, examples of extruder subsystem configurations having interchangeable die plates or multiple die plates will now be discussed. Multiple die plates may be provided with any of the extruder subsystem configurations previously discussed, such as the configurations shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4.

[0139] Figure 6A and 6B show examples of two different die plates. The die plates 60, 60' have the same size and shape but do not have the same number of filament forming openings 70. The die plate 60 in Figure 6A has a greater number of filament forming openings 70 than the die plate 60' in Figure 6B. Thus, the number of filaments 32 that may be provided with the die plate 60 in Figure 6A is greater than the number of filaments 32 that may be provided with the die plate 60' in Figure 6B. Accordingly, a mesh cushion 12 may be provided with a lower filament density using the die plate 60' in Figure 6B as compared to the die plate 60 in Figure 6A given a constant material flow rate and dispensing time. 0140 ] Referring to Figure 7, a configuration having two stacked die plates is shown. At the outset, it is noted that it is contemplated that more than two die plates may be provided in a stacked arrangement.

[ 0141 ] The configuration in Figure 7 will primarily be discussed in the context of a first die plate and a second die plate that are stacked directly on top of each other. For clarity, the lower die plate will be referred to as the first die plate while the die plate that rests on top of the first die plate will be referred to as the second die plate; however, it is contemplated that the positioning of the first die plate and the second die plate may be changed or reversed and that additional die plates may be provided. 0142] As an example, the first die plate 60 may be configured as shown in Figure 6A. The first die plate 60 may have a first set of filament forming openings 70. In at least one configuration, members of the first set of filament forming openings 70 may be provided with the same configuration.

[0143] Referring to Figures 7 and 8A, example of a second die plate 260 is shown. The second die plate 260 may be disposed adjacent to the first die plate 60 and may have a second set of filament forming openings 270. Members of the second set of filament forming openings 270 may or may not have the same configuration. For example, in Figure 8A the members of the second set of filament forming openings 270 do not all have the same configuration. Instead, some filament forming openings 270 have the same configuration as the filament forming openings 70 of the first die plate 60 (represented as circles in Figure 8A) and some filament forming openings 270 are larger than the filament forming openings 70 in the first die plate 60 (represented as elongated oval slots and Figure 8A). It is also contemplated that the second set of filament forming openings 270 may have fewer members than the first set of filament forming openings 70.

[0144] The relative positioning of the second die plate 260 with respect to the first die plate 60 may be adjustable to change the alignment of the filament forming openings 70, 270 with respect to each other. Alignment changes may be accomplished by moving the first die plate 60 or a portion thereof with respect to the second die plate 260, by moving the second die plate 260 or a portion thereof with respect to the first die plate 60, or both. As an example, the first die plate 60 may be held in a stationary position and the second die plate 260 may be slid or moved along the first die plate 60 such the second die plate 260 blocks at least some of the filament forming openings 70 and the first die plate 60. This is best understood by comparing Figures 8 A and 8B. 0145 ] In Figure 8A, the second die plate 260 is shown in an example of a first position. In this example, the second die plate 260 does not block any of the filament forming opening 70 in the first die plate 60 when in the first position. As such, the material 30 may be extruded through the second set of filament forming openings 270 and then through a corresponding member of the first set of filament forming openings 70 that is aligned with a member of the second set of filament forming openings 270 to form a filament 32. 0146| In Figure 8B, the relative positioning of the first and second die plates 60, 260 is changed as compared to Figure 8A. In the example in Figure 8B, the first die plate 60 remains in the same position as in Figure 8A and the second die plate 260 has been moved to a second position that differs from the first position. As a result, some of the members of the second set of filament forming openings 270 remain aligned with corresponding members of the first set of filament forming openings 70 while other members of the second set of filament forming openings 270 are no longer aligned with members of the first set of filament forming openings 70. As such, the second die plate 260 is positioned to prevent material from reaching and passing through a member of the first set of filament forming openings 70. 0147] More specifically in the example shown, members of the second set of filament forming openings 270 having a circular shape are no longer aligned with any member of the first set of filament forming openings 70 while the elongated oval-shaped members of the second set of filament forming openings 270 have been repositioned but are still sufficiently aligned with a corresponding member of the first set of filament forming openings 70 to permit material 30 to be extruded through the aligned filament forming openings 70. Thus, the larger members (i.e., oval shaped members) of the second set of filament forming openings 270 may permit material 30 to flow through a corresponding member of the first set of filament forming openings 70 when the second die plate 260 is in the first position and in the second position. As a result, filaments 32 are extruded when the second die plate 260 is in the first position and in the second position but the number of filaments 32 that are formed by the die set is reduced when the second die plate 260 is in the second position.

[0148] It is contemplated that a die plate may move in a different manner than previously described. As one example, a die plate may be split into multiple pieces that may be independently movable. For instance, the second die plate 260 may be split in half and each half of the second die plate 260 may be movable to selectively block or permit the flow of material 30 through a subset of the first set of filament forming openings 70.

[0149] As another example, a die plate may be rotatable about an axis rather than movable in a linear direction. 015 ] As another example, multiple die plate regions may be integrated into a single plate that may be rotatable about an axis. Each die plate region may have a different pattern of filament forming openings. The single plate may then be rotated about the axis to align a specific die plate region with another die plate. As a result, each die plate region may provide a different number of filaments when positioned adjacent to or aligned with the other die plate.

[01 1 ] It is also contemplated that the second die plate 260 may be movable to a position in which the second die plate 260 blocks all of the members of the first set of filament forming openings 70 of the first die plate 60, thereby terminating the flow of material through the die plates and terminating the extrusion of filaments 32.

[0152] While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.