US20070020437A1 - Textured structure for object surface - Google Patents
Textured structure for object surface Download PDFInfo
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- US20070020437A1 US20070020437A1 US11/457,965 US45796506A US2007020437A1 US 20070020437 A1 US20070020437 A1 US 20070020437A1 US 45796506 A US45796506 A US 45796506A US 2007020437 A1 US2007020437 A1 US 2007020437A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- convexities
- textured structure
- pressure
- textured
- sensation
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
- B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
- B44C5/00—Processes for producing special ornamental bodies
- B44C5/04—Ornamental plaques, e.g. decorative panels, decorative veneers
- B44C5/0453—Ornamental plaques, e.g. decorative panels, decorative veneers produced by processes involving moulding
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
- B44F—SPECIAL DESIGNS OR PICTURES
- B44F9/00—Designs imitating natural patterns
- B44F9/12—Designs imitating natural patterns of leather
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24355—Continuous and nonuniform or irregular surface on layer or component [e.g., roofing, etc.]
- Y10T428/24438—Artificial wood or leather grain surface
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an improvement in a textured structure composed of fine irregularities formed in the surface of an object.
- JP-A-5-51882 discloses a molded sheet in which a leather pattern and sensation are obtained by forming a texture in the surface of an object. This molded sheet is described with reference to FIG. 10 hereof.
- a molding 201 shown in FIG. 9 which is obtained by a method for manufacturing a plastic molding with a textured pattern, has a textured pattern 203 molded on a surface layer 202 .
- a texture 213 such as natural leather is molded into a surface layer 212 , and a natural leather-like appearance and sensation are created.
- the textured pattern 203 or the shape of the texture 213 as such must be modified in order to change the sensation. Changing the textured pattern 203 or the shape of the texture 213 in this manner causes problems in that significant changes are induced in the visual appearance, i.e., design.
- a textured structure for an object surface comprising a plurality of first convexities formed on the surface of the object so as to be separated from each other, and a plurality of second convexities formed between the first convexities, wherein the second convexities are smaller in width than the first convexities, and are either equal in height to the first convexities or are smaller in height than the first convexities.
- the second convexities comprise pressure-receiving links that are formed so as to link adjacent first convexities to each other.
- the pressure-receiving links and the fingers come in contact over a greater surface area without detracting from the design, and an even smoother sensation can be achieved.
- the strength of the first convexities is increased because the first convexities are linked together by the pressure-receiving links.
- the second convexities comprise island-shaped pressure-receiving parts that are not in contact with the first convexities.
- the island-shaped pressure-receiving parts can be made even less conspicuous, and the desired surface area of contact with the fingers can be ensured, allowing for a smooth sensation.
- the first convexities may be formed in rows.
- the first convexities may also be formed so as to have various different shapes and sizes in top plan.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sheet having the first textured structure of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of section 2 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5A is a schematic view showing a comparative example of a textured structure
- FIG. 5B is a schematic view showing a textured structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6A is a schematic view showing a textured structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as seen with naked eyes;
- FIG. 6B is a view of the second convexities in the second textured structure shown in FIG. 6A , with the convexities exaggerated so as to be visible;
- FIG. 7A is a diagram of a third textured structure of the present embodiment as seen with the naked eye
- FIG. 7B is a view of the second convexities in the third textured structure shown in FIG. 7A , with the convexities exaggerated so as to be visible;
- FIG. 8A is a diagram of a fourth textured structure of the present embodiment as seen with the naked eye
- FIG. 8B is a view of the second convexities in the fourth textured structure shown in FIG. 8A , with the convexities exaggerated so as to be visible;
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic molding with a conventional texture.
- FIG. 10 is a diagram of another conventional molded sheet.
- a first textured structure 11 A shown in FIG. 1 is composed of multiple first convexities 14 A formed in the surface 13 of a sheet 12 , and second convexities 16 A (see FIG. 2 ) that are formed between the first convexities 14 A so as to be smaller in width in a plan view.
- the letter p indicates the pitch of the first convexities 14 A
- the letter F indicates a finger.
- the first textured structure 11 A is used as a pattern for the interior material of an automobile, such as the interior material of the doors of an automobile, the armrests of the seats, or the instrument panel, for example.
- Other possible examples for which the textured structure can be used include containers, consumer electronics, and other objects that come into tactile contact when handled.
- the material for the sheet 12 is arbitrary, and rubber or a resin can be used, for example.
- the first convexities 14 A of the first textured structure 11 A are all formed with a diameter D and a height H.
- the narrow second convexities 16 A are formed with a width W and a height h.
- the diameter D is also the width Wb of the first convexities 14 A.
- the second convexities 16 A include pressure-receiving links 21 A that link adjacent first convexities 14 A together, pressure-receiving parts 22 A each of which is linked to only one first convexity 14 A, and island-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23 A that are formed into island shapes and that are separate from and not connected to any first convexities 14 A.
- the combination of these pressure-receiving parts 21 A, 22 A, 23 A is arbitrary.
- the second convexities 16 A may be formed solely by the island-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23 A, the pressure-receiving parts 22 A, or the pressure-receiving links 21 A.
- pressure-receiving links 21 A and pressure-receiving parts 22 A are also possible to form pressure-receiving links 21 A and pressure-receiving parts 22 A; pressure-receiving links 21 A and island-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23 A; or pressure-receiving links 21 A, pressure-receiving parts 22 A, and island-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23 A.
- the widths W of the second convexities 16 A have a certain tolerance and can be the widths of the pressure-receiving links 21 A, the widths of the pressure-receiving parts 22 A, or the widths of the island-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23 A. Also, the widths W are smaller than the widths Wb (diameters D) of the first convexities 14 A. The widths W can be arbitrarily set within a range that is narrower than the widths Wb of the first convexities 14 A.
- the widths W of the second convexities 16 A may be set small enough (narrow enough) to be undistinguishable to the naked eye. If the widths W are set to be undistinguishable to the naked eye, and if small second convexities 16 A are formed as shown in FIG. 2 , then the visual appearance of the first textured structure 11 A changes only minimally when viewed as in FIG. 1 , but the sensation of the texture to the touch is different.
- the heights h of the second convexities 16 A have a certain tolerance, and are the heights of the pressure-receiving links 21 A, the heights of the pressure-receiving parts 22 A, or the heights of the island-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23 A.
- the heights h are smaller than the heights H of the first convexities 14 A by a difference of ⁇ h, and are set to about 0.5 ⁇ H.
- the first textured structure 11 A can be produced by any method, such as shaping a surface by etching, or performing embossing, injection molding, or blow molding, for example.
- the first textured structure 11 A in FIG. 5B when the second convexities 16 A are formed between the first convexities 14 A and are touched with the finger F, the skin of the finger F positioned between the first convexities 14 A presses on the second convexities 16 A and does not sink in between the first convexities 14 A, and the surface pressure p 2 acting on the finger F is low, resulting in a substantially uniform surface pressure p 2 . Therefore, the first textured structure 11 A has a smooth sensation.
- the second convexities 16 A have widths W (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ) and heights h, but are much smaller than the first convexities 14 A and are inconspicuous. As a result, the design changes only minimally, but the sensation to the touch is different. Specifically, the pressure-receiving links 21 A result in a greater surface area of contact with the finger F, allowing an even smoother sensation to be achieved.
- the presence of the island-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23 A makes it possible for the second convexities 16 A to be even less conspicuous, ensuring the desired surface area of contact with the finger F and allowing for a smooth sensation.
- the first textured structure 11 A has first convexities 14 A formed on the surface 13 of a sheet (object) 12 .
- Second convexities 16 A positioned between the first convexities 14 A are formed to be smaller in width W than the widths Wb (diameters D) of the first convexities 14 A, and smaller in height h than the heights H of the first convexities 14 A.
- the second convexities 16 A are therefore inconspicuous. Accordingly, the design of the first textured structure 11 A changes only minimally, but the sensation to the touch is different from that of a textured structure composed only of first convexities, and a smooth sensation can be achieved.
- Forming the second convexities 16 A with pressure-receiving links 21 A makes it possible to link the first convexities 14 A together, which improves the strength of the first convexities 14 A.
- the heights h of the second convexities 16 A were about 0.5 ⁇ H in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , but any height within a range can be selected as long as the range is h ⁇ H. Smaller heights h result in a rougher, drier sensation, and greater heights h result in a smoother sensation. An even smother sensation can be achieved if the heights h are greater than 0.5 ⁇ H. In other words, if the heights h of the second convexities 16 A are equal to the heights H, then the design changes only minimally, but an even smoother sensation can be achieved.
- the second textured structure 11 B shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B has first convexities 14 B formed in the surface 13 of a sheet 12 in a leather-like pattern, and narrow second convexities 16 B formed between the first convexities 14 B.
- the first convexities 14 B have cloud shapes. Their heights are H. The gaps between the first convexities 14 B are set appropriately.
- the second convexities 16 B are formed only from pressure-receiving links 21 B.
- the second textured structure 11 B has a leather-like pattern that is different from the pattern of the first textured structure 11 A but produces the same effects as those of the first textured structure 11 A.
- forming the second convexities 16 B provides the first convexities 14 B with the same appearance but results in a different sensation.
- the third textured structure 11 C shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B is formed using a molded surface obtained by etching, and has first convexities 14 C formed in a leather-like pattern in the surface 13 of a sheet 12 , and narrow second convexities 16 C formed between the first convexities 14 C.
- the first convexities 14 C have cloud shapes. Their heights are H. The gaps between the first convexities 14 C are set appropriately.
- the second convexities 16 C include pressure-receiving links 21 C, pressure-receiving parts 22 C that are linked to the first convexities 14 C at one end, and pressure-receiving parts 23 C that are formed into island shapes.
- the third textured structure 11 C has a leather-like pattern that is different from the pattern of the first textured structure 11 A but produces the same effects as those of the first textured structure 11 A.
- forming the second convexities 16 C provides the first convexities 14 C with the same appearance but results in a different sensation.
- fine irregularities are formed in the surface of the first convexities 14 C, which provides a coarse sensation to the first convexities 14 C themselves.
- the fourth textured structure 11 D shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B has first convexities 14 D formed in the surface 13 of a sheet 12 , and narrow second convexities 16 D formed between the first convexities 14 D.
- the first convexities 14 D have star shapes. Their heights are H. The gaps between the first convexities 14 D are set appropriately.
- the second convexities 16 D include pressure-receiving links 21 D, pressure-receiving parts 22 D that are linked to the first convexities 14 D at one end, and island-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23 D that are formed into island shapes.
- the fourth textured structure 11 D has a different pattern than the first textured structure 11 A but produces the same effects as those of the first textured structure 11 A.
- the textured structures of the present embodiments were formed on sheets in these examples, but they may also be used on panels, cylinders, and molded articles. Examples were described in which the shapes of the first convexities were circles, cloud shapes, fine irregularities formed into the convex surfaces, and star shapes, such as in the first through fourth textured structures, but in the present invention, the shapes are not limited to those in these embodiments, and any shapes may be used.
- the first through fourth textured structures may be manufactured by any method, including etching, embossing, or lasers.
- the textured structure of the present invention is suitable for the interiors of automobiles, trains, and other vehicles, and for containers, consumer electronics, and other objects that come into tactile contact when handled.
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- Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
- Synthetic Leather, Interior Materials Or Flexible Sheet Materials (AREA)
- Shaping Of Tube Ends By Bending Or Straightening (AREA)
Abstract
A textured structure is formed on the surface of an object. The textured structure is composed of first convexities formed on the surface of the object, and second convexities formed between the first convexities. The second convexities are formed to be smaller in width than the first convexities, and equal to or smaller than the first convexities in height.
Description
- The present invention relates to an improvement in a textured structure composed of fine irregularities formed in the surface of an object.
- One example of a texture obtained by forming irregularities in a surface of an object in order to create a surface pattern is disclosed in JP-A-2003-117940. The plastic molding with a textured pattern in this publication will be described with reference to
FIG. 9 hereof. - Furthermore, JP-A-5-51882 discloses a molded sheet in which a leather pattern and sensation are obtained by forming a texture in the surface of an object. This molded sheet is described with reference to
FIG. 10 hereof. - A
molding 201 shown inFIG. 9 , which is obtained by a method for manufacturing a plastic molding with a textured pattern, has atextured pattern 203 molded on asurface layer 202. - In the molded
sheet 211 shown inFIG. 10 , atexture 213 such as natural leather is molded into asurface layer 212, and a natural leather-like appearance and sensation are created. - However, with the
plastic molding 201 having a textured pattern inFIG. 9 and the moldedsheet 211 inFIG. 10 , thetextured pattern 203 or the shape of thetexture 213 as such must be modified in order to change the sensation. Changing thetextured pattern 203 or the shape of thetexture 213 in this manner causes problems in that significant changes are induced in the visual appearance, i.e., design. - According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a textured structure for an object surface comprising a plurality of first convexities formed on the surface of the object so as to be separated from each other, and a plurality of second convexities formed between the first convexities, wherein the second convexities are smaller in width than the first convexities, and are either equal in height to the first convexities or are smaller in height than the first convexities.
- With this arrangement, when one feels the object surface with their fingers, the skin of the fingers between the first convexities comes in contact with the second convexities but does not sink in any further. Accordingly, the surface pressure acting on the fingers is slight and substantially uniform, resulting in a smooth sensation. Furthermore, since the second convexities are equal to or smaller in height than the first convexities, the convexities are inconspicuous and the design changes only minimally, but the sensation to the touch is different. Accordingly, a smooth sensation can be achieved.
- Preferably, the second convexities comprise pressure-receiving links that are formed so as to link adjacent first convexities to each other. As a result, the pressure-receiving links and the fingers come in contact over a greater surface area without detracting from the design, and an even smoother sensation can be achieved. Furthermore, the strength of the first convexities is increased because the first convexities are linked together by the pressure-receiving links.
- Desirably, the second convexities comprise island-shaped pressure-receiving parts that are not in contact with the first convexities. As a result, the island-shaped pressure-receiving parts can be made even less conspicuous, and the desired surface area of contact with the fingers can be ensured, allowing for a smooth sensation.
- The first convexities may be formed in rows.
- The first convexities may also be formed so as to have various different shapes and sizes in top plan.
- A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sheet having the first textured structure of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view ofsection 2 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5A is a schematic view showing a comparative example of a textured structure; -
FIG. 5B is a schematic view showing a textured structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6A is a schematic view showing a textured structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as seen with naked eyes; -
FIG. 6B is a view of the second convexities in the second textured structure shown inFIG. 6A , with the convexities exaggerated so as to be visible; -
FIG. 7A is a diagram of a third textured structure of the present embodiment as seen with the naked eye; -
FIG. 7B is a view of the second convexities in the third textured structure shown inFIG. 7A , with the convexities exaggerated so as to be visible; -
FIG. 8A is a diagram of a fourth textured structure of the present embodiment as seen with the naked eye; -
FIG. 8B is a view of the second convexities in the fourth textured structure shown inFIG. 8A , with the convexities exaggerated so as to be visible; -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic molding with a conventional texture; and -
FIG. 10 is a diagram of another conventional molded sheet. - A first
textured structure 11A shown inFIG. 1 is composed of multiplefirst convexities 14A formed in thesurface 13 of asheet 12, andsecond convexities 16A (seeFIG. 2 ) that are formed between thefirst convexities 14A so as to be smaller in width in a plan view. The letter p indicates the pitch of thefirst convexities 14A, and the letter F indicates a finger. - The first
textured structure 11A is used as a pattern for the interior material of an automobile, such as the interior material of the doors of an automobile, the armrests of the seats, or the instrument panel, for example. Other possible examples for which the textured structure can be used include containers, consumer electronics, and other objects that come into tactile contact when handled. - The material for the
sheet 12 is arbitrary, and rubber or a resin can be used, for example. - As shown in
FIGS. 2 through 4 , thefirst convexities 14A of the firsttextured structure 11A are all formed with a diameter D and a height H. The narrowsecond convexities 16A are formed with a width W and a height h. The diameter D is also the width Wb of thefirst convexities 14A. - The
second convexities 16A include pressure-receivinglinks 21A that link adjacentfirst convexities 14A together, pressure-receivingparts 22A each of which is linked to only onefirst convexity 14A, and island-shaped pressure-receivingparts 23A that are formed into island shapes and that are separate from and not connected to anyfirst convexities 14A. The combination of these pressure-receivingparts - Specifically, the
second convexities 16A may be formed solely by the island-shaped pressure-receivingparts 23A, the pressure-receivingparts 22A, or the pressure-receivinglinks 21A. - It is also possible to form pressure-receiving
links 21A and pressure-receivingparts 22A; pressure-receivinglinks 21A and island-shaped pressure-receivingparts 23A; or pressure-receivinglinks 21A, pressure-receivingparts 22A, and island-shaped pressure-receivingparts 23A. - The widths W of the
second convexities 16A have a certain tolerance and can be the widths of the pressure-receivinglinks 21A, the widths of the pressure-receivingparts 22A, or the widths of the island-shaped pressure-receivingparts 23A. Also, the widths W are smaller than the widths Wb (diameters D) of thefirst convexities 14A. The widths W can be arbitrarily set within a range that is narrower than the widths Wb of thefirst convexities 14A. - For example, the widths W of the
second convexities 16A may be set small enough (narrow enough) to be undistinguishable to the naked eye. If the widths W are set to be undistinguishable to the naked eye, and if smallsecond convexities 16A are formed as shown inFIG. 2 , then the visual appearance of the firsttextured structure 11A changes only minimally when viewed as inFIG. 1 , but the sensation of the texture to the touch is different. - The heights h of the
second convexities 16A have a certain tolerance, and are the heights of the pressure-receivinglinks 21A, the heights of the pressure-receivingparts 22A, or the heights of the island-shaped pressure-receivingparts 23A. The heights h are smaller than the heights H of thefirst convexities 14A by a difference of δh, and are set to about 0.5×H. - In the example shown herein, the
second convexities 16A are formed to be smaller than the heights H of thefirst convexities 14A, but the heights h of thesecond convexities 16A may also be formed to be equal to the heights H of thefirst convexities 14A. In other words, the heights h of thesecond convexities 16A may be such that h=H. - The first
textured structure 11A can be produced by any method, such as shaping a surface by etching, or performing embossing, injection molding, or blow molding, for example. - Next, the state of the first textured structure when in tactile contact will be described.
- In
FIG. 5A , when a regulartextured structure 222 is touched with the finger F, the skin of the finger F sinks in to a depth G between aconvexity 221 and anadjacent convexity 221, and the surface pressure p1 that acts on the finger F increases. As a result, the normaltextured structure 222 has a rough and dry sensation. - In the first
textured structure 11A inFIG. 5B , when thesecond convexities 16A are formed between thefirst convexities 14A and are touched with the finger F, the skin of the finger F positioned between thefirst convexities 14A presses on thesecond convexities 16A and does not sink in between thefirst convexities 14A, and the surface pressure p2 acting on the finger F is low, resulting in a substantially uniform surface pressure p2. Therefore, the firsttextured structure 11A has a smooth sensation. - The
second convexities 16A have widths W (seeFIGS. 2 and 3 ) and heights h, but are much smaller than thefirst convexities 14A and are inconspicuous. As a result, the design changes only minimally, but the sensation to the touch is different. Specifically, the pressure-receivinglinks 21A result in a greater surface area of contact with the finger F, allowing an even smoother sensation to be achieved. - The presence of the island-shaped pressure-receiving
parts 23A makes it possible for thesecond convexities 16A to be even less conspicuous, ensuring the desired surface area of contact with the finger F and allowing for a smooth sensation. - Thus, the first
textured structure 11A has first convexities 14A formed on thesurface 13 of a sheet (object) 12.Second convexities 16A positioned between thefirst convexities 14A are formed to be smaller in width W than the widths Wb (diameters D) of thefirst convexities 14A, and smaller in height h than the heights H of thefirst convexities 14A. Thesecond convexities 16A are therefore inconspicuous. Accordingly, the design of the firsttextured structure 11A changes only minimally, but the sensation to the touch is different from that of a textured structure composed only of first convexities, and a smooth sensation can be achieved. - Forming the
second convexities 16A with pressure-receivinglinks 21A makes it possible to link thefirst convexities 14A together, which improves the strength of thefirst convexities 14A. - An example was described in which the heights h of the
second convexities 16A were about 0.5×H in the embodiment shown inFIG. 3 , but any height within a range can be selected as long as the range is h≦H. Smaller heights h result in a rougher, drier sensation, and greater heights h result in a smoother sensation. An even smother sensation can be achieved if the heights h are greater than 0.5×H. In other words, if the heights h of thesecond convexities 16A are equal to the heights H, then the design changes only minimally, but an even smoother sensation can be achieved. - Next, the second textured structure will be described with reference to
FIGS. 6A and 6B . - Configurations similar to those of the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 2 through 4 use the same numerical symbols, and descriptions thereof are omitted. - The second
textured structure 11B shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B has first convexities 14B formed in thesurface 13 of asheet 12 in a leather-like pattern, and narrowsecond convexities 16B formed between thefirst convexities 14B. - The
first convexities 14B have cloud shapes. Their heights are H. The gaps between thefirst convexities 14B are set appropriately. - The
second convexities 16B are formed only from pressure-receivinglinks 21B. - The second
textured structure 11B has a leather-like pattern that is different from the pattern of the firsttextured structure 11A but produces the same effects as those of the firsttextured structure 11A. In the secondtextured structure 11B, forming thesecond convexities 16B provides thefirst convexities 14B with the same appearance but results in a different sensation. - Next, a third textured structure will be described with reference to
FIGS. 7A and 7B . - Configurations similar to those of the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 2 through 4 use the same numerical symbols, and descriptions thereof are omitted. - The third
textured structure 11C shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B is formed using a molded surface obtained by etching, and hasfirst convexities 14C formed in a leather-like pattern in thesurface 13 of asheet 12, and narrow second convexities 16C formed between thefirst convexities 14C. - The
first convexities 14C have cloud shapes. Their heights are H. The gaps between thefirst convexities 14C are set appropriately. - The second convexities 16C include pressure-receiving links 21C, pressure-receiving parts 22C that are linked to the
first convexities 14C at one end, and pressure-receivingparts 23C that are formed into island shapes. - The third
textured structure 11C has a leather-like pattern that is different from the pattern of the firsttextured structure 11A but produces the same effects as those of the firsttextured structure 11A. In the thirdtextured structure 11C, forming the second convexities 16C provides thefirst convexities 14C with the same appearance but results in a different sensation. - In the third
textured structure 11C, fine irregularities are formed in the surface of thefirst convexities 14C, which provides a coarse sensation to thefirst convexities 14C themselves. - Next, a fourth textured structure will be described with reference to
FIGS. 8A and 8B . - Configurations similar to those of the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 2 through 4 use the same numerical symbols, and descriptions thereof are omitted. - The fourth
textured structure 11D shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B has first convexities 14D formed in thesurface 13 of asheet 12, and narrowsecond convexities 16D formed between thefirst convexities 14D. - The
first convexities 14D have star shapes. Their heights are H. The gaps between thefirst convexities 14D are set appropriately. - The
second convexities 16D include pressure-receivinglinks 21D, pressure-receivingparts 22D that are linked to thefirst convexities 14D at one end, and island-shaped pressure-receivingparts 23D that are formed into island shapes. - The fourth
textured structure 11D has a different pattern than the firsttextured structure 11A but produces the same effects as those of the firsttextured structure 11A. - The textured structures of the present embodiments were formed on sheets in these examples, but they may also be used on panels, cylinders, and molded articles. Examples were described in which the shapes of the first convexities were circles, cloud shapes, fine irregularities formed into the convex surfaces, and star shapes, such as in the first through fourth textured structures, but in the present invention, the shapes are not limited to those in these embodiments, and any shapes may be used.
- The first through fourth textured structures may be manufactured by any method, including etching, embossing, or lasers.
- The textured structure of the present invention is suitable for the interiors of automobiles, trains, and other vehicles, and for containers, consumer electronics, and other objects that come into tactile contact when handled.
- Obviously, various minor changes and modifications of the present invention are possible in light of the above teaching. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
Claims (5)
1. A textured structure for an object surface, comprising:
a plurality of first convexities formed on a surface of an object so as to be separated from each other; and
a plurality of second convexities formed between the first convexities, wherein
the second convexities are smaller in width than the first convexities, and are either equal in height to the first convexities or are smaller in height than the first convexities.
2. The textured structure of claim 1 , wherein the second convexities comprise pressure-receiving links that are formed so as to link adjacent first convexities to each other.
3. The textured structure of claim 1 , wherein the second convexities comprise island-shaped pressure-receiving parts that are not in contact with the first convexities.
4. The textured structure of claim 1 , wherein the first convexities are formed in rows.
5. The textured structure of claim 1 , wherein the first convexities are formed so as to have various different shapes and sizes in a plan view.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2005-210394 | 2005-07-20 | ||
JP2005210394A JP2007022000A (en) | 2005-07-20 | 2005-07-20 | Surface structure of object |
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Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070020437A1 true US20070020437A1 (en) | 2007-01-25 |
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ID=37679388
Family Applications (1)
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US11/457,965 Abandoned US20070020437A1 (en) | 2005-07-20 | 2006-07-17 | Textured structure for object surface |
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US (1) | US20070020437A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2007022000A (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2724833A4 (en) * | 2011-06-24 | 2015-03-11 | Nissan Motor | Surface structure of article |
US9452553B2 (en) | 2009-10-20 | 2016-09-27 | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Surface structure of article |
US9733745B1 (en) * | 2007-12-31 | 2017-08-15 | Cypress Semiconductor Corporation | Pressure detection system for touch-sense devices |
US10807541B2 (en) | 2008-11-17 | 2020-10-20 | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Surface structure of article |
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WO2008093665A1 (en) | 2007-01-31 | 2008-08-07 | Panasonic Corporation | Power voltage forming device and polar modulation transmission device |
JP6010784B2 (en) * | 2012-08-28 | 2016-10-19 | トヨタ車体株式会社 | Automobile interior parts, molds for car interior parts, and manufacturing method for car interior parts |
JP6038765B2 (en) * | 2013-11-28 | 2016-12-07 | 豊田合成株式会社 | Processing method of resin mold |
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JP3654936B2 (en) * | 1994-09-06 | 2005-06-02 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | Embossed plate and manufacturing method thereof |
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US2275575A (en) * | 1938-01-03 | 1942-03-10 | Baldwin Rubber Co | Underliner for floor coverings |
US2392594A (en) * | 1944-11-04 | 1946-01-08 | Royal Lace Paper Works | Composite decorative material |
US2586778A (en) * | 1949-12-19 | 1952-02-26 | Charles G Borchard | Device for ornamentally shaping cloth |
US5030501A (en) * | 1989-05-31 | 1991-07-09 | Raven Marketing, Inc. | Cushioning structure |
US5165982A (en) * | 1989-09-20 | 1992-11-24 | Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft | Shaped plastic article having a grained surface of improved scratch resistance |
US5679439A (en) * | 1992-12-18 | 1997-10-21 | Energaire Corporation | Heel/metatarsal structure having tapered stabilizing bulges |
US5965235A (en) * | 1996-11-08 | 1999-10-12 | The Procter & Gamble Co. | Three-dimensional, amorphous-patterned, nesting-resistant sheet materials and method and apparatus for making same |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US9733745B1 (en) * | 2007-12-31 | 2017-08-15 | Cypress Semiconductor Corporation | Pressure detection system for touch-sense devices |
US10807541B2 (en) | 2008-11-17 | 2020-10-20 | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Surface structure of article |
US9452553B2 (en) | 2009-10-20 | 2016-09-27 | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Surface structure of article |
EP2724833A4 (en) * | 2011-06-24 | 2015-03-11 | Nissan Motor | Surface structure of article |
Also Published As
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JP2007022000A (en) | 2007-02-01 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:YAMAUCHI, TOSHIMICHI;YAMAGUCHI, TAKESHI;REEL/FRAME:017949/0068 Effective date: 20060627 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |