KR100737128B1 - Mechanical fastening system having a plurality of engagement members which include stalk members - Google Patents

Abstract

The article 10 has a first article portion 12, a second article portion 14, and a fastener 36. The fastener includes at least one first fastener component 70 that binds the first article portion to the second article portion and is attached to the first article portion. The second fastener component 72 working together is mechanically interlockable with the first fastener component 70 and attached to the second article portion 14. The first fastener component 70 includes a plurality of engagement members 56 having a first quantity of engagement stock members 94.

Diapers, fasteners, stock members, coupling members, coupling sections, hooks, loops

Description

TECHNICAL FASTENING SYSTEM HAVING A PLURALITY OF ENGAGEMENT MEMBERS WHICH INCLUDE STALK MEMBERS

The present invention relates to a fastening system for garments and other articles. More specifically, the present invention relates to a binding mechanical fastening system for use in disposable articles such as gowns, diapers, incontinences, and the like.

Conventional disposable absorbent articles have generally used adhesive fastening tapes for binding the article to the wearer. These articles have also been composed of interlocking mechanical fasteners such as snaps, buckles and hook-and-loop fasteners. Certain articles included a fastening system extending substantially along the entire length of the ear section of the article. Other fastening systems included split sections of adhesive tape aligned to extend along a portion of the length of a strip or article ear section. In another system, the strip or split sections consisted of certain mechanical fastener elements, such as respective sections of loop material or hook material. In addition, combinations of mechanical fasteners and adhesive fasteners have been used.

Conventional mechanical fasteners consisted of hook-and-loop fasteners and various types of hook materials, such as J-type and T-type, and mushroom hooks were generally used. This conventional fastening system also used tapered fastening tabs such that the attachment area on the user end was tapered to a narrower width at a relatively wider and farther end in its inward zone adjacent the longitudinally extending side of the diaper. Another fastener tab included a longitudinal fastening region formed such that the attachment area on the user-side portion of the tab was relatively narrow in the inward zone adjacent the longitudinally extending side of the diaper and wider at the distal end.

Conventional fasteners and fastening systems, such as those described above, did not provide adequate levels of reliable binding and unfastening ease. Although conventional fastening systems provided some ease of desorption after article wearing, they did not provide sufficient performance to accommodate the stress imposed on the article by the wearer. When constructed and arranged to produce a certain level of reliable engagement, conventional fasteners were excessively difficult to detach for inspection or removal of the worn article. This difficulty may be particularly evident in mechanical fasteners after the fasteners have been used for an extended period of time. As a result, conventional fastening systems have not provided any combination of comfort, ease of attachment, strong engagement and ease of attachment.

Generally speaking, the present invention provides a characteristic article having a longitudinal longitudinal and transverse cross section. The article has a first article portion, a second article portion, and at least one fastener for binding the first article portion to a second article portion. The fastener includes at least one first fastener component attached to the first article portion and operative with the second fastener component. The second fastener component is mechanically engageable with the first fastener component and is attached to the second article portion. In certain aspects, the first fastener component may comprise a plurality of engagement members having a plurality of first joined stalk members.

In another aspect, the engagement members may comprise a first quantity of attachment members having a mating attachment head element. In another aspect, the first fastener component can include a first coupling section and a second coupling section. The first engagement section may include a plurality of first engagement members having a first quantity of engagement stock members, and the second engagement section includes a plurality of second engagement members having a second quantity of engagement stock members. It may include.

Integration of the various aspects of the fastening system of the present invention can provide improved cohesion with greater resistance to inadequate opening, and can also provide improved fit, greater comfort and reduced inflammation of the wearer's skin. . Characteristically constructed fasteners of the present invention advantageously provide an improved combination of properties such as an improved combination of relatively high shear bonds and relatively low peel force bonds. Various aspects of the present invention can provide a fastening system with greater reliability and improved cohesion without causing excessive inflammation and can provide detachment comfort for irradiating and removing articles.

The invention will be more fully understood and other advantages will become more apparent upon reference to the following detailed description and drawings.

1 representatively shows a partially cut plan view of the inner side of a diaper article incorporating the fastening system of the present invention.

2 representatively shows a plan view of the outer side of a diaper article incorporating the fastening system of the present invention.

3 representatively illustrates a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the article described in FIG.

4 representatively shows a side view of a non-isotropic T-type attachment member that may be used in the present invention.

4A representatively shows a plan view of the attachment member of FIG.

5 representatively illustrates a side view of a substantially isotropic and symmetrical hook-like attachment member that may be used in the present invention.

5A representatively shows a plan view of the attachment element on the attachment member of FIG.

6 representatively shows a side view of a joining stock member that may be used in the present invention.

6A representatively shows a plan view of the engagement stock member of FIG.

7 representatively shows a side view of another coupling stock member that may be used in the present invention.

7A representatively shows a plan view of the engagement stock member of FIG.

8 representatively shows a schematic plan view of a fastener having a combination of an attachment member and an attachment member having a nail head attachment element.

8A representatively shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG.

9 representatively shows a schematic plan view of a fastener having a transversely inner first engaging section with an arrangement of attachment members and a transversely outer second engaging section with an arrangement of attachment members.

9A representatively shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG.

10 representatively shows a schematic plan view of a fastener having a transversely inner first engaging section with an arrangement of stock members and a transversely outer second engaging section with an arrangement of attachment members.

10A representatively shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG.

11 representatively shows a schematic plan view of a fastener having a transversely inner first engaging section with a combination of attachment members and stock members and a transversely outer second engaging section with stock members.

11A representatively shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG.

12 representatively shows a schematic plan view of a fastener having a transversely inner first engaging section with stock members and a transversely outer second engaging section with a second combination of stock members and attachment members.

12A representatively shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG.

Figure 13 representatively shows a schematic plan view of a fastener having a transversely inner first engaging section with attachment members and a transversely outer second engaging section with a combination of stock members and attachment members.

13A representatively shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG.

Figure 14 representatively shows a schematic plan view of a fastener having a transversely inner first engaging section with a combination of stock members and attachment members and a transversely outer second engaging section with attachment members.

14A representatively shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG.

15 representatively shows a schematic plan view of a fastener having a transversely inner first engaging section with relatively shorter stock members and a transversely outer second engaging section with relatively taller attachment members.

15A representatively shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG.

FIG. 16 representatively shows a schematic plan view of a fastener having a transversely inner first engaging section with relatively short attachment members and a transversely outer second engaging section with relatively tall stock members.

16A representatively shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG.

Figure 17 is a transversely outer second engagement with a transversely inner first engaging section having a first collective arrangement of stock members and attachment members of selective height and a second population of stock members and attachment members of different heights; A schematic plan view of a fastener having a section is representatively shown.

17A representatively shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG.

Figure 18 shows a first engagement section in the transverse direction having a first combination consisting of a stock member of a first quantity and an attachment member of a first quantity and a second combination consisting of a stock member of a second quantity and an attachment member of a second quantity; Representatively a schematic plan view of a fastener having a transversely outer second joining section with is shown.

18A representatively shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG.

Figure 19 shows the separation distance between the transversely inner first engaging section having a first combination of stock members and attachment members and the transversely outer second engaging section having a second combination of stock members and attachment members. A schematic plan view of a fastener having is typically shown.

19A representatively shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG.

Figure 20 representatively shows a schematic plan view of a fastener with each joining section having a distribution arrangement and corresponding combination of stock members and attachment members, each joining section having three joining sections having a strip configuration.

20A representatively shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG.

Figure 21 shows J-shaped attachment members and stock members arranged in a transversely inner first joining section and a second alignment pattern having a first combination of asymmetric J-shaped attachment members and stock members arranged in a first alignment pattern. Representatively a schematic plan view of a fastener having a laterally engaging second joining section with a second combination of these is shown.

FIG. 21A representatively shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG.

Fig. 22 is a prong type attachment arranged in a transversely inner first joining section and a second alignment pattern having a first combination of asymmetrical prong-type attachment members arranged in a first alignment pattern and stock members; Representatively a schematic plan view of a fastener having a laterally outer second engaging section with a second combination of members and stock members is shown.

22A representatively shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG.

Figure 23 representatively shows a schematic plan view of a fastener having a first joining section with a distribution of attachment members and a second crescent-shaped joining section generally with a distribution of stock members.

FIG. 23A representatively shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG.

Various aspects and embodiments of the invention will be described in the context of disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers. However, it is readily apparent that the present invention can also be used for hats, gowns, shoe covers, feminine hygiene, children's athletic clothing, incontinence and the like. In general, disposable articles are intended for limited use and are not intended to be washed or otherwise washed for reuse. For example, disposable diapers are discarded after being soiled by the wearer.

As used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising" and other derivatives from the word "comprises" include limitations that specify the presence of all mentioned features, elements, integrals, steps, or components. It is intended to be in the absence of a term and does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, integrals, steps, components or collections thereof.

1, 2 and 3, an article such as the diaper 10, as shown representatively, has a longitudinal longitudinal direction 26, a transverse cross direction 24 and a longitudinally extending centerline 40. As shown in FIGS. Have The article includes a first article portion, such as a first wasteband portion, a second article portion, such as a second wasteband portion, and at least one fastener provided by the fastener tabs 36. The fastener includes at least one first fastener component 70 that binds the first article portion to the second article portion and is attached to the first article portion, such as a hook element. At least one co-operating second fastener component 72, such as a loop element, is mechanically engageable with the first fastener component 70 and attached to the first article portion. In a particular aspect, the first fastener component 70 can include a plurality of engagement members 56 having a first quantity of engagement stock members 94.

In another aspect of the invention, the plurality of engagement members 56 may comprise a first major quantity of attachment means 93, each of which has a corresponding attachment head means 60.

In another aspect, the first fastener component 70 has at least a plurality of first engagement sections 52 having a plurality of first engagement members having a first quantity of stock members 94 and at least a plurality of stock members having a second quantity of stock members. At least a second engagement section 54 having a second engagement member.

In a preferred apparatus, the stock member of the second quantity is different from the stock member of the first quantity. In a more specific apparatus, the stock member of the second quantity may be larger than the stock member of the first quantity.

In another aspect, the plurality of first engagement members 56 may include a first quantity of engagement stock members 94 associated with a first quantity of attachment members 93. The plurality of second engagement members may comprise a second quantity of engagement stock members associated with a second quantity of attachment members. In a preferred configuration the attachment member may comprise an attachment hook element.

In another configuration of the invention, the first fastener component 70 may include additional engagement sections with additional distribution of the engagement members. Each joining section can thus provide a different distribution of joining members with different combinations of attachment members and stock members.

In addition, each engagement section may provide a different engagement force selected. For example, when compared to the first engagement section 52, the second engagement section 54 may provide different engagement forces. In a particular device, the second engagement section may provide a greater or less peel force value than the first engagement section. In other arrangements, the second engagement section may provide a larger or smaller shear force value than the first engagement section.

In various configurations of the present invention, the attachment members in the first engagement section 52 may be substantially the same or different from the attachment members in the second engagement section 54. In addition, the fastener transition zone 76 may be located between transversely adjacent regions of the first and second coupling sections 52, 54. The first engagement section 52 can be located transversely inward from the second engagement section 54 and can be located relatively closer to the article centerline 40. Optionally, the designated first engaging section 52 may be located laterally outward from the designated second engaging section 54.

In other aspects, the article of the present invention may have a first fastener component 70 that includes at least a third joining section 96 (eg, FIGS. 20 and 20A). The third engaging section may have a plurality of third engaging members including a third quantity of stock members. In addition, the third engagement section may have a third quantity of attachment members.

As representatively shown, the fastening system can provide at least one first fastener component 70 in a configuration that is operatively connected and attached to the side section 86 of the first wasteband portion 12 of the article. And a second fastener component 72 working together in a configuration that is operatively connected and attached to a designated section of the second waistband portion 14 of the article. Preferably, at least one fastener component 70 is attached to at least one side section 86 of the first waistband portion 12. Optionally, at least one first fastener component 70 may be attached to at least one side section 88 of second wasteband portion 14 and the second fastener component working together may be a first wasteband portion. May be attached to the designated section of (12). In a preferred configuration, at least one fastener component 70 is attached to each of the two side facing surface sections of the selected wasteband portion.

Characteristic aspects of the present invention can advantageously help to better maintain the desired fit around the wearer (individually and in combination). For example, aspects of the present invention can help to reduce sagging and droop of the crotch region of a garment, and can help reduce rollover and droop in the waist region. The integration of the various aspects of the fastening system of the present invention can provide improved cohesion with greater resistance to inadequate opening, and also help to provide improved fit, greater comfort and reduced inflammation of the wearer's skin. Can be. Characteristically configured coupling zones and / or attachment members feature a characteristic combination of high engagement regions for greater engagement and reliability, and a relatively smaller engagement predetermined area for greater ease in removing and detaching the article from the wearer. Can provide them. In certain aspects, the amounts of shear and / or peel force in the selected areas can be controlled to provide the desired combinations of binding. In other aspects, the distal or outer distal end of the fastener tab can be more easily found and more easily detachable without the use of a substantially unbound finger lift tab.

The article of the invention may be, for example, a garment provided by the disposable diaper 10 as shown representatively. In a preferred configuration, the first article portion may provide a first waistband portion, such as the rear waistband portion 12 shown, and the second article portion may provide a second waistband portion, such as the front waistband portion 14 shown. have. The article may also have an intermediate or crotch portion 16 that interconnects each of the first and second waistband portions 12, 14. The article may further comprise an absorbent structure, such as a structure comprising a back sheet layer 30, a liquid permeable front sheet layer 28 connected and assembled in a face-to-face relationship with the back sheet layer, and an absorbent body 32. Can be. The absorbent structure is sandwiched between the backsheet and frontsheet layers, and operably received therebetween. Operational fastening systems, such as the illustrated system with fasteners 36, are generally configured and arranged to interconnect the first wasteband portion 12 with the second wasteband portion 14 to retain the article to the wearer. do. The fastening system combines the first rear waistband portion 12 in an overlapping relationship with the second front waistband portion 14 in a back-to-front arrangement, thus surrounding the wearer's body and allowing the diaper to be worn during use. Operationally can be configured to bind. Optionally, the fastening system may use a fastener 36 configured to join the front waistband portion 14 in an overlapping relationship with the rear waistband portion 12 in a front-to-back arrangement to bind the diaper. In this optional arrangement, the front wasteband section may be defined as the first wasteband section 12 and the rear wasteband section may be defined as the second wasteband section 14.

Representatively the front waistband section 14 of the diaper 10 shown has a side opposite front side end zone pair 88, and the rear waistband section 12 has a side opposite rear end zone pair 86. Has The middle section 16 provides a diaper crotch section that interconnects the front and rear waistband sections and is generally located between the wearer's legs. The article also has a designated fastener landing zone member 50 disposed on the outer side of the article. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, the landing member 50 is disposed on the outward surface of the back sheet layer 30. The liquid permeable front sheet layer 28 overlaps the face sheet layer 30 in a face to face relationship, and the absorbent body 32 is operatively connected and attached between the front sheet layer 28 and the back sheet layer 30. .

1 and 2 show a typical plan view of a representative disposable diaper that is generally in a state that is not fully contracted (ie, substantially all elasticity gathering and shrinkage has been removed). In FIG. 1, portions of the structure are partially cut away to more clearly show the internal structure of the diaper article, with the body side of the diaper in contact with the wearer facing the viewer. The outer ends of the diaper define an outer circumference having laterally extending end edge margins 22 and longitudinally extending side edge margins 20. The side edges define the leg openings for the diaper and are optionally curved and shaped to fit. The end edges are shown linearly but, optionally, may be curved. With respect to the designated surface of the article, various inner or body sides are configured to face the wearer's body side when positioned around the wearer. Designated outer sides of the article are configured to face away from the wearer's body when the article is positioned around the wearer.

1, 2 and 3, the diaper 10 is generally absorbent and positioned between and connected to a porous, liquid permeable front sheet 28, a substantially liquid impermeable back sheet 30, a front sheet and a back sheet. A system of elastic gather members, such as a body structure 32, a surge control 46 positioned adjacent the absorbent structure, and a system including a leg elastic 34 and a waist elastic 42. The surge control portion is located in liquid communication with a designated storage or retention portion of the absorbent structure and includes a front sheet 28, a back sheet 30, an absorbent structure 32, a surge control portion 46, and an elastic member 34,42. Can be assembled together in various known diaper configurations. The diaper may further include a system of receiving flaps 62 and a system of side panels or ear zone members 38, which may be elastic or otherwise made of elastomer.

Examples of articles comprising elasticized side panels and optionally configured fastener tabs are filed on December 8, 1993, corresponding to PCT publication WO95 / 16425, published June 22, 1995 (Agent Duke 10,961). tea. "DYNAMIC FITTING DIAPER" of US Patent Application No. 168,615 to T. Roessler et el. Various techniques for the preferred fastening system are described in US Pat. No. 5,399,219 to T. Roessler et el, issued May 21, 1995 (Agent Docket No. 11,186). METHOD FOR MAKING A FASTENING SYSTEM FOR A DYNAMIC FITTING DIASPER ", registered on July 30, 1996 (Dokett No. 11,169). US Patent No. 5,540,796 to "A PROCESS FOR ASSEMBLING ELASTICIZED EAR PORTIONS" and D. Fries, US Patent No. 5,540,796, issued January 21, 1997 (Doktor 11,950). D. An ASSEMBLY PROCESS FOR A LAMINATED TAPE is disclosed in US Patent No. 5,595,618 to D. Fries. The disclosures of the documents described above are hereby incorporated by reference in a manner consistent with (not incompatible with) the present specification.

As representatively shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the diaper 10 generally defines a longitudinally extending longitudinal direction 26 and a transversely extending width direction 24. The diaper can have any good shape, such as rectangular, Ι, generally hourglass, or Τ. Because of the Τ type, the crossbar of "Τ" may include the front waistband portion of the diaper, or optionally the rear waistband portion of the diaper.

The front sheet 28 and the back sheet 30 may generally extend equally, and generally more than the corresponding dimensions of the absorbent structure 32 to provide a corresponding side margin 20 and end margin 22. It may have length and width dimensions that are larger and extend beyond it. Optionally, the front sheet and back sheet layers may not extend equally. The front seat 28 is operatively connected to and laid on the back seat 30, thereby defining the outer periphery of the diaper. The waistband zones include those portions of the diaper which, when worn, cover or surround the wearer's waist or lower torso in whole or in part. The middle crotch region 16 lies between the waistband regions 14 and 12 and interconnects, and when worn, includes the corresponding portion of the diaper that is located between the wearer's legs and covers the wearer's lower torso. Thus, the middle crotch region 16 is the area where repeated fluid surges typically occur in diapers or other disposable absorbent articles.

The back sheet 30 is generally located along the outer surface of the absorbent body 32 and may be composed of a liquid permeable material, but preferably includes a material that is substantially impermeable to liquid. For example, a typical back sheet can be made of a thin plastic film, or other stretched substantially liquid impermeable material. As used herein, the term "stretchable" refers to materials that are compliant and readily compatible with the general shape and contour of the wearer's body. The back sheet 30 prevents exrudates contained in the absorbent body 32 from soaking articles such as outerwear and bed sheets in contact with the diaper 10. In certain embodiments of the invention, the back sheet 30 may comprise a film, such as a polyethylene film, having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mil). For example, the back sheet film can have a thickness of about 0.032 mm (1.25 mil).

The optional structures of the back sheet may comprise a woven or nonwoven fibrous web layer constructed or treated to impose a good level of liquid impermeability on select areas that are adjacent or near the absorbent body in whole or in part. For example, the backsheet may comprise a layer of gas permeable nonwoven fabric laminated to the designated facing surface of the polymer film, which may or may not be gas permeable. Typically, the fabric layer is attached to the outer facing surface of the polymer film layer. Other examples of fiber stream backsheet materials are thin stretched or stretch thermal consisting of a 0.6 mil (0.015 mm) thick polypropylene blown film and 0.7 ounce per square yard (23.8 gsm) polypropylene spanbond material (2 denier fibers) It can include laminated materials.

In certain arrangements, the substantially liquid impermeable vapor permeable back sheet layer may be a composition material comprising a vapor permeable film layer sticky laminated to a spanbond layer. The vapor permeable film layer can be obtained from Tredegar Film Products, a company of Tredegar Industries under the trade name EXAIRE. The film layer may comprise 48 to 60 weight percent (wt%) of linear low density polyethylene and 38 to 50 wt% calcium carbonate particles that may be uniformly dispersed and extruded in the film layer. The film layer may be tensioned to have a thickness of about 0.7 mil (about 0.018 mm) and a basis weight of 16 to 22 grams per square meter (g / m 2). The spanbond layer may be sticky laminated to the film layer and may have a basis weight of about 27 g / m 2. The spanbond layer may be prepared using conventional spanbond techniques and may comprise filaments of polypropylene having fiber deniers of 1.5 to 3 dpf. The vapor permeable film layer may be attached to the spanbond layer using a pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive at an addition rate of 1.6 g / m 2, and the adhesive may be placed in the form of an adhesive swirl or a pattern of random fine fiber spray.

The liquid impermeable vapor permeable back sheet layer may optionally comprise a highly breathable stretch thermal laminate material (HBSTL). The HBSTL material may comprise a polypropylene spanbond material thermally attached to the stretched breathable film. For example, the HBSTL material may comprise 0.6 osy (20.4 g / m 2) polypropylene spanbond material thermally attached to an 18.7 g / m 2 stretched breathable film. The breathable film may comprise two skin layers, each skin layer consisting of 1 to 3 wt% EVA / catalloy. The breathable film may also include 55 to 60 wt%, calcium carbonate fines, linear low density polyethylene, and even 4.8% low density polyethylene. The stretched breathable film may comprise a thickness of 0.45 to 0.50 mil (0.011 to 0.013 mm) and a basis weight of 18.7 g / m 2. The spanbond layer may be thermally bonded to the breathable film and may have a basis weight of about 20.4 g / m 2. The spanbond layer can have a fiber denier of 1.5 to 3 dpf, and the stretched breathable film is thermally bonded to the spanbond material using a "C-star" which provides 15 to 20% total bonding area. Can be attached.

Various forms of these materials have been used to form the back sheet or the outer cover of HUGGIES disposable diapers commercially available from Kimberly-Clark Corporation. The back sheet 30 generally provides an outer cover of the article. However, optionally, the article may include a separate outer cover component member added to the back sheet. The backsheet may be embossed or otherwise provided with a pattern or matte finish to give it a better aesthetic appearance.

As noted, the back sheet 30 may comprise a microporous “breathable” material that allows gases such as water vapor to escape from the absorbent body 32, but substantially prevents liquid exudates from passing through the back sheet. For example, the breathable backsheet may be composed of a microporous polymer film or nonwoven fabric that is coated or otherwise modified to impart a certain level of liquid impermeability. Another example of a suitable microporous film may be a PMP-1 material available from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc., an office based in Tokyo, Japan, or 3M (3M, Minneapolis, Minnesota). XKO-8044 polyolefin film available from Company.

In various configurations of the invention where components such as back sheet 30 or receiving flap 62 are configured to be permeable to a gas, while having resistance and limited permeability to aqueous liquids, the liquid resistant material is substantially passed through it. It may have a structure capable of supporting a selected hydrohead of water without leakage. For example, certain materials can support at least about 45 cm of hydrohead of water without substantially leaking through it. A suitable technique for determining the material's resistance to liquid penetration is the 1978 Federal Test Method Standard FTMS 191 Method 5514 or equivalent.

The size of the back sheet 30 is generally determined by the particular diaper design selected and the size of the absorbent body 32. For example, the backsheet 30 may generally have a Τ, generally Ι or modified hourglass shape, and provide at least about 1.3 cm to 2.5 cm (about 0.5 cm) to provide a portion of the side and end margins. It may extend beyond the distal edges of the absorbent body 32 by a selected distance, such as a distance in the range of 1 to 1 in).

The front sheet 28 feels docile and soft and provides a body facing that does not cause irritation to the wearer's skin. In addition, the front sheet 28 may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent body 32 and is sufficiently porous to be liquid permeable, allowing liquid to easily penetrate through its thickness to contact the absorbent body. Suitable front sheet layers 28 include porous foams, reticular foams, porous plastic films, natural fibers (eg, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (eg, polyester or polypropylene fibers) or natural and synthetic fibers. Can be made from a wide selection of web materials such as The front sheet layer 28 is generally used to help separate the wearer's skin from the liquid contained in the absorbent body 32.

Various woven and nonwoven fabrics may be used for the front sheet 28. For example, the front sheet may consist of a meltblown or spanbond web of certain fibers, and may also be a bonded carded web. Various fabrics may be composed of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a combination thereof.

For the purposes of this description, the term "nonwoven web" means a web of fiber material formed without the aid of a textile weaving or knitting process. The term “fabric” is used to refer to the fibrous web integral of woven, knitted and nonwoven fabrics.

The front sheet fabric may consist essentially of hydrophobic material, which may be optionally treated with a surfactant or otherwise treated to impart a certain level of wetting and hydrophilicity. In certain embodiments of the invention, front sheet 28 is a nonwoven spanbond polypropylene fabric composed of about 2.8 to 3.2 denier fibers formed into a web having a basis weight of about 22 gsm and a density of about 0.06 gm / cc. The fabric may be surface treated with an effective amount of surfactant, such as about 0.28% TRITON X-102 surfactant. The surfactant can be applied by spraying, printing, brush coating or any conventional means of the same kind.

The front seat 28 and the back seat 30 are connected or joined together in another operable manner. The term "bonded" as used herein refers to a configuration in which the front sheet 28 is directly bonded to the back sheet 30 by attaching the front sheet 28 directly to the back sheet 30, and the back sheet in sequence The front sheet 28 is indirectly bonded to the back sheet 30 by attaching the front sheet 28 to an intermediate member attached thereto. For example, the front sheet 28 and back sheet 30 may be bonded (not shown), such as any other attachment technique known in the art, including adhesive bonds, sonic bonds, thermal bonds, pinning, stitching or combinations thereof. By means of an appropriate attachment mechanism it can be bonded to each other at least in part of the outer periphery. For example, adhesives of uniform continuous layers, adhesives of pattern layers, adhesives of spray patterns or structural adhesives of separate lines, swirls, spot arrangements can be used to attach the front sheet 28 to the back sheet 30. . It will be readily understood that the attachment mechanism described above may also be used to properly interconnect, assemble and / or interconnect various other component parts of the articles described herein.

The absorbent body 32 provides an absorbent structure that may include a retainer such as a representatively illustrated absorbent pad composed of hydrophilic fibers and highly absorbent particles selected for receiving and storing absorbed liquid and other waste material. The absorbent body is positioned and fitted between the front sheet 28 and the back sheet 30 to form the diaper 10. The absorbent body is generally compressible, docile, and has a structure capable of absorbing and retaining body exudates without causing inflammation to the wearer's skin. For the purposes of the present invention, the absorbent body structure may comprise a single piece of material, or, optionally, may comprise a plurality of individual separating pieces that are operably assembled.

Various forms of wettable hydrophilic fibrous material can be used to form the component portions of the absorbent body 32. Examples of suitable fibers include naturally occurring organic fibers composed of essentially wettable materials such as cellulose fibers, synthetic fibers composed of cellulose or cellulose derivatives such as rayon fibers, inorganic fibers composed of naturally wettable materials such as glass fibers, Synthetic fibers made from naturally wettable thermoplastic polymers, such as special polyester or polyamide fibers, and synthetic fibers composed of non-wetting thermoplastic polymers such as polypropylene fibers hydrophilized by appropriate means. For example, the fibers may be treated with silica, with a material that has an appropriate hydrophilic portion and cannot be easily removed from the fiber, or by wrapping the non-wetting hydrophobic fiber with a hydrophilic polymer during or after the fiber forming operation. Can be hydrophilized. For the purposes of the present invention, it is also contemplated that selected blends of the various forms of the fibers described above may also be used.

The term “hydrophilic” as used herein describes a fiber or surface of the fiber that is wetted by the aqueous liquid in contact with the fiber. The degree of wetting of the material can, in order, be described as the contact angle and the surface tension of the contained material and the liquid. Equipment and techniques suitable for measuring the wettability of particular fiber materials or mixtures of fiber materials may be provided by a Cahn SFA-222 surface force analyzer system or a substantially equivalent system. When measured with this system, fibers with a contact angle smaller than 90 ° are designated as "wettable", while fibers with a contact angle greater than 90 ° are designated as "non-wettable".

The absorbent body structure 32 may comprise a matrix of hydrophilic fibers such as a web of cellulose fluff mixed with a high absorbent material. In certain arrangements, the absorbent body 32 is a fiber coform material comprising a mixture of superabsorbent hydrogel forming particles and synthetic polymer meltblown fibers, or a mixture of natural and / or synthetic polymer fibers. It may comprise a mixture of superabsorbent particles having a. The superabsorbent particles may be mixed substantially homogeneously with the hydrophilic fibers or may be mixed heterogeneously. For example, the concentration of superabsorbent particles can be stepwise through a substantial portion of the thickness (Z direction) of the absorbent structure, with lower concentrations towards the body of the absorbent body and relatively higher concentrations toward the outside of the absorbent structure. Can be arranged. Suitable Z gradient configurations are disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,699,823, filed October 13, 1987 to Kelenberger et el, the entire disclosure of which is inconsistent with this specification. It is hereby incorporated by reference. Optionally, the concentration of superabsorbent particles is arranged in a stepless gradient through a substantial portion of the thickness (Z direction) of the absorbent structure, with higher concentrations towards the body of the absorbent body and relatively low concentrations towards the outside of the absorbent structure. Can be. Superabsorbent particles may also be arranged in a separation layer generally in a matrix of hydrophilic fibers. In addition, two or more different forms of superabsorbent may optionally be located at different locations within or along the fiber matrix.

The superabsorbent material may comprise an absorbent gelling material such as a superabsorbent. Absorbent colloidal materials can be natural, synthetic, and modified natural polymers and materials. The absorbent colloidal material can also be an inorganic material such as silica gel, or an organic compound such as a crosslinked polymer. The term "cross-linked" usually refers to any means for making the water-soluble material substantially water-insoluble and swellable. Such means may include, for example, physical entanglement, crystal systems, covalent bonds, ionic complexes and bonds, hydrophilic bonds such as hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic bonds or van der Waals forces.

Examples of synthetic absorbent colloidal material polymers include poly (acrylic acid) and poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylamide), poly (vinylether), maleic anhydride copolymers with polyethers and alpha olefins, poly (vinylpi) Rollidone), poly (vinylmorpholinone), poly (vinyl alcohol), and mixtures thereof and ammonium salts and alkali metals of copolymers. In addition, suitable polymers for use in the absorbent body include hydrolyzed acrylonitrile graft starch, acrylic acid graft starch, methyl cellulose, chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and alginate, xant rubber, low curd rubber. Natural and modified natural polymers such as natural rubber. Mixtures of natural and wholly or partially synthetic absorbent polymers may also be useful in the present invention. Other suitable absorbent colloidal materials are disclosed in US Pat. No. 3,901,236 to Asarsson et el, registered August 26, 1975. The process for preparing a synthetic absorbent colloidal polymer is described in US Pat. No. 4,076,663 to Masuda et el on February 28, 1978 and to Tsubakimito et al on August 25, 1981. US Pat. No. 4,286,082.

Synthetic absorbent colloids are generally xerogels that form hydrogels when wet. However, the term "hydrogel" has also been commonly used to refer to both wet and non-wet forms of the material.

As mentioned above, the high absorbent material used for the absorbent body 32 is generally in the form of discrete particles. The particles can be in any desired form, for example, spiral, semispiral, cubic, rod-shaped, polyhedral, and the like. Shapes with large maximum / minimum dimension ratios such as needles, flakes and fibers are envisaged for use here. Aggregates of particles of absorbent colloidal material may also be used in the absorbent body 32. Preferred for use are particles having an average size of about 20 microns to about 1 mm. As used herein, "particle size" means the weighted average of the minimum dimensions of individual particles.

Hydrophilic fibers and high absorbent particles can be configured to form an average composite basis weight that is in the range of about 400 to 900 gsm. In certain aspects of the present invention, the average composite basis weight is in the range of about 500 to 800 gsm and, optionally, in the range of about 550 to 750 gsm to provide the desired performance.

In order to enhance the storage of the high absorbent material, the absorbent body structure 32 may include an overpack, such as a wrap sheet 74, which is located immediately adjacent to the absorbent body 32 and absorbs structure and various other It may be bonded to the components of the article. The wrap sheet is preferably a layer of absorbent material covering the outer surface and most of the body side of the absorbent body, and preferably surrounds substantially all of the outer edges of the absorbent body in order to form a perfect sheath around it. Optionally, the wrap sheet can provide absorbent wrapping that covers the outer side and body portion of the absorbent body and substantially surrounds only the side edges of the absorbent body. Thus, the straight and inwardly curved portions of the side edges of the wrap sheet can be sealed around the absorbent body. However, in this arrangement, the end edges of the wrap sheet may not be completely sealed around the end edges of the absorbent body in the wasteband region of the article.

For example, the complete wrap sheet 74, or at least the bodyside layer of the wrap sheet, may comprise a meltblown web composed of meltblown fibers, such as meltblown polypropylene fibers. Another example of an absorbent wrap 74 may include a low porosity cellulose web, such as a tissue composed of about 50/50 blend of hardwood / softwood fibers.

The absorbent wrap 74 can include a multi-element wrap sheet that includes a separate body wrap layer and a separate outer wrap layer, each of which extends past all or some of the outer edges of the absorbent body 32. Wrap sheets of this configuration can, for example, facilitate the formation of substantially complete seals and seals around the outer edges of the absorbent body 32. In the rear waistband portion of the diaper described, the absorbent wrap may also be configured to extend an increased distance away from the outer periphery of the absorbent body to add opacity and strength to the rear sections of the diaper. In the described embodiment, the body and outer layers of the absorbent wrap 74 are outwardly protruding plungy bonds, in which the outer circumference of the body side of the absorbent wrap can be connected in whole or in part to the outer circumference of the outer part of the absorbent wrap. It may extend at least about 1/2 in beyond the circumferential edges of the absorbent body to provide an area.

The body and outer layers of the wrap sheet 74 may be composed of substantially the same material, or may be composed of different materials. For example, the outer layer of the wrap sheet may consist of a relatively low basis weight material having a relatively high porosity, such as a waterproof cellulose tissue composed of softwood pulp. The body layer of the wrap sheet may comprise one of the wrap sheet materials described above having a relatively low porosity. The low porosity body layer can better prevent the superabsorbent particles from migrating onto the wearer's skin, and the high porosity low basis weight outer layer can help reduce costs.                 

The diaper 10 may also include a surge control layer 46 to help slow and disperse surges and gush that can be quickly introduced into the absorbent body of the article. Preferably, the surge control layer can quickly receive and temporarily receive the liquid prior to releasing the liquid into the storage or retention portion of the absorbent structure. In the described embodiment, for example, surge layer 46 may be located on the inwardly facing bodyside of front sheet layer 28. Optionally, surge layer 46 may be located adjacent to the outer side of front sheet 28. Thus, the surge layer can then be sandwiched between the front sheet 28 and the absorbent body 32. Examples of suitable surge control layers 46 are described in US Pat. No. 5,486,166 to C.Ellis and D.Bishop, issued Jan. 23, 1996 (Agent Docket No. 11,256). Registered as "FIBROUS NONWOVEN WEB SURGE LAYER FOR PERSONAL CARE ABSORBENT ARTICLES AND THE LIKE" for personal hygiene absorbent articles and the like, and February 13, 1996 (Agent Docket No. 11,387). IMPROVED SURGE MANAGEMENT FIBROUS NONWOVEN WEB FOR PERSONAL CARE ABSORBENT ARTICLES AND C. Ellis and R. Everett's Improved Surge Control Fiber Nonwoven Web for Personal Hygiene Absorbent Items and the Similar THE LIKE. "The entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in a manner consistent with this specification.

The leg elastic member 34 is positioned at the side margin 20 of the diaper 10 and is arranged to pull and receive the diaper 10 on the wearer's leg. The elastic member is bound to the diaper 10 in a state in which it is elastically retractable so that the elastic member is effectively contracted with respect to the diaper 10 under a conventional taut configuration. The elastic member can be bound in at least two ways in an elastically retractable state, for example, the elastic member can be stretched and tied while the diaper 10 is in an unshrinkable state. Optionally, the diaper 10 may be retracted by, for example, creasing, and the elastic member is bound and connected to the diaper 10 while the elastic member is in a relaxed or untensioned state. Another mechanism, such as a heat shrink elastic material, can be used to gather the garment.

In the embodiment described in FIGS. 1 and 2, the leg elastic member 34 essentially extends along the entire length of the middle crotch region 16 of the diaper 10. Optionally, the elastic member 34 extends the entire length of the diaper 10 or another length suitable to provide the arrangement of elastically retractable lines required for a particular diaper design.

The elastic member 34 may have any of a plurality of configurations. For example, the width of the individual elastic members 34 may vary from about 0.25 mm to about 25 mm or more. The elastic member may comprise an outer strand of elastic material, or may comprise some parallel or non-parallel strand of elastic material, or may be used in a straight or curved arrangement. Where the strands are not parallel, two or more strands may intersect or otherwise be connected in an elastic member. The elastic member may attach the diaper by any of several methods known in the art. For example, the elastic member may be ultrasonically bonded, heat and pressure sealed using various bonding patterns, or adhesively bonded to the diaper 10 in a sprayed or swirled pattern of hot melt adhesive.

In certain embodiments of the invention, leg elastic member 34 may comprise a carrier sheet to which a rubber band set consisting of a plurality of individual elastic strands is attached. Elastic strands may be crossed or interconnected or completely separated from each other. The carrier sheet may comprise, for example, a 0.002 cm thick polymer film, such as a film of unembossed polypropylene material. The elastic strands may be composed of, for example, LYCRA elastomers available from DuPont, which has an office in Delaware, Millington. Each elastic strand is generally in the range of about 470-1500 decitex (dtx) and may be about 940-1050 dtx. For example, in certain embodiments of the invention, sen strands may be used for each elasticized legband.

In addition, the other rubber band 34 may generally be straight or optionally curved. For example, a curved rubber band may be curved inward toward the longitudinal centerline of the diaper. In certain arrangements, the curvature of the rubber band may not be configured or positioned symmetrically with respect to the transverse centerline of the diaper. The curved rubber band may have inward and outwardly curved reflex curves, the longitudinal center of the rubber band being selectively spaced by a selected distance towards the front or rear waistband of the diaper to provide the desired fit and appearance. Can be. In certain embodiments of the invention, the deepest portion of the set of curved rubber bands may be spaced toward the front or rear waistband of the diaper and the outwardly curved reflex portion may be shouted toward the diaper front waistband. .

As representatively shown, the diaper 10 may include a waist elastic 42 positioned at the longitudinal margin of either the front waistband 14 and the rear waistband 12 or either. The waist elastic may be composed of any suitable elastic material, such as an elastomeric film, elastic foam, a plurality of elastic strands, elastic fabric or the like. For example, suitable elastic waist structures are disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,916,005 to Rippert et el, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner consistent with this specification. .

For the representative configurations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the article may include a system of “ear” zones or ear members 38. In a particular arrangement, each ear region or member 38 is an opposite side end of at least one wasteband portion of the back sheet 30, such as the rear waistband portion 12, typically shown to provide distal side sections to the article. In the horizontal direction. In addition, each ear region can extend from the substantially transversely extending distal waistband edge to the location of the leg opening section of its connected and corresponding diaper. For example, diaper 10 is a transversely opposite pair of leg openings provided by a curved margin of the ear region in combination with a correspondingly adjacent central section of the illustrated pair of laterally extending side edge regions 20. It has (Fig. 1).

In various configurations of the invention, the ear zone may be integrally formed with the selected diaper component. For example, the ear zone 38 may be integrally formed from the layer of material providing the back sheet layer 30 and may be integrally formed from the material used to provide the front sheet 28. In an optional configuration, the ear zone 38 is connected and assembled to the back sheet 30, to the front sheet 28, within the front sheet and the back sheet, or in various firmly attached combinations of such assemblies. It can be provided by the above-described separate member.

In certain configurations of the present invention, each ear zone 38 may be formed from a separately provided piece of material, which is then properly assembled and attached to selected front and / or rear waistband portions of the diaper article. For example, each ear zone 38 may be attached to the rear waistband portion of the back sheet 30 along the ear zone attachment zone and operate on both or both of the back sheet and front sheet components of the article. It can be attached as possible. The inner attachment zone of each ear zone may overlap and stack with its corresponding transverse end edge of the wasteband section of the article. The ear zones extend transversely to form a pair of opposed waste flap sections of the diaper and are attached with suitable connecting means such as adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, clips, staples, sewing or the like. Preferably, the ear region extends transversely beyond the distal side edges of the front sheet layer and back sheet layer in the corresponding attached waistband section of the article.

Ear zone 38 may be comprised of a substantially inelastic material such as a polymer film, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In certain aspects of the present invention, the ear zone 38 is comprised of substantially elastic materials, such as stretch bonded laminate (SBL) materials, elastic neck bonded laminate (NBL) materials, elastic films, elastic foam materials, or the like. It may be elastically tensionable at least along the transverse direction 24. For example, a suitable meltblown elastic fibrous web for forming the ear zone 38 was registered on May 5, 1987. Tee. US Patent No. 4,663,220 to T. Wisneski et el, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Examples of synthetic fabrics comprising at least one layer of nonwoven textile fabrics bound to a fibrous elastic layer. European Patent Application No. EP 0217 032 A2, published April 8, 1987, in which the inventor name of J. Taylor et el is published, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of NBL materials are disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,226,992 to Mormon, issued July 13, 1993, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in a manner consistent with the present specification.

As mentioned above, a variety of suitable structures may be used to attach the ear zone 38 to the selected wasteband portion of the article. Specific examples of suitable structures for engaging a pair of elastically stretchable members to the transverse side of the article to extend laterally outward beyond the transversely opposite side regions of the outer cover and the straight components of the article are described in 1990. Blood Registered July 3rd. US Patent No. 4,938,753 to P. VanGompel et el, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in a manner consistent with the present specification.                 

Each ear region 38 extends laterally at one of the opposite side ends of at least one wasteband section of the diaper 10. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the first ear zone pair extends laterally at opposite side ends of the rear waistband section of the backsheet 30. A second ear zone pair may also be included to extend laterally at opposite side ends of the front waistband section of the backsheet. The ear region described is tapered or curved or otherwise shaped to fit a body shape in which the longitudinal length of the relatively inner base region is larger or smaller than the longitudinal length of its relatively outer end region. Optionally, the ear zone may have a substantially rectangular shape and, optionally, may have a substantially trapezoidal shape.

The diaper 10 also includes a pair of elasticized receiving flaps 62 generally extending longitudinally along the longitudinal direction 26 of the diaper. The receiving flap is generally outwardly transversely from the leg elastics 34 and is positioned symmetrically on each side of the longitudinal longitudinal centerline of the diaper. In the described arrangement, each receiving flap 62 has a substantially engaged edge portion 64 and a substantially movable edge portion 66, with each receiving flap touching and mating close to the contour of the wearer's body. It is elastically operably to help it. Examples of suitable receiving flap structures are registered on November 3, 1987. US Patent No. 4,704,116 to K. Enloe, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in a manner consistent with this specification. The receiving flap may be composed of a wettable or non-wettable material, as desired. In addition, the receiving flap material may be substantially liquid permeable, only permeable to gas or permeable to both gas and liquid. Another suitable receiving flap configuration is R. Everett's "ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING AN IMPROVED SURGE MANAGEMENT", filed February 13, 1996 (Agent Docket No. 11,375). ", The disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in a manner consistent with this specification.

Another configuration of the invention may include a combination component that provides corresponding receiving flaps and elasticized leg reinforcements along each lateral edge region of the absorbent article. An example of such an article is D., registered May 18, 1999 (Agent Docket No. 11,091.1). U.S. Patent No. 5,904,675 to D. Laux et el, "AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH IMPROVED ELASTIC MARGINS AND CONTAINMENT SYSTEM" and on November 30, 1999 Egg registered under Docket No. 13,348). G. US Patent No. 5,993,433 to RG St. Louis et el, "ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH ENHANCED ELASTIC DESIGN FOR IMPROVED AESTHETICS AND CONTAINMENT." have. The entire disclosure of these documents is incorporated by reference in a manner consistent with this specification.

In an optional configuration of the present invention, diaper 10 is manufactured on June 28, 1988 by Kay. US Pat. No. 4,753,646 to K. Enloe, and October 27, 1998 (Agent Docket No. 12,122.1). As disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,827,259, entitled "AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH IMPROVED WAIST ELASTIC AND CONTAINMENT SYSTEM," issued to D. Laux et el. A receiving waste flap having an internal elasticity may be included, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner consistent with the present specification. Similar to the structure of the receiving flaps, the receiving waste flaps can be constructed of a wettable or non-wetting material, as desired. The waste flap material may be substantially liquid permeable, only permeable to gas, or permeable to both gas and liquid.

In order to provide a good recombination fastening system, the diaper 10 may include one or more designated landing member zones or patches, such as provided by the main landing member 50 representatively shown. The landing member may provide a target area operable to create a releasable and repositionable engagement having at least one fastener tab 36. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the landing member patch may be located on the front waistband portion 14 of the diaper and on the outer side of the back seat layer 30. On the other hand, the landing member patch may be located on the designated inner side of the diaper, such as the body side of the front sheet layer 28.

Certain arrangements of the present invention may include one or more landing members 50 that may be attached directly or indirectly to the second waistband portion 14. Preferably, the landing member is bound directly to the outer side of the appropriate wasteband portion, but can be selectively coupled to the inner body side of the article wasteband portion.

In various configurations of the present invention, the landing member 50 may be comprised of a polymeric film or tape, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric or the like as well as a combination thereof and a substantially inelastic material. In a particular configuration of the invention, the landing member is a stretch-bonded-laminate (SBL) material, elastic neck-bonded-laminate, which is elastically stretchable along at least the lateral direction 24. NBL) materials, elastic films, elastic foam materials or the like, and may be composed of substantially elastic materials.

Various configurations of the present invention may include at least one separately provided fastener tab 36 located in one or both of the side end regions 86 of the rear waistband 12. On the other hand, at least one separately provided fastener tab 36 may be located in one or both of the side end regions 88 of the front waistband 14. For example, the representatively illustrated embodiment has lateral facing pairs of fastener tabs 36 with one of the fastener tabs located at each distal side edge of rear waistband 12. In particular, each fastener 36 is assembled and attached to protrude and extend from a corresponding immediately adjacent ear region located in one of the opposing side end regions 86 of the front waistband section 12.

The fastener tabs 36 may have any operational form. For example, the shape of the fastener tabs may be rectangular, trapezoidal, sinusoidal, straight, curved, etc., as well as combinations thereof. The lateral outer end edges of the fastener tabs may be straight or curved, and as representatively shown, the end edges may be contoured to provide protruding finger tab regions.

The fastener tabs 36 may be comprised of substantially inelastic materials such as polymer films or tapes, woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. Optionally, the fastener tabs may be made of substantially elastic material such as stretch bonded laminate (SBL) material, neck bonded laminate (NBL) material, elastic film, elastic foam material, etc., which are elastically stretchable along at least the lateral direction 24. Can be configured.

In various aspects and configurations of the invention, the fastening mechanism between the selected first fastener component and the selected second fastener component may be adhesive, adhesive, mechanical, or a combination thereof. In the context of the present invention, a mechanical fastening system is a system comprising first and second components working together which mechanically interlock to provide good engagement.

Preferably, the first and second fastener components comprise complementary elements of a mechanical fastening system that cooperate to cooperate with one another. Mechanical fastener components may be provided by mechanical fasteners such as hooks, buckles, snaps, buttons, and the like, which work together, complement and mechanically connect components.

For example, as can be seen in the arrangement shown, the mechanical fastening system is a hook-and-loop type fastening system. Such fastening systems typically include attachment members having a male component in the form of "hooks" or hooks, and engage and releasably interconnect with hook components, similar to "loops" or loops working together. Cancer components. Preferably, the interconnect is selectively releasable and reattachable. For example, conventional systems are available under the Velcro brand. The hook element may be provided by a generally continuous extension head configuration, such as that provided by a single prong hook configuration, a multi prong hook configuration or a mushroom head type of hook element. Loop elements may be provided by woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, knit fabrics, perforated or porous layers, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. Many arrangements and variations of such fastener systems have been collectively called hook-and-loop fasteners.

Configurations using a selectively releasable mutually fastening mechanical fastening system may, for example, position the first fastener component on at least the designated mating or engagement surface of the fastener tab 36 and operate together. Two fastener components may be positioned on the designated engagement surface of the designated landing member 50. For example, a fastening component attached to a designated mating or engagement surface of the fastener tab 36, along with the hoop-and-loop fasteners shown typically, may comprise a hook-type mechanical engagement element, and a designated landing. The complementary fastening component operatively coupled and attached to the band member 50 may comprise a loop type fastening element.

In various configurations of the present invention, it will also be readily apparent that the relative positions and / or materials of the first fastening component and the complementary second fastening component working therewith may be interchanged. Thus, the fastening component attached to the designated mating surface of the fastener tab 36 may comprise a loop type mechanical fastening element, and a complementary second fastening configuration that is operatively coupled and attached to the designated landing band member. The element may comprise a hook type attachment member.

Examples of hook-and-loop fastening systems and components are disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,019,073 to T. Roessler et al. On May 28, 1991, which is incorporated herein in its entirety in a manner consistent with this specification. The disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. Another example of a hook-and-loop fastening system is U.S. Patent Application No. 366,080 to G. Zehner et al. Filed Dec. 28, 1994 (Agent Docket No. 11,571), corresponding to U.S. Patent 5,605,735. "HIGH-PEEL TAB FASTNER" and blood filed April 13, 1995. U.S. Patent Application No. 421,640 to "MULTI-ATTACHMENT FASTENING SYSTEM" by P. VanGompel et al., The entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner consistent with this specification. Included. An example of a fastening tab configured with a carrier layer is A. Long, filed May 6, 1996 (Agent Docket No. 12,563), corresponding to US Pat. No. 5,624,429, issued April 29, 1997. US Patent Application No. 08 / 603,477 to "MECHANICAL FASTENING SYSTEM WITH GRIP TAB", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner consistent with this specification. Included.

4, 4A, 5 and 5A, a designated first fastener component 70 is a material having an attachment member (eg, a pronged or mushroom shaped member shown) that protrudes from the base or substrate layer 110. It may include. Each attachment member 56 is attached to a stem 58 having a distal end 44 and preferably an attachment element 60 disposed in the distal region of the corresponding stem 58 to provide the main attachment opening 78. ) Attachment member 56 may be substantially isotropic, anisotropic, substantially symmetrical or asymmetrical, or a combination thereof. Attachment member 93 may include various forms of attachment element 60. For example, the attachment member may comprise a hook member having attachment hook elements of various types and styles. Attachment hook elements may include prong type elements, J type elements, T type elements, mushroom cap elements, nail head elements, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. Accordingly, various configurations of the present invention may include a first fastener component 70 that includes an attachment member comprised of a combination of two or more hook styles. For example, the first fastener component may comprise a combination of J-shaped hook members and mushroom shaped hook members.

The stem portion 58 of each attachment member has a fixed end region 43 and preferably a distal end region 44 which is in continuous engagement with the fixed end region. The fixed end region of the stem portion is operatively attached to the substrate layer 110, and the end end region is operatively attached to the corresponding attached attachment element 60. Stem 58 is sufficiently rigid to maintain alignment in the designated upright position and in the specified direction during normal operation of the first fastener component in the fastener system. In particular, the stem is sufficiently resistant to bending and twisting to operatively maintain a good upright position and directional alignment of the attachment element. The substrate layer 110 has a substrate thickness 112, an attachment member surface 114, and an opposing substrate mounting surface 116. The selected attachment member is attached to the substrate layer 110 and protrudes from the attachment member surface 114.

As representatively shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, certain aspects of the invention provide for an anisotropic attachment member configured such that the anisotropic attachment member is configured to provide directional or directional dependent engagement with a corresponding second fastener component 72. It may also include. Thus, for the selected engagement parameter, the anisotropic attachment member provides a combination of two or more different fastening engagement values with values that depend on the direction in which the selected engagement parameter is measured. Thus, the anisotropic nature of the fastener component is substantially aligned in the "XY" plane of the fastening component when the fastening component and associated attachment member are tensioned or parallel to or generally along the extension area. One or more fastening properties that appear when compressed along another direction. In particular, the attachment member may exhibit at least one oblique direction in which the selected fastening properties, such as peel force, shear force, etc., have substantially different values. For example, the fastening properties may have at least one oblique direction in which the fastening properties, such as peel force, shear force, etc., generally have a maximum value. Similarly, the attachment member may exhibit at least one oblique direction in which the selected fastening property has a generally minimum value. The direction of the maximum value may or may not be substantially opposite to the direction of the minimum value.

Thus, the anisotropic attachment member may provide a larger (or smaller) shear force value or peel force value depending on the direction in which the shear force or peel force value is determined. Anisotropic forms can vary in shape, size, curvature, length of protrusion, angle of protrusion, form of material, form of coating or other treatment, surface shape, surface topography, coefficient of friction, difference in adhesion, and combinations thereof. Can be generated by any suitable mechanism. Anisotropic attachment members can have a limited degree of symmetry, such as bilateral symmetry. For example, a suitable anisotropic attachment member can be provided by an attachment member that is inverse J-type or generally T-shaped. In another aspect, the first fastener component may include a substantially isotropic attachment member as representatively shown in FIGS. 5 and 5. The isotropic attachment member may have an attachment element disposed substantially uniformly with respect to the main axis of the attachment member. Thus, the isotropic attachment member has substantially the same fastening properties in substantially all directions parallel to the plane generally established by the substrate layer of the first fastener component. For example, a substantially isotropic attachment member may comprise a mushroom attachment member in which the mushroom head is substantially symmetrically distributed around its upright stem and the resulting attachment opening is arranged substantially similarly continuously around its upright stem. It may be provided by. In other aspects, the fastening properties of the attachment member may be symmetrical and identical in value depending on a predetermined set of opposing directions selected. Examples of symmetrical attachment members include T-shaped hook members. Other examples of suitable isotropic attachment members and symmetrical attachment members are described in US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 156,185, "A. Long et al. (Dok. 13,279)" mechanical fastening system having sections with arrayed coupling members. (MECHANICAL FASTENING SYSTEM HAVING SECTIONS WITH ARRANGED ENGAGEMENT MEMBERS), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner consistent with the present specification.

Preferably, the presence of the actuated attachment member can extend substantially continuously along the entire longitudinal dimension of the outer end edge of the fastener tab. In an alternative configuration, a conventional substantially uncoupled lift tab may be provided along a portion of the longitudinal dimension of the outer end edge of the fastener tab. The lift tab may be integrally formed from a designated fastener component or fastener tab substrate or may be a separately provided member coupled and tied along the outer distal edge of the fastener tab.

6-7A, each stock member 94 may have a stock length 105, a stock height 104, a stock width 106, and a distal end 107. In addition, each stock member may have a shape selected along its length. The longitudinal form may be substantially constant (eg FIG. 6) or may be modified and not constant (eg FIG. 7). Thus, the stock member may have a substantially straight side, a tapered side, an inclined side, a curved side, and a combination thereof. The distal region of the stock member may also have a "golf-tee", bulb or otherwise expanded form. 6A and 7A, each stock member may also have a selected cross-sectional shape, and in the arrangement shown, the stock member has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Optionally, the cross-sectional shape can be oval, oval, oblong, straight, polyhedral, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. In a representatively shown arrangement, the stock members are substantially perpendicular to their bonded and connected substrate 110. However, the stock member is generally aligned with the longitudinal central axis tilted at the selected tilt angle tilted from the vertical.

When the stock member has a tapered or inclined side, the side may have a selected draft angle. When each stock member is constructed in a mold cavity, for example, the draft angle may be an angle determined between the axis of the mold cavity and the sidewall of the mold cavity. In a particular aspect, the draft angle can be up to about 15 degrees, and typically up to about 20 degrees or more to provide good performance.

In another aspect, the distal end of the stock member may have a maximum end span 108 that is not greater than a maximum of about 130% of the minimum width 106 of the corresponding stock member. The end span may generally not be greater than about 115% of the minimum width 106 of the corresponding stock member, and optionally greater than about 104% of the minimum width 106 of the corresponding stock member to provide improved efficiency. You may not. Although the present invention does not take into account the minimum value required for the end span of the distal end of the stock member, the end of the stock member should be large enough or otherwise configured to avoid causing excessive inconvenience to the user of the article.

If the end span is too large, stock member 94 may excessively interfere with the formation of good peel force values in the corresponding joining sections. Thus, the fastener system may not produce a good combination of peel and shear forces. If the stock end span 108 is too small, the protruding end of the stock member may cause excessive roughness or discomfort.

To determine the end span ratio, the end span will typically occur at the free end of the proximal terminal or stock member. Thus, the minimum stock width is the width dimension that is operably engageable by the cooperating loop material. Thus, the surface shape of the stock member to be excessively spanned by the loop material, such as surface holes, dents or grooves can be neglected when identifying effective minimum width dimensions. Typically the minimum width will occur along the longitudinal height dimension of the stock member.

The determination of the end span ratio provided by a particular stock member can be determined by employing the projected side shape of the stock member. Typically, the selected side shape is one that is foreseen to provide the maximum value for the end span ratio. Measurement of the end span and the minimum width of the stock member is taken for the projection of the selected side shape on the appropriate viewing surface.

Referring to Figure 7, certain aspects of the present invention may include a stock member 94 having a stock height 104 having a minimum value of at least about 0.025 cm. The stock height may generally be at least about 0.04 cm, and optionally about 0.05 cm or more to provide improved performance.

In various aspects of the invention, the attachment member in the selected engagement section may provide an average hook height value 100, and the stock member in the selected engagement section may provide an average stock height value that is a selected ratio of the average hook height value. have. For example, the selected engagement section may comprise a stock member having an average stock height that is at least a minimum of about 10 percent of the average hook height value. The stock height value may generally be at least about 30%, and optionally at least about 50% of the average hook height value to provide an improved benefit. In addition, the stock member may provide an average stock height value 104 that is no greater than about up to about 97% of the average hook height value. The stock height value can generally be greater than about 80%, and optionally no greater than about 70% of the average hook height value to provide improved efficiency.

In another arrangement of selected joining sections, the stock member may provide an average stock height value that is up to about 105% of the average hook height value. The stock height value can be up to about 125% in general, and up to about 150% of the average hook height value to provide improved benefits. In a further arrangement, the stock member may provide an average stock height value no greater than about 300% of the maximum of the average hook height value. The stock height value can generally be greater than about 250%, and optionally can not be greater than about 200% of the average hook height value to provide improved efficiency.

If the stock height value is too small, the stock member will not adequately provide a good level of shear force engagement with the second mechanical fastener component 72 working together. If the stock height value is too large, the stock member may exhibit an arrangement of rough protrusions that may be unpleasant to touch and may result in excessive discomfort.

8 and 8A, the first fastener member 70 includes a plurality of engagement members having at least a first quantity of engagement stock members 94. Additionally, the first fastener component may include a first major quantity of attachment members 93 having attachment head elements. Where the first fastener component 70 comprises a combination of stock member 94 and attachment member 93, the stock member and attachment member distribute uniformly or non-uniformly across an area of the first fastener component. May be The distribution of the stock member and the attachment member can be a good pattern. For example, the stock member and / or attachment member may be arranged along machine direction lines, cross direction lines, diagonal lines, curved lines, straight or curved patterns, checkered patterns and the like and combinations thereof.

Various amounts, quantities per unit area, combinations, and other configurations of the stock member and / or attachment member may be selected and arranged to produce a good combination of peel force values and shear force values within the overall first fastener component 70. In addition, various arrangements and configurations of the stock member and / or attachment member may be selected to produce a good combination of peel and shear forces in each individual engagement section of the first fastener component. Thus, each joining section can be designed to provide good combination of reliable joining and ease of joining and separating.

The first mechanical fastener element 70 may include a plurality of coupling members 56 such that the number of individual stock members 94 is at least about 5% of the total number of coupling members 56 in the first fastener component. have. Or the number of individual stock members may be at least about 10% of the total number of coupling members, and optionally about 15% to provide improved performance. In other aspects, the number of individual stock members may be about 97% or less of the total number of coupling members. Alternatively, the number of individual stock members may be about 65% or less, optionally about 35% or less of the total number of coupling members to provide improved efficiency.

If the percentage of stock members is too low, the peel force may be too large and difficult to detach the fastener system. If the percentage of stock members is too large, the amount of peel force is too low and the fastener system is very susceptible to sudden opening.

In another aspect, the number of individual attachment members 93 may be a selected percentage of the total number of engagement members 56. Preferably, the number of engagement members 56 may be at least about 3% of the total number of engagement members 56 in the first fastener component. The number of individual attachment members may also be about 10%, optionally about 15%, of the total number of coupling members to provide improved performance. In other aspects, the number of individual attachment members may be about 95% or less of the total number of coupling members. The number of individual attachment members may also be about 65% or less, optionally about 35% or less of the total number of engagement members to provide improved efficiency.

If the percentage of attachment members is too low, the fastener system may experience an unusual opening or may be opened too easily by an active infant. If the percentage of attachment members is too high, the fastener system may be very difficult to open, especially after extended use periods.

According to certain aspects of the present invention, the first fastener component 70 may further comprise a first coupling section 52 and a second coupling section (see FIG. 9). Each of the individual engagement sections may combine any of the necessary combinations of engagement member distributions described herein, the quantity per unit area of engagement member, engagement member alignment, stock member parameters, attachment member parameters, and the like.

In another structure, the first fastener component 70 may further include each coupling section and one or more coupling sections having a distribution and / or individual combination of coupling members (see FIG. 19). For example, each joining section may comprise another combination of stock members and attachment members. As a result, each joining section can provide different individual combinations of the binding shear force and the binding peel force. Other joining sections, such as sections 52 and 54, may also include a characteristic combination of properties that provide the necessary combination of fit, comfort and cohesion.

With reference to the example illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 9A, the first coupling section 52 may include coupling members consisting of approximately 100% attachment member 93. In addition, the second coupling section 54 may comprise coupling members consisting of approximately 100% stock member 94. As a result, the relatively outer bonding section can contribute to a high shear force bond while also providing a relatively low level of peel force bond. The relatively low peel force engagement can facilitate positioning and lifting the outer end of the first fastener component 70 for detachment.

10 and 10A, the inner first engagement section 52 may comprise a large amount of engagement members consisting of approximately 100% stock member 94. In addition, the relatively outer second engagement section 54 may comprise a second quantity of engagement members consisting of approximately 100% of attachment members 93. As a result, the fastening system can provide high shear force values with relatively low peel force values. At the same time, concentration of the attachment member 93 in the outer engagement section 54 can reduce the risk of undesired desorption of the first fastener component.

11 and 11A, the first fastener component 70 may have a first engagement section 52 that includes a combination of attachment member 93 and stock member 94. In addition, the first fastener component may have a second engagement section 54 in which about 100% of the engagement member is a stock member 94. As a result, the outer section 54 can provide a high shear force while also providing a low peel force in the second joining section. Such low peel force values may facilitate finding and lifting the distal end of the fastener tab 36. In addition, the inner bond section 52 may exhibit a relatively lower peel force value while maintaining a high shear force value. Lower peel force values may usefully address complaints of excessively strong adhesion that may develop between the first fastener component and the second fastener element cooperating therewith after an extended wear period.

12 and 12A, the first fastener component 70 may include a first inner engagement section 52 in which about 100% of the engagement member is a stock member 94. In addition, the second outer engagement section 54 of the first fastener component may include engagement members made of a combination of the attachment member 93 and the stock member 94. As a result, the fastening system may have a relatively high peel force value and a high shear force value as a whole, while having a relatively low peel force value in the second joining section 54 to more easily lift the second joining section. .

14 and 14A, the first fastener component 70 has a first inner engagement section 52 that includes a combination of stock member 94 and attachment member 93. In addition, the first fastener component may include an outer engagement section 54 wherein approximately 100% of the engagement member is an attachment member 93. As a result, the fastening system can provide a high level of peel force and shear force overall while providing a relatively high peel force value in the outer joining section 54 to increase resistance to desorption.

15 and 15A, the first fastener component 70 may have a combination of attachment member 93 and stock member 94. As shown in FIG. The attachment member may have a different height, and the stock member may have a different height. In addition, the height of the stock member 94 may be relatively larger or smaller than the height of the attachment member 93 as desired.                 

16 and 16A, the first fastener component 70 may comprise another combination of attachment member 93 and stock member 94. In this configuration, generally all stock members 94 may have a height that is greater than the height of the attachment member 93. Optionally, generally all stock members 94 have a height that is relatively smaller than the height of the attachment member 93.

Referring to Figures 17 and 17A, the first fastener component 70 may have a plurality of engaging sections together with each engaging section having a combination of the stock member 94 and the attachment member 93. In one joining section, the height of the stock member 94 may be greater than the height of the attachment member 93. In other sections, the height of the stock member 94 may be less than or equivalent to the height of the attachment member 93 (see FIGS. 15 and 15A).

18 and 18A, the first fastener component 70 may have a plurality of coupling sections, such as coupling sections 52 and 54. Each joining section may include a different amount of stock member 94 and a different amount of attachment member 93. One joining section may have a larger number or amount of stock members 94 compared to the other joining sections. Similarly, one joining section may include a greater number of attachment members 93 compared to the other joining sections. Further, one joining section may have a relatively higher quantity of stock members 94 per unit area than other joining sections, and a relatively higher quantity of attachment members 93 per unit area than other joining sections. Can have

The first fastener component of various configurations may include a plurality of stock members having a generally uniform width dimension, or may include a plurality of stock members having a combination of different width dimensions. In a particular configuration, for example, each joining section may comprise a stock member having a selected width dimension or selected combination of width dimensions as representatively shown in FIGS. 17-20A. Employing selected width dimensions or combinations of width dimensions, the stiffness and elasticity of the stock member is configured to help adjust the feel of the first fastener component and to adjust the numerical or shear force values provided by the fastener system. Can be.

Referring to Figures 19 and 19A, the first fastener component 70 is first and second coupling sections 52, spaced apart by a transition zone 76 that provides a separation region 82 that is generally free of coupling members. 54). This separation area may also be generally free of other protrusions.

20 and 20A, the first fastener component 70 may include two or more coupling sections 52, 52, and 96. Each joining section may have a configuration of strip regions extending along the longitudinal direction 26 of the article. In addition, each engagement section may have a different combination of attachment member 93 and stock member 94.

As representatively shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, at least a pair of directly adjacent sections of the joining section may have strip regions extending in the longitudinal direction. In addition, a pair of directly adjacent coupling sections may be spaced apart by a fastener transition zone 76 that includes a separation region 82 that is generally free of attachment members. In addition, a pair of directly adjacent coupling sections may be spaced apart by a separation area 82 that is generally free of protrusions having a height greater than about 0.2 mm. If desired, isolation region 82 may provide a separation distance 84 of a maximum of about 20 mm or less. Alternatively, the separation distance may be about 10 mm or less, optionally 3 mm or less, to provide improved performance. The minimum separation distance may effectively be a selected distance between directly adjacent attachment members.

In various configurations of the invention, the first plurality of stock and / or attachment members in the first engagement section 52 may have a first configuration pattern, and the designated second plurality in the second engagement section 54. The stock and / or attachment members of may have a second configuration pattern, where the second configuration pattern is different from the first configuration pattern.

In certain aspects, the first plurality of attachment members in the first engagement section may comprise a first distribution of anisotropic hook members and the second attachment section includes a second distribution of anisotropic hook members. It may include a plurality of attachment members. Each anisotropic hook member may have a bag 58 having a distal region 44 and has an anisotropic attachment element 60 disposed in the distal region of its corresponding bag. The first distribution of anisotropic hook members can have a first alignment pattern of anisotropic attachment elements, and the second distribution of anisotropic hook members can have a second alignment pattern of these anisotropic attachment elements. The second alignment pattern may be different from the first alignment pattern to provide a selected difference in the engagement force generated by the first and second engagement sections.

In another aspect, the first plurality of attachment members 94 in the first engagement section 52 may comprise a first distribution of asymmetric hook members, and the second plurality of attachments in the second engagement section 54. The member may comprise a second distribution of asymmetric hook members. Each asymmetrical hook member may have a bag 58 having a distal region 44 and may have an asymmetric attachment head element 60 disposed in the distal region of its corresponding bag. The first distribution of asymmetrical hook members can have a first alignment pattern of asymmetrical attachment elements, and the second distribution of asymmetrical hook members can have a second alignment pattern of their asymmetrical attachment elements. The second alignment pattern may be different from the first alignment pattern to provide a selected difference in engagement force generated in the first and second engagement sections 52, 54, respectively. Examples of suitable configuration patterns and alignment patterns are described in A. Filed Sep. 17, 1998. US Patent Application No. 09 / 156,185 to A. Long et al. "MECHANICAL FASTENING SYSTEM HAVING SECTIONS WITH ARRANGED ENGAGEMENT MEMBERS."

In various configurations of the invention, the alignment pattern of the attachment openings and associated attachment elements and the distribution pattern of attachment members are typically determined relative to the first fastener component prior to coupling to the designated complementary second fastener element. In a preferred case, the distribution pattern and the alignment pattern are retained when the first and second fastener elements are operatively joined to each other. In addition, individual attachment members are typically elastic and elastic, but will generally retain their initial shape during normal use. When bent or deformed during normal use, the attachment members generally avoid plastic deformation to maintain their deformation, but instead return or “spring back” generally to their original orientation and shape.

Referring to Figures 21 and 21A, for example, the first fastener component 70 may include a plurality of coupling sections 52, 54, and may include anisotropic and asymmetrical attachment members 93. have. The asymmetrical attachment members in one engagement section have a first alignment pattern and the attachment members in another engagement section have a second different alignment pattern.

Referring to other examples representatively shown in FIGS. 22 and 22A, the first fastener component 70 may include a plurality of engagement sections 52, 54 that include anisotropic attachment members 93. In a representatively shown configuration, the anisotropic attachment members are symmetrical on both sides. Attachment members in one joining section, such as inner joining section 52, have a first alignment pattern, and attaching members in another joining section, such as outer joining section 54, have a second alignment pattern.

23 and 23A, the boundaries of the various joining sections of the first fastener component may have one or more non-linear structures. A representatively illustrated configuration has, for example, a generally crescent shaped second engaging section 54 located along the lateral outer edge zone of the first engaging section 52. The configuration shown has a second engaging section approximately centered along the longitudinal direction 26 of the fastener. Optionally, the second joining section may not be centered along the longitudinal direction. Thus, the area of the second joining section 54 is recessed into the area of the first joining section 52. The second joining section receives a higher proportion of stock members 94 compared to the first joining section, and in the illustrated configuration the second joining section receives about 100% of the stock members. As a result, the second engagement section 54 can thereby provide an area along the lateral outer end edge of the fastener with a relatively low peel force coupling. The low peel force zone can provide a convenient grip, lift zone that can be easily positioned, raised and gripped to release the fastener tabs.                 

In the case where the first fastener component 70 or the particular engagement section 52, 54 has a relatively higher quantity or quantity of stock member 94 per unit area, the first fastener component or the particular engagement section has an associated delamination. It is possible to provide increased levels of shear force without excessively increasing the force. In various configuration examples of the invention, the first engagement section 52 may include a plurality of first engagement members 56 having a first quantity of engagement stock members 94, and the second engagement section 54. May comprise a plurality of second engagement members with a second quantity of engagement stock members (see FIGS. 18 and 18A). If desired, the stock member of the second quantity is different from the stock member of the first quantity. In a more particular configuration, the second quantity of stock members is more or less than the first quantity of stock members. The plurality of first coupling members in the first coupling section 52 may provide a first quantity of stock members per unit area, and the plurality of second coupling members in the second coupling section 54 may be stock members per unit area. A second quantity of can be provided.

The quantity per second unit area of the stock members may be different from the quantity per first unit area of the stock member to provide a selected difference in the bond shear forces generated in the first and second engagement sections 52, 54, respectively. In a particular configuration, the quantity per first unit area of the stock member is greater than the quantity per second unit area of the stock member, and the bond shear force generated in the first engagement section 52 is the bond shear force generated in the second engagement section 54. Relatively larger than Optionally, the quantity per first unit area of the stock members in the first joining section 52 may be generally less than or equal to the quantity per second unit area of the stock members in the second joining section 54. Accordingly, the bond shear force in the first engagement section 52 may be generally less than or equivalent to the bond shear force generated in the second engagement section 54.

Similarly, the first plurality of engagement members in the first engagement section 52 may provide a first quantity of attachment members 93 per unit area, and the second plurality of engagement members in the second engagement section 54. The engagement members of may provide a second quantity of attachment member 93 per unit area. The quantity per second unit area of the attachment members may be different than the quantity per first unit area of the attachment member to provide a selected difference in the bond peeling forces generated in the first and second engagement sections 52, 54. In a particular shape, the quantity per first unit area of the attachment members is greater than the quantity per second unit area of the attachment members, and the bond separation force generated in the first engagement section 52 is the bond separation generated in the second engagement section 54. Relatively larger than the force. In other words, the quantity per first unit area of the attachment members in the first engagement section 52 is substantially equal to or smaller than the quantity per second unit area of the attachment members in the second engagement section 54. Thus, the bond peeling force in the first joining section 52 is substantially equal to or less than the bond peeling force in the second joining section 54.

In another aspect, the plurality of first coupling members 56 may include a first quantity of mating stock members 94 associated with the first quantity of attachment members 93. And, the plurality of second engagement members may comprise a second quantity of engagement stock members associated with the first quantity of attachment members. Thus, the first engagement section 52 may provide a first combination of safety shear force and safety peel force, and the second engagement section 54 may provide a second combination of safety shear force and safety peel force.

In certain aspects, the peel force value provided by the second engagement section 54 may be equal to or greater than the peel force value provided by the first engagement section 52. In another aspect, the peel force value provided by the second joining section 54 may be greater than zero and less than the peel force value provided by the first joining section 52. In a preferred example, the plurality of first coupling members in the first coupling section 52 may provide a high peel force value and a low shear force value, and the plurality of second coupling members in the second coupling section 54 may be relatively Lower peel force values and relatively higher shear force values can be provided. As a result, this fastening system provides a strong and reliable fastening system while providing an end edge that is easy to install and release for the desired fastening.

The first peel force value provided by the first joining section 52 may, for example, be at least 16 gmf / cm per cm of bond width. Alternatively, the first peel force value may be at least 80 gmf / cm and may be at least about 160 gmf / cm to provide improved performance. In another aspect, the first peel force value may not be greater than about 470 gmf / cm at most. Alternatively, the first peel force value may not be greater than about 315 gmf / cm and may not be greater than about 240 gmf / cm to provide more benefit.

And, the second peel force value provided by the second engagement section 54 may be at least about 5% of the first peel force value. Or the second peel force value may be at least about 10%, and may be at least about 15% to provide improved performance. In another aspect, the second peel force value cannot be greater than 100% of the first peel force value. Or the second peel force value cannot be greater than about 50% and not greater than about 25% of the first peel force value to provide improved performance.

In another aspect of the invention, the first engagement section 52 may comprise a first quantity of attachment members with a first combination of hook types. The second engagement section 54 can also include a second quantity of attachment members with a second combination of hook types.

In various arrangements of the invention, the attachment members of each of the first coupling section 52 and the second coupling section 54 may be formed or provided substantially on a single piece of the substrate layer 110. Thus, the designated area of the substrate layer employed for the first bonding section 52 may substantially contact the substrate layer employed for the second bonding section 54. Alternatively, the attachment members of the first and second coupling sections 52, 54 may be formed or provided on separate sections or pieces of preferred substrate layer material, respectively.

Various arrangements of the present invention may include a fastener transition zone 76 disposed between selected coupling sections (eg, FIGS. 9 and 19). The transition zone can be configured to extend along any direction of operation. For example, the transition zone 76 may be disposed between laterally adjacent regions of the first and second engagement sections 52, 54, and substantially longitudinally along the longitudinal direction 26 of the article. It can be configured to extend.

In various aspects of the invention, the preferred partition or transition zone between designated engagement sections (eg, between fastening sections 52 and 54) may be steep or smooth. For example, adjacent joining sections can be made of separate, separate regions of fastener components. The joining sections can be steep and sharp contoured by separate lines, spaces or generally discontinuous separation regions, as shown in the various figures. Alternatively, when the joining sections move from one joining section to another adjacent joining section, one or more desired structures or variables of each joining section are progressively bounded by connected transition regions where the continuously or continuously, substantially progressively vary. Can be built.

In another aspect, the first fastener component 70 includes a first engagement section 52 and a first engagement section 52 having a plurality of first attachment members 56 that provide a first attachment member (eg hook) height value. And a second engagement section 54 with a plurality of second attachment members providing a second attachment member (eg hook) height value. The second height value is different from the first height value, and in certain aspects, the second height value may be made smaller than the first height value. In certain shapes, relatively short attachment members disposed in and distributed over the selected area help to reduce the bonding force in the selected area. In other shapes, relatively short attachment members disposed within and distributed over the selected area help to reduce red spots and / or skin irritation. Such advantages may, for example, allow the attachment members to be disposed and tied away from the wearer's skin and close to the substrate layer. Examples of fastening systems with attachment members of different heights include the attachment elements with a selected height of US Patent Application No. 09 / 348,860, filed Jul. 7, 1999 by B.Nortman et al. MECHANICAL FASTENING SYSTEM HAVING ENGAGEMENT MEMBERS WITH SELECTED HEIGHT ", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

For the various shapes of the present invention, an example of a suitable attachment hook member is VELCRO U.S.A., Inc., an office in Manchester, New Hampshire, entitled VELCRO HTH 829. It is a micro hook member made of a material sold by the company. The micro hook material has inclined, rake attachment members. The hook members can be made to have a hook height of about 0.030 to 0.063 cm (about 0.012 to 0.025 inch) and a hook width of about 0.007 to 0.022 cm (about 0.003 to 10.009 inch). Hook members are formed on a substrate layer having a thickness of about 0.0076 to 0.0008 cm (about 0.003 to 0.0035 inches) and the hook material has a Gurley stiffness of about 12 mgf (about 12 Gurley units). Other suitable hook members can be found in VELCRO HTH 858, VELCRO HTH 851 and VELCRO HTH 863 hook materials. Another suitable type of attachment hook member can be found at 3M CS 200, a 3M company with offices in St. Paul, Minnesota.

For the purposes of the present invention, various strength values are determined in accordance with the bending moment produced by the force applied perpendicular to the plane substantially defined by the length and width of the component being tested. A suitable method of determining the strength values described here is the Gurley strength test and is described in TAPPI Standard Test T 543 om-94 (Bending Resistance of Paper (Gull Tester)). A suitable test apparatus is the Gurley Digital Strength Tester, Model 4171-D, manufactured by Teledyne Gurley with an office in Troy, New York. For purposes of this technique, the Gurley strength values described above correspond to the values produced by a sample of standardized size. Thus, size readings from Gurley strength testers are properly converted to the strength of standard size samples and are generally recorded in mgf. In general, the standard “Gurley unit” is equal to an intensity value of 1 mgf and can be used evenly to record Gurley strength.                 

In various forms of the invention, the loop material is provided by nonwovens, wovens or knits as well as combinations thereof. For example, suitable loop material fabrics are made of two-bar, woven fabrics sold by Guliford Mills, Inc. of Nord Carolina, Greensboro, designated # 34285, as well as other types of knitted fabrics. Suitable loop materials are also sold by 3M, which has provided nylon fabric loops under the SCOTCHMATE trademark. 3M has also sold 3M knitted loop tape and linerless loop fabric with adhesive on the back of the fabric.

The loop material includes a nonwoven fabric having successive bonding regions that form a plurality of separate nonbonding regions. Fibers or filaments in separate unbonded regions of the fabric are dimensionally stabilized by successive bond regions surrounding each bond region, thus eliminating the need for a film or adhesive support layer. Unbonded regions are specifically designed to allow space between the fibers or filaments in the unbonded region that are large enough to accommodate and engage the hook components of complementary hook material. In particular, the unbonded nonwoven or knitted fabric may comprise a spunbond nonwoven formed from one or multiple component melt spun filaments. At least one surface of the nonwoven can include a plurality of discrete, unbonded regions surrounded by continuous bonding regions. The continuous bonding area is non-substantially free from bonding or fusing while dimensionally stabilizing the fibers or filaments that form the nonwoven by joining or fusing together some of the fibers or filaments that extend out of the non-bonding area into the bonding area. Leave fibers or filaments in the bonding area. The degree of bonding or fusion within the bonding area is sufficient to operate as a loop to allow the fibers or filaments in the non-bonding area to receive and engage the hook components, preferably such that the nonwoven is non-fibrous in the non-bonding area. Do. Examples of suitable nonbonding fabrics are described in US Pat. No. 5,858,515 to TJStokes, filed Jan. 12, 1999, "PATTERN-UNBONDED NONWOVEN WEB AND PROCESS FOR MAKING THE. SAME) ", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

The loop material employed in the various shapes of the present invention need not be limited to isolated pieces separated on the outer surface of the article. Instead, the loop material may be provided by a substantially continuous outer fibrous layer that is assembled, integrated, or bonded to extend over a predetermined surface area of the desired article. For example, the outer fibrous layer may be arranged to extend over the entire exposed surface area of the outer cover, such as a cloth employed in the article.

In various aspects of the present invention, the engagement force between the selected first fastener component and the designated second fastener component engaged therewith is consistently large enough to adequately bind the article to the wearer during use. Specifically in certain arrangements where the binding shear force provided by the fastening system is at a sufficiently high level, the fastening engagement is at least about 40 grams per inch of width engaging between the first and second fastener components. gmf / cm) or more. In another arrangement, the fastening bond may provide a peel force of at least about 100 gmf / inch (39 gmf / cm) to provide improved benefit. In a preferred configuration, the fastening bond can provide a peel force value of at least about 200 gmf (80 gmf / inch) per inch of width engaging between the first and second fastener components. Alternatively, the peel force is at least 300 gmf / inch (118 gmf / cm) and for improved benefits is at least 400 gmf / inch (160 gmf / cm). In another aspect, the peel force is about 470 gmf / cm or less. Alternatively, the peel force is about 315 gmf / cm or less and about 240 gmf / cm or less for improved performance.

The coupling force between the selected first coupling component and the designated second coupling component coupled thereto also provides a shear force of at least about 62 gmf per cm ² of bonding area between the first and second coupling components. Alternatively, the shear force is at least about 155 gmf / cm ² , optionally at least 264 gmf / cm ² . In another aspect, the shear force can be at least about 682 gmf / cm ² . Alternatively, the shear force is below 604 gmf / cm ² and optionally has a value below 542 gmf / cm ² to provide improved performance.

For various shapes of the present invention, the peel force can be determined according to the standard procedure ASTM D5170, approved September 15, 1991 and published November 1991. The test specimen is the fastener tab of the article to be evaluated. The test specimen length is a dimension that is aligned along the direction of peel force that is typically applied to release and remove the fasteners during normal use of the article in which the fasteners are employed. The sample width lies on the overall plane of the fastener and is perpendicular to the sample length. The roller unit is 2.05 kg and includes a rubber coating around the rollers. A suitable roller is HR-100, sold by Chemsultants International, Mentor, Ohio. During engagement of the fastener components the roller rotates over the specimen for one period in the clockwise direction of the specimen width. In addition, initial peeling by hand for raising the loop is omitted. During the test, the fastener material bound by the binding clamp may be larger than the fastener material bound in the moving clamp. The initial separation distance between the clamps of the tension tester is 10.2 cm and the extension speed of the tension test device is 50.8 cm / min. The recorded value of the peel test result is an average value of 3 peaks using MTS TESTWORKS software with a 2% error. In addition, the peel force values are generalized and recorded as the force per length of the width dimension of the fastener component on the test specimen, such as g per cm. MTS TESTWORKS software is sold by MTS System Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN.

Shear force values are approved September 15, 1991 and are determined according to the standard procedure ASTM D-5169, published November November 1991. The test specimen consists of the fastener tabs of the article being evaluated. The test specimen length and width generally correspond to the length and width employed to perform the test for the peel force value. In general, the test specimen length is a dimension that is aligned along the direction of peel force typically applied to the fasteners during the normal use of the article in which the fastener is employed. The sample width lies on the overall plane of the fastener and is perpendicular to the sample length. The roller device is 2.05 kg and includes a rubber coating around the roller. A suitable roller is HR-100, sold by Chemsultants International, Mentor, Ohio. During engagement of the fastener components the roller rotates over the specimen for one period in the clockwise direction of the specimen width. In addition, initial peeling by hand for raising the loop is omitted. During the test, the fastener material (eg, loop material) bound by the binding clamp may be larger than the fastener material (eg hook material) bound in the moving clamp. The initial separation distance between the clamps of the tension tester is 10.2 cm and the extension speed of the tension test device is 25.4 cm / min. Shear force values are reported as generalized to the force per unit area of the test specimen, such as gmf per cm ² .

Standardized test procedures will generate binding conditions that can be representative of the consumer's conditions of use. When preparing test specimen materials (eg, hook and loop materials) to determine peel and / or shear forces for representatively shown shapes of the present invention, the dimensions of the selected specimen material are along the longitudinal direction 26 of the actual article. Note that it corresponds to the dimensions of the fastener material being aligned. Similarly, the length of the selected sample material corresponds to the dimensions of the fastener material aligned along the lateral direction 24 of the actual article.

Preferably, a secure engagement between the first and second fastener components is applied to the fastener tab 36 when a tension force is applied outward along the lateral direction aligned generally parallel to the back layer 30 plane of the article. Even if at least about 1,000 g of shear force is applied, the fastener tab 36 should be sufficient to prevent separation from the landing member 50.

Each of the fastener components and fastener members in the various structures of the present invention may be operatively attached to its supporting substrate by employing one or more attachment devices employed to bind the other various components of the article of the present invention. have. The binding members in the various binding regions can be integrally formed by molding, extruding, etc. together with the substrate layer. The mechanical coupling members associated with the substrate layer may be molded from substantially the same material, and no separate step of attaching the coupling members to the initially separated substrate layer is needed. For example, each hook member may be integrally molded simultaneously with the hook substrate layer by extruding the substrate layer and the hook members from substantially the same polymeric material.

It should be appreciated that the strength of the attachment or connection between the substrate layer and the attached tie member must be greater than the peak force required to remove the fastener tab 36 loosely attached to the designated landing member of the article.

Having described the invention in more detail, it will be readily apparent that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Such conversions and adaptations are contemplated within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (24)

An article including a longitudinal direction, a cross-crossing direction, a first article portion, a second article portion, and a fastener for binding the first article portion to the second article portion, The fastener comprises a first fastener component attached to the first article portion and a second fastener component mechanically engageable with the first fastener component and attached to the second article portion to operate together; The first fastener component comprises a first engaging section and a second engaging section located laterally outward from the first engaging section, The first engagement section includes a first quantity of attachment members having attachment hook elements and a plurality of first engagement members having a first quantity of engagement stock member, wherein the first quantity of the engagement stock member is equal to the first quantity. 35% or less of the total number of engagement members in one fastener component, The second engagement section includes a second quantity of attachment members with attachment hook elements, and a plurality of second engagement members with a second quantity of engagement stock member; The first quantity of the attachment member is different from the second quantity of the attachment member, the first quantity of the coupled stock member is different from the second quantity of the coupled stock member, and the second quantity of the coupled stock member The quantity is at least 5% of the total number of engagement members of the first fastener component, Each said stock member has a stock length, a minimum stock width and a distal end, said distal end having a maximum end span not exceeding 130% of said minimum stock width, The first engagement section is configured to provide a first peel force value, The second engagement section is configured to provide a second peel force value, wherein the second peel force value is less than the first peel force value. delete delete The article of claim 1, wherein the attachment hook elements comprise a mushroom cap element. The article of claim 1, wherein the attachment members provide an average hook height value and the stock members provide an average stock height value that is at least 10% of the average hook height value. The method of claim 1, The plurality of first attachment members comprises a first distribution of anisotropic hook members, the plurality of second attachment members comprises a second distribution of anisotropic hook members, Each anisotropic hook member has a bag having a distal end region, an anisotropic attachment element disposed in the distal end region of the corresponding bag, The first distribution of the anisotropic hook member has a first alignment pattern of their anisotropic attachment elements, And the second distribution of the anisotropic hook member has a second alignment pattern of their anisotropic attachment elements, the second alignment pattern being different from the first alignment pattern. The method of claim 1, The plurality of first attachment members includes a first distribution of asymmetric hook members, the plurality of second attachment members includes a second distribution of asymmetric hook members, Each asymmetrical hook member has a bag with a distal section, and has an asymmetric attachment head element disposed in said distal section of its corresponding bag, The first distribution of the asymmetrical hook members has a first alignment pattern of their asymmetrical attachment elements, And the second distribution of the asymmetrical hook members has a second alignment pattern of their asymmetrical attachment elements, the second alignment pattern being different from the first alignment pattern. The method of claim 1, The plurality of first attachment members have a first attachment member height value, And the plurality of second attachment members has a second attachment member height value that is less than the first attachment member height value. The article of claim 1, wherein the second fastener component comprises a loop material. The article of claim 1, wherein the first and second joining sections have a configuration of longitudinally extending strip sections. The article of claim 1, wherein said distal end of each said stock member has a maximum end span that is no greater than 115% of said stock width. The article of claim 1, wherein said distal end of each said stock member has a maximum end span that is no greater than 104% of said stock width. The article of claim 1, wherein the stock members have a minimum stock height of at least 0.025 cm. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first coupling members has a first quantity of stock members per unit area, and the plurality of second coupling members has a second quantity of stock members per unit area, and wherein the first quantity And the second quantity is different. The article of claim 14, wherein the first quantity of stock members is less than the second quantity of stock members. An article including a longitudinal direction, a cross-crossing direction, a first article portion, a second article portion, and a fastener for binding the first article portion to the second article portion, The fastener comprises a first fastener component attached to the first article portion and a second fastener component mechanically engageable with the first fastener component and attached to the second article portion to operate together; The first fastener component comprises a first engaging section and a second engaging section located laterally outward from the first engaging section, The first engagement section includes a first quantity of attachment members having attachment hook elements and a plurality of first engagement members having a first quantity of engagement stock member, wherein the first quantity of attachment member is the first quantity. 95% or less of the total number of fastening components in the fastener component, The second engagement section comprises a second quantity of attachment members having a second quantity of attachment members with attachment hook elements and a plurality of second engagement members having a second quantity of engagement stock member, the second quantity of attachment elements being the first quantity. At least 15% of the total number of fastening components in the fastener component, The plurality of first engagement members have a first quantity of attachment members per unit area of the first engagement section, The plurality of second engagement members has a second quantity of attachment members per unit area of the second engagement section, the second quantity of attachment members is greater than the first quantity of attachment members of the first engagement section, Each said stock member has a stock length, a minimum stock width and a distal end, said distal end having a maximum end span not exceeding 130% of said minimum stock width, The first engagement section is configured to provide a first peel force value, The second engagement section is configured to provide a second peel force value, wherein the second peel force value is greater than the first peel force value. The article of claim 16, wherein the attachment hook elements comprise a mushroom cap element. 18. The article of claim 17, wherein the second fastener component comprises a loop material. The article of claim 16, wherein said distal end of each said stock member has a maximum end span that is no greater than 115% of said stock width. The article of claim 16, wherein said distal end of each said stock member has a maximum end span that is no greater than 104% of said stock width. delete delete delete delete

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