CA1204555A - Resealable adhesive tab fastener - Google Patents
Resealable adhesive tab fastenerInfo
- Publication number
- CA1204555A CA1204555A CA000396626A CA396626A CA1204555A CA 1204555 A CA1204555 A CA 1204555A CA 000396626 A CA000396626 A CA 000396626A CA 396626 A CA396626 A CA 396626A CA 1204555 A CA1204555 A CA 1204555A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tape segment
- adhesive
- diaper
- free end
- gripping means
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/56—Supporting or fastening means
- A61F13/58—Adhesive tab fastener elements
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure Resealable Adhesive Tab Fastener An adhesive resealable tab fastener means suitable for use on a disposable diaper is provided which minimizes tearing of the tab fastener means itself or tearing it from the diaper when opening and closing repeatedly.
The tab fastener means is provided with a grippable holding means and a grippable carrying tape segment.
By being able to grip both parts of the tab fastener means, accidental tearing or rupturing of the fastener or diaper is minimized.
The tab fastener means is provided with a grippable holding means and a grippable carrying tape segment.
By being able to grip both parts of the tab fastener means, accidental tearing or rupturing of the fastener or diaper is minimized.
Description
3~i~
-1- JBP l9S
Resealable Adhesive Tab Fastener Background of the Invention This invention relates to a resealable adhesive tab fastener means suitable or use on a disposable diaper.
Disposable diapers provide substantial advantages and convenience over diapers intended to be laundered and reused, particularly when they are used away from home.
In recent years many different disposable diapers have been proposed and some have been successful in the marketplace. A typical disposable diaper structure comprises a moisture-re..aining absorbent batt of high liquid holding capaci^ty enclosed between a moisture-permeable soft facing sheet and a moisture-impervious backing sheet, generally made of a plastic film. Typical disposable diaper structures are shown in U. S. Patent 3,612~055 to Mesek et al and 3,938,522 to Repke.
As may be seen from the above cited patents, it is desirable to obviate the problems thatare inherent in closure systems which utilize extraneous fasteners such as safety pins, snaps and zippers. To this end, adhesive closures have presented acceptable solu-tions which eliminate the need for pins.
Although tape tab fastening means have become a suitable substitute for extraneous fasteners such as pins, a suitable tape tab fastening system needs to simulate the ability of an extraneous fastener to be opened and, subsequently, closed. Some rather successful attempts have been made to provide resealable adhesive tape tab
-1- JBP l9S
Resealable Adhesive Tab Fastener Background of the Invention This invention relates to a resealable adhesive tab fastener means suitable or use on a disposable diaper.
Disposable diapers provide substantial advantages and convenience over diapers intended to be laundered and reused, particularly when they are used away from home.
In recent years many different disposable diapers have been proposed and some have been successful in the marketplace. A typical disposable diaper structure comprises a moisture-re..aining absorbent batt of high liquid holding capaci^ty enclosed between a moisture-permeable soft facing sheet and a moisture-impervious backing sheet, generally made of a plastic film. Typical disposable diaper structures are shown in U. S. Patent 3,612~055 to Mesek et al and 3,938,522 to Repke.
As may be seen from the above cited patents, it is desirable to obviate the problems thatare inherent in closure systems which utilize extraneous fasteners such as safety pins, snaps and zippers. To this end, adhesive closures have presented acceptable solu-tions which eliminate the need for pins.
Although tape tab fastening means have become a suitable substitute for extraneous fasteners such as pins, a suitable tape tab fastening system needs to simulate the ability of an extraneous fastener to be opened and, subsequently, closed. Some rather successful attempts have been made to provide resealable adhesive tape tab
-2- JBP 195 fasteners. }lowever, most prior tape tab systems have not provided this flexibility. The commercially available tape tabs which are used on disposable diapers generally cannot be opened readily to check for soiling or or repositioning the diaper. On most, i-f not all occasions, undesirable rupture of the outside sheet of the diaper occurs ~hen the tape tab itself is torn in order to check inside the diaper. This tearing has made refastening unmanageable or impossible and frequently results in the loss of a possibly unsoiled diaper.
In an attempt to solve the foregoing problems, U. S. Patent No. 3,848,S96 to Pennau teaches a tape tab fastener fastening means which allows an originally faskened diaper to be opened and subsequently closed. The tape tab consists of two adhesive areas on each tab covered by two release sheets. On the first closure, only one release sheet is removed to expose pressure-sensitive adhesive.
Upon adjustment or inspection, the tape is peeled from the fastened position or the tab torn and the other release sheet is removed exposing fresh adhesive for a subsequent fastening. This arrangement is practical for only two fastenings, the original and one more 9 and has a serious drawback that undesirable rupture ox the diaper can occur when peeling off the tape tab if the diaper user does not choose to tear the tab itself. With a torn fastening area, refastening is very difficult even with a freshly exposed adhesive area on the tape.
Several other U. S. Patents such as ~,G16,114, 3,951,1495 4,049,001 and 4,186,744 have provided resealable tape closures. l~hereas these patents provide systems which may have some deuree of success, in each case the user k~,5~
In an attempt to solve the foregoing problems, U. S. Patent No. 3,848,S96 to Pennau teaches a tape tab fastener fastening means which allows an originally faskened diaper to be opened and subsequently closed. The tape tab consists of two adhesive areas on each tab covered by two release sheets. On the first closure, only one release sheet is removed to expose pressure-sensitive adhesive.
Upon adjustment or inspection, the tape is peeled from the fastened position or the tab torn and the other release sheet is removed exposing fresh adhesive for a subsequent fastening. This arrangement is practical for only two fastenings, the original and one more 9 and has a serious drawback that undesirable rupture ox the diaper can occur when peeling off the tape tab if the diaper user does not choose to tear the tab itself. With a torn fastening area, refastening is very difficult even with a freshly exposed adhesive area on the tape.
Several other U. S. Patents such as ~,G16,114, 3,951,1495 4,049,001 and 4,186,744 have provided resealable tape closures. l~hereas these patents provide systems which may have some deuree of success, in each case the user k~,5~
-3- JBP 195 faces the problem of potential tear on t}-e diaper or the manufacturer faces the problem of having to use more than one kind of adllesive in the tape tab system. The present invention provides a resealable adhesive tab fastener S means requiring only one kind of adhcsive and which does not tear away from the diaper upon opening and closing.
Summary of the Invention According Jo the present invention, an improved economical resealable adhesive tab fastener means is provided for use in disposable diapers. This tab fastener means does not require use of more than one type of adhesive nor does the tab fastener tear the diaper when reopened.
Consequently, the tab fastener means of the present invention is used for the original closure and subsequent closings around the infant to provide good strong adhesive attachment of the diaper.
The resealable adhesive tab fastener means of the present invention comprises a carrying tape segment which has an innerface and an outerface and includes a fixed end secured to the diaper and a free end. The free end includes a gripping means at the terminating end of the free end portion. Also provided is a transferable holding means which is adhesively, but releasably, carried on the innerface of the free end of the carrying tape segment.
The holding means is a tape segment having an adhesi-ve-coated face on the face opposite the face adhesively; but releasably,attached to the carrying tape segment. The holding means is at least co-extensive with the free end of the carrying tape segment and has a gripping means at the terminating end nearest the gripping means of the carrying tape segment. Thus, in use of the resealable tab fastener means of the present invention, each of the tape segments are grlpped, the lower one being held as the holding means while the upper one is pulled from the lower tape segment. Both sections of the tab fastener means are held in the hands preventing tearing of the tab fastener jeans itself and tearing away from the diaper surface. An adhesive with sufficient strength to prevent accidental opening of the diaper can be used, because the user has complete control of the tab fastener when reopening by use of both gripping means.
The improved resealable tab fastener means of the present invention allows one to inspect or adjust the diaper during the service of the diaper. Whereas many disposable diapers have to be discarded even when unsoiled because ox torn tabs or rupture of the diaper, the improved system of the present invention provides the economical advantage of inspections and reuse of the diaper until soiled. Upon refastening, the tape tabs provide a good strong securement to the diaper.
Further features are the economy of manufacture and the assurance that neither the tape tab nor the diaper will tear upon multiple closings.
according to a further broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a resealable adhesive tab fastener means suitable for use on a disposable diaper. The fastener means comprises a carrying tape segment having an innerface and an outerface and including a fixed end secured to the diaper and a free end which includes a gripping means at the terminating end of the free end portion. A transferable holding means is adhesively, but releasably, carried on the innerface of the free end of the carrying tape segment. The holding means is a tape segment having an adhesive coated surface on the face opposite the face adhesively, but releasably, attached to the carrying iape segment. The holding means is at ]east co-extensive with the free end of the carrying tape segment ~4~
and has a gripping means at the terminating end nearest the gripplng means of the carrying tape segment. The gripping means is provided by the absence of adhesive on the tape segment at the terminating end thereof. A
fingerlift comprising a separate piece of material is secured to the adhesive coated surface, or an adhesive-to-adhesive turned over portion of the tape segment at the terminating end thereof. The gripping means allows the opening of the fastener without application of pres-sure to the body of the wearer of the diaper.
According to a further broad aspect of the present in-vention there is provided a disposable diaper having a facing sheet defining a diaper inside surface for direc-tion toward an infant. A moisture-impervious backing sheet extends substantially co-extensive with the facing sheet and defines a diaper outside surface. An absorbent panel is positioned between the facing sheet and the backing sheet. A resealable adhesive tab fastener means is also provided and comprises a carrying tape segment having an innerface and an outerface and including a fixed end secured to the diaper and a free end which in-cludes a gripping means at the terminating end of the free end portion. The tab fastener means also comprises a transferable holding means adhesively, but releasably~
carried on the innerface ox the free end of the carrying tape segment. The holding means is a tape segment having an adhesive coated surface on the face opposite the face adhesively, but releasably, attached to the carrying tape segment. The holding means is at least co-extensive with the free end of the carrying tape segment and has a grip-ping means at the terminating end nearest the gripping means of the carrying tape segment. The gripping means is further provided by the absence of adhesive on the tape segment at the terminating end thereof. A finger-lift is further comprised in the tab fastener means andcomprises a separate piece of material secured to the ~lj, - 4b -adhesive surface, or an adhesive-to-adhesive turned over portion of the tape segment at the terminating end thereof. The gripping means allows the opening of the fastener without application of pressure to the body of the wearer of the diaper.
Brief Description of the Drawinqs FIG. 1 is a perspective view partially broken away to show the interior detail of an open, unfolded diaper in accordance with the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the diaper of FIG. 1 in a configuration assumed by the diaper when placed about the wearer, ~%~4~aS~ii - 5 - JBP l9S
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the tape tab of the diaper of FIG 1 taken along line 3 - 3;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a gripping means of a tab fastener means of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of still another gripping means of a tab fastener means of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of a tab fastener means of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of still another tab fastener means of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a tab fastener means taken along line 8 - 8 of FIG. 2; and FIG. 8A is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the tab fastener of FIG. 8 in an opened position.
Detailed D _ cription of the Present Invention Referring to FIG. 1, a typical diaper 10 comprises a moisture-pervious facing sweet 20 defining a diaper inside surface 12 and overlying moisture-retaining absorbent pad 22. The backing sheet 24 is made of a moisture-impervious material and defines a diaper outside surface 14.
The absorbent pad 22 is somewhat smaller than the backing sheet 24 and is centrally disposed thereon, however, the absorbent pad 22 can be made co-extensive with the backing sheet 24 if desired, The facing sheet 20 is substantially co-extensive with the backing sheet 24.
Both the facing sheet 20 and the pad 22 can be anchored to the backing sheet 2~ by means of adhesive beads 26, glue spots, or in any other convenient manner. or example, if the backing sheet 24 is made of a thermoplastic material, the facing sheet 20 and the pad 22 con be attached thereto by heat bonding. The resealable tab fastener means 16 are shown in FIG. 1 in a closed storage position and in an open position ready for use.
FIG. 2 shows the diaper of FIG. l in a closed position using the tab fastener means 16 to secure the diaper 10 about the wearer. The facing surface 12 is shown on the interior and the backing sheet 24 provides the exterior cover 14.
FIG. 3 depicts a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a tab fastener means 30 which view is provided along lines 3--3 of FIG. l. The carrying tape segment 36 consists of an adhesive layer 38, a release surface 37, and a gripping means 39. The transferable holding means 32 consists of an adhesive layer 33, an exterior surface which is non-adhesive 34, and a gripping means 35. The adhesive layer 33 is first fastened to the exterior diaper surface when first closing the diaper. For opening and then resealing, the adhesive surface 38 is released from the release sur-face 34 by utilization of the gripping means 35 in one hand and the gripping means 39 in the other hand and pulling in opposite directions. This use is further illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 8A. The gripping means depicted in FIG. 3 is a fingerlift gripping means which consists of a non-adhesive piece fastened at the terminating end of the tape segment.
~2~.S~
FIG. 4 depicts another type of gripping means 40 wherein the terminating end of the tape segment 44 is not coated with adhesive 42.
S FIG. 5 illustrates still another gripping means 50 whereupon the adhesive layer 54 is turned back on itself to provide the end 56 whereupon only the non-adhesive surface 52 is exposed.
FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of a resealable tab fastener means 60 whereupon the non-adhesive surface 61 analagous to the non-adhesive surface 37 of FIG. 3 îs shown. The gripping means 65 is provided for the tape segment 61 which comprises the carrying tape segment of the tab fastener means of the present invention. The tape segment 63 depicts the transferable holding means having a gripping means 67.
FIG 7 depicts another tab fastener means 70 of the present invention. In this instance, the holding means tape segment 73 is larger in area than the carrying tape segment 71. The gripping means 77 for the holding means tape segment 73 is of commensurate size. Also, the gripping means 75 for tape segment 71 is commensurate in size. The larger holding means provides an expanded landing area for closing the tab fastener after opening.
FIG. 8 depicts a fragmenkary view of the tab fastener means 16 of FIG. 2 along lines 8 - 8. The front surface of the diaper 80 is held securely to the back portion of the diaper 81 by a combination of the fixed end adhesive 83 of the carrying tape segment 82 and the transferable holding means adhesive layer 88. When reopening the diaper, the carrying tape segment working end 91 is pulled cay from the holding means 86 hy gripping the carrying tape segment gripping means ~5 in one hand and the holding means gripping means 89 in the other hand and pulling the adhesive mass 83 away from the release surface 87. The diaper then opens, retaining the carrying tape segment 82 on the back portion of che diaper and the holding means segment 86 on the front portion 80 ox the diaper. In order to reseal the diaper the carrying tape segment workîng end 91 is replaced against the holding means 86 ancl the adhesive layer 83 readheres to the release surface 87. The opening and closing steps may be repeated as often as desired.
The resealable tab fastener means of the present invention may be adhered to the diaper surface in any manner desired.
The tab fastener means should be firmly affixed to the diaper surface so tllat upon use of the resealable features of the present invention the tab does not become dislodged, When the diaper is in a st.ored state prior to its use the adhesive surface ox the holding means shsuld be protected in such a way as not 'co accidentally adhere to the surface of the diaper prematurely. This can be accomplished by use of a removable release strip, or a release strip which remains attached to a portion of the tab fastener, or a release surface which is adhered to -the diaper surface in a position to permit storage of the tab fastener in a closed but releasable state.
adhesive tabs suitable for the purpose of the present invention can be made frorn a wide variety of backing materials provided that such materials are suficiencly flexible. Preferred materials for this purpose are q5~
pol~alkylene webs such as polyethylene or polypropylene paper, fabric and the like. Particularly preferred are webs which are oriented along the narrow d;mension of the tab or webs thigh have filament reinforcements therein.
The pressure-sensiti~e layers such as adhesive coatings 83 and 88 in FIG. 8, are provided by applying a coating of a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition known in the art to be the appropriate surfaces of the tape segments 82 and 86, respectively. The applied adhesive should have good tack, good cohesive strength good resistance to moisture and good resistance to aging. Illustrative of such adhesive compositions are mixtures of natural or synthetic rubber, zinc oxide and various resins, also latices of natural or synthetic rubber or water dispersions of acrylate tacky polymers or co-polymers, or adhesive compounds based on ethylene vinyl acetate polymers, or block co-polymers, and the like.
Anchored release strips can be made from smooth plastic film having a relatively non-adhering surface, from paper coated with a silicone release compound, or from similar release materials. A number of appropriate release coatings may be used with the present invention. Examples of such coatings are disclosed in U. S. Patent No.
2,822,290 to Webber, U. S. Patent No. 2,880,862 to Sermattei, and U. S. Patent No. 2,985,554 to Dickard.
Referring again to FIG. 1, several different types of facing materials may be used for the diaper facing sheet 20.
For example, a facing sheet may be made up of a mixture of fibers consisting predominantly of inexpellsil~e short cellulosic fibers such as wood pulp fibers or cotton linters ~%~
in amounts of 75-98~, the balance being textile length fibers, such as rayon, as described in U.S. Patent No.
3,663,348 to Liloia et al.
Generally the facing sheet material suitable for use in the invention will have fabric weights in the ranye of about 0.5 -to about 5 oz/yd2 and densities of less than 0.15 gms/cc. The dry strength of the facing sheet for a fabric typically having a weight of about 1.5 oz/yd2 is generally at least 0.15 lbs. per inch of width in the machine direction and at least 0.1 lbs. per inch of width in the cross-direction. Such fabrics have unusually good elongation, loft, softness and drape characteristics.
A fabric sheet may also be made of an apertured non-woven fabric which is formed, for example, in accordance with the teachings of commonly assigned U.S. Paten-t Nos.
2,862,251, 3,081,514 and 3,081,515. Briefly, such fabrics are foraminous structures wherein groups or groupings of fibers have been rearranged from a fibrous non-woven starting web into positions surrounding less dense fabric portions by passage of a fluid through the starting materia].
The fibers within the groupings are mechanically interlocked and may be arranged into various patterns as is well known to those skilled in the art. A suitable binder may be utilized to help retain the fibers in their rearranged Iocations as is also well known by those skilled in the art. The fabric can be made of naturally occurring fibers, synthetic fibers, or blends thereof. Typical facing shee-ts may be made of a polyester-type material and may have a weight of about 0.7 oz/yd2.
In addition, the facing sheet can be formed of a non-apertured material such as a non-wove~ isotropic web or the like. In all of the aforementioned facing materials, the material should be relatively hydrophobic so as to retard wicking within the facing layer also suitable are porous polymeric sheet materials, such as polyalkylene webs having a fibrous surface and the like.
The highly moisture absorbent fibrous pad or batt 22 which usually is substantially rectangular in shape but smaller than the facing sheet and the backing sheet can be formed in accordance with the teachings of U. S. Patent No. 3,612,055 to Mesek et al. If desired, a highly moisture absorbent layer can be provided substantially co-extensive with the backing sheet and the facing sheet.
A suitable backing sheet material for the diapers disclosed in the present application can be an opaque polyethylene web. Another suitable material for this purpose is a poly-ethylene terephthalate web. Typical disposable diaperswhich can be fitted with tape tab adhesive fasteners described here and above are shown in U. S. Patent No.
3,612,055 to Mesek et al and U. S. Patent No. 3,683,916 to Mese~ et al. Other suitable disposable diaper structures which can be improved by the improved tape tab fasteners are shown in U. S. Patent No. Reissue 26,151 to Duncan et al.
In use, a diaper equipped with the adhesive fasteners of the present invention is applied to the infant by laying out the diaper on a suitable flat surface and placing the ïnfant thereon so that the waist underlying end of the diaper is that having lie tab fastener means.
The other end of the diaper then extends downwardly between the infant's legs. Next the downwardly extending end of the diaper is brought up between the infant 7 5 legs to a position contiguous with the front of the infant's waist. The diaper is thereafter secured to the infant by placing the corners of the waist portion of the abdomen-covering encl as far around the infant's waist as they will go and by bringing the corners of the underlying end of the diaper into an overlapping relationship with the aforementioned corner so that the diaper snugly encircles the infant's waist and provides a custom fit. The adhesive fasteners are then prepared for use by exposing the adhesive surface and applying the free-working end of the holding means. The tabs are then used to secure the diaper in the desired position by simply urging the pressure-sensitive adhesive surface in contact with the adjacent outer surface of the diaper and can be detached and refastened as described above. The applied diaper assumes a configuration illustrated in FIG. 2.
The foregoing description and the dral~ings are illustrative but are not to be taken as limiting. Still other variations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Summary of the Invention According Jo the present invention, an improved economical resealable adhesive tab fastener means is provided for use in disposable diapers. This tab fastener means does not require use of more than one type of adhesive nor does the tab fastener tear the diaper when reopened.
Consequently, the tab fastener means of the present invention is used for the original closure and subsequent closings around the infant to provide good strong adhesive attachment of the diaper.
The resealable adhesive tab fastener means of the present invention comprises a carrying tape segment which has an innerface and an outerface and includes a fixed end secured to the diaper and a free end. The free end includes a gripping means at the terminating end of the free end portion. Also provided is a transferable holding means which is adhesively, but releasably, carried on the innerface of the free end of the carrying tape segment.
The holding means is a tape segment having an adhesi-ve-coated face on the face opposite the face adhesively; but releasably,attached to the carrying tape segment. The holding means is at least co-extensive with the free end of the carrying tape segment and has a gripping means at the terminating end nearest the gripping means of the carrying tape segment. Thus, in use of the resealable tab fastener means of the present invention, each of the tape segments are grlpped, the lower one being held as the holding means while the upper one is pulled from the lower tape segment. Both sections of the tab fastener means are held in the hands preventing tearing of the tab fastener jeans itself and tearing away from the diaper surface. An adhesive with sufficient strength to prevent accidental opening of the diaper can be used, because the user has complete control of the tab fastener when reopening by use of both gripping means.
The improved resealable tab fastener means of the present invention allows one to inspect or adjust the diaper during the service of the diaper. Whereas many disposable diapers have to be discarded even when unsoiled because ox torn tabs or rupture of the diaper, the improved system of the present invention provides the economical advantage of inspections and reuse of the diaper until soiled. Upon refastening, the tape tabs provide a good strong securement to the diaper.
Further features are the economy of manufacture and the assurance that neither the tape tab nor the diaper will tear upon multiple closings.
according to a further broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a resealable adhesive tab fastener means suitable for use on a disposable diaper. The fastener means comprises a carrying tape segment having an innerface and an outerface and including a fixed end secured to the diaper and a free end which includes a gripping means at the terminating end of the free end portion. A transferable holding means is adhesively, but releasably, carried on the innerface of the free end of the carrying tape segment. The holding means is a tape segment having an adhesive coated surface on the face opposite the face adhesively, but releasably, attached to the carrying iape segment. The holding means is at ]east co-extensive with the free end of the carrying tape segment ~4~
and has a gripping means at the terminating end nearest the gripplng means of the carrying tape segment. The gripping means is provided by the absence of adhesive on the tape segment at the terminating end thereof. A
fingerlift comprising a separate piece of material is secured to the adhesive coated surface, or an adhesive-to-adhesive turned over portion of the tape segment at the terminating end thereof. The gripping means allows the opening of the fastener without application of pres-sure to the body of the wearer of the diaper.
According to a further broad aspect of the present in-vention there is provided a disposable diaper having a facing sheet defining a diaper inside surface for direc-tion toward an infant. A moisture-impervious backing sheet extends substantially co-extensive with the facing sheet and defines a diaper outside surface. An absorbent panel is positioned between the facing sheet and the backing sheet. A resealable adhesive tab fastener means is also provided and comprises a carrying tape segment having an innerface and an outerface and including a fixed end secured to the diaper and a free end which in-cludes a gripping means at the terminating end of the free end portion. The tab fastener means also comprises a transferable holding means adhesively, but releasably~
carried on the innerface ox the free end of the carrying tape segment. The holding means is a tape segment having an adhesive coated surface on the face opposite the face adhesively, but releasably, attached to the carrying tape segment. The holding means is at least co-extensive with the free end of the carrying tape segment and has a grip-ping means at the terminating end nearest the gripping means of the carrying tape segment. The gripping means is further provided by the absence of adhesive on the tape segment at the terminating end thereof. A finger-lift is further comprised in the tab fastener means andcomprises a separate piece of material secured to the ~lj, - 4b -adhesive surface, or an adhesive-to-adhesive turned over portion of the tape segment at the terminating end thereof. The gripping means allows the opening of the fastener without application of pressure to the body of the wearer of the diaper.
Brief Description of the Drawinqs FIG. 1 is a perspective view partially broken away to show the interior detail of an open, unfolded diaper in accordance with the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the diaper of FIG. 1 in a configuration assumed by the diaper when placed about the wearer, ~%~4~aS~ii - 5 - JBP l9S
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the tape tab of the diaper of FIG 1 taken along line 3 - 3;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a gripping means of a tab fastener means of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of still another gripping means of a tab fastener means of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of a tab fastener means of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of still another tab fastener means of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a tab fastener means taken along line 8 - 8 of FIG. 2; and FIG. 8A is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the tab fastener of FIG. 8 in an opened position.
Detailed D _ cription of the Present Invention Referring to FIG. 1, a typical diaper 10 comprises a moisture-pervious facing sweet 20 defining a diaper inside surface 12 and overlying moisture-retaining absorbent pad 22. The backing sheet 24 is made of a moisture-impervious material and defines a diaper outside surface 14.
The absorbent pad 22 is somewhat smaller than the backing sheet 24 and is centrally disposed thereon, however, the absorbent pad 22 can be made co-extensive with the backing sheet 24 if desired, The facing sheet 20 is substantially co-extensive with the backing sheet 24.
Both the facing sheet 20 and the pad 22 can be anchored to the backing sheet 2~ by means of adhesive beads 26, glue spots, or in any other convenient manner. or example, if the backing sheet 24 is made of a thermoplastic material, the facing sheet 20 and the pad 22 con be attached thereto by heat bonding. The resealable tab fastener means 16 are shown in FIG. 1 in a closed storage position and in an open position ready for use.
FIG. 2 shows the diaper of FIG. l in a closed position using the tab fastener means 16 to secure the diaper 10 about the wearer. The facing surface 12 is shown on the interior and the backing sheet 24 provides the exterior cover 14.
FIG. 3 depicts a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a tab fastener means 30 which view is provided along lines 3--3 of FIG. l. The carrying tape segment 36 consists of an adhesive layer 38, a release surface 37, and a gripping means 39. The transferable holding means 32 consists of an adhesive layer 33, an exterior surface which is non-adhesive 34, and a gripping means 35. The adhesive layer 33 is first fastened to the exterior diaper surface when first closing the diaper. For opening and then resealing, the adhesive surface 38 is released from the release sur-face 34 by utilization of the gripping means 35 in one hand and the gripping means 39 in the other hand and pulling in opposite directions. This use is further illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 8A. The gripping means depicted in FIG. 3 is a fingerlift gripping means which consists of a non-adhesive piece fastened at the terminating end of the tape segment.
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FIG. 4 depicts another type of gripping means 40 wherein the terminating end of the tape segment 44 is not coated with adhesive 42.
S FIG. 5 illustrates still another gripping means 50 whereupon the adhesive layer 54 is turned back on itself to provide the end 56 whereupon only the non-adhesive surface 52 is exposed.
FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of a resealable tab fastener means 60 whereupon the non-adhesive surface 61 analagous to the non-adhesive surface 37 of FIG. 3 îs shown. The gripping means 65 is provided for the tape segment 61 which comprises the carrying tape segment of the tab fastener means of the present invention. The tape segment 63 depicts the transferable holding means having a gripping means 67.
FIG 7 depicts another tab fastener means 70 of the present invention. In this instance, the holding means tape segment 73 is larger in area than the carrying tape segment 71. The gripping means 77 for the holding means tape segment 73 is of commensurate size. Also, the gripping means 75 for tape segment 71 is commensurate in size. The larger holding means provides an expanded landing area for closing the tab fastener after opening.
FIG. 8 depicts a fragmenkary view of the tab fastener means 16 of FIG. 2 along lines 8 - 8. The front surface of the diaper 80 is held securely to the back portion of the diaper 81 by a combination of the fixed end adhesive 83 of the carrying tape segment 82 and the transferable holding means adhesive layer 88. When reopening the diaper, the carrying tape segment working end 91 is pulled cay from the holding means 86 hy gripping the carrying tape segment gripping means ~5 in one hand and the holding means gripping means 89 in the other hand and pulling the adhesive mass 83 away from the release surface 87. The diaper then opens, retaining the carrying tape segment 82 on the back portion of che diaper and the holding means segment 86 on the front portion 80 ox the diaper. In order to reseal the diaper the carrying tape segment workîng end 91 is replaced against the holding means 86 ancl the adhesive layer 83 readheres to the release surface 87. The opening and closing steps may be repeated as often as desired.
The resealable tab fastener means of the present invention may be adhered to the diaper surface in any manner desired.
The tab fastener means should be firmly affixed to the diaper surface so tllat upon use of the resealable features of the present invention the tab does not become dislodged, When the diaper is in a st.ored state prior to its use the adhesive surface ox the holding means shsuld be protected in such a way as not 'co accidentally adhere to the surface of the diaper prematurely. This can be accomplished by use of a removable release strip, or a release strip which remains attached to a portion of the tab fastener, or a release surface which is adhered to -the diaper surface in a position to permit storage of the tab fastener in a closed but releasable state.
adhesive tabs suitable for the purpose of the present invention can be made frorn a wide variety of backing materials provided that such materials are suficiencly flexible. Preferred materials for this purpose are q5~
pol~alkylene webs such as polyethylene or polypropylene paper, fabric and the like. Particularly preferred are webs which are oriented along the narrow d;mension of the tab or webs thigh have filament reinforcements therein.
The pressure-sensiti~e layers such as adhesive coatings 83 and 88 in FIG. 8, are provided by applying a coating of a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition known in the art to be the appropriate surfaces of the tape segments 82 and 86, respectively. The applied adhesive should have good tack, good cohesive strength good resistance to moisture and good resistance to aging. Illustrative of such adhesive compositions are mixtures of natural or synthetic rubber, zinc oxide and various resins, also latices of natural or synthetic rubber or water dispersions of acrylate tacky polymers or co-polymers, or adhesive compounds based on ethylene vinyl acetate polymers, or block co-polymers, and the like.
Anchored release strips can be made from smooth plastic film having a relatively non-adhering surface, from paper coated with a silicone release compound, or from similar release materials. A number of appropriate release coatings may be used with the present invention. Examples of such coatings are disclosed in U. S. Patent No.
2,822,290 to Webber, U. S. Patent No. 2,880,862 to Sermattei, and U. S. Patent No. 2,985,554 to Dickard.
Referring again to FIG. 1, several different types of facing materials may be used for the diaper facing sheet 20.
For example, a facing sheet may be made up of a mixture of fibers consisting predominantly of inexpellsil~e short cellulosic fibers such as wood pulp fibers or cotton linters ~%~
in amounts of 75-98~, the balance being textile length fibers, such as rayon, as described in U.S. Patent No.
3,663,348 to Liloia et al.
Generally the facing sheet material suitable for use in the invention will have fabric weights in the ranye of about 0.5 -to about 5 oz/yd2 and densities of less than 0.15 gms/cc. The dry strength of the facing sheet for a fabric typically having a weight of about 1.5 oz/yd2 is generally at least 0.15 lbs. per inch of width in the machine direction and at least 0.1 lbs. per inch of width in the cross-direction. Such fabrics have unusually good elongation, loft, softness and drape characteristics.
A fabric sheet may also be made of an apertured non-woven fabric which is formed, for example, in accordance with the teachings of commonly assigned U.S. Paten-t Nos.
2,862,251, 3,081,514 and 3,081,515. Briefly, such fabrics are foraminous structures wherein groups or groupings of fibers have been rearranged from a fibrous non-woven starting web into positions surrounding less dense fabric portions by passage of a fluid through the starting materia].
The fibers within the groupings are mechanically interlocked and may be arranged into various patterns as is well known to those skilled in the art. A suitable binder may be utilized to help retain the fibers in their rearranged Iocations as is also well known by those skilled in the art. The fabric can be made of naturally occurring fibers, synthetic fibers, or blends thereof. Typical facing shee-ts may be made of a polyester-type material and may have a weight of about 0.7 oz/yd2.
In addition, the facing sheet can be formed of a non-apertured material such as a non-wove~ isotropic web or the like. In all of the aforementioned facing materials, the material should be relatively hydrophobic so as to retard wicking within the facing layer also suitable are porous polymeric sheet materials, such as polyalkylene webs having a fibrous surface and the like.
The highly moisture absorbent fibrous pad or batt 22 which usually is substantially rectangular in shape but smaller than the facing sheet and the backing sheet can be formed in accordance with the teachings of U. S. Patent No. 3,612,055 to Mesek et al. If desired, a highly moisture absorbent layer can be provided substantially co-extensive with the backing sheet and the facing sheet.
A suitable backing sheet material for the diapers disclosed in the present application can be an opaque polyethylene web. Another suitable material for this purpose is a poly-ethylene terephthalate web. Typical disposable diaperswhich can be fitted with tape tab adhesive fasteners described here and above are shown in U. S. Patent No.
3,612,055 to Mesek et al and U. S. Patent No. 3,683,916 to Mese~ et al. Other suitable disposable diaper structures which can be improved by the improved tape tab fasteners are shown in U. S. Patent No. Reissue 26,151 to Duncan et al.
In use, a diaper equipped with the adhesive fasteners of the present invention is applied to the infant by laying out the diaper on a suitable flat surface and placing the ïnfant thereon so that the waist underlying end of the diaper is that having lie tab fastener means.
The other end of the diaper then extends downwardly between the infant's legs. Next the downwardly extending end of the diaper is brought up between the infant 7 5 legs to a position contiguous with the front of the infant's waist. The diaper is thereafter secured to the infant by placing the corners of the waist portion of the abdomen-covering encl as far around the infant's waist as they will go and by bringing the corners of the underlying end of the diaper into an overlapping relationship with the aforementioned corner so that the diaper snugly encircles the infant's waist and provides a custom fit. The adhesive fasteners are then prepared for use by exposing the adhesive surface and applying the free-working end of the holding means. The tabs are then used to secure the diaper in the desired position by simply urging the pressure-sensitive adhesive surface in contact with the adjacent outer surface of the diaper and can be detached and refastened as described above. The applied diaper assumes a configuration illustrated in FIG. 2.
The foregoing description and the dral~ings are illustrative but are not to be taken as limiting. Still other variations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims (5)
1. A resealable adhesive tab fastener means suit-able for use on a disposable diaper comprising:
(a) a carrying tape segment having an innerface and an outerface and including a fixed end secured to the diaper and a free end which includes a gripping means at the terminating end of the free end portion, and (b) a transferable holding means adhesive, but releasably, carried on the innerface of the free end of said carrying tape segment, said holding means being a tape segment having an adhesive coated surface on the face opposite the face adhesively, but releasably attached to said carrying tape segment, said holding means being at least co-extensive with the free end of said carrying tape segment and having a gripping means at the terminating end nearest the gripping means of said carrying tape segment, said gripping means being provided by the absence of adhesive on the tape segment at the terminating end thereof, a fingerlift comprising a separate piece of material secured to the adhesive coated surface, or an adhesive-to-adhesive turned over portion of the tape segment at the terminating end thereof, said gripping means allowing the opening of said fastener without application of pressure to the body of the wearer of said diaper.
(a) a carrying tape segment having an innerface and an outerface and including a fixed end secured to the diaper and a free end which includes a gripping means at the terminating end of the free end portion, and (b) a transferable holding means adhesive, but releasably, carried on the innerface of the free end of said carrying tape segment, said holding means being a tape segment having an adhesive coated surface on the face opposite the face adhesively, but releasably attached to said carrying tape segment, said holding means being at least co-extensive with the free end of said carrying tape segment and having a gripping means at the terminating end nearest the gripping means of said carrying tape segment, said gripping means being provided by the absence of adhesive on the tape segment at the terminating end thereof, a fingerlift comprising a separate piece of material secured to the adhesive coated surface, or an adhesive-to-adhesive turned over portion of the tape segment at the terminating end thereof, said gripping means allowing the opening of said fastener without application of pressure to the body of the wearer of said diaper.
2. The tab fastener means of claim 1 wherein the holding means is sufficient in length to substantially cover the free end of the carrying tape segment.
3. The tab fastener means of claim 1 wherein the holding means is sufficient in length to extend beyond the gripping means of the carrying tape segment.
4. The tab fastener means of claim 1 wherein the holding means is larger in area than the free end of the carrying tape segment.
5. A disposable diaper having a facing sheet defining a diaper inside surface for direction toward an infant, a moisture-impervious backing sheet substantially co-extensive with said facing sheet and defining a diaper outside surface, an absorbent panel positioned between said facing sheet and said backing sheet and a resealable adhesive tab fastener means which comprises:
(a) a carrying tape segment having an innerface and an outerface and including a fixed end secured to the diaper and a free end which includes a gripping means at the terminating end of the free end portion; and (b) a transferable holding means adhesively, but releasably, carried on the innerface of the free end of said carrying tape segment, said holding means being a tape segment having an adhesive coated surface on the face opposite the face adhesively, but releasably, attached to said carrying tape segment, said holding means being at least co-extensive with the free end of said carrying tape segment and having a gripping means at the terminating end nearest the gripping means of said carrying tape segment, said gripping means being provided by the absence of adhesive on the tape segment at the terminating end thereof, a fingerlift comprising a separate piece of material secured to the adhesive surface, or an adhesive-to-adhesive turned over portion of the tape segment at the terminating end thereof, said gripping means allowing the opening of said fastener without application of pressure to the body of the wearer of said diaper.
(a) a carrying tape segment having an innerface and an outerface and including a fixed end secured to the diaper and a free end which includes a gripping means at the terminating end of the free end portion; and (b) a transferable holding means adhesively, but releasably, carried on the innerface of the free end of said carrying tape segment, said holding means being a tape segment having an adhesive coated surface on the face opposite the face adhesively, but releasably, attached to said carrying tape segment, said holding means being at least co-extensive with the free end of said carrying tape segment and having a gripping means at the terminating end nearest the gripping means of said carrying tape segment, said gripping means being provided by the absence of adhesive on the tape segment at the terminating end thereof, a fingerlift comprising a separate piece of material secured to the adhesive surface, or an adhesive-to-adhesive turned over portion of the tape segment at the terminating end thereof, said gripping means allowing the opening of said fastener without application of pressure to the body of the wearer of said diaper.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US23640681A | 1981-02-23 | 1981-02-23 | |
| US236,406 | 1981-02-23 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1204555A true CA1204555A (en) | 1986-05-20 |
Family
ID=22889362
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000396626A Expired CA1204555A (en) | 1981-02-23 | 1982-02-19 | Resealable adhesive tab fastener |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS57161102A (en) |
| AR (1) | AR229604A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU544304B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8200907A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1204555A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3206394A1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES272527Y (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ199669A (en) |
| PT (1) | PT74472B (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA821147B (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3727078A1 (en) * | 1987-08-14 | 1989-02-23 | Beiersdorf Ag | SILICONE RELEASE |
| US5288546A (en) * | 1992-07-31 | 1994-02-22 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Attachment tape finger tab |
| US6758644B1 (en) | 2001-11-16 | 2004-07-06 | Wayne E. Vick | Composite restraint system for securing freight |
-
1982
- 1982-02-08 NZ NZ199669A patent/NZ199669A/en unknown
- 1982-02-19 CA CA000396626A patent/CA1204555A/en not_active Expired
- 1982-02-19 BR BR8200907A patent/BR8200907A/en unknown
- 1982-02-22 ZA ZA821147A patent/ZA821147B/en unknown
- 1982-02-22 AR AR288506A patent/AR229604A1/en active
- 1982-02-22 ES ES1982272527U patent/ES272527Y/en not_active Expired
- 1982-02-22 DE DE19823206394 patent/DE3206394A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1982-02-22 PT PT74472A patent/PT74472B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1982-02-22 JP JP57026177A patent/JPS57161102A/en active Pending
- 1982-02-23 AU AU80713/82A patent/AU544304B2/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ES272527Y (en) | 1984-10-01 |
| BR8200907A (en) | 1982-12-28 |
| ZA821147B (en) | 1983-09-28 |
| AR229604A1 (en) | 1983-09-30 |
| PT74472A (en) | 1982-03-01 |
| DE3206394A1 (en) | 1982-11-04 |
| NZ199669A (en) | 1984-05-31 |
| JPS57161102A (en) | 1982-10-04 |
| AU8071382A (en) | 1982-09-02 |
| AU544304B2 (en) | 1985-05-23 |
| ES272527U (en) | 1984-03-01 |
| PT74472B (en) | 1984-08-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |