JP2009527315A - Non-woven fabric for female members of fastening systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The fastening system includes an engaging component and a receiving component. The engagement component has a plurality of engagement elements that are engageable with the receiving component. The receiving component includes a nonwoven having a composite fiber, an embossed portion, and a non-embossed portion. The composite fibers are bonded together at the embossed part. The composite fiber includes a first propylene polymer and a second propylene polymer, wherein the first and second propylene polymers are continuously stretched in the longitudinal direction so that the second propylene polymer is the first propylene polymer. The embossed portion associated with the polymer, in which the bicomponent fibers form a corrugation, has a plurality of zigzag unit patterns arranged in the machine direction, ranging from about 0.5 to about 2.0. with a ratio of _{W 1} / W _2.

Description

  The present invention relates to a non-woven fabric for a female member of a mechanical fastener, comprising a fiber loop that engages a male member having a fastening hook and removably fastened, and its use. The invention further relates to a nonwoven for a female member of a mechanical fastener that utilizes a nonwoven having fibers that are thermally crimped by a hot embossing finish, and uses thereof.

  The present invention proceeded according to a collaborative research agreement between Procter & Gamble Company and Mitsui Chemicals Inc.

  Mechanical fasteners in which a male member with a fastening hook and a female member with a fiber loop are engaged and detachably fastened can be used in a disposable product such as a disposable diaper. The use of these mechanical fasteners can facilitate removal of the disposable diaper and provide an appropriate fastening force. Typically, the mechanical fastener includes an engaging component and a female member. In some cases, the female member may include a non-woven fabric.

  A nonwoven fabric provided with a loop formed by entanglement of fibers based on a needle punch, hot embossing finish or the like is proposed as a female member of the mechanical fastener. Traditionally, nonwovens have been formed into webs using needle punches, stitch bonds, and water-jet interweaving. In addition, non-woven fabrics can be formed into webs by thermally compressing the fibers using a hot embossing finish, and such loops can be applied to non-embossed parts between the thermally crimped and embossed parts. Form. Moreover, the nonwoven fabric for using as a female member of a fastener can be formed in the area where an intermittent non-embossed part is formed between continuous embossed parts.

  It is important that the female member has sufficient adhesion. For example, if the male member has sufficient adhesive force, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the peel strength will decrease despite repeated fastening and releasing using the male member. Furthermore, it is important to have sufficient mechanical strength in both the MD and CD directions. Also, a high bulk and soft feel is desirable for use as a fastening component for articles that come into direct contact with the skin, such as disposable diapers, incontinence products, and surgical clothing.

  Typically, the primary purpose of nonwovens for use as female members of fastening systems is to prevent an increase in peel strength and a decrease in peel strength after repeated use. However, a fastening system with sufficient mechanical strength in all ranges of peel strength, repeated peel strength and tensile shear strength, while having high mechanical strength in both MD and CD directions, plus high bulkiness Non-woven fabrics for female members are not yet known in the past.

  Therefore, when used as a female member of a fastening system, a nonwoven fabric laminate with high bulkiness, excellent flexibility and water repellency and surface smoothness, as well as a nonwoven fabric with adhesive strength and mechanical strength. There is a need.

  The object of the present invention is to have a high mechanical strength in both MD and CD directions, as well as bulkiness, while having sufficient adhesion in all ranges of peel strength, repeated peel strength, and tensile shear strength. It is to provide a fastening system having a nonwoven fabric for use as a female member of a fastener.

  A fastening system made in accordance with the present invention may include an engaging component and a receiving component. The engagement component includes a plurality of engagement elements that are engageable with the receiving component.

The receiving component includes a nonwoven having a composite fiber, an embossed portion and a non-embossed portion. The composite fibers are bonded together in the embossed part. Further, the composite fiber includes a first propylene polymer and a second propylene polymer, the first and second propylene polymers extending continuously in the longitudinal direction, and the second propylene type polymer having the composite fiber therein. Associated with the first propylene type polymer so as to form a corrugation. The composite fibers are bonded together within the embossed portion and the unit pattern has a ratio of W ₁ / W _{2 in} the range of about 0.5 to about 2.0.

  In some embodiments, the embossed portion includes a plurality of zigzag unit patterns arranged in the machine direction with a predetermined gap. The zigzag unit pattern generally extends continuously in parallel to the transverse direction of the embossing roll. Each of the zigzag unit patterns includes a continuous zigzag pattern, and a plurality of first diagonal lines and a plurality of second diagonal lines are alternately arranged and connected to each other adjacent to the end portions of the diagonal lines. The first diagonal is disposed at a first angle with respect to the transverse direction and is tilted to one side at substantially the same angle as the first angle with respect to the machine direction. The second diagonal line is disposed at a second angle with respect to the transverse direction and is inclined to the other side at approximately the same angle as the second angle with respect to the machine direction. The first diagonal and the second diagonal in the zigzag unit pattern form a triangle that includes three adjacent contacts of the diagonal. The triangle includes a portion of the zigzag unit pattern extending in the machine direction adjacent thereto.

  In some embodiments, the disposable article may include the fastening system described above. The article may include an outer surface and a surface facing the wearer. The fastening system can be placed on the wearer-facing or outer surface of the disposable article.

Definitions As used herein, the terms “absorbent article” and “article” refer to a wearable device that absorbs and / or contains liquid, and more specifically, in contact with or in close proximity to the wearer's body. Refers to devices that are placed and absorb and contain various effluents excreted from the body. Suitable examples include diapers, training pants, refastenable pants, pull-on underwear, adult incontinence products, and feminine care products such as sanitary napkins. Furthermore, the terms “absorbent article” and “article” are intended to be discarded after 10 uses, preferably after 5 uses, more preferably after a single use and are washed. Or “disposable absorbent articles” that are not intended to be restored otherwise (although certain components may be reused, reused, or composted).

  As used herein, the term “adhesive strength” includes “peel strength”, “repeated peel strength” and “shear strength”. Furthermore, “shear strength” may be referred to herein as “extension shear strength” or “extension strength”.

  “Body-facing”, “wearer-facing”, “facing outward”, and “clothing-facing” each refer to the relative position of an element, the surface of an element, or a collection of elements. “Body facing” and “facing the wearer” include the meaning that an element or surface is closer to the wearer than other elements or surfaces during wear. “Apparel facing” and “facing outward” indicate that the element or surface is more distant from the wearer than other elements or surfaces during wear (ie, the element or surface is a disposable absorbent article) Close to the wearer's clothing that may be worn on top).

  As used herein, the term “corrugated” refers to the nature of a fiber having at least one fold or ridge. The term “corrugated” includes fibers with multiple folds, fibers with curls, and / or fibers that form a spiral or twisted structure.

  The term “diaper” as used herein is generally worn by infants and incontinent persons around the waist and legs of the wearer around the lower torso and accepts and contains urine and fecal excretion Refers to an absorbent article that is particularly adapted to. The term “diaper” as used herein also includes “pants” as defined below.

  “Elastic extensibility” as used herein refers to the property of an extensible material that has a force that returns to approximately its original dimensions after removing the force that stretched the extensible material. Any material or element described herein as “extensive” may be “elastically extensible” unless otherwise specified.

  As used herein, the term “joined” refers to a configuration in which an element is secured directly to another element by directly securing the element to another element, as well as an element in the intermediate member ( One or more), which in turn is secured to another element, thereby including that element is indirectly secured to another element.

  The term “longitudinal” is used herein to refer to a direction substantially parallel to the longest edge of an element, unless otherwise stated. In the context of a disposable absorbent article, the “longitudinal direction” runs generally perpendicular from the waist edge of the article to the opposite waist edge, and generally parallel to the longest linear dimension of the article. The direction within ± 45 degrees of the longitudinal direction is considered to be the “longitudinal direction”.

  The term “lateral” refers to a direction that runs substantially perpendicular to and in the same plane as the “longitudinal” direction. In disposable absorbent articles, the “lateral” direction passes from one longitudinal edge of the article to the opposite longitudinal edge of the article. Directions within ± 45 ° of the lateral direction are considered “lateral”.

  The term “machine direction” or “MD” refers to a direction generally parallel to the forward direction of a material, member, element, item, component, etc. that undergoes a process. For example, nonwoven fabrics are typically formed with a machine direction that corresponds to the length or roll direction of manufacture. The machine direction can also be the main direction of fiber orientation in the nonwoven fabric.

  The term “cross machine direction” or “CD” refers to a direction that is generally perpendicular to and in the same plane as the machine direction.

  As used herein, the terms “pants”, “training pants”, “closed diapers”, “pre-fastened diapers”, and “pull-on diapers” refer to the waist designed for infant or adult wearers Refers to a disposable garment having an opening and a leg opening. The pants can be configured to have a closed waist opening and leg openings before being worn on the wearer, or the pants can be closed while the waist opening is on the wearer. And leg openings can be formed. The pants may be preformed by any suitable technique including, but not limited to, joining parts of an article together using a refastenable fastening system. The pants may be formed in advance at any point along the periphery of the article (for example, side fastening, front waist fastening, back waist fastening). Examples of suitable pants are US Pat. Nos. 5,246,433, 5,569,234, 6,120,487, 6,120,489, 4,940, No. 464, No. 5,092,861, No. 5,897,545, No. 5,957,908, and US Patent Publication No. 2003 / 0233082A1.

  As used herein, “receiving component” may refer to “female fastener element”.

DESCRIPTION The fastening system of the present invention is a female fastener element having sufficient adhesion in all ranges of peel strength, repeated peel strength, and tensile shear strength, plus high mechanical strength in both the MD and CD directions. including. Furthermore, the nonwoven fabric for use as the female fastener element of the present invention has a high degree of bulk and flexibility and is effectively used as a disposable absorbent article or many other consumer goods, as will be discussed later. can do.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, a fastening system 10 made in accordance with the present invention may include an engaging component 12 and a receiving component 100. The engagement component 12 may include a plurality of engagement elements 14 that extend outwardly from the engagement surface 16. The receiving component 100 may include a plurality of looped fibers (not shown) that can be entangled with the plurality of hooks 14 of the engaging component 12. Examples of suitable engagement components are discussed later.

  The fastening system 10 can be used for various consumer goods and commodities that may benefit from having the fastening system of the present invention. Some examples of articles that can utilize the fastening system of the present invention include disposable absorbent articles, body wraps, packaging, and industrial articles for medical pads, medical articles, and the like.

  The receiving component 100 may include a non-woven fabric. Non-woven fabrics for use as receiving components of the present invention may include non-woven fabrics made from corrugated composite fibers (hereinafter simply referred to as composite fibers or non-woven laminates made therefrom). The corrugated composite fiber may comprise a first propylene type polymer and a second propylene type polymer. The first and second propylene type polymers are arranged to occupy substantially separate areas of the cross-section of the composite fiber and can extend continuously in the length direction. In some embodiments, each first and second propylene type polymer forms at least a portion of a peripheral surface along the length of the composite fiber. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15A, the composite fiber 1500 can be a side-by-side type composite fiber, and the first propylene-type polymer 1502 and the second propylene-type polymer 1510 The first and second propylene type polymers 1502 and 1510 each extend in parallel along the length of the composite fiber so as to form about 50% of the peripheral surface 1520 of the composite fiber 1500.

  The first propylene type polymer 1502 and the second propylene type polymer 1510 can be arranged in any suitable shape that provides a corrugation in the resulting fiber 1500. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15B, the second propylene-type polymer 1510 is asymmetrically assigned within the first propylene-type polymer 1502 within the first propylene-type polymer. In some cases, a cross-like pattern is formed. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15C, a second propylene-type polymer 1510 is formed such that the first propylene polymer 1502 includes about 100% of the peripheral surface 1520 of the composite fiber 1500. Can be completely surrounded by a propylene-type polymer 1502. The second propylene type polymer 1510 can be asymmetrically allocated within the first propylene type polymer 1502 to provide the resulting fiber 1500. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15D, the first propylene-type polymer 1502 and the second propylene-type polymer 1510 have an opening 1530 with the first propylene-type polymer and the second propylene-type polymer. They may be in parallel orientation, as formed between types of polymers.

  Further, embodiments are contemplated in which the second propylene-type polymer 1510 includes any number that exceeds about 50% of the peripheral surface 1520 of the composite fiber 1500. Further, embodiments are contemplated in which the second propylene type polymer 1510 includes any number less than about 50% of the peripheral surface 1520 of the composite fiber 1500. Also, the first propylene type polymer 1502 can be configured in the same manner as the second propylene type polymer 1510, and vice versa. Embodiments are contemplated in which the fibers are corrugated so that the fibers curl or form a helical structure.

  In some embodiments, the melting point of the first propylene type polymer 1502 as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) can be at least 15 ° C. higher than the melting point of the second propylene type polymer 1510. In some embodiments, the melting point of the first propylene type polymer 1502 is in the range of about 15 ° C. to about 60 ° C., or higher than the melting point of the second propylene type polymer 1510, Can be a number.

  Further, the measured weight ratio of the first propylene-type polymer 1502 to the second propylene-type polymer 1510 is, in some embodiments, in the range of about 50/50 to about 5/95, or any Ratio. In some embodiments, the weight ratio can range from about 40/60 to about 10/90, or any ratio within the range. In some embodiments, the weight ratio can range from about 30/70 to about 10/90, or any ratio within the range.

  In some embodiments, a possible method for determining the weight ratio of the first propylene type polymer 1502 to the second propylene type polymer 1510 may be temperature programmed elution fractionation (TREF). is there. For example, a cross-fractionation chromatograph T-150A manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemicals Corporation, an IR spectrum apparatus 1ACVF (3.42 micrometers at 135 ° C.) manufactured by Milan, and an inner diameter of 4 mm and a length of 150 mm The weight ratio may be measured using a TREF column with

  Other steps may include using o-dichlorobenzene (ODCB) eluent (flow rate 1.0 mL / min), 30 mg / 10 mL-ODCB concentration sample, and 500 microliter analyte volume. Still other conditions may include cooling the sample at 135 ° C. to 0 ° C. for 135 minutes, and then holding the sample at 0 ° C. for 60 minutes. The separation steps are 0, 20, 40, 50, 60, 75, 80, 83, 86, 89, 92, 95, 98, 101, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122. , 125, 130, and 135 ° C.

  The resulting elution curve can be separated by a vertical line (perpendicular to the X axis) at the valley between the two peaks. The vertical line can create the first and second portions of the elution curve. The first portion may include an area under the curve for the right side of the vertical line, while the second portion may include an area under the curve for the left side of the vertical line. The weight ratio of the first propylene type polymer to the second propylene type polymer may be calculated by the ratio of the first part to the second part.

  In some embodiments, the first and second measured according to ASTM D 1238 standard (MFR: measurement temperature 230 ° C., 2.16 kg load) (second propylene type polymer / first propylene type polymer). The melt flow rate of the two propylene type polymers can be about 0.8 to about 1.2 or any individual number within the range. In some embodiments, the melt flow rate can range from about 0.9 to about 1.1.

  In some embodiments, the area ratio at the cross-sectional portion of the composite fiber of the first propylene type polymer and the second propylene type polymer can be about the same as the weight ratio. For example, in some embodiments, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the first propylene-type polymer to the cross-sectional area of the second propylene-type polymer ranges from or within the range of about 50/50 to about 5/95. The ratio can be any of the following. In some embodiments, the ratio can be in the range of about 40/60 to about 10/90, or any ratio within the range. In some embodiments, the ratio can range from about 30/70 to about 10/90, or any ratio within the range.

  When the above conditions are satisfied, a corrugated state can be achieved in the composite fiber. A suitable number of waveforms according to the JIS L1015 standard can range from about 5 waveforms to about 50 waveforms / 25 mm, or any individual number within the range.

  In the present invention, the melting point of the first and second propylene type polymers based on DSC was measured using a Perkin Elmer Corp. instrument. When the sample was placed on the measuring plate, the temperature was increased from 30 ° C. to 200 ° C. with a temperature increase rate of 10 ° / min and 200 ° C. was held for 10 minutes; The temperature was then lowered to 30 ° C .; after that, the temperature was again raised from 30 ° C. to 200 ° C. at a rate of 10 ° C./min and a second measurement was made.

  Furthermore, when there are two or more melting point peaks in the composite fiber based on DSC, it is desirable that the lowest melting point peak be larger than the higher melting point peak range. The melting point of the composite fiber based on DSC is measured by using the sample placed on the measurement plate and increasing the temperature from 30 ° C. to 200 ° C. at a temperature increase rate of 10 ° C./min. The above measurements were made during the second run. In the above measurement method, the melting point is obtained as a peak on the endothermic curve, and the melting point peak range can be obtained together with the melting point value. If the two melting point peaks of the composite fiber obtained by the first measurement method overlap, the peak is estimated according to the shape of the peak of the maximum intensity without using the other peak, and the range is obtained. A comparison is made with the range.

  With respect to the first and second propylene type polymers comprising the conjugate fiber of the present invention, propylene homopolymers and polymers of propylene, and one or more different types of α-olefins containing 2-20 carbon atoms, Preferably, there are 2 to 8 carbon atoms such as ethylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-octene and 4-methyl-1-pentene, etc. It is possible to use propylene as a structural unit. Of those listed above, propylene homopolymers or propylene-ethylene random copolymers having an ethylene unit amount in the range of about 0 to about 10 mol%, and MFR in the range of about 20 to about 200 g / 10 min are desirable.

In some embodiments, the first propylene in terms of producing a nonwoven with a high bulkiness and flexibility suitable for use as a female member of a fastening system in addition to excellent fastening and mechanical forces. The type of polymer can be a propylene homopolymer, the second propylene type polymer is a random copolymer of propylene, and in the range of about 10 mol% or less, and preferably in the range of about 2 to about 10 mol%. A small amount of ethylene having a uniform ethylene element amount. In this case, the amount of ethylene unit element is obtained according to standard methods using ¹³ C-NMR spectral analysis.

  In some embodiments, the melting point of the first propylene-type polymer can range from about 120 to about 175 ° C., or any individual number within the range. In some embodiments, the melting point of the second propylene type polymer can range from about 110 to about 155 ° C. The propylene type polymers described above can be made using highly stereospecific polymer catalysts.

  As long as the object of the present invention is not lost, in addition to the propylene type polymer, an appropriate amount of other elements may optionally be included in the composite fiber. Some examples of other suitable elements include heat stabilizers, weathering agents, various stabilizers, antistatic agents, slip agents, non-blocking agents, antifoggants, lubricants, dyes, pigments, natural oils , Synthetic oils, waxes and the like. Some suitable examples of stabilizers include antioxidants such as 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT); tetrakis [methylene-3- (3,5-di-t- Butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate] methane, β- (3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) alkyl ester propionate, and 2,2′-oxamidobis [ethyl-3- ( Phenolic antioxidants such as 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate; fatty acid metal salts such as zinc stearate, calcium stearate, and calcium 1,2-hydroxystearic acid; glycidyl Monostearate, glycidyl distearic acid, pentaerythritol monostearate, pentaerythritol distearic acid and Polyhydric alcohol fatty acid esters such as pentaerythritol tri stearin and the like. Furthermore, one or more different types of elements may be mixed or used in combination. Some examples of suitable lubricants include oleamide, erucamide, stearamide, and the like.

  Further, in some embodiments, the composite fiber comprises silica, diatomaceous earth, alumina, titanium oxide, magnesium oxide, pumice powder, pumice balloon, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, basic magnesium carbonate, dolomite, It may further include fillers such as calcium sulfate, potassium titanate, barium sulfate, calcium sulfite, talc, clay, mica, asbestos, calcium silicate, montmorillonite, bentonite, graphite, aluminum particles, and molybdenum sulfide.

  Mixing of the above-described propylene type polymers and optional elements can be accomplished using any suitable conventional method.

  A nonwoven fabric comprising an embossed portion having the specific pattern described below utilizing the above-mentioned composite fiber has a very high adhesive strength and a high mechanical strength when used as a female member of a fastener. Furthermore, the nonwoven fabric has excellent flexibility in addition to high bulkiness. The composite fiber has excellent spinnability and excellent non-floc properties. Therefore, high productivity can be achieved, and in particular, flocking can be controlled during embossing and high speed processing can be enabled.

  The nonwoven fabric comprising corrugated synthetic fibers does not require any special equipment, and a standard composite material hot melt spinning system can be used. In some embodiments, a spunbonded nonwoven made by a highly productive spunbonding scheme is particularly desirable.

In some embodiments, the production of a spunbonded nonwoven comprises a first propylene-type polymer that forms one area of the composite fiber and a second propylene-type polymer that forms another area. This can be achieved by dissolving in a separate extruder. The first propylene type polymer and the second propylene type polymer are processed in such a way that each molten material can be extruded while forming the desired fiber structure to extrude the long fibers of the composite material. Can be extruded from a nozzle plate having a composite rotating nozzle structure. The extruded long fibers can be cooled by cooling air. In some embodiments, tension is applied by blowing air to form a predetermined fiber size. The fibers can be recovered as they are on the recovery belt for deposition to form a predetermined thickness, and as an adhesive treatment, thermal fusion can be applied to the nonwoven using an embossed finish. The size of the nonwoven fibers is preferably in the range of about 0.5 to about 5.0 denier, or any individual number within the range. In some embodiments, the fiber dimensions can range from about 1.0 to about 4.0 denier. The basis weight of the nonwoven may in some embodiments range from about 0.2 Pa to about 0.8 Pa (about 20 to about 80 g / m ² ), or any individual number within the range. . In some embodiments, the basis weight can range from about 0.3 Pa to about 0.6 Pa (about 30 to about 60 g / m ² ).

  The embossing finish can be achieved using standard embossing rolls. For example, engraving rolls corresponding to the embossed pattern can be used for at least one set of rolls. Nonwoven fabric can pass between rolls and thermocompression bonding can be applied. According to the above-mentioned characteristics required for the nonwoven fabric to be produced, the temperature of the roll, the contact pressure, etc. can be adjusted with respect to the temperature of thermocompression bonding.

  The embossing pattern of the nonwoven fabric for use as a female member of the fastening system of the present invention will be described below. As shown, FIG. 1B is a partial plan view of an application example of a nonwoven fabric for use as a female member of the fastener of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the nonwoven fabric of FIG. 1B.

  In FIG. 1B, the embossed portion 1 indicated by the shaded area corresponds to the area where the corrugated conjugate fiber is thermocompression bonded by the embossing roll. The unembossed part 2 corresponds to the area between the embossed parts 1 and shows the area where thermocompression is not applied to the corrugated composite fiber. In the non-embossed portion 2, the corrugated conjugate fiber forms a loop that engages the male hook member during fastening of the fastening system.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a cross section of a nonwoven fabric for use as a female member of a fastener shows a recessed embossed portion 1 and a non-embossed portion 2. In some embodiments, the height difference between the unembossed portion 2 and the embossed portion 1 can range from about 0.1 to about 2 mm. The shape of the cross-section of the raised area of the embossing roll used for forming the embossed portion 1 is not particularly limited, and any suitable shape, for example, a trapezoid can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, in some embodiments, the embossed portion 1 of the nonwoven may include an embossed pattern, and the continuous zigzag unit patterns 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D may be Are arranged in the MD direction (machine direction) at a predetermined interval substantially parallel to the CD direction (transverse direction of the machine). Embodiments including more than four zigzag unit patterns and less than four zigzag unit patterns are contemplated.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the plurality of unit patterns 3A and 3B may each include a zigzag pattern, tilted at an angle with the CD direction, and substantially the same with respect to the MD direction. Many first shaded areas 4 that are inclined to one side at an angle, as well as many second shaded areas 5 that are inclined at an angle with the CD direction and inclined to the other side at approximately the same angle in the MD direction. They can be arranged alternately. As shown, in some embodiments, the first shaded area 4 and the second shaded area 5 are adjacent end members 4 a of the first shaded area 4 and adjacent ends of the second shaded area 5. The members 5a can be connected to each other.

  As shown, in some embodiments, the first shaded area 4 and the second shaded area 5 may intersect, whereby the portion of the first shaded area 4 that intersects and the second shaded area. No part of area 5 extends beyond the shaded area. There may be a contact 6 between the first shaded area 4 and the second shaded area 5. With respect to the unit pattern 3 </ b> A, for example, the contact 6 is defined as the outermost point of the intersection between the first center line 31 and the second center line 32. A first centerline 31 can be placed in the first shaded area 4 and a second centerline 32 can be placed in the second shaded area 5. The first shaded area 4 and the second shaded area 5 may each include a center line. It should be noted that the term “outermost” is construed in terms of a unit pattern for which the contact attempts to be determined.

  The vertex 7 can be spatially replaced away from the contact. Again, for unit pattern 3A, vertex 7 is defined as any outermost point in first shaded area 4 or second shaded area 5, including the outermost point of the referenced unit pattern. .

  As shown, a portion of the adjacent unit pattern, for example 3B, is inside the triangle 8 formed by three adjacent contacts 6 of the first shaded area 4 and the second shaded area 5 of the unit pattern 3A. Can enter. For example, the first center line 31 of the first shaded area 4 can form one section of the triangle 8. Another section of the triangle 8 can be formed by the second centerline 32 of the second shaded area 5. The base 33 of the triangle 8 can be a line that is generally parallel to the CD direction between two contacts 6 spaced apart in the lateral direction.

Unit pattern may have a width _{W 1} and the width _{W 2.} Width W ₁ is between the apex 7 of the shaded area, is generally parallel to the MD direction can be defined as the longest distance of the line. For example, as shown, the width W ₁ can be the distance between the vertices 7 of the second shaded area 5. The width W ₂ is defined as the longest distance of the line between the contact 6 of the first shaded area 4 and the second shaded area 5 and the contact 6 of the first shaded area 4 and another second shaded area 5. can do. The distance _{W 2} is generally parallel to the CD direction. Those skilled in the art, the distance W ₂ is, in some embodiments, can be recognized to be able to match the period of the unit pattern.

In some embodiments, the ratio of W ₁ / W ₂ can be in the range of about 0.1 to about 10, or any individual number within the range. In some embodiments, the ratio can range from about 0.5 to about 2.0. In some embodiments, the width W ₁ can range from about 3 to about 50 mm, or any individual number within the range. In some embodiments, the width _{W 1} can be in the range of about 5 to about 20 mm.

  If each of the above conditions is met, the female fastener element should have sufficient adhesion in all ranges of peel strength, repeated peel strength, and tensile shear strength, as well as high mechanical strength in both the MD and CD directions. Can be manufactured. In particular, the female member of the fastener has a high repeat peel strength and a high mechanical strength in the CD direction, and an overlap of adjacent unit patterns 3A and 3B in the MD direction, thereby part of the unit pattern 3B. Is preferably disposed within a triangle 8 formed by three adjacent contacts 6 of the unit pattern 3A. The overlap appears to have a significant effect on the above strength.

In some embodiments, the distance W ₃ between the adjacent unit patterns 3A and 3B can be either individual number within the range of from about 1 to about 20 mm, or the range. In some embodiments, the distance _{W 3} being can be in the range of about 2 to about 8 mm. The distance W ₃ being the distance between the nearest first shaded area 4 of the first shaded area 4 and the unit pattern 3B of the unit pattern 3A. The distance W ₃ being generally is perpendicular to the first shaded area 4 of the first shaded area 4 and / or the unit pattern 3B of the unit pattern 3A.

In some embodiments, the line width W ₄ of the unit pattern 3 can range from about 0.5 to about 1.5 mm. Width W ₄ of the line is perpendicular to the general to the second respective center lines 32 or the second shaded area 5 of the first center line 31 and / or the first shaded area 4. The remaining width of the first shaded area 4 and the second shaded area 5 of the unit pattern should be measured and averaged.

  In some embodiments, the embossed area ratio (value obtained by multiplying the area ratio of the embossed portion 1 to the sum of the areas of the embossed portion 1 and the non-embossed portion 2 by 100) is about It can range from 10 to about 50%. In some embodiments, the embossed area ratio can range from about 20 to about 30%.

  When each of the above conditions is satisfied, it is possible to produce a nonwoven fabric having a high adhesive strength and a high mechanical strength, as well as a high bulkiness.

  FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a nonwoven fabric for use as a female member of the fastening system of the present invention. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the nonwoven fabric of FIG. It should be noted that elements corresponding to FIGS. 1 and 2 are indicated with the same numbers for FIGS. 3 and 4.

  Nonwoven 100A may have the same structure as previously described in some embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the non-woven fabric 100A can comprise an embossed portion 1, and a plurality of continuous zigzag unit patterns 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D can be formed relative to the CD direction of the embossing roll. Generally, they are parallel and are arranged in the MD direction at predetermined intervals. In contrast to nonwoven fabric 100 discussed with respect to FIGS. 1B and 2, nonwoven fabric 100A may include a unit pattern that includes a curve at apex 7, such as 3A and 3B, in some embodiments.

  FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of another embodiment of a nonwoven fabric for use as a female member of the fastening system of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of the nonwoven fabric of FIG. It should be noted that elements corresponding to FIGS. 1 and 2 are indicated with the same numbers for FIGS. 5 and 6.

  Nonwoven 100B can have the same structure as previously described in some embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the nonwoven fabric 100B is generally parallel to the CD direction of the embossing roll and is arranged in the MD direction at a predetermined interval and is a plurality of continuous zigzag unit patterns 3A. An embossed portion 1 comprising 3B, 3C and 3D can be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the unit patterns 3A and 3B may include a zigzag pattern, and many first shaded areas 4 can be arranged at an angle with the CD direction, and the MD direction. The second shaded area 5 can be arranged at an angle with respect to the CD direction, tilted to another side with respect to the MD direction, and alternately at the same angle. Be placed.

  As shown, in some embodiments, the second shaded area 5 can extend beyond the contact 6. For example, as shown, the end member 5 a can extend beyond the intersection between the first shaded area 4 and the second shaded area 5. For example, as shown, vertex 7 corresponds to the outermost point of the second shaded area of unit pattern 3A. The end member 5a extends beyond the intersection between the first shaded area 4 and the second shaded area 5, so that the contact 6 is placed inward from the apex 7. In some embodiments, the vertex 7 may be the outermost point of the first shaded area 4.

As shown in FIG. 6, a part of the unit pattern 3B can be included inside a triangle 8 formed by three adjacent contacts 6 of the unit pattern 3A. With respect to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the ratio W ₁ / W ₂ is in the range of about 0.1 to about 10, or any individual number within the range. obtain. In some embodiments, the ratio can range from about 0.5 to about 2.0.

  If the above conditions are met, a female fastener element having sufficient adhesion in all ranges of peel strength, repeated peel strength, tensile shear strength, and high mechanical strength in both MD and CD directions. Can be manufactured.

  FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of another embodiment of a nonwoven fabric 100C for use as a female member of the fastening system of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view thereof. It should be noted that elements corresponding to FIGS. 5 and 6 are indicated with the same numbers for FIGS. 7 and 8.

  Non-woven fabric 100C can have the same structure as described above in some embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the non-woven fabric 100C includes unit patterns 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D that are generally parallel to the CD direction of the embossing roll and arranged in the MD direction at predetermined intervals. An embossed portion 1 can be provided. In some embodiments, the first shaded area 4 can extend beyond the contact 6. In some embodiments, the second shaded area 5 can extend beyond the contact 6. In some embodiments, the unit pattern 3B may include a first shaded area 4 that extends beyond the contact 6, while the unit pattern 3A may include a second shaded area 5 that extends beyond the contact 6. . In yet another embodiment, the single unit pattern 3 may include at least one first shaded area 4 that extends beyond the contact 6 and at least one second shaded area that extends beyond the contact 6. .

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the nonwoven fabric 100C includes, in some embodiments, a unit pattern 3A having a shape in which the end member 5a of the second shadow area 5 extends beyond the contact 6, and the first shadow. The end member 4a of the area 4 may include a unit pattern 3B having a shape extending beyond the contact 6. The unit patterns can be alternately arranged in the MD direction. As shown, in some embodiments, the first shaded area 4 and the second shaded area 5 are the end member 4a of the first shaded area 4 and the adjacent end member 5a of the second shaded area 5. Can be connected to each other.

  As shown, a part of the unit pattern 3B is included in a triangle 8 formed by three adjacent contacts 6 of the first shaded area 4 and the second shaded area 5 in the unit pattern 3A. Can do. In some embodiments, the end member 5a of the second shaded area 5 of the unit pattern 3A can be included in a triangle formed by three adjacent contacts 6 of the adjacent unit pattern.

  When constructed as described above, female fastening with sufficient fastening strength in all ranges of peel strength, repeated peel strength, tensile shear strength, plus high mechanical strength in both MD and CD directions The tool element can be manufactured.

  FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of another embodiment of a nonwoven fabric 100D for use as a female member of the fastening system of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view thereof. It should be noted that elements corresponding to FIGS. 1 and 2 are indicated with the same numbers in FIGS. 9 and 10.

  Nonwoven fabric 100D can have the same structure as previously described in some embodiments. For example, the nonwoven fabric 100D may comprise an embossed portion 1 that includes unit patterns 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D that are generally parallel to the CD direction of an embossing roll disposed in the MD direction at predetermined intervals. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the unit patterns 3A and 3B may include a zigzag pattern, and many of the first shaded areas 4 are arranged at an angle with the CD direction, Tilt to one side at approximately the same angle with respect to the MD direction. Further, as shown, in some embodiments, the unit patterns 3A and 3B are arranged at an angle with respect to the CD direction and are tilted to another side at approximately the same angle with respect to the MD direction. A second shaded area 5 may further be included. As shown, in some embodiments, the first shaded areas 4 and the second shaded areas 5 can be interleaved. The first shaded area 4 and the second shaded area 5 can interconnect the end member 4a of the first shaded area 4 and the end member 5a of the second shaded area 5 as a contact point 6. .

  As shown in FIG. 10, a part of the unit pattern 3B is included in a triangle 8 formed by three adjacent contacts 6 of the first shaded area 4 and the second shaded area 5 of the unit pattern 3A. (Triangle 8 shown by the dashed line in FIG. 10).

In some embodiments, the ratio of W ₁ / W ₂ can be in the range of about 0.1 to about 10, or any individual number within the range. In some embodiments, as described above, the ratio can range from about 0.5 to about 2.0.

  Also, as shown, in some embodiments, the dot pattern 9 can be placed between the unit patterns 3A and 3B. For example, as shown, in some embodiments, the dot pattern 9 can be disposed within the triangle 8. In some embodiments, the dot pattern 9 can be formed by thermocompression using an embossing roll. In these embodiments, the embossed portion of the embossing roll may also include the unit pattern 3 and the dot pattern 9.

  The position of the dot pattern 9 can be any suitable location between the unit patterns 3A and 3B. The shape of the dot pattern 9 can be any suitable shape. Some examples of suitable shapes include points, ellipses, squares, rectangles, triangles, polygons, crescents, stars, and the like. In some embodiments, the size of the points is determined taking into account factors such as fastening strength and bulkiness.

  When constructed as described above, a female fastener having sufficient fastening strength in all ranges of peel strength, repeated peel strength, and tensile shear strength, as well as high mechanical strength in both MD and CD directions The element can be manufactured.

  The unit patterns 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D discussed herein can be configured in any suitable manner according to the present invention. For example, the unit patterns 3C and 3D may be set in any manner as discussed herein, or any combination thereof. Similarly, unit patterns 3A and 3B can be set in any manner as discussed herein, or any combination thereof.

  The non-woven fabrics discussed so far may include a laminated structure in some embodiments. For example, as previously discussed, a nonwoven fabric containing corrugated composite fibers may be used as the nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric can be used as the top layer and can be laminated to another layer on the back side.

Any suitable method can be utilized to make the laminate. For example, the laminate can be manufactured using a method in which the lamination is performed in-line prior to bonding of the nonwoven fibers. As another example, the laminate can be manufactured using a method in which the lamination is performed off-line after bonding of the nonwoven fibers.

  In in-line lamination, in some embodiments, the first nonwoven can be placed over a second nonwoven that includes corrugated conjugate fibers. The first nonwoven and the second nonwoven can be thermally bonded to provide an integrated laminate structure. The first non-woven fabric may include various polymers that can be thermally fused with the second non-woven fabric obtained by corrugating the composite fiber.

  The first nonwoven may include a spunbonded nonwoven, a meltblown nonwoven, a fluffed nonwoven, and combinations thereof.

  Furthermore, non-woven fabrics containing corrugated composite fibers having different degrees of corrugation can also be laminated.

  The polymers used in the nonwoven material can be polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, and the like. Suitable examples of polyolefins include propylene, polyethylene, and mixtures thereof. From the viewpoint of spinnability, heat resistance and heat fusion properties, propylene may be preferred.

  The first propylene type polymer and the second propylene type polymer for the corrugated composite fibers described above can also be used in this case. For example, when a meltblown nonwoven is used, a range of about 30 to about 3000 g / 10 minutes, or any individual number of melt flow rate propylene within the range, is used. As another example, propylene having a melt flow rate in the range of about 400 to about 1500 g / 10 minutes can be used. In some embodiments, the use of propylene in a ratio of weight average molecular weight (Mw / Mn) to number average molecular weight can range from about 2 to about 6.

  Further, with respect to polyethylene, ethylene homopolymers (either low pressure or high pressure processes may be used in the manufacture), ethylene copolymers and other alpha-olefins can be used in the manufacture. Suitable α-olefins are propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 3-methyl-1-butene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, 3-ethyl-1 -Α-olefins containing 3-20 carbon atoms such as pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene and 4-methyl-1-hexene. The α-olefin may be used alone for copolymerization, or two or more different types may be used in combination for copolymerization.

In some embodiments, the polyethylene can have a range of about 8.6 kPa to about 9.5 kPa (about 880 to about 970 kg / m ² ), or any individual number of densities within the range. In some embodiments, the density can range from about 910 g / L to about 965 g / L (about 910 to about 965 kg / m ³ ). In the case of meltblown nonwovens, in some embodiments, the melt flow rate can range from about 10 to about 400 g / 10 minutes, or any individual number within the range. In some embodiments, the melt flow rate can range from about 15 to about 250 g / 10 minutes. The melt flow rate is determined to some extent when the temperature of the sample is 190 ° C. and the load is 2160 g or less. Also, in some embodiments, the nonwoven can have a ratio of weight average molecular weight (Mw / Mn) to number average molecular weight ranging from about 1.5 to about 4.

  Furthermore, for polyesters, aromatic polyesters having excellent strength and rigidity, or biodegradable aliphatic polyesters can be used for production. Suitable examples of the aromatic polyester include polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polytetramethylene terephthalate and the like. Suitable examples of aliphatic polyesters include polycondensates of polycarboxylic acids such as malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanoic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid, and ethylene glycol. Polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, butanediol, hexanediol, glycerol, and trimethylolpropane, ring-opening polymers such as lactide and caprolactone, and polycondensates of lactic acid, hydroxy such as hydroxybutyric acid and hydroxyvaleric acid Examples include acids.

  When a nonwoven fabric laminated body is manufactured off-line, the type of the other layer laminated | stacked on the 2nd nonwoven fabric containing a composite fiber is not restrict | limited in particular. For example, layers comprising knitted materials, woven fabrics, nonwovens, coatings, etc. can be used. Regarding the lamination method, use heat melting process such as embossing finish, ultrasonic melting, mechanical web method such as needle punching and water jet, extrusion lamination using coating etc. such as adhesion by hot melt bonding, etc. Can do.

  The nonwoven fabric for use as a fastening system female member of the present invention provides sufficient adhesion in all ranges of high mechanical strength in both MD and CD directions in addition to peel strength, repeated peel strength, and tensile shear strength Have power. In addition, the nonwoven fabric has high bulkiness and flexibility, as well as excellent spinnability and excellent non-floc properties.

  Fastening systems made in accordance with the present invention may be incorporated into various consumer goods and goods that may benefit from having receiving components that include an adhesive pattern made in accordance with the present invention. In any of the embodiments described herein, the receiving component may be a separate element added to the product. For example, the receiving member can be any component of the absorbent article (eg, topsheet, absorbent core, backsheet, fastening system, side panel, cuff, etc.) or other product (eg, wrap, medical article, etc.). It may be a separable structure to be joined. Alternatively, the receiving component may be created as part or all of any element of the product or fastener. For example, the receiving component can be any element of an absorbent article (eg, topsheet, absorbent core, side panel, backsheet, fastening system, cuff, etc.), or other commodity (eg, wrap, medical article, etc.) ) Or part of the whole. Further, the receiving component may be placed at any suitable location either on top of or inside the product or fastener. For example, the receiving component may be disposed on the outer surface, the surface facing the wearer, or included in a product or fastener. As another example, an article having a wearer facing surface and an outer surface may include the fastening system of the present invention. The fastening system can be located on the surface facing the wearer of the article or on the outer surface. In some embodiments, the article can be selected from the group consisting of absorbent articles, diapers, pants, adult incontinence articles, feminine hygiene articles, body wraps, bibs, and consumer goods. For illustrative purposes, the receiving component of the present invention is discussed in the context of disposable diapers.

  As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the disposable absorbent article 600 may include a liquid permeable topsheet 622 and a backsheet 624 that are joined to at least a portion of the topsheet 622. The disposable absorbent article 600 further includes an absorbent core 646 located between the topsheet 622 and the backsheet 624. The disposable absorbent article 600 may further include a side panel 628, an outer cuff 632, an inner cuff 652, and a lumbar mechanism 630.

  A portion of the periphery of the disposable absorbent article 600 can be defined by longitudinal edges 675A and 675B, a first waist edge 650, and a second waist edge 651. The longitudinal edges 675A and 675B may run generally parallel to the longitudinal centerline 690 of the disposable absorbent article 600. The first waist edge 650 and the second waist edge 651 may run generally parallel to the side centerline 680 of the disposable absorbent article 600. The disposable absorbent article 600 may further include an elastic leg mechanism 631 that can be positioned adjacent to the longitudinal edges 675A and 675B.

  The disposable absorbent article 600 may further include a first waist member 602 and a second waist member 604. The first waist member 602 and / or the second waist member 604 can be elastically extensible. As shown, in some embodiments, the first waist member 602 can be positioned adjacent to the first waist edge 650. In some embodiments, the second waist member 604 can be positioned adjacent to the second waist edge 651. In general, the first waist member 602 and / or the second waist member 604 can be tensioned prior to bonding to the disposable absorbent article 600. Thus, releasing at least a portion of the tension applied to the first waist member 602 and / or the second waist member 604 can corrugate a portion of the disposable absorbent article 600 coupled thereto. This corrugation of the disposable absorbent article 600 allows the first waist member 602 and / or the second waist member 604 and the disposable absorbent article 600 to expand and contact around the waist of the wearer, thereby wearing it. Provides better comfort and improved fit to the user. Examples of suitable waist members 602 and / or 604 include those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,515,595, 5,151,092, and 5,221,274. Disposable diapers are generally made with two elastic waist mechanisms, one positioned in the first waist region and one positioned in the second waist region, but the diaper is a single It can be created with an elastic waist mechanism.

  The disposable absorbent article 600 may further include an outer cuff 632 and an inner cuff 652 to improve containment of liquids and other body discharges. Each elasticized outer cuff 632 may include a number of different embodiments to reduce body discharge leakage in the leg section. Outer cuff 632 and inner cuff 652 are further described in US Pat. Nos. 3,860,003, 4,909,803, and 4,695,278.

  As previously mentioned, the disposable absorbent article may further include a pair of side panels 628. As shown in FIG. 16B, the side panel 628 can extend outwardly from the first longitudinal edge 675A and the second longitudinal edge 675B of the disposable absorbent article 600. In some embodiments, the side panel 628 can be joined to the disposable absorbent article 600 within the second waist region 638, and in some embodiments, the side panel 628 can be disposed of the disposable absorbent article 600, or the second. One waist region 636 can be joined. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the disposable absorbent article 600 includes a pair of side panels disposed within the second waist region 638 and a pair of side panels disposed within the first waist region 636. But you can. In some embodiments, the side panel 628 can form part of the leg opening when the disposable absorbent article 600 is fastened. The side panel 628 can form part of a leg opening that is disposed on the outer surface of the wearer's leg. The crotch region 610 of the disposable absorbent article 600, together with the first waist region 636 and the second waist region 638, may form part of a leg opening that is disposed on the inner surface of the wearer's leg. it can. In some embodiments, the side panel 628 can be elastically extensible.

  The disposable absorbent article 600 further includes a fastening system 640 that joins at least a portion of the first waist region 636 with at least a portion of the second waist region 638, preferably to form a leg opening and a waist opening. Prepare. The fastening system 640 also maintains lateral stretch using the waist members 602 and / or 604 to hold the disposable absorbent article 600 in place around the waist of the wearer. The fastening system 640 may include an engagement component 642 and, in some embodiments, can be disposed on the side panel 628. The fastening system 640 may further include a receiving component 644 and, in some embodiments, is disposed within the first lumbar region 636.

  As shown in FIG. 16C, in other embodiments, the fastening system 640 can include a plurality of fastening components on the side panel 628. For example, as shown, the side panel 628 may include an engagement component 642 and, in some embodiments, can include a plurality of engagement elements. Further, in some embodiments, the side panel 628 may further include a receiving component 1475 disposed on the opposite side of the engaging component 642. One advantage of this arrangement is that the receiving component 644 (FIG. 16A) allows the engaging component 642 to be joined to the first waist region 636 or to the receiving component 1475 of the other side panel 628. Can be engaged).

  As shown in FIG. 16A, receiving component 644 is positioned on disposable absorbent article 600 such that the overlap of bond line 1375 is generally perpendicular to the main direction of shear force 775. As shown in FIG. 16A, the primary direction of the shear force 775 is the force expected during use that normally occurs when the disposable absorbent article 600 is in a fastened state. In some embodiments, the receiving component 644 can be positioned adjacent to the first waist edge 650 in the first waist region 636 on the outer surface of the disposable absorbent article 600. In other embodiments, the receiving component 644 can be positioned adjacent to the second waist edge 651 in the second waist region 638. In this embodiment, the engagement element 642 can be positioned adjacent to the first waist region 636. In some embodiments, the receiving component 644 can be disposed on the side panel 628 and the engaging component can be disposed in the first waist region 636. In some embodiments, the receiving component 644 may include a plurality of separable elements.

  Any suitable engagement element 12 and / or 642 can be used in the present invention. Examples of suitable engagement elements include hook fastening materials. The hook fastening material can mechanically engage the fibrous element of the receiving element 644 to provide a safe closure. The hook fastening material according to the invention may be manufactured from a wide range of materials. Suitable materials include nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or any combination of these materials, or other materials known in the art.

  A suitable hook fastening material is “Scotchmate ™” available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company of St. Paul, Minn. It includes a number of molded engagement elements that protrude from the backing, such as a commercially available material designated by brand number FJ3402. Alternatively, the engagement elements may have any shape, such as hooks, “T” s (T's), mushrooms, or any other shape known in the art. An exemplary hook fastening material is described in US Pat. No. 4,846,815. Another suitable hook fastening material includes an array of protrusions formed of a thermoplastic material. Hot melt adhesive thermoplastics, particularly polyester and polyamide hot melt adhesives, are particularly well suited for forming protrusions of hook fastening materials. The protrusions, in some embodiments, use a modified gravure printing method to transfer the thermoplastic material to the substrate in an independent unit in the molten state and stretch a portion of the thermoplastic material prior to cutting. The material is cut in such a way that the melted material is “frozen” into protrusions. This hook fastening material, method and apparatus for making such a hook fastening material is more fully described in European Patent Application No. 0 381 087.

  The fastening system 640 may be the primary fastening system for joining the first and second waist regions 636, 638. However, the fastening system 640 may be used alone or with other fastening means such as tabs, slotted fasteners, tape fasteners, snaps, buttons, etc. to provide different fastening characteristics. Good. For example, the fastening system 640 may provide a disposal means for fastening the disposable absorbent article 600 to the disposable absorbent article 600 in a shape convenient for disposal. Further, the secondary fastening means may provide the disposable absorbent article 600 with a means to adjust the fit or increase the strength of the connection between the first waist region 636 and the second waist region 638. It may be increased.

  The fastening system 640 can be pre-fastened to the package so that the caregiver or wearer can wear the disposable absorbent article 600 when removed from the package. Alternatively, the fastening system 640 can be disengaged in the package so that the caregiver or wearer fastens the fastening system 640 while wearing the disposable absorbent article 600. In yet another embodiment, for the caregiver or wearer's convenience, the package may include a disposable absorbent article 600 that is both pre-fastened and with the fastening system removed.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, a disposable absorbent article 700 including a fastening system 740 is shown. Fastening system 740 includes a first engagement component 760A disposed on first side panel 728A and a second engagement component 760B disposed on second side panel 728B. The first engagement component 760A and the second engagement component 760B can engage the receiving component 644 when fastened.

  Receiving component 644 may include a plurality of bond lines 718 made in accordance with the present invention. Each of the plurality of bond lines 718 may include a crest portion and a trough portion. As previously mentioned, receiving component 644 can be positioned on disposable absorbent article 700 such that the overlap between bond lines is generally perpendicular to the main direction of shear force 775. As such, a receiving component of the present invention made similar to the receiving component (shown in FIGS. 1A-10) can be placed on a disposable absorbent article 700 so that the CD direction of the receiving component is , Generally parallel to the main direction of the shear force 775. It should be noted that in FIGS. 1A-10, the receiving component was called a female fastening component.

  The main direction of shear force 775 is defined by the force in use. Specifically, when disposable absorbent article 700 is in a fastened state, first side panel 728A and second side panel 728B exert a force on receiving component 644. If these panels are elastically extensible, forces are caused in part by the elastomeric material of the side panels. Further, the shear force may be caused by a user or caregiver during application of the disposable absorbent article 700.

  As shown in FIG. 17B, a disposable absorbent article 702 that includes a fastening system 740 is shown. Similar to the disposable absorbent article, the first engagement component 760A and the second engagement component 760B can engage the receiving component 644 when fastened. The receiving component 644 may include a first plurality of bond lines 722 and a second plurality of bond lines 720. A portion of each first plurality of bond lines 722 overlaps a portion of each adjacent bond line. Similarly, a portion of each second plurality of bond lines 720 overlaps a portion of each adjacent bond line.

  The first plurality of bond lines 722 may be bent so that a visual signal can be provided to the wearer where to fasten the first engagement component 760A. Further, the second plurality of bond lines 720 may be bent so that a visual signal can be provided to the wearer about where the bond lines fasten the second engagement component 760B.

  In some embodiments, the fastening angle 1250 can range from about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees, or any individual number within the range. In other embodiments, the fastening angle 1250 can be between about 10 degrees and about 25 degrees. In still other embodiments, the fastening angle 1250 can be between about 15 degrees and about 20 degrees.

  The fastening angle 1250 of the first plurality of bond lines 722 can be determined by performing a straight line approximation for each bond line in the bond pattern of the first plurality of bond lines 722. A bond line is considered part of the first plurality of bond lines 722 if a portion of that bond line overlaps any portion of another bond line within the first plurality of bond lines 722 be able to. A straight line approximation for each bond line in the first plurality of bond lines 722 can be averaged to determine a first positioning line 1253 for the first plurality of bond lines 722. The intersection between the first positioning line 1253 of the disposable absorbent article 702 and the longitudinal axis 770 defines a fastening angle 1250. The same analysis can be performed on the second plurality of bond lines 720.

  The disposable absorbent article may include a number of components, elements, members, etc., and can be made in a variety of ways. For example, the topsheet 622 (shown in FIG. 16B) and the backsheet 624 (shown in FIG. 16B) can have a generally larger dimension length and width than the absorbent core 626 (shown in FIG. 16B). The topsheet 622 (shown in FIG. 16B) and the backsheet 624 (shown in FIG. 16B) can extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 626 (shown in FIG. 16B), thereby disposing the disposable absorbent article 600 ( (Shown in FIG. 16B). The topsheet 622 (shown in FIG. 16B), the backsheet 624 (shown in FIG. 16B), and the absorbent core 626 (shown in FIG. 16B) may include many different materials and are assembled in various known shapes. Well, typical diaper materials and structures are generally described in US Pat. Nos. 3,860,003, 5,151,092, and 5,221,274.

  Any topsheet known in the art that is compatible with the present invention can be used in the present invention. Suitable materials for the topsheet include porous foam, reticulated foam, perforated plastic film, or natural fiber woven or non-woven material (eg wood or cotton fiber), synthetic fiber (eg polyester or polypropylene fiber) ), Or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. As an example, a material suitable for use in the topsheet is P-by Veratec, Inc., a division of International Paper Company (Walpole, Mass.). A web of staple length polypropylene fibers produced with the notation of 8.

  Some examples of suitable topsheets are further described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,929,135, 4,324,246, 4,342,314, 4,463,045, This is further described in US Pat. No. 5,006,394, US Pat. No. 4,609,518 and US Pat. No. 4,629,643. Any portion of the topsheet may be coated with a lotion known in the art. Examples of suitable lotions are US Pat. Nos. 5,607,760, 5,609,587, 5,635,191, 5,643,588, 5,968, 025, 6,716,441, and PCT International Publication No. 95/24173.

  Further, the topsheet may be fully or partially elastically extensible or shortened to provide a space between the topsheet and the absorbent core. Exemplary structures including an elasticized or shortened topsheet are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,892,536, 4,990,147, 5,037,416, and 5,269. 775, in greater detail.

  A backsheet suitable for use in the disposable absorbent article of the present invention may comprise a laminated structure. For example, the backsheet may include a first backsheet layer and a second backsheet layer. The second backsheet layer is impermeable to liquid (eg, urine) and has a thickness of, for example, about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). It may include a thin plastic film such as a thermoplastic film having. Suitable backsheet films include those manufactured by Tredegar Corporation (based in Richmond, VA) and sold under the trade name CPC2 film. Either the first backsheet layer and / or the second backsheet layer may include a breathable material that allows vapor to escape from the pull-on garment while still preventing effluent from passing through the backsheet. Suitable breathable materials include composite materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs, film-coated nonwoven webs, those produced by Mitsui Toatsu Co. (Japan) with the ESPOIR NO designation and Toledegar Microporous films such as those sold under the designation EXAIRE manufactured by (Tredegar) (Richmond, VA), and HYTREL by Clopay Corporation (Cincinnati, Ohio) Mention may also be made of materials such as monolithic films such as those produced under the name of blend P18-3097. Several breathable composite materials are described in detail in PCT Patent Application No. 95/16746, US Pat. Nos. 5,938,648, 5,865,823, and 5,571,096. Has been.

  The backsheet, or any portion thereof, may be elastically extensible in one or more directions. In one embodiment, the backsheet may comprise a structural elastic-like film (“SELF”) web. A structural elastic-like film web is an extensible material that exhibits elastic-like behavior in the direction of stretching without the use of additional elastic materials and is described in more detail in US Pat. No. 5,518,801. In alternative embodiments, the backsheet may comprise an elastic film, foam, strand, or a combination of these or other suitable materials with a nonwoven or synthetic film.

  Absorbent cores suitable for use in the present invention are generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and absorb and retain liquids such as urine and other specific body exudates Any absorbent material that can be made may be included. In addition, the configuration and structure of the absorbent core may also vary (e.g., the absorbent core or other absorbent structure may vary in caliper zone, hydrophilic gradient, superabsorbent gradient, or lower average May have acquisition areas of density and lower average basis weight, or may include one or more layers or structures). Representative absorbent structures suitable for use as the absorbent core are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,610,678, 4,673,402, 4,834,735, and 4th. 888,231, 5,137,537, 5,147,345, 5,342,338, 5,260,345, 5,387,207 , And 5,625,222.

  The backsheet may be joined to any other element of the topsheet, absorbent core, or disposable absorbent article by any attachment means known in the art. For example, the attachment means may include a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or points of adhesive. Some suitable attachment means are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,573,986, 3,911,173, 4,785,996, and 4,842,666. Yes. Examples of suitable adhesives include H.I. B. Manufactured by H.B. Fuller Company (St. Paul, Minn.) And marketed as HL-1620 and HL1358-XZP. Alternatively, the attachment means may comprise thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding, or any other suitable attachment means known in the art, or a combination of these attachment means.

  Various sublayers may be placed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The sublayer may be any material or structure that is capable of receiving, storing, or immobilizing excreta. Thus, a sublayer may include a single material or multiple materials operatively associated with each other. In addition, the sublayer may be integral with other elements of the pull-on disposable absorbent article or may be one or more separate elements joined directly or indirectly to one or more elements of the disposable absorbent article. Sometimes there are. Further, the sublayer may include a structure separated from the absorbent core, or may include or be part of at least a portion of the absorbent core.

  Typical materials suitable for use as the sublayer include large open-cell foams, macroporous, compression-resistant nonwoven bulky products, open-cell foams and closed-cell foams (large size particulate moldings). forms) (macroporous and / or microporous), bulky nonwovens, polyolefins, polystyrene, polyurethane foams or particles, structures comprising a number of vertically oriented looped fiber strands, punched holes or depressions as described above An example of such a core structure is also possible. (As used herein, the term “microporous” refers to a material that is capable of transporting fluids by capillary action. The term “macroporous” refers to capillary transport of fluids that is too large. Refers to a non-permitted material, generally having holes with a diameter greater than about 0.5 mm, and more precisely having holes with a diameter greater than about 1.0 mm.) One embodiment of a sublayer is as XPL-7124 Wrapping a mechanically fastened loop landing element having an uncompressed thickness of about 1.5 mm, available from 3M Company (Minneapolis, Minnesota). Another embodiment comprises a 6 denier crimped, resin bonded bulky nonwoven having a basis weight of 110 g per square meter and an uncompressed thickness of 7.9 mm, the material of which is Glit Company (Wrens, Georgia). Other suitable absorbent and non-absorbent sublayers are described in US Pat. Nos. 6,680,422 and 5,941,864. Further, the sublayer or any portion thereof may include or be coated with a lotion or other known material to add, enhance, or modify the performance or other properties of the element.

  Embodiments of the present invention also include pockets for receiving and receiving excreta, spacers that provide excrement voids, barriers for limiting excrement movement within the article, and pull-on disposable absorbent articles. May include compartments or voids to receive and contain the excreted excreta, or any combination thereof. Examples of pockets and spacers used in absorbent products are U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,514,121, 5,171,236, 5,397,318, and 5,540,671. No. 6,168,584, No. 5,306,266, and No. 5,997,520. Examples of compartments or voids in absorbent articles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,968,312, 4,990,147, 5,062,840, and 5,269,755. Has been. Examples of suitable transverse barriers are described in US Pat. No. 5,554,142, PCT Patent No. 94/14395, and US Pat. No. 5,653,703. Examples of other structures suitable for managing low viscosity feces are disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 5,941,864, 5,977,430, and 6,013,063.

  Embodiments of the present invention may include an acquisition / distribution layer that can be configured to distribute moisture from a humidifying event to a moisture-responsive member within a disposable absorbent article. Examples of suitable acquisition / distribution layers are described in US Pat. No. 5,460,622, US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0027267, and US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/009173.

  Embodiments of the present invention may include a dusting layer well known in the art. Examples of suitable dusting layers are discussed in US Pat. No. 4,888,231.

  The present invention will be described more specifically with the following examples, but the present invention is not limited to the examples shown below. It should be noted that adhesive strength (extension shear strength and peel strength), mechanical strength (extension strength in MD and CD), basis weight, etc. were measured according to the methods described in the examples shown below.

Tensile test Shear force, peel force, and breaking load are all measured using a load cell at the constant speed of an extended tensile tester with a computer interface, and the measured force is 10% to 90% of the cell limit. (Suitable equipment is MTS Alliance using Testworks 4.0 Software, available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minn.) (MTS Alliance). Both movable (top) and fixed (bottom) pneumatic grips are attached to a rubber grip that is wider than the width of the specimen.

  The test is performed in a laboratory maintained at 23 ± 2 ° C. and 50 ± 2% relative humidity. The material should be balanced in this environment for at least 2 hours before starting the test. All results are reported in Newton (N) as the average of 10 replicates.

Standard mushroom-type mechanical fastener (hook) tape is used for shear and peel testing. The hook material is made of hooked polypropylene having an average height of 0.4 mm, an average end dimension of 0.2 mm × 0.3 mm, and a density of about 220 hooks / cm ² .

Shear force Shear force is measured under the tensile test using the equipment described above.

  Identify the cross direction (CD) and machine direction (MD) of the female fastener (loop) material. The specimen is cut to have a dimension of 50 mm (MD (width)) x 70 mm (CD (length)). Loop sample so that the fastening surface of the sample faces away from the plate, the CD of the sample is parallel to the plate length, and the edge of the sample is flush with the right, left and bottom edges of the plate Then, it is mounted on a steel plate (size: length 100 mm × width 50 mm × thickness 1 mm) using a double-sided tape.

  Identify standard hook material CD and MD. Samples are cut to 25 mm (MD) and 13 mm (CD) dimensions. Copy paper (with sample hook face facing away from the piece of paper, the CD of the sample parallel to the length of the piece of paper, and the edge of the sample exactly flush with the left, right and top edges of the piece of paper. A hook sample is mounted on a piece of paper having a size of 75 gsm (width: 25 mm × length: 100 mm) using a double-sided tape.

  The metal plate is placed on a flat work table with the loop sample facing upwards relative to the top (ie, the end of the plate not covered by the loop sample), away from the operator. The hook sample is placed in the center of the loop sample so that the hook sample faces downward and the cross direction of the hook sample is parallel to the cross direction of the loop sample so that the tip of the paper piece faces the operator. The assembly is then rolled using a 5 kg roller in five cycles (one cycle is defined as one forward travel and one return stroke).

  Set the gauge length of the tensile tester to 75 mm and set the crosshead to zero. Place the top of the metal plate on the upper grip surface so that the tip of the paper hangs down and collects horizontally on the grip surface. Align the sample assembly vertically and close the upper grip surface. Insert the tip of the piece of paper into the lower grip and close it. Set the load cell to zero.

  Start tensile tester and data collection. Release the grip at a speed of 300 mm / min until the hook and loop assembly is completely released. The maximum shear force (N) is then calculated using the software from the resulting force / extension curve.

Peel force and repeated peel force Peel force is measured under tensile test using the equipment described above.

  Identify the cross direction (CD) and machine direction (MD) of the female fastener (loop) material. The specimen is cut to have a dimension of 50 mm (MD (width)) × 100 mm (CD (length)).

  Identify standard hook material CD and MD. Samples are cut to 25 mm (MD) and 13 mm (CD) dimensions. Copy paper (75 gsm) so that the hook side of the sample faces away from the piece of paper, the CD of the sample is parallel to the length of the piece of paper, and the edge of the sample is flush with the left, right and bottom edges of the piece of paper. , Dimensions: width 25 mm × length 100 mm). A hook sample is mounted using a double-sided tape on a piece of paper.

  Place the loop sample on a flat work surface with the loop facing up. Place the hook sample in the center of the loop sample so that the hook sample faces downward and the cross direction of the hook sample is parallel to the cross direction of the loop sample and the tip of the paper piece faces away from the operator. The assembly is then rolled using a 5 kg roller in five cycles (one cycle is defined as one forward travel and one return stroke). The tip of the piece of paper is carefully bent 180 degrees back towards the operator with the crease directly adjacent to the hook specimen. Mark the loop sample directly above the hook sample so that the hook sample can be easily reattached to the same location for repeated peel testing.

  Set the tensile tester gauge length to 75 mm and set the crosshead to zero. The top of the loop material is placed on the upper grip surface so that the tip of the piece of paper hangs down and collects horizontally on the grip surface. Align the sample assembly vertically and close the upper grip surface. Insert the tip of the piece of paper into the lower grip and close it. Set the load cell to zero.

  Start tensile tester and data collection. Release the grip at a speed of 300 mm / min until the hook and loop assembly is completely released. The maximum peel force (N) is then calculated using the software from the resulting force / stretch curve.

  For repeated peel, the two pieces are removed from the tensile tester, the hook sample is re-engaged at the same location on the loop sample, rolled in 5 cycles, and peeled again as described above. In a similar manner, a third strip is also performed. Record the maximum peel force for each of the three peels separately.

Mechanical strength The breaking load is measured under a tensile test using the equipment described above.

  Identify the cross direction (CD) and machine direction (MD) of the female fastener (loop) material. Test specimens are cut to have dimensions of 25 mm (MD) × 200 mm (CD).

  The gauge length on the tensile tester is set to 100 mm. Set the crosshead and load cell to zero. Insert the sample into the upper grip surface and align it vertically in the upper and lower grips and close the upper grip surface. Insert the sample into the lower grip surface and close. The sample should be under sufficient tension to eliminate any sagging but should be measured with a load cell measurement of less than 0.05 N.

  Release the grip at a rate of 100 mm / min until the sample bursts. The maximum breaking load (N) is calculated from the resulting force / extension curve using software.

  The above procedure is repeated using a sample cut to a size of 25 mm (CD) × 200 mm (MD). Record CD and MD break loads separately.

(3) Basis weight The basis weight of the nonwoven fabric is measured gravimetrically. Ten pieces of material are stacked and then cut to 100 mm × 100 mm using a steel blade mold and hydraulic machine. Then weighed the stack, computes the basis weight as g / m ^2.

(4) Number of waveforms The number of waveforms was measured according to the procedure described below. It should be noted that the measurement was performed according to the JIS L1015 standard with the exception of the procedure shown below.

  Initially, a line with 25 mm spatial separation was formed on a piece of glossy paper with a smooth surface. The two ends of each fiber were carefully removed from the nonwoven using an embossing roll prior to the thermocompression procedure so that the corrugation was not lost and applied onto the paper with a relaxation of 25 ± 5% for spatial separation. .

  Each of the above test pieces was applied to the chuck of the waveform testing machine, the paper piece was removed, and the distance (space distance) (mm) between the chucks in the initial load (0.18 mN × number of tex displayed) was read. .

  The number of waveforms at that time was counted to obtain the number of waveforms per 25 mm distance, and an average value of 20 times was used. The number of waveforms was obtained as the sum of peaks, the valleys were counted and divided by 2.

(5) Thickness (caliper)
The thickness of the non-woven fabric is measured using a constant pressure thickness meter (Ozaki Manufacturing Co., Japan), and a 16 mm diameter head having a confining force of 3.6 g / cm ² is attached. The measured value is recorded 30 seconds ± 5 seconds after the force is applied. Samples are cut into five 100 mm × 100 mm specimens. The thickness is measured at three different locations for each sample and the results are reported in mm as an average of 15 measurements.

Application example 1
Polypropylene homopolymer with a melting point of 162 ° C. and MFR = 60 g / 10 min (according to ASTM D 1238 standard, measurement was performed at a temperature of 230 ° C. and a load of 2.16 kg. Otherwise, the same applies to the following), and for propylene-ethylene random copolymers having a melting point of 142 ° C. and MFR = 60 g / 10 min, carried out using a spunbonding method and having a weight ratio of 20/80 A web containing side-by-side composite fibers (2.5 denier fiber thickness) was made. At this point, adjustments were made in the molded state to achieve a final basis weight of 45 g / m ² for the nonwoven fabric. In this case, the number of corrugations of the fiber was 25 corrugations / 25 mm.

(Adjustment and evaluation of the nonwoven fabric for use as a female member of a fastener)
To pass the web created above between an embossing roll, a surface engraved with the pattern shown in FIG. 1, and a flat roll, and use it as a female member of a fastener having a basis weight of 45 g / m ^2. In order to prepare a non-woven fabric, pressure bonding was applied under heating. In this case, the temperature of the embossing roll and the temperature of the flat roll were both 125 ° C., and the line pressure was 30 N / mm.

The pattern shown in FIG. 1B has dimensions: W ₁ = 11.5 mm, W ₂ = 9.3 mm (W ₁ / W ₂ = 1.2), W ₃ = 3.2 mm, W ₄ = 1.0 mm. And the area ratio of embossing is 24%. Furthermore, a part of the unit pattern extending in the MD direction is included in a triangle formed by three adjacent contact points of the first shadow area and the second shadow area in the unit pattern.

  The adhesive force, mechanical force and thickness of the nonwoven fabric for use as a female member of a fastener were measured and evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Comparative Example 1
Using only a propylene ethylene random copolymer having a melting point of 142 ° C. and MFR = 60 g / 10 min, performing hot melt rotation using a spunbonding method, and using as a female member of a fastener A nonwoven fabric was prepared as an example of Application Example 1 above. With respect to the non-woven fabric for use as a female member of the above prepared fastener, the adhesive strength, mechanical strength and thickness were measured and evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Comparative Example 2
The embossing roll in which the pattern shown by FIG. 11 was carved on the surface was used, and the nonwoven fabric was created as an example of the application example 1 for using it as a female member of a fastener. As shown in FIG. 11, the emboss pattern is a diamond pattern arranged in the MD direction and the CD direction. The embossed portion 101 has a distance between nodes in the MD direction of W ₅ = 11.1 mm, a distance between nodes in the CD direction of W ₆ = 11.1 mm, a line width of W ₇ = 1 mm, and an area ratio of embossing of 24%. Have.

  The fastening strength, mechanical strength, and thickness of the nonwoven fabric to be used as a female member of the fastener created above were measured and evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Comparative Example 3
The embossing roll in which the pattern shown by FIG. 12 was carved on the surface was used, and the nonwoven fabric for using it as a female member of a fastener was created as the example of the application example 1. FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the emboss pattern is a diamond pattern arranged in the MD direction and the CD direction, and is similar to the diamond pattern in FIG. However, the diamond pattern utilized in FIG. 12 includes lines of square dots arranged at predetermined intervals. The embossed part 101 has a node-to-node distance in the MD direction of W ₈ = 8.5 mm, a node-to-node distance in the CD direction of W ₉ = 8.0 mm, and a point width in the linear direction of W ₁₀ = 0.685 mm. In addition to the width of the points in the line direction, the width of the point distance was 1.46 mm and the area ratio of embossing was 10%.

  The adhesive strength, mechanical strength and thickness of the non-woven fabric prepared above for use as a female member of a fastener were measured and evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Comparative Example 4
Using the embossing roll carved on the surface of the pattern shown in FIG. 13, a non-woven fabric for use as a female member of a fastener was created as an example of application example 1. As shown in FIG. 13, the embossed pattern includes a plurality of unit patterns parallel to the CD direction having a relatively gentle zigzag shape, and is arranged in the MD direction. The embossed portion 101 has a distance between vertices in the MD direction of W ₁₂ = 7 mm (unit pattern pitch), a distance between vertices in the CD direction of W ₁₃ = 9 mm, a line width of W ₁₄ = 1 mm, and 16% embossing. Area ratio. Further, the unit pattern adjacent in the MD direction was not included in the inside of the triangle formed by the three adjacent contact points of the first shadow area and the second shadow area in the unit pattern.

Furthermore, the adhesive strength, mechanical strength, and thickness of the nonwoven fabric prepared above for use as a female member of a fastener were measured and evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

  All documents cited in “Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention” are incorporated herein by reference in the relevant part, and any citation of any document shall be regarded as prior art to the present invention. It should not be construed as acceptable. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of a term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to that term in this document applies And

  While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

  The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” shall mean “about 40 mm”.

The front view which shows the fastening system created according to this invention. The partial top view of the application example of the nonwoven fabric for using as a female member of the fastener of this invention. The elements on larger scale of the nonwoven fabric for using as a female member of the fastener of FIG. 1B. The partial top view of the modified example of the nonwoven fabric for using it as a female member of the fastener of the application example shown by FIG. 1B and FIG. The elements on larger scale of the nonwoven fabric for using as a female member of the fastener of FIG. The partial top view of the different application example of the nonwoven fabric for using as a female member of the fastener of this invention. The elements on larger scale of the nonwoven fabric for using as a female member of the fastener of FIG. The partial top view of the modified example of the nonwoven fabric for using as a female member of the fastener of the application example of FIG.5 and FIG.6. The elements on larger scale of the nonwoven fabric for using as a female member of the fastener of FIG. The partial top view of the different application example of the nonwoven fabric for using as a female member of the fastener of this invention. The elements on larger scale of the nonwoven fabric for using as a female member of the fastener of FIG. The partial top view of the nonwoven fabric for using as a female member of the fastener of the comparative example 2. The partial top view of the nonwoven fabric for using as a female member of the fastener of the comparative example 3. The partial top view of the nonwoven fabric for using as a female member of the fastener of the comparative example 4. The vertical sectional view of the nonwoven fabric for using as a female member of the fastener of the application example of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows bicomponent fiber. Sectional drawing which shows bicomponent fiber. Sectional drawing which shows bicomponent fiber. Sectional drawing which shows bicomponent fiber. The perspective view which shows the disposable absorbent article created according to this invention. The top view which shows the disposable absorbent article of FIG. 16A in the state extended | stretched flatly. The front view which shows another embodiment of the side panel of the disposable absorbent article of FIG. 16A. The front view which shows a part of disposable absorbent article of FIG. 6 which has a fastening system in a fastening state. FIG. 16B is a front view of a portion of the disposable absorbent article of FIG. 16A with the fastening system in a fastened state, wherein the receiving component of the fastening system is disposed on the disposable absorbent article to provide visual placement assistance.

Claims (10)

An engagement component (12) comprising a plurality of engagement elements (14);
A receiving component (100), wherein the engaging component is engageable with the receiving member, the receiving component comprising:
Having a nonwoven fabric,
A composite fiber (1500) having a first propylene polymer (1502) and a second propylene polymer (1510), wherein the first and second propylene polymers continuously extend longitudinally, A composite fiber, wherein a propylene-type polymer is associated with the first propylene-type polymer, whereby the composite fiber forms a corrugation therein;
An embossed portion having a plurality of zigzag unit patterns arranged in the machine direction with a predetermined gap, the zigzag unit patterns being continuously substantially parallel to the transverse direction of the embossing roll. The zigzag unit patterns each include a continuous zigzag pattern, in which a plurality of first diagonal lines (4) and a plurality of second diagonal lines (5) are alternately arranged and the end portions of the diagonal lines (4a 5a) are connected to each other adjacent to each other, and the first diagonal line is disposed at a first angle with respect to the transverse direction and is inclined to one side at substantially the same angle as the first angle with respect to the machine direction. The second diagonal is disposed at a second angle with respect to the transverse direction and is inclined to the other side at substantially the same angle as the second angle with respect to the machine direction; The first diagonal line and the second diagonal line in the zigzag unit pattern form a triangle including three adjacent contact points (6) of the diagonal line, and the triangle is adjacent to the triangle and extends in the machine direction. Including a part of the unit pattern, including an embossed part, as well as a non-embossed part,
The composite fibers are bonded to each other in the embossed portion, and the unit pattern is characterized by having a ratio of W _{1 /} W ₂ in the range of 0.5 to 2.0, the fastening system (10) . During said gap portion _{W 3} defined is 2mm~5mm advance, and _{W 1} is between 5 mm to 20 mm, the fastening system of claim 1.   Fastening system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first diagonal lines or one of the second diagonal lines extends beyond the contact.   The embossed portion further includes a dot pattern disposed between two adjacent unit patterns, and the composite fibers are bonded to each other by thermocompression bonding using an embossing roll. The fastening system described.   The first and second propylene polymers have a melt flow rate (MFR, 230 ° C., 2 ° C.) in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 (second propylene polymer / first propylene polymer) as measured according to ASTM D 1238. . Fastening system according to claim 1, having a ratio of .16 kg.   The first and second propylene polymers each have an ethylene unit amount in the range of 0-10 mol% and a melt flow rate in the range of 20-200 g / 10 min as measured according to ASTM D 1238 (MFR, 230 ° C., 2 The fastening system of claim 1, which is a propylene homopolymer or propylene / ethylene random copolymer having a load of .16 kg.   A disposable article (600, 700, 702) comprising an outer surface, a wearer-facing surface, and a fastening system according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the fastening system is the outer side of the article. A disposable article disposed on a surface or a surface facing the wearer.   The disposable article of claim 7, wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of absorbent articles, diapers, pants, adult incontinence articles, feminine hygiene articles, body wraps, bibs, and consumer goods.   The disposable article according to claim 8, wherein the article is a diaper and the receiving component is joined to an outer surface of the diaper. The diaper includes a first waist region (636), a second waist region (638), a crotch region (610) disposed between the first and second waist regions, a first waist edge (650), and A diaper further comprising a second waist edge (651), and a first longitudinal edge (675A) and a second longitudinal edge (675B);
A top sheet (622);
A backsheet (624) joined to at least a portion of the topsheet;
An absorbent core (646) disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet;
A pair of side panels (628) extending outwardly from the first and second longitudinal edges within the first waist region of the diaper, wherein the engagement element is joined to the side panel. The disposable article of claim 9, wherein the receiving component is joined to the second waist region.

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