KR20040030931A - Mechanical fastening system having orthogonally oriented engagement members - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a selectively separable interlocking fastening system that can be used in a variety of products such as shoes, garments, disposable absorbent articles, for example disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence articles, and the like. The fastening system includes a first fastener component that can constitute at least a first portion of the article. The first fastener component includes a coupling compartment having a plurality of substantially anisotropic coupling members such that the coupling compartment has an axis of substantially maximum engagement. The fastening system can also constitute a cooperative fastener that can configure at least a second portion of the article such that the first and second portions of the article can be joined by moving respective components together into an overlapping structure that generally overlaps along the direction of attachment. Contains ingredients. The first fastener component is oriented such that the axis of its substantially largest engagement is generally orthogonal to the direction of attachment. This structure allows the first fastener component to better interconnect with the cooperating fastener component when various forces are applied to the product, such as the type of force encountered by the fastening system when used on a disposable personal care article to be worn.

Description

MECHANICAL FASTENING SYSTEM HAVING ORTHOGONALLY ORIENTED ENGAGEMENT MEMBERS}

Absorbent personal care articles, such as diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, and the like, may be secured around the wearer or in an undergarment to keep the product in a proper position during use. These products often use adhesive tabs, wings or flaps, garment attach adhesives, and / or similar systems. If the product is secured to the undergarment, the wing or flap may be secured to the undergarment using a wing or flap with adhesive.

Even with the wing / flap and the garment attachment adhesive, it may be difficult for the user to keep the product in the proper position. This problem is particularly noticeable when the user is physically active or when heat, moisture and / or moisture weaken the adhesive used to hold the product.

Other types of attachment systems, such as belts, snaps and the like, are known, but these systems increase the cost and complexity of the product as well as the difficulty of the user attaching or using the absorbent product.

Mechanical fastening systems are used in some commercially available personal care products. Generally, conventional mechanical fastening systems of the hook and loop type are used for flaps or wings of a product. However, these conventional systems can separate when the product is stressed over time. These stresses can be caused by extensive movements by the wearer, unusual movements, vigorous activities such as exercise, and / or clumping and twisting of personal care products.

summary

The present invention solves the problems discussed above by providing a selectively separable interlocking fastening system that can be used in a variety of products such as shoes, garments, disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence articles, and the like. .

The fastening system includes a first fastener component that can constitute at least a first portion of the article. The first fastener component includes a coupling compartment having a plurality of substantially anisotropic coupling members such that the coupling compartment has an axis of substantially maximum engagement.

The fastening system can also constitute a cooperative fastener that can configure at least a second portion of the article such that the first and second portions of the article can be joined by moving respective components together into an overlapping structure that generally overlaps along the direction of attachment. Contains ingredients.

According to the invention, the first fastener component is oriented such that the axis of its substantially largest engagement is generally orthogonal to the direction of attachment. While the inventors do not apply any particular theory, such a structure is intended to cooperate with the first fastener component when various forces are applied to the product, such as the type of force faced by the fastening system when used on a disposable personal care product that is worn. It is thought to allow better interaction with the sphere components.

In one aspect of the invention, each substantially anisotropic coupling member may have a stem portion having a distal distal region and a securing element disposed in the distal distal region of the corresponding stem portion.

Preferably, the engagement section has an axis of maximum engagement and a generally vertical axis of minimum engagement.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooperating fastener component may be substantially anisotropic and comprises a substantially maximum axis of engagement. For example, the axes of substantially maximal engagement of the substantially anisotropic coupling compartment and the axes of substantially maximal engagement of the substantially anisotropic cooperating fastener component are both substantially parallel and oriented so that each is generally orthogonal to the direction of attachment. Can be.

According to the invention, at least one of the first and second portions of the article in which the fastening system is placed or included may be a segment having a free end and a fixed end attached to the article body.

Generally speaking, the cooperating fastener component can be a loop material, such as a woven, knitted or nonwoven loop material. For example, the nonwoven loop material can be a patterned non-bonded material, such as the materials described in US Pat. Nos. 5,858,515 and / or 5,763,041, incorporated herein by reference.

In one aspect of the invention, the fastening system can also be used to secure a product in a structure that is convenient for disposal.

In another aspect of the invention, the fastening system also provides ease of use or advantages in use. In particular, the wings may be engaged on the topsheet side or body side of the sanitary napkin or incontinence article while the release strip protecting the garment adhesive is removed. The product can then be placed in place on the undergarment and the wings can then be engaged.

The invention also includes an article having a fastening system. The article may have a midline extending longitudinally, transversely and longitudinally. The product comprises a first product portion; Second product portion; And one or more selectively separable interlocking fastening systems as described herein for securing the first product portion to the second product portion.

The selectively separable interlocking fastening system includes (a) a joining section having a plurality of substantially anisotropic joining members such that the joining section has an axis of substantially maximum joining and can form one or more sections of the first product portion. One or more first fastener components; And (b) one or more that can form one or more compartments of the second product portion such that the first and second product portions can be joined by moving the respective components together into an overlapping structure that generally overlaps along the direction of attachment. Cooperative fastener components. According to the invention, the first fastener component is oriented such that the axis of its substantially largest engagement is generally orthogonal to the direction of attachment.

Preferably, the first fastener component can extend with respect to the width and / or length dimensions of the first product portion. For example, if the first product portion is a wing or flap, the first fastener component may generally extend relative to the wing or flap along the longitudinal axis of the product. More preferably, the first fastener component may be a soft component that extends with respect to the wing or flap and is flexible enough to be folded, bent or bent with the flap or wing.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the flap is warped, wrinkled and the fastener attachment system is too bleed by configuring the flexible first fastener component to extend relative to at least the longitudinal or dimension of the relatively more flexible wing or flap. It somewhat solves the problem of breakage of fasteners due to drift and / or flutter. In addition, extending the flexible first fastener component to at least the longitudinal or dimension of the relatively more flexible wing or flap avoids the problems associated with the separated small first fastener component concentrated on the flap. Such separate small first fastener components are susceptible to generating moments concentrated on the fastener (acting as an axis) when a normal force to the longitudinal or dimension is applied during normal use. This generally tends to induce warping and wrinkling of the flap and to reduce the pit-dependent performance of personal care products that include such fastening systems.

The same orthogonal force exists in the present invention using a flexible first fastener component that extends substantially relative to the longitudinal or dimension of the relatively more flexible wing or flap. However, when the moment is formed with the "substantially continuous" first fastener component in place, the moment is attenuated by the stopping force in the opposite direction. This reduces the distortion and creases of the flap in the absorbent personal care article as compared to the flap in the absorbent personal care article having the same structure but where the "substantially continuous" first fastener component is replaced by a separate small first fastener component. Decrease.

The article of the invention may further comprise a substantially anisotropic coupling member having a stem portion having a distal distal region and a securing element disposed in the distal distal region of the corresponding stem portion. The engagement section of the first fastener component may have an axis of maximum engagement and a generally vertical axis of minimum engagement. The cooperating fastener component can be substantially anisotropic and have a substantially maximum axis of engagement.

At least one of the first product portion and the second product portion may be a tab, ear, flap or winged element or segment having a free end and a fixed end attached to the product body.

In one embodiment, the first product portion may provide a first waistband portion. The second product portion may provide a second waistband portion. The article may also have an intermediate portion interconnecting the first and second waistband portions. The product comprises a backsheet layer; A topsheet layer that is substantially liquid permeable; And an absorber sandwiched between the back sheet layer and the top sheet layer. Generally speaking, the product may be in the form of disposable diapers, incontinence pants, training pants or similar structures.

In another embodiment, each of the first product portion and the second product portion provides respective first and second flap portions, each flap portion attached to an intermediate portion interconnecting the first and second flap portions. It has a fixed end and a free end. The product comprises a backsheet layer; A topsheet layer that is substantially liquid permeable; And an absorber sandwiched between the back sheet layer and the top sheet layer. Generally speaking, the product may be in the form of a sanitary napkin, incontinence pad or similar structure.

Of course, the fastening system may be suitable for securing the product in a structure that is convenient to dispose of the product.

The invention also includes a selectively separable interconnect fastening system for disposable sanitary napkins. The fastening system includes a first fastener component that can form at least a first portion of the sanitary napkin. The first fastener component can include a coupling compartment having a plurality of substantially anisotropic coupling members such that the coupling compartment has an axis of substantially maximum engagement. The fastening system also cooperates to form at least a second portion of the sanitary napkin so that the first and second portions of the sanitary napkin can be joined by moving the respective components together into an overlapping structure that generally overlaps along the direction of attachment. It may also include fastener components. According to the invention, the first fastener component is oriented such that the axis of its substantially largest engagement is generally orthogonal to the direction of attachment.

In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first portion and the second portion of the sanitary napkin may provide respective first and second flap portions of the sanitary napkin. Each flap portion may have a fixed end and a free end attached to an intermediate portion interconnecting the first and second flap portions. The sanitary napkin has a backsheet layer; A topsheet layer that is substantially liquid permeable; And an absorber sandwiched between the back sheet layer and the top sheet layer.

The invention also includes a sanitary napkin having the selectively separable interlocking fastening system described herein.

In one embodiment, the selectively separable interconnect fastening system can include a first wing extending from the first longitudinal edge of the sanitary napkin and a second wing extending from the second longitudinal edge of the sanitary napkin. Each wing may have a fixed end and a free end.

The first fastener component can form at least a portion of the first vane. The first fastener component can include a coupling compartment having a plurality of substantially anisotropic coupling members such that the coupling compartment has an axis of substantially maximum engagement.

The cooperating fastener component may form at least a portion of at least a second wing such that the first and second wings of the sanitary napkin can be joined by moving the respective components together into an overlapping structure that generally overlaps along the direction of attachment. . According to the invention, the first fastener component is oriented such that the axis of its substantially largest engagement is generally orthogonal to the direction of attachment.

In one aspect of the invention, both the first and second vanes can include a first fastener component and a cooperating fastener component. In another aspect of the present invention, the napkin is quickly removed by tearing the wings along the perforation line, including at least one wing having a perforation line adjacent to its fixed end.

The present invention also includes a first fastener component comprising a coupling compartment having a plurality of coupling members; And a cooperating fastener component, the invention relates to a selectively separable interlocking fastening system for a disposable personal care product, which is more suitable for interfacing when wearing the disposable personal care product.

The present invention relates to fastening systems for garments and other products. More specifically, the invention relates to a mechanical type of fastening system that is connected, which can be used in disposable products such as gowns, diapers, incontinence garments, and the like.

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

1A is an illustration of an exemplary product incorporating a typical fastening system of the present invention.

1B is an illustration of an exemplary product incorporating a typical fastening system of the present invention.

1C is an illustration of a representative product that includes a typical fastening system of the present invention when used with an undergarment.

1D is an illustration of a representative product comprising a typical fastening system of the present invention with the backsheet of the product facing up.

1D 'is an illustration of a representative article comprising a typical fastening system of the present invention with the backsheet of the article facing up.

1E is an illustration of a portion of an exemplary product comprising a typical fastening system of the present invention with the backsheet of the product facing up.

2A is an illustration of an exemplary product incorporating a typical fastening system of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is an illustration of a representative product that includes a typical fastening system of the present invention to form a diaper, training pants or large incontinence article when fastened.

3A is an illustration of a typical anisotropic coupling member that can be used in the present invention.

3B is an illustration of a typical anisotropic coupling member that can be used in the present invention.

3B 'representatively shows a plan view of the engagement member of FIG. 3B.

3C is an illustration of a typical anisotropic coupling member that can be used in the present invention.

3C 'representatively shows a plan view of the engagement member of FIG. 3C.

3D is an illustration of a typical anisotropic coupling member that can be used in the present invention.

3E is an illustration of a typical anisotropic coupling member that can be used in the present invention.

4A-B are graphical representations of the data in Table 1. FIG.

5A-B are graphical representations of the data in Table 1. FIG.

6A-B are micrographs of typical anisotropic binding members that can be used in the present invention.

7 and 8 are micrographs of typical cooperating fastener members (eg, loop materials) that can be used in the present invention.

9 is an illustration of one side of an interlocking fastening system.

It is an illustration of one side of this invention of FIG.

Various aspects and embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to disposable absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins or disposable diapers. However, the present invention may also be used with other products such as caps, gowns, shoe covers, feminine hygiene products, training pants for children, incontinence garments, and the like. In general, disposable products are for limited use and are not intended to be washed or cleaned for reuse. For example, disposable diapers are disposed of after being soiled by the wearer.

Referring to the drawings, products such as the sanitary napkin 10 (or the disposable diaper 10 'illustrated in FIGS. 2A-B) illustrated in FIGS. 1A-E may have a longitudinal longitudinal direction 26, a transverse transverse direction 24 ) And a middle line 40 extending in the longitudinal direction. The product includes one or more fasteners 36 for securing the first product portion, the second product portion and the first product portion to the second product portion. Such fastening may for example be configured such that the product is held to the wearer. The fastener is preferably at least one first fastener component 70 attached to a designated compartment of the first (or second) product portion, and a cooperating fastener component 72 attached to the second (or first) product portion. ). The first fastener component 70 includes a joining compartment having a plurality of first joining members 56. Each engagement member 56 has a stem portion 58 with a distal distal region 44 and also has one or more fastening elements 60 disposed in the corresponding distal distal region. Many of the coupling members have an arrangement pattern of their fixing elements. Multiple multiple joining members may be used, each having a different arrangement pattern of fastening elements.

Another aspect of the invention may provide an article in which the fastener component may comprise a coupling compartment having a plurality of anisotropic coupling members. Each anisotropic coupling member is a stem portion 58 having a distal distal region 44 and a direction dependent fixing element disposed anisotropically in the distal distal region of the corresponding stem portion 58 to provide an anisotropic coupling opening ( 60). Many anisotropic engagement members can have an alignment pattern of their engagement openings. Many multiple anisotropic engagement members can be used and it is contemplated that other alignment patterns of their engagement apertures are possible.

In a particular structure, the majority of the plurality of anisotropic coupling members have their coupling openings substantially perpendicular to the direction of attachment. Generally speaking, the direction of attachment is the direction in which each of the first and second portions of the product are created in an overlapping relationship. Thus, the attachment direction in FIGS. 1 and 2 is generally the direction with the transverse vector component towards the midline 40 along the transverse direction 24 of the article. Thus, many anisotropic engagement members will have their engagement openings substantially parallel to the midline 40 of the article.

In various aspects of the invention, the individual engagement members are generally flexible and resilient, but will substantially maintain their initial form during normal use. When bent or deformed during normal use, the engagement member will avoid substantially plastic deformation to continue deformation, but instead will substantially return or "elastic recovery" to its original orientation and form.

Various aspects (individually and also in combination) of the present invention can help to better maintain the desired fit around the wearer. For example, one aspect of the present invention can reduce sagging and sagging of the crotch region of the garment and can reduce roll-over and sagging in the waist region. By applying various aspects of the fastening system of the present invention, it is possible to better prevent premature opening and improve fixation force, and also provide improved fit and greater comfort and reduce irritation to the wearer's skin.

The product of the present invention may be a disposable diaper, for example. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the first product portion may provide a first rear waistband portion and the second product portion may provide a second front waistband portion. The article may also have a middle or crotch portion that interconnects between the first and second waistband portions. The diaper may further include an absorbent structure, such as a backsheet layer, a liquid permeable topsheet layer connected and assembled in opposing relationship with the backsheet layer, and a structure comprising an absorbent body. The absorbent structure is sandwiched between the backsheet and topsheet layer and retained between them. Fastening systems, such as systems including fasteners, are generally constructed and arranged to interconnect the first waistband portion and the second waistband portion to retain the product to the wearer. The fastening system is configured to be usable to join the first rear waistband portion in a rear-to-front arrangement in overlapping with the second front waistband portion to surround the wearer's body during use and maintain the diaper's fixation to the wearer during use. have. Optionally, the fastening system may secure the diaper using fasteners configured to join the front waistband portion in a front-to-back arrangement in relation to the rear waistband portion. In any such arrangement, the front waistband region may be named as the first waistband portion and the rear waistband region may be named as the second waistband portion.

1A-E are illustrations of representative sanitary napkins with fasteners 36 in the form of wings or flaps. One or more first fastener components 70 are attached to the vanes 36 and one or more cooperating fastener components 72 are attached to the opposing vanes 36. In some embodiments of the invention, the first fastener component 70 and the cooperating fastener component 72 may be attached to each wing such that the wings can be fastened regardless of any particular stacking order. In another embodiment, the wings may be formed in part or in whole of cooperating fastener components 72. 1C is an illustration of a sanitary napkin with wings 36 or flaps fixed around an undergarment or pants "P". Arrows labeled "A" generally indicate the direction of attachment. The arrow labeled "O" indicates the direction orthogonal to the direction of attachment. It should be understood that this orthogonal direction includes some Z-direction components in some special cases, but generally or substantially follows the product or is in the plane of the product.

According to the invention, the first fastener component should be configured to have an axis of maximum engagement. This can be done by using multiple engagement members 56 that are anisotropic (ie, anisotropic) or asymmetric. When the axis of maximum engagement of the first fastener components is oriented so as to be generally orthogonal to the direction of attachment (ie, the direction in which each fastener component overlaps together), such fastening systems are suitable for better interconnection when the product is worn It was unexpectedly discovered. For example, the peel and shear forces measured using standard test procedures prior to wear of the product are greater for fastening systems where the axis of maximum engagement of the first fastener component is oriented in the direction of attachment and the maximum of the first fastener component It is smaller for a fastening system in which the axis of engagement is oriented so as to be perpendicular to the direction of attachment.

When the peel force and shear force were measured after use, the value increased in both orientations. However, the peel force and shear force values measured for a fastening system in which the axis of maximum engagement of the first fastener component is oriented orthogonal to the direction of attachment is determined by the fastening system in which the axis of maximum engagement of the first fastener component is oriented in the direction of attachment. Larger than that measured for.

Data representing this result is presented in Table 1 and graphically shown in FIGS. 4A-B and 5A-B.

The following is a brief description of the orientation direction with respect to the longitudinal longitudinal direction 26 and the transverse direction shown in FIGS. 1A, 1D and 1D '. In one exemplary sanitary napkin, the orientation of the axis of maximum engagement of the first fastener component in the attachment direction is such that the axis of maximum engagement is in the transverse or transverse direction 24 shown in FIGS. 1A, 1D and 1D '. It is meant to orient the first fastener component. Thus, for sanitary napkins, orienting the axis of maximum engagement of the first fastener component generally to be orthogonal to the direction of attachment indicates that the axis of maximum engagement of the first fastener component is shown in FIGS. Orienting the first fastener component.

1D illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which a first fastener component 70 is attached to a wing or flap 36 and a cooperating fastener component 72 is attached to or integral with the corresponding wing or flap 36. Indicates. 1D 'illustrates an embodiment in which a first fastener component is attached to each vane or flap 36 and a cooperating fastener component is likewise present on each vane or flap 36. 1E illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1D ′ such that the first fastener component 70 and the cooperating fastener component 72 on each flap or wing 36 are more visible. More specifically, FIG. 1E shows the first fastener component 70 attached to the wing and the opposite side of the wing (ie, the wing face away from the baffle or peel strip) such that each faces the baffle or peel strip of the article. A pair of wings or flaps 36 is shown having a cooperating fastener component 72 attached to or integral with the wing to face.

2 is an illustration of a representative diaper having a tab or ear shaped fastener 36 extending from the waistband section of the diaper. At least one first fastener component is attached to ear 36 and at least one cooperative fastener component 72 is attached to the corresponding portion of the diaper such that the diaper can be configured for wear, for example, as shown in FIG. 2A. Attached. Arrow "A" generally indicates the direction of attachment.

The diaper 10 generally includes a porous liquid permeable topsheet 28; A substantially liquid impermeable backsheet 30; An absorbent structure 32 positioned between and connecting the topsheet and the backsheet; A surge control portion 46 positioned adjacent the absorbent structure; And a system of elastic gathering members, such as a system comprising leg elastics 34 and waist elastics 42. The surge control portion is positioned to be in liquid communication with a designated storage or retention portion of the absorbent structure and includes a topsheet 28, a backsheet 30, an absorbent structure 32, a surge control portion 46, and elastic members 34 and 42. ) May be assembled into various known diaper structures. The diaper may further include a system of retention flaps 62, and a system of side panels or ear region members 38, which may be elastic or elastic.

Various techniques for forming a preferred fastening system are described in US Pat. No. 5,399,219 to Agent Rosler et al., Issued March 21, 1995 (Agent No. 11,186, entitled “METHOD FOR MAKING A FASTENING”). SYSTEM FOR A DYNAMIC FITTING DIAPER; U.S. Patent Application No. 286,086 of Agent D. Fries, filed Aug. 3, 1994, US Pat. "A PROCESS FOR ASSEMBLING ELASTICIZED EAR PORTIONS"; And U.S. Patent Application No. 08 / 415,383 of Agent D. Fries, filed April 3, 1995, corresponding to U.S. Patent No. 5,595,618, Representative Event No. 11,950, entitled "AN ASSEMBLY PROCESS FOR" A LAMINATED TAPE, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety (not in conflict).

The diaper 10 generally has a longitudinal direction 26 extending in the longitudinal direction and a width direction 24 extending in the transverse direction, as representatively shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The diaper can have any desired shape, for example rectangular, I-shaped, generally hourglass, or T-shaped. In the case of the T-shape, the transverse line of "T" may comprise the front waistband portion of the diaper, or alternatively may comprise the rear waistband portion of the diaper.

Topsheet 28 and backsheet 30 may generally match and have length and width dimensions that extend greater than and beyond the corresponding dimensions of absorbent structure 32 such that corresponding side edges 20 and ends Edge 22 may be provided. Optionally, the topsheet and backsheet layer may not match. The topsheet 28 is usable with the backsheet 30 and overlaps thereon to define the rim of the diaper. The waistband area includes a diaper portion that, when worn, covers or surrounds, in whole or in part, the wearer's waist or mid-lower torso. The middle crotch region 16 lies between the waistband regions 14 and 12 and interconnects it, and includes a diaper portion positioned between the wearer's legs when worn to cover the wearer's lower torso. Thus, the middle crotch region 16 is the side where repeated fluid surges occur in diapers or other disposable absorbent articles.

The backsheet 30 is generally located along the outer surface of the absorbent body 32 and may be composed of a liquid permeable material, but preferably comprises a material configured to be substantially impermeable to liquid. For example, typical backsheets can be made from thin plastic films, or other soft, substantially liquid impermeable materials. As used herein, the term “soft” means a material that is flexible and will easily conform to the general shape and body contour of the wearer. The backsheet 30 prevents the secretions contained in the absorbent body 32 from wetting products such as bed sheets and overgarments, which come into contact with the diaper 10. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the backsheet 30 may comprise a film, such as a polyethylene film, having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mil). For example, the backsheet film may have a thickness of about 1.25 mils.

The alternatively produced backsheet may comprise a woven or nonwoven fibrous web layer, wholly or partially fabricated or treated, to impart the desired liquid impermeability to selected areas adjacent or proximate to the absorbent body. For example, the backsheet may comprise a gas permeable nonwoven layer laminated to a polymer film layer that may or may not be gas permeable. Another example of a fibrous, woven backsheet material is a stretched thinned or composed of 0.6 mil (0.015 mm) thick polypropylene blown film and 0.7 ounce / yard ² (23.8 gsm) polypropylene spunbond material (2 denier fibers) An extensible thermal laminate material. This type of material forms the outer cover of the HUGGIES SUPREME disposable diaper, commercially available from Kimberly-Clark Corporation. The backsheet 30 generally provides an outer cover of the product. However, optionally the article may comprise a separate outercover component member in addition to the backsheet.

The backsheet 30 may comprise a microporous, “breathable” material that allows gas, such as water vapor, to escape from the absorbent 32 while substantially preventing the secretion from passing through the backsheet. For example, the breathable backsheet may be composed of a microporous polymer film or nonwoven coated or modified to impart the desired liquid impermeability. For example, suitable microporous films include Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc. PMP-1 materials sold from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc., Tokyo, Japan; Or XKO-8044 polyolefin film sold from 3M Company (Minneapolis, Minnesota). The backsheet may also be embossed or provided with a pattern or matte finish to give it a better aesthetic appearance.

In various configurations of the present invention, when a component such as backsheet 30 or retention flap 62 is formed to be permeable to a gas with resistance and limited permeability to aqueous liquids, the liquid resistant material may substantially pass through it. It may have a structure capable of supporting a water hydrohead of about 45 cm or more without leaking. Suitable techniques for measuring the resistance of a material to liquid penetration are the Federal Test Method Standard FTMS 191 Method 5514, 1978 or its equivalent.

Topsheet 28 provides a surface that is flexible, soft and non-irritating to the wearer's body. In addition, the topsheet 28 is less hydrophilic than the absorbent 32 and sufficiently porous to be liquid permeable so that liquid can easily penetrate to its thickness and reach the absorbent. Suitable topsheet layers 28 include porous foams, reticulated foams, perforated plastic films, natural fibers (eg, wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (eg, polyester or polypropylene fibers), or natural and synthetic fibers. And various web materials such as The topsheet layer 28 is generally used to help separate the wearer's skin from the liquid retained in the absorbent 32.

Various woven and nonwoven fabrics can be used for the topsheet 28. For example, the topsheet may consist of a meltblown or spunbonded web of the desired fiber, or may be a bonded-carded web. Various fabrics may be made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers or combinations thereof.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "nonwoven web" means a web of fibrous material that is formed without a woven fabric or knitting process. The term "fabric" is used to mean both woven, knitted and nonwoven fibrous webs.

The topsheet fabric may be composed of a material that is substantially hydrophobic, and the hydrophobic material may be optionally treated with a surfactant or processed to impart the desired wettability and hydrophilicity. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the topsheet 28 is a spunbond polypropylene nonwoven composed of about 2.8-3.2 denier fibers formed into a web having a basis weight of about 22 gsm and a density of about 0.06 gm / cc. The fabric may be surface treated with a functional amount of surfactant, such as about 0.28% Triton X-102 surfactant. The surfactant can be applied by any conventional means such as spraying, printing, brush coating or the like.

The topsheet 28 and backsheet 30 are usably connected or coupled. As used herein, the term "bonded" refers to a structure in which the topsheet 28 is directly bonded to the backsheet 30 by attaching the topsheet 28 directly to the backsheet 30, and the topsheet 28. The top sheet 28 includes the structure in which the top sheet 28 is indirectly bonded to the back sheet 30 by attaching the to the intermediate member and attaching it to the back sheet 30 again. Topsheet 28 and backsheet 30 are suitable attachment mechanisms (not shown), such as, for example, adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, pinning, stitching, or other techniques known in the art, and combinations thereof. Using at least a portion of the diaper rim can be bonded to each other. For example, a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, a sprayed pattern of adhesive or a separation line, swirl or spot array of constituent adhesive may be used to attach the topsheet 28 to the backsheet 30. have. It will be readily understood that the attachment means may be used to suitably interconnect, assemble and / or attach various other component parts of the products described herein.

Absorbent 32 provides an absorbent structure that may include a retention portion, such as a representative absorbent pad composed of selected hydrophilic fibers and superabsorbent particles, for retaining and storing absorbed liquids and other feces. The absorbent body is sandwiched between the topsheet 28 and the backsheet 30 to form the diaper 10. Absorbents are generally compressible, conformable to form, nonirritating to the wearer's skin, and have a structure capable of absorbing and retaining body secretions. For the purposes of the present invention, the absorbent structure may comprise the material of a single integral piece, or may comprise the material of a plurality of individual separate pieces usably assembled.

Various types of wettable, hydrophilic fibrous materials can be used to form the constituent parts of the absorbent body 32. Examples of suitable fibers include natural organic fibers composed of intrinsically wettable materials, such as cellulose fibers; Synthetic fibers composed of cellulose or cellulose derivatives, such as rayon fibers; Inorganic fibers composed of intrinsically wettable materials such as glass fibers; Synthetic fibers made from intrinsically wettable thermoplastic polymers, such as certain polyester or polyamide fibers; And synthetic fibers composed of non-wetting thermoplastic polymers, such as polypropylene fibers, which have been hydrophilized by appropriate means. These fibers are, for example, treated with silica, by a material having a suitable hydrophilic moiety and not easily removed from the fibers, or by coating the non-wetting hydrophobic fibers with a hydrophilic polymer during or after fiber formation. Can be hydrated. For the purposes of the present invention, selected blends of the various types of fibers may be used.

The term "hydrophilic" as used herein describes a fiber or surface of the fiber that is wetted by the aqueous liquid in contact with the fiber. The degree of wetting of the materials can in turn be described in terms of the contact angles and the surface tensions of the liquids and materials involved. Apparatus and techniques suitable for measuring the wettability of particular fiber materials or blends of fiber materials may be provided by a Cahn SFA-222 Surface Force Analyzer System or a substantially equivalent system. When measured with this system, fibers having a contact angle of less than 90 ° are referred to as "wetability", and fibers having a contact angle of more than 90 ° are referred to as "non-wetting".

Absorber structure 32 may include a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a web of cellulose fluff, mixed with particles of a superabsorbent material. In a particular arrangement, absorbent 32 is a mixture of superabsorbent hydrogel forming particles and synthetic polymer meltblown fibers, or a mixture of fibrous coform materials comprising a blend of superabsorbent particles and natural fibers and / or synthetic polymer fibers. It may include. The superabsorbent particles may be mixed substantially homogeneously with the hydrophilic fibers or may be mixed non-uniformly. For example, the concentration of superabsorbent particles is non-stepped through a substantial portion of the thickness (z-direction) of the absorbent structure, having a low concentration towards the body side of the absorbent body and a relatively higher concentration towards the outside of the absorbent structure. Can be arranged in a gradient. Suitable z-gradient configurations are described in US Pat. No. 4,699,823 (Kellenberger et al., Filed Oct. 13, 1987), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety (not in conflict). have. In addition, the concentration of superabsorbent particles is a non-step gradient through a substantial portion of the thickness (z-direction) of the absorbent structure, which has a high concentration towards the body side of the absorbent body and a relatively lower concentration towards the outside of the absorbent structure. Can be arranged. Superabsorbent particles may also be arranged in generally separated layers within the hydrophilic fiber matrix. In addition, two or more different types of superabsorbents may optionally be disposed at other locations within or along the fiber matrix.

Superabsorbent materials may include absorbent gelling materials such as superabsorbents. Absorbent gelling materials can be natural, synthetic, and modified natural polymers and materials. The absorbent gelling material may also be an inorganic material, such as silica gel, or an organic compound, such as a crosslinked polymer. The term "crosslinking" means any means for effectively making a normally water-soluble material to be substantially water-insoluble but swellable. Such means can include, for example, physical entanglement, crystalline domains, covalent bonds, ionic complexes and associations, hydrophilic associations such as hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic associations or van der Waals forces.

Examples of synthetic absorbent gelling material polymers include maleic anhydride copolymers with alkali metal and ammonium salts of poly (acrylic acid) and poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylamide), poly (vinyl ether), vinyl ethers and alpha-olefins. , Poly (vinyl pyrrolidone), poly (vinyl morpholinone), poly (vinyl alcohol), and mixtures and copolymers thereof. Other polymers suitable for use in the absorbers include natural and modified natural polymers such as hydrolyzed acrylonitrile-grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, methyl cellulose, chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxy Propyl cellulose, and natural gums such as alginate, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, and the like. Mixtures of absorbent polymers that are natural and wholly or partially synthetic may also be useful in the present invention. Other suitable absorbent gelling materials are disclosed by Assarsson et al in US Pat. No. 3,901,236, issued August 26, 1975. Methods for preparing synthetic absorbent gelling polymers are described in US Pat. No. 4,076,663 to Masuda et al. On February 28, 1978 and US Patent No. to Tsubakimoto on August 25, 1981. 4,286,082.

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

With respect to the representative structures shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the article may comprise a flap region, a wing, an “ear” region or an ear member system. In a particular arrangement, each flap, wing or ear region or member may extend transversely at the opposite transverse end of the product, such as a diaper, incontinence pad or sanitary napkin.

In various configurations of the present invention, the tab, flap or wing region can then be formed integrally with the selected product component. For example, the tab, flap or wing area may be formed integrally from the layer material providing the backsheet layer and / or integrally formed from the material used to provide the topsheet. In an alternative configuration, the tab, flap or wing area is then provided by one or more individually provided members connected and assembled to the backsheet, to the topsheet, between the backsheet and the topsheet, or to various attachments of such assembly. Can be.

In a particular configuration of the invention, each of the tabs, flaps, or wing regions can then be formed from individually provided piece materials that are assembled and attached appropriately to selected portions of the article.

The tab, flap or wing region may then consist substantially of non-elastomeric materials, such as polymeric films, fabrics, nonwovens, and the like, as well as combination materials thereof. In a particular aspect of the invention, the tab, flap or wing region is then substantially elastically stretchable, such as stretch-bonded-laminate (SBL) material, neck, at least elastically along the transverse direction 24. -Bonded-laminate (NBL) materials, elastomer films, elastomer foam materials and the like. For example, suitable meltblown elastomeric fibrous webs for forming tabs, flaps or wing regions are described in T. Wisneski et al. On May 5, 1987, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. US Pat. No. 4,663,220. Examples of composite fabrics comprising at least one layer of nonwoven fabric secured to a fibrous elastic layer are described in European Patent Application EP 0 217 032 A2, published on April 8, 1987, the entire description of which is incorporated herein by reference. Taylor et al. Examples of NBL materials are described in US Pat. No. 5,226,992, issued to Mormon on July 13, 1993, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As noted above, various suitable configurations may be used to attach the tab, flap or wing area to selected portions of the article. Specific examples of configurations suitable for securing a pair of elastically extensible members to the transverse side of the article to extend laterally beyond the transversely opposite side regions of the outer cover and liner component of the article are provided in accordance with the entire description. US Patent No. 4,938,753 to P. VanGompel et al., Issued July 3, 1990, which is incorporated by reference.

The illustrated ear, tab, flap or wing region has the form of a contour whose end length is tapered, curved or relatively inward of the base region greater than or less than the longitudinal length of its relatively outer end region. . Alternatively, the region may then have a substantially rectangular shape and optionally may have a substantially trapezoidal shape.

In various aspects and configurations of the invention, the fastening mechanism between the selected first fastener component and the selected cooperative fastener component may be adhesive, cohesive, mechanical, or a combination thereof. In the context of the present invention, a mechanical fastening system is a system comprising a first fastener component and a cooperative fastener component that are secured by mechanical interlocking.

Preferably, the first fastener component and the cooperative fastener component comprise complementary elements of a mechanical fastening system cooperatively interconnected. The mechanical fastener component can be provided by a mechanical type of fastener, such as a hook, buckle, snap, button, or the like, that includes complementary mechanical coupling components that cooperate.

As shown in the illustrated arrangement, for example, the mechanical fastening system can be a hook-and-loop type fastening system. Such fastening systems generally include a joining member in the form of a "hook" or a hook-like component, and include a cooperating "loop" or loop-like female component that is coupled and detachably interconnected with the hook component. Preferably, the interconnects are selectively detachable and reattachable. Conventional systems are marketed, for example, under the Velcro brand. The hook element can be provided by a single hook structure, by a multiple hook hook structure or by a generally continuous head enlarged structure, for example by a hook element of a mushroom head type. The loop element may be provided by a woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, knitted fabric, perforated or open layer, and the like, and combinations thereof. Many arrangements and variations of such fastening systems are collectively referred to as hook-and-loop fasteners.

Structures utilizing an optionally separable interlocking mechanical fastening system can, for example, locate the first fastener component on at least the designated mating or fixed surface of the tab, flap or wing 36 and designate the cooperative fastener component. It can be positioned on a designated engagement surface of the tab, flap or wing 36. For example, in the case of a representative hook-and-loop fastener, the fastening component attached to the designated mating or fixed surface of the fastener tab 36 may comprise a hook-type mechanical engagement element, The complementary fastening component bonded and attached to the designated surface of 36) may comprise a looped fastening element.

In various configurations of the present invention, it will be readily understood that the first fastening component and its cooperation, the relative position of the complementary fastening component, and / or material may be reversed.

Examples of hook-and-loop fastening systems and components are described in US Pat. No. 5,019,073 to T. Roessler et al. On May 28, 1991, the entire description of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. have. Another example of a hook-and-loop fastening system is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 366,080, filed December 28, 1994 to G. Zehner et al .; Title: HIGH-PEEL TAB FASTENER; Agent Event no: 11,571); And US Patent Application No. 421,640, filed April 13, 1995 (P. VanGompel et al., Titled MULTI-ATTACHMENT FASTENING SYSTEM), the entire description of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety herein. Included in Examples of fastening tabs configured with a carrier layer are described in US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 603,477, filed Mar. 6, 1996, which corresponds to US Pat. No. 5,624,429, issued April 29, 1997 (A. Long et al .; Title of the Invention: MECHANICAL FASTENING SYSTEM WITH GRIP TAB; Agent Event No .: 12,563), the entire description of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

With respect to FIGS. 3A-E, the designated first fastener component 70 may comprise a material having a joining member (eg, a hook member shown) projecting from the base layer or support layer 110. Each engagement member generally comprises an upright stem portion 58 and a fastening element 60. Stem portion 58 has a fixed distal region 43, and preferably a distal distal region 44 that is joined adjacent to the fixed distal region. The fixed end region of the stem portion is usably attached to the support layer 110, and the distal end region is usable attached to the corresponding bond fixation element 60. The stem portion 58 is hard enough to maintain the designated upright position and the designated directional arrangement of the fastening elements 60 during normal use of the first fastener component in the fastening system. More particularly, the stem portion is sufficiently resistant to bending and twisting to keep the desired upright position and directional arrangement of the securing elements available. The support layer 110 has a support thickness 112, a joining member surface 114 and an opposing support mounting surface 116. The selected engagement member is attached to the support layer 110 and protrudes from the engagement member surface 114.

As representatively shown in FIGS. 3A-E, a particular aspect of the invention may include anisotropic coupling members when the anisotropic coupling member is configured to provide directional or direction dependent coupling with the cooperating fastener component 72. have. In particular, the engagement member may exhibit one or more deflections and the selected fastening properties, such as peel force, shear force, etc., have relatively different values along that direction. For example, the fastening properties can have one or more deflections, and fastening properties, such as peel force, shear force, etc., have a relatively maximum value along that direction. Likewise, the engagement member may exhibit one or more deflections and the selected fastening characteristic has a relatively minimum value along that direction. The direction of the maximum value may or may not be substantially opposite the direction of the minimum value.

Thus, the anisotropic coupling member can provide a larger (or less) shear force value or peel force value depending on the direction in which the shear force or peel force value is measured. Anisotropic features are formed by various suitable mechanisms such as different shapes, size dimensions, cross sections, protrusion lengths, protrusion angles, material types, coating or other treatment types, surface textures, surface shapes, coefficients of friction, cohesion, etc., and combinations thereof. Can be. The anisotropic coupling member can have a limited degree of symmetry, such as left and right symmetry. Suitable anisotropic binding members can be provided, for example, by inverse J-form or generally T-form binding members. In contrast, a substantially isotropic coupling member is a mushroom-shaped coupling member in which the mushroom head is substantially symmetrically distributed around its upright stem portion and the designated coupling opening is similarly substantially symmetrically distributed around its upright stem portion. May be provided by

Examples of suitable micro-hook materials are distributed under the trade names VELCRO HTH 829 and VELCRO HTH 851 and are available from Velcro USA. Inc. (VELCRO USA, Inc.) (Manchester, New Hampshire). The micro-hook material can have a hook in the form of an inclined hook element, with a hook density of about 264 hooks per cm ² (about 1700 hooks per inch ² ); Hook height in the range of about 0.030 to 0.063 cm (about 0.012 to 0.025 inch); And a hook width in the range of about 0.007 to 0.022 cm (about 0.003 to 0.009 inch). The hook element is molded on a base layer support having a thickness of about 0.0076 to 0.008 cm (about 0.003 to 0.0035 inch) and the hook material member has a Gulley stiffness of about 12 mgf (12 Gulley units). Other suitable hook materials can include VELCRO HTH 858, VELCRO HTH 851 and VELCRO HTH 863 hook materials.

For the purposes of the present invention, various stiffness values are measured for flexural moments formed by forces directed perpendicular to a plane substantially defined by the length and width of the component being tested. A suitable technique for measuring the stiffness values described herein is the Guarley stiffness test described in TAPPI Standard Test T 543 om-94 (Bending Resistance of Paper (Gurley Type Tester)). Suitable test apparatuses include a Gurley Digital Stiffness Tester manufactured by Teledyne Gurley (Troy, New York); Model 4171-D. For the purposes of the present invention, the Guarley stiffness values mentioned correspond to the values to be obtained by samples of "standard" size. Thus, the scale scale from the Gurley stiffness tester is properly converted to the stiffness of the standard size sample and is typically reported in milligram-force (mgf). Typically, the standard "Gurley unit" is equal to the stiffness value of 1 mgf and can be used equally to report the Gurley stiffness.

In various aspects and structures of the present invention, the loop material may be provided by a nonwoven, woven or knitted fabric. For example, suitable loop material fabrics are Gilford Mills, Inc. (Guilford Mills, Inc .; Greensboro, North Carolina) and may be composed of two bars, warp knitted fabrics and other types of knitted fabrics sold under the trade name # 34285. Suitable loop materials are also commercially available from 3M Company, which has distributed nylon woven loops under its SCOTCHMATE brand. 3M Company also distributed 3M knitted loop tape, and a linerless loop web with adhesive on the back of the web.

The loop material may comprise a nonwoven fabric having a continuous bond surface that defines a plurality of separate non-bonded surfaces. The fibers or filaments in the separate nonbonded sides of the fabric are dimensionally stabilized by continuous bond surfaces that surround or enclose each nonbonded surface so that no support or backing layer of film or adhesive is required. The unbonded face is specially designed to provide space between the fibers or filaments within the unbonded face that are sufficiently open or large to receive and engage the hook elements of complementary hook material. In particular, the patterned nonwoven or nonwoven web may comprise a spunbond nonwoven web formed of a single component or multicomponent melt-spun filament. At least one surface of the nonwoven may comprise a plurality of separate nonbonding faces surrounded or surrounded by continuous joining surfaces. The continuous bond surface forms a fiber or filament that forms a nonwoven web by bonding or fusing portions of the fiber or filament that extend the outer surface of the non-bonded surface to the bond surface, while substantially not bonding or fusing the fibers or filaments in the non-bonded surface. Stabilize dimensionally. The degree of bonding or fusing in the bond side is preferably sufficient to render the nonwoven web non-fibrous in the bond side, and the fibers or filaments in the non-bonded side will act as a "loop" to receive and bond the hook elements. Examples of suitable point unbonded fabrics are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 754,419 (TJ Stokes et al.), Dec. 17, 1996, the entire description of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety: PATTERN-UNBONDED NONWOVEN WEB AND PROCESS FOR MAKING THE SAME; Agent Ref. No. 12,232).

The term “spunbond web” as used herein extrudes a molten thermoplastic material from a plurality of fine, generally circular capillaries as filaments, and then, for example, fluid-stretches or other known spunbonding diameters of the extruded filaments. By a mechanism is meant a web formed by sharp reduction. The production of spunbonded nonwoven webs is illustrated in patents such as US Pat. No. 4,340,563 to Appel et al.

In various configurations of the present invention, the loop material need not be limited to a separate or separate patch on the outer surface of the article. Instead, the loop material may be provided by a substantially continuous, outer fibrous layer that is assembled, integrated or bonded to extend over a certain surface area of the desired product. For example, the outer fibrous layer may be arranged to extend over substantially the entire exposed surface area of the textile outer cover used with the article.

In various configurations of the present invention, the engagement force between the selected first fastener component and its designated cooperative fastener component must be large and durable enough to adequately secure the product to the wearer during use. In special arrangements, particularly when the bond shear force provided by the fastening system is at a sufficiently high level, the fastening engagement results in a minimum of about 40 grams-force (gmf) per inch "width" of engagement between the first fastener component and the cooperating fastener component. The above peeling force value can be provided. In another arrangement, the fastening coupling may provide a peel force value of about 100 gmf / inch or more that provides improved benefits. In a preferred configuration, the fastening engagement can provide a peel force value of at least about 200 gmf per inch of "width" of engagement between the first fastener component and the cooperating fastener component. Alternatively, the peel force to provide further improved benefits is at least about 300 gmf / inch, optionally at least about 400 gmf / inch. In another aspect, the peel force is about 1,200 gmf / inch or less. Alternatively, the peel force to provide improved benefits is about 800 gmf / inch or less, optionally about 600 gmf / inch or less.

The engagement force between the selected first fastener component and its designated cooperative fastener component may further provide a shear force value of at least about 400 gmf or more per inch ² of engagement surface between the first fastener component and the cooperative fastener component. Alternatively, the shear force is at least about 1,000 gmf / in ² and optionally at least about 1,700 gmf / in ² . In another aspect, the shear force can be about 4,400 gmf / in ² or less. Alternatively, the shear force to provide improved performance is about 3,900 gmf / in ² or less, optionally about 3,500 gmf / in ² or less.

Peel force values can be measured according to the standard procedure ASTM D-5170, approved September 15, 1991 and published in November 1991, details as follows. The test piece is a fastener tab obtained from the product to be evaluated. Specimen length is a dimension along the direction in which a peel force is normally applied to remove and remove the fastener during normal use of the product in which the fastener is used. The test piece "width" lies within the normal face of the fastener and is perpendicular to the test piece length. The roller unit weighs 4.5 pounds and includes a rubber coating around the roller circumference. Suitable rollers are part number HR-100, available from Chemssultants International (Mentor, Ohio). During engagement of the fastener component, the roller is rolled over the test piece for one cycle in the direction of the transverse "width" of the sample. In addition, initial peeling by the hand "lifting the loop" is omitted. During the test, the fastener material supported by the stop clamp may have a larger area than the fastener material supported by the moving clamp. The initial separation interval between the clamps of the tensile tester is 4 inches and the extension speed of the tensile tester is 20 inches / minute. The value of the reported peel test results is a "3-peak average" using MTS TESTWORKS software with a peak criterion of 2%. In addition, the peel force value is defined to represent the force per unit length of the “width” dimension of the fastener component on the test piece, such as g per inch. MTS TESTWORKS software is commercially available from MTS Systems Corporation (Eden Prairie, MN).

Shear force values can be measured according to the standard procedure ASTM D-5169, approved September 15, 1991 and published in November 1991. Details are as follows. The test piece is a fastener tab obtained from the product to be evaluated. Test piece length and width generally correspond to the length and width used to test the peel force value. Typically, the test piece length is a dimension that is generally aligned along the direction in which the shear force is applied to the fastener during normal use of the product in which the fastener is used. The test piece "width" lies within the normal face of the fastener and is perpendicular to the test piece length. The roller unit weighs 4.5 pounds and includes a rubber coating around the roller circumference. Suitable rollers are part number HR-100, available from Chemssultants International (Mentor, Ohio). During the fastening of the fastener components, the rollers are rolled on the test piece for five cycles in the direction of the transverse "width" of the sample. In addition, initial peeling by the hand "lifting the loop" is omitted. During the test, the fastener material (eg, loop material) supported by the stop clamp may have a larger area than the fastener material (eg hook material) supported by the moving clamp. The initial separation interval between the clamps of the tensile tester is 4 inches and the extension speed of the tensile tester is 10 inches / minute. Shear force values are defined to be expressed in force per unit area of test specimen, such as g per inch ²

The details of the standard test procedure are intended to create fastening conditions that may be more typical consumer use conditions. When manufacturing specimen materials (eg hook and loop materials) to measure cooperative peel and / or shear force values for representatively representative structures of the present invention, the width dimension of the selected specimen material is determined by Will correspond to a dimension of the fastener material aligned along the longitudinal direction 26. Likewise, the length dimension of the selected specimen material will correspond to the dimension of the fastener material aligned along the transverse direction 24 of the product in the actual product.

Preferably, the fastening coupling between the first fastener component and the cooperating fastener component is such that the fastener is applied when a tensile force of at least about 1,000 g is applied outward along a transverse direction generally aligned parallel to the face of the backsheet layer of the product. It should be sufficient to prevent the components from separating.

Each of the fastener components and fastening elements in the various structures of the present invention may be usably attached to its support by utilizing one or more of any attachment mechanisms used to construct and maintain the other various components of the product of the present invention. The fastening elements in the various fastening areas can be formed integrally with their associated support layers, for example by molding, coextrusion or the like. The support layer and its associated mechanical fastening element can be formed from substantially the same polymeric material and do not require a separate step of initially attaching the fastening element to a separate support layer. For example, individual hook elements may be integrally formed simultaneously with the hook base layer by coextrusion of the base layer and the hook elements from substantially the same polymeric material.

It will be readily appreciated that the adhesion or other interconnect strength between the support layer and the fastener component attached should be greater than the peak force required to remove the fastener tab 36 detachably secured to the designated landing member of the article.

Generally speaking, the use of a wing or flap of a personal care article as part of a selectively separable interlocking fastening system can present a problem when the wing or flap is made of a very flexible material. A high degree of flexibility provides ease of use and fastening and in some cases ease of manufacture. However, when used as part of a fastening system, if the wings or flaps are too sulky, pliable and flapping, the fastening system may wear out, unnecessarily pleat, clump and / or break.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the flap is warped, wrinkled and the fastener attachment system is too flexible by configuring the flexible first fastener component to extend relative to at least the longitudinal or dimension of the relatively more flexible wing or flap. And somewhat solve the problem of breakage of the fasteners due to flaky and / or fluttering. Generally speaking, the first fastener component should be slightly harder (ie, slightly less flexible) than the soft material constituting the wing or flap. One advantage of such a structure is that the wing or flap comprising the first fastener component is less fluttered and shaken when it is moved during the high speed manufacturing and / or packaging process.

The relative flexibility of the soft material constituting the first fastener component and the wing or flap can be measured using conventional drape stiffness tests. Such tests are known and can be readily performed by those skilled in the art. As an example, relative flexibility measures the drape stiffness of a standard size sample (eg, 10 cm x 10 cm, 15 cm x 15 cm or some similar size) of the material used to form the wing or flap, and then at least It can be evaluated by measuring the drape stiffness of the sample to which the first fastener component is substantially continuously attached relative to the longitudinal direction (the direction in which it is oriented when attached to the article). Although conventional drape stiffness tests are generally understood to evaluate flexural resistance due to forces perpendicular to the surface of the material, for the purposes of the present invention the relative performance of materials in conventional drape stiffness tests is a sanitary napkin during normal use. It is believed to serve as an excellent means for assessing resistance to torsional forces of the type encountered by flaps or wings of personal care products such as:

As used herein, the term “relatively more flexible” refers to a flexible portion (or material) when it is applied to the relative flexibility of the first fastener component and the flexible portion of the product (eg, a wing or flap component portion of the product). A difference of at least about 10% in a typical drape stiffness test between the flexible portion (or material) to which the first fastener component is attached. Preferably, the difference will be at least about 25%. More preferably, the difference will be greater than 50%. In some embodiments, the difference can be greater than 100%. In another embodiment, the difference can be greater than 250% and even greater than 500%.

In addition, extending the flexible first fastener component to at least the longitudinal or dimension of the relatively more flexible wing or flap avoids the problems associated with the separated small first fastener component concentrated on the flap. Referring now to FIG. 9, the separated small first fastener component 100 concentrated on the flap or wing 36 is applied (acting as an axis) when a normal force 120 is applied to the longitudinal or dimension during normal use. It is easy to generate the moment 110 concentrated on the fastener 100. This generally tends to induce warping and wrinkling of the flap and to reduce the pit-dependent performance of personal care products that include such fastening systems. This distortion and agglomeration occurs because little or no stiffness in the wing damps the moment concentrated on the separated small fastener component 100.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the invention also employs a flexible first fastener component 70 that extends substantially to at least the longitudinal or dimension of the relatively more flexible wing or flap 36 (represented as “L”). The same orthogonal force 120 is present. However, when the moment 110 is formed with the "substantially continuous" first fastener component 70 in place, the moment is attenuated by the stopping force 130 in the opposite direction. It is absorbent when compared to the flap or wing 36 in an absorbent personal care article having the same structure but having been replaced with a small first fastener component 100 having a "substantially continuous" first fastener component 70 separated. Reduces warp and wrinkle of flaps in personal care products.

The term “substantially continuous” when used in connection with the first fastener component 70 generally extends to at least the longitudinal or dimension “L” of the flap or wing 36 as shown in FIG. 10. It should be understood to mean the fastener component. Of course, it is contemplated that the first fastener may be configured to extend generally transverse to the vane or flap 36 (ie, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal "L"). It is also contemplated that the first fastener component may extend generally in both the transverse and generally longitudinal directions relative to the flap or wing. For example, such a configuration may form a solid rectangular patch, a hollow rectangular patch, an "X" shape or other type of pattern or form. The term “substantially continuous” refers to a first fastener component that extends from edge to edge on the flap or wing 36 as well as a first fastener component that stops at some distance at the edge of the flap or wing 36. Include. Preferably, such first fastener component may generally extend about at least about 50% of the longitudinal length of the wing. Alternatively or additionally, the first fastener component may generally extend about at least about 50% of the transverse length of the wing or flap. More preferably, such first fastener components can generally extend about at least about 75% of the longitudinal and / or transverse length of the wing. Even more desirably, such first fastener components may generally extend for at least about 90% of the longitudinal and / or transverse length of the wing. The first fastener component may generally be formed from individual segments of the first fastener component that extend from the edge of the flap or wing to the edge and may be “substantially continuous”. Although FIG. 10 illustrates two vanes 36 and only one " substantially continuous " first fastener component 70, the first fastener component can be placed on both wings as shown, for example, in FIG. 1A. It should be understood that it may be provided. It is also contemplated that one large wing or flap material may be used bonded to the flexible portion of the absorbent personal care article by the fastening system.

According to one aspect of the invention, these features

A first fastener component extending substantially continuously relative to the first soft portion of the article, the first fastener component comprising at least a first soft portion of the article; And

A cooperative fastener component comprising at least a second soft portion of the product and extending substantially continuously with respect to the second soft portion of the product such that the first and second portions of the product can be joined in an overlapping interconnect structure;

It can be used to provide a selectively separable interlocking fastening system for a product having a longitudinal, transverse and longitudinally extending midline, a first product portion and a second product portion.

When such a structure is used such that at least one of the first fastener component and the cooperating fastener component has greater rigidity than its respective soft portion of the article, the first fastener component due to deformation of one or more soft portions of the article and It has been found that the separation of cooperating fastener components is reduced. Preferably, the first fastener component and the cooperating fastener component extend substantially continuously with respect to the longitudinal direction of its respective soft portion of the article.

Generally speaking, it is preferred that at least one of the first and second portions of the article, to which the fastener component is attached, has a segment having a free end and a fixed end attached to the article body. More preferably, each of the first and second portions of the article comprising a segment having a free end and a fixed end attached to the article body, each of the first flap portion (or wing) and the second flap portion (or Wings). It is also contemplated that a single wing structure may be used.

In terms of the reduced separation feature of the present invention, the first fastener component extends substantially continuously for the first respective flap portion and the cooperative fastener component extends substantially continuously for the second respective flap portion. do. Preferably, each fastener component extends for at least about 50% of the longitudinal and / or transverse or dimension of each respective flap portion thereof. More preferably, each fastener component generally extends for at least about 75% of the longitudinal and / or transverse or dimension of each respective flap portion thereof. Even more preferably, each fastener component generally extends for at least about 90% of the longitudinal and / or transverse or dimension of each respective flap portion thereof. Alternatively, the first fastener component and the cooperating fastener component can be present and extend substantially continuously with respect to each flap portion, each of which is in the longitudinal and / or transverse or dimension of each respective flap portion thereof. About 50% or more. Preferably, these components will extend about at least about 75% of the longitudinal and / or transverse dimensions of the flap portion, and more preferably about 90% of the longitudinal and / or transverse dimensions of the flap portion. Will be extended for the above.

In embodiments of the present invention, the first fastener component is relatively harder than its respective soft portion of the article, thereby reducing separation of the first fastener component and the cooperating fastener component due to deformation of one or more soft portions of the article. Done. The relative flexibility of the first fastener component and the soft portion of the product is discussed above.

At least one of the first and second flap portions may comprise a portion of the cooperating fastener component, or may be partially or fully formed therefrom.

The first fastener component includes a joining compartment having a plurality of joining members. The binding compartment may be isotropic or substantially anisotropic as described above. The cooperating fastener component can be a nonwoven loop material as described above.

The following examples are intended to better understand the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention in particular.

Peel test is generally performed according to ASTM D-5170-91, and shear test is generally performed according to ASTM D-5169-91. Each test used a 10 mm square HTH-851 hook material sold from Velk hand held on a 2.0 osy PRESTO PUB loop material (see US Patent Application 754,419). The hook material was oriented in MD or CD relative to the hook direction. The pad was worn for 30 minutes at 72 steps / minute by the mechanical working model.

Device

Tensile Testing Machine-Constant Tensile Testing Machine by MTS TestWorks Software

Walking model (size 5 torso)

Women's underwear (Size 5) (from Fruit of the Loom)

Sample manufacturing

For standard peel and shear tests:

-Cut the blade along the adhesive seam and remove it from the product.

-Then use a mechanical roller to match the wings together.

Mechanical rollers weighing 2 Kg are sold from Chemstrustruments.

Sample is ready for peel or shear test.

For peel and shear tests after wearing:

-Put your underwear on the working model.

-Put the pads in your underwear. The front lobe edge should always be 1 cm before the crotch seam.

-Combine the wings and put underwear on the model.

Set the model to walk for 72 minutes at 72 steps / minute.

-Cut the underwear out of the model and carefully remove it so that the hook engagement is not affected.

The wings are cut along the adhesive bond and removed from the product and the pants.

Samples are ready for peel and shear testing after wearing.

Peel test

Finger tab (Place the distal end of the wing over the hook in the upper jaw and the cutting edge of the other wing in the lower jaw. Be careful not to loosen or pull the hook too much in the loop joint.)

The test develops with the following parameters:

Crosshead Speed-20 in / min

Gauge Length-3 inch

-Unit of load-gram

-Starting measurement-0.4 in

-Final measurement-0.9 in

-Breaking susceptibility-110%

-Loosening correction-50 grams

Reaction is the average gram-force over the duration of the peel test.

Shear test

The cutting edge of one wing is placed in the upper jaw and the cutting edge of the opposing wing is placed in the lower jaw. Be careful not to loosen or pull the hook too much in the loop connection.

The test develops with the following parameters:

Crosshead Speed-20 in / min

Gauge Length-3 inch

-Unit of load-gram

-Starting measurement-0.4 in

-Final measurement-0.9 in

-Breaking susceptibility-110%

-Loosening correction-50 grams

The response is the average gram-force over the duration of the shear test.

The test results are shown in Table 1 below.

MD Peel Standard Test CD Peel Standard Test MD Shear Standard Test CD Shear Standard Test After MD Peeling After CD Peeling After MD shear wear After CD Shear Wear 1.71 7.22 512.9 603.8 74.7 32.96 437 674 4.27 14.02 237.9 491 35.92 12.2 635.8 649.6 0.1 0.94 201 785.2 42.57 15.8 469.7 454.4 9.65 8.38 318 618.8 36.86 23.16 1125.7 551.4 6.9 1.88 202 591.9 206.03 26.26 1208.8 485.6 6.53 10.37 267.9 435 34.78 23.49 510.8 519.7 1.61 19.63 329.9 473 72.98 13.74 685.3 455.8 6.39 13.8 272.7 912.7 57.75 33.29 566.7 554.7 19.72 29.26 550.8 427.2 78.67 25.35 780.9 581 1.46 9.38 341.4 484.4 67.47 16.29 934.5 383.1 7.42 4.24 403.7 610.4 54.37 43.95 382.3 466.6 3.75 17.86 237.4 400.4 54.5 29.39 523.9 434.5 9.69 20.62 246.4 567.5 66.31 32.2 740.1 299.5 8.31 13.53 408.3 525.6 23.65 619.1 438.7 8.07 5.74 424.2 407.3 47.73 771.5 425.9 Average 6.4 11.8 330.3 555.6 63.6 25.2 692.8 491.6 Standard Deviation 4.8 7.8 109.3 142.7 42.7 9.2 242.9 98.9

The data is summarized in Table 2 below. For both shear and peel values, the orientation with the lowest weakest initial MD and CD peel and shear strength values (ie, “reasonable” orientation) was strongly bound during use. In contrast, orientations with maximum or strongest initial MD and CD peel and shear strength values (ie, “reasonable” orientation) are somewhat enhanced or degraded during wear. Also, for both shear and peel values, the absolute value after wearing is higher for the 'reasonable' orientation than the 'reasonable' orientation.

SD before wearing SD after wearing Rain before and after Irrational (MD) Peeling 6.4 4.8 64 43 10.0 Rational (CD) Peeling 11.8 7.8 25 9 2.1 Irrational (MD) Shear 330 109 693 242 2.1 Rational (CD) Shear 556 143 491 99 0.9

This embodiment illustrates an embodiment of the mechanical fastening system of the present invention. More specifically, this embodiment is an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, having a fastening system comprising a pair of wings, the wings comprising a pair of interleaving fasteners that are selectively removable such that the wings are suitable for retaining the sanitary napkin in the undergarment. An embodiment is described. This wing is suitable for strengthening bonding during use.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, it will be understood that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims (60)

A first fastener component comprising a coupling compartment having a plurality of substantially anisotropic coupling members such that the coupling compartment has an axis of substantially maximum engagement, the first fastener component comprising at least a first portion of the article; And A cooperative fastener component comprising at least a second portion of the article such that the first and second portions of the article can be joined by moving the respective components together into an overlapping structure that generally overlaps along the direction of attachment; And wherein the first fastener component is oriented such that its substantially largest axis of engagement is generally orthogonal to the direction of attachment. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein each substantially anisotropic coupling member has a stem portion having a distal distal region and a securing element disposed in the distal distal region of the corresponding stem portion. The fastening system of claim 1 wherein the engagement section has an axis of maximum engagement and a generally vertical axis of minimum engagement. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the cooperating fastener component is substantially anisotropic and comprises an axis of substantially maximal engagement. The method of claim 4, wherein the axes of substantially maximal engagement of the substantially anisotropic engagement compartment and the axes of substantially maximal engagement of the substantially anisotropic cooperating fastener component are both substantially parallel and each is generally orthogonal to the direction of attachment. Oriented fastening system. The fastening system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second portions of the article comprises a segment having a free end and a fixed end attached to the article body. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the cooperating fastener component is a nonwoven loop material. 8. The fastening system of claim 7, wherein the nonwoven loop material is a pattern unbonded material. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the fastening system can be used to secure the product in a structure that is convenient for disposal. A first product portion having a midline extending longitudinally, transversely and longitudinally; Second product portion; And one or more selectively separable interlocking fastening systems for securing the first product portion to the second product portion, The selectively separable interconnect coupling system At least one first fastener component comprising a joining section having a plurality of substantially anisotropic joining members such that the joining section has an axis of substantially maximum joining and comprising at least one section of the first product portion; And One or more cooperating fastener components comprising one or more compartments of the second product portion such that the first and second product portions can be joined by moving the respective components together in an overlapping structure that generally overlaps along the direction of attachment; And the first fastener component is oriented such that the axis of its substantially largest engagement is generally orthogonal to the direction of attachment. The article of claim 10, wherein each substantially anisotropic coupling member has a stem portion having a distal distal region and a securing element disposed in the distal distal region of the corresponding stem portion. The article of claim 10, wherein the engagement section has an axis of maximum engagement and a generally vertical axis of minimum engagement. The article of claim 10, wherein the cooperating fastener component is substantially anisotropic and comprises an axis of substantially maximal engagement. The method of claim 13, wherein the axes of substantially maximal engagement of the substantially anisotropic engagement compartment and the axes of substantially maximal engagement of the substantially anisotropic cooperating fastener component are both substantially parallel and each is generally orthogonal to the direction of attachment. Products oriented. The article of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first product portion and the second product portion comprises a segment having a free end and a fixed end attached to the product body. The article of claim 10, wherein the cooperating fastener component is a nonwoven loop material. The article of claim 16, wherein the nonwoven loop material is a pattern unbonded material. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein: the first product portion provides a first waistband portion; The second product portion provides a second waistband portion; An article has an intermediate portion interconnecting said first and second waistband portions; Product Backsheet layer; A topsheet layer that is substantially liquid permeable; And Further comprising an absorbent sandwiched between said backsheet layer and said topsheet layer. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of the first product portion and the second product portion provides respective first and second flap portions, each flap portion attached to an intermediate portion interconnecting the first and second flap portions. Has a fixed end and a free end; Product Backsheet layer; A topsheet layer that is substantially liquid permeable; And Further comprising an absorbent sandwiched between said backsheet layer and said topsheet layer. The article of claim 10, wherein the fastening system can be used to secure the article in a structure that is convenient for disposal. A first fastener component comprising a coupling compartment having a plurality of substantially anisotropic coupling members such that the coupling compartment has an axis of substantially maximum engagement and comprising at least a first portion of the sanitary napkin; And A cooperative fastener component comprising at least a second portion of the sanitary napkin so that the first and second product portions of the sanitary napkin can be joined by moving the respective components together into an overlapping structure that generally overlaps along the direction of attachment. And wherein the first fastener component is oriented such that the axis of its substantially largest engagement is generally orthogonal to the direction of attachment. 22. The fastening system of claim 21 wherein each substantially anisotropic engagement member has a stem portion having a distal distal region and a securing element disposed in the distal distal region of the corresponding stem portion. 22. The fastening system of claim 21 wherein the engagement section has an axis of maximum engagement and a generally vertical axis of minimum engagement. The fastening system of claim 21, wherein the cooperating fastener component is substantially anisotropic and comprises an axis of substantially maximal engagement. 22. The sanitary napkin of claim 21, wherein each of the first and second portions of the sanitary napkin provides respective first and second flap portions, each flap portion attached to an intermediate portion interconnecting the first and second flap portions. Fixed and free ends; Sanitary napkin Backsheet layer; A topsheet layer that is substantially liquid permeable; And an absorbent body sandwiched between the backsheet layer and the topsheet layer. The fastening system of claim 25, wherein at least one of the first and second flap portions comprises a cooperating fastener component. The fastening system of claim 26, wherein the cooperating fastener component is a nonwoven loop material. The fastening system of claim 27, wherein the nonwoven loop material is a pattern unbonded material. The fastening system of claim 21, wherein the fastening system can be used to secure the sanitary napkin in a structure that is convenient for disposal. A pair of terminal edges, a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge located between the terminal edges, A first fastener component comprising a coupling compartment having a plurality of substantially anisotropic coupling members such that the coupling compartment has an axis of substantially maximum engagement, the first fastener component comprising at least a first portion of the sanitary napkin adjacent the first longitudinal edge; And At least a second portion of the sanitary napkin adjacent the second longitudinal edge so that the first and second portions of the sanitary napkin can be joined by moving the respective components together into an overlapping structure that generally overlaps along the direction of attachment. Cooperation fastener components Wherein the first fastener component comprises a selectively separable interlocking fastening system oriented such that the axis of substantially maximum engagement thereof is generally orthogonal to the direction of attachment. 31. The sanitary napkin of claim 30, wherein the first portion of the sanitary napkin is a first wing extending from the first longitudinal edge of the sanitary napkin, the first wing having a fixed end and a free end. 32. The sanitary napkin of claim 31, wherein the first wing comprises a first fastener component and a cooperating fastener component. 33. The sanitary napkin of claim 32, wherein the cooperating fastener component is a nonwoven loop material. 34. The sanitary napkin of claim 33, wherein the nonwoven loop material is a pattern unbonded material. 31. The sanitary napkin of claim 30, wherein the second portion of the sanitary napkin is a second wing extending from the second longitudinal edge of the sanitary napkin, the second wing having a fixed end and a free end. 36. The sanitary napkin of claim 35, wherein the second wing comprises a first fastener component and a cooperating fastener component. 37. The sanitary napkin of claim 36, wherein the cooperating fastener component is a nonwoven loop material. 38. The sanitary napkin of claim 37, wherein the nonwoven loop material is a pattern unbonded material. Has a pair of terminal edges, a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge located between the terminal edges, A first wing extending from the first longitudinal edge of the sanitary napkin and a second wing extending from the second longitudinal edge of the sanitary napkin, each wing having a fixed end and a free end; A first fastener component comprising a coupling compartment having a plurality of substantially anisotropic coupling members such that the coupling compartment has an axis of substantially maximum engagement, the first fastener component comprising at least a portion of the first wing; And A cooperating fastener component comprising at least a portion of at least a second wing such that the first and second blades of the sanitary napkin can be joined by moving the respective components together into an overlapping structure that generally overlaps along the direction of attachment; Wherein the first fastener component comprises a selectively separable interlocking fastening system oriented such that the axis of substantially maximum engagement thereof is generally orthogonal to the direction of attachment. The sanitary napkin of claim 39, wherein the first and second wings comprise a first fastener component and a second fastener component. 40. The sanitary napkin of claim 39, wherein the cooperating fastener component is a nonwoven loop material. 42. The sanitary napkin of claim 41, wherein the nonwoven loop material is a pattern unbonded material. A pair of terminal edges, a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge located between the terminal edges, A first wing extending from the first longitudinal edge of the sanitary napkin and a second wing extending from the second longitudinal edge of the sanitary napkin, each wing having a fixed end and a free end; A first fastener component comprising a coupling compartment having a plurality of substantially anisotropic coupling members such that the coupling compartment has an axis of substantially maximum engagement, the first fastener component comprising at least a portion of the first and second wings; And A cooperating fastener component comprising at least a portion of the first and second wings such that the first and second wings of the sanitary napkin can be joined by moving the respective components together into an overlapping structure that generally overlaps along the direction of attachment; Wherein the first fastener component comprises a selectively separable interlocking fastening system oriented such that the axis of substantially maximum engagement thereof is generally orthogonal to the direction of attachment. 44. The sanitary napkin of claim 43, wherein each substantially anisotropic engagement member has a stem portion having a distal distal region and a securing element disposed in the distal distal region of the corresponding stem portion. 44. The sanitary napkin of claim 43, wherein the second fastener component is a nonwoven loop material. 46. The sanitary napkin of claim 45, wherein the nonwoven loop material is a pattern unbonded material. 44. The sanitary napkin of claim 43, wherein the napkin is quickly removed by tearing the wings along the perforation line, including the perforation line adjacent to its fixed end. A first fastener component comprising a coupling compartment having a plurality of coupling members; And Cooperation fastener components A selectively separable interlocking fastening system for disposable personal care products, comprising: being more suitable for interconnecting when wearing disposable personal care products. A first fastener component extending substantially continuously relative to the first soft portion of the article, the first fastener component comprising at least a first soft portion of the article; And A cooperative fastener component that extends substantially continuously with respect to the second soft portion of the article and includes at least a second soft portion of the article such that the first and second portions of the article can be joined in an overlapping interconnect structure; , At least one of the first fastener component and the cooperative fastener component has greater rigidity than its respective soft portion of the product such that separation of the first fastener component and the cooperative fastener component due to deformation of one or more soft portions of the product is achieved. Reduced, A selectively separable interconnect coupling system for a product having a midline, a first product portion and a second product portion extending longitudinally, transversely and longitudinally. The fastening system of claim 49 wherein at least one of the first and second portions of the article comprises a segment having a free end and a fixed end attached to the article body. 51. The fastening system of claim 50, wherein each of the first and second portions of the article comprises a segment having a fixed end attached to the article body and a free end forming each of the first and second flap portions. 53. The method of claim 51 wherein the first fastener component extends substantially continuously relative to the longitudinal direction of the first respective flap portion and wherein the cooperative fastener component is substantially relative to the longitudinal direction of the second respective flap portion. Continuously extending fastening system. The fastening system of claim 52 wherein each fastener component extends at least about 50% relative to its respective flap portion. 52. The fastening system of claim 51 wherein a first fastener component and a cooperating fastener component are present on each flap portion and extend substantially continuously with respect to its longitudinal direction. 55. The fastening system of claim 54, wherein each fastener component extends at least about 50% for each flap portion. The method of claim 49, wherein the first fastener component has greater rigidity than its respective soft portion of the article such that separation of the first fastener component and the cooperating fastener component due to deformation of one or more soft portions of the article is reduced. Fastening system. 53. The fastening system of claim 51 wherein at least one of the first and second flap portions comprises a cooperating fastener component. 50. The fastening system of claim 49, wherein the first fastener component comprises a joining compartment having a plurality of joining members. 50. A disposable personal care absorbent article comprising at least one selectively detachable interlocking fastening system of claim 49. 50. A sanitary napkin comprising one or more selectively separable interconnect fastening systems of claim 49.