MXPA00003335A - Closure system for disposable absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

A closure system and method of making a closure system for a disposable article. A substantially continuous closure system web is provided. One face of the web is provided with first fastening region at terminal end portion(s) (32) of the web. A secondfastening region (33), engagable with the first fastening region, is provided on a second face of the web in a region adjacent the terminal end portion(s). The closure system tab elements (14) are cut from the web (1) and attached to a second web, used in producing the disposable article, at longitudinally spaced locations. This second web is then cut at transverse cut lines separating the closure system tab element into two functional elements. A first functional element has a fastening tab portion (99) and the second functional element has an attachment portion (93). The attachment portion of one closure system tab element (14) interacts with a fastening tab portion of an adjacent closure system tab element to form a functional closure system on a disposable article (91) made using the second web.

Description

CLOSING SYSTEM FOR DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with a closure system for a disposable absorbent article, in particular multifunctional closure systems that can be attached to the belt portions of the disposable absorbent article belt. . In the field of disposable absorbent articles, typically disposable diapers and adult incontinence articles, closure systems are provided which are generally formed using clamping tabs with pressure sensitive adhesive or mechanical fastening tabs. These tabs are generally attached to the disposable absorbent article at the corner portions in at least one end of the article, eg, a diaper. Typical fastening tabs have an end that is permanently attached or bonded to the absorbent article and a second free end that is available to the user to detachably attach to the opposite end of the article to effect closure. The opposite end of the absorbent article is commonly provided with a coupling attachment surface. In the case of clamping tabs with pressure sensitive adhesive, the mating bonding surface is usually a reinforcing film or other material that is applied to the inner or outer face of the fastener.

REF .: 119226 layer impermeable to the external liquid of the disposable absorbent article. In the case of a mechanical fastening tab, the coupling attachment surface is a ring-shaped fastening material that is to be placed on the outer face of the outer waterproof coating layer of the disposable absorbent article. Either in one case or another, the coupling joint surface is commonly provided by the application of a separate discrete element to the absorbent article. This could be an element of pressure sensitive adhesive or a non-adhesive coated element bonded by other means such as thermal fusion adhesive or thermal welding. In certain extreme cases, the entire outer face of the disposable absorbent article may be provided with an appropriate coupling attachment surface for the second free end of the securing tab, however this may be excessively expensive. The retaining tab itself is also applied as a separate and discreet element to the corner of the disposable absorbent article generally in the region of the trailing end. In general, this permanent attachment of the securing tab is effected by a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to one end of the securing tab with the other second end of the securing tab provided with an appropriate pressure sensitive adhesive or element Mechanical fastening for the releasable connection of the absorbent article closure. The fastening tab can be applied as a separate piece cut from a roll that can be laminated with other suitable materials, such as a release tape 5 during the manufacture of the diaper. Alternatively, the securing tab can be provided with other suitable components in a pre-laminated form that is also cut from a continuous roll. These locking systems are highly effective but can be complicated, particularly when are laminated in the diaper line and / or additional functionality is incorporated into the fastening tab, such as elasticity. It has also been proposed in the patent literature that appropriate belt or band means could be to be provided with fasteners at opposite ends of the belt or band to provide a closure system for use with a disposable absorbent article. Belts or bands can address some of the issues with respect to separate tongue fasteners, since Some only require the use of a single laminate or the like which can be securely or releasably attached to a diaper absorbent block or the like. However, the use of two interconnection belts or bands has also been proposed. In the North American patents Nos. 3,487,702 and 3,561,446, a belt material is provided -. ^ - ~? ¿- ^ -? ^^ SjaUS ^^ - and or non-extensible band at the front and back ends of a disposable diaper. Each belt or band extends across the full width of the diaper and both bands are provided at the terminal ends with a respective region of pressure-sensitive adhesive, such adhesive is covered to use with a release tape. When the diaper is closed, a band is attached to some portion of the second band at the opposite end of the diaper and the adhesive on the terminal ends of the second band is generally attached to the diaper on the face of the diaper opposite that provided with the diaper. the first band. These bands prevent inelastic deformation of the band region of the diaper waist during use. However, this two-band system would be similar in manufacturing complexity to the use of tongue fasteners. French patents Nos. 2,586,558, 2,725,879 and PCT publication No. 94/26224 teach the use of only one non-extensible band, such a single band can be attached to the front or back ends of the diaper, either permanently or by means of elements of Mechanical restraints that can be restrained. When the diaper is bonded in a resonable manner to the band, the band can be used repeatedly. In these patent documents, the band in general wraps around the user and secures itself with the diaper being releasably attached to the band at at least one end of the diaper and either permanently or permanently attached to the band. at the opposite end of the diaper. A similar procedure is proposed in U.S. Patent No. 4,964,860 and PCT Application No. 91/08725 wherein a reusable web with mechanical fasteners is used with a disposable diaper provided with mechanical coupling fasteners. These bands can be relatively easy to incorporate over a diaper but lack the ease of use of a fastener tongue closure system for the end user. In the patent application EP No. 528282, a permanent integral waistband is provided on a diaper, such a waistband could be stretchable. The waist band is on one end of the diaper and wraps around the user's waist and joins itself forming a band. The waistband and the front portion of the diaper are provided with appropriate interengagable joint members 44 and 50 which could be of any variety of attachment means including pressure sensitive adhesives, cohesive adhesives and mechanical fasteners. The front portion of the diaper will be attached to the band portion of the waist. This patent tries to combine some of the benefits of a single-band system with those of a reed fastening system. In U.S. Patent No. 5,593,401, a bridging element is provided in a region of the end of a diaper as a separate element to which two conventional clamping tongues can be attached at either end. The bridge strip has a secured side and a non-attached side and is generally described as being elastic. This bridge strip will require a separate joining step and associated apparatus in order to be integrated with the conventional diaper constructions described. This is similar to the systems of two previous bands but it is more complicated in terms of its construction and manufacture. Elastic waist elements that may have attached fastening tabs that are then releasably attached to a front panel portion of a diaper are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,998,929 and PCT Publication Nos. WO 96/32083 and WO 95 / 22951. An elastic type band element that wraps around the entire waist of the wearer and that is provided with interlocking mechanical fasteners between their end ends is described in US Pat. No. 5, 607,416. In all of the above patent documents, there is a separate and distinct elastic element with the end edges that generally include a joining element such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive or a mechanical fastener that attaches to the elastic band according to US Patent No. 5,607,416 or an appropriate attachment mechanism on the other end portion of the diaper or similar disposable absorbent article. The use of two band or band closure systems that wrap around one end of a diaper or the entire waist of the wearer respectively, are desirable from a variety of perspectives. The band can be used with the closure system in a manner that provides other functionality such as elasticity or inextensibility that is actively integrated with the closure system. However, the proposed means for providing these band and closure elements generally requires a number of separate joining steps in the manufacturer's line. The invention is concerned with the treatment of the complexities of manufacturing multi-component closure systems by allowing the provision of an effective closure system by a single joining step that can also provide additional desired functionality such as inextensible band elements, belts or extensible bands, elasticity and the like. The invention is also concerned with a method for providing a diaper closure system and optionally a belt or belt system in a diaper line by using a single laminate of the closure system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention comprises a closure system and a method for forming a closure system for a disposable absorbent article. The method comprises the steps of providing at least one substantially continuous tape capable of forming a portion of a disposable absorbent article. The tape has a first width dimension that defines two side edges and a dimension of undefined length. A tape of the closure system comprising at least one support having a first face and a second face is also provided. The tape of the closure system has a second width dimension in general greater than the first width dimension and an indefinite length. The first face of the tape of the closure system is provided with at least one first fastening region and at least a portion of the terminal end of the fastening system tape. At least one second fastening region is provided on the second face of the fastening system tape in at least the second portion adjacent to the end-end portion provided with the first fastening region. The tongue elements of the closure system are cut from the tape of the closure system, such tongue elements having a defined length dimension. The tongue elements of the closure system have at least one fastening tab portion, comprising the at least one first fastening region on the terminal end portion and a joining portion comprising the second portion having the second fastening portion. Holding region. Then, the tongue elements of the closure system are attached to the at least one substantially continuous ribbon at regular spaced intervals along the dimension of undefined length in a continuous manner. Then the at least one continuous tape is cut along lines transverse to the dimension of indefinite length to form discrete disposable absorbent articles. The transverse cutting lines are such that they bisect the tongue elements of the closure system along the defined length dimension of the tongue element, such that the holding tongue portion is on a first side of the tongue. the cross-sectional line and the joint portion is located on a second, opposite side of the cutting line. This provides fastening tab portions on a first end of an absorbent article and a joint portion on a second end of an adjacent absorbent article. < -JH! "A closure system of the invention is used on a disposable absorbent article having a first width dimension defining two side edges and two edges of the end. The closure system comprises at least one fastening tab having a support. A first face of the support of the fastening tongue is provided with at least one first fastening region in at least one first end. At least one second fastening region is provided on a first face of a The connection portion that has a support. The joint portion has an upper edge and a lower edge. Preferably, at least a discrete portion of the upper edge of the attachment portion is laterally coextensive with a portion of a first edge of the end of the absorbent article. disposable. A corresponding and coextensive discrete portion of a lower edge of the at least one retaining tab is also preferably laterally coextensive with a second end edge of the disposable absorbent article. At least a portion of the upper edge of the portion of The joint is laterally coextensive with the bottom edge of the at least one fastening tab which both preferably form a portion of, or are adjacent to, the edges of the end of the disposable absorbent article. The respective supports of the at least one tongue of The fastening and the joining portion are identical, at least in ^ aeAS »JJ £ gSS * ,. z ~ * & sB & j £ sße. - -t ^ ^ &? Á - ^ ,, adjacent to the two portions of the coextensive discrete edge of the at least one fastening tab and the attachment portion area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of a tape closure system used in the present invention in cross section. Figure 2 is a top perspective view in section of a portion of a tape closure system as shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of an apparatus for forming the tape closure system of the invention as shown in figures 1 and 2. figure 4 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a tape closure system according to the present invention. Figures 5-7 are top perspective views of three additional embodiments of the closure system tape according to the present invention. Figure 8 is a top perspective view of a further embodiment of a tape of the closure system according to the present invention having a double width.

Figure 9 is a top perspective view of a further embodiment of a tape of the closure system according to the present invention. Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a further embodiment of a tape of the closure system according to the present invention. Figure 11 is a top perspective view of a tape of the additional closure system according to the present invention. Figure 12 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of Figure 11 as it would be applied to a belt 41 forming a disposable abent article. Figures 13-15 are side cross-sectional views of additional embodiments of tapes of the closure system according to the present invention. Figure 16 is a schematic top perspective view of how the tapes of the closure system of the present invention would be cut and applied as tab elements in the formation of disposable abent articles of a continuous ribbon 41. Figure 17 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a closure tape according to the present invention.

L «Mí¡ & ß? SiMa &S $ áe? Figure 18 is a top perspective view of a further embodiment of a closure tape according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The present invention is concerned with the provision of a fully functional closure system for a disposable abent article, integrated with the process of forming the disposable abent article, by joining tab elements of the unitary closure system. The tongue elements are cut from a tape product of the continuous closure system and then attached to a tape of the continuous or substantially continuous abent article from which discrete disposable abent articles are subsequently cut. These tab members provided refastening the fastener tabs and an attachment surface suitable for coupling disposable abent articles. However, the fastening tabs and coupling attachment surface of one end of the tongue element of the individual closure system on different abent articles when the abent articles are cut from the tape of the abent article. A first embodiment of a tape product of the closure system, in cross section, is shown in FIG. j ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Figure 1, comprising a laminate of a support layer (2) having a first face provided with a layer (9) of adhesive sensitive to pressure. The adhesive layer (9) is used for the subsequent attachment of the tab elements of the closure system to the tape of the disposable abent article. Attached to the support (2) in the portions of the terminal end are first fastening regions. In the modality of figure 1, the first fastening region is provided by a mechanical fastening material in the form of a hook (4) formed from hook-shaped mechanical fastening elements (7) projecting from a hook support (6). However, the holding region can be formed directly on the support (2) instead of being joined as a separate element, such as for example by the use of an adhesive as shown in Figure 1. The second side of the support (2) in Figure 1 is provided with a second fastening region comprising a mechanical fastening material of coupling ring (8) which is coupled with the mechanical hook fastening material (4). These two coupling fastening materials together form a unitary closure system when applied to a diaper belt or the like, according to the invention. The tongue elements (14) of the closure system are cut from the tape (1) of the closure system . ^ JS ^ continuous along cutting lines (15) as shown in Figure 1. The tape (1) of the closure system and the tongue elements (14) of the closure system cut off thereof, have a width dimension (31) which is divided into portions of the terminal end (32) and a second portion (s) (33). Although the end terminal portions (32) may be on the side edges of the tape of the closure system as shown in Figure 2, they may also be provided in intermediate regions of a tape of the closure system as shown in the figures 8 and 11. The tape (1) of the closure system generally has a direction of indefinite length (L), however, the tongue elements (14) of the closure system cut off from the tape (1) have in general a defined length dimension (16) which is preferably constant across the majority of the width (31) of the tongue element (14) of the closure system and is preferably constant in at least the entire second portion (33). If the tongue elements (14) of the closure system vary in length (16) across its width, two separate cutting lines must be provided to define the upper and lower part of the tongue elements of the closure system adjacent. This requires waste of material or selvage between the two separate cutting lines. If a single cutting line of the tongue element defines the upper and lower part of two adjacent tongue elements (14), there is no waste, but the length (16) of the tongue elements will be constant across the width of the element tab along the shared boundary defined by the single cut line of the tab element (except possibly in the special case where the cut lines of the tab element are parallel to the longitudinal direction, in which case the width includes the length of the cutting line). However, the cutting line of the tongue element is inevitably not straight and varies in the length direction of the continuous band such that the terminal end portions (32) are offset from the second portion (33) in the dimension of length. The average displacement is at least 10% of the maximum length of the terminal end portions, preferably at least 50%. On the portion of the terminal end (32) there is provided in general the first fastening region, which in case of Figure 2 is a hook-shaped mechanical fastening material (4) that engages with a second material (8) of mechanical fastening in the form of a coupling ring on a joining portion of the second portion (33). In Figure 2, the second clamping region forming the joining portion is the rim material (8). safe-. -jas »» - The tongue elements (14) of the closure system, when cut from the tape of the closure system (1), provide unitary structures that are attached to a continuous or substantially continuous tape used in the formation of the absorbent articles in a site that has the first previous width. As shown in Figure 16, the outer reinforcement sheet tape of a diaper forms the continuous tape. A continuous tape, as shown in figure 16, is either mounted or will be assembled with other components to form a tape of the continuous disposable absorbent article. Disposable disposable absorbent articles are cut from this tape of the disposable absorbent article. For example, these other components, in addition to the back strength tape, can include an absorbent blend material, a fluid pervious top sheet, a fluid transport layer or similar continuous or substantially continuous tape elements that are conventionally integrated with the manufacture of a disposable absorbent article. Also, other discrete elements may be attached to the continuous tape (s) such as additional tab elements, elastic materials such as elastic materials for the legs or waist, liquid barriers, reinforcing elements or the like. The continuous tape as shown in figure 16 is a reinforcing sheet tape, but other continuous tapes * g ^^^ ~ could be used for the joining of the tongue elements of the closure system, for example, non-woven cover sheets, liquid-permeable upper sheets or the like. Also, the continuous or substantially continuous tape to which the tab elements of the closure system are attached could be non-planar, laminated to other tapes or composites created by a lamination of multiple discrete components. A substantially continuous ribbon can also be used having short regions of tape elements that create discontinuity that are generally sequentially and continuously supported, at least in the region where the tongue elements of the closure system are joined. However, in this embodiment, when the tongue elements of the closure system are attached to the continuously supported, discrete tape elements, the tape elements and the tongue elements of the attached closure system will form a continuous ribbon at the same time. less in the intermediate region where the tongue elements of the closure system are joined and the discrete absorbent articles are cut and / or the tongue element of the closure system is bisected. In Figure 2, the number (10) indicates the lateral edges of the at least one continuous tape (41) of the absorbent article to which the tab elements (14) of the closure system are joined at discrete, longitudinally displaced sites. , along the length of at least one continuous tape (41) of the absorbent article, as shown in Figure 16. Then the continuous tape (14) is cut into discrete absorbent articles along transverse cutting lines (11), such transverse cutting lines generally also bisect or cut the tongue elements (14) of the closure system, as shown for example in Figures 2 and 16. However, it is possible to bisect the tongue element of the tongue. closure system before cutting the discrete absorbent article for example by bisecting the tab elements of the closure system as part of a continuous tape and joining these discrete elements to an additional tape from which the Lightweight absorbent articles are inevitably formed. When the discrete absorbent articles are cut, the end portions (32) and a portion of the second portion (33) forming a bridge element (95 or 12) remain attached to a first disposable absorbent article (90) with a greater part of the second portion (33) that remains on an adjacent disposable absorbent article (91) forming the joint portion (93 or 13). The end terminal portions (32) have a first end (17) projecting outwardly beyond the side edges (10) of the disposable absorbent article and a second end (18) remaining permanently attached to the tape (41) of the disposable absorbent article. At least a portion of the first end (17) contains the first clamping region, such as the hook material (4) in Figure 2. The clamping material (8) on the second portion (33) of the connecting portion (93 or 13) when it is attached to the continuous belt (41) forms the mechanical fastening surface of coupling on the adjacent absorbent article (91), which in conjunction with the portions (32) of the terminal end of the element tab of the closure system by the following tape forms a unitary closure system on a disposable absorbent article (90). In general, the attachment portion (93) is attached to the front region (96) of a disposable absorbent article or the like. End portions (32) containing the first fastening portion are attached to a back portion (97) of the disposable absorbent article. However, the front and back portions are determined based on how the article is attached, which can be determined by the user. As such, the front portion could be used as the back portion if the absorbent article is generally symmetrical and the user chooses it in this way.

The terminal end portions (32), generally provided on only a first side of the cross cut line (11), form portions (99) of clamping tab on a disposable absorbent article. These fastening tab portions, as shown in Figures 2 and 16, may be interconnected by or may include a portion of the second portion (33). When these portions of the second portion (33) are interconnected with two fastening tab portions, they act as a bridge or band portion (12 or 95) around a front or rear peripheral edge of the disposable absorbent article (91). Accordingly, when the fastening tab portions (99) are attached to the joining portion (13 or 93) a web is formed around the peripheral edge of the disposable absorbent article formed by the front portion. (96) and the posterior portion (97). The bridge or band portion (12 or 95) may be in whole or in part non-extensible, extensible and / or elastic depending on the material forming the support layer (2). The bridge or band element (12 or 95) may provide functionality such as non-extension capability if an appropriate support (2) is selected. The inextensibility is desirable since the garment, such as a diaper, can be stretched permanently when worn. This stretch results in an adjustment -^^ f- ^ í '"" * _ "^ X loose and possibly leaking or even if the diaper falls off If a continuous non-stretchable band is provided around the diaper this stretch can be minimized or eliminated. the bridge element (12 or 95) can also treat the stretch by positively engaging the user around the waist, providing an elastic restoring force In this case, all or a portion of the support (2) is provided in such a way which is elastic and the tongue elements (14) of the closure system are applied in a manner as is conventional for the elastic or elastic-like components for the waist Figure 16 is a schematic illustration of a continuous tape, of the article (41) Disposable absorbent, to which the tab elements (14) of the closure system are attached as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The portions (32) of the terminal end when cut from the attachment portion (13) or 93) of the second portion (33) by the cross-sectional line (11) form two portions (99) of the fastening tab, joined by a bridge or joining element (95) at the terminal side edges (10) of the disposable absorbent article (91) cut from the tape (41). The joining portion (13 or 93) of the second portion (33) forms the second attachment region of the attachment and coupling surface to which the first fastening region of the first fastening tab portion (99) adheres. . The cross-sectional line (11) bisects the tab element (14) of the closure system along its defined length dimension (16) in such a way that a portion (99) of fastening tab and bridge element ( 12 or 95) is on one side of the cross-sectional line (11) and the connection portion (13 or 93) is on the second opposite side of the cross-sectional line. A unitary closure system is formed on a single disposable absorbent article (91) by the respective retaining tab portions (99) on a first side of the cross-sectional line of a first tab element (14) of the closure system. closure in combination with the adjacent junction portion (93) cut from the second opposite side of a second tab element (14) of the adjacent closure system. In general, the maximum length of the fastening tab portion is 2 to 10 cm in length, preferably 2 to 5 cm in length and 2 to 20 cm in width, preferably 5 to 15 cm in width in base to the size of the article. Nevertheless, the first fastening region may be 0.5 to 5 cm long on average, preferably 1 to 4 cm long or arranged to provide a cross sectional area of 0.25 to 25 cm2, preferably 1 to 10 cm2. The fastening tab portion permanently attached to the article includes the second end of the end portion (32) and possibly a portion of the second portion (33). In general, the second end of the fastening tab portion (99) permanently attached to the diaper 5 is from 1 to 5, preferably from 2 to 4 cm. The overall length of the joint portion (13, 93) is preferably at least 40 to 95% of the length of the first fastening region, preferably 60 to 90%. The length of the bridge element can vary through its width, as well as the length of the joint portion. The average length of the joint portion can fluctuate from 5 to 100 cm, preferably from 10 to 50 cm. In general, the maximum length (16) of the tongue element of the closure system can vary as required and could be from 10 to 200 cm, preferably 20 to 100 cm. The length of the bridge element can be zero or close to zero, where it does not provide any functionality as a continuous band element. However, if the bridge element functions as an elastic band or an inextensible band or Likewise, it is generally of a minimum length of at least 0.5 cm and in general by at least 1 cm to 5 cm in length. The average length of the bridge element in general is less than the average length of the joint portion. Preferably, the average length of the bridge element is less than 40% of the average length of the junction portion. t »&% ** ~" .- ",» ^ ax? 8 ^ The bridge element and the joint portion, if combined, will in general form a rectangular configuration, when the tongue elements are separated by a single line cut in the second portion. As such, the bridge element and the joint portion are generally negative mirror images in general inverted to each other. Figure 3 illustrates a method for forming the tape of the closure system of Figures 1 and 2 having hook-and-loop fastening regions using the methods described substantially in U.S. Patent No. 5,256,231 to form the fastening region in the form of a hoop By this method, a fiber sheet (3), which can be a non-woven tape, used to form the ring material (8) is fed by conventional elements, such as from a supply roll or directly from a forming process of tape, between a pair of mutually parallel interlacing rollers (25 and 26) which are provided with interlacing teeth. These teeth are interlaced in the manner of gear teeth with ridges on a roll that fit into valleys in the adjacent roll and vice versa. As shown in Figure 3, these interlocked teeth can be aligned radially along the length of the rollers (25 and 26), however, these gear teeth they could also be arranged in numerous other regular configurations which include gear teeth extending circumferentially along the diameter of the rollers (25 and 26) or in geometric coupling configurations such as diamonds, hexagons, squares, circles or any other geometric shape or regular or irregular configuration wherein the peak portions of a configuration or geometric shape on a roll intertwine with the valley portions of a configuration on the adjacent roll. After leaving the space between rollers (24) formed by the rolls (25 and 26), the fiber sheet is retained along the periphery of the roll (26) such as by applying tape tension, vacuum, differentially heating the roll (26) and / or wrinkling or roughening the surface of the roll (26). At this point, the fiber sheet (3) is maintained in its deformed or corrugated state and dimensional stability is provided by joining with a dimensionally stable tape material such as a film or a dimensionally stabilized woven or nonwoven fabric. Alternatively, the sheet of corrugated fibers can be made in such a way that it is elastic or extensible by being joined to an elastic or extensible tape material which tape material can form the tape support (2) of the closure system. • »you > .

As shown in Figure 3, the corrugated ring material (8) retained on the roll surface (26) is directly bonded to a material (23) of molten extruded film that is formed in a mold provided with a nozzle orifice (22). The material (23) of extruded film that is still in a molten or semi-molten condition is soft enough to allow the corrugated fiber sheet (3) on the roll (26) to embed itself in the extruded product. This provides a secure bond and also dimensional stability or other properties based on the film support properties (23) and any additional layers provided (not shown). The support roll (27) forms a space between rollers with the roll (26), such roll (27) is generally a cooled, smooth roll. The pressure of the space between rollers is preferably substantially constant across the width of the rolled strip material formed at least by the corrugated fiber sheet (8) and the extruded product (23). Additional cooling rollers could be provided or the laminate could be further wrapped around the roller (27) to provide additional cooling as desired. Then the support (2) of the laminate is additionally coated with adhesive (9) using an adhesive coater (29) which can be a pressure sensitive adhesive. The adhesive (9) can then be used to adhesively bond the mechanical fastening material (4) to the support (2). The mechanical fastening material (4) can also be adhesively coated in the previous manner and then bonded to the support (2) of laminate tape or joined by other mechanisms in which sonic adhesion, spot adhesion, sewing or embossing are included. similar. If a preformed tape material is provided as the support (2), the space between rollers (28) formed between the rollers (26 and 27) is preferably heated to thermally bond the fiber sheet (8) to the support materials preformed, such as by providing rolls (26 or 27) with heating elements, such as an oil heated roller, a water heated roller, an induction heated roller or an ultrasonic horn. An alternative embodiment for providing the tongue elements (14) of the closure system of the invention is illustrated in Figure 4, with the first end (37) of the fastening tab portion (34) on the end portion (32) provided with smooth side edges (30). The tongue elements (14) of the closure system are also cut to a slightly modified shape along the cutout configuration (35) by providing a region (5) wherein the configuration or geometric shape of the cutting line tapers slightly from a portion (46) of the cutting line that separates two '* ^. ^ - > * - terminal end portions adjacent a displaced portion (47) of the cutting line (35) separating the junction portion of the bridge portion (38). In this embodiment, again the substantially constant length (16) of the closure tab member (14) extends through the majority of the width of the closure tab member (14) and over the entire width of the second portion (14). 33). However, the fastening tab portion (34) or first end (37) of the end portion (32) tapers in length. The first tapered end (37) on the terminal end portion (32) may be formed by removing a portion of the terminal end portion as shown in FIG. 6 and / or by cut configurations appropriately spliced as shown in FIG. Figure 8. The curved side edge (30) of the first end (37) eliminates or reduces the presence of sharp corners which may cause discomfort for the user of the disposable absorbent article if such sharp corners are brought into contact with the skin. The first end (37) containing at least hook material of the first fastening region has an average length (36). The fastening tab portion (34) on the first end (37) of the end portion (32) is preferably provided in such a manner that no sharp corner portion extends beyond the edge (10) of the tape. continuous (41) used to form the article ^ díiU-? (91) disposable absorbent. In that, the span of the tongue element (14) of the closure system varies at the first end (37), there is a need for diverging cutting lines in this region that requires waste or selvage of a certain portion of the tape material. of the closure system in the first end region in this mode. Figure 5 shows a variation of the embodiment of Figure 4 wherein the tapered region (5) of the cutting configuration of the tape (1) of the closure system has moved outwardly slightly in the upper portion. Also, the rim material (8) and / or the fiber sheet has extended outwardly in such a manner as to cover all end portion portions, from which the holding tab portions (34) are formed. Figure 6 shows an additional embodiment similar to that shown in Figure 4, where there is a cut or selvage region (42) to be removed from the terminal end portions of the tape (1) of the closure system. In this embodiment, the cutting line (45) in the second portion (33) is in the form of a substantially continuous arc forming a generally semicircular connecting portion (46). The bridge portion (40) interconnecting the two end portions (47) is a corresponding concave structure.

Figure 7 illustrates a further embodiment of a tongue element of the closure system designed in accordance with the invention wherein the joint portion (56) is in the form of a rectangle, also providing a bridge element or rectangular band (50). ) of the second portion (33). The tongue elements (14) of the individual closure system are cut along the cutting line (55) of the tongue element by providing fastening tab portions with a curved edge (30) on the first end (17) and a second rectilinear end (18). The embodiment shown in Figure 8 shows an alternative for producing first ends of the rounded edge holding tab portion (30) on a multi-width closure system tape with multiple end-end portions and second portions. With the end terminal portions on the outer edges of the closure system tape, the curved side edges (30) of the fastening tab production are still provided by the removal of the selvage material. However, with intermediate terminal end portions, two spliced curved side edges (30) may be provided by a single sinusoidal or corrugated cut line similar as shown in Figure 8. The embodiment of Figure 8 results in two ribbons. (56) of the secondary closure system cut from a single tape of the multiple-width primary closure system. The two tapes (56) of the secondary closure system can be connected simultaneously or subsequently to latch elements (14) of the closure system as described in the other five embodiments of the invention. As shown in Figure 8, the curved side edges of the intermediate terminal end portions are provided by a single sinusoidal or wavy line similar in such a way that the first ends of the fastening tab portion that have the first fastening regions spliced without any wasted material or selvage. However, if desired, an intermediate waste or selvedge region may be provided, particularly where the first region of fastening is asymmetric through its width dimension. For example, the base of the first end of the fastening tab portion and / or the first fastening region may be different and different from the external tip of the first end of the fastening tab portion. In the modality of figure 8, the curved portion of the first end of the fastening tab portion is symmetrical, since a first continuous fastening region is provided across the full width of the curved portion of the first end of the fastening tab portion . A first end of the portion of Asymmetric fastening tab could also be provided.

For example, the first end could be provided with two different joint regions along its width, such as a combination of a mechanical clamping region with an adhesive clamping region. Alternatively, a single region without any fastening means could be provided, such as a finger lifting region at the tip of the first end, such a region is not alternately provided at the base of the first end of the fastening tab portion. These and other asymmetric fastening tab designs cut from a tape of the multi-width closure system will generally require the provisions of two first ends of the adjacent terminal end portions in the central portion of the tape of the closure system with lines of separate cutting for each, to provide the first ends of the desired asymmetric fastening tab portions on two or more tapes of the secondary closure system. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, the first end of the cut-off holding tongue portion has been folded back over the tape of the closure system, which can be done simultaneously with or following the cutting of the tongue elements. of the closing system. The first end of the fastening tab portion is preferably folded along the lines separating the first end of the end portion where the first end is designed to be detachably adhered to the second fastening region of coupling on the end. the attachment portion and the second end is designed to permanently attach to the disposable absorbent article. The embodiment of Figure 9 is again exemplified by using a hook and loop type mechanical fastening system for the first and second fastening regions. An alternative embodiment to the embodiment of Figure 9 is shown in Figure 17 wherein the first end of the clamping tongue portion is provided with the first clamping region being folded away from the second clamping region instead of the same. In this case, the fold is preferably away from the line separating the first end of the fastening tab portion and the second end. The folded portion of the first end of the fastening tab portion is preferably completely within an unfolded portion of the first end of the fastening tab portion. This ensures that the folded portion does not arrive between the holder and the disposable absorbent article when the tab member is attached. Figure 18 is an alternative of the invention wherein the tongue element is in a general chevron shape. This modality would not have a bridge element and the The "second" portion would have a general form of V when it is on the disposable absorbent article. Figure 10 is an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein two first fastening regions (71) and (72) are provided., both in this case hooked mechanical fastening regions, one at the first end (17) of the terminal end portion and a second at the outer lateral margins (61) of the joining portion (60) in the second portion (33). The first fastening region (71) provided on the first end (17) of the terminal end portion will be on the first support face, while the second first fastening region (72) would be provided on a second side of the adjacent support to the joining portion (60) on the second portion (33). In the embodiment of Figure 10, the first two fastening regions (71 and 72) are provided by a mechanical fastening material in the form of a hook with the second fastening region provided by a mechanical fastening material in the form of a ring that forms the joining portion for the first fastening region (71) on the first end (17) of the terminal end portion. The second hook-shaped mechanical fastening material (72) of the first fastening region, provided adjacent to the joining portion (60), on the second portion (33) can be used to inter-engage with hoop-shaped materials or appropriate non-woven fabrics on one side of the disposable absorbent article opposite to that attached to the terminal end portion or second end (18) of the fastening tab portion. This appropriate rim or nonwoven material is generally located on a region of the lateral edge of the disposable absorbent article adjacent or underlying the region of the article attached to the second end (18) of the fastening tab portion and can be a material of ring applied separately a non-woven upper sheet type material. In general, in the embodiments described above, the overall shape of the tongue elements of the closure system is of v or u, or a similar shape, however, other forms are possible, in which forms of. Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the end-end portions are provided in a central region of a tape of the closure system. The first end of the retaining tab portion on the terminal end portion is symmetrical in Figure 11 such that a single cutting line can be used to form the curved end side edge (30) of the first end as shown in FIG. described above in relation to the embodiment of Figure 8. The fastening tab portion is provided with a region ^ - * »- fa &; (61) which is substantially free of fastening elements to provide a lifting region by means of the finger (62). In the embodiment of Figure 11, the two tongue elements (63) and (64) of the opposite closure system cut from the tape of the closure system are mirror images of each other; one provides the fastening tab portion and the attachment portion on an edge region of a disposable absorbent garment and the opposite tab element provides an opposite fastening tab portion and a bonding portion on the opposite edge of the article. Disposable absorbent. With this modality, there are two separate separate union portions (65) and (66) and no bridge or band portion joining the two terminal end portions or retaining tab portions. Figure 12 illustrates how the tab elements (63) and (64) of the closure system would be placed on the continuous tape (41) forming a portion of the disposable absorbent article that provides two separate attachment portions (65) and (66). ) and two retaining tab portions. Although the first fastening regions illustrated in the embodiments described above are provided by a mechanical fastening element, particularly a mechanical fastening material (4) in the form of a hook, attached to the support (2) by a layer (9) of sensitive adhesive At the pressure provided, the first fastening region can be provided by other joining materials or in other ways. Specifically, the first fastening region may be any suitable joining material including mechanical fastening materials or regions in the form of a ring or hook, regions of pressure-sensitive adhesive or patches, regions or patches of cohesive adhesive and the like. . Also, other mechanical fastening type materials are Possible, such as insert fasteners, provided that an appropriate engagement surface is provided on the attachment portion on the opposite side of the fastener tape. In addition, the first fastening region can be provided as a separate element attached to the First side of the support (2) as shown in the drawings or can be formed integrally with the support (2), for example, the support could be an extruded film material with molded hook fasteners provided only in the portions from the terminal end of same. Alternatively, the first fastening region can be provided on a separate support (6) which is attached to the support (2) by appropriate methods, such as thermal fusion adhesives or pressure sensitive adhesives (as shown) thermal or sonic welding or other means conventional.

Where the first clamping region is provided by a pressure-sensitive adhesive, it is not necessary that the surface to which the first clamping region is joined is a surface provided by the second clamping region. For example, the tongue elements of the closure system could be attached to an interior surface of a backsheet or continuous reinforcement sheet such that the first attachment region is attached to the backing sheet or backsheet or additional tape on a reinforcing sheet tape or support sheet, with the second fastening region of the tongue element of the closure system reinforcing the tape of the reinforcing sheet or back sheet at a location where the first fastening region join it to form an appropriate tape fastening region. In this embodiment, the second support face could be provided with an appropriate pressure sensitive adhesive to be attached to the face of, for example, the reinforcing sheet tape or inner back sheet. Alternatively, the second support face could be attached to the reinforcement sheet or backing sheet or an additional tape by other joining methods as previously described. The support (2) for the tape (1) of the closure system can be any appropriate tape or laminate product in which film materials are included, foam products, fabrics, such as woven or non-woven ribbons or multilayer structures comprising any or all of the aforementioned materials and the like, such multilayer structures may already be continuous or intermittent through of the length and / or width of the support (2). The support (2 or 82) could be an elastic material with a specific elastic region, such as (81) illustrated in Figure 13. This elastic region (81) could be provided by making specifically elastic a region of the support (2 or 82). In Figure 13, the elastic support (82) is formed as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,506,852 which discloses a non-elastic extruded multilayer film having elastic (86) and inelastic layers (85 and 87) such The multilayer film can be activated by selectively stretching to create an elastic element, for example, by selectively stretching in the region (81) in the manner described in U.S. Patent No. 5,505,852. However, alternatively, all the support (2 or 82) can be made elastic such as by providing an elastomeric film or an elastomeric woven or nonwoven material or laminates thereof, such as the support (2 or 82). In Figure 13, the hook-shaped fastening material (4) is attached to an inelastic portion of the support (82) by an adhesive layer (89) that could be provided or ^ m: ¡^ ^ ?? s 7i? And ????? & É, ^ -. tefe .ks¡ »> & - t & . coated on the hook material (4) or on the support (82). An alternative method for providing a zone of elasticity (81) on a film backing is shown in Figure 15. In Figure 15, the film backing is formed by selective side-by-side elastic and inelastic regions, for example, by coextrusion side by side of elastic and inelastic materials as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-187113. Alternatively, an elastic and inelastic region side by side could be provided by elastic regions included within an inelastic matrix as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,429,856. An elastic support material (12 or 82) may also be selectively glued or laminated to an inelastic film or other tape material in a non-extended state, followed by a selective stretching of the composite to provide elasticity as described in US Pat. Nos. 5,167,897, 5,156,793; 5,143,679; or 5,527,304 or PCT WO 96/1048 (stretching is facilitated by selectively cutting the inelastic layer) or an elastic material can be applied to a separate support layer (e.g., a non-woven tape) in a stretched condition either by bonding intermittent or continuous to allow the elastic material to recover, which results in the laminated support material of the laminated support thus formed accumulating or collapsing between the points of attachment forming an elastic composite in that region. The elastic material applied either to the first or second face of another continuous support material which may be elastic or inelastic, which other continuous support could be stretched, not stretched or accumulated or corrugated, when it is attached to the elastic material. The ring-shaped materials (8) or (88) can be any conventional woven or nonwoven-shaped material that is properly attached to the support (2) or (82) as would be known in the art. Figure 14 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention in which a ring-shaped fabric is selectively provided to be engageable with a hook-shaped material in the region (83) and generally less engageable with the hook material in the region (84). The hoop fabric is applied to a film support (82). This can be carried out by taking a relatively low-fluff nonwoven fabric and causing it to collect selectively or corrugate in region (81) and be substantially planar in region (84), such region (84) can be further consolidated as required. This can be done by using the method illustrated in Figure 3 by selectively providing corrugations or corrugations in 'a' ase.vA * - - J "a ^^ B¿ae ^ a ^^ B ^ 8 ^ 'wawa ^ gfefe? ^^ the ribbon (3) only in the region or the second portion that forms the portion of bonding on the second side of the tape of the closure system Suitable nonwoven materials for forming the ring material are described for example in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,256,231, 5,614,281; 5,032,122; 5,470,417; 5,326,612 and WO 96/04812, WO 95/33390. Figure 15 shows an alternative embodiment in which a support (107) is coextruded side by side in such a way that it has inelastic regions (104 and 106) either on one side or another of an elastic region (105). In addition, in the inelastic region (106) integral hook elements are formed. A non-stretchable tape (103) is attached to the first side of the support and in at least the elastic region (81) is corrugated by the method shown in Figure 3 or otherwise compressed in its width dimension as is shown in the art. On the second face of the support a rim material (108) is provided which is shown as corrugated by the method shown in Figure 3 through its full width allowing the elastic region (8) to elongate and provide a binding portion. substantially in the form of a ring. The invention further provides a method for forming a closure system for a disposable absorbent article comprising the steps of: providing at least one continuous or substantially continuous tape capable of forming a portion of a disposable absorbent article. This tape has at least one first width dimension that defines two side edges and one dimension of undefined length. A tape of the closure system comprising at least one support having a first face and a second face is also propojglíona. The tape of the closure system has a second dimension of width greater than the first dimension of width and an indefinite length. The first face of the tape of the closure system is provided with at least one first fastening region in at least a portion of the terminal end of the fastener tape. At least one second fastening region is provided on the second face of the fastening system tape in at least the second portion adjacent to the end-end portion provided with the first fastening region. Tab elements of the closure system are cut from the tape of the closure system, such tab elements having a defined length dimension. The tongue elements of the closure system have at least one fastening tab portion, comprising at least one first fastening region on the terminal end portion and a joining portion comprising the second portion having the second fastening region. of subject Then the tongue elements of the closure system are attached to the at least one continuous tape or substantially continuous at regular spaced intervals in the indefinite length dimension in a continuous manner forming a second continuous tape. Then the second continuous tape is cut along transverse cut lines in the indefinite length dimension. The cut lines are such that they bisect the tongue elements of the closure system along the defined length dimension of the tongue element, such that the clamping tongue portion is on a first side of the line of cutting and the joining portion is on a second side opposite the cutting line. This provides fastening tab portions on a first end of an absorbent article and a joint portion on a second end of an adjacent absorbent article. Preferably, the cross-sectional line also forms the discrete absorbent article. It is noted that, in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. ^ -INDICATIONS Having described the invention as above, it is claimed as property, contained in the following claims: 1. A method for forming a closure system for a disposable absorbent article characterized in that it comprises the steps of: providing a tape of the absorbent article, continuous or substantially continuous, the tape is apt to form a portion of a disposable absorbent article, the tape has a first width dimension that defines two side edges and a dimension of length or indefinite longitudinal dimension, provide a tape of the closure system, comprising a support having a first face and a second face, a second dimension of width and an indefinite length, the first face is provided with a first attachment region at a portion of the terminal end of the tape of the closure system, at least a second fastening region is provided on the second side of the tape of the closure system in a second portion of the tape of the closure system adjacent to the end-end portion provided with the first attachment region, cut tab elements of the closure system, having a defined length or defined longitudinal dimension of the tape of the closure system, the tongue elements of the closure system have at least one fastening tab portion, comprising a first fastening region on a terminal end portion and a fastening portion comprising the second portion having the second clamping region, wherein the first clamping tongue portion is displaced from the joint portion in the longitudinal direction of the tape of the closure system, continuously joining the tongue elements of the clamping system to the clamping element. tape of the absorbent article at a site having the first width dimension at regularly spaced intervals in the indefinite longitudinal dimension of the tape of the absorbent article, cutting the tape of the absorbent article along lines of cut, such lines of cuts are transverse to the indefinite longitudinal dimension, where the lines of transversal cut are such that each bisects the tongue element of the closure system along its defined length, such that the at least one fastening tab portion is on a first side of a transverse cut line and the displaced joint portion is located on a second opposite side of the cross-sectional line, to provide a fastening tab portion on the first end of an absorbent article and a joint portion on a second end of an adjacent absorbent article. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises joining the tape of the absorbent article to additional elements to form a laminated tape of the absorbent article and wherein the cross-sectional line forms discrete absorbent articles and the at least one The first fastening tab portion attached to the absorbent article has a first end extending outwardly beyond the side edges of the absorbent article and a second end attached to the absorbent article, at least the first end having the first fastening region. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that there are two terminal end portions of the closure system tape provided with a first fastening region, which are connected by a portion of the second portion of the fastener system tape. closing on the first side of the cross-sectional line, the second portion on the first side of the cross-sectional line has an average length less than the average length of the second portion on the second side of the cutting line, the width The average of the second portion of the tape of the closure system on the first side of the cross-cut line is greater than the average width of the second portion of the tape of the closure system on the second side of the cross-sectional line, the average length of the second portion on the first side of the cross-sectional line is less than 50% of the average length of the second portion on the second side of the cross-sectional line. The method according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the second portion of the tape of the closure system on the first side of the cross-sectional line is an image in the negative inverted mirror of the second portion of the tape of the closure system on the second side of the cross-sectional line for a tab element of the closure system, such that the two second portions, if combined, would form a second portion of tape of the rectangular closure system . The method according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that the first fastening region comprises a patch of pressure sensitive adhesive or a mechanical fastening patch wherein the connecting portion comprises a mechanical fastening patch of coupling 6. The method according to any of claims 1-5, characterized in that the terminal end portions are between two second portions. * .- * ^ iS - 5 on the tape of the closure system, in such a way that two tongue elements of the closure system are cut from the left and right edges of the tape of the closure system, a tongue element of the closure system of each edge of the tape of the closure system are placed along each edge of the belt of the absorbent article, such that each cross-cut line forms two fastening tab portions and two attachment portions on adjacent absorbent articles. A closure system for a disposable absorbent article, characterized in that it comprises a disposable absorbent article having a first width dimension defining two side edges and two end edges, a closure system comprising at least one securing tab of a first shape, extending beyond a lateral edge of the absorbent article having a support having a first face and a second face and an upper edge and a lower edge adjacent to an edge of the end of the absorbent article, the first face is provided with a first clamping region at a first end and a second clamping region extending inwardly from a lateral edge of the absorbent article on a joining portion of a second shape different from the first form having a support, the joining portion has an upper edge adjacent the edge of the opposite end of the absorbent article in a laterally displaced region From the first clamping region and a lower edge, at least a discrete portion of the upper edge of the joint portion is laterally coextensive along lines drawn along the length of the absorbent article, between the two edges of the web. end with a discrete portion of the lower edge of the fastening tab, wherein at least in an area adjacent to the two discrete edge portions, of the at least one fastening tab and the joining portion the respective supports are identical . The closure system according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one lower edge of the fastening tab is coextensive with a portion of a first end edge of the disposable absorbent article. The closure system according to any of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the upper edge of the joint portion is coextensive with a portion of a second end edge of the disposable absorbent article. The closure system according to any of claims 7-9, characterized in that the first portion of the fastening tab attached to the absorbent article has a first end extending outwardly beyond the side edges of the absorbent article and a second end attached to the absorbent article, the first end has the first attachment region. The closure system according to any of claims 7-10, characterized in that the fastening tab portion comprises two fastening tab portions which are connected by a belt portion or bridge band, at least a portion of the bridge portion forming the coextensive discrete edge portion of the retaining tab is coextensive with the second upper edge of the disposable absorbent article, wherein the bridge portion has an average length less than the average length of the joint portion and the average width of the bridge portion is greater than the average width of the joint portion. The closure system according to claim 11, characterized in that the bridge portion is an image in the negative inverted mirror of the joining portion, such that the two portions, if combined, would form a rectangular portion. The closure system according to any of claims 7-12, characterized in that the first fastening region comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive patch or a mechanical fastening patch., in which case the second attachment region on the attachment portion comprises a mechanical attachment fastening patch, wherein one face of the support of the attachment portion is attached to an outer surface of the disposable absorbent article and an opposite face of the support it is provided with the coupling mechanical fastening patch. The closure system according to claim 13, characterized in that the first fastening region comprises a hook-shaped mechanical fastening patch and the mechanical fastening patch comprises a mechanical fastening patch in the form of a ring. The closure system according to any of claims 7-14, characterized in that the first face of the support of the securing tongue is provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive for the attachment of the at least one retaining tab to the disposable absorbent article. 16. The closure system according to any of claims 7-15, characterized in that the two clamping tabs and the bridge portion are in a general form of u. 17. The closure system according to any of claims 7-16, characterized in that the securing tab portions are provided with elastic regions external to the disposable absorbent article. ^ fe ^^^^ á ^ S ^ ta &? ^ -. 18. The compliance closure system COTI any of claims 7-17, characterized in that the first fastening region is a hook-shaped mechanical fastener on the end face of the fastening tab portion with the second end of the fastening tab. fastening tab portion on the first face having a coupling ring material for temporary attachment of the hook-shaped mechanical fastener before use. 19. The closure system according to any of claims 7-17, characterized in that there are two separate joining portions. 20. The closure system according to any of claims 7-19, characterized in that the maximum length of the fastening tab is from 2 to 10 cm, the first clamping region of the clamping tab is on average 0.3 to 5 cm long, the first clamping region of the clamping tongue has a cross-sectional area of 1 to 10 cm2, the second end of the clamping tongue has a minimum width of 1 to 5 cm and the average length of the Binding portion is from 40 to 95% of the average length of the first fastening region. yes DISPOSABLE SYSTEM Describes a * closure system and method of manufacturing a closure system for a disposable item. Uft & tape of the 7X locking system substantially continuous. One side of the belt is provided with a first fastening region in portion (s) (3) of the terminal end of the belt. A second fastening region (33) engageable with the first fastening region is provided on a second face of the tape in a region adjacent to the end portion (s). Tab elements (14) of the closure system are cut from the tape (1) and attached to a second fabric, used to produce the disposable article at longitudinally spaced locations. Then this second tape is cut into transverse cut lines that separate the tab element of the closure system into two functional elements. A first functional element has a fastening tab portion (99) and the second functional element has a connecting portion (93). The attachment portion of the tab member (14) of the closure system interacts with a fastening tab portion on a tongue element of the adjacent closure system to form a functional closure system on a disposable article (91) made using the second tape.