MXPA00006751A - Mechanical fastening system having sections with arranged engagement members - Google Patents

Abstract

An article has a lengthwise, longitudinal direction (26), a lateral cross-direction (24), a longitudinally extending medial line (40), a first article portion (12), a second article portion (14) and at least one fastener (36) for securing the article on a wearer. The fastener (36) includes at least one first fastener component (70) attached to a lateral side section (86) of the first article portion, and a cooperating, second fastener component (72) attached to the second article portion. The first fastener component (70) includes a first engagement section (52) having a first plurality of non-isotropic engagement members (56), and a second engagement section (54) having a second plurality of non-isotropic engagement members. A longitudinally extending, fastener transition region (76) may be located between laterally adjacent regions of the first and second engagement sections. Each non-isotropic engagement member (56) has a stem portion (58), and a securement element (60) which is non-isotropically disposed at a distal end region of its corresponding stem portion (58) to provide a non-isotropic engagement opening. A majority of the first plurality of non-isotropic engagement members can have their engagement openings directed substantially along a first vector which has a cross-directional vector-component directed along the lateral direction (24). A majority of the second plurality of non-isotropic engagement members can have their engagement openings directed substantially along a second vector which is directed away from the first vector by a selected offset.

Description

MECHANICAL CLAMPING SYSTEM HAVING HITCH MEMBERS WITH SELECTED HEIGHTS Field of the Invention The present invention relates to fastening systems for garments and other articles. More particularly, the present invention relates to interlocking mechanical fastening systems which can be employed with disposable articles such as diaper suits, incontinence garments and the like.

Background of the Invention Conventional disposable absorbent articles have typically employed adhesive fastening tapes to secure the article to a wearer. Tale items have also been constructed with interlocking mechanical fasteners such as VELCRO brand hook and loop fasteners. The particular articles have included a fastening system which has essentially extended along the entire length of an article ear section. Other fastening systems have included strips segmented sections of adhesive. Still other adhesives have included strips or segmented sections of mechanical fastener components such as individual sections of the hook material. In addition, various types of hook material, such as inverted J shape, T-shaped and generally d mushroom shaped hooks have been employed. Conventional clamping systems have also employed tapered clamping appendages wherein the clamping area on the user's limb is relatively wide in its region adjacent to the longitudinally extending sides of the diaper and is tapered to a narrower width in its width. remote end remote For example, see European Patent EP 0 233 704 Bl d H. Burkhard et al.

Conventional fasteners and fastening systems, such as those described above, have not provided an adequate level of dynamic notch in combination with a clean finished appearance, reliable assurance and ease of release. Conventional clamping systems have not provided sufficient capacity to accommodate the stresses imposed by securing the article on a user while accommodating other efforts and displacement caused by a moving user and also providing a desired ease of removal and selective release . As a result of this, conventional fastening systems have not provided the desired levels of comfort, assurance, ease of manufacture and ease of use.

Brief Description of the Invention Generally speaking, the present invention provides a distinctive article, having a longitudinal direction in the direction of the length, and a lateral transverse direction. The article includes a first part of article, a second part of article and a fastener to ensure the first part of article to the second part of article. The fastener includes at least a first fastener component attached to the first article part, and a second fastener cooperating component attached to the second part of the article. In a particular aspect of the invention, the first fastener component may also include a first fastener section having a first plurality of fastener members which provide a first fastener member height value, and at least a second fastener section. latch having a second plurality of latch members which provide at least a second latch member height value. The second height value may differ from the first height value. Optionally, the fastener component can include the additional latching sections to thereby provide distributions of the latching members in three more different height values.

Another aspect of the invention can provide an article wherein the designated fastener component can include a first latching section having a first plurality of latching members distributed over a first sectional area, and at least a second latching section that it has a second plurality of hook members distributed over a second sectional area. The second sectional area can be selectively configured to be larger or smaller than the first area section. Optionally, the fastener component may include additional hitch sections with additional hook member distributions.

In a further aspect of the invention, the designated fastener component of the article may include a first latching section having a first plurality of engaging members configured with a first concentration of latching members per unit area, and a second latching section. configured with a second concentration of engagement member per unit area. The second concentration of coupling members per unit area may be greater than the first concentration of coupling members per unit area.

Additionally, the second latching section can provide a different latching force value (eg, relatively higher or lower) than that of the first latching section. "In still other aspects, the first latching section can provide a force value. of different peeling (for example relatively larger or smaller) and / or value of cutting force than that of the second section d engages.

The incorporation of the various aspects of the fastening system of the invention can provide improved securing with greater resistance to premature firing apertures, and can also provide improved entall, greater comfort, and reduced irritation to the wearer's skin. The distinctly configured latching zones and / or latching members can provide an improved combination of alt latching areas for greater assurance and faster reliability, predetermined areas of relatively less latching for ease of release and removal of the latching article. an user Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will be more fully understood and the advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and of the drawings in which: Figure 1 representatively shows a top view partially in section of an inner side of a diaper article which incorporates the fastening system of the invention.

Figure 2 representatively shows a top plan view of an outer side of a diaper article and which incorporates the fastening system of the invention.

Figure 3 representatively shows a longitudinal and schematic cross section of the article illustrated in figure 1.

Figure 4 representatively shows a lateral view of a non-isotropic T-shaped hook member which can be employed with the present invention.

Figure 4A representatively shows a top view of the hook member of figure 4.

Figure 5 representatively shows a lateral view of a substantially isotropic symmetrical hook-shaped hook member which can be employed with the present invention.

Figure 5A representatively shows a top view of the securing element in the hook member of Figure 5.

Figure 6 representatively shows a schematic upper plane view of a fastener having a first latching section laterally inward with the engaging members configured with a first height value and a second latching section laterally outward with the latching members configured with a relatively smaller altur value.

Figure 6A representatively shows a schematic and extended cross-section of the fastener d of Figure 6.

Figure 7 representatively shows a schematic upper plane view of a fastener having a first latching section laterally inward with the engaging members configured with a first height value and a second latching section laterally outward with the latching members configured with a relatively larger altur value.

Figure 7A representatively shows a schematic and expanded cross-section of the fastener d of Figure 7.

Figure 8 representatively shows a top and schematic view of a fastener having a first latching section laterally inward with a first area and with the latching members configured with a first height value, and a second latching section laterally outwardly with a relatively large area engaging members configured with a relatively larger height value.

Figure 8A representatively shows a schematic and expanded cross section of the fastener d of Figure 8.

Figure 9 representatively shows a schematic top plan view of a fastener having a second laterally outwardly engaging section which is positioned along the terminal edge laterally out of the fastener and extends along only one part of the longitudinal extension of the terminal shore.

Figure 9A representatively shows a schematic and expanded cross-section of the fastener d of Figure 9.

Figure 10 representatively shows a top schematic view of a fastener having a second hooking section which is essentially limited to a corner portion longitudinally inwardly and laterally inwardly of the fastener.

Figure 10A representatively shows a schematic and expanded cross-sectional view of fastener of Figure 10.

Figure 11 representatively shows a schematic upper plane view of a fastener having a second latching section which is positioned and is essentially limited by a pair of fastener corner portions d laterally inwardly and longitudinally opposite each other.

Figure HA representatively shows a schematic and expanded cross-sectional view of fastener of figure 11.

Figure 12 representatively shows a schematic top plan view of a fastener which includes a first hook section, a second hook section, a third hook section, with each hook section having the hook members of different height.

Figure 12A representatively shows a schematic and expanded cross-sectional view of the fastener of Figure 12.

Figure 13 representatively shows a schematic top plan view of a fastener which includes a laterally inwardly engaging section having a relatively higher concentration of the fastener members.

Figure 13A representatively shows a schematic and expanded cross-sectional view of the fastener of Figure 13.

Figure 14 representatively shows a top and schematic view of the fastener which includes a first hook section, a second hook section, a third hook section, with each hook section having its hook members aligned in a selected orientation, configured with a selected height, distributed in a selected concentration.

Figure 14A representatively shows a schematic and expanded cross-sectional view of the fastener of Figure 14.

Detailed description of the invention The various aspects and embodiments of the invention will be described in the context of a disposable absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper. However, it is readily apparent that the present invention can also be employed with other articles, such as caps, shoe covers, women's care articles, children's underpants, incontinence garments and the like. Typically, disposable articles are intended to limit use and are not intended to be washed or otherwise cleaned to be reused. A disposable diaper, for example, is discarded after it has been soiled by the wearer.

It should also be noted that, when using the present description, the terms "comprises" "comprising" and other derivatives of the term "understand" are intended to be open-end terms that specify the presence of any declared features, elements , integers, steps or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other characteristics, elements, integers, steps, components or group thereof.

With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, an article such as the representative diaper 10 has a longitudinal direction in the direction of the length 26, a lateral cross direction, crossed 24, and a longitudinal line extending longitudinally 40. The article includes a first part of article, such as a first waistband part 12, a second part of article, such as a second waistband part. 14. A fastener 36 secures the first part of article to the second part of article, and the assurance may, for example, be configured to retain the article on a user. The fastener 36 includes at least a first fastening component 70 operably linked to a designated region of the first article part 12 and a second fastener and cooperating component 72 operably linked to a designated region of the second part of the article 14.

In a particular aspect of the invention, the first fastener component 70 can include a first latch section 52 having a first plurality of latching members 56 which provides a first height value d engagement member 100, and at least one second latching section 54 having at least a second plurality of latching members which provide a second latching member height value 102 (eg, figures 6 and 6A). The second height value 102 differs from the first height value 100. The example of the configuration shown has the second latching section located laterally outwardly of the first latching section towards the distant free end of the fastening component. Alternatively, the second latching section may be located laterally inward from the first latching section. In additional configurations of the invention, the fastening component may include additional latching sections with additional distributions of latching members. The additional latching sections can therefore provide latching member distributions in three or more of different height values.

Another aspect of the invention can provide an article wherein the first fastening component 70 includes a first latching section 52 having a first plurality of latching members 56 distributed over a first sectional area, and at least a second latching section. 54 having a second plurality of latching members distributed over a second sectional area. The second section area may be relatively smaller than the first section area to provide particular benefit (for example, Figures 6 and 6A). Alternatively, the second sectional area may be relatively larger than the first sectional area to provide other benefits (eg, figures 7 and 7A).

In a further aspect of the invention, the article may incorporate a first fastener component 70 e wherein the first section area of the first hook section 52 has a first concentration of fastener members per unit area, and the second section area of the second engaging section 54 has a second concentration d engagement members per unit area which differs from the first concentration of engagement members (eg figures 13 and 13A). In the desired configurations, the second concentration of engagement members per unit area may be less than the first concentration of engagement members. Optionally, the second concentration of engagement members per unit area may be greater than the first concentration of members of engagement. hitch.

Additionally, the second latching section 5 can provide a different latching force compared to the first latching section 52. For example, the second latching section 54 can provide a relatively greater latching force than said first latching section 52. In particular arrangements, the second hitch section can provide a greater peel force value than those of the first hitch section. In other arrangements, the second engaging section can provide a cutting force value greater or less than those of the first engaging section.

In various configurations of the invention, the engagement members in the first engagement section 52 can be essentially the same as or different from the engagement members in the second engagement section 54. In addition, a fastener transition region 76 can be located between the laterally adjacent regions of the first and second hook sections 52 and 54. The first hook section 5 can be positioned laterally inward of the second hook section 54 and relatively closer to the mid line of the article 40. Thus, the second hook section 54 can be positioned relatively outward of the first hook section 52 and be located relatively further away from the midline. Optionally, the first designated latching section 52 may be positioned laterally outwardly from the second engaging section designated 54.

Still other aspects of the invention may have a first fastening component 70 which may further include at least a third engagement section 96 (eg, Figures 12 and 12A). The third engagement section may have a third plurality of engaging members which provide a third engagement member height value 98. Additionally, the third engagement section may have a third corresponding sectional area, and a third concentration of engaging members. hook by unit area.

Cone was shown representatively, the fastening system can provide at least a first fastener component 70 attached to a lateral side section 86 of a first waistband portion 12 of the article and can provide the second fastener component 72 attached to a designated section of the second part of waistband 14 of the article.

Desirably, at least a first fastening component 7 attached to the side side sections 86 of the first waistband part 12. Optionally, at least one first fastening component 70 can be attached to a side side section 88 d of the second part. of waistband 14, and the second clamped and cooperating component 72 can be fastened to a section designated d of the first waistband part 12. In the desired configurations at least a first fastening component 70 is attached to both side side sections of the side of selected waistband The distinctive aspects of the present invention (individually and in combination) can advantageously help to maintain the desired notch around the user better. For example, the aspects of the invention can help reduce the sagging and sagging of the crotch region of the garment and can help reduce the rolling and falling of the waist region. The incorporation of the various aspects of the fastening system of the invention may provide an improved fastener with greater resistance to premature disparging openings, and may also help to provide improved entall, comfort and reduced irritation of the wearer's skin . The distinctly configured engagement zones and / or engagement members can provide a distinctive combination of alt engagement areas for greater assurance and reliability, and predetermined area of a relatively smaller latch for ease of release and removal of the item. of a user In particular aspects, the amounts of peel strength and / or shear strength in selected areas can be controlled to provide the desired assurance combinations. In other aspects, the distal end of the retaining tab can be more easily found and can be more easily released without employing a substantially uninsured finger lift tab.

The article of the invention may, for example, be a garment provided by the disposable diaper representatively shown as 10. In the desired configurations, the first article part may provide a first waistband part, such as the waistband part shown below. 12, and the second part of the article can provide a second waistband part such as the front waistband part 14. In addition, the article can have an intermediate or crotch part 16 which interconnects between the first and second waistband parts 12. and 14 respectively. The diaper may further include a lower sheet layer 30, a liquid permeable upper sheet cap 28 connected and assembled in a front relationship with the lower sheet layer and an absorbent structure, such as a structure which includes the absorbent body. 32. The absorbent structure is sandwiched between the lower sheet and upper sheet layers, and is operably held therebetween. U fastening system such as the system that includes fasteners 36 is typically constructed and arranged to interconnect the first waistband part 12 with the second waistband part 14 to retain the article on the wearer. The restraint system can be operatively configured to join the first rear waistband portion 12 in an overlapped relationship with the second front waistband portion 14 in a back arrangement to the front to thereby surround the wearer's body and retain the secured diaper. about the user during use. Optionally, the fastening system can employ the fasteners 36 which are configured to attach the front waistband part 14 in an overlapping relationship with the rear waistband part 12 in a front-to-back arrangement to secure the diaper. In such optional arrangements, the front waistband region can be identified as the first waistband part 12 and the waistband posterior region can be identified as the second waistband part 14.

The front waistband section 14 of the diaper shown representatively 10 has a front pair of side and laterally opposite edge regions 88, and the rear waistband section 12 has a laterally opposite rear pair of side edge regions 86. Intermediate section 16 interconnects the front and back waistband section and provides a diaper crotch region which is typically placed between the legs of the wearer. The article has a designated fastener location zone member 5 which is positioned on the exterior surface of the article. In the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2, for example, the positioning member 50 is placed on the outer surface of the layer. bottom sheet 30. The liquid-permeable upper leaf layer 28 is superimposed in a face-to-face relationship with the backsheet layer 30 and the absorbent body 32 is operably connected and fixed between the lower leaf layer and the upper leaf layer 28 Figures 1 and 2 show typical plan views of the representative disposable diaper 10 in its generally flat controlled n-state (for example with essentially all the elastic-induced collection and contraction removed). In Figure 1, the parts of the structure are partially cut to show more clearly the interior construction of the diaper article, and the side surface to the body of the diaper that contacts the wearer is facing the observer. The inner edges of the diaper define a periphery with the longitudinally extending side edge margins 20 and the end edge margins extending laterally 22. The lateral edges define the leg openings for the diaper, and optionally are curvilinear and contoured . The end edges are shown as straight, but can optionally be curvilinear.

With respect to the designated article surfaces, the various surfaces from side to body and interior are configured to face the body of the user when the article is placed around the user. The designated outer surfaces of the article are configured to be facing away from the user's body when the article is placed around the user.

With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, diaper 1 can typically include a liquid and porous permeable top sheet 28; a bottom sheet essentially impermeable to liquid 30; and an absorbent body structure 32 positioned connected between the upper sheet and the lower sheet; an emergence management part 46 located on one side of the absorbent structure; and a system of elastomeric gathering members, such as a system that includes the leg elastics 34 and the waist elastics 42. The emergence handling part is placed in communication of the liquid with a designated retaining or storage portion of the Absorbent structure, and upper sheet 28, lower sheet 30, absorbent structure 32, emergence management part 46 elastic members 34 and 42 can be assembled together in a variety of well-known diaper configurations. The cloth may additionally include a system of containment flaps 62, and a system of ear region members or side panel 38, which may be elastified or which may otherwise be made elastomeric.

Examples of articles which include elasticized side panels and selectively configured fastener appendages are described in the United States of America patent application number 168.615 by T.Roessler others, entitled DYNAMIC ADJUSTMENT DIAPER, and filed on 6 d. December 1993 (lawyer's case No. 10,961). Various techniques for the formation of the desired fastening systems are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,399,219 to T. Roessler et al., Entitled METHOD FOR MAKING A CLAMPING SYSTEM FOR A DYNAMIC ENTALLE DIAPER, which was granted the March 21, 1995 (attorney's case No. 11,186); and serial patent application number 286,086 of D. Fries, entitled A PROCESS FOR ASSEMBLING PARTS OF ELASTIZED EAR and filed on August 3, 1994 (attorney's case No. 11,169) which corresponds to the patent application of the United States. of America number 5,540,796; and in the patent application of the United States of America series No. 08 / 415,383 of D. Fries entitled A ASSEMBLY PROCESS FOR A LAMINATED CINT and filed on April 3, 1995 (pleading case No. 11,950) which corresponds to the patent of the United States of America No. 5,595,618. The description of the above-mentioned documents is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent (not in conflict with it).

The diaper 10 generally defines the direction of extension that extends longitudinally 26 and the width direction extending beyond 24, as representatively shown in Figures 1 and 2. The diaper can have any desired shape, such as rectangular, I-shape, a sand-glass shape generally, a T-shape. With the T-shape the transverse bar of the "T" may comprise the front waistband part of the diaper, or may alternatively comprise the rear waistband portion of the diaper. diaper.

The upper sheet 28 and the lower sheet 30 may be generally coextensive and may have length and width dimensions which are generally larger than and extend beyond the corresponding dimensions of the absorbent structure 32 to provide the corresponding margins of the same. 20 and the end margins 22. Optionally the upper leaf and lower leaf cups may not be coextensive. The topsheet 28 is operatively associated with and superimposed on the bottom sheet 30, defining po both the periphery of the diaper. The waistband regions comprise those portions of the diaper, which when worn, cover the total or partial waist or mid-lower torso of the wearer. The intermediate crotch region lies between inteconnects the waistband regions 14 and 12, and comprises part of the diaper which when worn, is positioned between the wearer's legs and covers the lower torso of the wearer. Thus, the integrous crotch region 16 is an area where repeated fluid surges occur in the diaper or other disposable absorbent article.

The lower sheet 30 can typically be located along a surface on the exterior side of the absorbent body 3 and may be composed of a liquid permeable material perferably comprising a material which is configured to be substantially impermeable to liquids. For example, a typical bottom sheet may be made of a thin plastic film, or other substantially impervious to the lipid material. As used in the present description, the term "flexible" refers to materials which are docile and which will easily conform to the generated form and the contours of the user's body. The lower sheet 3 prevents the exudates contained in the absorbent body 3 from wetting the articles, such as the bed sheets and the overbeds, which make contact with the diaper 10. In the particular embodiments of the invention, the lower sheet 3 can include a film, such as a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. For example, the bottom sheet may have a thickness d about 1.25 mils.

The alternate constructions of the lower sheet may comprise a layer of woven or nonwoven fibrous fabric which has been constructed or has been treated in whole or in part to impart the desired levels of liquid impermeability to the selected regions which are adyascent or near. to the absorbent body. For example, the lower sheet may include a gas-permeable non-woven cloth cap laminated to a designated face surface of a layer of polymer film which may not be gas permeable. Ordinarily, the fabric layer is attached to an outward facing surface of the polymer film layer. Other examples of the fibrous cloth type lower leaf materials may comprise a stretched or thinned and stretched thermal laminate composed of a 0.015mm thick polypropylene blown film of a polypropylene spunbonded material of 23.8 g / l. ? (2 denier fibers).

In particular arrangements, a lower vapor permeable sheet layer essentially liquid impermeable may be a composite material which includes a vapor permeable film layer Adhesively laminated to a spin bonded layer The vapor permeable film layer can be obtained from Exxon Chemical Patents Incorporated under the trademark EXXAIRE. The film layer can include 48-60 percent by weight (% t) d linear low density poleitylene and 38-50 percent by weight of calcium carbonate particles which can be uniformly dispersed and extruded into the layer movie. The stretched film layer can have a thickness of about 0.018mm and a basis weight of 16-22 grams per square meter (g / pij). The layer bonded with yarn can be laminated adhesively to the film layer, and can have a bas weight of around 27 grams per square meter. The spunbonded layer can be made using a conventional co-bin bonding technology, and can include polypropylene filaments having a denier of 1.5-3 denier fiber per fiber. The vapor permeable film cap can be adhered to the bonded cap by spinning using a pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive at an aggregate rate of about 1.6 g / p ^, and adhesive can be deposited in the form of a swirl pattern of d adhesive or a spray of random fine fiber.

The vapor permeable and liquid impermeable lower leaf layer may alternatively include a stretched thermal laminate with high breathability (HBSTL). The stretched thermal laminate with high breathability can include a polypropylene spunbonded material thermally bonded to a breathable and stretched film. For example, stretched thermal laminate with high breathability may include a polypropylene spunbonded material of 20.4 grams per square meter thermally bonded to a stretched breathable film of 18.7 grams per square meter. The breathable film can include two layers of skin with each layer of skin composed of 1-3 percent by weight of EVA-cataloy. Breathable film can also include 55-60 percent by weight of calcium carbonate particles, linear low-density polyethylene, and up to 4.8 percent low-density polyethylene. Stretch-breathable film can include thickness of 0.011-0.013 millimeters and a base weight of 18.7 grams per square meter. The spin-bonded layer can be thermally bonded to the breathable film and can have a basis weight of about 20.4 grams per square meter. The spin-linked layer can have a denier fiber of 1.5-3 denier per fiber and a film with breathable and stretched capacity can be thermally bonded to the yarn bound material using a "C star" pattern which provides an area of global link of 15-20 percent.

The various types of such materials that have been employed to form the bottom sheet or the outer cover of the HUGGIES disposable diapers, which are commercially available from Kimberly-Clark Corporation. The lower sheet 30 typically provides the outer cover of the article. Optionally, however, the article may include a separate outer cover component member which is additional to the lower sheet. The lower sheet can also be engraved otherwise provided with a pattern or mat finish to exhibit a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

As mentioned, the lower sheet 30 may include a microporous "breathable" material which allows gases, such as water vapor, to escape from the absorbent body 32 while essentially preventing liquid exudates from passing through. of the lower sheet. For example, the lower breathable sheet may be composed of a microporous polymer film or a nonwoven fabric which has been coated or otherwise modified to impart the desired level of liquid impermeability. Another example of a suitable microporous film may be a PMP-1 material, which is available from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc., a company having offices in Tokyo, Japan; or a polyolefin film XKO-8044 available from 3M Company of Minneapolis Minnesota.

In the various configurations of the invention, wherein a component such as the lower sheet 30 or the containment fins 62 are configured to be permeable to. As long as they have a limited resistance and permeability to aqueous liquid, the liquid-resistant material can have a construction which is capable of supporting a selected water hydro-head essentially without a runoff therethrough. For example, the desired materials can support a hydro head of at least about 45 centimeters of water essentially without a runoff through them. A suitable technique for determining the resistance of a material to liquid penetration is a standard of method Federal test FTMS 191 Method 5514, 1978, or an equivalent thereof.

The size of the lower sheet 30 is typically determined by the size of the absorbent body 32 and the particular cloth design selected. The lower sheet 30, for example, may have a generally T-shaped, generally I-shaped modified hourglass shape, and may extend beyond the end edges of the absorbent body 32 for a selected distance, such as a distance within the rang of around 1.3 centimeters to 2.5 centimeters to provide at least a part of the side end margins.

The upper web 28 presents a face surface to the body which is docile, soft feeling and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the topsheet 28 can be less hydrophilic than the absorbent body 32, and is sufficiently porous to be permeable to liquid, allowing the liquid to easily penetrate through its thickness to reach the absorbent body. A suitable top sheet layer 28 can be made from a wide selection of woven materials, such as porous foams, cross-linked foams, perforated plastic films, natural fibers (e.g., wood fibers or cotton), synthetic fibers (e.g., fibers). polypropylene polyester) or a combination of synthetic natural fibers. The top sheet layer 28 is typically employed to help isolate the wearer's skin from liquids maintained in the absorbent body 32.

Various woven and non-woven fabrics can be used for the upper sheet 28. For example, the upper sheet can be composed of a meltblown fabric or bonded with yarn of the desired fibers, and can also be a woven and bonded fabric. Fabrics may be composed of natural fibers, synthetic fibers or combinations thereof.

For the purposes of the present description, the term "non-woven fabric" means a fabric of fibrous material which is formed without the aid of textile knitting or knitting process. The term "fabrics" is used to refer to all woven, knitted and non-woven fibrous webs.

The top sheet fabrics may be composed of an essentially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may optionally be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of hydrophilic wetting. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the topsheet 28 is a spunbonded non-woven polypropylene fabric composed of fibers of about 2.8-3.2 deniers formed into a fabric having a basis weight of about 22 grams per square meter and a density of around 0.06 gm / cc. The fabric can be treated on the surface with an operative amount of surfactant such as about 0.28 percent surfactant TRITON X-102. The surfactant can be applied by any conventional means such as spraying, printing, brush coating or the like.

The top sheet 28 and the bottom sheet 30 are connected or d otherwise associated together in an operable manner. As used herein, the term "associates" encompasses configurations in which the top sheet 28 is attached directly to the bottom sheet 3 by attaching the top sheet 28 directly to the bottom sheet 30, and configurations wherein the top sheet 28 is indirectly attached to the lower sheet 30 by fixing the upper sheet 28 to intermediate members which in turn is fixed to the lower sheet 30. The upper sheet 28 and the lower blade 30 may, for example, be joined to each other in at least a portion of the periphery of the diaper by means of suitable fastening mechanisms (not shown) such as the adhesive joints, the ionic joints, the thermal joints, with pins, fired or any other fastening technique known in the art, as well as combinations thereof. For example, a continuous and uniform adhesive layer, a patterned adhesive layer, an adhesive spray pattern, an array of separate lines, swirls or adhesive construction points can be used to secure the top sheet 28 to the bottom sheet 30. It should be readily appreciated that the fastening means described above can also be used to properly interconnect assemble and / or fix together the various other component parts of the articles which are described herein.

The absorbent body 32 provides an absorbent structure which may include a retaining portion, such as the absorbent pad shown representatively composed of selected hydrophilic fibers and high absorbency particles to retain and store the absorbed liquids other waste materials. The absorbent body is positioned and sandwiched between the upper sheet 28 and the lower sheet 30 to form the diaper 10. The absorbent body has a construction which is generally conformable compressible., non-irritating to the user's skin and able to absorb and retain exudates from the body. It should be understood that for the purposes of this invention, the absorbent body structure may comprise a piece of integral and unique material, or alternatively, may comprise a plurality of separate individual pieces of material which are operably assembled together.

Various types of hydrophilic and wettable fibrous material can be used to form the component parts of the absorbent body 32. Examples of suitable fibers include naturally occurring organic fibers composed of an intrinsically wettable material such as cellulose fibers, synthetic fibers composed of cellulose or cellulose derivatives, such as rayon fibers; inorganic fibers composed of an inherently wettable material, such as glass fibers; synthetic fibers made of inherently wettable thermoplastic polymer, such as particular polyester or polyamide fibers; and synthetic fibers composed of thermoplastic non-wettable polymer, such as polypropylene fibers, which have been hydrophilized by appropriate means. The fibers may be hydrophilized, for example, by treatment with silica, the treatment with a material which has a hydrophilic half and not easily removable from the fiber, or by sheathing the hydrophobic fibrium non-wettable with a hydrophilic polymer during of fiber formation. For the purposes of the present invention it is contemplated that the mixtures selected from the various types of fibers mentioned above may be used. As used herein, the term "hydrophilic" describes fibers or surfaces of the fibers which are wetted by the aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. The degree of humidification of the materials can, in turn, be described in terms of the contact angles and the surface tensions of the liquids and materials involved. Equipment and techniques suitable for measuring the wetting of particular fiber materials or mixtures of fiber materials can be provided by the Cahn SFA-222 surface force analyzer system or an essentially equivalent system. When such fibers were measured with such a system having contact angles of less than 90 degrees are designated as "wettable" while fibers having contact angles greater than 90 degrees are designated as "non-wettable".

The absorbent body structure 32 may comprise a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a cellulose fluff fabric mixed with particles of high absorbency material. In particular arrangements, the absorbent body 32 may comprise a mixture of superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles and blown fibers with synthetic polymer melt, or a mixture of superabsorbent particles with a fibrous cofor material comprising a mixture of natural fibers and / or synthetic polymer fibers. The superabsorbent particles can be mixed in an essentially homogeneous way with the hydrophilic fibers, or they can be mixed non-uniformly. For example, the concentrations of the superabsorbent particles can be arranged in a gradient in a non-stepwise direction through a substantial part of the thickness (z-direction) of the absorbent structure with the lower concentrations towards the side of the absorbent body and relatively higher concentrations towards the outer side of the absorbent structure. Adequate z-gradient configurations are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,699.82 issued October 13, 1987 to Kellenberger et al., The complete description of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent (not in conflict) with the present description. Alternatively, the concentrations of the superabsorbent particles can be arranged in a gradient in a non-stepped direction, through a substantial part of the thickness (z-direction) of the absorbent structure with the higher concentrations towards the body side of the absorbent body and the relatively lower concentrations towards the outer side of the absorbent structure. The superabsorbent particles can also be arranged in a generally discrete layer within the hydrophilic fiber matrix. In addition, two or more different types of superabsorbent can be selectively placed at different places within the fiber matrix.

The high-absorbency material may comprise absorbent gelling materials, such as superabsorbents. The absorbent gelation materials can be natural, synthetic and modified natural material polymers. In addition, the absorbent gelation materials can be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds such as crosslinked polymers. The term "cross-linked" refers to any means for effectively making the materials normally water-soluble essentially insoluble but swellable in water. Such media may include, for example, physical entanglement, crystalline domain, covalent bonds, ionic complexes and associations, hydrophilic associations, such as hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic associations or Van de Waals forces.

Examples of synthetic absorbent gelation material polymers include the alkali metal and ammonium salts of poly (acrylic acid) and poly (methacrylic acid), pol (acrylamide), poly (vinyl ethers), copolymers of maieic anhydride with vinyl ethers and alpha olefins, pol (vinylperolidone), poly (vinylmorpholinola), poly (vinyl alcohol), and mixtures and copolymers thereof. Polymers further suitable for use in the absorbent body include the natural and modified natural polymers, such as the hydrolyzed acrylonitrile-grafted starch, the acrylic acid-ingested starch, the methylcellulose, the quitozana, the carboxymethylcellulose, the hydroxypropylcellulose, and the natural gums such as alginates, axanthane gum, locust bean gum and the like. Mixtures of the total or partially synthetic absorbent polymers may also be useful in the present invention. Other suitable absorbent gelation materials are described by Assarsson et al. In U.S. Patent No. 3,901,236 issued August 26, 1975. The processes for preparing the synthetic absorbing diblock polymers are described in the patent of the United States of America. United States No. 4,076,663 issued on February 23, 1978 to Masuda et al. And United States of America No. 4,286,082 issued August 25, 198 to Tsubakimoto et al.

The synthetic absorbent gelatin materials typically are zero-angels which form hydrogels when moistened, the term "hydrogel" however, has been commonly used to refer to both wet and unmoistened forms of the material.

As previously mentioned, the high absorbency material used in the absorbent body 32 is generally in the form of discrete particles. The particles may be of any desired shape, for example, spiral or semi-spiral, cubic, polyhedron rod type, etc. Shapes that have a larger dimension / smaller size ratio, such as needles, leaflets and fibers are also contemplated for use here. Conglomerates of absorbent gelation material particles can also be used in the absorbent body 32. The particles desired to be used have an average size of from about 20 microns to about 1 millimeter. The "particle size" as used herein means the heavy average of the smallest dimension of the individual particles.

The hydrophilic fibers and the high absorbency particles can be configured to form an average compound weight which is within the range of about 400 grams per square meter - 300 grams per square meter. In certain aspects of the invention, the average composite basis weight is within the range of about 500-800 grams per square meter, and is alternatively within the range of about 550-750 grams per square meter to provide a desired performance.

To improve the containment of the high absorbency material, the structure of the absorbent body 32 may include an overwrap, such as the wrapping sheet 64, which is immediately placed on one side and around the absorbent body 32 and can be attached to the absorbent structure and to the various other components of the article. The wrapping sheet is preferably a layer of absorbent material which covers the main body-side and outer-side surfaces of the absorbent body, and preferably wraps essentially all peripheral edges of the absorbent body to form an essentially complete envelope. of the same. Alternatively, the wrapping sheet may provide an absorbent wrap which covers the main body-side and outer-side surfaces of the absorbent body and encloses essentially all of the edges of the side side and the absorbent body. Therefore, both linear and arcuate inward portions of the lateral side edges of the wrapping sheet will be closed around the absorbent body. In such an arrangement, however, the end edges of the wrapping sheet may not close around the end edges of the absorbent body of the waistband regions of the article.

For example, the entire wrapping sheet 74, or at least the side-to-body layer of the wrapping sheet may comprise a meltblown fabric composed of meltblown fibers, such as meltblown polypropylene fibers. Another example of an absorbent wrapper 74 may comprise a low porosity cellulosic fabric such as a tissue composed of a blend of approximately 50/50 softwood / hardwood fibers.

The absorbent envelope 74 may comprise a multi-element wrapping sheet which includes a separate side-to-body wrapping layer and a separate outer side wrapping layer. Each of which extends beyond all or some of the peripheral edges of the absorbent body 32. Such a configuration of the wrapping sheet can, for example, facilitate the formation of an essentially complete seal and a closure around the edges. peripherals of the absorbent body 32. In the posterior waistband portion of the illustrated diaper, the absorbent wrap can also be configured to extend and increase the distance outward from the periphery of the absorbent body to add opacity and resistance to the backsheet sections of diaper . In the illustrated embodiment, the side-to-body and side-to-side layers of the absorbent wrapper 74 may extend at least about 1/2 inch beyond the peripheral edges of the absorbent body to provide a bonding area of the type. of flange projecting outwardly on the periphery of the side to the body or of the absorbent casing may be completely or partially connected to the periphery of the side portion to the outside of the absorbent casing.

The side-to-body and outer-side layers of the wrapping sheet 74 may be composed of essentially the same material or may be composed of different materials. For example, the outer side layer of the wrapping sheet may be composed of a relatively lower basis weight material having a relatively higher porosity, such as a wet strength cellulosic tissue composed of soft wood pulp. The side-to-body layer of the wrapping sheet may comprise one of the previously described wrapped sheet materials, which have a relatively low porosity. The low porosity side-to-body layer can better prevent the migration of the superabsorbent particles onto the wearer's skin and the lower porosity base-side layer at the lower base can help reduce costs, The diaper 10 may also include an emergence management layer 46, which helps decelerate and diffuse fluid surges that can be rapidly introduced into the absorbent body of the article. Desirably, the emergence management layer can quickly accept and temporarily retain the liquid before releasing the liquid into the holding storage portions of the absorbent structure. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the emergence layer 46 may be located on a face-to-face surface facing the inside of the top layer 28. Alternatively, the emergence layer 46 may be located on one side of a surface of the top layer. side to the outside of the topsheet 28. Thus, the emergence layer will then be interposed between the topsheet 28 and the absorbent body 32. Examples of suitable emergence management layers 46 are described in the patent application of US Pat. United States of America, series No. 206,986 by C. Ellis and D. Bishop, entitled FIBROUS NON-WOVEN FABRIC SURGERY FOR ABSORBENT ARTICLES FOR PERSONAL CARE AND SIMILAR, filed on March 4, 1994 (lawyer's case No. 11,256) which corresponds to the patent of the United States of America No. 5,486,166; and the United States of America patent application, series No. 206,069 by C. Ellis and R. Everett, entitled FIBROUS NON-WOVEN FABRIC OF IMPROVED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FOR ABSORBENT ARTICLES FOR PERSONAL CARE AND THE LIKE, filed March 4. of 1994 (attorney's case No. 11,387) which corresponds to the United States patent of America No. 5,490,846; whose descriptions are incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent with the present.

The elastic leg members 34 are located in the lateral side margins 20 of the diaper 10 and are arranged to pull and hold the diaper 10 against the wearer's legs. The elastic members are secured to the diaper 10 in an elastically contractible condition so that in a normal tensioned configuration, the elastic members effectively contract against the diaper 10. The elastic members can be secured in an elastically contractible condition by at least Two ways, for example, the elastic members can be stretched and secured while the diaper 10 is in an uncontracted condition. Alternatively, the diaper 10 can be contracted, for example, by folding and the elastic members can be secured and connected to the diaper 10 while the elastic members are in their relaxed or unstretched condition. Still other mechanisms, such as heat shrinkable elastic material can be used to fold the garment.

In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the elastic leg members 34 extend essentially along the entire length of the intermediate crotch region 16 of the diaper 10. Alternatively, the elastic members 34 may extend the full length of the diaper 10, or any other suitable length for Provide the desired elastic contractable line arrangement for the particular diaper design.

The elastic members 34 may have any of a multitude of configurations. For example, in width of the individual elastics 34 can be varied from about 0.25 millimeters to about 25 millimeters or more. The elastic members may comprise a single strand of elastic material or may comprise several parallel strands, one parallel strand of elastic material, or may be modified in a rectilinear or curvilinear array. Where the threads are not parallel, two or more of the threads may intersect or otherwise be connected inside the elastic member. The elastic members can be fixed to the diaper in any of several ways, which are well known in the art. For example, the elastic members can be ultrasonically bonded with heat and pressure, they can be sealed using a variety of bonding patterns or they can be adhesively bonded to the diaper 10 with spray or swirl patterns of thermoforming adhesive.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the elastic leg members 34 may include a carrier sheet to which a grouped set of plastic composed of a plurality of individual elastic threads are fastened. The elastic threads can intersect or they can be interconnected or they can be completely separated from each other. The carrier sheet may, for example, comprise a 0.02 centimeter thick polymer film, such as a film of etched polypropylene material. Elastic threads, for example, are made of LYCRA elastomer available from DuPont, a business having offices in Wilmington, Delaware. Each elastic yarn is typically within the range of about 470 - 1500 decitex (DTX) and can be around 940 - 1050 decitex. E particular embodiments of the invention, for example, 3 or 4 threads can be used for each elasticized leg band.

In addition, the leg elastics 34 may be generally straight or optionally arched. For example, arched elastics can be arched inward toward the longitudinal center line of the diaper. In particular arrangements, the curvature of the elastics may not be configured or placed symmetrically in relation to the lateral center line of the diaper. The arcuate elastics can have a reflex type of arcuate curvature outwardly, and the center in the longitudinal direction of the elastics can optionally be off center by a selected distance to any front and back diaper waistband to provide the desired notch and desired appearance . In the particular embodiments of the invention, the innermost point (apex) of arcuate elastics play may be offset toward the front or back diaper waistband, and the outwardly arched reflective portion may be positioned towards the front end of the diaper.

As shown representatively, the diaper 1 may include a waist elastic 42 positioned on the longitudinal margins of either or both of the front waistband 1 and the rear waistband 12. The waist elastics may be composed of any suitable elastomeric material such as an elastomeric film, an elastic foam, multiple elastic fabrics, an elastomeric fabric or the like For example, suitable elastic waist constructions are described in US Patent No. 4,916,005 issued to Lippert et al., the complete description of which is incorporated herein by reference. incorporated here by reference in a way that is consistent with it.

With reference to the representative configurations shown in Figures 1 and 2, the article may include a system of regions of "ear" or ear members 38. In particular arrangements, each region of ear member 3 extends laterally to the ends opposing sides of at least one waistband portion of the backsheet 30 such as a rear waistband portion representatively shown 1 to provide the end side sections of the article. In addition, each ear region may essentially extend from a terminal waistband extending laterally approximately around its corresponding and associated leg opening section of the diaper. The diaper 10 for example, has a laterally opposite pair of leg openings provided by the arched margins of the ear regions in combination with the adjacent middle sections correspondingly as the shown pair of longitudinally extending side edge regions 20 (Fig. 1) .

In the various configurations of the invention, the ear regions can be formed integrally with a selected diaper component. For example, the ear regions 38 can be formed integrally from the layer of material which provides the bottom sheet layer 30 or can be formed integrally from the material used to provide the top sheet 28. In alternate configurations, the ear regions 38 can to be provided by one or more separately provided members that are connected and assembled to the lower sheet 30, to the upper sheet 28 between the upper sheets and the lower sheet or in various fixedly fastened combinations of such assemblies.

In particular configurations of the invention, each of the ear regions 38 can be formed from a piece of material provided separately which is then properly assembled and fastened to the selected front and / or back part of the diaper article. For example , each ear region 38 can be fastened to the rear waistband portion of the bottom sheet 30 along a fastening region of the ear region, and can be operably joined to any or both of the bottom blade and leaf components. Top of the article The region of the interior clamping zone of each ear region may be laminated overlap with its corresponding side end edge region of the waistband section of the article. The ear regions extend laterally to form a pair of opposite flap-waist sections of the diaper, and are joined with suitable connecting means such as adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, staples, sewing or the like. Desirably, the ear section regions extend laterally beyond the terminal lateral edges of the lower sheet layer and the upper sheet layer in the corresponding attached waistband section of the article. The ear regions 38 may be composed of an essentially non-elastomeric material such as polymer films, woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics and the like, as well as combinations thereof. In particular aspects of the invention, the ear regions 38 may be composed of an essentially elastomeric material such as a stretched-bonded-laminate (SBL) material., an aminated material-NBL tapered joint), an elastomeric film, an elastomeric foam material or the like, which is elastically stretchable at least along the lateral direction 24. For example, the elastomeric fibrous fabrics blown with suitable melting to form the ear regions 38 are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,663,220 issued May 5, 1987 to T. Wisneski and another, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of composite fabrics comprising at least one layer of a non-woven textile fabric to a fibrous elastic cap are described in European patent application EP 0 217 032 A2, published on April 8, 1987, which lists the inventors of J. Taylor et al., whose full description is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of laminate-bonded-laminated materials are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,226,992 issued July 13, 1993 to Morman, whose complete description is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent with the I presented.

As previously mentioned, various suitable constructions can be employed to join ear regione 38 to the selected waistband portions of the article. Particular examples of constructions suitable for securing a pair of elastically stretchable members to the side-side portions of an article for laterally extending them outwardly beyond the laterally opposite side regions of the outer cover and the lining components of a Article may be found in U.S. Patent No. 4,998,753 issued July 3, 1990 P. VanGompel et al., the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent therewith.

Each of the ear regions 38 extends laterally at one of the opposite side ends of at least one waistband section of the diaper 10. In the embodiment shown, for example, a first pair of ear regions extend in one embodiment. shown, for example, a first pair of ear regions extend laterally at the opposite lateral ends of the posterior waistband section of the lower sheet 30. Additionally, a second pair of ear regions may be included to extend laterally at the lateral ends opposite of the front waistband section of the lower leaf. The ear regions illustrated have a tapered, arched or otherwise contoured shape in which the longitudinal extension of the base region relatively inward is greater or smaller than the longitudinal extent of its relatively outer end region. Alternatively, the ear regions may have an essentially rectangular shape, and optionally may have an essentially trapezoidal shape.

The diaper 10 may also include a pair of elasticized containment fins 62 which extend generally longitudinally along the longitudinal direction 26 of the diaper. The containment flaps are typically positioned laterally inwardly of the leg elastics 34, and essentially placed symmetrically on each side of the longitudinal centerline in the direction of the diaper length. In the illustrated arrangements, each containment flap 62 has an essentially fixed edge portion 64 and an essentially mobile edge portion 66, and is operably elastically shaped to assist each containment flap to closely contact and conform to the contours of the body. user. Examples of suitable containment fin constructions are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,704,116 issued November 3, 1987 to K. Enloe, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent with the present. The containment fins may be composed of a non-wettable material as desired. In addition, the containment fin material may be essentially impermeable to liquid, or it may be permeable to only the gas or may be permeable to both the gas and the liquid. Other suitable containment fin configurations are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 206,816 to R. Everett et al., Filed on March 4, 1994 and entitled ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING IMPROVED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (subject No. 11,375) which corresponds to the patent of the United States of America No. 5,562,650 whose description is hereby incorporated by reference in a manner that is consistent therewith.

In the alternate and optional configurations of the invention, the diaper 10 may include the internal elasticized retaining waist flaps, such as those described in United States of America Patent No. 4,753,646 issued on June 28, 1998 to K. Enloe, and in the patent application of the United States of America, Series No. 560,525 of D. Laux et al entitled "ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH IMPROVED ELASTIC MARGINS AND THE CONTAINMENT SYSTEM" and filed on December 18, 1995 (attorney's matter No 11,091) whose descriptions are incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent therewith.

Similar to the construction of the construction fins, the containment waist fins may be composed of a wettable or non-wettable material as desired. The waist flap material can be essentially liquid impervious, permeable to gas alone or permeable to both gas and liquefied.

In order to provide a desired restraintable fastening system, the diaper 10 can include one or more designated positioning member patches or regions, as provided by the primary positioning member 50 representatively showing the positioning member can provide an operable target area to generate a releasable and restrainable assurance with at least one of the fastening appendages 36. In the desired embodiments of the invention, the patch of the positioning member can be placed on the front waistband portion 14 of the diaper and located on the outer surface of the outer sheet layer of placement can be placed on the front waistband portion 14 of the cloth and located on the outer surface of the lower leaf layer 30. Alternatively, the patch of the positioning member can be placed on a surface inwardly. designated diaper, such as the side-to-body surface of the sheet layer upper 28 Particular arrangements of the invention may include one or more positioning members 50 which may be attached directly or indirectly to the second waistband portion 14. Desirably, the positioning members are fixed directly to the outer surface of the appropriate waistband portion, but optionally they can be attached to the surface of the side to the lower body of the article waistband part.

In the various configurations of the invention, the positioning member 50 can be composed of an essentially non-elastomeric material, such as polymer films or tapes, non-woven fabrics, woven fabrics or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In particular configurations of the invention, the positioning member can be composed of an essentially elastomeric material, such as the laminated-bonded and stretched (SBL) material, a laminated, bonded and stretched (NBL) material, an elastomeric film, or material of elastomeric foam and the like, which is elastically stretchable at least along the lateral direction 24.

The various configurations of the invention may include at least one separately provided fastening tab 36 located in either or both of the lateral end regions 86 of the rear waistband 12. Alternatively, the at least one fastener appendix provided separately 36 may be located on either or both of the lateral end regions 88 of the front waistband 14. The embodiment shown representatively, for example, has a laterally opposite pair of fastener appendages 36 with one of the fastening appendices located on each of the edges Distant laterals of the posterior waistband 12. More particularly, each of the fasteners 36 is assembled and clamped to project and extend from an immediately adjacent and corresponding ear region located in one of the opposite lateral end regions 86 of the forehead section. frontal 12.

The fastening tab 36 may have any operative form. For example, the shape of the attached appendix may be rectangular, trapezoidal, sinusoidal, rectilinear, curvilinear or similar, as well as combinations thereof. The terminal edge laterally outward of the fastening appendage may be rectilinear or curvilinear, and as shown representatively, the terminal edge may be contoured to provide a protruding appendage region.

The fastening tab 36 may be composed of an essentially non-elastomeric material such as polymer films or tapes, woven fabrics or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Optionally, the fastening tab can be composed of an essentially elastomeric material, such as a stretched-bonded-laminate (SBL) material, a bonded and bonded laminate (NBL), an elastomeric film, an elastomeric foam material or the like, which are elastomerically stretchable at least along the lateral direction 24.

In the various aspects and configurations of the invention, the clamping mechanism between the first selected fastener component and the second fastener component selected may be adhesive, cohesive, mechanical combinations thereof. In the context of the present invention, a mechanical fastening system is a system which includes the first and second cooperating components which mechanically interengage to provide a desired securing.

Desirably, the first and second fastening components include complementary elements of a cooperatively interengaging mechanical fastening system. The mechanical fastening components can be provided by mechanical fasteners such as hooks, buckles, boteroles, buttons and the like, which include mechanical component. Interenganc before cooperating and complementary.

As shown in the illustrated arrangements, for example, the mechanical fastening system can be a type of hook and loop fastening system. Such fastening systems typically include latching members having the shape of a "hook" or a male hook-type component and include either a cooperating "curl" or a crimped-type female component which engages and interconnects releasably with the fastener component. hook. Desirably, the interconnection is selectively releasable and resubstantial. Conventional systems are, for example, available under the VELCRO brand. The hook element may be provided by a single barbed hook configuration, a multiple barbed hook configuration or may be a generally continuous extended head configuration, such as that provided by a mushroom head type of element. Hook. The loop element may be provided by a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a perforated or perforated layer, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. The many arrangements and variations of such fastener systems have been collectively referred to as hook and loop fasteners.

A configuration which employs an interenganche and selectively releasable mechanical fastening system can, for example, locate the first component clamped on at least the designated assurance or matching surface of the fastening tab 36 and can locate the second cooperating fastener component. on the designated engaging surface of the designated positioning member 50. For example, with the hook and loop fastener shown representatively, the fastening component, which is fastened to the designated assurance or matching surface of the fastening tab 36 can including a type of mechanical hook element hook, and the complementary fastening component, which is operably attached and fastened to the designated positioning zone member 50 may include a type of fastener element loop.

It should also be readily apparent that, in the various configurations of the invention, the relative positions and / materials of the first clamping component and of the second complementary clamping component can be transposed. Therefore, the fastening component, which is attached to the designated matching surface of the fastening appendages 36, may include the type of mechanical fastener element; and the second complementary fastening component, which is operatively attached to the designated positioning zone member, may include the type of hook of the engaging members.

Examples of hook and loop fastening systems and components are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,019,073 issued May 28, 1991 to T. Roessler et al .; the full description of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent therewith. Other examples of the hook and loop fastening systems are described in the patent application of the United States of America series No. 366,080 entitled "HIGH-FELT APPENDIX BRAZER", filed on December 28, 1994 by G. Zehner et al. ( attorney's case No. 11,571) corresponding to United States of America patent No. 5,605,735; and the patent application of the United States of America series No. 421,640 entitled MULTIPLE JOINT CLAMPING SYSTEM, filed on April 13, 1995 by P.

VanGompel and others; whose full descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent therewith. Examples of fastening appendages constructed with a carrier layer are described in United States of America patent application No. 08 / 603,477 by A. Long and others entitled MECHANICAL FASTENING SYSTEM WITH GRIP APPENDIX and filed on 6. March 1996 (Attorney's Case No. 12,563), which corresponds to United States of America Patent No. 5,624,429 which was granted on April 29, 1997, the complete description of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner which is consistent with it.

With reference to Figures 4, 4A, 5 and 5A, the first fastener component designated 70 may include a material having hook members (for example, the hook members shown or mushroom-shaped members) which project towards outside a base or substrate layer 110. Each engagement member 56 may have a shank portion 58 with a distal end portion 44, and a securing element 60 which is desirably positioned in the far end region of its part of corresponding stem 58 to provide a primary latching opening 78. The latching members 56 may be essentially isotropic, non-isotropic, substantially symmetric or non-symmetric as well as combinations thereof. Additionally, the first designated plurality of the engaging members may have a first array pattern and the second plurality of designated hook members may have a second array pattern, with the second array pattern differing from the first array pattern. Examples of suitable arrangement and alignment patterns are described in the patent application of the United States of America series No. 09 / 156,185 filed on September 1, 1998 and entitled MECHANIC CLAMPING SYSTEM HAVING SECTIONS WITH HITCH MEMBERS ARRANGED by A Long and others, (attorney's issue No. 13,279), whose entire description is incorporated herein by reference in a manner consistent with this.

In the various aspects of the invention the patterns of distribution of the engaging members and of the alignment patterns of the associated securing elements and of the engagement openings are typically determined with respect to the first fastening component before their engagement with the second component. designated complementary bra. In desired aspects, the patterns of distribution and alignment patterns are essentially maintained when the first and second fastener components are operably engaged. In addition, individual hook members are typically flexible and resilient, but essentially retain their initial shape during ordinary use.

When flexed or deformed during ordinary use, the engaging members will essentially avoid plastic deformation to sustain deformation, and instead will essentially return or "spring back" to their original orientations.

The stem portion 58 of each hook member has a fixed end region 43, and a remote end region 44 which, desirably, is attached contiguously to the fixed end region. The fixed end region of the rod part is operably linked to the substrate layer 110, the remote end region is operably linked to the corresponding associated securing element 60. The shaft part 58 is sufficiently rigid to maintain the designated vertical position. and the designated directional alignment of securing element 60 during the ordinary operation of the first fastener component in the fastening system. More particularly, the rod part is strong enough to bend and twist to operablely maintain the desired vertical position and the alignment of the securing element. The substrate layer 110 has a thickness d substrate 112 and a hook member surface 114 and an opposite substrate mounting surface 116. The selected hook members are fastened to the substrate layer 110 and project out of the surface of the coupling member 114.

As shown representatively in Figures 4 and 4A, particular aspects of the invention may incorporate non-isotropic hook members where the non-isotropic hook members are configured to provide direction-dependent engagement or are directional with the second fastener component. cooperator 72. Therefore, with respect to a selected engagement parameter, the non-isotropic engagement member may provide a combination of two or more different attachment fastener values, with the value depending on the direction along which measures the selected coupling parameter. Thus, the non-isotropic (anisotropic) property of a fastener component refers to the difference in one or more fastening properties that can be exhibited when the fastening component and the associated latching members are tensioned or otherwise stressed. along different directionals which are aligned essentially parallel or generally along the area extending in the "xy" plane of the fastening component. In particular, the engaging members may exhibit at least one direction of pressure along which a selected holding property, such as a peel force, a cutting force or the like, has a relatively different value. For example, the holding property may have at least one direction of pressure along which a holding property, such as a peel force, a cutting force or the like, has a relatively maximum value. Similarly, the engaging members may exhibit at least one pressure direction along which the selected holding property has a relative minimum value. The maximum value direction may or may not be essentially opposite to the direction of the relative minimum value Therefore, the non-isotropic engaging member can provide a higher (or smaller) shear force value or shear force value depending on the direction along which the shear force or peel force value is measured. determined. The non-isotropic characteristic can be generated by several suitable mechanisms, such as a difference in form, dimension size, contour, length of projection, projection angle, type d material, the type of coating or other treatment, in the surface texture, in the surface topography, in the coefficient of friction, in the cohesion or the like, as well as the combinations thereof. The isotropic n-coupling member may have a limited degree of symmetry, such as a bilateral symmetry. Suitable non-isotropic hitch members may, for example, be provided by members of a generally T-shaped or inverted J-shaped members.

In another aspect, the first fastened component may include essentially isotropic engaging members as shown representatively in Figures 5 and 5A. The isotropic engaging members have securing elements which are positioned substantially uniformly with respect to the primary axis of the engaging member. Therefore, the symmetrical engaging members can exhibit essentially equal holding properties in essentially all directions that are parallel to a plane that is generally established by the substrate layer of the first fastener component. Additionally, in relation to a predetermined play of opposite directions, the holding properties may be symmetrical and equal in value. For example essentially isotropic engagement members can be provided by the mushroom-shaped engaging members e where the upper surface of the fungus is essentially symmetrically distributed above its vertical stem portion and where the resulting latching opening is essentially distributed and shaped. symmetric around your part of vertical vastag.

Other examples of suitable isotropic hook members and symmetrical hook members are shown representatively and described in the aforementioned United States patent application serial No. 09 / 156,185 and entitled MECHANICAL SEALING SYSTEM WHICH HAS SECTIONS WITH ARRANGED COUPLING MEMBERS of A. Long and others, (attorney's issue No. 13,279).

In particular aspects of the invention, the engaging members of the first second engaging sections 52 and 54 may be otherwise formed or provided on substantially a single unitary piece of the substrate layer 110. Therefore, the designated region of the The substrate layer used for the first hook section 52 can be substantially contiguous with the designated region of the substrate layer used for the second hook section 54. Alternatively, the hook members of the first and second hook sections 52 and 54 they can be formed or otherwise provided on individual separately provided sections or pieces of the desired substrate layer materials.

Desirably, the presence of the operative engaging members can extend substantially continuously along approximately the entire lengthwise dimension of the outer terminal edge of the fastening tab. In the optional configurations, an essentially non-latching lifting appendage may be provided along a portion of the lengthwise dimension of the outer terminal edge of the fastening tab. The lifting tab can be integrally formed of the designated fastening component or the fastening tab substrate, or it can be a separately provided member which is assembled and fixed along the outer terminal edge of the fastening tab.

The various arrangements of the invention may include a fastener transition region 76 located between the selected engagement sections (e.g., Figure 6A). The transition region may be configured to extend along any operational direction. For example, the transition region 76 may be positioned between the laterally adjacent regions of the first second engagement sections 52 and 54, and may be configured to extend essentially longitudinally along the longitudinal direction 26 of the article.

In the various configurations of the invention, the desired demarcations or the transition regions between the designated engagement sections (eg, between the latching sections 52 and 54) may be abrupt or gradual. For example, the adjacent latching sections can be configured as sections of different and separate areas of the fastening component. The engaging sections may be sharply and sharply delineated by a different line, space or other generally discontinuous separation region, as representatively shown in the figures. Alternatively, the latching sections can be gradually delimited by an interconnection transition region wherein one or more of the desired parameters or structures of the individual latching sections can continuously change in an essentially gradient manner to the one movers of a latching section. to another adjacent hook section.

As shown representatively in FIGS. 6 and 6A, at least one immediately adjacent pair of the engaging sections may have the configuration of the longitudinally extending grip regions. In addition, the immediately adjacent pair of latching sections can be spaced apart by a transition region d fastener 76 which includes a separation area 82 which is essentially free of the latching members. In addition, the immediately adjacent pair of latching sections can be spaced apart by a separation area 82 which is essentially free of protrusions having a height of more than about 0.2 millimeter. In the desired arrangements the separation area 82 can provide a separation distance d which is not more than a maximum of about 20 millimeters. Alternatively, the separation distance n can be more than about 10 millimeters, and optionally it can not be more than about 3 millimeters to provide an improved performance. The minimum separation distance d can be effectively the distance selected between the coupling members immediately adjoining e.

The first fastener component 70 may include first latch section 52 having a first plurality of latch members 56 which provide a first height value of the latch member 100 and a second latch section 54 having a second plurality of latch members. hooks which provide a second height value d engaging member 102. The second height value 102 differs from the first height value 100. In a particular aspect, the second height value 102 can be configured to be less than the first value. of height 100 (for example, figure 6A). In other aspects, the second height value 102 may be configured to be larger than the first height value 100 (eg, Figure 7A).

In particular configurations, for example, the relatively short hitch members that are placed in and distributed over selected areas can help reduce the hitch force in the selected areas. In other configurations, relatively short clip members that are placed and distributed over selected areas can help reduce red marking and / or skin irritation. Such advantages may arise from having the securing elements 60 located and held in a position that is relatively closer to the substrat base layer 110 and farther from the wearer's skin.

In the desired arrangements where the value of height 102 of the engaging members in the second engaging section 54 may be less than the height value 100 of the engaging members in the first engaging section 52, the height value of the the engagement member 102 may not be more than a maximum of about 97% of the height value of the engagement member 100 in the first engagement section 52. The second engagement value of the engagement member 102 may alternatively not be more than about 80%, and optionally, may not be more than about 70% of the first height value of the engaging member 100 in the first engagement section 52 to provide improved performance. In further aspects, the height value 102 of the latch members in the second latch section 54 may be at least a minimum of about 10% of the height value 100 of the latch members in the first latch section. 52. The second hitch member height value 102 can alternatively be at least about 30 percent, and optionally can be at least about 50 percent of the height value of the hitch member 100 of the first hook section 52 to provide the improved benefits. As shown representatively, the daily extension of the first hook section 52 is greater than the daily extension of the second hook section 54. Optionally, the area extension of the first hook section 52 may be smaller than the extension of the hook section 52. area of the second coupling section 54 In such a configuration, the relatively shorter engaging members in the second engaging section 54 can be arranged to have less penetration in the second mechanical fastener component 72, compared to the penetration into the second mechanical fastener component 72 exhibited by the fasteners. relatively higher latch members in the first latch section 52. As a result of this, the latch hook provided by the second latch section 54 may be smaller than the latch provided by the first latch section 52. The latching force The resultant peeling can be relatively lower in the second latching section 54, making the second latching section relatively easier to grip for any desired removal of the latching tab 36.

In other configurations where the height value of the engagement member 102 in the second engagement section 54 can be greater than the height value of the engagement member 100 in the first engagement section 52 (e.g., Figures 7 and 7A), the height value of the latch member 102 in the second latch section 54 can be at least a minimum of about 105% height value 100 of the latch members in the first latching section 52. Alternatively, the second height value 102 may be at least about 125%, and optionally may be at least about 150% of the first height value d engaging member 100 to provide the improved benefits. In additional aspects, the height value 102 d of the latch members in the second latch section 54 may not be more than a maximum of about 300% of the height value 100 of the latch members in the first latch section. 52. The second hitch member height value 102 may alternatively not be more than about 250%, and optionally, may not be more than 200% of the hitch member height value 100 in the first hitch section 52 to provide the desired benefits. As shown representatively, the area extension of the first hook section 52 is greater than the area extension of the second hook section 54. Optionally, the area extension of the first hook section 52 may be smaller than the length of the first hook section 52. area extension of the second latching section 54.

In particular arrangements, the relatively higher height value 102 of the engaging members in the second engaging section 54 can advantageously force the substrate of the second engaging section 54 of the securing tab 36 into a position which is relatively further from the of the second designated mechanical fastener component 72. As a result of this, it may be easier to locate and grasp the laterally outer and distal edge of the fastening tab 36 for removal. The relative difference in height can be made more important as the grip and more flexible appendage system becomes thinner. If the relative difference in the height values is very large however, the fastening tab 36 may be excessively susceptible to unwanted firing openings.

In another arrangement shown representatively in Figures 8 and 8A, the daily extension of the first engagement section 52 can be smaller than the area extension of the second engagement section 54, and the height value of the engagement member 102 in the second latching section 54 may be larger than the height value of the latching member 100 in the first latching section 52. Additionally, the width of the first latching section 52 along the transverse direction 24 may be shorter that the lateral width of the second latching section 54. The relatively shorter height value 100 of the latching members in the first latching section 52 can advantageously provide a lower latching force and greater flexibility along the length of the latch. inner region of the fastener component 70. The resulting configuration can help reduce a red mark and irritation of the wearer's skin that can be caused by the regions laterally inward of the fastener.

Another aspect of the invention may incorporate a first fastening component 70 wherein the first section area d of the first engagement section 52 has a first concentration of engagement members per unit area, and the second sectional area of the second section 54 has a second concentration of coupling members per unit area which differs from the first concentration of the coupling members. And the desired configurations, the first concentration of engagement members per unit area may be greater than the second concentration of engagement members per unit areas. Optionally, the first concentration per unit area may be less than the second concentration d members of engagement per unit area.

The relatively high concentration or density of the engaging members in the designated fastening section area can be selectively configured to help reduce red marking and / or skin irritation and to help increase the cut-off force values. provide greater securing security. If, for example, s causes skin irritation due to abrasion of the exposed latch members contacting the skin of the user, the relatively higher density or concentration of the latching members may more evenly distribute the contact forces on the skin. a greater number of coupling members. As a result of this, the individual engaging members may be less likely to excavate the user's skin so that it may be less feasible that skin abrasion of the exposed engaging members exists.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 13A, for example, the second plurality of latch members 5 located in the second latch section 54 may have a relatively lower concentration of the latch members, and in comparison to the first limb limb. d hook provided by the coupling members located in the first engagement section 52. In particular aspects, the second concentration of coupling members may not be more than a maximum of about 97% of the first concentration of the coupling members. . The second concentration of the engaging members may alternatively not be more than about 65%, and optionally, it may not be more than about 35% of the first concentration of the engaging members to provide improved performance.

In other aspects, the second concentration of engaging members may be at least a minimum of about 5% of the first concentration of the engaging members. The second concentration of the engaging members may alternatively be at least about 10%, and optionally, may be at least about 15% of the first concentration of the engaging members to provide the improved benefits. The second density and relatively lower concentration of latching members of a second latching section 54 can, for example, be advantageously selected and be configured to provide a relatively lower latching force (for example, lower value of peel strength). ), thereby making the second engaging section 52 easier to grip for a desired removal of the fastening tab 36. Additionally, a relatively smaller side size of the second engagement section 54 can help contribute to the desired combination of an assurance of subjection and ease of grip.

The engaging members 52 can be sufficiently concentrated and closely spaced to operatively provide a relatively lower engagement force value in the first engaging section. Where the area extension of the first hook section 52 can be relatively smaller than the area of the second hook section 54, the resulting configurations can advantageously provide a lower hook and a sensitivity to help reduce irritation and marking in red of the user's skin. It should be readily appreciated, however, that the area extension of the first hook section 52 may optionally be relatively larger than the area of the second hook section 54.

A further aspect of the invention may include a fastening tab 36 wherein the second fastener section 54 may include a second concentration of fastener members which is relatively greater than the first concentration of the fastener members provided in the first fastener section. 52. In particular aspects, the second concentration of the engaging members may be at least a minimum of about 110% of the first concentration of engaging members located in the first engagement section 52. The second concentration of members The coupling may alternatively be at least about 150%, and optionally may be at least about 200% of the first concentration of couple members to provide improved performance. In other aspects, the second concentration of engaging members may not be more than a maximum of about 500% of the first concentration of engaging members, in the first engagement section 52. The second concentration of engaging members may alternatively be not be more than about 400% optionally not be more than about 300% of around the first concentration of coupling members to provide the improved benefits. The second concentration or relatively higher density of the engaging members of the second engaging section 54 can be selected to provide a relatively denser concentration of engaging members that can operatively impair the engagement between the second concentration of engaging members and the second. designated mechanical fastener component 72. For example, the second concentration of the fastener members may be configured to operatively push the second fastener component 72 instead of penetrating the second mechanical fastener component. As a result of this, the second relatively higher concentration of the engaging members can provide a relatively lower peel force or snag grip on the second engaging section 54 for any desired removal of the grasping tab 36.

In other desired configurations, the primary hook section d (for example, the first hook section may have a first concentration of the hook members which is within the range of about 60-550 hook member per square centimeter. The first concentration of the coupling members may be within the range of about 140-400 hook members per square centimeter optionally obstructed, may be within the range of about 240-300 hook members per square centimeter to provide improved performance In various configurations of the invention, the first fastener component 70 of the article may include a predetermined distribution of the engaging members 56 over its total overall engaging area. For example, a first latching section 52 may have a plurality of latching members 56 distributed over a first sectional area and at least one latching section 54 may have a second plurality of latching members distributed over at least one second section area. Additionally, a first sectional area different from the second sectional area. The first sectional area may be larger than the second cooperating sectional area and optionally, the first sectional area may be smaller than the second sectional area.

In particular aspects, such as where the first sectional area is equal to or greater than the second sectional area, the second latch section 54 can be at least a minimum of about 3% of the total latching area. Alternatively, the second sectional area may be at least about 6% of the total latching area. In other aspects, the second section area may be used for more than a maximum of about 50% and a total engagement area. Alternatively, the second sectional area may not be more than about 20% of the total latching area to provide improved operation. Where the first sectional area is equal to or smaller than the second sectional area, the first sectional area of the first latch section 52 can be at least a minimum of about 3% of the total latching area , and alternatively it may be at least about 10% of the total hitching area. In other aspects, the first section area may not be more than a maximum of about 50% of the total engagement area and alternatively may not be more than about 30% of the total engagement area to provide the improved benefits.

The invention can furthermore be configured to provide an advantageous combination of peel forces in the first engagement section 52 and in the second engagement section 54 to further improve operation. In particular aspects, the peel strength value provided by the second engagement section 54 may be greater than zero, and d less than the peel strength value provided by the first engagement section 52. In still other additional aspects, the value The peel strength provided by the second engagement section 54 may be equal to or greater than the peel strength value provided by the first engagement section 52.

The first value of peel strength provided by the first engagement position 52 can, for example, be at least about 16 grams per centimeter of hook width (16 gms / centimeters). Alternatively, the first peel force value may be at least about BO grams per centimeter force and may optionally be at least about 160 grams per centimeter strength to provide improved performance. In additional aspects, the first peel force value may not be more than a maximum of about 470 grams force per centimeter. The first value of peel strength may alternatively not be more than about 315 grams per centimeter force and optionally may not be more than about 200 grams per centimeter strength to provide additional benefits.

Additionally, the second peel force value provided by the second engagement section 54 can be at least about 5 percent of the first peel strength value. The second peel force value was alternately at least about 10% optionally to be at least about 15% of the prime peel strength value to provide the improved benefits. In other aspects, the second peel strength value may not be more than about 100% of the peel strength value. The second peel force value may alternatively not be more than about 50%, optionally it may not be more than about 25% of the prime peel strength value to provide the improved operation.

With reference to Figures 9 and 9A, the first fastener component 70 may include a second hook section 54 which is positioned cotérmina with a terminal edge laterally outward of the fastener appendage, extends to less than a full length of the appendage. fastener along the longitudinal direction 26. In the configuration shown. For example, the second latching section can be limited to the middle section in the longitudinal direction of the fastening component 70. Thus, the arm regions extending laterally of the first latching section 52 can couple the second latching section and the first latching section can effectively skirt three sides of the second latching section. Desirably, the first engaging section 52 is constructed and arranged to provide a higher / relatively higher strike value value, as compared to the peel force value provided by the second engagement section 54. For example, the members of latch 56 in the second latch section 54 can be configured to be relatively shorter or taller than the latch members in the first latch section 52. Alternatively or additionally, the latch members 56 in the second latch section 54 can to be configured with a relatively higher or lower concentration of latch members, as compared to the concentration of latch members in the second latch section 52.

In another aspect of the invention representatively shown in Figures 10, 10A, 11 and HA, fastener component 70 may have a primary latch section 54, and a cooperating latch section 52, which is disposed and essentially restrained to either or both of the resin regions laterally inward of the fastener component. Desirably, the primary engagement section 54 is constructed and arranged to provide a relatively greater / greater engagement peel force value compared to the peel force value provided by the engaging engagement section 52. For example, the engaging members 56 in the cooperating engaging section 52 can be configured to be relatively shorter than the engaging members in the primary latching section 54. Optionally, the engaging members 56 and the engaging engaging section 52 can be configured with a relatively high concentration. of engagement members in cooperation to the concentration of engaging members in the primary engagement section 54. As a result, the laterally inward corner regions can exhibit greater flexibility and can help reduce irritation and red marking of the skin of the user. When the cooperating engagement section 52 is limited to a single inward corner region of the fastening component 70, the single corner region is desirably the longitudinally inward corner region (eg, Figures 10 and 10A).

Additional aspects of the first fastening component 70 may include at least a third engagement section 96. The third engagement section may have the third plurality of engagement members which provide a third engagement member height value of 98., the third engaging section may have a third corresponding section area and a third concentration of engaging members per unit area. The third engagement section may also exhibit a third selected peel force value and / or a third selected shear force value that are cooperatively coordinated with the latching forces provided by the other sections of the designated fastener component.

With reference to FIGS. 12 and 12A, for example, the fastening component 70 may include a first laterally inwardly engaging section 52, an intermediate latching section 96, and a latching section laterally outwardly 54. Any or all of the sections The latch can extend along essentially the entire length of fastener component along the longitudinal section 26. Alternatively, any or all of these latching sections may extend along a partial length of fastener component along the length of the fastener. longitudinal direction 26. In a particular aspect, the plurality of the engaging members 56 in a first engaging section 52 can have the shorter / smaller upper value, the plurality of engaging member and the second engaging section 54 can have e higher / higher value and the plurality of members d engaging in the third engagement section 96 may have the value upper intermediate that is between the highest and the shortest upper values. Other combinations of higher values of the coupling member may also be incorporated in the various attachment sections.

In another aspect representatively shown in FIGS. 13 and 13A, the plurality of engaging members and the second engaging section 54 can have a selected concentration and a selected height value, and the plurality of engaging members in the third section of latch 96 can have a relatively smaller upper value, compared to the height value of the latch members in the second latch section 54. Additionally, the plurality of latch members 56 in the first latch section 52 can have a relatively smaller height value and a relatively higher concentration, compared to the plurality of the engaging members in the second engagement section 54. As shown representatively, the first engagement section 52 and the third engagement section 96 may include the coupling members which have essentially equal height values. Alternatively, the height values in the respective first and third latch sections may be different.

With reference to Figures 14 and 14A, a further aspect of the present invention may include a plurality of engaging members in the second engaging section 54, which have a selected concentration, a selected altur value and a selected orientation of the openings d hooking of the coupling members. Additionally, a plurality of the latching members in the third latching section 96 may have a relatively different orientation to their latching openings, as compared to the latching members in the second latching section 54. Yet, further, the plurality the engaging members 56 in the first engagement section 52 may have a relatively small height value, a relatively higher concentration and / or a relatively different orientation of their engagement openings compared to the plurality of the engagement members in the latch. second hook section 54.

The particular configurations of the invention may incorporate a first mechal fastener component which includes a plurality of barb-type hook members, such as the J-shaped hook members, and a second mechal fastener component which includes a plurality of curl elements. Therefore, the various configurations of the invention can incorporate the hook members in the various attachment sections of the desired fastening system.

An example of the suitable hook material is the micro-hook material which is distributed under the designation VELCRO HTH 829, and is available from VELCRO U.S.A., Inc., a business having offices in Manchester, New Hampshire. The micro-hook material may have hooks in the form of angled hook elements, and may be configured with a hook density of about 264 hooks per square centimeter.; a height of hooks which is within the range of about 0.030 - 0.063 centimeters; and a width of hooks, which is within the range of about 0.007 to 0.022 centimeters. The hook elements are molded onto a substrate of each base having a thickness of about 0.0076-0.008 centimeters, and the member of the hook material has a Gurley stiffness of about 12 mgf (about 12 Gurley units). Other suitable hook materials may include the hook materials VELCRO HTH 858, VELCRO HTH 851 and VELCRO HTH 863. Another suitable hook material is the 3M CS 200 material available from 3M Company, a business having offices in St. Paul, Minnesota.

For the purposes of the present invention, the various stiffness values are determined with respect to the bending moment produced by a force which is directed perpendicular to the plane essentially defined by the length and width of the component being tested. A suitable technique for determining the stiffness values described herein is a Gurley stiffness test, which is established in the T 543 om-94 standard TAPPI test (resistance to bending of the paper (Gurley-type tester)). A test rig is a Gurley digital stiffness tester, model 4171-D manufactured by Teledyn Gurley, a business that has offices in Troy, New York. For the purposes of the present description, the declared Gurley stiffness values are intended to correspond to the values that would be generated by a sample of "standard" size. Therefore, the Gurley stiffness tester readings are appropriately converted to the stiffness of the standard size sample, and are additionally reported in terms of milligrams of force (mgf). Currently a "standard" Gurley unit is equal to a stiffness value of 1 milligram of force and can be equivalently used to withstand Gurley stiffness.

In the various configurations of the invention, the terry material may be provided by a non-woven, knitted or knitted fabric. For example, a fabric of suitable curl material may be composed of a 2 bar warp knit fabric of the type available from Guilford, Mills, Inc. of Greensboro, North Carolina under the trade designation # 34285, as well as others. types of knitted fabrics. Suitable terry materials are also available from 3M Company, which has distributed a nylon woven terry under its SCOTCHMATE brand. The 3M Company has also distributed a less lining terry fabric with adhesive on the underside of the fabric and 3M a woven terry ribbon, The terry material may also include a non-woven tel that has continuous joined areas that define a plurality of discrete non-joined areas. The fibers or filament within the discrete unattached areas of the fabric are dimensionally stabilized by the continuous and joined areas surrounding or surrounding each unbonded area, so that it does not require a support or backing layer of the film or adhesive. Unbonded areas are specifically designed to provide spaces between the fibers or filaments within unbonded area that remain sufficiently open or large to receive and hook the hook elements of the complementary hook material. In particular, a non-woven fabric or non-patterned fabric may include a spunbond non-woven fabric formed of fused multicomponent yarns or single component yarns. At least one surface of the non-woven fabric may include a plurality of discrete and unattached areas surrounded or surrounded by continuous joined areas. The joined and continuous areas dimensionally stabilize the fibers or filaments that form the woven fabric by joining or fusing together the portions of the fibers or filaments that extend out of the unbonded areas in the bonded areas while leaving the fibers or fibers in place. filament within the unbonded areas essentially free of union or fusion. The degree of bonding or fusion within the bonded areas desirably sufficient to make the fibrous non-woven fabric within the bonded areas leaving the fibers filaments within the bonded areas acting as "curls" to receive and hook elements of the fibers. hook. The examples of the unbonded knitted fabrics are described in the patent application of the United States of America, series No. 754.41 entitled WOVEN NON-WOVEN FABRIC WITH PATTERN AND PROCESS TO MAKE THE SAME, by TJ Stokes and others and filed on December 17, 1996 (attorney's case No. 12,232); whose complete description is incorporated herein by reference in such a manner that is consistent therewith.

The curl material employed in the various configurations of the invention need not be limited to a discrete or insulated patch on the outer surface of the article. Instead of this, the terry material may be provided by an essentially continuous outer fibrous layer which is assembled, integrated or otherwise joined to extend over a predetermined surface area of the desired article. For example, the outer fibrous layer may be arranged to extend over essentially the total exposed surface area of a cloth-type outer covering employed with the article.

The various configurations of the invention, the engaging force between the first selected fastener component and its designated second cooperating fastener component must be sufficiently large and durable to provide adequate securing of the article on the user during use. In particular arrangements, especially where there are sufficiently high levels of cut-off force provided by the clamping system, the clamping hook can provide a peel strength value of n less than a minimum of about 40 grams / force per head. in. (16 grams force per centimeter) of the width of the hitch between the first and second fastener components. In additional arrangements, the clamping hitch can provide a peel strength value of not less than about 100 grams-force per inch (39 grams-force per centimeter) to provide the improved benefits. In the desired configurations, the clamping hitch can provide the peel strength value of not less than about 200 grams-force per inch (80 grams-force per centimeter) of the "width" of engagement between the first and second fastener components.

Alternatively, the peeling strength is not less than about 300 grams-force per inch (118 grams-force per centimeter) and optionally is not less than about 400 grams-force per inch (160 grams-force per centimeter) to also provide improved benefits. In other aspects, the peeling strength is not more than about 1,200 grams-force per inch (470 grams-force per centimeter). Alternatively, the peeling strength is not more than about 800 grams-force per inch (315 grams-force per centimeter) and optionally no more than about 600 grams-force per inch (240 grams-force per centimeter) to provide the improved performance.

The engaging force between the first selected fastener component and its designated and cooperating second fastener component can additionally provide a cut-off value of not less than about 400 grams-force per square inch (62 grams-force per square centimeter) of the Engagement area between the first and second fastener components. Alternatively, the cutting force is not less than about 1,000 grams-force per square inch (155 grams-force per square centimeter), and optionally is not less than about 1,700 grams-force per square inch (264 grams-force per square centimeter.) In additional aspects, the cutting force can be up to about 682 grams-force per square centimeter or more.

Alternatively, the cutting force is not more than about 604 grams-force per square centimeter and optionally is not more than about 542 grams-force per square centimeter to provide improved performance.

For the various configurations of the invention, the peel force value can be determined in accordance with standard procedure ASTM D5170, approved September 15, 1991 and published in November 1991; with the following particular data. The test sample is the fastening appendage of the item that is being evaluated. L length of the test sample is the dimension aligned to The length of the direction in which an outward peeling force is typically applied to disengage and remove the fastener during ordinary use of the article with which the fastener is employed. The "width" of the sample lies within the general plane of the fastener and is perpendicular to the length of the sample. The roller device weighing 2.05 kilograms includes a rubber coating around the circumference of the roller. A suitable roller is part number HR-10 available from Chemsultants International, a business that has a location in Mentor, Ohio. During the fastening of the fastening components, the roller is rolled on the test sample through a cycle in the direction of the "width" and transverse direction of the sample. In addition, the initial peeling to "lift the curls" is omitted. During the test, the fastening material held by the parking grip can be larger in area, compared to the holding material held in the movable grip. The initial separation distance d between the handles of the tension tester is 10.2 centimeters and the extension speed of the tension test machine is 50.8 centimeters / minute. The reported value of the peel test results in an "average of three peaks" value using an MTS TESTWORKS software program with a peak criterion of 2%. Additionally, the value of the peel force is normalized to be declared in terms of force per unit length of the "width dimension" of the fastener component on the test sample, such as gram per inch or grams per centimeter. The MTS TESTWORKS software is available from MTS Systems Corporation, a business that has offices in Eden Prairie, MN.

The value of the cutting force can be determined in accordance with the standard procedure ASTM D-5169 approved on September 15, 1991 and published in November 1991 with the following features. The test specimen is made up of the fastening appendage of the article that is being evaluated. The length and width of the test sample typically correspond to the length and width used to carry out the test of the peel force value. Ordinarily, the length of the test sample is the dimension aligned along the direction in which a cutting force is typically applied to the fastener during ordinary use of the article with which the fastener is employed. The "width" of the sample lies within the general plane of the fastener and is perpendicular to the length of the sample. The roller device weighs 2.05 kilograms and includes a rubber coating around the roller. A suitable roll is part number HR-100 available from Chemsultants International, a business that has a location in Mentor, Ohio. During the contact of the fastener components, the roller is rolled over the test sample through five cycles in the direction of the "width" in the transverse direction of the sample. In addition, the initial hand peeling to "raise the curls" is omitted. During the test, the fastening material (for example the curl material) held by the stationary grip may be larger in the area, compared to the fastening material (eg the hook material) held in the movable grip. The initial separation distance between the handles of the tension tester is 10.2 centimeters and the extension speed of the tension test machine is 25.4 centimeters / minute. The value of shear force is normalized to be declared in terms of force per unit area of the test specimen, such as grams of force per square inch (or gmf / square centimeter).

The particulars of the standard test procedures are intended to generate clamping conditions that may be more representative of the conditions of consumer use. When preparing the test sample materials (e.g., hook and loop materials) to determine cooperating peel and / or shear strength values for the representatively shown configurations of the invention, it should be noted that the width dimension of the Sample material selected will correspond to the dimension of the fastener material which in the actual article is found to be aligned along the longitudinal direction 26 of the article. Similarly, the length dimension of the selected sample material will correspond to the dimension of the fastener material which, in the actual article, is found to be aligned along the lateral direction 24 of the article.

Desirably, the securing latch between the first and second fastener components should be sufficient to prevent a disengagement of the fastening tab 3 out of the positioning member 50 when the fastening appendix 36 is subjected to a tension cutting force of at least of about 1000 grams when the tension force is applied outwardly along the lateral direction aligned generally parallel with the plane of the lower leaf layer 30 of the article.

Each of the fastener components and fasteners in the various constructions of the invention can be operably fastened to their support substrate by employing any or more of the fastening mechanisms employed to build and maintain together the various other fasteners. components of the article of the invention. The fastening elements in the various fastening regions can be integrally formed, such as by molding, co-extrusion or the like, together with their associated substrate layer.

The substrate layer and its associated mechanical fasteners may be formed of essentially the same polymer material, and do not require a discrete step of clamping the fasteners to an initially separate substrate layer. For example, the individual hook elements can be formed integrally and simultaneously with a hook base cap by coextruding the base layer and the hook elements from essentially the same polymer material.

It should be readily appreciated that the strength of the fastener or other interconnection between the substrate layer and the attached fastening component should be greater than the peak force required to remove the fastening tab 36 from its releasable fastener to the designated positioning member of the article.

Having thus described the invention in considerable detail it will be readily apparent that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. All such changes and modifications are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (25)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. An article having a longitudinal direction in the direction of the length, a lateral transverse direction and a longitudinal line extending longitudinally, said article comprises: a first part of article; a second part of article; Y a fastener for securing said first part of article to said second part of article; wherein said fastener includes at least a first fastened component attached to a designated section of said first article part and a second cooperating fastener component attached to said second article part; said first fastener component includes a first latching section having a first plurality of latching members which provide a first latch member height value, and at least a second latching section having a second plurality of latching members that provide a second latch member height value, said second height value being configured to differ from said first height value.

2. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said second height value is configured to be smaller than said first height value.

3. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said second height value is configured to be greater than said first height value.

4. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said first plurality of engaging members includes a first plurality of non-isotropic engaging members, and said second plurality of engaging members includes a second plurality of non-isotropic engaging members; each non-isotropic hitch member has a shank portion with a distal end region, and has a non-isotropic belay element positioned in said far end region of its corresponding shank portion; said first plurality of non-isotropic engaging members has a first alignment pattern of its securing elements; Y said second plurality of non-isotropic engaging members has a second alignment pattern of its securing elements with said second alignment pattern differing from said first alignment pattern.

5. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said first plurality of engaging members includes a first plurality of hook members, and said second plurality of engaging members includes a second plurality of hook members; each hook member has a shank portion with a distal end region, and has an assurance element positioned in said far end region of its corresponding shank portion; said first plurality of the hook members has a first alignment pattern of its securing elements; and said second plurality of ganch members has a second alignment pattern of its securing elements, with said second alignment pattern differing from said first alignment pattern.

6. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said first plurality of engaging members provides a first concentration of coupling members per unit area; and said second plurality of engagement members provides a second concentration of different engagement members per unit area.

7. An article as claimed in clause 6 characterized in that said second concentration of coupling members per unit area is smaller than the first concentration of coupling members per unit area.

8. An article as claimed in clause 6 characterized in that said second concentration of engagement members per unit area is greater than said first concentration of engagement members per unit area.

9. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that at least one immediately adjacent pair of said engaging sections has the configuration of longitudinally extending strip regions.

10. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that at least one immediately adjacent pa of said engaging sections is spaced apart by a separation area which is essentially free of engaging members.

11. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that at least one immediately adjacent pair of said engaging sections are spaced apart by a separation area which is essentially free of protuberances having a height of more than 0.2 millimeters.

12. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said first engagement section is configured to provide a first value of peel strength, said second engagement section is configured to provide a second value of peel strength, and said second Peel strength value is greater than said first peel force value.

13. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said first engaging section is configured to provide a first value of peel strength, said second engagement section is configured to provide a second peel force value, and dich second Peel strength value is less than the first value of peel strength.

14. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that: said first article part provides a first waistband part having a pair of laterally opposite side bord sections; said second part of article provides a second waistband part; said article has an intermediate part which interconnects said first and second waistband parts; at least one of said first fastener component is attached to each of said edge section of the first waistband part; and where said article also comprises: a lower sheet layer; a top sheet layer essentially impermeable to liquid; Y an absorbent body sandwiched between said lower sheet layer and said upper sheet layer.

15. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said first engagement section is positioned relatively inward from said second engagement section and relatively closer to said middle line of the article.

16. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said first plurality of engaging members includes a first plurality of engaging members having a first hook height value, and said second plurality of engaging members includes a second plurality of hook members. of members of hooks having a second hook height value different.

17. An article as claimed in clause 16 characterized in that said second height value is configured to be smaller than the first height value.

18. An article as claimed in clause 16 characterized in that said second height value is configured to be greater than said first height value

19. An article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said first engagement section has said first plurality of engagement members distributed over a first engaging section area with a first concentration of engagement members per unit area; Y said second engaging section has said second plurality of engaging members distributed over a second engaging section area with a second concentration of engaging members per unit area, said second engaging section area being greater than said first engaging area. and said second concentration of engaging members being less than said first concentration of engaging members.

20. An article having a longitudinal direction in the direction of the length, a lateral transverse direction and a longitudinal line extending longitudinally, said article comprises: a first part of article; a second part of article; Y a fastener for securing said first part of article to said second part of article; where said fastener includes at least a first fastener component attached to a designated section of said first part of article, and a second fastened cooperating component attached to said second article part; said first fastener component includes a first latching section having a first plurality of engaging members distributed over a first sectional area, and a second latching section having a second plurality of latching members distributed over a second sectional area, and a second engaging section having a second plurality of engaging members distributed over a second sectional area, said second sectional area being different from the first sectional area; said first plurality of latching members provides a first latch member height value; said second plurality of latching members provides a second latch member height value which differs from the first latch height value.

21. An article as claimed in clause 20 characterized by said first value of altur provided by said first plurality of members of engagement is less than said second value of height provided by said second plurality of members of engagement, and dich second section of latch is located laterally out of said first latching section.

22. An article as claimed in clause 20 characterized in that said first section area has a first concentration of coupling members per unit area; Y said second sectional area has a second concentration of latch members per unit area which differs from said first concentration of latch members.

23. An article as claimed in clause 20 characterized in that said second concentration of engagement members per unit area is less than said first concentration of engaging members and said second engagement section is located laterally outward of said first engagement section. hitch.

24. An article as claimed in clause 23 characterized in that said first engaging section provides a peel force value relatively lower than that of the second engaging section.

25. An article as claimed in clause 23 characterized in that said first latching section provides a relatively greater cutting force value than that of the second latching section. E S U M E N An article having a longitudinal direction in the direction of length, a lateral transverse direction and a longitudinal line extending longitudinally. The article includes a first part of the article, a second part of the article, and a fastener for securing the first part of the article to the second part of the article. The fastener includes at least a first fastener component attached to a designated region of the first article part and a second fastener and cooperating component attached to a designated region of the second article part. The first fastener component includes a first latching section having a first plurality of latching members which provide a first latching member height value, and at least a second latching section having a second plurality of latching members. which provide a second height value d engagement member. The second height value may differ from the first height value.