MXPA98008571A - Elastic strip suspension system with bo clamps - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article that includes a fastening system having the first and second buttons attached to a resilient strip member in the respective first and second end regions. The strips are adapted to be attached to a garment and keep the garment in place during use. The reinforcing members are provided within the reinforcing zones surrounding the holding places near each of the buttons. The reinforcement members locally stabilize the strip member near the holding places to minimize or eliminate the winding or twisting of the sides of the strip members during the u

Description

ELASTIC STRIP CLAMPING SYSTEM WITH BUTTON CLAMPS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an improved button-type fastening system for a garment. More particularly, the invention relates to a fastening system that includes an elastic strip and button-type fasteners that improves the fit and comfort of the product by resisting holaring during use. The invention also relates to absorbent articles incorporating such fastening systems.

Garments such as absorbent articles come in a variety of forms, which is the result of there being many different types of users and conditions of use. Each shape of the garment incorporates a compatible fastening system specifically designed. Fastening systems for absorbent articles, by way of illustration, have included adhesive tapes, garment adhesives, and body adhesives, mechanical hook-and-loop type fasteners, button-type fasteners, stretchable side panels; Similar .

Many of these fastening systems have been improved in recent years as a result of being the continued object of intense development efforts. In a complete cons, however, it is the fastening system of elastic band and button fastener which has received very little attention from its first use to date. This form of restraint, which is especially common for adult incontinence undergarments, has remained in the field but has not improved similarly as has been done so far. other characteristics of the product. As a result of the best in absorbency, the packing, the development of materials, similar, the fastening system of button fastener and rubber band has become a significant factor in the user's satisfaction with regard to the notch and the comfort of the garment.

Therefore, what is required and needed in art is an improved garment fastening system that uses button fasteners and elastic strips and that improves the fit of the garment and the comfort of the wearer.

SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION In response to the deficiencies discussed in prior art, a new fastening system has been developed that includes push-button fasteners and elastic straps. The fastening system is suitable for use on garments such as absorbent articles and improves both, the product notch comfort for the user.

The evaluation of the restraining systems with the elastic strips have indicated to the applicants that the relatively wider elastic straps improve the product notch by reducing the bagging of the garment, and increase the comfort, the safety, the protection against runoff and the relationship to the narrowest elastic strips. Applicants also recognize, however, that the increased strip width tends to directly increase the degree to which the side edges of the strip tend to coil, twist and taper when the elastic is stretched. This problem is attributed to the use of a button or other fastener attached tip, because the lines of force when the elastic strip is stretched tend to go towards the place of attachment, and the sides of the pull tend to bend around an axis defined by the lines d force.

As can be appreciated having the lateral edges of the elastic strip rolled and twisted can be very uncomfortable and can lead to skin irritation due to the localized pressure of the strip. In addition, the wrapping of the edges of the strip can also be detrimental to the notch of the garment leading to a bagging and insecurity- Applicants have discovered that simply increasing the tension of the strip in an attempt to improve the notch and reduce the bagging is not necessary. a desirable option, because higher stresses merely increase the tendency of the edges of the strip to roll and twist and also to decrease user comfort by means of a pressure located in a small area Therefore, even when the applicants have recognized the benefits that can be gained with wider elastic straps, applicants have also discovered performance characteristics which, in addition to increasing the cost of the product, present obstacles to obtaining improved comfort and comfort with the products. fastening systems using the elastic strips and buttons.

The fastening systems of the present invention overcome the above mentioned obstacles and allow the user to use wider elastic strips with buttons or other point contact fasteners. The fastening systems of the present invention incorporate a reinforcing member attached to the elastic strip in a position related to the location of the fastening of the button so that the lines of force created by the elongation of the elastic strip do not cause the lateral edges. of the strip are rolled and twisted. The reinforcement member interrupts the lines of force that would otherwise be directed towards the clamping point of the button and caused the twisting and rolling with the lengthening of the strip. In the present invention, the applicants speculate that the forces attributable to the elongation are diffused through the reinforcing member instead of being located towards the point of attachment of the button.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a fastening system for use with a garment. The fastening system includes an elastomeric strip member having the opposite first and second end edges, the opposite side edges extending between the end edges, a first end region contiguous with the first end edge, a second end region, and end contiguous with the second edge, and an intermediate central region and interconnecting the first and second end regions. The fastening system also includes a button attached to the strip member at a holding location in the first end region. The button is adapted to releasably attach to the garment, and means are provided for securing the second end region of the strip member to the garment. A reinforcing member of the fastening system is attached to the strip member in a reinforcing zone in the first end region of the strip member. The reinforcement zone represents a part of the strip member defined within an outer boundary, an inner boundary, and the side edges of the strip member. The outer limit is located at about 12 mm from the clamping location of the button towards the first end edge of the strip member. The inner limit is located at about 60 mm from the clamping location of the button, towards the second end edge of the strip member.

The part of the strip member that incorporates the reinforcing member desirably has a resistance in the direction of the composite width of at least about 550 grams. This deflection resistance value in the width direction, which is hereinafter described in more detail, characterizes the ability of localized regions of the strip member and the reinforcement member compound to resist lateral edge winding. More particularly, the part of the strip member that incorporates the reinforcing member desirably has a deflection resistance in the width direction composed of at least 600 grams for improved performance.

In a particular embodiment, the first and second buttons are attached to the elastic strip member at the respective first and second fastening locations. In this embodiment, a first reinforcement member is attached to the strip member in a first reinforcement zone near the first button, and a second reinforcement member is attached to the strip member in a second reinforcement zone near the second button. Both parts of the strip member incorporating the reinforcing members have a resistance to deflection in the direction of the composite width of at least about 550 grams.

In other embodiments of the invention, the reinforcement member is located at a specific position within the reinforcement zone. For example, the reinforcing member d may be attached to the strip member with about 1 mm from the button's clamping location. In a particular embodiment, the reinforcing member is attached to the strip member, and the button is directly attached to the reinforcing member, so that the button is placed on the upper part of the reinforcing member. Alternatively, the reinforcing member can be attached to the strip member between the fastening location of the button and the central region of the strip member, within d about 60 mm from the fastening location.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to an absorbent article that includes a garment having the first and second waist regions and an intermediate section 1 which interconnects the waist regions. The garment defining a plurality of button holes in the first and second waist regions, is formed of a liquid impervious barrier to the liquid and of an absorbent assembly placed on the moisture barrier, and of a side lining. liquid-permeable body attached to the moisture barrier by placing the absorbent assembly in the form of a sandwich between the lining on the side of the body and the barrier to moisture. The absorbent article also includes a pair of elastomeric pull members. Each of the strip members has the opposite first and second end edges, the opposite side edges extend between the end edges, the first and second end regions and a central region in the middle of interconnecting the end regions. The first and second buttons are attached to each of the strip edges at the respective first and second fastening places in the respective first and second end regions. The buttons are adapted to be releasably held in the button holes. The first and second reinforcing members of the absorbent article are attached to each of the strip members in the respective first and second reinforcing zones. The first reinforcing zone includes a portion of each of the strip members defined within a first outer boundary, a first boundary, and the side edges of the strip member. the first outer limit is located about 12 mm from the first fastening point, either the first end edge and the first inner limit is located about 60 mm from the first fastening location and towards the second end edge. Correspondingly, the second reinforcing zone includes a portion of each of the strip members defined within the second outer boundary, a second boundary interior, and the side edges of the strip member. The second outer limit is located at about 12 mm from the second fastening location either the second end edge of the strip edge. The second inner limit is located at about 60 mm from the second holding point and towards the first end edge.

The parts of the strip members that incorporate the reinforcing members each have a resistance to deflection in the direction of the composite width of at least about 550 grams.

Applicants have discovered that absorbent articles incorporating the present fastening system tend to stay in a better position and are more comfortable than current commercial products. The localized stabilization of the elastic strips provided by the reinforcement members minimizes or even eliminates the tendency of the side edges of the strips to be rolled or twisted between the buttons. As a result, the strips tend to be extremely comfortable. In addition, the strips can be placed under great stresses without tending to be holed and twisted, and the higher tensions further improve the notch and reduce the bagging of the garment. The reinforcing members allow the use of wider strip members, allowing more uniform tension across the entire surface area of the strip member to result in comfortable strips. Applicants have determined that the comfort of the user is improved when the strip members have a width dimension of at least about 25 mm and more particularly of at least about 30 msi for improved operation.

Numerous features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description that follows. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention. Such incorporations do not represent the full scope of the invention. Reference should therefore be made to the claims herein to interpret the full scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 representatively shows a perspective view of the absorbent article according to the present invention, with portions cut out for purposes of illustration.

Figure 2 representatively shows an enlarged perspective view of a part of one of the two strip members shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 representatively shows an enlarged sectional view taken generally from the plane of line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 representatively shows a perspective view similar to that of Figure 2, but illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 representatively shows a perspective view similar to that of Figure 2 but illustrating a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 representatively shows a vist in section similar to that of Figure 3, but illustrating a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 representatively shows a perspective view similar to that of Figure 2, but illustrating a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 representatively shows a front plan view of a test apparatus for determining a deflection resistance value in the direction of the composite width for a specimen taken from one of the two strip members shown in Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED INCORPORATIONS With reference to Figures 1 and 2, an absorbent article formed according to the invention is shown for purposes of illustration as a disposable adult incontinence undergarment 2 which is held in position around a wearer by a restraint system which it comprises a pair of strip members 22. As used herein, the term "disposable" includes being discarded after use and not intended to be washed and reused. The inner garment 20 is shown in Figure 1 in a relaxed or n stretched condition, with the strip members 22 only partially attached to the undergarment. The invention may also involve other types of garments, such as other disposable absorbent articles, reusable absorbent articles or the like.

The illustrated undergarment 20 has the opposite front and back longitudinal end edges 24 and 26, the longitudinal side edges 28 extending between the longitudinal end edges. The undergarment 20 includes a front or rear waist region 30, a second back waist region 32, and an intermediate crotch region 34 positioned between and interconnecting the front and back waist regions. The outer edges of the lower garment 20 define a periphery 36 having a generally straight end and the side edges 24, 26 and 28, although the edges may optionally be curvilinear and contoured.

The front waist region 30 is contiguous with the front end edge 24 and extends longitudinally inward therefrom to the transverse centerline of the undergarment 20. The back waist region 32 is contiguous with the rear end edge 26 and they extend longitudinally inward from it towards the transverse central line. The waist regions 30 and 32 comprise those upper portions of the undergarment 20 which, when worn, completely or partially cover or surround the lower middle torso belt of the wearer. The intermediate crotch region 34 comprises that portion of the undergarment 20, which, when worn, is placed between the legs of the wearer and covers the lower torso of the wearer. Thus, crotch region 34 is the area where urine insults typically occur in the undergarment or other disposable absorbent article.

The undergarment 20 includes a moisture barrier essentially impermeable to liquid 40, an absorbent assembly 42 positioned in the moisture barrier, and a body-side liner essentially permeable to liquid attached to the moisture barrier to have a sandwich shape. e absorbent set among them. The moisture barrier 4 and the side-to-body liner 44 are desirably larger than the absorbent assembly 42 so that the periphery of the side-to-body liner and the moisture barrier can be joined together using ultrasonic joints, thermally, adhesively or other suitable means, the peripheries of the moisture barrier 40 and of the side-to-body liner 4 typically form the side and end margins of the inner sleeve 20. The absorbent assembly 42 can be directly bonded to the moisture barrier 40 and / or the side-by-side liner 44 using the ultrasonic bonds, the thermal bonds, the adhesives or other suitable means As used herein, the term "attached" refers to the bond, adhesion, connection, clamping, or the like of the two elements, the two elements will be considered to be joined together when they are directly linked to each other and indirectly to each other, such as when each is directly connected amente to the intermediate elements. The terms "placed", "placed on", "placed with", "placed on", "placed near" and variations thereof are intended to mean that an element may be an integral part of another element, or that an element may be a separate structure attached to or placed with or near another element.

Sweeping to moisture 40 desirably comprises a material that is formed treated to be impermeable to liquid. Alternatively, the moisture barrier 40 may comprise a liquid permeable material or other suitable means may be provided to prevent the movement of liquid out of the absorbent assembly such as a liquid impermeable cap "not shown" associated with the absorbent assembly 42. The moisture barrier 40 can also be permeable to gas, so that the gases encountered during the use of the absorbent garment are able to pass through the material under ordinary conditions of use, especially apart from its surface area .

The moisture barrier 40 may comprise a single layer of material or a laminate of two or more layers of separated material. Suitable wet barrier materials include films, fabrics, nonwovens, film laminates, fabrics and / or nonwovens, or the like. For example, the moisture barrier 40 may comprise a fabric or sheet essentially impermeable to liquid plastic film such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride or a similar material. The moisture barrier material may be transparent or opaque and have a matte or etched surface. A particular material for the moisture barrier 40 is a polyethylene film having a nominal thickness of about 0.025 mm and a systematic matte etched pattern, which has been corona treated on both sides. Another suitable moisture barrier material is a thermal laminate or adhesive comprising a blown or cured film of polypropylene, polyethylene or the like, and a spunbonded fabric formed of polypropylene and polyethylene bicomponent fibers in a side-by-side configuration. 50/50 side. ~ The absorbent assembly 42 comprises materials adapted to absorb and retain the liquid waste. The absorbent assembly 42 may comprise various absorbent materials such as a block formed by air of cellulosic fibers (e.g., wood pulp fluff) or a coform material composed of a mixture of cellulosic fibers or synthetic polymer fibers. The polymer fibers can be incorporated, for example, in the manner described in U.S. Pat. No. 5, 227,107 granted on July 13, 1993 to Dickerson and others. Absorbent assembly 42 may also include compounds to increase its absorbency such as 0-95% by weight of organic or inorganic high-absorbency materials, which are typically capable of absorbing at least about 15 and desirably more than 25 times their weight in water Suitable high-absorbency materials are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,699,823 issued October 13, 1987 to Kellenberger et al. And 5,147,343 issued September 15, 1992 to Kellenberger which is incorporated herein by reference. High-absorbency materials are available from various commercial vendors, such as Dow Chemical Company, Hoechst Celanese Corporation and Allied Colloids, Inc. Absorbent assembly 42 may also include tissue layers or acquisition or distribution layers to assist maintain the integrity of the fibrous absorbers or transport liquids (not shown).

The body side liner 44 is formed of a liquid permeable material so that liquid waste, and possibly also semi-solid waste, can pass through the liner and be absorbed by the absorbent assembly 42. Suitable side-to-body liners 44 may comprise a nonwoven fabric or sheet of a moisture-resistant tissue paper, a perforated film, a spunbonded, meltblown or bonded-carded fabric composed of synthetic polymer fibers, such as polypropylene filaments , d polyethylene, polyester or the like, or a filament fabric or fibers of natural polymer such as rayon or cotton. In addition, the side-to-body liner 44 is desirably non-elastic can be treated with a surfactant to aid in the transfer of the liquid. In a particular embodiment of the invention, liner 44 comprises a polypropylene spunbonded nonwoven fabric composed of fibers of about 2.8-3.2 denier formed into a fabric having a basis weight of about 22 grams per square meter and a density of about 0.0 gm / cc. The fabric is treated on the surface with about 0.28% by weight of a commercially available surfactant from the Rohm and Haas Company under the trade designation Triton X-102. As used herein, the term "fabric" is used to refer to all woven, woven and non-woven fibrous tissues. The term "non-woven fabric" means a fabric of material which is formed without the aid of textile or weaving processes.

The undergarment 20 is illustrated as having a rectangular periphery 36, but can optionally be an hourglass shape, I-shaped, T-shaped or is irregularly shaped. The general shape of the absorbent assembly 42 may comprise the shape of the internal garment or assume a different form. For example, the internal garment may include a relatively short absorbent assembly to separate the liquid handling layers in the belt regions. (not shown) as described in the patent application of the United States of America series No. 08 / 515,505 entitled "Absorbent Article Having an Improved Cintur Region Dryness and Manufacturing Method" and filed on August 15, 1995 by L. Lemahieu et al., (Attorney's Issue No. 12,248) assigned to the assignee of the present application.

Desirably, even if not necessarily, the undergarment 20 also includes the elastic leg members 46 for pulling and retaining the side margins of the undergarment 20 against the legs of the wearer and form a seal therewith. The elongated leg members 46 are longitudinally oriented at each lateral margin (only one side is shown in Figure 1) extending toward the front and rear end edges 24 and 26. The leg elastic members 46 are placed in the illustrated embodiment. between the moisture barrier 40 and the side liner to the body 44. Using the ultrasonic bonds, the adhesives, the thermal bonds or other suitable means, the elastic leg members 46 are held in a stretched condition to the moisture barrier. , to the lining side to the body 44 or both, in either a straight or curved shape. Alternatively, the leg elastic members 46 can be held in a relaxed state to a folded part of the moisture barrier 40, from the side facing to the body 44 or both.

The elastic leg members 46 may be formed of a dry spun coalesced multifilament elastomer yarn sold under the trademark LYCRA® and available from E.l. Du Pont de Nemours and Company. Alternatively, the elastic members may be formed from other typical elastics used in the art of making undergarments, such as a thin strip of natural rubber, a bonded and stretched laminate composed of an inner layer blown with pre-stretched elastic melt placed on sandwich form between and attached to a pair of non-woven polypropylene fabrics joined by spinning or the like. The elasticity can also be imparted to the absorbent article by extruding a thermofused elastomeric adhesive between the moisture barrier 40 and the liner 44. Other suitable elastic folding means are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,938,754 issued to Mesek and 4,388,075 granted to Mesek and others.

The fastening system of the illustrated embodiment includes a pair of strip members 22 that are releasably fastened to the front and rear waist regions 3 and 32 to hold the undergarment 20 around the wearer's body. Fastening systems of the general type are described in the patent of the United States of North America No.

Bl 4,315,508 granted to Bolick, which is incorporated herein by reference. The present fastening system, which is designed to prevent the twisting and twisting of the strip 2 during use and thus allow the use of relatively wider strips if desired, will now be described in more detail.

Each strip member 22 in the illustrated embodiment is provided with the first and second buttons 50 and with the first and second reinforcing members 54 and 56. The reinforcing members 54 and 56 stabilize the strip members 2 in regions located around of the buttons 50 and 52 between the buttons when the strip is elongated during use to avoid the twisting and twisting of the strips. The buttons 50 and 52 are adapted to be releasably attached to the button holes 58 provided in the undergarment 20. The button holes 58 are desirably formed in the moisture barrier 40 and in the side-to-body liner 44, may comprise additionally the button hole reinforcement tapes (not shown) as is well known in the art. As used herein, the terms "liberally fastened", "releasably engaged" and variations thereof refer to the elements that are connected or connectable so that the elements tend to remain connected during use unless the user apply a unique separation force to one or both of the elements, and the elements are able to separate without substantial deformation or permanent breakdown.

The strip members 22 are each generally rectangular strips of material having the first and second end edges longitudinally spaced and opposite 60 and 62, and the opposite side edges 64 and 66 extending between the end edges. The strip members 62 are considered for the purposes of the present invention as being longitudinally divided into a first end region 70, a second end region 72 and a central region 74 that is intermediate and interconnecting the first and second end regions. second. The first end region 70 is contiguous with the first end edge 60 and extends longitudinally inwardly thereof to the central region. 74. The second end region 72 is contiguous with the second end edge 62 and extends longitudinally inward thereof to the central region 74.

Strip members 22 are formed from ur. elastomeric material. The terms "elastic", "elasticized" and "elasticity" as used herein refer to that property of a material by virtue of which it tends to recover its original size and shape after the removal of a force causing a deformation . The term "elastomeric" refers to a material or compound which can be lengthened to at least 25% of its relaxed length and which will recover, with the release of the applied force, at least 10% of its elongation. It is generally preferred that the elastomeric material be capable of being elongated by at least 100% and more preferably by from 150 to 350% of its relaxed length and recover, with the release of an applied force, at least 50% of its lengthening. The term "force" refers to the physical influence exerted by one body on another which produces the acceleration of bodies that are free to move and the deformation of bodies that are not free to move. In a particular embodiment, the strip member 22 comprises a weft-woven fabric formed using nylon and polyester yarns, which is available from Shelby Elastics Inc., of Shelby, North Carolina, under the trade designation NP96 or NP50. .

The size of the strip members 22 will vary depending on the type of garment to which they are fastened and the size of the intended users. Each strip member 22 suitably has a dimension of defined width between the opposite side edges 64 and 66 of at least about 25 mm, and more particularly of at least about 25 mm, and more particularly of at least of around 30 irc for improved performance. The strip members 22 have a longer length dimension defined between the opposite end edges 70 and 62 which is suitably from about 15 to about 40 cm. In a particular embodiment each strip member 22 has a length dimension of 29. cm and a width dimension of 38 mm. The cut ends d of the strip members 22 can be joined by ultrasonic unions 76 as illustrated in FIG. 2 or they can be bent by means of adhesives or other suitable means for preventing and etching.

Figure 3 depicts an enlarged sectional view taken generally from a plane of line 3-3 d to figure 2, but taken slightly away from the center to illustrate the fastenings of buttons 50 and 52. Even when figures 2 and 3 show only one end of a strip member 22, it should be understood that the opposite end may be constructed in a similar manner. The first and second buttons 50 and 5 are attached to the respective first and second end regions 70 and 72 of each strip member 22 in a holding place 80 (Fig. 3). The holding place 80 is defined by the location in which a thread 82 or other suitable means attaches the button 52 or 50 to the strip member 22. The thread 82 is illustrated as passing through the sewing holes 84 and the buttons 50 and 52 and passes through the strip member 22 when the membrane buttons with holes formed during clamping are also suitable.

In the illustrated embodiment, the buttons 50 and 52 have the upper contoured surface 86 and an opposing generally flat lower surface 88. Buttons 50 and 52 suitable for use with the present invention can be formed of polypropylene and have a diameter of 22 mm, such as those available from Engineering Industries, of Verona, Wisconsin, and identified as a green membrane button. In the illustrated embodiment, both end regions 70 and 72 of each strip member 22 can be attached to the undergarment 20 with buttons 50 or 52. Alternatively, however, one end of each strip member 22 can be formed integral with the undergarment 20 or joining it by other suitable means (not shown).

The term "button" is used herein to refer to a group of fasteners that can be attached to the strip members 22 at a point or in a relatively small region in another manner in relation to the width dimension of the strip member. Examples of fasteners include buttons, snaps, hook eyes, or the like. More particularly, such fasteners have a fastening location constituting less than about 40% of the width dimension of the strip member 22, and more particularly less than about 30% of the width dimension of the strip member.

Applicants have determined that these fasteners share a common problem, which is that when the elastic strip member 22 is elongated, lines of force are formed within the strip member which are directed at a gradual angle from the side edges 64 and 66. of the strip longitudinally outwardly and transversely inward towards the holding place 80 of the fastener. In essence, the strip member 22"tapers" near the holding place 80. When the strip member 22 is positioned against the wearer's body, the side edges 64 and 66 of the strip member tend to bend around a axis defined by the lines of force. As previously noted, these folded sides will represent an irritant to the wearer because the strip forces will be concentrated in a smaller area, and will also adversely impact the notch of the undergarment. The present invention relates to the recognition of this problem and the use and placement of reinforcing members 54 and 56 to provide improved elastic strip members with button fasteners.The first and second reinforcing members 54 and 56 are attached to the respective first and second end regions 70 and 72 of each strip member 22 at locations that are partially in areas of the strip member referred to as the first and second reinforcing zones. 90 (figure 2 and 3). Each reinforcing zone 90, which is described in greater detail hereinafter, represents an area of strip member 22 that is particularly effective for the placement of a reinforcing member 54 or 56. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. -3, each reinforcing member 54 and 56 is directly attached to the strip member 22 with the lower surface 88 of each button 50 and 52 partially overlapping the surface of the reinforcing member.

The reinforcing members 54 and 56 comprise relatively thin materials which when joined to the strip member 22 provide a greater composite rigidity than that of the strip member 22 alone. In particular embodiments, the reinforcement member material only has a stiffness greater than that of the strip member material alone. The relative stiffness of reinforcing members 54 and 56 and strip members 22 can be determined by a variety of known methods for example a comparison of Gurley stiffness values for individual materials. Suitable materials for use as reinforcing members 54 and 56 may include plastic, wood, fabrics coated with a heat-sealable thermoplastic adhesive, woven materials such as cloth web material, or the like. Alternatively, a non-tacky adhesive resin or thermoplastic polymer can be extruded or otherwise applied onto the strip member (not shown). A suitable fabric material for reinforcing members 54 and 56 is a permanent-shaped web backing with the polypropylene filled web available from Z International of Saddle Brook, New Jersey, and referred to as a white web backing. Another suitable material is a label material having a thickness of 0.76 mm available from Electr Seal Corporation of Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, under the trade designation RT-130. The reinforcing members 54 and 5 may also comprise a molded hook material available from Velero Industries B.V., of Amsterdam, The Netherlands or the affiliates thereof.

Applicants have recognized that the selection of the appropriate reinforcing members 54 and 56 and the localized positioning of the reinforcing members in the areas of the strip member 22 mentioned herein as the reinforcing zones 9 minimizes or in some cases eliminates coiling. of the side edges 64 and 66 of the strips. Each reinforcing zone 90 can be seen as an area of the strip member 22 surrounding the location of clamping 80 of one of the buttons 50 or 52. The longitudinal extension of each reinforcing zone 90 is defined by an outer boundary 92 and an inner boundary. 94 while the extension in the direction of the width of each reinforcement zone is defined by the side edges 64 and 66 of the strip member 22.

For purposes of illustration, the outer and lower boundary 92 and 94 are shown in FIG. 2 with dotted lines. Applicants have determined that the reinforcing members 54 and 56 remain effective to reduce winding and twisting of the strip in different places from the button attachment locations 80 depending on whether the reinforcement member is located between or outside the buttons 50 and 52 which explains the different locations of the outer and lower boundary 92 and 94. The outer boundary 92 of the first booster zone 90 is located about 12 mm from the first securing location 80 and placed between the first location of clamping and the first end edge 60. The first inner limit 94 of the first reinforcement zone 90 is located at about 60 mm from the first clamping location 80 and is positioned between the first clamping location and the second end edge. 62 Although the second reinforcing zone 90 corresponds to the second end region 72 of the pull member 22 is not shown in Figures 2 and 3, it should be clear that the outer boundary 92 of the second reinforcement zone 90 is located at about 12 mm from the second attachment location 80 and is positioned between the second attachment location d and the second end edge 24. Also, the inner limit secund 94 of the second reinforcement zone 90 is located at about 60 mm of the second attachment location 80 and is positioned between the second attachment location and the first end edge 60.

Applicants have determined that positioning an appropriate reinforcing member 54 or 56 within the reinforcement zone 90 prevents substantial force vectors from being directed from the side edges 64 and 66 at a gradual angle toward the fastening locations 80 of buttons 50 and 52. By interrupting these inwardly directed force vectors, the tendency of the side edges of the strip members 22 to be rolled and twisted is greatly reduced or eliminated. In contrast, the placement of the reinforcing members outside the reinforcement zone has been found to have a minimal effect to prevent the strip member from being rolled up by twisting along the sides.

In an embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-3, the reinforcing members 54 and 56 are located between the clamping locations 80 of the buttons 50 and 52 and the center of the region 74 of each strip member 22. More particularly, each reinforcing member 54 and 56 is completely positioned between a clamping location 80 and an inner boundary 94 of the reinforcing zone 90.

The alternate locations of reinforcing members 54 and 56 are illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, where components similar to those previously described have been assigned an equal reference number. With particular reference to Figure 4, the buttons 50 and 52 (only 1 is shown are directly attached to the reinforcing members 54 and 56, which in turn are directly attached to the members of tir 22. As a result of this , the reinforcing members 54 and 56 are positioned between the strip member 22 and the buttons 50 52, and at least partially within the reinforcing zones 90. Alternatively, the reinforcing members 54 and 56 may be placed on the side of the reinforcement member. the strip members 22 which is further apart from the buttons 50 and 52 or comprise multiple pieces joined on both sides of the strip member (not shown) The clamping of the buttons 50 and 52 on the upper part of the reinforcing members 54 and 56 as illustrated in Figure 4, the ease with which the buttons can be inserted into the holes for button 58 can be somewhat reduced, however, this can be decentered by modifying the button or the clamp to slightly increase the distance between the button and the strip members 22.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the reinforcing members 54 and 56 (only one shown) are attached to the strip members 22 between the clamping locations 80 of the buttons 50 and 52 and the respective end edges 60 and 62 of the strip members. More particularly, at least portions of the reinforcing members 54 and 56 are positioned between the holding locations 80 of the buttons 50 and 52 and the outer boundaries 92 of the reinforcing zones 90. In the illustrated embodiments, the reinforcement members 54 and 56 are positioned completely within the joints of the reinforcing zones 90. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the reinforcing members 54 and 56 are placed sufficiently close to the holding places 80 of the buttons 50 and 52 as for which are placed at least partially between the lower surface 88 of the button and the strip members 22.

The size of the reinforcing members 54 and 56 is desirably selected to minimize or prevent the sides of the strip members 22 from rolling up and also preventing them from contacting the wearer's skin. As a result of this, the widthwise dimension of the reinforcing members 54 and 56, which extends in the direction between the side edges 64 and 66 of the strip members 22, is suitably from about 50 to 100% of the dimension of width of strip members. Furthermore, the widthwise dimension of the reinforcing members 54 and 56 is such that the reinforcing members are recessed inward from the side edges 64 and 66 by from about 4 to about 10 mm for improved operation. By spacing the reinforcing members 54 and 56 inward from the side edges 64 and 66 of the strip members 22, the possibility of irritation caused by the reinforcing means rubbing the user's skin is reduced. The dimension in longitudinal direction of the reinforcing members 54 and 56, measured parallel to the length dimension of the strip members 22 is selected to provide adequate stabilization of the strip members 22 and is believed to be related to the stiffness of the strip members 22. reinforcing member and location of the reinforcing member within reinforcing zone 90. In a particular embodiment of the invention, strip members 22 have a width dimension of 38.1 mm and reinforcing members 54 and 56 have a dimension in sense of width of 31.8 mm, and a dimension in longitudinal direction of 25.4 mm.

The reinforcing members 54 and 56 may be attached to the strip members 22 by one or more methods including sewing, extrusion application, adhesives, heat lamination, rotating or plunge ultrasonic joining, or the like. The clamping method must be sufficient to prevent the reinforcing members 54 and 56 from detaching from the strip member 22 when the strip is lengthened. In addition, the clamping method is selected and carried out to avoid creating irritation points on the surface of the strip member 22 facing the user during use. It is also desirable that the fastening method supports multiple washing and drying cycles, for example about 10, because strip members 22 are frequently maintained and reused with multiple garments.

In an embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 3, the reinforcing members 54 and 56 are sewn into the luga by stitches 96 around at least a portion of the periphery of each reinforcing member. The reinforcing members 54 and 56 may additionally or alternatively be attached to the strip members 22 on part or all of the surface area of the reinforcing members, for example, with adhesives or ultrasonic bonding. The section of the particular joining method may depend in part on the materials selected for strip members 22 and reinforcing members 54 and 56.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the buttons 50 and 52 may be attached directly to both the reinforcing members 54 and 56 and to the strip members 22. Alternatively, the buttons 54 and 56 may be attached directly to only the members of reinforcement 54 and 56 and the reinforcement members in turn are attached directly to the strip members. In a particular embodiment, the reinforcing members 54 and 56 comprise a molded hook material, the hooks are embedded in the strip members 22 to facilitate fastening of the reinforcing members to the strip members.

The further embodiments of the invention are illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. With reference to Figure 6, a strip member 100 includes the opposite longitudinal end edges 60 and 62 (only one is shown) and the folded portions 102 contiguous with the ends. edges of longitudinal extremities. Each bent part 102 is bent back over the strip member 100 to around the double line 104 to form a dual thickness part of the strip member. In this manner, the bent portions 102 form integral reinforcement members to provide a stabilization. located on the strip member 22 near the holding locations 80 of the buttons 50 and 52 (only one is shown) Similar to the embodiments described previously, the bent portions 102 are located with the reinforcing zones 9 having the outer and inner boundaries 92 and 94.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, one of the first and second end regions 70 and 72 of each strip member 22 includes a pair of reinforcement members 54A. 54B or 56A and 56B (only one pair is shown). In this embodiment the first reinforcing member 54A of each pair can be placed between a button 50 or 52 and the strip member 22. The second reinforcing member 54B of the pair could be placed between the first reinforcing member 54A and the central region Strip member 74. Both reinforcement members 54A and 54B of the pa are at least partially and desirably located completely within each reinforcement zone 90. In the particular embodiments, the first second reinforcement members 54A and 54B of each pair they are separated by a distance of less than about 60 mm, and particularly by less than about 50 mm for improved operation.

In an aspect of the invention, the portions of the cira member 22 incorporating the reinforcing members 54 56 have a deflection resistance in the width direction d of at least about 550 grams., more particularly d at least about 600 grams for an improved performance. Deflection resistance in the direction of the composite width measures the amount of resistance to bending that is provided by a composite specimen that includes a strip member portion and at least one apart from the reinforcement member 54 or 56. In the illustrated embodiment in Figure 6, this deflection resistance values in the direction of the width of the composite are desirably provided by a composite specimen that includes at least a portion of the dual thickness region of the strip member 100. It has been found that the resistance to the deflection in the direction of the composite width is a useful characterization of the transversal stability or in sense of the width of the compound. A suitable method for determining the deflection resistance in the direction of the compound width is set forth in greater detail here below.

In use, the undergarment 20 is placed on the wearer's body and secured in position using the restraint system. The user can engage a button 50 or 52 of each strip member 22 with a button hole 58 in the rear waist region 32. After stretching or relaxing the strip members 22 to obtain the desired attention there, the user can then engaging the opposite button 50 or 52 of each strip member with one of the corresponding button holes 58 in the front waist region 30. During the application of the strip members 22 and during use, the reinforcing members 54 and 56 provide stabilization in the sense of the localized width of the strip members 22 near and between the buttons 50 and 52. In this manner, the force vectors within the strip member 22 which can otherwise be formed at an angle from the edges sides 64 and 66 towards the holding places 80 of buttons 50 and 52 prevents them from forming. The propensity of the lateral edges of the limbs to be rolled and twisted is thus minimized or eliminated.

Each of the above or similar embodiments of the invention can be constructed by providing each of the individual components and joining them together in the manner set forth above. The material for the strip members 22, the material for the reinforcing members 54 and 56, the location of the reinforcing members, and the means for securing the reinforcing members to the strip members can be selected and adjusted as necessary to provide the values of resistance to deflection in the sense of the required composite width mentioned above.

Having thus described the present invention and the process for doing so, a number of examples were prepared to give a more detailed understanding of the invention. These examples and the test procedures for measuring them are set forth below. The particular amounts, proportions, compositions and parameters are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to specifically limit the scope of the invention.

PROOF PROCEDURES The deflection resistance test in the direction of compound width measures the peak load as a test specimen taken from strip member 22 is deflected around an axis parallel to the length or longitudinal dimension of the strip member. The test employs a sintech material testing system also known as a voltage tester. An appropriate test system is the Model 1 / S available from MTS Systems Corporation of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The material testing system is provided with an appropriately dimensioned load cell, for example, a load cell of 4. 54 kg (10 Ib) available from MTS Systems Corporation. The material testing system is operated using a suitable control program, for example, version 3.03 of TEST WORKS® for WINDOWS® available from MTS Systems Corporation.

With reference to Figure 8, a test specimen 120 is illustrated in a position suitable for testing in the material testing system 122. The material testing system 122 includes the upper and lower pneumatic grips 124 and 126 that move. vertically one in relation to another. The upper pneumatic grips 124 include an opposite pair of rubber coated gripping faces 130. The gripping faces 130 are adapted to move towards each other through the action of the pneumatic cylinders 132. As illustrated, a rigid metal plate 134 is held in place as a result of being compressed between the gripping faces 130. The metal plate measures 105 mm in length, 80 mm in width and 1 mm in thickness. The metal plate 134 is positioned such that the width dimension of the plate is parallel to the direction of movement of the upper and lower pneumatic grips 124 and 126.

The pneumatic grips lower 126 include an opposite pair of rubber coated gripping faces 140. The gripping faces 140 of the lower pneumatic grips 126 are controlled by pneumatic cylinders (not shown) that are held in a retracted position for this test. The spacing between the two halves of the lower pneumatic grips 126 is illustrated by the arrow 142 and is maintained at 21 mm. The distance between the gripping faces 140 of the lower pneumatic grips 126 is illustrated by the arrow 144 and is maintained at 11 mm.

The test specimen 120 was cut from the strip member 22 using scissors or the like in the following manner. The width of the test specimen 120 is 21 mm and was measured parallel to the dimension in the width direction of the strip member 22. The width of 21 mm of the test specimen 122 is therefore cut from the half of the strip member 22 , is centered between the side edges 64 and 66. The length dimension of the test specimen 120 is taken from the part of the strip member 122 that includes a reinforcing member 154 or 156. The length of the test specimen 120 corresponds to the length of the reinforcement member 54 or 56, except that the minimum length is 25.4 mm and the maximum length is 38.1 mm. Any buttons 50 or 52 that are attached to the test specimen 120 are removed with scissors or a knife before the test.

The deflection resistance test in the longitudinal direction of the compound was started by calibrating and preparing the equipment as specified by the manufacturer. The test specimen 120 was placed in the lower pneumatic grips 126 with the reinforcing member 54 or 56 positioned towards the metal plate 134. The test specimen 120 is oriented so that the width dimension of 21 mm is perpendicular to the plane of the metal plate 134. The edges of the test specimen 120 are allowed to rest on the upper surfaces of the gripping loads 140 of the lower pneumatic grips 126.

During the test, the lower pneumatic grippers 126 are held stationary while the upper pneumatic grippers 124 are moved vertically in relation to these. The metal plate 134 is square as much as possible in relation to the test specimen 120 and lowered until the metal plate almost touches the test specimen. At this moment, the control program starts. In general, the top 124 tires are lowered at a rate of 5.0 cm per minute at a distance of 2 cm and then returned to their original position. The peak load measured by the chart cell s recorded and represents the deflection resistance value and direction of compound width for test specimen 120. The control software program is reprinted low. For the purposes of clarity, the Result Calculation lines have been omitted.

Master Name: COMPRES Method Name: strapcomp Software Version: 3.03 Description of Method Standard for COMPRESSION TESTS This Standard contains the most common result calculations required for the compression test application. The ASTM tests that can be carried out using this Standard include D695, # 9 & C185 Start of Test Messages; Start Test Message 1 Start Test Message 2 Start Test Message 3 Start Test Message 4 Pre-Sample Messages; Pre-Sample Message # 1 Pre-Sample Message # 2 Pre-Sample Message # 3 Pre-Specimen Messages: Pre-Specimen Message # 1 Pre-Specimen Message # 2 Pre-Specimen Message # 3 Graph Window, Axis-Yi Max Scale Axis And MANUAL Min Axis Scale And MANUAL Axis Label And LOAD Axis Units And Gm Min Axis Y 0.000000 Max Axis Y 10000.000000 Decimals 1 Advantage of Graphics, Axis, X; X Axis Max Scale MANUAL X Axis Min Scale MANUAL X Axis Label EXTENSION X Axis Units mm X Axis Min 0.000000 X Axis Max 20.000000 Decimals 1 Decentral X 0.000000 Testing method; Method Access Level [9] Specimens Per Sample [999] Speed Increase [0.100000] Displayed Graph [Y] Results Shown [Y] Take Data During Pause [N] Auto Sample Increment [N] Save Unprocessed Data Auto [N] Reject Auto on Limits [N] Print Auto Sample [N] Dismiss on Rejection [Y] Comment Auto [N] Load Sample Auto [N] Return Head Caliber Removal [N] Pause for Caliber Removal [N] Reference Name: Reference Loaded: NONE Conficruración: LOW Cargo Address LOW Load Extension Compliance No End of the HIGH Test Action Type of Method STANDARD Move Segments; Type RETURN EXTENSION State ENABLE Direction WITHOUT CHANGE Inactive acquisition Data points 0 Final action CONTINUE Message Type TARA TENSION 1 State INCAPACITED Direction WITHOUT CHANGE Inactive Acquisition Data Points 0 Final Action CONTINUE Message Type TARE VOLTAGE 2 INCAPACITED Status Direction NON CHANGE Acquisition INACTIVE Data Points 0 Final Action CONTINUE Message Type IR TO VOLTAGE® CONSTANT SPEED State ENABLE Direction DOWN Acquisition ACTIVE Data Points 500 Final Action CONTINUE Message Initial Speed at% of voltage point Type IR TO VOLTAGE® CONSTANT SPEED State ENABLE Direction DOWN Acquisition ACTIVE Data Points 499 Final Action CONTINUE Message Secondary Speed at% of voltage point Sample Entries; # Label Fault Attribute or User Input 1 User Failure 1 OPTIONAL 1 User Input 1 User Failure 2 OPTIONAL 2 User Input 1 User Fail 3 OPTIONAL 3 User Input 1 User Failure 4 OPTIONAL 4 User Input 1 User Failure 5 OPTIONAL User Input 1 User Failure 6 OPTIONAL 6 User Input 1 User Failure 7 OPTIONAL 7 User Input 1 User Failure 8 OPTIONAL 8 User Input 1 User Failure 9 OPTIONAL 9 User Input 1 User Failure 10 OPTIONAL Sample Name Format: Alias Sample ID Length = 30 Alias Length = 0 Alias Length = 0 Alias Length = 0 Alias Length = 0 Channel Mapping: # Label Status Class Fó Units [0] EXTENSION ACTIVE DIMENSION PO [1] TIME ACTIVE TIME Pl (Primary Voltage) [2] LOAD LOAD ACTIVE P2 [3] LOGIC 3 DIMENSION INACTIVE P3 (Secondary Voltage) t4] LOGIC 4 INACTIVE LOAD P4 Report Header; Rigid Load Compression Strip (g) Built Reports; Report Constructed # 0 Constructed 1 Print Header Print Sample Information And Print Individual Specimens And Print Status N Print Calculation Entries And Print Test Entries And Print Comments N Built Report # 1 Built 2 Print Header And Print Information Shows And Print Individual Specimens And Print Status And Print Calculation Entries And Print Test Entries And Print Comments And Display Units; Load Libra Extension Inch Speed Inch / Minute rea Inch Square Tension "o Time Min Effort PSI Specimen Entries; Panel # Label Units Fail Attribute Entry Reference O Diameter Inch 0.500 HIDDEN N 1 Length Inch 0.125 HIDDEN N 2 Height Inch 2.00 HIDDEN N Rslt 10.21 3 Area In. Square 2.00 HIDDEN N 4 Misc.l Entry (none) 1.00 HIDDEN N 5 Entry Mise.2 (none) 1.00 HIDDEN N 6 Entry Mise.3 (none) 1.00 HIDDEN N 7 Entry Mise.4 (none) 1.00 HIDDEN N Calculation Entries; Entry # Label Units Fail Panel Attribute Reference 0 Length of Inch 2.00 EXHIBIT N Req 2,2,3,9 Caliber 1 Caliber In / In 1.00 OPTIONAL N United 2 Point Inch 1.00 OPTIONAL N Removal 3% Fall% 10.0 OPTIONAL N Req 3 Brk 4 Lengthening Inch 0.001 OPTIONAL N of Caida Brk 5 Value of Pound 50.00 OPTIONAL N Load Brk 6 Angle of deg 0.00 OPTIONAL N Performance 7 Performance% 10.00 OPTIONAL N% Segment 8 Inclination% 98.00 OPTIONAL N Tol. 9 Inclination% 10.00 OPTIONAL N% Segment 10 Pound Load 0.00 OPTIONAL N Minimum Tilt 11 Pound Load 10000.00 OPTIONAL N Maximum Tilt 12 PSI 0.00 OPTIONAL Minimum Tilt 13 Voltage PSI 1000.00 OPTIONAL N Maximum Tilt 14% Voltage% 2.00 OPTIONAL N Rslt 27,29,31, Point 1 33,35 15% Voltage% 5.00 OPTIONAL N Rslt 28,30,32, Point 2 34,36 16 Extension Inch 0.10 OPTIONAL N Rslt 23,25 Point 1 17 Extension Inch 0.10 OPTIONAL N Rslt 24.26 Point 2 18 Voltage PSI 100.0 OPTIONAL N Rslt 37.39 Point 1 19 Voltage PSI 200.0 OPTIONAL N Rslt 38,40 Point 2 20 Offset% 2 OPTIONAL N Rslt 16,17,18, Yield 19,20,21 21 Pre-Load Pound 5.00 OPTIONAL N Clearing 22% Point of% 5.00 OPTIONAL N Rslt 46 Voltage 3 Test Inputs: Entry # Label Units Fail Panel Attribute Reference 0 Speed In / Min 2.00 DISPLAY N MSeg 3 Initial 1 Speed In / Min 4.00 OPTIONAL N MSeg 4 Secondary 2 Limit% 100.0 OPTIONAL N MSeg 3 Voltage% 3 Limit% 200.0 OPTIONAL N MSeg 4 Deformation 4 Pound Limit 25 EXHIBIT N Top Load 5 Pound Limit -5000 OPTIONAL N LOWER Load 6 Limit mm 20.0 EXHIBIT N UPPER Exterior 7 Limit Inch -20.0 OPTIONAL N LOWER BOTTOM 8% Limit 3000000.1 OPTIONAL UPPER Voltage 9% Limit -300000.0 OPTIONAL N LOWER Voltage 10 Limit PSI 2999999.9 OPTIONAL UPPER STRIKE 11 Limit of PSI -3000000.0 OPTIONAL Effort LOWER 12 # of Cycles (none) 20.0 OPTIONAL N 13 Limit of Sec 10000 OPTIONAL N Time 14 Sensitivity% 75 OPTIONAL N to Break 15 Point of Thumb 0.0 EXHIBIT N Return Markers Required # Category Code Attribute 1 POINT OF F MOVABLE BREAKFAST 2 POINT OF AND MOVABLE PERFORMANCE 3 BEGIN MODULE B MOVABLE 4 END OF MOBILE MODULE Optional Markers; # Category Code Attribute Formula Tickets Reference MIDDLE POINT IN 0 HIDDEN 6 IN PIP 1 HIDDEN 7 IN PIP 2 HIDDEN 8 IN PIP 3 HIDDEN 9 IN PIP 4 HIDDEN 10 FREE 5 HIDDEN © INDEX (LOAD, PEAK) 11 FREE 6 HIDDEN © INDEX (LOAD, PEAK) 12 FREE 7 HIDDEN © INDEX (LOAD, PEAK) 13 FREE 8 HIDDEN © INDEX (LOAD, PEAK) 14 FREE 9 HIDDEN © INDEX (LOAD, PEAK) Required calculations: # Category Procedure Tickets INACTIVE AREA TENSION 1 / AR-EA PRIMARY TENSION 1 / C00 COO SECONDARY VOLTAGE 1 / C00 C03 INACTIVE BREAKAGE INACTIVE PERFORMANCE POINT PRIMARY INCENTIVE TILTING INACTIVE SLEEP COMPENSATION UNACTIVATED DISCOUNTED PERFORMANCE ADJUSTING COOKING CALIBER LENGTH COO Result Calculations # Label Category Formula Units Attribute 0 Load Peak FIXED PEAK LOAD Gm EXHIBIT Sample and Load Reports; Freeform Sample Report Fixed Report (1) Freeform Load Report < None Intended Load COMM PORT Name Load DATA. TMP Test Page Windows; Show Load Meter And Display Extension Meter And Display Stress Meter 1 N Show Stress Meter 2 N Show Machine Status N Show Test Messages N Show Specimen Entries N Show Description N Show Panel N Show Machine And Display Multiple Display N Show Game of Hand And Show Rule N Show Peaks N Rule Violations: Maximum Rule Top 40.000000 Maximum Rule Down -40.000000 Rule Control Mode POSITION Inch Rule Units Rule Gauge Length 1.00000 Inch Rule Length Calibration Units Precision Decimals of Rule 1 Meter failures; Full Load Meter Scale 100.000000 Pound Load Meter Units Load Meter Decimals 1 DIGITAL Load Meter Mode Full Scale of Extension Meter 1.000000 Inch Extension Meter Units Extension Meter Decimals i DIGITAL Extension Meter Mode Full Scale of Voltage Meter 1 1.000000 Voltage Meter Units 1 Inch Decimals of Voltage Meter 1 1 Voltage Meter Mode 1 ANALOGUE Full Scale of Voltage Meter 2 1.000000 Voltage Meter Units 2 Inch Decimals of Voltage Meter 2 Voltage Meter Mode 2 ANALOG Peak breaches; Show Peak Load And Load Units Pound Load Decimates 1 Show Peak Extension And Extension Units Inch Decimals Of Extension 1 Show Peak Tension And Tension Units% Decimals Of Tension 1 Show Peak Tension And Stress Units PSI Decimals Of Tension 1 Show Account Cycle Y Panel End Action Failures: End of Load Action HIGH End of Extension Action End of Stress Action HIGH End of Stress Action HIGH EXAMPLES In each of the following examples, s produced pairs of strip members for use with disposable absorbent undergarments. Each strip member formed of an elastomeric material comprising nylon, polyester and elastic materials and had a length of about 27 cm and a width of about 38.1 mm. The elastomeric material was purchased from Shelby Elastics of Shelby, North Carolina was identified as NP 50. The ends of strip were cut to a section using scissors and the cut ends were ultrasonically bonded as shown in figure 2 to avoid the etching . The buttons were sewn on the opposite end regions of the strip members with the botó centers spaced 24.1 cm apart. In each example, the distance from the center of the button clamp to the end edge closest to the strip member was 16 mm. In all cases, the buttons on the reinforcing structures were centered in the direction in the width sense of the strip member. The buttons, which measured 22 mm in diameter, were compared to Engineering Industries under the green membrane buttons.

Example 1 In each end region, each pull member of Example 1 included a reinforcement region that consisted of a concentrated ultrasonic bonding pattern formed in the strip member. Each reinforcement region measured 38.1 mm in width which corresponded to the full strip width and 12.7 mm in length. The buttons were fastened to the strip members in the center of the reinforcement regions.

The resistance to the deflection in the direction of the width of the corapuesto of four test specimens of these strip member was found to have an average value of 199.6 grams with a standard deviation of 20.2 grams. The test specimens had a width of 21 mm and a length of 25.4 mm.

Example 2 In each end region, each pull member of Example 2 included a reinforcement region that consisted of a concentrated ultrasonic bonding pattern formed in the strip member. Each reinforcement region measured 38.1 mm wide and 12.7 m long. The buttons were placed between each reinforcement region and the nearest end edge, with the most part near each reinforcement region being 20.5 mm apart from the corresponding button attachment location.

The values of resistance to deflection and sense of the width of the composite for strip members of Example 2 were not measured separately because the structure of the reinforcement regions is a replica of that of Example 1. 3 In each end region, each pull member of Example 3 included the first and second reinforcing regions that consisted of ultrasonic bonding patterns formed in the strip member. Each reinforcement region measured 38.1 mm in width and 12.7 mm in length. The buttons were attached to the strip members in the center of the first reinforcing regions. The nearest part of each second reinforcement region was spaced 50.8 mm from the corresponding botó's attachment location.

The deflection resistance values in the direction of the composite width for Example 3 of the strip members were not measured separately because the first and second reinforcement regions d are each replicates of those of Example 1 and these are spaced apart and separated one from the other so that they comprised separate test specimens.

Example 4 In each end region, each pull member of Example 4 included the reinforcement, first, second and third regions which consisted of concentrated zigzag stitch patterns formed on the strip member using a cotton covered polyester yarn. Heavy work for all purposes. Each reinforcement region measured approximately 38. millimeters in width and 4 millimeters in length, and there was a 12.7 millimeter separation between reinforcement regions. The buttons were attached to the strip members in the center of the first reinforcement regions. The second and third reinforcement regions were placed inward of the first reinforcement regions.

The deflection resistance in the compound width direction of 8 test specimens of these strip member was measured and found to have an average value of 241.0 grams with a standard deviation of 3.9 grams. The test specimens had a width of 21 millimeters and a length of 25.4 millimeters, with each test specimen including only one of the first, second or third reinforcement regions.

Example 5 In each end region, each pull member of Example 5 included a reinforcement member ultrasonically joined to the strip member. Each reinforcing member consisted of a unidirectional hook material from the single side of Velero Industries and identified as HTH-840 with hooks of the series 22. The hooks were pressed into the strip material before the ultrasonic bonding. Each reinforcing member measured 31.8 millimeters wide and 8.0 millimeters long. The buttons were attached to the strip members through the center of the reinforcement members.

The deflection resistance in the direction of the width of the compound of 8 test specimens of these strip members was measured and found to have an average value of 452. grams with a standard deviation of 35.7 grams. The test specimens had a width of 21 millimeters and a length of 25.4 millimeters.

Example 6 In each end region, each pull member of Example 6 included a reinforcement member baked over the strip member. Each reinforcement member consisted of available band material from E Z International, and identified as white band backup. Each booster member midi 31.8 millimeters wide and 8.0 millimeters long. The buttons were attached to the strip members through the center of the reinforcement members.

The deflection resistance in the direction of the width of the composite of 5 test specimens of these strip members was measured and found to have an average value of 654. grams with a standard deviation of 23.2 grams. The test specimens had a width of 21 millimeters and a length of 25.4 millimeters.

Example 7 In each end region, each pull member of Example 7 included the first and second reinforcing members cooked on the strip member. Each reinforcing member consisted of a band material available from E Z Internationa and identified as a white band backing measuring 31 millimeters wide and 8.0 millimeters long. The buttons were attached to the strip members through the center of the first reinforcing members. The nearest part of the second reinforcement member was spread 50.8 millimeters from the position of the corresponding button.

The values of resistance to deflection and sense of the width of the composite for strip members of Example 7 were not measured separately, because the first and second reinforcing members are each replicates of that of Example 6 are spaced apart from one another, so that they will comprise separate test specimens.

Example 8 In each end region, each ti member of Example 8 included the first and second booster members on the strip member. Each reinforcing member consisted of an available band material from E Z Internation and identified as a white band backing and measured 31. millimeters wide and 8.0 millimeters long. The first and second reinforcement members were joined at the corresponding places on the opposite sides of the strip member. The buttons were fastened to the strip members through the center of both the first and second reinforcement members.

The deflection resistance in the direction of the width of the composite of 5 test specimens of these strip members was measured and found to have an average value of 15 26.2 grams with a standard deviation of 355.1 grams. The test specimens had a width of 21 millimeters and a length of 25.4 millimeters.

Example 9 In each end region, each pull member of Example 9 included a reinforcement member baked over the strip member. Each reinforcement member consisted of available band material from E Z International and identified as a white band backup. Each booster member midi 31.8 millimeters wide and 25.4 millimeters long. The buttons were attached to the strip members through the center of the reinforcement members.

The deflection resistance in the width direction of the compound of 8 test specimens of these strip members was measured and found to have an average value of 14 24.2 grams with a standard deviation of 56.4 grams. The test specimens had a width of 21 millimeters and a length of 25.4 millimeters.

Example 10 In each end region, each pull member of Example 10 included a reinforcement member baked over the strip member. Each reinforcement member consisted of available band material from E Z International and identified as white band backup. Each booster member midi 31.8 millimeters wide and 38.1 millimeters long. The buttons were fastened to the strip members through the reinforcement members in a centering arrangement so that the outer edge of each reinforcement member was located 12.7 millimeters from the button attachment point.

The deflection resistance in the direction of the width of the compound of 5 test specimens of these strip members was measured and found to have an average value of 24 80.2 grams with a standard deviation of 79.2 grams. The test specimens had a width of 21 millimeters and a length of 38.1 millimeters.

Example 11 In each end region, each pull member of Example 11 included the first and second reinforcing members cooked on the strip member. Each reinforcing member consisted of a web material, available from E International and identified as backing band and measured 31. millimeters wide and 25.4 millimeters long. The first and second reinforcing members were joined in the corresponding places on the opposite sides of the strip member. The buttons were fastened to the strip members through the center of the first and second reinforcing members.

The resistance to deflection in the direction of the width of the compound of 8 test specimens of these strip members was measured and found to have an average value of 39.62 grams, as a standard deviation of 34.1 grams. The test specimens had a width of 21 millimeters and a length of 25.4 millimeters.

Example 12 Each end region of the strip members of Example 12 included a folded portion contiguous with the end edge. The bent part had a length of 25.4 millimeters and the resulting dual layer part of the strip member was baked together. The buttons were attached to the strip members through the resulting dual layer part.

The deflection resistance in the width sense of the compound of 8 test specimens of these strip members was measured and found to have an average value of 589.0 grams with a standard deviation of 22.8 grams. The test specimens had a width of 21 millimeters and a length of 25.4 millimeters.

Example 13 In each end region, each strip member of Example 13 included a booster member fired over the strip member. Each reinforcement member consisted of a band material available from E Z International and identified as a white band backing measuring 31.8 millimeters wide and 25.4 millimeters long. The buttons were placed between each reinforcing member and the end edge closest to the nearest part of each reinforcement region spaced 17.4 millimeters from the corresponding botó holding location.

The values of deflection resistance and sense of the width of the compound for Example 13 were not measured separately because the structure of the reinforcement regions is a replica of those of Example 9.

Each of the strip members of Examples 1 to 13 were tested in combination with a disposable internal absorbent garment. The undergarment comprised a moisture-impermeable sweep to the liquid, a side lining to the polypropylene body bonded by spinning attached to the moisture barrier, and an absorbent assembly placed in a sandwich-like fashion between the moisture barrier and the lining. side to body. The moisture barrier comprised an adhesive laminate of an inner cap of polyethylene film and a nonwoven outer layer bonded by spinning. The side-to-body lining, the absorbent and the moisture barrier were joined together using a construction adhesive. The undergarment also included the elastic leg members secured along two lateral margins of the garment. The reinforced co-rib button holes were generally provided in the four corners of the undergarment.

A notch study was conducted using quinc panelists having hip sizes in the range of 121.3 149.9 centimeters and waist widths in the range of 95.3 to 135. centimeters. Applicants speculate that relatively large individuals will stress the suspension system more, so they will be able to better differentiate the function of the reinforcement. Each panelist tested each of the strip members of Examples 1 through 13. Each panelist was advised to wear an undergarment with a pair of example strip members during the night and return the next day for photographs and evaluations. .

The test results are summarized in Table 1 given below. The coded test results are based on the photographs of the undergarments and the strip members taken during the test. Code A indicated that the strip members remained relatively flat and did not twist or roll. The code B indicates that the strip members exhibited a relatively small amount of twist of winding. The C code indicates that the strip members twisted and rolled. The average resistance deflection moon (grams) shows the resistance value to the deflection in the direction of the average composite width for the example strip member or that of the replica structures as described above.

Table 1 Example No. Average Resistance to Test Code Deflection (grams) 1 199.6 C 2 199.6 C 3 199.6 C 4 241.0 C 5 452.4 C 6 654.4 B 7 654.4 B 8 1526.2 B 9 1424.2 A 10 2480.2 A 11 3962.8 A 12 589.0 B 13 1424.2 A From the data presented in Table 1, it is evident that the strip members according to the present invention as claimed hereinafter are able to reduce or eliminate twisting or rolling during use. Applicants speculate that the proper placement of a regio or reinforcing member in the reinforcement zones described near the button in combination with the appropriate degree of stiffness in the transverse direction of the strip member as measured by the resistance test in the direction of the composite width described here, will result in a better fit and more comfortable suspension systems for garments.

The above description has been carried out for purposes of illustration. Therefore, a number of modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, alternate or optional features as part of one modality can be used to give yet another modality. Additionally, two named components can represent parts of the same structure. Therefore, the invention should not be limited to the specified embodiments described, but only by the claims.

Claims (12)

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

1. A fastening system for use with a garment, the fastening system comprises: an elastomeric strip member having the opposite first and second end edges, the opposite side edges extending between the end edges a first end region contiguous with the first end edge, a second end region contiguous with the second end region end edge and an intermediate central region and interconnecting the first and second end regions; a button attached to the strip member in a holding place in the first end region, the button is adapted to be releasably attached to the garment; means for securing the second end region to the garment; Y a reinforcement member attached to the strip member in a reinforcing zone in the first end region, the reinforcement zone comprises a strip portion defined within an outer boundary, n inner boundary, and the side edges, the outer boundary is located about 12 millimeters from the clamping location towards the first end edge and inner boundary is located about 60 millimeters from the clamping location towards the second end edge.

2. The fastening system as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that a part of the strip member incorporating the reinforcing member has a resistance to deflection in the direction of the width of the composite of at least about 550 grams.

3. The fastening system as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the strip member has a strip width defined between the side edges of at least about 30 millimeters.

4. A fastening system for use with the garment, the fastening system comprises: an elastomeric strip member having the opposite first and second end edges, the opposing side edges extending between the end edges, a first end region contiguous with the first end edge, a second end region contiguous with the end edge, second end edge, and an intermediate central region and interconnecting the first and second end regions; a button attached to the strip member in a place of restraint in the first end region, the button is adapted to releasably hold the garment; means for securing the second extremity region to the garment; Y a reinforcement member attached to the strip member in a reinforcement zone located within about 1 millimeter of the fastening location; wherein a part of the pull member incorporating the reinforcing member has a resistance to deflection in the direction of the width of the composite of at least about 550 grams.

5. A fastening system for use with a garment, the fastening system comprises: an elastomeric strip member having the first and second end edges, the opposite side edges extending between the end edges, a first end region contiguous with the first end edge d, a second end region contiguous with the second end end edge and an intermediate central region interconnecting the first and second end regions; a button attached to the strip member in a holding place in the first end region, the button is adapted to releasably hold the garment; means for securing the second end region to the garment; Y a reinforcing member attached to the strip member in a reinforcement zone located between the fastening location and the central region and within about 60 millimeters of the fastening location; wherein a part of the strip member incorporating the reinforcing member has a resistance to deflection in the direction of the composite width of at least about 550 grams.

6. A fastening system for use with a garment, the fastening system comprises: an elastomeric strip member having the first and second end edges, the opposite side edges extending between the end edges, a first end region contiguous with the first end edge, a second end region contiguous with the second edge of end and an intermediate central region interconnecting the first and second end regions; a reinforcing member attached to the strip member; a button attached directly to the reinforcement member, the button is adapted to releasably fasten the garment; Y means for securing the second extremity region to the garment; wherein a part of the pull member incorporating the reinforcing member has a deflection resistance in the direction of the composite width of at least d about 550 grams.

7. The fastening system as claimed in clauses 1, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the reinforcement member comprises a web material.

8. The fastening system as claimed in clauses 1, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the reinforcement member comprises a thermoplastic polymer.

9. The fastening system as claimed in clauses 1, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the reinforcing member is completely placed inside the reinforcement rib.

10. The fastening system as claimed in clauses 1, 4, 5 or 6 characterized in that the reinforcing member is recessed inwardly from the side edges.

11. An absorbent article comprising: a garment having the first and second waist regions, an intermediate section, which interconnects the waist regions, the garment defines a plurality of button holes in the first and second waist regions, the garment comprises a moisture barrier liquid impervious, an absorbent assembly placed over the moisture barrier, and a liquid-permeable body-side liner bonded to the moisture barrier and placed in sandwich form, the absorbent assembly between the liner side-to-body and the barrier to moisture; a pair of elastomeric strip members, each of the strip members having opposite first and second end edges, opposite side edges extending between the end edges, a first end region abutting the first end edge, a second end region adjacent to the first end edge, end region d contiguous with the second end edge, and an intermediate central region interconnecting the first and second extremity regions; the first and second buttons attached to each of the strip members at the first and second respective fastening places in the respective first and second end regions, the buttons are adapted to releasably fasten to the button holes; Y the first and second reinforcing members attached to each of the strip members in the respective first and second reinforcing zones, the first reinforcing zone comprises a part of each of the defined strip members within a first boundary, a first inner boundary, and side edges, the first outer boundary is located about 12 millimeters from the first hold location towards the first end edge, and the first boundary is located about 60 millimeters from the first hold location towards the second end edge, the second reinforcement zone comprises a part of each of the strip members defined within a second outer boundary, a second inner boundary, and the lateral edges, the second outer boundary is located around 12 millimeters from the second attachment location to the second end edge, and the second interior limit is located around 6 milli meters of the second fastening toward the first end edge d; wherein the first and second parts of each strip member incorporating the first second reinforcement members, each have a resistance to deflection in the sense of the composite width of at least 550 grams.

12. A fastening system for use with a garment, a fastening system comprising: an elastomeric strip member having the opposite first and second end edges, the opposite side edges extending between the end edges, a first end region contiguous with the first end edge d, a second end region contiguous with the second edge at the end, and an intermediate central region interconnecting the first and second end regions, the first end region comprises a bent portion contiguous with the first end edge and is bent around a fold line to form a dual thickness part of the end portion. strip member; a button attached to the dual thickness part of the strip member, the button is adapted to releasably hold the garment; Y means for securing the second end region to the garment; wherein a part of the strip member incorporating the dual thickness part has a resistance to deflection in the direction of the composite width of at least about 550 grams. SUMMARY An absorbent article that includes a fastening system having the first and second buttons attached to the elastic strip member in the respective second first end regions. The strips are adapted to hold a garment and keep the garment in place during use. The reinforcing members are provided within the reinforcing zones surrounding the holding places near each of the buttons. The reinforcement members locally stabilize the strip member near the holding places to minimize or eliminate the rolling or twisting of the sides of the strip members during use.