Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
  • A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
  • A44B18/00—Fasteners of the touch-and-close type; Making such fasteners
  • A44B18/0023—Woven or knitted fasteners
  • A44B18/0034—Female or loop elements
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
  • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
  • A61F13/56—Supporting or fastening means
  • A61F13/62—Mechanical fastening means ; Fabric strip fastener elements, e.g. hook and loop
  • A61F13/622—Fabric strip fastener elements, e.g. hook and loop
  • A61F13/627—Fabric strip fastener elements, e.g. hook and loop characterised by the loop
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
  • Y10T24/27—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc. including readily dissociable fastener having numerous, protruding, unitary filaments randomly interlocking with, and simultaneously moving towards, mating structure [e.g., hook-loop type fastener]
  • Y10T24/2708—Combined with diverse fastener

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a knitted loop tape adapted to be cut into pieces to form the loop portions for fasteners of the type including releasably engageable hook and loop portions, and to garments such as disposable diapers including pieces of such knitted loop tape.
• hook-and-loop fastening systems comprising a non-woven backsheet, a knitted loop tape and hooks used as a mechanical closure system for products such as disposable diapers, adult incontinence briefs, training pants, sanitary napkins and the like.
• a fastening system is cloth-like, which is quite different from the traditional tape closure system comprising a polyolefin backsheet, a film frontal tape (FFT) and film side tapes.
• FFT film frontal tape
• a conventional knitted loop tape comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer A, a pattern printed layer B, a film backing layer C, a loop fabric layer D and a low adhesion backsize (LAB) layer E, wherein one layer bonds to the other from the bottom to the top in sequence.
• PSA pressure sensitive adhesive
• LAB low adhesion backsize
• the loop fabric layer is formed with a plurality of loops thereon and each loop lies on the film backing layer in the same direction ((+)Y direction shown in Figure 2), such that the angle between each loop and the film backing layer (X-Y plane shown in Figure 2) is substantially zero.
• the knitted loop tape is wound into a roll (usually along either the (+)Y direction or the (-)Y direction)
• the PSA layer will stick to the loop fabric layer. Accordingly, when the roll of the knitted loop tape is unwound, a very high unwinding force would occur, such that a de-lamination is possible between the film backing layer and the loop fabric layer also the loops on the loop fabric layer will be damaged.
• the provision of the LAB layer increases the costs in the manufacturing as well as in the materials, which thus increases the cost of the loop tape.
• the loops of the knitted loop tape are all oriented in the same direction ((+)Y direction shown in Figure 2). When the tape is disposed along the upper edge of a front portion of the diaper and engages with the hooks provided on the hook portion on each lateral side of the upper edge of a rear portion of the diaper, there is a strong peeling force between loops of the tape and the hooks on one lateral side.
• a knitted loop tape comprises: a pressure sensitive adhesive layer; a film backing layer located above the pressure sensitive adhesive layer and bonded thereto; and a loop fabric layer located above the film backing layer and bonded thereto.
• the loop fabric layer has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and comprises a plurality of parallel warp yarns, each warp yarn being formed with a plurality of loops thereon.
• Each loop is respectively oriented toward the first side to define a first angle with respect to the film backing layer. The first angle ranges from about 10° to about 80°.
• the second preferred embodiment of the present invention knitted loop tape comprises: a pressure sensitive adhesive layer; a film backing layer located above the pressure sensitive adhesive layer and bonded thereto; and a loop fabric layer located above the film backing layer and bonded thereto.
• the loop fabric layer has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and comprises a plurality of parallel warp yarns, each warp yarn being formed with a plurality of loops thereon.
• Each of some loops along the same warp yarn is respectively oriented toward the first side to define a first angle with respect to the film backing layer.
• the first angle ranges from about 10° to about 80°.
• Each of the remaining loops along the same warp yarn is respectively oriented toward the second side to define a second angle with respect to the film backing layer.
• the second angle ranges from about 10° to about 80°.
• the present invention also relates a hook and loop fastening system, comprising at least one loop portion made of the knitted loop tape according to the first preferred embodiment and at least one hook portion with a plurality of hooks engageable with the loops of the loop portions.
• a further aspect of the present invention relates to a hook and loop fastening system, comprising at least one loop portion made of the knitted loop tape according to the second preferred embodiment and at least one hook portion with a plurality of hooks engageable with the loops of the loop portions.
• a disposable diaper comprising: a front waist region; a rear waist region; a crotch region extending between the front waist region and the rear waist region; a liquid-pervious topsheet; a liquid-impervious backsheet; an absorbent core inserted between the topsheet and the backsheet; the topsheet and the backsheet extending outward longitudinally beyond longitudinally opposite ends of the absorbent core and bonding together in the front waist region and the rear waist region, respectively, so as to form a pair of end flaps in each of the front waist region and the rear waist region.
• At least one strip of the knitted loop tape according to the first or second preferred embodiment being attached to the backsheet between one pair of the end flaps, with the warp yarns of the tape parallel to the longitudinal direction of the diaper.
• a tab being attached to each of the other pair of end flaps on the backsheet, each tab having a plurality of hooks which are formed thereon and face the topsheet.
• Figure 1 is a sectional view of a conventional knitted loop tape
• Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a segment of the conventional knitted loop tape of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a sectional view of a knitted loop tape in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a segment of the knitted loop tape of Figure 3;
• Figure 5 is a sectional view of a knitted loop tape in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a segment of the knitted loop tape of Figure 5;
• Figure 7 is a spread view of a diaper provided with the knitted loop tape in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
• Figure 8 is a perspective view of the diaper of Figure 7.
• FIGS. 3 and 4 show a knitted loop tape 1 in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• the knitted loop tape 1 comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive layer 11, a pattern printing layer 12 located above the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 11 and bonded thereto, a film backing layer 13 located above the printing layer 12 and bonded thereto, and a loop fabric layer 14 located above the film backing layer 13 and bonded thereto.
• the loop fabric layer 14 lies on an X-Y plane, wherein the X axis is defined as the warp knitting direction and the Y axis is defined as the weft knitting direction.
• a Z axis is thus orthogonal to both the X axis and the Y-axis.
• the loop fabric layer 14 comprises a plurality of parallel warp yarns 141 which are oriented in the (+)X direction. Each warp yarn 141 is formed with a plurality of loops 142 thereon.
• the loops 142 are all tilted toward the (+)Y direction, or the first side of the loop fabric layer 14, with each loop 142 defining a angle ⁇ with respect to the (+)Y direction.
• the angle ⁇ ranges from about 10° to about 80°, preferably 20° to 60°.
• (+)X direction When the knitted loop tape 1 is to be cut into pieces and used in a hook-and-loop fastening system, the roll of the knitted loop tape 1 has to be unwound first. Based on the angle ⁇ , when the knitted loop tape 1 is unwound (in the (-)X direction), the unwinding force is controlled such that the force does not destroy the bonding between the loop fabric layer 14 and the film backing layer 13.
• the controlled unwinding force resulted from the designated loop angle ⁇ is similar to the effect of applying a conventional low adhesion backsize (LAB) coating.
• LAB low adhesion backsize
• no LAB coating can reduce the cost in the materials, such as the release agent and solvent, and the cost in the related processes, such as the drying. Further, there will no potential contamination or voids resulted from the LAB coating.
• each loop 142 is illustrated to be separate from the adjacent one, as shown in Figure 4. However, the loops 142 along the same warp yarn 141 may overlap each other.
• the angle ⁇ is defined as the angle of the loop with respect to the (+)Y direction
• the loop is not necessary limited to be only tilted in the (+)Y direction but can also be tilted toward either the (+)X direction ("loop up” direction) or the (-)X direction ("loop down” direction). In the latter two cases, the angle ⁇ is defined as the angle of the loop with respect to the X-Y plane.
• TEST 1 a first test was performed according to the following procedures.
• Three rolls of tape respectively comprising a film frontal tape (FFT, Product No. KT-1985, from 3M Company), a conventional knitted loop tape (Product No. KLT, from 3M Company) and the knitted loop tape 1 (New KLTl) in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, as listed in Table 1 and being conditioned for 24 hours in the constant temperature and humidity room; and
• FFT film frontal tape
• KLT knitted loop tape
• New KLTl knitted loop tape 1
• Constant temperature and humidity room set at 23+/-2°C and 50+/-5 % relative humidity
• Instron extension tester a. Crosshead speed: 20"/min; b. Full scale load: Minimum 500 grams; c. Chart speed: lO'Vmin; d. Filter out; e. Initial jaw separation: Adjust to leave approximately two inches between the upper jaw and the roll to be tested; f. Crosshead travel: At least 6.2 inches; and g. Zero adjust: Place the metal straight edge in the upper jaw and adjust zero.
• Unwind apparatus a. Clamp the unwinding apparatus into lower jaws of the constant rate of the extension tester; and b. Make sure the spindle on the unwind apparatus turns freely.
• Three rolls or pieces of tape at least 2-1/4" in the cross direction and long enough in the machine direction to cut the required number of replicates, and respectively comprising the film frontal tape (FFT, Product No. KT-1985, from 3M Company), the conventional knitted loop tape (Product No. KLT, from 3M Company) and the knitted loop tape 1 (New KLTl) in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, as listed in Table 1 and being conditioned for 24 hours in the constant temperature and humidity room;
• FFT Film frontal tape
• Product No. KLT from 3M Company
• New KLTl knitted loop tape 1
• TRM-300 Double Coated Pressure Sensitive Tape (Order from Aberdeen, SD. USA, 1.5" x 36 yards 9579 tape #70-0000-8219-1); 3. Three 1 " wide and approximately 11" long paper strips;
• Constant temperature and humidity room set at 23+/-2°C and 50+/-5 % relative humidity;
• Test Panel a. Make sure stainless steel test panels are clean and free of adhesive and other foreign material; b. Clean with Diacetone alcohol and heptane as needed; and c. If testing with polypropylene panels, use both sides of the news panels and then dispose of in an appropriate manner, Procedures:
• TRM-300 double-coated tape on one side of the steel panel; and remove the liner from the TRM-300 tape; 3. Place a 2" x 5" piece of test material, i.e., the FFT or hook layer, test side up onto the TRM-300 tape; cover with the paper strip and secure test material using a rolldown;
• Polypropylene panels may be disposed of after testing on both sides of the panel. Result:
• the knitted loop tape 1 of first preferred embodiment disclosed in Figures 3 and 4 eliminates the need for a LAB coating.
• the knitted loop tape 1 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention may be further modified to the knitted loop tape 2 of second preferred embodiment.
• Figures 5 and 6 show a knitted loop tape 2 in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• the knitted loop tape 2 comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive layer 21, a pattern printing layer 22 located above the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 21 and bonded thereto, a film backing layer 23 located above the printing layer 22 and bonded thereto, and a loop fabric layer 24 located above the film backing layer 23 and bonded thereto.
• the loop fabric layer 24 lies on an X-Y plane, wherein the X axis is defined as the warp knitting direction and the Y axis is defined as the weft knitting direction. A Z axis is thus orthogonal to both the X axis and the Y-axis.
• the loop fabric layer 24 comprises a plurality of parallel warp yarns 241 which are oriented in the (+)X direction. Each warp yarn 241 is formed with a plurality of loops 242 thereon.
• some of the loops 242 along the same warp yarn 241 are tilted in pairs toward the (+)Y direction, or the first side of the loop fabric layer 24, with each loop 242 defining a first angle ⁇ l with respect to the (+)Y direction, and the remaining loops 242 along the same warp yarn 241 are tilted in pairs toward the (-)Y direction, or the second side of the loop fabric layer 24, with each loop defining a second angle ⁇ 2 with respect to the (-)Y direction.
• the angles ⁇ l and ⁇ 2 range from about 10° to about 80°, preferably 20° to 60°.
• the adjacent loop pairs are tilted in opposite directions.
• the knitted loop tape 2 in manufacturing the knitted loop tape 2, it is usually wound into a roll in the (+)X direction.
• the roll of the knitted loop tape 2 has to be unwound first. Based on the angles ⁇ l and ⁇ 2, when the knitted loop tape 2 is unwound (in the (-)X direction), the unwinding force is controlled such that the force does not destroy the bonding between the loop fabric layer 24 and the film backing layer 23.
• the peeling force of the knitted loop tape 2 is larger than that of the conventional knitted loop tape.
• each loop 242 is illustrated to be separate from the adjacent one, as shown in Figure 6.
• the loops 242 of the same pair along the same warp yarn 241 may overlap each other.
• the first angle ⁇ l is defined as the angle of the loop with respect to the (+)Y direction
• the second angle ⁇ 2 is defined as the angle of the loop with respect to the (-)Y direction
• the loop is not necessary limited to be only tilted in the (+)Y direction or the (-)Y direction, but can also be tilted toward either the (+)X direction ("loop up” direction) or the (-)X direction (“loop down” direction).
• each of the angles ⁇ l and ⁇ 2 is defined as the angle of the loop with respect to the X-Y plane.
• FIGS 7 and 8 show a diaper 3 provided with a knitted loop tape 2 in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• the diaper 3 comprises a front waist region 31 , a rear waist region 32 and a crotch region 33 extending between the front waist region 31 and the rear waist region 32, as well as a liquid-pervious topsheet 34, a liquid-impervious backsheet 35, and an absorbent core 36 inserted between the topsheet 34 and the backsheet 35.
• the topsheet 34 and the backsheet 35 extend outward longitudinally beyond the longitudinally opposite ends of the absorbent core 36 and bond together in the front waist region 31 and the rear waist region 32, respectively.
• a first pair of end flaps 311 is thus formed in the front waist region 31 and a second pair of end flaps 321 is formed in the rear waist region 32.
• a strip of the knitted loop tape 2 in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention is attached to the backsheet 35 between the end flaps 311, with the warp yarns 241 of the tape 2 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the diaper 3.
• a tab 4 having a hook portion 41 with a plurality of hooks formed thereon (e.g., the hooks shown in Figure 5) and facing the topsheet 34, is attached to each end flap 321, on the backsheet 35. Accordingly, by engaging the hooks 41 of the tab 4 on each end flap 321 with the knitted loop tape 2, the diaper 3 can be folded on a user's body, as shown in Figure 8.
• a 1 "MD x 1/2"CD hook material hook layer (Product No. CS600, from 3M Company).
• Full scale load should be 20,000 grams, and depending on aggressive test material, up to 50,000 grams; adjust only if result is not between 20% and 80% of full scale load;
• Crosshead speed is 12"/minute

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Vascular Medicine (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• Biomedical Technology (AREA)
• Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
• Slide Fasteners, Snap Fasteners, And Hook Fasteners (AREA)
• Adhesive Tapes (AREA)

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Publications (1)

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Cited By (2)

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Citations (5)

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• 2004
  • 2004-07-02 TW TW093120020A patent/TWI358285B/zh not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2005
  • 2005-06-23 WO PCT/US2005/022605 patent/WO2006014248A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2005-06-23 JP JP2007519310A patent/JP2008504884A/ja not_active Ceased
  • 2005-06-23 US US11/570,843 patent/US20080009819A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2005-06-23 AU AU2005270187A patent/AU2005270187A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2005-07-01 FR FR0507017A patent/FR2876884B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2005-07-04 IT IT001257A patent/ITMI20051257A1/it unknown
• 2012
  • 2012-05-17 JP JP2012113297A patent/JP2012176271A/ja active Pending

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