By Fabric Strip Fastener Element (e.g., Hook And Loop Type Fastener) Patents (Class 604/391)
  • Patent number: 8020262
    Abstract: The invention provides a patch of a male fastening means, in particular, a hook patch with decreased bending resistance. The patch according to the invention comprises a backing bearing a plurality of male fastening elements, in particular hook elements. The patch is integral and comprises a plurality of incisions. Said incisions do not extend across the whole width of the patch but preferably leave at least one intact bridge across the cross-direction of the patch. Furthermore, a fastening tape tab having a manufacturer's and user's end is provided, the fastening tape tab comprising a support layer bearing on its major surface of the user's end at least one fastening patch according to the invention. Furthermore, a strip is provided from which a patch according to the invention is cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Ralf G. Oertel
  • Patent number: 8016807
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Miguel Alvaro Robles
  • Patent number: 8007485
    Abstract: In a mechanical fastening system for an article, a first fastening component of the fastening system is constructed of an oriented nonwoven loop material. The nonwoven loop material is constructed at least part of an nonwoven web of fibers that is extensible from a relaxed configuration to an extended configuration wherein in the extended configuration a greater number of fibers of the nonwoven web are oriented in the direction in which the web is extended than in the relaxed configuration of the web. In one embodiment, the web is in its extended configuration and secured to a substrate A second fastening component of the mechanical fastening system comprises a hook material wherein the oriented nonwoven loop material of the first fastening component is adapted for releasable connection with the hook material of the second fastening component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Debra Durrance, Paul VanGompel, Michael T. Morman, Paul M. Linker
  • Patent number: 8002761
    Abstract: To improve the fastening property of a fastening type disposable diaper. The problem is overcome by use of a disposable diaper having an engagement section that is constituted so that the separation strength off a fastening tape is constituted so as to decrease stepwise or continuously from a center portion in a width direction of a product toward edges on both sides or an engagement section made of a loop member sheet constituted so that loop elements of the loop base sheet may be exposed from holes 21a, 21a of a perforated cover sheet 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Utsunomiya, Keiji Torigoshi
  • Patent number: 7993321
    Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a diaper body and a pair of side flaps each fixed to the diaper body at a fixing part and at least a joint part. The diaper body has transversely opposite side parts, each of which has opposite first and second end parts. The fixing parts and joint parts are located at the first end parts of the disposable diaper. Each fixing part is located inwardly of the respective joint part as seen in the width direction of the diaper body. Each side flap has an inner end part fixed to the diaper body and an outer end part to which a fastener is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Koichiro Tani
  • Publication number: 20110178485
    Abstract: An absorbent article is provided that comprises a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region disposed between the front waist region and the back waist region, a front waist end edge, a back waist end edge, a longitudinal axis extending from a mid-point of the front waist end edge to a mid-point of the back waist end edge, a first longitudinally extending side edge, a second longitudinally extending side edge, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. A portion of the front waist region and a portion of the back waist region are joined in a surface to surface relationship to form a pant comprising a first permanent side edge seam and a laterally opposed second permanent side edge seam. The first and second permanent side edge seams define an initial waist opening circumference and a pair of leg openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Theodora Beck, Thomas Henrich, Aaron Joseph Meirose, Aaron Duane Seitz, Bret Darren Seitz, Bryan Keith Waye, Kevin Michael Smith
  • Publication number: 20110178486
    Abstract: An absorbent article is provided that comprises a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region disposed between the front waist region and the back waist region, a front waist end edge, a back waist end edge, a longitudinal axis extending from a mid-point of the front waist end edge to a mid-point of the back waist end edge, a first longitudinally extending side edge, a second longitudinally extending side edge, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. A portion of the front waist region and a portion of the back waist region are joined in a surface to surface relationship to form a pant comprising a first permanent side edge seam and a laterally opposed second permanent side edge seam. The first and second permanent side edge seams define an initial waist opening circumference and a pair of leg openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Theodora Beck, Thomas Henrich, Aaron Joseph Meirose, Kevin Michael Smith, Aaron Duane Seitz, Bret Darren Seitz, Bryan Keith Waye
  • Publication number: 20110166542
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an absorbent article to be worn about a wearer has a front portion and a back portion. The absorbent article includes an outer layer, an inner layer that is substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, an absorbent layer and one or more fasteners, which are located on the back portion of the absorbent article. The absorbent layer is interposed between the outer layer and the inner layer to form the absorbent article. The outer layer has a central portion between two side portions. The central portion of the outer layer is treated with a chemical to substantially inhibit attachment of the one or more fasteners to the central portion of the outer layer. The one or more fasteners secure the back portion to the outer layer of the front portion. Specifically, the one or more fasteners are configured to secure the back portion to a region of the outer layer which is not treated with the chemical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Min Yao, Daniel B. Love
  • Publication number: 20110152817
    Abstract: A wearing article configured so that the wearing article can be smoothly put on the wearer's body even when the wearer is in the chair. The wearing article includes front and rear waist regions, of which at least the rear waist region is elasticized. The wearing article further includes fastening means comprising a pair of first fastening elements extending on respective outer surfaces of first lateral zones of the front waist region in a longitudinal direction and a pair of second fastening elements adapted to be engaged with the associated the first fastening elements and extending on respective inner surfaces of second lateral zones of the rear waist region in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Kinoshita, Natsuko Aoyagi, Kayoko Tanaka, Yasuhiko Kenmochi
  • Publication number: 20110137279
    Abstract: A mechanical fastening system having an engaging component and a receiving component. The receiving component has a first bond line, a second bond line, a bond zone, and a plurality of consecutive sweep regions. The second bond line is disposed adjacent to the first bond line such that a portion of the second bond line overlaps a portion of the first bond line. The bond zone circumscribes the first bond line and the second bond line. The plurality of consecutive sweep regions are disposed within the bond zone. At least one sweep region includes a portion of both the first bond line and the second bond line, and the remaining sweep regions include at least a portion of the first or the second bond lines. The receiving component has a bond ratio greater than or equal to about 1 and less than or equal to about 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Alexander Horn, Mark James Kline, Kazuhiko Masuda, Hisashi Morimoto
  • Patent number: 7947028
    Abstract: A diaper has an unfastened condition and a fastened condition. The diaper has a front portion, a back portion and a fastener system. The fastener system is adapted to join the back portion to the front portion thereby transitioning the diaper from the unfastened condition to the fastened condition. The diaper is adapted to provide an umbilical relief area when in the fastened condition without tearing or folding the front waist edge. The diaper does not have an umbilical notch when in the unfastened condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason C. Cohen, Kusum Gosain
  • Publication number: 20110118692
    Abstract: A female member for a hook-and-loop fastener is provided. Even when the hook-and-loop fastener part is deformed or an instantaneous impact peel force is applied to the fastener part, the female member does not peel off the male member. When the male member is peeled from the female member, no fluffing caused by shedding of a fibrous material occurs. The female member for a hook-and-loop fastener is constituted of a fibrous material and can engage with a mating male member. The female member is composed of: dense fiber portions arranged in rows and having a high density of the fibrous material; and sparse fiber portions arranged in rows alternately with these dense fiber portions and having a lower density of the fibrous material than the dense fiber portions. The dense fiber portions deform elastically, and this prevents undesirable peeling and diminishes fluffing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoru Sakaguchi
  • Publication number: 20110118693
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a wearing article improved so that mount members in folded state can be easily released from a temporarily fixing effect. The method of making a wearing article involves folding back each of mount members from the side of a top-sheet of a front waist region toward an inner side facing the wearer's skin so as to define first regions, second regions and third regions; bonding the first regions to the top-sheet in the front waist region by means of first adhesive layers; bonding the first regions to the second regions by means of second adhesive layers; forming first arrays of adhesive spots between the second regions and the third regions; hook elements are bonded to surfaces of the third regions on the side of the top-sheet in a rear waist region; bond loop elements to the top-sheet in the rear waist region; and engaging the loop elements with the hook elements. The first arrays of adhesive spots are formed in area overlapping the hook elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Konishi, Kazuo Ukegawa, Ryota Myojo, Natsuko Aoyagi, Kayoko Tanaka, Yasuhiko Kenmochi
  • Publication number: 20110106042
    Abstract: An absorbent sanitary product wearable as a pant-like garment includes a central body including an absorbent portion defining a crotch portion of the product and two side panels extending laterally from the opposite ends the central body to define respective portions of the waist line of the product so that a pair of complementary side panels is provided at each side of the central body. Each side panel has a distal edge connected to a distal edge of the complementary side panel via a refastenable hook-and-loop closure including complementary hook and loop elements. In each pair of complementary side panels one panel carries at its surface facing inwardly of the product either of the hook and loop elements of the hook-and-loop closure. The other panel has its distal edge folded over itself inwardly of the product to form an end loop portion and a marginal rim sandwiched between the two complementary side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: FAMECCANICA.DATA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele SABLONE, Giacomo DE LAURETIS
  • Patent number: 7931638
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an absorbent article to be worn about a wearer has a front portion and a back portion. The absorbent article includes an outer layer, an inner layer that is substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, an absorbent layer and one or more fasteners, which are located on the back portion of the absorbent article. The absorbent layer is interposed between the outer layer and the inner layer to form the absorbent article. The outer layer has a central portion between two side portions. The central portion of the outer layer is treated with a chemical to substantially inhibit attachment of the one or more fasteners to the central portion of the outer layer. The one or more fasteners secure the back portion to the outer layer of the front portion. Specifically, the one or more fasteners are configured to secure the back portion to a region of the outer layer which is not treated with the chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Min Yao, Daniel B. Love
  • Publication number: 20110092946
    Abstract: A method for measuring the force necessary to separate a sample of a hooks fastener component from engagement with a loops component is disclosed. The method includes the steps of engaging respective samples of the hooks material and loops material along a plane of engagement, displacing them in a shear direction parallel with the plane of engagement, pulling them apart on a tensile tester in a direction orthogonal to the plane of engagement, until disengaged, and measuring the pulling force exerted during the pulling step. A wearable article having a combination of hooks fastener and loops material landing zone is also disclosed, wherein the hooks fastener and loops material are selected using the disclosed method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Oliver Edwin Clarke Mason
  • Publication number: 20110092947
    Abstract: A wearable article with an extensible fastening member having a fastener proximate its end is disclosed. The fastening member may be highly extensible, and may have construction features and shape characteristics that affect distribution of force components when the fastener is in use, and reduce the chances of buckling or flipping of the fastening member along its edges, and the chances that the edges of the fastener will be lifted away from a surface to which it is attached. The fastener and material forming an accompanying landing zone on the article may be selected to form a fastening combination having performance attributes that provide further resistance to unintended pop-off under wearing conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Oliver Edwin Clarke Mason
  • Publication number: 20110077611
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides reusable diaper devices, systems, and methods. One diaper embodiment includes a diaper body layer, a first casing formed from one or more layers of material and positioned on the diaper body layer, a first channel is formed by the casing proximate to a first leg opening of the diaper and the first channel contains a first band, a second casing formed from one or more layers of material and positioned on the diaper body layer, a second channel is formed in the casing proximate to a second leg opening of the diaper and the second channel contains a second band, and a length of each of the bands is adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Sarah B. Van Bogart
  • Publication number: 20110066129
    Abstract: A wearing article configured so that hook elements of a mechanical fastener can be firmly attached to a chassis and the hook elements can be held in engagement with loop elements of a mechanical fastener tightly without correspondingly increasing a manufacturing cost. The wearing article has front and rear waist regions that respectively include a first pair of lateral zones and a second pair of lateral zones, these lateral zones in each pair are opposed to each other in a transverse direction X and extending in a longitudinal direction Y. An inner sheet is provided in the first lateral zones with mount members attached thereto and hook elements are attached to the diaper via the mount members. In the second lateral zones, the inner sheet is provided with loop elements attached thereto. First and second arrays of the hook elements include deformed regions created over the entire areas thereof by pressure-treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Kinoshita, Kayoko Tanaka, Yasuhiko Kenmochi
  • Patent number: 7905872
    Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise a topsheet, a backsheet joined with the topsheet, an absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and backsheet; and one or more article elements selected from the group consisting of an anal cuff, an elasticized topsheet, a fastening system, a leg cuff, a waist elastic feature, a side panel, an ear, and combinations thereof. The article elements may comprise a slow recovery stretch laminate exhibiting an unload force at 37° C. of about 0.16 N/(g/m) or greater and a percent of initial strain after 15 seconds of recovery at 22° C. of about 10% or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robin Lynn McKiernan, Bryn Hird, Edward Joseph Urankar, Janet Neton
  • Patent number: 7901392
    Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Miguel Alvaro Robles
  • Patent number: 7895718
    Abstract: A mechanical fastening system having an engaging component and a receiving component. The receiving component has a first bond line, a second bond line, a bond zone, and a plurality of consecutive sweep regions. The second bond line is disposed adjacent to the first bond line such that a portion of the second bond line overlaps a portion of the first bond line. The bond zone circumscribes the first bond line and the second bond line. The plurality of consecutive sweep regions are disposed within the bond zone. At least one sweep region includes a portion of both the first bond line and the second bond line, and the remaining sweep regions include at least a portion of the first or the second bond lines. The receiving component has a bond ratio greater than or equal to about 1 and less than or equal to about 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Thomas Alexander Horn, Mark James Kline, Kazuhiko Masuda, Hisashi Morimoto
  • Publication number: 20110046597
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a wearing article improved so that various types of nonwoven fabrics can be effectively used for target nonwoven fabric without anxiety that the target nonwoven fabric once engaged with hook elements might be readily torn. As an outer sheet 8 defining a garment-facing side of a chassis 2, a commonly-used nonwoven fabric is used and this nonwoven fabric is oriented in a longitudinal direction Y. Rear waist region's side edges 14 of the chassis 2 are provided with flaps 16 attached thereto. Each of the flaps 16 has a joint region 19 along which the flap 16 is joined to the chassis 2 and first and second hook elements 21, 22. Between the joint region 19 and the first and second hook elements 21, 22 as viewed in the transverse direction X, a contractible region 23 adapted to be contractible in the transverse direction X. The contractible region 23 is provided with a plurality of flap's elastic members 24.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Katsumi Mizutani, Haruki Toda, Maiko Suzuki, Yoshikazu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7883498
    Abstract: Absorbent articles suitable for use as diapers or other hygiene products are provided. The absorbent articles have one or more closure system features including dual elasticity, rear closure, and the use of co-adhesives for the fasteners. Products according to the invention may provide any of several benefits, including a high level of comfort in use, resistance to tampering by the wearer, and relatively quiet attachment and detachment of the closures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: First Quality Retail Services, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Waksmundzki, Carol Erdman, Frank S. Glaug
  • Publication number: 20110028936
    Abstract: A tear away diaper fastening system including a segment of loop material having a plurality of outwardly projecting loop elements adapted to engage cooperating hooking elements in juxtaposed contacting relation. The loop material includes a composite sheet of stitch bonded construction including a polymer film substrate layer. A first plurality of yarn elements extends in stitched relation through the substrate layer to define a plurality of parallel stitch lines of flat stitches extending along the machine direction of the sheet material to form a ground layer substantially covering an upper surface of the substrate layer. A second plurality of yarn elements extends in stitched relation through the substrate layer in zigzag crossing relation between parallel needle lines to define a plurality of raised loops extending above the ground layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Martin Wildeman, Lori Shannon Sears
  • Patent number: 7870652
    Abstract: A fastening member has inboard and outboard ends, a panel region, an end region, and a stiffening element. The panel region is disposed adjacent to the inboard end and has first and second layers. The first and second layers are joined in a face-to-face orientation. The end region is disposed adjacent to the outboard end and has a fastening element zone and an intermediate zone. The intermediate zone is disposed between the fastening element zone and the panel region adjacent an interface between the panel and end regions. The stiffening element is disposed in the end region and has a stiffness of greater than about 200 N/m. A portion of the stiffening element is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and is joined to the first layer and the second layer. The portion is disposed adjacent to the interface between the panel region and the end region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Anna Elizabeth Macura, Michael Irwin Lawson, Ronald Joseph Zink
  • Patent number: 7872169
    Abstract: A non-elastic thermoplastic film having a noise abatement region and a fastening component. The noise abatement region has a plurality of apertures, wherein each of the plurality of apertures has an area of between about 4 mm2 to about 75 mm2. The fastening component is disposed within the noise abatement region such that the fastening component is surrounded by the noise abatement elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Oscar Antonio Ruiz, John Carroll Molander
  • Patent number: 7867212
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing fastener ears for absorbent articles and other garments includes the step of cutting a wave-shaped pattern along the longitudinal axis of an elongated strip of material. The wave-shaped cutting pattern is substantially centered along the strip and divides the strip into a first web and a second web. Each web has a series of ear shapes, with each ear shape having a wave crest portion. Each wave crest portion has a first edge with a convex curvature. The method also includes the step of cutting each of the ear shapes out of its respective web to form a plurality of fastener ears. A fastener ear formed by such method is also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: First Quality Retail Services, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Waksmundzki, Mike Bond
  • Publication number: 20110004182
    Abstract: A fastener tab including a fastening-tape-segment, a hook-tape-segment, a release-tape-segment, and an antipeel-tape-segment, with the release-tape-segment and the antipeel-tape-segment being formed from a single tape. The antipeel-tape-segment is configured to prevent a susceptible leading edge of an anchoring zone of the release-tape-segment from being subjected to peel-initiating forces during deployment of the fastener tab. An adhesive area can be included to releasably bond a fastening deployment zone and the release anchoring zone together to minimize pre-deployment flagging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: AVERY DENNISON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael D. Hilston, Donald V. Varanese
  • Patent number: 7862550
    Abstract: A mechanical fastening system for an article having a stretchable loop fastener component mountable on the article and including an elastomeric substrate and a high bond point non-woven loop material secured to the elastomeric substrate. The bond points on the non-woven loop material are defined by discrete compression points and the non-woven loop material is substantially free from discrete compression points other than at the bond points. A hook fastener component is mountable on the article and adapted for releasable engagement with the loop fastener component. The stretchable loop fastener component is stretchable relative to the hook fastener component when the fastener components are engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mathew L. Koele, Robert L. Popp, William M. Lynch
  • Publication number: 20100312218
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a wearing article improved so that front and rear waist regions can be easily and normally engaged with each other. A front waist region 8 is provided along a pair of opposite side edges 11 with first fastening members 13, and a rear waist region 9 is provided along a pair of opposite side edges 12 with second fastening members 14 adapted to be engaged with the associated first fastening members 13. Each of the second fastening members 14 is formed with an uneven structure having a plurality of crests 17 extending in a transverse direction X and spaced one from another in a longitudinal direction Y. Even when the uneven structure formed by the uneven region 16 as the latter 16 contracts comes in contact and engagement with the first fastening member 13, a degree of engaging force between the uneven structure and the first fastening member 13 is extremely weak and the uneven structure can be easily disengaged from the first fastening member 13.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Ichikawa, Naoto Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20100305543
    Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics of a basis weight of 10 to 30 g/m2 prepared from endless filaments of 0.5 to 3.5 den of fineness by spun-melt technology primarily for producing hygienic products. It consists of endless polyolefin filaments of a volume mass in the range from 40 to 80 g/m3, its basis weight is in the range from 10 to 30 g/m2 and its thickness is in the range from 0.15 to 0.80 mm, being thermally bonded on a part of its surface in the range from 10 to 16% of its total surface area. The method for producing the nonwoven fabrics where a basic system of endless filaments of 0.5 to 3.5 den of fineness is created by spun-melt technology, which is stochastically deposited on a moving belt, of a basis weight of 10 to 30 g/m2 and then it passes through a calendering system consisting of a smooth roller and an embossed roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Frantisek Klaska
  • Publication number: 20100298803
    Abstract: A folded disposable absorbent garment has an absorbent chassis, a pair of front side panels extending from a front region of the absorbent chassis, and a pair of back side panels extending from a back region of the absorbent chassis. A first fastening component is disposed on each of the front side panels and a second fastening component is disposed on each of the back side panels. Each of the second fastening components is releasably attached to a respective one of the first fastening components to define a pair of refastenable seams. The front side panels and the back side panels are folded such that each of the refastenable seams overlies an outer surface of one of the front region and the back region of the absorbent chassis in a plane generally parallel to the front and back regions of the absorbent chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Marcille Faye Ruman, Kathleen Irene Ratliff
  • Patent number: 7837664
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes first and second engagement members attached to the outer surface of a front waist region along transversely opposite side edge portions thereof so as to be spaced from each other by a given dimension in a longitudinal direction and third engagement members attached to in the inner surface of a rear waist region along transversely opposite side edge portions thereof. The first engagement members are laid on the respective side edge portions in longitudinally upper zones, the second engagement members are laid on the side edge portions in longitudinally lower zones, the third engagement members are laid on the side edge portions in longitudinally intermediate zones and hooks are respectively formed on the outer surface of the first and second engagement members and on the inner surface of the third engagement members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Toshifumi Otsubo, Tomoko Sugito
  • Patent number: 7833207
    Abstract: A pants-type wearing article includes front and rear waist regions connected to each other by a fastener member in a detachable and refastenable manner. Each of the fastener member includes a sheet-like supporting element adapted to be folded in a Z-shape or an inverted Z-shape as the front and rear waist regions are put flat together and a fastener element. The supporting element has a top section, a bottom section and an intermediate section connecting the top and bottom sections. Between opposed surfaces of the bottom section and the intermediate section, a sheet-like liner section is provided so as to extend from a bottom section's openable end of the bottom section along these opposed surfaces toward a top section's joint end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kenmochi, Akiyoshi Kinoshita, Natsuko Aoyagi, Kayoko Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7833212
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer that facilitates an easy, intuitive change is provided. The disposable absorbent article includes at least one serviceable indicium that facilitates an easy change by providing alignment of the article relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer or by externally highlighting one or more components of the article thereby indicating alignment and fit about the wearer's lower torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Luke R. Magee, George B. Glackin, III, Christopher J. Hosmer, Naomi S. Korn, James D. Wilson, Mark C. Bates, Mattias Schmidt, Eva Susanne Dominique Thurnay, Joerg Mueller, John C. Costello, Ann M. Sullivan, Gregg A. Flender, Donald C. Roe, Mark J. Kline, Kenneth Edwin Jewell
  • Patent number: 7819851
    Abstract: An absorbent product (32) and a method of making the absorbent product. The absorbent product has at least one side panel (2, 35) having a first panel section (9) configured with a first tab (16) and a second panel section (10) configured with a second tab (23), wherein the first tab (16) overlaps and is fastened by a fastener (6), such that it can be opened and resealed, to an outer side (30) present on the second panel section (10), wherein the second tab (23) overlaps and is fastened by a fastener, such that it can be opened and resealed, to an outer side (31) present on the first panel section (9), and wherein the outer side (31) of the first panel section (9) faces the same way as the outer side (30) of the second panel section (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Birgitta Karlsson
  • Patent number: 7811273
    Abstract: An article having a surface fastening system and a primary direction of load bearing. The surface fastening system includes at least one first fastening element and at least one second fastening element. The first fastening element further includes an attached portion, partially joined to the article, at least one liftable portion extending from the attached portion, and at least one hinge line disposed at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the primary direction of load bearing, the hinge line is positioned between the attached portion and the liftable portion. At least one second fastening element is affixed at a second position to the article and configured to be engageable with the liftable portion of the first fastening element. Articles such as disposable diapers, bibs, clothing, etc. are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark J. Kline, Luke R. Magee
  • Publication number: 20100256587
    Abstract: A non-tacky adhesive fastening system may comprise an engaging member having an engaging surface with a non-tacky adherent disposed thereon and a receiving member having a receiving surface with a non-tacky adherend disposed thereon. The non-tacky adherent may be pre-engaged to the non-tacky adherend. The non-tacky adhesive fastening system, after aging, exhibits a T-Peel of less than about 12 N/inch and is refastenable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Urmish Popatlal Dalal, Robin Lynn McKiernan, Mark James Kline, Wolfgang Edgar Huhn, Italo Corzani
  • Publication number: 20100256588
    Abstract: An absorbent article has a belt and an absorbent structure. The absorbent structure is fastened to the belt via an article fastener having a form such that the article fastening means does not fold or bend upwards under the forces present when the diaper is assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Terje Vigmo
  • Publication number: 20100256582
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article including a pair of first fasteners, at least a portion of each first fastener being situated inboard from each longitudinal side edge in the first waist region, each first fastener being adapted to engage at least a portion of the inner surface of the second waist region, each first fastener comprising a resilient material. The disposable absorbent article also includes a disposal fastener, at least a portion of the disposal fastener being situated inboard from the longitudinal side edge in the second waist region, the disposal fastener adapted to engage at least a portion of the outer surface, the disposal fastener comprising a resilient material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Mary P. Jordan, Christopher P. Olson
  • Patent number: 7806880
    Abstract: A pull-on wearable article includes a main portion with an outer cover, the main portion defining a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region extending between and connecting the front and rear waist regions. First and second extendable side panels extend between and connect the main portion front waist region and the main portion rear waist region to form the article in a closed waist configuration, wherein at least a portion of each side panel is extendable between a relaxed state and an extended state. The article defines first and second side regions, each side region including one of the first and second side panels and a transverse region of the main portion bordering the respective side panel. An informational image is disposed in at least the first side region, wherein the informational image is legible when the first and second side panels are substantially in the relaxed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Melanie D. Allen, Kathleen Quinlan Ames-Ooten, Mark John Ciesko, Barry Robert Feist, Eiro Fukuda, George Bartol Glackin
  • Publication number: 20100249744
    Abstract: A fastening tape comprising a tab part formed at one end of a tape substrate, a fixing part formed at the other end of the tape substrate so as to be attached to a disposable diaper main body, a fastening part formed between the tab part and the fixing part, wherein an attachment is fixed to one surface of the tape substrate at the fastening part, the fastening part is folded at a boundary between the fastening part and the fixing part to form a first fold so that the attachment is inside the first fold, the attachment is joined to the fixing part of the tape substrate, the tab part is folded at a boundary between the tab part and the fastening part to form a second fold so that the attachment is outside the second fold. According to the fastening tape of the above, the tab part of the fastening tape is easily pinched and less likely to be joined to the attachment by folding the tab part, and hence handleability of the fastening tape is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Ikuo Akiyama
  • Patent number: 7799006
    Abstract: A fastening system has a first fastening member and a second fastening member. The first member has a retaining element and a substrate element. The retaining element includes a proximal edge and a distal edge and is attached to the substrate element along a line of attachment. The second fastening member has an inboard portion, an outboard portion, and an elongated opening disposed between the inboard and outboard portions. The elongated opening is configured such that at least part of the retaining element is capable of passing through the elongated opening when the retaining element is in a first orientation and when the retaining element is in a second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Ronald Joseph Zink, II, Jeromy Thomas Raycheck, George Henry Leal
  • Publication number: 20100234822
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a waistband which is attached to first and second body portions of the article. The first body portion is attached to the waistband by at least a fastening means wherein the article assumes a pant diaper form. The waistband has a reception surface and a perforation. The perforation allows the reception surface to be separated into first and second belt portions. At least a part of the reception surface is located on each belt portion, thereby allowing the article to assume a belt diaper form. The first belt portion comprises at least one fastening means. The second fastening means is arranged so that the absorbent article can be readily converted from a pant diaper form to a belt diaper form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Lucas Bäck
  • Patent number: 7789870
    Abstract: A fastening system includes an engaging component and a receiving component. The engaging component has a plurality of engaging elements capable of engaging the receiving component. The receiving component includes a nonwoven fabric having composite fibers, an embossed section, and a non-embossed section. The composite fibers are bonded together in the embossed sections. The composite fibers include a first propylene polymer and a second propylene polymer, wherein the first and second propylene polymers extend continually in a longitudinal direction and are arranged such that the second propylene polymer is associated with the first propylene polymer such that the composite fiber forms a crimp therein. The embossed sections have a plurality of zigzag unit patterns arranged in a machine direction which have a ratio of W1/W2 in the range of about 0.5 to about 2.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Thomas Alexander Horn, Mark James Kline, Kazuhiko Masuda, Hisashi Morimoto
  • Publication number: 20100217218
    Abstract: Absorbent garment such as a diaper and an incontinence guard, said garment comprises a first body panel (16), a second body panel (17) and a crotch portion (13) there between. The garment is provided with opposed laterally extending belt members (17) attached to the waist portion of the first body panel (11) and are adapted to be wrapped around the waist of the wearer of the garment and fastened together by means of first fastening means (18). The second body panel (12) at its waist portion is provided with second fastening means (19) adapted to be fastened to the belt members (17), in such a way that the garment will assume a pant-like shape. An elastic member (20) extends in transverse direction (x) along the waist portion (11a) of the first body panel (11) and extends into at least a portion of each belt member (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: Lucas Bäck, Elisabeth Lakso, Stefan Nedestam, Ingela Flink-Ekwall, Kent Hermansson, Gunnel Elglund
  • Publication number: 20100217225
    Abstract: The invention relates to improved fastening tabs for disposable products such as diapers, to disposable products comprising said fastening tabs, and to methods of manufacturing said disposable products. According to one embodiment, the fastening tab comprises a backing having a manufacturer s end and an opposite user s end. The fastening tab is adapted to be secured to the disposable product at its manufacturer s end, and the user's end comprises a fingerlift. The tab further comprises a mechanical fastening element attached to the user s end of the backing. The user s end is folded in a Z-shape such that the mechanical fastening element is at least partially covered by a portion of the user's end. The fastening tab is adapted so that, upon application of a pulling force onto the user s end of the fastening tab, the Z-shape is released and the covering of the mechanical fastening element is removed so that the mechanical fastening element is exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Johann F. Petersen, Ralf G. Oertel
  • Patent number: 7766890
    Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a hook and loop fastener which includes: (i) a plurality of hook components, which are fixed in place on both lateral sides of a rear side of the disposable diaper, and (ii) a hook receiving component that is fixed in place at a belly side of the disposable diaper. The hook components are engageable with the hook receiving component to form a fixing member for putting the disposable diaper on a user. The hook receiving component includes a base material section having a target that is visible from a front surface side of the hook receiving component, and a plurality of loops which are fixed in place on a surface of the base material section. Each of the loops is formed of a non-crimp treated continuous filament yarn that is straight or slowly curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignees: Daio Paper Corporation, Daio Paper Converting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Ito, Hiroshi Ono, Tomoka Kamoto
  • Publication number: 20100191213
    Abstract: An absorbent article has an inside surface that faces a wearer's body when the absorbent article is worn, and an outside surface opposite the inside surface. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet and a backsheet, at least a portion of the backsheet being liquid impervious. A front waist portion includes a first side front panel and a second side front panel. A back waist portion includes a first side back panel and a second side back panel. A crotch portion longitudinally extends between the front waist portion and the back waist portion. An absorbent assembly is disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. A first fastening component is disposed at the first side front panel and a second fastening component is disposed at the second side front panel for respective attachment to the first side back panel and the second side back panel to fasten the absorbent article around the waist of the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: FIRST QUALITY BABY PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Susan O'Connell