Abstract: A skin-friendly hook component of a hook and loop fastener that reduces or eliminates the occurrence of red-marking and/or irritation if brought into contact with a wearer's skin. In one embodiment, the hook component can have a relatively large top surface area among the hooks with respect to a surface area of the hook backing. In another embodiment, the hook backing is highly flexible, attributable to a flexible resin and/or modified topography. In yet another embodiment, a highly flexible polymer, or polymers, can be used to make individual hooks such that the hooks bend in response to a minimum amount of pressure. Various illustrated hook tapes have features along their edges to enhance skin-friendliness. A skin-friendly hook component results any combination of the disclosed embodiments. The hook component is particularly beneficial when used in absorbent articles.

Abstract: A skin-friendly hook component of a hook and loop fastener that reduces or eliminates the occurrence of red-marking and/or irritation if brought into contact with a wearer's skin. In one embodiment, the hook component can have a relatively large top surface area among the hooks with respect to a surface area of the hook backing. In another embodiment, the hook backing is highly flexible, attributable to a flexible resin and/or modified topography. In yet another embodiment, a highly flexible polymer, or polymers, can be used to make individual hooks such that the hooks bend in response to a minimum amount of pressure. Various illustrated hook tapes have features along their edges to enhance skin-friendliness. A skin-friendly hook component results any combination of the disclosed embodiments. The hook component is particularly beneficial when used in absorbent articles.

Abstract: A joint operable to couple a first shaft to a second shaft includes a first yoke coupled to the first shalt and defining a first aperture. A second yoke is coupled to the second shaft and defines a second aperture. A first bearing is coupled to the first yoke and is at least partially disposed within the first aperture. A second bearing is coupled to the second yoke and is at least partially disposed within the second aperture. A cross member has a first boss coupled to the first bearing and a second boss coupled to the second bearing. A first resilient member is positioned between the first bearing and the first boss to interconnect the first boss and the first yoke, and a second resilient member is positioned between the second bearing and the second boss to interconnect the second boss and the second yoke.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite fastener material, the composite fastener material, and products derived from the composite fastener material. The method includes providing two longitudinally continuous sheets of material, positioning the two sheets to form a longitudinal, continuous interface between the two sheets, joining the two sheets by introducing one or more molten plastic resins in at least one lane, one lane of the resin extending across the interface under conditions that cause the resin to bond to the two sheets, molding an array of stems from at least one lane of the resin, the stems extending from an exposed surface of the composite material, and forming engageable heads on the stems to form fastener elements, wherein the two sheets differ from one another by one of material composition, thickness, texture, stretchability, breathability, and compressability.

Abstract: A steering wheel (12) incorporates an air bag unit (22). The air bag unit has a cover door (30) with a transducer (38) molded in a deformable front wall (35) of the cover door. The transducer is operably connected to an electrical circuit (42) that actuates a horn (44) when the circuit senses an actuating output voltage at the output lead (41) of the transducer (38). The transducer produces the actuating output voltage when hand pressure is exerted on the front wall (35).

Abstract: An assembly (10) for molding a two-tone color plastic shell (12) includes a divider wall (42) having first and second sections (42a) and (42b) that are interconnected for lateral adjustment therebetween for controlling the position of a seal gasket (60) with respect to a divider rib or division surface (36) on a heated mold (22).