Abstract: A molded surface fastener having on its engaging surface an ornamental pattern, such as characters, design, symbol, etc., which is devoid of engaging elements. This ornamental pattern is formed using a die wheel having a multiplicity of engaging-element-forming cavities arranged on the entire circumferential surface except an ornamental pattern of area.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for being molded into a foamed structure. The fastener assembly includes a base having first and second opposed major surfaces, first and second opposed ends, and first and second opposed side edges. A multiplicity of attachment members are carried by the base and extend outwardly from the first major surface of the base for mating with complementary attachment members. First and second spaced-apart end seals are attached to respective first and second opposed ends of the base for preventing intrusion of liquid foam past the ends of the base and onto the attachment members during molding of the structure. Each of the end seals defines a solid mass within which the attachment members are embedded. A multiplicity of spaced-apart anchors are carried by the base, and extend outwardly from the second major surface of the base for permanently attaching the fastener assembly to the foamed structure.

Abstract: A disposable diaper has a fastening system comprising tape fasteners and a receiving sheet. The tape fasteners extend outward from transversely opposite side edges of a rear region 6 of the diaper. These tape fasteners are releasably fastened to the receiving sheet intermittently bonded by means of adhesive to an outer surface of a backsheet of the diaper. A color of the adhesive can be seen through the receiving sheet and serves as a positioning indicator when the tape fasteners are fastened to the receiving sheet.

Abstract: A fastener component comprises a field of loop-engaging elements each secured to a support. At least one of the elements has a molded, cantilever stem secured to the support at a base, projecting from the base at an acute angle to the support substantially linearly along a lengthwise axis to the region of a distal tip. The length of the projection upon the support of the portion of the cantilever stem beyond the base is between about 0.5 and 2.0 times the width of the base of the element, and the length of the projection upon the support of the portion of the stem between the tip and the point of its greatest spacing from the support is less than about 0.25 times the width of the base. The structure of the element can be useful for engaging very fine fibers that have low loft such as are found in inexpensive non-woven materials, due to minuscule motions of the head of the fastener element during engagement. Molds and methods for forming such fastener components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A belt buckle cover includes a first connector portion, a second connector portion, and a third conformable portion located between said first connector portion and second connector portion. The first connector portion, the second connector portion and the third conformable portion are made of a scratch resistant material or fabric. Typically, one or two properly dimensioned pieces of scratch resistant fabric are used. One half of a two part fastener is attached to the first connector portion and the other half of a two part fastener is attached to the second connector portion. One half of a two part fastener is attached to one side of the scratch resistant fabric and the other half of a two part fastener is attached to the other side of the scratch resistant fabric. The conformable portion of the belt cover does not have any edges outside the out periphery of the belt buckle which may dig into the user to cause discomfort.

Abstract: A hook-type fastener product for engaging loop elements is disclosed, having parallel rows of hooks having differently constructed first and second sides. The hooks are arranged such that, when engaged with loops, they resist disengagement from the loops more strongly when pulled in one sideways direction than when pulled in the opposite sideways direction. The product has a common base from which the hooks, which are not limited to J-type hooks, extend. The first sides of the hooks may be flat and the second sides convex. Methods and an apparatus for producing the product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-stretchable wrapping device particularly suitable for tubular members having a smooth surface such as rod components of a rod and reel system, which would include a substantially planar member having first and second surfaces, with at least a portion of the first surface securable to a portion of the second surface of the planar member. A second portion of the second surface of the member would be covered with a non-slip rubber-like material with the rubberized-like material frictionally adhereable to the smooth surface of the tubular member such as a fishing rod, so that the planar member may be wrapped around the fishing rod, and the portion of the first surface would adhere to the portion of the second surface for maintaining the planar member tightly wrapped around the rod.

Abstract: There is provided a method of capping mechanical fasteners from a web having an array of upstanding stems. A heated surface member is positioned opposite a support forming a nip into which the web is fed. The heated surface member has a series of laterally spaced elongated peak and valley structures such that more than one peak and valley structure contacts and deforms each stem structure. The peak and valley groove structures provided asymmetric elongation and deformation of top portion of the stem structures forming hook heads.

Abstract: A separable plastic male-to-male connector includes a pair of connector units each having a planar base and a plurality of protrusions extending outward from the base and being oriented on the base so as to form a matrix. The matrix has a plurality of lateral and longitudinal rows wherein a distance C.sub.L1 is between centers of laterally adjacent male protrusions, and wherein a distance C.sub.L2 is between centers of longitudinally adjacent male protrusions. Each protrusion includes a head portion and a stem portion. The head portion has a height K.sub.H equal to 0.50*(C.sub.L1 +C.sub.L2)/2 and a diameter K.sub.D equal to 0.75*(C.sub.L1 +C.sub.L2)/2. The stem portion has a first end attached to the base and a second opposed end attached to the head portion. The stem portion has a height S.sub.H equal to 0.63*(C.sub.L1 +C.sub.L2)/2 and a diameter S.sub.D equal to 0.56*(C.sub.L1 +C.sub.L2)/2. C.sub.L1, C.sub.L2, K.sub.H, K.sub.D, S.sub.H, and S.sub.D each have a tolerance of .+-.6%.

Abstract: Disclosed are a biodegradable separable fastener which can be appropriately used as a fastening means for disposable products and a method for the production thereof. In a separable fastener composed of a base part and a multiplicity of engaging elements raised from the obverse side of the base part, the base part and the engaging elements are formed of a biodegradable resin. In a favorable mode, at least the base part of the separable fastener has such a sectional shape as to increase the specific surface area. For example, grooves and/or holes are formed in the base part or holes are extended from the reverse side of the base part to the interiors of the engaging elements.

Abstract: A surface fastener molded of synthetic resin comprises a substrate sheet, a multiplicity of engaging elements standing on a front surface of the substrate sheet, and continuous ribs integrally formed on a rear surface opposite to an engaging surface of the substrate sheet.

Abstract: A process for the production of a rigid multi-layer composite articles (20) prepared from reacting inter alia a sheet of an open cell foam material (22) impregnated with a binder resin, such as isocyanate resin, to fill the cells of the foam material (22) and a polymerization catalyst to cause the reaction of isocyanate and form isocyanurate linkages, urethane linkages, urea linkages, trimer linkages, biuret linkages, and/or allophante linkages to render the composite article (20) rigid, and having a layer of reinforcing fibers, such as glass fibers, completely (24) or partially (25) impregnated by the binder resin affixed to a surface of the foam material (22) by the binder resin. Fasteners (27) formed of a thermoplastic material are provided having an appropriate adhesion surface. The adhesion surface of each of the fasteners (27) is melted by any of the well known techniques such as spin welding, etc.

Abstract: The invention is a strap for enhancing one's grip on a golf club. To use the strap one places on a golf glove and grips the club. Then one takes the strap which is a piece of material approximately 17 inches long with loop material of hook and loop fabric on the bottom and hook material of hook and loop fabric on the top and virtually "sandwiches" the end of the strap in to the hook and loop material of the glove, giving a solid attachment between the two. Then one begins wrapping the strap around the hand almost perpendicular to the arm and then continues wrapping upward over the little and ring finger and attaches the hook material on the top of the strap to the loop material on the bottom of the strap. This wrapping around the hand enhances one's grip on the club.

Abstract: A fitting for an appliance such as a sink extends between an anchor means (16,112) on the appliance and another anchor means (32,114) on a worktop. The appliance can be fitted easily to the worktop, and can aslo be removed quickly.

Abstract: A surface fastener molded of synthetic resin, comprises a substrate sheet, and a multiplicity of hook elements molded on at least one surface of the substrate sheet, each hook element having a hook body having a stem and a curved portion. Each of the hook elements has first and second reinforcing ribs projecting from opposite side surfaces of the hook body. The first reinforcing rib is greater in height than the second reinforcing rib. In the presence of the first and second reinforcing ribs different in height, compression stresses developed in the hook body are dispersed at two or more points when a companion engaging element is removed off the hook element.

Abstract: A strap to hold wires or other components permanently or semi-permanently, using a flexible high strength carrier member as the main component of the strap. The strap replaces mechanically retained wire clips. To apply the wire strap, first the back liner is removed and the adhesive or tape member is attached to a substrate. Then the main member is folded over the object to be held and is placed against adhesive, or a hook and loop fastener is employed.

Abstract: A wiring harness breakout clip for forming and supporting the trunk and branch portions of a wire bundle from a wiring harness is provided. The harness breakout clip mounts on a support surface and includes: a substantially rigid plate for supporting the trunk portion of the wire bundle; locating posts joined to and projecting from the plate, the locating posts being spaced apart to form a locating space for a branch portion of the wire bundle; and flexible straps joined to the plate in adjacent relation to the locating posts for fastening the wire bundle to the plate. In an alternative embodiment, the flexible straps have internesting intermediate and proximal sections and distal sections. The intermediate sections nest within recesses in the proximal sections and the distal sections nest within recesses in the internested sections.

Abstract: A surface fastener comprising: a substrate sheet; a multiplicity of engaging elements projecting from on surface of the substrate sheet; and an elastic member laying over the one surface of the substrate sheet. The elastic member has an upper surface normally in contact with lower ends of locking portions of the engaging elements so as to support circumferential surfaces of stem portions of the engaging elements. The upper surface of the surface fastener is therefore less rough so that waste pieces of yarn and nap cannot be caught by the locking portions.

Abstract: The following invention details how two surfaces can be bound together. One surface (23) contains loosely spaced pins (24) with heads (25) which can be engaged into an array of tightly packed bulbous elements (22) upon another surface (20). The pins are then retained by constraining the array in various ways. The surfaces can be released by un-constraining the array of bulbous elements. This procedure may be repeated a multitude of times.

Abstract: A portable door lock for use in holding closed a door that swings on hinges from an open position to a closed position wherein an edge of the door, opposite its hinged edge, is adjacent to a closure surface with a clearance gap therebetween. The portable door lock comprises a strap secured at one end to an anchor and to an opposite end to a locking member. The strap is positioned with the clearance gap such that the anchor abuts one side of the hinged door and one side of the closure surface. Simultaneously, the locking member is adjustably coupled to the strap at a particular point such that the locking member abuts an opposite side of the hinged door and an opposite side of the closure surface. In such a configuration, the door is held from motion with respect to the adjacent closure surface.

Abstract: A temporary tarp-like barrier assembly which includes a plastic sheet thermally and mechanically fastened to loop-like hangers made from reclosable fasteners. The plastic sheet is sandwiched between engaging portions of the interlocking members of the hanger so that the plastic sheet is supportable from a pole or rod from the loop-like hanger. In addition, disclosed is a kit for providing a temporary tarp-like barrier which includes a plastic sheet and at least one loop-like hanger. The hanger is made from a reclosable fastener having a first portion and a second portion with each respectively having a plurality of interlocking members. The plastic sheet is sandwichable between engaging portions of the interlocking members of the hanger so that the plastic sheet is supportable from the loop-like hanger.

Abstract: In a synthetic resin molded surface fastener, each of a multiplicity of engaging elements has a stem standing on a front surface of a substrate sheet and a horizontally expandable and shrinkable engaging head continuously formed on and horizontally bulging from an upper end of the stem. The engaging head is divided into two or more segments resiliently bendable toward and away from one another. When the engaging head engages a respective one of engaging heads of a companion surface fastener, each of protuberances projecting from the front surface of the substrate sheet centrally between four adjacent ones of the engaging elements comes into the gap between the segments to bend the segments away from one another, increasing the entire diameter of the engaging head so that the engaging elements can be engaged with those of the companion surface fastener stably without rattling.

Abstract: A fastener assembly of the type for being molded into cushions, and including a base having first and second major surfaces defining first and second opposed ends and first and second opposed side edges. A multiplicity of attachment members are carried by the base and extend outwardly from the base for cooperating with complementary attachment members. First and second laterally ending sealing gaps are respectively positioned adjacent the ends of the base. The sealing gaps are defined by areas of the first major surface of the base being devoid of the attachment members for permitting a sealing dam carried by a mold in which the foamed article is molded to fit into the sealing gaps and sealingly engage the first major surface of the base to form a foam-tight seal between the opposed ends of the base and the sealing dam of the mold to prevent intrusion of liquid foam past the ends of the base onto the attachment members of the base during molding of the article.

Abstract: Attachment strips that can be withdrawn from an enclosure, each comprising a flexible backing layer, a field of hooks along and projecting from one of its surfaces; and a first layer of pressure sensitive adhesive along one of its surfaces. The strips can be releasably adhered to each other by their layers of adhesive to form a stack in which first and second ends of successive strips are adjacent.

Abstract: A separable fastener component for use with a complementary separable fastener component has a base member, having a nominal fastening face and a non-fastening face. Carried on the fastening face is a pattern of fastening elements, comprising an interior region carrying fastening elements that are free of any cover. Substantially surrounding the interior region is a perimeter region that carries fastening elements which are covered. The perimeter region of covered fastening elements may be a rectangular or non-rectangular annulus. The fastening elements may be hooks or loops.The fastening component may be incorporated into a molded product, with minimal intrusion of the molding material into the fastening elements of the main region. The perimeter cover forms a gasket seal with the mold in several different configurations and prevents molding material from infiltrating to the uncovered interior region of fastening elements.

Abstract: A load retainer useable with tie down lines on a vehicle. The retainer includes a flexible body having first and second end portions and an intermediate end portion between the first and second end portions. Sites on the flexible body are intended for engaging the tie down lines. The flexible body is also adjustable along a certain dimension to permit the flexible body to fit around a load. The adjustment means includes a first flap, anchor place, and fastener for the first flap and anchor.

Abstract: A synthetic resin molded surface fastener comprising: a substrate sheet; and a multiplicity of minute engaging elements molded on a front surface of the substrate sheet for engagement with loops of a companion surface fastener. In the molded surface fastener, each of the engaging elements has a multiple-head structure composed of a single stem standing on the front surface of the substrate sheet, two or more necks branching in different directions from an upper end of the stem, and two or more substantially straight engaging heads bent outwardly in branching directions from respective outer ends of the necks. And each of the engaging heads having on its top a pair of substantially horizontal protuberances projecting perpendicularly to an extending direction of each engaging head, the top having a substantially flat surface, each engaging head having a varying thickness gradually decreasing from its base toward its distal end.

Abstract: A fabric fastening kit for fastening a piece of fabric to a rigid structure. The fabric fastening kit is comprised of a strip of netting material having a nominal width and a plurality of opened meshes, and a longitudinal pronged element having a nominal thickness, a surface, a backside, a foreside, and a plurality of juxtaposed prongs defined within that planar surface. Each prong has a narrow tip, a wide base and a length between the tip and the base being at least equivalent to the width of the base of one prong. The pronged element is attachable to a rigid structure. The strip of netting material is attachable to the pronged element and is also attachable to the margin of the piece of fabric to be fastened to the rigid structure.

Abstract: A fastening component for use with molded articles has a base with fastening elements upstanding therefrom and a relatively thin, protective cover attached thereto. The cover is attached to the base by thermal processes. For instance, the cover and the base can be cut into a shape by a die that substantially simultaneously cuts the shape from a larger web of both and joins the two pieces together by heat induced processes, such as welding. The shaped piece may be rectilinear or curved or any complex shape. The cover may include a pull tab at one or both ends. The pull tab is formed from the cover material itself, a piece of which is folded over on itself and cut and sealed to adjacent layers at the same time that the main shape is being cut and sealed. For some embodiments of the pull-tab, rather than heat sealing the protective cover to the base, an adhesive can be used.

Abstract: A fastener assembly capable of being molded into a cushion, the fastener assembly comprising: (i) a backing layer and (ii) a fastening layer opposed to one another, the backing layer comprising anchor means to secure the fastener assembly to the cushion, the fastening layer comprising a touch fastening surface spaced inwardly from the marginal edges of the fastening layer to define a peripheral margin around the fastening layer, and (iii) a foam seal disposed on the peripheral margin, the foam seal having an Indentation Force Deflection, when measured pursuant to ASTM D3574-95, in the range of from about 10 to about 1000 pounds.force. A process for producing the fastener assembly and a cushion describing the fastener assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fastening system including a male component and a female component. The male component includes a base having a first fastening surface and an opposed first nonfastening surface. The first fastening surface has a plurality of engaging elements extending, each engaging element having a proximal end adjacent the first fastening surface, a stem extending outwardly from the proximal end and distal end spaced apart from the proximal end by the stem. The female component includes a backing having a second fastening surface and an opposed second nonfastening surface; and a receiving material joined to said second fastening surface. At least a portion of the second fastening surface includes a bonding element such that when the fastening system is in a closed, fastened configuration, at least a portion of the distal end of some of the engaging elements of the male component pass through the receiving material and are joined to the second fastening surface with the bonding element.

Abstract: A closure system for any nondiposable item or device requiring high shear strength, and acceptable peel strength, in all directions includes a first closure element having a backing sheet with mushroom-shaped elements fixed to and extending from one side thereof, and a second closure element having a backing sheet with loop elements fixed to and extending from one side thereof. The loops are uniformly, randomly or irregularly oriented for engaging the mushrooms in a variety of random orientations to provide high, comparable shear strength in all directions. The mushrooms are randomly or irregularly oriented depending upon desired shear and peel strength characteristics.

Abstract: A fastener member useful for separable engagement with surface fibers of a low-loft, non-woven fabric, or the like, has a base web and a multitude of fastener elements formed with and extending from the base web. The fastener elements have a profile that comprises an elongated stem portion adjacent the base web and inclining at an acute angle to the base. A crook portion is formed on the end of the stem and is directed oppositely to the direction of inclination of the stem, being exposed for engaging a mating fastening member. The acute angle of the stem of the elements enables them to flex toward the base. Offset pairs of such elements can cooperatively move in a pincer-type motion to engage fibers and to retain engaged fibers. Other element configurations are disclosed. The fastener member has particular application for fastening of disposable products such as garments and diapers.

Abstract: A molded surface fastener comprises: a substrate sheet; and a multiplicity of engaging elements standing on one surface of the substrate sheet, each of the engaging elements being composed of a stem rising from the one surface of the substrate sheet, and an engaging head projecting from an upper end of the stem for detachably engaging a companion loop. After a surface fastener is manufactured on a die wheel by continuous injection molding as a primary-intermediate surface fastener, a heating and pressing roller disposed downstream of the die wheel presses the engaging head, while heating, to bend the engaging head from the stem and, at the same time, to form a pair of protuberances projecting in opposite directions from opposite side edges of the top of the engaging head perpendicularly with respect to a direction lengthwise of the engaging head.

Abstract: A molded surface fastener is manufactured by supplying molten resin to the circumferential surface of a die wheel rotating in one way to mold a substrate sheet blank and a multiplicity of substantially straight and inclined engaging element blanks in an integral form, and then pressing distal ends of the engaging element blanks by a heat-molding roller in rotation at the same speed to incline the engaging element blanks further toward the substrate sheet blank and also to melt the distal ends to shape each said distal end into an engaging head projecting in a direction opposite to the direction of inclination of the respective engaging element blank. Each of the resulting engaging elements is composed of a stem rising from the substrate sheet surface with inclination by a predetermined angle (.theta.

Abstract: In a surface fastener, a multiplicity of hook-shape male engaging elements each formed of monofilament, a multiplicity of pile-like female engaging elements each formed of a multifilament, and a multiplicity of cut piles each formed of a set of fibers of a multifilament stand mixedly from a front surface of a woven or knit substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for grasping and carrying substantially cylindrical objects is disclosed. The apparatus is generally comprised of a self-rolling spring strip with opposing concave and convex surfaces and mating hook and loop fastener portions fixedly attached on the opposing surfaces of the strip such that when the strip is in a coiled position, the fastener portions prevent the strip from uncoiling. The strip is biased to an uncoiled position such that when the strip is subjected to a slapping motion about a substantially cylindrical object, the opposing surfaces flatten out and the strip coils around the object. The strip is preferably elongated and made of metal. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus has an aperture on one end which extends through the strip and fastener portions and a mechanical fastener, such as a bolt, for securing the apparatus to a bulkhead or similar panel. In operation, the strip is initially in an uncoiled position.

Abstract: A securing system includes a primary structure and a first strip of hook and loop fasteners adapted to be secured thereon. A secondary structure includes a plurality of apertures disposed therein. The plurality of apertures fit over the first strip of hook and loop fasteners when the secondary structure is placed onto the primary structure. A second strip of hook and loop fasteners is adapted for fitting over the plurality of apertures of the secondary structure and for contacting portions of the first strip of hook and loop fasteners through the plurality of apertures. The contacting of the first and second strips of hook and loop fasteners secures the primary structure to the secondary structure.

Abstract: In a molded surface fastener, a hook structure has on at least one surface of a stem an upright reinforcing rib extending from the base of the stem to part of a hook-shape engaging portion. The reinforcing rib projects upwardly with respect to the rear surface of the hook-shape engaging portion and terminates in an apex whose height is smaller than the height of the apex of the hook-shape engaging portion and greater than the height of the line tangential to the hook-shape engaging portion at the tip and substantially parallel to the upper surface of the substrate sheet.

Abstract: To provide an interengaging fastener member which can enhance the disengagement force, while does not increase an engagement force required for an interengagement process. The fastener member 10 includes a base 12 and a plurality of headed stems 14. Each headed stem 14 includes a stem 16 adjoining and projecting orthogonally from the surface of base 12, and a head 18 formed at the end of the stem 16. The head 18 is provided with a bottom surface 20 adjacent to the stem 16 and extending outward from outer periphery of the stem 16, and an apex 24 arranged at an opposite side of the bottom surface 20 from the stem 16. The engagement force reducing means may take the form of, for example, one or more grooves formed in each head, or an undercut formed in each headed stem in the area where the head adjoins the stem.

Abstract: The present invention is a stabilizing strap for a cyclist helmet which comprises two flexible elongated strap members which are adjustably and releasably attached at their first end to the interior surface of the helmet rim portion, at the rear end of the helmet, by means of hook and loop fasteners. The strap members are adjustably and releasably attached at their second end to one another also by means of hook and loop fasteners. The curved strap is destined to bear on the occipital bone of the head, to prevent the helmet from accidentally tilting frontwardly, especially as a result of an impact. The flexibility and the several adjustments of the stabilizing strap allow it to fit heads of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: Molten resin is continuously extruded from an injection die or an extrusion die toward the circumferential surface of a die wheel having in its circumferential surface a multiplicity of hook-element-forming cavities and, at the same time, one or more yarns are introduced between the molten resin and the circumferential surface of the die wheel into an inter-element portion of a substrate sheet between a desired adjacent rows of hook elements in parallel to the hook element rows. The yarns are embedded in and integrally molded with the inter-element portion of the substrate sheet and at the same time, hook elements are molded on the circumferential surface of the die wheel as the hook-element-forming cavities are filled with part of the molten resin.

Abstract: There is provided a loop fastening material for engaging a suitable male mechanical fastening element for a backing substrate of an oriented sheet material having a first face and a second face and substantially continuously attached to at least the first face a plurality of discrete, multi-filament transversely expanded yarns, such yarn filaments providing open loop structures. The yarns are expanded by transverse orientation of the backing to which it has been previously attached by extrusion bonding, adhesive bonding or the like. The resulting loop fastener provides a low cost, readily manufactured loop having good fastening properties to hook materials.

Abstract: A foamed molding having a fastener comprises: a foamed body (41), pile threads (42) each having a leading end protruding from the front side of the first foamed body and a rear end exposing from the back side of the first foamed body, and a foamed body (60) formed on the back side of the foamed body (41). The pile threads (41) each have an extended portion (43) for locking at the leading end thereof. A part of stock solution for forming the foamed body (60) is impregnated from the back side of the foamed body (41) to thereby form an impregnated layer (61) between the foamed body (41) and the foamed body (60), the impregnated layer (61) functioning to secure the rear ends of the pile threads (42). The foamed molding having a fastener can follow a contraction phenomenon produced in the foaming process of foam resin when an impregnated type foamed molding is formed on the back side of the face-like fastener.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastic strip having a length which terminates at first and second generally opposed ends and a width which terminates at generally opposed edges. The strip has a first surface which includes an area of loops located near one of the opposed ends and a second surface which includes an area of hooks located near the other second opposed end. The strip is adapted to elongate and recover at least along the strip's length and the hooks are configured to engage the loops to join the first and second surfaces of the strip together. The device may be utilized to effect retention of a surgical glove in place upon the forearm of the wearer by encircling the wrist or forearm of the wearer of the surgical glove with the device, stretching the device about the gloved wrist/forearm and joining the opposed ends of the device about the gloved wrist/forearm. The device can be designed to be used only one time and then disposed. That is the device can be a "single use" device.

Abstract: An enhanced flexibility fastener product has a base and hook elements extending from the base. Rip-stops integrally molded with the base and with the hook elements are offset relative to the hook elements to reduce widthwise stiffness of the fastener product. The edge margins of the fastener are feathered in that they taper or otherwise reduce in thickness over an extended distance, preferably from at or near the hooks to the edge, resulting in a softer, less irritating fastener tape. Fasteners according to the invention are particularly advantageous on disposable absorbent garments such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and other articles of wear which come into contact with the user's skin.

Abstract: A fastener arrangement includes a first fastener member having a base sheet and a plurality of engaging members projecting from the base sheet. The fastener arrangement includes a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on a surface of a base sheet opposite of the engaging members, and a dual purpose cover sheet. The dual purpose cover sheet protects the adhesive layer of the first fastener member, and the engaging members of a second, underlying fastener member. The dual purpose cover is releasably attached to the second fastener member by fusing or by using an adhesive having a first non-tacky consistency and a second tacky consistency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastener member having a dual purpose cover sheet. The fastener member includes a base sheet, a plurality of engaging members projecting from the base sheet, a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on an opposite surface of a base sheet, and a dual purpose cover sheet. The dual purpose cover sheet protects the adhesive layer of a first fastener member, and the engaging members of a second, underlying fastener member.

Abstract: A flame retardant fastener adapted for releasable engagement to a second fastener. A backing layer of the fastener is constructed of a flame retardant polymeric material having an exposed bonding surface and a support surface. A multiplicity of flexible, resilient stem portions extend generally perpendicular to the bonding surface. The distal stem portions have an enlarged head portion located on a distal end of the stem portion. The enlarged head portions have a top surface opposite the distal stem portions and a latching surface opposite the bonding surface. The head portions is disposed to afford movement along different portions of the backing layer and into releasable engagement with the second fastener. A non-flame retardant, pressure sensitive adhesive is applied the support surface.

Abstract: A fastener member for molding which is a fastener tape which includes engaging elements on a top side of its substrate and also includes ridges which extend in a longitudinal direction on both edges of a back side of the substrate. The ridges project outwardly such that its outermost part is about 0.3-5 mm from the outer edge of the substrate. A process for producing a plastic molded article having the fastener members molded thereon, comprises fitting the above-mentioned fastener member in the recess of a mold such that the engaging elements on its surface are directed to the recess of the mold and the ridges of the fastener member substantially seal the gap between the fastener member and the sidewall of the recess of the mold, and injecting a resinous composition into the mold.