Having Filaments Of Varied Shape Or Size On Same Mounting Surface Patents (Class 24/446)
  • Patent number: 11850132
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a first body portion, a second body portion and a crotch portion located between the first body portion and the second body portion. At least one of the first body portion or the second body portion includes at least one side panel having a multilayered portion. The multilayered portion includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The multilayered portion is obtained by folding the at least one side panel. The first and the second layer of the multilayered portion are connected to each other and the multilayered portion is provided with surface protrusions at one surface of the multilayered portion. The surface protrusions are integrally made of material of the multilayered portion. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to manufacturing such an absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: ESSITY HYGIENE AND HEALTH AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Anders Silfverstrand, Maria Swedberg
  • Patent number: 10722003
    Abstract: A touch fastener having long and thin headed stems welded to and extending from, for example, a thin film, is made by orienting thin, hollow, drawn staple fibers between bristles of a brush, with no more than fiber ends sticking out of the brush, and then fusing a film to the fiber ends by direct welding. The fibers are then withdrawn from the brush as stems that are headed by heating their ends and allowing the resin to reform into an engageable head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Velcro BVBA
    Inventors: Gregory K. Kopanski, Joshua W. Whitcomb
  • Patent number: 10556369
    Abstract: A molding apparatus defining a processing direction includes multiple molding modules spaced apart in a lateral direction perpendicular to the processing direction and a common reaction surface. Each molding module includes a frame and a mold roll that defines molding cavities. Each mold roll defines a respective pressure zone in cooperation with the reaction surface and each mold roll is movable with respect to the reaction surface by controlled operation of the frame. Molten resin is introduced into the pressure zones and forced into the molding cavities to form arrays of fastener elements extending from base layers of resin formed on the surfaces of the mold rolls. The fastener elements are withdrawn from the cavities while stripping the base layers from the peripheral surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Velcro BVBA
    Inventors: Jerry G. Hodsdon, Christopher M. Gallant
  • Patent number: 10506850
    Abstract: A touch fastener having long and thin headed stems welded to and extending from, for example, a thin film, is made by orienting thin, hollow, drawn staple fibers between bristles of a brush, with no more than fiber ends sticking out of the brush, and then fusing a film to the fiber ends by direct welding. The fibers are then withdrawn from the brush as stems that are headed by heating their ends and allowing the resin to reform into an engageable head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Velcro BVBA
    Inventors: Gregory K. Kopanski, Joshua W. Whitcomb
  • Patent number: 9872542
    Abstract: A method of making a sheet-form loop-engageable fastener product includes placing a layer of staple fibers on a first side of a substrate, needling fibers of the layer through the substrate to form loops extending from a second side of the substrate, removing end regions from at least some of the loops to form stems, and forming loop-engageable heads at free ends of at least some of the stems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Velcro BVBA
    Inventors: James R. Barker, Christopher M. Gallant
  • Patent number: 9717309
    Abstract: A hook fastener including a base strip and a field of hooks, each hook having a stem and a cap, the cap including at least one lateral overhang, and each hook being further delimited by two opposing substantially planar surfaces, wherein the overhang includes a swelling located at a distance from the stem so that the thickness of the overhang increases in the swelling, the bottom surface of the overhang forming a cavity for receiving filaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: APLIX, S.A.
    Inventors: Thierry Marche, Olivier Blanc, Nayda Liz Ramos Medina, Michael Timothy Looney, Thomas Alexander Horn
  • Patent number: 9700105
    Abstract: A surface fastener which includes a hook surface fastener (A) and a loop surface fastener (B), or a mixed surface fastener (C). The hook surface fastener (A) has hook fastener elements made of monofilaments on a surface of a base fabric. The loop surface fastener (B) has loop fastener elements made of multifilaments and capable of engaging with the hook fastener elements on a surface of a base fabric. The mixed surface fastener (C) has hook fastener elements made of monofilaments and loop fastener elements made of multifilaments on the same surface of a base fabric. The monofilaments are made from a polyethylene terephthalate-based polyester resin, and the multifilaments are made of a polybutylene terephthalate-based polyester resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: KURARAY FASTENING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Kaikou, Masami Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9125457
    Abstract: A fastening system, in particular as a button or fastener substitute, has at least two active partners (6, 8). Each active partner (6, 8) has at least two different types of hook-and-loop fastener elements that are detachably connected to corresponding, complementary hook-and-loop fastener elements of the other active partner (6, 8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Gottlieb Binder GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jan Tuma
  • Publication number: 20150101156
    Abstract: A fastening element is provided having a gripping portion, a plurality of gripping elements extending from the gripping portion, a supporting portion being defined by at least one supporting-portion wall extending from the gripping portion in a direction opposite that of the gripping elements, the supporting portion having a supporting-portion width smaller than a gripping-portion width of the gripping portion, such that a top flange is formed by the gripping portion relative to the supporting portion on at least one side of the fastening element, and an anchoring portion extending from a distal end of at least one supporting-portion wall and parallel to the gripping portion so as to form a bottom flange relative to the supporting portion on the at least one side corresponding to the top flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Quresh Sachee, John Bumgarner, Marc Woodling
  • Publication number: 20140230123
    Abstract: A surface fastener which includes a hook surface fastener (A) and a loop surface fastener (B), or a mixed surface fastener (C). The hook surface fastener (A) has hook fastener elements made of monofilaments on a surface of a base fabric. The loop surface fastener (B) has loop fastener elements made of multifilaments and capable of engaging with the hook fastener elements on a surface of a base fabric. The mixed surface fastener (C) has hook fastener elements made of monofilaments and loop fastener elements made of multifilaments on the same surface of a base fabric. The monofilaments are made from a polyethylene terephthalate-based polyester resin, and the multifilaments are made of a polybutylene terephthalate-based polyester resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: KURARAY FASTENING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Kaikou, Masami Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8778243
    Abstract: A composite hook and loop fastener in the form of an elongated strip has an elongated loop component, a hook component permanently affixed to the loop component, and a backing layer disposed on a face of the wrap tie in a discrete region. The backing layer is used for permanent attachment of the wrap tie to a supporting surface. One end of the loop component is available for encircling an object to be wrapped and engaging the fastener elements of the hook component. The loop component has a self-supporting web of entangled fibers, the fibers forming both a sheet-form body and hook-engageable, free-standing loops extending from at least one surface of the body, and the hook component has fastener elements extending from a common base. The backing layer may be a pressure sensitive adhesive or a synthetic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: William H. Shepard, William P. Clune
  • Publication number: 20140101901
    Abstract: 1. A fastening system, in particular as a button or fastener substitute. 2. A fastening system, in particular as a button or fastener substitute, consisting of at least two active partners (6, 8), characterized in that each active partner (6, 8) has at least two different types of hook-and-loop fastener elements, which are detachably connectable to corresponding, complementary hook-and-loop fastener elements of the other active partner (6, 8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Jan Tuma
  • Patent number: 8601648
    Abstract: A closure part, particularly for forming hermaphroditic closures, has at least one carrier band (16) with a web shape and at least one pair of surface regions (17a, 17b) arranged opposite of each other and connectable at least partially along a connecting region (19) to a main body (26) as third component. Individual closure bodies (2) at least in part of the surface regions (17a, 17b) are located outside of the connecting region (19) and adjacent to it. The bodies protrude from the carrier band (16) and form a fixing feature (24) for further closure parts of the same or different kinds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Gottlieb Binder GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Konstantinos Poulakis
  • Patent number: 8549714
    Abstract: A composite hook and loop fastener in the form of an elongated strip has an elongated loop component, a hook component permanently affixed to the loop component, and a backing layer disposed on a face of the wrap tie in a discrete region. The backing layer is used for permanent attachment of the wrap tie to a supporting surface. One end of the loop component is available for encircling an object to be wrapped and engaging the fastener elements of the hook component. The loop component has a self-supporting web of entangled fibers, the fibers forming both a sheet-form body and hook-engageable, free-standing loops extending from at least one surface of the body, and the hook component has fastener elements extending from a common base. The backing layer may be a pressure sensitive adhesive or a synthetic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: William H. Shepard, William P. Clune
  • Patent number: 8413306
    Abstract: A fastener product includes an elongate strap, projections molded of resin extending from a first region of the strap, and a head element molded of resin extending from a second region of the strap. The head element includes a hole sized to receive an end of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Gallant, William H. Shepard
  • Patent number: 8196270
    Abstract: There is provided a fastener for engaging with a loop fabric, comprising a base having a front surface with a multiplicity of engaging projections. At least some of the engaging projections having a top surface end and an attached end. The at least some engaging projections top surface ends form an edge angle surrounding the projections. A mantle surface extending from the top surface end edge to the attached end. Generally at least one contour line of a side view of the mantle surface is convex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Zoltan Mandzsu, Jozsef Mandzsu, Jr., Jozsef Mandzsu, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20110314645
    Abstract: A closure part, particularly forming hermaphroditic closures, having at least one carrier band (16), which has a web shape, comprises at least one pair of surface regions (17a, 17b) arranged opposite of each other, and which can be connected at least partially along a connecting region (19) to a main body (26) as third component, and comprises individual closure bodies (2) at least in part of the surface regions (I7a, 17b) that are located outside of the connecting region (19) and adjacent thereto, which bodies protrude from the carrier band (16) and form a fixing feature (24) for further closure parts of the same or different kinds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Konstantinos Poulakis
  • Patent number: 8082637
    Abstract: A releasable touch fastener includes a loop component and a hook component, with a particularly small overall engaged thickness in combination with a high fastening strength, both in peel and shear. The loop component is a woven material, while the hook component may be woven or molded. The molded hook component includes a scrim reinforcement for tear resistance and sewability. The fastener is useful for high cycle applications, such as on non-disposable garments, footwear and luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Nancy J. Tolan, Mark A. Clarner, William B. S. Mc Dougall, Normand A. Cote, Howard A. Kingsford, Paul R. Erickson, Clinton Dowd
  • 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: 7727440
    Abstract: A method of forming a fastener is provided, including (a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends; (b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a predetermined softening temperature, while maintaining the sheet-form base and a lower portion of each stem at a temperature lower than the softening temperature; and (c) contacting the terminal ends with a contact surface that is at a predetermined forming temperature, lower than the softening temperature, to deform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base. Fasteners and other methods of forming them are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Luis Parellada Armela, Juan Sánchez, William Clune, Jefferson Davis, Christopher M. Gallant, Melissa Spezzafero, Mark A. Clarner, William L. Huber, David P. Kraus, Jr., George A. Provost, Howard A. Kingsford, Michel Labrecque
  • Patent number: 7544628
    Abstract: A loop-forming nonwoven material (28) is used as a mechanical closure element, in particular for disposable sanitary articles (2) such as various types of nappies, incontinence articles and pads. A first upper face (40) of the nonwoven material (30) has first larger non-bonded areas (42), which are located at a distance from one another in the form of islands. The first larger non-bonded areas (42) of the nonwoven material are delimited by bonded contours (44) and surrounded by second smaller non-bonded areas (48) lying outside said delimitation and separating the larger areas from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann AG
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Stupperich, Fridmann Hornung, Ruediger Kesselmeier
  • Patent number: 7444722
    Abstract: A male component of a mechanical fastening system, such as a hook and loop fastener, that can remain fastened to a female component under high levels of shear force. The male component has a backing material with protrusions extending from the backing material at an angle toward the direction of fastener force. The combination of the male component with a female loop component results in a secure fastening system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Lou McDaniel, Nadezhda Efremova, Joseph Earl Pierce, Lisha Yu, Brian Van Benschoten, Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Ernesto S. Tachauer
  • Patent number: 7308738
    Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof. The hook portion generally includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof, wherein the plurality of hook elements comprises or incorporates a shape memory polymer. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. Introducing a thermal activation signal to the plurality of hook elements causes a change in shape orientation and/or flexural modulus that effectively reduces the shear and/or pull off forces in the releasable engagement. In this manner, disengagement of the releasable fastener system provides separation of the hook portion from the loop portion under controlled conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: William Barvosa-Carter, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Leslie A. Momoda, Thomas B. Stanford
  • Patent number: 7181812
    Abstract: A male fastener element extends integrally from a planar base and includes a primary engagement hook and a secondary engagement structure (e.g., a hook). The primary engagement hook has a stem portion that is integrally molded with the planar base and that extends from the planar base to a distal end. The primary engagement hook also has an overhang portion that extends from the distal end of the stem portion and that has an underside surface overhanging an open volume for receiving loops. The secondary engagement structure, which is shorter than the primary engagement hook, is disposed immediately adjacent the primary engagement hook and extends from a side surface of the primary engagement hook. The secondary engagement structure extends from the base to a distal end that is disposed, in side view, below the underside surface of the overhang portion of the primary engagement hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Velero Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Brian J. Vanbenschoten, Ernesto S. Tachauer, Michel Labrecque, Clinton Dowd
  • Patent number: 6996880
    Abstract: A male fastener element extends integrally from a planar base and includes a primary engagement hook and a secondary engagement structure (e.g., a hook). The primary engagement hook has a stem portion that is integrally molded with the planar base and that extends from the planar base to a distal end. The primary engagement hook also has an overhang portion that extends from the distal end of the stem portion and that has an underside surface overhanging an open volume for receiving loops. The secondary engagement structure, which is shorter than the primary engagement hook, is disposed immediately adjacent the primary engagement hook and extends from a side surface of the primary engagement hook. The secondary engagement structure extends from the base to a distal end that is disposed, in side view, below the surface of the overhang portion of the primary engagement hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Brian J. VanBenschoten, Ernesto S. Tachauer, Michel Labrecque, Clinton Dowd
  • Patent number: 6913810
    Abstract: A faster tape is provided including (a) a molded resin base sheet with an array of integrally molded fastener elements extending from a first side of the base sheet; and (b) a substrate permanently secured to a second side of the base sheet, the substrate comprising first ad second yarns or fibers, the first yarn or fiber comprising a first polymeric material and the second yarn of fiber comprising a second, different polymeric materials, one of the polymeric materials being capable of adhesion to the resin of the base sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Dershi Wang, Howard A. Kingsford
  • Patent number: 6877193
    Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof whereas the hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The hook elements are formed of a magnetorheological elastomer that provides a change in shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements. In this manner, the shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction or magnification in the shear and/or pull-off forces in addition to providing variable damping capabilities to the fastener system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Ottaviani, John C. Ulicny, Mark A. Golden
  • Patent number: 6872439
    Abstract: A fabricated microstructure comprising at least one protrusion capable of providing an adhesive force at a surface of between about 60 and 2,000 nano-Newtons. A stalk supports the protrusion at an oblique angle relative to a supporting surface. The microstructure can adhere to different surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Ronald S. Fearing, Metin Sitti
  • Patent number: 6766566
    Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof. The hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof, wherein the plurality of hook elements comprises a fiber and a shape memory alloy coating deposited onto the fiber, and wherein the fiber and the shape memory alloy coating comprises a non-axisymmetric coating or deposition of the shape memory alloy about a portion of the fiber. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Yang-Tse Cheng, Wangyang Ni, John C. Ulicny
  • Patent number: 6742227
    Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof whereas the hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The hook elements comprise a magnetic material that provides a change in shape orientation of the hook elements in response to an activation signal. In this manner, the shape orientation of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction or magnification in the shear and/or pull-off forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Ulicny, Mark A. Golden
  • Patent number: 6708378
    Abstract: A method of forming a fastener is provided, including (a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends; (b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a predetermined softening temperature, while maintaining the sheet-form base and a lower portion of each stem at a temperature lower than the softening temperature; and (c) contacting the terminal ends with a contact surface that is at a predetermined forming temperature, lower than the softening temperature, to deform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base. Fasteners and other methods of forming them are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Luis Parellada, Juan Sánchez
  • Patent number: 6708379
    Abstract: A fastening device comprising a pair of attachment pads, one pad having a surface from which stems project, a second pad formed with openings and receptacles, each opening and receptacle adapted to receive a stem, the pads becoming interlocked by the fit of the stems in the receptacles. A woven, knit or knotted material of open texture having holes, preferable evenly spaced holes such as those of a screen or net, is secured between the pads by passing the stems through the mesh and into the receptacles. The pads and mesh material, so arranged, are secured to a structure by a bracket or clamp that is fixed to the attachment pads and mesh material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Eric P. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6678924
    Abstract: An integral molded surface fastener is provided having minute and peculiar engaging elements, with which a desired plasticity and tearing strength of the flat substrate are secured. The molded surface fastener may be formed together with the substrate by continuous molding where the engaging elements are each comprised of a single column portion having a substantially cross-shaped section provided by intersection of a first column portion and a second column portion and rectangular thin plate-like engaging heads extended in the shape of wings in opposite directions along the width direction of the first column portion intersecting the second column portion around a top end of the column portion, and having substantially the same width dimension as the width dimension of a top end of the second column portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Ryuichi Murasaki, Mitsuru Akeno, Shintaro Ohsugi
  • Patent number: 6671935
    Abstract: An easy-to-grip diaper fastener tab has an array of hook-shaped fastener elements arranged in parallel rows, each fastener element including a stem and a crook extending from the stem in a predetermined direction to a distal tip. The array includes a plurality of rows of fastener elements arranged such that, in each row, all of the crooks face in the same direction and parallel to the direction of the row, with the crooks of adjacent rows facing in opposite directions. The longitudinal spacing between opposing tips of adjacent hooks of adjacent rows is greater in a first portion of the array than the longitudinal spacing between opposing tips of adjacent hooks of adjacent rows in a second portion of the array, such that the crooks of the hooks of the first portion are more exposed for engaging loops than the crooks of the hooks of the second portion. Methods and molds for forming such arrays are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Scott M. Filion, Richard J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6642160
    Abstract: A loop material of a hook-and-loop fastener, comprised of a nonwoven base and a number of loops which are formed at least on one plane side of the nonwoven base. The nonwoven base is formed by accumulating a number of filaments or fibers. An antislipping agent is deposited at least on the surface of the loops, thereby the surface of the loops become uneven. Or, by deformation on the surface of the loops due to thermal plasticity, the surface of the loops become uneven. Due to this unevenness, projections of the hook material are difficult to get out of the loops and a hook-and-loop fastener having high joining strength is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Unitika Ltd.
    Inventor: Tohru Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20030192152
    Abstract: A male component of a male and female fastening system, such as a hook and loop fastener, that can remain fastened to a female component under high levels of shear force. The male component has a backing material with projections extending from the backing material at an angle toward the direction of fastener force. The combination of the male component with a standard female loop component results in a secure fastening system. The combination of the male component with a standard female loop component is particularly beneficial when used in absorbent articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Paula Kay Zoromski, Richard J. Schmidt, Mari-Pat Y. Von Feldt, Brian Keith Nortman, Andrew Mark Long
  • Patent number: 6604264
    Abstract: A multiplicity of pile-like engaging elements are fused integrally with top faces of each of elevated portions formed on a first surface of a flat plate-like substrate comprised of the first surface and a second surface such that more than ¼ of cross sectional areas of the entangled yarn are buried therein. The entangled yarns are fused integrally with the elevated portions firmly due to existence of the elevated portions regardless of a certain thickness of the flat plate-like substrate. In the meantime, it is permissible to form covering portions for covering the entangled yarn locally with component material of the flat plate-like substrate instead of the elevated portions. As a result, the female engaging member can be produced continuously without increase of equipment cost and the like. Further, a sufficient fixing strength can be provided to pile yarn rows bonded and fixed to the substrate surface although the pile yarns are fixed by fusion of the flat plate-like substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Naohara, Mitsuru Akeno, Hissai Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 6588073
    Abstract: A male component of a male and female fastening system, such as a hook and loop fastener, that can remain fastened to a female component under high levels of shear force. The male component has a backing material with projections extending from the backing material at an angle toward the direction of fastener force. The combination of the male component with a standard female loop component results in a secure fastening system. The combination of the male component with a standard female loop component is particularly beneficial when used in absorbent articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paula Kay Zoromski, Richard J. Schmidt, Mari-Pat Y. Von Feldt, Brian Keith Nortman, Andrew Mark Long
  • Patent number: 6565943
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surface fastener wherein necessary engaging strength is maintained for a long term, the surface fastener is flexible and has a favorable touch without prickly feeling even when male engaging elements formed of fibers are employed, and strange peeling noise is not generated. The surface fastener includes at least a large number of male engaging elements planted on a foundation cloth which is a woven or knitted fabric or a non-woven fabric and is formed of fibers, the surface fastener being engaged with and disengaged from a mating surface fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Kondo, Masashi Doi, Mitsutoshi Ishihara
  • Patent number: 6546602
    Abstract: A detachable closure includes separable burr-type elements which, at surfaces to be joined, have interlocking elements which mutually interlock during joining of the burr-type elements and hold the burr-type elements together. The interlocking elements are made of a material which carries out a deformation under the influence of heat, electromagnetic radiation, and/or a magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Konrad Eipper, Wolfgang Fussnegger, Elke Hombergsmeier, Heinz Voggenreiter, Martin Weller
  • Patent number: 6543099
    Abstract: An easy-to-grip diaper fastener tab has an array of hook-shaped fastener elements arranged in parallel rows, each fastener element including a stem and a crook extending from the stem in a predetermined direction to a distal tip. The array includes a plurality of rows of fastener elements arranged such that, in each row, all of the crooks face in the same direction and parallel to the direction of the row, with the crooks of adjacent rows facing in opposite directions. The longitudinal spacing between opposing tips of adjacent hooks of adjacent rows is greater in a first portion of the array than the longitudinal spacing between opposing tips of adjacent hooks of adjacent rows in a second portion of the array, such that the crooks of the hooks of the first portion are more exposed for engaging loops than the crooks of the hooks of the second portion. Methods and molds for forming such arrays are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Scott M. Filion, Richard J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6526633
    Abstract: A hook fastener member having rows of molded hook-shaped fastener elements that lie in planes aligned with the rows, with generally planar plate portions at the outermost ends of at least some of the fastener elements, the plate portions lying generally parallel to the base of the fastener member. The plate portions can enhance engagement of the hook fastener members with mating loop fastener members, particularly with low loft non-woven loop fastener members. A method of making fastener members is provided. Molten resin is extruded and applied to a molding roller, creating preforms. The outermost portions of at least some of the preforms are flattened, thereby forming generally plate shaped portions. Disposable absorbent garments advantageously incorporate the hook fastener members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: George A. Provost, Mark J. Condon, A. Todd Leak, Apiromraj S. Roslansky, Paul J. Serbiak
  • Patent number: 6477750
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surface fastener having a high durability, in which an engaging element yarn for forming loop-like or hook-like engaging elements is fixed firmly to a foundation fabric in a simple configuration. In a surface fastener foundation fabric woven with warps and wefts, the engaging element yarns for forming the loop-like, hook-like or mushroom-like engaging elements are woven into the foundation fabric at a predetermined interval, and cross-woven warps are woven with the engaging element yarns to fix the engaging element yarns to the foundation fabric at before and after each of loop portions of the engaging element yarns. Further, warps of thermal melting yarns are used as the cross-woven warps which are melted so that the engaging element yarns may be welded to the foundation fabric. Consequently, a surface fastener having good feeling and is excellent in strength and flexibility is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhisa Okawa, Norinaka Hirokawa
  • Patent number: 6470540
    Abstract: A mechanical fastener. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a mechanical fastener including engaging stems having heads with demarcation lines. The present invention also provides a method of making a mechanical fastener that includes placing a layer of heated material on stem ends to soften the stem ends and deforming the softened stem ends into convex heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jennifer M. Aamodt, James G. Berg, Peter F. Cullen, Brian T. Hargrett
  • Patent number: 6460228
    Abstract: A monofilament interlaced loop surfaced and thin-profile fastener strip base material that replaces the multifilar nap surfaced and thicker profiled conventional base material and is fabricated into a unitary structural entity by a knitting machine. Among the innovative features are the interlacing of the upper and lower section wraps of the woof elements to form a bottom weave with a woof-oriented nylon monofilament, the overlaps of which continuously bind a pair of adjacent wraps and thereafter skips the next pair of adjacent wraps in an alternating pattern, the vertical linear interlinking of the overlaps by the continuous binding then becoming the wharf element of the bottom weave. The sections of monofilament that are not utilized for binding densely distributed along the bottom weave surface become arch-shaped freestanding loops that are flat and narrow and have an optimal degree of fastening strength and, furthermore, minimal lean propensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Ling-Mei Li
  • Patent number: 6384736
    Abstract: A remotely controlled electronic display sign which operates with a plasma display and which provides for humidity and heat control and the like allowing the sign to be used in various environments. The sign is essentially self-contained and includes those components necessary for enabling a display of desired material from a remote control source or one located at the sign. A controller in or associated with the sign is accessible either electrically, or through satellite transmission or other wireless transmission from the remote source which allows the display of the sign to be changed at will. Thus, an operator at a remote source may, with the aid of a pre-prepared graphic design, transmit that design to the controller at or associated with the sign for display of that graphic information and potentially with sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Dave Gothard
  • Patent number: 6357088
    Abstract: A hook fastener member having rows of molded hook-shaped fastener elements that lie in planes aligned with the rows, with generally planar plate portions at the outermost ends of at least some of the fastener elements, the plate portions lying generally parallel to the base of the fastener member. The plate portions can enhance engagement of the hook fastener members with mating loop fastener members, particularly with low loft non-woven loop fastener members. A method of making fastener members is provided. Molten resin is extruded and applied to a molding roller, creating preforms. The outermost portions of at least some of the preforms are flattened, thereby forming generally plate shaped portions. Disposable absorbent garments advantageously incorporate the hook fastener members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: George A. Provost, Mark J. Condon, A. Todd Leak, Apiromraj S. Roslansky, Paul J. Serbiak
  • Patent number: 6238765
    Abstract: A floor mat is disclosed which is releasably attachable to loop-pile fibers of a carpet of the carpeted floor board of a vehicle. The floor mat includes a generally planar member having a top surface, a carpet material attached and/or bonded to the top surface, a plurality of integrally formed, spaced-apart, downwardly-depending nibs, and a plurality of integrally formed, spaced-apart, downwardly-depending, carpet-engaging members interlockably engageable with the loop-pile fibers of the carpeted floor board. The planar member, and thus, the integrally formed carpet-engaging members are desirably formed from a heat curable, elastomeric or rubber-like material so that the plurality of carpet-engaging members is disengageable from the loop-pile fibers of the carpeted floor board generally without damaging the loop-pile fibers of the carpeted floor board. Also disclosed are a mold and a method for forming such a floor mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Racemark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Bailey, Jeffrey L. Stucker
  • Patent number: 6202264
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surface fastener made of a woven/knitted fabric which is extremely thin and flexible. Designs and the like on a rear face side of the fastener can be clearly seen through engaging elements and a substrate. Also, the fastener has a high productivity, thereby allowing a rational price setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsutoshi Ishihara
  • Patent number: 6202260
    Abstract: A composite touch fastener has an elongated, sheet-form resin substrate, a fibrous loop strip partially encapsulated in, or otherwise permanently attached to, resin of the substrate, and an array of loop-engageable fastener elements integrally molded with resin of the substrate. The loop strip forms a discrete band of hook-engageable, free-standing loops along the length of the substrate, and has a substantially constant fiber density across its width. The array of fastener elements is arranged in a discrete band of fastener elements extending longitudinally along the substrate. The fastener product is useful as a repeated use bag closure, with a pair of grooves and a graspable rib integrally molded into the substrate between the fastener elements and loops. The center portion of the closure seals the bag until it is torn away to expose the mating bands of loops and fastener elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: William Clune, William H. Shepard