Abstract: A tire having a tread consisting of two circumferential layers of non-conductive material, each layer containing a circumferential insert made of a conductive mix and having on the contact surface between the two layers a circumferential footprint, the first of these layers having on the said surface a circumferential footprint with a circular path of width e, the second layer having on the said surface a circumferential footprint of width e′ lying across and having crests on either side of the circular path of the first layer, such that circumferentially between the two paths there are numerous points of contact which ensure electrical connection between the two conductive elements. The second layer with its insert is extruded from a main extruder for the extrusion of the portion of a tread in the unvulcanized condition, and a micro-extruder whose extrusion nozzle is fitted with a cutting edge and whose extrusion orifice is directed against a conveyor associated with the main extruder.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of preparing a film for use in forming a storage bag comprises the steps of: supplying a pre-extruded thermoplastic film, the film having opposite first and second edge portions; extruding a first base onto the first edge, wherein the first base partially overlaps the first edge; and extruding a first profile onto the first base.

Abstract: Fastener products having a multiplicity of fastener elements extending from a strip-form base, the base including first and second attachment members for attachment of a substrate therebetween, are formed by continuously introducing molten resin to a gap defined adjacent a peripheral surface of a rotating mold roll. The resin forms part of the strip-form base of the product at the peripheral mold roll surface and fills an array of fixed cavities defined in the rotating mold roll to form portions of the fastener elements as projections extending from a first side of the sheet-form base. While the resin is on the mold roll, a sheet material is introduced.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable composite sheet includes an elastic layer and an inelastic layer formed with stretchable fibers having a relatively small diameter and bonded to at least one surface of the elastic layer. In the inelastic layer bonded to the elastic layer is formed with thermoplastic synthetic fiber, at least 80% by weight of stretchable fibers includes thermoplastic synthetic fiber containing lubricant of 0.1˜5.0% by weight.

Abstract: A method of making a fastener product having discrete regions of fastener element stems extending from a strip-form base includes providing a gap formed along a peripheral surface of a rotating mold roll, the mold roll having a plurality of cavities exposed about the peripheral surface. A sleeve is introduced to the gap. The sleeve is positioned about the mold roll and covers selected cavities. Molten resin is introduced to the gap such that the resin forms at least a part of the strip-form base of the product at the peripheral mold roll surface and at least partially fills a plurality of the cavities to form fastener element stems as projections extending from the strip-form base, while the resin remains blocked from said selected ones by the sleeve. The resin is solidified and stripped from the peripheral surface of the mold roll by pulling the projections from their respective cavities.

Abstract: A method for forming a unitary polymeric projection or fastener comprising a base layer, and a multiplicity of spaced projections or hook members projecting from the upper surface of the unitary base layer the method generally including extruding of forming a thermoplastic resin through a die plate or mold. A die plate, if used, is shaped to form a base layer and spaced ridges, projecting above a surface of the base layer. When the die forms the spaced ridges or ribs the cross sectional shape of the projections are formed by the die plate. The ridges are then cut at spaced locations along their lengths to form discrete cut portions of the ridges. The cut portions are then heat treated resulting in shrinkage of at least a portion of at least the cut portion thickness by from 5 to 90 percent, preferably 30 to 90 percent thereby forming discrete upstanding projections.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coextruded film comprising a transparent polymeric inner core layer of thickness less than 250 &mgr;m and two peelable outer polymeric layers wherein the inner layer constitutes a low enough proportion, less than 40%, of the total film thickness and exhibits a low enough melt flow index value to achieve a birefringence of not more than 1×10−4 nm/nm.

Abstract: In a process for making a porous drainage medium composed of entangled strands of thermoplastic resin, subsequent to forming a tubular preform, the preform is formed with necked-down sections at intervals along the length thereof before proceeding to a cooling tank. As such, the drainage medium can be flexed in the cooling tank and can be discharged continuously and conveniently out of the cooling tank without being cut.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for an apparatus for continuously molding small fastener elements integral with a base web from a flowable resin. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical mold roll rotatable about an axis and defining small fastener element-shaped mold cavities in the surface thereof, and pressure-applying means to apply operating pressure to force the resin into the cavities at a pressure zone. The pressure-applying means and mold roll define a mold gap therebetween for forming the base web. The advantageous use of relatively long mold rolls, to produce a correspondingly wide web, and the use of higher molding pressures, e.g. to form very small fastener elements, is enabled by various improvements, including means to maintain the mold gap at a desired thickness profile across the length of the molding region of the mold roll under operating pressure. In some cases the pressure-applying means includes a pressure roll, in other cases it includes a resin nozzle assembly or pressure head.

Abstract: A method of making a segmented hook and loop type fastener which accommodates molding contours. Several different methods for fabricating such a fastener are disclosed. A plurality of mold plates include a fastener forming zone, having similar arcuate edges. The fastener forming zone further comprises fastening element mold cavities intersecting these edges and one face of the mold plate, the mold cavities being arranged into a plurality of segment forming regions. Circumscribing each of the segment forming regions, is a gasket mold cavity; and between each adjacent pair of segment forming regions, is a hinge forming region. The mold plates form a cylindrical mold wheel having a circular surface formed by the arcuate edges of the mold plates such that the segment forming regions are spaced apart circumferentially around the cylindrical surface. The apparatus further comprises an extruder having a die whose surface is disposed close to the cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A plastic product is fabricated from plastic sheets by heat sealing the plastic sheets to form an enclosure member. In order to strengthen the heat-sealed joints of the plastic sheets, the plastic sheets are thickened at portions where the heat-sealed joints are to be formed. Preferably, the heat-sealed joints are formed in such a manner that the cross-section of the heat-sealed joints is smaller than that of the thickened portions of the plastic sheet, thereby preventing effectively the non-thickened portions of the plastic sheets from being affected adversely by the heat sealing process.

Abstract: An extruded hook fastener strip is created on a roll having hook forming cavities in its surface by extruding plastic material into the interface between the forming roll and a second strip carried by a backing roll. The second strip is firmly bonded to the fastener strip on that side opposite the formed hooks.

Abstract: A rotary-molded, three-dimensional, multi-polymer article, e.g. a multi-color door mat, where sections of projecting elements comprise different polymers. Such multi-polymer articles are produced on a rotating cylindrical mold in continuous lengths wherein said apparatus comprises a rotatable, cylindrical mold having a plurality of circumferential, rows of cavities and a plurality of parallel grooves separating the rows of cavities. Two sources of polymer are fed to the rotating mold from a stationary polymer injection block in arcuate proximity to the mold and having a plurality of cavity injection ports for supplying at least two different polymers to corresponding rows of cavities to form projecting elements, and a plurality of base-forming injection ports for supplying polymer to corresponding parallel grooves to form a base.

Abstract: A fabric having worsted yarn fabric-like hand and appearance and a satisfactory stretchability, is obtained by melt-spinning two types of polyesters, different in intrinsic viscosity from each other, to produce a conjugate multifilament yarn; winding-up the yarn at a speed of 1,000 to 4,500 m/min; unwinding the wound yarn; unevenly drawing the yarn at a draw ratio lower than a natural draw ratio thereof to produce a thick-and-thin yarn; forming a fabric from the yarn; and applying a mass reduction treatment with an alkali to the fabric with a mass reduction of 3 to 30 mass %, to cause a plurality of cracks extending in a direction crossing the filament axis to be formed on the peripheries of individual filaments of the yarn.

Abstract: A process and apparatus utilize an extrusion and zone molding process in which a polymeric material is extruded, shaped and cooled to form a primary extrusion having a shaped length of uniform cross section, zone heating is then applied to only a portion of the primary extrusion creating a molten zone in that portion, the molten zone is aligned with a section mold to mold only that portion of the primary extrusion. The portion section molded cools quickly forming a section molded portion. Although an exemplary polymeric component is described herein, a variety of components may be produced utilizing the apparatus and method described by varying the shape of either the primary extrusion component or the section molded component, or both.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tube having a round cross-section over a major portion of its length and intermediate its ends having a flattened oval cross-section. The apparatus includes an extrusion head with an extrusion die through which the tube is extruded. A pinching device, which includes opposed pinching elements, is arranged at the extrusion head so as to be selectively moveable together to press on and pinch the tube to produce the oval cross-section of the tube. The rollers are selectively moveable apart to not pinch the tube to enable the tube to be extruded round, whereby a round tube with an intermediate flattened oval shaped portion is produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high speed embossing and adhesive printing process, said process comprising the steps of (a) applying an adhesive to a conformable heated glue application roll; (b) applying said adhesive to a first patterned embossing roll, having an outer surface, which is engaged with a second patterned embossing roll having a complementary pattern to said first embossing roll; (c) passing a web of sheet material between said first and second embossing rolls at a tangential line speed to simultaneously emboss said web and apply said adhesive to said web, such that said adhesive forms an adhesive pattern between embossments; and (d) applying a renewable release agent to the outer surface of the first patterned embossing roll.

Abstract: An improved method of applying a controlled pressure to the flapper in a curly puff production apparatus. The present invention uses a pneumatic system to apply a pressure to a flapper. The invention utilizes a rotary actuator that applies a near constant pressure to the flapper. Alternatively, a pair of telescoping tubes connected to the flapper and an air pressure source can apply a near constant pressure to either the proximate end or the distal end of the flapper. Further in the alternative, a linear actuator can be used to provide a near constant pressure to the flapper. As a result of applying a constant pressure to the flapper, the pitch in the curls of the curly puff extrudate can be more predictably controlled.

Abstract: A method for continuously forming molded parts includes providing an extruder; directing a hollow column of plastic material from the extruder; providing a plurality of die blocks each including planar end segments having differing geometry and joined by the intermediate convoluted segments; continuously moving such die blocks for receiving and forming the hollow column into strut boots with planar end segments and intermediate convoluted segments and advancing the shaped column of plastic material from the continuously moving die blocks and providing a cutter synchronized to the movement of the shaped column for separating the planar end segments to form one or more parts having planar end segments of the same or differing geometry in each part or with differing geometry from part to part.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for an apparatus for continuously molding small fastener elements integral with a base web from a flowable resin. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical mold roll rotatable about an axis and defining small fastener element-shaped mold cavities in the surface thereof, and pressure-applying means to apply operating pressure to force the resin into the cavities at a pressure zone. The pressure-applying means and mold roll define a mold gap therebetween for forming the base web. The advantageous use of relatively long mold rolls, to produce a correspondingly wide web, and the use of higher molding pressures, e.g. to form very small fastener elements, is enabled by various improvements, including means to maintain the mold gap at a desired thickness profile across the length of the molding region of the mold roll under operating pressure. In some cases the pressure-applying means includes a pressure roll, in other cases it includes a resin nozzle assembly or pressure head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a touch-and-close fastener element (18) comprising a multitude of hook means (16), which are provided with a support (26) as one piece. In order to form said support (26), a plastic material in a free-flowing state is fed to a gap (22) located between a pressing device (24) and a shaping device (10) that is provided with cavities (14) for shaping the respective hook means (16). A support (26) having a small thickness can be obtained and/or the removal of the support (26) from the shaping device (10) is facilitated by feeding the plastic material together with the supporting part (32) into the gap (22), whereby the supporting part bears the support (26) between the pressing device (24) and the plastic material.

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.

Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for making a plastic sleeve (56), plastic is fed into an extruder die (216). The plastic is extruded from the extruder die (216) as a molten plastic stream into a mold cavity (272) having an inner wall (270) with dimensions greater than the outside dimensions of the molten plastic stream. A first end (274) of the inner wall (270) includes a first projection (282) extending radially inward of the mold cavity (272) and circumferentially completely around the mold cavity (272). The molten plastic stream is vacuum expanded radially against the inner wall (270) and around the projection (282) to form a plastic sleeve (56) with a circumferential rib (74) and a aligned external first groove (92) at one end (60) of the sleeve (56).

Abstract: Flat textured or roughened blanks are used in injection molding processes to provide in-mold labels and similar decoration. This provides decorated article that has a desired texture, for example, that of a football or basketball, with custom graphics behind the texture. They may be configured into (preferably but not necessarily tapered) self-supporting sleeves, by joining opposite sides together at a seam or other interface. The sleeves may be used in applications such as inserts for injection molded containers, attachments to existing objects; components of containers manufactured using modified paper cup technology, or glued onto existing paper or plastic cups or containers. Other articles could be produced, such as recording media (e.g, DVD) cases, lunch boxes, food and other consumer packages, or any other type of injection blow molded or impact molded product.

Abstract: A segmented hook and loop type fastener accommodates molding contours. Each segment may be surrounded by a gasket barrier, or covered by another sort of cover, or left unprotected. The fastener component is a plurality of fastening segments. Carried on the fastening face of a base member are a plurality of fastening elements, either hook-type or loop-type. Located between and joining each adjacent pair of fastening segments is a flexible neck that is narrower than the fastening segment. The flexible neck region is typically flexible around two or three orthogonal axes. Each segment may have a barrier for use during an operation to incorporate the fastener into a molded body. The barrier would prevent any liquid foaming material from contacting the fastening elements if the fastener is placed in the mold with the fastening elements pressed against the wall of the mold. The cover may be enveloping or space filling.

Abstract: Several methods and machines for continuously forming a fastener product having an array of fastener elements extending from a continuous, sheet-form base, employing a mold belt on which the sheet-form base of the product is formed and from which it is subsequently stripped. The belt defines an array of cavities extending from its outer surface, for molding either the array of fastener elements or an array of preform stems that are subsequently reformed into the fastener elements. In some cases the cavities are blind, such as for forming hook-type fastener elements; in other cases, the cavities extend through the belt, such as for forming mushroom-type fastener elements. Various belt constructions and fastener element shapes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of a spiral or coil shaped puffed extrudate. A tube or other peripheral containment vessel is placed at the exit end of an extruder die. A force or resistance is then applied on the extrudate downstream of the glass transition point, thereby causing the extrudate to back up and coil in the containment vessel.

Abstract: An automotive extrusion-molded product such as a trim, weather strip, and window molding which is used at a vehicle body opening such as an automotive door, trunk, and window of an automobile comprises a core material (2) having a U shape in the cross section which is made of a hard synthetic resin, said core material having cut portions (7, 8) with various shapes and extending in the lengthwise direction and a coating body (3) made of a soft synthetic resin, which is adhered to the core material so as to cover the core material. The coating body (3) is provided with a pushed-in portion (5) which is formed integrally with the coating body and extends downward beyond the end portion (4, 4) of the core material so as to be able to be pushed in toward an inner peripheral surface (14) having a U shape in the cross section of the core material.

Abstract: A method for producing a tube section from thermoplastic material, in which a tube section is extruded by means of an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, which inner core defines an axial hollow space in the tube section, the tube section coming out of the extruder die downstream of the extruder die being internally cooled by means of an internal cooling member and externally cooled by means of an external cooling device. Immediately after the tube section leaves the extruder die, the internal cooling member brings about internal cooling of the tube. The external cooling device is positioned downstream of the internal cooling member, so that the external cooling of the tube section is brought about after the internal cooling.

Abstract: An improved hose is used to install loose fill insulation. The hose includes projections extending from an inner surface which serve to condition the insulation as it proceeds through the hose and is dispensed. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hose. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be angled, by an angle less then ninety (90) degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hose. In a third embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed with a serrated edge. In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed as part of a cap member which is disposed around the periphery of the hose.

Abstract: Molten polymers are forced into T dies combined to form a multiple T die, the molten polymers are extruded through the T dies in monolayer. The monolayers extruded through the T dies are superposed and laminated outside the multiple T die while the polymers are in a molten or semi-molten state to form a intermediate molten multilayer. The multiple T die is advanced into a space between an open top half mold and a bottom half mold of a compression mold to deliver the intermediate multilayer onto the bottom half mold. The intermediate multilayer is cut to a predetermined length on the bottom half mold, and is processed for compression molding in the compression mold to form a multilayer article. A molding cycle for molding the multilayer article is carried out automatically at a remarkably improved manufacturing efficiency.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming continuous lengths of material with non-uniform cross-sections are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method for forming a continuous length of material that is of a substantially non-constant cross-section includes providing the material to a single shaping wheel. The material is in a first state, and the single shaping wheel includes a template that is arranged to form a three-dimensional shape using the material. The method also includes shaping the material to form an extended strip from the material, as well as at least one three-dimensional shape in the extended strip. The extended strip and the three-dimensional shape being formed using substantially only the single shaping wheel. In one embodiment, the method includes cooling the extended strip by cooling the material from a molten state to a solid state.

Abstract: Molten resin material is continuously extruded from a first extruding hole extending in a width direction of a first extruding nozzle, and is passed through a second extruding nozzle which is arranged a front surface of the first extruding nozzle and has a second extruding hole at a position corresponding to the first extruding hole. The second extruding hole is a single extruding hole having a plurality of longitudinal rectangular openings arranged at the same pitch in the width direction, and a communicating section with which one end of the respective rectangular openings communicate, and the first extruding hole is a single extruding hole having coupling-element-molding openings arranged corresponding to the rectangular openings and a base-member-molding opening corresponding to the communicating section.

Abstract: An edge trim is coextruded on a polyolefin film layer. The edge trim protects the film from damage during a stretching operation, wherein clamps, clips or hooks of a tenter frame are attached to the edge regions of the film and the film is stretched in the transverse direction (TD).

Abstract: A running length of fastener product is formed of longitudinally pre-oriented synthetic resin. The product is characterized by a base web and an array of discrete fastener elements protruding from at least one side of the web, the web being in a laterally stretched molecular oriented condition. After forming a preform having discrete fastener elements integral with a base web in a stretchable state, the preform is stretched in a manner that substantially increases the fastener element spacing and reduces the thickness of the base web. A machine is shown that is capable of lengthwise orienting before forming and widthwise stretching after forming, which employs controlled heating to render the product widthwise stretchable while preserving or achieving a desired shape of the fastener elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of composite insulators consisting of a shank in the form of a bar or a tube, which is provided with a covering and which comprises plate-like screens which are distanced from each other. The covering and the screens are made of an elastomer material with high insulating qualities. As a result, the number, distance, form and size of the screens can vary from insulator to insulator. According to the invention, at least one injection mould (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) for injecting a screen (2, 3, 4, 5, 19, 20, 21, 22) is arranged downstream from a device which is used to provide the shank (1) with a covering. The injection mould can be advanced in order to inject a screen upon the shank and opened in order to unmould said screen. An advancing device is also provided in order to displace (16) the shank (1) or the screen mould.

Abstract: To provide a method of producing a uniaxially stretched polytetrafluoroethylene gasket tape, which comprises: (1) a step for preparing a paste comprising a mixture of a polytetrafluoroethylene powder obtained by emulsion polymerization and an extrusion aid, (2) a step for extruding the paste by means of an extruder equipped with a die which has plural separators inside an orifice thereof having a rectangular cross section, (3) a step for rolling, in the extruding direction, an extrudate having slit lines to give a rolled polytetrafluoroethylene sheet, (4) a step for uniaxially stretching the rolled sheet in the rolling direction after removing the extrusion aid from the rolled sheet, and (5) a step for heat-treating the obtained uniaxially stretched polytetrafluoroethylene sheet. The die of the extruder has plural sheet-like separators in the orifice thereof having a rectangular cross section.

Abstract: There is provided a weather strip for a car which comprises a grip and a seal part. The grip is U-shaped in cross section and is attached to a flange. The grip comprises a holder part and an insert which is embedded in the holder part. The seal part performs a sealing function. The holder part is made of olefinic rubber or thermoplastic resin, and the insert is made of olefinic thermoplastic elastomer or material comprising filler such as talc or glass fiber.

Abstract: A fastener product includes a planar base, multiple discrete plateaus molded integrally with and extending from an upper surface of the base each plateau having an upper surface that is smaller in area than an overall area of the base covered by the plateau, and an array of discrete fastener elements integrally molded with and extending from the upper surface of the plateau. The product is molded on a mold roll covered by a sleeve either made of a resilient material or having apertures intersecting an inner surface of the sleeve at an inner opening that is smaller than an outer opening of the aperture at an outer sleeve surface to form an edge of the fastener product of decreased sharpness.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a first body part with a seal support flange thereon that supports a unitary seal construction having a flexible bulb seal portion engageable with second vehicle body part including a hood or other vehicle body part for sealing against leakage between the first and second vehicle body parts and an integrally formed base portion and wherein the flexible bulb seal is hollow and is formed of a soft low density thermoplastic foam and the integrally formed base portion is integrally extruded with the flexible bulb seal and is formed solely from polymeric material having spaced walls defining a recess for fitting the unitary seal construction in place on the support flange.

Abstract: A process for making a plastic tube having a variable diameter comprises the following steps. A plastic is obtained. The plastic is fed into an extruder die (216). The plastic is extruded as a tubular molten plastic stream (262) into a mold cavity (218) having an inside diameter greater than the diameter of the tubular molten plastic stream (262). The mold cavity (218) inside diameter varies longitudinally along the length of the mold cavity (218). The tubular molten plastic stream (262) is vacuum expanded radially against the mold cavity inner wall (290). The wall thickness of the tubular molten plastic stream (262) is varied during extrusion at locations longitudinally along the stream (262).

Abstract: Described is a method of indirect printing on a thermoplastic film having texture, wherein said method comprises: a) providing a heated thermoplastic melt; b) providing a tool having a molding portion that comprises a texture having a surface and a plurality of cavities in said surface, and that comprises a material having a surface energy sufficient to release ink; c) applying ink to said texture; d) substantially drying or curing said ink; e) contacting said thermoplastic melt with said molding portion having ink applied to it; f) forming a texture in said thermoplastic melt, wherein said texture comprises a plurality of protrusions and an area between said protrusions, that is the inverse of the texture of said molding surface; g) transferring said ink from said molding portion to said thermoplastic melt; h) quenching said thermoplastic melt to form a thermoplastic film; and i) removing said thermoplastic film from said molding portion.

Abstract: A branched pipe (5) is manufactured by continuous extrusion in such a manner that a manifold (5a) of a branched pipe (5) is manufactured by extruding plastic material into the space defined by moving chill moulds (1, 2) and a mandrel (10) arranged therein with an extruder (4). The manifold (5a) is provided with branch pipes (5b) simultaneously with the extrusion thereof.

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.

Abstract: A method for producing an adhesive closing element having a plurality of hook elements formed as a single piece with a support. The hook elements are rod-shaped and have enlargements at their ends. A thermoplastic synthetic material is fed into the gap between two moveable tools in a plastic or liquid state. The tools are driven such that a support is formed in the gap and displaced in a direction of conveyance. The hook elements are formed by forming elements acting on the gap. The hook elements are formed on both sides of tile support by the forming elements that are active on both sides of the gap.

Abstract: A dispenser for strip materials, e.g. hook and loop fastener material, which automatically finds formations in a continuous fastener strip during its dispensing and, at that point in the dispensing procedure, produces a resistance to the remaining supply, that enables parting of the lead unit from the remaining supply, thus dispensing a discrete unit. The dispenser has a receptacle to hold the supply of fastener strip material; it employs a retarding device to provide light drag against the motion of the strip as the leading strip unit moves from the dispenser in response to pull by a user. A detent downstream of the retarding device engages a corresponding formation in the strip material to resist movement of the remaining strip material, so that the strip ruptures along a line of weakness under a user's tension. Also disclosed are dispensable fastener strips of various forms, some advantageously formed by use of needled bat, and methods of forming the fastening strips.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for an apparatus for continuously molding small fastener elements integral with a base web from a flowable resin. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical mold roll rotatable about an axis and defining small fastener element-shaped mold cavities in the surface thereof, and pressure-applying means to apply operating pressure to force the resin into the cavities at a pressure zone. The pressure-applying means and mold roll define a mold gap therebetween for forming the base web. The advantageous use of relatively long mold rolls, to produce a correspondingly wide web, and the use of higher molding pressures, e.g. to form very small fastener elements, is enabled by various improvements, including means to maintain the mold gap at a desired thickness profile across the length of the molding region of the mold roll under operating pressure. In some cases the pressure-applying means includes a pressure roll, in other cases it includes a resin nozzle assembly or pressure head.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fastener strip having magnetically attractable particles which are not located across the entire volume of the strip, but rather are incorporated in a discrete, distinct area of the strip. The fastener strip has a base and many hook pieces which rise from a fastening surface of the base. One embodiment has a magnetically attractable body in a row which rises from the surface of the base and is located along a substantially center line of the fastener strip. The magnetically attractable particles are incorporated in the magnetically attractable body and a part of the base located below the magnetically attractable body, and the magnetically attractable particles are not dispersed across the whole area of the base. A method of manufacturing such a strip is also described here.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable composite sheet that includes an elastic layer and an inelastic layer formed with stretchable fibers having a relatively small diameter and bonded to at least one surface of the elastic layer. In the inelastic layer bonded to the elastic layer is formed with thermoplastic synthetic fiber, at least 80% by weight of stretchable fibers includes thermoplastic synthetic fiber containing lubricant of 0.1˜5.0% by weight.