By Fabric Strip Fastener Element (e.g., Hook And Loop Type Fastener) Patents (Class 604/391)
  • Publication number: 20090012490
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes an absorbent core (1) and a liquid-impervious backsheet (2). A receiving layer (11) is arranged on the opposite side of the backsheet (2) in relation to the core (1) in order to provide a surface (10) for receiving fastening members (12) arranged on the article. The receiving layer (11) and the fastening members (12) are adapted for being joined together when applying the article onto a user. The receiving layer is a flexible nonwoven laminate (11), including at least one inner (13) and one outer (14) layer, and the nonwoven laminate (11) and the absorbent core (1) overlap each other so that the overlapping zone (15) formed in that way has an extension amounting to at least 45 cm2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventor: Pontus Winqvist
  • Patent number: 7449014
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article is provided with leg elastic elements. The leg elastic elements include first leg elastic elements extending from transversely opposite margins of a front waist region to a front half of a crotch region and second leg elastic elements extending from transversely opposite margins of a rear waist region toward a rear half of the crotch region across a rear half of the crotch region. The first elastic elements extend generally in a transverse direction while the second elastic elements extend in a direction orthogonal to a transverse center line in such a manner that these elastic elements get nearer to a longitudinal center line as these elastic element extend from the rear waist region toward the crotch region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Oba, Takanori Matsuo
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080269709
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes first and second engagement members attached to the outer surface of a front waist region along transversely opposite side edge portions thereof so as to be spaced from each other by a given dimension in a longitudinal direction and third engagement members attached to in the inner surface of a rear waist region along transversely opposite side edge portions thereof. The first engagement members are laid on the respective side edge portions in longitudinally upper zones, the second engagement members are laid on the side edge portions in longitudinally lower zones, the third engagement members are laid on the side edge portions in longitudinally intermediate zones and hooks are respectively formed on the outer surface of the first and second engagement members and on the inner surface of the third engagement members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshifumi OTSUBO, Tomoko SUGITO
  • Publication number: 20080255534
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has an absorbent chassis, two independent side panels, a pair of front releasable fastening systems and a pair of back releasable fastening systems. Each side panel comprises a pair of opposite transverse edges. The front fastening system releasably attaches the front waist region to a transverse edge of the side panel. The back fastening system releasably attaches the back waist region to an opposite transverse edge of the side panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Tyco Healthcare Retail Services, AG
    Inventor: Loida Guzman Reyes
  • Patent number: 7435245
    Abstract: A fastening element for hygiene articles. The fastening element presents a first longitudinal direction and a second transverse direction in the form of a longitudinal section. The fastening element includes mechanically adhering clip elements, a first section corresponding to a first support layer and a second section corresponding to a second support layer. The first section contains a first zone by which the fastening elements are attached to the hygiene article. The second section contains a second zone arranged outside of the first section in the transverse direction in which the clip elements are provided. The element is folded in a zigzag manner along longitudinal folding lines and the second zone with the mechanically adhering clip elements lies outside of the zigzag folded configuration in the transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Paul-Hartmann AG
    Inventors: Carsten Wendelstorf, Rainer Mangold
  • Publication number: 20080208157
    Abstract: A fastening system includes an engaging component and a receiving component. The engaging component has a plurality of engaging elements capable of engaging the receiving component. The receiving component includes a nonwoven fabric having composite fibers, an embossed section, and a non-embossed section. The composite fibers are bonded together in the embossed sections. The composite fibers include a first propylene polymer and a second propylene polymer, wherein the first and second propylene polymers extend continually in a longitudinal direction and are arranged such that the second propylene polymer is associated with the first propylene polymer such that the composite fiber forms a crimp therein. The embossed sections have a plurality of zigzag unit patterns arranged in a machine direction which have a ratio of W1/W2 in the range of about 0.5 to about 2.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Alexander Horn, Mark James Kline, Kazuhiko Masuda, Hisashi Morimoto
  • Publication number: 20080195074
    Abstract: Packaged garments having pre-fastened, refastenable seams tucked in a certain position can preserve fastener performance. Such refastenable seams are particularly suitable for side seams on pant-like absorbent garments. Prior to packaging the garment, the refastenable seams are pre-fastened and tucked into the garment such that any resilient fastening components lie flat in a plane parallel to a plane in which front and back waist portions of the garment lie. When the garment is compressed and packaged, the resilient fastening components remain flat and do not become creased or crushed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Marcille Faye Ruman, Kathleen Irene Ratliff
  • Publication number: 20080195076
    Abstract: A fastener (10) comprising an attachment section (30) for permanent attachment to an anchoring area, a target section (60) for permanent attachment to a landing area, and a fastening section (40) for selective attachment and detachment from the target section (60). A breakable connection (70) initially connects the fastening section (40) and the target section (60), and this connection (70) is broken to disconnect the fastening section (40) from the target section (60) when fastener (10) is converted from a closed condition to an opened condition. A single fingerlift (80) can be gripped both when converting the fastener (10) from an installed condition to the closed condition, and when converting the fastener (10) from the closed condition to the opened condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Michel Coomans
  • Publication number: 20080183147
    Abstract: An article having a surface fastening system and a primary direction of load bearing. The surface fastening system includes at least one first fastening element and at least on second fastening element. The first fastening element further includes an attached portion, partially joined to the article, at least one liftable portion extending from the attached portion, and at least one hinge line disposed at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the primary direction of load bearing, the hinge line is positioned between the attached portion and the liftable portion. At least one second fastening element is affixed at a second position to the article and configured to be engageable with the liftable portion of the first fastening element. Articles such as disposable diapers, bibs, clothing, etc. are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Mark J. Kline, Luke R. Magee
  • Patent number: 7404812
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes first and second engagement members attached to the outer surface of a front waist region along transversely opposite side edge portions thereof so as to be spaced from each other by a given dimension in a longitudinal direction and third engagement members attached to in the inner surface of a rear waist region along transversely opposite side edge portions thereof. The first engagement embers are laid on the respective side edge portions in longitudinally upper zones, the second engagement members are laid on the side edge portions in longitudinally lower zones, the third engagement members are laid on the side edge portions in longitudinally intermediate zones and hooks are respectively formed on the outer surface of the first and second engagement members and on the inner surface of the third engagement members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Toshifumi Otsubo, Tomoko Sugita
  • Publication number: 20080140044
    Abstract: A method and assembly for attaching a flexible longitudinal medical element to the face of a patient by providing a polymer strip having adhesive material on one side and hook material on the other. Also, a strip of loop material is affixed about the flexible longitudinal element. The loop material is engaged to and secured by the hook material, thereby affixing the flexible longitudinal element to the patient's face, at a desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Timothy R. Beevers
  • Publication number: 20080140043
    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: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Zoltan Mandzsu, Jozsef Mandzsu Jr., Jozsef Mandzsu, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7384415
    Abstract: An article having a surface fastening system and a primary direction of load bearing. The surface fastening system includes at least one first fastening element and at least on second fastening element. The first fastening element further includes an attached portion, partially joined to the article, at least one liftable portion extending from the attached portion, and at least one hinge line disposed at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the primary direction of load bearing, the hinge line is positioned between the attached portion and the liftable portion. At least one second fastening element is affixed at a second position to the article and configured to be engageable with the liftable portion of the first fastening element. Articles such as disposable diapers, bibs, clothing, etc. are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark J. Kline, Luke R. Magee
  • Publication number: 20080119813
    Abstract: A diaper for holding an absorbent article in close bodily contact in the crotch region of the wearer. The diaper comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the diaper typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The diaper provides an upward holding force against the absorbent article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A system comprising the diaper and an absorbent article for use therewith, and a method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the diaper, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: JERRY EDWARD CARSTENS
  • Publication number: 20080119816
    Abstract: A diaper for holding an absorbent article in close bodily contact in the crotch region of the wearer. The diaper comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the diaper typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The diaper provides an upward holding force against the absorbent article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A system comprising the diaper and an absorbent article for use therewith, and a method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the diaper, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: JERRY EDWARD CARSTENS
  • Publication number: 20080119815
    Abstract: A diaper for holding an absorbent article in close bodily contact in the crotch region of the wearer. The diaper comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the diaper typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The diaper provides an upward holding force against the absorbent article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A system comprising the diaper and an absorbent article for use therewith, and a method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the diaper, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: JERRY EDWARD CARSTENS
  • Patent number: 7373698
    Abstract: A closure tab is provided and includes a first substrate. A second substrate is adhesively attached to the first substrate. The second substrate has mechanical closure material formed thereon. A compression bond pattern is applied to the first substrate and the second substrate. The compression bond pattern includes at least one outwardly extending protrusion. The compression bond pattern may include, for example, circular bond points, stripes, or a decorative element. A method is also provided wherein the second substrate is compressed onto the first substrate by a patterned roller. The second substrate may be compressed onto the first substrate by a plurality of pins spaced in alternating offset rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Retail Services AG
    Inventors: Carol Erdman, Ruth L. Levy, Mickey Calvert
  • Patent number: 7373700
    Abstract: A skin-friendly hook component of a hook and loop fastener that reduces or eliminates the occurrence of red-marking and/or irritation if brought into contact with a wearer's skin. In one embodiment, the hook component can have a relatively large top surface area among the hooks with respect to a surface area of the hook backing. In another embodiment, the hook backing is highly flexible, attributable to a flexible resin and/or modified topography. In yet another embodiment, a highly flexible polymer, or polymers, can be used to make individual hooks such that the hooks bend in response to a minimum amount of pressure. Various illustrated hook tapes have features along their edges to enhance skin-friendliness. A skin-friendly hook component results any combination of the disclosed embodiments. The hook component is particularly beneficial when used in absorbent articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Martin, Alexander J. Neeb, Richard J. Schmidt, Brian Vanbenschoten, Heidi Tremblay, Christopher M. Gallant, Scott M. Filion, Keith G. Buzzell, Joseph K. Parshley
  • Publication number: 20080114323
    Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles having a primary fastening system and a secondary fastening system, wherein the primary fastening system comprises at least a first component and at least a second component and the first component interlocks with the second component; and the secondary fastening system is located on at least a portion of the primary fastening system; wherein the secondary fastening system comprises a secondary fastening member having a first surface and a protective portion configured to cover at least a portion of the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Jeromy Thomas Raycheck
  • Publication number: 20080097368
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are fasteners for disposable absorbent articles and disposable absorbent articles that include the fasteners. The disclosed fasteners generally are free of release tape and adhesives requiring those tapes. At the same time, the disclosed fasteners can be maintained in a closed position prior to the fastener's (and the disposable absorbent article's) use and during the process by which the article is manufactured. While maintainable in this closed position, the fastener may be easily opened by the consumer such that the fastener can be then used for its intended purpose, such as, for example to form a side closure on a diaper around the waist and legs of an infant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: John Molander
  • Publication number: 20080082076
    Abstract: A method for forming a hook-engageable landing zone on a fibrous surface by selecting a region of the surface to form the landing zone, by raising fibers from the surface in the selected region to form fibrous loops extending from the surface, and by anchoring the fibrous loops in the selected region to secure the loops and resist pullout during hook engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: VELCRO INDUSTRIES B.V.
    Inventors: Howard A. Kingsford, Mark A. Clarner, Scott M. Filion, Melissa Spezzafero
  • Patent number: 7351236
    Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article (100) such as a diaper or an incontinence protector, which absorbent article is designed like underpants, with a first leg opening (120) and a second leg opening (130) and a waist opening (110), where the article comprises at least a first openable seal line (140) arranged at the first leg opening, and first (150?, 170?) and second (150, 170) opening and closing means arranged to be able to cooperate with one another when the openable seal line (140) is broken. The first (150?, 170?) and second (150, 170) closing means are situated on respective sides of the seal line (140) and are arranged on the surface of the underpants (100), the first closing means (150?, 170?) being arranged on the inside of the underpants and the second closing means (150, 170) being arranged on the outside of the underpants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products, AB
    Inventor: Tomas Gandemo
  • Patent number: 7347845
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a front part, a rear part, a crotch part extending between the front and rear part, and fasteners for fastening the side portions of the front and rear parts together in an overlapping relationship in order to give the absorbent article a pants-like configuration, the overlap between the side portions of the respective front and rear part being adjustable. At least one of the side portions of the front or rear parts have at least one tension indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Peter Zajaczkowski
  • Patent number: 7344525
    Abstract: An absorbent article includes a pair of front ear regions as part of a front waist region, a pair of back ear portions including a mechanical fastener as part of a back waist region, a crotch region connecting the front waist region and the back waist region, and a landing zone including a base material and a first discrete fastener element group embedded in the base material. The first discrete fastener element group includes at least one first discrete fastener element having a profile height. The base material has a profile height that is greater than the profile height of the first discrete fastener element. The landing zone may be associated with the outer cover in the front waist region between the front ear regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Means Linker, III, Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Thomas Harold Roessler
  • Patent number: 7329794
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in structure of disposable garments. The disposable garments of the invention may include an outer layer and an elastic inner layer. The elastic inner layer has an elastic inner layer perimeter and defines an opening, which may be in the form of a slit or aperture, located in an internal position to the elastic inner layer perimeter. The elastic inner layer perimeter may be bonded to the outer layer. The elastic inner layer may include a fastener on an inner surface in a back waist region of the garment and the outer layer may include a fastener on an outer surface in a front waist region of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, INc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Georgia L. Zehner
  • Patent number: 7322968
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article is provided on its garment facing surface with tape fasteners. The tape member forming each of the tape fastener has a fixed end portion and a free end portion adapted to be taken between the fingers longitudinally opposed to each other. The free end portion at least partially extend beyond the lateral edge of the wearing article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nariaki Shimoe
  • Patent number: 7322967
    Abstract: A pant-type disposable garment having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings is disclosed. The garment comprises a first waist panel, a second waist panel and a crotch panel positioned between, the first waist panel and the second waist panel. The crotch panel is openable and reclosable with respect to at least the second waist panel. The garment further comprises a releasable joint and a fastening member. The releasable joint releasably joins the crotch panel to the second waist panel to preform a pant shape. The releasable joint is released to first open the crotch panel. The fastening member is capable of refastening the crotch panel to the second waist panel to reform the pant shape after the releasable joint is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Masahiro Kondo
  • Publication number: 20080009821
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a polymeric film hook netting comprising a continuous film backing having a net section formed of plurality of a first set of thermoplastic strands extending in a first direction and a second set of integral strands extending in a second direction at least one of which strands has upstanding hook elements and a second integral non-net film section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Jayshree Seth, Janet A. Venne
  • Patent number: 7300427
    Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes connector sheet strips used to connect front and rear waist regions of the article which respectively includes proximal sections and flap-like sections. The proximal sections are fixed to the rear waist region on its inner surface along zones immediately adjacent to transversely opposite side edges of the rear waist region and the flap-like sections extend from the respective zones to the inside of the article in a circumferential direction. The flap-like sections are formed with folding guide means facilitating the flap-like sections to be folded so that these flap-like sections may extend from the inside toward the outside of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoko Sugito, Yoshio Ono
  • Patent number: 7297139
    Abstract: A refastenable absorbent garment comprises a body panel comprising a non-woven material, and preferably a non-woven spunbond material having a pattern of discrete bonded areas. The body panel has a non-elasticized area. A hook-type fastener member comprises a high-density array of hooks with a hook density of at least about 60 hooks per square centimeter. At least a portion of the array of hooks is engaged with the non-woven material at the non-elasticized area of the body panel. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, between about 5% and 25% of the non-woven spunbond material comprises the bonded area. In another preferred embodiment, the non-woven spunbond material has a basis weight of between about 0.3 osy and about 2.0 osy. A method for making the absorbent garment, and for securing the absorbent garment to a user, also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Cindy L. Price, Suzanne M. Schmoker, Lori S. Schutkoske, Paul T. Van Gompel, Jesse Paul Sorenson, Jerome S. Veith
  • Patent number: 7294387
    Abstract: A composite sheet material for use as a portion of a tear away fastening system. The sheet material includes a substrate layer and yarns extending through the substrate layer such that the define an arrangement of looped elements projecting away from one side of the substrate layer. The looped elements are interconnected by portions of the yarns disposed across the other side of the substrate layer. A backing layer is disposed in overlying relation to the substrate layer to hold the yarns in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Tietex International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Martin Wildeman
  • Patent number: 7291371
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical closure tape in roll form. The closure tapes are useful in the manufacture of disposable articles, particularly disposable diapers. The closure tape includes a fastening tape having a mechanical closure member and a release tape that completely covers the mechanical closure member during storage and transport of the tape and/or the disposable article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Anne Verhaert
  • Patent number: 7288081
    Abstract: In a disposable wearing article, connector sheet strips for connecting front and rear waist regions of the article have proximal sections and flap-like sections. The proximal sections are fixed to the rear waist region on its inner surface along zones contiguous to transversely opposite side edges of the rear waist region. Flexural rigidity of the flap-like sections as measured in a transverse direction of the article is higher than that of the article as measured in regions lying immediately inside the respective zones which are, in turn, contiguous to the respective side edges, so that a direction in which the connector sheet strips extend can be easily reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoko Sugito, Yoshio Ono
  • Patent number: 7288079
    Abstract: A disposable diaper capable of being put on from either the front or the back of a wearer. The ratio of the minimum width W1 of the crotch section to the whole width W2 of the longitudinal end section having the fastening tapes is from 0.30 to 0.75. The minimum width W1 is in the area extending from the centerline across the diaper that divides the diaper length in two equal halves toward both the longitudinal end sections thereof by ±10% of the total length of the diaper. The area ratio S1/S2 is from 0.45 to 0.60, where S1 is the area of each region surrounded by an imaginary straight line L1, an imaginary straight line L2, and each arched side edge of the crotch section, and S2 is the area of each region surrounded by the line L1, the line L2, and an imaginary straight line L3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Haruko Toyoshima, Yasuyuki Okuda
  • Publication number: 20070234529
    Abstract: The disclosure provides embodiments for elasticized members used as closures for garments, such as diapers, jacket cuffs, and similar articles, the elasticized member having an elastic body having an attachment region adapted for attachment of the elastic body to a garment and a fastener positioned on a distal portion of the elastic body, wherein the elastic body is structured to reduce curl along longitudinal edges and corners of the elastic body upon application of tension to the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: Tredegar Film Products Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Middlesworth, Andrew J. Peacock, Matthew J. O'Sickey, Stephen D. Bruce
  • Patent number: 7252658
    Abstract: A diaper has two pairs of means adapted to connect transversely opposite side edge portions of a front waist region and a rear waist region. These connecting means are elastically stretchable in a transverse direction of the diaper and the connecting means lying at a lower portion of the side edge portions have a stretch stress a great as that of the connecting means lying at a upper portion of the side edge portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Sayama
  • Publication number: 20070149938
    Abstract: A non-elastic thermoplastic film having a noise abatement region and a fastening component. The noise abatement region has a plurality of apertures, wherein each of the plurality of apertures has an area of between about 4 mm2 to about 75 mm2. The fastening component is disposed within the noise abatement region such that the fastening component is surrounded by the noise abatement elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Oscar Antonio Ruiz, John Carroll Molander
  • Patent number: 7229515
    Abstract: A method of producing refastenable side seams in an absorbent garment results in an absorbent garment that is adapted to easy application and removal. The refastenable side seams can be produced in either a cross direction, wherein the width of the product is the machine direction, or a machine direction wherein the length of the product is the machine direction. Each of the refastenable side seams includes a lap side seam, which puts the seams under shear strain, as opposed to peel forces. The resulting garment can be opened and closed on either a left side or a right side of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack L. Couillard, Christopher Peter Olson, Joseph D. Coenen, Robert Lee Popp, Shawn A. Quereshi, David Arthur Kuen
  • Patent number: 7217262
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a stretchable fastening member is disclosed. The absorbent article comprises a chassis and a stretchable fastening member. The chassis extends longitudinally and laterally and comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The stretchable fastening member comprises a fixed portion permanently joined to the chassis, a distal portion provided with a fastening material and a stretchable panel positioned between the fixed portion and the distal portion. The stretchable fastening member is joined to the chassis such that the distal portion is positioned laterally outwardly from the fixed portion in the flat-out configuration of the stretchable fastening member. The stretchable panel of the stretchable fastening member comprises a first stretchable zone and a second stretchable zone disposed in the lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Co.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakahata, Yasuhisa Minemoto
  • Patent number: 7207979
    Abstract: A refastenable absorbent garment comprises a front body panel comprising a pair of side portions defining opposite side edges and a landing portion extending between said side portions, wherein the landing portion and each of the side portions are separated by a line of weakness. A rear body panel comprises opposite side edges that are joined to the opposite side edges of the front body panel to form a side seam. A hook-type fastener member comprises a carrier member secured to the side portions of the front body panel in front of the side seam and a plurality of hooks extending from the carrier member, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of hooks are engaged with the landing portion. A method for making the absorbent garment, and for securing the absorbent garment to a user, also are provided. In another aspect, an absorbent garment comprises a body panel having a length and a fastening member comprising at least two engagement portions releasably engaging the body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Cindy L. Price, Suzanne M. Schmoker, Lori S. Schutkoske, Paul T. Van Gompel, Paul W. Christoffel, Sarah Jane Marie Freiburger, Mary Anne Bruemmer-Prestley
  • Patent number: 7201744
    Abstract: A refastenable absorbent garment includes a first body panel having a body side and a garment side and a second body panel having a body side and a garment side. A fastener member is attached to the body side of the first body panel and is releasably attached to the body side of the second body panel. A method for assembling a refastenable absorbent garment includes applying a garment side of a first portion of the fastener member to a body side of a first body panel, and releasably applying the body side of the second body panel to a garment side of a second portion of the fastener member. A method of manufacturing and using the absorbent garment is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Van Gompel, Yung H. Huang
  • Patent number: 7198621
    Abstract: A disposable diaper having an attachment assembly including a subassembly bonded or attached to an exterior surface of a front waist region of the diaper and extending laterally from opposing side edges of the front waist region to form laterally opposing front ears. A reduced-size attachment panel is properly positioned and bonded to the subassembly to improve the functionality of a fastening system of the diaper without interfering with or limiting the extensibility of the diaper chassis, while minimizing the use of relatively expensive attachment panel material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Julie A. Moser, Alan F. Schleinz
  • Patent number: 7198622
    Abstract: A pant diaper or diaper whose side edges are joined to form a pants-like shape with the help of strips provided with interacting hook and loop devices respectively that extend along the long edges of the front and rear sections. The edges of the strips that face the legs are covered by a band of soft and flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Marie Dahlgren
  • Patent number: 7195622
    Abstract: An absorbent article has a fastening arrangement for fastening the absorbent article. The fastening arrangement is an extendable fastening arrangement formed by the material strip being folded in a Z along two transversely extending fold lines which divide the material strip into a first end portion at the first short end, a second end portion at the second short end, and a middle portion between the end portions. The first end portion of the material strip is secured to the middle portion by a first breakable attachment, and the second end portion of the material strip is secured to the middle portion by a second breakable attachment, and the fastening device is arranged on the second end portion on a surface directed away from the middle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Asa Lindström
  • Patent number: 7189220
    Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a pair of tape fasteners 6 that are used to connect front and rear waist regions 8, 10 to each other and are attached to side flaps 14 in the rear waist region 10 of the diaper. Each of the tape fasteners 6 includes fibrous nonwoven fabric made of thermoplastic synthetic resin fiber and thermoplastic synthetic resin coated on a substantially whole area of an outer surface of the fibrous nonwoven fabric wherein the thermoplastic synthetic resin forms a substantially smooth synthetic resin layer on outer surfaces of the respective tape fasteners. Thus, a free portion of each tape fastener is reliably prevented from being disengaged from a target tape even when the outer surface of the tape fastener and an inner surface of an underwear rub together during use of the diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Miyoshi, Hisashi Takai, Hironao Minato, Koichiro Mitsui
  • Patent number: 7166096
    Abstract: A pull-on disposable wearing article has front and rear waist regions and a crotch region extending between the waist regions. Transversely opposite lateral zones of the front and rear waist region are connected to each other in the vicinity of marginal side edges of the lateral zones so as to define a waist-hole and a pair of leg-holes. Hook members used to adjust a waist-circumferential dimension of the article are secured to the front waist region in its lateral zones and loop members on which the hook members are releasably anchored are secured to the front waist region in its middle zone so that the font waist region is normally non-contractible in the waist-circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hikari Kawata, Noriyuki Kurita, Ichiro Wada
  • Patent number: 7162749
    Abstract: A mechanical fastening system for an article wherein a first fastening component is secured to the article within an attachment region. A portion of the first fastening component within the attachment region is mechanically bonded to the article, with a ratio of an area of the bonded portion to an area of the attachment region defining a percent bonded area of the first fastening component. A second fastening component is secured to the article within an attachment region thereof. A portion of the second fastening component within the attachment region is mechanically bonded to the article, with a ratio of an area of the bonded portion to an area of the attachment region thereof defining a percent bonded area of the second fastening component. The percent bonded area of the first fastening component is substantially less than the percent bonded area of the second fastening component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry L. Carbone, II, Robert L. Popp, Debra H. Durrance, Matthew Lee Koele, Marcille F. Ruman, Kathleen I. Ratliff
  • Patent number: 7156833
    Abstract: A pant-like absorbent refastenable garment adapted to easy application and removal has hook and loop fasteners on the front and back side panels and in particular embodiments frangible bonds connecting the front and back side panels. The frangible bonds connecting the front and back side panels can be easily broken by the user prior to use and the hook and loop fasteners can be engaged prior to, or during, donning. The hook and loop fasteners do not need to be prefastened at the time of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurie Couture-Dorschner, Heather Schenck Mortell, David Arthur Kuen, Robert Lee Popp
  • Patent number: RE40247
    Abstract: A dual fastening device suitable for pull-up and cinch use with absorbent articles. The fastening device preferably includes a first fastening member and a second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Luke Robinson Magee, Mark Mason Hargett, Mark James Kline