ENHANCED FLEXIBILITY FASTENER, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ITS MAKING, AND PRODUCT INCORPORATING IT

• Main Authors: LEAK, A. TODD, STUMPF, JAMES V, PROVOST, GEORGE A, ROSLANSKY, APIROMRAJ S
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French
• Published: 12.09.1996
• Edition: 6
• Subjects: BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF,TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, E.G. STENTS; FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; FIRST-AID KITS; FOMENTATION; HABERDASHERY; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; JEWELLERY; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; PROSTHESES; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS

An enhanced flexibility fastener product (30) has a base (35) and hook elements (34a, 34b, 34c) integrally molded with and extending from the base (35). Hump-shaped formations (36a, 36b, 36c) (referred to as "rip stops"), that are integrally molded with base (35), are offset relative to the hook elements to reduce widthwise stiffness of the fastener product (30). The edge margins (31) of the fastener (30) are feathered in that they taper or otherwise reduce in thickness over an extended distance, preferably from at or near the hooks (34a, 34b, 34c) to the edge, resulting in a softer, less irritating fastener tape (30). Fasteners products according to the invention are particularly advantageous on disposable absorbent garments (10) such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and other articles of wear which come into contact with the user's skin.