CA1116352A - Reclosable fastener tape system and method of employing same - Google Patents
Reclosable fastener tape system and method of employing sameInfo
- Publication number
- CA1116352A CA1116352A CA000334363A CA334363A CA1116352A CA 1116352 A CA1116352 A CA 1116352A CA 000334363 A CA000334363 A CA 000334363A CA 334363 A CA334363 A CA 334363A CA 1116352 A CA1116352 A CA 1116352A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tape
- diaper
- release
- fastener
- adhesive
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A reclosable fastener tape system adaptable for use in connecting together segments of a garment includes a release strip and an adhesive tape fastener. The release strip has an adhesive layer on one of its surfaces that is directly attachable to the garment, and the fastener has first and second tape sections adhered to the opposite surface of the release strip through an adhesive surface-release surface interface. The release strip and adhesive tape fastener are the only adhesive containing substrates of the tape system when the system is attached to the garment.
In accordance with a method of this invention the fastener tape system is attached to the garment, and thereafter the adhesive surface of the first tape section is attached to a segment of the garment that is different from the segment to which the second tape section is attached to thereby connect these segments together.
Thereafter, if it is desired to adjust or modify the fit of the garment on the wearer, or merely open the garment to inspect it, as may be desirable when the garment is a disposable diaper, it is only necessary to detach the second tape section from the garment at the adhesive surface-release surface interface.
A reclosable fastener tape system adaptable for use in connecting together segments of a garment includes a release strip and an adhesive tape fastener. The release strip has an adhesive layer on one of its surfaces that is directly attachable to the garment, and the fastener has first and second tape sections adhered to the opposite surface of the release strip through an adhesive surface-release surface interface. The release strip and adhesive tape fastener are the only adhesive containing substrates of the tape system when the system is attached to the garment.
In accordance with a method of this invention the fastener tape system is attached to the garment, and thereafter the adhesive surface of the first tape section is attached to a segment of the garment that is different from the segment to which the second tape section is attached to thereby connect these segments together.
Thereafter, if it is desired to adjust or modify the fit of the garment on the wearer, or merely open the garment to inspect it, as may be desirable when the garment is a disposable diaper, it is only necessary to detach the second tape section from the garment at the adhesive surface-release surface interface.
Description
i35~
RECLOSABLE FASTENER TAPE SYSTEM
AND METHOD OF EMPLOYING SAME
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a fastener tape system for use in connecting segments of a garment together, and more specifically, to a fastener tape system including an adhesive tape fastener which can be employed to reconnect the segments tOgether after they have initially been opened. The invention also relates to a method of employing the system.
:
BACKGROUND ART
; Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes are very useful in ~ 10 providing a quick, easy and economical means of connecting - segments of a garment together. These tapes are particularly beneficial for connecting together segments of disposable garments, such as bibs, diapers, hospital gowns, etc. It is often desirable to reopen these garments to either inspect them or adjusk their fit. Reopening the garments is accomplished by separating a section of the tape from a segment of the garment; an operation that often destroys the tackiness of the tape, or either tears the tape or garment.
This makes refastening the tape difficult or impossible~
U.S. Patent No. 39 848,596, discloses a fastener tape system which permits refastening of an adhesive tape after it has initially been peeled from a diaper. The end portion of the tape, which is adapted to be peeled from the diaper, has a pressure sensitive adhesive surface which initailly is covered by two, separate protective strips. Each protective strip is adhered to a different area of the adhesive surface, and only one of the strips is removed to permit the tape to .;
i:
t~
i .
~ ' /"~ , ;3~
-la-be initially adhered to the diaper. m e other protective strip is removed to expose a fresh adhesive area after the end portion of the tape has been opened. m e tape ~' .
,`
:~
:;;
,~ .
~ ' .
' can then be resealed through its -fresh adhesive area. This particular system is somewhat complex in design, and also re~uires the separate disposal of -the protec-tive strips a-fter they have been removed from the tape. It has long been recognized that these protective strips presen-t a safety hazard to infants.
Speci-fically, i-f a strip is not properiy disposed of an infant may inges-t it, and possibly choke to dea-th. To eliminate this safety hazard "linerless" tape fastener systems have been developed, e.g., systems in which a release liner remains fixed to the diaper (or any other garment) after a portion of the tape protectecd by said llner has been opened for use. A linerless, reclosable system is described in lJ.S. Patent No. 4,020,842. issued to Richman et al. This system is somewhat complex; requiring three distinct adhesive tape substrates laminated together. Thus, the fastening art is in need of a simp,e and economical reclosable tape fastener system tha-t preferably is linerless. It is to such a system, and its method of use, -that the instant invention is ; directed.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
A reclosable fastener tape system for use in connecting together segments of a garment includes an adhesive tape fastener divided into two tape sections. One tape section is adapted to be connected to a first segment of a garment, adjacent an edge thereof, through a release surface-adhesive surface interface.
Z5 When this tape section is connected to the first segment, the other tape section can be extended beyond the edge for permanent attachment to a second segment of the garment. When it is desired to reopen the first and second garment segments, after they have been initially connected together, a user need only separate the one tape section from the first garment segment at -the release surface-adhesive surface interface. Because of this interface, the adhesive surface will not be damaged, anci therefore the tape fastener can be reclosed by adhesiveh~ rea-ttaching the one tape section to the firs-t garment segment.
In the most preferred embodiment of this invention the fastener tape system is linerless; with the two tape sections of ~ .
the system, prior ~o use, being adhered to surfaces of the garment through release surface-adhesive surface interfaces. Most prefer-ably these release surfaces are provided by one side of a release strip. The other side of the release strip includes an adhesive layer to adhere the strip to the garment with the release surfaces facing outwardly to receive the adhesive surfaces of the first and second tape sections. rrhe release strip and adhesive tape fasten-er are the only adhesive-containing substrates of the tape system when it is attached to the garment.
10Thus, in accordance with one aspect of this invention there is provided a fastener tape system for a disposable diaper, said diaper having front and back surfaces facing toward and away from a wearer, respectively, after said diaper has been placed ; on the wearer, said tape system including: (a) a release strip 15 having an adhesive layer on one side thereof and a release surface on the opposite side thereof, said release strip being folded about a side edge of the diaper with its adhesive layer facing , inwardly to secure the release strip to the diaper, whereby the ` release surface of the strip faces outwardly from the front and ' 20 back surfaces of the diaper adjacent the side edge thereof; (b~
an adhesive tape fastener including an adhesive layer on one surface thereof, said tape fastener ~eing folaed about the side edge of the diaper to provide a first tape section overlying the release surface that faces outwardly from the front surface of 25 the diaper, and a second tape section overlying the release , surface that faces outwardly from the back surface of the diaper, the adhesive layer on said first and second tape sections facing inwardly and being attached to respective underlying release . ...
,~, .
, ''''':
3a-surfaces, ~c) said first and second tape sections e~ch including adhesive-free yripping tabs to permit either of said tape sections to be easily gripped for removal from its attached release surface.
According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a method of manipulating a disposable diaper, said diaper having front and back suraces adapted to face toward and away from a wearer, respectively, when said diaper is placed on the wearer, said diaper including - lO an adhesive tape fastener folded about a side edge of one segment of the diaper to provide a first tape section overIying the front surface of said one diaper segment and a second tape section overlying the back surface of said one diaper segment, said first tape section including an adhesive layer adhered to the front surface of said one diaper segment through a release surface secured to said fron~ surface, said second tape section including an adhesive layer adhered to the back surface of said one diaper segment through a release surface ~; 20 secured to said back surface, said method including the steps of: a. placing the diaper about the torso of a wearer with the front surface facing the wearer and end regions en-circling the waist region of said wearer to bring a second segment of the diaper adjacent said one segment; b. sepa-rating the first tape section from its release surface on ; the one diaper segment to expose the adhesive layer thereon and adhering the first tape section, through its exposed adhesive layer, to the back surface of the second diaper ~ .
-3b-se~ment for initially retaining the diaper about the torso of the wearer, and, when the diaper is to be opened; c.
separating the second tape section from the back of the one diaper segment at an interface between the release surface S and the adhesive layer that cooperate to attach the second tape section to the back surface of said one diaper segment.
In accordance with another aspect of this invention there is provided a fastener tape system adaptable for use in connecting together segments of a garment, said system including a release strip having an adhesive layer on one of its surfaces directly attachable to the garment, an adhesive tape fastener having first and second tape sections, each being adhered to the surface of the release strip opposite to said one surface thereof through an adhesive 15 surface-release surface interface, said release strip and adhesive tape fastener being the only substrates of the system that include adhesive when the system is attached to the garment.
In accordance with another aspect of this invention 20 there is provided a method of manlpulating a garment having two segments to be connected together, an adhesive tape fastener having two tape sections at opposite ends thexeof, one of said tape section$ being connected to the first segment through an adhesive surface-release surface inter-25 face and the other of said tape sections being position-able beyond an edge of the first segment and including ~ an adhesive layer for attachment to the second segment, : said method including the steps of: attaching the other f~ .
, ~ :
, " , .
-3c-tape section to the second segment to connect said first and second segments together, and, when these segments are to be unconnected; separating said one tape section from the first segment at the adhesive surface-release surface 5 interface.
Other ob]ects and advantages of this invention will become apparent upon referring to the detailed des-cription which follows, taken in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIE:E DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a disposable diaper : including a unique fastener tape system in accordance with this .
, . .
, i ., . ~ .
" ~
.
,', ., ~, -3d-invention;
Fig. 2 is a sectional view along line 2-2 of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view along line 3-3 of Fig. 4, showing the fastener tape system of Fig. 1 in position for retaining the disposable diaper about the torso of a wearer;
Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the diaper showing the general configuration it assumes when secured about the torso of a wearer;
Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view similar to Fig. 4, but showing the fastener tape system in a condition for permit-ting removal or adjustment of the disposable diaper; and Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of a tape system in accordance with this invention showing a tape section in position for initially securing a diaper about the torso of a wearer.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYINÇ OUT THE~INVENTION
The fastener tape systems of this invention can be em-ployed to secure together segments of various di~ferent garments.
These systems are believed to be most beneficially used with single or limited use garments such as disposable diapers, bibs, hospital gowns and the like. For purpose of description, the fastener tape systems of this lnvention will be described in connection .
'' C
. .
with their use with disposable diapers, the most pre-ferred use to date .
In the embodiment shown for illustra-tion in Fig. 1, a dispos-able diaper 10 includes an absorben-t core 12 disposed be-tween a moisture-pervious facing shee-t 14 and a moisture-impervious backing sheet 16, such as a thin polyole-fin sheet approximately 0.001 inches -thick. The moisture-pervious facing sheet can be of any desired cons-truction which will permi-t urine to pass rapidly through it. Carded webs of rayon fibers and polyes-ter fibers have been employed satisfactorily as such facing sheets. A
common absorbent core 12 is a loosely compacted batt of wood pulp fibers formed from pulp lap sheets by a fiberizing operation.
`; However, other absorbent structures, such as multiple plies of crepe wadding, can be employed as -the absorbent core.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, fastener tape systems 18 and 20 are adhered to segments of the disposable diaper 10 adjacent longitudinal side edges i'2 and 24, respectively. These systems 18 and 20 are identical in construction, and are adhered adjacent rear corners 26 and 28 of the diaper 10 as is well known in the art. In view of the fact that the fastener tape systems are of an identical- construction, only the tape system 18 will be described .:~, hereln.
,` ~ Referring to Fig. 2, the fastener tape system 18 includes a ~ ~ release strip 30 -folded about the longitudinal side edge 22 of the diaper. An adhesive iayer 32 is included on one side of the release strip for positively securing the release strip to both the moisture-pervious facing sheet 14 and the opposed backin~
sheet 16. The surface of release strip 30 opposite adhesive . layer 32 constitutes a release surface 34. Release strips of the ~;` 30 type identified at 30 are extremely well known in the prior art, and are disclosed in many patents directed to disposable diapers.
For example, release strips employed in the disposable diaper field are disclosed in the following U.S. patents: 3,630,201 ` ~; (Endres); 3,776,234 (Hoey); 3,794,038 (Buell~; 3,797,495 (Schmid-t);
3,848,594 (Buell); 3,848,596 (Pennau); 3,893,460 (Karami); 3,920,016 ~ (Mesek); 3,926,191 (Tritsch) and 3,931,666 ~Karami).
,~,'~ .
,, . ~
.:~ .
.'1'~' ,,,~ ' :
., ., !.
Referring again to Fig. 2, the -fastener tape system 18 also includes an adhesive tape -fastener 36. The tape fastener 36 is in the form of a strip having a pressure-sensi-tive adhesive layer 3~ on one side thereof. The tastener is folded about the 5 longitudinal side edge 22 o-f the diaper to provide a first tape section 40 overlying the -facing sheet 14 and a second tape section 42 overlying the backing shee-t 16. The adhesive associated with the -first and second tape sec-tions 40 and 42 face toward the diaper and are adhered to -the release surface 34 of the release s-trip 30.
10 Preferably -the free ends of the first and second tape sections 40 and 42 are folded over to form adhesive--free gripping -tabs 44 and 46, respectively. These tabs remain separated from the release surface 34, and provide a convenient gripping region by which a person can peel tape sections 40 and 42 from their engagement 15 with the release surface 34.
The adhesive tape fastener 36 can be formed from any conven-tional substrate normally employed in forming pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes for use in the disposable diaper field. For example, the adhesive tape fastener 36 can be formed from paper, 20 plastic, foil, and other suitable materials.
F~eferring to Figs. 3-5, the manner in which the fastener tape system 18 is employed will now be described. I t should be understood that the fastener tape systems 18 and 20 are employed in an identical manner, and therefore, the description which 25 follows will be limited to the operation of the system 18.
Referring to Fig. 3, -the first tape section 40 is gripped by its end tab 44 and peeled off of the release surface 34. This first tape section is then adhered to the backing sheet 16, after the diaper has been positioned about the torso of a wearer, to secure 30 the diaper on the wearer (Figs. 3 and 4). When -the first tape section 40 is adhered to the backing sheet 16, as described above, it becomes firmly affixed to said backing sheet to form a : ~ permanently anchored end for the adhesive tape fastener 36. That is, the first tape section 40 is no longer considered to be a 35 removable section for permitting the diaper 10 to be opened for inspection and/or adjustment. However, as can be seen in Fig. 3, the second tape section 42 is adhered to the release surface 34, , , ' , .*3~
and can be gripped by i-ts adhesive free tab 46 to be peeled therefrom. In -this regard it iâ importan-t that the release surface 34 of the release strip 30 have a limited affinity in peel For the adhesive layer 38 of the second tape section 42. It is also important that the adherence in shear between the release sur~ace 3~ o-f strip 30 and the adhesive layer 3~3 o-f the second tape section 42 be sufficient for retaining the second tape section 42 on the release surface 34 during -the normal body movements of a wearer. When it is desired to inspect the interior of the diaper 10 and/or readjus-t the diaper about the torso of a wearer, -the second tape sec-tion 42 is peeled o-ff o-F the release surface 34, as shown in Fig. 5. Thereafter, -the diaper can either be disposed of, in the event that the examination of the interior indicates i-t is excessively soiled, or the diaper can be refastened about the torso of a wearer by adhering the second tape section 42, through its adhesive layer 38, either back on the release surface 34, or on the backing sheet 16 adjacent said release surface.
The particular release surface 34 and adhesive layer 38 ; 20 which can be employed in the fastener tape system 10 can be ~ determined empirically based on the criteria stated in the preceding ;~ paragraph. Desirably, the peel strength between the release surface 34 and the adhesive layer 38 should be maintained below 1 Ib/in. I:~esirably, the shear strength between these surfaces should be maintained above 15 ibs/in2, and most preferably above ~`~ 29 Ibs/in2.
The peel strength is calculated by the Quick Stick test described in PSTC-5, Revision 11/70, of the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council. This test has been modified by replacing the standard surface with the release surface employed in combination with the adhesive layer in the fas-tener tape systems of this -~ invention.
The shear strength is determined by the Following procedure:
-~ ~ first, the release liner 13 is adhered through its adhesive 35 layer to a stainless steel plate;
second, a test tape sample, 1 inch wide by 6 inches long, is adhered through its adhesive surface to the release surface of .
~;
~z the liner over a 1 square inch area, and wi-th a section of the tape extending beyond the pla-te for gripping in a jaw of an B~ Instron~tensile-tester;
-third, the sample is pressed agains-t -the release liner on the stainless steel pla-te by a 4-1/2 pound rubber roiler, once in the 6 inch direc-tion and once in the 1 inch direction of the tape;
fourth, a portion of the plate is gripped by the top jaw of -the Instron, the exposed section of the test sample is gripped by thé bottom jaw, and the jaws are separated at a speed of 0.5 inches/minute; and ~` ~ fifth, the force réquired to separate the test sample from the release liner is recorded in Ibs/in2.
I n a representative embodiment of this invention the release strip 30 can be brand 3M(Y2621 ), sold by Minnesota Minir:g and Manu~acturing Co. of St. Paul, Minnesota. A tape fastener 36 which has been found~ to be c~ompatible with the above release strip 30 is Fasson JCS-1, a Tyvek-backed tape sold by the Industrial Division of Fasson in Painesville, Ohio.
Di-fferent modifications can be employed within the scope of this invention. For example the release surface engaging the s~ adhesive layer of the first tape section 40 can be different from the release surFace engaging the adhesive layer of the second tape section 42 to provide different peel and/or shear character-istics, as desired . It is also within the scope of this invention :^ to provide the release surface 34 with a limited area, or areas, that either are free of a release agent or include an adhesive agent to insure that the tape fastener 36 does not become separa-ted from the release strip 30 either prior to or during use of the ~ , fastener -tape system 10.
Referring to Fig. 6, a seconcl embodiment of a fastener tape ~- system is indicated at 18A. The tape system 18A includes a fixed strip 30A and a movable tape fastener 36A. The fixed strip 30A
includes a release surface 34A overlying the facing sheet 14 and facing outwardly thereof. The fixed strip 30A differs from the release strip 30 in that it includes an adhesive layer 34B, rather than a release surface, overlying and facing outwardly from the backing sheet 16 Qf the diaper.
' ~ 1~rQ6~ ~ ks ;`~
,,,~
!
3~
The movable tape -fastener 36A includes an adhesive layer 38A
as part of a first -tape section 40A. The firs-t -tape section 4~A
is shown in i-ts posi-tion for ini-tially securing -the diaper about the -torso of a wearer. However, in i-ts packaged condition -the 5 first tape section 40A is adhered to the release surface 34A in overlying relationship with the facing sheet 14. The tape -Fastener 36A differs from the tape fas-tener 36 in that a second tape section 42A thereof includes a release surface 38B, instead of an adhesive layer. The tape fastener 36A includes adhesive free end 10 tabs 44A and 46A associated with the first and second tape sections 40A and 42A, respectively. These adhesive free encl tabs permit easy gripping of the tape sections 40A and 42A -to permit them to be peeled oFf of the cooperating surfaces of the fixed strip 30A.
The fastener tape system 18A is initially employed to fasten 15 a diaper about the torso of a wearer in the same manner as the fastener tape system 18 described earlier. Specifically, the first tape section 40A is gripped by its end tab 44A and peeled off o-f the release surface 34A to the position shown in Fi~. 6.
This first tape section is then adhered to the backing sheet 16 2G to secure the diaper on the wearer in a manner similar to that shown in Figs. 3 and 4. When the first tape section 40A is adhered to the backing sheet 16, as described above, it becomes firmly affixed to said backing sheet to form a permanently anchored end for the tape fastener 3~A. However, the secGnd tape section 25 42A includes an inwardly directed release surface 38B adhered to adhesive layer 34B of the fixed strip 30A. This permits the second tape section 42A to be easily peeled from the adhesive layer 34B to permit inspection of the interior of the diaper.
Thereafter, -the diaper can either be disposed o-f, in the event ~0 that the examination of the interior indicates the diaper is excessively soiled, or the diaper can be refastened about the torso of a wearer by adhering -the second tape section 42A back into overlying relationship with the adhesive iayer 34B.
Preferably the second tape section 42A has a greater width and 35 length than the adhesive layer 34B to insure that the adhesive layer always remains completely covered by the second tape section 42A. I f -the adhesive layer 34B is not completely covered by the , 35~
tape section 42A it will be exposed -to adhere -to outer garments of the wearer, and this may be undesirable.
The modifica-tions described earlier in connection with the Fastener tape system 18 can also be employed in connection with 5 the fastener tape system 18A. In addition, the adhesive layer 38A
associated with the movable tape -fas-tener 36A can be designed to overlap, and adhere ~o the adhesive layer 34B associated with the fixed strip 30A. In this manner adhesive-to-adhesive engagement is maintained between the movable tape fastener 36A and the fixed 10 strip 30A to positively retain the tape fastener on the fixed strip. When the adhesive layers 38A and 34B are adhered to each other it may not be required to establish a high shear strength between the adhesive layer 34B of the fixed strip 30A and the release surface 38B of the movable fastener 36A in order to 15 retain the second tape section 42A connectPd to the disposable diaper to permit the tape fastener to perform i-ts in-tended fastening function.
:
:
~:
: .
'' ' ~
'; -~
, ~
'. ' :
., , ,, ,.
RECLOSABLE FASTENER TAPE SYSTEM
AND METHOD OF EMPLOYING SAME
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a fastener tape system for use in connecting segments of a garment together, and more specifically, to a fastener tape system including an adhesive tape fastener which can be employed to reconnect the segments tOgether after they have initially been opened. The invention also relates to a method of employing the system.
:
BACKGROUND ART
; Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes are very useful in ~ 10 providing a quick, easy and economical means of connecting - segments of a garment together. These tapes are particularly beneficial for connecting together segments of disposable garments, such as bibs, diapers, hospital gowns, etc. It is often desirable to reopen these garments to either inspect them or adjusk their fit. Reopening the garments is accomplished by separating a section of the tape from a segment of the garment; an operation that often destroys the tackiness of the tape, or either tears the tape or garment.
This makes refastening the tape difficult or impossible~
U.S. Patent No. 39 848,596, discloses a fastener tape system which permits refastening of an adhesive tape after it has initially been peeled from a diaper. The end portion of the tape, which is adapted to be peeled from the diaper, has a pressure sensitive adhesive surface which initailly is covered by two, separate protective strips. Each protective strip is adhered to a different area of the adhesive surface, and only one of the strips is removed to permit the tape to .;
i:
t~
i .
~ ' /"~ , ;3~
-la-be initially adhered to the diaper. m e other protective strip is removed to expose a fresh adhesive area after the end portion of the tape has been opened. m e tape ~' .
,`
:~
:;;
,~ .
~ ' .
' can then be resealed through its -fresh adhesive area. This particular system is somewhat complex in design, and also re~uires the separate disposal of -the protec-tive strips a-fter they have been removed from the tape. It has long been recognized that these protective strips presen-t a safety hazard to infants.
Speci-fically, i-f a strip is not properiy disposed of an infant may inges-t it, and possibly choke to dea-th. To eliminate this safety hazard "linerless" tape fastener systems have been developed, e.g., systems in which a release liner remains fixed to the diaper (or any other garment) after a portion of the tape protectecd by said llner has been opened for use. A linerless, reclosable system is described in lJ.S. Patent No. 4,020,842. issued to Richman et al. This system is somewhat complex; requiring three distinct adhesive tape substrates laminated together. Thus, the fastening art is in need of a simp,e and economical reclosable tape fastener system tha-t preferably is linerless. It is to such a system, and its method of use, -that the instant invention is ; directed.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
A reclosable fastener tape system for use in connecting together segments of a garment includes an adhesive tape fastener divided into two tape sections. One tape section is adapted to be connected to a first segment of a garment, adjacent an edge thereof, through a release surface-adhesive surface interface.
Z5 When this tape section is connected to the first segment, the other tape section can be extended beyond the edge for permanent attachment to a second segment of the garment. When it is desired to reopen the first and second garment segments, after they have been initially connected together, a user need only separate the one tape section from the first garment segment at -the release surface-adhesive surface interface. Because of this interface, the adhesive surface will not be damaged, anci therefore the tape fastener can be reclosed by adhesiveh~ rea-ttaching the one tape section to the firs-t garment segment.
In the most preferred embodiment of this invention the fastener tape system is linerless; with the two tape sections of ~ .
the system, prior ~o use, being adhered to surfaces of the garment through release surface-adhesive surface interfaces. Most prefer-ably these release surfaces are provided by one side of a release strip. The other side of the release strip includes an adhesive layer to adhere the strip to the garment with the release surfaces facing outwardly to receive the adhesive surfaces of the first and second tape sections. rrhe release strip and adhesive tape fasten-er are the only adhesive-containing substrates of the tape system when it is attached to the garment.
10Thus, in accordance with one aspect of this invention there is provided a fastener tape system for a disposable diaper, said diaper having front and back surfaces facing toward and away from a wearer, respectively, after said diaper has been placed ; on the wearer, said tape system including: (a) a release strip 15 having an adhesive layer on one side thereof and a release surface on the opposite side thereof, said release strip being folded about a side edge of the diaper with its adhesive layer facing , inwardly to secure the release strip to the diaper, whereby the ` release surface of the strip faces outwardly from the front and ' 20 back surfaces of the diaper adjacent the side edge thereof; (b~
an adhesive tape fastener including an adhesive layer on one surface thereof, said tape fastener ~eing folaed about the side edge of the diaper to provide a first tape section overlying the release surface that faces outwardly from the front surface of 25 the diaper, and a second tape section overlying the release , surface that faces outwardly from the back surface of the diaper, the adhesive layer on said first and second tape sections facing inwardly and being attached to respective underlying release . ...
,~, .
, ''''':
3a-surfaces, ~c) said first and second tape sections e~ch including adhesive-free yripping tabs to permit either of said tape sections to be easily gripped for removal from its attached release surface.
According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a method of manipulating a disposable diaper, said diaper having front and back suraces adapted to face toward and away from a wearer, respectively, when said diaper is placed on the wearer, said diaper including - lO an adhesive tape fastener folded about a side edge of one segment of the diaper to provide a first tape section overIying the front surface of said one diaper segment and a second tape section overlying the back surface of said one diaper segment, said first tape section including an adhesive layer adhered to the front surface of said one diaper segment through a release surface secured to said fron~ surface, said second tape section including an adhesive layer adhered to the back surface of said one diaper segment through a release surface ~; 20 secured to said back surface, said method including the steps of: a. placing the diaper about the torso of a wearer with the front surface facing the wearer and end regions en-circling the waist region of said wearer to bring a second segment of the diaper adjacent said one segment; b. sepa-rating the first tape section from its release surface on ; the one diaper segment to expose the adhesive layer thereon and adhering the first tape section, through its exposed adhesive layer, to the back surface of the second diaper ~ .
-3b-se~ment for initially retaining the diaper about the torso of the wearer, and, when the diaper is to be opened; c.
separating the second tape section from the back of the one diaper segment at an interface between the release surface S and the adhesive layer that cooperate to attach the second tape section to the back surface of said one diaper segment.
In accordance with another aspect of this invention there is provided a fastener tape system adaptable for use in connecting together segments of a garment, said system including a release strip having an adhesive layer on one of its surfaces directly attachable to the garment, an adhesive tape fastener having first and second tape sections, each being adhered to the surface of the release strip opposite to said one surface thereof through an adhesive 15 surface-release surface interface, said release strip and adhesive tape fastener being the only substrates of the system that include adhesive when the system is attached to the garment.
In accordance with another aspect of this invention 20 there is provided a method of manlpulating a garment having two segments to be connected together, an adhesive tape fastener having two tape sections at opposite ends thexeof, one of said tape section$ being connected to the first segment through an adhesive surface-release surface inter-25 face and the other of said tape sections being position-able beyond an edge of the first segment and including ~ an adhesive layer for attachment to the second segment, : said method including the steps of: attaching the other f~ .
, ~ :
, " , .
-3c-tape section to the second segment to connect said first and second segments together, and, when these segments are to be unconnected; separating said one tape section from the first segment at the adhesive surface-release surface 5 interface.
Other ob]ects and advantages of this invention will become apparent upon referring to the detailed des-cription which follows, taken in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIE:E DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a disposable diaper : including a unique fastener tape system in accordance with this .
, . .
, i ., . ~ .
" ~
.
,', ., ~, -3d-invention;
Fig. 2 is a sectional view along line 2-2 of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view along line 3-3 of Fig. 4, showing the fastener tape system of Fig. 1 in position for retaining the disposable diaper about the torso of a wearer;
Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the diaper showing the general configuration it assumes when secured about the torso of a wearer;
Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view similar to Fig. 4, but showing the fastener tape system in a condition for permit-ting removal or adjustment of the disposable diaper; and Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of a tape system in accordance with this invention showing a tape section in position for initially securing a diaper about the torso of a wearer.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYINÇ OUT THE~INVENTION
The fastener tape systems of this invention can be em-ployed to secure together segments of various di~ferent garments.
These systems are believed to be most beneficially used with single or limited use garments such as disposable diapers, bibs, hospital gowns and the like. For purpose of description, the fastener tape systems of this lnvention will be described in connection .
'' C
. .
with their use with disposable diapers, the most pre-ferred use to date .
In the embodiment shown for illustra-tion in Fig. 1, a dispos-able diaper 10 includes an absorben-t core 12 disposed be-tween a moisture-pervious facing shee-t 14 and a moisture-impervious backing sheet 16, such as a thin polyole-fin sheet approximately 0.001 inches -thick. The moisture-pervious facing sheet can be of any desired cons-truction which will permi-t urine to pass rapidly through it. Carded webs of rayon fibers and polyes-ter fibers have been employed satisfactorily as such facing sheets. A
common absorbent core 12 is a loosely compacted batt of wood pulp fibers formed from pulp lap sheets by a fiberizing operation.
`; However, other absorbent structures, such as multiple plies of crepe wadding, can be employed as -the absorbent core.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, fastener tape systems 18 and 20 are adhered to segments of the disposable diaper 10 adjacent longitudinal side edges i'2 and 24, respectively. These systems 18 and 20 are identical in construction, and are adhered adjacent rear corners 26 and 28 of the diaper 10 as is well known in the art. In view of the fact that the fastener tape systems are of an identical- construction, only the tape system 18 will be described .:~, hereln.
,` ~ Referring to Fig. 2, the fastener tape system 18 includes a ~ ~ release strip 30 -folded about the longitudinal side edge 22 of the diaper. An adhesive iayer 32 is included on one side of the release strip for positively securing the release strip to both the moisture-pervious facing sheet 14 and the opposed backin~
sheet 16. The surface of release strip 30 opposite adhesive . layer 32 constitutes a release surface 34. Release strips of the ~;` 30 type identified at 30 are extremely well known in the prior art, and are disclosed in many patents directed to disposable diapers.
For example, release strips employed in the disposable diaper field are disclosed in the following U.S. patents: 3,630,201 ` ~; (Endres); 3,776,234 (Hoey); 3,794,038 (Buell~; 3,797,495 (Schmid-t);
3,848,594 (Buell); 3,848,596 (Pennau); 3,893,460 (Karami); 3,920,016 ~ (Mesek); 3,926,191 (Tritsch) and 3,931,666 ~Karami).
,~,'~ .
,, . ~
.:~ .
.'1'~' ,,,~ ' :
., ., !.
Referring again to Fig. 2, the -fastener tape system 18 also includes an adhesive tape -fastener 36. The tape fastener 36 is in the form of a strip having a pressure-sensi-tive adhesive layer 3~ on one side thereof. The tastener is folded about the 5 longitudinal side edge 22 o-f the diaper to provide a first tape section 40 overlying the -facing sheet 14 and a second tape section 42 overlying the backing shee-t 16. The adhesive associated with the -first and second tape sec-tions 40 and 42 face toward the diaper and are adhered to -the release surface 34 of the release s-trip 30.
10 Preferably -the free ends of the first and second tape sections 40 and 42 are folded over to form adhesive--free gripping -tabs 44 and 46, respectively. These tabs remain separated from the release surface 34, and provide a convenient gripping region by which a person can peel tape sections 40 and 42 from their engagement 15 with the release surface 34.
The adhesive tape fastener 36 can be formed from any conven-tional substrate normally employed in forming pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes for use in the disposable diaper field. For example, the adhesive tape fastener 36 can be formed from paper, 20 plastic, foil, and other suitable materials.
F~eferring to Figs. 3-5, the manner in which the fastener tape system 18 is employed will now be described. I t should be understood that the fastener tape systems 18 and 20 are employed in an identical manner, and therefore, the description which 25 follows will be limited to the operation of the system 18.
Referring to Fig. 3, -the first tape section 40 is gripped by its end tab 44 and peeled off of the release surface 34. This first tape section is then adhered to the backing sheet 16, after the diaper has been positioned about the torso of a wearer, to secure 30 the diaper on the wearer (Figs. 3 and 4). When -the first tape section 40 is adhered to the backing sheet 16, as described above, it becomes firmly affixed to said backing sheet to form a : ~ permanently anchored end for the adhesive tape fastener 36. That is, the first tape section 40 is no longer considered to be a 35 removable section for permitting the diaper 10 to be opened for inspection and/or adjustment. However, as can be seen in Fig. 3, the second tape section 42 is adhered to the release surface 34, , , ' , .*3~
and can be gripped by i-ts adhesive free tab 46 to be peeled therefrom. In -this regard it iâ importan-t that the release surface 34 of the release strip 30 have a limited affinity in peel For the adhesive layer 38 of the second tape section 42. It is also important that the adherence in shear between the release sur~ace 3~ o-f strip 30 and the adhesive layer 3~3 o-f the second tape section 42 be sufficient for retaining the second tape section 42 on the release surface 34 during -the normal body movements of a wearer. When it is desired to inspect the interior of the diaper 10 and/or readjus-t the diaper about the torso of a wearer, -the second tape sec-tion 42 is peeled o-ff o-F the release surface 34, as shown in Fig. 5. Thereafter, -the diaper can either be disposed of, in the event that the examination of the interior indicates i-t is excessively soiled, or the diaper can be refastened about the torso of a wearer by adhering the second tape section 42, through its adhesive layer 38, either back on the release surface 34, or on the backing sheet 16 adjacent said release surface.
The particular release surface 34 and adhesive layer 38 ; 20 which can be employed in the fastener tape system 10 can be ~ determined empirically based on the criteria stated in the preceding ;~ paragraph. Desirably, the peel strength between the release surface 34 and the adhesive layer 38 should be maintained below 1 Ib/in. I:~esirably, the shear strength between these surfaces should be maintained above 15 ibs/in2, and most preferably above ~`~ 29 Ibs/in2.
The peel strength is calculated by the Quick Stick test described in PSTC-5, Revision 11/70, of the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council. This test has been modified by replacing the standard surface with the release surface employed in combination with the adhesive layer in the fas-tener tape systems of this -~ invention.
The shear strength is determined by the Following procedure:
-~ ~ first, the release liner 13 is adhered through its adhesive 35 layer to a stainless steel plate;
second, a test tape sample, 1 inch wide by 6 inches long, is adhered through its adhesive surface to the release surface of .
~;
~z the liner over a 1 square inch area, and wi-th a section of the tape extending beyond the pla-te for gripping in a jaw of an B~ Instron~tensile-tester;
-third, the sample is pressed agains-t -the release liner on the stainless steel pla-te by a 4-1/2 pound rubber roiler, once in the 6 inch direc-tion and once in the 1 inch direction of the tape;
fourth, a portion of the plate is gripped by the top jaw of -the Instron, the exposed section of the test sample is gripped by thé bottom jaw, and the jaws are separated at a speed of 0.5 inches/minute; and ~` ~ fifth, the force réquired to separate the test sample from the release liner is recorded in Ibs/in2.
I n a representative embodiment of this invention the release strip 30 can be brand 3M(Y2621 ), sold by Minnesota Minir:g and Manu~acturing Co. of St. Paul, Minnesota. A tape fastener 36 which has been found~ to be c~ompatible with the above release strip 30 is Fasson JCS-1, a Tyvek-backed tape sold by the Industrial Division of Fasson in Painesville, Ohio.
Di-fferent modifications can be employed within the scope of this invention. For example the release surface engaging the s~ adhesive layer of the first tape section 40 can be different from the release surFace engaging the adhesive layer of the second tape section 42 to provide different peel and/or shear character-istics, as desired . It is also within the scope of this invention :^ to provide the release surface 34 with a limited area, or areas, that either are free of a release agent or include an adhesive agent to insure that the tape fastener 36 does not become separa-ted from the release strip 30 either prior to or during use of the ~ , fastener -tape system 10.
Referring to Fig. 6, a seconcl embodiment of a fastener tape ~- system is indicated at 18A. The tape system 18A includes a fixed strip 30A and a movable tape fastener 36A. The fixed strip 30A
includes a release surface 34A overlying the facing sheet 14 and facing outwardly thereof. The fixed strip 30A differs from the release strip 30 in that it includes an adhesive layer 34B, rather than a release surface, overlying and facing outwardly from the backing sheet 16 Qf the diaper.
' ~ 1~rQ6~ ~ ks ;`~
,,,~
!
3~
The movable tape -fastener 36A includes an adhesive layer 38A
as part of a first -tape section 40A. The firs-t -tape section 4~A
is shown in i-ts posi-tion for ini-tially securing -the diaper about the -torso of a wearer. However, in i-ts packaged condition -the 5 first tape section 40A is adhered to the release surface 34A in overlying relationship with the facing sheet 14. The tape -Fastener 36A differs from the tape fas-tener 36 in that a second tape section 42A thereof includes a release surface 38B, instead of an adhesive layer. The tape fastener 36A includes adhesive free end 10 tabs 44A and 46A associated with the first and second tape sections 40A and 42A, respectively. These adhesive free encl tabs permit easy gripping of the tape sections 40A and 42A -to permit them to be peeled oFf of the cooperating surfaces of the fixed strip 30A.
The fastener tape system 18A is initially employed to fasten 15 a diaper about the torso of a wearer in the same manner as the fastener tape system 18 described earlier. Specifically, the first tape section 40A is gripped by its end tab 44A and peeled off o-f the release surface 34A to the position shown in Fi~. 6.
This first tape section is then adhered to the backing sheet 16 2G to secure the diaper on the wearer in a manner similar to that shown in Figs. 3 and 4. When the first tape section 40A is adhered to the backing sheet 16, as described above, it becomes firmly affixed to said backing sheet to form a permanently anchored end for the tape fastener 3~A. However, the secGnd tape section 25 42A includes an inwardly directed release surface 38B adhered to adhesive layer 34B of the fixed strip 30A. This permits the second tape section 42A to be easily peeled from the adhesive layer 34B to permit inspection of the interior of the diaper.
Thereafter, -the diaper can either be disposed o-f, in the event ~0 that the examination of the interior indicates the diaper is excessively soiled, or the diaper can be refastened about the torso of a wearer by adhering -the second tape section 42A back into overlying relationship with the adhesive iayer 34B.
Preferably the second tape section 42A has a greater width and 35 length than the adhesive layer 34B to insure that the adhesive layer always remains completely covered by the second tape section 42A. I f -the adhesive layer 34B is not completely covered by the , 35~
tape section 42A it will be exposed -to adhere -to outer garments of the wearer, and this may be undesirable.
The modifica-tions described earlier in connection with the Fastener tape system 18 can also be employed in connection with 5 the fastener tape system 18A. In addition, the adhesive layer 38A
associated with the movable tape -fas-tener 36A can be designed to overlap, and adhere ~o the adhesive layer 34B associated with the fixed strip 30A. In this manner adhesive-to-adhesive engagement is maintained between the movable tape fastener 36A and the fixed 10 strip 30A to positively retain the tape fastener on the fixed strip. When the adhesive layers 38A and 34B are adhered to each other it may not be required to establish a high shear strength between the adhesive layer 34B of the fixed strip 30A and the release surface 38B of the movable fastener 36A in order to 15 retain the second tape section 42A connectPd to the disposable diaper to permit the tape fastener to perform i-ts in-tended fastening function.
:
:
~:
: .
'' ' ~
'; -~
, ~
'. ' :
., , ,, ,.
Claims (12)
1. A fastener tape system for a disposable diaper, said diaper having front and back surfaces facing toward and away from a wearer, respectively, after said diaper has been placed on the wearer, said tape system including: (a) a release strip having an adhesive layer on one side thereof and a release surface on the opposite side thereof, said release strip being folded about a side edge of the diaper with its adhesive layer facing inwardly to secure the release strip to the diaper, whereby the release surface of the strip faces outwardly from the front and back surfaces of the diaper adjacent the side edge thereof; (b) an adhesive tape fastener including an adhesive layer on one surface thereof, said tape fastener being folded about the side edge of the diaper to provide a first tape section overlying the release surface that faces outwardly from the front surface of the diaper, and a second tape section over-lying the release surface that faces outwardly from the back surface of the diaper, the adhesive layer on said first and second tape sections facing inwardly and being attached to respective underlying release surfaces; (c) said first and second tape sections each including adhesive-free gripping tabs to permit either of said tape sections to be easily gripped for removal from its attached release surface.
2. A method of manipulating a disposable diaper, said diaper having front and back surfaces adapted to face toward and away from a wearer, respectively, when said diaper is placed on the wearer, said diaper including an adhesive tape fastener folded about a side edge of one segment of the diaper to provide a first tape section overlying the front surface of said one diaper segment and a second tape section overlying the back surface of said one diaper segment, said first tape section including an adhesive layer adhered to the front surface of said one diaper segment through a release surface secured to said front surface, said second tape section including an adhesive layer adhered to the back surface of said one diaper segment through a release surface secured to said back surface, said method including the steps of: a. placing the diaper about the torso of a wearer with the front surface facing the wearer and end regions en-circling the waist region of said wearer to bring a second segment of the diaper adjacent said one segment; b. sepa-rating the first tape section from its release surface on the one diaper segment to expose the adhesive layer thereon and adhering the first tape section, through its exposed adhesive layer, to the back surface of the second diaper segment for initially retaining the diaper about the torso of the wearer, and, when the diaper is to be opened; c.
separating the second tape section from the back of the one diaper segment at an interface between the release surface and the adhesive layer that cooperate to attach the second tape section to the back surface of said one diaper segment.
separating the second tape section from the back of the one diaper segment at an interface between the release surface and the adhesive layer that cooperate to attach the second tape section to the back surface of said one diaper segment.
3. The method according to claim 2, including the step of adjusting the diaper to improve its fit on the wearer after the second tape section has been separated from its release surface, and thereafter, reattaching the second tape section to the diaper for maintaining said diaper in its adjusted position.
4. A fastener tape system adaptable for use in connect-ing together segments of a garment, said system including a release strip having an adhesive layer on one of its surfaces directly attachable to the garment, an adhesive tape fastener having first and second tape sections, each being adhered to the surface of the release strip opposite to said one surface thereof through an adhesive surface-release surface inter-face, said release strip and adhesive tape fastener being the only substrates of the system that include adhesive when the system is attached to the garment.
5. The fastener tape system of claim 4 wherein the first tape section is at one end of the fastener and the second tape section is at the other end of the fastener.
6. The fastener tape system of claim 5 wherein the first and second tape sections each include an adhesive layer on one surface adhered to a release surface on the release strip.
7. The fastener tape system of claim 5 wherein one surface of the adhesive tape fastener has an adhesive layer on the first tape section and a release surface on the second tape section; said opposite surface of the release strip having a release area adhered to the adhesive layer on the first tape section and an adhesive area adhered to the release surface on the second tape section.
8. The fastener tape system of claim 5 wherein the first and second tape sections include adhesive-free grip-ping tabs to permit either of said tape sections to be easily gripped for removal from its attached release surface.
9. The fastener tape system of claim 6 wherein the first and second tape sections include adhesive-free gripping tabs to permit either of said tape sections to be easily gripped for removal from its attached release surface.
10. The fastener tape system of claim 4 wherein the first tape section has an adhesive layer on it.
11. A method of manipulating a garment having two seg-ments to be connected together, an adhesive tape fastener having two tape sections at opposite ends thereof, one of said tape sections being connected to the first segment through an adhesive surface-release surface interface and the other of said tape sections being positionable beyond an edge of the first segment and including an adhesive layer for attachment to the second segment, said method including the steps of: attaching the other tape section to the second segment to connect said first and second segments together, and, when these segments are to be unconnected;
separating said one tape section from the first segment at the adhesive surface-release surface interface.
separating said one tape section from the first segment at the adhesive surface-release surface interface.
12. The method of claim 11 including the additional step of reattaching said one tape section to the first seg-ment.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000334363A CA1116352A (en) | 1979-08-23 | 1979-08-23 | Reclosable fastener tape system and method of employing same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000334363A CA1116352A (en) | 1979-08-23 | 1979-08-23 | Reclosable fastener tape system and method of employing same |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1116352A true CA1116352A (en) | 1982-01-19 |
Family
ID=4114991
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000334363A Expired CA1116352A (en) | 1979-08-23 | 1979-08-23 | Reclosable fastener tape system and method of employing same |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1116352A (en) |
-
1979
- 1979-08-23 CA CA000334363A patent/CA1116352A/en not_active Expired
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4296750A (en) | Refastenable pressure-sensitive tape closure system for disposable diapers and method for its manufacture | |
| EP0286030B1 (en) | Article including a refastenable adhesive tape fastening system | |
| CA1313333C (en) | Composite prelaminated tape system | |
| US4227530A (en) | Method of employing reclosable fastener tape system | |
| EP0648483B1 (en) | Z-shape pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes, and fastening system and sanitary absorptive articles using the tapes | |
| US5616385A (en) | Multi-cycle refastenable tape closure systems | |
| CA1300810C (en) | Sanitary napkin | |
| CA1123154A (en) | Diaper with elastic fastener | |
| US5537722A (en) | Mechanical fastener for disposable article | |
| EP0444353A1 (en) | Disposable diaper that is fastened by contact between overlapping adhesive patches | |
| US4049001A (en) | Diaper with resealable tape closure | |
| EP0257752B2 (en) | Composite prelaminated tapes for diaper closures | |
| SK85097A3 (en) | Tab fastener | |
| JPH11511671A (en) | Fastening system | |
| CA2456460A1 (en) | System and method for attaching absorbent articles | |
| KR100442074B1 (en) | Fastening Tab | |
| US4516976A (en) | Adhesive tape fasteners | |
| US7892219B2 (en) | Disposable wearing article provided with tape fasteners | |
| US4345597A (en) | Diaper with resealable tape closure | |
| EP1109521B1 (en) | Diaper fastening system | |
| CA1116352A (en) | Reclosable fastener tape system and method of employing same | |
| EP0661033A1 (en) | Absorbent/mechanical fastener system for absorbent articles | |
| EP0697847B1 (en) | Multi-cycle refastenable tape closure systems | |
| JP3373710B2 (en) | Disposable diapers | |
| JP4038085B2 (en) | Body fluid absorbent article |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |