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    • 专利摘要:
    laminated touch fasteners. the present invention relates to a method for producing a laminated touch closure that includes introducing a flexible substrate (102) into a resin applicator, applying dispersible resin to a limited region of a substrate surface, and shaping the applied resin to form a plurality of defined structures (104,104a) extending from a layer (106) of the applied resin. the substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced to the resin applicator, has a surface characteristic that varies across the surface. the surface includes both a first region (108) and a second region (112) adjacent to the first region, the surface characteristic varies to a greater degree within the second region than within the first region. the dispersible resin can be applied within the first region so that an edge (116) of the resin layer is disposed within, and adjacent to an exposed portion, of the first region of the substrate surface.
    公开号:BR112014006423B1
    申请号:R112014006423-7
    申请日:2012-09-12
    公开日:2021-04-27
    发明作者:James T. Grady；Peter Iannazzi；Thomas O'Brien；Clinton Dowd；Andrew Collins
    申请人:Velcro BVBA；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    TECHNICAL FIELD
    [0001] The present invention relates to laminated touch fasteners and, more particularly, to systems and methods for manufacturing them. BACKGROUND
    [0002] Mechanical touch fasteners are traditionally formed using weaving methods, or by molding different fastening elements on a substrate. When the closure elements are molded from molten resin as the resin is laminated over a limited region of a substrate surface, it can be difficult to produce a uniform resin edge. Often variations in bad-looking edges (eg, skew) form when the molten resin is applied to the substrate surface under pressure. In addition to being visually unpleasant, an edge that has a relatively severe skew can have unwanted tactile roughness. SUMMARY
    [0003] One aspect of the invention features a method for producing a laminated touch closure that includes: introducing a flexible substrate into a resin applicator, applying flowable resin to a limited region of a substrate surface and shaping the applied resin to form a plurality of defined structures extending from a layer of the applied resin, the substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced to the resin applicator, has a surface characteristic that varies across the surface, the surface including both a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region, with the surface characteristic varying to a greater degree within the second region than within the first region, and the flowable resin is applied within the first region, the resin is applied so that an edge of the resin layer is disposed within, and adjacent to an exposed portion of the first region of the substrate surface.
    [0004] In some cases, the method includes before introducing the substrate into the resin applicator, modifying the substrate to form the first and second regions. In some examples, modifying the substrate includes modifying a portion of the substrate surface and leaving the other adjacent portion of the surface substantially unmodified, with the modified portion of the surface defining the first region and the unmodified portion of the surface defining the second region. In some embodiments, modifying the substrate surface includes reducing topographic variations in the surface. In some deployments, modifying the substrate surface includes substantially leveling the three-dimensional features of the substrate surface.
    [0005] In some applications, modifying the substrate surface includes applying pressure to the substrate. In some cases, applying pressure to the substrate includes introducing the substrate to a wedge between calender rolls. In some examples, one of the calendering cylinders includes a serrated or embossed surface that comes in contact with the substrate surface. In some embodiments, at least one of the calendering cylinders is heated. In some cases, applying pressure to the substrate includes introducing the substrate to a laminating press.
    [0006] In some examples, modifying the substrate surface includes attaching a tie rod layer of material to the surface. In some embodiments, modifying the substrate surface includes texturing the surface. In some deployments, modifying the substrate surface includes: substantially leveling a first surface pressure, and texturing a second surface section.
    [0007] In some cases, the method includes forming a plurality of cracks in the resin layer to define distinct anti-stripping flaps that are flexible outside a plane of the substrate. In some examples, forming a plurality of cracks includes forming the cracks in areas of the resin layer that cover the first substantially level section of the substrate surface. In some applications, forming a plurality of slits includes forming the slits so that each slit extends from a point within an area of the resin layer covering the first substantially level section of the surface to a point close to an area of the layer of resin that covers an edge of the second textured section of the surface. In some embodiments, forming a plurality of slits includes forming the slits in order to define interior anti-peeling flaps. In some cases, forming a plurality of slits includes forming the slits in order to define anti-peeling edge flaps.
    [0008] In some examples, the method includes affixing the resin layer to the substrate surface within the limited region so that a first portion of the resin layer is more securely attached to the substrate surface than a second adjacent portion of the resin layer. In some applications, the method further includes forming a plurality of slits in the second portion of the resin layer, to form distinct flaps that are flexible to the outside from the substrate surface.
    [0009] In some examples, modifying the substrate surface includes applying a layer of paint to the surface. In some deployments, the ink is pigmented. In some applications, the applied resin and the paint layer are of a similar color when compared to the substrate surface. In some embodiments, the ink layer reflects infrared radiation to a different degree from the substrate surface in a region adjacent to the ink layer, so that an edge of the ink layer, as applied, is detectable by an infrared detection system.
    [00010] In some examples, the surface characteristic can include any of: porosity, surface height variability, permeability, density, fiber, reflectivity.
    [00011] In some cases, the second region of the substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced to the resin applicator, is hookable. In some examples, the second substrate surface region, as the substrate is introduced to the resin applicator, includes topographic surface variations that define surface height variations of at least about 0.127 (5 thousandths of an inch). In some deployments, the first substrate surface region, as the substrate is introduced to the resin applicator, includes topographic surface variations that define surface height variations of up to about 0.007 (3 thousandths of an inch). In some applications, the second region of the substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced to the resin applicator, includes a regularly standardized plurality of discrete three-dimensional features.
    [00012] In some cases, forming the plurality of structures includes forming a plurality of rods. In some applications, forming the plurality of structures also includes forming hooks, the outer surface of each of the hooks defining a hook-to-link hook.
    [00013] In some implantations, the first region of the substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced to the resin applicator, is a sharp, substantially straight band. In some cases, the strip is approximately 15 mm wide. In some embodiments, the strip is continuous and extends over a length of the substrate. In some applications, the strip covers a width of the substrate.
    [00014] In some embodiments, the first region of the substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced to the resin applicator, is a discrete zone substantially surrounded by the second region. In some cases, the discrete zone has a curved boundary.
    [00015] Another aspect of the invention features a method for producing a laminated touch closure that includes: introducing a flexible substrate into a resin applicator, applying flowable resin to the first region of the substrate surface, and shaping the applied resin to form an arrangement of distinct structures, extending, each from a layer of the applied resin. The substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced into the resin applicator, defines an open channel and the substrate has an average base weight within the channel that is essentially equal to an average base weight of the substrate in a region adjacent to the channel. The flowable resin is applied inside the channel and binds to the substrate in the channel, leaving a portion of the surface adjacent to the channel exposed.
    [00016] Yet another aspect of the invention features a method for producing a laminated touch closure that includes: modifying a flexible substrate surface to create a resin application region that differs from other portions of the surface, introducing the flexible substrate with the resin application region to a resin applicator, apply flowable resin to the resin application region of the substrate surface, and mold the resin applied to the first region of the substrate surface to form a plurality of defined structures extending from a layer of applied resin. The flowable resin is applied so that an edge of the resin layer bonds to the substrate surface in the resin application region.
    [00017] Yet another aspect of the invention features a method that produces a laminated touch closure that includes: introducing a flexible substrate into a resin applicator, applying flowable resin to a limited region of a substrate surface, and shaping the applied resin to form an arrangement of distinct structures that extend from a layer of the applied resin. The substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced to the resin applicator, carries a substance that modifies the surface that defines a first surface region adjacent to a second surface region without the substance. The flowable resin is applied within the first surface region, leaving the second surface region exposed, and the resin is applied so that an edge of the resin layer is disposed within, and adjacent to an exposed portion of the first surface region.
    [00018] In some cases, the surface modifying substance inhibits infrared radiation transmission to a different degree from the substrate surface in a region adjacent to the surface modifying substance, so that an edge of the surface modifying substance is detectable by an infrared detection system. In some embodiments, the resin applied and the substance that modifies the surface are of a similar color when compared to the substrate surface. In some applications, the surface-modifying substance inhibits the transmission of infrared radiation that has a wavelength between about 600 nanometers and 1200 nanometers. In some instances, the surface-modifying substance includes a pigmented ink and an absorption or reflection type IR blocker.
    [00019] Yet another aspect of the invention features a method for producing an absorption article that includes introducing a substrate as a component in an assembly process. The substrate, as introduced, carries both a distinctive touch fastener that covers a limited area of the substrate, and a radiation-inhibiting substance positioned between the touch fastener and the substrate and which has an edge. The method includes placing the substrate close to an infrared radiation source and an infrared detector, irradiating the substrate with infrared radiation produced by the radiation source and detecting the edge of the radiation-inhibiting substance based on infrared radiation received by the infrared detector, determining, thereby, a position of the substrate.
    [00020] In some examples, the edge of the radiation-inhibiting substance is exposed beyond the touch closure. In some applications, the radiation-inhibiting substance is exposed on two opposite sides of the touch closure. In some deployments, the radiation-inhibiting substance is ink printed on the substrate.
    [00021] Yet another aspect of the invention features a touch closure product with a flexible substrate that has a surface characteristic that varies over the surface. The surface includes both a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region. The surface characteristic varies to a greater degree within the second region than within the first region. An arrangement of fixation projections extends from a layer of resin, the layer of resin having an edge disposed within, and adjacent to an exposed portion of the first region of the substrate surface.
    [00022] In some applications, the resin layer defines a plurality of distinct flaps that are flexible outside a plane of the substrate under peeling loads applied to a number of fastening projections carried by each of the flaps. In some instances, distinctive flaps are formed on an outer edge of the resin layer. In some deployments, the first region of the substrate comprises a discrete zone substantially surrounded by the second region. In some cases, the second region of the substrate surface is engageable by the fixation projections. In some embodiments, a first portion of the first region comprises a substantially flat surface and a second portion of the first region comprises a textured surface. In some examples, a layer of material tie attached to the substrate defines the first region.
    [00023] Yet another aspect of the invention features a touch closure product with a flexible substrate that holds both a distinct touch attachment and that covers a limited area of the substrate, and a radiation inhibiting substance positioned between the touch closure and the substrate and that has an edge. The radiation-inhibiting substance inhibits infrared radiation transmission to a different degree than the substrate and touch closure.
    [00024] In some applications, the edge of the radiation-inhibiting substance is exposed beyond the touch closure. In some cases, the radiation-inhibiting substance is exposed on two opposite sides of the touch closure. In some instances, the radiation-inhibiting substance is an ink imprinted on the substrate. In some deployments, the ink and touch closure are of a similar color when compared to the substrate surface.
    [00025] Yet another aspect of the invention features a touch closure product with a flexible substrate that defines an open channel, the substrate having an average base weight within the channel that is essentially equal to an average base weight of the substrate in one region adjacent to the channel, and an arrangement of fixation projections extending from a layer of resin. The resin layer is arranged within the channel so that a portion of the substrate surface adjacent to the channel is exposed.
    [00026] Details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set out in the attached drawings and in the description below. Other features, objectives and advantages of the invention will become evident from the description and drawings, and from the claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [00027] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first exemplary laminated touch closure.
    [00028] Figure 2 is a partial side view of the touch closure of Figure 1.
    [00029] Figure 3 is a partial top view of the touch closure of Figure 1.
    [00030] Figures 4 to 7 are seen in partial cross-section showing other laminated touch closure configurations.
    [00031] Figures 8A to 8C are partial side, top and perspective views of a laminated touch closure that has internal anti-peeling tabs.
    [00032] Figures 9A and 9B are partial cross-sectional and perspective views of a laminated touch closure that has segmented external anti-peeling tabs.
    [00033] Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a laminated touch closure that includes a fabric substrate.
    [00034] Figure 11 is a partial top view of a laminated touch closure that has attachment areas circumferentially attached to a layer of paint.
    [00035] Figure 12 is a block diagram of an IR detection system for detecting an edge of a laminated touch closure.
    [00036] Figure 13 is a schematic representation of a first method and apparatus for producing a laminated touch closure.
    [00037] Figure 14A is a schematic representation of a first method and apparatus for modifying a substrate surface.
    [00038] Figure 14B is a partial cross-sectional view of the unmodified substrate, obtained along line 14B-14B in Figure 14A.
    [00039] Figure 14C is a partial cross-sectional view of the modified substrate, obtained along line 14C-14C in Figure 14A.
    [00040] Figure 15A is a schematic representation of a second method and apparatus for modifying a substrate surface.
    [00041] Figure 15B is a partial cross-sectional view of the unmodified substrate, taken along line 15B-15B in Figure 15A.
    [00042] Figure 15C is a partial cross-sectional view of the modified substrate, taken along line 15C-15C in Figure 15A.
    [00043] Figures 16A to 16D are schematic side view representations of cylindrical tool configurations for modifying the substrate surface in the method of Figure 15 A.
    [00044] Figure 17A is a schematic representation of another method and apparatus for producing a laminated touch closure.
    [00045] Figure 17B is a partial type view of a laminated touch closure formed by the apparatus shown in Figure 17A.
    [00046] Figure 18A is a perspective view of a diaper flap implantation of a laminated touch closure.
    [00047] Figure 18B is an enlarged view of area 18B in Figure 18A.
    [00048] Similar reference symbols in the various drawings indicate similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    [00049] Referring primarily to Figures 1 to 3, touch closure 100a includes a flexible substrate 102 and a plurality of defined structures 104. Structures 104 extend from a solidified base layer 106 of flowable resin (e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene or any other suitable resinous material) supported by the substrate surface within a first region of substrate 108. A dividing line 110 represents a boundary between the first region 108 and a second adjacent region 112. In this example, substrate 102 is a fibrous nonwoven mat that has one or more surface characteristics that vary across the substrate surface. Substrate 102 can be, for example, what is known in the nonwoven industry as a nonwoven of textile fiber, a needle-punched nonwoven, a blanket produced by continuous spinning such as a non-woven blanket, a blanket produced by continuous spinning / fusion / continuous spinning (SMS), etc. Alternatively, substrate 102 can be a textile product such as a knitted or woven product. In some deployments, the variable surface feature can be surface height, as discussed below. In some other deployments, the variable surface feature may be porosity, permeability, and / or density. In still other deployments, the variable surface feature can be reflectivity. Other comparable surface characteristics or suitable combinations of such surface characteristics may also vary over the substrate surface 102. The surface characteristics within the second region 112 vary to a greater degree than the surface characteristics within the first region 108. In this example, the greater degree of variability of the surface characteristic within the second region 112 can be attributed to a plurality of three-dimensional elements 114 (e.g., unbound portions of the fibrous web). Elements 114 provide topographic surface variations that define variations in the height of the substrate surface.
    [00050] As described above, structures 104 extend from base layer 106. In this example, base layer 106 has a relatively straight edge 116 having little or no skew. Edge 116 is arranged on the substrate surface within the first region 108 and adjacent to an exposed portion of the first region, as discussed in greater detail below. As shown, structures 104 are formed as J-hooks that define a croque for tearing the fibers of link material. Structures 104, however, can be formed having other suitable shapes or sizes (see, for example, Figure 5). Referring specifically to Figure 3, the structures 104 are positioned in a standardized configuration on the base layers 106, and the base layers are deposited on the substrate 102 in separate parallel bands. In some examples, the parallel strips are approximately 15 millimeters wide, extend along the length of the substrate 102, and are positioned approximately 15 millimeters from the outer edges of the substrate. Such configurations and arrangements can be especially advantageous in certain deployments (for example, to form precursor materials to produce diaper fins - see Figure 16A). However, as discussed below, other suitable configurations or arrangements of base layers 106 and / or structures 104 are also envisaged (see Figure 9, for example).
    [00051] Referring next to the laminated touch closure 100b of Figure 4, the first region 108 is defined by an open channel or recess in the substrate surface 102, where the thickness of the substrate is substantially less than outside of the channel or recess. The base layer 106 from which the extending structures 104 are arranged within the channel so that the edge 116 of the base layer rests on the boundary line of region 110 and coincides with the channel edge. The opposite edge of the base layer is coincident with the opposite channel edge, so that the base layer is coextensive with the channel and, therefore, of the same width. The thickness of the base layer can approximate or equal the depth of the channel, for some applications.
    [00052] In the laminated touch closure 100c shown in Figure 5, the substrate surface within the first region 108 is textured, as is the interface between the substrate surface and the resin base layer. The textured surface of substrate 102 can enhance the bonding of base layer 106 resin to the substrate. More specifically, a textured surface can provide more surface area than a level surface, thereby increasing the number of potential bonding sites for the base layer to adhere to the substrate surface. In addition, as shown, the touch closure 100c is provided with an alternative type of loopable frame. In this example, frames 104a are provided in the form of coifed rods configured to tear fibers. This type of fastener is sometimes called a mushroom type fastener. Other comparable fastening elements and suitable structures are also provided.
    [00053] In the laminated touch closure 100d of Figure 6, an outer portion 119 of the substrate surface within the first region 108 is textured and an adjacent inner portion 121 is left substantially level (or not textured). Figure 7 shows a similar laminated touch closure 100e that has a contrasting configuration within the first region 108, where the inner portion 121a of the first substrate surface region is textured and the outer portions 119a are left substantially level where they are. under the edges of the base layer. As discussed above, the base layer 106 can adhere or bond to the textured portions more readily than the flat portions. Additionally, as shown in Figure 7, under some conditions, the base layer 106 may not bond to the level portions of the substrate 102 in any way, or it may brittle and subsequently be detached while leaving the central portion of the base layer firmly attached to the substrate. Such configurations can provide a non-uniform peeling performance profile across closures 100d and 100e. The configuration of Figure 7, in particular, provides what is sometimes called, in the touch closure industry, an 'anti-stripping' property, in which the edge of the base layer flexes away from the substrate to translate a stripping load applied to from that edge in a shear load, thereby increasing the initial load required to separate the fixture. Similarly, the middle section of the closure 100d where the base layer 106 is not bonded to the substrate surface can provide greater peeling resistance than the edge sections of the base layer that are bonded more strongly to the substrate.
    [00054] Figures 8A to 8C provide another example of a laminated touch closure 100f in which the base layer 106a defines slits 123 that form distinct anti-peeling flaps 125. In some deployments, slits 123 can be formed through openings with dentures through base layer 106a, but not through substrate 102. As shown in Figure 8B (where fixation structures are omitted for the sake of clarity), slits 123 extend outwardly in respective directions from a nearby common point to the center of an inner region 121b, where the substrate was modified prior to lamination in order to reduce the bonding of the base layer, towards the circumferential outer edge of the inner region. As discussed above, the base layer 106a is more strongly linked to the annular region 119b where the substrate has not been modified prior to lamination, than in the inner region 121b. As a result, the flaps 125 can be detached and angled out of the substrate plane 102 by clamping forces (as shown in Figure 8C), thereby increasing the effective peeling resistance of the touch closure 100f.
    [00055] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate yet another example of a 100g laminated touch closure where substrate 102 is provided in a similar configuration as shown in Figure 7. That is, in this example, the inner portion 121a of the first surface region of substrate is textured and the outer portions 119a are left substantially level where they are below the edges of the base layer. The difference between this example and that of Figure 7 is that the base layer 106a defines slits 123a that are bounded by distinct edge flaps 125a. As shown in Figure 9B (where fixation structures are omitted for the sake of clarity), the slits 123a extend inwards from the lateral edges of the base layer along the modified region 119a of the substrate surface. As such, the flaps 125a cover substantially flat outer portions 119a and can be less attached, or not attached at all, to the substrate 102.
    [00056] Therefore, the flaps 125a can be tilted out of the plane of the substrate 102 when pulled, increasing the effective peeling resistance of the 100g touch closure. Although Figures 8A to 9C provide suitable examples of laminated touch fasteners that have anti-peeling tabs. Several other provisions are also foreseen. For example, in some deployments, distinct anti-stripping tabs may be formed along the center of base layer 106a (with the edges of the base layer being firmly attached to substrate 102), or formed around the perimeter of base layer 106a (with the center of the base layer being firmly attached to the substrate 102).
    [00057] In the laminated touch closure 100h of Figure 10, a tie rod of material 120 is laid over and bonded to the surface of a fabric substrate 102a. The tie layer can fill in the areas between three-dimensional elements 115A, thereby providing an area within the first region 108 of reduced topographic variations in surface (and thus an area that has a surface characteristic that varies less than in the second region 112). The base layer 106 is attached to the tie layer 120 so that the edge 116 of the base layer is adjacent to the exposed portion of the tie layer. The edge 116 of the base layer is thus separated from the surface of the substrate, and a more controlled edge can be readily obtained. In some examples, the tie layer 120 is formed of a material to which the base layer 106 adheres readily, or adheres more readily than to the substrate surface. The tie layer can be of a material, for example, selected for its connection compatibility with both substrate surface material and the base resin.
    [00058] In the laminated touch closure 100i of Figure 11, an ink layer 122 is carried by the substrate surface 102b, within the first region 108. As shown, a continuous circumferential edge 124 of ink layer 122 forms a curved demarcation in the substrate surface. Substrate 102b is formed of a material that readily receives ink medium (for example, a paper or non-woven product). The base layer 106 is bonded to the substrate surface within the demarcation of the ink layer 122, so that the circumferential edge of the base layer overlays the ink layer and is separated from the region of the ink-free substrate. In some cases, the ink layer 122 has a coloring selected to match or approximate the coloring of the base layer 106, to help camouflage the edge variations of the base layer and provide the appearance of a clean resin border. That is, a 100g touch closure consumer may not be able to easily discern a skewed edge 116 of the base layer 106 from the clean edge 124 of ink layer 122. Although, in this example, the ink layer 122 is deposited on the substrate 102b in distinct island-like formations, other suitable arrangements are also possible. For example, the ink layer 122 can be deposited on the surface of the substrate 102b in continuous strips that extend along the length or width of the substrate.
    [00059] In some deployments, the ink layer 122 may include a number of additives to produce a desired effect. For example, the ink layer 122 can include a pigment to achieve a specific color (e.g., a color that corresponds to the color of the base layer 106, as described above). Additives can also be used to promote or inhibit binding with substrate 102b and / or base layer 106. In some examples, additives such as red infrared (IR) blockers (for example, absorbent or reflective IR blockers) can be incorporated in the ink layer 122. IR blockers can cause the ink layer 122 to inhibit transmission of IR radiation to a different degree than substrate 102b. For example, IR blockers can inhibit transmission of IR radiation that has a wavelength between about 600 nanometers and 1200 nanometers. As a result, an IR detection system can be used to detect an ink layer edge 122. As described in US Patent 7,935,296, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, the IR detection of a edge can be especially advantageous in determining whether one or more components of a composite article (for example, disposable absorbent products) are properly positioned.
    [00060] Referring to Figure 12, in this example, a detection system 1000 includes an IR radiation source 1002, an IR detector 1004 and an analyzer 1006. As shown, a composite article, such as touch closure 100i ( described above with ink layer 122 including IR blockers) can be placed close to the IR radiation source 1002 and IR detector 1004. The IR radiation source 1002 radiates touch closure 100i with IR radiation and IR detector 1004 receives the radiation transmitted through the closure by touch. In this example, the IR detector 1004 can produce an image based on the contrast in the received IR radiation. For example, more IR radiation can be transmitted through the ink layer 122 than through the substrate 102b. The analyzer 1006, which is operably connected to the IR detector 1004, can analyze the image to identify an ink layer edge 122.
    [00061] Referring below to Figure 13, apparatus 200 includes an extrusion machine 202 which continuously supplies melted resin material 204 to a wedge 206 between a cavity roll 208 (which can be cooled to promote solidification of the resin material 204) and a base roll 210. At the same time, substrate 102 is ported to wedge 206 through base roll 210. Extrusion machine 202 only supplies resin material 204 to certain cross-wedge regions 206 that are aligned with resin application regions (for example, first regions 108 of Figure 3) of substrate 102. In this way, one or more continuous strips of hook-coupled structures can be formed on substrate 102 in the base layers within the resin application regions and with edges close to or that rest on the limits of the resin application regions, as described above (see Figures 1 to 3, for example).
    [00062] The base roll 210 can be configured to provide substrate 102 to wedge 206 in a substantially smooth, unwrinkled state so that the substrate forms a smooth laminated bottom for the resulting closure product. For example, the base roll 210 may be provided with a plurality of pins disposed on the periphery thereof for carrying substrate 102; other suitable methods or structures can also be used (for example, a chemically treated coated or non-slip surface, etc.). In this example, substrate 102 is introduced from a metal part cylinder mounted on a firing device 212. In some deployments, a performance device and / or a tension roll arrangement can be used to ensure that substrate 102 be supplied to the base roll 210 in proper alignment and condition.
    [00063] The resinous material 204 (for example, molten thermoplastic resin) supplied through the extrusion machine 202 is grouped in a supply bank 214 which is pulled for wedging 206. Under pressure in the wedging 206 the resinous material 204 can be forced to the cavity roll mold cavities 208 and to any pore in the substrate 102. In this way, a base layer of resinous material 204 adheres closely or bonds to the substrate 102, perhaps encapsulating fibers or other surface resources of the substrate. As described in U.S. Patent 5,260,015, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, the penetration of resin material 204 into the pores of substrate 102 may be a function of a number of variables. For example, penetration may depend on the thickness or porosity of the substrate 102, the viscosity of the molten resin material 204, the temperatures of the material and / or the pressure maintained (for example, through hydraulics) at the wedge 206.
    [00064] In this example, a resulting continuous laminated touch closure product 216 (i.e., substrate 102 which has resin material 204 laminated to it) is separated from the cavity roller 208 by a gutting roller 218. The touch closure 216 is then optionally passed through a wedge between a winding roller 220 and a calendering cylinder 222 while the resinous structures (in this example, rods) are soft and readily deformable. The calender cylinder 222 coifs the rods through heated contact under wedge pressure, permanently deforming the resin at the distal ends of the rods, to form interlocking heads. In some other examples, the calender roll 222 simply helps to bring down the stretched or higher resinous structures (for example, hooks) to a desired uniform height. The ends of the molded elements (such as rods) can be reheated just prior to engagement by a calender cylinder 222, as well as by a flame treatment. Such treatment is described, for example, in US Patent 6,248,276, the total content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
    [00065] Although Figure 10 provides an exemplary device for forming a laminated closure, several other devices are also envisaged. For example, a wedge formed to receive the resin material and substrate under pressure can be formed between the curved surface of a cavity roller and a complementary injection die. Such an apparatus is described in US Patent No. 5,669,120, the total content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
    [00066] The surface of the substrate can be modified before the introduction of the resin from which the structures are molded. This modification creates a resin application region in which such resin can be laminated and molded with an edge having little or no visible bias (see Figures 1 to 7, for example). Such modifications can be carried out separately or on the same manufacturing line as the process described above.
    [00067] For example, in Figure 14A, apparatus 300 modifies the upper surface of a substrate 302 which has varying surface characteristics. Prior to modification (Figure 14B), the upper substrate surface has an undulating surface topography in which the elevation of the upper surface varies in the longitudinal and transverse directions. After the modification (Figure 14C), a modification layer applied to the surface in the resin application regions modifies that characteristic by covering the undulations and providing a more leveled upper surface. In this example, parallel tie layers of molten material 304 are deposited on the substrate surface by an extrusion machine 306 or other suitable deposition method. The tie layers 304 are carried through the substrate 302 to a wedge 308 between a pair of calender rolls 310 and 312. The narrow wedge space 308 can be maintained at a relatively low pressure so that the tie layer ties to the surface of substrate without inducing excessive bias at the edges of the resin strips. Alternatively, when particularly porous substrates are used, the tie rod layers 304 can be deposited on the substrate surface without any subsequent pressure. In such cases, the porosity of the substrate may be sufficient to allow the molten tie layer material to penetrate the substrate surface under atmospheric pressure only. In addition, in some other cases, the tie layer material can form a chemical bond with the substrate surface, thereby obviating any need for calender cylinders 310 and 312. In any case, as shown in Figure 14C, the The modification results in a substrate surface that has resin application regions 316 that differ from other regions of substrate 302. In this way, resin application regions 316 are provided with at least one surface characteristic that varies to a lesser degree than than in adjacent surface regions. In some cases, the surface characteristics of resin application regions 316 can be substantially uniform across those regions. In an alternative arrangement, the extrusion machine 306 is controlled to deliver distinct resin pulses to the substrate, so as to form longitudinally discontinuous islands of resin or separate strips of resin extending through the substrate.
    [00068] Referring next to Figures 15A to 15C, the apparatus 400 modifies the substrate surface 402 by crushing or leveling the substrate in desired regions, without the addition of any additional material. In this example, substrate 402 is introduced to a wedge 404 between a pair of calender rollers 406 and 408. The calender roll 406 includes an outer ring 410 that creates an irregular profile along the wedge 404, so that in some places the wedging is narrower than in adjacent regions of the wedging. Thus, when substrate 402 passes through wedge 404, the portions of the substrate engaged by ring 410 are compressed or leveled more than in adjacent regions of the substrate, which can remain substantially unmodified (as shown in Figure 15C). Thus, the resulting substrate 402 includes a resin application region 412 that differs from other regions of the substrate, while maintaining a substantially uniform base weight across the substrate. As a result, the resin application region 412 has surface characteristics that vary to a lesser degree than the surface characteristics of other adjacent surface regions.
    [00069] Figures 16A to 16D show various cylinder configurations to modify the surface of the substrate. For example, the calendering cylinder 406a of Figure 16A includes a cylindrical body 407 that supports a concentric outer ring 410a positioned close to or on an axial centerline of the body. In a second example, shown in Figure 16B, the calendering cylinder 406b includes a cylindrical body for 407 to hold corresponding outer rings 410b. The outer rings 410b are concentric with the cylindrical body 407 and positioned in a selected axial position and at a distance from each other. In this example, the outer rings 410b are separated an equal distance from the axial centerline to modify the substrate in only two separate regions. In a third example, shown in Figure 16C, calender cylinder 406c is provided in a configuration similar to calender cylinder 406a. In this example, however, outer ring 410c includes an embossing pattern to texture the substrate surface, as described above (see Figure 5, for example). In a fourth example, shown in Figure 16D, calendering cylinder 406d is provided in an outer ring 410d that includes a first section that has an embossing pattern and a second free section of the embossing pattern. In this way, a section of the modified resin application region of the substrate will be printed with the embossings, while another portion will be modified without embossing (see Figures 6 and 7, for example).
    [00070] In other configurations, the cylinders are configured to modify the substrate, such as by crushing, only in regions separated longitudinally, such as strips or points.
    [00071] Apparatus 500 of Figure 17A works in a similar fashion to apparatus 200, described above (see Figure 13). For example, as shown, a substrate 501 is fed from a metal part cylinder mounted on a firing device 512. When appropriate, substrate 501 is carried by the base roller 510 to a wedge 506 formed between the base roller and a cavity roller 508. The fused resin material 504 is supplied for wedging 506 simultaneously with substrate 501 through an extrusion machine 502. The resinous material 504 is pulled into wedging 506 and forced into the cavities of the cavity roller mold 508, as well like any pore on substrate 501. The resinous material melted within the mold cavities hardens (at least a few degrees) to form defined structures (in this case, rods) as the cavity roll 508 carries the material and substrate 501 on the periphery of the same. The resulting product is separated from the cavity roller 508 by a gutting roller 518, and passed between a take-up roller 520 and a calendering cylinder 522 to coif the newly formed rods.
    [00072] In this example, substrate 501 is modified prior to its introduction to wedging 506. More specifically, an ink layer 524 is applied to the substrate surface 501 via inkjet 526 or some other suitable ink application methods. , and the substrate is exposed to heater 528 to promote drying of the paint. Any suitable ink can be used to form the ink layer 524. For example, in this example, a wax-based ink was used. The resulting modified substrate with its resin application region (which corresponds to the paint 524) formed on the surface of the same is introduced in the wedging 506, in which the resinous material 504 is only applied within the resin application region of the substrate 501, on the paint layer.
    [00073] Figure 17B is a top view of a portion of the top surface of a laminated touch closure 516 formed in the apparatus of Figure 17A. As shown, the skewed edges 529 of the resin base layer 530, from which the structures 532 extend, are arranged within the width of the paint 524. Preferably, the paint 524 is of a color selected to approximate that of the resin material 504 , which will define edges that are less skewed than resin edges, in order to reduce the visual effect of 529 resin skewed edges. In this way, a more attractive and defined edge is presented to consumers. Consumers may also notice a softer edge due to the absence of structures on the periphery of the resin application region.
    [00074] Referring below to Figure 18A, diaper 600 including a diaper chassis 602 (for the sake of clarity, the diaper chassis is not shown in detail or in full) and a diaper fin 604 which extends from the chassis and has a range of structures that can be joined by a link. More specifically, the diaper fin 604 includes a substrate 606 (such as a stretch non-woven material with a variable surface feature) that has a base layer of resinous material 608 laminated to its surface in a modified region of varying feature characteristic. reduced surface. The loopable structures (for example, threaded rods or hooks) extend from the base layer 608. The diaper fin 604 can be made according to any method or system described above. As illustrated in the enlarged view of Figure 18B, the variation in edge 610 is significantly less than the region where the resin was laminated without having been modified (indicated for the sake of illustration in dashed line 612).
    [00075] Although a number of examples have been described for the sake of illustration, the foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. There are and will be other examples and modifications within the scope of the following claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (12)
    [0001]
    1. Method for producing a laminated touch closure, the method comprising: introducing a flexible substrate (102) into a resin applicator; applying flowable resin (204) to a limited region of a substrate surface; and shaping the applied resin to form a plurality of defined structures (104) extending from a layer (106) of the applied resin, wherein the substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced into the resin applicator, has a characteristic surface that varies across the surface, the surface comprises both a first region (108) and a second region (112) adjacent to the first region (108), the surface characteristic varies to a greater degree within the second region (112) of the that within the first region (108), where the flowable resin is applied within the first region (108), and characterized by the fact that the resin is applied so that an edge (116) of the resin layer (106) is arranged within, and adjacent to an exposed portion of the first region (108) of the substrate surface.
    [0002]
    2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises, before introducing the substrate into the resin applicator, modifying the substrate (102) to form the first and second regions.
    [0003]
    Method according to claim 2, characterized in that modifying the substrate (102) comprises modifying a portion of the substrate surface and leaving another adjacent portion of the surface unmodified, the modified portion of the surface defines the first region ( 108) and the unmodified portion of the surface defines the second region (112).
    [0004]
    4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that modifying the substrate surface comprises leveling the three-dimensional features of the substrate surface, or texturing the surface, or attaching a layer of material tie to the surface.
    [0005]
    5. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that modifying the substrate surface comprises applying pressure to the substrate, particularly by introducing the substrate to a wedge (308, 404) between calender cylinders.
    [0006]
    Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises affixing the resin layer (106) to the substrate surface within the limited region so that a first portion (119b) of the resin layer is more securely attached to the substrate surface than a second adjacent portion (121b) of the resin layer.
    [0007]
    Method according to claim 6, characterized in that it additionally comprises forming a plurality of slits (123,123a) in the second portion of the resin layer, to form distinct flaps (125,125a) that are flexible to the outside from the substrate surface.
    [0008]
    8. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that modifying the substrate surface comprises applying a layer of paint to the surface, particularly where the layer of paint reflects infrared radiation to a different degree than the substrate surface in a region adjacent to the ink layer, so that an edge of the ink layer, as applied, is detectable by an infrared detection system.
    [0009]
    Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the surface characteristic comprises porosity or surface height variability.
    [0010]
    Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second region (112) of the substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced into the resin applicator, is hookable or comprises a regularly standardized plurality of distinct three-dimensional resources (114).
    [0011]
    11. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that forming the plurality of structures also comprises forming hooks (104, 104a), the outer surface of each of the hooks defines a crook for link engagement, and / or where the first region (108) of the substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced into the resin applicator, is a distinct zone surrounded by the second region (112).
    [0012]
    A touch closure product produced according to a method as defined in claim 1, comprising: a flexible substrate (102) having a surface characteristic that varies over the surface, the surface comprises both a first region (108) as for a second region (112) adjacent to the first region (108), the surface characteristic varies to a greater degree within the second region (112) than within the first region (108); and characterized by the fact that an arrangement of fixation projections (104,104a) extending from a resin layer (106) having an edge (116) disposed within, and adjacent to an exposed portion of the first region (108 ) of the substrate surface.
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    US20190082798A1|2019-03-21|
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    EP2850961A1|2015-03-25|
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    US20130067701A1|2013-03-21|
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    法律状态:
    2018-04-03| B25A| Requested transfer of rights approved|Owner name: VELCRO BVBA (BE) |
    2018-12-11| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-11-05| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2020-10-13| B06A| Notification to applicant to reply to the report for non-patentability or inadequacy of the application [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-03-16| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-04-27| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 12/09/2012, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    2021-06-08| B25A| Requested transfer of rights approved|Owner name: VELCRO IP HOLDINGS LLC (US) |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US13/236,415|2011-09-19|
    US13/236,415|US8685194B2|2011-09-19|2011-09-19|Laminated touch fasteners|
    PCT/US2012/054828|WO2013043428A1|2011-09-19|2012-09-12|Laminated touch fasteners|
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