US 6,206,679 B1 · Apparatus for making molded plastic hook fasteners

Abstract

An enhanced flexibility fastener product has a base and hook elements extending from the base. Rip-stops integrally molded with the base and with the hook elements are offset relative to the hook elements to reduce widthwise stiffness of the fastener product. Edge margins of the fastener are feathered in that they taper or otherwise reduce in thickness over an extended distance, preferably from at or near the hooks to an edge, resulting in a softer, less irritating fastener tape. Fasteners according to the invention are particularly advantageous on disposable absorbent garments such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and other articles of wear which come into contact with a user's skin.

Claims14

Dependent claims

An apparatus for making molded plastic hook fasteners, said apparatus comprising a molding roller comprised of a stack of interspersed molding rings and spacer rings,

said molding rings defining hook-forming cavities extending inward from corresponding hook cavity openings in peripheral surfaces of the molding rings, said spacer rings defining rip-stop-forming cavities extending inward from corresponding rip-stop cavity openings in peripheral surfaces of the spacer rings,
said molding rings and said spacer rings being disposed relative to each other such that said hook-forming cavities are circumferentially offset relative to adjacent rip-stop-forming cavities.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus for making molded plastic hook fasteners

Life of this patent

Apparatus for making molded plastic hook fasteners

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14