US20060110562A1 - Fastener tapes - Google Patents
Fastener tapes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060110562A1 US20060110562A1 US11/215,728 US21572805A US2006110562A1 US 20060110562 A1 US20060110562 A1 US 20060110562A1 US 21572805 A US21572805 A US 21572805A US 2006110562 A1 US2006110562 A1 US 2006110562A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- adhesive
- cross
- fastener
- touch fastener
- linkable
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
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- 239000004820 Pressure-sensitive adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 32
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 claims description 29
- 238000004132 cross linking Methods 0.000 claims description 21
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims 1
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- JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethyl urethane Chemical compound CCOC(N)=O JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
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Images
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
- A44B18/00—Fasteners of the touch-and-close type; Making such fasteners
- A44B18/0069—Details
- A44B18/0084—Double-sided
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
- A44B18/00—Fasteners of the touch-and-close type; Making such fasteners
- A44B18/0069—Details
- A44B18/0073—Attaching means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/56—Supporting or fastening means
- A61F13/62—Mechanical fastening means, ; Fabric strip fastener elements, e.g. hook and loop
- A61F13/622—Fabric strip fastener elements, e.g. hook and loop
- A61F13/625—Fabric strip fastener elements, e.g. hook and loop characterised by the hook
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/27—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc. including readily dissociable fastener having numerous, protruding, unitary filaments randomly interlocking with, and simultaneously moving towards, mating structure [e.g., hook-loop type fastener]
- Y10T24/2708—Combined with diverse fastener
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/27—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc. including readily dissociable fastener having numerous, protruding, unitary filaments randomly interlocking with, and simultaneously moving towards, mating structure [e.g., hook-loop type fastener]
- Y10T24/2792—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc. including readily dissociable fastener having numerous, protruding, unitary filaments randomly interlocking with, and simultaneously moving towards, mating structure [e.g., hook-loop type fastener] having mounting surface and filaments constructed from common piece of material
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/14—Layer or component removable to expose adhesive
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/14—Layer or component removable to expose adhesive
- Y10T428/1405—Capsule or particulate matter containing [e.g., sphere, flake, microballoon, etc.]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/14—Layer or component removable to expose adhesive
- Y10T428/1452—Polymer derived only from ethylenically unsaturated monomer
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/14—Layer or component removable to expose adhesive
- Y10T428/1462—Polymer derived from material having at least one acrylic or alkacrylic group or the nitrile or amide derivative thereof [e.g., acrylamide, acrylate ester, etc.]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
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- Y10T428/14—Layer or component removable to expose adhesive
- Y10T428/1481—Dissimilar adhesives
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
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- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24008—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including fastener for attaching to external surface
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24008—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including fastener for attaching to external surface
- Y10T428/24017—Hook or barb
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24174—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including sheet or component perpendicular to plane of web or sheet
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24174—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including sheet or component perpendicular to plane of web or sheet
- Y10T428/24182—Inward from edge of web or sheet
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24802—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.]
- Y10T428/24843—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.] with heat sealable or heat releasable adhesive layer
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/28—Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or component and having an adhesive outermost layer
- Y10T428/2813—Heat or solvent activated or sealable
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/28—Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or component and having an adhesive outermost layer
- Y10T428/2813—Heat or solvent activated or sealable
- Y10T428/2817—Heat sealable
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
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- Y10T428/28—Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or component and having an adhesive outermost layer
- Y10T428/2813—Heat or solvent activated or sealable
- Y10T428/283—Water activated
Definitions
- This invention relates to cooperative touch fasteners.
- Improved means for adjusting and securing fasteners, particularly touch fasteners such as hook-and-loop or inter-engaging projection array fasteners, to underlying substrates are sought. Also sought are improved means of temporarily holding a fastener in place until permanent binding is achieved.
- Some products used to alter garments include a fabric tape which may be ironed on to a garment by melting a fusible resin, e.g., a thermoplastic polymer, carried on one surface of the tape (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,393).
- a fusible resin e.g., a thermoplastic polymer
- Some tapes include cooperating touch fastener elements extending from the opposite surface of the tape.
- the touch fasteners can include a first surface carrying a plurality of fastener elements, and an opposite surface that carries a pressure sensitive adhesive that adheres the opposite surface to a substrate (e.g., fabric, leather, or wood) when pressure is applied to the touch fastener.
- a substrate e.g., fabric, leather, or wood
- the invention features a touch fastener.
- the touch fastener includes a sheet-form base having an upper face and a lower face.
- a plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face of the base, and the lower face of the base includes an adhesive layer having a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive.
- the cross-linkable adhesive is also pressure sensitive, or is encapsulated in a pressure sensitive adhesive in the pressure-sensitive portion.
- the touch fastener has an area of pressure sensitive adhesive and an area of cross-linkable adhesive.
- the fastener elements are hooks.
- the hooks are integrally molded with the upper face of the base portion.
- the hooks can have a height of less than about 0.05 inch (1.27 millimeters), e.g., between about 0.005 and 0.05 inch (0.127 and 1.27 millimeters).
- the hooks are arranged in an array that covers substantially the entire upper face of the base portion.
- the hook density can be at least about 100 hooks per square inch (15.5 hooks per square centimeter), e.g., at least about 1000 hooks per square inch (155 hooks per square centimeter).
- the fastener elements include stems with rounded or planar heads (i.e., mushrooms).
- the fastener elements include palm tree hooks.
- the fastener elements are loops.
- the loops can be of a knit, woven, or non-woven material.
- the base is a woven material from which the fastener elements extend as filaments ends.
- the cross-linking adhesive is heat activated, e.g., a curable hot melt adhesive or a urethane.
- the cross-linking adhesive is moisture activated, e.g., a urethane.
- the cross-linkable adhesive is radiation activated, e.g., acrylic.
- the radiation can be UV, for example.
- the touch fastener further comprises a release liner covering the pressure-sensitive portion.
- the invention features a method of permanently bonding a touch fastener to a material.
- the method includes providing a touch fastener having a sheet-form base with an upper face and a lower face.
- a plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face of the base portion, and the lower face includes an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive.
- the touch fastener is pressed against the material to temporarily adhere the touch fastener to the material in a desired location. Then the touch fastener is permanently bonded to the material by cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive in the desired location.
- the invention features a method of positioning a touch fastener.
- the method includes adhering a touch fastener with pressure at an initial location on a material.
- the touch fastener has a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face.
- a plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face of the base, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive.
- the method includes determining whether the initial location of the touch fastener is a desirable location, if the initial location is not a desirable location, the touch fastener is repositioned to a second location. Once the touch fastener is in a desirable location, the cross-linkable adhesive is cross-linked, thereby permanently bonding the touch fastener to the desirable location on the material.
- the method includes temporarily adhering a first portion of a touch fastener to one region of a garment, the first portion of the touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face.
- a plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive.
- the method further includes temporarily adhering a second portion of a touch fastener to another region of the garment, the second portion of the touch fastener having a sheet-form base with an upper face and a lower face.
- a plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face of the base portion and are configured to engage the fastener elements of the first portion, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive. It is determined whether the first and second portions are at desirable initial locations and if necessary either or both of the first and second portions are repositioned. Once each of the first and second touch fastener portions is in desirable location, it is permanently bonded to a respective region of the fabric by cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive. The touch fasteners are then fastened by touching the first and second portions together, thereby altering the garment.
- the alteration includes changing the hem of a pant or changing the length of a sleeve.
- the invention features a method of hanging window coverings.
- the method includes temporarily adhering on one region of a window covering a first portion of a touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face.
- a plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive.
- the method further includes temporarily adhering at an initial location on a wooden piece adjacent to a window a second portion of a touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face.
- a plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face of the base portion and are configured to engage the fastener elements of the first portion, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive. It is determined whether the first and second portions are at desirable initial locations and if necessary, either or both of the first and second portions are repositioned. Once each of the first and second touch fastener portions is in a desirable location, it is permanently bonded to the respective region of the wooden piece adjacent to the window or the window covering by cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive. The touch fasteners are then fastened together by touching the first and second portions together, thereby hanging the window covering.
- the invention features method of covering a furnishing with a material.
- the method includes temporarily adhering a first portion of a touch fastener to a region of a material, the first portion of the touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face.
- a plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive.
- the method further includes temporarily adhering a second portion of a touch fastener to one region of the furnishing, the second portion of a touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face.
- a plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive. It is determined whether the first and second portions are at desirable initial locations, and if necessary either or both of the first and second portions are repositioned. Once each of the first and second touch fastener portions is in a desirable location, it is permanently bonded to a respective region of either the material or the furnishing by cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive. The touch fasteners are then fastened together by touching the first and second portions together, thereby covering the furnishing with material.
- the furnishing is a chair, a table or a sofa.
- the invention is a method of attaching bedding to a sleeping apparatus.
- the method includes temporarily adhering a first portion of a touch fastener to one region of a bedding article, the touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face.
- a plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive.
- the method further includes temporarily adhering a second portion of a touch fastener to one region of a sleeping apparatus, the second portion of the touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face.
- a plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive. It is determined whether the first and second portions are at desirable initial locations on either the bedding article or sleeping apparatus, and repositioning either or both of the first and second portions as necessary. Once each of the first and second touch fastener portions is in a desirable location, it is permanently bonded to the respective region of the sleeping apparatus or the bedding article by cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive. The touch fasteners are then fastened together by touching the first and second portions together, thereby attaching the bedding to the sleeping apparatus.
- the bedding article is a sheet. In other embodiments, the bedding article is a bed skirt.
- the sleeping apparatus is a bed.
- the invention features a method of providing a closing means in an article.
- the method includes temporarily adhering a first portion of a touch fastener to one region of an article, the first portion of the touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face.
- a plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive.
- the method further comprises temporarily adhering a second portion of a touch fastener to a region of an article, the second portion of the touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face.
- a plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive. It is determined whether the first and second portions are at desirable initial locations on the article, and either or both of the first and second portions are repositioned as necessary. Once each of the first and second touch fastener portions is in a desirable location, it is permanently bonded to a respective region of the article by cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive. The touch fasteners are then fastened together by touching the first and second portions together, thereby providing a closing means in the article.
- the article is a purse.
- the purse is made of fabric.
- the purse is made of leather.
- the purse is made from a combination of fabric and leather.
- the article is a sleeping bag.
- the article is a diaper or a medical device such as a knee, ankle, or wrist brace.
- the user can cure a cross-linkable adhesive that is also carried on the opposite surface of the touch fastener to provide a permanent chemical bond between the touch fastener and the substrate.
- the pressure sensitive adhesive provides a means of attaching the touch fastener to a material in a non-permanent manner. This allows the user to reposition the touch fastener in the event that its initial position is not ideal. For example, if the touch fastener is being used to alter a garment, e.g., shorten a hem on a pant leg, the user might have to estimate the desired position of the touch fasteners. Because the touch fasteners are repositionable, the user can alter the position of the touch fasteners in the event the initial position was not the most desired position, e.g., the length of the pants with the alteration is too long or too short.
- the touch fasteners will be exposed to heat and water, such as a washer and dryer.
- Adhesives that are heat-softenable e.g., thermoplastics
- the cross-linkable polymer provides a permanent bond between the touch fastener and the material that withstands heat as well as moisture.
- FIG. 1 depicts a side view of complementary touch fasteners, including the fastener elements, the sheet-form base, and adhesive.
- FIG. 2 depicts a view of the lower portion of the sheet-form base, wherein the sheet-form base is coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive and a cross-linkable adhesive.
- FIG. 3 shows an example in which the sheet-form base is coated with a cross-linkable adhesive that is encapsulated in a pressure sensitive adhesive.
- FIG. 3A shows an example in which the sheet-form base is coated with a cross-linkable adhesive and catalyst, both of which are encapsulated in a pressure sensitive adhesive.
- FIG. 3B shows an example in which the sheet-form base carries an adhesive layer than includes a coating of a reactable adhesive and a tacky film of pressure sensitive adhesive.
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a flat-topped mushroom hook.
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a palm tree hook.
- FIGS. 6 a - 6 c depict a schematic representation of the use of touch fasteners to alter the length of a pant leg.
- FIGS. 7 a - 7 b depict a diagrammatic representation of the use of touch fasteners as an alternative to buttons or snaps.
- FIGS. 8 a - 8 d depict a schematic representation of using touch fasteners to cover a chair with material.
- FIGS. 9 a - 9 c depict a schematic representation of using touch fasteners to hang window coverings.
- FIGS. 10 a - 10 b depict a schematic representation of using touch fasteners to provide a closing mechanism in a purse.
- FIGS. 11 a - 11 c depict a diagrammatic representation of the use of touch fasteners in the manufacture of diapers.
- a touch fastener 10 includes a male fastener component 10 a, and a female fastener component 10 b.
- Each of the fastener components includes a plurality of cooperative touch fastener elements, i.e., hooks 12 on fastener component 10 a, and loops 14 on fastener component 10 b.
- the cooperative touch fastener elements extend from one surface 18 of a sheet-form base 16 .
- the opposite surface of the base 16 is coated with a curable, cross-linkable adhesive 20 , and a pressure sensitive adhesive 22 .
- the cooperative touch fasteners can be molded or woven.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,131 is incorporated by reference in its entirety, and relates to molded touch fasteners having a plurality of discrete fastener elements that extend outwardly from, and integral with base layer, wherein stems of the fastener elements are integrally molded to the base.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,189 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and relates to woven touch fasteners having a main fabric body with a woven base and an array of fibrous fastener elements anchored to and projecting from the woven base.
- the bottom surface of the sheet-form base 16 includes distinct portions, a first portion being coated with the cross-linkable adhesive 20 and a second portion being coated with the pressure sensitive adhesive 22 .
- the pressure sensitive adhesive 22 is coated as a strip in the middle portion of the sheet-form base 16
- the cross-linkable adhesive 20 is coated adjacent to the pressure sensitive adhesive on the either side of the strip of pressure sensitive adhesive.
- hooks shown in FIG. 1 are inverted J-shape hooks, other types of hooks can also be used.
- the hooks can be in many different shapes, including inverted J-shape, flat-topped mushroom ( FIG. 4 ), and palm tree ( FIG. 5 ).
- the loops shown in FIG. 1 can be any structure or material known in the art, for example, the loop can be of a knit, woven, or non-woven material, and can be of filaments or fibers comprising nylons, polyesters, polypropylenes, or co-polymers thereof, as examples.
- the pressure sensitive adhesive 22 provides a means of attaching the touch fastener to a material (such as fabric, wood, or leather) in a non-permanent manner. This non-permanent attachment allows the user to attach the touch fastener to a garment or other item, determine whether the touch fastener is in the ideal position, and then reposition the touch fastener in the event that the initial position is not in the ideal position.
- a material such as fabric, wood, or leather
- pressure sensitive adhesives include water-based adhesives such as those commercially available from National Starch Nacor® (72-8685) or Bostik-Findley (M2289); and hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives such as those commercially available from Bostik-Findley (HL 2211).
- the pressure sensitive adhesive is water soluble, providing the benefit that once the adhesive is in place and cured, the pressure sensitive adhesive can be washed away, leaving only the permanent chemical bond of the cross-linked polymer.
- the cross-linkable adhesives are generally polymers.
- the curing (i.e., cross-linking) of the polymer generally requires an initiating event and can be accomplished by a variety of means that are generally dependent on the polymer.
- Some means of initiating cross-linking of polymers include heat (e.g., iron, blow dryer, hot air gun, or heated nip roll), moisture (e.g., water or steam), and radiation (e.g., visible light, infrared, RF, uv or microwave).
- moisture cure adhesives examples include curable hot melt adhesives and urethanes. Such adhesives are commercially available, e.g., from Bostik-Findly, Adhesive Films, and Gorilla Glue®.
- heat-cured adhesives examples include, curable hot melt adhesives and urethane.
- curable hot melt adhesives examples include, curable hot melt adhesives and urethane.
- urethane examples include, curable hot melt adhesives and urethane.
- Such adhesives are commercially available, e.g., from Bostik-Findley, Adhesive Films, Adhesives Research Inc., and Bemis.
- the sheet form base can be fashioned to have some degree of transparency, thus allowing radiation applied at the front face of the fastener to reach the polymer and effect the cross-linking.
- the sheet form base can include holes, allowing the radiation to reach areas of the cross-linking adhesive, to provide a permanent bond of the touch fastener to the material.
- the cross-linkable adhesive once cured, forms a permanent chemical bond between the sheet-form base and the material.
- the resulting chemical bond is resistant to conditions such as moisture and heat and therefore is useful in applications where the desired product is exposed to water (e.g., a washing machine or rain) and/or heat (e.g., a drying machine or summer sun).
- the adhesive may be applied to the lower face of the sheet-form base using any desired coating or laminating technique, e.g., by laminating a transfer film to the base with a heated nip roll.
- the touch fasteners are used as a tool for the alteration of garments (e.g., hemming pants, shortening sleeves, altering the length of a jacket).
- the touch fasteners provide a practical means of fitting a garment for persons without the time, skills or the required equipment needed to provide alterations by sewing the garment. While clothing is sold in standard sizes for the person of a set proportion, not all consumers fit the proportions of clothing sold on the rack. However, the alteration of clothing can be expensive, and for many consumers is cost prohibitive.
- FIGS. 6 a - 6 c provide a schematic diagram of a consumer altering a garment using the cooperative touch fasteners 10 a and 10 b shown in FIG. 1 .
- a user has purchased a pair of pants 24 that need to be altered (i.e., shortened).
- the user can initially try on the pants 24 , folding the leg of the pant in the desired position, e.g., to have a cuff 26 as shown in FIG. 6 b.
- FIG. 6 a a user has purchased a pair of pants 24 that need to be altered (i.e., shortened).
- the user can initially try on the pants 24 , folding the leg of the pant in the desired position, e.g., to have a cuff 26 as shown in FIG. 6 b.
- FIG. 6 a As shown in FIG.
- the user can remove the pants and position the cooperative touch fasteners 10 a and 10 b so that the female touch fastener and male touch fastener, when contacting each other, produce the desired pant length, i.e., by providing cuff 26 .
- the user is trying on the pants 24 without the aid of another person, and therefore must estimate the location of the fold and location of the touch fasteners 10 a and 10 b. Because the touch fasteners are repositionable, the user can try on and reposition the touch fasteners repeatedly until the desired length is achieved.
- the user can position the female touch fastener 10 b, and reposition only the male fastener 10 a, to adjust the size of the fold and thus the length of the pants.
- the user can permanently attach them to the garment, for example by using heat and/or steam from an iron 28 (see FIG. 6 c ).
- the touch fasteners allow the length of the pants to be easily altered without the need for a tailor or sewing skills or equipment.
- the cooperative touch fasteners can also be used as a replacement for snaps and buttons.
- the cooperative touch fasteners 10 a and 10 b are positioned on a headpiece 30 .
- the opening on the headpiece 30 must be relatively large.
- the opening needs to be closed to provide a snug fit for the user.
- the use of buttons or snaps requires sewing, the same function can be achieved using the cooperative touch fasteners, which can be attached without any sewing at all.
- the male and female touch fasteners 10 a and 10 b are repositionable, allowing the headpiece 30 to be adjusted until the touch fasteners are in the ideal position to precisely fit the user.
- the touch fasteners 10 a and 10 b can be permanently attached using the heat from a hair dryer 32 to cure the cross-linkable adhesive.
- the touch fasteners can be used to attach a chair covering material to a chair.
- male touch fasteners 10 a are positioned on the chair 34 (e.g., on a wooden portion of the chair), and, once positioned in the proper location, are permanently bonded to the chair using heat from a hair dryer 32 .
- the cooperative touch fasteners 10 b are positioned on the chair covering material 36 .
- touch fastener 10 b if touch fastener 10 b is positioned incorrectly when initially positioned on the material 36 , the touch fastener 10 b can be removed from its initial position 38 on the material 36 , and repositioned to a preferred position 40 by reapplying pressure to the touch fastener. Once the touch fastener 10 b is in the desired location, it is then permanently attached by curing the cross-linkable adhesive, e.g., using the heat from an iron 28 .
- the chair 34 is then covered by contacting the touch fasteners together (see FIG. 8 d ). While the cooperative touch fasteners are permanently attached to the material 36 , and chair 34 , respectively, the touch fasteners are not permanently attached to each other, but rather the user can disengage the touch fasteners to remove the material 36 from the chair 34 . This allows the user to change the chair covers without damage to the material 36 or to the chair 34 . For example, using the touch fasteners, the user can change the material seasonally, or even more frequently depending on taste. Moreover, since removal of the chair covering material does not damage the material, the same chair covering can be reused at a later date. This decorating flexibility is not provided by traditional means of attachment (e.g. glue, staples, or stitching).
- traditional means of attachment e.g. glue, staples, or stitching
- the touch fasteners can also be used to hang window coverings (e.g., curtains).
- window coverings e.g., curtains
- the male touch fasteners 10 a are positioned on a wooden support or window frame adjacent a window 42 (e.g., at the top of the window), and the female touch fasteners 10 b are attached to the curtain material 44 , in the same manner discussed above with reference to FIGS. 8 a - 8 d.
- the touch fasteners are permanently attached by curing the cross-linkable adhesive with heat from a hair dryer 32 .
- the curtain material 44 is then hung by contacting the cooperative touch fasteners, 10 a and 10 b, together (see FIG. 9 c ), properly positioned for a visually pleasing appearance.
- FIG. 10 shows an example of the use of touch fasteners to provide a closure for a purse 46 (e.g., a substitute for a zipper or a snap). While not all purses are sold having a closure, often such a closure is desirable to provide deterrence for pickpockets and to prevent items from falling out of the opening 48 of the purse 46 .
- the consumer can add just such a feature to a purse.
- Male touch fastener components 10 a are positioned on the top, inside edge of the rear portion of the purse 46 .
- Female touch fastener components 10 b are positioned on the top, inside edge of the front portion of the purse 46 (see FIG. 10 a ). Once the touch fasteners are correctly positioned, the cross-linkable adhesive is cured using heat from a blow dryer 32 (see FIG. 10 b ).
- the touch fasteners can be permanently bonded to a fabric by cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive.
- this means of attachment is preferable to conventional means such as attaching the touch fastener by sewing it to the fabric, as the nature of sewing necessarily causes holes in the material. The presence of holes in a material is often undesirable where the touch fasteners are attached to a material used as a water resistant barrier.
- the touch fasteners can be permanently bonded to a weather resistant jacket (e.g., a jacket made from Gore-Tex®), without causing holes or punctures in the fabrics as would be caused when sewing on a zipper, button or snaps.
- Other examples where the cross-linking means of attachment is preferable to more conventional means includes attaching a water resistant covering to a tent or to an object such as an umbrella to protect people or objects from the elements such as rain or snow.
- the cooperative touch fasteners 10 a and 10 b can be used to provide a means of temporarily attaching one garment to another.
- the cooperative touch fasteners can be used to provide an attachment point to secure, for example, a scarf to the collar of a coat.
- any suitable curing means can be used.
- heat or moisture curable polymers can be used, and the polymer can be cured with heat or steam from an iron.
- the touch fasteners can also be used in the manufacture of items made by hand, or for prototyping. For example, if a small amount of an article is being produced and it is not economical to automate the production, the cooperative touch fasteners provide the ability to quickly manufacture an article for testing by allowing portions of the article to be positioned and repositioned as required for an accurate fit.
- the touch fasteners can be used when positioning straps on a shirt or a purse.
- the cooperative touch fasteners 10 a and 10 b can be positioned, e.g., on the strap and on the body of the shirt. Once positioned, the user can try on the shirt, and reposition the straps and touch fasteners 10 a and 10 b as desired. Once the touch fasteners 10 a and 10 b are positioned such that the article is correctly fitted, the touch fasteners can be cross-linked to permanently attach them to the article.
- the touch fasteners can be used to custom fit medical devices such as a wrist, ankle or knee brace.
- the person wearing the brace can try various positions for attachment and adjust the position of the touch fasteners 10 a and 10 b (or at least one of 10 a and 10 b ) to provide an accurate fit (i.e., to prevent restricting circulation or prevent shifting of the brace, maintaining it in a desired position).
- the touch fasteners 10 a and/or 10 b can be cross-linked to become permanently attached to the medical device.
- the touch fasteners 10 a and 10 b can be used as a means of attachment in diapers.
- a touch fastener 10 a can be stamped onto a diaper 50 to provide a temporary means of attachment.
- the touch fastener can then be permanently attached using a source of radiation 52 , such as a UV lamp to then permanently bond the touch fastener to the diaper 50 , without the need for additional contact with the diaper or touch fastener.
- a source of radiation 52 such as a UV lamp
- the sheet form base 16 can be of a transparent material, allowing the radiation to reach the cross-linkable adhesive 22 .
- the sheet form base 16 can include holes, allowing the radiation to reach portions of the cross-linkable adhesive, to secure a permanent connection of the touch fastener 10 a to the material.
- the holes in the sheet-form base can be of varying sizes.
- the applications described above are examples of the wide variety of consumer and manufacturing applications in which the cooperative touch fasteners can be used. These cooperative touch fasteners also have other applications, for example with wall hangings.
- the desired size and shape of the cooperative touch fastener is dependent on the application of the user.
- the length and width of the touch fasteners can vary with the intended use.
- the touch fastener can be formed in the shape of a long strip, similar to that of tape, allowing the user to cut the touch fastener to the desired length.
- the touch fastener can be in the shape of circles, squares, or rectangles of various sizes, or can be in the form of a sheet, allowing the user to cut the touch fastener to a desired shape.
- the touch fastener can be stored in an air-tight package to prevent the adhesive from curing as a result of contact with ambient air and moisture. The user can then break the seal of the package prior to the use of the touch fastener.
- the sheet-form base can be covered with a release liner to protect the pressure sensitive adhesive and prevent exposure of the adhesive to moisture. The user then removes the release liner from the sheet-form base just prior to use.
- FIG. 2 depicts one example of a sheet-form base coated with discrete portions of a pressure sensitive adhesive and a cross-linkable adhesive
- FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment, in which a sheet-form base 116 is coated with a cross-linkable adhesive 120 that is encapsulated within a pressure sensitive adhesive 122 .
- a user activates the adhesive using pressure.
- the pressure breaks the encapsulation, which exposes the cross-linkable adhesive 20 to the material, thus allowing the cross-linkable adhesive to chemically bond to the material upon curing.
- cross-linkable adhesive and catalyst are both encapsulated within a pressure sensitive adhesive, where with the application of pressure, the capsules break and expose the epoxy adhesive to the catalyst, which aids the cross-linking reaction.
- the pressure sensitive adhesive 322 is covered with a release liner 330 , which is removed prior to use of touch fastener 310 .
- the adhesive is both pressure sensitive and cross-linkable, and thus the sheet-form base is coated with a single adhesive.
- the adhesive is initially pressure sensitive and non-cross-linked.
- Application of both heat and pressure e.g., application of an iron cross-links the adhesive, thus permanently bonding the touch fasteners to the material.
- the adhesive is a semi-tacky, heat activated adhesive.
- the adhesive coating, as applied to the sheet-form base 16 has a light tacky quality, providing pressure sensitive adhesive properties. The application of heat and or pressure to the sheet-form base causes the adhesive to cross-link and thus permanently hold to the fabric.
- adhesives are commercially available, and can be purchased for example from Bostik-Findley and Collano. Some examples of such adhesives include Purbond® (HCM VN 55A, HCM VN5551) retractable urethane adhesives, which have adhesive peel values between 2 and 10 pounds per inch width.
- the sheet-form base is coated with a curable hot melt adhesive that is encapsulated into a pressure-sensitive hot melt adhesive.
- the adhesive is activated with pressure, as discussed above with reference to FIG. 3 , exposing the curable hot melt adhesive.
- the curable hot melt adhesive may be, for example, a room temperature curable adhesive.
- Such adhesives are commercially available and can be purchased, e.g., from Spring Industries Inc.
- the rear face 202 of the resin base 204 of the fastener tape carries an adjacent coat of reactable hot melt adhesive 206 , covered by a thin film of pressure sensitive adhesive 208 that, in turn, is covered by a removable release liner 210 .
- the reactable adhesive 206 and the pressure sensitive adhesive 208 form a contiguous layer 212 of adhesive.
- the release liner 210 is removed, the pressure sensitive film layer is exposed to provide the tacky surface for holding the fastener product in place until the reactable adhesive 206 is cross-linked by, for example, ironing.
- the pressure sensitive film is sufficiently thin that the underlying reactable adhesive provides a secure and direct bond to the fabric when cross-linked.
- the adhesive layer is of a type of heat activated, tacky thermoset bonding tape available from Adhesives Research, Inc. of Glen Rock, Pa.
- the reactable hot melt layer is softened in a heated lamination nip to initially soften and bond the adhesive to the back face of the hook tape. This softening and bonding occurs at a significantly lower temperature than the consumer ironing that permanently sets the adhesive, and does not cross-link the adhesive. Once cross-linked by temperature in excess of its cross-linking temperature, the adhesive is set and does not subsequently soften upon further applications of temperature, such as by laundering.
- the reactable adhesive 206 is thermally set or cross-linked, but other types of reactable adhesives are contemplated, such as those that are susceptible to cross-linking by applying radiation, such as infrared or ultraviolet radiation, or even ultrasonic energy.
Abstract
Cooperative touch fasteners are described herein. The fasteners have a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face. Extending outwardly from, and integral with the upper face of the base portion is a plurality of fastener elements. Additionally, the lower face of the sheet-form base has a pressure adhesive property and is coated with a cross-linkable adhesive. The cooperative touch fasteners can be used to alter garments, hang window coverings and attach finishing covers. Additionally, the fasteners can be used in place of snaps and buttons, in medical devices, with diapers and in conjunction with a variety of manufacturing techniques.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of international application number PCT/US2004/006194, filed 1 Mar. 2004, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/376,495, filed 28 Feb. 2003. The entire contents of these priority applications are incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention relates to cooperative touch fasteners.
- The majority of consumers purchase clothing and other garments in standard sizes, such as small, medium and large. Often times, these garments are not a perfect fit for the consumer. For example, if a person buys a shirt or coat that is large enough around the torso, the sleeves of the shirt might require shortening. The consumer can pay to have the garment altered, which for many is cost prohibitive, or if the consumer has the sewing skills and equipment, he can alter the garment himself. Frequently, the consumer has neither the money nor the skills to alter his clothing but instead wears clothes that don't have an ideal fit. Thus, it is desirable to provide to consumers a product that allows the user to alter clothing without sewing. It is also desirable that manufacturers be able to adjust the positioning of fasteners on products.
- Improved means for adjusting and securing fasteners, particularly touch fasteners such as hook-and-loop or inter-engaging projection array fasteners, to underlying substrates are sought. Also sought are improved means of temporarily holding a fastener in place until permanent binding is achieved.
- Some products used to alter garments include a fabric tape which may be ironed on to a garment by melting a fusible resin, e.g., a thermoplastic polymer, carried on one surface of the tape (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,393). Some tapes include cooperating touch fastener elements extending from the opposite surface of the tape. When the garment is subjected to heat greater than the melting point of the resin, as may occur during drying in a clothes dryer, the resin can melt and cause the tape to disengage from the garment.
- In general, the invention features positionable and securable cooperative touch fasteners and methods of making and using such touch fasteners. The touch fasteners can include a first surface carrying a plurality of fastener elements, and an opposite surface that carries a pressure sensitive adhesive that adheres the opposite surface to a substrate (e.g., fabric, leather, or wood) when pressure is applied to the touch fastener.
- In one aspect, the invention features a touch fastener. The touch fastener includes a sheet-form base having an upper face and a lower face. A plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face of the base, and the lower face of the base includes an adhesive layer having a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive.
- In some embodiments, the cross-linkable adhesive is also pressure sensitive, or is encapsulated in a pressure sensitive adhesive in the pressure-sensitive portion.
- In other embodiments, the touch fastener has an area of pressure sensitive adhesive and an area of cross-linkable adhesive.
- In some embodiments, the fastener elements are hooks. In some instances, the hooks are integrally molded with the upper face of the base portion. The hooks can have a height of less than about 0.05 inch (1.27 millimeters), e.g., between about 0.005 and 0.05 inch (0.127 and 1.27 millimeters). In some cases, the hooks are arranged in an array that covers substantially the entire upper face of the base portion. The hook density can be at least about 100 hooks per square inch (15.5 hooks per square centimeter), e.g., at least about 1000 hooks per square inch (155 hooks per square centimeter). In some cases, the fastener elements include stems with rounded or planar heads (i.e., mushrooms). In some cases, the fastener elements include palm tree hooks.
- In some embodiments, the fastener elements are loops. The loops can be of a knit, woven, or non-woven material.
- In some cases, the base is a woven material from which the fastener elements extend as filaments ends.
- In some embodiments, the cross-linking adhesive is heat activated, e.g., a curable hot melt adhesive or a urethane.
- In other embodiments, the cross-linking adhesive is moisture activated, e.g., a urethane.
- In some embodiments the cross-linkable adhesive is radiation activated, e.g., acrylic. The radiation can be UV, for example.
- In some embodiments, the touch fastener further comprises a release liner covering the pressure-sensitive portion.
- In another aspect, the invention features a method of permanently bonding a touch fastener to a material. The method includes providing a touch fastener having a sheet-form base with an upper face and a lower face. A plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face of the base portion, and the lower face includes an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive. The touch fastener is pressed against the material to temporarily adhere the touch fastener to the material in a desired location. Then the touch fastener is permanently bonded to the material by cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive in the desired location.
- In another aspect, the invention features a method of positioning a touch fastener. The method includes adhering a touch fastener with pressure at an initial location on a material. The touch fastener has a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face. A plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face of the base, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive. Thereafter, the method includes determining whether the initial location of the touch fastener is a desirable location, if the initial location is not a desirable location, the touch fastener is repositioned to a second location. Once the touch fastener is in a desirable location, the cross-linkable adhesive is cross-linked, thereby permanently bonding the touch fastener to the desirable location on the material.
- Another aspect of the invention features a method of altering a garment. The method includes temporarily adhering a first portion of a touch fastener to one region of a garment, the first portion of the touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face. A plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive. The method further includes temporarily adhering a second portion of a touch fastener to another region of the garment, the second portion of the touch fastener having a sheet-form base with an upper face and a lower face. A plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face of the base portion and are configured to engage the fastener elements of the first portion, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive. It is determined whether the first and second portions are at desirable initial locations and if necessary either or both of the first and second portions are repositioned. Once each of the first and second touch fastener portions is in desirable location, it is permanently bonded to a respective region of the fabric by cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive. The touch fasteners are then fastened by touching the first and second portions together, thereby altering the garment.
- In some embodiments, the alteration includes changing the hem of a pant or changing the length of a sleeve.
- In another aspect, the invention features a method of hanging window coverings. The method includes temporarily adhering on one region of a window covering a first portion of a touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face. A plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive. The method further includes temporarily adhering at an initial location on a wooden piece adjacent to a window a second portion of a touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face. A plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face of the base portion and are configured to engage the fastener elements of the first portion, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive. It is determined whether the first and second portions are at desirable initial locations and if necessary, either or both of the first and second portions are repositioned. Once each of the first and second touch fastener portions is in a desirable location, it is permanently bonded to the respective region of the wooden piece adjacent to the window or the window covering by cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive. The touch fasteners are then fastened together by touching the first and second portions together, thereby hanging the window covering.
- In another aspect, the invention features method of covering a furnishing with a material. The method includes temporarily adhering a first portion of a touch fastener to a region of a material, the first portion of the touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face. A plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive. The method further includes temporarily adhering a second portion of a touch fastener to one region of the furnishing, the second portion of a touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face. A plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive. It is determined whether the first and second portions are at desirable initial locations, and if necessary either or both of the first and second portions are repositioned. Once each of the first and second touch fastener portions is in a desirable location, it is permanently bonded to a respective region of either the material or the furnishing by cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive. The touch fasteners are then fastened together by touching the first and second portions together, thereby covering the furnishing with material.
- In some embodiments the furnishing is a chair, a table or a sofa.
- In another aspect, the invention is a method of attaching bedding to a sleeping apparatus. The method includes temporarily adhering a first portion of a touch fastener to one region of a bedding article, the touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face. A plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive. The method further includes temporarily adhering a second portion of a touch fastener to one region of a sleeping apparatus, the second portion of the touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face. A plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive. It is determined whether the first and second portions are at desirable initial locations on either the bedding article or sleeping apparatus, and repositioning either or both of the first and second portions as necessary. Once each of the first and second touch fastener portions is in a desirable location, it is permanently bonded to the respective region of the sleeping apparatus or the bedding article by cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive. The touch fasteners are then fastened together by touching the first and second portions together, thereby attaching the bedding to the sleeping apparatus.
- In some embodiments the bedding article is a sheet. In other embodiments, the bedding article is a bed skirt.
- In some embodiments, the sleeping apparatus is a bed.
- In another aspect, the invention features a method of providing a closing means in an article. The method includes temporarily adhering a first portion of a touch fastener to one region of an article, the first portion of the touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face. A plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive. The method further comprises temporarily adhering a second portion of a touch fastener to a region of an article, the second portion of the touch fastener having a sheet-form base portion with an upper face and a lower face. A plurality of discrete fastener elements extend outwardly from the upper face, and the lower face has an adhesive layer with a pressure-sensitive portion and a cross-linkable adhesive. It is determined whether the first and second portions are at desirable initial locations on the article, and either or both of the first and second portions are repositioned as necessary. Once each of the first and second touch fastener portions is in a desirable location, it is permanently bonded to a respective region of the article by cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive. The touch fasteners are then fastened together by touching the first and second portions together, thereby providing a closing means in the article.
- In some embodiments, the article is a purse. In some cases, the purse is made of fabric. In other cases, the purse is made of leather. In still other embodiments, the purse is made from a combination of fabric and leather.
- In some embodiments, the article is a sleeping bag.
- In other embodiments, the article is a diaper or a medical device such as a knee, ankle, or wrist brace.
- The application of pressure alone need not result in a permanent bond of the touch fastener to the material; rather, the touch fastener can be repositioned in the event that the initial position of the touch fastener on the substrate is not the desired position. Once the touch fastener is in the desired position, the user can cure a cross-linkable adhesive that is also carried on the opposite surface of the touch fastener to provide a permanent chemical bond between the touch fastener and the substrate.
- The pressure sensitive adhesive provides a means of attaching the touch fastener to a material in a non-permanent manner. This allows the user to reposition the touch fastener in the event that its initial position is not ideal. For example, if the touch fastener is being used to alter a garment, e.g., shorten a hem on a pant leg, the user might have to estimate the desired position of the touch fasteners. Because the touch fasteners are repositionable, the user can alter the position of the touch fasteners in the event the initial position was not the most desired position, e.g., the length of the pants with the alteration is too long or too short.
- In many applications, the touch fasteners will be exposed to heat and water, such as a washer and dryer. Adhesives that are heat-softenable (e.g., thermoplastics) are often unable to withstand laundering, in particular the heat from a dryer, and thus touch fasteners using such adhesives may fall off when subjected to such conditions. On the other hand, the cross-linkable polymer provides a permanent bond between the touch fastener and the material that withstands heat as well as moisture.
- The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
-
FIG. 1 depicts a side view of complementary touch fasteners, including the fastener elements, the sheet-form base, and adhesive. -
FIG. 2 depicts a view of the lower portion of the sheet-form base, wherein the sheet-form base is coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive and a cross-linkable adhesive. -
FIG. 3 shows an example in which the sheet-form base is coated with a cross-linkable adhesive that is encapsulated in a pressure sensitive adhesive. -
FIG. 3A shows an example in which the sheet-form base is coated with a cross-linkable adhesive and catalyst, both of which are encapsulated in a pressure sensitive adhesive. -
FIG. 3B shows an example in which the sheet-form base carries an adhesive layer than includes a coating of a reactable adhesive and a tacky film of pressure sensitive adhesive. -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a flat-topped mushroom hook. -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a palm tree hook. -
FIGS. 6 a-6 c depict a schematic representation of the use of touch fasteners to alter the length of a pant leg. -
FIGS. 7 a-7 b depict a diagrammatic representation of the use of touch fasteners as an alternative to buttons or snaps. -
FIGS. 8 a-8 d depict a schematic representation of using touch fasteners to cover a chair with material. -
FIGS. 9 a-9 c depict a schematic representation of using touch fasteners to hang window coverings. -
FIGS. 10 a-10 b depict a schematic representation of using touch fasteners to provide a closing mechanism in a purse. -
FIGS. 11 a-11 c depict a diagrammatic representation of the use of touch fasteners in the manufacture of diapers. - Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , atouch fastener 10 includes amale fastener component 10 a, and afemale fastener component 10 b. Each of the fastener components includes a plurality of cooperative touch fastener elements, i.e., hooks 12 onfastener component 10 a, andloops 14 onfastener component 10 b. The cooperative touch fastener elements extend from onesurface 18 of a sheet-form base 16. The opposite surface of thebase 16 is coated with a curable, cross-linkable adhesive 20, and a pressuresensitive adhesive 22. - The cooperative touch fasteners can be molded or woven. U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,131 is incorporated by reference in its entirety, and relates to molded touch fasteners having a plurality of discrete fastener elements that extend outwardly from, and integral with base layer, wherein stems of the fastener elements are integrally molded to the base. U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,189 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and relates to woven touch fasteners having a main fabric body with a woven base and an array of fibrous fastener elements anchored to and projecting from the woven base.
- As shown on
FIG. 2 , the bottom surface of the sheet-form base 16 includes distinct portions, a first portion being coated with the cross-linkable adhesive 20 and a second portion being coated with the pressuresensitive adhesive 22. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2 , the pressuresensitive adhesive 22 is coated as a strip in the middle portion of the sheet-form base 16, and the cross-linkable adhesive 20 is coated adjacent to the pressure sensitive adhesive on the either side of the strip of pressure sensitive adhesive. - While the hooks shown in
FIG. 1 are inverted J-shape hooks, other types of hooks can also be used. The hooks can be in many different shapes, including inverted J-shape, flat-topped mushroom (FIG. 4 ), and palm tree (FIG. 5 ). The loops shown inFIG. 1 can be any structure or material known in the art, for example, the loop can be of a knit, woven, or non-woven material, and can be of filaments or fibers comprising nylons, polyesters, polypropylenes, or co-polymers thereof, as examples. - The pressure
sensitive adhesive 22 provides a means of attaching the touch fastener to a material (such as fabric, wood, or leather) in a non-permanent manner. This non-permanent attachment allows the user to attach the touch fastener to a garment or other item, determine whether the touch fastener is in the ideal position, and then reposition the touch fastener in the event that the initial position is not in the ideal position. Examples of pressure sensitive adhesives include water-based adhesives such as those commercially available from National Starch Nacor® (72-8685) or Bostik-Findley (M2289); and hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives such as those commercially available from Bostik-Findley (HL 2211). - In some instances, the pressure sensitive adhesive is water soluble, providing the benefit that once the adhesive is in place and cured, the pressure sensitive adhesive can be washed away, leaving only the permanent chemical bond of the cross-linked polymer.
- Once the touch fastener is in the desired position, the user can permanently attach the touch fastener to the material by curing the
cross-linkable adhesive 20. The cross-linkable adhesives are generally polymers. The curing (i.e., cross-linking) of the polymer generally requires an initiating event and can be accomplished by a variety of means that are generally dependent on the polymer. Some means of initiating cross-linking of polymers include heat (e.g., iron, blow dryer, hot air gun, or heated nip roll), moisture (e.g., water or steam), and radiation (e.g., visible light, infrared, RF, uv or microwave). - Examples of moisture cure adhesives include curable hot melt adhesives and urethanes. Such adhesives are commercially available, e.g., from Bostik-Findly, Adhesive Films, and Gorilla Glue®.
- Examples of heat-cured adhesives include, curable hot melt adhesives and urethane. Such adhesives are commercially available, e.g., from Bostik-Findley, Adhesive Films, Adhesives Research Inc., and Bemis.
- Examples of radiation-cured adhesives include, acrylics epoxies, silicones, acrylates, olefins, and urethanes. Where a radiation cured polymer is used, the sheet form base can be fashioned to have some degree of transparency, thus allowing radiation applied at the front face of the fastener to reach the polymer and effect the cross-linking. Alternatively, the sheet form base can include holes, allowing the radiation to reach areas of the cross-linking adhesive, to provide a permanent bond of the touch fastener to the material.
- The cross-linkable adhesive, once cured, forms a permanent chemical bond between the sheet-form base and the material. The resulting chemical bond is resistant to conditions such as moisture and heat and therefore is useful in applications where the desired product is exposed to water (e.g., a washing machine or rain) and/or heat (e.g., a drying machine or summer sun).
- The adhesive may be applied to the lower face of the sheet-form base using any desired coating or laminating technique, e.g., by laminating a transfer film to the base with a heated nip roll.
- In some embodiments, the touch fasteners are used as a tool for the alteration of garments (e.g., hemming pants, shortening sleeves, altering the length of a jacket). The touch fasteners provide a practical means of fitting a garment for persons without the time, skills or the required equipment needed to provide alterations by sewing the garment. While clothing is sold in standard sizes for the person of a set proportion, not all consumers fit the proportions of clothing sold on the rack. However, the alteration of clothing can be expensive, and for many consumers is cost prohibitive.
-
FIGS. 6 a-6 c provide a schematic diagram of a consumer altering a garment using thecooperative touch fasteners FIG. 1 . Referring toFIG. 6 a, a user has purchased a pair ofpants 24 that need to be altered (i.e., shortened). The user can initially try on thepants 24, folding the leg of the pant in the desired position, e.g., to have acuff 26 as shown inFIG. 6 b. As shown inFIG. 6 c, after trying on thepants 24, the user can remove the pants and position thecooperative touch fasteners cuff 26. In some instances, the user is trying on thepants 24 without the aid of another person, and therefore must estimate the location of the fold and location of thetouch fasteners female touch fastener 10 b, and reposition only themale fastener 10 a, to adjust the size of the fold and thus the length of the pants. Once both the female and male touch fasteners are in the desired position, the user can permanently attach them to the garment, for example by using heat and/or steam from an iron 28 (seeFIG. 6 c). Thus, the touch fasteners allow the length of the pants to be easily altered without the need for a tailor or sewing skills or equipment. - The cooperative touch fasteners can also be used as a replacement for snaps and buttons. For example, referring to
FIG. 7 a, thecooperative touch fasteners headpiece 30. To place the garment in position, i.e., to cover the head of the user with theheadpiece 30, the opening on theheadpiece 30, must be relatively large. However, once theheadpiece 30 is in position, the opening needs to be closed to provide a snug fit for the user. Whereas the use of buttons or snaps requires sewing, the same function can be achieved using the cooperative touch fasteners, which can be attached without any sewing at all. Additionally, the male andfemale touch fasteners headpiece 30 to be adjusted until the touch fasteners are in the ideal position to precisely fit the user. Referring toFIG. 7 b, once in the desired location on theheadpiece 30, thetouch fasteners hair dryer 32 to cure the cross-linkable adhesive. - The touch fasteners can be used to attach a chair covering material to a chair. Referring to
FIG. 8 a,male touch fasteners 10 a are positioned on the chair 34 (e.g., on a wooden portion of the chair), and, once positioned in the proper location, are permanently bonded to the chair using heat from ahair dryer 32. Thecooperative touch fasteners 10 b are positioned on thechair covering material 36. - Referring to
FIGS. 8 b and 8 c, iftouch fastener 10 b is positioned incorrectly when initially positioned on thematerial 36, thetouch fastener 10 b can be removed from itsinitial position 38 on thematerial 36, and repositioned to apreferred position 40 by reapplying pressure to the touch fastener. Once thetouch fastener 10 b is in the desired location, it is then permanently attached by curing the cross-linkable adhesive, e.g., using the heat from aniron 28. - The
chair 34 is then covered by contacting the touch fasteners together (seeFIG. 8 d). While the cooperative touch fasteners are permanently attached to thematerial 36, andchair 34, respectively, the touch fasteners are not permanently attached to each other, but rather the user can disengage the touch fasteners to remove the material 36 from thechair 34. This allows the user to change the chair covers without damage to the material 36 or to thechair 34. For example, using the touch fasteners, the user can change the material seasonally, or even more frequently depending on taste. Moreover, since removal of the chair covering material does not damage the material, the same chair covering can be reused at a later date. This decorating flexibility is not provided by traditional means of attachment (e.g. glue, staples, or stitching). - The touch fasteners can also be used to hang window coverings (e.g., curtains). Referring to
FIGS. 9 a and 9 b, themale touch fasteners 10 a are positioned on a wooden support or window frame adjacent a window 42 (e.g., at the top of the window), and thefemale touch fasteners 10 b are attached to thecurtain material 44, in the same manner discussed above with reference toFIGS. 8 a-8 d. Once correctly positioned on the window and on the material, the touch fasteners are permanently attached by curing the cross-linkable adhesive with heat from ahair dryer 32. Thecurtain material 44 is then hung by contacting the cooperative touch fasteners, 10 a and 10 b, together (seeFIG. 9 c), properly positioned for a visually pleasing appearance. -
FIG. 10 shows an example of the use of touch fasteners to provide a closure for a purse 46 (e.g., a substitute for a zipper or a snap). While not all purses are sold having a closure, often such a closure is desirable to provide deterrence for pickpockets and to prevent items from falling out of theopening 48 of thepurse 46. Using the cooperative touch fasteners, the consumer can add just such a feature to a purse. Maletouch fastener components 10 a are positioned on the top, inside edge of the rear portion of thepurse 46. Femaletouch fastener components 10 b are positioned on the top, inside edge of the front portion of the purse 46 (seeFIG. 10 a). Once the touch fasteners are correctly positioned, the cross-linkable adhesive is cured using heat from a blow dryer 32 (seeFIG. 10 b). - As described above, the touch fasteners can be permanently bonded to a fabric by cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive. In many applications, this means of attachment is preferable to conventional means such as attaching the touch fastener by sewing it to the fabric, as the nature of sewing necessarily causes holes in the material. The presence of holes in a material is often undesirable where the touch fasteners are attached to a material used as a water resistant barrier. For example, the touch fasteners can be permanently bonded to a weather resistant jacket (e.g., a jacket made from Gore-Tex®), without causing holes or punctures in the fabrics as would be caused when sewing on a zipper, button or snaps. Other examples where the cross-linking means of attachment is preferable to more conventional means includes attaching a water resistant covering to a tent or to an object such as an umbrella to protect people or objects from the elements such as rain or snow.
- Additionally, the
cooperative touch fasteners - While the examples shown in
FIGS. 7-10 b utilize heat from a hair dryer as a curing means, any suitable curing means can be used. For example, heat or moisture curable polymers can be used, and the polymer can be cured with heat or steam from an iron. - The touch fasteners can also be used in the manufacture of items made by hand, or for prototyping. For example, if a small amount of an article is being produced and it is not economical to automate the production, the cooperative touch fasteners provide the ability to quickly manufacture an article for testing by allowing portions of the article to be positioned and repositioned as required for an accurate fit. For example, the touch fasteners can be used when positioning straps on a shirt or a purse. The
cooperative touch fasteners touch fasteners touch fasteners - In addition to clothing, the touch fasteners can be used to custom fit medical devices such as a wrist, ankle or knee brace. The person wearing the brace can try various positions for attachment and adjust the position of the
touch fasteners touch fasteners 10 a and/or 10 b can be cross-linked to become permanently attached to the medical device. - The
touch fasteners touch fastener 10 a can be stamped onto adiaper 50 to provide a temporary means of attachment. As shown inFIG. 11 a, the touch fastener can then be permanently attached using a source ofradiation 52, such as a UV lamp to then permanently bond the touch fastener to thediaper 50, without the need for additional contact with the diaper or touch fastener. Where radiation curable adhesives are used, thesheet form base 16 can be of a transparent material, allowing the radiation to reach thecross-linkable adhesive 22. Alternatively, thesheet form base 16 can include holes, allowing the radiation to reach portions of the cross-linkable adhesive, to secure a permanent connection of thetouch fastener 10 a to the material. As seen inFIGS. 11 b and 11 c, the holes in the sheet-form base can be of varying sizes. - The applications described above are examples of the wide variety of consumer and manufacturing applications in which the cooperative touch fasteners can be used. These cooperative touch fasteners also have other applications, for example with wall hangings. The desired size and shape of the cooperative touch fastener is dependent on the application of the user. For example, the length and width of the touch fasteners can vary with the intended use. In some instances, the touch fastener can be formed in the shape of a long strip, similar to that of tape, allowing the user to cut the touch fastener to the desired length. Alternatively, the touch fastener can be in the shape of circles, squares, or rectangles of various sizes, or can be in the form of a sheet, allowing the user to cut the touch fastener to a desired shape.
- It is important to prevent the premature curing of the cross-linkable adhesive so that the cross-linkable adhesive will still be in a curable condition when the user wishes to permanently attach the touch fastener to a surface. For example, where the cross-linkable adhesive is moisture sensitive, the touch fastener can be stored in an air-tight package to prevent the adhesive from curing as a result of contact with ambient air and moisture. The user can then break the seal of the package prior to the use of the touch fastener.
- The sheet-form base can be covered with a release liner to protect the pressure sensitive adhesive and prevent exposure of the adhesive to moisture. The user then removes the release liner from the sheet-form base just prior to use.
- While
FIG. 2 depicts one example of a sheet-form base coated with discrete portions of a pressure sensitive adhesive and a cross-linkable adhesive,FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment, in which a sheet-form base 116 is coated with a cross-linkable adhesive 120 that is encapsulated within a pressuresensitive adhesive 122. In this case, a user activates the adhesive using pressure. The pressure breaks the encapsulation, which exposes the cross-linkable adhesive 20 to the material, thus allowing the cross-linkable adhesive to chemically bond to the material upon curing. In some instances, referring toFIG. 3 a, cross-linkable adhesive and catalyst are both encapsulated within a pressure sensitive adhesive, where with the application of pressure, the capsules break and expose the epoxy adhesive to the catalyst, which aids the cross-linking reaction. The pressuresensitive adhesive 322 is covered with a release liner 330, which is removed prior to use oftouch fastener 310. - In some embodiments, the adhesive is both pressure sensitive and cross-linkable, and thus the sheet-form base is coated with a single adhesive. In this instance, the adhesive is initially pressure sensitive and non-cross-linked. Application of both heat and pressure (e.g., application of an iron) cross-links the adhesive, thus permanently bonding the touch fasteners to the material.
- In some embodiments, the adhesive is a semi-tacky, heat activated adhesive. The adhesive coating, as applied to the sheet-
form base 16, has a light tacky quality, providing pressure sensitive adhesive properties. The application of heat and or pressure to the sheet-form base causes the adhesive to cross-link and thus permanently hold to the fabric. Such adhesives are commercially available, and can be purchased for example from Bostik-Findley and Collano. Some examples of such adhesives include Purbond® (HCM VN 55A, HCM VN5551) retractable urethane adhesives, which have adhesive peel values between 2 and 10 pounds per inch width. - In some embodiments, the sheet-form base is coated with a curable hot melt adhesive that is encapsulated into a pressure-sensitive hot melt adhesive. The adhesive is activated with pressure, as discussed above with reference to
FIG. 3 , exposing the curable hot melt adhesive. The curable hot melt adhesive may be, for example, a room temperature curable adhesive. Such adhesives are commercially available and can be purchased, e.g., from Spring Industries Inc. - In the fastener product 200 of
FIG. 3B , therear face 202 of theresin base 204 of the fastener tape carries an adjacent coat of reactable hot melt adhesive 206, covered by a thin film of pressuresensitive adhesive 208 that, in turn, is covered by aremovable release liner 210. Together, thereactable adhesive 206 and the pressuresensitive adhesive 208 form acontiguous layer 212 of adhesive. When therelease liner 210 is removed, the pressure sensitive film layer is exposed to provide the tacky surface for holding the fastener product in place until the reactable adhesive 206 is cross-linked by, for example, ironing. The pressure sensitive film is sufficiently thin that the underlying reactable adhesive provides a secure and direct bond to the fabric when cross-linked. The adhesive layer is of a type of heat activated, tacky thermoset bonding tape available from Adhesives Research, Inc. of Glen Rock, Pa. - The reactable hot melt layer is softened in a heated lamination nip to initially soften and bond the adhesive to the back face of the hook tape. This softening and bonding occurs at a significantly lower temperature than the consumer ironing that permanently sets the adhesive, and does not cross-link the adhesive. Once cross-linked by temperature in excess of its cross-linking temperature, the adhesive is set and does not subsequently soften upon further applications of temperature, such as by laundering.
- In the preceding example, the
reactable adhesive 206 is thermally set or cross-linked, but other types of reactable adhesives are contemplated, such as those that are susceptible to cross-linking by applying radiation, such as infrared or ultraviolet radiation, or even ultrasonic energy. - A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (29)
1. A method of permanently bonding a touch fastener to a material, the method comprising:
providing a touch fastener having a sheet-form base having an upper face, a lower face, and a plurality of discrete fastener elements extending outwardly from the upper face of the base, the lower face of the base carrying an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer having a pressure sensitive surface, the adhesive layer including a cross-linkable adhesive;
pressing the touch fastener against the material to temporarily adhere the touch fastener to the material in a desired location; and then
cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive thereby permanently bonding the touch fastener to the material in the desired location.
2-3. (canceled)
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive layer contains only one adhesive material, the adhesive material being both pressure sensitive and cross-linkable.
5. The touch fastener of claim 1 , wherein the cross-linkable adhesive is pressure sensitive.
6. The method of claims 1, wherein the cross-linkable adhesive is encapsulated in a pressure sensitive adhesive.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive layer comprises a first area of pressure sensitive adhesive and a second area of cross-linkable adhesive.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the material comprises a fabric.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the fastener elements comprise molded stems integrally molded with the base.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the fastener elements comprise loop-engageable heads integrally molded with the molded stems.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the fastener elements have a height of between about 0.005 and 0.05 inch (0.127 and 1.27 millimeters).
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the fastener elements are arranged with a hook density of at least about 1000 hooks per square inch (155 hooks per centimeter).
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the fastener elements comprise loops.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the base is a woven material from which the fastener elements extend as a filament ends.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive comprises heating the cross-linkable adhesive.
16. The method of claim 1 , wherein the touch fastener further comprises a release liner covering the pressure-sensitive surface.
17. A method of positioning a touch fastener, the method comprising:
temporarily adhering a touch fastener to a material at an initial location, the touch fastener having a sheet-form base with an upper face, a lower face, and a plurality of discrete fastener elements extending outwardly from the upper face of the base, the lower face including an adhesive layer having a pressure-sensitive surface and comprising a cross-linkable adhesive;
determining whether the initial location is a desired location for the touch fastener;
repositioning the touch fastener as necessary to place the touch fastener in a preferred location; and
upon determining that the touch fastener is in a desired location, cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive, thereby permanently bonding the touch fastener to the material in the desired location.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the adhesive layer contains only one adhesive material, the adhesive material being both pressure sensitive and cross-linkable.
19. The method of claims 17, wherein the cross-linkable adhesive is encapsulated in a pressure sensitive adhesive.
20. The method of claim 17 , wherein the adhesive layer comprises a first area of pressure sensitive adhesive and a second area of cross-linkable adhesive.
21. A method of altering a garment, the method comprising:
temporarily adhering a first portion of a touch fastener to one region of a garment, the first portion of the touch fastener having a sheet-form base having an upper face, a lower face, and a plurality of discreet fastener elements extending outwardly from the upper face, the lower face including an adhesive layer having a pressure sensitive portion and comprising a cross-linkable adhesive;
temporarily adhering a second portion of a touch fastener to another region of the garment, the second portion of the touch fastener having a sheet-form base having an upper face, a lower face, and a plurality of discrete fastener elements extending outwardly from the upper face of the base of the second portion and configured to engage the fastener elements of the first portion, the lower face including an adhesive layer having a pressure sensitive portion and comprising a cross-linkable adhesive;
determining whether the first and second portions are at a desirable initial locations and repositioning either or both of the first and second positions as necessary;
when each of the first and second touch fastener position is in a desirable location, permanently bonding that touch fastener portion to a respective regions of the fabric by cross-linking the cross-linkable adhesive of the portion; and
fastening the first and second touch fastener portions together, thereby altering the garment.
22. The method of claim 21 , wherein altering the garment comprises changing the hem of the pant.
23. A touch fastener comprising:
a sheet-form base having an upper face and a lower face;
a plurality of discrete fastener elements extending outwardly from the upper face of the base; and
an adhesive layer carried on the lower face of the base, the adhesive layer having a pressure sensitive surface to temporarily adhere the touch fastener to a material in a desired location, the adhesive layer including an adhesive cross-linkable with the touch fastener temporarily adhered in its desired location, to permanently bond the touch fastener in its desired location.
24-25. (canceled)
26. The touch fastener of claim 23 , wherein the adhesive layer contains only one adhesive material, the adhesive material being both pressure sensitive and cross-linkable.
27. The touch fastener of claim 23 , wherein the cross-linkable adhesive is pressure sensitive.
28. The touch fastener of claim 23 , wherein the cross-linkable adhesive is encapsulated in a pressure sensitive adhesive.
29. The touch fastener of claim 23 , wherein the lower face comprises a first area of pressure sensitive adhesive and a second area of cross-linkable adhesive.
30. The touch fastener of claim 23 , wherein the fastener elements comprise molded stems integrally molded with the upper face of the base.
31. The touch fastener of claim 30 , wherein the fastener elements further comprise loop-engageable heads integrally molded with the molded stems.
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US11/215,728 US20060110562A1 (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2005-08-29 | Fastener tapes |
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US10/376,495 Expired - Lifetime US7132144B2 (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2003-02-28 | Fastener tapes |
US11/215,728 Abandoned US20060110562A1 (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2005-08-29 | Fastener tapes |
US11/543,478 Abandoned US20070026181A1 (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2006-10-05 | Fastener tapes |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/376,495 Expired - Lifetime US7132144B2 (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2003-02-28 | Fastener tapes |
Family Applications After (1)
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US11/543,478 Abandoned US20070026181A1 (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2006-10-05 | Fastener tapes |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US7132144B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1601263B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN100456983C (en) |
AT (1) | ATE401807T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602004015256D1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2308156T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004077982A1 (en) |
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Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080235979A1 (en) * | 2007-03-27 | 2008-10-02 | Meecham Michael D | Hi-N-Dri |
WO2011137097A1 (en) * | 2010-04-27 | 2011-11-03 | Velcro Industries B.V. | Touch fastener configuration and manufacturing |
US8597721B2 (en) | 2010-04-27 | 2013-12-03 | Velcro Industries B.V. | Touch fastener configuration and manufacturing |
US20140242893A1 (en) * | 2013-02-26 | 2014-08-28 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Abrasive Device |
US20150305450A1 (en) * | 2014-04-28 | 2015-10-29 | Ykk Corporation Of America | Systems and methods for joining hook fastener structures |
US9750311B2 (en) * | 2014-04-28 | 2017-09-05 | Ykk Corporation | Systems and methods for joining hook fastener structures |
US10405615B2 (en) * | 2014-04-28 | 2019-09-10 | Ykk Corporation | Systems and methods for joining hook fastener structures |
US10327518B2 (en) * | 2016-04-13 | 2019-06-25 | Ykk Corporation | Molded surface fastener |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7132144B2 (en) | 2006-11-07 |
CN1770991A (en) | 2006-05-10 |
WO2004077982A1 (en) | 2004-09-16 |
EP1601263A1 (en) | 2005-12-07 |
ES2308156T3 (en) | 2008-12-01 |
US20070026181A1 (en) | 2007-02-01 |
ATE401807T1 (en) | 2008-08-15 |
DE602004015256D1 (en) | 2008-09-04 |
WO2004077982A8 (en) | 2006-01-12 |
US20040170792A1 (en) | 2004-09-02 |
EP1601263B1 (en) | 2008-07-23 |
CN100456983C (en) | 2009-02-04 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: VELCRO INDUSTRIES B.V., NETHERLANDS ANTILLES Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ROBERTS, JENIFER LYNN;KINGSFORD, HOWARD A.;REEL/FRAME:017477/0005;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060405 TO 20060406 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: EXPRESSLY ABANDONED -- DURING EXAMINATION |