Velcro Industries B.v.

James Van Stumpf

George A Provost

Stephen C Jens

Samuel White Pollard

Clinton Dowd

A Todd Leak

Mark J Condon

Apiromraj Srisopark Roslansky

Thomas G Lacey

Peter E Grulke

Andrew Cecil Harvey

Richard M Formato

Scott M Filion

Evangelos Kaparis

Methods of forming mold cavities suitable for hook and loop fastening are disclosed, along with effective hook construction and hook and loop fastener products that have an ultrathin cross-section. Photochemical techniques are employed to form plates that define hook-form mold cavities, and, alternatively, chemical etching is employed following preforming of the cavities and machining. Hooks having three-dimensional tapers with enhanced loop engaging characteristics are disclosed. By utilization of special surface finishes and tolerances, hook fasteners, having ultrathin cross-sections are realized, that pave the way for practical use of touch fasteners in a wide range of new areas.

Molding of fastening hooks and other devices

Molding apparatus and method for molding of features integral with a base, such as in the production of fastener elements for hook-and-loop type touch fasteners, e.g. by the Fischer process, employs a mold roll ( ) formed of rings ( ) that have coolant passages ( ) formed within the ring components ( ) themselves for substantially direct contact with cooling liquid. Axial tie rods ( ) compress the mold rings ( ) together, contributing to the sealing of the coolant passages and the stiffness of the mold roll. Mold cavities ( ), including cavities ( ) used for injection molding, and cooling passages ( ) formed in either mold rings ( ) or injection mold plates by photo-chemical etching, laser machining and other techniques are disclosed. Various machines and methods taking unique advantage of these features are disclosed, including ring alignment methods for improved base thickness control and for forming products with very thin bases.

Molding of fasteners and other features

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

Apparatus for making molded plastic hook fasteners

Item of wear having an enhanced flexibility fastener

Molding apparatus and method for continuous molding of features integral with a base, such as in the production of fastener elements for hook-and-loop type touch fasteners, e.g. by the Fischer process, employs a mold roll formed of rings that have coolant passages formed within the ring components themselves for substantially direct contact with cooling liquid. Axial tie rods compress the mold rings together, contributing to the sealing of the coolant passages and the stiffness of the mold roll. Other types of sealing are disclosed. Mold cavities and cooling passages formed by photo-chemical etching, laser machining and other techniques are disclosed. Various machines and methods taking unique advantage of these features are disclosed, including ring alignment methods.

Continuous molding of fasteners and other features

A method of manufacturing plates assembleable in a stack to provide a mold to form fastener elements includes applying a photoresist material to at least one side of the plate. The photoresist material is exposed to light. Portions of the photoresist material are removed based on the light exposure. Acid is applied to the plate, dissolving portions of the plate exposed to the acid and creating cavities.

Molding methods, molds and products

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

Growing community of inventors

Goffstown, NH, United States of America

James Van Stumpf