Patent ID: 6039911
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: A44B,B29C,B65H

Abstract:
A method of capping a stem to form a headed stem fastener comprising the steps of:providing a precursor web comprising a backing with a rear surface, a front surface, and a multiplicity of polymeric stems projecting distally from the front surface of the backing;positioning a heated member opposite a support surface to form a variable nip having a variable nip length, the support surface having a shape generally conforming to a contour of the heated member; andfeeding the precursor web through the variable nip to compressively engage the polymeric stems between the heated member and the support surface along a portion of the variable nip length so that distal ends of the polymeric stems are compressed axially downward into a hook head shape having an axial diameter to thickness ratio of from 1.5:1 to 12:1.