Patent Description:
Fastening tabs may be found in connection with disposable absorbent articles such as diapers as well as other applications. Disposable absorbent articles, such as baby diapers and/or incontinence diapers for adults, are generally known in the art. A disposable article (for example, a diaper chassis), in many instances, is constructed of a liquid absorbent core (promoting separation of fluid from the user) enclosed between a liquid permeable topsheet (located adjacent to a wearer when the disposable article is worn) and a liquid impermeable backsheet (forming an outer surface of the disposable article when worn, which may be a non-woven fabric laminated with a water impermeable layer such as a polyethylene film). The disposable article generally includes a rear portion intended to cover a wear's behind, a front portion intended to cover a wear's front and a crotch portion there between.

Disposable articles are available in reusable form which must be washed between uses, or may be one-time disposable forms. Disposable forms include one or more adhesive tape assemblies which are typically used to maintain a used diaper in a "rolled-up" form after use to facilitate handling and disposal.

Although currently known tape assemblies used in disposable articles are satisfactory in many respects, in many instances during disposal one or more regions of adhesive in the fastener tape assemblies are exposed and can inadvertently "stick" to waste containers or the user attempting disposal. Further, the tape assemblies may contain a significant amount of adhesive used due to the length of these fastener tape assemblies.

In addition, disposable absorbent articles are also provided with one or more other forms of fastening tabs. The fastening tabs may be in the form of a tape. The tabs typically have a face coated with an adhesive. The adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive. The fastener tape assembly generally includes adhesive tabs fastened to one end of the disposable article assembly construction at each lateral side of the disposable article in a permanent "factory joint" by the disposable article or diaper manufacturer using adhesives or other techniques. For example, two fastening tabs may be joined to the rear portion of the disposable article along opposing side ends or edges thereof. The fastening tabs may be joined directly to the chassis, or alternately, via intervening side panels. The fastening tabs allow each side of the rear portion of the disposable article to be releasably attached in a nonpermanent "user joint" (to allow unfastening to inspect the disposable article) to the front portion of the disposable article thereby selectively forming a waistband around the wearer.

In many applications, the front portion of the disposable article is provided with a landing strip (also referred to herein as a "landing zone") arranged thereon to selectively receive the fastening tabs. For example, this landing strip may include a female portion of a mechanical fastening system. In particular, the landing strip may include loop material designed to be engaged by corresponding hooks carried on the fastening tabs. The landing zone may provide a plastic surface of a non-woven surface and may comprise a knit type fabric landing pad.

Securing a fastener to a disposable article at the factory joint is typically performed so as to provide a strong and durable affixment. Several techniques have been used including mechanical bonding procedures and the use of high strength adhesives. In order to reduce the cost of manufacturing disposable articles, certain portions of the fastening tabs may contain patterns of adhesive. However, there can be difficulties in developing a fastening system that can achieve a desirable degree of peel adhesion and/or shear strength when the fastening tabs with adhesive are attached directly to the disposable article backsheet. This problem is particularly evident in baby diapers which generally have smaller fastening tabs (due to their relatively smaller size) as compared to adult incontinence diapers which can generally accommodate larger fastening tabs. Further, increasing the length of the fastening tabs may also provide increased costs related to the increased use of adhesive to cover the fastening tabs needed to secure the disposable article or substrate in its intended use. A means to reduce the amount of adhesive used on fastener tape assemblies yet providing a similar or increased length of the fastener tape assemblies would be desirable.

<CIT> discloses various fastening tape closure assemblies. The closure tapes are useful in the manufacture of disposable articles, and particularly disposable diapers. The closure tapes generally include a fastening component, an extension component, and a bonding component. The tape systems provide a new folding configuration and reduced adhesive along a face of the extension component. Also described are disposable articles utilizing the tape closure assemblies.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a fastener tape assembly comprising a fastening component defining a first face for affixment to a disposable article or substrate and an oppositely directed second face; a connecting component, wherein the connecting component comprises a bonding component defining a first face for affixment to a disposable article or substrate and an oppositely directed second face; and an extension component generally disposed between the fastening component and the bonding component; wherein the first face of the fastening component is at least partially covered by an adhesive; wherein the first face of the bonding component is at least partially covered by an adhesive and wherein the extension component comprises a folded edge and further comprises an adhesive-free portion between the folded edge of the extension component and the bonding component. The folded edge of the extension component may be generally disposed between the fastening component and the bonding component. In many embodiments, the extension component is essentially free of adhesive. In many other embodiments, the extension component is at least partially covered by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the extension component is at least partially covered by an adhesive wherein the adhesive of the extension component is at least partially patterned. In some embodiments, the extension component is at least partially covered by an adhesive wherein the adhesive of the extension component is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

As used herein, diaper may also be referred to as an article or a disposable article. The diaper may be an adult diaper or a baby diaper. The diaper described herein may also be a pant diaper.

As used herein, essentially free of adhesive means that any adhesives have not been intentionally added to the extension component.

The fastener tape assembly comprises a bonding component defining a first face for affixment to a disposable article or substrate and an oppositely directed second face in which the first face of the bonding component is at least partially covered by an adhesive to thereby bond the bonding component to a disposable article or substrate. In some embodiments, the bonding component is separately formed or manufactured separately from the extension component, and the bonding component has an adhesive region on the first face of the bonding component which is at least partially covered by an adhesive to thereby at least partially bond the bonding component with the extension component. As used herein, at least partially bonded means that the bond is such that it can secure the portion of the fastener tape assembly to either another portion of the fastener tape assembly or a disposable article or substrate, but may not fully bond to the entire portion to which it is adhered, being either another portion of the fastener tape assembly or a disposable article or substrate. At least partially bonded may also mean that it is at least partially affixed or adhered to the assembly.

In other embodiments, the bonding component and extension component are manufactured together as one piece or unit and are attached to one another during manufacturing. After manufacturing, the adhesive of the bonding component is applied to the first face of the bonding component.

In many embodiments, the adhesive on the first face of the bonding component is at least partially covered by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive on the first face of the bonding component is at least partially patterned. In some embodiments, the adhesive of the bonding component is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

The fastener tape assembly also comprises a fastening component in which an adhesive of the fastening component is provided in an adhesive region on the first face of the fastening component to thereby bond the fastening component with the extension component and/or a disposable article or substrate. In many embodiments, the first face of the fastening component is at least partially covered by an adhesive to thereby bond the fastening component with the extension component and/or a disposable article or substrate. In some embodiments, the first face of the fastening component further comprises hooks.

In many embodiments, the adhesive on the first face of the fastening component is at least partially covered by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive on the first face of the fastening component is at least partially patterned. In some embodiments, the adhesive of the fastening component is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

The fastener tape assembly additionally comprises an extension component generally disposed between the fastening component and the bonding component. In many embodiments, the folded edge of the extension component may be generally disposed between the fastening component and the bonding component. In many embodiments, the folded edge of the extension component may be a U-bond or a Y-bond. In many embodiments, the extension component is essentially free of adhesive. In many embodiments, the extension component is at least partially covered by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the extension component is at least partially covered by an adhesive wherein the adhesive of the extension component is at least partially patterned. In some embodiments, the extension component is at least partially covered by an adhesive wherein the adhesive of the extension component is a pressure sensitive adhesive. In other embodiments, the extension component may be at least partially attached, bonded, or affixed to the bonding component by some other means of attachment, which may include but is not limited to, melt bonding, ultrasonic bonding, and separate attachment tapes.

In some embodiments, the fastener tape assembly further comprises a finger lift at least partially affixed to the fastening component. In many embodiments, the fastener tape assembly further comprises a release layer on at least one of the bonding component and the extension component. In some embodiments, fastener tape assembly further comprises at least one perforation in the fastening component. In many embodiments, the fastening component and connecting component of the fastener tape assembly may be of varying lengths for each of the components. Additionally, the fastening component, the extension component, and the bonding component of the fastener tape assembly may be of varying lengths for each of the components.

In many embodiments, the fastener tape assembly is in a roll form.

The present subject matter provides a method of making the fastener tape assembly described herein. The present subject matter provides an article including the fastener tape assembly described herein. In many embodiments, the article includes the fastener tape assembly described herein. In many embodiments, the article is a disposable article. In many embodiments, the article is a diaper. In other embodiments, the diaper is a pant diaper. The literal scope of the present invention is set out in the appended claims.

In many embodiments, the article may include a fastener tape assembly. In many embodiments, the fastener tape assembly comprises: <NUM>) a fastening component defining a first face for affixment to a disposable article or substrate and an oppositely directed second face; <NUM>) and a connecting component. The connecting component further comprises a) a bonding component defining a first face for affixment to a disposable article or substrate and an oppositely directed second face; and b) an extension component generally disposed between the fastening component and the bonding component. The first face of the fastening component is at least partially covered by an adhesive; and the first face of the bonding component is at least partially covered by an adhesive; and the extension component comprises a folded edge and further comprises an adhesive-free portion between the folded edge of the extension component and the bonding component. In many embodiments, the folded edge of the extension component may be generally disposed between the fastening component and the bonding component. In many embodiments, the extension component is essentially free of adhesive. In many other embodiments, the extension component is at least partially covered by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the extension component is at least partially covered by an adhesive wherein the adhesive of the extension component is at least partially patterned. In some embodiments, the extension component is at least partially covered by an adhesive wherein the adhesive of the extension component is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

As will be realized, the subject matter described herein is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.

The present disclosure relates generally to the fastener tape assemblies and articles that may utilize these fastener tape assemblies. These fastener tape assemblies may be used in disposal of certain articles. The present subject matter may provide similar or increased lengths for the fastener tape assemblies. The present subject matter may also provide a reduction in the amount of adhesives typically used for fastener tape assemblies. The present subject matter may also provide a reduction in costs associated with a reduction in the amount of adhesives typically used for fastener tape assemblies.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a disposable article <NUM> in accordance with the present subject matter. Referring to <FIG>, the disposable article <NUM> has a front portion <NUM>, a rear portion <NUM>, and a crotch portion <NUM> between the front portion <NUM> and the rear portion <NUM>. A chassis <NUM> is provided in the front portion <NUM>, rear portion <NUM>, and crotch portion <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> may include a topsheet <NUM> which may be liquid pervious, a backsheet <NUM> which may be liquid impervious and is associated with the topsheet <NUM>, and an absorbent core (not shown) disposed between the topsheet <NUM> and the backsheet <NUM>.

In many embodiments, the backsheet <NUM> may be suitably formed from an appropriate filmic material, for example nonwoven material or other materials such as, but not limited to, polyethylene. In some embodiments, the backsheet <NUM> is formed from a nonwoven material having a weight in the range of approximately <NUM> gsm to approximately <NUM> gsm (grams per square meter), or in the range of approximately <NUM> gsm to approximately <NUM> gsm, or in the range of approximately <NUM> gsm to approximately <NUM> gsm. In some embodiments, the nonwoven material suitably may include a spunbond material. In some embodiments, the nonwoven material suitably may include an entangled or otherwise arranged collection of fibers or filaments that may be thermally bonded or adhesively bonded to a polymer web or backing (e.g., a polyethylene and/or polypropylene backing). Of course, alternately, other known nonwoven materials may be similarly used and/or other known methods for manufacturing the nonwoven material may be employed.

The disposable article <NUM> may further include a pair of front ear panels (<NUM> and <NUM>), each extending laterally outward from the corresponding sides of the chassis <NUM> in the front portion <NUM>, and a pair of extensible back ear panels <NUM>, <NUM> each extending laterally outward from the corresponding sides of the chassis <NUM> in the rear portion <NUM>. Each of the ear panels <NUM>, <NUM> has an outermost edge <NUM> which forms an outermost edge line <NUM>. The disposable article <NUM> may further include seams <NUM> each joining the front and back ear panels <NUM>, <NUM> along the corresponding outermost edge lines <NUM> to form the two leg openings <NUM> and the waist opening <NUM>. The disposable article <NUM> includes a fastener tape assembly <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) where the fastening component <NUM> may be viewed on the edge <NUM> of the disposable article <NUM> in some embodiments. Although fastener tape assembly <NUM> is described herein, it will be understood that the subject matter includes other tape assemblies, such as the fastener tape assemblies described in <FIG>.

After the disposable article <NUM> has been soiled, the soiled disposable article <NUM> is torn open along the seams <NUM> to remove the soiled disposable article <NUM> from the wearer. Alternatively, if appropriate, the soiled disposable article <NUM> may be removed from the wearer by pulling down without tearing open the seams <NUM>. The disposable article <NUM> may then be folded or rolled up by keeping the crotch portion <NUM> in the center so that the fastener assembly <NUM> is exposed along the outside of the rolled disposable article <NUM> to facilitate handling for a convenient disposal as shown in <FIG>, while containing the contents within the rolled disposable article <NUM>. <FIG> also illustrates a fastener tape assembly <NUM> of a disposable article <NUM>, including a finger lift <NUM> provided proximate the distal edge <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM>, a bonding component <NUM>, and an extension component <NUM> generally disposed between the fastening component <NUM> and the bonding component <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate various features and aspects of the present subject matter of fastener tape assemblies <NUM> of the present subject matter. The fastener tape assembly <NUM> described herein comprises: <NUM>) a fastening component <NUM> defining a first face <NUM> for affixment to a disposable article <NUM> or substrate and an oppositely directed second face <NUM>; <NUM>) and a connecting component <NUM>. The connecting component <NUM> further comprises: a) a bonding component <NUM> defining a first face <NUM> for affixment to a disposable article or substrate and an oppositely directed second face <NUM>; and b) an extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>, described further below) generally disposed between the fastening component <NUM> and the bonding component <NUM>.

As described herein, the fastening component <NUM> comprises both a connecting edge <NUM> and a distal edge <NUM>. The connecting edge <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM> is at least partially affixed or bonded to the extension component <NUM>. In many embodiments, the connecting edge <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM> extends beyond the extension component <NUM>. The fastening component <NUM> comprises a first face <NUM> and a second face <NUM>, and adhesive may be applied in the adhesive region <NUM>. In many embodiments, the first face <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM> is at least partially covered by an adhesive to thereby bond the fastening component <NUM> with the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) and/or a disposable article or substrate. As further described herein, the adhesive region <NUM> may comprise adhesive that is continuous or patterned (not shown in the figures). As used herein, a patterned adhesive may describe an adhesive layer that includes adhesive-free regions in a particular pattern. In some embodiments, the adhesive on the first face <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM> is at least partially patterned. In some embodiments, the adhesive on the first face <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM> is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

In many embodiments in <FIG>, the first face <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM> is at least partially covered by an adhesive. The adhesive on the first face <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM> may allow the fastening component <NUM> to adhere or bond with the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>).

As described herein in <FIG>, the bonding component <NUM> comprises a corresponding edge <NUM>. The corresponding edge <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> describes the outer edge of the bonding component <NUM>. In many embodiments, the first face <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> is at least partially covered by an adhesive in the adhesive region <NUM> to thereby bond the bonding component <NUM> with the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) and/or a disposable article or substrate. The adhesive on the first face <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> may allow the bonding component <NUM> to adhere or bond with the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>). In some embodiments, the adhesive on the first face <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> may be a pressure sensitive adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive on the first face <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> may be a patterned adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive on the first face <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> is at least partially patterned. In some embodiments, the adhesive of the bonding component <NUM> is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Further, in many embodiments in <FIG>, namely <FIG>, and <FIG>, the extension component <NUM> is essentially free of adhesive. While both the fastening component <NUM> and bonding component <NUM> have adhesive applied to these components, the extension component <NUM> does not contain any adhesive, but is at least partially attached, affixed, or bonded to both the fastening component <NUM> and bonding component <NUM> by the adhesives on these components at their adhesive regions (<NUM> and <NUM>, respectively). In many other embodiments in <FIG>, namely <FIG>, and <FIG>, the extension component <NUM> (unlike extension component <NUM>) is at least partially covered by an adhesive <NUM>. In some embodiments, the extension component is at least partially covered by an adhesive <NUM> wherein the adhesive of the extension component is at least partially patterned, as shown by the areas with no adhesive <NUM>. In some embodiments, the extension component is at least partially covered by an adhesive wherein the adhesive of the extension component is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

In many embodiments in <FIG>, the adhesives described above and used for the fastening component <NUM>, bonding component <NUM>, and/or extension component <NUM> (shown only in <FIG>, and <FIG>) may be rubber-based adhesives. In some embodiments, the rubber adhesive is comprised of styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS), styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)/styrene-butadiene (SB), or combinations thereof. Copolymers and/or derivatives of these and other adhesives could be utilized. The referenced figures illustrate typical regions of adhesive within the fastener tape assemblies <NUM>. In other embodiments, the adhesives may be acrylic adhesives, silicone adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, or hybrid adhesives.

Additionally, adhesive coat weights for all of the noted adhesive regions in the fastening component <NUM> and the bonding component <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM>, respectively) typically are from about <NUM>/m<NUM> (known as gsm, or grams per square meter) to about <NUM>/m<NUM> (gsm). However, the present subject matter may include coat weights less than or greater than these values.

In many embodiments, the fastener tape assembly <NUM> additionally comprises an extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) generally disposed between the fastening component <NUM> and the bonding component <NUM>. The extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) defines an opposing face <NUM> oppositely directed from the adhesive-free face <NUM>. In many embodiments, the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) may have a folded edge <NUM> that may be generally disposed between the fastening component <NUM> and the bonding component <NUM>.

In some embodiments, fastener tape assembly <NUM> further comprises at least one optional perforation <NUM> in the fastening component <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The at least one optional perforation <NUM> may allow a user to tear at least a portion of the fastener tape assembly <NUM> within the fastening component <NUM> for ease of removal of the fastener tape assembly <NUM> from the disposable article or other article. The optional perforation <NUM> shown in <FIG> provides not only at least a partial bonding of the tape but also access to a convenient tape opening that can provide a release from the diaper on that part of the tape in order to either free up the extendability or provide a breakage point. In some embodiments, the optional perforation <NUM> in <FIG> may be a part of a longer fastener tape assembly <NUM> than one without the optional perforation <NUM>. In many embodiments, the connecting edge <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM> extends beyond the extension component <NUM>. In other embodiments, the portion of the connecting edge <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM> may serve to at least partially bond the edge of the fastener tape assembly <NUM>. If the connecting edge <NUM> is used for bonding, then it may allow for: <NUM>) ease of processing the fastener assembly tape <NUM>: <NUM>) ease in peeling the fastener tape assembly <NUM> from the disposable article <NUM>: and/or <NUM>) decreased delamination of the disposable article <NUM>.

In many embodiments, the folded edge <NUM> of the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) may be in a variety of different forms including, but not limited to, a U-bond or a Y-bond in order to facilitate attachment to the fastening component <NUM>. The folded edge <NUM> is positioned to partially extend over to the adhesive region <NUM> of the first face <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM>. Use of the folded edge <NUM> provides a secure means to at least partially bond the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) and the fastening component <NUM>. Further, the folded edge <NUM> also aids in the extension of the fastener tape assembly <NUM>. Additionally, but not shown in the figures, the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) may comprise bonding strip which may at least partially bond the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) to the fastening component <NUM>. In other embodiments, the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) may not have a folded edge <NUM>, but another means of attachment to the fastening component <NUM> (not shown in the figures). In other embodiments, the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) may be at least partially attached, bonded, or affixed to the fastening component <NUM> by some other means of attachment, which may include but is not limited to, melt bonding, ultrasonic bonding, and separate attachment tapes.

In many embodiments, the connecting component <NUM> may be manufactured in different ways to form the fastener tape assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments (as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>), the bonding component <NUM> and extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) are originally manufactured together as one piece or unit, which is referred to collectively as the connecting component <NUM>. Subsequently, the adhesive of the bonding component <NUM> is applied to the first face <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> in the adhesive region <NUM>. In many embodiments, the adhesive of the bonding component <NUM> is subsequently applied to the first face <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> in the adhesive region <NUM> after the bonding component <NUM> and extension component <NUM> are manufactured together as one piece or unit. Alternatively, the bonding component <NUM> and extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) may be manufactured separately and at least partially connected to the fastening component <NUM>. In many embodiments, the adhesive of the bonding component <NUM> is provided in an adhesive region on the first face <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> to thereby at least partially bond the bonding component <NUM> with the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>). In some embodiments, the bonding component <NUM> and extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) may be manufactured separately and at least partially bonded together by a connecting strip <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> provide a connecting strip <NUM> to aid in connecting the connecting component <NUM> and the bonding component <NUM>.

In many embodiments, at least one of the bonding component <NUM> and extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) may have a release layer <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) at least partially disposed on the opposing face <NUM>. In some embodiments, the release layer <NUM> may be at least partially disposed onto the bonding component <NUM> in a process separate from the release layer <NUM> partially disposed on the extension component (<NUM> or <NUM>). In other embodiments, the release layer <NUM> may be at least partially disposed onto the bonding component <NUM> and the extension component (<NUM> or <NUM>) in one process. In many embodiments, the release layer <NUM> may be a siliconized material. The release layer <NUM> may serve to allow the tape to open due to its release properties. In some embodiments, the folded edge <NUM> of the extension component (<NUM> or <NUM>) may provide at least partial bonding in combination with the adhesive region <NUM> of the corresponding edge <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM>. In yet other embodiments, another release coating or treatment may be used for the release layer <NUM> rather than or in addition to a siliconized material.

In some embodiments (as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), the bonding component <NUM> is separately formed or manufactured separately from the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>), and the bonding component <NUM> has a region on the first face <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> which is at least partially covered by an adhesive to thereby at least partially bond the bonding component <NUM> with the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>). The bonding component <NUM> and the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) are then at least partially bonded together to form the connecting component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the adhesive in the adhesive region <NUM> on the first face <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> may be a patterned adhesive. As used herein, at least partially bonded means that the bond is such that it can secure the portion of the fastener tape assembly <NUM> to either another portion of the fastener tape assembly <NUM> or a disposable article <NUM> or substrate, but may not fully bond to the entire portion to which it is adhered, being either another portion of the fastener tape assembly <NUM> or a disposable article <NUM> or substrate. At least partially bonded may also mean that it is at least partially affixed or adhered to the fastener tape assembly <NUM>.

A variety of polymeric films and materials can be used for one or more of the fastening component <NUM>, extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>), and/or bonding component <NUM>. Nonlimiting examples of polymeric films include polypropylene and/or polyethylene. Nonwoven materials and nonwoven laminates can also be used in the fastener tape assemblies <NUM>. In many embodiments, the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) may comprise the folded edge <NUM> (in many embodiments, U-bonds or Y-bonds), which can be formed from appropriately configured polypropylene films and layer(s) of nonwoven materials. In other embodiments, the fastening component <NUM>, extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>), and/or bonding component <NUM> may comprise elastic components for increased stretchability. In yet other embodiments, the fastening component <NUM>, extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>), and/or bonding component <NUM> may be made of stiffer materials for improved bonding to the disposable article <NUM>. In some embodiments, the fastening component <NUM>, extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>), and/or bonding component <NUM> may have similar properties with respect to stretchability and stiffness. In other embodiments, the fastening component <NUM>, extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>), and/or bonding component <NUM> may have different properties with respect to stretchability and stiffness.

In many embodiments, the fastening component <NUM> has a thickness within a range of from about <NUM> to about <NUM> and particularly from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) has a thickness within a range of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and particularly from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The bonding component <NUM> has a thickness within a range of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and particularly from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The total thickness of the fastener tape assembly <NUM> is typically within a range of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and in many embodiments from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the fastener tape assembly further comprises a finger lift <NUM> at least partially affixed to the fastening component <NUM>. In some versions of the fastener tape assemblies <NUM>, a finger lift <NUM> is provided proximate the distal edge <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM>. The finger lift <NUM> may be at least partially attached to the first face <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM> by an adhesive in an adhesive region <NUM>. In some embodiments, the adhesive in the adhesive region <NUM> may be a patterned adhesive. In some embodiments, the finger lift <NUM> typically includes a tab (not shown) for gripping by a user and a region of adhesive (not shown) for securing the tab to the fastening component <NUM> and typically to the first face <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first face of the fastening component further comprises hooks <NUM>. The hooks <NUM> described herein are provided in <FIG> and <FIG>. In particular, the landing strip of the disposable article <NUM> may include loop material designed to be engaged by corresponding hooks carried on the fastening tabs. In many embodiments, the landing strip may be a nonwoven backsheet or outer belt to anchor the hooks. The landing zone may provide a plastic surface of a non-woven surface and may comprise a knit type fabric landing pad. Alternatively, a loop may be provided in the bonding component <NUM> for anchoring purposes.

Referring now to <FIG>, the fastener tape assembly <NUM> provided comprises The fastener tape assembly <NUM> described herein comprises: <NUM>) a fastening component <NUM> defining a first face <NUM> for affixment to a disposable article <NUM> or substrate and an oppositely directed second face <NUM>; and <NUM>) and a connecting component. The connecting component further comprises a) a bonding component <NUM> defining a first face <NUM> for affixment to a disposable article <NUM> or substrate and an oppositely directed second face <NUM>; and b) an extension component <NUM> generally disposed between the fastening component <NUM> and the bonding component <NUM>. In <FIG>, the fastening component <NUM> comprises both a connecting edge <NUM> and a distal edge <NUM>. The connecting edge <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM> is at least partially affixed or bonded to the extension component <NUM>. The fastening component <NUM> comprises a first face <NUM> and a second face <NUM>, and adhesive may be applied in the adhesive region <NUM>. In many embodiments, the first face <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM> is at least partially covered by an adhesive to thereby bond the fastening component <NUM> with the extension component <NUM> and/or a disposable article <NUM> or substrate. Further in <FIG>, both the optional perforation <NUM> and finger lift (described above) <NUM> are both provided. Additionally, the bonding component <NUM> and extension component <NUM> (collectively together, the connecting component <NUM>) are manufactured together as one piece and the adhesive of the bonding component <NUM> is applied to the first face <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> in <FIG>.

The present subject matter also provides variations of the fastener tape assembly <NUM> depicted in <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a number of other embodiments of fastener tape assembly <NUM> provided in <FIG> and <FIG> where <FIG> provides an extension component <NUM> with no adhesive and <FIG> provides an extension component <NUM> which is at least partially covered by an adhesive. In these figures, the fastener tape assemblies <NUM> comprise the same or similar components as previously described in association with the fastener tape assembly <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>. However, the fastener tape assemblies shown in <FIG> and <FIG> include several variations as compared to the fastener tape assembly <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> as follows.

The fastener tape assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> corresponds to the previously described fastener tape assembly <NUM> of <FIG> except for that at least one optional perforation <NUM> is only provided in <FIG> has no optional perforations.

The fastener tape assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> corresponds to the previously described fastener tape assembly <NUM> of <FIG> except for that the extension component <NUM> in <FIG> is at least partially covered by an adhesive <NUM> and the adhesive has no patterning.

The fastener tape assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> corresponds to the previously described fastener tape assembly <NUM> of <FIG> except for that the adhesive region <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM> is only partially covered with adhesive.

The fastener tape assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> corresponds to the previously described fastener tape assembly <NUM> of <FIG> except that the finger lift <NUM> may be printed rather than added as a separate attached film. The printing may be done on either the inside or outside of the fastener tape assembly <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the bonding component <NUM> and extension component <NUM> are manufactured separately and the adhesive of the bonding component <NUM> is provided in an adhesive region <NUM> on the first face <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> to thereby at least partially bond the bonding component <NUM> with the extension component <NUM>. Once the bonding component <NUM> and extension component <NUM> are at least partially bonded to each other, the connecting component <NUM> is then formed. Unlike <FIG>, the bonding component <NUM> and extension component <NUM> are manufactured together as one piece or and the adhesive of the bonding component <NUM> is applied to the first face <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> in <FIG>. In some embodiments, there may be overlap with the bonding component and the release layer <NUM>.

<FIG> corresponds to the previously described fastener tape assembly <NUM> of <FIG> except for that there is a series of hooks <NUM> on the first face <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM> that are at least partially attached or bonded to the fastening component by adhesive in the adhesive region <NUM>. Further, the adhesive region, unlike <FIG>, is not continuous in <FIG>. Instead, there is at least one adhesive free region <NUM> in <FIG>.

<FIG> corresponds to the previously described fastener tape assembly <NUM> of <FIG> except for that the bonding component <NUM> and extension component <NUM> are manufactured separately and the adhesive of the bonding component <NUM> is provided in an adhesive region <NUM> on the first face <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> to thereby at least partially bond the bonding component <NUM> with the extension component <NUM> in <FIG>. Unlike <FIG>, the bonding component <NUM> and extension component <NUM> are manufactured together as one piece or and the adhesive of the bonding component <NUM> is applied to the first face <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> in <FIG>.

<FIG> provide some example dimensions (in nm) for the parts of the fastener tape assembly <NUM>. <FIG> may show some of the features described herein and illustrated in <FIG>. Referring further to the fastener tape assembly <NUM> described herein and in many embodiments of the present matter, the dimension for folded edge <NUM> (also referred to as the "foldover") is within a range of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and more particularly from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, with <NUM> shown in <FIG>. A typical total fastener tape assembly width shown as "W" is from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, with total widths of about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), and about <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) being used for certain applications. Dimensions shown in <FIG> may be described below in Table <NUM>.

Additionally, the fastening component <NUM>, the extension component <NUM>, and the bonding component <NUM> of the fastener tape assembly <NUM> may be of varying lengths for each of the components. Further, the fastening component <NUM> and the connecting component <NUM> of the fastener tape assembly <NUM> may be of varying lengths for each of the components. In some embodiments, the distal edge <NUM> the fastening component <NUM> extend beyond the length that includes the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) and corresponding edge <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM>. In other embodiments, the distal edge <NUM> of the fastening component <NUM> extends beyond the separate extension edge of the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) where the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) is manufactured separately from the bonding component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the length that includes the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) and corresponding edge <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> (collectively, the connecting component <NUM>) may extend beyond the distal edge <NUM> the fastening component <NUM>. In yet other embodiments, the length that includes the extension component (shown as either <NUM> or <NUM>) and corresponding edge <NUM> of the bonding component <NUM> (collectively, the connecting component <NUM>) may be about the same length as the distal edge <NUM> the fastening component <NUM>.

As noted, use of the fastener tape assembly <NUM> described herein can, in certain applications, provide an increased length of the fastening tabs, which may also provide the decreased use of adhesive to cover the fastening tabs needed to secure the disposable article <NUM> or substrate in its intended use. A means to reduce the amount of adhesive used on fastener tape assemblies yet allowing a similar or increased length of the fastener tape assemblies would be desirable. In certain instances, the fastener tape assembly <NUM> means to reduce the amount of adhesive used on fastener tape assemblies yet allowing a similar or increased length of the fastener tape assemblies <NUM> would be desirable. A decrease in the amount of adhesive used in a fastener tape assembly <NUM> may also provide decreased costs in manufacturing the fastener tape assembly. In many embodiments, the fastener tape assembly is in a roll form.

The present subject matter provides a method of making the fastener tape assembly described herein.

The present subject matter also includes a wide array of articles that include the noted fastener tape assemblies described herein. In many embodiments, the articles are disposable, i.e., the articles are formed from materials that can be recycled and/or which are relatively inexpensive. Nonlimiting examples of such articles include diapers, training pants, adult diapers, and in particular pant diapers.

In another aspect, the present subject matter provides an article including a fastener tape assembly. In many embodiments, the article is a disposable article. In many embodiments, the article is a diaper or another substrate. The diaper may be a baby diaper or an adult diaper. In other embodiments, the diaper is a pant diaper.

In many embodiments, the fastener tape assembly included in the article comprises: <NUM>) a fastening component defining a first face for affixment to a disposable article or substrate and an oppositely directed second face; and <NUM>) a connecting component. The connecting component further comprises a) a bonding component defining a first face for affixment to a disposable article or substrate and an oppositely directed second face; and b) an extension component generally disposed between the fastening component and the bonding component. In many embodiments, the first face of the fastening component is at least partially covered by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive on the first face of the fastening component may be a pressure sensitive adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive on the first face of the fastening component may be a patterned adhesive. In many embodiments, the first face of the bonding component is at least partially covered by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive on the first face of the bonding component may be a pressure sensitive adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive on the first face of the bonding component may be a patterned adhesive. In many embodiments, the extension component is essentially free of adhesive. In many other embodiments, the extension component is at least partially covered by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the extension component is at least partially covered by an adhesive wherein the adhesive of the extension component is at least partially patterned. In some embodiments, the extension component is at least partially covered by an adhesive wherein the adhesive of the extension component is a pressure sensitive adhesive. For the fastener tape assembly included in the article, the article may be a diaper. In many embodiments, the diaper maybe a pant diaper. In some embodiments for the article, the bonding component and extension component may be manufactured separately and the adhesive of the bonding component is provided in an adhesive region on the first face of the bonding component to thereby at least partially bond the bonding component with the extension component. In other embodiments for the article, the bonding component and extension component are manufactured together as one piece or and the adhesive of the bonding component is applied to the first face of the bonding component.

Many other configurations of the fastener tape assemblies and articles with the fastener tape assemblies are contemplated. Some are now discussed herein, but may not be provided in the Figures. The present subject matter includes all operable combinations of features and aspects described herein. Thus, for example if one feature is described in association with an embodiment and another feature is described in association with another embodiment, it will be understood that the present subject matter includes embodiments having a combination of these features. While the invention has been described in detail, modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

Claim 1:
A fastener tape assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a fastening component (<NUM>) defining a first face (<NUM>) for affixment to a disposable article (<NUM>) or substrate and an oppositely directed second face (<NUM>);
a connecting component (<NUM>), wherein the connecting component (<NUM>) comprises:
a bonding component (<NUM>) defining a first face (<NUM>) for affixment to a disposable article (<NUM>) or substrate and an oppositely directed second face (<NUM>); and
an extension component (<NUM>, <NUM>) generally disposed between the fastening component (<NUM>) and the bonding component (<NUM>);
wherein the first face (<NUM>) of the fastening component (<NUM>) is at least partially covered by an adhesive;
wherein the first face (<NUM>) of the bonding component (<NUM>) is at least partially covered by an adhesive; and
wherein the extension component (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a folded edge (<NUM>) and further comprises an adhesive-free portion (<NUM>) between the folded edge (<NUM>) of the extension component (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the bonding component (<NUM>).