CN1254258A

CN1254258A - Stretched fasteners

Info

Publication number: CN1254258A
Application number: CN98802063A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 基思·G·巴泽尔; 乔治·A·普罗沃斯特; 理查德·G·梅德拉
Original assignee: Velcro Industries BV
Current assignee: Velcro Industries BV
Priority date: 1997-01-27
Filing date: 1998-01-23
Publication date: 2000-05-24
Anticipated expiration: 2018-01-23
Also published as: AU6247898A; CN1309328C; KR20000070504A; DE69824180D1; EP0998208A4; DE69824180T2; JP2002510986A; EP0998208B1; EP0998208A1; WO1998032349A1

Abstract

A running length of fastener product (10) is formed of longitudinally pre-oriented synthetic resin. The product is characterized by a base web and an array of discrete fastener elements (A) protruding from at least one side of the web (12) being in a laterally stretched molecular oriented condition. After forming a preform having discrete fastener elements (11) integral with a base web (12) in a stretchable state, the preform is stretched in a manner that substantially increases the fastener element spacing and reduces the thickness of the base web (12). A machine (40) is shown that is capable of lengthwise orienting before forming and widthwise stretching after forming, which employs controlled heating to render the product widthwise stretchable while preserving or achieving a desired shape of the fastener elements (11). There are shown fastener products (10) that include products that are laterally stretched to between two and ten times the width of the original preform fastener products (10), having lateral rip resistance due to molecular orientation of film form webs (12) produced by stretching, applied to complex or extensive surfaces. Also shown are laminated products formed by joining an added material to the stretched web (12), and methods for laminating.

Description

The fastener that stretches

The present invention relates to synthetic resin thin slice shape fastener and make their method and machine.

An importance of the present invention is about the solid hook fastener of hook ring system.They are to be made by synthetic resin on continuous length.Generally be to use a plurality of fasteners, the hook member of hundreds of and even thousands of dispersions is promptly arranged per square inch.These are generally at machine direction, and promptly the direction of producing this product at formation system becomes neat arrangement.

These hook members are upright discretely from least one side of integral body band shape substrate.Described substrate forms fastener is installed to device on the object that carries it.

The fastener of these hooks on distributing, generally have one attractive in appearance, uniformly, acceptable outward appearance in the commerce and trade, and extensive use in the consumer goods and industrial goods.

In a preferred manufacture method, for example in the illustrated method of the U.S. Patent No. 4,794,028 of Fischer, use mold roll.This method is produced the hook fastener of the commercial appearance of tool, and wherein hook row is a straight line, and the gap between the hook member in both direction is regular.

Forming plectane, molded panel and the space bar that the preferred fastener mold roll of this class generally comprises series of thin replaces.The periphery of a molded panel is processed into and has the otch that limits little hook profile cavity.One group of plate is fixed into the surface that the peripheral cooperation that makes them limits roller.Because require a large amount of such plates and plate must carefully keep alignment, such roller is produced and keeped in repair is expensive, and generally is limited in short length.The width of the product of making is correspondingly restricted.

The conventional fastener material width of making in this method is less than one or two foot, and the connecting band thickness between hook is generally 0.008 inch greater than 0.005 inch.In general, in this manufacture method the hook face at machine direction, or rightabout, their main peel strength and shear strength orientation is close as a result.

The present invention that will introduce its widest aspect, except above-mentioned molding technique, also form the synthetic resin fastener with other technology.Use these technology, for example utilize known cutting and stretching technique on the prefabricated component of extruding, discrete fastener distributed area also is to establish from substrate, and fastener aligns in the row that machine direction extends.Make the direction of linking up with perpendicular to machine direction like this, their main peel strength and shear strength are just on this direction.Be restricted aspect the equipment of this device of existing manufacturing and the minimum thickness of the connecting band that method can reach between the width of making product and fastener.

What the inventor found can obtain commercial acceptable synthetic resin thin type fastener, wherein connecting band between the polyphyly firmware or substrate are in horizontal permanent elongation state, and the connecting band material has at cross directional stretch direction molecularly oriented at least in part in a lot of examples.

Find that also in uniformity that keeps the whole fastener that disperses and work shape, the connecting band part between adjacent fastener can be stretched to the homogeneous thickness of inter-product width.In ideal situation, the connecting band between fastener partly is reduced to film thickness, and the fastener that causes can fit in crooked or complex surfaces, or is applied to zone widely in addition economically.

According to an important aspect of the present invention, the method for making the thin type fastener may further comprise the steps: (1) longitudinal stretching thermal softening synthetic resin thin slice makes the molecular structure of thin slice vertically produce preorientation; (2) with the roational molding roller from the molded continuous connecting band of thin slice, it have a substrate and a plurality of and substrate one from least one side-prominent fastener that disperses of substrate; (3) then, but under the condition of connecting band permanent elongation, make the substrate permanent elongation and increase the lateral separation of fastener at the cross directional stretch connecting band.

In certain embodiments, fastener comprises contact fastener hook etc.

In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal molecularly oriented intensity of fastener goods and the peel strength of fastener improve in drawing process.

In preferred construction, the final width of product and original width is than between about 2 to 1 and 10 to 1 before width tension, width tension reduces connecting band substrate thickness at least 50%.

In some structure, cross directional stretch widens at least 200% with connecting band, and reduces thickness at least three/two of connecting band substrate between fastener.

In another was implemented, method comprised: but the heating connecting band make connecting band the substrate permanent elongation and can not make the shape of fastener that unfavorable variation takes place.In some was provided with, fastener only stretched out from a side of connecting band, mainly from having the opposite sides heating connecting band of fastener side.

In some example, resin is the thermoplastic resin that is suitable for making hook, comprises polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, poly-stupid ethene, PVC, nylon or their copolymer or polymeric blends.

In some preferred construction, the reinforcement of connecting band substrate between the fastener when the cross directional stretch process causes molecularly oriented and drawing process, so that the connecting band substrate as one man stretches in horizontal integral body substantially between fastener.

In some cases, synthetic resin has distinctive minimum elongation rate, the fastener of mold roll root a tree name predetermined pattern structure qualification on the connecting band zone and other restriction extended part.Described graphic structure is chosen such that and makes final connecting band width and the ratio that is connected bandwidth before cross directional stretch substantially less than described distinctive minimum elongation rate.In some was implemented, fastener and restriction extended part stoped the local elongation of connecting band.The parts of restriction elongation are the structure divisions of the product made with the resin of connecting band substrate one, and used method comprises the connecting band during differentially heating is made, and makes fastener and restriction elongate member can extend less than the substrate of connecting band.

In some structures, the controlled temperature system of connecting band substrate when the connecting band cross directional stretch.For example, can when cross directional stretch, fastener be immersed in the liquid of control temperature.In other examples, the connecting band substrate is immersed in the liquid of control temperature when cross directional stretch, or the connecting band substrate heats in the bath of liquid of heating when cross directional stretch, simultaneously fastener is kept being exposed in the air.

In certain embodiments, use double stretching technology, wherein the step of cross directional stretch connecting band is included in cross directional stretch connecting band in first stretch zones, in the middle of then connecting band being remained on the stretched width, then at second stretch zones at the cross directional stretch connecting band.Cross directional stretch speed preferably changes along first stretch zones.

In another aspect of this invention, the method of making slim fastener product is provided, comprise that (1) forms a continuous connecting band from synthetic resin, described connecting band has the fastener that many rows of stretching out with connecting band one side one at least disperse, and the fastener basic side is to vertically; (2) then, connecting band can permanent elongation condition under, in the substrate of a skew direction stretching connecting band, make connecting band substrate permanent elongation between fastener, increase the interval of fastener and make fastener come the oblique orientation of machine direction, make fastener towards an incline direction.

In the present invention on the other hand, the method that manufacturing has a slim product of layering of fastener comprises that (1) make a continuous connecting band by synthetic resin, and described connecting band has the discrete fastener of a plurality of and connecting band substrate one of stretching out from connecting band substrate one side with certain graphic structure; (2) then, but under the condition of connecting band substrate permanent elongation, the width of cross directional stretch connecting band substrate to a broad, making connecting band substrate tension between fastener increases fastener interval transversely, the basic simultaneously fastener longitudinal separation that keeps; (3) additional materials is bonded to the connecting band opposition side.

In certain embodiments, described bonding is included under the condition of connecting band substrate thermal softening on a roller by additional materials and connecting band.

In a further embodiment, bonding is included on the additional materials, or be connected in the tape splicing substrate, or adding additives on both simultaneously, and with additional materials and connecting band channeling conduct in conjunction with forming a lamina.

In a further embodiment, bonding comprises the surface of thermal softening additional materials, and additional materials and connecting band are passed through on a roller, makes the connecting band substrate be bonded on the additional materials thermal softening surface.

In a preferred embodiment, bonding comprises expects additional village and connecting band lumps together, and makes the connecting band substrate adhere on the thermal softening surface of additional materials, is that a relative roller forces together additional materials and connecting band with pressure sometimes.

In the present invention on the other hand, the method of making slim fastener comprises that (1) forms a continuous connecting band by synthetic resin, described connecting band has the discrete fastener of a plurality of and connecting band substrate one of stretching out from least one side of connecting band substrate with certain graphic structure, and described formation makes the molecular structure of connecting band at vertical preorientation; (2) then, but under the condition of connecting band substrate permanent elongation, the cross directional stretch connecting band, making connecting band permanent elongation between fastener increases fastener interval transversely, the basic simultaneously fastener longitudinal separation that keeps.

In the present invention on the other hand, fastener product is made of synthetic resin and has along many rows fastener of a first direction orientation of connecting band substrate.Connecting band between fastener row partly has and first direction molecularly oriented at an angle.

In preferred an enforcement, fastener comprises hook member, and its profile is on the incline direction with respect to the connecting band continuous length.

In some cases, the connecting band substrate in extended state comprises that thickness is less than 0.003 inch thermal plastic film.At particular case, product is bonded on the non-planar surfaces of a practical product, and the film connecting band is consistent with non-planar surfaces.

In certain embodiments, product has the width more than eight feet.

In specific preference, product has horizontal molecularly oriented, is formed on tear resistance longitudinally.In specific crucial embodiment, product also has the molecularly oriented in vertically, the tear resistance in being formed on laterally.

In another set of embodiment, a decorative layer comprises into the described product and the sheeting of lamination, and the fastener of described product forms a device, and described layer is fixed on the position of a hope.In some instances, decorative layer comprises a wall cover layer.In other examples, it comprises a floor cover.

In another aspect of this invention, the machine that forms fastener has the pair of rolls that forms roll gap, and at least one roller is a mold roll, forms the fastener that contacts with the side surface one of connecting band substrate continuous length.Machine also comprises device from plastic resin to roll gap that supply with, thereby resin is subjected to longitudinal stretching before molded, and a width tension device is set, the connecting band substrate of the intermediate products of being made by pair roller one of the cross directional stretch of the continuous length of connecting band substrate.

In a preferred embodiment, machine comprises that adds a heat tunnel, and intermediate products pass through it before stretching device.Add being provided with of heat tunnel and mainly be connecting band side for the side thereof opposite that heats the fastener place.

In the enforcement of specific use, the device of supplying with plastics comprises a squeezer, the pulling force longitudinal stretching that the resin of supply is produced by driven roller, before shaping at the molecular structure preorientation of machine direction with resin.

In another program, the device of supplying with plastic resin comprises a squeezer that can be located on the roll gap, the resin of supply at least in part when it when squeezer is fallen roll gap by the inertia force longitudinal stretching.

In being provided with of another practicality, machine also comprise will be additional material laminate to the suprabasil device of connecting band that stretched.In a preferred embodiment, laminated device comprises a roller, and product is dilatory at draw direction around this roller.

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are the side view and the planes of the device that manufactures a product of the present invention;

Fig. 1 a is the another kind source of the connecting band that can stretch in the system of Fig. 1 and 2;

Fig. 3 is the amplification view of product before the cross directional stretch that get at the line 3-3 place of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 a and 3b are respectively the profiles of getting along Figure 33 a-3a and 3b-3b;

Fig. 4 is the amplification view of the product of finishing got of the line 4-4 along Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 a is the fastener product amplification view of finishing, and wherein fastener is provided with respect to the machine direction angle of inclination;

Fig. 4 b is the amplification view at width and vertical product of finishing that all stretches;

Fig. 4 c is the enlarged drawing of finishing product with difformity fastener;

Deceiving 4d is the enlarged drawing with product of added limitations stretching structure;

Fig. 5 and 6 is profiles of the product of finishing got along homologous lines among Fig. 4;

Fig. 5 a and 6a are the profiles of getting along homologous lines among Fig. 4 a;

Fig. 5 b and 6b are the profiles of getting along homologous lines among Fig. 4 b;

Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are respectively the side view and the end-views of the fastener of Fig. 5 b and the amplification of 5c high power, are illustrated in the change of product cross section size in the middle of stretching;

Fig. 7 a-7d is operational multiple fastener figure;

Fig. 9-the 10th, the side view of the object that fastener of the present invention is fixed;

Figure 11 carries out the stretching framework floor map that product stretches at incline direction;

Figure 12 is the figure similar to Figure 11, and the framework of deflection fastener direction while at width and longitudinal stretching is shown;

Figure 13 is the figure similar to the left-hand part of Fig. 1, has attachment device and introduces a prefabricated fabric to the back side of connecting band;

Figure 13 a is the profile with the product of the apparatus and method formation of Figure 13;

Figure 14 is the figure similar to the left-hand part of Fig. 1, and wherein two squeezers are supplied with the liquid resin of two kinds of different components to roll gap;

Figure 14 a is the machine of Figure 14 and the profile of the product that technology is made;

Figure 15 is the figure similar to the left-hand part of Fig. 1, comprises a plurality of mold roll, is formed in lobed product on the two sides, for the various kinds of resin that constitutes product;

Figure 15 a is the profile with the product of the device of Figure 15 and technology formation;

Figure 16 be before cross directional stretch in preheating furnace radiation heating figure;

Figure 17 is Fig. 1 machine conceptual scheme to the connecting band lamination wadding that stretches;

Figure 18-the 20th, additional lamination bonding process technology figure;

Figure 21 is double speed zone stretching figure;

Figure 22-the 23rd, the side-looking and the plane of fastener insulation bath of liquid when connecting band stretches;

Figure 24 is exposed to fastener when stretching in the air and heating connecting band substrate figure in the liquid;

Figure 25 is a biliquid temperature control stretching bath of liquid;

Figure 26 is fastener stretching figure when control connection band and fastener temperature in the single fluid medium.

See Fig. 1 and 2, building mortion 13 utilizes a roational molding roller 14, and with the molded a kind of product 10 that has continuous connecting band 12 of synthetic resin, connecting band 12 has a plurality of fasteners of opening with discrete interval substrate connecting band one 11.As shown in Figure 1, mold roll 14 and shaping roll gap of pressure roll 16 supporting qualifications.The periphery of mold roll has discrete molding cavity, and the shape of each cavity is in order to form the profile of a fastener shown in Fig. 7 and 8 amplifications.Squeezer 18 extruding enter the liquid plastics resin 20 of roll gap, and form a connecting band that has numerous the discrete fasteners that stretch out from a surface.After by taking-up roller 22, the product of shaping can be by the stretching device shown in Fig. 1 and 2.

In addition, will directly not deliver to the tensioning system shown in Fig. 1 and 2, can in storing roller, collect product yet, forward tensioning system to from storing roller again in the other time by the product 10 that building mortion 12 comes out.Fig. 1 a illustrates a platform 24, and the storage roller 10a of the material that is shaped in advance by building mortion 12 is installed.Village's material passes through around

dummy roll

26 and 28, supplies to the tensioning system of Fig. 1 and 2, is to carry out as a process in batch rather than streamline as shown in Figure 1.

In above any process, product 10 enters tensioning system, and it comprises a preheater 32, a cross directional stretch mechanism 40 and a cooling device 42.The product of finishing then can be wound into a roller or place in addition.

See the amplification product figure of Fig. 3, the upper surface of connecting band 12 has a plurality of discrete upright hook members 11, is suitable for according to hook loop technique system solid in this case.The row who replaces of hook can face in the opposite direction, the row of hook aligns with machine direction T, the T direction is consistent with turning to of mold roll 14.

Before entering preheater 32, product is engaged by the anchor clamps 30 of the stretching framework that together moves with product in orbit, therefore molded product is transported by preheater 32 and horizontal stretching device 40.

As shown in the figure, the smooth surface downstream of the connecting band 10 of product is exposed in the thermal air current of distribution, and air stream is produced by heated air source 34 and guides to preheater by forced ventilation device 36 and distribution nozzle 38.

The upper surface of connecting band 10 and discrete fastener 11 are exposed in the residual air stream at a lower temperature that the wall by preheater 32 holds.Its result, most of heat can controlledly be directed to the product lower surface, will the fastener 11 on upside remains on the distortion that enough low temperature so that fastener are not harmful at preheating and drawing process.

Product 10 in preheater 32 roughly is heated on the glass transistion temperature that forms product synthetic resin and under the melting temperature.Because the predetermined arrangement of guide rail, up to the final stage of preheater 32,30 maintenances of stretching framework chuck and the substantially corresponding fixed lateral of product 10 shaping width are at interval.Point in the end, known stretching framework chuck 30 begin expansion.Chuck 30 in the expansion on the stretching device 40 till reaching maximum width, this is the centre at stretching device substantially as shown in the figure, after this frame rail that stretches can be proceeded a selected distance abreast, draws stable final width W then gradually in.Product carries out the cooling of material with width W by cooling device 50 and stablizes.

See Fig. 4, the result of product by preheater 32, stretching device 40 and cooling device 50 be connecting band laterally by permanent elongation, and the interval between discrete fastener row increases with the predetermined elongation rate.This percentage elongation is selected in the characteristic minimum elongation rate that surpasses resin following detailed description.The figure that amplifies before and after comparison diagram 3 and 4 products can see the row's of Fig. 3 fastener 11 former interval W ₀Be increased to the interval W of Fig. 4 ₁, it compares W ₀Much bigger.According to resin properties and other parameters of desirable product, processed usefulness, interval W ₁Change can reach original width W ₀About 2-8 doubly.Because the chuck 30 of stretching framework is with speed V in this example ₁Move, in this embodiment V in whole tensioning system ₁Substantially constant, machine direction T in Fig. 3 and 4 all with L ₀Significant change does not take place in the longitudinal separation of the discrete hook member of expression.

In specific examples, width tension is carried out in two or more zoness of different as shown in figure 21.At first area Z ₁Product width is stretched to about 2.5: 1 integrally stretching ratio, after this is retained to minority second in intermediate width, so that at regional Z ₂Carrying out for the second time, width tension obtains partially stabilized before about 6: 1 final integral draw ratio.As shown in the figure, the stretching frame rail of stretch zones is crooked (as cosine), begins gradually and each horizontal acceleration that stretches and circulate that finishes.The first stretching circulation connects and is with the molecularly oriented of wishing on the base plate.Being provided with that this two-speed zone stretches can make responsive resin reach bigger final percentage elongation, avoids the stress raisers of being brought out by process and causes at the root of hook and to tear.

Carrying out under the cross directional stretch condition, the thickness of the material of substrate connecting band 12 is from the original t of Fig. 3 A and 3B ₀Be reduced to the thickness t that reduces of Fig. 5 and 6 ₁Therefore the surface density of fastener reduces.For example, has about 0.035 inch conventional height along the about 0.050 inch interval L of row ₀The hook-shaped part, begin to have about 0.025 inch row W at interval ₀, with the interval W of Fig. 4 of 0.100 inch ₁Finish, surface density changes with factor 4, changes to about per square inch 200 fasteners from about 800 fasteners 11 per square inch.When will be the big final hook member density of hope, when peeling off with shear strength with engaging of ring fabric, can make adjustment easily, for example by reducing original transverse row interval W as the bigger hook-shaped securing member 11 of needs ₀, or reduce percentage elongation.

In utilizing another example of less discrete fastener, surface density for example can be from about 2000 changing to 1000 or 500 per square inch.Can be with several different fastener structure of being furnished with different surface densities.

Therefore but drawing process is to carry out under the condition of substrate connecting band 12 permanent elongation, and the connecting band that carries out desirability in the mode of connecting band 12 permanent elongation stretches, and makes the interval of fastener 11 of product 10 increase.Also can utilize several other settings, some of them are illustrated after a while at this specification.

In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and 2, but connecting band is by being heated as permanent elongation.Use the air of heating also to avoid top surface guiding hot-air to connecting band 12, connecting band carries the molded fastener of one at this moment, and fastener 11 is protected avoids the lower surface of connecting band and the heating that body is subjected to.The connecting band 12 of finding to stretch under these conditions can not damage the profile that fastener is linked up with.The stretch final size W that reaches of the expansion amount of stretching framework chuck 30 and connecting band changes according to the performance that used resin and final products will reach.

In general, a given resin material has the distinctive minimum elongation rate (CMSR) by described term restriction, promptly as a flat thin slice under given stretching condition, do not stretch if thin slice exceeds outside this minimum rate, produce the uneven product that has wrinkle and indenture.If surpass CMSR then can guarantee region-wide stretching, and can obtain smooth substantially final products.This parameter is to determine the stretching on occurring in the microcosmic degree.Molecularly oriented takes place in stretching place in general its reflection, then can increase its intensity at the slice region that orientation has taken place.In view of the microcosmic stretching action with in the very short time interval, thin slice does not always have accurate uniform thickness, or is heated to accurate consistent temperature and whole tensility.This has influence on the method that technology is carried out.In the initial period of process, stretching occurs in the most tensile zone, up to by at these zones molecularly oriented progressively, till the regional intensity of these of thin slice becomes big and stretching had a bigger resistance.When this takes place, the zone that does not stretch before stretching action turns to, and continue according to this.If be stretching in that a sufficiently long time carries out and CMSR when being surpassed substantially, then produce a uniform stretching effect, by this effect, certain enough stretching of the All Ranges of thin slice experience and obtain the product of smooth homogeneous outward appearance.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1 and 2, the longitudinal velocity of stretching framework chuck 30 is maintained fixed substantially in the total length from the preheater to the cooling device.

See the expression of the stretching framework chuck among Fig. 4 a and Figure 11, in another technical process, along product chuck on one side with speed V ₁By preheater 32 and stretching device 40.But at the another side of product, the chuck chain is divided into two agency parts.First by preheater 32 is with speed V ₁Operation, identical with speed the relative edge.At second portion, in stretching device 40, the longitudinal velocity of chuck is increased to specific rate V gently ₁Big speed V ₂Shown in Figure 11 arrow D, this have in diagonal or the connecting band material of the Dou direction of inclining apply the effect of tensile force, and cause fastener row's the relation of showing to Fig. 4 a surely again.Fastener row forms the angle α with respect to machine direction T.This moment, the material of substrate connecting band 12 had the molecularly oriented of determining in the Dou direction of inclining owing to redirect the incline direction stretching of arranging direction corresponding to fastener.This moment need be in the prestretched of machine direction, but can use yet.When their structure component is in laterally, or when intersecting machine direction, the fastener in the inclination drawn products, than the identical fastener of product of Fig. 4 of processing, laterally can have peeling off and shear more effective hook and ring system solid.

Because resin extruded device 18, molded and

pressure roll

14 and 16 and the roll gap that comprised are set, the resin of extruding is drawn when entering roll gap or vertically extruding, thereby the molecular resin chain of substrate connecting band is being parallel to vertically being orientated in advance of fastener 11 rows before molded.In general, the degree of vertical preorientation increases with the speed of extruding and molding process.The benefit of this connecting band preorientation is at the longitudinal strengthening connecting band, and can reduce vertical tear resistance to the operation that need cut apart subsequently.Use special mould in squeezer 18, hang mould (coat hangerdie) as coating, when can be enough during the gravity feed system, wherein, the vertical stretching can be strengthened this vertical preorientation under the inertia force of extruding connecting band when falling into roll gap of liquid resin.

When connecting band entered roll gap, in not having the machine that has squeezer of vertical preorientation, stretching framework as shown in figure 12 can be used for the molded connecting band of vertical and horizontal stretching, produces the product shown in Fig. 4 b.At this moment, the chuck separated into two parts on the stretching device both sides.When connecting band during by stretching framework 40, in the first of every side with speed V ₁By preheater 32, the second portion of chuck is with bigger speed V continuously ₂Operation.This has the effect that longitudinal stretching is also arranged when connecting band is by cross directional stretch, cause the twin shaft of connecting band material to be orientated to resin, and increases the hook-shaped fastener at interval, and width reaches W ₃Length reaches L ₃, corresponding greater than original width W shown in Figure 3 ₀And length L ₀The disadvantage of this specific process is that the after-drawing in machine direction has limited the cross directional stretch amount that can be applied on the molded connecting band, thus the width that the restriction final products can reach.

Fig. 4 c illustrates the another kind of product that the inventive method can be produced, and is the solid hook 11 except what disperse wherein, and the overall performance that is connected to 60 pairs of products of structure of hook in addition rises strengthens function.Postforming width tension technical process is effective to such product.

In Fig. 4 d, when heating, determine surface texture 90 with the figure of predetermined restriction entire product tensility.The structure 90 that this moment, hook-shaped fastener 11 and restriction further stretched for example is to keep lower temperature, and the tensility of the whole prefabricated component of collaborative restriction.By suitable selection, fastener 11 and additional structure 90 provide the product of a particular design, and under the process conditions of selecting, form effective minimum elongation rate, and its cardinal principle is less than the CMSR of the common flat thin slice of described product connecting band 12 same thickness.Make prefabricated component by this way,, in the stretching framework, process in the mode that the CMSR that is different from the ordinary resin connecting band directly determines.By the size and the position of suitable choice structure and hook member, can regulate effective CMSR of prefabricated component, therefore can change the amount of tension that can reach.This makes it possible to produce the fastener product of different performance as requested.When polypropylene, CMSR is generally about 6: 1 to 8: 1.But, surface density, interval and the size of the additional structure 90 that surface density, interval and size by suitable selection hook member 11 and restriction stretch and their correlation, effective CMSR of product can change on sizable range of application, and is for example little of 4: 1 or 2: 1.With regard to the enough identical a kind of resins of energy,, form the product of several divergence ratios by suitable selection parameter as polypropylene.

Fig. 7 a-7d illustrates some in the multiple other types fastener.The miniature hook of Fig. 7 a-7d has 0.03, can be little of 0.015 inch or littler height.These fabrics for the meticulous coupling ring that comprises low top layer non-woven fabric are useful.The fastener of Fig. 7 c is a palm-tree, has about 0.100 inch height, for example for being that to form wrinkle etc. be useful for indoor admittedly drapery.Fig. 7 d illustrates a kind of mushroom-shaped fastener, it can with the arrangement engagement of the similar mushroom fastener of relative fabric.This is as an example explanation, and the present invention may be used on other forms of molded fastener aspect wider.These are that in the solid multiple hook structure of ring system four kinds are linked up with in available being suitable in the product constructed in accordance.

See the high magnification map of Fig. 7 and 8, the dotted portion of figure is illustrated in the product of original molded when leaving building mortion 13.Heating and the effect that stretches have reduced the thickness of connecting band 12 shown in the figure solid line.The stretching of width can significantly reduce the thickness of connecting band according to percentage elongation.

To be reduced to film be preferably to the thickness of connecting band in particular case, promptly for the thickness of thick film less than 0.003 inch, or for the about 0.001-0.002 inch of film.This film has very big adaptability for complex surfaces.Be enough to and can be added to curved surface smoothly in its adaptability of certain situation, as cylinder, or by thermosetting.In other examples, select connecting band final thickness and molded its synthetic resin to influence the stretching of entire product, so that it can launch on complex surface.

To be bonded on the object that increases whole fastener intensity be favourable to product in some examples.By the flash of light heating time, use the caking property at the back side of resin connecting band own to bond, or use adhesive layer, or utilize it to apply the cementing property on surface, or in these methods two or three are used in combination, or with other bonding technologies that comprise ultra-sonic welded etc.

The complex surface that the fastener of a manufacturing of the present invention depends on shown in Fig. 9, wherein the thickness of the substrate connecting band of product is reduced to the selection thickness of 0.001-0.002 inch.The property of thin film of connecting band makes that it can be docile and obedient in this product, and extensible one-tenth is docile and obedient to complex surface when wishing.In Fig. 9, shape is arbitrarily, represents that several shapes can accept such fastener.

On wide surface shown in the sketch map of Figure 10.For example, the inner surface of an office partition is as the size of 5 feet x7 feet, above the sheet adhering of root a tree name material of the present invention arrives.On whole surface according to wishing that material forms an even topped hook ordered array.A ring can be accepted at any point in such surface, and firmly keeps it.With this mode and lower cost, the dividing plate of contrast color can be in conjunction with getting on; On the wall can the adjustment notch and the art work, fixedly smallpox pan tile, flaggy etc. regularly.

See Fig. 7 and 8, be shown in dotted line the height of the hook height of fastener before heating after greater than heating and stretch processing.Because the fusing of the controlled surface that combines with gravity and surface tension effect, according to the heat that applies to fastener of control in preheater 32, material surface from the specified quantitative of fastener can take place flow and cause shortening.This can link up with the influence of a hope of fastener outer surface, as more soft suitable the relaxing of contact dermal sensation when touching.

In other example, wish to keep the accurate molded shape of fastener 11, avoid profile variation by the heat that minimizing applies, or when connecting band heats, protect fastener.At this moment, the tension force that is added to connecting band when stretching extends in the outstanding fastener structure of lower temperature, and draws the bigger structure of these rigidity effectively in softer relatively connection material.

Shown in Figure 22 and 23, a method of protection fastener is to utilize the bath of liquid 120 of a shallow control temperature when stretching.In this example, only fastener 11 immerses in the bath of liquid when width tension, and connecting band substrate 10 is exposed at than in the high air ambient of bath of liquid temperature.Draw frame track 31 is arranged to reduce connecting band fastener is soaked when stretching, after stretching from bath of liquid the pull-up product.

In another program shown in Figure 24, the lower surface of connecting band substrate 10 immerses in the bath of liquid of the control temperature that heats, and fastener 11 is exposed at than in the cold air simultaneously.In another scheme (Figure 25), utilize the two kinds of

unmixed liquid

125 and 126 remain on different temperatures, connecting band plays thermodynamic barrier along the operation of the interface between two liquid, the heat transfer of minimizing interlayer.In each scheme, utilize bath of liquid more accurately to control the temperature of the connecting band substrate that separates with the temperature of fastener, when stretching, connecting band helps the fastener shape that keeps required.Bath of liquid can be arranged to like this, makes fastener product or be suspended in the liquid, or is supported by the lower surface of bath of liquid.In the scheme of Figure 26, whole fastener product (being connecting band substrate 10 and fastener 11) is immersed in the fluid of temperature control (or bath of liquid liquid or stove air), the product temperature when control stretches.Available bath of liquid liquid comprises ethylene glycol.

One aspect of the present invention is to find that the tension effect between substrate and fastener is controlled, not hindering the product with discrete little fastener stretches, in fact, can be utilized in some cases and make fastener reach the shortening that hope wants or the change of geometry.

Above-mentioned a plurality of embodiment relates to the fastener with single resin Composition, and fastener 11 and substrate 12 are made into integration by it.Other structure can be utilized the present invention equally, and forms further improved result in some cases.

See Figure 13, formation system has a wide roller 17 but add as shown in Figure 1, and it is to be used for drawing prefabricated connecting band 19 from a unshowned source, and supplies to the lower roll 16 before roll gap.Material 19 comprises the product as the precompressed braiding of the so-called microcreping technology of numb state Walpole Micrex company.The hook that braid is suitable for forming with device engages, and can carry out width tension and can vertically not shorten.It is directed in the surface of the roller 16 before the roll gap, and combines with resin 20 according to U.S. Patent No. 5,260, the 015 disclosed principle of this paper reference.The material amplification of making is shown in Figure 13 a.Hook member 11 and in the past described the same and substrate connecting band 12 one, but the downside of connecting band mixes with the fiber of the braid 19 of densification and also closely connects into integral product.In an example, assembling-disassembling 19 has the fiber of higher melt and glass transistion temperature to form by having than the resin that forms connecting band 12 and hook member 11, so that braid keeps its circulus easily under the heating condition of the preheater 32 of Fig. 1 and 2.Therefore when the air stream of the heated air source 34 of Fig. 2 penetrated the braid of porous and contact pressure resin, the braiding structure former state had been actually the effect of radiator, guarantees the heat transfer to connecting band 12, and when product reaches the stretch zones of system the formation tensility.

Be manufactured on by this way that a side has the solid hook of contact system and have the product of contact ring at opposite side, the finished width that it has is significantly greater than the width that leaves the product of mold roll 14 at it.

See Figure 14, another embodiment utilizes the roller of the installation shown in Fig. 1 and 2.Yet squeezer 13a is a Compound Extrusion device, produces the resin 21 and the 23 stream thighs of different performance.Stream thigh 21 and 23 converges before arriving the squeezer outlet, and the extrudate 20a of combination supplies in the roll gap of mold roll and pressure roll as the layered composite of two kinds of resins.The thickness that resin 23 can have is littler than connecting band 21, selects resin 23 main formation fasteners 11, and the resin 21 main connecting bands 12 ' that form.Have the compatible resin of different rheological properties by use, in latter's drawing process, obtain some advantages.For example, preferably select resin 23 to have fusing point and the glass alternating temperature degree higher than resin 21.Like this in molded product, fastener 11 ' comprises resin 23 at least in part, makes it comparatively not soft, to preheater 32 to add thermal deformation more insensitive, therefore and when being subjected to enough heat and making that the resin 21 of connecting band stretches easily, more accurately keep their profile.Other advantages of Figure 14 scheme and product are that (Figure 14 a) can peel off with shear strength according to fastener 11 ' and selected hook 11 ' resin 23, and the resin 21 of substrate connecting band 10 ' can be according to the substrate connecting band performance of optimum as stretching and stickiness is selected.

System shown in Figure 15 comprises that two mold roll 14 and 14a have roll gap, and resin is from coming out to be introduced into roll gap as the squeezer 18 that is provided with Fig. 1 and 2.Yet, two additional squeezer 18a and 18b are set resin are inserted in the molding cavity of each roller 14a and 14.In example, auxiliary roll gap can be formed by corresponding molded roller on being provided with roller 23 and 25, from auxiliary squeezer 18a and 18b introducing resin.At this moment, roller 23 and 25 gaps with respect to their corresponding mold roll are reduced to minimum, so that the major part of resin enters molding cavity.In addition, scraping blade can be set resin is pushed molding cavity, and not allow the resin that constitutes the substrate connecting band stay periphery.The product of making has fastener 11 in a side, and other part such as fastener 11 ' stretch out from opposition side.The resin that selection is extruded from auxiliary squeezer 18a and 18b can be similar to the resin of using among Figure 14 23, be that they can have big stability by the resin than formation connecting band 12 ' main body under preheating condition, keep their shape and globality in the time of heating at the base resin connecting band that squeezer 18 forms and stretch.The product of making from the process equipment of Figure 15 explanation is shown in Figure 15 a, and wherein substrate connecting band 10 ' is made of a kind of resin, and top fastener 11 is made of second kind of resin, and lower part series firmware 11 ' is made of the third resin.

As shown in figure 16, can utilize a radiation preheater 32a, but wherein radiation component 35 is guided radiant energy product 10 into and is made it reach extended state.Advantage is, the resin that is provided by

auxiliary squeezer

18a and 18b can have reverberation or colored pigment, the amount of radiation that its restriction prodger 11 and 11 ' absorbs, thus the resin that provides of squeezer 18 for example can be black or other strong absorbed radiation energy.(resin of the formation fastener 11 ' that provides in Figure 14 plays a part similar).Preferably, select in specific example that characteristic that the resin of squeezer 18a has and squeezer 18b's is different.For example, in a situation, the resin of squeezer 18a is faster than solidifying of 18b, and more easily separated with its mold roll in roll gap, and the resin of squeezer 18b has the long period cooling with roller 14 in stripper roll 22a motion.

In all above-mentioned enforcements, preheater has been described, and in another enforcement that online assignment is provided with, has carried out cross directional stretch near mold roll 14 places, but and from the direct product 10 of accepting to be in soft extended state of temperature control roller.At this moment, cross directional stretch device 40 works but the extruding and the heat of forming process are used to offer at the connecting band of extended state.In this connection, it should be noted that outstanding fastener 11 has exposing surface big with respect to its volume and amasss, under proper condition, cool off quickly than substrate connecting band 12, therefore firmer than substrate connecting band itself in drawing process, deformation drag is bigger, and this wishes in most applications.

As shown in figure 17, a kind of in another embodiment additional materials is laminated on the opposite connecting band side of the fastener of the product that has stretched.After leaving draw frame 40, the back side of the connecting band 99 of product in the time of on connecting band is gone forward by lamination roller 104 around collecting drum 106, contacts with the back side of connecting band from the additional materials 100 in cylinder source 102 in the thermal softening state.In an illustrated embodiment, the connecting band 99 under tension force drags along the arc of lamination roller, and the lamination roller is exerted pressure at connecting band 99 and additional storeroom.Softening connecting band 99 additional materials 100 permanent and that the lamination roller applies bond, and formation can reach several feet wide both sides product 108, and fastener is in a side, and additional materials is at opposite side.

In one embodiment, additional material is a metope layer, and hook is added to and is used on it and metope layer can be fixed to wall.

In another example, manufacturing be backplane level, use as automobile, additional materials is included in the fibrofelt at top, molded system below links up with admittedly in order on the multiple layer in the permanent floor that floor layer is fixed to automobile.

In another example, make the place carpet, additional material row forms the carpet end face, and connecting band forms fastener and is fixed to permanently on the surface layer.

For making all these products, in particular case, with further step at additional materials with have realization bonding between the connecting band of fastener.As, before (Figure 18) can be laminated to connecting band in an example, (and/or connecting band) adding additives 110 on additional materials.In another program (Figure 19), with flame softening additional materials (and/or connecting band), connecting band and (certain situation is actually flame and fixes) additional materials carry out lamination before lamination.And in another routine scheme (Figure 20), air ejector 112 helps with respect to the lamination roller the two-layer of lamination to be pressed to together to help the interlayer combination.These combinations of strengthening the technology of bonding also are available.

Several products show practical significance of the present invention.Now provide some examples.

In first example, the glass phase transition temperature is near 12 polypropylene liquid of room temperature stream, be molded as on 0.012 inch thick, 12 inches wide connecting band, and about 0.035 inch of overall height, surface density is 750 hook-shaped fasteners per square inch.It is 3,4,5 and 6 feet that each batch moulded product is stretched to finally wide, makes 0.005,0.004,0.003 and 0.002 inch thickness.A little takes place in drawing process or do not deform.

In another example, part is a polypropylene liquid stream, is molded as highly 0.028 inch, and surface density is 900 hooks per square inch.On about 0.005 inch thick connecting band with the molded anti-tear structure of pulling of fastener.Product width is stretched to the ratio of 3: 1 and 4: 1, reduces thickness to 0.0015 and 0.001 inch.It should be noted that stretch ratio is big more, final connecting band product thickness is even more.Also be a little takes place or not deform in drawing process, make the fastener tape of available wide 30-40 inch.

The product identical with above-mentioned example, after its width on the draw frame was stretched twice, its length was trimmed to original width and carries out 2: 1 longitudinal stretchings by draw frame again.Final about 0.001 inch of the tape thickness that connects, between the fastener at interval at width with vertically all be doubled.

By the stretching surface density is about per square inch 147 hooks, links up with high 0.100 inch, and 6 inches wide connecting bands make 12 inches nylon 6/6 fastener bands.

With above-mentioned nylon example in same sampling device in having a terephthalic acid (TPA) polyglycol ester that the glass phase transition temperature is 150 a system bottle kind, then four times of its molded width tension, make the flexible very big fastener product of a row, four feet wide, and connecting band thickness only is 0.001 inch.

The glass phase transition temperature low-density polypropylene under room temperature fully is molded into 0.008 inch thick 12 inches wide connecting band, has 0.35 inch high hook-shaped fastener, and original surface density is 750 hook/square inches.It is that 4 feet trial causes the part to tear and link up with the reduction of height that product is stretched to final width.The enabled production stretched width of making is 2 and 3 feet, link up with a little or indeformable, connecting band thickness is 0.004 and 0.003 inch.

Claims

1. method of making thin slice shape fastener product comprises:

A longitudinal stretching thermal softening synthetic resin thin slice makes the thin slice molecular structure at vertical preorientation;

From the molded continuous connecting band with discrete fastener of a substrate and some and substrate one of described thin slice, described fastener stretches out from least one side of substrate b with a roational molding roller;

C then, but under the state of connecting band permanent elongation, the cross directional stretch connecting band makes the substrate permanent elongation, and increases the fastener lateral separation.

2. method according to claim 1 is characterized in that, fastener comprises the solid hook of contact system etc.

3. method according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the horizontal molecularly oriented and the peel strength of fastener product increase in the cross directional stretch process.

4. method according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the final width of product is about 2: 1 to 10: 1 with the ratio of the preceding original width that stretches.

5. method according to claim 1 is characterized in that, width tension reduces at least 50% with the substrate of connecting band is thick.

6. method according to claim 1 is characterized in that width tension makes connecting band widen at least 200%, and reduces thickness at least three/two of connecting band substrate between the fastener.

7. method according to claim 1 is characterized in that, but comprises that also the heating connecting band makes connecting band substrate permanent elongation and do not make the shape of fastener that harmful the variation taken place.

8. method according to claim 7 is characterized in that, fastener only stretches out from a side of connecting band, and connecting band is mainly from the reverse side heating of side with fastener.

9. method according to claim 1 is characterized in that resin is the thermoplastic resin that is suitable for forming hook, comprises polypropylene, PEF, polyester, polystyrene, PVC, nylon or their copolymer or polymeric blends.

10. method according to claim 1 is characterized in that, cross directional stretch makes connecting band substrate molecularly oriented and the reinforcement between fastener when stretching, and its result runs through connecting band substrate basically identical ground width tension between fastener.

11. method according to claim 10, it is characterized in that, described synthetic resin has distinctive minimum stretch rate, described mold roll is limited to fastener and other restriction stretching structures that connects on the zone face according to predetermined figure, select figure make connecting band width before final connecting band width and the width tension than substantially less than distinctive minimum stretch rate.

12. method according to claim 11 is characterized in that, fastener and restriction stretching structure stop the local elongation of connecting band.

13. method according to claim 11, it is characterized in that, the structure that restriction stretches is the product entity structure that the synthetic resin with connecting band substrate one forms, method comprises the connecting band step that differently adds in the thermosetting, so that the structure that fastener and restriction stretch can stretch than connecting band substrate lessly.

14. method according to claim 1 is characterized in that, control connecting band base reservoir temperature when being included in the connecting band width tension.

15. method according to claim 14 is characterized in that, when being included in width tension fastener is immersed in the temperature control fluid.

16. method according to claim 14 is characterized in that, when being included in width tension the connecting band substrate is immersed in the temperature control fluid.

17. method according to claim 14 is characterized in that, heating connecting band substrate in the bath of liquid of heating when being included in width tension, and fastener is exposed in the air simultaneously.

18. method according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the step of width tension connecting band comprises:

At the first stretch zones width tension connecting band;

Connecting band is remained on middle stretched width; And then

At the further width tension connecting band of second stretch zones.

19. method according to claim 18 is characterized in that, width tension speed changes along first stretch zones.

20. a method of making thin slice shape fastener product comprises:

A forms a continuous connecting band with synthetic resin, and it has many rows and discrete fastener at least one side one of connecting band and that stretch out, and the fastener cardinal principle is towards vertically;

B then, but under the state of connecting band permanent elongation, at the incline direction connecting band that stretches, and increase the fastener lateral separation in the mode of connecting band between the permanent elongation fastener, the row at the oblique orientations firmware of machine direction makes and shows that the firmware face is at tilted direction.

21. a manufacturing has the method for the laminated shim shape product of fastener, comprising:

A forms a continuous connecting band with synthetic resin, has a plurality of discrete fastener that stretches out with certain figure from connecting band substrate one side with connecting band substrate one;

B then, but under the state of connecting band permanent elongation, the substrate of cross directional stretch connecting band is so that connecting band between the permanent elongation fastener, and increases the fastener lateral separation, the basic simultaneously longitudinal separation that keeps fastener; With

C to the opposition side of connecting band substrate in conjunction with additional materials.

22. method according to claim 21 is characterized in that, in conjunction with being included under the connecting band substrate thermal softening condition additional materials and connecting band is passed through on a roller.

23. method according to claim 21 is characterized in that, in conjunction with comprising:

To applying bond on the additional materials or on connecting band substrate or the two,

Guiding additional materials and connecting band are in conjunction with forming lamination.

24. method according to claim 21 is characterized in that, in conjunction with the surface that comprises the thermal softening additional materials, and with additional materials and connecting band on the roller by the connecting band substrate is attached on the thermal softening surface of additional materials.

25. method according to claim 21 is characterized in that, in conjunction with comprising additional materials and connecting band pressurized is combined, and the connecting band substrate is attached on the thermal softening surface of additional materials.

26. method according to claim 25 is characterized in that, additional materials and connecting band are to lean a roller to be combined by air pressure.

27. a method of making the solid product of thin slice shape system comprises:

A forms a continuous connecting band with synthetic resin, have a plurality of and connecting band one and the discrete fastener that stretches out with certain figure from least one side of connecting band, described formation makes the molecular structure of connecting band at vertical preorientation;

B then, but under the state of connecting band permanent elongation,, come connecting band between the permanent elongation fastener at the cross directional stretch connecting band, and increase the fastener lateral separation, the basic simultaneously longitudinal separation that keeps fastener.

28. a fastener product that is made of synthetic resin has along many rows fastener of the first direction orientation of a connecting band substrate, has and first direction molecularly oriented at angle in the part of showing connecting band between the row of firmware.

29. product according to claim 28 is characterized in that fastener comprises hook member, its profile phase is for the continuous length of the connecting band Dou direction that becomes to incline.

30. product according to claim 28 is characterized in that, the described connecting band substrate in extended state comprises that thickness is approximately less than 0.003 inch thermal plastic film.

31. a practical object has non-planar surfaces, it is characterized in that, on described surface in conjunction with the described product of claim 30, the film connecting band described non-planar surfaces of fitting.

32., it is characterized in that having eight feet or bigger width according to the described product of claim 28.

33. product according to claim 28 is characterized in that, is formed on vertical tear resistance at horizontal molecularly oriented.

34. product according to claim 33 is characterized in that, is formed on horizontal tear resistance at molecularly oriented longitudinally.

35. a decorative layer is characterized in that, comprises that the described product of claim 28 and is the sheeting of lamination, the fastener of product forms the device that described layer is fixed on the desired location.

36. decorative layer according to claim 35 is characterized in that, comprises a wall layers.

37. decorative layer according to claim 35 is characterized in that, comprises a floor layer.

38. a machine that forms a kind of fastener product comprises the roller of a pair of formation roll gap it is characterized in that at least one roller is a mold roll that forming with the continuous length side surface of a connecting band substrate is the fastener that contacts of one; To the device of roll gap for plastic resin, thus resin longitudinal stretching before molded; With a cross directional stretch device, in the connecting band substrate of the described roller of cross directional stretch of the continuous length of described connecting band substrate to the intermediate products made.

39., it is characterized in that according to the described machine of claim 38, comprise that adds a heat tunnel, described intermediate products earlier by it, added the opposing face that heat tunnel mainly heats the connecting band substrate of side, fastener place before arriving described stretching device.

40., it is characterized in that according to the described machine of claim 38, comprise a squeezer for the device of plastic resin, the resin of confession is by the tension force longitudinal stretching that driven roller produces, make resin before being shaped at machine direction molecular structure generation preorientation.

41., it is characterized in that according to the described machine of claim 38, comprise a squeezer that can be arranged on the roll gap for the device of plastics, the resin that provides when falling from squeezer to roll gap by inertia force to the small part longitudinal stretching.

42. according to the described machine of claim 38, it is characterized in that, comprise additional materials is laminated to device on the connecting band base plate of stretching.

43., it is characterized in that the device of lamination additional materials comprises a roller according to the described machine of claim 42, described product drags around it in extended state.