US4861399A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for forming filament and loop fasteners
Assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
•
Filing: 1987-11-04
•
Granted: 1989-08-29
•
Expires: 2007-11-04
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and methods for producing a novel fastener means of the type having a plurality of fastening means extending from bight portions 60 bonded to a backing material 48. Products fabricated with the novel fastener means. The apparatus generally comprises means for drawing an array of filaments 46, or other material, onto a forming wheel 14 having a plurality of grooves 28, and land zones 30 between the grooves, means for positioning a plurality of pins 42 against the filaments 46 and aligned with the grooves 28, means for urging the pins 42 into the grooves 28 and thereby forming loops 50 in the filaments 46, and means for placing a backing material 48 against the filaments 46 and bonding the backing material to the filaments at spaced locations. Pins 42 are trapped in spaces 53 between the filaments 46 and the backing material 48. The apparatus further includes means for releasing the pins from the spaces. A novel nip comprises the rotatable forming wheel 14, a backing means 16, and the pins 42 which are mounted for passing between the forming wheel and the backing means in alignment with the grooves 28. The nip also comprises means for advancing the pins through the nip, such that the pins are urged into the grooves during the advance through the nip. Also disclosed are methods for producing fastening elements, methods for processing filaments, methods for producing fastening components, methods for forming loops in material, including filaments, and methods for bonding loops of filaments to a backing material at spaced locations on the backing material; all using the apparatus of the invention. Further there are disclosed novel fastening materials and products produced by the apparatus and methods disclosed in the invention.
Inventors
- 👤 Gregory J. Rajala
- 👤 Lon M. King
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 07:23
CPC Classifications
A; A44; A44B; A44B18/00; A44B18/0046; A44B18/0049; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T24/00; Y10T24/27; Y10T24/2708; Y10T24/2725; Y10T24/275; Y10T24/2758; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/23907; Y10T428/23957; Y10T428/23964; Y10T428/24; Y10T428/24008; Y10T428/24017
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 95
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
Apparatus for producing fastening components, comprising: (a) means for drawing an array of filaments onto a forming wheel having a plurality of transversely arranged grooves, and land zones between said grooves; (b) means for positioning a plurality of pins against said filaments and aligned with said grooves; (c) means for urging said pins into said grooves, whereby said filaments are positioned between the surfaces of said grooves and said pins, in said grooves, thereby forming loops in said filaments, said loops having tops there-f in said grooves, said filaments being in contact with said wheel between said grooves; (d) means for placing a backing material against said filaments and bonding said backing material to said filaments at first spaced locations between said grooves while said filaments are in said contact with said wheel between said grooves, to thereby form a bonded product, and thereby trapping said pins in spaces between said filaments and said backing material; and (e) means for releasing said pins from said spaces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
Apparatus for producing fastening components, comprising: (a) means for drawing an array of filaments onto a forming wheel having a plurality of transversely arranged grooves, and land zones between said grooves; (b) means for positioning a plurality of pins against said filaments and aligned with said grooves; (c) means for urging said pins into said grooves, whereby said filaments are positioned between the surfaces of said grooves and said pins, in said grooves, thereby forming loops in said filaments, said loops having tops there-f in said grooves, said filaments being in contact with said wheel between said grooves; (d) means for placing a backing material against said filaments and bonding said backing material to said filaments at first spaced locations between said grooves while said filaments are in said contact with said wheel between said grooves, to thereby form a bonded product, and thereby trapping said pins in spaces between said filaments and said backing material; and (e) means for releasing said pins from said spaces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 and including means for cutting said loops and thereby effecting said releasing of said pins from said spaces.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 and including means for cutting said loops at said tips to thereby form separate corresponding stem portions of said filaments extending from said backing material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
187 words
Apparatus for processing filaments, comprising: (a) a nip for drawing filaments, said nip comprising (i) a rotating forming wheel having two ends connected by a body portion, said forming wheel having a plurality of transversely arranged grooves and land zones extending across said body portion between said ends, (ii) a backing means and means for urging said backing means against said forming wheel, said backing means being adapted for cooperative rotation with said forming wheel, and (iii) a plurality of pins mounted for passing between said forming wheel and said backing means, and aligned with said grooves between said forming wheel and said backing means, and movable through said nip in the direction of advance of the filaments through said nip; and (b) means for advancing said pins through said nip, said pins being urged into said grooves during said advance through said nip, whereby said filaments can be positioned between the surface of said wheel and said pins in said grooves, thereby forming loops in said filaments, said loops having tops thereof in said grooves, said filaments being in contact with said wheel between said grooves.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
187 words
Apparatus for processing filaments, comprising: (a) a nip for drawing filaments, said nip comprising (i) a rotating forming wheel having two ends connected by a body portion, said forming wheel having a plurality of transversely arranged grooves and land zones extending across said body portion between said ends, (ii) a backing means and means for urging said backing means against said forming wheel, said backing means being adapted for cooperative rotation with said forming wheel, and (iii) a plurality of pins mounted for passing between said forming wheel and said backing means, and aligned with said grooves between said forming wheel and said backing means, and movable through said nip in the direction of advance of the filaments through said nip; and (b) means for advancing said pins through said nip, said pins being urged into said grooves during said advance through said nip, whereby said filaments can be positioned between the surface of said wheel and said pins in said grooves, thereby forming loops in said filaments, said loops having tops thereof in said grooves, said filaments being in contact with said wheel between said grooves.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
65 words
Apparatus as in claim 4 and including means for placing a backing material against said filaments and bonding said backing material to said filaments at first spaced locations while said filaments are in said contact with said forming wheel at said land zones between said grooves, and thereby forming a bonded product, and trapping said pins in spaces between said filaments and said backing material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as in claim 5 and including means for cutting said loops and thereby releasing said pins from said spaces.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as in claim 5 and including means for cutting said loops at said tops to thereby release said pins from said spaces and form corresponding stem portions of said filaments extending from said backing material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as in claim 6, said cutting means comprising a stationary heated member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as in claim 7, said cutting means comprising a heated roll rotating in a direction opposite the direction of advance of said filaments adjacent said heated roll.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
157 words
Apparatus for producing fastening components, comprising: (a) a rotatable forming wheel having alternating grooves and land zones on an outer generally cylindrical surface thereof; (b) a backing means and means for urging said backing means against said forming wheel, said backing means being capable of cooperative rotation with said forming wheel; (c) means for urging first portions of an array of filaments into said grooves in said forming wheel, to thereby form loops in said filaments; (d) means for urging second portions of said array of filaments against said land zones; (e) means for placing a backing material against said second portions of said filaments at said land zones and urging said backing material against said second portions of said filaments and corresponding ones of said land zones; and (f) means for applying sealing energy to thereby bond said second portions of said filaments to said backing material at said land zones, thereby forming a bonded product.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
157 words
Apparatus for producing fastening components, comprising: (a) a rotatable forming wheel having alternating grooves and land zones on an outer generally cylindrical surface thereof; (b) a backing means and means for urging said backing means against said forming wheel, said backing means being capable of cooperative rotation with said forming wheel; (c) means for urging first portions of an array of filaments into said grooves in said forming wheel, to thereby form loops in said filaments; (d) means for urging second portions of said array of filaments against said land zones; (e) means for placing a backing material against said second portions of said filaments at said land zones and urging said backing material against said second portions of said filaments and corresponding ones of said land zones; and (f) means for applying sealing energy to thereby bond said second portions of said filaments to said backing material at said land zones, thereby forming a bonded product.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as in claim 10 and including means for cutting said loops.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus as in claim 10 wherein said loops have tops thereof, in said grooves, when formed in said grooves, and including means for cutting said loops at said tops and thereby forming corresponding stem portions of said filaments extending from said backing material.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as in claim 10, said means for urging said first portions of said array of filaments into said grooves comprising a plurality of pins.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as in claim 11, said means for urging said first portions of said array of filaments into said grooves comprising a plurality of pins.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
113 words
Apparatus as in claim 1, said pins being mounted on a pair of endless chains traveling along a path, the combination of said chains and said pins defining a carrier, said carrier being adapted for carrying said bonded product along said path, by means of said pins, said apparatus including a rotatable cutting wheel having a plurality of cutters on an outer surface thereof, said cutting wheel being disposed and adapted for rotating said cutters into said path, and along the direction of advance of said carrier, and for urging said cutters against corresponding ones of said pins, to thereby cut said filaments, thus effecting said releasing of said pins from said spaces.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as in claim 15, said pins having channels extending along the length thereof and disposed toward said cutting wheel, and adapted to receive said cutters during said cutting of said filaments.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
113 words
Apparatus as in claim 10, said pins being mounted on a pair of endless chains traveling along a path, the combination of said chains and said pins defining a carrier, said carrier being adapted for carrying said bonded product along said path, by means of said pins, said apparatus including a rotatable cutting wheel having a plurality of cutters on an outer, surface thereof, said cutting wheel being disposed and adapted for rotating said cutters into said path, and along the direction of advance of said carrier, and for urging said cutters against corresponding ones of said pins, to thereby cut said filaments, thus effecting said releasing of said pins from said spaces.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as in claim 17, said pins having channels extending along the length thereof and disposed toward said cutting wheel, and adapted to receive said cutters during said cutting of said filaments.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
102 words
A nip for drawing a material, said nip comprising: (a) a rotatable forming wheel having two ends and a body portion between said two ends, and having a plurality of transversely arranged grooves and land zones extending across said body portion between said ends; (b) a backing means capable of being urged against said forming wheel; and (c) a plurality of pins mounted for passing between said forming wheel and said backing means, and aligned with said grooves between said forming wheel and said backing means, and movable through said nip in the direction of advance of the material through said nip.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
102 words
A nip for drawing a material, said nip comprising: (a) a rotatable forming wheel having two ends and a body portion between said two ends, and having a plurality of transversely arranged grooves and land zones extending across said body portion between said ends; (b) a backing means capable of being urged against said forming wheel; and (c) a plurality of pins mounted for passing between said forming wheel and said backing means, and aligned with said grooves between said forming wheel and said backing means, and movable through said nip in the direction of advance of the material through said nip.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
101 words
A nip as in claim 19 and including two sprockets adjacent said two ends, and rotatable with said forming wheel, said sprockets having grooves aligned with said grooves on said forming wheel, and a pair of chains on said sprockets, each of said pins being attached to both said chains, such that each said pin is positioned in one of said grooves in said forming wheel and extends between corresponding aligned grooves on said sprockets, whereby said forming wheel and said sprockets rotate together and thereby advance said pins and the material at a common rate and in a common direction.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
102 words
A nip for drawing filaments, said nip comprising: (a) a rotatable forming wheel having two ends connected by a body portion between said two ends, and having a plurality of transversely arranged grooves extending across said body portion between said ends; (b) a backing means and means for urging said backing means against said forming wheel; and (c) a plurality of pins mounted for passing between said forming wheel and said backing means, and aligned with said grooves between said forming wheel and said backing means, and movable through said nip in the direction of advance of the filaments through said nip.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
102 words
A nip for drawing filaments, said nip comprising: (a) a rotatable forming wheel having two ends connected by a body portion between said two ends, and having a plurality of transversely arranged grooves extending across said body portion between said ends; (b) a backing means and means for urging said backing means against said forming wheel; and (c) a plurality of pins mounted for passing between said forming wheel and said backing means, and aligned with said grooves between said forming wheel and said backing means, and movable through said nip in the direction of advance of the filaments through said nip.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
101 words
A nip as in claim 21 and including two sprockets adjacent said two ends, and rotatable with said forming wheel, said sprockets having grooves aligned with said grooves on said forming wheel, and a pair of chains on said sprockets, each of said pins being attached to both said chains, such that each said pin is positioned in one of said grooves in said forming wheel and extends between corresponding aligned grooves on said sprockets, whereby said forming wheel and said sprockets rotate together and thereby advance said pins and the filaments at a common rate and in a common direction.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
134 words
Apparatus for bonding loops of filaments to a backing material at spaced locations on said backing material, said apparatus comprising: (a) rotatable positioning means for presenting non-retractable land zones to a bonding station; (b) backing means and means for urging said backing means against said positioning means; (c) means for forming loops in filaments, and wherein said loops comprise first portions of said filaments spaced from said land zones, and including second portions of said filaments disposed on said land zones; (d) means for placing a backing material against said second portions of said filaments at said land zones and urging said backing material against said second portions of said filaments and corresponding ones of said land zones; and (e) means for applying sealing energy to said backing material at said non-retractable land zones.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
134 words
Apparatus for bonding loops of filaments to a backing material at spaced locations on said backing material, said apparatus comprising: (a) rotatable positioning means for presenting non-retractable land zones to a bonding station; (b) backing means and means for urging said backing means against said positioning means; (c) means for forming loops in filaments, and wherein said loops comprise first portions of said filaments spaced from said land zones, and including second portions of said filaments disposed on said land zones; (d) means for placing a backing material against said second portions of said filaments at said land zones and urging said backing material against said second portions of said filaments and corresponding ones of said land zones; and (e) means for applying sealing energy to said backing material at said non-retractable land zones.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus as in claim 23 wherein said backing means and said means for forming loops in filaments are juxtaposed at a first location against said positioning means, and wherein said means for applying sealing energy is juxtaposed against said positioning means at a second location on said positioning means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as in claim 1, said land zones being intermittently spaced about said forming wheel.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as in claim 4, said land zones being intermittently spaced about said forming wheel.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as in claim 10, said land zones being intermittently spaced about said forming wheel.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
16 words
A nip as in claim 19, said land zones being intermittently spaced about said forming wheel.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
16 words
A nip as in claim 21, said land zones being intermittently spaced about said forming wheel.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as in claim 23, said land zones being intermittently spaced about said positioning means.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
150 words
A method for producing fastening components, comprising: (a) drawing an array of filaments onto a forming wheel having a plurality of transversely arranged grooves; (b) positioning a plurality of pins against said filaments and aligned with said grooves; (c) urging said pins into said grooves, said filaments being positioned between the surfaces of said grooves and said pins, in said grooves, thereby forming loops in said filaments, said loops having tops thereof in said grooves, said filaments being in contact with said wheel between said grooves; (d) placing a backing material against said filaments and bonding said backing material to said filaments at first spaced locations between said grooves while said filaments are in said contact with said wheel between said grooves, to thereby form a bonded product, and thereby trapping said pins in spaces between said filaments and said backing material; and (e) releasing said pins from said spaces.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
150 words
A method for producing fastening components, comprising: (a) drawing an array of filaments onto a forming wheel having a plurality of transversely arranged grooves; (b) positioning a plurality of pins against said filaments and aligned with said grooves; (c) urging said pins into said grooves, said filaments being positioned between the surfaces of said grooves and said pins, in said grooves, thereby forming loops in said filaments, said loops having tops thereof in said grooves, said filaments being in contact with said wheel between said grooves; (d) placing a backing material against said filaments and bonding said backing material to said filaments at first spaced locations between said grooves while said filaments are in said contact with said wheel between said grooves, to thereby form a bonded product, and thereby trapping said pins in spaces between said filaments and said backing material; and (e) releasing said pins from said spaces.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 31 and including cutting said loops and thereby effecting said releasing of said pins from said spaces.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 31 and including cutting said loops at said tops and thereby forming separate corresponding stem portions of said filaments extending from said backing material.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
199 words
A method for processing filaments, comprising: (a) drawing an array of filaments into a nip, said nip comprising: (i) a rotating forming wheel having two ends connected by a body portion, said forming wheel having a plurality of transversely arranged grooves and land zones extending across said body portion between said ends, (ii) a backing means and means for urging said backing means against said forming wheel, said backing means being adapted for cooperative rotation with said forming wheel, and (iii) a plurality of pins mounted for passing between said forming wheel and said backing means, and aligned with said grooves between said forming wheel and said backing means, and movable through said nip in the direction of advance of said filaments through said nip; and (b) advancing said pins through said nip, said pins being urged into said grooves, thereby effecting passing between said forming wheel and said backing means, during said advance through said nip, whereby said filaments are positioned between the surface of said wheel and said pins in said grooves, thereby forming loops in said filaments, said loops having tops thereof in said grooves, said filaments being in contact with said wheel between said grooves.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
199 words
A method for processing filaments, comprising: (a) drawing an array of filaments into a nip, said nip comprising: (i) a rotating forming wheel having two ends connected by a body portion, said forming wheel having a plurality of transversely arranged grooves and land zones extending across said body portion between said ends, (ii) a backing means and means for urging said backing means against said forming wheel, said backing means being adapted for cooperative rotation with said forming wheel, and (iii) a plurality of pins mounted for passing between said forming wheel and said backing means, and aligned with said grooves between said forming wheel and said backing means, and movable through said nip in the direction of advance of said filaments through said nip; and (b) advancing said pins through said nip, said pins being urged into said grooves, thereby effecting passing between said forming wheel and said backing means, during said advance through said nip, whereby said filaments are positioned between the surface of said wheel and said pins in said grooves, thereby forming loops in said filaments, said loops having tops thereof in said grooves, said filaments being in contact with said wheel between said grooves.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
69 words
A method as in claim 34 and including placing a backing material against said filaments and bonding said backing material to said filaments at first locations spaced from said land zones while said filaments are in said contact with said forming wheel at said land zones between said grooves, to thereby form a bonded product, and thereby trapping said pins in spaces between said filaments and said backing material.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 35 and including cutting said loops and thereby releasing said pins from said spaces.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as in claim 35 and including cutting said loops at said tops and thereby releasing said pins from said spaces and forming corresponding stem portions of said filaments extending from said backing material.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 35 and including cutting said loops by passing said loops over a stationary heated cutting member.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 35 and including cutting said loops by means of melting portions of said loops with a heated roll.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as in claim 36 and including, before said cutting of said loops, conveying to said filaments a sufficient amount of heat to attenuate bending stresses in said loops and to thereby fix the direction of projection of said filaments in a direction generally away from said backing material.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as in claim 38 and including, before said cutting of said loops, conveying to said filaments a sufficient amount of heat to attenuate bending stresses in said loops and to thereby fix the direction of projection of said filaments in a direction generally away from said backing material.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as in claim 39 and including, before said cutting of said loops, conveying to said filaments a sufficient amount of heat to attenuate bending stresses in said loops and to thereby fix the direction of projection of said filaments in a direction generally away from said backing material.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as in claim 36 and including, before said cutting of said loops, conveying to said filaments a sufficient amount of heat to attenuate bending stresses in said loops and to thereby fix the direction of projection of said filaments from said backing material at an angle of at least 30 from said backing material.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as in claim 38 and including, before said cutting of said loops, conveying to said filaments a sufficient amount of heat to attenuate bending stresses in said loops and to thereby fix the direction of projection of said filaments from said backing material at an angle of at least 30 from said backing material.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as in claim 39 and including, before said cutting of said loops, conveying to said filaments a sufficient amount of heat to attenuate bending stresses in said loops and to thereby fix the direction of projection of said filaments from said backing material at an angle of at least 30 from said backing material.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as in claim 39 and including rotating said heated roll in a direction opposite the direction of advance of said filaments adjacent said heated roll.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for producing fastening components, comprising: (a) drawing an array of filaments into a nip comprising: (i) a rotatable forming wheel having alternating grooves and land zones on an outer generally cylindrical surface thereof and (ii) a backing means and means for urging said backing means against said forming wheel, said backing means being capable of cooperative rotation with said forming wheel; (b) urging first portions of said filaments into said grooves in said forming wheel, to thereby form loops in said filaments; (c) urging second portions of said array of filaments against said land zones; (d) placing a backing material against said second portions of said filaments at said land zones and urging said backing material against said second portions of said filaments and corresponding ones of said land zones; and (e) applying sealing energy to thereby bond said second portions of said filaments to said backing material at said land zones, thereby forming a bonded product.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for producing fastening components, comprising: (a) drawing an array of filaments into a nip comprising: (i) a rotatable forming wheel having alternating grooves and land zones on an outer generally cylindrical surface thereof and (ii) a backing means and means for urging said backing means against said forming wheel, said backing means being capable of cooperative rotation with said forming wheel; (b) urging first portions of said filaments into said grooves in said forming wheel, to thereby form loops in said filaments; (c) urging second portions of said array of filaments against said land zones; (d) placing a backing material against said second portions of said filaments at said land zones and urging said backing material against said second portions of said filaments and corresponding ones of said land zones; and (e) applying sealing energy to thereby bond said second portions of said filaments to said backing material at said land zones, thereby forming a bonded product.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as in claim 47 wherein said loops have tops thereof, as formed in said grooves, and including cutting said loops at said tops and thereby forming corresponding stem portions of said filaments extending from said backing material.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 47, said first portions of said filaments being urged into said grooves by pins.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as in claim 49, said pins being trapped in spaces between said filaments and said backing material, and including cutting said loops and thereby releasing said pins from said spaces.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 48, said first portions of said filaments being urged into said grooves by pins.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
109 words
A method as in claim 31, said pins being mounted on a pair of endless chains traveling along a path, the combination of said chains and said pins defining a carrier; and including carrying said bonded product along said path by means of said pins, and rotating a cutting wheel, having a plurality of cutters on an outer surface thereof, along said path, and along the direction of advance of said carrier and said bonded product, and thereby rotating said cutters into said path and urging said cutters against corresponding ones of said pins, and thereby cutting said filaments and effecting said releasing of said pins from said spaces.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
109 words
A method as in claim 36, said pins being mounted on a pair of endless chains traveling along a path, the combination of said chains and said pins defining a carrier; and including carrying said bonded product along said path by means of said pins, and rotating a cutting wheel, having a plurality of cutters on an outer surface thereof, along said path, and along the direction of advance of said carrier and said bonded product, and thereby rotating said cutters into said path and urging said cutters against corresponding ones of said pins, and thereby cutting said filaments and effecting said releasing of said pins from said spaces.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
109 words
A method as in claim 40, said pins being mounted on a pair of endless chains traveling along a path, the combination of said chains and said pins defining a carrier; and including carrying said bonded product along said path by means of said pins, and rotating a cutting wheel, having a plurality of cutters on an outer surface thereof, along said path, and along the direction of advance of said carrier and said bonded product, and thereby rotating said cutters into said path and urging said cutters against corresponding ones of said pins, and thereby cutting said filaments and effecting said releasing of said pins from said spaces.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
109 words
A method as in claim 43, said pins being mounted on a pair of endless chains traveling along a path, the combination of said chains and said pins defining a carrier; and including carrying said bonded product along said path by means of said pins, and rotating a cutting wheel, having a plurality of cutters on an outer surface thereof, along said path, and along the direction of advance of said carrier and said bonded product, and thereby rotating said cutters into said path and urging said cutters against corresponding ones of said pins, and thereby cutting said filaments and effecting said releasing of said pins from said spaces.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
102 words
A method as in claim 50, said pins being mounted on a pair of endless chains traveling along a path, the combination of said chains and said pins defining a carrier; and including carrying said bonded product along said path by means of said pins, and rotating a cutting wheel, having a plurality of cutters on an outer surface thereof, along said path, and along the direction of advance of said carrier and said bonded product, and thereby rotating said cutters into said path and urging said cutters against corresponding ones of said pins, and thereby effecting said cutting of said loops.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method as in claim 52, said pins having channels extending along the length thereof, said cutters engaging said pins at said channels, whereby said cutters urge portions of said filaments toward said corresponding channels and said channels receive said portions of said filaments during said cutting of said filaments by said cutters.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method as in claim 53, said pins having channels extending along the length thereof, said cutters engaging said pins at said channels, whereby said cutters urge portions of said filaments toward said corresponding channels and said channels receive said portions of said filaments during said cutting of said filaments by said cutters.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method as in claim 54, said pins having channels extending along the length thereof, said cutters engaging said pins at said channels, whereby said cutters urge portions of said filaments toward said corresponding channels and said channels receive said portions of said filaments during said cutting of said filaments by said cutters.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method as in claim 55, said pins having channels extending along the length thereof, said cutters engaging said pins at said channels, whereby said cutters urge portions of said filaments toward said corresponding channels and said channels receive said portions of said filaments during said cutting of said filaments by said cutters.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method as in claim 56, said pins having channels extending along the length thereof, said cutters engaging said pins at said channels, whereby said cutters urge portions of said filaments toward said corresponding channels and said channels receive said portions of said filaments during said cutting of said filaments by said cutters.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
154 words
A method for forming loops in a material, comprising: (a) drawing said material into a nip comprising (i) a rotating forming wheel having two ends, a body portion between said two ends and a plurality of transversely arranged grooves extending across said body portion between said ends and (ii) a backing means, said backing means being urged against said forming wheel; (b) aligning a plurality of pins with corresponding ones of said grooves in said rotating forming wheel, and advancing said pins toward said nip; and (c) urging said pins into said grooves at said nip by means of urging said backing means against said forming wheel and respective ones of said pins, whereby said pins are drawn into and through said nip, said material being drawn into said nip between said forming wheel and said pins, such that said pins push said material into said grooves, thereby forming said loops in said material.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
154 words
A method for forming loops in a material, comprising: (a) drawing said material into a nip comprising (i) a rotating forming wheel having two ends, a body portion between said two ends and a plurality of transversely arranged grooves extending across said body portion between said ends and (ii) a backing means, said backing means being urged against said forming wheel; (b) aligning a plurality of pins with corresponding ones of said grooves in said rotating forming wheel, and advancing said pins toward said nip; and (c) urging said pins into said grooves at said nip by means of urging said backing means against said forming wheel and respective ones of said pins, whereby said pins are drawn into and through said nip, said material being drawn into said nip between said forming wheel and said pins, such that said pins push said material into said grooves, thereby forming said loops in said material.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
85 words
A method as in claim 62 and including providing two sprockets adjacent said two ends and rotatable with said forming wheel, and aligning grooves on said sprockets with said grooves on said forming wheel, providing a pair of chains on said sprockets and attaching said pins to both said chains, such that each said pin is positioned in one of said grooves in said forming wheel, and extends between corresponding aligned grooves on said sprockets, as said pins are drawn into and through said nip.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
163 words
A method for drawing filaments into a nip and simultaneously forming loops in said filaments, said method comprising: (a) drawing said filaments into a nip comprising (i) a rotating forming wheel having two ends, a body portion between said two ends, and a plurality of transversely arranged grooves extending across said body portion between said ends and (ii) a backing means, said backing means being urged against said forming wheel; (b) aligning a plurality of pins with corresponding ones of said grooves in said rotating forming wheel, and advancing said pins toward said nip; and (c) urging said pins into said grooves at said nip by means of urging said backing means against said forming wheel and respective ones of said pins, whereby said pins are drawn into and through said nip, said filaments being drawn into said nip between said forming wheel and said pins, such that said pins push said filaments into said grooves, thereby forming said loops in said filaments.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
163 words
A method for drawing filaments into a nip and simultaneously forming loops in said filaments, said method comprising: (a) drawing said filaments into a nip comprising (i) a rotating forming wheel having two ends, a body portion between said two ends, and a plurality of transversely arranged grooves extending across said body portion between said ends and (ii) a backing means, said backing means being urged against said forming wheel; (b) aligning a plurality of pins with corresponding ones of said grooves in said rotating forming wheel, and advancing said pins toward said nip; and (c) urging said pins into said grooves at said nip by means of urging said backing means against said forming wheel and respective ones of said pins, whereby said pins are drawn into and through said nip, said filaments being drawn into said nip between said forming wheel and said pins, such that said pins push said filaments into said grooves, thereby forming said loops in said filaments.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
85 words
A method as in claim 64 and including providing two sprockets adjacent said two ends and rotatable with said forming wheel, and aligning grooves on said sprockets with said grooves on said forming wheel, providing a pair of chains on said spoockets and attaching said pins to both said chains, such that each said pin is positioned in one of said grooves in said forming wheel, and extends between corresponding aligned grooves on said sprockets, as said pins are drawn into and through said nip.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
131 words
A method for bonding loops of filaments to a backing material at spaced locations on said backing material, said method comprising: (a) urging a backing means against a rotatable positioning means having nonretractable land zones; (b) forming loops in said filaments, said loops comprising first portions of said filaments spaced from said land zones, and second portions of said filaments disposed on said land zones; (c) placing a backing material against said second portions of said filaments at said land zones and urging said backing material against said second portions of said filaments and corresponding ones of said nonretractable land zones; and (d) applying sealing energy to said backing material at said non-retractable land zones, and thereby bonding said loops, at said second portions of said filaments to said backing material.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
131 words
A method for bonding loops of filaments to a backing material at spaced locations on said backing material, said method comprising: (a) urging a backing means against a rotatable positioning means having nonretractable land zones; (b) forming loops in said filaments, said loops comprising first portions of said filaments spaced from said land zones, and second portions of said filaments disposed on said land zones; (c) placing a backing material against said second portions of said filaments at said land zones and urging said backing material against said second portions of said filaments and corresponding ones of said nonretractable land zones; and (d) applying sealing energy to said backing material at said non-retractable land zones, and thereby bonding said loops, at said second portions of said filaments to said backing material.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method as in claim 66 wherein said urging of said backing means against said positioning means and said forming of said loops are performed at a first location on said positioning means and said applying of sealing energy is performed at a second location on said positioning means.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
54 words
Apparatus as in claim 5 and including means for cutting said loops to thereby release said pins from said spaces and thereby forming corresponding stem portions of said filaments extending from said backing material and having irregular terminal ends, and including means for heating said stem portions and thereby forming regular terminal ends thereon.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as in claim 68 wherein said heating means and said cutting means are joined such that said cutting and forming operations are performed in a combined cutting and forming station combining said cutting and forming functions.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as in claim 68 wherein said cutting means and said heating means are physically separated elements which perform separate and distinct operations.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus as in claim 10 and including means for cutting said loops and thereby forming corresponding stem portions of said filaments extending from said backing material and having irregular terminal ends, and including means for heating said stem portions and forming regular terminal ends thereon.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as in claim 71 wherein said heating means and said cutting means are joined such that said cutting and forming operations are performed in a combined cutting and forming station combining said cutting and forming functions.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as in claim 71 wherein said cutting means and said heating means are physically separated elements which perform separate and operations.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus as in claim 70 and including a first means for controlling linear speed of advance of said bonded product at said forming wheel and a second means for controlling linear speed of advance of said bonded product between said cutting means and said heating means.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus as in claim 73 and including a first means for controlling linear speed of advance of said bonded product at said forming wheel and a second means for controlling linear speed of advance of said bonded product between said cutting means and said heating means.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as in claim 35 and including cutting said loops to thereby release said pins from said spaces and thereby form corresponding stem portions of said filaments extending from said backing material and having irregular terminal ends, and heating said stem portions and thereby creating regular terminal ends thereon.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as in claim 76 and including performing said cutting and forming as a combined operation wherein said stem portions are maintained at an elevated temperature throughout said cutting and forming operation.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 76 and including performing said cutting and creating as separate and distinct operations.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method as in claim 47 and including cutting said loops and thereby creating corresponding stem portions of said filaments extending from said backing material and having irregular terminal ends, and heating said stem portions and thereby creating regular terminal ends thereon.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as in claim 79 and including performing said cutting and creating as a combined operation wherein said stem portions are maintained at an elevated temperature throughout said cutting and creating operation.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 79 and including performing said cutting and creating as separate and distinct operations.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as in claim 78 and including advancing said bonded product at a first linear speed at said forming wheel and at a second linear speed at said heating and creating operation, to thereby control the making of regular terminal ends on said stem portions.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as in claim 81 and including advancing said bonded product at a first linear speed at said forming wheel and at a second linear speed at said heating and creating operation, to thereby control the making of regular terminal ends on said stem portions.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-08-28 | 1993-02-27 | 1993-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-08-28 | 1997-02-27 | 1997-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-08-28 | 2001-02-27 | 2001-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |