Disposable Diaper With Adhesive Tape Tab Fasteners

Abstract

A disposable diaper having adhesive tape tab fasteners affixed thereto to secure the diaper around an infant. Each tape tab comprises a strip of adhesive tape affixed along an edge of the diaper. At least a portion of each tape strip extends inwardly from that edge to overlie the inside surface of the diaper, with the adhesive side of the strip of tape facing the inside surface of the diaper. A first part of the portion of the tape strip overlying the inside surface of the diaper is adhesively attached thereto to hold the tape tab relatively flat against the inside surface of the diaper, so the tab will not protrude from the diaper and interfere with manufacturing, folding, and packaging the diaper. A second part of the portion of the tape strip overlying the inside surface of the diaper is free of attachment to the diaper, the adhesive on the second part being normally covered by a release sheet prior to use of the tab in fastening the diaper around an infant.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to disposable diapers having adhesive tape tab fasteners.

Pressure sensitive adhesive tape tabs have been used for several years in place of pins or other fastening means to secure diapers around infants. However, the tabs frequently have presented non-smooth edges or flaps at the edges of the diapers which have interfered with the manufacture, folding and packaging of the diapers. Also, it has proven difficult in the past to economically mass produce diapers with tape tab fasteners which include easily removable release sheets over portions of adhesive since special folding patterns of the release sheets were required to make them easily removable. These problems have assumed increased importance with the advent of disposable diapers which must be inexpensive and conveniently packaged in order to provide their maximum benefit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a disposable diaper having tape tab fasteners which will not interfere with the manufacture, folding or packaging of the diaper.

Another object of this invention is to provide a disposable diaper having pressure sensitive adhesive tape tabs with an easily removable release sheet over at least a portion of the adhesive on each tab.

Briefly stated, this invention provides a disposable diaper defined by peripheral side edges and having an inside surface for placement next to the body of an infant wearing the diaper and having one or more tape tabs for holding the diaper closed around the infant. Each tape tab is affixed to the diaper along an edge thereof. Each tape tab comprises a strip of tape with adhesive material on one side thereof. At least a portion of the strip of tape extends inwardly from the diaper edge to overlie the inside surface of the diaper and has adhesive material thereon on the side thereof facing the inside surface of the diaper. A first part of that portion of the tape strip overlying the inside surface of the diaper is adhesively attached by said adhesive material to the inside surface of the diaper, thereby holding the tape tab close and relatively flat against the diaper, so the tab will not flap or protrude from the diaper. A second part of that portion of the tape strip overlying the inside surface of the diaper is free of attachment to the inside surface of the diaper and provides a segment of the tape tab convenient for grasping when the tape tab is to be employed in fastening the diaper around an infant. Adhesive on that second part is normally covered by a removable release sheet prior to use of the tab.

As an optional feature of this invention, that part of the tape strip covered by the removable release sheet may include a section which is non-adherent to the covering release sheet. Thus, a free segment of the release sheet is provided for ease in removing the release sheet from the tape strip when the tab is to be employed in fastening the diaper around an infant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features, objects, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following disclosure detailed in reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a view of the inside surface of a disposable diaper having tape tabs in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken at 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows the diaper of FIG. 1 in the form it may take when applied to an infant;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a diaper having another embodiment of a tape tab in accordance with this invention taken along a line corresponding to 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows the tape tab of FIG. 4 with a portion of the tape tab raised in preparation for removal of the release sheet and attachment of the tab to another point on the diaper;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a diaper having another embodiment of a tape tab in accordance with this invention taken along a line corresponding to 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows the tape tab of FIG. 6 with a portion of the tape tab in a raised position similar to FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a diaper having yet another embodiment of a tape tab in accordance with this invention taken along a line corresponding to 2--2 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a diaper having yet another embodiment of a tape tab in accordance with this invention taken along a line corresponding to 2--2 of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a disposable diaper 2 having fasteners in the form of tape tabs 4 attached to the diaper at its side edges 6 near end edge 8. The inside surface 10 of diaper 2 includes a pad 12 of soft, absorbent material for placement next to the body of an infant wearing the diaper to absorb waste material, as is common with conventional disposable diapers. The tab 4 comprises a strip of adhesive tape 14 having a layer 16 of pressure sensitive adhesive material on one side thereof and a removable release sheet 18 covering the adhesive layer 16 on an end portion of the adhesive tape 14. Each tape strip 14 is affixed to a marginal portion of the diaper at the backside thereof along an edge 6 by means of the adhesive layer at the opposite end of the tape 14, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The strip of adhesive tape 14 is folded along a line parallel to the edge 6 to extend inwardly from that edge and overlie the inside surface 10 of the diaper. The adhesive layer 16 on the portion of the tape 14 overlying the inside surface of the diaper includes a part which is directly exposed to the inside diaper surface and a part which is protectively covered by the release sheet 18. A first part 20 of that portion of the tape strip which overlies the inside surface 10 of the diaper is adhesively attached thereto by the exposed portion of the adhesive 16 along the edge 6 of the diaper. This holds the tape tab relatively flat against the inside surface of the diaper, so the tab will not protrude from the edge or surface of the diaper when the diaper is folded or packaged. Optionally, the first part 20 may be releasably attached to the inside surface along the edge of the diaper, so that it pulls or peels free from attachment when the tab is prepared for use, or it may be firmly attached to the inside surface of the diaper and remain so attached during use of the tab in securing the diaper around an infant. A second part 22 of that portion of the tape strip which overlies the inside surface of the diaper is free of adhesive attachment to the diaper, the adhesive material on second part 22 being covered by removable release sheet 18 which prevents the adhesive on second part 22, while covered, from adhering to the diaper or other surfaces.

In each of the illustrated embodiments of this invention, except that embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the tape tab is secured to the diaper by adhesive attachment of the tape strip to the outside surface and to a portion of the inside surface of the diaper marginal to the edge thereof. The tape strip is folded closely around the edge of the diaper to extend inwardly from that edge on the inside surface so as not to present a protuberance which could interfere with assembly line mass production and packaging of the diapers. The embodiment of FIG. 9 demonstrates an alternative structure within the scope of this invention whereby the tape tab is adhesively secured only on the inside surface of the diaper. In the embodiment of FIG. 9 the tape strip is fastened to the inside surface of the diaper in such a manner that it also will not protrude from the diaper edge.

FIG. 3 illustrates a general configuration the diaper 2 may take when secured on an infant by these tape tabs. The diaper is positioned on the infant with the inside surface 10 adjacent the infant's body and the side edges 6 extending between the infant's legs. The end edges 8, 26 close upon each other, usually by overlapping at their ends, to encircle the waist of the infant. To secure the diaper around a baby by the tape tabs 4, second part 22 is raised and the release sheet 18 is removed from each tab. Each tab is then adhesively affixed on the outside surface of the diaper along the same side edge to which the tab is already attached, but near the opposite end edge 26. When the diaper is secured on a baby with each tab adhered in this manner, the end edges 8, 26 overlap at their ends to close around the infant's waist, and each side edge 6 closes upon itself, forming openings for the infant's legs.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a variation of a tape tab applied to a diaper in accordance with this invention. The tab 4a comprises a strip of tape 14a affixed along an edge 6a of the diaper and extending inwardly therefrom to overlie the inside surface 10a of the diaper. The portion of the tape strip 14a overlying the inside surface of the diaper is attached thereto by adhesive 16a in a first part 20a and is free of adhesive attachment to the diaper surface in a second part 22a, the second part being covered by a removable release sheet 18a. In this variation the second part 22a of that portion of the tape strip 14a overlying the inside surface 10a of the diaper includes a marginal section 28 which is non-adherent to the covering release sheet. This provides a segment 30 of said release sheet covering the marginal section 28 which is readily available as a pull tab for grasping to remove the release sheet from the tape strip. Although not essential to this invention, it has been found advantageous to locate section 28 at the margin of second part 22a adjacent part 20a. Also, it is preferred to utilize a material for the release sheet which requires at least some force for removal from the adhesive on the tape strip in areas other than section 28. Thus, when the release sheet is stripped from the tape strip by pulling on segment 30, tension on the tape strip will draw second part 22a away from the inside surface, thereby reducing the likelihood that the adhesive left unprotected by removal of the release sheet may unintentionally contact and stick to the inside surface of the diaper, while guiding the tab into proper position for securing the diaper around an infant. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, marginal section 28 is created by covering the pressure sensitive adhesive 16a with a layer 32 of non-tacky material, such as paper or thermoplastic film. This section may also be made non-adherent, or at least highly releasable, in other ways, such as by eliminating or deactivating the adhesive in section 28. Powder, such as talc, may be employed to render any adhesive in that section totally or substantially non-adherent to the release sheet.

FIG. 5 shows the embodiment of FIG. 4 in position for application. The portion 22a of the tape strip which is covered by release sheet 18a is raised. Segment 30 of the release sheet is readily available for grasping to remove the release sheet from the tape strip 14a.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show another embodiment of a tape tab applied to a diaper in accordance with this invention. The tab 4b comprises a strip of tape 14b affixed along an edge 6b of the diaper and extending inwardly therefrom to overlie the inside surface 10b of the diaper. The portion of the tape strip 14b overlying the inside surface of the diaper is attached thereto by adhesive 16b in a first part 20b and is free of adhesive attachment to the diaper surface in a second part 22b, the second part 22b being removably covered by a release sheet 18b. This variation is similar to the structure illustrated in FIG. 2 except that, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the release sheet 18b includes a folded, finger-tab extension 34 which is not in contact with the adhesive 16b on the tape strip 14b. Finger-tab extension 34 comprises a segment of release sheet 18b folded back upon itself along a fold line 36 extending transversely across the release sheet. When part 22b of the tape tab is lifted, as shown in FIG. 7, finger-tab extension 34 becomes readily available for grasping and provides a means whereby the release sheet 18b may be easily stripped from the adhesive 16b and the tape guided into place to secure the diaper around a body.

FIG. 8 illustrates another variation of a tape tab structure in accordance with this invention. The tab 4c comprises a tape strip 14c secured along an edge 6c of the diaper and extending inwardly to overlie the inside surface 10c of the diaper. The portion of the tape strip overlying the inside surface of the diaper has adhesive 16c on the side thereof which faces the diaper surface. A first part 20c of the portion of the tape strip overlying the inside surface 10c is adhesively attached to the diaper along edge 6c by adhesive 16c. A second part 22c of the portion of the tape strip overlying the inside surface of the diaper is free from direct adhesive attachment to the underlying diaper surface. The adhesive 16c on second part 22c is releasably adhered to and covered by release sheet 18c. In this embodiment, however, the release sheet 18c is secured to the inside surface 10c of the diaper. As shown in FIG. 8, adhesive means 38 firmly adheres the release sheet 18c to the inside surface 10c of the diaper. Release sheet 18c is constructed so that it is attached more firmly to the inside surface of the diaper it is attached more firmly to the inside surface of the diaper by adhesive 38 than to the second part 22c of tape strip 14c by adhesive 16c. Thus, when the tape tab is to be employed, second part 22c may be lifted and simultaneously separated from the release sheet 18c. The release sheet will remain anchored to the inside surface of the diaper. The tape strip 14c is then in condition for guidance into place to secure the diaper around a body. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 8, second part 22c includes an extension 40 which is not coated with adhesive. This extension 40 extends inwardly beyond the border of release sheet 18c, and provides a finger tab whereby the tape strip 14c may be grasped and peeled from the anchored release sheet. As a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the release sheet 18c may extend to the edge 6c of the diaper under the part 20c of the tape. An example of a release sheet which could be employed in this embodiment comprises a strip of kraft paper having a polyethylene coating on only one side thereof, the polyethylene coating being further treated with silicone to enhance its releasability. Such a release sheet, which can be readily produced by methods well known in the art, would then have a highly releasable silicone treated polyethylene side and a non-releasable paper side. Thus, it could be firmly anchored by adhesive on its paper side to the surface of the diaper and releasably adhered to the tape strip on its silicone treated polyethylene side.

A variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, but employing the same basic concept, utilizes the inside surface of the diaper itself as a release sheet for covering the adhesive on that portion of the tape strip which overlies the inside surface of the diaper. Just as in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the tape tab of this variation comprises a strip of tape with adhesive on one side secured along an edge of the diaper and extending inwardly to overlie the inside surface of the diaper, with the adhesive side of the tape strip facing the inside surface of the diaper. However, rather than using a separate release sheet, the inside surface of the diaper is treated to make it releasable to adhesive in the area overlaid by the adhesive side of the tape strip. Prior to use of the tab, the tape strip is releasably attached by said adhesive to the treated inside surface of the diaper, which functions as a release sheet to cover that adhesive. When the tab is to be employed in securing the diaper around a body, the tape strip is readily peeled from the inside surface of the diaper and firmly adhered to another point on the diaper.

FIG. 9 illustrates yet another embodiment of a tape tab affixed to a diaper in accordance with this invention. The tab 4d comprises a tape strip 14d affixed to the diaper near an edge 6d thereof. In this embodiment the tape strip has a segment 41 at one end thereof attached to the inside surface 10d of the diaper by adhesive means 42. Although adhesive 42 is shown as the means of attaching segment 41 to the inside surface of the diaper in this embodiment, it is understood that other means could be utilized to attach the tape strip while still remaining within the scope of the invention. Such other means would include heat-sealing where the tape strip and diaper surfaces are both thermoplastic. Tape strip 14d is folded back on itself along a fold line 44 which extends transversely across the tape strip. The folded-back segment 46 of the tape strip includes a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive 48 on that side of the folded-back segment which is directed toward the surface of the diaper. A first part 20d of the folded-back segment 46 is adhesively attached by said adhesive 48 to the underlying surface of the tape strip 14d to hold the tape tab relatively flat along the inside surface 10d of the diaper. The folded-back segment 46 has a second part 22d whereon the adhesive 48 is covered by a removable release sheet 18d, thereby providing a portion of segment 46 which is free from attachment to the underlying surface of the tape strip 14d and the inside surface 10d of the diaper. This free portion is available for grasping to strip the release sheet 18d therefrom in preparation for utilizing the tape tab to secure the diaper around a body.

In one conventional disposable diaper structure suitable for this invention the outer surface and marginal portions of the inside surface adjacent each side edge of the diaper are constructed of a sheet of polyethylene material. The major part of the inside surface of the diaper comprises a pad of soft, absorbent material, such ao cellulose fluff and absorbent paper, covered with a fluid permeable sheet, conventionally wet-strength paper or non-woven fabric which is preferably hydrophobic, which may be placed next to an infant's skin to receive and absorb waste material.

The tape tabs themselves may comprise any of a number of well-known pressure sensitive tapes which will adhere to the outer surface and marginal portions of the inside surface adjacent the side edges of a diaper with sufficient strength to securely fasten the diaper around an infant. Such tapes may include pressure sensitive adhesive material on a fabric backing, a polymeric film backing or other suitable backing material. The release sheet which covers the adhesive while the tab is not in use may be a polyethylene film or a sheet of other material which may be readily removed from the tape strip, such as the examples previously described herein. The adhesive may be any of a number of materials well known in the art which will readily and securely adhere upon contact under relatively light pressure to the diaper material. A variety of suitable adhesive tapes and release sheets are well known and will immediately suggest themselves to persons skilled in the art.

The configuration of tape tab fasteners described herein may be easily and economically employed on disposable diapers. The tape tabs, when not in use, are conveniently positioned so as not to protrude or otherwise interfere with manufacturing, folding, and packaging of the diapers.

Various modifications in the illustrated embodiments will be obvious to persons skilled in the art of this invention. All such modifications are intended to be included hereby, except as limited by the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A disposable tape tab diaper comprising a disposable diaper defined by peripheral edges and having an inside surface for direction toward the body of an infant when the diaper is worn by that infant and an outer surface for direction away from the body of said infant and at least one tape tab affixed to the diaper along a peripheral edge thereof for securing the diaper closed around the infant, said tape tab comprising a strip of tape with adhesive material on one side thereof and having a segment at one end thereof attached to said outer surface of the diaper along said peripheral edge thereof, said strip of tape being folded closely around said peripheral edge to extend inwardly from said edge to overlie the inside surface of the diaper, the portion of the strip overlying the inside surface having adhesive material thereon on the side thereof facing said inside surface, said portion having a first part and a second part, said first part being adhesively attached by said adhesive material to the inside surface of the diaper and said second part being covered by a release sheet, said release sheet being free of attachment to said surface.

2. The disposable tape tab diaper of claim 1 wherein said first part of the overlying strip portion is located adjacent the peripheral edge of the diaper.

3. The disposable tape tab diaper of claim 1 wherein said first part is releasably attached by said adhesive material to the inside surface of the diaper and is removable therefrom by peeling from the portion of the diaper surface to which it is attached.

4. The disposable tape tab diaper of claim 1 wherein said release sheet includes a segment thereof free of attachment to said strip of tape, said segment being folded back along a fold line extending transversely across the release sheet to provide a finger-tab extension whereby said release sheet may be easily grasped for peeling from said strip of tape.

5. The disposable tape tab diaper of claim 1 wherein said second part includes a section thereof covered by said release sheet which is free from attachment to the covering release sheet, providing a free segment of the release sheet which is available for grasping as a pull tab to remove the release sheet from the tape strip.

6. The disposable tape tab diaper of claim 5 wherein said section includes the margin of said second part nearest said peripheral edge of the diaper.

7. The disposable tape tab diaper of claim 5 wherein said section has pressure sensitive adhesive thereon and including a layer of non-tacky material disposed between said adhesive in said section and the covering release sheet.

8. A disposable tape tab diaper comprising a disposable diaper defined by peripheral edges and having an inside surface for direction toward the body of an infant when the diaper is worn by that infant and at least one tape tab affixed to the diaper along a peripheral edge thereof for securing the diaper closed around the infant, said tape tab comprising a strip of tape having a segment at one end thereof attached to the inside surface of the diaper, said strip of tape being folded back upon itself along a fold line extending transversely across said strip of tape to provide a folded-back portion, said folded-back portion extending inwardly away from said peripheral edge to overlie said inside surface of the diaper and having adhesive material thereon on the side thereof facing the diaper surface, said folded-back portion having a first part and a second part, said first part being adhesively attached by said adhesive material to the underlying surface of the tape strip, and a release sheet removably adhered to and covering the adhesive material on said second part, said release sheet being free of attachment to said inside diaper surface and the underlying surface of the tape strip.

9. The disposable tape tab diaper of claim 8 wherein said segment of the strip of tape includes adhesive means adhesively attaching said segment to the inside surface of the diaper.

10. A disposable tape tab diaper comprising a disposable diaper defined by peripheral edges and having an inside surface for direction toward the body of an infant when the diaper is worn by that infant and at least one tape tab affixed to the diaper along a peripheral edge thereof, said tape tab comprising a strip of tape having pressure sensitive adhesive material on a side thereof, at least a portion of said strip of tape being disposed on an outside surface of the diaper along said peripheral edge and extending back inwardly from said edge to overlie the inside surface of the diaper, said portion of the strip having pressure sensitive adhesive material on the side thereof facing said inside surface, an area of the inside surface of the diaper overlaid by a first portion of the strip being releasable from said adhesive material, said first portion of the strip being releasably adhesively attached by said adhesive material to said area of the inside surface of the diaper and being removable therefrom by peeling said portion from said area of the inside surface, and said inwardly extending portion of the tape strip having a second portion covered by a release sheet which is unattached to the inside surface of the diaper.

11. In a disposable diaper defined by two opposing end edges adapted to overlap each other to close around the waist of an infant wearing the diaper and two opposing side edges extending between said end edges, said diaper having an inside surface for placement next to the body of said infant wearing the diaper and an outside surface for facing away from said infant, the improvement comprising in combination therewith:

at least two adhesive tape tabs for securing the diaper around the waist of the infant or on the body thereof, each of said tape tabs being affixed to the diaper along a side edge and near an end edge thereof, each of said tape tabs comprising a strip of tape having pressure sensitive adhesive on at least one side thereof,

at least a portion of said strip of tape being disposed on said outside surface along said side edge and extending back inwardly from said side edge to overlie the inside surface of the diaper,

the portion of the strip of tape overlying said inside surface having pressure sensitive adhesive material thereon on the side thereof facing the inside surface,

said portion having a first part and a second part,

said first part being adhesively attached by said adhesive material to the inside surface of the diaper adjacent said side edge, and

a release sheet removably covering the adhesive material on said second part, said release sheet being unattached to the inside surface of the diaper.