Fastener tape

Abstract

A self-engaging fastener has a flexible base sheet and an array of discrete fastener elements projecting from a broad side of the base sheet. Each fastener element has a stem extending from the base sheet and a head at a distal end of the stem, the head overhanging the base sheet on multiple sides of the stem. The heads of the discrete fastener elements are arranged in a pattern of hexagonal groupings of fastener element heads bordering central regions void of fastener element heads, with each fastener element head spaced from edges of the array being part of three adjacent groupings. The product features a particularly high separation resistance for the area of the product covered by the heads.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A fastener comprising:
 a flexible base sheet; and   an array of discrete fastener elements projecting from a broad side of the base sheet, each fastener element comprising a stem extending from the base sheet and a head at a distal end of the stem, the head overhanging the base sheet on multiple sides of the stem;   wherein the ratio of Self-Engaged Lift Resistance to Head Coverage is greater than 45 N/cm 2 .   
     
     
         18 . The fastener of  claim 17 , wherein the ratio of Self-Engaged Lift Resistance to Head Coverage is greater than 60 N/cm 2 . 
     
     
         19 . The fastener of  claim 17 , having a Head Coverage of between 45 and 55 percent. 
     
     
         20 . The fastener of  claim 17 , wherein the stems of the fastener elements are canted in different directions. 
     
     
         21 . The fastener of  claim 17 , wherein the base sheet comprises a woven base and the stems of the fastener elements are extensions of fibers woven into the base. 
     
     
         22 . The fastener of  claim 21 , wherein the woven base comprises longitudinal selvedges void of fastener element stems. 
     
     
         23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . The fastener of  claim 17 , wherein the heads of the discrete fastener elements are arranged in a pattern of hexagonal groupings of fastener element heads bordering central regions void of fastener element heads, with each fastener element head spaced from edges of the array being part of three adjacent groupings. 
     
     
         25 . The fastener of  claim 17 , wherein the stems of the fastener elements have a non-circular cross-section. 
     
     
         26 . The fastener of  claim 17 , wherein each head has multiple lobes extending in different directions. 
     
     
         27 . The fastener of  claim 26 , wherein the lobes extend toward the broad side of the base sheet to define, with an underside of the fastener element head, a crook. 
     
     
         28 . The fastener of  claim 26 , wherein each head has four lobes. 
     
     
         29 . The fastener of  claim 17 , wherein each grouping consists of six fastener element heads. 
     
     
         30 . The fastener of  claim 17 , wherein the stems are molded integrally with the broad side of the base sheet. 
     
     
         31 . The fastener of  claim 21 , wherein the stems are extensions of monofilament fibers. 
     
     
         32 . The fastener of  claim 31 , wherein the monofilament fibers comprise warp fibers of the woven base. 
     
     
         33 . The fastener of  claim 31 , wherein the monofilament fibers are drawn monofilament fibers of non-circular cross-section. 
     
     
         34 . The fastener of  claim 21 , wherein the stems are arranged in pairs, with each pair consisting of two ends of a single, continuous fiber woven into the base. 
     
     
         35 . The fastener of  claim 34 , wherein the single, continuous fiber extends about only a single set of one or more fibers woven as a set through the woven base. 
     
     
         36 . The fastener of  claim 21 , further comprising a coating covering a side of the woven base opposite the fastener elements and binding fibers of the woven base.