CN1209560C - Fastening with wide fastening membrane - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of releasably fastening objects together includes providing a first object (101, 201, 701, 901, 1101, 1301) with a continuous hook fastener membrane (100, 200, 700, 900, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1500, 1500') having a base of thermoplastic resin and an array of hook fastener elements (102, 202, 702, 902, 1102, 1202, 1302, 1502) formed contiguously with resin of one side of base; and releasably engaging complementary loop fastener elements (104, 204, 704, 904, 1104, 1204, 1304, 1504) of a second object (103, 203, 703, 903, 1103, 1203, 1303, 1503) to the fastener selements of the first object. The method is improved wherein the base of the fastener membrane is a permanently stretched sheet of resin having a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than its width and a thickness of less than about 0.38 mm (0.015 inch). Advantageous variations of fastening membranes, and methods of making and using them in building storing/protecting, and decorating applications are also disclosed.

Description

Attached with wide snap-on membrane

Background of the invention

As is well known, membranes and other thin strip and sheet materials are used in many different physical structures to resist a wide range of environmental conditions. Examples include mulch to prevent water penetration or erosion, roofing membranes and building wraps to protect against rain and wind, and membranes such as tapes, felts, and boards that act as moisture and sound barriers. Other environmental products include insulation for buildings and materials for outdoor shelters, tarpaulins, shelf wraps, packaging materials, covers for boats and machinery and covers for plants and other agricultural uses, and temporary covers for waste dumps cover. Generally, these products are cost sensitive in view of the labor required to manufacture and apply or secure them in place.

Prior work in the field of wide buckles includes US Patent 6,035,498 and US Patent 5,945,131, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Contents of the invention

The present invention relates to an environmental film, which has great advantages in both dimensions of length and width, comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin, and fastener elements distributed over at least one broad surface of the film, such as , Hook and loop fastener elements that can be used to engage other auxiliary materials to secure the membrane.

An important preferred feature of many aspects of the invention is that, with respect to the machine direction (the machine direction is the direction of continuous production), the base layer of the film is in a permanently stretched state in the width direction, in some cases between the width and length of the film. Both directions are in tension, and in some cases the important condition is biaxial orientation. Techniques for forming and stretching such substrates are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,036,498, filed January 27, 1997, now obsolete as a result of filing USSN 09/070,865, April 30, 1998. Patent application USSN 08/789,637, and US patent application USSN 09/518853, filed March 3, 2002, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In most cases, the thickness of the base layer is between 0.001 and 0.015 inches, preferably less than 0.008 inches, and in some important cases less than 0.005 inches, and in some cases even less than 0.003 inches.

According to the special type of membrane and the needs of fixing, the fastener elements usually have a density of 50 to 2000 fastener elements per square inch. The fastener elements are generally distributed on the entire wide overlapping surface of the membrane, or in the required fixing edges or other areas. In important cases, the density of the fastener elements is at least 300 fastener elements per square inch.

In certain broad aspects of the invention, the fastener elements may be provided in any form in any state, including post-forming or post-molding after manufacture of the base layer, but preferably the fastener elements are manufactured as hook and loop overlap and are integrally formed with the base layer before the base layer is stretched.

In certain preferred embodiments, the snap elements are in the form of hooks, while in other cases the snaps are in the form of loops, or fastening fibers which function as loops.

More broadly, the loop-engageable hook elements may be mushroom-shaped, palm-tree-shaped, or unidirectional or multi-directional hook-shaped, and the hook elements may be formed integrally with the base layer, or may be formed after the base layer is fabricated. Partially or fully post-formed. In certain preferred embodiments, the hooks are discrete molded elements formed simultaneously with the base layer. In a particularly preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the hook has a tapered profile extending upwardly from a wide base on the base layer to a narrower loop-engageable hook.

Important embodiments of the above aspects of the invention include one or more of the following features: the snap or hook elements are discrete molded elements, with each hook element preferably The shape of the base is pyramid-like, integrated with the common base layer of the membrane, and extending upward from the wider base to the narrower part to form a hook. The film has dimensions of at least 2 feet in both width and length directions, and where important, the film has dimensions of at least 3 feet or 5 feet or more in length, width, or both. Thermoplastic resins forming the film and fastener elements selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, nylon and their copolymers, compatible blends, and compatible blends with other compatible substances , such as selected rubber or rubber-like substances. Where important the plastic resin includes biocides or fungicides to prevent the growth of biological mold or fungi; or includes UV absorbers or other additives to prevent deterioration of the film; or includes insect or pest killers. Furthermore, the formed films are in important cases subjected to post-processing conditions, for example after forming, they are treated permeable or semi-permeable to air or moisture when used in building wraps or agricultural coverings, or when used in soil Water seepage treatment is carried out while maintaining the soil fabric to make it permeable to water.

In other products, according to the invention, the base layer of the film is impermeable or airtight, or capable of retaining a solid, or repelling or repelling pests or so-called "vectors", such as rodents, birds and insect.

Where the buckle is formed from a loop material, it is preferred that it comprises a needle punched and stretched nonwoven material, such as formed by the techniques referred to in the following patents: U.S. Patent Application USSN filed September 3, 1997 08/922,292, 09/262,159 filed September 3, 1999, or 09/322,663 filed May 28, 1999, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In some cases, the nonwoven material is pre-stretched and laminated on a pre-stretched plastic base layer, in other cases the material is laminated prior to final stretching, and the stretching of the base plastic layer helps the non-woven material Shaped objects that can engage with hooks are formed in the fibers.

According to one broad aspect of the invention, in a method of removably fastening objects together, comprising (a) providing a first object with a continuous hook and hook fastening film having a thermoplastic resin base layer and an array of hook and hook fastening elements, the hook and hook fastening elements The fastening element is formed in contact with the resin on one side of the base layer; (b) engaging a mating loop fastening element on the second object with the fastening element on the first object; wherein the improvement is (c) the base of the fastening film The bottom layer is a permanently stretched thin strip of resin that is at least 61 cm (2 feet) wide, longer than it is wide, and less than about 0.38 mm (0.015 inch) thick.

Variations on this aspect of the invention include one or more of the following features. The first object is a wall of a building and the second object is a wall covering, the method comprising securing a hook and snap film to the wall and then detachably attaching a mating loop fastener element of the wall covering to the snap element of the hook and loop film joined together. The walls of the building are the exterior walls and the wall covering is the siding material. The first object is a subfloor of a building and the second object is a floor covering, the method comprising securing a hook and loop fastener membrane to the subfloor and then attaching mating loop fastener elements on the floor covering to the fastener elements of the hook and loop fastener membrane Removably joined together. The first object is a roof of a building and the second object is a roof covering, the method comprising securing a hook and loop fastener membrane to the roof and then detachably attaching a mating loop fastener element on the roof covering to a fastener element of the hook and loop fastener membrane joined together. The roof covering is wood shingles. The second object is a belt, and the method includes covering the object with a film of a snap element, and then removably attaching the hook and hook film to each other by detachably engaging a mating loop fastener element on the tape with a snap element of the film. fixed in its position. The first object is a film of insulating material, the second object is a building structure, and the method includes securing a hook and loop film of insulating material to an engageable ring on the building structure. The hook and loop fastener film of the first object is a vapor barrier and the second object is a building structure, the method comprising removably engaging a mating ring fastener element of the building structure with a fastener element of the hook and hook membrane, Thereby securing the vapor barrier to the building structure.

Any variations of this aspect of the invention may also include one or more of the following features. The hook and loop fastener element film is permanently stretched only in the direction corresponding to the width. The thermoplastic resin of the hook and loop film is biaxially oriented. The thickness of the base layer is less than about 0.13 mm (0.005 inches). The hook and loop fastener elements are discretely molded as hook-shaped projections. Hook and snap membranes must be at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) wide. The fastening elements are generally on one side of the hook and fastening film base layer and have a density of at least 300 elements per square inch. The thermoplastic resin is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, nylon and their copolymers and compatible mixtures with each other or with other compatible substances. Plastic resins include biocides or fungicides that prevent the growth of biological matter, such as mold or fungi; or include UV absorbing additives or flame retardants or other inhibitors or agents to prevent deterioration or damage to films or objects. Hook and snap membranes are permeable to selected environmental fluids, such as water, steam or air.

In another broad aspect of the invention, a method of securing a protective covering to the exterior of a building comprises: (a) securing a snap-on fastener film to the exterior of the building, the snap-on fastener film comprising a thermoplastic resin base layer and a thermoplastic resin base layer; An array of hook and loop fastener elements formed in contact with the bottom layer, the hook and hook fastener elements protruding from a broad surface of the substrate layer; A permanent covering removably secured to the exterior of a building; (c) characterized in that the hook-and-loop film base layer is a permanently stretched film having a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than the width, and a thickness of less than 0.38 mm (0.015 inch).

In another broad aspect of the invention, a method of securing a decorative covering to a building interior includes: (a) securing a snap-on fastener film to a building interior, the hook-and-loop fastener film comprising a thermoplastic resin base layer and a thermoplastic resin base layer; an array of hook and loop fastener elements formed in contact with the base layer, the hook and hook fastener elements protruding from one broad surface of the base layer; permanent coverings are removably secured to building interiors; (c) characterized in that the snap-on film base layer is a film permanently stretched widthwise, continuous in length, and at least 61 cm (2 feet) wide, The thickness is between 0.025mm (0.001 inch) and 0.38mm (0.015 inch).

In another broad aspect of the present invention, a method of enclosing a space comprises: (a) providing a hook and snap fastener film comprising a thermoplastic resin base layer and an array of hook and hook fastener elements formed in contact with the thermoplastic resin base layer, the hook and hook fasteners The elements protrude from a broad surface of the base layer; (b) providing a support structure comprising mating loop fastener elements; (c) securing the hook and loop fastener film to the support structure by engaging the hook and loop fastener elements with the loop fastener elements, thereby enclosing the space formed by the support structure; (d) characterized in that the hook and fastening film base layer is a permanently stretched film having a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than the width, and a thickness of less than 0.38 mm (0.015 inches).

In another broad aspect of the invention, a method of securing a protective covering around an object comprises: (a) placing a protective covering around the object, the protective covering comprising a snap-on fastener film comprising A thermoplastic resin base layer and an array of hook and hook fastener elements formed in contact with the thermoplastic resin base layer, the hook and hook fastener elements protruding from a broad surface of the base layer; (b) using a strip having complementary loop fastener elements engaged with the hook and hook fastener elements Secures the protective covering to an object; (c) characterized in that the hook and loop film base layer is a permanently stretched film that is at least 61 cm (2 feet) wide, longer than it is wide, and less than 0.38 mm (0.015 inch) thick.

In another broad aspect of the present invention, a method of removably securing flooring material to a subfloor comprises: (a) permanently securing an intermediate flooring layer to the subfloor, the intermediate flooring layer having a base layer, the base layer having a first broad surface having snap elements for engagement and an opposing second broad surface for securing to a subfloor; (b) providing a floor surface having an anchor surface and an opposing floor surface the floor material, the fixed surface has mating loop fastener material engageable with the intermediate floor layer fastener elements; (c) the mating fastener material of the floor material is removably engaged securely secured to the subfloor; (d) characterized in that the first broad surface of the base layer and the fastener elements are integrally formed together from the same thermoplastic resin, the first wide surface being a permanently stretched film having a width of at least 61cm (2 feet), the length is greater than the width, and the thickness is less than 0.38mm (0.015 inches) or so.

Variations on this aspect of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The intermediate floor layer also includes a backing material laminated to the second surface of the membrane for securing to the subfloor. The step of permanently securing the intermediate floor layer to the subfloor includes using at least one of staples, nails or screws. Backing materials include dimensionally stable materials such as pressed board or expanded or unexpanded plastics such as polyvinyl chloride. The step of permanently securing the intermediate floor layer to the subfloor further includes unwinding the intermediate layer from the storage roll and positioning the intermediate layer for securing to the subfloor. Floor materials include ceramic tiles. The edge portions of the tiles are shaped to interlock with adjacent tiles of the same type to help align the tiles during installation and prevent gaps between adjacent tiles during use. Laminate floor fasteners are in roll form. The dimensionally stable material has multiple slits along its width to provide flexibility and allow the laminate floor fastener to be rolled into a roll. The hook and loop fastener elements have a tapered stem that tapers outwardly from a relatively wide base on the base layer to a smaller size and are integrally formed with the base layer from a thermoplastic resin, the hook and loop fastener elements are exposed, bonded to Secured to a hook-engageable counterpart material on the film, the hook and loop fastener elements are typically located on the first broad surface of the film at a density of 50 to 5000 fastener elements per square inch.

According to another broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a water impermeable roof membrane manufactured and arranged for use as an essential roof construction element having a lower surface with properties making it suitable either directly or through an intermediate layer Apply to rough roofs. Where important, the membrane has a broad surface with hooks or other fastener elements adapted to extend outwardly for engaging mating fastener material with exterior roof elements such as shingles, roof tiles or exterior trim, covering the roof membrane. In important cases, the roofing membrane has a waterproofing material as its lower surface, for example the roofing membrane comprises or has a layer of waterproofing material or adhesive. In important cases, the lower surface of the film base layer has a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating (with or without an intermediate layer), the film itself is rolled into a supply roll, and the upper surface of the film fastener element has a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Binder Substances and structures that are removably bound, or interposed with a release layer.

In another aspect, the invention is characterized in that the roofing membrane comprises a base layer of thermoplastic resin having on at least one broad surface thereof preferably discrete hook elements distributed across its width, the hook elements being of thermoplastic resin integrally formed with the base layer , can be joined to a hook-engageable counterpart material fixed to the membrane, the membrane has a lower surface with properties that make it suitable for application to a roof, the wide surface of the roof membrane is adapted to protrude upwards, exposing Upwardly projecting hooks are used to engage loop material with exterior roof elements such as shingles, roof tiles or exterior trim. Preferably such a substrate layer comprises a permanently widthwise stretched or biaxially stretched or oriented plastic film. In particular embodiments, the resin includes a biocide or fungicide and the membrane has a layer of waterproof material or pressure sensitive adhesive bonded to its lower surface.

According to the present invention, the installed roof comprises a roof membrane of one of the above forms, mounted on a roof structure, at least the lower surface portion comprising an outer roof element of mating snap-on material, such as shingles, roof tiles or outer trim, and the upper surface of the roof membrane. The snap fits secure the roof elements in place.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a roof comprising a roof structure having a supporting surface with roof elements such as roof tiles, shingles or exterior trim, a membrane with snaps engaged to (1) the roof The support surface or (2) at least the lower surface portion of the roof element, with the mating fastener material having the fastener elements engaging the membrane fastener elements bonded to other portions of the support surface or to the lower surface portion of the roof element.

According to another broad aspect of the present invention there is provided an outer building wrap comprising a membrane with snap closures, the membrane is moisture permeable but airtight, sized to wrap around parts of a building and provided with snap closures The elements are engaged with mating fastener material to secure the wrapping material to the rest of the building. In certain embodiments, the outer building wrap material has integrated fastener elements adapted to face toward the interior of the building to engage and be supported by mating fastener material previously secured to the building structure. In these and other important embodiments, the outer building wrap has snap elements adapted to face outwardly of the building in contact with mating straps of buckle to secure the wrap to the building, or to other structures. Mating fastening material on the inwardly facing surface of building wrapping material, such as insulation or wall panels or exterior siding material, at least partially supporting other building elements.

In another aspect, an exterior building wrap film having the features of the present invention comprises a thermoplastic resin base layer having on at least one broad surface thereof preferably discrete hook elements distributed across its width, the hook elements being a thermoplastic resin integral with the base layer Formed together for engagement to a hook-engageable counterpart material secured to a membrane, the membrane being airtight, the hook elements are arranged to engage the loop material for fixation. Preferably, the substrate layer of the building wrap film comprises a permanently widthwise stretched plastics film, in some cases a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastics film.

According to the present invention, there is provided a building at least partially encased by an outer building wrapping material, wherein the building wrapping material distributed on its inner surface is applied to the outside of the building and forms relatively isolated isolated air spaces, pockets therein. or room. In these and other cases, there is provided a building wrapped by the outer building wrapping material of the present invention, wherein the fastener elements distributed on the outer surface of the building wrapping material are oriented towards the outside of the building and mated with the buckles on the buckle strip To engage, to secure the packaging material to the building, or to engage mating fastening material on the interior surface of other building materials supported at least in part by the film fastener elements, such as siding or insulation or wall panels.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a building whose outer surface is at least partially covered by building wrapping material, a film as described above being secured to the outer surface of the building with the snap elements facing outwards, or , or both facing inwardly and outwardly, and the mating fastening material whose fastening elements engage the fastening elements of the membrane provides a mating overlap that the membrane does not.

According to another broad aspect of the present invention there is provided an insulation product in which the membrane with fasteners forms at least a part of the surface or outer covering of a building insulation of felt or part roll or film or board, the building insulation can be Is it a thermal insulator or an acoustic insulator, or both. The spacer is distributed in or laminated to the covering formed by the film and the snap elements of the film are exposed on the outside of the spacer of felt or partial rolls or film or board in an area that can be empty from the posts, joists or rafters The mating snap material on the cavity engages, or is bonded to, the building surface to secure the felt or section roll or film or panel spacer in place.

In another aspect, the invention features felt or partial rolls or films or panels of building insulation suitable for thermal or acoustic insulation purposes, comprising insulation distributed in or on the outer covering, the outer covering The material comprises, at least in part, a thermoplastic resin base layer and discrete hook elements distributed across the width of at least one broad surface of the film. The hook elements are thermoplastic resin integrally formed with the base layer and bondable to a hook-engageable material secured to the membrane. Membrane fastener elements exposed on the exterior of a felt or partial roll or film or board insulation in an area capable of engaging mating fastener material on a post, joist, or rafter cavity, or bonded to a building surface, will A spacer of felt or partial rolls or film or board is fixed in place. Preferably, the substrate layer comprises a permanently widthwise stretched plastic film, in some cases a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic film.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided an insulation structure comprising a building insulation of felt or partial rolls or films or panels, as described above, distributed between wall posts, joists or rafters, or distributed in a building on the surface of a structure and engages in the area of mating fastener material secured to the surface of a post, joist, rafter, or other building material.

In another aspect, there is provided an insulating structure comprising a building surface or cavity enclosed by posts, joists, rafters, or building material on which a building insulation of felt or partial rolls or film or board is arranged On or in a cavity, a membrane as described above acts as a building insulation covering, or as a snap surface providing a cavity or surface, to which the building insulation is fastened, the snap elements of which are attached to the membrane The mating fastening material engaged by the fastening elements of the fastening element provides other overlapping functions that the film does not.

According to another broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a wall panel or panel which may be, for example, plasterboard comprising planar elements, construction paperboard, blueboard or insulation board, or a pre-formed wooden or composite board which is at least Bonded on one side to a permanently stretched plastic film in the width direction, in some cases a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic film having the above characteristics, preferably with snap elements on the film The wide surface juts out.

In another aspect, a wallboard or panel having the features of the invention comprises a planar element having bonded to at least one side thereof a membrane with a base layer of membrane resin, and discrete hook elements distributed over at least one broad area of the membrane. Superficially, the hook elements have a tapered profile, tapering from a wider base at the base layer to a narrower hook portion, the hook elements are thermoplastic resin integrally formed with the base layer, and may be bonded to affix to the membrane On a hook-engageable counterpart material, the film has a broad surface of the hook element protruding outwards. In preferred embodiments, the substrate layer comprises a permanently widthwise stretched plastic film, in some cases a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic film.

Another embodiment is a construction paperboard or building panel having a flat surface, on at least one side of which is bonded a film comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin, with hook-engageable rings distributed over at least one broad surface of the film, the rings Extends outward to engage hooks secured to the membrane. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate layer comprises a permanently widthwise stretched or biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic film. In a preferred embodiment, the loop material is a needle punched nonwoven fabric of staple fibers which, after being needled, is substantially stretched and constrained in this state from the back.

According to another broad aspect of the invention there is provided a wall or ceiling covering in the form of wallpaper, fabric, paneling or insulation having a decorative side and an opposite side incorporating a permanent Plastic film stretched in the width direction, in some cases biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented, with snap elements projecting inwardly, for fastening to a supporting wall or ceiling structure mating buckle surface.

In another aspect, a wall covering having features of the invention includes a decorative side and an opposite side incorporating a film comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin. Distributed over at least one broad surface of the film are discrete hook elements having an outwardly tapered profile from a relatively wide base of the base layer, the hook elements being a thermoplastic resin integrally formed with the base layer and engageable To a hook-engageable counterpart material secured to the membrane, the hook elements of the membrane protrude inwardly and are secured to the ring surface on the supporting wall. In preferred embodiments, the base layer comprises a biaxially oriented plastic film.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a wall formed from an extended support surface having a wall covering permanently widthwise stretched or biaxially oriented plastic film bonded to (1) the support of the wall Surface or (2) wall coverings, while a mating fastener material engaged with the membrane's fastener elements is bonded to the other of the supporting surface or the wall covering. In a particular embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the support surface comprises a wall panel or building panel, on both sides thereof, a mating membrane having the features of the invention.

Another embodiment of the invention is a wall formed by an extended support surface with a wall covering. Wall covering having a film having a base layer of thermoplastic resin, on at least one broad surface thereof, distributed over at least one broad surface are discrete hook elements whose profile tapers outwards from a relatively wide base on the base layer, the hook elements being thermoplastic resin, Formed integrally with the base layer, engageable to a hook-engageable counterpart material secured to the membrane. The membrane is bonded to (1) the supporting surface of the wall or (2) the wall covering, while a loop material engageable with the hook elements of the membrane is bonded to the other of the supporting surface or the wall covering. In preferred embodiments, the substrate layer comprises a permanently widthwise stretched plastic film, in some cases a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic film.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises an installation ceiling formed by extending a support surface with a ceiling covering and a membrane permanently stretched in the width direction, the ceiling covering comprising wallpaper, fabric, ceiling tiles or ceiling sound or A thermal barrier, in some cases a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic film, bonded to (1) the ceiling support surface or (2) the ceiling covering while being capable of engaging the snap-fit elements of the film The engaged mating snap material is bonded to the other of the support surface or the ceiling covering. A paired film having features of the invention may be located on each of these surfaces.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises an installation ceiling formed by extending a support surface with a ceiling covering comprising wallpaper, fabric, ceiling tiles or ceiling acoustic or thermal insulation. A ceiling covering having a film having a base layer of thermoplastic resin, distributed over at least one broad surface thereof are discrete hook elements whose profile tapers outwardly from a wider base on the base layer, the hook elements being thermoplastic resin, and The base layer is integrally formed together and can be bonded to a hook-engageable counterpart material secured to the membrane. The membrane is bonded to (1) the supporting surface of the ceiling or (2) the ceiling covering, while a loop material engageable with the hook elements of the membrane is bonded to the other of the supporting surface or the ceiling covering. In preferred embodiments, the substrate layer comprises a permanently widthwise stretched plastic film, in some cases a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic film.

According to another broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a flooring film comprising a permanently widthwise stretched, in some cases biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastics film, the flooring film Having a lower surface with physical properties that make it suitable for bonding to the subfloor (either directly or through an intermediate layer), the broad surface of the floor membrane is adapted to project upwards, exposing the upwardly projecting snap elements, and the finished floor Mating snap elements on the material engage and the final flooring material is a material such as ceramic, vinyl or cork tile, wood flooring (particularly hardwood floor strips) or carpet.

In preferred embodiments, the waterproof material or pressure sensitive adhesive layer is bonded to or forms part of the membrane.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a floor membrane comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin distributed over at least one broad surface thereof with discrete hook elements whose profiles taper outwards from a wider base on the base layer, The hook elements are thermoplastic resin integrally formed with the base layer and are bondable to a hook-engageable counterpart material secured to the membrane. The membrane has a lower surface with physical properties that make it suitable for bonding to the subfloor, and a broad surface of the membrane adapted to project upwards to expose upwardly projecting fastener elements for engagement with mating fastener elements on the final flooring material , the final flooring material is a material such as ceramic, vinyl or cork tiles, wood flooring (especially hardwood floor strips) or carpet. In preferred embodiments, the substrate layer comprises a permanently widthwise stretched plastic film, in some cases a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic film.

In another embodiment, the floor includes a subfloor, at least one layer of waterproofing material or adhesive is bonded to the subfloor, and the membrane is secured or laminated to the at least one layer of waterproofing material or adhesive, the membrane comprising a permanently attached Plastic film stretched in the width direction, in some cases biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented, and having upwardly projecting fastener elements on its broad surface, flooring material on its lower surface Has mating buckle material on the top to engage the buckle elements on the wide surface. In certain preferred embodiments, the flooring material comprises ceramic tile, composite floor tiles such as vinyl or cork tile, wood flooring such as oak strips, or carpet, respectively. In some cases, the floor is that of a tent, kiosk, commercial display stand, TV or movie theater, theater stage, or other temporary or low cost structure.

Another embodiment of the invention is an installed floor comprising a subfloor, preferably at least one layer of waterproofing material or adhesive bonded to the subfloor, a membrane fixed or laminated to the at least one layer of waterproofing material or adhesive, Or fasten or stack directly to the subfloor. Membrane comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin having discrete hook elements distributed over at least one broad surface thereof, the profile of which tapers outwardly from a wider base on the base layer, the hook elements being of thermoplastic resin integrally formed with the base layer , engageable to a hook-engageable counterpart material secured to the membrane. The broad surface of the membrane with the hook elements faces upwards and the flooring material has hook-engageable loop material on its lower surface for engagement with the hook elements on the broad surface. In preferred embodiments, the substrate layer comprises a permanently widthwise stretched plastic film, in some cases a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic film.

According to another broad aspect of the present invention, a protective membrane having interspersed fasteners, preferably a hook and loop fastener, manufactured and arranged to form a watertight, deformable outer covering , such as impervious to rain or groundwater. In certain embodiments, the water-impermeable, deformable outer cover comprises a base layer of thermoplastic resin having discrete hook elements distributed over at least one broad surface thereof, the hook elements being thermoplastic resin, integrally formed with the base layer, engageable To the hook-engageable counterpart material secured to the membrane. Preferably, the substrate layer comprises a permanently widthwise stretched plastic film, in some cases a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic film. In certain embodiments, the outer covering is in the form of a ground covering, typically black or dark green, adapted to resist deterioration when exposed to sunlight. In some cases, the outer covering is constructed in the form of a greenhouse covering or roofing material that is at least translucent, allowing a substantial portion of incident light to pass through. In some cases, a greenhouse or other roof includes one or more roof supports with snap-on material thereon and a two-part membrane as described above. One portion of the membrane comprises an outer layer with the snap elements facing inward and engages the outer portion of the fastener material on one or more roof supports, while the other portion of the membrane comprises an inner layer with the snap elements facing outward and engaged on one or more roof supports. or on the interior snap-on material on multiple roof supports.

Another embodiment of the invention is a greenhouse or other roof comprising one or more roof supports externally having a ring material and two parts of a membrane, each part comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin distributed over at least one broad surface thereof with discrete A hook element, which is a thermoplastic resin integrally formed with the base layer, engageable to a hook-engageable counterpart material secured to the membrane. One part of the membrane comprises an outer layer with the snap elements facing inward and engages the outer ring material on one or more roof supports, while the other part of the membrane comprises an inner layer with the snap elements facing outward and engaged in a or on inner segmented ring material on multiple roof supports. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate layer comprises a permanently widthwise stretched or biaxially oriented plastic film.

Another embodiment of a protective membrane with buckles is a water impermeable deformable outer cover sized, constructed and arranged to function as a tarpaulin and used with strips comprising mating buckle material, a tarpaulin or strip The strap is at least elastic.

Other examples of deformable outer coverings having the snap-on features described above include: protective coverings for shrubs, trees, plant material, pallet racks or packaging such as gift wrap, to protect the covered object during transport or storage , a protective covering sized and shaped to wrap around an object and secured by the engagement of the covering snap elements with mating fastening material; boat or vehicle coverings including outer coverings sized and shaped to wrap around an object on a boat or vehicle and secured by engagement of the covering snap elements with mating ring material; sized and configured for use as an outer covering for agricultural coverings, for covering agricultural objects such as land around growing crops, tobacco, hay Protective coverings for bales, haystacks, fresh hay, farm machinery or land; earth fabrics include outer coverings of the above-mentioned type, sized and constructed to divert or contain water or to prevent erosion or to wrap drains, such as so-called French A drainpipe in a drainage installation; or a swimming pool cover, sized and constructed to cover a swimming pool.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes an upholstery for furniture or the like, the inner covering comprising a film having the above-mentioned snap features, fastened to the object with outwardly protruding snap elements, and the outer material (such as the final upholstery fabric) has inwardly projecting mating fasteners (eg, loops of fabric) and engages the fastener elements of the film substantially covering the exterior of the object.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a sports pad or felt comprising a wide layer of padding or filling and a covering over the padding or filling, the covering comprising a membrane having the above described fastening elements exposed and mating The snap element engagement secures it in position. In a preferred embodiment, the sports pad or blanket includes strips of mating fastening material engageable with the fastening elements of the sports pad or blanket, wherein at least the membrane or strip is elastic.

Another embodiment is a sports pad or felt comprising a wide layer of padding or filling and a covering over the padding or filling, the cover film comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin having discrete hook elements distributed over at least one broad surface thereof, The hook elements are thermoplastic resin integrally formed with the base layer and can be joined to a hook-engageable counterpart material fixed to the membrane, the hook elements of the membrane being distributed substantially on the exterior of the object. Preferably, the substrate layer comprises a permanently widthwise stretched plastic film, in some cases a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic film, and preferably the athletic pad or felt has a loop material The strip, capable of contacting the hook elements of the sports pad or felt, preferably at least the membrane or loop is elastic.

In another embodiment, the insulation felt comprises a felt of insulation material covered on at least one side by a protective film comprising a base layer of thermoplastic resin with discrete hook elements distributed over at least one broad surface thereof, the hook elements being a thermoplastic resin , integrally formed with the base layer, engageable to a hook-engageable counterpart material secured to the membrane. Preferably, the substrate layer comprises a permanently widthwise stretched plastic film, in some cases a biaxially stretched or biaxially oriented plastic film.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a protective film product having the above-mentioned selected properties, comprising continuously forming a layer of plastic and integrally molding protrusions on the plastic layer using a rotating mold roll, thereafter Heating and stretching the plastic layer at least in the width direction, significantly increasing the width of the film and producing orientation of the molecules, followed by dimensioning, cutting and aligning the film, thereby completing the fabrication and alignment into a protective film product, in order to provide the selected properties, the steps of forming and stretching are performed synergistically. In some cases, after the film has been formed, it can be permanently stretched in both width and length directions. Under certain processing conditions, this stretching effect produces the desired permanent biaxial orientation of certain resin molecules. The method of making the membrane may use any of the processes described below, or the processes described in the prior US patent applications and patents incorporated herein by reference.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of making a protective or barrier film product having selected properties comprising continuously forming a layer of plastic selected resin and integrally forming protrusions thereon using a rotating die roll having A mold cavity of predetermined size, thereafter heating and stretching the layer at least in the width direction, substantially increasing the width of the film, followed by sizing, cutting and arranging the film into the form of the selected product, in order to provide selected properties, synergistic The steps of forming and stretching are carried out.

Preferred embodiments have one or more of the following features.

The method includes the step of treating the semi-formed plastic layer to impart a selected degree of permeability.

The method includes punching the formed film, preferably by electron discharge punching, laser punching, pin roll punching, needle punching or treating the film with a kinetic electron beam.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, claims and drawings, as well as from the contents of our prior US patent applications and patents cited above by reference.

Brief description of the drawings

Figures 1 and 2 represent a method of manufacturing the product film of the present invention;

Figure 3 represents a roofing material membrane;

Fig. 3 A is a sectional view along line 3A-3A in Fig. 3;

Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 3A, showing another arrangement of the roof membrane of Fig. 3;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a roof tile secured to the roof membrane of Figure 3, wherein the roof membrane of Figure 3 has been secured to the roof, while Figure 4A is a partially enlarged view of Figure 4;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a roof tile;

Figure 6 shows a membrane used to fix flooring materials;

Figures 7, 7A and 7B schematically represent a method of manufacturing a composite floor fastener having a floor fastener film similar to that of Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows another floor fastener element for securing floor materials;

Figure 9 shows the floor fastener element of Figure 8 for securing flooring material to a subfloor;

Figure 10 shows the floor fastener complex in the form of a roll in an uninstalled state;

Figure 11 shows the floor fastener complex of Figure 10 in an unrolled state capable of receiving a mating flooring material;

Figure 12 shows another embodiment of the floor fastener composite of Figure 10;

Figure 13 shows the apparatus and method for forming the floor fastener composite of Figures 10 and 12;

Figure 14 shows a membrane used as a protective outer structure wrap;

15 and 15A are cross-sectional views showing the steps of securing a structural membrane to a hooked membrane already secured to a structure;

Figure 16 shows the membrane with insulation installed into the structure;

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a membrane for wallboard and insulation, and Figure 17A is a partially enlarged view of Figure 17;

Figure 18 shows a film with hooks for fixing ceiling elements;

Figure 19 shows the membrane used to fix the wall elements;

Figure 20 shows a membrane used as a protective tarpaulin;

Figure 21 shows the membrane used in building the shed; and

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a support member for a shed having the membrane of FIG. 21 .

Similar reference symbols in different drawings represent similar elements.

Detailed description of the embodiment

As mentioned before, the protective film with a certain area of the buckle and two large dimensions of length and width is formed by stretching the thermoplastic thin strip, preferably by integrally forming the hook with the thin strip or other buckle After the element is bonded to the ribbon. Membranes with integrated hooks and very large length and width dimensions, typically at least about 2 feet to 5 feet, are typically manufactured according to the methods described in the pending application: USSN 08/789,637, filed January 27, 1997 , USSN 09/070,865, filed April 30, 1998, US Patent 6,035,498, and USSN 09/518,853, filed March 3, 2000, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. To briefly summarize, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the film is preferably produced by drawing a thin ribbon of molten resin from the extruder die exit into a nip formed between two counter-rotating calender rolls . At least one of these is a forming roll having areas on its surface of finely formed cavities, such as hook shapes suitable for hook and loop fasteners. In the nip region, an extension of the hook and fastener elements is formed on at least one surface of the film formed by the calender rolls. As shown in Figure 2, the ribbon is then stretched widthwise to 4 to 5 times its original width, forming a film with biaxially oriented polymer molecules that provide strength to the stretched film. With proper selection of the resin and its thickness for a particular application, the wide width stretched film resulting from this process can serve as a protective barrier for a wide variety of uses and structures described herein.

The film includes a base layer, usually made of biaxially oriented thin tape of thermoplastic resin. Depending on their use, the resins used may be homopolypropylene, homopolyethylene terephthalate, homopolynylon, homopolyethylene and copolymers and/or mechanical mixtures of these polymers. Resins are specially selected to achieve the proper properties for new types of products. For example, for ceiling elements (described below), polyethylene terephthalate resin may be preferred because of the rigidity and strength of the hooks it forms to support weight vertically. For extremely wide films, such as applications where seams are not required, polypropylene resin is preferred because it stretches easily to wide widths. By selecting the proper resin and its thickness, the thermoplastic resin base layer of the stretch film can act as a protective barrier, be airtight, watertight, or have properties well suited to its application.

On at least one broad surface of the film there are fastener elements, preferably in many cases discrete hooks in a hook and loop fastener. As used herein, "hook" broadly includes any hook-shaped element, such as hooks with curved hooks, mushroom-shaped or palm tree-shaped hooks, etc., capable of engaging a compatible loop material, such as a non-woven needled loop material either braided or woven loop material. The usual density of hooks on at least one surface of the protective film is 25 to 2000 hooks per square inch, depending on the use of the film. The hooks are made of thermoplastic resin, preferably integrally formed with the base layer, capable of engaging a hook-engageable material, such as a layer of loops, for securing the material to the membrane. In this way, the film of the present invention not only acts as a hasp, but because of its large size, the film can also be used as a protective film, for example, against water, air, pests, etc., and also has the ability to fix hook-engageable materials on its Advantages above.

One example of a technique for forming a loop-engageable element is described in European Patent Application EP0852918A2 and its subsequent corresponding patent publications, and WO/00/00053, the text and figures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

When the protective film is provided with loop fastener elements, it is advantageous to form a thermoplastic film using known blown film processes to obtain a biaxially oriented film, which is then laminated to a preferably biaxially highly stretched needled nonwoven on, for example, as described in USSN 08/922,292, filed September 3, 1997, USSN 09/262,159, filed March 3, 1999, and USSN 09/322,663, filed May 28, 1994, all These patents are incorporated herein by reference. In other cases, preformed loop material is fed with molten resin into the nip of a pair of calender rolls, where a plastic film is formed on the back of the loop fabric or loop preform, which is then drawn widthwise. extension complex.

Generally, the films of the present invention are used for the coverage of large areas. The membrane is usually placed on the object with the hooks or other clasps facing outward, pointing away from the object. In some applications, additional material, such as roofing shingles, with a mating layer, such as a ring layer, is secured to the membrane by engagement of the ring layer with the hooks of the membrane. Depending on the application, the membrane is already coated with an adhesive to secure it to the object and provide an additional layer of waterproofing. Additionally, the film or mating layer can include biocides or fungicides to prevent the growth of organisms such as mold and fungi, or UV absorbers to prevent deterioration of the film. Special new products include, but are not limited to, roofing materials, flooring materials, building wraps, insulation wraps, ceiling materials, wallpaper, tarpaulins, mulches, greenhouse roofs, decorative objects, sports underlayment, blankets, and insulation blankets.

While only certain methods of making pellicles have been described above, it should be appreciated that pellicles having the broad features of the invention can be made by other methods. For example, these methods involve extruding a thin strip of molten plastic into a roll nip or narrow gap formed by a forming nozzle around a roll, followed by stretching the thin strip (with or without molecular weight) in both width and length directions after forming. orientation). It is also possible to use the known "cut and stretch" method, in which the parallel ribs of the hook integrally formed with the base plastic layer are repeatedly cut transversely without cutting the base layer, and the base layer is subsequently stretched in the axial direction of the ribs, The hook segments are separated and stretched widthwise to produce a film or ribbon of the desired length and width. Also, while the method of application of the membrane described below suggests that the membrane be placed on the object to be protected, it should be noted that for proper use, the placement of the membrane and ring layers can generally be reversed, that is, the layer with the ring on the protected object.

While one feature of the invention is generally to provide novel protective membranes with fasteners produced by the technique of the invention, other features of the invention relate to specific protective membranes and systems for using them, as well as specific combinations of membranes with other elements And form a new type of final product and application method.

In general, the protective film and the object fixed to the film hook are subjected to three types of forces: tensile force, peel force and shear force. In accordance with the present invention, these properties are selected for a particular membrane product, resulting in novel functionality for a uniquely designed product. Ceilings, for example, have hook and loop fasteners that are extra strong in tension to support tile or other coverings that are attached. Roof membrane hooks are specially designed to resist peeling forces to securely hold roof tiles. Wall-mounted membranes are used to support the tiles on vertical walls, with snap elements that are particularly resistant to shear forces and thus support the tiles vertically.

Generally, the size of the cooperating ring depends on how much force the object is subjected to, and the size of the hook is related to the size of the ring. For example, ceiling tiles can be secured with #24 hooks available from Velcro USA, Manchester, NH; and wall tiles can be secured with #3905 hooks available from Velcro USA.

Other specific properties of the particular films of the present invention depend on their novel use, including thickness, stiffness in the width direction as well as strength, color and other versatility relevant to the novel use. For example, if the membrane is used as a roofing material, the membrane can be black to better accommodate the effects of sunlight, while membranes specially designed for greenhouse roofs are usually transparent to allow light to pass through.

new roof membrane

Referring to Figure 3, a membrane 100 comprises a protective roofing material for a structure 110' such as a house or building. The base layer of the membrane 100 is designed to be an air and water impermeable protective barrier. There are uniformly formed hooks on the upper surface of the base layer and, in the particular embodiment shown, an edge band of loop material along at least one side edge of the downwardly facing surface. This roofing underlayment with snap hooks is suitable for fastening roof tiles. The roofing membrane 100 is usually supplied in a roll 105 and the roll can be unrolled at the roof 101, for example, like oiled paper, covering the entire roof with the hooks facing up and away from the roof 101.

The membrane 100 can be secured to the roof 101 using a number of advantageous methods, or using a combination of methods. In one example, the underside of the membrane 100 is pre-applied with a pressure sensitive adhesive, such as a rubber-based adhesive 113 compatible with the material of the roof 101, for bonding the membrane to the roof. The adhesive is selected to allow easy release of the film when it is unrolled, or to place a release tape between successive layers of the film in the roll. Additionally, the chosen adhesive acts as an additional waterproof barrier to further protect the structure from the action of rain and wind. It is also possible to provide a sealing structure, such as the strip 107 in Figure 3A, which has a layer of rings on one surface and a layer of hooks on the other surface.

The membrane can also be secured to the roof mechanically, for example, by staples and nails in Figure 3B. The seal between adjacent membranes 100 can be further sealed with overlapping sealing strips 107, preventing leakage at the staple and nail piercing locations.

Preferably, the overlapping sealing strip 107 has hook-engageable loops on the lower surface and hooks on the upper surface, for example at the same density as the film 100 . The lower surface comprises an adhesive sealing material which is permeable and forms a watertight seal between the base layer of the membrane 100 and the base layer of the strip 107, thereby completing the watertight seal.

Fabrication of the self-engaging strip 107, for example, can be accomplished by laminating a layer of loops on the back of a preformed hook film. In another embodiment, the loops are formed from molten resin fed into the forming nip by using free fibers or stretched loop fabrics, such as loose fibers. Using either of these methods, forming thin strips of the base layer with hooks on opposite sides in the forming nip, the composite can be stretched to very thin base layer thicknesses because the loop-forming fibrous layer can be stretched with the base layer .

In a low-cost method of producing roofing membranes, only the outside edge region of the back of the membrane has rings, as shown in FIG. 3 . The central area of the back of the strip may have, for example, a sealant or oiled paper layer, optionally with a fire retardant or sealant, to provide thickness and strength at low cost. The loop edge region 109 of the strip is in the overlapping region of the continuous edge of the film, with the loop pointing down to engage the hooks on the lower film edge. The resulting membrane has upward facing hooks on its finished surface for receiving roofing elements such as tiles, tiles and decking, as described below.

The membrane 100 of FIG. 3 may conveniently cover upper roof elements, such as tiles 103, as shown in FIG. Each tile 103 has a specially provided downward facing surface comprising a layer of rings 104 thereon. Each tile 103 is secured to the roof 101 by engaging the ring 104 of the tile with the hooks of the membrane 100 (and/or strip 107 ) on the roof 101 .

In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the tile 103 further includes a hook 140 on the lower edge of the upper surface of the tile to engage the upper ring layer on the lower edge of the lower surface of the overlapping roof elements, as shown in Figure 4A. This hook 140 is by 1 to 2 inches wide to better secure the exposed edge of the tile 103 . In this way, the tile 103 positioned on the roof 101 secures its lower surface to the membrane 100 and to the overlapping tile and further secures the overlapping tile.

In certain preferred embodiments of this feature of the invention, there is a fungicide or biocide in the membrane material or ring material to prevent the growth of organic matter on the roof 101 .

new floor

To fix the final floor material, floor underlayments in the form of protective films are specially manufactured. A film with hooks on its upper surface is designed with strong peel and shear forces, and stretching of the film during its manufacture solves the problem of obtaining a wide range of shaped hooks in an economical and practical manner, taking into account material costs and labor expenditures. The problem. Flooring materials that can be secured to this new underlayment include, but are not limited to, ceramic, vinyl, and cork floor tiles; parquet wood block; hardwood floors and carpet. In FIG. 6, the illustrated floor 201 is completely covered by a membrane 200 with evenly distributed hooks 202 facing upwards away from a subfloor, examples of which are concrete 206 or support beams 208 (FIG. indicate ticks, not their uniform distribution across the floor, which is the currently preferred embodiment). The floor covering membrane 200 avoids the hard feel and sound typically produced by hitting a concrete subfloor 206 (see left side of FIG. It has the advantage of sound insulation. Membrane 200 can be coated with a permanent high strength adhesive to bond to concrete 206 or plywood 208 subfloor material. Membrane 200 can act as a waterproof floor and can include additives in its base layer to prevent the growth of fungus, mildew and other organisms. In one embodiment, the film 200 (or laminated backing, described below) includes a flame retardant additive to prevent the spread of flames through the floor on which such a floor film 200 is used. When temporary installation is required, the membrane 200 can be coated with a temporary additive so that the flooring material and the membrane 200 can be easily removed, or the membrane 200 can be temporarily nailed. This feature is useful, for example, for carpeted floors of tents, kiosks, trade displays, television or movie installations, or theater stages. The final flooring material 203 , such as tile or hardwood flooring, has a layer of hook-engageable rings 204 on its lower surface for engaging the hooks 202 of the membrane 200 . When the floor material is tiles, for example, the joints between the tiles can be mounted directly on the membrane 200 .

In another embodiment, the widthwise stretched and extended film backing has an upward loop surface that hooks onto the lower surface of the final floor element.

Also, as described in previously cited US Patent 6,035,498, additional material may be laminated to the stretch film on the side opposite the fastener elements. After the element has been formed and stretched, such as described above with reference to Figure 1, additional material is laminated to the film. As shown in FIGS. 7, 7A and 7B, the stretch film is heated by the heating unit 216, and the fastener elements are not deformed when heated. With the film web on the back side 219 in the heat-softened condition, additional material 220 from a source spool 222 or rigid additional material 220' in the form of a flat sheet (FIG. 7A) contacts the back side of the web 200 as the web passes through lamination rolls 224. , subsequently wound onto a take-up roll 226 or, in the case of rigid add-on material 220', deposited into a flat stack 226' (FIG. 7B) for later use. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the web 200 is passed around an arc of lamination rolls under tension, thereby exerting pressure between the web back 219 and the additional material. As it cools and solidifies, the web back 219 is permanently bonded to the additional material 220 provided by the lamination rolls to form a two-sided product 228, which can be very wide, with snap elements on one side and fastening elements on the other. The sides have additional material.

For the new floor underlayment, the additional material may be, for example, a foam material which conveniently provides sound absorption properties to the installed floor and also provides increased friction between the subfloor and the floor membrane. In another embodiment, rigid add-on material 220' (FIGS. 7A and 7B) is a pressed board to provide support for the membrane and provide a stable surface for bonding the membrane to the subfloor. In another embodiment, the rigid backing material 220' is a foamed rigid plastic sheet, such as a foamed polyvinyl chloride sheet sold under the trademark Sintra ^™ .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , a composite floor underlayment 300 is provided having a stretched film 302 with exposed fastener elements 304 and a laminated pressboard backing 306 . The laminate flooring 300 is cut to the desired size and shape and secured to a subfloor 308, such as wood, using, for example, staples. Floor tiles 312 , such as vinyl, having loop material 314 engageable with snap elements on a surface opposite the exterior surface, are secured to the composite floor underlayment 300 . Each tile 312 has male joints 316 along two edges (one shown) and female joints 318 along two other edges (one shown). The loop material 314 is directed towards the snap elements 304 of the fixed composite floor 300 and the floor tiles 312 are pressed against the composite floor 3700 . The snap elements 304 engage the loop material 314 to secure the floor tiles 312 in the desired position. A similar tile 312' having similar joints 316 and 318 is then pressed down (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. The interconnected joints 316 and 318 provide stability, maintain a tight connection and secure adjacent tiles to prevent gaps. Repeat the tile installation process until the floor is installed.

This allows each tile to be detachably secured to the sub-floor and makes the entire floor system easy to install, easy to remove and replace flooring materials, such as tiles, and easy to repair, such as removing and replacing individually damaged tiles. The laminate subfloor also provides the floor's moisture barrier.

As mentioned above, the floor fastener film is formed by stretching the thermoplastic thin strip, preferably after the hooks are integrally formed with the strip or after other fastening elements are joined to the strip, such that the film is stretched in both the length and width directions. Top is oversized and has a buckle closure.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , a composite floor fastener 400 has a flexible support layer 409 between a rigid backing 406 and a stretch fastener membrane 402 and is provided in roll form for easy storage, transport and use. Rigid backing layer 406 is a dimensionally stable rigid material such as fiberboard, glass filled plastic, wood, filled or unfilled and foamed or unfoamed thermoplastic or thermoset sheet, wood with new or recycled plastic or other Composites of materials with similar properties.

The rigid backing layer 406 is cut transversely across its width, the cuts passing through the rigid backing layer 406 but not through the flexible support layer 909 which remains intact. As shown, although the backing layer 406 has a relatively high rigidity, cutting the backing layer 406 allows the laminate flooring fastener 400 to be rolled into an overlapping form, that is, when the composite flooring fastener material 400 is rolled up, the individual sheets The strips 407 are separated along the outer circumference of each wrap while remaining in contact with the flexible support layer 409 in their relative position at the inner circumference of each wrap. The separation of the individual slats along the outer circumference of the rolled layer allows the rigid layer 406 to be flexibly rolled.

When the composite fastener material 400 is unrolled, such as when secured to the subfloor during installation, the gap between each adjacent slat 407 disappears. In the uncoiled, eg installed condition, each rigid plank 407 abuts each other, thereby supporting each other against any lateral loads to which the floor composite 400 is subjected. Each slat 407 abuts each other in the uncoiled state to provide support for the stretched snap film 402, any flooring, trim or other material secured to the film 402, and any flooring to withstand loads that prevent the installed Unnecessary bending and wrinkling of the floor material. Additionally, if the composite fastener material 400 is secured to the associated subfloor using, for example, staples, adhesives, nails, or other means, or if the composite material constitutes a wall-to-wall floor underlayment, such that the adjoining wall-to-system provides The lateral bracing, rigid backing layer 406 and engagement of the fastening elements 403 with the mating fastening material beneath the exposed floor prevents any movement of the exposed floor relative to the subfloor.

Alternatively, the fastening film 402 is an unstretched fastening product having fastening elements extending from the base layer. In this embodiment, the width, length and thickness dimensions of the base layer, as well as the gaps between adjacent fastening elements remain substantially the same and do not change after the fastening product is initially shaped.

In another case, the intermediate flexible support layer 409 is, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, expanded polypropylene, polypropylene compounds, thermoplastic elastomers, olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, or other materials, and is in Foamed or unfoamed state. The support layer 409 serves to support the stretched fastener film 402 (or unstretched fastener film) on one broad surface, and adheres the cut backing material 406 on the opposite wide surface. The flexible support layer 409 also provides additional desirable properties such as sound barrier, anti-bacterial/fungal treatment, moisture barrier or flame barrier properties, depending on the materials used and additives added or coatings applied.

Additionally, as shown in Figure 12, the composite floor fastener 400' has a slit rigid backing material 406 bonded directly to the stretch fastener membrane 402, i.e., the intermediate flexible support layer 409 is removed. In this embodiment, the snap film 402 has the appropriate thickness after stretching to provide the necessary support for the slit rigid backing material 406 in the bent rolled condition (FIG. 10), and in the unrolled installed condition. (Fig. 6) Support additional floor material on the floor. As described above with reference to the flexible support layer 409, the properties of the snap-on membrane 402 can be modified by appropriate selection of materials, additives, coatings, or any combination of these components.

Production of the three-layer laminate 400 can be accomplished by modifying the process of forming the snap film and laminating the backing layer described above with reference to Figures 1, 2, 7 and 7A. As shown in FIG. 13 , necessary modifications to the process to form the composite fastener 400 include laminating an intermediate flexible support layer 409 to the non-fastening element bearing surface 430 of the stretch fastener film 402 . Before the exposed surface 432 is in contact with the rigid backing layer 406, it is laminated to the lower surface of the support layer 409, such as by an adhesive (e.g., applying the adhesive with a roller 433) or heating (e.g., with a roller 433). Rigid backing layer 406 is bonded to exposed surface 432 of support layer 409 . Rigid backing layer 406 is then slit at cutting station 434 without severing support layer 409 to form individual rolled strips 407 . In another embodiment, the intermediate support layer 409 and the rigid backing layer are bonded together, eg, by adhesive or lamination, prior to bonding to the snap film 402 . The pre-bonded rigid backing layer may be slit before or after the film 402 is bonded to the intermediate layer 409 . In either of these embodiments, the three-ply product 400 with the slit rigid backing layer 406 is then wound into a roll, as shown at 436 in the Figures.

Additionally, the composite floor fastener 400' described above with reference to FIG.

The laminate floor fastener 400 (or 400') can be rolled into a roll for later storage, transport and installation. Floor fasteners 400 can be installed by cutting them into small pieces that conform to the size and shape of the particular subfloor to be covered. Each of these small pieces is then bonded to the subfloor using, for example, staples, glue, or other bonding means. In this manner, multiple pieces of floor fastener 400 can be cut to shape, positioned and glued one after the other to complete the subfloor covering. During installation, a temporary covering, such as a plastic film or thin tape, can be placed over the exposed fastening elements of the floor fastener 400 to prevent the fastening elements, for example, from contact with the installer's clothing or other fastening elements. The bonding of working materials. When the floor fastener 400 is bonded in its desired position, the protective covering is removed, and the floor material having the bonding surface is removably bonded to the exposed fastener element bearing surface of the fixed floor fastener 400, Wherein the bonding surface of the flooring material has a backing material engageable by the fastener elements.

New Building Packaging Materials

The protective outer structural packaging is shown in Figures 14, 15 and 15A. Similar to traditional building wrapping materials such as DuPont's Tyvek(R), films are used to wrap over structures as a breathable but impermeable wind and water barrier. In this case, the base layer of the film is formed after formation using, for example, discharge punching or other hole-forming techniques that make the base layer gas permeable, such as laser punching or drilling, pin-roll punching, needle punching or using kinetic electrons. or ion beams on thin layers.

The membrane mounted on the structure has hooks only towards the outside of the structure and the membrane is fixed to the structure mechanically, for example by staples or by a waterproof adhesive. However, in the case of FIG. 14, the film 700 has loop-engageable hooks 702 formed on both sides of the base layer. For securing the membrane to the building 701, the inward facing hooks engage the loops 705 which have previously been secured to the building. Elements 703 forming the outer (or inner) wall, such as wainscoting, decking or wall panels, are secured to hooks 702 facing outwards from the membrane by hook-engageable rings 704 on the wall forming elements 703 . As a roof element, at the overlapping joints of the wall forming elements, edge strips with hooks can be used to join the ring layers on the overlapping structural elements.

In another embodiment, where the extent of the hooks is distributed over the wall forming element, the building wrap membrane may have an extent of loops to engage the hooks of the wall forming membrane.

Another feature of the present invention is that the interengaging hooks and loops create an isolated air space between the membrane base layers, thereby providing thermal or acoustic insulation for building or wall elements.

Application of another new type of spacer

Referring to Figures 16, 17 and 17A, a membrane 900 is used to install spacers in a structure while providing an additional air or moisture barrier, as generally described above. In one embodiment, the felt or portion of the spacer 901 is wrapped by the membrane 900 with the hooks of the spacer facing outward away from the spacer. The insulation can be fiberglass mat, cellulose insulation, special foam or foam board. The membrane is fixed, for example by lamination or gluing, on the outside of the part of the spacer 901, or forms a hermetic package containing the spacer. Partial spacers 901 are located in cavities formed by structural support elements 908, such as posts, joists, rafters, etc., with loop material 910 therein. Securing of the spacer is accomplished by engaging the hooks 902 of the film pack with the loop material 910 between the support elements. Alternatively, a membrane with loop material can be used for the isolated overwrap, a portion of the membrane with hooks on the support element.

The result is that the insulation is removably mounted with a tight fit in the cavity, preventing leakage of cool air at the border, etc.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, a further membrane 900' has a ring 904 on the inner side, which engages with a hook on the spacer or structural element. The membrane 900' also has hooks 902 on its outer side. A wall panel 903 or other wall covering having loop material 904 on its inner surface is attached to the membrane by hook and loop engagement to hold the wall panel or other covering in place.

Installation of new ceilings

As shown in Figure 18, the manufactured membrane 1100 is used to secure ceiling elements 1103, such as tiles, acoustic tiles, cellulosic materials, fixtures or panels. As shown, a ceiling 1101 is covered 1100 with ring-engageable hooks 1102 evenly distributed downwards away from the ceiling. The membrane can be secured to the ceiling, for example, by staples or adhesive, or by engagement between the upper surface of the membrane and corresponding hooks and loops on the ceiling support elements, or by the position of the hooks and loops, or vice versa.

In Figure 18 the final ceiling element 1103, having a layer of loop material 1104 on its upper surface, is secured to the membrane 1100 by engagement between the hooks 1102 on the membrane and the loops of the final ceiling element. Since the weight of the ceiling element is entirely carried by the hooks and loops, the material of the hooks and loops preferably has a high creep resistance in the direction of tension in order to fix the ceiling element to the ceiling. In preferred cases, the base layer of the film is in a permanently stretched state, as previously described.

new wall coverings

As shown in Figure 19, a stretched and preferably biaxially oriented film 1200 is used to secure wall decoration 1203, such as wallpaper (as shown), fabric or paneling. The wall decoration is fixed on a wall 1201 having a film 1200 with hooks 1202 protruding outward from the wall. The plastic film forms a moisture barrier and acts as a barrier to air flow as well as additional sound and heat insulation. The illustrated wall covering has a layer of loop material 1204 spread over its inner surface. Loop material can also be selected to provide additional properties such as thermal insulation, sound insulation, soft feel, etc., while the enclosed air chamber formed by the interengaging hook and loop adds insulation and fabric soft-like feel. The membrane can be fixed to the wall, for example using staples or adhesive. Depending on the application, the adhesive can be temporary or permanent, and the adhesive is chosen to provide additional water resistance, control organic growth, keep out vermin and insects, and more. While the illustrated wall decor elements are secured to the wall by loop and hook engagement, in another embodiment, the wall-mounted stretch film has loop material on it and the wall covering has hook material on the interior surface. membrane. In other embodiments, the membrane may be a snap element with hooks or loops on both surfaces, one side for securing the membrane to the wall and the other for securing the wall covering. The system described above has advantages when installing temporary wall decorations, such as stages for theaters or kiosks and displays, and can be used to install fabrics with advertisements or decorations, which can be easily replaced. Other useful features of this product are described in US Patent Application USSN 09/322,663, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

new outdoor covering

As shown in Figure 20, the membrane 1300 is used as a protective tarpaulin which is air and water impermeable and has the added advantage of being easily secured. The membranes can also be treated with or combined with biocides or fungicides to inhibit the growth of organic matter. Due to the advantages of the stretching technique described above, the film can be manufactured in a size large enough to cover large objects 1301 that need protection. These objects include, for example, shrubs, trees, plants, boats, vehicles, agricultural objects such as hay bales, straw bales, fresh hay, farm machinery, land or crops, and swimming pools. These objects are typically covered with a membrane 1300 with the hooks 1302 facing outwards and a strip 1303 of loop material 1304 adapted to engage the hooks and support structure, securing the tarpaulin to itself and/or to the pallet or to be protected. object, as shown in the figure. In another embodiment, the positions of the hooks and loops can be reversed.

new outdoor covering

Referring to Figures 21 and 22, the membrane 1500, 1500' is used as a shed, such as a greenhouse or tent. The membrane is of sufficient thickness and strength to span large distances between supports and to resist the gusts of wind and rain. As a protective barrier, it can be air and water impermeable, but can also have pores, as mentioned above, capable of transmitting water vapour. As shown in FIG. 22, in one embodiment, the shed is formed from a frame 1503 made of a rigid material such as metal pipe, PVC pipe, or the like. On the exterior of the stent element is a loop material 1504 . For example, a ring material wraps around a rigid tube. The inner and outer membranes 1500, 1500' are typically transparent membranes supported by scaffolds. The hooks of the outer membrane 1500 face inwardly and engage the loop material on the support tube to form a shed, such as a greenhouse. Additionally, the shed may include an additional layer of membrane 1500' to create better insulation. In this case, the hooks of the membrane 1500' face outward, engaging the loops of the support tube.

new earth fabric

In another embodiment, the membrane is used as a soil fabric or mulch. Usually these are large membranes that are used to prevent soil erosion, restrict the flow of water, etc. In the prior art, usually adjacent films are connected by gluing, welding or sewing. Earth fabrics or mulches made in accordance with the present invention with strips of loop material engaging hook areas of adjacent films to hold them in place, or overlapping edges of adjacent films having appropriate areas or strips of hook and loop , which join together to overlap the membranes. Additionally, the joint may be made watertight using an adhesive strip, or sealed using a hook and loop strip 507 including a sealant as shown in Figures 4A and 4B.

Fastener materials with other preferred features and structures disclosed in our earlier U.S. patent applications, which have been previously described, are useful for constructing the various products described herein and can provide other novel features. Cited as references.

Claims (32)

1. A method of detachably joining objects together, comprising: A first object (101, 201, 701, 901, 1101, 1201, 1301) is provided having a continuous hook and snap film (100, 200, 700, 900, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1500, 1500') having a thermoplastic resin base layer and an array (102, 202, 702, 902, 1102, 1202, 1302, 1502) of hook and snap fastener elements formed by continuous molding of resin from one side of the base layer; and Removably engage a complementary loop snap element (104, 204, 704, 904, 1104, 1204, 1304, 1504) of a second object (103, 203, 703, 903, 1103, 1203, 1303, 1503) to the first object. on a snap element of an object; Among the improvements is that the base layer of the snap film is a permanently stretched resinous film having a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than the width, and a thickness of less than 0.38 mm (0.015 inches). 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first object is a wall (701, 1201) of a building and the second object is a wall covering (703, 1203), said method comprising applying the snap-on membrane ( 700, 1200) to the wall, followed by detachably engaging the complementary loop fastener elements (704, 1204) of the wall covering to the fastener elements of the hook and loop membrane. 3. A method as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the walls of the building are exterior walls (701) and the wall covering is a siding material (703). 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first object is a subfloor (201) of a building and the second object is a floor covering (203), said method comprising securing the hook and snap membrane (200) On the subfloor, the complementary loop fastener elements (204) of the floor covering are then removably joined to the fastener elements of the hook and loop fastener membrane. 5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first object is a roof (101) of a building and the second object is a roof covering (103), said method comprising fixing the hook and snap membrane (100) on On the roof, the complementary loop fastener elements (104) of the roof covering are then releasably engaged to the fastener elements of the hook and loop membrane. 6. A method as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the roof covering is a shingle (103). 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second object is a strip (1303), said method comprising covering the article (1301) with a snap-on film (1300), and then by attaching the complementary loops of the strip A clasp element (1304) is removably engaged to the clasp element of the hook-and-loop fastener membrane, thereby releasably securing the hook-and-loop fastener membrane in its position. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first object is a layer of insulating material (901) and the second object is a building structure (908), said method comprising snapping the insulating material to a snap-on film ( 900) is secured to an engageable ring (910) on the building structure. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the snap-on membrane of the first object is a water vapor barrier (700, 1500, 1500'), and the second object is a building structure (701, 1501), said method comprising The moisture barrier is secured to the building structure by releasably engaging complementary loop fastener elements (705, 1504) of the building structure to the fastener elements (702, 1502) of the hook and loop membrane. 10. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hook and loop fastener film is permanently stretched only in a direction corresponding to its width. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the thermoplastic resin of the interlocking fastening film is biaxially oriented. 12. The method of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the base layer has a thickness of less than about 0.13 mm (0.005 inches). 13. A method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the hook and loop fastener elements are discretely molded as hook-shaped protrusions. 14. The method of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the snap-on fastener film has a width of at least 1.5 m (5 feet). 15. The method of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the fastening elements are provided on one side of the hook and fastening film base layer at a density of substantially at least 300 elements per square inch. 16. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the thermoplastic resin is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene and nylon, wherein substances and compatible mixtures of said substances with each other or with other compatible substances. 17. The method of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the plastic resin comprises a biocide or a fungicide that prevents the growth of biological matter such as mold or fungi; or comprises UV absorbing additives or flame retardants or other inhibitors or agents used to prevent deterioration or damage of films or objects containing these substances. 18. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the hook and loop membrane is permeable to selected environmental fluids, such as water, water vapor or air. 19. A method of securing a protective covering (103, 703) to a building exterior (101, 701), the method comprising: Fix the hook and snap film (100, 700) to the exterior of the building, the hook and buckle film includes a thermoplastic resin base layer and an array of hook and snap elements (102, 702) formed in contact with the thermoplastic resin base layer, the hook and buckle elements are formed from the base layer by a width of superficially project; and engaging complementary loop fastener elements (104, 704) on the protective covering with the fastener elements of the hook and loop fastener membrane for removably securing the protective covering to the building exterior; It is characterized in that the base layer of the hook and loop fastener film is a permanently stretched film with a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than the width, and a thickness of less than about 0.38 mm (0.015 inches). 20. A method of securing a decorative covering (203, 903, 1103, 1203) to an interior surface (201, 908, 1101, 1201) of a building, the method comprising: Fixing the hook and snap film (200, 900, 900', 1100, 1200) to the inner surface of the building, the hook and button film includes a thermoplastic resin base layer and an array of hook and snap fastener elements (202) formed continuously in contact with the thermoplastic resin base layer , 902, 1102, 1202), hook and snap fastener elements protrude from a wide surface of the base layer; engaging complementary loop fastener elements (204, 904, 1104, 1204) on the decorative covering with the fastener elements of the hook and loop fastener film for removably securing the decorative covering to a building interior; It is characterized in that the base layer of the hook and loop fastener film is a film permanently stretched in the width direction, its length is continuous, the width is at least 61 cm (2 feet), and the thickness is between 0.025 mm (0.001 inch) and 0.38 mm (0.015 inch) between. 21. A method of enclosing a space, the method comprising: providing a hook and hook fastener film (1500, 1500') comprising a thermoplastic resin base layer and an array (1502) of hook and hook fastener elements formed in contact with the thermoplastic resin base layer, the hook and hook fastener elements protruding from a wide surface of the base layer; providing a support structure (1503) comprising complementary loop fastener elements (1504); securing the hook and loop fastener membrane to the support structure by engaging the hook and loop fastener elements with the loop fastener elements, thereby enclosing the space formed by the support structure; It is characterized in that the base layer of the hook and loop fastener film is a permanently stretched film having a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than the width, and a thickness of less than 0.38 mm (0.015 inches). 22. A method of securing a protective covering (1300) to an object (1301), the method comprising: placing a protective covering around the object, the protective covering comprising a hook and snap fastener film (1300), the hook and hook fastener film comprising a thermoplastic resin base layer and an array of hook and snap fastener elements (1302) continuously formed in contact with the thermoplastic resin base layer, the hook and hook fastener elements a fastener element extending from a broad surface of the base layer; securing the protective covering around the object with a strap (1303) having complementary loop fastener elements (1304) engaged with hook and loop fastener elements; It is characterized in that the base layer of the hook and loop fastener film is a permanently stretched film having a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet), a length greater than the width, and a thickness of less than 0.38 mm (0.015 inches). 23. A method of removably securing flooring material (203) to a subfloor (201, 308), comprising: Permanently fastening an intermediate floor layer (200, 228, 300, 400) to a subfloor, the intermediate floor layer having a base layer having a first wide surface and an opposing second wide surface, the first wide surface distribution being useful with snap elements (202, 304) engaged, the second wide surface for securing to the subfloor; providing a flooring material having an attachment securing surface and an opposing flooring surface, the attachment surface having mating loop fastener material (204, 314) engageable with the fastener elements of said intermediate flooring layer; and removably engaging said mating fastener material of said flooring material to said fastener elements, thereby releasably securing the flooring material to the subfloor; characterized in that the first wide surface of the base layer and the fastening elements are integrally formed together from the same thermoplastic resin, the first wide surface is a permanently stretched film having a width of at least 61 cm (2 feet) and a length greater than the width, Thickness less than 0.38mm (0.015 inches). 24. The method of claim 23, wherein said intermediate floor layer further comprises a backing material (220, 220', 306, 406) laminated to the second surface of said membrane secured to the subfloor superior. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of permanently securing the intermediate floor layer to the subfloor includes using at least one of staples, nails, or screw fastening. 26. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the backing material comprises a dimensionally stable material (220', 306, 406), such as pressed board or foamed or unfoamed plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride . 27. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of permanently securing the intermediate floor layer to the subfloor further comprises unwrapping the intermediate layer from the storage roll and positioning the intermediate layer for attachment to the subfloor . 28. The method of claim 23, wherein said floor material comprises tiles (312, 312'). 29. A method as claimed in claim 28, characterized in that said tiles have edge portions (316, 318) shaped to interlock with adjacent similar tiles for assisting the alignment of the tiles during installation and avoiding overlapping Gaps are created between adjacent tiles during use. 30. The method of claim 24, wherein the composite floor fastener is in roll form. 31. The method of claim 26, wherein the dimensionally stable material (406) has a plurality of parallel cuts across its width for providing flexibility and allowing the laminate floor fastener to be rolled into a roll. 32. The laminate flooring fastener of claim 27, wherein said hook fastener elements have a tapered stem that tapers outwardly from a relatively wide base of the base layer to a smaller dimension, and is formed by thermoplastic resin integrally formed with the base layer, with hook and hook fastener elements exposed for engagement to a hook-engageable complementary material secured to the film, the hook and hook fastener elements being located substantially on said first broad surface of the film , and its density is generally 50 to 5,000 fastener elements per square inch.

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