阅读说明：本技术 具有导电接触元件的自配合机械紧固件 (Self-mating mechanical fastener with conductive contact elements ) 是由 科里·M·亚瑟 大卫·T·巴克利 狄伦·T·科斯格罗夫 库尔特·J·霍尔沃森 卡尔·M·克罗 于 2020-04-07 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开的各方面涉及一种自配合紧固件,该自配合紧固件包括：背衬,该背衬具有第一侧面；以及导轨元件,该导轨元件从背衬的第一侧面垂直突出。该导轨元件沿背衬在纵向方向上延伸。该导轨元件具有附接到背衬的第一侧面的基部部分和远离背衬的盖部分。该盖部分的盖宽度大于基部部分的宽度,并且盖部分在相对侧上悬于基部部分之上。该自配合紧固件包括靠近导轨元件的导电接触元件。(Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a self-mating fastener including: a backing having a first side; and a rail element projecting perpendicularly from the first side of the backing. The rail element extends in a longitudinal direction along the backing. The rail element has a base portion attached to the first side of the backing and a cover portion distal from the backing. The cover portion has a cover width greater than a width of the base portion and the cover portion overhangs the base portion on opposite sides. The self-mating fastener includes an electrically conductive contact element proximate the rail element.)

1. A self-mating fastener, comprising:

a backing having a first side; and

a rail element projecting perpendicularly from a first side of the backing, the rail element extending in a longitudinal direction along the backing;

a conductive contact element proximate to the rail element;

wherein the rail element has a base portion attached to a first side of the backing and a cover portion distal from the backing,

wherein the cover portion has a cover width greater than a width of the base portion,

wherein the cover portion overhangs the base portion on opposite sides.

2. The self-mating fastener of claim 1, wherein the contact element extends perpendicularly from a first side of the backing and is adjacent to the rail element, wherein the contact element is configured to provide a resistive force in response to a downward pressure from a distal end of the contact element toward the backing.

3. The self-mating fastener of claim 1 or 2, wherein the backing includes one or more backing segments joined together, the contact elements extending perpendicularly from the first side of a first backing segment, and the rail elements extending perpendicularly from the first side of a second backing segment.

4. The self-mating fastener as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the contact element comprises a distal end and a first base portion.

5. The self-mating fastener as claimed in claim 4, wherein said distal end is not aligned with a first axis extending perpendicularly from said first base portion, and said contact element forms an arcuate shape having an inner surface and an outer surface, said outer surface having a larger area than said inner surface.

6. The self-mating fastener of claim 4 or 5, wherein the contact element includes a first base portion and a second base portion both extending from the backing and forming an apex, wherein the contact element extends in a longitudinal direction along the backing and has a height from the backing to the apex that is at least the height of the base portion and no greater than twice the base portion.

7. The self-mating fastener as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first and second base portions each have an inner surface, the inner surfaces of the first and second base portions and the apex forming a tube in the longitudinal direction, wherein the tube is filled with a drug or biological fluid.

8. The self-mating fastener of claim 1, wherein the contact element includes a first electrically conductive layer disposed on a portion of the lid portion and a second electrically conductive layer located on the first side of the backing adjacent the base portion.

9. The self-mating fastener of claim 8, wherein the backing has a second side, the contact element includes a third conductive layer disposed on a portion of the second side along the longitudinal direction and aligned with the rail element, the self-mating fastener further including a conductive post electrically coupling the first conductive layer and the third conductive layer.

10. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding claims, wherein the backing is formed without through-holes.

11. A fastening system, the fastening system comprising:

first and second self-mating fasteners, both configured according to the self-mating fastener of any of claims 1-10, wherein when the first and second fasteners are fastened, they are slidable relative to each other in a direction parallel to the length of the backing.

12. The fastening system of claim 11, wherein the contact elements of the first and second fasteners are frictionally resistant toward each other such that when slid relative to each other, a force is applied to the contact elements of the first and second self-mating fasteners.

13. The fastening system of any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the rail element of the first fastener is aligned with the rail element of the second fastener such that, when fastened, the lid portion of the first rail element engages the lid portion of the second rail element.

14. The fastening system of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the contact elements of the first and second self-mating fasteners contact each other and form an electrical connection when the rail element is fastened.

15. The fastening system of claim 14, wherein the fastening system formed by the first and second fasteners comprises at least two electrically conductive paths that are electrically insulated from each other.

16. The fastening system of claim 15, wherein at least one of the conductive paths is formed from a second side of the first self-mating fastener to a second side of the second self-mating fastener.

17. An electronic system, the electronic system comprising:

a fastening system according to any of claims 11 to 16, and

a first electronic device, wherein the first fastener is disposed on the first electronic device and electrically coupled to the first electronic device, wherein the first electronic device is configured to measure one or more physiological parameters;

a second self-mating fastener electrically coupled to the first electronic device through a first self-mating fastener, wherein the first self-mating fastener is slidable along the second self-mating fastener while maintaining an electrical connection, a second side of the second self-mating fastener being configured for attachment to the skin of a mammalian subject.

18. The electronic system of claim 17, further comprising a second electronic device electrically coupled to a third self-mating fastener, the third self-mating fastener being slidable relative to the second fastener, the first electronic device being electrically coupled to the second electronic device via the second self-mating fastener.

19. The electronic system of claim 18, wherein the second self-mating fastener is configured to transport fluid from the first electronic device to the second electronic device.

20. The electronic system of claim 18 or 19, further comprising a mammalian subject, wherein the second electronic device or the second fastener is fluidly coupled to the skin of the mammalian subject in a manner sufficient to receive bodily fluids from the mammalian subject.

Background

Fasteners are used in a variety of applications, including the construction, machinery, medical equipment, automotive assembly, personal care products, and textile industries. Well-known fasteners range from rivets, snaps and buttons to hook-and-loop fasteners, each of which involves engaging different components (e.g., a male component and a female component) for assembling two articles together. Some fasteners (sometimes referred to as self-mating fasteners or hook-and-hook fasteners) are constructed of interlocking members that do not include male and female components. To assemble two articles together, each fastening member is attached to a surface of its respective article, and when the fastening members are mated, the two articles are joined together.

Some fasteners have been reported to include different structures on the same fastening member. See, e.g., U.S. patent No. 5,586,372 (Eguchi); 5,884,374 (mount); 6,276,032 (Nortman); and 6,546,604 (Galkiewicz). Different structures may have different shapes, sizes, or engagement capabilities.

Some mechanical fasteners having conductive elements have been reported. See, for example, U.S. patent No. 7,850,740(Ales) or U.S. patent No. 7,709,749 (Meier). However, none of the existing solutions require a self-mating fastener. Furthermore, these designs are not conducive to being slidable while maintaining electrical connection.

Disclosure of Invention

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a self-mating fastener including: a backing having a first side; and a rail element projecting perpendicularly from the first side of the backing. The rail elements extend in a longitudinal direction along the backing. The rail element has a base portion attached to the first side of the backing and a cover portion distal from the backing. The cover portion has a cover width greater than a width of the base portion and the cover portion overhangs the base portion on opposite sides. The self-mating fastener includes a conductive contact element proximate the rail element.

When used as a system, at least two self-mating fasteners can slide relative to each other while maintaining an electrical connection. Additionally, the electronic device may be electrically coupled to the self-mating fastener to facilitate communication from the first electronic device to the second electronic device.

Drawings

To readily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, one or more of the most significant digits in a reference number refer to the number in which that element is first introduced.

Fig. 1A is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a fastener of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is a schematic side view of the fastener of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C is a schematic side view of the fastener of FIG. 1A, the side view being orthogonal to the side view shown in FIG. 1B.

Fig. 2A is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a fastener of the present disclosure. Fig. 2B is a schematic side view of the fastener of fig. 2A. Fig. 2C is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a fastening system of the present disclosure, wherein two fastener members comprise the fastener of fig. 2A and 2B.

Fig. 3A is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a fastener of the present disclosure undergoing deformation during fastening, with strain calculated by finite element modeling shown by shading. FIG. 3B is a schematic side view of the fastener of FIG. 3A after fastening, with residual strain calculated by finite element modeling shown shaded.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a fastener not in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the permanent plastic deformation calculated by finite element modeling after fastening is shown by shading.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a self-mating fastener according to one embodiment.

Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the self-mating fastener of fig. 5, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 7 shows a side view of a fastening system according to an embodiment.

Fig. 8 shows a top view of the fastening system of fig. 7 according to one embodiment.

Fig. 9A shows a perspective view of a fastening system according to one embodiment. Fig. 9B shows an enlarged perspective view of the fastening system of fig. 9A according to one embodiment.

Fig. 10A shows a perspective view of a fastening system according to one embodiment. Fig. 10B shows an enlarged perspective view of the fastening system of fig. 10A, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates an electronic system including a fastening system according to one embodiment.

Fig. 12A shows a front view of a fastening system according to one embodiment. Fig. 12B shows a side view of the fastening system of fig. 12A, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates an electronic system according to one embodiment.

Detailed Description

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to self-mating fasteners having conductive contact elements. Additional aspects of the present disclosure also relate to a system of self-mating fasteners arranged such that a first self-mating fastener can slide relative to a second self-mating fastener while maintaining an electrical connection.

Embodiments of the fastener of the present disclosure are shown in fig. 1A, 1B, and 1C. Fastener 1 includes a backing 2 having a length (l), a width (w), and a thickness (t). The fastener 1 comprises a row 14 of rail sections 4. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1A, 1B and 1C, the rail section 4 protrudes perpendicularly from the backing 2. Each of the rail sections 4 has a base portion 10 attached to the backing 2 and a cover portion 8 remote from the backing 2. The lid width X4 of the lid portion 8 is greater than the width X1 of the base portion 10, and the lid portion 8 overhangs the base portion 10 on opposite sides. The ratio of the lid width X4 to the width X1 of the base portion 10 is typically at least 1.25:1, 1.5:1, or 2:1, and may be at most 3:1, 4:1, or 5: 1. Fig. 1B shows the lid overhang distance X6. In some embodiments, the lid portion 8 overhangs the base portion 10 on all sides of the base portion 10. Fig. 1C shows the cover overhang distance Y5 in a direction parallel to the length (l) of fastener 1. The cover also has a cover thickness, which is measured as the distance between a line tangent to the highest point on the cover above the backing and a line tangent to the lowest point on the cover above the backing if the cover is not straight. For example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 1B, the lid thickness is Z1 minus Z2. By the term "row of rail sections", it should be understood that each row 14 comprises more than one rail section 4. Fastener 1 does not include a continuous rail; instead, the rail sections 4 are separated from each other on the backing 2. For example, caps 8 of rail sections 4 in row 14 are separated by a cap-to-cap distance Y3 in a direction parallel to the length (l) of fastener 1.

The length Y1 of the base portion 10 of the rail section 4 is greater than the width X1 of the base portion 10. In some embodiments, the ratio of the length Y1 to the width X1 of the base portion 10 is at least about 1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, or 5:1, 10:1, or 15: 1. The base portion 10 of the rail section 4 may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the base portion 10 may be polygonal (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal), or the cross-sectional shape of the base portion 10 may be curved (e.g., elliptical). The base portion 10 may taper from its base to its distal end. In this case and in the case of a curved base portion, the ratio of the length Y1 to the width X1 of the base portion 10 is measured from the longest and widest points. As shown in FIG. 1B, the length Y1 of the base portion at its longest point is approximately the same as the length of the lid portion.

For embodiments (such as the embodiment shown in fig. 1C), the base portion 10 that tapers from its base to its distal end has an inclined face and a taper angle a1 between the inclined face and the backing 2. In some embodiments, the taper angle a1 between the inclined face of the base portion 10 and the backing 2 is in the range 91 to 130 degrees, in some embodiments 91 to 125 degrees, 95 to 120 degrees, 95 to 115 degrees, 95 to 110 degrees, 93 to 105 degrees, or 95 to 100 degrees.

In some embodiments, the maximum height Z1 of the rail section 4 (above the backing 2) is at most 3 millimeters (mm), 1.5mm, or 1mm, and in some embodiments, the minimum height is at least 0.1mm or 0.2 mm. The height Z1 of the rail section 4 may be in the range of 0.3mm to 0.7mm, 0.3mm to 0.6mm or 0.35mm to 0.55 mm. The thickness of the cover portion 8 (e.g., Z1-Z2) of the rail section 4 may be in the range of 0.03mm to 0.3mm, 0.04mm to 0.15mm, or 0.04mm to 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the maximum width X1 of the base portion 10 of the rail section 4 is at most about 0.5mm, 0.4mm, 0.3mm, or 0.2mm, and the minimum width is at least 0.05mm, 0.1mm, or 0.125 mm. Some available widths X1 of base portion 10 are in the range of 0.05mm to 0.5mm, 0.1mm to 0.2mm, or 0.125mm to 0.175 mm. Some of the available cover widths X4 of the rail sections 4 are in the range of 0.1mm to 1.0mm, 0.3mm to 0.5mm, 0.3mm to 0.45mm, or 0.3mm to 0.4 mm. Some of the rail sections 4 may be suspended with a cover distance X6 in the range of 0.025mm to 0.4mm, 0.05mm to 0.3mm, or 0.1m to 0.25 mm. In some embodiments, the maximum length Y1 of the rail section 4 is at most about 1.5mm (in some embodiments, at most 1.25mm, 1.0mm, 0.9mm, or 0.8mm), and the minimum length Y1 is at least about 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.4mm, or 0.5 mm. The length Y1 of the rail section may be in the range of 0.1mm to 1.5mm, 0.2mm to 1.0mm, or 0.600mm to 0.800 mm. Some of the available cover overhang distances Y5 of the guide rail section 4 in the length direction are in the range of 0.025mm to 0.2mm, 0.025mm to 0.1mm, or 0.04mm to 0.075 mm. In some embodiments, the cap-to-cap distance Y3 in a direction parallel to the length (l) of fastener 1 is at most about 0.5mm, 0.4mm, 0.3mm, or 0.25mm, and is at least about 0.05mm, 0.1mm, or 0.125 mm. Some available lid-to-lid distances Y3 are in the range of 0.05mm to 0.5mm, 0.1mm to 0.3mm, or 0.125mm to 0.225 mm.

The fastener of the present disclosure also generally includes a row of posts. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1A, 1B and 1C, fastener 1 includes rows 16 of posts 6 projecting perpendicularly from backing 2. In some embodiments, rows 14 of rail sections 4 and rows 16 of posts 6 alternate. The fastener 1 may have at least 2, 3, 5, or 10 of the rows 14 of rail sections 4 alternating with at least 2, 3, 5, or 10 of the rows 16 of posts 6. By the term "row of columns", it should be understood that each row 16 comprises more than one column 6. Fastener 1 does not include a continuous ridge; instead, the posts 6 are spaced apart from each other on the backing 2. For example, the columns 6 in row 16 are separated by a distance Y4 in a direction parallel to the length (l) of fastener 1. Generally, the length of the post is different from the length of the rail section. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1A, 1B and 1C, the length Y1 of the base portion 10 of the rail section 4 is greater than the length Y2 of the posts 6, and the number of posts 6 in one of the rows 16 of posts is greater than the number of rail sections 4 in one of the rows 14 of rail sections. The length Y1 of the base portion 10 of the rail section 4 may be at least two, three or four times the length Y2 of the post 6. The number of columns 6 in one of the rows 16 of columns may be 1.5 times, 2 times or 3 times the number of guide rail sections 4 in one of the rows 14 of guide rail sections. Since the fastener 1 can be used as a self-mating fastener, the height of the post is typically no greater than the height of the rail section. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1A, 1B and 1C, the height Z3 of the post 6 is less than the height Z1 of the rail section 4. In some embodiments, the height Z3 of the post 6 is at most 95%, 90%, 80%, 75%, or 70% of the height Z1 of the rail section 4.

The posts useful in the fasteners of the present disclosure can have a variety of cross-sectional shapes in a plane parallel to the backing. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the pillars may be polygonal (e.g., square, rectangular, diamond, hexagonal, pentagonal, or dodecagonal), the polygons may or may not be regular polygons, or the cross-sectional shape of the pillars may be curved (e.g., circular or elliptical). In some embodiments, the post has a base attached to the backing and a distal end, and the cross-sectional area of the distal end is less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the base. The post may taper from its base to its distal end, but this is not required. In some embodiments, the post has a distal cover with a cover width greater than the width of the base. The cover may overhang the base on opposite sides, or may overhang the base on all sides. The capping post that may be used with the fastener of the present disclosure may have a variety of useful shapes, including mushroom-shaped (e.g., with an enlarged circular or oval head relative to the shank), nail-shaped, T-shaped, or golf-ball-spike-shaped.

Referring again to fig. 1A, 1B, and 1C, in some embodiments, the maximum width X2 of a post 6 useful in the fasteners of the present disclosure is at most about 0.5mm, 0.4mm, 0.3mm, or 0.2mm, and the minimum width is at least 0.05mm, 0.1mm, or 0.125 mm. Some of the available widths X2 of posts 6 are in the range of 0.05mm to 0.5mm, 0.1mm to 0.2mm, or 0.125mm to 0.175 mm. In some embodiments, the maximum length Y2 of a post 6 useful in the fasteners of the present disclosure is at most about 0.5mm, 0.4mm, 0.3mm, or 0.2mm, and the minimum width is at least 0.05mm, 0.1mm, or 0.125 mm. Some of the available widths Y2 of posts 6 are in the range of 0.05mm to 0.5mm, 0.1mm to 0.2mm, 0.1mm to 0.15mm, or 0.125mm to 0.175 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y4 between posts 6 in a direction parallel to the length (l) of fastener 1 is at most about 1.5mm (in some embodiments, at most 1.25mm, 1.0mm, 0.9mm, or 0.8mm), and is at least about 0.1mm, 0.2mm, or 0.4 mm. The distance Y4 between the posts 6 may be in the range of 0.1mm to 1.5mm, 0.2mm to 1.0mm, or 0.400mm to 0.600 mm.

For embodiments (such as the one shown in fig. 1C), the post 6, which tapers from its base to its distal tip, has an inclined face and a taper angle a2 between the inclined face and the backing 2. In some embodiments, the taper angle a2 between the inclined face of the post 6 and the backing 2 is in the range of 91 degrees to 130 degrees, in some embodiments 91 degrees to 125 degrees, 91 degrees to 120 degrees, 91 degrees to 115 degrees, 91 degrees to 110 degrees, 91 degrees to 105 degrees, or 95 degrees to 100 degrees.

In some embodiments, the maximum height Z3 of post 6 (above backing 2) is at most 2.85 millimeters (mm), 1.25mm, or 1mm, and in some embodiments, the minimum height is at least 0.08mm or 0.16 mm. The height Z3 of the column may be in the range of 0.2mm to 0.6mm, 0.3mm to 0.4mm, or 0.35mm to 0.55 mm. In some embodiments, each of the pillars has a height to width aspect ratio of at least 1.5:1, at least 2:1, or at least 3: 1. In some embodiments, each of the pillars has a height to length aspect ratio of at least 1.5:1, at least 2:1, or at least 3: 1.

Another embodiment of the fastener of the present disclosure is shown in fig. 2A and 2B. In this embodiment, the cover portion 8 of the rail section 4 has a different shape than the cover portion 8 of the embodiment shown in fig. 1A, 1B and 1C. Features and dimensions of any of the embodiments described above for the fastener shown in fig. 1A, 1B, and 1C can be used in combination with the fastener shown in fig. 2A and 2B to provide corresponding embodiments.

The fastener 1 can be used, for example, as a self-mating fastener. As used herein, self-mating refers to a fastener in which fastening is achieved by engaging fastening elements (e.g., fastening heads) of the same type with one another. In some embodiments, self-mating refers to fasteners in which fastening is achieved by engaging identically shaped fastening elements with one another. In some embodiments, self-mating refers to the ability of the fastener to engage itself when the fastener is in a folded configuration, such as along an axis parallel to the length (L) or width (W) of the fastener, see fig. 1A and 2A. Two fastener members, e.g., a first and a second fastener member (1,5), can be fastened together in a self-mating engagement as shown in fig. 2C, each having the structure shown in fig. 2A and 2B. In some embodiments, the first self-mating fastener 1 is a fastener of the present disclosure as described above in any of its embodiments, and the second self-mating fastener may include a rail section but not a post. In some embodiments, the first fastener member and the second fastener member can be different embodiments of the fastener of the present disclosure. For example, the first self-mating fastener 1 may have a cap shape as shown in fig. 1A, and the second self-mating fastener 5 may have a cap shape as shown in fig. 2A. In any of these embodiments, when the first and second fastener members 1,5 undergo fastening, the post typically bends away from the rail section while the cover portions of the rail sections of the first and second fastener members pass over each other, as shown in fig. 3A. After the first and second fastener members are tightened, the post then returns to its original position, as shown in fig. 3B.

In at least one embodiment, the characterized side of the fastener (i.e., the side of the backing having the post and rail) can also have an electrically conductive contact element comprising an electrically conductive layer disposed on at least a portion thereof. In one example, the conductive layer is disposed over the entire featured surface such that the entire first side is conductive. The conductive layer can be any metallized particle or conductive polymer. Methods of forming the conductive layer include sputtering, electrolytic coating of a conductive material, such as copper or tin, onto the posts, rails, and areas therebetween on the characterized sides. When two fasteners coated with conductive material are fastened, an electrical path is formed from one fastener to the other on the featured side.

Thus, in some embodiments, the bending stiffness of the column is lower than the bending stiffness of the rail section. The bending stiffness k for small strain behavior is determined by the following equation: k is 3EI/H, where E is the modulus of the material comprising the post and rail segments and H is the height of the post or rail segment; and I ═ W³L/12, where W is the width of the column or rail section and L is the length of the column or rail section. In some embodiments, the length of the base portion of the rail section is greater than the length of the post. In these embodiments, when the width of the base portion and the width of the column are similar, the bending stiffness of the rail section will be higher than the bending stiffness of the column. Referring again to fig. 1A, the rows 14 of rail sections 4 may collectively have a higher bending stiffness than the rows 16 of columns 6. When there are more columns 6 in the row 16 of columns, the bending stiffness of the columns may be adjusted (e.g. by selecting the length or width) such that the row 16 of columns 6 together has a lower bending stiffness than the row 14 of rail sections 4. The bending stiffness of each row of rail sections or columns may be determined by the number of rail sections or columns in each row and the bending stiffness of each of the rail sections or columnsAnd (4) determining.

In some embodiments, the fastening system of the present disclosure is releasably fastenable. As used herein, the term "releasably fastenable" means that the fastener member may alternate between a fastened configuration and an unfastened configuration one or more times without disrupting the function of the fastener. Generally and advantageously, the unique structure of the fastener of the present disclosure can allow for multiple cycles of fastening and unfastening without excessively plastically (i.e., irreversibly) deforming the engaging rail segment. For example, when pushing rail sections against and over each other for interlocking, a comparative fastener that includes rail sections but does not include a post may undergo fastening. The cap portion of the rail section of the comparative fastener exhibits a higher degree of plastic (i.e., irreversible) deformation after such engagement, as shown in fig. 4. Plastic deformation may limit the ability of the comparative fastener to be unfastened and refastened because the shape of the fastener is changed by the first and subsequent engagements. In contrast, in the fastening system of the present disclosure, when the first and second fastener members undergo fastening, the column undergoes elastic deformation while the cover portions of the rail sections of the first and second fastener members pass over each other, as shown in fig. 3A. The cover portion of the rail section of the fastener of the present disclosure exhibits a low degree of plastic (i.e., irreversible) deformation after engagement, as shown in fig. 3B.

Since the fastener 1 shown in fig. 1A to 1C and 2A to 2C can be used as a self-mating fastener, for example, the shortest distance X8 between one of the posts 6 and one of the base portions 10 of the rail section 4 in adjacent rows 14, 16 is wide enough to allow insertion of the cover portion 8 of the rail section 4. The distance X8 may be substantially the same as X4, as described above in any of the embodiments of X4. In some embodiments, distance X8 is within about 20%, 15%, or 10% of lid width X4. In some embodiments, the ratio of the distance X8 to the width X1 of the base portion 10 is in the range of 2:1 to 5:1 or 2:1 to 4:1, or the ratio may be about 3: 1. The distances X3 and X5 between one of the posts 6 and one of the cover portions 8 of the rail section 4 in adjacent rows 14, 16 are typically less than the distance X8 because the cover width X4 is wider than the width of the base portion X1. Some of the available distances X3 and X5 are in the range of 0.08mm to 0.8mm, 0.1mm to 0.5mm, 0.2mm to 0.4mm, or 0.2mm to 0.35 mm. The distances X3 and X5 between the two adjacent rows of posts 6 and cover portions 8 of the rail sections 4 need not be equal.

In some embodiments, when the first fastener member and the second fastener member are fastened, they can slide relative to each other in a direction parallel to the length of the backing. This may be advantageous, for example, if the positioning of the first and second fastener members relative to each other is undesirable when the first and second fastener members are initially tightened. To achieve the desired positioning, the first and second fastener members may be slid into place.

The first fastener member and the second fastener member of the fastening system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may or may not be connected together. In some embodiments, the first fastener member and the second fastener member can be attached to two discrete substrates. In some embodiments, the first fastener member and the second fastener member may be part of the same strip of material, with the first self-mating fastener being folded over to contact the second self-mating fastener.

In a fastener according to the present disclosure, at least a portion of the rail section, post, and backing are integral (i.e., typically integrally formed at the same time as the unit). The fastening elements, such as rail sections and upstanding posts on the backing, can be made, for example, by feeding thermoplastic material onto a continuously moving mold surface having cavities in the inverse shape of the fastening elements. The thermoplastic material may be passed between a nip formed by two rolls, at least one of which has cavities, or a nip between a die face and a roll surface. The pressure provided by the nip forces the resin into the cavities. In some embodiments, the cavity may be evacuated using a vacuum device to more easily fill the cavity. The nip has a sufficiently large gap so that a coherent backing is formed over the cavities. The backing may be formed without apertures therethrough. The mold surface and cavities may optionally be air or water cooled prior to stripping the integrally formed backing and fastening elements from the mold surface, such as by a stripper roll.

Suitable mold surfaces for forming the fastener elements on the backing include tool rolls, such as those formed from a series of plates defining a plurality of cavities about their periphery, including, for example, those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,310 (Fischer). For example, cavities may be formed in the plate by drilling or photoresist techniques. Other suitable tool rolls may include wire wrap rolls, which are disclosed, for example, in U.S. patent 6,190,594(Gorman et al), along with methods of making the same. Another example of a method for forming a backing with upstanding fastener elements includes the use of a flexible mold strip defining an array of fastener element-like cavities, as described in U.S. patent 7,214,334(Jens et al). Still other useful methods for forming backings with upstanding fastening elements can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,287,665(Hammer), 7,198,743(Tuma), and 6,627,133 (Tuma).

If the rail section formed upon exiting the cavity does not have a cover, the first and second fastener members will not have any closing affinity for each other. The cover may then be formed on the rail section by a cover-closing method as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,870(Melbye et al). Typically, the capping method comprises deforming the end portion of the rail section using heat and/or pressure. The heat and pressure, if both are used, may be applied sequentially or simultaneously. The formation of the rail sections may also include the step of changing the shape of the cover, for example as described in U.S. Pat. nos. 6,132,660(Kampfer) and/or 6,592,800 (Levitt). For example, one or more of these processes may be useful for changing the shape of the lid portion 8 shown in fig. 1A to the shape shown in fig. 2A. The formation of the rail sections may also include the step of stamping the cover as described, for example, in U.S. patent 6,000,106 (Kampfer). After one or more of these capping processes, the first and second fastener members in the fastening system of the present disclosure may be closed together. The amount of force required to close and peel open the first and second fastener members can be adjusted as desired by customizing the capping process.

Another useful method for fastener elements on a backing is profile extrusion, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,060 (Nestegard). Typically, in this process, a thermoplastic flow stream is passed through a patterned die lip (e.g., cut by electro-discharge machining) to form a web having downweb ridges, the ridges are sliced, and the web is then stretched to form separate fastening elements. The ridge can be considered a precursor of the fastening element and exhibits the cross-sectional shape of the rail section and the column to be formed. The ridges are transversely cut at spaced locations along the extension of the ridges to form discrete ridge portions having a length in the direction of the ridges substantially corresponding to the length of the fastening element to be formed. Stretching the backing such that plastic deformation thereof causes the fastening elements to separate. In at least one embodiment, slicing or stretching the ridges may be optional and result in continuous rail elements and columns.

The fasteners of the present disclosure may be made of a variety of suitable materials, including thermoplastics. Examples of thermoplastic materials suitable for use in making fasteners using the above-described methods include polyolefin homopolymers, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, copolymers of ethylene, propylene, and/or butylene; ethylene-containing copolymers such as ethylene vinyl acetate and ethylene acrylic acid; polyesters such as poly (ethylene terephthalate), polyvinyl butyrate, and polyethylene naphthalate; polyamides such as poly (hexamethylene adipamide); a polyurethane; a polycarbonate; poly (vinyl alcohol); ketones such as polyetheretherketone; polyphenylene sulfide; and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, thermoplastics that may be used to prepare the fasteners include at least one of a polyolefin, a polyamide, or a polyester. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic that can be used to make the fastener is a polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, ethylene copolymers, propylene copolymers, butylene copolymers, and copolymers and blends of these materials). In some embodiments, the fasteners of the present disclosure are made from a blend of any of these thermoplastic materials and an elastomer. Examples of elastomers that may be used for such tie layers include elastomers such as ABA block copolymers (e.g., where the a blocks are polystyrene and are formed primarily of substituted (e.g., alkylated) or unsubstituted moieties, and the B blocks are formed primarily of conjugated dienes that may be hydrogenated (e.g., isoprene and 1, 3-butadiene)), polyurethane elastomers, polyolefin elastomers (e.g., metallocene polyolefin elastomers), olefin block copolymers, polyamide elastomers, ethylene vinyl acetate elastomers, and polyester elastomers. Examples of useful polyolefin elastomers include ethylene propylene elastomers, ethylene octene elastomers, ethylene propylene diene elastomers, ethylene propylene octene elastomers, polybutadiene, butadiene copolymers, polybutylene, or combinations thereof. Elastomers are available from a variety of commercial sources, as described below. Any of these elastomers may be present in a blend with any of the thermoplastics in an amount of up to 20 wt.%, 15 wt.%, or 10 wt.%.

The backing of the fastener of the present disclosure can have a variety of thicknesses. In some embodiments, including the embodiments shown in fig. 1A-1C and 2A-2C, the backing 2 integral with the rail section 4 and the post 6 may have a thickness (Z4-Z5) of at most about 300 micrometers (μm), 250 micrometers, or 200 micrometers, and at least about 50 micrometers or 75 micrometers. The thickness does not include the height of the rail segments and posts protruding from the first major surface of the backing. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic backing has a thickness in a range from 50 microns to about 300 microns, from about 50 microns to about 200 microns, or from about 50 microns to about 150 microns.

In some embodiments, including the embodiments shown in fig. 1A-1C and 2A-2C, the row of rail sections 14 and the row of posts 16 are each independently formed on the panel 12. Referring to fig. 1B, panel thickness Z6 above backing 2 may be up to about 100 microns (μm), 75 microns, or 50 microns, and at least about 10 microns or 15 microns. The thickness does not include the height of the rail segments and posts protruding from the first major surface of the backing. In some embodiments, the panel thickness Z6 ranges from 10 microns to about 100 microns, from about 15 microns to about 75 microns, or from about 20 microns to about 50 microns. In some embodiments, the backing other than the rail sections, posts, and trims is substantially uniform in thickness. For thermoplastics that are substantially uniform in thickness, the difference in thickness between any two points in the backing may be up to 5%, 2.5%, or 1%.

In at least one embodiment, the density of rail segments on the first surface of the backing can be at least 10 per square centimeter (cm)²) (63 per square inch (in)²)). For example, the density of the rail sections may be at least 100/cm²(635/in²)、248/cm²(1600/in²)、394/cm²(2500/in²) Or 550/cm²(3500/in²). In some embodiments, the density of the rail section may be at most 1575/cm²(10000/in²) Up to about 1182/cm²(7500/in²) Or up to about 787/cm²(5000/in²). For example, at 10/cm²(63/in²) To 1575/cm²(10000/in²) Or 100/cm²(635/in²) To 1182/cm²(7500/in²) Densities within the range may be useful. The density of the rail sections is related to the distance X7 between the rail sections, measured as the center-to-center distance of the rail sections in adjacent rows, as shown in fig. 1B. Various distances X7 between rows of rail sections may be useful. In some embodiments, the distance X7 between rows of rail sections is 0.25mm to 2.5mm, 0.5mm to 1.5mm, or 0.6mm to 1.2 mm. The spacing of the rail sections and the rows of posts need not be uniform.

In some embodiments, the backing may be uniaxially or biaxially stretched. Stretching in the machine direction may be performed on a continuous web of backing, for example, by directing the web onto a speed-increasing roll. Stretching in the cross direction may be performed on a continuous web using, for example, diverging guides or diverging discs. A common stretching method that allows for uniaxial stretching and sequential biaxial stretching of a thermoplastic layer employs a flat film tenter apparatus. Such apparatuses grip the thermoplastic layer using a plurality of grippers, or other film edge gripping devices along opposite edges of the thermoplastic web in such a way that uniaxial and biaxial stretching in the desired direction is obtained by advancing the gripping devices along diverging guides at different speeds. Increasing the clamp speed in the machine direction generally causes machine direction stretching. It is also possible to use a flat film tenter apparatus for stretching at an angle to the machine and transverse directions. Uniaxial and biaxial stretching can also be accomplished, for example, by the methods and apparatus disclosed in U.S. patent 7,897,078(Petersen et al) and the references cited therein. Flat film tenter equipment is commercially available, for example, from Brukner mechanical company of Sn gesdov, Germany (Bruckner Maschinenbau GmbH, Siegsdorf, Germany).

In some embodiments, the average thickness of the backing after stretching is at most 150 μm, 125 μm, 100 μm, 80 μm, or 75 μm. In some embodiments, the average thickness of the backing after stretching is in a range from 30 μm to 150 μm, from 50 μm to 150 μm, or from 50 μm to 125 μm. Generally, the backing has no through holes before or after stretching. However, in various embodiments, the dimples in the film with the tool element may utilize a flame opening operation, wherein an open flame is applied to the closed end, causing the dimples to open, thereby creating through holes.

In some embodiments, the density of the rail sections and/or posts after stretching may be at most about 1182/cm²(7500/in²) Or up to about 787/cm²(5000/in²). For example, at 2/cm²(13/in²) To 1182/cm²(7500/in²)、124/cm²(800/in²) To 787/cm²(5000/in²)、248/cm²(1600/in²) To 550/cm²(3500/in²) Or 248/cm²(1600/in²) To 394/cm²(2500/in²) Densities after stretching in the range may be useful. Also, the spacing of the rail sections and the rows of posts need not be uniform.

In some embodiments, the backing comprises a multilayer construction. The multilayer construction may comprise 2 to 10, 2 to 5 or 2 to 3 layers. The multilayer may include a film, an adhesive, and a tie layer. The multiple layers can be joined together using a variety of methods, including coating, adhesive bonding, and extrusion lamination. In some embodiments, the backing with the protruding rail sections and posts may be made from multiple layers of molten streams of thermoplastic material (e.g., using any of the methods described above). This can result in protruding rail sections and posts that are formed at least in part from a different thermoplastic material than the thermoplastic material that primarily forms the backing. Upstanding posts of various configurations made from multilayer melt streams are shown, for example, in U.S. patent 6,106,922(Cejka et al). In some embodiments, the thickness of the backing (including the multi-layer backing) plus the height of the rail section is at most 3300 microns, 2000 microns, 1000 microns, 900 microns, 800 microns, 700 microns, 650 microns, 600 microns, 500 microns, 540 microns, or 400 microns. In some embodiments, the fastening system according to the present disclosure has a thickness of at most 3300 microns, 2000 microns, 1000 microns, 900 microns, 800 microns, 750 microns, or 700 microns, wherein the first fastener member and the second fastener member engage one another.

The bending stiffness of the fastener (e.g., at an axis parallel to the width of the fastener) is affected by: the modulus of the material or materials comprising the backing, the thickness of the layer or layers comprising the backing, the distance between structures on the backing (including the rail sections and posts), and the dimension of the fastener parallel to the bending axis. In general, the material, thickness of one or more layers in the fastener, and distance between the structures may be selected to provide a desired bending stiffness to the fastener. Advantageously, in many embodiments of the fastener of the present disclosure, the bending stiffness of the fastener is sufficiently low that the fastener does not inadvertently open when the fastener is bent. In some of these embodiments, the bending stiffness of the fastener in the closed configuration is in the range of 100mN/mm to 1500mN/mm, 200mN/mm to 1200mN/mm, or 300mN/mm to 1000mN/mm, as measured by the bending stiffness test method, e.g., as described in the examples below.

In some embodiments, the fasteners and/or the backing of the fasteners of the present disclosure include a bonding layer. The tie layer may include an elastomeric material or other material having a lower melting point than the backing integral with the rail segment and the post. Examples of elastomers that may be used for such tie layers include elastomers such as ABA block copolymers (e.g., where the a blocks are polystyrene and are formed primarily of substituted (e.g., alkylated) or unsubstituted moieties, and the B blocks are formed primarily of conjugated dienes that may be hydrogenated (e.g., isoprene and 1, 3-butadiene)), polyurethane elastomers, polyolefin elastomers (e.g., metallocene polyolefin elastomers), olefin block copolymers, polyamide elastomers, ethylene vinyl acetate elastomers, and polyester elastomers. Examples of useful polyolefin elastomers include ethylene propylene elastomers, ethylene octene elastomers, ethylene propylene diene elastomers, ethylene propylene octene elastomers, polybutadiene, butadiene copolymers, polybutylene, or combinations thereof. Various elastomeric polymers and other polymers may be blended to have varying degrees of elastomeric properties. For example, any of these elastomeric materials may be present in a blend with any of the above thermoplastics in a range of 50 to 95 weight percent to form a backing integral with the rail section and post.

Various types of elastomers are commercially available, including those available under the trade designation "STYROFLEX" from BASF, Florham Park, N.J., N.C., from Kentum Polymers, Inc. of Houston, Tex (Kraton Polymers, Houston, Tex.), under the trade designation "PELLETHANE", "INFUSE", "VERSIFY", "NORDEL", and "ENGAGE" from Dow Chemical, Midland, Mich., Midland, Netherlands, Calif., from Disstan, DSM, Heerlen, Herlands, and, from Dudu, E.I.Pont Pomour, Nemour, Wilford, Tex, Exxon., Exxon, Inc. of William, Tex.

In some embodiments, the fasteners and/or fastener backings of the present disclosure include a layer of hot melt adhesive. Hot melt adhesives are generally non-tacky at room temperature, and the use of hot melt adhesives can reduce contamination of equipment during film handling and lamination. Suitable hot melt adhesives include those based on ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene acrylate copolymers, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, styrenic block copolymers, polycaprolactones, and polycarbonates, and may include a variety of tackifying resins, plasticizers, pigments, fillers, and stabilizers. Examples of suitable hot melt adhesives include those available from 3M Company (3M Company, st. paul, Minn.) of st paul, minnesota under the trade designation "3M SCOTCH-WELD" hot melt adhesives (e.g., products 3731B and 3764 PG). In at least one embodiment, the adhesive may be electrically conductive.

Fig. 5 shows a self-mating fastener 500 that is similar in structure and configuration to fastener 1 described herein, except that self-mating fastener 500 is at least partially electrically conductive and has a contact element disposed on a portion of the self-mating fastener. As shown in self-mating fastener 500, the contact elements include conductive layers disposed on portions of the rail elements and backing 502. In at least one embodiment, the contact elements include only conductive layers or conductive posts on the first side 504. In another embodiment, the contact elements include all of the conductive layers and conductive posts.

The self-mating fastener 500 includes a first side 504 and a second side 542. In at least one embodiment, the first side 504 has fastener elements projecting distally from the backing 502. The second side 542 may be a side intended to engage a target surface, such as skin, a first electronic device, or the like. Second side 542 can also have an optional conductive layer 548 disposed thereon. For example, the conductive layer 548 can be configured to maintain an electrical pathway with an underlying target surface (e.g., a skin surface or an electronic device). In at least one embodiment, the conductive layer 548 is discontinuous. For example, between the conductive layer 548 and the conductive layer 544 can be an electrically insulating layer 546 that can electrically isolate the conductive layers.

The first side 504 may include a plurality of post elements (e.g., post element 564 and post element 566). The column elements may be arranged in individual columns of rows. For example, the post element 564 may comprise the post 508 and the post element 566 may comprise the post 506. First side 504 may also include a plurality of rail elements (e.g., rail element 558, rail element 562, and rail element 560). Each rail element may comprise a plurality of rail sections arranged in a row. For example, rail element 558 may include rail section 530, rail element 562 may include rail section 522, and rail element 560 may include rail section 510.

The number of post elements or rail elements is variable, with different possible configuration options, and is shown only as an illustrative example. The post elements are shown in an alternating configuration with the rail elements. For example, post 506 is shown between rail section 510 and rail section 522. The post 508 is shown between the rail section 530 and the rail section 522. In at least one embodiment, the post element may be optional in that there are configurations that utilize only a plurality of rail elements.

In at least one embodiment, portions of the plurality of rail elements and/or the plurality of post elements can have at least one conductive layer disposed thereon. For example, the cover portion and a portion of the base portion of the rail element can have a conductive layer disposed thereon, e.g., conductive layer 520 for cover portion 514; for the cover portion 526, a conductive layer 528; and for the cover portion 516, a conductive layer 534. In at least one embodiment, the conductive layer can be disposed on a top surface of the lid portion. The conductive layer may cover at least a portion of the entire top surface area of the cover portion or even the entire top surface.

The first side 504 of the backing 502 may have one or more conductive layers disposed between a plurality of rail elements and/or a plurality of post elements. For example, the conductive layer 536 may be disposed on the backing 502 (first side 504) adjacent to the rail element 560, and may also be disposed on the adjacent base portion 512 of the rail section 510. In another example, the conductive layer 540 can be disposed on the first side 504 between the post elements 564 and the rail elements 558. For example, the conductive layer 540 can be disposed on the first side 504 to the right of the rail element 558. The conductive layers may extend continuously in a linear fashion in the longitudinal direction and be separated from other conductive layers (e.g., conductive layer 538 and conductive layer 540) along the width.

The conductive layer 538 may extend from the base portion 524 to the base portion 552 of the post 506. The conductive layer disposed on the backing 502 can have a non-uniform thickness. Further, the conductive layer between the base portion and the backing 502 can have a corner radius of no greater than 0.25mm, no greater than 0.1 mm. In at least one embodiment, the conductive layer can be applied via vapor deposition or sputtering.

In at least one embodiment, the base portion of the post or post element may be defined as at least one quarter of the height Z3 of the post element. For example, the base portion 554 may be at least one-quarter of the height Z3 of the post 508. The base portion of the rail element may be defined by a dimension Z2, which is determined by the cover portion.

In at least one embodiment, at least one of the rail elements in self-mating fastener 500 may include a conductive post therethrough. The conductive pile may penetrate the rail element or rail section and be substantially centered on the base portion of the rail element. For example, the conductive peg 518 may penetrate both the cover portion 514 and the base portion 512 such that the conductive peg 518 forms a conductive path from the conductive layer 520 of the second side 542 to the conductive layer 544.

Likewise, the conductive peg 532 can penetrate the lid portion 516 and the base portion 556 through the conductive layer 548 of the backing 502 to form a conductive path from the conductive layer 534 to the conductive layer 548. In at least one embodiment, the conductive posts may be conductive rigid elements. The conductive studs may also be rail elements having conductive cover and/or base portions. For example, the conductive studs may be a polymer with metalized particles embedded and integrally formed with the rail member such that the cover portion and the second side form an electrical pathway.

In at least one embodiment, conductive layer 534, conductive posts 532, and conductive layer 548 form a first electrical path. In at least one embodiment, the conductive layer 544, the conductive posts 518, and the conductive layer 520 may form a second electrical pathway. In at least one embodiment, the conductive layer 540, the conductive layer 550, and the conductive posts 568 can form a third electrical path. In at least one embodiment, conductive layer 548 can extend to cover the entire second side 542 of backing 502, and then cover conductive layer 534, conductive layer 540, and conductive layer 520.

In at least one embodiment, conductive layer 544 and conductive layer 548 are separated by an electrically insulating layer 546. Electrically insulating layer 546 may be present as a separate layer or may be integral with backing 502 itself, e.g., if backing 502 may be formed of an electrically insulating material, thereby integrating electrically insulating layer 546 with backing 502. In at least one embodiment, electrically conductive layer 548 can be electrically distinct from electrically insulating layer 546 and electrically conductive layer 544. For example, the conductive layer 544 can be formed from a different material than the conductive layer 548, which will impart different electrical characteristics to the conductive layer 544 suitable for different electrical applications. Electrically insulating layers 546 may be arranged in the longitudinal direction and alternating with electrically conductive layers 544 and 548. In at least one embodiment, the conductive layer 548 can be aligned with the rail elements 558 (as depicted in fig. 6).

In at least one embodiment, the conductive posts are optional. Conductive layer 528 may form different and separate electrical pathways.

In at least one implementation, a conductive layer (e.g., conductive layer 540) adjacent to the rail section having the conductive peg can also be electrically coupled to the top of the cover portion (e.g., conductive layer 534). This may facilitate an electrical connection from the second side 542 of the self-mating fastener 500 to the second side of another self-mating fastener. An example of an electrical coupling may include a second conductive post passing through backing 502 or base portion 556 such that conductive layer 540 forms an electrical pathway to conductive layer 548.

Fig. 6 shows a different view of a self-mating fastener 500. Self-mating fastener 500 includes post 508, rail section 530, conductive layer 534, conductive layer 540, electrically insulating layer 546, and conductive layer 548. As shown, the conductive layer 540 extends continuously in the longitudinal direction except for the portion of the conductive layer 540 that extends onto the base portion of the rail section 530. In at least one embodiment, each cover portion of a rail section can have its own conductive layer. For example, the conductive layer 534 can be different from the conductive layer used for different rail sections in the rail element 558. In at least one embodiment, the conductive layer 540 can be continuous in the longitudinal direction or can also be segmented based on proximity to the rail segments. As shown herein, the rail elements 558 extend in a longitudinal direction and may alternate in width dimension with the post elements 564.

Fig. 7 shows a fastening system 700 that includes the self-mating fastener 500 and a second self-mating fastener 702 as described in fig. 5. The second self-mating fastener 702 is configured similar to the self-mating fastener 500.

For example, the second self-mating fastener 702 includes a backing 704. The backing 704 can have a first side 706 and a second side 708. A conductive layer 710 can be disposed on the second side 708. Although not shown, backing 704 may also have an electrically insulating layer disposed thereon outside the area of electrically conductive layer 710. The backing 704 can have a plurality of features extending from the first side 706. For example, the backing 704 may have post elements 714, rail elements 718, post elements 724, and rail elements 728 arranged in an alternating manner. As shown, only some of the rail elements have conductive studs inserted therethrough. For example, the rail element 718 may have a conductive post 720 inserted and centered through the base portion 732 and the cover portion 734. The conductive peg 720 may contact a conductive layer 722 disposed on a top surface of the cover portion 734. In at least one embodiment, the rail elements and post elements may be longitudinally continuous (as opposed to the rows of rail segments and posts described in self-mating fastener 500).

In at least one embodiment, a conductive layer can be disposed on the first side 706 between the rail elements and/or the post elements. For example, conductive layer 716 can be adjacent rail element 728, and conductive layer 726 can be adjacent rail element 718, similar to self-mating fastener 500 in fig. 5. In at least one implementation, the conductive layer 730 can be disposed on a top surface of the cover portion 736.

As a system, the self-mating fastener 500 can slide (e.g., in a longitudinal direction) relative to the second self-mating fastener 702 while maintaining, for example, the conductive layers 538 and 730; conductive layer 528 and conductive layer 726; conductive layer 722 and conductive layer 540; and electrical connection between conductive layer 534 and conductive layer 716.

The fastening system 700 may have a plurality of electrical pathways. In electrical via 738, if conductive layer 716 is electrically coupled to conductive post 720, conductive layer 548 may be electrically coupled to conductive layer 710 and form an electrical connection to ground. Alternatively, in electrical via 738, conductive layer 548, conductive posts 532, conductive layer 534, conductive posts 744, and conductive layer 712 are electrically coupled. In electrical via 740, conductive layer 540 can contact conductive layer 722 to form a longitudinal conductive path from conductive layer 550 to conductive layer 710. In electrical via 742, conductive layer 538 can contact conductive layer 730 to form a longitudinal conductive path.

In at least one embodiment, the self-mating fastener of the fastening system 700 can be formed by the same method as described for fastener 1 in fig. 1-5.

Fig. 8 illustrates a top view of the fastening system 700 showing that the second self-mating fastener 702 is able to move about the longitudinal direction rather than the width dimension. Rail element 718 is electrically coupled to conductive layer 540 and mechanically coupled to rail element 558 (including rail section 530). Rail element 728 is electrically coupled to conductive layer 538 and mechanically coupled to rail element 562 (including rail section 522). Self-mating fastener 500 may have multiple rows (three shown including rail elements 558, post elements 564, and rail elements 562 arranged across the width dimension).

In at least one embodiment, the conductive layer can be provided as a continuous layer (without interruption) along the longitudinal direction. Thus, self-mating fastener 500 will have a longitudinally disposed row of conductive strips made of a conductive layer. For example, the conductive layer 540 can be disposed between the rail segment 530 and another of the rail elements 558. In at least one embodiment, at least one rail element in the row of rail elements may have a conductive stub such that there is an electrical connection between the device attached to the conductive stub and the conductive layer.

Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of a fastening system 900 that includes a self-mating fastener 902 and a self-mating fastener 910. In at least one embodiment, the contact elements are individual features extending from the backing. The self-mating fastener 902 may have a rail element 918, a contact element 912, and a post element 914 extending from the backing 906. The self-mating fastener 910 may have a post element 916, a contact element 922, and a rail element 920 extending from the backing 908. In at least one embodiment, both post elements may be I-shaped over the entire length of the post element and both rail elements may be T-shaped over the entire length of the rail element.

One difference between the self-mating fastener 902 and the self-mating fastener 500 described herein is that the rail elements and the post elements are continuous in the longitudinal direction without interruption in the width dimension. In at least one embodiment, the backing 906 can be non-uniform and have a plurality of segments that extend continuously in the longitudinal direction and that differ in width dimension. For example, a plurality of backing segments including backing segment 904 may form backing 906. Backing section 904 may be different from backing 906 having different electrical properties. In at least one embodiment, contact elements 912 may be disposed on backing section 904. In another example, the post element 914, the contact element 912, and the rail element 918 may each extend from separate backing segments and may be joined together to form the backing 906.

In at least one example, contact element 912 may be formed of an electrically conductive material and have an electrically conductive material as backing section 904, while backing 906 is formed of an electrically insulating material. Thus, the backing 906 may have a conductive material adjacent to a non-conductive material. In at least one embodiment, each backing may be formed using (profile) extrusion and joined together using a bonding technique as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,592,800.

In at least one embodiment, the conductive material is extrudable or capable of being deposited on the polymeric substance. Examples may include metals, metal polymer compositions, carbon black polymer compositions, conductive polymers such as polyaniline-ES, polyaniline-EB, polyaniline-LS, trans-polyacetylene, polyparaphenylene, poly (3-vinylperylene), polypyrrole, poly (2, 5-bis (3-tetradecylthiophen-2-yl) thieno [3,2-b ] thiophene), poly (2- (3-thienyloxy) ethanesulfonate), polythiophene, or combinations thereof, using various combinations of dopants and acids.

In at least one embodiment, the rail element 920 can engage with another rail element 950 at the bottom of the T-shape on one side and with the post element 914 on the side of the T-shape. This may allow the self-mating fastener 902 to be able to slide in a longitudinal direction relative to the self-mating fastener 910.

For self-mating fastener 902, contact element 912 is shown having an arcuate shape 928. The arcuate shape as referred to herein may refer to a partial arcuate shape (as shown by arcuate shape 928 or arcuate shape 930) or an arcuate shape (as described in fig. 10). The contact element 912 may have a first base portion 932 attached to the backing section 904. Distal end 924 extends distally from backing section 904. The distal end 924 may be offset from the first base portion 932. For example, the distal end 924 may be misaligned with the first base portion 932 along an axis parallel to the first axis 938. The first axis 938 may extend perpendicularly from the plane of the backing 906.

The arcuate shape 928 may include an inner surface 942 and an outer surface 946. The arcuate dimension of the cross-section of the inner surface 942 is less than the arcuate dimension of the cross-section of the outer surface 946. For example, the surface area of the inner surface 942 is less than the surface area of the outer surface 946 for the same length of contact element 912. When applied to contact element 912 toward backing section 904 and along first axis 938, resistive force 940 may cause contact element 912 to rebound.

For self-mating fastener 910, contact element 922 is shown having an arcuate shape 930 similar to contact element 912. Contact element 922 may have a first base portion 934 attached to backing 908. The distal end 926 extends distally from the backing 908. Distal end 926 may be offset from first base portion 934.

Arcuate shape 930 may include an inner surface 944 and an outer surface 948. The cross-section of the inner surface 944 is smaller in size than the cross-section of the outer surface 948. For example, the surface area of the inner surface 944 is less than the surface area of the outer surface 948 for the same length of contact element 922. When applied to contact element 922 along first axis 938 toward backing 908, resistive force 936 may cause contact element 922 to rebound.

Contact element 912 may be configured to contact element 922. Both contact elements may have a shape that allows resistance in the thickness dimension such that the contact elements spring back when downward pressure is applied. The contact elements may face in the same direction or in opposite directions. For example, contact element 912 is shown with distal end 924 oriented toward the left (compare first base portion 932 and relative to rail element 918 when the feature is directed upward), and contact element 922 is shown with distal end 926 oriented toward the left (compare first base portion 934 and relative to rail element 920). In at least one embodiment, when two self-mating fasteners mate to form a side a-shape, distal end 924 can be oriented in the same direction as distal end 926.

In at least one embodiment, an outer surface 946 of the distal end 924 can contact an outer surface 948 of the distal end 926 such that when the rail element 950 is mated with the rail element 918, the resistance of the contact element 912 or the contact element 922 causes each contact element to remain in contact. In at least one embodiment, the inner surface 944 can contact the inner surface 942 when the rail element 950 is mated with the rail element 918. The contact elements are slidable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction.

Although shown as a continuous rail in the longitudinal direction, the rail elements and the post elements may be segmented as shown in fig. 1 and 2. The contact element may be configured to be continuous such that the conductive path is formed longitudinally in the longitudinal direction from one end to the other end.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a fastening system having a different self-mating fastener. Fastening system 1000 can be configured similar to fastening system 900, except with different contact elements. For example, the fastening system 1000 may include a self-mating fastener 1002 and a self-mating fastener 1004. The self-mating fastener 1002 may include a backing 1006 and the self-mating fastener 1004 may include a backing 1008. Contact element 1018 may extend from backing 1006 and contact element 1020 may extend from backing 1008.

The contact elements 1018 and 1020 may be shaped like a (full) arch extending from the backing 1006 and 1008. The contact element 1018 may include a first base portion 1010 and a second base portion 1014, and the contact element 1020 may include a first base portion 1012 and a second base portion 1016. The first base portion 1010 is spaced apart from the second base portion 1014. The walls of contact element 1018 may extend distally and converge to a distal end 1024 forming an apex 1026. Similarly, the walls of contact element 1020 may extend distally and converge to a distal end 1022 that forms an apex 1028. The walls of contact element 1020 and contact element 1018 may form tube 1030 and tube 1032. Tube 1030 may completely enclose the space. In at least one embodiment, tube 1030 may be configured for transport or filling with a fluid (such as a drug, saline, air, nitrogen, oxygen, water, or a biological fluid such as blood or insulin) in a longitudinal direction. Similar to contact element 912, contact element 1018 and contact element 1020 may provide a return force in response to a resistance force from the distal end toward the backing.

When the self-mating fastener 1002 mates with the self-mating fastener 1004, the rail elements 1034 from the self-mating fastener 1002 may interlock with the rail elements 1036 on the self-mating fastener 1004. Contact element 1018 or contact element 1020 may have a height that allows for contact and resistance with respect to contact element 1020 or contact element 1018.

In at least one embodiment, the contact element of fastening system 900 or fastening system 1000 can have a height from the base to the distal end that is greater than the Z2 dimension described in fig. 1A. In at least one embodiment, the contact element (from the arc of contact element 912 and contact element 922 or the apex of contact element 1020 and contact element 1018 of fig. 9) may have a height from the backing surface to the outer surface of the apex or distal end that is at least 102%, at least 104%, at least 106%, at least 108%, or at least 110% of the Z2 dimension described in fig. 1A. The self-mating fastener 1002 may be formed as a segment as described in fig. 9. For example, the self-mating fastener 1002 may have one or more backing sections that are formed using profile extrusion and joined together.

Fig. 11 shows an overview of an electronic system 1100. Electronic system 1100 includes a mammalian subject 1104, a fastening system 1200, and one or more electronic devices such as a first electronic device 1102. The fastening system 1200 may include any combination of the self-mating fasteners described herein. For example, fastening system 1200 may refer to self-mating fastener 902 that mates with self-mating fastener 1002. The self-mating fastener may include various adhesives or mechanical engagements to releasably attach the backing of the self-mating fastener to the mammalian object 1104.

In at least one embodiment, the backing can be attached to the first electronic device 1102 and the contact elements of the first self-mating fastener can contact the contact elements of the second self-mating fastener. The backing of the second self-mating fastener may be attached to the skin of mammalian subject 1104. Thus, an electrically conductive path may be formed from the electronic device to the skin via the contact element, or from the first electronic device to the second electronic device via the contact element.

Fig. 12A shows a more detailed view of the fastening system 1200 described herein. The fastening system 1200 may include a self-mating fastener 1202, a first electronic device 1102, and a second electronic device 1208. The self-mating fastener 1202 can form a track such that when the self-mating fastener 1214 is attached to an electronic device and the first electronic device 1102 is electrically coupled to a portion of the self-mating fastener 1202, the first electronic device 1102, the second electronic device 1208, or both can slide 1210 in a longitudinal direction.

As shown in fig. 12B, the self-mating fastener 1202 can have two sides, a first side 1216 and a second side 1220. The first side 1216 (having the rail element and the contact element) may face another self-mating fastener (e.g., self-mating fastener 1214). The second side 1220 can be an uncharacterized surface having an adhesive 1204 disposed thereon. In at least one embodiment, the adhesive 1204 can be a skin-compatible (pressure-sensitive) adhesive that causes minimal irritation to the skin 1206, such as a silicone adhesive sold by 3M (st paul, mn). The adhesive 1204 may optionally be covered with a release liner until the self-mating fastener 1202 is ready to be attached to the skin 1206. In at least one embodiment, the width 1226 of the self-mating fastener 1202 is at least the width of the adhesive 1204. If grounded, a portion of the featured surface of the self-mating fastener 1202 may be electrically coupled to the skin 1206.

In at least one embodiment, any portion of the backing or backing section, rail element, contact element, or post element of any of the fasteners described herein can be transparent or translucent such that the portion is configured for use as a light guide. Examples of constructions and materials can be found in U.S. patent nos. 8,758,237; 9,480,760, respectively; and 8,877,125, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Light may be transmitted longitudinally through and along the rail elements, contact elements or post elements. In another example, the light may be directed towards the skin, i.e. through the rail elements, contact elements, post elements and/or backing along an axis perpendicular to the skin. In at least one embodiment, the adhesive 1204 used to attach the fastener 1202 to the skin 1206 can be optically clear.

The self-mating fastener 1214 may be attached to the first electronic device 1102 via an adhesive 1212. In at least one embodiment, one or more features from the mating fastener 1214 can electrically couple leads from the first electronic device 1102 through the backing (e.g., leads on the contact elements via conductive posts or through the backing) onto the featured surface of the mating fastener 1214. The self-mating fastener 1214 may have a first side 1218 (with rail elements and other features) and a generally uncharacterized second side 1222. The self-mating fasteners 1214 may be configured such that the first electronic device 1102 may form an electrical pathway from the first side 1218 to the first electronic device 1102.

The first side 1218 of the self-mating fastener 1214 may face the first side 1216 of the self-mating fastener 1202 and mechanically engage the rail element and the contact element. Electrical signals can be transmitted longitudinally from the first electronic device 1102 to the second electronic device 1208 through the self-mating fastener 1202 via the electrical pathways. The width 1224 of the first electronic device 1102 may be at least the width of the self-mating fastener 1214. In at least one implementation, the width 1224 may not be greater than the width 1226.

Fig. 13 shows an electronic system 1300 similar to the electronic system 1100. The electronic system 1100 includes a plurality of self-mating fasteners disposed on a substrate (e.g., substrate 1316). Each self-mating fastener may have at least one contact element as described herein. The substrate 1316 may be configured to conform to the skin 1320 and be strong enough to support the self-mating fastener 1302 or the self-mating fastener 1308 when adhered to the skin 1320.

The electronic system 1300 shows a self-mating fastener 1302 and a self-mating fastener 1308 disposed on a substrate 1316. The substrate 1316 may be a transparent medical dressing, such as a hydrocolloid dressing. An example of a transparent medical dressing is commercially available from 3M (st. paul, mn) under the trade name Tegaderm. The self-mating fasteners may be secured to the substrate 1316 or may be formed therein with an adhesive.

In at least one embodiment, the substrate 1318 has a first electronic device 1314 secured thereto. In at least one embodiment, the first electronic device 1314 may be secured to the substrate 1318. For example, the substrate 1318 may be a printed circuit board.

The self-mating fastener 1302 may mate with the self-mating fastener 1304 and the self-mating fastener 1308 may mate with the self-mating fastener 1310. The self-mating fasteners 1310, 1304 may be disposed on the base material 1318 such that the base material 1318 is able to slide in a longitudinal direction along the tracks formed by the self-mating fasteners 1302, 1308. The substrate 1318 may be more rigid relative to the substrate 1316. In addition, electrical signals from the first electronic device 1314 may be transmitted along the self-mating fasteners 1302 and 1308 and the self-mating fasteners 1312 and 1306.

In at least one embodiment, the substrate 1318 can support a second electronic device or other substrate. For example, the substrate 1318 may have self-mating fasteners 1306 and 1312 disposed thereon. The self-mating fasteners 1306 and 1312 may be configured to mate with other self-mating fasteners on another substrate, such that the substrates are stacked and able to move relative to each other and form an electrical connection sufficient to transmit electrical signals along an electrical path.

List of exemplary embodiments:

1. a self-mating fastener, comprising:

a backing having a first side; and

a rail element projecting perpendicularly from the first side of the backing, the rail element extending in a longitudinal direction along the backing;

a conductive contact element proximate to the rail element;

wherein the rail element has a base portion attached to the first side of the backing and a cover portion distal from the backing,

wherein the cover portion has a cover width greater than a width of the base portion,

wherein the cover portion overhangs the base portion on opposite sides.

2. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 1, wherein the rail element comprises a plurality of rail sections arranged in a row.

3. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the backing has a length, a width, and a thickness.

4. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the combination of the thickness of the backing and the height of the rail section is at most 3300 microns.

5. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the combination of the thickness of the backing and the height of the rail section is no greater than 1500 microns.

6. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the combination of the thickness of the backing and the height of the rail section is no greater than 500 microns.

7. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a post element extending perpendicularly from the first side of the backing and extending in a longitudinal direction along the backing and adjacent to the rail element.

8. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 7, wherein the height of the post element is no greater than the height of the rail element.

9. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 7 wherein the post element comprises a plurality of posts arranged in rows, the number of posts in one of the rows of posts being greater than the number of rail sections in one of the rows of rail sections.

10. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 9 wherein the length of the base portion of the rail section is greater than the length of the post.

11. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 10 wherein the length of the base portion of the rail section in the longitudinal direction is at least twice the length of the post in the longitudinal direction.

12. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 11 wherein the length of the base portion of the rail section is at least three times the length of the post.

13. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 9 wherein the number of posts in one of the rows of posts is at least 1.5 times the number of rail sections in one of the rows of rail sections.

14. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 9 wherein the number of posts in one of the rows of posts is at least twice the number of rail sections in one of the rows of rail sections.

15. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 9, wherein each of the posts has at least one of: the height to width aspect ratio is at least 1.5:1, or the height to length aspect ratio is at least 1.5: 1.

16. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 9, wherein each of the posts has at least one of: the height to width aspect ratio is at least 2:1, or the height to length aspect ratio is at least 2: 1.

17. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 9, wherein the rows of posts have a lower bending stiffness than the rows of rail sections.

18. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 9, wherein the height of the post is no greater than 95% of the height of the rail section.

19. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 9 wherein the post has a base attached to the backing and a distal tip, wherein the cross-sectional area of the distal end is less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the base.

20. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 9 wherein the shortest distance in the width dimension between one of the posts and one of the base portions of the rail section in adjacent rows is no greater than 20% of the cover width.

21. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 9 wherein the self-mating fastener has at least three of the rows of rail sections alternating with at least three of the rows of posts.

22. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 21 wherein the self-mating fastener has at least five of the rows of rail sections alternating with at least five of the rows of posts.

23. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 9 further comprising a bonding layer on a major surface of the backing opposite the row of rail segments and the row of posts.

24. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 23 wherein the tie layer comprises a polyolefin elastomer.

25. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the length of the base portion is greater than the width of the base portion.

26. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 25 wherein the ratio of the length of the base portion to the width of the base portion is at least 2: 1.

27. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 26 wherein the ratio of the length of the base portion to the width of the base portion is at least 5: 1.

28. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 27, wherein the ratio of the length of the base portion to the width of the base portion is at least 10: 1.

29. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base portion is continuous and oriented in a longitudinal direction.

30. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lid portion overhangs the base portion on all sides.

31. The self-mating fastener according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lid portion overhangs the base portion by at least 25 microns on opposite sides.

32. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the backing is formed without through-holes.

33. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the contact element extends perpendicularly from the first side of the backing and is adjacent to the rail element.

34. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 33, wherein the backing comprises one or more backing segments joined together.

35. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 34, wherein the contact element extends perpendicularly from the first side of a first backing section and a rail element extends perpendicularly from the first side of a second backing section.

The self-mating fastener of embodiment 35, wherein the contact element and the first backing section are integrally formed.

36. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the contact element is configured to provide a resistive force in response to a downward pressure from a distal end of the contact element toward the backing.

37. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the contact element comprises a distal end and a first base portion.

38. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the distal end is not aligned with a first axis extending perpendicularly from the first base portion.

39. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 38 wherein the contact element forms an arcuate shape having an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface having a larger area than the inner surface.

40. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 39, wherein a portion of the outer surface comprises an electrically conductive layer.

41. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 39 wherein the arcuate shape is a partial arcuate shape having a radius of less than 180 degrees.

42. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 37 wherein the contact element comprises a first base portion and a second base portion, both the first base portion and second base portion extending from the backing, and the distal end is an apex.

43. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 42, wherein the contact element extends in a longitudinal direction along the backing and has a height from the backing to the apex that is at least the height of the base portion and no greater than twice the height of the base portion.

44. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 42, wherein the first base portion and the second base portion each have an inner surface, the inner surfaces of the first base portion and the second base portion and the apex forming a tube in the longitudinal direction.

45. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 44, wherein the tube is filled with a drug or biological fluid.

46. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 33, wherein the contact element is configured to provide a return force in response to a downward force applied from a distal end of the contact element toward the backing.

47. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 46, wherein the contact element has a height from a backing to the distal end that is at least the height of the base portion of the rail element.

48. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the contact elements comprise an electrically conductive material, but the rail elements do not comprise the electrically conductive material.

49. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 48 wherein the conductive material comprises carbon black, a metal composition, a conductive polymer, or a combination thereof.

50. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the contact element comprises a first electrically conductive layer disposed on a portion of the lid portion and disposed on the first side of the backing adjacent to a base portion.

The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first electrically conductive layer is disposed on the entire first side of the backing including the cap portion, the post element, and the area adjacent to the post element.

51. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 50, wherein the contact elements are formed as conductive layers on the surface of the post elements.

52. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the backing has a second side, the first contact element includes a second conductive layer disposed on a portion of the second side along the longitudinal direction and aligned with the rail element, and further including a conductive post electrically coupling the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

53. The self-mating fastener according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second side is uncharacterized.

54. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising:

a second rail element extending distally from the first side of the backing, the second rail element comprising a cover portion;

a second contact element, the second contact element comprising:

a first conductive layer formed on a portion of the lid portion,

a second conductive layer formed on the second side of the backing, an

A conductive post formed to electrically couple the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer to form a conductive path.

55. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a third contact element comprising:

a first electrically conductive layer disposed on the first side of the backing adjacent the rail element and on a portion of the base portion of the rail element;

a second electrically conductive layer disposed on the second side of the backing and aligned with the first electrically conductive layer in the width dimension;

a conductive peg electrically coupling the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer across the thickness of the backing.

56. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first contact element is electrically insulated from the second contact element and the third contact element.

57. The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a post element is disposed between the second rail element and the first rail element along the width dimension.

58. The self-mating fastener of embodiment 57, wherein the cover width is greater than the distance between the post element and the rail element.

The self-mating fastener of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the backing, the contact element, rail element, or post element can function as a light guide.

58b. the self-mating fastener of embodiment 58a, wherein the backing has an optically clear adhesive disposed on the second side.

58c. the self-mating fastener of embodiment 58b, wherein a portion of the backing is transparent.

59. A fastening system, the fastening system comprising:

first and second self-mating fasteners, both configured according to the self-mating fasteners of embodiments 1-58.

60. The fastening system of embodiment 59, wherein the length of the base portion is greater than the width of the base portion.

61. The fastening system of embodiment 60, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener can slide relative to each other in a direction parallel to the length of the backing when they are fastened.

62. The fastening system of embodiment 61, wherein when the first and second fasteners undergo fastening, the post bends away from the rail section while the cover portions of the rail sections of the first and second fastening members pass over each other and then return to their original positions after the first and second fasteners are fastened.

63. The fastening system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the backing of at least one of the first self-mating fastener or the second self-mating fastener is formed without through-holes.

64. The fastening system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the contact elements of the first and second fasteners are frictionally resistant toward each other such that when slid relative to each other, a force is applied to the contact elements of the first and second self-mating fasteners.

65. The fastening system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the rail element of the first fastener is aligned with the rail element of the second fastener such that, when fastened, the cover of the first rail element engages the cover of the second rail element.

66. The fastening system of embodiment 65, wherein a portion of the cover portion proximate to an overhang of the cover portion of a rail element of the first fastener contacts the base portion of the rail element of the second fastening member.

67. The fastening system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the contact elements of the first and second fasteners contact each other and form an electrical connection when fastening the rail section.

68. The fastening system of embodiment 67, wherein each of the first and second fasteners comprises at least two electrically conductive paths that are electrically insulated from each other.

69. The fastening system of embodiment 68, wherein the first fastener comprises a first contact element and a third contact element, the second fastener comprises a second contact element and a fourth contact element, wherein the first contact element and the second contact element are releasably coupled and the third contact element and the fourth contact element are releasably coupled, the first contact element being electrically insulated from the second contact element.

70. The fastening system of embodiment 67, further comprising a plurality of conductive paths.

71. The fastening system of embodiment 70, wherein at least one of the conductive paths is formed from the second side of the first self-mating fastener to the second side of the second self-mating fastener.

72. The fastening system of embodiment 71, wherein at least one of the conductive paths is formed through a backing segment of the first self-mating fastener.

73. The fastening system of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on the second side of the backing of at least one of the first self-mating fastener or the second self-mating fastener.

74. An electronic system, the electronic system comprising:

the fastening system of any one of embodiments 59-73, and

a first electronic device, wherein the first fastener is disposed on the first electronic device and electrically coupled to the first electronic device.

75. The electronic system of embodiment 74, wherein the first electronic device is configured to measure one or more physiological parameters.

76. The electronic system of embodiment 75, wherein the first electronic device is configured to receive power through the first self-mating fastener and the first electronic device is electrically coupled to the second side of the first self-mating fastener.

77. The electronic system of embodiment 76, further comprising a second self-mating fastener electrically coupled to the first electronic device through the first self-mating fastener.

78. The electronic system of embodiment 77, wherein the second self-mating fastener has a greater length than the first self-mating fastener, and the first self-mating fastener is slidable along the second self-mating fastener while maintaining the electrical connection between the two fastener members.

79. The electronic system of embodiment 78, further comprising a third fastener member electrically coupled to a second electronic device and slidable relative to the second fastener, the first electronic device being electrically coupled to the second electronic device via the second fastener.

80. The electronic system of embodiment 79, wherein the second electronic device is a battery or a sensor.

81. The electronic system of embodiment 80, wherein the second electronic device provides an electrical signal to the first electronic device via a first electrical pathway defined in part by a first contact element in the second fastener and receives an electrical charge from the first electronic device through a second contact element in the second fastener.

82. The electronic system of embodiment 81, wherein the second fastener is configured to transport a fluid from the first electronic device to the second electronic device.

83. The electronic system of embodiment 82, further comprising a mammalian subject, wherein the second electronic device or the second fastener is fluidly coupled to the skin of the mammalian subject in a manner sufficient to receive bodily fluids from the mammalian subject.

84. The electronic system of embodiment 83, wherein the second side of the second fastener, when attached to the skin, establishes a ground connection from the skin to the second side of the first self-mating fastener.

85. A method of making a self-mating fastener according to any one of embodiments 1-58, comprising:

extruding a rail element and a first backing section in a longitudinal direction, wherein the rail element has a cover width that is less than the width of the backing section, the backing section being formed of an electrically insulating material;

extruding a contact element and a second backing section in a longitudinal direction, wherein the contact element and the second backing section are formed of an electrically conductive material;

joining the first backing section and the second backing section together.

86. A method of using the fastening system of any one of embodiments 59 to 84, comprising:

adhering a second side of the first self-mating fastener to a first electronic device such that the contact element of the first self-mating fastener is electrically coupled to a portion of the first electronic device; and

adhering a second side of the second self-mating fastener to the skin of a mammalian subject, wherein the second self-mating fastener has a greater length in the longitudinal direction than the first self-mating fastener;

connecting the first side of the first self-mating fastener to the first side of the second self-mating fastener by pressing the first electronic device with a downward force.

87. A method of using the fastening system of embodiment 86, further comprising sliding the first electronic device along the second self-mating fastener.

88. A kit, the kit comprising:

the first self-mating fastener of any one of embodiments 1-59; and

and (7) packaging.

89. The kit of embodiment 88, wherein the first self-mating fastener is continuous and in a coiled configuration sufficient to fit inside the package.

90. The kit according to embodiment 88, further comprising a first electronic device.

91. The kit of embodiment 88, further comprising a second self-mating fastener.

92. The kit of embodiment 88, further comprising an extendable or rigid extension of the self-mating fastener.

The phrase "comprising at least one of … …" in a subsequent list is intended to include any one of the items in the list, as well as any combination of two or more of the items in the list. The phrase "at least one (of) … … of a subsequent list refers to any one item in the list or any combination of two or more items in the list.

As used herein, the term "or" is generally employed in its ordinary sense, including "and/or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The term "and/or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

As used herein, the term "machine direction" (MD) refers to the direction in which a web of material is run during a manufacturing process. When cutting a strip from a continuous web, the dimension in the machine direction corresponds to the length "L" of the strip. The terms "machine direction" and "longitudinal direction" are used interchangeably. As used herein, the term "cross direction" (CD) means a direction substantially perpendicular to the machine direction. When cutting a strip from a continuous web, the dimension in the cross direction corresponds to the width "W" of the strip. Thus, the term "width" generally refers to the shorter dimension in the plane of the first side (the characterized side) of the backing, which is the surface that supports the rail segments and posts. As used herein, the term "thickness" generally refers to the smallest dimension of the fastener, which is the dimension perpendicular to the first side of the backing.

As used herein, the term "alternating" means that one row of rail sections is disposed between any two adjacent rows of posts (i.e., the row of posts has only one row of rail sections therebetween), and one row of posts is disposed between any two adjacent rows of rail sections.

As used herein, the term "perpendicular" means that the relationship between the backing and the rail segments and/or posts includes substantially perpendicular. By "substantially perpendicular" it is meant that the plane defined by the backing and the row of rail segments or posts can deviate from perpendicular by up to 10 degrees (in some embodiments, up to 7.5 degrees or 5 degrees).

The term "physiological parameter" refers to any measurement that is related to a bodily function of a mammal. Examples include body temperature, heart rate, ECG, blood pressure, blood flow, blood volume, respiration, skin condition, tremor, blood glucose, or combinations thereof.

The term "through-hole" refers to a technique in which a protrusion on a discrete component is inserted through a hole in a substrate.

The term "slidable" refers to the ability to slide in a longitudinal direction relative to another component.

The term "tube" refers to a hollow elongated cylindrical shape.

The term "conductive" refers to the ability to conduct electrical current. The conductive material has an electrical conductivity of at least 2 siemens/cm.

The term "electrically insulating" or "electrically insulating" refers to the strength of the material to resist the flow of electrical current. Electrically insulating means having a surface resistivity of at least 10^13 ohms/square.

The term "conductive layer" refers to a uniform layer of conductive material or a non-uniform coating of conductive material such that the entire coating is conductive from one end to the other.

The term "mammalian subject" refers to any animal of the mammalian family, which is a large class of warm-blooded vertebrates in females with mammary glands, diaphragm and four-chambered heart. The classes include whales, carnivores, rodents, bats, primates, humans, and the like.

The term "electronic device" refers to a device that depends on the principle of the electronic device and uses the manipulation of electron flow to perform its operation. The electronic device may be used or facilitate monitoring of one or more physiological parameters of a mammalian subject. Examples of electronic devices include heart rate monitors, wearable computers, insulin pumps, batteries, sensors, and the like.

The term "frictional resistance" refers to the lid normal force multiplied by the coefficient of friction on the base polymer itself.

As used herein, with respect to a measured quantity, the term "about" refers to a deviation in the measured quantity that is commensurate with the objective of the measurement and the accuracy of the measurement device used, as would be expected by a skilled artisan taking the measurement with some degree of care. Herein, "at most" a number (e.g., at most 50) includes the number (e.g., 50).

Unless otherwise indicated, all numerical ranges include endpoints and non-integer values between endpoints (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description. In no event, however, should the above summaries be construed as limitations on the claimed subject matter, which subject matter is defined solely by the attached claims, as may be amended during prosecution.