Laminated composites

• US 20050084647A1
• Filed: 10/12/2004
• Published: 04/21/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/02/1998
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Menzies, Robert H., Riedel, John E., Levitt, Leon, Edgar, Jason L., Maki, Robert J., Joseph, Eugene G., Seidel, David L., Tuman, Scott J., Berg, Brandon T.
• Application Number:
  US10/962,798
• Publication Number:
  US 20050084647A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 428/99
• CPC Class Codes: A44B 18/0003 Fastener constructions A44B18/0023, A44B18/0046 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A44B 18/0046 Fasteners made integrally of plastics
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/222 characterised by the shape of the surface
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2305/026 Porous
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2305/20 in the form of a non-woven mat
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2535/00 Medical equipment, e.g. bandage, prostheses, catheter medical patches B32B2556/00
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 3/20 of hollow pieces, e.g. tubes; of pieces with channels or cavities
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 37/12 characterised by using adhesives
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 5/022 Non-woven fabric
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 5/06 characterised by a fibrous or filamentary layer mechanically connected, e.g. by needling to another layer, e.g. of fibres, of paper
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 5/12 characterised by the relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of different layers, e.g. the fibres or filaments being parallel or perpendicular to each other
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 5/26 another layer next to it also being fibrous or filamentary relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of different layers B32B5/12
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 7/12 using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
• CPC Class Codes: D04H 1/593 to layered webs
• CPC Class Codes: D04H 3/045 for net manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/27 including readily dissociable fastener having numerous, protruding, unitary filaments randomly interlocking with, and simultaneously moving towards, mating structure [e.g., hook-loop type fastener]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/2792 having mounting surface and filaments constructed from common piece of material
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24008 including fastener for attaching to external surface
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24017 Hook or barb
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/102 Woven scrim
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/159 : Including a nonwoven fabric which is not a scrim
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/16 : Two or more nonwoven layers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/184 : Nonwoven scrim
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/2738 : Coating or impregnation intended to function as an adhesive to solid surfaces subsequently associated therewith
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/601 : Nonwoven fabric has an elastic quality
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/602 : Nonwoven fabric comprises an elastic strand or fiber material
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/643 : Including parallel strand or fiber material within the nonwoven fabric
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/659 : Including an additional nonwoven fabric
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/66 : Additional nonwoven fabric is a spun-bonded fabric
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/668 : Separate nonwoven fabric layers comprise chemically different strand or fiber material
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/671 : Multiple nonwoven fabric layers composed of the same polymeric strand or fiber material
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/68 : Melt-blown nonwoven fabric
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/681 : Spun-bonded nonwoven fabric
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/69 : Autogenously bonded nonwoven fabric

Abstract

A laminated composite suitable for use in medical products such as tapes and wraps. The composite includes, for example, a first nonwoven fiber layer, an elastic layer, a melt blown adhesive fiber layer, and a second nonwoven fiber layer. A scrim layer serves as a deadstop, or stretch limit, to prevent over stretching. The non-woven fiber layer(s) and/or the scrim layer form suitable loops for a hook and loop fastening system. The scrim layer in some embodiments is employed to make the composite finger tearable. The melt blown adhesive layer, nonwoven web layer and elastic layer form a breathable, porous elastic composite. Methods of manufacturing the composite are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A laminated elastic composite, comprising:

(a) a first nonwoven web layer having a machine direction and a cross direction;

(b) a scrim layer adjacent to the first nonwoven web layer comprising spaced-apart, nonelastic filaments oriented substantially in the machine direction that are substantially perpendicular to spaced-apart filaments oriented substantially in the cross-direction;

(c) an elastic layer adjacent to the scrim layer comprising a series of substantially parallel, spaced-apart elastic filaments wherein the length of the elastic filaments are oriented substantially in the machine direction;

(d) a fibrous pressure sensitive adhesive layer adjacent the elastic layer; and

(e) a second nonwoven web layer adjacent to the fibrous pressure sensitive adhesive layer.

2. A laminated elastic composite according to claim 1, wherein the first nonwoven layer is a nonwoven material selected from the group consisting of a melt blown nonwoven material, a spunbond nonwoven material, a spun laced nonwoven material, a staple carded web, an air laid web and a wet laid web, and wherein the second nonwoven layer is a nonwoven material selected from the group consisting of melt blown nonwoven materials, spunbond nonwoven materials, spun laced nonwoven materials, staple carded webs, air laid webs and wet laid webs.

3. A laminated elastic composite according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first nonwoven layer and the second nonwoven layer comprises a spun bond nonwoven material.

4. A laminated elastic composite according to claim 1, wherein the spacing of the elastic filaments is in the range of about 1-10 filaments/cm in the cross direction.

5. A laminated composite according to claim 1, wherein the fibrous pressure sensitive adhesive layer comprises a melt blown fiber layer including pressure sensitive adhesive fibers.

6. A laminated composite according to claim 5, wherein the melt blown fiber adhesive layer comprises multilayer fibers comprising one or more layers of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and one or more layers of a non-adhesive polymer.

7. A laminated elastic composite according to claim 6, wherein the melt blown fiber adhesive layer comprises three-layer fibers comprising two outer layers of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and one inner layer of a non-adhesive polymer.

8. A laminated elastic composite according to claim 5, wherein the melt blown fiber adhesive layer comprises fibers consisting of a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

9. A laminated elastic composite according to claim 1, wherein the laminate composite is cohesive.

10. A laminated elastic composite according to claim 1, wherein the scrim has in the range of 5-30 filaments/2.5-cm in the machine direction and in the range of about 5-30 filaments/2.5-cm in the cross-direction.

11. A laminated elastic composite according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on the outer surface of one of the nonwoven layers.

12. A laminated composite according to claim 1, wherein the scrim or nonwoven fiber layer forms loops, and further comprising a plurality of hooks formed along a surface of the composite for releasable engagement with the loops to fasten the composite in use.

13. A laminated composite according to claim 11, wherein the first nonwoven webs includes a plurality of discrete regions, the plurality of hooks being formed by a plurality of stems extending from each discrete region, wherein the plurality of stems are fused and formed to at least the first major side of the web.

14. A laminated composite according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of stems are comprised of a thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting of:

polyurethane, polyolefins, polystyrenes, polycarbonates, polyester, polymethacrylate, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymers, polyvinylchloride, acrylate modified ethylene vinyl acetate polymers, and ethylene acrylic acid copolymers.

15. A laminated composite according to claim 13, wherein the discrete regions cover between 5 and 25 percent of a major surface of the first nonwoven web.

16. A laminated composite according to claim 13, wherein the first nonwoven web defines a localized plane, and the plurality of stems are oriented at a plurality of angles to the localized plane.

17. A laminated composite according to claim 13, wherein one or more of the stems is shaped to provide directional hooking capability.

18. A laminated composite according to claim 13, wherein the discrete regions are separated an average of approximately 0.05 and 30 centimeters from one another.

19. A laminate composite, comprising:

(a) a first nonwoven web layer;

(b) a scrim layer adjacent to the first nonwoven web layer comprising spaced-apart, non-elastic filaments oriented substantially in the machine direction that are substantially perpendicular to spaced-apart filaments oriented in the cross-direction; and

(c) a fibrous pressure sensitive adhesive layer adjacent the scrim layer.

20. A laminated composite according to claim 19, wherein the fibrous pressure sensitive adhesive layer comprises a melt blown fiber layer including pressure sensitive adhesive fibers.

21. A laminated composite according to claim 20, wherein the melt blown fiber adhesive layer comprises multilayer fibers comprising one or more layers of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and one or more layers of a non-adhesive polymer.

22. A laminated elastic composite according to claim 21, wherein the melt blown fiber adhesive layer comprises three-layer fibers comprising two outer layers of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and one inner layer of a non-adhesive polymer.

23. A laminated elastic composite according to claim 20, wherein the melt blown fiber adhesive layer comprises fibers consisting of a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

24. A laminated composite according to claim 19, further comprising:

(a) a second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer adjacent to the fibrous pressure sensitive adhesive layer.

25. A laminated composite according to claim 19, further comprising:

(a) a second nonwoven web layer adjacent to one of the fibrous pressure-sensitive adhesive layer or the nonwoven layer.

26. A laminated composite according to claim 19, wherein the nonwoven layer comprises a nonwoven material selected from the group consisting of a melt blown nonwoven material, a spunbond nonwoven material, a spun laced nonwoven material, a staple carded web, an air laid web and a wet laid web.

27. A laminated composite according to claim 19, wherein the nonwoven layer comprises a spun bond nonwoven material.

28. A laminated composite according to claim 19, wherein the scrim comprises a woven scrim.

29. A laminated composite according to claim 19, wherein the scrim has in the range of about 5-30 filaments/2.5-cm in the machine direction and in the range of about 5-30 filaments/2.5-cm in the cross direction.

30. A laminated composite according to claim 19, wherein the laminated composite is cohesive.

31. A laminated composite, comprising:

(a) a scrim layer comprising spaced-apart filaments oriented substantially in the machine direction that are substantially perpendicular to spaced-apart filaments oriented substantially in the cross-direction.

(b) an elastic layer comprising a series of substantially parallel, spaced-apart elastic filament wherein the elastic filaments are oriented substantially in the machine direction; and

(c) a fibrous pressure sensitive adhesive layer adjacent the elastic layer.

32. A laminated composite according to claims 31, wherein the fibrous pressure sensitive adhesive layer comprises a melt blown fiber layer including pressure sensitive adhesive fibers.

33. A laminated composite according to claim 32, wherein the melt blown fiber adhesive layer comprises multilayer fibers comprising one or more layers of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and one or more layers of a non-adhesive polymer.

34. An elastic laminated composite according to claim 32, wherein the melt blown fiber adhesive comprises fibers consisting of a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

35. A laminated composite according to any of claims 31, wherein the scrim or nonwoven fiber layer forms loops, and further comprising a plurality of hooks formed along a surface of the composite for releasable engagement with the loops to fasten the composite in use.

36. A laminated composite according to claim 31, wherein the composite is cohesive.

37. A laminated composite according to claim 31, wherein the scrim has in the range of 5-30 filaments/2.5-cm in the machine direction and in the range of 5-30 filaments/2.5-cm the cross-direction.

38. A laminated composite according to claim 31, further comprising a layer of a second pressure-sensitive adhesive on the scrim layer.

39. A method of making an elastic laminate composite, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a melt blowing apparatus comprising a die and a rotating collector drum;

(b) providing a first nonwoven web overlaying the collector drum, wherein the nonwoven web comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a melt blown nonwoven material, a spunbond nonwoven material, a spun laced nonwoven material, a staple carded web, an air laid web and a wet laid web;

(c) providing a series of substantially parallel, spaced-apart elastic filaments overlaying the nonwoven web on the collector drum, wherein the elastic filaments are oriented substantially in the machine direction and wherein the elastic filaments are stretched beyond their relaxed length;

(d) advancing the first nonwoven material and the overlaying elastic filaments to a position beneath the melt blowing die by rotating the collector drum;

(e) melt blowing fibers comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive from the die onto the elastic filaments;

(f) providing a second nonwoven web downstream from the die wherein the second nonwoven web comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a melt blown nonwoven material, a spunbond nonwoven material, a spun laced nonwoven material, a staple carded web, an air laid web and a wet laid web;

(g) pressure laminating the second nonwoven web onto the blown fiber adhesive filaments, the elastic filaments and the first nonwoven web, by advancing the layers through a nip formed between the collector drum and a calender roll to form an elastic laminate composite comprising the first nonwoven web, the elastic filaments, the blown fiber pressure-sensitive adhesive web and the second nonwoven web; and

(h) collecting the elastic laminate composite on a winder roll.

40. An elastic laminate composite made according to the method in claim 39, comprising:

(a) a first nonwoven web layer;

(b) an elastic layer adjacent to the first nonwoven web layer comprising substantially parallel, spaced-apart, elastic filaments, wherein the filaments are oriented in the machine direction;

(c) a melt blown fiber layer adjacent to the elastic layer comprising melt blown fibers comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive; and

(d) a second nonwoven web layer adjacent to the fiber melt blown fiber layer.

41. A method of making a laminate composition, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a melt blowing apparatus comprising a die and a rotating collector drum;

(b) providing a nonwoven web overlaying the collector drum, wherein the nonwoven web comprises a material selected from the group consisting of melt blown nonwoven materials, spunbond nonwoven materials, spun laced nonwoven materials, staple carded webs, air laid webs and wet laid webs;

(c) providing a scrim overlaying the nonwoven web and the collector drum comprising spaced-apart filaments oriented substantially in the machine direction that are perpendicular to spaced-apart filaments oriented substantially in the cross direction;

(d) advancing the scrim and the nonwoven web to a position beneath the melt blowing die by rotating the collector drum;

(e) melt blowing fibers comprising pressure-sensitive adhesive from the die onto the scrim;

(f) pressure laminating the blown fiber adhesive filaments and underlying scrim and nonwoven web, by advancing the layers through a nip formed between the collector drum and a calender roll to form a laminate composite comprising the first nonwoven web, the elastic filaments, the blown fiber pressure-sensitive adhesive web and the second nonwoven web; and

(g) collecting the laminate composite on a winder roll.

42. A laminate composite made according to the method of claim 41, comprising:

(a) a nonwoven web layer;

(b) a scrim layer adjacent to the nonwoven web layer comprising spaced-apart filaments oriented substantially in the machine direction that are substantially perpendicular to spaced-apart filaments oriented substantially in the cross direction; and

(c) a melt blown fiber layer comprising melt blown fibers comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

43. A method of making a laminate composition, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a melt blowing apparatus comprising a die and a rotating collector drum;

(b) providing a first nonwoven web overlaying the collector drum, wherein the first nonwoven web comprises a material selected from the group consisting of melt blown nonwoven materials, spunbond nonwoven materials, spun laced nonwoven materials, staple carded webs, air laid webs and wet laid webs;

(c) providing a scrim overlaying the first nonwoven web and the collector drum comprising spaced-apart filaments oriented substantially in the machine direction that are substantially perpendicular to spaced-apart filaments oriented substantially in the cross direction;

(d) advancing the scrim and the first nonwoven web to a position beneath the melt blowing die by rotating the collector drum;

(e) melt blowing fibers comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive from the die onto the scrim;

(f) providing a second nonwoven web downstream from the die wherein the second nonwoven web comprises a material selected from the group consisting of melt blown nonwoven materials, spunbond nonwoven materials, spun laced nonwoven materials, staple carded webs, air laid webs and wet laid webs;

(g) pressure laminating the second nonwoven web onto the blown fiber adhesive filaments and underlying scrim and first nonwoven web, by advancing the layers through a nip formed between the collector drum and a calender roll to form a laminate composite comprising the first nonwoven web, the scrim, the blown fiber pressure-sensitive adhesive web and the second nonwoven web; and

(h) collecting the elastic laminate composite on a winder roll.

44. A laminate composite made according to claim 43, comprising:

(a) a first nonwoven web layer;

(b) a scrim layer adjacent to the first nonwoven layer comprising spaced-apart filaments substantially oriented in the machine direction that are substantially perpendicular to spaced-apart filaments oriented in the cross direction;

(c) a melt blown fiber layer comprising melt blown fibers comprising a pressure-adhesive adhesive; and

(d) a second nonwoven web layer.

45. A method of making an elastic laminate composite, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a melt blowing apparatus comprising a die and a rotating collector drum;

(b) providing a series of substantially parallel, spaced-apart elastic filaments overlaying the nonwoven web on the collector drum, wherein the elastic filaments are oriented substantially in the machine direction and the elastic filaments are stretched beyond their relaxed length;

(c) advancing the elastic filaments to a position beneath the melt blowing die by rotating the collector drum;

(d) melt blowing fibers comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive from the die onto the elastic filaments;

(e) pressure laminating the blown fiber adhesive filaments onto the underlying elastic filaments, by advancing the layers through a nip formed between the collector drum and a calendar roll to form an elastic laminate composite comprising the elastic filaments and the blown fiber pressure-sensitive adhesive web; and

(f) collecting the elastic laminate composite on a winder roll.

46. An elastic laminate composite made according to claim 45, comprising:

(a) an elastic layer comprising a series of substantially parallel, spaced-apart elastic filaments wherein the filaments are oriented substantially in the machine direction; and

(b) a melt blown fiber layer comprising melt blown fibers comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

47. A method of making an elastic laminate composite, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a melt blowing apparatus comprising a die and a rotating collector drum;

(b) providing a first nonwoven web overlaying the collector drum, wherein the nonwoven web comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a melt blown nonwoven material, a spunbond nonwoven material, a spun laced nonwoven material, a staple carded web, an air laid web and a wet laid web;

(c) providing a scrim overlaying the nonwoven web and the collector drum comprising spaced-apart filaments oriented substantially in the machine direction that are perpendicular to spaced-apart filaments oriented substantially in the cross direction;

(d) providing a series of substantially parallel, spaced-apart elastic filaments overlaying the nonwoven web and scrim on the collector drum, wherein the elastic filaments are oriented substantially in the machine direction and wherein the elastic filaments are stretched at least 50% beyond their relaxed length;

(e) advancing the first nonwoven material, scrim and the overlaying stretched elastic filaments to a position beneath the melt blowing die by rotating the collector drum;

(f) melt blowing fibers comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive from the die onto the elastic filaments;

(g) providing a second nonwoven web downstream from the die wherein the second nonwoven web comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a melt blown nonwoven material, a spunbond nonwoven material, a spun laced nonwoven material, a staple carded web, an air laid web and a wet laid web;

(h) pressure laminating the second nonwoven web onto the blown fiber adhesive filaments, the elastic filaments and the first nonwoven web, by advancing the layers through a nip formed between the collector drum and a calender roll to form an elastic laminate composite comprising the first nonwoven web, the elastic filaments, the blown fiber pressure-sensitive adhesive web and the second nonwoven web; and

(i) allowing the stretched elastic filaments to relax and collecting the elastic laminate composite on a winder roll.

48. A method according to claim 47 wherein the elastic filaments are stretched between 50-300 percent.

49. A method according to claim 47 further comprising forming a plurality of hooks on the elastic laminate composite.

50. A method according to claim 47 wherein the step of providing a first nonwoven web includes forming a plurality of stems on the first nonwoven web.

51. A method according to claim 50 wherein the step of forming a plurality of stems on the first nonwoven web comprises:

providing discrete quantities of a polymeric material at a temperature above its softening point;

fusing the discrete quantities of the polymeric material to the first nonwoven web; and

forming a plurality of stems in each of the discrete quantities of the polymeric material.

52. A method according to claim 51, wherein fusing the discrete quantities of polymeric material to the first nonwoven web occurs simultaneously with forming a plurality of stems in each of the discrete quantities of polymeric material.

53. A method according to claim 51, wherein the discrete quantities of polymeric material are provided by extruding molten polymer in a form selected from intermittent quantities and continuous ribbons.

54. A method according to claim 51, further comprising deformation of the stems with a heated surface to produce an enlarged end on the stems.

55. A method according to claim 51, further comprising re-orienting the stems with a heated surface.

56. A method according to claim 50, wherein the first nonwoven web is formed of polymeric material having a softening point, the step of forming a plurality of stems on the first nonwoven web comprises:

maintaining the polymeric material of the first nonwoven web at a temperature above its softening point;

providing a tool having a surface with a plurality of stem-forming holes configured in discrete regions; and

pressing the first nonwoven web against the tool surface under pressure to form regions of stems on the surface of the web.

57. A method of claim 56, wherein the discrete regions of stem-forming holes are formed by masking a portion of the stem-forming holes in the tool.

58. A method according to claim 56, further comprising deformation of the stems with a heated surface to produce a disk-shaped end on the stems.

59. A method of claim 56, wherein between 5 and 25 percent of the surface area of the tool is occupied by the stem-forming holes.

60. A laminated elastic composite, comprising:

a first nonwoven web layer having a machine direction and a cross direction;

a scrim layer adjacent to the first nonwoven web layer comprising spaced-apart, nonelastic filaments oriented substantially in the machine direction that are substantially perpendicular to spaced-apart filaments oriented substantially in the cross-direction;

an elastic layer adjacent to the scrim layer comprising a series of substantially parallel, spaced-apart elastic filaments wherein the length of the elastic filaments are oriented substantially in the machine direction;

a fibrous adhesive layer adjacent the elastic layer; and

a second nonwoven web layer adjacent to the fibrous adhesive layer;

wherein at least one of the nonwoven web layers comprises loops.

61. A laminated elastic composite according to claim 60, wherein the first nonwoven layer is a nonwoven material selected from the group consisting of a melt blown nonwoven material, a spunbond nonwoven material, a spun laced nonwoven material, a staple carded web, an air laid web and a wet laid web, and wherein the second nonwoven layer is a nonwoven material selected from the group consisting of melt blown nonwoven materials, spunbond nonwoven materials, spun laced nonwoven materials, staple carded webs, air laid webs and wet laid webs.

62. A laminated elastic composite according to claim 60, wherein at least one of the first nonwoven layer and the second nonwoven layer comprises a spun bond nonwoven material.

63. A laminated elastic composite according to claim 60, wherein the spacing of the elastic filaments is in the range of about 1-10 filaments/cm in the cross direction.

64. A laminated composite according to claim 60, wherein the fibrous adhesive layer comprises a melt blown fiber layer including pressure sensitive adhesive fibers.

65. A laminated elastic composite according to claim 60, wherein the laminated composite is cohesive.

66. A laminated elastic composite according to claim 60, wherein the scrim has in the range of 5-30 filaments/2.5-cm in the machine direction and in the range of about 5-30 filaments/2.5-cm in the cross-direction.

67. A laminated elastic composite according to claim 60, further comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on the outer surface of one of the nonwoven layers.

68. A laminated composite according to claim 60, further comprising a plurality of hooks formed along a surface of the composite for releasable engagement with the loops to fasten the composite in use.

69. A laminated composite according to claim 68, wherein the first nonwoven web includes a plurality of discrete regions, the plurality of hooks being formed by a plurality of stems extending from each discrete region, wherein the plurality of discrete regions are fused to at least the first major side of the web.

70. A laminated composite according to claim 69, wherein the plurality of stems are comprised of a thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting of:

polyurethane, polyolefins, polystyrenes, polycarbonates, polyester, polymethacrylate, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymers, polyvinylchloride, acrylate modified ethylene vinyl acetate polymers, and ethylene acrylic acid copolymers.

71. A laminated composite according to claim 69, wherein the discrete regions cover between 5 and 25 percent of a major surface of the first nonwoven web.

72. A laminated composite according to claim 69, wherein the first nonwoven web defines a localized plane, and the plurality of stems are oriented at a plurality of angles to the localized plane.

73. A laminated composite according to claim 69, wherein one or more of the stems is shaped to provide directional hooking capability.

74. A laminated composite according to claim 69, wherein the discrete regions are separated an average of approximately 0.05 and 30 centimeters from one another.

75. A laminated composite, comprising:

a first nonwoven web layer;

a scrim layer comprising spaced-apart, non-elastic filaments oriented substantially in the machine direction that are substantially perpendicular to spaced apart filaments oriented in the cross-direction; and

a fibrous adhesive layer between the scrim layer and the first nonwoven web layer;

wherein the scrim layer comprises loops.

76. A laminated composite according to claim 75, wherein the fibrous adhesive layer comprises a melt blown fiber layer including pressure sensitive adhesive fibers.

77. A laminated composite according to claim 75, further comprising a second nonwoven web layer.

78. A laminated composite according to claim 75, further comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer adjacent to the fibrous adhesive layer.

79. A laminated composite according to claim 75, wherein the nonwoven layer comprises a nonwoven material selected from the group consisting of a melt blown nonwoven material, a spunbond nonwoven material, a spun laced nonwoven material, a staple carded web, an air laid web and a wet laid web.

80. A laminated composite according to claim 75, wherein the nonwoven layer comprises a spun bond nonwoven material.

81. A laminated composite according to claim 75, wherein the scrim comprises a woven scrim.

82. A laminated composite according to claim 75, wherein the scrim has in the range of about 5-30 filaments/2.5-cm in the machine direction and in the range of about 5-30 filaments/2.5-cm in the cross-direction.

83. A laminated composite according to claim 75, wherein the laminated composite is cohesive.

84. A laminated composite, comprising:

a scrim layer comprising spaced-apart filaments oriented substantially in the machine direction that are substantially perpendicular to spaced-apart filaments oriented substantially in the cross-direction;

an elastic layer comprising a series of substantially parallel, spaced-apart elastic filaments wherein the elastic filaments are oriented substantially in the machine direction; and

a fibrous adhesive layer adjacent the elastic layer;

wherein the scrim layer comprises loops.

85. A laminated composite according to claim 84, wherein the fibrous adhesive layer comprises a melt blown fiber layer including pressure sensitive adhesive fibers.

86. A laminated composite according to claim 84, further comprising a plurality of hooks formed along a surface of the composite for releasable engagement with the loops to fasten the composite in use.

87. A laminated composite according to claim 84, wherein the composite is cohesive.

88. A laminated composite according to claim 84, wherein the scrim has in the range of 5-30 filaments/2.5-cm in the machine direction and in the range of 5-30 filaments/2.5-cm the cross-direction.

89. A laminated composite according to claim 84, further comprising a layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the scrim layer.

90. A laminated elastic composite, comprising:

a scrim layer comprising spaced-apart, nonelastic filaments oriented substantially in the machine direction that are substantially perpendicular to spaced-apart filaments oriented substantially in the cross-direction;

an elastic layer adjacent to the scrim layer comprising a series of substantially parallel, spaced-apart elastic filaments wherein the length of the elastic filaments are oriented substantially in the machine direction;

a fibrous adhesive layer adjacent the elastic layer; and

a nonwoven web layer adjacent to the fibrous adhesive layer;

wherein the scrim layer comprises loops.

91. A laminated composite according to claim 90, further comprising a plurality of hooks formed along a surface of the composite for releasable engagement with the loops to fasten the composite in use.