Abstract: This surface fastener has a substrate portion and a plurality of engaging elements, each of the engaging elements being provided with a stem portion standing from the substrate portion and a hook portion extending in the fastener width direction from the stem portion. The engaging element has a narrow width tip end portion provided with at least a hook portion and an enlarged width portion provided with only the stem portion, separated by a reference surface along the fastener length and height directions as a boundary. This makes an undercut hardly formable in the molding of the engaging element, and deficiencies such as deformation and the like of the engaging element can be prevented. Further, the strength of the stem portion can be increased, and a damage which a loop-shaped engaging element and the engaging element receive when the loop-shaped engaging element is attached or pulled out can be reduced.

Abstract: A flexible connector includes a flexible substrate having a plurality of conductive pads and a plurality of conductive polymer springfingers. Each conductive polymer springfinger extends between a first end and a second end. The conductive polymer springfingers are mechanically and electrically connected to corresponding conductive pads at the corresponding second ends and the conductive polymer springfingers are configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to conductors of an electrical component at the corresponding first ends. The conductive polymer springfingers are internally conductive and compressible between the first and second ends. The conductive polymer springfingers are discrete and separated by gaps. The flexible substrate is flexible to allow the second ends of the conductive polymer springfingers to be non-coplanar and to allow the first ends of the conductive polymer springfingers to be non-coplanar for electrical connection with the electrical component.

Abstract: A fastening strip for touch fasteners is provided which includes a corrugated portion as well as fastening elements. The corrugated portion allows the strip to be bent in a plane perpendicular as well as parallel with the longitudinal axis of the strip such that it may be applied to curved surfaces and remain substantially flat. Fastening elements such as hooks, loops, mushroom-shaped, bulbous and double hooks may be included on both sides of the strip and on the walls of the channels that form the corrugations as well as between the corrugations. The corrugated fastening strips may be useful for automotive seating and diaper applications. Processes for forming the corrugated fastening strip area also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for joining two or more pieces of hook fastener tape. In some embodiments, the two or more pieces of tape are spliced together using ultrasonic welding. At least one of the splicing components used to splice the tapes together may be configured so that the component influences the profile of a connecting portion along which the two tapes are welded together. In some cases, at least one of the splicing components may be configured to minimize deformation of the tapes as they are welded together.

Abstract: A cover anchor clip comprising a base section; an anchor portion including a pair of extension portions that stands up from the base section so as to face each other, a pair of anchor claws that is formed at respective leading ends of the pair of extension portions and that projects out toward sides where the extension portions mutually face each other, and a protrusion that is formed at each leading end of the extension portions and that projects out to the opposite side to the mutually facing sides of the extension portions; and upstanding portions standing up from the base section, each of the upstanding portions can make contact with either one of the protrusions in the event that either one of the extension portions is elastically deformed and the pair of anchor claws move away from each other.

Abstract: A reclosable gusseted bag is disclosed wherein a single web multiple alignment zipper is placed around the interior of the mouth of the bag, downwardly adjacent from the upper edge of the front panel, rear panel and side gussets thereby resulting in an increased size of opening as the mouth of the gusseted bag. The use of a single web multiple alignment zipper allows opposing portions of the web to engage each other within a range of alignments thereby allowing for simplified use by the consumer.

Abstract: A stent having an axial end to which is attached a ring of spoons of a material different from that of the stent. In one aspect, the ring of spoons is connected to the axial end through a plurality of complementary male-female form-fitting portions. In one aspect, the ring of spoons include parallel straight side edges. In one aspect, each of the side edges lies within a first distance from a facing side edge of an adjacent spoon in a stent delivery configuration, and each of the side edges lies within a second distance, greater than the first distance, from the facing side edge of an adjacent spoon in a stent deployed configuration.

Abstract: Fasteners for producing double blind joints where the fastener is not visible or accessible are provided. The fasteners comprise a shape memory polymer that may be used to fasten workpieces by heating the fasteners, inducing recovery of the original, permanent shape of the fasteners.

Abstract: A molded surface fastener, including: a large number of male fastening elements projecting upward from the surface of a plastic plate, each of the male fastening elements having a stem projecting upward from the plastic plate and an engaging projection projecting sideways from the stem, where each of the male fastening elements has a height (H) of 1.5-3.0 mm, a length (D) from the uppermost tip to the lower end of the engaging projection of 0.675-2.25 mm, and a ratio length (D) to the height (H), (D)/(H), of 0.45-0.75, where the plate coverage of male fastening elements is 25-45%, and where each of the male fastening elements has an anti-sticking projection projecting away from the plate above the engaging projection.

Abstract: A releasable fastener assembly which includes a first panel carrying an area of a first engagement material; and a second panel carrying an area of a second engagement material. The first and second engagement materials are releasably securable to one another. A portion of a perimeter of the area of the second engagement material defines a recess which extends in a direction nonparallel to an edge of the second panel and into the area of the second engagement material. The recess is accessible from the edge of the second panel. Further included is a method for using the releasable fastener assembly.

Abstract: Methods of forming dry adhesives including a method of making a dry adhesive including applying a liquid polymer to the second end of the stem, molding the liquid polymer on the stem in a mold, wherein the mold includes a recess having a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the second end of the stem, curing the liquid polymer in the mold to form a tip at the second end of the stem, wherein the tip includes a second layer stem; corresponding to the recess in the mold, and removing the tip from the mold after the liquid polymer cures.

Abstract: A catheter positioning system includes a catheter needle assembly comprising a catheter having a permanent hub and a needle carried in the catheter lumen. A releasable clamp is used to compress the catheter against the needle to prevent axial movement of one relative to the other. The clamp is periodically released after being moved a short distance toward the target vessel or nerve and is repositioned a short distance from the skin entry point to further advance the catheter needle assembly. The clamp is configured to be removed from the catheter by movement in a direction other than along the longitudinal axis of the catheter while the catheter hub remains in place. After successful placement of the catheter, the clamp may be snapped apart or opened along a hinge without moving the catheter from its final position.

Abstract: A contact closure component (10) includes a carrier part (12) and closure parts (14a-14b) arranged upright on the carrier part. Each closure part (14a-14b) has at least one stem part (10a-20b) having a pre-definable longitudinal extent (Hs). At least one shaping section (26a-26b) is formed on at least one stem part (20a-20b), in at least one length section (24a-24b). The shaping section is set back at least partially with respect to an imaginary stem outer shape, in the direction of the interior of the stem. At least one shaping section (26a-26b) permits elastic deformation and/or movement longitudinally and/or transversely with respect to the longitudinal extent (Hs) of the respective stem part (20a-20b).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a one piece multi-rib fastener including at least two groups of ribs, each rib with one or more hooks, wherein the groups are separated by a space less than the width of the maximum number of ribs within one of the groups.

Abstract: A flexible closure element for a closure of a medical or orthopedic product or sports product includes a first and second elastic cover layer and a sheet-type stabilizing element therebetween. The sheet-type stabilizing element is slotted over a least half of a length of the stabilizing element on at least one of two longitudinally running edges.

Abstract: A silent fastener system having a hook portion and a loop portion wherein the hook portion has a base with hooks attached thereto. The hooks are biased in a curved configuration and are inserted through a hook guide which guides the hooks into the loop portion by moving the base along the hook guide in a first direction so that tips of the hooks advance into the loop portion. The hooks become curved in the loop portion thereby locking the hooks in the loop portion. The hooks are unlocked by moving the base in a second opposite direction causing the loops to retract into the hook guide without producing sound so that the hook and loop portions separate easily with production of audible sound. Alternate embodiments use linear hooks in place of curved hooks.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fastener assembly and garment comprising same having a first fastener tape and a second fastener tape, and a first edge and a second edge, the first edge having a row of cooperating fastener elements mounted thereon; wherein the second edge of each of the first and second fastener tapes is folded parallel to its row of cooperating fastener elements such that when the fastener is closed, and a meshed area of fastener elements from the first and second fastener tapes is formed, i) the second edges of each of the first and second fastener tapes overlap, ii) the second edge of the first fastener tape fully covers the meshed area of fastening elements, and iii) the overlap of the second edge of the first fastener tape by the second edge of the second fastener tape extends past the meshed area of fastening elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hook fastener including a base strip and a field of hooks, each hook comprising a stem and a cap, said cap including at least one lateral overhang, and each hook being further delimited by two opposing substantially planar surfaces, wherein the overhang comprises a swelling located at a distance from the stem so that the thickness of the overhang increases in said swelling, the bottom surface of the overhang forming a cavity for receiving filaments.

Abstract: One aspect provides a fastening strip, including: a central portion comprised of a flexible material and having a first side and a second side, the first side including a first complementary material and the second side including a second complementary material, complementary to the complementary material of the first side; and a grip area disposed on at least the first side of the central portion; wherein the grip area extends substantially an entire length of fastening strip and includes a grip material. Other aspects are described.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire designed so that when a hook and loop fastener is fitted to the tire internal face of a pneumatic tire furnished with an inner liner layer consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer composition of a blend of thermoplastic resin and elastomer, or a thermoplastic resin, the hook and loop fastener can easily follow the elongation of the inner liner layer and is free from damaging of the inner liner layer. There is disclosed a pneumatic tire furnished on its internal face with an inner liner layer (7) consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer composition composed of thermoplastic resin and elastomer, or a thermoplastic resin, characterized in that integral forming of a multiplicity of interlocking elements (8) protruding on the hollow side of the tire is effected on the surface of the inner layer (7).

Abstract: A mechanical fastening system having an engaging component and a receiving component. The receiving component has a first bond line, a second bond line, a bond zone, and a plurality of consecutive sweep regions. The second bond line is disposed adjacent to the first bond line such that a portion of the second bond line overlaps a portion of the first bond line. The bond zone circumscribes the first bond line and the second bond line. The plurality of consecutive sweep regions are disposed within the bond zone. At least one sweep region includes a portion of both the first bond line and the second bond line, and the remaining sweep regions include at least a portion of the first or the second bond lines. The receiving component has a bond ratio greater than or equal to about 1 and less than or equal to about 20.

Abstract: A sheet having fastening elements, including a base strip made of thermoplastic material and at least one element made from the strip, the element including a stem extending in a transverse, in particular vertical, direction to the plane of the base strip, and having a cross section which is substantially uniform or decreases from the base strip towards the apex of the stem, in particular as far as the apex of the stem, and a part forming a head which protrudes laterally from the apex of the stem.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a fastening strap for used in a foam article.

Abstract: A mechanical fastening system having an engaging component and a receiving component. The receiving component has a first bond line, a second bond line, a bond zone, and a plurality of consecutive sweep regions. The second bond line is disposed adjacent to the first bond line such that a portion of the second bond line overlaps a portion of the first bond line. The bond zone circumscribes the first bond line and the second bond line. The plurality of consecutive sweep regions are disposed within the bond zone. At least one sweep region includes a portion of both the first bond line and the second bond line, and the remaining sweep regions include at least a portion of the first or the second bond lines. The receiving component has a bond ratio greater than or equal to about 1 and less than or equal to about 20.

Abstract: A mounting device with one metallic base plate, from which a plurality of mounting eyelets protrude. The mounting device is obtainable by incising a plurality of arc-shaped eyelet blanks while leaving two connection sections per eyelet blank into the surface of the base plate and production of the mounting eyelets by bending the eyelet blanks out of the base plate around a bending edge in the area of the connection sections. At least part of the eyelet blanks are arranged as groups of eyelet blanks with the latter being nested to each other. Preferably, the groups of eyelet blanks are arranged rotated relative to each other.

Abstract: A laminate of an at least partially reticulated thermoplastic film joined to an extensible carrier. The reticulated thermoplastic film includes a backing with openings and discrete elements protruding from the first major surface. There are two discrete elements aligned in a first direction abutting opposite ends of any given opening. In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, there is one discrete element between the given opening and an adjacent opening aligned in the second direction. Each portion of the thermoplastic backing around the given opening is plastically deformed in its lengthwise direction. A method of making a laminate is also disclosed. The method includes stretching a thermoplastic backing having a plurality of discrete elements in the first direction and laminating the backing to an extensible carrier. Subsequently stretching the laminate in a second direction forms a tear in the thermoplastic backing between two adjacent of the discrete elements.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener is disclosed that includes a thermoplastic backing and multiple, upstanding fastening elements that have a post with a proximal end attached to the thermoplastic backing and a distal end comprising a cap larger in area than a cross-sectional area of the post. The basis weight of the mechanical fastener is in a range from 25 grams per square meter to 75 grams per square meter, and the height of the multiple, upstanding fastening elements is up to 300 micrometers. Fastening systems and disposable absorbent articles including the mechanical fastener are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a fastening member and a fastening piece for which an unpleasant texture and an incongruous appearance are significantly reduced, and that bring about an integrated feeling with the main body of a disposable article for wearing. A fastening segment includes a hook fastener and a base sheet. A hook height H1 of a hook is set to 45 ?m to 150 ?m, and a hook sheet thickness T2 is set to 45 ?m to 75 ?m. When in an L*a*b* color coordinate system, a color difference of L* is ?L*, a color difference of a* is ?a*, and a color difference of b* is ?b*, a color difference ?E between the hook fastener and the base sheet calculated using the ?L*, the ?a* and the ?b*, is less than 5.5.

Abstract: A system of attachment surface structures that find their best use in the form of repeatedly removable straps and bands for securing one object to another. The surfaces are preferably constructed of narrow sheets of flexible polymer plastic materials having generally high tensile strength. A first embodiment includes shaped parallel ridges on one surface that interlock with mating parallel ridges on an opposing surface. These parallel ridges may be double sided (interlocking on both sides of each shaped ridge with the next shaped ridge on either side) or single sided (interlocking with a single ridge oriented 180 degrees from the first). Further embodiments include an array of shaped posts of various regular geometric shapes that interlock with an opposing array of identical posts. Further embodiments include parallel ridge pairs that interlock with parallel post-type ridges that lend themselves to extrusion manufacturing.

Abstract: A closure component has a plurality of closure components (12) with each disposed on a carrier part (10) by a footer (18). Each has a header (14) connected to the footer (18) by a shaft part (16). The header (14) is jointedly connected to the shaft part (16) by a hinge part (20). Because the footer (18) forms a further hinge part (22), by which the shaft part (16) is jointedly connected to the carrier part (10), improved adhesion to third components can be produced.

Abstract: The invention provides sandals having straps that can be reconfigured by the user into a variety of styles and arrangements, so as to obtain a desired appearance, fit, and/or degree of comfort. The straps can also be configured to hold the sandals to the calves, thighs, or arms, so that the sandals can be carried in a hands-free manner. In certain embodiments, the sandals have a sufficiently low density and a high enough volume to provide a useful amount of buoyancy when the wearer is floating or swimming.

Abstract: A subassembly may comprise rear and front continuous belt webs, folded discontinuous fastening web(s), a plurality of fastening elements directly or indirectly refastenably joining the front and rear belts together.

Abstract: A diaper cover having a front part, a back part and an intermediate part located between the front part and the back part in a front-back direction, a right waist part and a left waist part extending from the back part in a width direction, and a right flap part and a left flap part extending from the front part in the width direction. The right flap part and/or the left flap part is provided with a hook member having a plurality of hooks. The hook member has a first region in which the hooks are oriented in one direction and a second region in which the hooks are oriented in another direction; and the first region and the second region are arranged such that a hypothetical straight line extending in the front-back direction in the right flap part or the left flap part crosses both the first region and the second region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching skills to a child includes a toy barn kit which has a plurality of structural elements including walls, gables, and roof panels which can be assembled into a completed toy barn. The structural elements have color coded connectors and mating connectors which assist the child in the assembly process. In performing the assembly, the child learns skills of (1) principles of construction, (2) spatial relationships, (3) sequential thinking, and (4) color recognition and matching.

Abstract: An adhesive closure piece (10) includes a substrate part (12) and closure pieces (20a, 20b) of at least one type arranged upright on the substrate part. The closure pieces each have a head part (14a, 14b) having at its free end face at least one contact surface (22a, 22b) for detachably adhering to another component by adhesive force. The closure piece has at least one connection section (16a, 16b) on the edge of each head part (14a, 14b). The connection section protrudes beyond the edge of the head part (14a, 14b) in at least one direction (30, 36) such that the size of the contact surface (22a, 22b) of the corresponding head part (14a, 14b) is changed.

Abstract: A fastening member has an inboard end and an outboard end and a panel region, an end region, and a fastening element. The panel region has a proximal edge and a distal edge. The panel region is disposed adjacent to the inboard end and is more extensible than the end region. The end region is disposed adjacent to the outboard end. The end region has a fastening element zone having a first stiffness and an intermediate zone having a second stiffness. The first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness. The intermediate zone is disposed between the fastening element zone and the panel region adjacent to the distal edge. The fastening element is disposed in the end region and defines the fastening element zone.

Abstract: A connector for use with a drawstring is described which allows a user to attach one or more flexible elongate closure means, e.g. drawstrings together. A first end of the connector is mountable to a first end of a flexible elongate closure means. A second end of the connector is mountable either to a second end of the same or to another flexible elongate closure means. A swivel means may be situated between the first and second ends of the connector for rotating the ends and assist in fastening the connector to the drawstring. The connector may be a permanent fixture to a drawstring or a releasable attachment. The connector may be used in a method of replacing a drawstring of a product with a second drawstring. An end of a first drawstring is connected to an end of the second drawstring via the connector. The first drawstring is pulled until the connected second drawstring has replaced a position of the first drawstring on the product, then the drawstrings are disconnected at the connector.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a male surface fastener member configured for being molded onto a surface of a foaming resin mold body. The male surface fastener member includes a plurality of male surface fastener strips connected with each other in an end-to-end relationship via a connecting portion that is integrally formed with at least the end portions of each male surface fastener strips. Each male surface fastener strip includes a base material having a first surface from which a plurality of engaging elements extend upwardly and first and second substantially lateral resin intrusion prevention walls that upwardly from the first surface along a width direction of the base material between the first and second longitudinal resin intrusion prevention walls. Each of the lateral resin intrusion prevention walls comprises a plurality of engaging elements that are arranged in series in a width direction of the first surface.

Abstract: A fastening system for a shoe for a child includes a tongue and at least a pair of fastening arms. The tongue includes one or more features of a selected character. Each of the pair of fastening arms is configured as an appendage of the selected character and is attached to the tongue. Each fastening arm is adapted to extend though a corresponding eyelet in a body portion of the shoe and to be fastened in a manner such that the fastening arms appear to be embracing the tongue.

Abstract: A holding device for attaching at least one fixture to a fuselage cell structure of an aircraft, includes a basic element attached to the fuselage cell structure, to which at least one fixture element to accommodate the fixture is fastened, wherein the basic element is embodied as a hook-and-loop element, the hook-and-loop bristles of which co-act with corresponding hook-and-loop bristles of at least one fixture element, which is also embodied as a hook-and-loop element thus forming a hook-and-loop connection, wherein the space between the interengaging hook-and-loop bristles is filled with an adhesive.

Abstract: A force focused fastening system maintaining a fastener element in plane during fastening. The force focused fastening system includes a force focused fastening member including an extensible region and an end region. The end region includes a fastener element and the extensible region includes a high modulus region aligned relative to a center portion of the fastener element. During fastening, the force focused fastening member directs forces toward the center portion of the fastener element, away from end portions, minimizing distortion of the fastener element.

Abstract: An attachment strap created from an elastic strap capable of being stretched. The elastic strap is a continuous substrate forming a base of the attachment strap. A plurality of fastener sections attached to said strap, such that the fastener sections are spaced along the lengthwise direction of said strap and cross substantially the entire width of said strap. The fastener sections cross the width of the elastic strap at angles to the width of said strap. Also discussed is a method of manufacturing a flexible attachment strap which results in forming an elastic strap capable of being stretched. Per the method, a strap forms from a plurality of fastener sections having a fastener outer surface and a mounting inner surface and attaching said inner surfaces of fastener sections on said elastic strap. The mounted fastener sections form discrete fastening regions on the surface of the flexible attachment strap.

Abstract: A fastening strip for touch fasteners is provided which includes a corrugated portion as well as fastening elements. The corrugated portion allows the strip to be bent in a plane perpendicular as well as parallel with the longitudinal axis of the strip such that it may be applied to curved surfaces and remain substantially flat. Fastening elements such as hooks, loops, mushroom-shaped, bulbous and double hooks may be included on both sides of the strip and on the walls of the channels that form the corrugations as well as between the corrugations. The corrugated fastening strips may be useful for automotive seating and diaper applications. Processes for forming the corrugated fastening strip area also disclosed.

Abstract: An adhesive fastener for foam molding and cushion thereof are disclosed herein. The adhesive fastener comprises a strip. The strip comprises a surface with a plurality of first hooks and second hooks. The first hooks are disposed on an adhesive area and the second hooks are disposed on a surrounding area of the adhesive area. The arrange density of the first hooks is greater than the arrange density of the second hooks. Therefore, when the adhesive fastener is used in a foam material cushion, the adhesive and fastening function in the adhesive area is working normally and a combining force between the adhesive fastener and the foam material is performed well.

Abstract: A fastening system comprising a closure member (tab) and one or more of an elastic/stretch member (ear), a release tape, and a landing member. The landing member is non-rectangular, and may be actual or perceived. The shape of the landing member is defined by the orientation of its medial portion. The system provides for improved fit of an absorbent article about the article's wearer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a spunlaced nonwoven fabric made of continuous filaments as loop material for hook and loop fasteners. The invention also relates to a loop material made of a nonwoven fabric and the production thereof.

Abstract: A force focused fastening system maintaining a fastener element in plane during fastening. The force focused fastening system includes a force focused fastening member including an extensible region and an end region. The end region includes a fastener element and the extensible region includes a high modulus region aligned relative to a center portion of the fastener element. During fastening, the force focused fastening member directs forces toward the center portion of the fastener element, away from end portions, minimizing distortion of the fastener element.

Abstract: To produce closure elements for metal touch-and-close fasteners in a metal carrier (3), notches (13) corresponding to the outlines of hook elements (1) are made, while leaving a connecting line for each notch. Bending operations are carried out to raise the regions delimited by the notches (13) out of the plane of the carrier (3) as hooking elements (1) around the connecting lines serving as bending lines. The carrier (3) is guided through the region (5) of the tooth engagement between rotational bodies (7, 9) having peripheral teeth. The tooth shapes of the rotational bodies (7, 9) and the type of the tooth engagement are selected such that the tooth engagement cuts the notches (13) and stamps the metal carrier the bending operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for manufacturing a hook member of a hook-and-loop fastener. The method comprises the steps of: providing a plurality of plastic monofilaments (such as polypropylene (PP) monofilaments); forming a plurality of loops on each of the plurality of plastic monofilaments such that each of the plurality of plastic monofilaments has a plurality of loop portions and flat portions between adjacent loop portions; covering the flat portions of the plurality of plastic monofilaments with a web of substrate; fusing the flat portions of the plurality of plastic monofilaments to the substrate so as to fix the plurality of loop portions of the plastic monofilaments onto the substrate; and converting the plurality of loop portions into a plurality of hook elements to thereby producing the hook member that comprises a plurality of hook elements.

Abstract: A fastening fabric structure is disclosed to have a micro-fibriform loop fabric, fabricated by complex, textured micro-fiber yarn and split thereafter to recover more and smaller fibers, all of the fibers forming the micro-fibriform loops or pile loops between the inter-weaving or inter-knitting nodes, and a fibriform pile fabric, fabricated by spun yarn or synthetic filament yarn and sheared to form erected, dispersed non-hook fiber bundles of micro-fibriform pile for fastening the micro-fibriform loops of said micro-fibriform loop fabric. The erected, dispersed non-hook fiber bundles of micro-fibriform pile will not be tangled together, enhancing the fastening ability of the fastening fabric.