Abstract: A foam roofing underlayment is provided with a reinforcement membrane having an array of fastener elements for engaging fastener elements on a flexible roof membrane. The underlayment is formed by molding foam between the reinforcement membrane and a carrier membrane. The underlayment in secured to the roof using washers having fastener elements for engaging the fastener elements of the flexible roof membrane. An anti-peel flap with fastener elements is provided around the periphery of the washers. A slip sheet is used between the underlayment and the flexible roof membrane to permit accurate positioning of the flexible roof membrane prior to engagement of the fastener elements. The interstices between the fastener elements provide lateral moisture paths to vents in the flexible roof membrane.

Abstract: A foam roofing underlayment is provided with a reinforcement membrane having an array of fastener elements for engaging fastener elements on a flexible roof membrane. The underlayment is formed by molding foam between the reinforcement membrane and a carrier membrane. The underlayment in secured to the roof using washers having fastener elements for engaging the fastener elements of the flexible roof membrane. An anti-peel flap with fastener elements is provided around the periphery of the washers. A slip sheet is used between the underlayment and the flexible roof membrane to permit accurate positioning of the flexible roof membrane prior to engagement of the fastener elements. The interstices between the fastener elements provide lateral moisture paths to vents in the flexible roof membrane.

Abstract: A foam roofing underlayment is provided with a reinforcement membrane having an array of fastener elements for engaging fastener elements on a flexible roof membrane. The underlayment is formed by molding foam between the reinforcement membrane and a carrier membrane. The underlayment in secured to the roof using washers having fastener elements for engaging the fastener elements of the flexible roof membrane. An anti-peel flap with fastener elements is provided around the periphery of the washers. A slip sheet is used between the underlayment and the flexible roof membrane to permit accurate positioning of the flexible roof membrane prior to engagement of the fastener elements. The interstices between the fastener elements provide lateral moisture paths to vents in the flexible roof membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to molding systems and related methods. In one aspect of the invention, a molding apparatus includes a first cylindrical roll that is rotatably coupled to a frame and an adjacent pressure device, the frame is configured so that a substrate can pass through a nip formed between the first cylindrical roll and the pressure device while a portion of the substrate extends laterally beyond at least the frame and the first cylindrical roll.

Abstract: Methods and systems including an engageable material with a lane of plastic resin extending across an interface of first and second ends of an article, wherein the plastic resin is bonded to the first and second ends such that the first and second ends are joined by the resin; and an array of fastener elements extending from one side of the plastic resin. The fastener elements include engageable heads on stems integrally formed with the lane of the plastic resin such that the two ends releasably engage the engageable material to secure the article.

Abstract: A foam roofing underlayment is provided with a reinforcement membrane having an array of fastener elements for engaging fastener elements on a flexible roof membrane. The underlayment is formed by molding foam between the reinforcement membrane and a carrier membrane. The underlayment in secured to the roof using washers having fastener elements for engaging the fastener elements of the flexible roof membrane. An anti-peel flap with fastener elements is provided around the periphery of the washers. A slip sheet is used between the underlayment and the flexible roof membrane to permit accurate positioning of the flexible roof membrane prior to engagement of the fastener elements. The interstices between the fastener elements provide lateral moisture paths to vents in the flexible roof membrane.

Abstract: A foam roofing underlayment is provided with a reinforcement membrane having an array of fastener elements for engaging fastener elements on a flexible roof membrane. The underlayment is formed by molding foam between the reinforcement membrane and a carrier membrane. The underlayment in secured to the roof using washers having fastener elements for engaging the fastener elements of the flexible roof membrane. An anti-peel flap with fastener elements is provided around the periphery of the washers. A slip sheet is used between the underlayment and the flexible roof membrane to permit accurate positioning of the flexible roof membrane prior to engagement of the fastener elements. The interstices between the fastener elements provide lateral moisture paths to vents in the flexible roof membrane.

Abstract: A foam roofing underlayment is provided with a reinforcement membrane having an array of fastener elements for engaging fastener elements on a flexible roof membrane. The underlayment is formed by molding foam between the reinforcement membrane and a carrier membrane. The underlayment in secured to the roof using washers having fastener elements for engaging the fastener elements of the flexible roof membrane. An anti-peel flap with fastener elements is provided around the periphery of the washers. A slip sheet is used between the underlayment and the flexible roof membrane to permit accurate positioning of the flexible roof membrane prior to engagement of the fastener elements. The interstices between the fastener elements provide lateral moisture paths to vents in the flexible roof membrane.

Abstract: A foam roofing underlayment is provided with a reinforcement membrane having an array of fastener elements for engaging fastener elements on a flexible roof membrane. The underlayment is formed by molding foam between the reinforcement membrane and a carrier membrane. The underlayment in secured to the roof using washers having fastener elements for engaging the fastener elements of the flexible roof membrane. An anti-peel flap with fastener elements is provided around the periphery of the washers. A slip sheet is used between the underlayment and the flexible roof membrane to permit accurate positioning of the flexible roof membrane prior to engagement of the fastener elements. The interstices between the fastener elements provide lateral moisture paths to vents in the flexible roof membrane.

Abstract: Methods and systems including an engageable material with a lane of plastic resin extending across an interface of first and second ends of an article, wherein the plastic resin is bonded to the first and second ends such that the first and second ends are joined by the resin; and an array of fastener elements extending from one side of the plastic resin. The fastener elements include engageable heads on stems integrally formed with the lane of the plastic resin such that the two ends releasably engage the engageable material to secure the article.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite fastener material, the composite fastener material, and products derived from the composite fastener material. The method includes providing two longitudinally continuous sheets of material, positioning the two sheets to form a longitudinal, continuous interface between the two sheets, joining the two sheets by introducing one or more molten plastic resins in at least one lane, one lane of the resin extending across the interface under conditions that cause the resin to bond to the two sheets, molding an array of stems from at least one lane of the resin, the stems extending from an exposed surface of the composite material, and forming engageable heads on the stems to form fastener elements, wherein the two sheets differ from one another by one of material composition, thickness, texture, stretchability, breathability, and compressability.

Abstract: Methods of forming a sheet-form product can include: providing a forming surface having a multiplicity of inwardly extending forming cavities; forming a multi-layer sheet in the interior of which is a parting surface defined by materials of limited compatibility, material of the sheet lying on each side of the parting surface having peelable tensile strength; pressing the multi-layer sheet against the forming surface to cause the multi-layer sheet to substantially conform to and fill the cavities; and peeling the multi-layer sheet apart at the parting surface, whereby material directly engaging the forming surface defines a sheet-form member having a multiplicity of hollow formations.

Abstract: The invention relates to molding systems and related methods. In one aspect of the invention, a molding apparatus includes a first cylindrical roll that is rotatably coupled to a frame and an adjacent pressure device, the frame is configured so that a substrate can pass through a nip formed between the first cylindrical roll and the pressure device while a portion of the substrate extends laterally beyond at least the frame and the first cylindrical roll.

Abstract: Rigid substrates having molded fastener projections, and methods of making the same are disclosed. A substrate has a beam stiffness, measured as a product of an overall moment of inertia of a nominal transverse cross-section and an effective modulus of elasticity of a material from which the substrate is made, that is greater than about 200 lb-in2 (0.574 N-m2). In situ lamination of hook, bands or islands on surfaces of a rigid substrate held in a planar orientation or presenting a planar surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to molding systems and related methods. In one aspect of the invention, a molding apparatus includes a first cylindrical roll that is rotatably coupled to a frame and an adjacent pressure device, the frame is configured so that a substrate can pass through a nip formed between the first cylindrical roll and the pressure device while a portion of the substrate extends laterally beyond at least the frame and the first cylindrical roll.

Abstract: A foam roofing underlayment is provided with a reinforcement membrane having an array of fastener elements for engaging fastener elements on a flexible roof membrane. The underlayment is formed by molding foam between the reinforcement membrane and a carrier membrane. The underlayment in secured to the roof using washers having fastener elements for engaging the fastener elements of the flexible roof membrane. An anti-peel flap with fastener elements is provided around the periphery of the washers. A slip sheet is used between the underlayment and the flexible roof membrane to permit accurate positioning of the flexible roof membrane prior to engagement of the fastener elements. The interstices between the fastener elements provide lateral moisture paths to vents in the flexible roof membrane.

Abstract: A product comprising a base layer and a multiplicity of protruding hollow formations, the protruding formations unitarily formed with and extending upward from an upper surface of the base layer, the hollow formations and base layer formed of thermoplastic applied under pressure against a forming surface having forming cavities and the base layer having a back surface including interior surfaces of the hollow formations comprising a parting surface from which a second thermoplastic filling the hollow formations has been peeled.

Abstract: A male component of a mechanical fastening system, such as a hook and loop fastener, that can remain fastened to a female component under high levels of shear force. The male component has a backing material with protrusions extending from the backing material at an angle toward the direction of fastener force. The combination of the male component with a female loop component results in a secure fastening system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a fastener product having a multiplicity of fastener elements extending from a sheet-form material. Molten resin is extruded through an extrusion nozzle and gas is introduced into the resin within the extruder to provide an interrupted flow of resin from the nozzle to deposit discrete regions of molten resin onto the sheet-form material. The discrete regions of molten resin are spread apart along a longitudinal direction of the sheet-form material. The molten resin is permanently bonded to the sheet-form material, and a multiplicity of fastener elements are molded from each discrete region of resin.

Abstract: A male fastener element extends integrally from a planar base and includes a primary engagement hook and a secondary engagement structure (e.g., a hook). The primary engagement hook has a stem portion that is integrally molded with the planar base and that extends from the planar base to a distal end. The primary engagement hook also has an overhang portion that extends from the distal end of the stem portion and that has an underside surface overhanging an open volume for receiving loops. The secondary engagement structure, which is shorter than the primary engagement hook, is disposed immediately adjacent the primary engagement hook and extends from a side surface of the primary engagement hook. The secondary engagement structure extends from the base to a distal end that is disposed, in side view, below the underside surface of the overhang portion of the primary engagement hook.