Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing a novel fastener means of the type having a plurality of fastening means extending from bight portions 60 bonded to a backing material 48. Products fabricated with the novel fastener means. The apparatus generally comprises means for drawing an array of filaments 46, or other material, onto a forming wheel 14 having a plurality of grooves 28, and land zones 30 between the grooves, means for positioning a plurality of pins 42 against the filaments 46 and aligned with the grooves 28, means for urging the pins 42 into the grooves 28 and thereby forming loops 50 in the filaments 46, and means for placing a backing material 48 against the filaments 46 and bonding the backing material to the filaments at spaced locations. Pins 42 are trapped in spaces 53 between the filaments 46 and the backing material 48. The apparatus further includes means for releasing the pins from the spaces.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing a novel fastener means of the type having a plurality of fastening means extending from bight portions 60 bonded to a backing material 48. Products fabricated with the novel fastener means. The apparatus generally comprises means for drawing an array of filaments 46, or other material, onto a forming wheel 14 having a plurality of grooves 28, and land zones 30 between the grooves, means for positioning a plurality of pins 42 against the filaments 46 and aligned with the grooves 28, means for urging the pins 42 into the grooves 28 and thereby forming loops 50 in the filaments 46, and means for placing a backing material 48 against the filaments 46 and bonding the backing material to the filaments at spaced locations. Pins 42 are trapped in spaces 53 between the filaments 46 and the backing material 48. The apparatus further includes means for releasing the pins from the spaces.