Patents by Inventor Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr.
Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8608721Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Ernesto S. Tachauer, Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Brian J. Vanbenschoten, Joseph E. Pierce, Arthur E. Garavaglia, Scott M. Filion, William P. Clune, Christopher M. Gallant, Nadezhda Efremova
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Patent number: 8545740Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of a releasable fastening arrangement that can include a first fastening strip secured to and extending over a substrate surface and having a first surface carrying first fastening elements extending from the surface. The releasable fastening arrangement can also include a second fastening strip having a second surface carrying second fastening elements that are engageable by the first fastening elements to form a releasable fastening. The first surface can include a flexible flap that is formed therein, and that is surrounded by other portions of the first surface. The flap can carry at least one of the first fastening elements, and can flap have a distal edge that is displaceable from the substrate surface under peel loads applied to the at least one first fastening element carried by the flap.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Christopher M. Gallant, Mark A. Clarner, Derrick Slowikowski, Jefferson Davis, Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr.
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Publication number: 20120049403Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of a releasable fastening arrangement that can include a first fastening strip secured to and extending over a substrate surface and having a first surface carrying first fastening elements extending from the surface. The releasable fastening arrangement can also include a second fastening strip having a second surface carrying second fastening elements that are engageable by the first fastening elements to form a releasable fastening. The first surface can include a flexible flap that is formed therein, and that is surrounded by other portions of the first surface. The flap can carry at least one of the first fastening elements, and can flap have a distal edge that is displaceable from the substrate surface under peel loads applied to the at least one first fastening element carried by the flap.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: Christopher M. Gallant, Mark A. Clarner, Derrick Slowikowski, Jefferson Davis, Wallace L. Kurtz, JR.
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Publication number: 20120009380Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventors: Ernesto S. Tachauer, Wallace L. Kurtz, JR., Brian J. Vanbenschoten, Joseph E. Pierce, Arthur E. Garavaglia, Scott M. Filion, William P. Clune, Christopher M. Gallant, Nadezhda Efremova
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Patent number: 8079995Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Ernesto S. Tachauer, Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Brian J. Vanbenschoten, Joseph E. Pierce, Arthur E. Garavaglia, Scott M. Filion, William P. Clune, Christopher M. Gallant, Nadezhda Efremova
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Patent number: 8051540Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of a releasable fastening arrangement that can include a first fastening strip secured to and extending over a substrate surface and having a first surface carrying first fastening elements extending from the surface. The releasable fastening arrangement can also include a second fastening strip having a second surface carrying second fastening elements that are engageable by the first fastening elements to form a releasable fastening. The first surface can include a flexible flap that is formed therein, and that is surrounded by other portions of the first surface. The flap can carry at least one of the first fastening elements, and can flap have a distal edge that is displaceable from the substrate surface under peel loads applied to the at least one first fastening element carried by the flap.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Christopher M. Gallant, Mark A. Clarner, Derrick Slowikowski, Jefferson Davis, Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr.
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Publication number: 20090217492Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of a releasable fastening arrangement that can include a first fastening strip secured to and extending over a substrate surface and having a first surface carrying first fastening elements extending from the surface. The releasable fastening arrangement can also include:a second fastening strip having a second surface carrying second fastening elements that are engageable by the first fastening elements to form a releasable fastening. The first surface can include a flexible flap that is formed therein, and that is surrounded by other portions of the first surface. The flap can carry at least one of the first fastening elements, and can flap have a distal edge that is displaceable from the substrate surface under peel loads applied to the at least one first fastening element carried by the flap.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: VELCRO INDUSTRIES B.V.Inventors: Christopher M. Gallant, Mark A. Clarner, Derrick Slowikowski, Jefferson Davis, Wallace L. Kurtz, JR.
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Publication number: 20090033000Abstract: A method of making a touch fastener includes continuously introducing molten resin to a pressure zone at a peripheral surface of a rotating mold roll, such that pressure in the pressure zone forces some of the resin into an array of stem cavities defined in the mold roll to form resin stems while a remainder of the resin forms a base at the roll surface, interconnecting the stems. The method includes forming engageable heads on the stems to form fastener elements and introducing a quantity of discrete, loose particles to the resin at an entrance to the pressure zone, such that the particles become part of the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: VELCRO INDUSTRIES B.V.Inventor: Wallace L. Kurtz, JR.
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Publication number: 20090035509Abstract: A method of making a touch fastener includes continuously introducing molten resin to a pressure zone at a peripheral surface of a rotating mold roll, such that pressure in the pressure zone forces some of the resin into an array of stem cavities defined in the mold roll to form resin stems while a remainder of the resin forms a base at the roll surface, interconnecting the stems. The method includes forming engageable heads on the stems to form fastener elements and introducing a quantity of discrete, loose fibers to the resin. The fibers pass through the pressure zone with the resin and become individually and separately bonded to the resin to become part of the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: VELCRO INDUSTRIES B.V.Inventor: Wallace L. Kurtz, JR.
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Publication number: 20090035507Abstract: A method of making a touch fastener includes continuously introducing molten resin to a pressure zone at a peripheral surface of a rotating mold roll, such that pressure in the pressure zone forces some of the resin into an array of stem cavities defined in the mold roll to form resin stems while a remainder of the resin forms a base at the roll surface, interconnecting the stems. The method includes forming engageable heads on the stems to form fastener elements and transferring an image substance onto the peripheral surface of a nip transfer roll that transfers the image substance into the pressure zone. The image substance becomes bonded to the resin of the base in the pressure zone to form an image visible on the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: VELCRO INDUSTRIES B.V.Inventor: Wallace L. Kurtz, JR.
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Patent number: 7444722Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Mary Lou McDaniel, Nadezhda Efremova, Joseph Earl Pierce, Lisha Yu, Brian Van Benschoten, Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Ernesto S. Tachauer
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Patent number: 7422783Abstract: Articles having cooperative fasteners are described. The cooperative fasteners comprise an elongated fastening strip with male fasteners extending from a first surface and foam disposed on the first surface, where at least a portion of the foam extends to a height greater than the height of the male fastener elements. In some instances the article is a hat, a mat, a bag, a garment, or a hair roller.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Heidi S. Tremblay, Richard Schmidt, Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., William H. Shepard
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Patent number: 7181812Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Velero Industries B.V.Inventors: Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Brian J. Vanbenschoten, Ernesto S. Tachauer, Michel Labrecque, Clinton Dowd
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Patent number: 7172008Abstract: A method of making a touch fastener includes coextruding, side-by-side, a plurality of lanes of polymeric material to form a sheet-form base. The sheet-sheet form base includes a lane of a first polymeric material disposed between two lanes of a second polymeric material, the second polymeric material is different from the first polymeric material. The method further includes molding a plurality of discrete fastener element stems extending outwardly from and integral with the sheet-form base in each of the two lanes of the second polymeric mateial and forming engageable heads on the stems.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Brian J. Vanbenschoten, Ernesto S. Tachauer, Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Heidi S. Tremblay, Paul A. Dandurand, William P. Clune, Alexander J. Neeb, Joseph E. Pierce, Richard J. Schmidt, Richard W. Tanzer
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Patent number: 7032278Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fastener includes forming a preform sheet having a sheet-form base and an array of hook-shaped fastener elements extending from a broad side of the base, and securing a cover sheet with an aperture across the array of fastener elements, with fastener elements exposed for engagement in an engaging zone corresponding to the aperture of the cover sheet, and the engaging zone surrounded by a contiguous covered preform region. A fastener product includes a preform having a sheet-form base and an array of fastener elements extending from a broad side of the base, and a cover with and aperture secured across the array of fastener elements, the cover defining an aperture there through, with fastener elements exposed for engagement in an engaging zone corresponding to the aperture of the cover, and the engaging zone being surrounded by a contiguous covered preform region.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventor: Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr.
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Patent number: 6996880Abstract: 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 surface of the overhang portion of the primary engagement hook.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Brian J. VanBenschoten, Ernesto S. Tachauer, Michel Labrecque, Clinton Dowd
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Patent number: 6692674Abstract: A fastener product includes a planar base, multiple discrete plateaus molded integrally with and extending from an upper surface of the base each plateau having an upper surface that is smaller in area than an overall area of the base covered by the plateau, and an array of discrete fastener elements integrally molded with and extending from the upper surface of the plateau. The product is molded on a mold roll covered by a sleeve either made of a resilient material or having apertures intersecting an inner surface of the sleeve at an inner opening that is smaller than an outer opening of the aperture at an outer sleeve surface to form an edge of the fastener product of decreased sharpness.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Ernesto S. Tachauer, Brian J. Vanbenschoten, William L. Huber
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Patent number: 6544245Abstract: A bi-stable hook component of a touch fastener can bend into, and remain in, a stable concave position. Another stable position enables initial engagement with a mating component (e.g., a loop component). The concave position applies engagement-enhancing tension to the engaged loops, and in some cases forces end portions of the hooks into close proximity with one another to secure the fastening and to produce a curved touch fastener that, as engaged, can better conform to an underlying curved surface, such as the contour of a wearer's body. Absorbent articles having such a bi-stable fastening system are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Alexander J. Neeb, Richard J. Schmidt, Brian J. Vanbenschoten, William L. Huber, Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Ernesto S. Tachauer