Abstract: A device for temporarily securing the engagement of joined end plugs of end-to-end interconnected first and second electrical cords that includes first and second removable, flexible, electrically insulated harnesses, for encircling each of the electric cords adjacent the joined end plugs, each harness having at least two bands of terminal length extending toward the plugs wherein the terminal ends of the straps are adapted to thread through cinches or joinable cinch subcomponents for pulling the harnesses tightly into temporary interconnection.

Abstract: A shoe lace replacing and shoe fastening device comprising a pair of eyelet members, each member having a pair of spaced fasteners for securing one eyelet member to adjacent eyelets along one side of a shoe upper, after removal of the laces thereof, and for securing the other eyelet member to adjacent eyelets along the other side of a shoe upper. An elongated strip of Velcro material is secured to the eyelet members and adapted to extend removably secure to itself whereby the shoe can be fastened without conventional laces.

Abstract: An improvement to hook and loop fastening systems of the type comprising one portion composed of backing material having a hooked surface thereon and another portion composed of backing material having a looped surface thereon. The improvement allows for releasably fastening two components together with the hook and loop materials in shear and is characterized by a planar member having one of the components attached to the end thereof and having outer faces each having one of the portions of the fastening system thereon; and, a U-shaped shear trap channel member having the other of the components attached to the closed end of the U and having inner faces on the sides of the U each having the other of the portions of the fastening system thereon.

Abstract: A multi-section folding door includes first and second sets of vertically aligned panels with the panels in each set coupled together in an edge overlapping manner. Each of the panels is suspended from a support bracket attached to the panel's upper edge, with each of the brackets coupled to and suspended from a track by means of a respective trolley. The trolleys permit the first and second sets of panels to be displaced toward or away from each other in closing or opening the folding door relative to an opening in a wall. An endless chain/sprocket arrangement driven by an electric motor allows the multi-panel folding door to be opened and closed very rapidly. A thickened upper edge of each panel is inserted in a lower slot of a respective support bracket along the length thereof to facilitate assembly and installation of the door as well as replacement of a damaged or worn panel.

Abstract: A touch fastener mounting system having a touch fastener component attached to a member and adapted to releasably engage a mating touch fastener component. The touch fastener mounting system having a touch fastener component comprising a planar backing material carrying engaging elements on one surface thereof, the other surface of the backing material is connected to the member so that the member is isolated from the backing material whereby, upon separation of the engaged touch fastener components, the amount of noise-producing energy transmitted from the backing material to the member is decreased thereby reducing the amount of noise produced by the member. In a second embodiment, the noise producing energy is transmitted to the member and dampened by a high mass material attached to a rear surface of the member.

Abstract: An article organizer having article-holding components releasably attached to a central base member by hook and loop fastening material operating in shear. The organizer has a central base member adapted to sit on a desk, table, or the like. A vertical mounting member is carried by the base member for pivotal motion about a vertical axis. A first portion of a hook and loop fastening system is carried by the vertical mounting member on a plurality of attachment fins. A plurality of article-holding components are provided for mounting on the attachment fins. The component each including hook and loop mounting means for interacting with the first portion to releasably attach the components to the first portion in shear.

Abstract: An adapted separable fastener and method of making the same for attachment to foam objects such as seat cushions. A separable fastener member of the hook and loop-type is attached, in back-to-back relation, to a second member. The second member has upstanding elements such as loops or hooking elements which elements are ultimately surrounded and encapsulated by the foam during polymerization. The adapted fastener is thereby attached to the foam member. The elements are positioned in order to allow venting of the gaseous byproducts of polymerization. This promotes superior adhesion to the foam material and prevents delamination at the fastener-foam interface. A metal strip may be disposed within the adapted fastener so it may be magnetically held in the foam mold. A method and apparatus for adapting the fastener is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shoe lace knot securing device comprising a body, a pair of straps each having two ends wherein one end of each strap is permanently attached to one end of the said body and the other end of each strap is free and wherein the said straps extend outward from the said end of the said body, and an anchor loop provide at the other end of the said body, wherein the said body is provided with a fastener adapted to coact with a fastener on each of the said straps to detachably couple the free end of each of the said straps to the said body, and wherein each of the said straps is provided with a fastener adapted to coact with a fastener on the said body to detachably couple the said free ends of the said straps to the said body.

Abstract: A securement system of the type for mounting an object, such as a hammock, snow skis or the like to a support member or to one another including an elongated flexible body member having inner and outer sections. The inner section including a portion made from a polymeric fabric material and a frictional gripping member made from a rubber material having angularly disposed corrugations adapted for frictional gripping engagement with the support member, and the outer section including Velcro mating portions to provide a coupling for holding the body member in a closed condition.

Abstract: An adjustable gas pump trigger lever holding device is adapted to be secured to an automatic gas pump nozzle having an operator's handle, a trigger lever below the handle that is manually adjusted between a closed and open position to regulate fluid flow from the nozzle, and a trigger guard extending from the handle and surrounding the trigger. The holding device comprises a flexible strap having first and second ends, where the strap is adapted to extend in a loop around the nozzle handle and the trigger of the nozzle that has been manually adjusted to a desired position for a desired rate of fluid flow from the nozzle. The strap has coupling members at its opposite ends to releasably secure the ends of the strap together to form a loop having a desired peripheral length extending around the nozzle handle and adjusted nozzle trigger to maintain the trigger in its adjusted position for the desired rate of fluid flow from the nozzle.

Abstract: A sheet of loop material such as is used in Velcro is fastened to an elongated flexible belt on one side and at near one end of the belt. At least one sheet of hook material is fastened to the opposite side of the belt near the other end. A strap is fastened to one end of the belt. The strap has a metal hook fastened to its free end. The hook can be used to attach the belt to one of a cluster of articles that should be stabilized during transportation such that the belt can be wrapped around the articles snugly to bring the sheet of hook material into engagement with the sheet of loop material so that the belt holds all of the articles together. The strap has a strip of Velcro hook material and an adjacent strip of Velcro loop material fastened to it. The loop and hook materials can be brought around to form a bight by engaging the loops and hooks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flexible securing strap having at one end a double-sided strip of VELCRO.RTM. hook material. The other end is bifurcated into two sections, each of which have the VELCRO.RTM. loop material on the internal surface, such that the VELCRO.RTM. hook end will attach to the interior surfaces of each of the bifurcated end sections in a sandwhich fashion. The invention is also directed to the fastener itself.

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 method for effecting temporary, emergency repairs of an engine when a drive belt breaks and repairs must be made under adverse conditions. Either a linear belt segment or a conventional endless belt may be utilized for the emergency repair. A coupling strip maintains terminal ends of the emergency replacement belt juxtaposed and in close proximity.

Abstract: A shoulder strap organizer operative to secure the shoulder straps, either in the front or back of a garment, particularly a child's garment, in place, preventing their falling off the shoulders which results in loss of garment support. The shoulder strap organizer is provided with hook and pile or similar release-fastening material, to permit it to form two loops, which are fully adjustable around each of the shoulder straps. The body of the shoulder strap organizer is typically a nylon web material which can be washed when desired. It is a convenient aftermarket item which can be used with any garment that has shoulder straps. The preferred use position for a child is in the rear, making the child less aware of its presence and less likely to remove it. An adult user may wear it in the front where it is more easily affixed.

Abstract: A guitar strap comprises a narrow band of flexible material having a top side and bottom side, with the bottom side having an anchor member located thereon. In addition, cushion means are provided having a coupling member connected thereto for detachably affixing the cushion means to the anchor member on the bottom side of the band. This permits the cushion member to be readily detachable from the band and makes the cushion member capable of being affixed onto the anchor member at differing desired positions laterally along the bottom side of the band. In addition, there is provided an end belt having a belt coupling member connected to one side thereof, the band further having an end portion defining a tunnel for slidably receiving the end belt and an anchor member located on an outer surface of the end portion for detachably affixing the end belt to the end anchor member after sliding the end belt through the tunnel.

Abstract: A pair of displacement levers maximize the holding strength of hook and loop attachment devices. A first piece of hook or loop material is firmly attached to a platform. The material attached to the platform is complementary to and mateable with material attached to the other surface. The displacement levers are rotatable and connected to both ends of the platform. Rotation of the levers causes the leg sections thereof to displace the platform. This causes the hook and loop materials to move in opposite directions thereby firmly setting the hooks and loops with respect to each other and placing them in tension. Wire holding posts attached to the platform on the side opposite from the hook or loop material are used to form bends or corners in wire harnesses on wire harness forming boards. Holding devices such as clothes hooks, clamps, rings, etc. could also be attached to the platform so that other items can be supported by the device.

Abstract: A loop clamp is provided for binding a wire bundle together or for attaching such a wire bundle to a support member. The loop clamp includes a base and a flexible strap having first and second surfaces on opposite sides. One surface includes a plurality of upstanding hook elements and the other surface a plurality of upstanding loop elements, each extending over a substantial area of the strap. One end of the strap is attached to the base and the other end may be passed through an opening formed in the base, thereby providing a size-adjustable loop. Respective upstanding hook and loop elements of the guided length of strap and an outer portion of the loop may be engaged, thereby fixing the size of the loop and binding wires or the like therein.

Abstract: An apparatus to be attached to a pair of spectacles or sunglasses and which provides a means for carrying a writing instrument in a manner from which it can be readily removed for use and subsequently replaced on the apparatus for subsequent reuse. The apparatus includes the combination of a partially opened hollow clip and an attachment means by which the partially opened hollow clip can be either permanently or removably attached to a pair of spectacles or sunglasses.

Abstract: A necktie fastening device having a loop pile strip with two button holes for fastening to a shirt front. The loop pile strip having an outer surface and an inner surface which has an open topped pocket attached thereto in order to place an article or the like to be hidden from sight. A hook pile strip is placed between the designer label and the necktie so that when the loop pile strip and the hook pile strip are in position to be mated surface to surface, the necktie is secured and the necktie fastening device is invisible.

Abstract: A wrist strap for use with a bowstring release includes a V-shaped body having an inner surface and an outer surface. A tab is secured to the body outer surface at the apex. A cavity is provided between the tab and body for removably receiving a bowstring release. A first system of fasteners is provided on the body for securing the wrist strap on a wrist. A second system of fasteners is provided on the body for tightening and securing the wrist strap on a wrist. In a preferred embodiment, the fastener systems comprise hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a bedding attachment device includes a strip of hook fastening material which is attachable to a bed frame and a further strip of loop fastening material which is selectively attachable to the bedding. Garter-like fastening straps are fixedly secured to the loop strip, and these straps are attached to the bedding at selected positions. The bedding may then be stretched over the mattress until the hook and loop fastening strips are engaged. A second embodiment makes use of the hook and loop fastening straps; however, the garter-like straps are replaced by a rigid plastic clamp which may be snap fitted over the bedding.

Abstract: A tamperproof, resealable bag of the type used to sell and store materials such as dog food, and the like. A unique sealing strip of the hook and loop fastening variety is employed therein. The bag is a flexible, frangible material such as paper and includes a flap extending from the rear edge over the front edge and down along the front piece. A strip of adhesive is disposed along the bottom edge of the flap to secure it to the front piece. A piece of cording is disposed between the flap and the front piece adjacent the top of the adhesive strip with an end extending outward therefrom for gripping. The two strips comprising the hook and loop fastening system are disposed between the flap and the front piece above and adjacent to the cording with one of the strips adhesively attached to the flap and the other to the front piece of the bag.

Abstract: A fastening tape (4) is attached to a molded item (2) such as a seat cushion with a face of gripping hooks (5) turned outwardly to hold a seat cover (3) having complementary fastening member thereon. The tape (4) is molded into the seat cushion (2) during the molding process. Since a liquid molding substance is used, the hooks (5) on the tape (4) are covered with a thin plastic film (17) which prevents the molding liquid from contaminating and clogging the hooks (5). In one embodiment, the film (17) has a relatively low disintegration temperature whereby the heat applied to the mold to cure the cushion (2) disintegrates the film (17) after the cushion has cured, leaving the exposed hooks (5) unclogged and ready for use. In another embodiment, film (17) has a relatively high disintegration temperature and is removed in a separate step subsequent to the molding procoess by additional heat, such as an open flame.

Abstract: A method of continuously producing an elongated strip-like fastener member is disclosed which facilitates highly efficient formation of the fastener member with a great multiplicity of resiliently flexible hook-like projections. The method comprises the formation of an extrusion of plastic material which is shaped between a pair of coacting first and second rollers. Notably, one of the rollers defines a plurality of hook-forming cavities about its periphery within which the hook projections of the fastener member are formed. The forming roller is suitably cooled so as to effect substantial reduction in the temperature of the molten plastic extrusion from which the fastener member is formed. In this manner, the fastener member may be removed or stripped from the forming roller without opening of the hook-forming cavities, thus promoting highly efficient formation of the fastener member without resort to unduly complex equipment or processes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for hand operation of throttle and brake pedals including two (2) adjustable length rods having handles on one end and throttle and brake pedal engagement devices on the other ends, said rods are held together by an anchor bracket in close proximity, such that, the user of the apparatus can manipulate the brake and the throttle pedals with one hand.

Abstract: An elongate fastener assembly comprising an elongate flexible polymeric backing strip from which project a multiplicity of headed stems adapted to engage loops on materials pressed against the heads, and an open porous permanent attachment layer attached to the surface of the backing strip opposite the stems which has sufficient open area to receive foam to permanently attach the fastener assembly to a foamed article. The fastener assembly has a temporary attachment layer comprising granular ferromagnetic material along both sides of the backing strip, which temporary attachment layer is adapted to be attracted by magnets to temporarily hold the fastener assembly in position during a foaming process and restrict the foam from contacting the headed stems.

Abstract: Footwear such as shoes, sneakers and the like are provided with a pair of flexible band members, one end of each flexible band member being secured to a tongue of the footwear in the vicinity of a knot tying together ends of laces for the footwear; the other, free ends of the band member being movable between an unfastened position and a releasably fastened position about a bow-knot formed in the tied together shoe laces to impede the loosening of the bow-knot.

Abstract: A display panel comprising a structural layer of rigid material having a plurality of holes extending therethrough, a plurality of laminate sections fastened to the structural layer in parallel relationship, a fastening material fastened to the structural layer in an area between the laminate sections, and an attachment cleat affixed to the side of the structural layer opposite the laminate section. The fastening material is a VELCRO-type material that covers a linear array of holes in the structural layer. The structural layer is a sheet of pegboard material. The laminate sections extend longitudinally across the surface of the structural layer. The attachment cleat is fixedly attached to the side of the structural layer opposite the laminate sections. The attachment cleat has an angle cut along its lower edge for engaging a complementary angle cut in a support structure.

Abstract: Silent touch fastener material adapted to releasably engage a mating surface and adapted to produce reduced sound during rapid separation of the touch fastener material from the mating surface. The material comprises a planar backing material having an engaging surface thereon contacting the backing material at discrete points and adapted to releasably engage the mating surface and means for reducing the coupling of noise-producing vibration from the backing material into the surrounding air.

Abstract: A plurality of rubber-backed dust control mats are interconnected by a connecting strip which has projections thereon which engage mating projections on the outer surface of the rubber backing on the mats.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting unintentional urination by a user includes an elongated belt of a liquid impermeable flexible material to which a urine sensing pad is detachably mounted. An electrical circuit carried by the belt, which may include a transmitter for sending a encoded signal to a receiver at a remote location, is responsive to the detection of urine by the urine sensing pad to provide an indication of this condition. The electrical circuitry is shielded from corrosive urine by the belt assembly. In one form, the urine sensing pad is detachably mounted to the belt by a combination of hook and eye fabric and snap fittings. Also, the urine sensing pad may be enclosed by a sheath of soft liquid absorbent material. In another form, the urine sensing pad is contained within a paper envelope.

Abstract: A separable fastener system has a first separable member that includes a series of metal hook sheets disposed in stacked relation that defines an array of hook elements on its broad surface. Each hook sheet is a planar metal member of uniform thickness and has a body portion with a series of hook elements formed along one edge of the body. Each hook element includes a stem portion, a deflecting surface portion, and a latch portion. Metal spacer sheets are disposed between the hook sheets and may be varied in thickness and in number to control the density of the hook elements on the broad surface of the first fastener member. The hook and spacer sheets are secured together in stacked relation.

Abstract: An elongate fastener assembly comprising a flexible polymeric backing strip from which project a multiplicity of headed stems adapted to engage loops on materials pressed against the heads, and an open porous permanent attachment layer attached to the surface of the backing strip opposite the stems which has sufficient open area to receive foam to permanently attach the fastener assembly to a foamed article. The fastener assembly has a temporary attachment layer comprising granular ferromagnetic material in a polymeric binder sandwiched between the backing strip and the permanent attachment layer which is adapted to be attracted by magnets to temporarily hold the fastener assembly in position during a foaming process, and has a heat shrinkable film cover means overlaying the heads attached to the edges of the backing strip that will shrink transversely to expose the heads upon the application of heat below 125.degree. C.

Abstract: A table cover connectable to edges of a table top comprising: a top cover; a skirt adapted to overhang the periphery of the tabletop; and retainer members adapted to grippingly engage the edge of the table top. The retainer members have first surfaces connectable to the top cover and second surfaces adapted to engage the skirt when the skirt is placed around the edge of the table. Fastener strips on the second surfaces of the retainer members and on the skirt are positioned such that the fastener strips cooperate to support the skirt to extend around the periphery of the table top and to cover a portion of the top cover.

Abstract: An attachment assembly for releasably attaching an object such as a wire bundle to a surface such as on the firewall of an automobile. The assembly comprises a flexible polymeric strap, fastener portions adapted for releasable engagement attached at the ends of the strap which can secure the strap around an object, and attachment means comprising a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive along the strap for attaching the strap to a surface. The fastener portions are positioned or attached so that forces applied by the object tending to separate them place interacting parts of the fastener portions in shear or tension rather than in peel.

Abstract: A simulated motor-sound producer for attachment to a frame member of a bicycle includes a toy balloon having a bulbous central portion positionable in the path of travel of the revolving spokes of the bicycle's wheel. The balloon is secured to the bicycle frame member by a pair of flexible, generally elongate straps wrapped around the frame member and end projections of the balloon. Each strap has a first side which comprises first hook and loop securement means and a second side having a frame engaging member and second hook and loop securement means. The frame engaging member of the strap has a reversely bent terminal end portion, the bight of which receives one of the end projections of the balloon. Further, the frame engaging member comprises a band of non-slip material which prevents relative movement between the strap and frame member.

Abstract: The papers in an office file folder are organized into subfiles by dividing the documents including papers and/or other things into predetermined sets. Each set is then secured to a header plate which is removably secured to an associated attachment plate. The attachment plate is itself secured to the file folder cover. The header plate is secured to the attachment by cooperable engaging and separable fastening means.

Abstract: A restraining device for a child's high chair includes a pair of straps, each having buckle means at one end for encircling the child's thigh, and hook and loop means at the opposite end for releasably encircling an upright tubular frame member on the back of the high chair.

Abstract: A fastening tape (4) is attached to a molded item (2) such as a seat cushion with a face of gripping hooks (5) turned outwardly to hold a seat cover (3) having complementary fastening member thereon. The tape (4) is molded into the seat cushion (2) during the molding process. Since a liquid molding substance is used, the hooks (5) on the tape (4) are covered with a thin plastic film (17) which prevents the molding liquid from contaminating and clogging the hooks (5). In one embodiment, the film (17) has a relatively low disintegration temperature whereby the heat applied to the mold to cure the cushion (2) disintegrates the film (17) after the cushion has cured, leaving the exposed hooks (5) unclogged and ready for use. In another embodiment, film (17) has a relatively high disintegration temperature and is removed in a separate step subsequent to the molding process by additional heat, such as an open flame.

Abstract: A folder is especially designed for use by an athletic coach or instructor. The folder includes a pair of stiff, rectangular supports or covers joined in the folding fashion by a linear hinge. On both the interior and exterior surface of at least one of the covers there are a plurality of releasable fastening elements, such as velcro pads. A rectangular chalkboard is provided having a top surface permanently marked with a diagram of the competition area and demarkation lines an athletic sport. The undersurface of the chalkboard is equipped with second, mating releasable fastener elements, that are releasably engageable with the first fastening elements. A magnetic board is likewise provided having a top surface permanently marked with a diagram of the competition area and demarkation lines of an athletic sport with the undersurface of the magnetic board equipped with second releasable fastening elements arranged in the same mirror image pattern as that on the surfaces of the cover.

Abstract: An adjustable strap is disclosed, as is a combination of the strap with a boat. The strap comprises a ring, a longitudinally extending first fabric strip having cooperating "Velcro" portions for releasably locking a first end of the strip in each of a plurality of positions, a snap fastener and a longitudinally extending second fabric strip. The first strip has a free end which can pass through the ring and releasably engage an adjacent length of the strip to form a loop whose circumference varies. The second strip of fabric is attached to the first strip and to the snap fastener. The length of the second fabric strip is varied from strap to strap so that several of the straps are admirably suited to fasten a roll of a boat cover in a stowed condition to a boat having a plurality of snap fasteners positioned generally in aligned relationship with one another to engage cooperating fasteners on the cover.

Abstract: An improved tubing organizer for hospital use having Velcro.RTM. straps, a Teflon.RTM. loop and a stainless steel clip connected by stainless steel eyelets. The improved tubing organizer is able to withstand repeated exposure to temperatures up to two hundred eighty degrees Fahrenheit and can be permanently attached to a length of tubing.

Abstract: A tape (4) intended to be attached to a molded article (2) comprises a sole (13) having grippers (5) on one side thereof and anchors (14) on the other side thereof. The side of the sole (13) having the grippers (5) thereon also has two spaced-apart marginal areas devoid of grippers (5) and adapted to be glued temporarily into an internal face of a mold (1) in which the molded article (2) is to be formed. Anchors (14) are comprised of stems (15) having an enlarged head (16) which is molded into the molded article (2) to hold the tape (4) firmly against the molded article (2). The marginal areas devoid of grippers (5) permit tape (4) to lie flush with the surface of the mold (1) while the molded article (2) is being formed.

Abstract: Multiple hook-fastener media in which many protruding hooks are formed at relatively high speed from suitable bendable and settable plastic material which may be different from the substrate to which these pre-formed hooks are subsequently bonded. Many rows of hooks are formed simultaneously, each row from a strand, for example, a monofilament of longitudinally oriented polymeric material. The formed strands are "set" into their multiple hook row configuration, and then these pre-formed rows of hooks are simultaneously bonded to the substrate. Thus, an attractive substrate of any reasonable width, for example, of three inches, six inches, a foot or a yard, may be used. The production method and system enable the number of hooks per square inch, either longitudinally or laterally or both, to be adjusted while running.

Abstract: Bra-back fasteners parts and shoulder strap guards having hook and plush fastener elements, and methods of manufacturing them.

Abstract: A drive belt formed as a discontinuous belt structure with specially-formed nd connectors. The faces of the end connectors have large numbers of miniature interlockable hooking elements thereon for enabling the ends of the belt structure to be formed into a usable endless drive belt. The belt structure can be cut to varying lengths, such that one belt structure can be used to form a variety of different length belts. The belt ends can be connected together after the belt structure has been installed around a pulley system.

Abstract: Bra-back fasteners parts and shoulder strap guards having hook and plush fastener elements, and methods of manufacturing them.

Abstract: A portable clamp and anchor to restrain feet during sit-up exercises having two clamp pieces which are adjustably positioned on the bottom of a door and a foot restraining piece which is adjustably positioned relative to the clamp pieces. Hook and loop fasteners are used to connect the pieces together during use.

Abstract: A shoe having a variable opening and tongue utilizing an adjustable and flexible closure assembly which includes separable fastening members having coacting, flexible, gripping elements, such as hook and loop Velcro type fastening means, a fastener strap, and an anchor means with an opening to engage the free end of the fastener strap permitting the wearer to easily adjust and secure the closure assembly to the precise tautness desired, using only one hand.