Abstract: A laminated tape including a self-gripping sheet with hook-fastening elements, characterized by a layer of plastic foam and a layer of metal which can be attracted by a magnet and which is inserted between the layer of plastic and the self-gripping sheet.

Abstract: A female member of a mechanical fastener includes a fibrous layer and a plurality of strips. A plurality of ridges are intermittently shaped from a bottom side toward a top side of the fibrous layer. A plurality of strips are bonded to the bottom side of the fibrous layer so as to be spaced one from another and extend in parallel one to another in one direction so that the bottom side of the fibrous layer is spaced toward the top side of the fibrous layer from the respective strips along the respective ridges.

Abstract: An extensible tab fastener for a disposable diaper comprises a laminate of an extensible facestock and an ordinarily nonextensible mechanical fastener. The nonextensible mechanical fastener is rendered extensible by providing in at least the nonextensible portions thereof a plurality of separation interfaces or parting planes extending through the thickness of the nonextensible portion or portions at spaced locations in the direction of desired extensibility.

Abstract: Molten resin is continuously extruded from an extrusion nozzle having a selected width, and at the same time, a plurality of parallel fiber filaments are introduced straightly toward the molten resin outlet in a direction along rotation of a die wheel and/or traversing one or more filaments by a predetermined width. The molten resin extruded from the extrusion nozzle and the filaments are introduced into a predetermined gap for molding a plate-like substrate sheet between the nozzle and the die wheel, which has a multiplicity of hook-forming cavities in its circumferential surface and is rotatable in one direction, and at the same time, the hook-forming cavities are filled with a part of the molten resin. The filaments are embedded in the substrate sheet of the extruded molten resin as the die wheel is driven to rotate in the direction of extrusion of the molten resin, and a plurality of hooks are continuously molded on a surface of the substrate sheet.

Abstract: An iron-on hook-and-loop type fastener for effectively securing at least one portion of a hook-and-loop type fastener to a selected material using a heat-sensitive adhesive. The fastener of the present invention includes at least one cooperating portion of a conventional hook-and-loop type fastener and a base member. The base member is a fabric having a heat sensitive adhesive disposed on the bottom face thereof The cooperating portion of the hook-and-loop type fastener is secured to the top face of the base member in a conventional manner such as by sewing at least one row of stitches along the longitudinal center of the fastener portion. The base member defines a width greater than that of the fastener portion in order to provide a greater surface area of engagement between the base member and the material to which it is secured. In order to secure the fastener portion to a selected material, the free edge of the fastener portion is lifted and a hot iron is applied to the top face of the base member.

Abstract: There is provided a method of deforming the hook head portions of hook elements on a web backing. The hook elements on the web backing are fed into a nip formed between a support surface and an upper heated surface having a durameter hardness of less than 90 Shore A. This upper heated surface compressively engages the hook head causing it to turn down and permanently deform. This increases the uniformity of the hook head elements forming a fiber engaging crook region.

Abstract: A surface protector for use with C hooks and other material handling equipment having a plastic protective layer removably attached to an adhering layer fixed to the equipment. A connecting layer made from a sheet of material having loops extending from one side is attached to the protective layer and releasably connects to hooks covering the adhering layer. The protective layer may be repeatedly replaced when worn.

Abstract: The present invention provides a belt connecting device which can be applied to various uses, has an excellent design property, and can be safely and easily operated even by elderly people and infants. The belt connecting device comprises a belt connecting member fixed to one portion of an article and a belt including one end portion fixed to another portion of the article. A female surface fastener is sewn on the other end portion of the belt to constitute an engaging portion to be engaged with the belt connecting member. The belt connecting member has at one end thereof an inserting hole through and to which the portion of the article is inserted and fixed, at the other end an engaged portion of a male surface fastener and with which the engaging portion of the belt detachably engages, and between the inserting hole and the engaged portion a belt threading portion comprising an elongated hole which is slightly longer than a width of the belt.

Abstract: In a skidproof device continuously molded of synthetic resin and adapted to be used with a disposable companion sheet product, a multiplicity of skidproof engaging elements are molded on the front surface of a substrate sheet for mating with engaging elements of the companion sheet product. Each skidproof engaging element is composed of a single stem, at least two necks branched and gently sloping upwardly from an upper end of the stem, and at least two heads extending one from an upper end of each neck with an upward gentle slope. Each head has on its top an upwardly convex arcuate surface. Having the differently directed engaging elements, the front surface of this device is smooth in touch and non-directive to give adequate resistance to skidding.

Abstract: In manufacturing a continuous surface fastener tape on an injection molding machine, a male engaging portion is injection molded on one surface of a continuous substrate sheet of thermoplastic resin at one longitudinal margin, and an adhesive agent is applied to the other surface of the substrate sheet at the other longitudinal margin to form an adhesive layer. The surface fastener tape is stored in superposed form, such as in roll or in stack, and can be out into individual surface fastener pieces for use as it is demanded. In production, molten resin is continuously injected to the die wheel from an injection nozzle to mold the continuous surface fastener tape, and the adhesive layer is formed on the surface fastener tape using an adhesive-agent applicator.

Abstract: Adhesive film strip composite comprisinga) an adhesive film strip (2) which can be released by pulling in the direction of the bond plane (B), and whichb) on one of its adhesive sides is bonded to one side of a touch-and-close fastening (4,7), whilec) the other side of the touch-and-close fastening (4,7) is free and can be fastened.

Abstract: Carpet tape for use with a carpet construction which uses a loop back and hook tape for installation. The tape includes a substrate having pressure sensitive adhesive on one of its surfaces and there are hooked areas on the same surface. The hooked areas are located on either side of the pressure sensitive adhesive for engagement of the loops of pieces of the carpet. The adhesive is located on an area of the substrate substantially free of hooks, and the hooked areas are spaced apart from each other, for adhesion to the underside of the carpet pieces along neighboring edges for formation of a seam between the carpet pieces.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener including a plurality of engaging stems located in unordered arrangements, which repeat on a substrate. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a mechanical fastener with a plurality of repeating unordered arrangements, where the arrangements repeat in more than one direction. The unordered arrangements of the engaging stems allow pairs of the fasteners to interengage with themselves, or in other words, to self-mate. Additionally, the unordered arrangements of engaging stems allow the fasteners to interengage at any relative angular orientation with a relatively constant engagement force, and a relatively constant disengagement force regardless of their angular orientation. The unordered arrangements of engaging stems also allow pairs of fasteners to interengage at any relative planar position with a relatively constant engagement force and a relatively constant disengagement force regardless of their planar position.

Abstract: A strap for use on footwear. The strap is comprised of a sheet-like member partially split into two thinner sections. Typically, to the bottom surface of the lower section a VELCRO.RTM. pad is secured by stitching. The two sections are then rejoined permenantly, as by gluing and/or stitching. The result is a strap which has a joinder or fastening means on the underside thereof which is permanently attached to the strap, but whose top surface (the top surface of the first section) is more aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: First and second molten resins are continuously injected toward the respective circumferential surfaces of a die wheel and an associated roller in rotation in opposite directions. The die wheel has in its circumferential surface a multiplicity of engaging-element-forming cavities, and the associated roller is disposed in parallel confronting relationship with the die wheel with a gap equal to the thickness of a substrate sheet of a molded surface fastener member. During that time, a porous core sheet is introduced toward a meeting point of the first and second molten resins and is sandwiched between a first substrate sheet part, which is molded on the circumferential surface of the die wheel, and a second substrate sheet part, which is molded on the circumferential surface of the associated roller, to form a unitary laminate substrate sheet. The resulting molded surface fastener member is free from expansion and local thin portions in either substrate sheet part and is therefore prevented from being torn.

Abstract: Molding apparatus and method for molding of features integral with a base, such as in the production of fastener elements for hook-and-loop type touch fasteners, e.g. by the Fischer process, employs a mold roll formed of rings that have coolant passages formed within the ring components themselves for substantially direct contact with cooling liquid. Axial tie rods compress the mold rings together, contributing to the sealing of the coolant passages and the stiffness of the mold roll. Other types of sealing are disclosed. Mold cavities, including cavities used for injection molding, and cooling passages formed in either mold rings or injection mold plates by photo-chemical etching, laser machining and other techniques are disclosed. Various machines and methods taking unique advantage of these features are disclosed, including ring alignment methods.

Abstract: A combined shower curtain and liner construction held together by hook and loop strips, wherein the liner sheet is attached below the hook apertures of the shower curtain sheet.

Abstract: A running length of fastener product is formed of longitudinally pre-oriented synthetic resin. The product is characterized by a base web and an array of discrete fastener elements protruding from at least one side of the web, the web being in a laterally stretched molecular oriented condition. After forming a preform having discrete fastener elements integral with a base web in a stretchable state, the preform is stretched in a manner that substantially increases the fastener element spacing and reduces the thickness of the base web. A machine is shown that is capable of lengthwise orienting before forming and widthwise stretching after forming, which employs controlled heating to render the product widthwise stretchable while preserving or achieving a desired shape of the fastener elements.

Abstract: A support strap for hand tools, hand guns and other hand-held implements having a pistol grip-type handle includes an elongated strip of flexible material having a ring attached to a first transverse end of the strip. A first fastener member is attached to the lower surface of the strip, proximate the second transverse end or tip of the strip, and a second fastener member releasably engageable with the first fastener member is attached to the upper surface of the strip. The strap is used by inserting the tip of the strap through the ring to form a first, wrist loop, into which loop the hand is inserted, and the free end pulled with a tension sufficient to tighten the loop to a desired tightness around the wrist of a user. The inner diameter of the loop is preferably slightly less than the width of the strip, thereby frictionally gripping the edges of the strap.

Abstract: A distinctive fastening tab comprises a fastener substrate having a construction-bond portion, a user-bond portion, a fastening surface and a user surface. The user-bond portion includes a leading region and at least one trailing region thereof, and the leading region is separated from the trailing region by a substantially non-securing spacing section which can extend over a selected, lateral spacing distance, such as a distance of at least about 5 mm. A securing mechanism connects to the fastening surface of the substrate along the leading and trailing regions of the user-bond portion, thereby providing a securing mechanism leading region and a securing mechanism trailing region which are separated apart by the spacing distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for repairing damaged screening. In use, a one part self attaching standalone hook tape patch providing for ventilation and light transmission, is installed in an overlaying interlocking relationship with the screening as to effectively overlap and patch the damage.

Abstract: Medium members such as thread are provided between woven fabric sheet such as warp knitting serving as the other sheet and base member, forming linear raised portions in the woven fabric sheet. The density of woven fabric sheet at the inclined portions to either side of these raised portions becomes coarse and the gaps between fine filaments on the woven fabric sheet spread, so that retaining heads of one sheet can easily enter and so that the fine filaments easily become hooked to the base portion of the retaining heads. Consequently, the retaining of the one sheet and the other sheet in strengthened, and the peeling strength is improved.

Abstract: The invention features a textile fastener tape characterized by having, in the weft direction across the tape, one or more sections which exhibit elasticity and one or more sections which do not exhibit elasticity. The fastener tape can be a woven or a knitted fabric.

Abstract: A retainer for knotted shoe laces that surrounds a knotted or tied shoe lace and prevents the lace from coming loose.

Abstract: There is provided a method of capping mechanical fasteners from a web having an array of upstanding stems. A heated surface member is positioned opposite a support forming a nip into which the web is fed. The heated surface member has a series of laterally spaced elongated peak and valley structures such that more than one peak and valley structure contacts and deforms each stem structure. The peak and valley groove structures provided asymmetric elongation and deformation of top portion of the stem structures forming hook heads.

Abstract: A device for containing, concealing and protecting footwear fasteners to keep the fasteners secure, clean, concealed and protected from snagging on foreign objects. The device is made of a pliable material so as to prevent injury in the event that the wearer or some other person comes into contact with the device. The device has a cover that may display fashionable designs and emblems, or reflective material for use in the dark.

Abstract: An enhanced flexibility fastener product has a base and hook elements extending from the base. Rip-stops integrally molded with the base and with the hook elements are offset relative to the hook elements to reduce widthwise stiffness of the fastener product. Edge margins of the fastener are feathered in that they taper or otherwise reduce in thickness over an extended distance, preferably from at or near the hooks to an edge, resulting in a softer, less irritating fastener tape. Fasteners according to the invention are particularly advantageous on disposable absorbent garments such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and other articles of wear which come into contact with a user's skin.

Abstract: A woven hook-and-loop fastener product includes a base fabric and at least one edge extending in the warp direction that serves as a load-dissipating structure. The edge is a resilient tube structure or a fabric woven to be thicker than the base fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling at least two structures. The apparatus comprises a resilient, elongated coupling member having a plurality of spaced-apart apertures and a plurality of projections positioned between respective pairs of adjacent apertures. The apertures in a first portion of the coupling member are sized and positioned to removably receive the projections of a second portion of the coupling member when the coupling member is wrapped around a bundle or structure.

Abstract: Two portions are joined by a set of islands provided on one surface engaged within apertures provided on a second surface, said islands being configured so as to provide apertures between sets of adjacent islands so that, when the assembly is subjected to a relative shearing force, the islands may be engaged by complementary apertures thus forming a secure union which may be readily disconnected and reconnected, is adjustable, and which is useful as a fastener for diverse rigid or flexible materials. Also provided are alternate shapes and configurations of the device, diverse means for coupling the assembly in pre-engaged and engaged position, embodiments which may also provide a reusable seal, embodiments which may provide an electrical connector, and other variations, The device may be furnished as a singular set, in a linear plurality, in a two dimensional array, as a plurality which connects two coplanar parts by connection with a third part, and other designs.

Abstract: A holder, primarily for retaining thereon a non-woven fibrous pad which is to be attached to, to be rotated by, a cleaning machine, comprises a base member of a resilient elastomeric material and a plurality of hook members integrally moulded with the base member to project from a surface thereof, each hook member including a stem portion on the free end of which, remote from the base member, is formed at least one barb portion extending laterally from the stem portion, some of the stem portions being longer than others of the stem portions, the hook members serving positively to retain the pad on the holder but enabling the pad to be readily removed from the holder as required.

Abstract: A sheet fastener product and method for its manufacture. The product includes a molded base portion with an array of integrally molded projections extending at spaced intervals from one surface of the base securing a length of yarn at spaced intervals to form loops. In use, the product can be used to create a fastening by mating the loops with hook fastening elements. The manufacturing method includes a continuous forming process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a female engaging member for a surface fastener carrying engaging elements which has a novel profile and a method of manufacturing a surface fastener which is adapted to continuous manufacturing operation by means of a relatively simple process without requiring serious maintenance efforts. The method will allow to select appropriate engaging force and anti-separation force for the surface fastener. The engaging member for a surface fastener comprises a flat plate-like substrate and a large number of pile-shaped engaging elements arranged on the surface thereof. The pile-shaped engaging elements are made of filaments wound around core threads and thus continuous manufacturing by simple operation is realized. A winding of the filament wound around the core thread has a length greater than that of the outer periphery of the core thread.

Abstract: A J-strip is adapted for attaching an edge portion of a trim cover material to a vehicle seat frame component. An elongated extruded plastic strip includes a substantially J-shaped cross-section with a flat portion and a curved portion extending from the flat portion. The curved portion is configured to cooperate with the frame component for receiving the frame component therein. A plurality of hooks extend from the flat portion and from the curved portion. A plurality of loops extend from the edge portion of the trim cover for engagement with the plurality of hooks in a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement for securing the trim cover to the frame component such that the trim cover is wrapped at least partially around the curved portion when attached. A method of forming a crease in a seat cover using hook-and-loop fasteners is also provided.

Abstract: A fastener member for molding which is a fastener tape which includes engaging elements on a top side of its substrate and also includes ridges which extend in a longitudinal direction on both edges of a back side of the substrate. The ridges project outwardly such that its outermost part is about 0.3-5 mm from the outer edge of the substrate. A process for producing a plastic molded article having the fastener members molded thereon, comprises fitting the above-mentioned fastener member in the recess of a mold such that the engaging elements on its surface are directed to the recess of the mold and the ridges of the fastener member substantially seal the gap between the fastener member and the sidewall of the recess of the mold, and injecting a resinous composition into the mold.

Abstract: An adjustable multi-part belt including an elongated central portion having long opposed side edges and short opposed end edges. The central portion has an inner surface and an outer surface. An elongated first side portion is provided having long opposed side edges and short opposed end edges. The first side portion has an inner surface and an outer surface. A first opposed end edge is adjustably coupled with the central portion at a selected position thereon. A second opposed end edge of the first side portion has a male buckle extending outwardly therefrom. An elongated second side portion is provided having long opposed side edges and short opposed end edges. The second side portion has an inner surface and an outer surface. The first opposed end edge is adjustably coupled with the central portion at a selected position thereon opposed from the first side portion.

Abstract: A hook fastener member having rows of molded hook-shaped fastener elements that lie in planes aligned with the rows, with generally planar plate portions at the outermost ends of at least some of the fastener elements, the plate portions lying generally parallel to the base of the fastener member. The plate portions can enhance engagement of the hook fastener members with mating loop fastener members, particularly with low loft non-woven loop fastener members. A method of making fastener members is provided. Molten resin is extruded and applied to a molding roller, creating preforms. The outermost portions of at least some of the preforms are flattened, thereby forming generally plate shaped portions. Disposable absorbent garments advantageously incorporate the hook fastener members.

Abstract: Disclosed is a quick-release football helmet chin strap that incorporates the use of a hook and loop fastener to tighten the strap and secure the helmet to the player's head. Intended for use on newly produced helmets and replacing the snap-type fasteners on existing helmets, the use of the hook and loop fasteners eliminates the burden associated with using the snap fasteners during the frequent between-play attachment and detachment.

Abstract: A fastening component of a separable fastener has some portion that is necessary for its fastening function, such as the space adjacent the fastening elements, the base to which the fastening elements are attached or a substrate that is used for another purpose, comprised of a magnetically attractive or electrically conductive porous metal containing layer. The fastening component may be the hook portion or the loop portion of a typical fastener. The fastening elements and the base may be unitary, or of different precursors. The porous metal layer may be embedded in the base portion of the fastening component, or any backing substrate, or therebetween. The porous metal layer may be fully or partially embedded. The porous metal may be an expanded, perforated, woven or non-woven structure.

Abstract: A separable fastener component for use with a complementary separable fastener component has a base member, having a nominal fastening face and a non-fastening face. Carried on the fastening face is a pattern of fastening elements, comprising an interior region carrying fastening elements that are free of any cover. Substantially surrounding the interior region is a perimeter region that carries fastening elements which are covered. The perimeter region of covered fastening elements may be a rectangular or non-rectangular annulus. The fastening elements may be hooks or loops.The fastening component may be incorporated into a molded product, with minimal intrusion of the molding material into the fastening elements of the main region. The perimeter cover forms a gasket seal with the mold in several different configurations and prevents molding material from infiltrating to the uncovered interior region of fastening elements.

Abstract: A retractable hook and loop fastener including a pocket of opposing substantially flat surfaces closed on opposite side edges and a rear edge, and having a front opening, an insert retractably secured within the pocket including a hook fastener portion, a tab arranged to extend beyond the front opening of the pocket and a slot through the insert having a rear end and a front end, an elastic anchor connecting the insert to the rear edge of the pocket, and a connector, such as a bar tack or rivet, joining points on opposite surfaces of the pocket through the slot. The arrangement of the present invention provides a fastener which reliably protects the hook portion from gathering lint or snagging other items during laundering or handling. The bar tack and slot serve to guide the travel of the insert in a relatively straight path without travelling too far out of the pocket or too far into the pocket, and eliminating problems with the insert twisting or folding inside the pocket.

Abstract: Disclosed are a biodegradable separable fastener which can be appropriately used as a fastening means for disposable products and a method for the production thereof. In a separable fastener composed of a base part and a multiplicity of engaging elements raised from the obverse side of the base part, the base part and the engaging elements are formed of a biodegradable resin. In a favorable mode, at least the base part of the separable fastener has such a sectional shape as to increase the specific surface area. For example, grooves and/or holes are formed in the base part or holes are extended from the reverse side of the base part to the interiors of the engaging elements.

Abstract: A disposable diaper has a hook or loop fastener comprising panels of loop material on the front section of the diaper, and panels of hook material on the rear section of the diaper. To hold the panels in a closed position when the diaper is packed, a panel of loop materials is attached to the rear section of the diaper.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising: a backsheet having a user-facing side, a garment-facing side, two longitudinal sides, a first transverse edge, a first waist region located along the first transverse edge, a second transverse edge, and a second waist region located along the second transverse edge. The absorbent article includes an inner layer covering at least a part of the user-facing side of the backsheet, an absorbent core located adjacent the user facing side of the backsheet, and a mechanical fastening system. The fastening system comprises at least one hook-type fastening member located in the second waist region and extending transversely beyond one longitudinal side, and an extensible landing member located in the first waist region for mechanically engaging with the hook-type fastening member. The landing member is formed from an extension of the inner layer which extends beyond the front transverse edge of the backsheet.

Abstract: An adjustable belt loop which is easily removable and made of flexible material which enables one to secure the free end of a belt to the main portion of the belt which thereby prevents the sagging or protruding of a garment or accessory belt end. The adjustable belt loop comprises a strip of material, and optionally a display member, and is extended and folded over and onto the free belt end and the main portion of the belt. The first and second ends of the flexible strip overlap and are securably closed by the attachment means. Alternatively, the first end of the flexible strip may be removably attached to the second end of the flexible strip by attachment means without overlap.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent member interposed between the topsheet and backsheet. When worn, the diaper forms a front waist body portion, a rear waist body portion, and a crotch portion. The rear waist body portion has at each side, a fastening tape which is designed to reveal elasticity on being pulled in the longitudinal direction of the fastening tape.

Abstract: A fitting for an appliance such as a sink extends between an anchor means (16,112) on the appliance and another anchor means (32,114) on a worktop. The appliance can be fitted easily to the worktop, and can also be removed quickly.

Abstract: A fastener for absorbent articles, such as pants-type diapers or incontinence guards, includes a first fastener element and a second fastener element (1, 4) which are intended to be hooked together when donning the article. The first element (1) includes an elastic structure (2) which includes openings (6) and is so constructed that the openings (6) will widen when the elastic structure (2) is stretched and closed together when the elastic structure contracts. The second element (4) includes hook devices (5). When the elastic structure (2) is sufficiently stretched, the hook devices (5) can be inserted into the widened openings (6), wherein subsequent contraction of the elastic structure (2) will cause the first and the second elements (1, 4) to be joined together with the opening (6) surrounding the hook device (5).

Abstract: A multi-purpose holder with a flexible block having a guide surface for securement and for attachment to a variety of surfaces, including similar surfaces of others of the same multi-purpose holder and as a guide for a strap and an opposite gripping surface with a central, wide V-groove and parallel, narrow side V-grooves adjacent wings forming a continuation of the gripping surface of the block and having gripping surfaces thereon to engage an object positioned in the central, wide V-groove as the strap is tightened around the flexible block, the wings and the object.

Abstract: A molded surface fastener comprises a substrate sheet and a multiplicity of engaging elements molded in rows on one surface of the substrate sheet. Each of the engaging elements has a stem standing from the one surface of the substrate sheet, and a pair of hooks extending in opposite directions from a distal end of the stem. And a multiplicity of parting guide members stand from the one surface of the substrate sheet, each of which is situated centrally between adjacent engaging elements for parting loops of a companion surface fastener toward the engaging elements.