Including Readily Dissociable Fastener Having Numerous, Protruding, Unitary Filaments Randomly Interlocking With, And Simultaneously Moving Towards, Mating Structure (e.g., Hook-loop Type Fastener) Patents (Class 24/442)
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Patent number: 6770065Abstract: The fastener of the present invention comprises a male material, having many hooks, of a mechanical fastener and a female material, made of nonwoven fabric, of the mechanical fastener, the male material engaging said female material, wherein many hooks (3) in the male material (1) have a density of 100 to 1000 pieces/cm2, a height of 300 to 1500 &mgr;m and a width of 100 to 500 &mgr;m, and the nonwoven fabric composing the female material has a basis weight of 20 to 80 g/m2 and a fineness, of 4 to 15 deniers, of a composite fiber thereof. The fastener of is used, for example, in a disposable diaper of absorbent articles.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2000Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Kao CorporationInventors: Jun Sasaki, Manabu Matsui, Manabu Kaneta
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Patent number: 6766566Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof. The hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof, wherein the plurality of hook elements comprises a fiber and a shape memory alloy coating deposited onto the fiber, and wherein the fiber and the shape memory alloy coating comprises a non-axisymmetric coating or deposition of the shape memory alloy about a portion of the fiber. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Yang-Tse Cheng, Wangyang Ni, John C. Ulicny
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Publication number: 20040139585Abstract: A fastening kit comprises an injection molded pallet having a field of integrally molded hooks on a surface, and a cooperative loop-bearing member. When the pallet is fastened to a first object and the cooperative loop bearing member is attached to a second object, the first and second objects can be releasably attached to one another by contacting the loops of the loop bearing member with the field of integrally molded hooks.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventor: Henry J. McVicker
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Publication number: 20040137192Abstract: An injection molded insert having a field of integrally formed hooks on a surface can be used as a component of a molded article, such that the field of hooks will be on a surface of the molded article. The molded article having the mold insert as a component can be formed by various molding processes such as injection molding, compression molding, blow molding or rotational molding, or by forming from a moldable mass such as sprayable resins, epoxy-based resins, or fiberglass-based resins.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventor: Henry J. McVicker
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Publication number: 20040134045Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a touch-and-close fastener element (16) comprising a multitude of hook means (26), which are provided with a support as one piece and in the shape of stems (28) with hook heads (30) located at the ends thereof. Each of the hook heads (30) is provided, at least in part, with an additional head part (36) made of an additional material. A touch-and-close fastener system is created in which the respective head part (36) is made from the duroplastic molding compound serving as the additional material. One the one hand, the touch-and-close fastener system can withstand high temperature and mechanical stresses and, on the other hand, leads to improved adhesion values and peel strength values in a corresponding embodiment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventors: Konstantinos Poulakis, Jan Tuma
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Patent number: 6756327Abstract: A loop component of a hook and loop fastener made of a fibrous, thermally retracted material. A method of making the loop component includes heating one side of a fibrous, thermally retractable material to a high enough temperature to cause the material to retract, thereby bonding the fibers on that side while allowing the fibers on the opposite side to gather into loops.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Timothy R. Martin
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Publication number: 20040117955Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof. The hook portion generally includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof, wherein the plurality of hook elements comprises or incorporates a shape memory polymer. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. Introducing a thermal activation signal to the plurality of hook elements causes a change in shape orientation and/or flexural modulus that effectively reduces the shear and/or pull off forces in the releasable engagement. In this manner, disengagement of the releasable fastener system provides separation of the hook portion from the loop portion under controlled conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: William Barvosa-Carter, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Leslie A. Momoda, Thomas B. Stanford
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Publication number: 20040107548Abstract: This invention disclosure describes a stretchable and continuously adjustable strap of my design. It is shown that pairs of this type of straps can accommodate an essentially complete range of human waistlines from that of an infant to as large as 58″ with minimal stretching, and up to 100″ with 100% elongation of the elastic belts, when used in one of the recommended configurations in connection with a commercially available incontinence garments (a.k.a. belted undergarments). Straps of my invention can be made with elastic material that is readily available in the textile industry. Significant economic advantage inherent in my invention for mass-production and distribution is expected.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventor: Charles C. Wang
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Patent number: 6746434Abstract: A garment or undergarment, such as an absorbent article, having a first region, a second region opposed to the first region and a garment material extending through at least a portion of the first region. The garment material has a surface wherein at least a portion of the surface has been mechanically modified to form a plurality of surface protrusions integrally from the garment material. The garment further includes a landing zone having a plurality of fibrous loops located at least partially in the second waist region and adapted to engage with the surface protrusions of the first region to provide a closure mechanism for holding the first region and the second region in an overlapping configuration.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Larry K. Johnson, Mark J. Kline
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Patent number: 6742227Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof whereas the hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The hook elements comprise a magnetic material that provides a change in shape orientation of the hook elements in response to an activation signal. In this manner, the shape orientation of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction or magnification in the shear and/or pull-off forces.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: John C. Ulicny, Mark A. Golden
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Patent number: 6737147Abstract: An extruded hook fastener strip is created on a roll having hook forming cavities in its surface by extruding plastic material into the interface between the forming roll and a second strip carried by a backing roll. The second strip is firmly bonded to the fastener strip on that side opposite the formed hooks.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2000Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: William J. Kennedy, George A. Provost, Gerald F. Rocha
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Patent number: 6733860Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive closing part, especially for foaming upholstery parts of car seats during production of the latter, comprising adhesive elements (10) arranged on one side for connection to corresponding adhesive elements of another adhesive closing part by forming an adhesive closure and connecting elements on the other side of the adhesive closing part for producing a connection to the corresponding foam material. A reliable and high-strength connection to the foam material is achieved due to the fact that the connecting elements consist of an adhesive medium, especially a fluorine gas, applied at least on the other side of the adhesive closing part.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Gottlieb Binder GmbH & Co.Inventor: Konstantinos Poulakis
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Patent number: 6728998Abstract: A woven fastener product includes an array of hook elements and an array of loop elements that extend from the surface of different respective regions of a common fabric base. The arrays are formed by warp yarns, the arrays being separated in the warp direction of the fabric base. To form a self-engaged fastening, the fastener product is conformed so that the hook elements overlie the loop elements. Monofilament loops are shown sized and located to provide pin-receiving mounting sleeves as part of the woven structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2003Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Der-Shi Wang, David E. Godlewski
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Patent number: 6728996Abstract: An adjustable liner retainer system comprising a container having an opening defining an upper edge and an outer surface and a liner situated in the container wherein an upper portion of the liner extends from the opening, folds over the upper edge, and at least partly hangs below the upper edge adjacent to the outer surface of the container. An adjustable liner retainer is tensioned around an upper end of the container pressing the hanging upper portion against the outer surface of the container. The adjustable liner retainer comprises a strip of material at least a portion of which is elastomeric material to create the tension to press the liner to the outer surface. A hook portion and a loop portion of the hook-and-loop fastener are attached to the first and second ends of the strip.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Inventor: Robert F. Roscow
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Patent number: 6730069Abstract: A cloth-like, flexible mechanical fastener including a flexible layer and at least one fastener island, and methods of making the same. The fastener island has a planar perimeter edge, a mechanical fastening material, and a backing material attached to the mechanical fastening material. The backing material is embedded within the flexible layer and the planar perimeter edge is surrounded by the flexible layer. Accordingly, the mechanical fastener offers an improved flexibility and a cloth-like presentation. The improved flexibility and cloth-like presentation reduce the potential for the wearer to be exposed to coarse edges or creases, thereby lowering the possibility of red-marking or irritation of the skin. Moreover, the flexibility of the fastener allows the fastener to better accommodate the movement of the wearer, providing more reliable securement. The cloth-like, flexible mechanical fastener may be of particular use in combination with disposable absorbent articles to secure the article about a wearer.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Richard Warren Tanzer, Karen Marie Menard, Julius Charles Nagy
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Publication number: 20040074068Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof whereas the hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The hook elements are formed of a material or have configurations that provide a shape changing capability and/or change in flexural modulus property to the hook elements. In this manner, the shape and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction in the shear and/or pull forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Alan Lampe Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
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Publication number: 20040074062Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof. The hook portion generally includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof, wherein the plurality of hook elements comprises or incorporates a shape memory alloy fiber. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. Introducing a thermal activation signal to the plurality of hook elements causes a change in shape orientation, flexural modulus property, or a combination thereof that effectively reduces the shear and/or pull off forces in the releasable engagement.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2002Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Thomas B. Stanford, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Leslie A. Momoda, William Barvosa-Carter, Bob R. Powell
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Publication number: 20040074067Abstract: A releasable fastening system comprises a loop portion comprising a loop material, a hook portion comprising a plurality of hook elements, and an actuation device disposed in electrical communication with the loop portion and the hook portion. The actuation device is operable to provide electrostatic charges to the loop material and the hook elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Alan Lampe Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Chandra Sekhar Namuduri
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Publication number: 20040074061Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof whereas the hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The hook elements are formed of a magnetorheological elastomer that provides a change in shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements. In this manner, the shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction or magnification in the shear and/or pull-off forces in addition to providing variable damping capabilities to the fastener system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2002Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Robert A. Ottaviani, John C. Ulicny, Mark A. Golden
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Publication number: 20040074070Abstract: A releasable fastening system comprises a knob portion comprising a knob element, a cavity portion comprising a cavity configured to receive the knob element, and an ionic polymer metal composite actuator disposed at the knob element. The ionic polymer metal composite actuator is operable to mechanically interlock the knob element with the cavity. A method of operating a releasable fastening system comprises contacting a knob portion with a cavity portion to form a releasable engagement, wherein the knob portion comprises a knob element disposed on a first support, and wherein the cavity portion comprises a cavity disposed at a second support; maintaining constant shear forces and constant pull-off forces between the knob portion and the cavity portion; and activating an ionic polymer metal composite actuator at the knob portion to facilitate the interlocking of the knob portion and the cavity portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Leslie A. Momoda, Alan Lampe Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, William Barvosa-Carter, Thomas B. Stanford
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Publication number: 20040074066Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof whereas the hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The hook elements comprise a magnetic material that provides a change in shape orientation of the hook elements in response to an activation signal. In this manner, the shape orientation of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction or magnification in the shear and/or pull-off forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2002Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: John C. Ulicny, Mark A. Golden
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Publication number: 20040074069Abstract: A releasable fastening system for retaining two surfaces at each other or disengaging the two surfaces from each other comprises a first electrode disposed at a first surface, a second electrode disposed at a second surface, and a polymer film disposed between the first and second electrode, and an electrolyte disposed in electrical communication with the first electrode, the polymer film, and the second electrode. A volume of the polymer film is controllably variable to cause the retention of the first surface at the second surface. A method of releasably fastening adjacently-positioned surfaces comprises disposing a first electrode at a first surface, disposing a second electrode at a second surface, and increasing the volume of an electrolyte disposed in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode to cause the retention of the first surface at the second surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Alan Lampe Browne, William Barvosa-Carter, Nancy L. Johnson, Leslie A. Momoda, Thomas B. Stanford
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Publication number: 20040074065Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof. The hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof, wherein the plurality of hook elements comprises a fiber and a shape memory alloy coating deposited onto the fiber, and wherein the fiber and the shape memory alloy coating comprises a non-axisymmetric coating or deposition of the shape memory alloy about a portion of the fiber. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2002Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Yang-Tse Cheng, Wangyang Ni, John C. Ulicny
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Publication number: 20040074063Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises two hook portions. The hook portions each include a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the two hook portions are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The head elements of the hook elements are formed of a material that provides a change in directional orientation of the head elements. In this manner, the directional orientation of the head elements of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction or magnification in the shear and/or pull-off forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2002Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Mark A. Golden, John C. Ulicny
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Publication number: 20040074064Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof. The hook portion generally includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof, wherein the plurality of hook elements comprises a first portion fabricated from a shape memory material and at least one additional portion fabricated from a different shape memory material. An activation device is coupled to the plurality of hook elements, the activation device being operable to selectively provide an activation signal to the plurality of hook elements to change a shape orientation, a yield strength property, a flexural modulus property, or a combination thereof to reduce a shear force and/or a pull-off force of an engaged hook and loop portion. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2002Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Bob Ross Powell, Alan L. Browne
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Publication number: 20040074071Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof. The hook portion generally includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. A selected one of the hook elements or the loop material is formed from a thermally and/or electrically conductive material. The other one is formed of a material adapted to melt, flow or volatize at a defined temperature. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. Introducing an activation signal to the thermally and/or electrically conductive hook elements or loop material, causes the opposing material to melt, flow, soften, or volatize upon contact therewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Mark A. Golden, John C. Ulicny, Alan Lampe Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, William Barvosa-Carter, Thomas B. Stanford, Leslie A. Momoda
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Publication number: 20040074060Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof whereas the hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The hook elements are formed of a material or have configurations that provide a shape changing capability and/or change in flexural modulus property to the hook elements. In this manner, the shape and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction in the shear and/or pull-off forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2002Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Alan Lampe Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
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Patent number: 6720059Abstract: This invention provides a fastener strip in which fastening elements form a fastener layer on a front face of the fastener strip. Rows of vertical members are disposed along each of the side edges of the fastener layer and each row comprises vertical members formed with an appropriate interval between them for controlling the degree of foam penetration during the molding process. The vertical members anchor the fastener strip to an object during molding of the object and form an effective seal against fouling of the fastening elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: YKK CorporationInventors: Nobuo Fujisawa, Craig Jay Graham, Tsuyoshi Minato, Ryuichi Murasaki, Mitsuru Akeno
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Patent number: 6708379Abstract: A fastening device comprising a pair of attachment pads, one pad having a surface from which stems project, a second pad formed with openings and receptacles, each opening and receptacle adapted to receive a stem, the pads becoming interlocked by the fit of the stems in the receptacles. A woven, knit or knotted material of open texture having holes, preferable evenly spaced holes such as those of a screen or net, is secured between the pads by passing the stems through the mesh and into the receptacles. The pads and mesh material, so arranged, are secured to a structure by a bracket or clamp that is fixed to the attachment pads and mesh material.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Inventor: Eric P. Wilson
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Patent number: 6708378Abstract: A method of forming a fastener is provided, including (a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends; (b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a predetermined softening temperature, while maintaining the sheet-form base and a lower portion of each stem at a temperature lower than the softening temperature; and (c) contacting the terminal ends with a contact surface that is at a predetermined forming temperature, lower than the softening temperature, to deform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base. Fasteners and other methods of forming them are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Luis Parellada, Juan Sánchez
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Patent number: 6694576Abstract: The invention is a fastener strip (10) with vent holes (12) through the base layer (15), underneath hooks (11) or other fastening elements, to prevent air from being trapped beneath fastener strip (10) when it is placed on a forming mold (16) in a foam object molding process. Side sealing means (13), end sealing means (14), and magnetic or other holding means may also be incorporated into fastener strip 10.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: YKK Corporation of AmericaInventors: Nobuo Fujisawa, Craig Jay Graham
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Patent number: 6694575Abstract: A sports glove holder for allowing a glove to be attached comfortably and securely to the belt of a player. The sports glove holder has loops for attaching the holder to the belt of the player. A hook and loop fastener allows the glove to be removably attached to the holder. The hook and loop fastener is attached to a machine-pressed indent in the main body using a material specific adhesive. This allows the device to withstand the repetitive removal of the glove without fear of the hook and loop fastener coming loose. The sports glove holder can be color coordinated with the uniform or outfit worn by the player.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Richard M. Martin
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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: 6687962Abstract: A touch fastener product for releasable engagement with itself or another fastener product at various engagement angles, has a sheet-form base and an array of fastener elements with stems integrally molded with and extending from a broad side of the base to a distal head overhanging the base. The fastener elements are arranged in various ordered patterns of straight rows, with the heads of the fastener elements covering the base at a desired head density. The fastener elements define a sufficient number and pattern of pockets between associated groups of adjacent stems to provide a desired bulk locking ratio when engaged with an identical pattern at a zero degree engagement angle.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Mark A. Clarner, Michelle M. Ennis, Michael J. Carbonneau
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Patent number: 6684464Abstract: There is provided a mechanical fastener bundling strap comprising a bundling strap having a first face and a second face with a bar code readable through hook elements on a first face. The first face is formed by a thermoplastic hook strip material having a first face and a second face. The hook strip first face has an array of upstanding hook projections which form at least in part the first face of the bundling strap, the second face of the hook strip comprises a film which film is provided with a printed UPC code readable through the hook strip first face.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kirit C. Mody, Michael W. G. Mills, Ronald W. Ausen, Shou-Lu Grace Wang, Alan J. Sipinen
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Patent number: 6683258Abstract: A detachable binding device comprising a bracket including a base portion and a slotted projection having a first slot and a second slot aligned in parallel with the first slot between the first slot and the base portion. The binding device further includes a self-gripping fastening strip. The fastening strip passes through the first slot to form a first wrap around a length of a cable to hold the cable against the slotted projection. The fastening strip then passes through the second slot to form a second wrap over the first wrap and the length of the cable for secure retention of the cable against the slotted projection by setting the fastening strip into a self-gripping arrangement. After formation, the binding device may be detached from the length of the cable and the bracket by disrupting the self-gripping arrangement of the fastening strip and withdrawing the fastening strip from the second slot and the first slot to release the length of the cable from contact with the slotted projection.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2003Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: David Alan Tracy, Gregory Leighton Rutherford
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Patent number: 6678924Abstract: An integral molded surface fastener is provided having minute and peculiar engaging elements, with which a desired plasticity and tearing strength of the flat substrate are secured. The molded surface fastener may be formed together with the substrate by continuous molding where the engaging elements are each comprised of a single column portion having a substantially cross-shaped section provided by intersection of a first column portion and a second column portion and rectangular thin plate-like engaging heads extended in the shape of wings in opposite directions along the width direction of the first column portion intersecting the second column portion around a top end of the column portion, and having substantially the same width dimension as the width dimension of a top end of the second column portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: YKK CorporationInventors: Ryuichi Murasaki, Mitsuru Akeno, Shintaro Ohsugi
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Patent number: 6671935Abstract: An easy-to-grip diaper fastener tab has an array of hook-shaped fastener elements arranged in parallel rows, each fastener element including a stem and a crook extending from the stem in a predetermined direction to a distal tip. The array includes a plurality of rows of fastener elements arranged such that, in each row, all of the crooks face in the same direction and parallel to the direction of the row, with the crooks of adjacent rows facing in opposite directions. The longitudinal spacing between opposing tips of adjacent hooks of adjacent rows is greater in a first portion of the array than the longitudinal spacing between opposing tips of adjacent hooks of adjacent rows in a second portion of the array, such that the crooks of the hooks of the first portion are more exposed for engaging loops than the crooks of the hooks of the second portion. Methods and molds for forming such arrays are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Scott M. Filion, Richard J. Schmidt
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Patent number: 6656563Abstract: A segmented hook and loop type fastener accommodates molding contours. Each segment may be surrounded by a gasket barrier, or covered, or unprotected. On the fastening face of a base member are a plurality of fastening elements, either hook-type or loop-type. Between and joining each adjacent pair of fastening segments is a flexible neck that is narrower than the fastening segment. The flexible neck region is typically flexible around two or three orthogonal axes. Each segment may have a barrier for use during an operation to incorporate the fastener into a molded body. The barrier would prevent any liquid foaming material from contacting the fastening elements if the fastener is placed in the mold with the fastening elements pressed against the wall of the mold. The cover may be enveloping or space filling. Several different types of apparatus and methods for fabricating such a fastener are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Peter E. Leach, Christopher M. Gallant
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Patent number: 6647600Abstract: A hook and loop fastener for flat structures, particularly for textile products, having a hook part and an interlocking part, the interlocking part being made of a nonwoven composite having worked-in, textured, polymeric threads, the nonwoven composite being used as support for the textured threads, and the textured threads forming the loops for the hooks.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Firma Carl FreudenbergInventors: Manfred Jöst, Dieter Groitzsch, Gerhard Schaut
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Publication number: 20030208888Abstract: A fabricated microstructure comprising at least one protrusion capable of providing an adhesive force at a surface of between about 60 and 2,000 nano-Newtons. A stalk supports the protrusion at an oblique angle relative to a supporting surface. The microstructure can adhere to different surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2002Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventors: Ronald S. Fearing, Metin Sitti
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Patent number: 6640348Abstract: A method of reorienting directional features associated with manufacture of continuous fastener materials to produce products having such reoriented features, produces fastener products having an array of individual fastener elements extending from a sheet-form base, the fastener elements adapted to engage mating elements for releasable fastening. The method includes the steps of forming a continuous pre-form product having a planar base defining longitudinal edges and an array of fastener elements extending from the base; joining the longitudinal edges of the pre-form product to form a tube having a seam defined by the joined longitudinal edges; and severing the tube across the seam to form the fastener product with segments of seam extending between longitudinal edges of the fastener product. Various techniques for performing the method and various products taking unique advantage of these techniques are disclosed for providing novel fastener products.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: William Clune, George A. Provost
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Patent number: 6637079Abstract: The present invention provides a female component for engaging a complementary hook component in a refastenable fastening device. The female component of the present invention is capable of engaging a hook component that has flexible, resilient individual hook elements. The female component comprises at least two, and preferably three zones or layers. Each zone has certain of the desired individual characteristics for entangling and holding the hooks of the mating hook component. These include a first zone for admitting and engaging at least some of the hooks of the complementary hook component (the “entanglement” zone), a second zone for providing space for the hooks to occupy after they have been admitted by the entanglement zone (referred to as the “spacing” zone), and a backing adjacent to the spacing zone for providing a foundation for the entanglement and spacing zones.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1995Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: David J. K. Goulait, Dennis A. Thomas
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Patent number: 6623469Abstract: The invention is a refastenable mechanical fastening system, made of free formed prongs joined to a substrate. The prongs taper and are nonperpendicularly oriented relative to the plane of the substrate. Each prong has an engaging means projecting laterally from the periphery of the prong. The free formed prongs are manufactured by the process of depositing liquid material onto a moving substrate, stretching the liquid material in a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate and severing the stretched material to form the distal end and engaging means of the prong. The advantageous usage of the fastening system in an article of manufacture, such as a disposable absorbent garment, specifically a diaper, is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1993Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Dennis Albert Thomas
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Patent number: 6598274Abstract: An electrically releasable form of hook and loop fastener allows one half of the fastener to release from the other half without applying direct physical force to either half. The hook elements of the fastener are formed of a shape-memory alloy material such as commercially available Ninitol. Release of the hook half of the fastener from the loop half is accomplished by passing an electrical current through the shape-memory alloy material to straighten the hooks so that they release their engagement with the loops. The flow of electricity through the hook half energizes the Ninitol material to change its shape, either expanding or contracting in length; the change in shape is made to act against another length of material that remains fixed in length or changes shape in an opposite direction so as to cause the hook shape to straighten toward a rod shape.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: George Marmaropoulos
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Patent number: 6594873Abstract: A slide closure for joining overlapping edges of flexible or rigid substrates having complementary touch fasteners thereon. The slide closure has a pair of closing surfaces facing each other and structure joining the closing surfaces together so as to define two channels opening in opposite directions. The substrates are received within the channels such that they overlap between the closing surfaces. The closing surfaces converge to a nip having a dimension small enough to cause the complementary touch fasteners to engage when the slide closure is displaced along the overlapping edges in a first direction. The slide closure may further include a spanning member disposed generally between the closing surfaces that serves to structurally join the closing surfaces, partly define the channels on either side, and provide diverging separating surfaces that cause the complementary touch fasteners to disengage when the slide closure is displaced in a second direction opposite the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Claudio Argento
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Patent number: 6596371Abstract: A fastener member for being secured to the surface of a foam body during a molding process in a mold form. The fastener member includes an elongate base having upper and lower opposed faces with fixating elements positioned on the lower face of the base for being positioned within and protected by a mold cavity in a wall of the mold form against foam contamination during the molding process. First and second opposed, elongate sealing ramps positioned on the upper face of the base by respective proximal ends and diverge outwardly and upwardly at an angle oblique to the base and define respective outwardly-extending distal ends. The base is sized to fit within the mold cavity with outer surfaces of the respective first and second ramps engaging and sealingly contacting respective upper wall corners of the mold at points of contact intermediate the proximal and distal ends.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Aplix, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Billarant, Marc Woodling
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Publication number: 20030106189Abstract: A finishing method for obtaining a fiber surface fastener, said method being capable of, with simple processes, firmly fixing entangling portions between a foundation cloth composed of knitted/woven structure or nonwoven fabric and base portions of engaging elements, further, the finishing method being capable of preventing coating agent from adhering to or solidifying on the protruding surfaces of the engaging elements, said surface fastener having excellent softness. While a fiber surface fastener in which a plurality of engaging elements are formed on a foundation cloth thereof is conveyed continuously, powdery hot-melt adhesive is applied to its engaging element formation face from a separate position, the surface fastener is heated at a temperature higher than a melting point of said adhesive for a required time so that the adhesive applied is melted between the base portions of the engaging elements and the foundation cloth, and then said surface fastener is cooled.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2002Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventors: Mitsuhisa Okawa, Masashi Doi, Norinaka Hirokawa
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Patent number: 6568047Abstract: A molded surface fastener has no stagger between the once engaged engaging elements and has high engagement force so as to strongly prevent the release of the engaging elements, whereby, it is possible to smoothly press and joint the molded surface fasteners made of a synthetic resin each other. A molded surface fastener made of a synthetic resin has an engaging element and a fitting projection on a surface of a plate-like substrate. The engaging element has a rising portion, which rises from a surface of the plate-like substrate and has an opposite pair of inclined faces, and an engaging head which is continuously formed on a top end of the rising portion and which is expanded at sides of opposite vertical faces in a horizontal direction except for the inclined faces.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: YKK CorporationInventor: Ryuichi Murasaki
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Patent number: 6568981Abstract: A construction piece covered at least partially with display loop fabric and having one or more double sided hook-surfaced tabs removably affixed to said fabric so as to permit the attachment of one construction piece to another.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Inventor: James Chang