Abstract: A male fastener element extends integrally from a planar base and includes a primary engagement hook and a secondary engagement structure (e.g., a hook). The primary engagement hook has a stem portion that is integrally molded with the planar base and that extends from the planar base to a distal end. The primary engagement hook also has an overhang portion that extends from the distal end of the stem portion and that has an underside surface overhanging an open volume for receiving loops. The secondary engagement structure, which is shorter than the primary engagement hook, is disposed immediately adjacent the primary engagement hook and extends from a side surface of the primary engagement hook. The secondary engagement structure extends from the base to a distal end that is disposed, in side view, below the surface of the overhang portion of the primary engagement hook.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The female component for engaging a complementary hook component in a refastenable fastening device 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. 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. The present invention also provides a fastening device having a hook fastening component and a female component that comprises the multi-layer female component of the present invention. The present invention also relates to disposable articles and more particularly to a disposable diaper having such an improved fastening device.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A multiplicity of pile-like engaging elements are fused integrally with top faces of each of elevated portions formed on a first surface of a flat plate-like substrate comprised of the first surface and a second surface such that more than ¼ of cross sectional areas of the entangled yarn are buried therein. The entangled yarns are fused integrally with the elevated portions firmly due to existence of the elevated portions regardless of a certain thickness of the flat plate-like substrate. In the meantime, it is permissible to form covering portions for covering the entangled yarn locally with component material of the flat plate-like substrate instead of the elevated portions. As a result, the female engaging member can be produced continuously without increase of equipment cost and the like. Further, a sufficient fixing strength can be provided to pile yarn rows bonded and fixed to the substrate surface although the pile yarns are fixed by fusion of the flat plate-like substrate.

Abstract: A male component of a male and female fastening system, such as a hook and loop fastener, that can remain fastened to a female component under high levels of shear force. The male component has a backing material with projections extending from the backing material at an angle toward the direction of fastener force. The combination of the male component with a standard female loop component results in a secure fastening system. The combination of the male component with a standard female loop component is particularly beneficial when used in absorbent articles.

Abstract: A detachable closure includes separable burr-type elements which, at surfaces to be joined, have interlocking elements which mutually interlock during joining of the burr-type elements and hold the burr-type elements together. The interlocking elements are made of a material which carries out a deformation under the influence of heat, electromagnetic radiation, and/or a magnetic field.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A composite hook and loop fastener in the form of an elongated strip has an elongated loop component, a hook component permanently affixed to the loop component, and a backing layer disposed on a face of the wrap tie in a discrete region. The backing layer is used for permanent attachment of the wrap tie to a supporting surface. One end of the loop component is available for encircling an object to be wrapped and engaging the fastener elements of the hook component. The loop component has a self-supporting web of entangled fibers, the fibers forming both a sheet-form body and hook-engageable, free-standing loops extending from at least one surface of the body, and the hook component has fastener elements extending from a common base. The backing layer may be a pressure sensitive adhesive or a synthetic resin.

Abstract: A fastening system that has a first planar surface with a front side and a back side and a plurality of fasteners. Each fastener is engaged with the first planar surface. Each fastener has a stem or member with a body, preferably in the shape of a sphere, attached to one end of the stem and an anchor attached to the other end of the stem. The body of the fastener is inserted into holes in a second planar surface to secure the first planar surface to the second planar surface.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a mechanical fastener including engaging stems having heads with demarcation lines. The present invention also provides a method of making a mechanical fastener that includes placing a layer of heated material on stem ends to soften the stem ends and deforming the softened stem ends into convex heads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a fastening tab (20) of a hook and loop fastener system in a storage position on an article, such as a disposable diaper (10). The fastening tab (20) has a first end portion (122) for permanent attachment to the article and a distal end portion (126) provided with projecting hook members (30). The distal end portion (126), in a ready position of the fastening tab, stands free from the article. The distal end portion, in the storage position, contacts a surface of the article. The method includes the steps of attaching the first end portion (122) of the fastening tab (20) to the article, and folding the distal end portion (126) of the fastening tab over the first end portion (122) of the tab such that the hook members (30) contact the surface of the article.

Abstract: A separable fastening system including a first component having a cavity into which a second component can be inserted. At least one wall inside the cavity can have a surface that releasably attaches to at least one side of the second component. The releasably attachable surfaces can include hooks and loops. This fastening system is particularly beneficial when used in absorbent articles.

Abstract: A fastening system that has a first planar surface with a front side and a back side and a plurality of fasteners. Each fastener is engaged with the first planar surface. Each fastener has a stem or member with a body, preferably in the shape of a sphere, attached to one end of the stem and an anchor attached to the other end of the stem. The body of the fastener is inserted into holes in a second planar surface to secure the first planar surface to the second planar surface.

Abstract: A molded surface fastener including a flat substrate and a plurality of first engaging elements molded of the same material integrally with each other. Each engaging element is composed of a stem portion standing from a surface of the flat substrate and an engaging head portion protruded from a tip of the stem portion at least in a side direction perpendicular to a molding direction. A thickness of each engaging element in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the engaging head portion increases gradually from a top portion of the engaging head portion to a base end of the stem portion. Maximum lateral widths of front and rear end faces of the engaging head portion of each engaging element a viewed in the molding direction are different from each other.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener including a loop member includes a base sheet and a plurality of continuous filaments extending substantially parallel one to another on one surface of the base sheet substantially parallel one direction and the filaments are bonded to the base sheet along at least a pair of bonding zones extending transversely of the filaments to form a plurality of loop elements extending between the pair of bonding zones.

Abstract: A flexible fabric fastener comprising a flexible and stretchable polyester and rubber material onto which Velcro®-type nylon loops or hooks are woven therethrough. The Velcro®-type hooks or loops are woven into patterned portions of the elastic base of the flexible fabric fastener. The Velcro®-type hooks and loops pattern are secured in place by a composity polyester and rubber locking thread. When applied to a compression garment or other stretch fabric, the flexible fabric fastener would be able to stretch along with the garment thereby reducing the difficulty of applying garments to a patient or any garment or product needing a closing device that self sizes.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Molten resin material is continuously extruded from an extruding hole including a plurality of engaging-element-molding portions disposed with a constant pitch in a width direction of an extruding nozzle and a substrate-molding portion with which lower ends of the engaging-element-molding portions communicate. An ascending/descending member disposed at a front face of the extruding nozzle and made of a laterally long plank ascends and descends to vertically open and close the extruding hole of the extruding nozzle. As a result of such continuous molding, a surface fastener is continuously molded in which each of plurality engaging elements has stem and an engaging extruding head projecting at least toward one side from an end of the stem standing on a surface of a flat substrate. The engaging element thus molded has a thickness, in a direction perpendicular to a projecting direction of the engaging head, gradually increasing from a top portion of the engaging head to a base end of the stem.

Abstract: An article (10) has a lengthwise longitudinal direction (26), a lateral cross-direction (24), a first article portion (12), a second article portion (14), and a fastener (36) for securing the first article portion (12) to the second article portion (14). The fastener (36) includes at least one first fastener component (70) attached to a lateral side section (86) of the first article portion (12), and a cooperating, second fastener component (72) attached to the second article portion (14). The first fastener component includes an engagement substrate (56) having an appointed lift region (54), and a plurality of engagement members (40), such as the representatively shown hook members, which are operably attached to extend away from the engagement substrate. The lift region (54) is disposed along at least a longitudinally extending, outboard edge of the engagement substrate (56), and the lift region contains a plurality of engagement members which have been substantially deactivated.

Abstract: A composite hook and loop fastener in the form of an elongated strip has an elongated loop component, a hook component permanently affixed to the loop component, and a backing layer disposed on a face of the wrap tie in a discrete region. The backing layer is used for permanent attachment of the wrap tie to a supporting surface. One end of the loop component is available for encircling an object to be wrapped and engaging the fastener elements of the hook component. The loop component has a self-supporting web of entangled fibers, the fibers forming both a sheet-form body and hook-engageable, free-standing loops extending from at least one surface of the body, and the hook component has fastener elements extending from a common base. The backing layer may be a pressure sensitive adhesive or a synthetic resin.

Abstract: A simple and less expensive nonwoven female component for a mechanical refastenable fastening device (“touch and close fastener”) can be conveniently used in mostly disposable applications such as disposable diapers, disposable operating gowns, disposable underwear and other clothing. The nonwoven fabric female component includes projecting loops formed on one of the superficial sides of the nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric comprises a hydroentangled web, and the loops are projectingly formed by needle punching on or at one of the superficial sides of the hydroentangled web.

Abstract: Methods of forming mold cavities (1) suitable for hook and loop fastening (100), along with effective hook construction and hook and loop fastener products that have an ultrathin cross section (118). Photochemical techniques are employed to form plates (250) that define hook-form mold cavities (1), and, alternatively, chemical etching is employed following preforming of the cavities and machining. Included are hooks having three-dimensional tapers with enhanced loop engaging characteristics. By utilization of special surface finishes and tolerances, hook fasteners, having ultrathin cross sections (118) are realized, that pave the way for practical use of touch fasteners in a wide range of new areas.

Abstract: A warp knit, weft inserted lap side loop pile fabric for use as a female connector in a hook and loop fastener in which adjacent loops in each wale alternate from one direction to the other. If desired the back of the fabric can be coated to provide strength and rigidity to the fabric.

Abstract: There is provided a male engaging member of a surface fastener comprising novel engaging elements that are flexible to a certain extent and highly durable and, at the same time, ensure a certain level of peeling resistance. The engaging elements of such an engaging member stably remain in engagement with piles of a female engaging member coupled with it without unintentionally becoming disengaged from the piles caught by them. The engaging miember comprises a flat substrate sheet, first engaging elements having a stem and an engaging portion disposed at the top thereof and second engaging elements having a column portion and a tilted hitch portion also disposed at the top thereof, the first engaging elements and the second engaging elements being arranged in linear rows independently relative to each other.

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: 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 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: This invention provides a surface fastener of thermoplastic resin comprising, as integrally molded members thereof, a flat substrate and rows of large number of hooks standing from the substrate as engaging members and arranged continuously. The hooks of the surface fastener according to the invention hardly collapse, even if they are very small, and reliably come into engagement with mating loops of a matching surface fastener to provide a satisfactory engaging and peeling strength and a high ratio of engagement. The surface fastener according to the invention can endure repetitive engaging and disengaging operations.

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: 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 process for the production of a rigid multi-layer composite articles (20) prepared from reacting inter alia a sheet of an open cell foam material (22) impregnated with a binder resin, such as isocyanate resin, to fill the cells of the foam material (22) and a polymerization catalyst to cause the reaction of isocyanate and form isocyanurate linkages, urethane linkages, urea linkages, trimer linkages, biuret linkages, and/or allophante linkages to render the composite article (20) rigid, and having a layer of reinforcing fibers, such as glass fibers, completely (24) or partially (25) impregnated by the binder resin affixed to a surface of the foam material (22) by the binder resin. Fasteners (27) formed of a thermoplastic material are provided having an appropriate adhesion surface. The adhesion surface of each of the fasteners (27) is melted by any of the well known techniques such as spin welding, etc.

Abstract: A surface fastener molded of synthetic resin, comprises a substrate sheet, and a multiplicity of hook elements molded on at least one surface of the substrate sheet, each hook element having a hook body having a stem and a curved portion. Each of the hook elements has first and second reinforcing ribs projecting from opposite side surfaces of the hook body. The first reinforcing rib is greater in height than the second reinforcing rib. In the presence of the first and second reinforcing ribs different in height, compression stresses developed in the hook body are dispersed at two or more points when a companion engaging element is removed off the hook element.

Abstract: A strap to hold wires or other components permanently or semi-permanently, using a flexible high strength carrier member as the main component of the strap. The strap replaces mechanically retained wire clips. To apply the wire strap, first the back liner is removed and the adhesive or tape member is attached to a substrate. Then the main member is folded over the object to be held and is placed against adhesive, or a hook and loop fastener is employed.

Abstract: In a synthetic resin molded surface fastener, each of a multiplicity of engaging elements has a stem standing on a front surface of a substrate sheet and a horizontally expandable and shrinkable engaging head continuously formed on and horizontally bulging from an upper end of the stem. The engaging head is divided into two or more segments resiliently bendable toward and away from one another. When the engaging head engages a respective one of engaging heads of a companion surface fastener, each of protuberances projecting from the front surface of the substrate sheet centrally between four adjacent ones of the engaging elements comes into the gap between the segments to bend the segments away from one another, increasing the entire diameter of the engaging head so that the engaging elements can be engaged with those of the companion surface fastener stably without rattling.

Abstract: A synthetic resin molded surface fastener comprising: a substrate sheet; and a multiplicity of minute engaging elements molded on a front surface of the substrate sheet for engagement with loops of a companion surface fastener. In the molded surface fastener, each of the engaging elements has a multiple-head structure composed of a single stem standing on the front surface of the substrate sheet, two or more necks branching in different directions from an upper end of the stem, and two or more substantially straight engaging heads bent outwardly in branching directions from respective outer ends of the necks. And each of the engaging heads having on its top a pair of substantially horizontal protuberances projecting perpendicularly to an extending direction of each engaging head, the top having a substantially flat surface, each engaging head having a varying thickness gradually decreasing from its base toward its distal end.

Abstract: A closure system for any nondiposable item or device requiring high shear strength, and acceptable peel strength, in all directions includes a first closure element having a backing sheet with mushroom-shaped elements fixed to and extending from one side thereof, and a second closure element having a backing sheet with loop elements fixed to and extending from one side thereof. The loops are uniformly, randomly or irregularly oriented for engaging the mushrooms in a variety of random orientations to provide high, comparable shear strength in all directions. The mushrooms are randomly or irregularly oriented depending upon desired shear and peel strength characteristics.

Abstract: A fastener member useful for separable engagement with surface fibers of a low-loft, non-woven fabric, or the like, has a base web and a multitude of fastener elements formed with and extending from the base web. The fastener elements have a profile that comprises an elongated stem portion adjacent the base web and inclining at an acute angle to the base. A crook portion is formed on the end of the stem and is directed oppositely to the direction of inclination of the stem, being exposed for engaging a mating fastening member. The acute angle of the stem of the elements enables them to flex toward the base. Offset pairs of such elements can cooperatively move in a pincer-type motion to engage fibers and to retain engaged fibers. Other element configurations are disclosed. The fastener member has particular application for fastening of disposable products such as garments and diapers.

Abstract: A molded surface fastener is manufactured by supplying molten resin to the circumferential surface of a die wheel rotating in one way to mold a substrate sheet blank and a multiplicity of substantially straight and inclined engaging element blanks in an integral form, and then pressing distal ends of the engaging element blanks by a heat-molding roller in rotation at the same speed to incline the engaging element blanks further toward the substrate sheet blank and also to melt the distal ends to shape each said distal end into an engaging head projecting in a direction opposite to the direction of inclination of the respective engaging element blank. Each of the resulting engaging elements is composed of a stem rising from the substrate sheet surface with inclination by a predetermined angle (.theta.

Abstract: In a surface fastener, a multiplicity of hook-shape male engaging elements each formed of monofilament, a multiplicity of pile-like female engaging elements each formed of a multifilament, and a multiplicity of cut piles each formed of a set of fibers of a multifilament stand mixedly from a front surface of a woven or knit substrate.

Abstract: A tailored diaper or diaper cover is constructed of a waterproof diaper shell enclosing an elongated sling of waterproof or non-waterproof material having its upper and lower ends attached to, and its opposite sides free and floating on, the shell. A fluid absorbent pad on the inner surface of the sling is circumscribed by the waterproof material of the sling so as to establish a channel to entrap and isolate fluid from the shell. The lines of attachment between the waterproof and fluid absorbent materials at the upper and lower ends of the sling are arcuate, and the periphery of the sling is covered by elastic trim, causing the sling and pad to cup the pubis of a user when the diaper is worn. Entrapment of fluid within the sling may be enhanced by different pad inserts. A washable pad of novel "butterfly" construction within the diaper or diaper cover enhances fluid absorption and drying.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a fastening system that is adapted to resist pop-offs caused by clothing being applied or removed over the absorbent article. The fastening system includes an interlocking fastening component with a resilient backing structure and a plurality of engaging elements projecting from a first major surface of the backing structure. The first major surface has a concave configuration in the direction of a primary meridian, a generally perpendicular secondary meridian, or both the primary and secondary meridians. The concavity of the interlocking fastening component is characterized in terms of a bending index of the first major surface or an amount of elevation of a central portion of the first major surface.

Abstract: The invention is a refastenable mechanical fastening system, made of free-formed prongs joined to an embassey or raised substrate. The prongs taper and are nonperendicularly oriented relative to the plane of the substrate. Each prong has an engaging element projecting laterally from the periphery of the prong. The free formed prongs are manufactured by the process of depositing liquid material onto the embossed or raised portion of a moving substrate, stretching the liquid material in a direction parallel to the plane of the embossed or raised substrate and severing the stretched material to form the distal end and engaging element 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.

Abstract: Molten resin is continuously extruded from an injection die or an extrusion die toward the circumferential surface of a die wheel having in its circumferential surface a multiplicity of hook-element-forming cavities and, at the same time, one or more yarns are introduced between the molten resin and the circumferential surface of the die wheel into an inter-element portion of a substrate sheet between a desired adjacent rows of hook elements in parallel to the hook element rows. The yarns are embedded in and integrally molded with the inter-element portion of the substrate sheet and at the same time, hook elements are molded on the circumferential surface of the die wheel as the hook-element-forming cavities are filled with part of the molten resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastener member having a dual purpose cover sheet. The fastener member includes a base sheet, a plurality of engaging members projecting from the base sheet, a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on an opposite surface of a base sheet, and a dual purpose cover sheet. The dual purpose cover sheet protects the adhesive layer of a first fastener member, and the engaging members of a second, underlying fastener member.