Abstract: A fastening member used for, e.g., a disposable absorbent article is disclosed. The fastening member extends in a longitudinal direction and in a lateral direction and has a lateral centerline. The fastening member comprises a base panel and a shaped tab extending laterally from the base panel. The shaped tab has a longitudinal centerline, a lateral centerline, a distal portion and a proximal portion. The shaped tab has a contour edge comprising a shaped upper edge and a shaped lower edge. The shaped upper edge and the shaped lower edge are symmetric with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the shaped tab when relatively shifted in the longitudinal direction and are asymmetric with respect to the lateral centerline of the fastening member.

Abstract: A molded area fastener product, such as a self-engaging fastener, has a strip-form base of resin with a broad surface from which an array of discrete fastener elements extends. The fastener elements each include a molded stem extending from the broad surface of the base to a curved head that extends toward a front side of the fastener element, forms a crook and ends in a distal tip. In some examples the curved head protrudes beyond the stem on the back side of the fastener element to form an overhang defined by an overhang surface of the head directed toward the base, and the crook is defined in part by an underside head surface that overhangs a lower portion of the stem. In some examples the fastener elements are arranged to provide a high distension overlap when mated with an identical fastener product.

Abstract: A touch fastener has a base and an array of discrete fastener elements each extending from the base and together forming with the base a contiguous mass of resin. Each discrete fastener element includes a stem rising from the base, and a head overhanging the base from a front side of the stem to a distal edge, the front side of the stem, an underside of the head, and an upper surface of the base together forming, in side profile, a generally curved retention space boundary surface such that the boundary surface forms, at its innermost extent, a retention cavity defined between curvature discontinuities spaced from both the base and the distal edge.

Abstract: A fastener product includes an elongate strap, projections molded of resin extending from a first region of the strap, and a head element molded of resin extending from a second region of the strap. The head element includes a hole sized to receive an end of the strap.

Abstract: A hook, in a mechanical fastener, includes a hook body having a base, at least one hook arm and a hook body side-curved portion corresponding to the at least one hook arm, the at least one hook arm including a hook end and a neck portion between the hook body and the hook end, the neck portion having an inner curved portion opposing to the hook body side-curved portion. The hook body side-curved portion is defined by a portion of a circumference of a first circle, the inner curved portion of the neck portion is defined by a portion of a circumference of a second circle and the hook end is defined by a portion of a circumference of a third circle.

Abstract: A mold-in fastening member which is composed of a strip of substrate, engaging elements formed on one surface of the substrate, and an elastomer layer completely surrounding the engaging elements, the substrate having slits or notches which extend from a widthwise central portion of the substrate to a widthwise end portion of the substrate. The mold-in fastening member bends in conformity with a two- or three-dimensionally complicated shape of a molded article. The mold-in fastening member prevents the surface having the engaging elements from being covered with a foamable liquid molding resin during a mold-in process, thereby preventing the engaging elements from losing the engaging function.

Abstract: During a method for the production of a touch-and-close fastener (10), preferably of at least one plastic material, a backing (12) with a plurality of protruding stems (14) is connected to individual heads (16). For at least a part of the stems (14), their free ends (18) come into contiguous or embedded contact with a contact face (20) of each assignable head (16). The invention relates additionally to an apparatus for carrying out the method and to a fastener produced according to the method.

Abstract: A self-engaging touch fastener, separable by peeling, includes portions with a generally thin shell structure and a closely spaced array of bilaterally undercut generally convex protrusions which are directed by proximate oblique stem walls into an interlocking relationship with corresponding receptors when the portions are compressed. Touch fastening products have a non-grabbing non-abrasive texture and may be manufactured of thin plastic films or similar low cost materials using a simple die-cutting/forming method, thus providing a user friendly reliable and economic alternative to hook-and-loop and other presently available fastening systems for connecting flexible materials for applications including packaging, apparel, and disposable products. The device may be furnished as an independent product, as an integrally formed or molded segment of a primary product, or attached to rigid or flexible substrates. An apparatus and method for economically manufacturing such device is also provided.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a fastening strap assembly for used in a foam article. The fastening strap assembly includes a substrate having two sidewalls each formed along one side thereof in a longitudinal direction and spaced apart from each other; a substantially fishbone-shaped fastening member disposed between the sidewalls and adhered to the substrate, the fastening member having an elongate central rib and a plurality of fastening parts laterally extending from either sides of the rib and longitudinally spaced apart from each other, each fastening part having a plurality of hooks formed on a upper surface thereof; and a magnetic layer disposed between the substrate and the fastening member. The fastening strap assembly of the present invention has a unique sideway bending/curving function. Another aspect of the present invention provides a foam article, such as a seat cushion, including the sideway-bendable fastening strap assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting device having a metallic base plate, from which multiple projections project, and a method for manufacturing this mounting device. The mounting device may be obtained by cutting multiple hook preforms into the surface of the base plate while leaving at least one bending edge per hook preform. Furthermore, hook-like projections are manufactured by bending the hook preforms out of the base plate around the bending edge and possibly lateral protrusions are manufactured on the projections or these are twisted.

Abstract: A molded area fastener product, such as a self-engaging fastener, has a strip-form base of resin with a broad surface from which an array of discrete fastener elements extends. The fastener elements each include a molded stem extending from the broad surface of the base to a curved head that extends toward a front side of the fastener element, forms a crook and ends in a distal tip. In some examples the curved head protrudes beyond the stem on the back side of the fastener element to form an overhang defined by an overhang surface of the head directed toward the base, and the crook is defined in part by an underside head surface that overhangs a lower portion of the stem. In some examples the fastener elements are arranged to provide a high distension overlap when mated with an identical fastener product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening element for two-dimensional fiber material comprising a basic element and pin-shaped profile elements, which protrude from the basic element in order to penetrate the fiber material. Provision is made for the profile elements to be deformable in order to form retaining heads for the fiber material. The invention further relates to a method for fastening two-dimensional fiber material which can be carried out with a fastening element of such type. By the method in accordance with the invention a cold micro-riveting can be achieved.

Abstract: The inventive intermediate fixing element (1) is embodied in one piece by injection moulding and comprises a plate (2) which is substentially flat and comprises a first or top surface and a second or lower surface, at least one anchoring element (6), for example in the form of a herringbone or a tree produced directly by the top surface moulding and hooks (7) which are produced directly by the lower surface moulding and whose shape, sizes and thermoplastic material are selected in such a way that said hooks, after being shaped in a mould and extracted therefrom, substentially recover the initial shape thereof, wherein said hooks are sufficiently flexible in order to be bent during extraction from the mould.

Abstract: A hook surface fastener excellent in the heat resistance, flame resistance, retention of hook shape, and pull-out resistance of hook engaging elements (fibers). The hook surface fastener is composed of a base fabric and the hook engaging elements formed on the base fabric. The base fabric is a woven fabric composed of warp yarns, weft yarns and fibers constituting the hook engaging elements. The warp yarns and the fibers constituting the hook engaging elements are polyphenylene sulfide fibers. The weft yarns are substantially non-twisted, paralleled yarns of polyphenylene sulfide fibers and heat-fusible fibers having a melting point or softening point each being 230° C. or lower. The polyphenylene sulfide fibers constituting the hook engaging elements have a crystal orientation of 85.0 to 90.0% and a crystallinity of 32.0 to 42.0% so that the retention of hook shape is good. The fibers constituting the hook engaging elements are anchored to the base fabric by fusion of the heat-fusible fibers.

Abstract: A molded area fastener product, such as a self-engaging fastener, has a strip-form base of resin with a broad surface from which an array of discrete fastener elements extends. The fastener elements each include a molded stem extending from the broad surface of the base to a curved head that extends toward a front side of the fastener element, forms a crook and ends in a distal tip. In some examples the curved head protrudes beyond the stem on the back side of the fastener element to form an overhang defined by an overhang surface of the head directed toward the base, and the crook is defined in part by an underside head surface that overhangs a lower portion of the stem. In some examples the fastener elements are arranged to provide a high distension overlap when mated with an identical fastener product.

Abstract: A method for making a mushroom-type hook strap for mechanical fasteners is disclosed. In a first stage of the method, a hook strap on which a plurality of hook preforms each having a substantially V-shaped free end are integrally molded. Then, in a second stage of the method, the V-shaped free end of each the hook preform is deformed into a polygonal head portion by two calendar rolls so as to form a mushroom-type hook strap that has a higher engaging percentage with the loop strap, has a longer lifetime, and is capable of providing a reliable and all-directional uniform fastening function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grinding device, comprising a mounting body which is detachably connected to a grinding element, said detachable connection being designed such that the mounting body has a first adhering arrangement and the grinding element has a second adhering element and the adhering elements correspond in the manner of a Velcro fastener. The aim of the invention is to improve the quality and efficiency of the detachable connection for exchange of the grinding element of the claimed grinding device. Said aim is achieved, wherein the first adhering element (1) and the second adhering element (2) comprise a number of projections (3) each with a cross-sectional widening in the direction of the free end (7) of the projection (3).

Abstract: 1. Touch-and-Close Fastener Part and Method for Producing a Touch-and-Close Fastener Part 2. A touch-and-close fastener part (32) comprising: a functional layer which fixes a backing surface, formed from a thread system with at least two line elements (12a-12d, 14a-14c) which form meshes (16a-16b?, 20a-20a?) and which are connected to one another, at least one further individual functional layer which has formed and/or formable connecting elements (30, 30?), which layer is formed from a further thread system which is incorporated at least in individual sections into the thread system, is characterized in that the thread systems are connected to one another with the formation of passage sites (24a-24d) whose free cross-sectional area takes up more than 20% of the corresponding backing area. 3. FIG.

Abstract: A releasable touch fastener includes a loop component and a hook component, with a particularly small overall engaged thickness in combination with a high fastening strength, both in peel and shear. The loop component is a woven material, while the hook component may be woven or molded. The molded hook component includes a scrim reinforcement for tear resistance and sewability. The fastener is useful for high cycle applications, such as on non-disposable garments, footwear and luggage.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of a releasable fastening arrangement that can include a first fastening strip secured to and extending over a substrate surface and having a first surface carrying first fastening elements extending from the surface. The releasable fastening arrangement can also include a second fastening strip having a second surface carrying second fastening elements that are engageable by the first fastening elements to form a releasable fastening. The first surface can include a flexible flap that is formed therein, and that is surrounded by other portions of the first surface. The flap can carry at least one of the first fastening elements, and can flap have a distal edge that is displaceable from the substrate surface under peel loads applied to the at least one first fastening element carried by the flap.

Abstract: A touch fastener has a base and an array of discrete fastener elements each extending from the base and together forming with the base a contiguous mass of resin. Each discrete fastener element includes a stem rising from the base, and a head overhanging the base from a front side of the stem to a distal edge, the front side of the stem, an underside of the head, and an upper surface of the base together forming, in side profile, a generally curved retention space boundary surface such that the boundary surface forms, at its innermost extent, a retention cavity defined between curvature discontinuities spaced from both the base and the distal edge.

Abstract: A carpeted surface is protected with a temporary carpet protection sheet that includes a lightweight non-woven or knit fibrous material laminated with a resin backing into which at least portions of fibers of the fibrous material are embedded, or to which resin of the fibers is directly and chemically fused. Male touch fastener elements extend along the backing and are arranged in spaced apart fastening regions adjacent the longitudinal edges of the fibrous material. The male touch fastener elements are configured to be both releasably engageable with the hook-engageable fibers of the fibrous material, when the protection sheet is arranged in overlapping fashion, and releasably engageable with looped carpet tufts. A protection system features multiple lengths of such protection sheet joined by hook seaming tape.

Abstract: The invention provides a patch of a male fastening means, in particular, a hook patch with decreased bending resistance. The patch according to the invention comprises a backing bearing a plurality of male fastening elements, in particular hook elements. The patch is integral and comprises a plurality of incisions. Said incisions do not extend across the whole width of the patch but preferably leave at least one intact bridge across the cross-direction of the patch. Furthermore, a fastening tape tab having a manufacturer's and user's end is provided, the fastening tape tab comprising a support layer bearing on its major surface of the user's end at least one fastening patch according to the invention. Furthermore, a strip is provided from which a patch according to the invention is cut.

Abstract: A touch fastener has a plurality of interspaced bonding elements arranged on a backing. Each element has a head (12) connected to the backing by a stem (14). To allow the head (12) to always remain fastened to a body in the immediate vicinity, even if the backing is axially displaced over a predeterminable distance on a plane extending parallel to the body, the head (12) has a disc with a diameter greater than the diameter at any point on the stem (14). The stem is conical and connected to the disk in an articulated manner by an articulated part (16).

Abstract: A self-adhering device connects two portions in a surface-to-surface interfaced juxtaposition by resiliently interspersing undercut nodules within corresponding receptors. At least one portion is generally flexible. The device may be configured in diverse configurations including alternative geometries, double-sided embodiments, and embodiments with no greater thickness when attached than when unattached. The method of use includes application of a relative compressive force to the portions which may be optionally provided by a sliding mechanism.

Abstract: Object, particularly molded, having at least one surface from which at least one field of hooks projects, particularly through molding, each hook being constituted by a stem section and a head section projecting laterally from the stem section, the hooks being arranged in rows, characterized in that in at least one row the hooks are arranged according to a cycle constituted by m successive right/left hooks, of which the heads project from the stems in a first direction, and n successive hooks in a second left/right direction, following the m hooks, of which the heads project in a second left/right direction opposing the first direction, whereby m and n are integers such that 1 £ m<n.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming preferably a unitary polymeric hook fastener comprising a flexible backing, and a multiplicity of spaced hook members projecting from the upper surface of the unitary backing wherein each hook member comprises a multiplicity of hook head elements projecting in substantially the same direction. The hook members each comprise a stem portion attached at one end to the backing, and a head portion at the end of the stem portion opposite the backing. The head portion can also extend from a side of a stem portion or be omitted entirely to form alternative projections which can be other forms than a hook member. The head portion preferably projects past the stem portion on at least one of two opposite sides. At least the hook head portions have two or more hook head elements on at least one of the two opposing sides of the stem.

Abstract: Apparatus and process are described for forming projections on a substrate for use as hook-type fasteners in touch fastening systems, wherein vibration energy may be used to soften a substrate which may be positioned between a mold and a source of vibration. The mold may include a plurality of cavities into which the softened substrate may be forced to form the projections. The substrate may comprise a film, sheet, web, composite, laminate, etc. and be useful as an attachment strip for temporary or permanent fastening. The source of vibration may be an ultrasonic horn. The process to form such projections may be operated in a continuous, semi-continuous or intermittent manner.

Abstract: An elongate mounting strip for mounting screens to structures includes an elongate base that can be secured to the structure with screws, bolts, rivets, adhesives, etc. The elongate base includes an array of relatively stiff filaments or hooks or posts over which the edge of the screen can be stretched and secured. The filaments or hooks engage through and hook onto the openings in the screen to secure the screen in place. A protective and decorative cover is provided for concealing this attachment.

Abstract: The present invention concerns breathable fasteners for use with hook fastener systems. The breathable fastening system comprises a first breathable mechanical fastener surface, which is generally a loop or fibrous type surface that can optionally be joined to a breathable backing loop, and a recon large area breathable hook type fastener. The hook type fastener generally has an integral film backing which film backing has a porosity of from 0.0001 to 0.005 cm3, a backing thickness of from 25 to 200 ?m, a stiffness of from 10 to 2000 Gurley units and a hook or projection containing surface area of at least 10 cm2.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Molded touch fastener elements or hooks that feature a head or crook that is quite large with respect to the size of the overall hook, or with respect to the entrance below the hook heads through which the loops must pass for engagement to occur. The hooks are particularly useful for high cycle life applications when mated with low loft loops.

Abstract: A method that includes coextruding two or more thermoplastic resin streams through a profiled die plate, which die plate is shaped to form a nonplanar film (three dimensional) preferably with a regularly oscillating peak and valley structure that oscillates from a top surface to a bottom surface forming longitudinally extending ridges on both faces of the film. The film is formed by coextruding the film through the oscillating die plate opening causing partitioning of the resins in different zones in the width direction of the film. Flattening of the film results in a film with side-by-side zones formed of different polymers or relative proportions of polymers.

Abstract: A unitary fastener of a thermoplastic resin comprising a base film layer having generally parallel upper and lower major surfaces, arranged in a first direction the base film layer being oriented at least in the first direction. The backing layer having on at least one surface separated surface elements extending at an angle to said first direction. The invention is also related to a method of forming a unitary fastener. The method includes the steps of extruding a thermoplastic resin in a machine direction through a die plate having a continuous base portion cavity and one or more rib cavities extending from the base portion cavity, forming a strip having a base layer and one or more continuous ribs. Scoring or cutting the ribs and at least a surface layer of the base layer forms predetermined separable elements. Inelastically stretching the strip forms separated projections and separated separable surface elements across the strip.

Abstract: A hook surface fastener excellent in the heat resistance, flame resistance, retention of hook shape, and pull-out resistance of hook engaging elements (fibers). The hook surface fastener is composed of a base fabric and the hook engaging elements formed on the base fabric. The base fabric is a woven fabric composed of warp yarns, weft yarns and fibers constituting the hook engaging elements. The warp yarns and the fibers constituting the hook engaging elements are polyphenylene sulfide fibers. The weft yarns are substantially non-twisted, paralleled yarns of polyphenylene sulfide fibers and heat-fusible fibers having a melting point or softening point each being 230° C. or lower. The polyphenylene sulfide fibers constituting the hook engaging elements have a crystal orientation of 85.0 to 90.0% and a crystallinity of 32.0 to 42.0% so that the retention of hook shape is good. The fibers constituting the hook engaging elements are anchored to the base fabric by fusion of the heat-fusible fibers.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to steering column covers, and related assembly methods. According to some embodiments a steering column cover assembly can include a plurality of alignment and fastening means. For example, some embodiments include one or more sets of male/female clips, one or more track-and-barrel devices, one or more means for accepting a fastener, and one or more pivoting means. In some embodiments, the track-and-barrel device can include a feature for seating the barrel in the track in a snap fitted relation. Some embodiments comprise a process for using one or more of the foregoing structures to assemble a column cover.

Abstract: An adhesive closing part includes a support band (10) provided with hooking elements (12) arranged on the supporting band and a cover band (16) that covers the support band (10) on the side facing away from the hooking elements (12). The cover band is wider than the support band (10) such that free lateral edge zones of the cover band (16) extend beyond the associated longitudinal edges of the support band (10) on both sides. The two free lateral edge zones are folded back in the direction of the rear face of support band (10) to form one respective accommodating space (20), while being interconnected, such that a tubular member (22) is formed at least by parts is formed at least by parts of the cover band (16). This structure results in a reliably functioning sealing option for the hooking elements.

Abstract: A hook and loop connector piece includes a support band (10) with hooking elements (12) arranged on one side and at least one cover strip (20) on an opposite side. The cover strip forms at least one free lateral edge region (21) extending over the corresponding lateral edge (33) of the support band (10). The free lateral edge region (21) of the cover strip (20) may be folded over itself, along a fold line (29) extending in the longitudinal direction. The terminal edge (31) of the free lateral edge region (21) of the cover strip (20) is turned towards the corresponding lateral edge (33) of the support band (10). On the side of the hook and loop connector piece away from the hooking elements (12), a connector (36) for a molded foam is provided. The connector (36) is embodied as a number of projecting separate rods (38) performing the adhesion of the foam without additional projections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a touch fastener with a plurality of interspaced bonding elements that are arranged on the backing, each element having a head (12) that is connected to the backing by means of a stem (14). To allow the head (12) to always remain fastened to a body in the immediate vicinity, even if the backing is axially displaced over a predeterminable distance on a plane running parallel to said body, the head (12) consists of a disc with a diameter that is greater than the diameter at any point on the stem (14), the latter being conical and connected to the disc in an articulated manner by means of an articulated part (16).

Abstract: A microhook and loop fastening and detaching assembly comprising a web including a plurality of malleable loops formed integral with one surface of the web, and a plurality of hooks attached to another surface of the web, wherein the loops are adapted to removably engage the hooks. The hooks are equidistantly-arrayed in a plurality of linear rows on the hook side of the web in a staggered manner across the width of the web, such that each hook in a given row is located between two hooks of an adjacent row. The centerline distance between hooks in adjacent rows in the machine direction of the web is greater than the equidistant centerline dimension between adjacent hooks in the same cross-web row. Each hook includes a pedestal attached to the hook side of the web, and a head portion forming part of the pedestal.

Abstract: Object moulded in thermoplastic material in any shape having an outer surface from which protrudes at least one hook in one piece with the moulded object, in particular a hook field, the moulded object and the hook(s) having been formed by injection moulding, each hook comprising a base part and a head or hooking part protruding from the base part and being delimited by first and second lateral surfaces each extending on the outer surface of the moulded object, being separated from each other by an intermediate surface forming the edge of the hook, the curve sections, defined by the intersections of at least one of the first and/or second lateral surfaces with planes which are in parallel with the base plane from which the hook protrudes and which are at given distances h from this base plane, have a curvature which varies as a function of the distance h, the curvature of the curve section for h=0 (the base plane and said parallel plane merging) being greater than the curvature of at least one curve section f

Abstract: A water impermeable sealing apparatus usable in textile applications, the apparatus includes a first sealing strip having a base that includes a first set of fastener elements carried on its surface in two spaced-apart areas; and extending along the first surface of the base between the two areas of the first set of fastener elements, a first sealing element is protruding from said the base. A complimentary second sealing strip also includes a base comprising a second set of fastener elements on its surface in two spaced-apart areas; and extending along the surface of the base between the two areas of the second set of fastener elements, a second sealing element is protruding from the base for non-interlocking engagement of the first sealing element when the first and second fastener elements are engaged.

Abstract: A plastic male touch fastener component has a sheet-form base and an array of male fastener elements, each including a stem extending outwardly from and integrally with the sheet-form base, and two heads extending in essentially opposite directions in an engagement plane from a distal end of the stem to corresponding tips, the fastener element having an upper surface that defines a well between the heads. The fastener element is dimensioned with proportionately large heads for the size of the fastener, that nevertheless have clearance to distend to release loops. The shape of the fastener element also allows for demold from closed mold cavities.

Abstract: A molded plastic hook fastener component for hook and loop fastening has individual raised bases distributed over a common area, each carrying an individual hook element while a laterally contiguous portion of each raised base raises the lower bound for the loop region beneath the fastener head. During molding, fastener elements are pulled from their mold cavities through cavity portions of the raised bases.

Abstract: A touch fastener strip includes a sheet-form material substrate having a front face, an array of fastener elements integrally molded with a resin base layer on the front face of the substrate and an array of discrete regions of resin (e.g., gripping elements) integrally molded with a resin base layer through apertures in the sheet-form material on the back face of the substrate. The array of fastener elements forms a discrete band of fastener elements extending longitudinally along the front face of the fastener strip, and the array of gripping elements forms a discrete band of gripping elements extending longitudinally along the back face of the fastener strip.

Abstract: Hook structures for use in hook and loop or hook and engagement material fastening applications. Structures according to embodiments of the invention include hooks which extend from bases which in turn extend from a foundation and also extend laterally across the structures. The bases are separated by valleys which also extend laterally across the structures, whose height can be uniform laterally in the structures or varied. The bases provide suitable strength and support to allow the hooks to be robust and strong for permanent or semi-permanent fastening applications, while the valleys interposed between bases allow the hooks to penetrate sufficiently deeply into the engagement material for effective fastening to occur. Such structures may be formed according to processes which physically or conceptually employ various layers to support hooks, retention barrier members such as fingers interposed laterally between hooks, and/or for spacing such hooks and barriers as desired.

Abstract: A fastener element with a sheet-form base and an array of wedge-shaped engageable elements molded integrally with a surface of the sheet-form base. The wedge-shaped elements each have a steep side and a gradually rising side, and are arranged with their steep sides all directed in a common sense, such that the array can engage a similar array of oppositely-directed wedge-shaped elements to resist shear motion. The distal edges of the wedges are curved in top view.

Abstract: A fastener product includes a base; and an array of fastener projections extending integrally from a first surface of the base, the projections each including a stem portion of resin molded integrally with the first surface of the base, and a head portion disposed at a distal end of the stem portion and configured to releasably engage a complementary fastener element to form a fastening; wherein the stem portions of the fastener projections and at least a portion of the base are integrally formed of a single resin; and wherein at least a portion of the single resin of the base is in a foamed state.

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

Abstract: 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.