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: 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.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Forming a fastener component having heads constructed to engage loops formed e.g. of fibers of a mating component, comprises 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, by a process having a machine direction and a cross-machine direction. Each molded stem has at least two terminal features spaced from one another in the cross-machine direction, the features having a transverse shape about which engaging fibers can bend, the features having a thickness of about 0.25 mm (0.010 inch) or less, preferably about 0.20 mm (0.008 inch), and for personal care products and the like preferably about 0.1 mm (0.004 inch) or less. The terminal ends of the features are heated to a predetermined softening temperature and the terminal ends are contacted to reform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base sufficiently to engage loops.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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: 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 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.

Abstract: 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.

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 method for forming a unitary polymeric projection or fastener comprising a thin, strong flexible backing, and a multiplicity of thin spaced hook members projecting from the upper surface of the unitary backing the method generally including extruding a thermoplastic resin through a die plate which die plate is shaped to form a base layer and spaced ridges, ribs or hook elements projecting above a surface of the base layer. When the die forms the spaced ridges or ribs the cross sectional shape of the hook members are formed by the die plate while the initial hook member thickness is formed by transversely cutting the ridges at spaced locations along their lengths to form discrete cut portions of the ridges. Subsequently longitudinal stretching of the backing layer (in the direction of the ridges on the machine direction) separates these cut portions of the ridges, which cut portion then form spaced apart hook members.

Abstract: A method for forming a unitary polymeric projection or fastener comprising a thin, strong flexible backing, and a multiplicity of thin spaced hook members projecting from the upper surface of the unitary backing the method generally including extruding a thermoplastic resin through a die plate which die plate is shaped to form a base layer and spaced ridges, ribs or hook elements projecting above a surface of the base layer. When the die forms, the spaced ridges or ribs the cross sectional shape of the hook members are formed by the die plate while the initial hook member thickness is formed by transversely cutting the ridges at spaced locations along their lengths to form discrete cut portions of the ridges. Subsequently longitudinal stretching of the backing layer (in the direction of the ridges on the machine direction) separates these cut portions of the ridges, which cut portion then form spaced apart hook members.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A new method of binding at least one article, and a new binding strap for use in binding an article or articles is taught.

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 fastening tape has a sheet-form base carrying an array of hooking members (10,22,24,34) each having a height (h) of about 0.008 inch (0.2 millimeter) or less, as measured from the base, and fiber-engaging features, such as re-entrant tips (18,32), disposed less than about 0.003 inch (0.08 millimeter) from their upper surfaces, as measured normal to the base. Such hooking members are employed to releasably engage directly into foams and fine denier non-woven materials, such as those of insulation, filters, construction moisture barriers, disposable gowns and diapers.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Composite webs and methods and systems for manufacturing composite webs including a substrate with one or more discrete polymeric regions located thereon are disclosed. At least some of the discrete polymeric regions are formed of an elastomeric thermoplastic composition that is transferred to the substrate in depressions formed on a transfer roll. The discrete elastomeric polymeric regions can be used to provide elasticity to a substrate that is not elastic or they may be used to adjust the elasticity of a substrate that is itself elastic.

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: A new self-mating mechanical fastener is disclosed, which comprises a base sheet and a multiplicity of parallel, narrowly spaced, elastically deformable ribs projecting from the base sheet. The ribs comprise a stem portion attached to and substantially upright from the base sheet and at least one flange attached to each side of the stem portion and spaced from the base sheet. At least the outer portions of the flanges desirably project toward the base sheet. The cross-sectional profile formed by the ribs is substantially uniform over the length of the ribs, but in the direction transverse to the ribs has a regularly repeated deviation from the profile that would be formed by a full population of equally spaced, identical, undivided, symmetric ribs.

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: 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 filar pole-type hook strip structure for a thin-profile hook and loop fastener comprised of a thick pad-like body that serves as a base material which has a plurality of fixed length strands disposed within to conjoin two fabric layers in an overlaid arrangement. The two fabric layers of the pad-like body are of knit construction and, furthermore, the fixed length strands are monofilament interlaced at a fixed interval between the two interior sides of the fabric layers such that they are weaved together in a parallel, with the arrayed short sections of the fixed length strands having a certain degree of rigidity and extension. The innovative features of the present invention include the horizontal cutting of the fixed length strands at their midpoints so that filar poles of equal length are linearly arrayed along the entire inner surfaces of the two facing fabric layers.

Abstract: The invention is a mating film. The mating film comprises a base sheet having a first major surface. A plurality of generally parallel ridges project from the first major surface. The ridges comprise a stem portion attached to the base sheet and generally upright from the base sheet. A head portion of each ridge is spaced from the first major surface and extends generally laterally from the stem portion so as to define a lateral distance. The center of each stem portion of each ridge is spaced from the center of each adjacent ridge stem portion by a distance greater than about 2 times lateral distance defined by the head portion.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A laminated composite suitable for use in medical products such as tapes and wraps. The composite includes, for example, a first nonwoven fiber layer, an elastic layer, a melt blown adhesive fiber layer, and a second nonwoven fiber layer. A scrim layer serves as a deadstop, or stretch limit, to prevent over stretching. The non-woven fiber layer(s) and/or the scrim layer form suitable loops for a hook and loop fastening system. The scrim layer in some embodiments is employed to make the composite finger tearable. The melt blown adhesive layer, nonwoven web layer and elastic layer form a breathable, porous elastic composite. Methods of manufacturing the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a fastener product made of a synthetic resin such as a slide fastener, a separable fastener and a snap tape comprising an attachment part and an engagement part, at least the engagement part is made of a hydrolysis-resistant synthetic resin. Preferably, the hydrolysis-resistant synthetic resin is polyester having a carbodiimide-based hydrolytic stabilizing agent incorporated therein. In a slide fastener having a pair of fastener tapes and coupling elements fixed to the longitudinal edges of the fastener tapes, they are made of a hydrolysis-resistant synthetic resin material. When the slide fastener further comprises upper and lower stop members, a pin-and-box separator, a pair of reinforcing sheet-like members, sewing threads and core cords, they are made of the hydrolysis-resistant synthetic resin material.

Abstract: An elastic web of material has a multiplicity of stems extending from at least one side of the web. The web includes a first continuous layer of elastic material having a first side and a second side and a second layer of material. The second layer of material has a first side which faces the first side of the first layer and a second side from which the stems extend. The first and second layers of material are joined together. The second layer of material can be formed of thermoplastic material or melt processable polymeric material. The first and second layers of material are melt formed. They are joined by coextrusion or lamination to form a multiple layer sheet on which a multiplicity of stems are formed on at least the second layer by a process such as embossing the stems into the heated web using a patterned roll or mold.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener is provided which is lightweight, thin, flexible, and strong, and whose holding power is as great as, or greater than, the holding power of conventional hook and loop type fasteners.

Abstract: A fastening system and a method for retaining temperature control devices used on semiconductor dies transfers the load of the temperature control devices around the semiconductor dies using a spring collet arrangement. An elongated spring collet is installed in a hole in the temperature control device so as to extend outwardly from the temperature control device with the spring collet being movable in the hole relative to the temperature control device in the direction of elongation of the spring collet. An expansion spring resiliently biases the spring collet so as to extend outwardly. An outer end of the spring collet is positioned in a pocket of a retention mechanism of a support member. An electrical connection is made as the temperature control device with semiconductor die is forced down until a pin grid array thereon is properly seated in a socket on the support member.

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 fastening body having a flat substrate made of synthetic resin. The flat substrate has two synthetic resin layers having different molding shrinkage rates. With the two synthetic resin layers, the flat substrate can have a desired curvature in width direction. The fastening body is fixed by engagement in each of engaging groove portions of a mounting body. The mounting body has a substantially U-shaped section, formed along both side edges in a width direction, so that openings formed by the U-shaped section oppose each other.

Abstract: In a strip-shaped surface fastener, fence portions, each of which periphery is blocked, integrally stand on a surface of a flat base portion made of synthetic resin. The fence portions may be formed of foam members and bonded to the surface of the flat base portion. Then, male type engaging elements are integrally molded inside each of the fence portions. Alternatively, a woven or knitted male type, female type or male-and-female mixture type surface fastener member, or a male type surface fastener member made of synthetic resin may be pasted or bonded inside each of the fence portions. An attaching portion, in which no engaging elements are disposed, are integrally formed on an outer periphery of each of the fence portions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foam resin material from penetrating an interior of each of the fence portions during an embedding operation and to effectively embed the surface fastener in a cushion body of a foam resin molding type.

Abstract: The mold-in fastening member, that can be molded into a resin article, of the present invention comprises (a) a substrate having a front surface and a back surface; (b) a plurality of engaging elements provided on the front surface; (c) a plurality of anchoring elements provided on the back surface, the anchoring elements being embedded into the resin article to fix the mold-in fastening member thereto; (d) a ferrite-containing layer formed on the front surface; (e) marginal portions continuously extending along respective lengthwise edges of the substrate; and (f) grooves formed on the substrate, which extend along the respective marginal portions to render the marginal portions easily bending relative to the substrate.

Abstract: An integral molded surface fastener having minute and peculiar engaging elements, which engage with minute, thickly wooded fiber piles securely while each engaging element secures appropriate engagement strength, shearing strength and separation strength is provided. Further, texture of a surface of the surface fastener is improved and a height of the engaging elements protruded from a surface of a substrate is lower than a conventional type, thereby preventing the engaging elements from being fallen down by a pressing strength. At the same time, a high engaging ratio with a mating pile piece is secured and a durability required for this kind of fastener is satisfied. Preferably, a desired plasticity and tearing strength of the flat substrate are secured.

Abstract: A skin-friendly hook component of a hook and loop fastener that reduces or eliminates the occurrence of red-marking and/or irritation if brought into contact with a wearer's skin. In one embodiment, the hook component can have a relatively large top surface area among the hooks with respect to a surface area of the hook backing. In another embodiment, the hook backing is highly flexible, attributable to a flexible resin and/or modified topography. In yet another embodiment, a highly flexible polymer, or polymers, can be used to make individual hooks such that the hooks bend in response to a minimum amount of pressure. Various illustrated hook tapes have features along their edges to enhance skin-friendliness. A skin-friendly hook component results any combination of the disclosed embodiments. The hook component is particularly beneficial when used in absorbent articles.

Abstract: A mechanical surface fastener intended to usefully conform to a three-dimensional shape comprises a stemmed web having an array of upstanding stems 10 distributed across both faces, and having through holes 11 in the web 12 positioned in the spaces between the stems. The mechanical surface fastener is used in a method of improving the impact strength of molded articles comprising sandwiching an effective amount of said fastener between layers of said foraminous reinforcing material.

Abstract: A peripheral face of a cooling drum to be driven and rotated in one direction has a predetermined gap relative to an extruding die of an extruder. An extrusion nozzle which communicates with a resin flow path is provided at an end of the extruding die in the die wheel rotation direction, and has a plurality of engaging-element-molding openings spaced at equal pitches in a width direction thereof. Molten resin extruded from the extruding die onto the peripheral face of the cooling drum is cooled when passing through the resin flow path, and when it is extruded from the extrusion nozzle in half molten state, simultaneously an up/down vibrating means which vibrates vertically opens or closes the engaging-element-molding openings to mold engaging elements successively, each having a thickness in the molding direction increasing gradually as it goes downward.

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

Abstract: A slip control article including a backing layer having a first surface with an array of at least 100 upstanding stems per square inch and a second surface. At least a portion of the upstanding stems is an elastomeric material and the stems have an aspect ratio of at least 1.25. The first surface has a static coefficient of friction when dry of at least 0.6 and a static coefficient of friction when wet within 20% of the static coefficient of friction when dry. The first surface has a peel strength and a tensile strength of substantially zero when engaged with another slip control article. The first surface has a relatively high shear strength when engaged with another slip control article. The high shear forces are due primarily to the frictional properties of the elastomeric materials, not a mechanical interlock of the stems, such as on a mechanical fastener.

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

Abstract: 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: In a strip-shaped surface fastener, fence portions, each of which periphery is blocked, integrally stand on a surface of a flat base portion made of synthetic resin. The fence portions may be formed of foam members and bonded to the surface of the flat base portion. Then, male type engaging elements are integrally molded inside each of the fence portions. Alternatively, a woven or knitted male type, female type or male-and-female mixture type surface fastener member, or a male type surface fastener member made of synthetic resin may be pasted or bonded inside each of the fence portions. An attaching portion, in which no engaging elements are disposed, are integrally formed on an outer periphery of each of the fence portions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foam resin material from penetrating an interior of each of the fence portions during an embedding operation and to effectively embed the surface fastener in a cushion body of a foam resin molding type.

Abstract: A fastening component of a separable fastener has some portion that is necessary for its fastening function, such as the hooks, the base to which the hooks are attached or a substrate that is used for another purpose, comprised of a magnetically attractive constituent. Another portion of the fastening component is comprised of a magnetically inert constituent. The fastening element 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, such as in a woven fastener component. The magnetically inert constituent may comprise a polymeric plastic or a thermoplastic elastomer. The magnetic attractant may impregnate the magnetically inert constituent, or it may coat or be coated by the magnetically inert constituent. The magnetic attractant may comprise a metal powder. The metal may be selected from the group consisting of iron powder. The magnetic attractant may be an organo-iron or a rare earth metal.

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.