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 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 method and a device manufactures a fastening element with interlocking elements integrated with a backing. The interlocking elements are produced by introducing a thermoplastic into the gap between a pressure roller and a shaping roller. The shaping roller has a screen with cylindrical openings produced by etching, electroplating or a laser so that the finished interlocking elements result exclusively from hardening the thermoplastic, at least in part, in the openings, in the screen. This method allows preparation of the shaping roller at very low cost. In addition, a previously customary second method step in formation of the interlocking elements is eliminated.

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: A fastening surface body which can mount a sheet-like fastening body to a sheet-like mounting body having various kinds of cross-sectional shapes with no play. The fastening surface body can securely engage a surface fastener of a sheet member to which a female surface fastener is mounted, where the fastening body includes a flat substrate having a surface comprising male engaging elements. The fastening body is structured so as to be fitted and fixed to fitting groove portions of the mounting body so as to bond and fix various kinds of sheet members. Each fitting groove portion of the of the mounting body generally has a C-shaped cross section formed with openings along both end edges of a widthwise direction. The fastening body has at least a protrusion having a height so that that the protrusion contacts a surface of the mounting body when the fastening body is fitted and fixed to the mounting body.

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 article includes a mating surface fastener portion attached to a surface. The mating surface fastener portion has a land and a plurality of tapered elements and is capable of reattachably and matingly intermeshing with a fastener portion of another article to fasten the respective articles. The fastener portions have a predetermined disengagement pressure for a given engagement pressure. The surface to which the land is attached is at least semi-rigid. The means for attaching has a compliance that is no greater than 0.381 cm. Also, the fastener portions can have a predetermined disengagement pressure for a given engagement pressure; for an engagement pressure of no more than 689,500 N/m2 the fastener portion has a disengagement pressure of at least 137,900 N/M2.

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: 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: 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: The present invention provides a surface fastener made of a woven/knitted fabric which is extremely thin and flexible. Designs and the like on a rear face side of the fastener can be clearly seen through engaging elements and a substrate. Also, the fastener has a high productivity, thereby allowing a rational price setting.

Abstract: A composite touch fastener has an elongated, sheet-form resin substrate, a fibrous loop strip partially encapsulated in, or otherwise permanently attached to, resin of the substrate, and an array of loop-engageable fastener elements integrally molded with resin of the substrate. The loop strip forms a discrete band of hook-engageable, free-standing loops along the length of the substrate, and has a substantially constant fiber density across its width. The array of fastener elements is arranged in a discrete band of fastener elements extending longitudinally along the substrate. The fastener product is useful as a repeated use bag closure, with a pair of grooves and a graspable rib integrally molded into the substrate between the fastener elements and loops. The center portion of the closure seals the bag until it is torn away to expose the mating bands of loops and fastener elements.

Abstract: Touch fasteners with different portions having different material properties, and methods and apparatus for making such a product. In one embodiment, the fastener includes a cross-linkable polymer, and a first portion of the fastener is cross-linked and a second portion of the fastener is not cross-linked or is cross-linked to a degree less than said first portion. In another embodiment, the fastener is made in a continuous process on a rotating mold roll having a plurality of fastener element mold cavities extending into the mold roll from its outer circumferential surface.

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 mold for forming hook-shaped members has hook shaped cavities located at its surface. The cavities have a height of 0.020 in. or less, and contiguous pedestal chambers and crook chambers. The pedestal chamber is shaped to allow the member to return to its original shape as it is pulled out of the cavity before it is completely removed from the cavity. A fastener element of a hook and loop fastener is formed by delivering moldable heated material to such a mold.A method of making surface elements includes delivering moldable resin to the surface of a mold and forcing the resin into cavities at the surface. The mold comprises a series of plates aligned face-to-face. Cut-outs in at least three adjacent plates are aligned to define the cavity. The resin is set in the cavity and removed from the mold.A method of manufacturing plates used to form fastener elements includes applying a photoresist material to at least one side of the plate. The photoresist material is exposed to light.

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

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

Abstract: A fastening device comprising a pair of attachment pads, each pad having at least two faces with one face having a plurality of mushroom-shaped interlocking members. The interlocking members are uniformly spaced so that the mushroom-shaped members of one attachment pad interlock with the mushroom-shaped members of the opposing attachment pad. A screen material has a mesh corresponding substantially with the spaced relationship of the mushroom-shaped interlocking members of the pair of attachment pads. The screen material is securely engaged by the mushroom-shaped interlocking members of the attachment pads.

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

Abstract: 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 disposable diaper has a pair of first surface fastener members supported by a rear flap of a diaper body and a second surface fastener member supported by a front flap of the diaper body. The first and second surface fastener members have first and second engaging elements; the first and/or second engaging elements are made of water-soluble resin. After approximately 1/3 to 2/5 of the diaper body on the side of the rear flap is folded inwardly, the diaper body is wound into a roll toward the front flap, and then the water-soluble resin of the first and/or second engaging elements is dissolved with water. Then the first surface fastener members are pressed against the second surface fastener member to fasten the diaper body in roll as waste.

Abstract: A method of making a hook strip having J-shaped hooks that can be used as a mechanical fastener. The method includes using an initial substrate of material formed as an array of upstanding precursor stems having distal tips at their ends opposite a backing. In addition, a heat source adapted for heating and a mechanism for deforming stem tips is provided. The substrate is positioned relative to the heat source such that a portion of the upstanding stems on the array is heated. Subsequently, the substrate is moved to a position relative to the mechanism for deforming to create a hook strip of J-shaped hooks from the heated portion of the upstanding stems. In addition, an article of manufacture, made in accordance with the method, is provided which includes a hook portion of a hook-and-loop type of mechanical fastener.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A finger grip for a mechanical fastener and a method of forming the same. The mechanical fastener has a backing layer of a thermoplastic resin with integral fastening members in a fastening member region and at least one protrusion in a finger grip region. The fastening members define a fastening member volume per unit area. The at least one protrusion defines a finger grip volume per unit area. The finger grip volume per unit area is substantially equal to the fastening member volume per unit area. The backing layer comprises a backing thickness in the fastening member region generally equal to a backing thickness in the finger grip region.

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: 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: 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: A sheet-like structure with surface protrusions for he provision of spacing elements, grip-enhancing elements, draining elements and the like, comprising an extruded sheet-like element which has, on at least one face, a plurality of peduncles which are formed monolithically with the sheet-like element during the extrusion thereof and have a solid transverse cross-section.

Abstract: A fastener component comprises a field of loop-engaging elements each secured to a support. At least one of the elements has a molded, cantilever stem secured to the support at a base, projecting from the base at an acute angle to the support substantially linearly along a lengthwise axis to the region of a distal tip. The length of the projection upon the support of the portion of the cantilever stem beyond the base is between about 0.5 and 2.0 times the width of the base of the element, and the length of the projection upon the support of the portion of the stem between the tip and the point of its greatest spacing from the support is less than about 0.25 times the width of the base. The structure of the element can be useful for engaging very fine fibers that have low loft such as are found in inexpensive non-woven materials, due to minuscule motions of the head of the fastener element during engagement. Molds and methods for forming such fastener components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fastener for engaging loops includes a base with a field of fastener elements molded with and extending from the base. The fastener elements are constructed to engage loops of a mating loop component to form a releasable fastener. The fastener elements comprise hooks and spikes, interspersed among the hooks, which extend at an acute angle from the base. By arranging the hooks and spikes in differing directions on the base, increased shear strength is provided in corresponding directions. Molds and methods for forming the fastener are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hook-type fastener product for engaging loop elements is disclosed, having parallel rows of hooks having differently constructed first and second sides. The hooks are arranged such that, when engaged with loops, they resist disengagement from the loops more strongly when pulled in one sideways direction than when pulled in the opposite sideways direction. The product has a common base from which the hooks, which are not limited to J-type hooks, extend. The first sides of the hooks may be flat and the second sides convex. Methods and an apparatus for producing the product are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A separable plastic male-to-male connector includes a pair of connector units each having a planar base and a plurality of protrusions extending outward from the base and being oriented on the base so as to form a matrix. The matrix has a plurality of lateral and longitudinal rows wherein a distance C.sub.L1 is between centers of laterally adjacent male protrusions, and wherein a distance C.sub.L2 is between centers of longitudinally adjacent male protrusions. Each protrusion includes a head portion and a stem portion. The head portion has a height K.sub.H equal to 0.50*(C.sub.L1 +C.sub.L2)/2 and a diameter K.sub.D equal to 0.75*(C.sub.L1 +C.sub.L2)/2. The stem portion has a first end attached to the base and a second opposed end attached to the head portion. The stem portion has a height S.sub.H equal to 0.63*(C.sub.L1 +C.sub.L2)/2 and a diameter S.sub.D equal to 0.56*(C.sub.L1 +C.sub.L2)/2. C.sub.L1, C.sub.L2, K.sub.H, K.sub.D, S.sub.H, and S.sub.D each have a tolerance of .+-.6%.

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 surface fastener molded of synthetic resin comprises a substrate sheet, a multiplicity of engaging elements standing on a front surface of the substrate sheet, and continuous ribs integrally formed on a rear surface opposite to an engaging surface of the substrate sheet.

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 mushroom-type hook strip that can be used in a hook-and-loop mechanical fastener. The hook strip comprises a homogeneous backing of thermoplastic resin and, integral with the backing, a high density array of hooks including stems projecting from the backing and circular disc shaped heads at the ends of the stems opposite the backing. The large number, small size, and shape of the heads on the hooks allow them to engage the fibers in conventional types of fabrics and non-woven materials that are not normally used as the loop portions of hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: An injection-molded thermoplastic device having a field of injection-molded hooks integrally formed in predetermined areas on the device during the injection-molding of the device for releasable attachment to a strap with loops.

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