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

Abstract: There is provided a loop fastening material for engaging a suitable male mechanical fastening element for a backing substrate of an oriented sheet material having a first face and a second face and substantially continuously attached to at least the first face a plurality of discrete, multi-filament transversely expanded yarns, such yarn filaments providing open loop structures. The yarns are expanded by transverse orientation of the backing to which it has been previously attached by extrusion bonding, adhesive bonding or the like. The resulting loop fastener provides a low cost, readily manufactured loop having good fastening properties to hook materials.

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

Abstract: A surface fastener comprising: a substrate sheet; a multiplicity of engaging elements projecting from on surface of the substrate sheet; and an elastic member laying over the one surface of the substrate sheet. The elastic member has an upper surface normally in contact with lower ends of locking portions of the engaging elements so as to support circumferential surfaces of stem portions of the engaging elements. The upper surface of the surface fastener is therefore less rough so that waste pieces of yarn and nap cannot be caught by the locking portions.

Abstract: The following invention details how two surfaces can be bound together. One surface (23) contains loosely spaced pins (24) with heads (25) which can be engaged into an array of tightly packed bulbous elements (22) upon another surface (20). The pins are then retained by constraining the array in various ways. The surfaces can be released by un-constraining the array of bulbous elements. This procedure may be repeated a multitude of times.

Abstract: A molded surface fastener comprises: a substrate sheet; and a multiplicity of engaging elements standing on one surface of the substrate sheet, each of the engaging elements being composed of a stem rising from the one surface of the substrate sheet, and an engaging head projecting from an upper end of the stem for detachably engaging a companion loop. After a surface fastener is manufactured on a die wheel by continuous injection molding as a primary-intermediate surface fastener, a heating and pressing roller disposed downstream of the die wheel presses the engaging head, while heating, to bend the engaging head from the stem and, at the same time, to form a pair of protuberances projecting in opposite directions from opposite side edges of the top of the engaging head perpendicularly with respect to a direction lengthwise of the engaging head.

Abstract: A fastener having two like plates effects joining through the interdigitation of bulbous heads formed to each plate. The plates have a plurality of intersecting, perpendicular walls. The intersection points of these walls define where heads may be formed thereto. Heads are attached to the plates atop stems formed integrally with the walls. The bulbous nature of the heads and the strength supplied by the formation of the walls allows for a strong yet releasable fastening of the plates.

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

Abstract: A fastener assembly of the type for being molded into cushions, and including a base having first and second major surfaces defining first and second opposed ends and first and second opposed side edges. A multiplicity of attachment members are carried by the base and extend outwardly from the base for cooperating with complementary attachment members. First and second laterally ending sealing gaps are respectively positioned adjacent the ends of the base. The sealing gaps are defined by areas of the first major surface of the base being devoid of the attachment members for permitting a sealing dam carried by a mold in which the foamed article is molded to fit into the sealing gaps and sealingly engage the first major surface of the base to form a foam-tight seal between the opposed ends of the base and the sealing dam of the mold to prevent intrusion of liquid foam past the ends of the base onto the attachment members of the base during molding of the article.

Abstract: A molded surface fastener comprises: a substrate sheet; and a multiplicity of engaging elements standing on one surface of the substrate sheet, each of the engaging elements being composed of a stem rising from the one surface of the substrate sheet, and an engaging head projecting from an upper end of the stem for detachably engaging a companion loop. After a surface fastener is manufactured on a die wheel by continuous injection molding as a primary-intermediate, a heating and pressing roller disposed downstream of the die wheel presses the engaging head, while heating, to bend the engaging head from the stem and, at the same time, to form a pair of protuberances projecting in opposite directions from opposite side edges of the top of the engaging head perpendicularly with respect to a direction lengthwise of the engaging head.

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

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

Abstract: A molded surface fastener comprises: a substrate sheet; and a multiplicity of engaging elements standing on one surface of the substrate sheet, each of the engaging elements being composed of a stem rising from the one surface of the substrate sheet, and an engaging head projecting from an upper end of the stem for detachably engaging a companion loop. After a surface fastener is manufactured on a die wheel by continuous injection molding as a primary-intermediate surface fastener, a heating and pressing roller disposed downstream of the die wheel presses the engaging head, while heating, to bend the engaging head from the stem and, at the same time, to form a pair of protuberances projecting in opposite directions from opposite side edges of the top of the engaging head perpendicularly with respect to a direction lengthwise of the engaging head.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle having a body portion which may be rolled upon and secured to a mating surface. In one embodiment, the vehicle comprises a first axle having a wheel member mounted thereon and a second axle having another wheel member mounted thereon. Each of the wheel members comprise an integral fastening portion of the same material as the wheel that is engagable with the mating surface so that the vehicle may be secured to the mating surface regardless of the orientation of the mating surface.

Abstract: In a molded surface fastener, a hook structure has on at least one surface of a stem an upright reinforcing rib extending from the base of the stem to part of a hook-shape engaging portion. The reinforcing rib projects upwardly with respect to the rear surface of the hook-shape engaging portion and terminates in an apex whose height is smaller than the height of the apex of the hook-shape engaging portion and greater than the height of the line tangential to the hook-shape engaging portion at the tip and substantially parallel to the upper surface of the substrate sheet.

Abstract: To provide an interengaging fastener member which can enhance the disengagement force, while does not increase an engagement force required for an interengagement process. The fastener member 10 includes a base 12 and a plurality of headed stems 14. Each headed stem 14 includes a stem 16 adjoining and projecting orthogonally from the surface of base 12, and a head 18 formed at the end of the stem 16. The head 18 is provided with a bottom surface 20 adjacent to the stem 16 and extending outward from outer periphery of the stem 16, and an apex 24 arranged at an opposite side of the bottom surface 20 from the stem 16. The engagement force reducing means may take the form of, for example, one or more grooves formed in each head, or an undercut formed in each headed stem in the area where the head adjoins the stem.

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

Abstract: 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. The 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 the 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 the user's skin.

Abstract: In a molded surface fastener composed of male and female members, each of hook-shape engaging elements of the male member comprises a stem standing substantially perpendicularly from a flat plate-like base, a hook-shape head extending forwardly from a part of the upper end portion of the stem, and a branch extending from another part of the upper end portion of the stem over the hook-shape head by a predetermined length and terminating in a backwardly bent end.

Abstract: To provide an interengaging fastener member which can enhance the disengagement force, while does not increase an engagement force required for an interengagement process. The fastener member 10 includes a base 12 and a plurality of headed stems 14. Each headed stem 14 includes a stem 16 adjoining and projecting orthogonally from the surface of base 12, and a head 18 formed at the end of the stem 16. The head 18 is provided with a bottom surface 20 adjacent to the stem 16 and extending outward from outer periphery of the stem 16, and an apex 24 arranged at an opposite side of the bottom surface 20 from the stem 16. The engagement force reducing means may take the form of, for example, one or more grooves formed in each head, or an undercut formed in each headed stem in the area where the head adjoins the stem.

Abstract: In a molded surface fastener, at least part of a substrate sheet and hook elements are molded of synthetic resin, and simultaneously with the molding of the substrate sheet, at least part of foundation structure of a pile woven or knit core sheet is integrated with the substrate sheet which is molded of synthetic resin in such a manner that loop elements in the form of piles standing from the pile woven or knit core sheet are exposed to the front surface of the substrate sheet. The height of the hook elements is greater than that of the loop elements, and the foundation structure of the pile woven or knit core sheet is a coarse woven or knit structure having adequate pores throughout its entire area to allow molten resin to pass through. The hook elements and loop elements stand on the same surface or either of the front and back surfaces of the substrate sheet.

Abstract: In a structure of the surface fastener of this invention, a substrate sheet has on its surface a plurality of dimples each defining a hollow large enough to receive a companion loop, and engaging elements are integrally molded and stand from the bottom surface of the dimple. With the surface fastener of this invention, the height of the hooks in appearance is short and the flexibility of the molded surface fastener is secured, and the hooks are prevented from falling laterally and forwardly excessively so that an adequate degree of durability for repeated use can be achieved and the flexibility of the substrate sheet and reliability of molding can be improved while securing engaging strength and a high rate of engagement with a loop of the companion surface fastener.

Abstract: The invention is a refastenable mechanical fastening system including rows of female loops joined to a substrate. The loops taper from the base to the distal end and are typically nonperpendicularly oriented relative to the plane of the substrate. The shanks of each loop may also have an azimuthal angle relative to the machine direction of the substrate. Each loop includes an opening for receiving a portion of the prong of a male hook component. The loops are manufactured by the process of extruding liquid material through the apertures of a depositing member onto a moving substrate to form the base of the loop, stretching the liquid material in a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate, severing the stretched material to form a distal end which fuses with an adjacent amount of stretched material to forma loop. The advantageous usage of the fastening system in an article of manufacture, such as a disposable absorbent article, and more specifically, a diaper is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fastener and a method of fastening articles employing the fastener are provided. The fastener includes a fastener element adapted to be mated in an interlocking arrangement to a complementary fastener element. The fastener element has a plurality of mating cavities. The mating cavities include a mating surface which is adapted to interlockingly engage a mating element projecting from the complementary fastener element.

Abstract: In a molded surface fastener, a hook has vertical multi-step reinforcing ribs on opposite side surfaces of a stem, and it is therefore possible to make the hook-shape engaging portion adequately soft and to increase the rate of engagement with loops. Further, since each reinforcing rib extends to the curve of the hook-shape engaging portion, it is possible to secure a predetermined degree of engaging force, despite the thin and soft hook-shape engaging portion, unlike the simple reinforcing ribs of the conventional art.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for injection-molding a unitary, relatively rigid 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 an associated co-operative loop bearing member.

Abstract: A fastener assembly of the type for being molded into cushions, and including a base having first and second major surfaces defining first and second opposed ends and first and second opposed side edges. Hooks are carried by the base cooperating with complementary loops carried on material when pressed against the attachment members on the base. Permanent anchors are carried by the base and are spaced apart sufficiently to allow foam intrusion between the anchors to attach the fastener assembly to a foamed article, such as, for example, a cushion. First and second magnetically-attractable side edge seals are attached to the base for being attracted to magnets positioned in a mold in which the cushion is molded. The side edge seals form a foam-tight seal between the side edges of the base and the mold to prevent intrusion of liquid foam during molding of the article.

Abstract: A fastener having a first member and a second member, each member having structured surfaces thereon. The first member has two major surfaces oppositely disposed, at least a portion of each major surface having structured surfaces. The second member has at least one major surface having a structured surface. The first member is fastened to the second member when the two major surfaces of the first member are disposed between the structured surface of the second member and the elements of the structured surfaces bend and twist as well as frictionally adhere during attachment.

Abstract: A molded surface fastener comprising a substrate sheet, and a multiplicity of engaging elements molded in rows on one surface of said substrate sheet. Each of the engaging elements has a pair of stems standing from the one surface of the substrate sheet, and a pair of hooks extending in opposite directions from distal ends of the stems and formed in a pair of parallel planes perpendicular to the general plane of the substrate sheet on opposite sides of the central line of the pair of stems. When companion loops are disengaged from the engaging element, the individual hooks are angularly moved about the central line of the pair of stems in a horizontal plane independently of each other and, at the same time, are expanded upwardly. As a result, the loops and the engaging element can be disengaged from one another smoothly without any damage.

Abstract: A fastener member is disclosed, having a plurality of headed stems adjoining and projecting from a base. The headed stems are arranged in a pattern on the base, which pattern tends to increase the disengagement force in the shear direction.

Abstract: In a molded surface fastener manufacturing method, molten resin is injected or extruded from an injection die or an extrusion nozzle, and at the same time, a coarse mesh core sheet is introduced between the extruded molten resin and the circumferential surface of a die wheel, which has a multiplicity of hook-element-forming circumferential cavities. The core sheet is forced against the circumferential surface of the die wheel by a pressing force of a press roller or under a molten resin pressure at the time of injection to pass part of the molten resin through pores of the core sheet and to fill in the hook-element-forming cavities. As a result, a multiplicity of hook elements are molded, and at the same time, the core sheet is embedded integrally in a plate-shaped substrate sheet closer to the hook-element-surface side.

Abstract: A fastening device molded of a synthetic resin material and adapted to be engaged with a large number of loops on one surface of a fastener part of a mating member includes a base member having on its one surface a large number of hooks integrally molded with the base member and arranged in a plurality of rows. The hooks in each hook row generally have the same hook direction aligned with an axis of the hook row, and the hooks in one hook row and the hooks in an adjacent hook row do not always have the same hook direction. At least one hook in each hook row which is adjacent to a peripheral edge of the base member have a hook direction facing outwardly away from the peripheral edge. With this arrangement, the hooks located adjacent to the peripheral edge are capable of withstand undue force tending to fatigue and eventually break the hooks.

Abstract: A fastener assembly of the type for being molded into cushions, and including a base having first and second major surfaces defining first and second opposed ends and first and second opposed side edges. Hooks are carried by the base cooperating with complementary loops carried on material when pressed against the attachment members on the base. Permanent anchors are carried by the base and are spaced apart sufficiently to allow foam intrusion between the anchors to attach the fastener assembly to a foamed article, such as, for example, a cushion. First and second magnetically-attractable side edge seals are attached to the base for being attracted to magnets positioned in a mold in which the cushion is molded. The side edge seals form a foam-tight seal between the side edges of the base and the mold to prevent intrusion of liquid foam during molding of the article.

Abstract: An interengaging fastener member having a plurality of headed elements, which can reduce the noise generated due to the relative movement between the headed elements engaged with each other. The fastener member 10 is made of polymeric material as a one-piece molded article, and includes a generally flat base 14 and a plurality of headed elements 18 projecting from the base 14. Each headed element 18 has a stem 22 arranged on and projecting from the base 14 in a predetermined spaced relationship, and a head 24 formed at the end of the stem 22 and having a contour swollen from the periphery of the stem 22. The head 24 is defined by a generally flat surface 26 adjacent t the stem 22 and extending radially outward from the periphery of the stem 22, a curved surface 28 bulging out with an apex and arranged at an opposite side of the generally flat surface 26 from the stem 22, and a transition surface 30 formed from a second curved surface for connecting the generally flat surface 26 with the curved surface 28.

Abstract: A separable fastener component for use with a complementary separable fastener component has a base member, having a nominal fastening face and a non-fastening face. Carried on the fastening face is a pattern of fastening elements, comprising a main region carrying fastening elements. Substantially surrounding the main region is a bald region that is substantially free of fastening elements; and substantially surrounding the bald region, is a perimeter region that carries fastening elements. The bald region may be a rectangular annulus, as may be the perimeter region of fastening elements. The bald and perimeter regions may also be non-rectangular. The sacrificial perimeter fastening elements may be hooks or loops. Anchoring elements may be provided on the non-fastening face of the base. Rather than the bald region being one that surrounds the main region, it may bound a portion of the main region and may be a pair of bald regions that are substantially free of fastening elements.

Abstract: A multiple purpose fastening device, system and method is provided which utilizes one or more fastening elements having an elongate flexible member with respective releasably interengaging, interlocking, or compressively joining, coupling or adhering opposing surfaces covering the entire length thereof with the exception of an end tab, gripping surface or end loop at at least one end thereof. The fastening apparatus of the present invention is not limited to a particular size or dimension. A method of fastening, joining, bundling, and/or the like one or more objects together employs one or more of the fastening devices of the present invention wrapped around one or more objects in a common direction to overlap or superimpose upon itself with the opposing releasable coupling surfaces joined over a portion of each flexible member. The end loops provide an anchoring point for attachment of additional devices, accessories, clips, and the like.

Abstract: In a hook structure for a molded surface fastener, in an arbitrary cross section of each of a stem and a hook-shape engaging portion of a hook, the cross-sectional area is divided into front and rear side cross-sectional areas with respect to the center line of the hook, and the front side cross-sectional area is defined to be larger than the rear side cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A plastic surface fastener whose surface fastener members can be engaged by a small force includes two surface fastener members each having a plastic base and multiple projecting members having identically sized engagement heads and standing upright on the base as arranged in a matrix of prescribed pitch. The shape of the engaging heads of both surface fastener members as viewed from the top is that obtained by cutting off segments from four sides of a circle, and selected projecting members of one surface fastener member are removed in an appropriate pattern for providing room for the projecting members of the other surface fastener member to escape when the projecting members of the one fastener member are forced into spaces enclosed by the projecting members of the other fastener member.

Abstract: The invention is a refastenable mechanical fastening system including rows of female loops joined to a substrate. The loops taper from the base to the distal end and are typically nonperpendicularly oriented relative to the plane of the substrate. The shanks of each loop may also have an azimuthal angle relative to the machine direction of the substrate. Each loop includes an opening for receiving a portion of the prong of a male hook component. The loops are manufactured by the process of extruding liquid material through the apertures of a depositing member onto a moving substrate to form the base of the loop, stretching the liquid material in a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate, severing the stretched material to form a distal end which fuses with an adjacent amount of stretched material to forma loop. The advantageous usage of the fastening system in an article of manufacture, such as a disposable absorbent article, and more specifically, a diaper is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fastening device of the invention is formed of two fastening members. Each fastening member has a flat base portion, and a plurality of engaging projections fixed on the base portion laterally and vertically. Each engaging projection has at least one leg fixed to the base portion at one side and an engaging head portion fixed to the other side of the leg. The engaging head portion has a lateral size greater than that of the leg. Non-engaging projections are integrally formed on at least one of the fastening members. Each non-engaging projection has a height less than the engaging projection.

Abstract: An interengaging fastener is provided including two fastener members and structure for locating one fastener member with respect to the other fastener member. In one embodiment, the locating structure includes a protrusion extending from one fastener member and an opening formed in the other fastener member.

Abstract: In a hook structure for a molded surface fastener, each of hooks is composed of a rising portion, which has a rear surface rising obliquely in a smooth curve from the substrate, a front surface rising upwardly from the substrate, and side surfaces from at least one of which a reinforcing rib extends, and a hook-shape engaging portion extending forwardly from an upper end of the rising portion. The engaging portion has a varying cross-sectional area increasing progressively from its distal end toward the upper end of the rising portion. A straight line between a peak of the rib and a peak of an arcuate lower surface of the engaging portion is substantially parallel to the upper surface of the substrate. The rib is rising upwardly and substantially centrally from a side surface of base of each hook.

Abstract: A surface fastener-molded of synthetic resin, comprises: a plate-like substrate; and a multiplicity of hooks formed on one surface of the substrate integrally, each of the hooks being composed of a rising portion having a front surface rising from the substrate, a rear surface rising obliquely from the substrate along a smooth curved line and a reinforcing rib located on at least one side surface, and a hook-shape engaging portion extending forwardly from a distal end of the rising portion. After the molding, the plate-like substrate is biaxially stretched to have a smaller thickness and, at the same time, to increase the toughness in substantially all directions of the substrate.

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.

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: A fastener assembly of the type for being molded into cushions, and including a base having first and second major surfaces defining first and second opposed ends and first and second opposed side edges. Hooks are carried by the base cooperating with complementary loops carried on material when pressed against the attachment members on the base. Permanent anchors are carried by the base and are spaced apart sufficiently to allow foam intrusion between the anchors to attach the fastener assembly to a foamed article, such as, for example, a cushion. First and second magnetically-attractable side edge seals are attached to the base for being attracted to magnets positioned in a mold in which the cushion is molded. The side edge seals form a foam-tight seal between the side edges of the base and the mold to prevent intrusion of liquid foam during molding of the article.

Abstract: An integrally molded surface fastener which promotes high manufacturing efficiency, assures easy stock control and easy attachment in the shipment, and provides high engaging strength and stable form without deterioration of engaging and holding force even when used repeatedly. The surface fastener has a pair of upper (male) and lower (female) engaging members of the same structures, which are molded integrally and provided with a plurality of rows of hook elements on the surfaces of engaging base plates. Then, this arrangement unit has successively two hook elements of predetermined pitches and a spacing of two pitches length and is repeated in order continuously. The spacing signifies that one hook element is not present.