Abstract: A closure or fastener is provided for apparel, shoes, equipment, and other applications. The closure may have a female component having a receiving area and a male component having a locking portion. Either or both the male component and female component may have a notched appearance to provide additional flexibility and comfort to the closure. Flanges on the male components and the female components may facilitate off-registration engagement of the closure system. Textures present or absent in the closure system may permit or prevent sliding by the male components and female components when the closure is engaged.

Abstract: A reclosable locking tape for releasably attaching a fabric add-on to a foundation includes: (a) a substantially planar tape base to which is affixed at least one male locking portion that is generally mushroom-shaped and includes a stem affixed to a cap; and (b) at least one female locking portion affixed to the tape base, the female locking portion including two same-sized hook members on opposite sides of a male portion-sized space in the female portion. Also included are a reclosable rib and groove tape assembly that includes: (a) a fabric add-on including at least one longitudinally extending rib or groove on a substantially planar and flexible portion backing; and (b) a separate foundation attachment portion including at least one rib or groove on a substantially planar portion backing, the rib or groove of the foundation attachment portion corresponding to the rib or groove of the add-on attachment portion, and a related method.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes two complementary zippers, respectively with support backing-strips (220) and complementary closure elements (242), wherein at least one of these closure elements includes a widened soleplate (246) that is at least partially surrounded by the associated support backing-strip (220).

Abstract: The closure device (121) includes first and second fastening strips (130, 131) arranged to be interlocked over a predetermined length. The first fastening strip (130) includes a first flange (163) which extends from the first fastening strip in a transverse Y axis (104) towards the second fastening strip. The second fastening strip (131) includes a second flange (153) which extends from the second fastening strip in the transverse Y axis (104) toward the first fastening strip. A slider (132) slidably engages the first and second fastening strips (130, 131). The slider (132) includes a separator and the separator engages the first flange (163) and the second flange (153) during deocclusion of the fastening strips (130, 131).