Calspan Corporation

Albert S Baum

Roland J Pilie

Anthony L Russo

A method and apparatus is provided for attaching and detaching two flexible panels, each of which has an opening defined by mating parts of a continuous flexible fastener strip. An elongated slide member has four generally elongated passages which includes merging parts at one end thereof to receive the fastener strip parts. The passages separate in the central part of the slide member, twist 90.degree., and have parts merging different ones of the passages at the other end of the slide member to bring the fastener strips into contiguous relation with their mating parts arranged such that one part of each fastener strip is mated with an opposite part of the other fastener strip by moving the slide member along the strips, simultaneously and progressively separating the mating parts of the fastener strips and joining the parts of one fastener with opposite parts of the other fastener. Joining and/or separating the edges of the two openings is accomplished to form and/or close a distendable passage through the panels which is defined by the parts of the two joined fastener strips. The slide member may include a separable secondary slide cooperable with one of the fastener strips and capable of (a) joining with the main slide member to assist in transfer of the fastener parts, or (b) operating on the parts of one fastener strip independently of the main slide member.

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Eggertsville, NY, United States of America

Albert S Baum