Velcro Industries B.v.

Other

Thomas G Lacey

George A Provost

Stephen C Jens

Clinton Dowd

Samuel White Pollard

Mark J Condon

James Van Stumpf

Peter E Grulke

Scott M Filion

Evangelos Kaparis

Toralf H Strand

Methods of forming mold cavities suitable for hook and loop fastening are disclosed, along with effective hook construction and hook and loop fastener products that have an ultrathin cross-section. Photochemical techniques are employed to form plates that define hook-form mold cavities, and, alternatively, chemical etching is employed following preforming of the cavities and machining. Hooks having three-dimensional tapers with enhanced loop engaging characteristics are disclosed. By utilization of special surface finishes and tolerances, hook fasteners, having ultrathin cross-sections are realized, that pave the way for practical use of touch fasteners in a wide range of new areas.

Molding of fastening hooks and other devices

A method of manufacturing plates assembleable in a stack to provide a mold to form fastener elements includes applying a photoresist material to at least one side of the plate. The photoresist material is exposed to light. Portions of the photoresist material are removed based on the light exposure. Acid is applied to the plate, dissolving portions of the plate exposed to the acid and creating cavities.

Molding methods, molds and products

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.

Fastener element arrangement

An apparatus for mounting solar cells and the like on a supporting structure, the apparatus having a panel composed of an open textured, electrically non-conductive, non-woven web adapted to receive a solar cell, a plurality of mounting assemblies, each composed of a first element adapted to be affixed on the supporting structure and a second element releasably engageable therewith adapted to be attached to the panel, the mounting assemblies attached to and arranged on the supporting structure in spaced relation to each other and retaining the panel and the solar cell borne thereby in spaced relation to the supporting structure to define an air passage therebetween, and a frame secured on the marginal edges of the panel and incorporating channels for housing the electrical cables of the solar cell.

Apparatus for mounting solar cells

Growing community of inventors

Derry, NH, United States of America

Thomas G Lacey