Flexible interlocking mating tape fastener

Abstract

The invention relates to a new interlocking mating tape fastener consisting of a flexible fastening strip of preselectable length adapted to be wrapped around various articles, The invention also relates to a new interlocking tape fastener having a top surface and a bottom surface. The invention further relates to a new interlocking tape fastener that includes a plurality of male protrusions projecting from the top surface, and further includes a plurality of female fastening openings located on both surfaces of the fastening strip. Additionally, the female fastening openings located on the first major surface are located next to at least one of the male protrusions for providing an interlocking mating pattern. Furthermore, at least one male protrusion is interlocked to at least one female fastening opening located on the bottom surface when wrapped around an article for fastening purposes.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 915,058, A Flexible Interlocking Mating Tape Fastener, filed on Dec. 12, 2013.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to fastening tape. More specifically, the invention relates to interlocking fastening tape using a mating pattern design.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Hook-and-loop fasteners such as Velcro (as taught, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,717,437 and 3,009,235) are in common, every day use; but they still have important deficiencies. For instance, the hooks can snag fabrics or other materials that are not intended to be target substrates; the hooks can accumulate hair, dust, lint and fur after a few months of regular use; the hooks can be rough against bare skin; and the hook-and-loop composite is a relatively thick laminate, and can he conspicuous, e.g., in clothing applications. The loops on the hook-and-loop fasteners can also become elongated or broken a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a new interlocking mating tape fastener that is strong, durable, reliable, easily manufacturable and marketable, fast, easy to assemble and use, and compact for storage purposes. The fastener includes a flexible fastening strip with male protrusions and female fastening openings that create an interlocking mating pattern. The female openings on the top surface are located next to the male protrusions for added strength. The male protrusions can also interlock with female openings on the bottom surface when wrapped around an article for fastening. The new fastener is low-cost and fast to assemble and use.

Problems solved by technology

The loops on the hook-and-loop fasteners can also become elongated or broken after extended use; the loop material, especially in robust constructions, can be relatively costly; opening or unfastening hook-and-loop fasteners can cause detachment of loops from their substrates, with a consequent generation of particulate debris; and the potential for particulate debris in hook-and-loop fasteners precludes their use in certain areas where debris is destructive.

Further, hook-and-loop fasteners tend to absorb moisture which can substantially affect the performance of these types of fasteners when used outdoors for purposes such as gardening, farming, agriculture use, crop growing or the like.

But most of the suggested products include fastening structures that are bulky and two-part in nature, such as hook-and-loop fasteners or male-female fastener pairs, which tend to be too expensive for many applications and to have other significant disadvantages.

Other suggested products are inadequate in peel strength or in other properties that are desired for a bundling use.

This is a major disadvantage of this type of technology because once the strip is inserted and then tightened; it is not possible to loosen it, making the grip forever.

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