A press-on and split-off type fastener and a method and device for its manufacture

(54) Designation: Velcro scanner and device for making the same

The present invention relates to some Velcro readings and a device for producing the same.

Efct so called Velcro consisting of a first band with flexible hooks arranged on the same and a second band with loops on this fixed for cooperation with the first band is known before, which is closed when the hooks and the eyes exhibiting the sides are placed and pressed against each other and opens when the straps are forced away from each other. In these prior art locks, one side of both the first and the second band has a staple weave structure. Therefore, for the manufacture of the hooks, on the first band, cutting machining of the bars into hook shape is required. This lock therefore has the disadvantage of. the production efficiency cannot be improved, so the costs inevitably become relatively high. When two straps which have fixed loops on the sides are placed in front and pressed against each other, no locking is achieved, and when two straps, which have fixed hooks on their sides, are placed side by side and pressed against each other, only locking is achieved with little cohesion force. It is therefore necessary that the first hooks containing the tape and the second loops containing the tape be used together.

It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the above drawback and provide a new Velcro which can be easily

Dupl.kl. A44b 19/00

7107284-7 is manufactured in plastic and therefore becomes inexpensive, and that ensures a powerful locking without the use of two different parts in pairs, and to provide a device for making the Velcro in a simple way.

Take, for example, a belt designed with the other strap for a conventional Velcro. In order to obtain the desired locking on the side of the second band '1 having on the same fixedly arranged loops, as shown in FIG. 1, the first band 4 must be disposed at one end of the belt with its back 3 facing the side of the second band and opposite the side showing the loops, so that the side 5 with fixed hooks and side 2 with fixed loops are facing each other in different directions. Otherwise, the required locking function of the belt is not obtained. However, according to the present invention, the lock can be used as a belt itself without the use of various locking straps.

However, the lock according to the present invention is closed when two locking straps of identical construction are joined together and pressed against each other, and can be used for similar purposes as for the conventional Velcro locks.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lock which, unlike the conventional Velcro locks, can provide locking in multiple layers, for example when three or more locking straps are placed above each other and then compressed.

It is a further object of the invention to make this new lock continuously in plastic.

The Velcro closure according to the invention is characterized in that the locking element comprises a plurality of substantially corrugated strips of equal width and arranged parallel to each other, each strip being made of plastic material and having alternate elevations and recesses in a continuous sequence, each pair of incursions and recesses. of wavy strips are arranged in zigzag form in a fixed ratio so that, when two such locking elements are forcefully applied to each other, the protrusions of one locking element are inserted between the protuberances of the other locking element and oriented over the recesses thereon, whereby the two locking elements are arranged to be read together by the facing surfaces.

The invention also relates to a device for producing the Velcro lock according to the invention, characterized by. that a plurality of rollers are arranged in pairs opposite each other and consist of a plurality of adjacent discs of equal width, which discs each

7107284-7 exhibit alternating elevations and recesses in a continuous sequence, the elevations and recesses of two adjacent disks being arranged in the zigzag comfort in a predetermined relationship.

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a use example of a conventional velcro lock; in Fig. 2, Figs. 4 and 5 are enlarged sectional views along lines IV-IV and VV in Fig. 6 is a side view of the lock in the closed position; Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view along the line VII-VII in Figs. 6, FIG. 8 Figure 9 is a sectional view of another embodiment; Figures 9 and 10 are sectional views of the lock in the closed position; Figures 11 and 12 are section views of a modified lock in the closed position; Figure 13 is a side view of another typical embodiment. Fig. 14 is a side elevational view of the latter in the closed position; Fig. 15 is a plan view of a further embodiment of the lock of the present invention; Fig. 16 is a side view of the lock of Fig. 15; 17 is an enlarged sectional view along line XVII-XVII of FIG. 16; FIG. 18 is a plan view of yet another embodiment of the lock of the present invention; 19 is a side view of the lock of Fig. 18, Fig. 20 is a side view of the same in the closed position, Fig. 21 is an enlarged sectional view along the line XXI-XXI of Fig. 20, Fig. 22 is a side view of another embodiment. in the closed position, Fig. 23 is a plan view of a further embodiment of the lock according to the present invention; 24 is a sectional view of an example of the closure of the lock of Fig. 23 · Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram of a device for making the Velcro lock; Fig. 26 is a plan view of a roller having a first set of rollers; Fig. 27 is a section of the roll. Fig. 28 is an enlarged perspective view of a disc; Fig. 29 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the rollers in engagement position;

Fig. 35 is an enlarged sectional view of a locking member extending between a group of rollers; Fig. 31 is an enlarged perspective sectional view of a roll to a second group of rollers; Fig. 32 is a sectional view of projections under continuous machining; Fig. 35 is an enlarged sectional view Fig. 34 is an enlarged perspective sectional view of another embodiment of a roller used in the locking device manufacturing apparatus; 35 is a side view of a longitudinal section of a lock formed by the roller shown in FIG. 34; FIG. 36 is an enlarged perspective sectional view of another embodiment of the roller; FIG. 37 is a side view of a longitudinal section of a lock made by the roller of FIG. .

36, FIG. 38 is an enlarged perspective sectional view of a further embodiment of the roller; FIG. 39 is a side view of a longitudinal section of a lock forwarded by the roller shown in FIG. 3θ; and FIG. 40 is an enlarged perspective view of the roller. a lock of another embodiment.

2-5, the lock A of the present invention has a plurality of wavy strips, regularly parallel joined, each strip having a definite width and alternately having arcuate peaks 11 and valleys 12 of substantially the same shape, and each two adjacent waveguides snake strips a1 and a2 are positioned such that the peaks (or valleys) of one strip a1 are opposite the valleys (or peaks) of the other strip a2. These strips are made of plastic.

Since two adjacent wave-shaped strips a1 and a2 are so located relative to each other that the peaks (valleys) in one strip a1 or a2 lie opposite the valleys (peaks) in the other strip a2 or a1, the wavy strips a1 and a2 intersect at a number of points X. The two strips are joined at these intersection points which are half the height from the valleys 12 to the peaks 11 and arranged parallel to each other. The peaks (valleys) in the strip a1 and the valleys (peaks) in the strip a2 form a series of hollow compartments 13, viewed from the side, ie. perpendicular to the direction in which the strip runs.

Each such hollow space 13 has a circular shape, with the top 11 and the valley 12 each having a semi-circular shape. If each peak and valley has a hyperbolic shape, the hollow space will have an elliptical shape.

In that the corrugated strips are arranged parallel to each other, the lock A according to the present invention has peaks and valleys on both sides. Furthermore, the peaks and valleys of each pair of adjacent wavy strips α1 and α2 are zigzag in a fixed ratio. In relation to, for example, a wavy strip a2, there is a valley 12 in each interval between the peaks 11, and at the same time there is a peak 11 in each interval between two valleys 12. In a group of corrugated strips which are arranged in parallel and where each individual strip is joined to the adjacent strip only at points where the strips intersect, these points are located on a straight line running in the transverse direction of the lock. As a result, the lock can be bent along these junction points without deformation of the peaks and valleys, so the lock becomes sufficiently flexible.

When a lock bends to endless shape to allow opposite sides thereof to be affixed to each other or when a lock is folded back to allow the same one side thereof to be laid side to side or when two locks are placed above each other as shown in Fig. 6 and 7 so that valleys 12 'in one lock A' fall over peaks 11 '' in the other lock A, peaks 11 of lock A pass past peaks 11 'in

7107284-7 the lock A 'and comes to rest on the valleys 12, the peaks 11'in the lock A' simultaneously supporting the valleys 12 in the lock A.

In practice, it is sufficient that the wavy strip has a width of one millimeter, a thickness of 0.5 millimeter a height between the upper point of the peak 11 and the lower point of the valley 12 by 2.5 millimeters and a distance between one another the following peaks respectively valleys of about 5 millimeters. Conditions which allow the peaks of one lock to be inserted between the peaks of the other lock and thereby come into contact with the valleys therebetween, therefore exist in a rich number within a small area, whereby the two locks A'and A '' are closed with sufficient force. through only engagement and friction.

When a force occurs, which strives to move the locks laterally from their closed position, due to the peaks of one lock engaging the valleys between the peaks of the other lock, these locks are not moved at all. When a force is exerted to move one lock over the other in the longitudinal direction of the wavy strips, this lock cannot be moved unless the peaks of one lock are allowed to slide over the peaks of the other lock.

A further lock A 'of the same construction may also be secured to either of the two locks which are locked with each other in the manner described above by being placed on top and pressed down.

Two locks in the closed position can be opened by simply pulling them apart with a force which overcomes the force with which the locked sides are held in friction engagement with each other. The state of the locked state can be varied to a small degree by allowing the peaks on one side to shift and resting in the next group of valleys on (the other side). A finer adjustment can be made by allowing the peaks of each corrugated strip on one side to rest in the valleys of the corrugated strip closest to it.

Since the distance between successive valleys in a certain wavy strip can be set to about 2.5 mm, the position of the closed state can be varied very accurately in practice.

When two locks are used in a situation where the frictional force of the abutment alone is shown to be insufficient for the damaged lock, this difficulty can be eliminated by using a modified lock according to the present invention shown in Fig. 8 and subsequent figures.

In Fig. 8, the lock B has a protrusion 14 in the form of a bead on both sides of each peak and / or valley 1 the wave-shaped strip. As they protrude slightly to the side, the projections 14, due to the lock being made of plastic, will be compressed by the peaks of the other

7107284-7 lock and forced past the peaks to abut respectively. falls between the peaks. After the insertion of the peaks, the projections return to their original shape.

The projections 14, which have regained their original shape, serve to hold the peaks of the second lock against the valleys of the lock in which the projections are arranged. The projections thus enable the lock to be held in the closed position without a unilateral dependence on the frictional force at the abutment.

In order to separate the two locks held in the closed position, a large force is required, which compresses the projections 14 so that the peaks of one lock can be separated from the same in the other lock and in addition overcome the frictional force at the abutment.

The lock to be locked on lock B may be another lock B which is identical as shown in Fig. 9 »or may be a lock A of the aforementioned embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10.

Concerning the position of the projections 14, it is sufficient for the purpose of arranging the same on both sides of the upper point of the peaks in cases where the other side of the peaks of a lock coincides with the back of the peaks of the other lock, when the peaks of the the first lock is arranged so that they come into contact with the valleys of the second lock, as shown in Fig. 9 · In the stream of Figs. 4 In the illustrated embodiment, where voids are formed between the back sides of the peaks in two locks, such projections can be arranged on both sides of the lower part of the valleys.

Said protrusion 14 may be made in the form of horns or hooks, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. The peaks of the second lock bend these horns or hooks 15 during the pressing against the valleys to allow passage therethrough. After insertion, the horns or hooks 15 regain their original shape due to the resilience of the plastic and are retained by the peaks of the second lock, thus providing a practical and difficult-to-open lock.

Fig. 13 shows a lock with strips formed of only peaks or valleys, whereby either the peaks or valleys are eliminated from the wavy strips in the lock of Figs. 2-7.

In other words, this is a lock which has a plurality of corrugated strips which are joined and arranged parallel to each other, each strip having continuous corrugated peaks (or valleys) 21 of the same shape. These wavy strips of plastic are arranged in such a relationship that the upper point of the peaks of one strip lies opposite the points where the peaks of the other strip are located. Therefore, a lock designed in this way has peaks 21 only on one side due to the group of wave-shaped strips, although it has recesses 22 corresponding to the peaks on the other side. By arranging peaks on one side of a belt located opposite the recesses 22 on the other side of the other belt, a locking can be obtained by the same principle as in the lock according to Figures 2-7 ·

Although these locks are inferior to the locks of Figs. 2-7, in that no locking can be obtained when two sides having only peaks or recesses are placed on each other, they are easier to manufacture.

The locks according to the embodiments shown in Figs. 15-24 have a plurality of wavy strips of definite width and lying adjacent to each other, each strip having alternating arcuate peaks J1 and straight flat portions 32. The wavy strips made of plastic are arranged in such proportion to one another, that the peaks (the planar portions) of one strip A1 are opposite the points where the planar portions (peaks) of the adjacent strip a2 are located.

The flat portions are arranged in the space at the lower end of the peaks. In cases where the length of the flat portions is equal to that of the lower end of the peaks, the wavy strips α1 and α2 are joined together and arranged parallel to the lower end of the peaks and at the end of the flat portions.

However, if the length of the planar portions is slightly shorter than the length of the space at the lower end of the peaks, i.e. if the length 1 of the planar portions is shorter than the length L of the space at the lower end of the peaks, as shown in Figs. 18 and 19, the two wavy strips a1 and a2 are joined at half the height up to which the strips tend to rise for formation of the spines. Seen from the side and perpendicular to the direction in which the wave-shaped strips extend, in both cases the plane containing the planar portions forms a series of cavities 33 with the peaks. If the peaks are semicircular, these cavities will be semicircular. Consequently, if the peaks are hyperbolic, the cavities become semi-elliptical.

The lock A according to the previously described embodiment has a number of parallel arranged corrugated strips having upwardly directed peaks on their upper side and rearwardly facing downward peaks, the two kinds of peaks being arranged alternately. Furthermore, the peaks and planar portions of each pair of adjacent corrugated strips α1 and α2 are zigzag in a fixed ratio. In relation to, for example, one of the wavy strips of eel, a flat portion 32 is inserted into the space between two successive peaks 31 of the adjacent wavy strips a2. For the wavy strip A1, each flat portion 32 is also provided in the space between the peaks 31, and each top

7107284-7 is located in the space between the planar portions 32 so that each of the planar portions is surrounded on four sides by peaks while each pile is surrounded on four sides by planar portions.

With each group of corrugated strips arranged parallel to each other, each individual strip is joined to its adjacent strip at the ends of the planar portions until then or at points slightly above the peaks where they intersect, where the junctions coincide on a straight line. , which runs in the transverse direction of the lock. Therefore, the lock can be bent along these points without deforming the peaks and the flat portions. Thus, the lock is sufficiently flexible.

When two locks of the same construction are placed one above the other, as shown in FIG. 20 and 21, so that the peaks 31 'of one lock A' fall over the flat parts 32 '' of the second lock A '', the peaks 31 'of the lock A' are inserted into the spaces between the peaks 31 '' of the other lock A , wherein the upper portion of these peaks 31 'abuts against the flat portions 32 of the second lock while the peaks 31 of the lock A' 'are simultaneously inserted into the spaces between the peaks 31' of the lock A ', the upper portion of these peaks 31 '' being in contact with the flat portions 32 '. The peaks 31 'of the lock A' thus engage with the side edges of the peaks 31 * 'of the lock A' ', the peaks 31 of the lock A engaging the side edges of the peaks 31' of the lock A 'by friction.

If two more locks of the same construction are used again and the front side of one lock A '' is applied to the back of the second lock A ', as shown in Fig. 22, so that the peaks 31 of the lock A fall over the cavities formed by the peaks 31 'on lock A', peaks 31 '' Ρ & lock A are inserted from the spaces between the flat portions 32 'of lock A' to the cavities 33 ', i.e. the backside of the peaks 31 '' to come into contact with these cavities 33 ', the sides of the peaks 31' engaging the side edges of the flat portions 32 'by friction. In this case, it is possible to apply a further lock to the lock A by joining the back of the former with the front of the latter, so that any number of locks can be placed one above the other in a series. It is also possible to bend a lock to an endless shape and join both ends of the lock by placing its opposite sides against each other, thereby forming a loop. The lock according to the construction described above is kept closed by the engaging force at the side edges of the peaks or the flat portions of another lock.

If two locks are used in a situation where the engaging force itself is not sufficient for the desired locking, a modified lock according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 23 and 24 can be used to remove this disadvantage. The lock B. has projections 34 on both sides of the upper part of each top. These projections 34 extend slightly beyond the sides at each peak. During locking, the projections are compressed as they pass through the gaps between the peaks or the flat portions of another lock, the peaks of the other lock being able to pass through. As these peaks have passed through, they regain their former form.

Thereafter, the projections 34 serve to hold down the projections on the passed or upper surface of the passed flat portions. The projections therefore exert a force in addition to the abrasion and frictional force to keep the lock in a closed state. Therefore, in order to open the lock, a large force is required, which must not only overcome the abrasive and frictional force but also deform the projections 34 during compression, in order to allow the peaks of the first lock to be pulled away from the peaks of the second lock. The lock to be joined to the lock B may be a lock B 'which is identical to the lock B shown in Fig. 24 or is a lock not provided. said projection.

The projections 34 may be in the form of hooks leaning against the flat portions 32 shown in Fig. 24, or may be shaped as square or round beads. If the top surface of the peaks, especially their upper portion, is arch-shaped, the peaks of one lock can be inserted much more easily through the voids between the peaks or the flat portions of the other lock, whereby the engaging force in the closed state remains undiminished.

An apparatus for making a lock of the kind described above is now described in more detail with reference to Figs. 25-40. A soft thin resin web discharged from a plastic injection machine 41 passes between a series of rollers 43 in the form of vertically opposed pairs of rollers 42. This web consists of a thermoplastic or hardenable plastic or of synthetic paper. This web may be available in the form of a roll with a long belt or a wide roll with a long film. Below, these materials will generally be referred to as the web.

Each roller in said group of rollers is of the driving type, so that the web can be advanced. Each roller comprises a lock-forming section 45 with a plurality of discs 44 abutting side by side and a pair of support rollers 46 disposed edge to edge with the outer discs 44 in the lock-forming section 45. A support shaft 47 is arranged between the two support rollers 46 which extending through the disks 44. the disks becoming immobile relative to each other. Each disc 44 has the same width as the corrugated strip a1 or a2 and has a corrugated periphery 48.

7107284-7

The corrugated periphery 48 has the same shape as that of the corrugated strip in the lock to be made. Each pair of adjacent discs is arranged in relation to each other such that the peaks (valleys) on one disk are located just adjacent to the valleys (peaks) on the other disk.

Since all pairs of adjacent discs are arranged so that the upper portion of the peaks of one disc lies opposite the lower portion of the valleys of the adjacent disc, the waves on each other disc are in close contact with them.

The waves can be achieved by applying the discs side by side or by cutting out waves on the surface of a cylindrical roller. As the roll comprises a plurality of interlocking discs, it becomes possible to vary the width of the locking section by changing the number of discs used in this roll. Rolls of this type are placed one after the other at short distances to form a group of such rolls 43.

Said roller is located on the opposite side and at a small distance from the next roller of the same construction in such a way that the peaks (valleys) of the waves on the first roller are engaged with the valleys (peaks) of the waves on the latter roller. As the soft web discharged from the syringe assembly 41 passes between the space between the peripheral surfaces of the opposite rollers, this web is compressed at the locking section 45 of the opposite rolls, producing waves in shreds on the surface of the web. As the web passes through the spaces formed between a plurality of pairs of opposing rollers, said wavy strips are formed and, under successive reduced heat, receive the final shape of the locking band. This locking strip is then fed into the space between a cardboard roll 49 provided with sticks in addition to its peripheral surface, and a press roll 50 abutting the roll 49, the tape being discharged therefrom in such a way that the waves formed there are not deformed. Up to this point, the description only covers a lock of the type that is closed by the abrasion and frictional force between the peaks and the valleys.

A device for making a protuberance lock as shown in Figs. 8-12 is obtained by providing a minor modification of the device previously described. This device is shown in Figures 28-30. In this arrangement, small grooves 51 are formed on the upper part of the peaks in the waves of each disc 44 contained in a roll 42.

As a soft web passes through a plurality of such rolls, projections 15 'are formed on the lower plane of the peaks 11 and on the upper plane of the valleys 12 in each wave strip, as shown in Fig. 30.

In this case, if the distance between the roller pairs is increased slightly, the corrugated strips formed on the web under pressure exerted by the

7107284-7 the edges of the waves to the rollers obtain arcuate surfaces which facilitate the insertion of the peaks of the fabricated web into the valleys of the subsequent web when a locking is to be performed.

Since the projections 15 'are alternately shaped on the lower portion of the peaks and the upper portion of the valleys on the web, the same is forced to protrude laterally by allowing the web extending between the card roll 49 and the press roll 50 to pass through a second group of rollers 6l.

As with the roll 42, each of the rolls 62 has a plurality of discs 6j, located side by side, which discs each have a wavy portion on their periphery. The rollers 62 thus engage the wavy strips on the web with the outer portion of the wavy portions 64.

The wave-shaped portion 64 is slightly narrower than the plate 63, as shown in Fig. 31 and has upwardly directed portions 65. formed at the upper part of the peaks by cut-outs thereof. Upon receiving the wavy strips, on the web, the wavy portion 63 carries the base edge of the lower projections 15 'in direct contact with the lower plane of the peaks. When, in this state, the web is subjected to light blows on its upper side by means of a vibrator 66, the lower projections 15 'are deformed and projected from the corrugated strips, the projections 15 being raised to enable engagement at the time the lock is closed.

The lower projections 15, which are arranged at the valleys when the projections 15 'are exposed to light strokes, are treated with light strokes by a vibrator 66' and are converted to outward projections 15 'when the web is folded and applied to the periphery by the roller 3.²'. which is located just behind the roller 62.

After the protrusions of the peaks and valleys are projected in the above manner, the web is advanced through the space between a card roll 67 provided with fixedly attached pins, and a press roll 67 abutting the counter roll 67 so that the shaped wave strips are not deformed.

The latch manufactured in the above manner exhibits outward projections at the peaks and valleys of each wavy strip. When the strap is to be closed, the projections for holding the peaks on the first locking belt serve with the valves on the second locking belt, whereby the locking is held tightly closed. The embodiment of Figs. 34 and 35 shows a roller for providing a further improved lock. On the upper part of the peaks of the waves 48 which are formed on the periphery

7107284-7 of the discs 63 contained in each roll in the first group of rollers 43 are corrugated projections 51^z arranged between opposite notches 51.

When waves are produced on the web using such a roller, the projections 51 'give rise to narrow notches on the inside of the upper part of the peaks and valleys along the waves. As this belt is conveyed to the second group of rollers, etc., the outside of the web located opposite the narrow grooves abuts the outwardly directed portions 65 of the disc 63. When the web is subjected to impact by the vibrator, only the lower projections are exposed to heating, which is why they are projected to the side and form projections there. The upper portions of the waves on the web have a thin wall thickness and are therefore not expanded laterally by the turning. This causes only the lower projections to protrude and thereby provide a strong lock. If the upper portion of the waves lacks such thin-walled portions and if the web is subjected to impact by the vibrator while holding the projecting portions of each of the rollers in the second group abutting the upper portion of the peaks of the web waves, they will the upper portions of the waves are forced to expand laterally, thereby giving the projections greater wall thickness and becoming stronger at the expense of elasticity.

Locks with waves in the form of peaks and valleys, as shown in Figs. 15-24, can be readily produced by erasing the valleys of the waves by means of the disks 44 and 63. In the locks described hitherto, the longitudinal strips of the wave are joined only at half the height from the peaks to the valleys. Because of this, the strips tend to tear apart. In order to prevent this possibility of wear, a greater strength can be obtained by increasing the wall thickness of the joined parts. Figures 36 and 37 show such an embodiment. At a level corresponding to half the height between the peaks and valleys of the waves 48 on each disc of the roll 42, flange forming portions 71 are formed on the side edges.

As a web passes through a pair of opposing rollers, each of which comprises a plurality of sheets of corrugated peripheral surfaces having such flange forming portions 71, the resin material in the web fills the voids formed by the flange forming portions. As a result, the lock gained greater strength thanks to the flange portions 16 formed around the joined portions of the strips, as shown in Fig. 37._eIn the embodiment shown in Figs. 38 and 39, landing portions 72 have a level corresponding to half the height between the peaks. and the valleys of the waves 48 in the roller 42.

As a web passes unassisted past a pair of opposing rollers which exhibit such deposition portions 72, ledges 17 are formed midway between the peaks and valleys of each corrugated strip. Since the adjacent wave-shaped strips are joined in the transverse direction of the ledges 17, the finished lock will obtain greater strength.

The embodiment of Fig. 40 has reinforcing portions b at the joined portions of the wavy strips a. The reinforcing portions b are formed on the sides along which the peaks and valleys are kept apart and are formed from the common attachment points between the adjacent wavy strips. These are thus joined together by the common attachment points and the reinforcement points.

Since the reinforcing portions b are so extended that they reach the projections formed in the corrugated strips, they provide an additional stability to the corrugated strips so that wear and deformation are prevented.

These reinforcing portions can be formed by utilizing the elasticity of the web, ie. make the thickness of the waves as small as possible in each disc contained in the rollers of the first group.

Locks made by the device of the present invention can advantageously be used in all the areas that conventional Velcro locks come into use.