Why is the Velcro important?

Why is the Velcro important?

Velcro fasteners are used in shoes and clothing to replace buttons, laces, zippers and snaps. It is useful for wall hangers, medical bandages and numerous other fastening purposes.

What advantages does Velcro have over other fasteners?

One of the biggest advantages of Velcro over other fastening technologies is the ease of fastening and removal. All that one needs to do to fasten Velcro is to press the hook panel surface against the loop panel surface. To remove it, one simply pulls back on the surfaces to rip them apart.

Was Velcro an accident?

Velcro (1955) Sixty years ago this year, Velcro was patented. Yet, the ever-popular hook and loop fastener – used the world over for anything from stopping jackets gaping open to preventing cushions from sliding off chairs – was actually the result of a mishap.

What is a Velcro how is it used?

It uses two sides to attach together. One side has miniature hooks whilst the other features loops. When both sides are pressed against each other, the hooks are locked around the loops. The attached sides are then secured, which makes them useful for fastening clothing.

How has Velcro been inspired by nature?

During a bird hunting trip, George de Mestral noticed that burdock burrs clung to his clothes. Further research and experimentation led to the fastening product we know today as Velcro–thanks to the burdock plant and some astute observations.

How was Velcro invented by mistake?

Velcro (1955) In 1955, after taking his dog for a walk in the woods, Swiss electrical engineer George De Mestral found that burrs from the burdock plant had clung to his clothes – as well as to his dog’s fur. And so Velcro – a combination of ‘velvet’ and ‘crochet’ – was invented.

When did Velcro become popular?

Velcro’s popularity Starting in 1968 and on into the 1980s, shoe companies like Puma, Adidas and Reebok integrated Velcro straps onto children’s shoes. By this point, the patent on the hook-and-loop technology had expired and many imitators began to crop up throughout the world.

Are there different strengths of Velcro?

Yes. There are many strengths of VELCRO® Brand material from easily peeled to almost permanent. When you use very strong VELCRO® Brand fastener the cycle life, amount of closures the fastener can experience before it frays, is shorter than a VELCRO® Brand fastener that separates easily.

Was Velcro accidentally invented?

George de Mestral, a Swiss engineer, on a hiking trip through the woods. He found burrs clinging to his pants and also to his dog’s fur. On closer inspection, he found that the burr’s hooks would cling to anything loop-shaped. This accidental discovery led him to invention of hook and loop fasteners.

Where did the invention of Velcro come from?

Velcro History. Velcro was the brainchild of a Swiss engineer named Georges De Mestral. He said that he took a walk in the woods with his dog in 1941 and when he got home, he noticed some burrs that were attached to his trousers and his dog.

When did Georges de Mestral invent the Velcro Fastener?

The invention of Velcro began with an ordinary walk and ended with Georges de Mestral creating this popular hook-and-loop fastener in 1955. The invention of Velcro began with an ordinary walk and ended with Georges de Mestral creating this popular hook-and-loop fastener in 1955.

When did the first Velcro shoelaces come out?

In 1968, Velcro replaced shoelaces for the first time when athletic shoe manufacturer Puma introduced the world’s first sneakers fastened with Velcro. Since then, Velcro fasteners have revolutionized footwear for children. Even the very young are able to independently fasten their own Velcro shoes well before they learn how to tie their laces.

When did Velcro start in the US Army?

Velcro entered the Army market in 2004 via the Army Combat Uniform, a lighter wash-and-wear version of the service’s original battle dress attire.