초록 ▼

A method of forming a fastener is provided, including (a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends; (b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to

A method of forming a fastener is provided, including (a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends; (b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a predetermined softening temperature, while maintaining the sheet-form base and a lower portion of each stem at a temperature lower than the softening temperature; and (c) contacting the terminal ends with a contact surface that is at a predetermined forming temperature, lower than the softening temperature, to deform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base. Fasteners and other methods of forming them are also provided.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of forming a fastener, comprising:(a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends;(b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a soften

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of forming a fastener, comprising:(a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends;(b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a softening temperature, using a non-contact heat source, while maintaining the sheet-form base and a lower portion of each stem at a temperature lower than the softening temperature; and(c) contacting the heated terminal ends with a contact surface that is at a forming temperature, lower than said softening temperature, to deform the heated terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet form base.