TWI836540B - Hook-to-hook fastener and fastener assembly forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

A fastener includes: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base, the plurality of hooks sized to receive a corresponding hook of a plurality of hooks of another fastener; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base, the plurality of ribs sized to receive a corresponding rib of a plurality of ribs of the other fastener.

Description

Method for forming hook-to-hook fastener and fastener assembly

The present invention relates to a fastener assembly that forms an elongated flexible fastener. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fastener for joining mating surfaces of one or more objects (e.g., the opening of a bag for storing perishable items or the roof cover of a pickup truck).

Fastener assemblies including hooks can be used to join two opposing surfaces (e.g., of a clear plastic food storage bag). However, such fastener assemblies, including any "hook-to-hook" fastener assemblies, may lack an adequate sealing function. Inadequate sealing in these and other end uses may result in leakage of the contents of a closed package or other container from the package or container or allow undesired leakage of contaminants and/or air into the package or container. In the case of food storage, such leakage may contribute to food freshness issues. In the case of storage of other items, such leakage may contribute to more rapid deterioration of the stored items.

It should be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. This summary is intended to be considered illustrative and not limiting, and is not intended to identify critical or critical elements of the invention or to delineate its scope. This summary, whose sole purpose is to explain and exemplify certain concepts of the invention, is presented as part of the following full and extensively detailed description.

In one aspect, a fastener assembly is disclosed, which includes: a first fastener a knot; and a second knot configured to face and engage the first knot, each of the first knot and the second knot comprising : a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base, the plurality of hooks defining a longitudinal row of hooks, adjacent hooks of the longitudinal hook row being spaced apart by a spacing measured between the center lines of the adjacent hooks spaced apart and defining a hook receiving area therebetween; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base, the plurality of ribs defining two rows of longitudinal ribs, adjacent ribs of each of the two rows of longitudinal ribs being spaced apart by as much as The row of longitudinal hooks is positioned in a transverse direction between the two rows of longitudinal ribs at a spacing distance measured between the center lines of respective adjacent ribs and defining a rib receiving area therebetween. Each hook receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent hooks of the plurality of hooks of the first fastening member is sized to receive a corresponding hook of the plurality of hooks of the second fastening member. Each rib-receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent ribs of the ribs of the first fastener is sized to receive a corresponding rib of the plurality of ribs of the second fastener. The plurality of hooks of the second fastening member are configured to engage the plurality of hooks of the first fastening member. The plurality of ribs of the second fastening member are configured to engage the plurality of ribs of the first fastening member.

More generally, a fastener assembly is disclosed that includes: a first fastener; and a second fastener configured to face the first fastener and engage with the first fastener. The first fastening part and the second fastening part each include: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base. The plurality of hooks of the second fastening member are configured to engage the plurality of hooks of the first fastening member, and the plurality of ribs of the second fastening member are configured to engage with the first fastening member. The plurality of ribs of the knot are joined together.

In a further aspect, a fastener is disclosed that includes: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base, the plurality of hooks defining a longitudinal row of hooks, adjacent hooks of the longitudinal row of hooks being spaced apart by a spacing distance measured between center lines of the adjacent hooks, the adjacent hooks defining a hook receiving area therebetween, the hook receiving area being sized to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of hooks of another fastener; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base, the plurality of ribs defining two longitudinal rib rows, adjacent ribs of each of the two longitudinal rib rows being spaced apart by a spacing distance measured between center lines of the adjacent ribs, the adjacent ribs defining a rib receiving area therebetween, the longitudinal hook row being positioned between the two longitudinal rib rows in a transverse direction, the rib receiving area being sized to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of ribs of the other fastener.

More generally, a fastener is disclosed, which includes: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base, the plurality of hooks being sized to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of hooks of a second fastener a hook; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base, the plurality of ribs being sized to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of ribs of the second fastener.

In yet another aspect, a method is disclosed that includes joining a second fastener to a first fastener, each of the first fastener and the second fastener including: a base ; A plurality of hooks extending from the base, the plurality of hooks being intermittently positioned in a longitudinal direction of the first fastening member to form a row of hooks, a hook receiving area being formed on the plurality of hooks of the row of hooks between each pair of adjacent hooks; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base, the plurality of ribs being intermittently positioned in the longitudinal direction to form a first row of ribs and a second row of ribs, the first row of ribs and the second row of ribs is positioned respectively on the first and second sides of the hook rows in a transverse direction of the fastener assembly, a rib receiving area is formed between each pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs . Engaging the second fastener member to the first fastener member includes receiving the second fastener within a corresponding hook receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent hooks of the plurality of hooks of the first fastener member. a corresponding hook of a plurality of hooks of the knot; and receiving a plurality of the second fastening member within a corresponding rib receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs of the first fastening member One of the ribs corresponds to the rib.

More generally, a method is disclosed that includes joining a second fastener to the first fastener to form a fastener assembly, the first fastener and the second fastener being Each includes: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base. Engaging the second fastener member to the first fastener member includes receiving the second fastener within a corresponding hook receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent hooks of the plurality of hooks of the first fastener member. one of the plurality of hooks of the knot; and receiving the plurality of the second fastening member within a corresponding rib receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs of the first fastening member One rib, one rib.

The various embodiments described in this invention may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages that may not necessarily be explicitly disclosed herein but will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill after examining the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. All such systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included in this invention and protected by the accompanying patent claims. The features and advantages of these embodiments may be realized and obtained by the systems, methods, features specifically indicated in the accompanying patent claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and the accompanying patent claims, or may be learned by practicing these exemplary embodiments as described below.

5: Details

50: Knot system

60:Storage device

61:Mating surface

62:Matching surface

63: First side surface

64: Second side surface

65: Panel

68:Storage chamber

80: Enclosing shell/container

83a: left wall

83b: Right side wall

85a: Cap

85b: Cap

88: Open mouth

100: Fastener assembly

100a: Fastener assembly

100b: Fastener assembly

110: Buckle

110a: Buckle

110b: Fasteners

200a: Knotting elements/knotting features

200b: Knotting elements/knotting features

300: Panel

301:Outer surface

302:Inner surface

303: first side end

304:Second side end

305: first longitudinal end

310:Center part

350a: Fastener holder

350b: Fastener holder

355a: first end

355b: First end

356a: Second end

356b:Second end

403: Front to back direction/longitudinal direction

404: Left to right direction/side to side direction/horizontal direction

405:First end

406: Second end

410: Base

411: First surface/top surface

412: Second surface/bottom surface

413: first side end

414: Second side

420: Hook element/hook

425:Hook column

430: Rib element/rib

435: Ribs

450: horizontal row

460: horizontal row

470:Pattern/rib-hook-rib pattern

522a: Lateral side

522b: Lateral side

532a: Lateral side

532b: Lateral side

610:Thickness

620: Height/total hook height

630: Height

710: Spacer

805: Vertical direction

820: Double hook element/single hook element

820a: Knot top

820b: Knot top

824:Width

824a:Width

824b:width

826:Hook element height

828: Depression

840:Hook base

842:Side

847:Angle

860:Top extension line

880:Hook receiving area

882:Minimum width

884: Maximum width

886: minimum height

888: Maximum height

898:Height

924: minimum width

928: Maximum width

930: Rib element

930a: Top

935: Chamfer

940: Rib base

942: Side

947:Angle

980: Rib receiving area

982: minimum width

984: Maximum width

1130: Ridge

1180: Slot

1570: Rib-rib-hook-rib-rib pattern

1650:Interval spacing

1660: interval spacing

1750: Interlaced spacing

1760: staggered spacing

2070:Pattern

2201: Axis

3110a: Surface

3110b: Surface

3180: Gap

3220: Overall assembly height

3310: Width

3320: Spacer gap

H: overall height

H1: Height

H2: Height

L: length

R1: Radius

R2:radius

R3: Full radius

R4: Full radius

W: Width

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and are used together with the description to explain various principles of the invention. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For consistency and clarity, corresponding features and components throughout the drawings may be designated by matching component symbols.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a fastening system for a bag including two mating surfaces defining at least a portion of the fastener assembly in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a fastening assembly of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a fastening system including the fastening assembly of FIG. 2 for fixing a roof cover of a vehicle according to another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a side view of a fastener of the fastener assembly of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4B is a second side top perspective view of the fastener of Figure 4A.

Figure 4C is a third side top perspective view of the fastener of Figure 4A.

FIG. 5 is a detailed side view and top view of a fastening member of FIG. 4A obtained from detail 5 of FIG. 4B .

Figure 6 is a side view of the fastening member of Figure 4A.

Figure 7 is an end view or front view of the fastening member of Figure 4A.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a hook row of the fastener of FIG. 4A taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7 , wherein the hook row includes a plurality of double hook elements.

8B is a cross-sectional view of a hook array of the fastener of FIG. 4A taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7, wherein the hook array includes a plurality of double hook elements, according to another aspect of the present invention.

8C is a cross-sectional view of a hook array of the fastener of FIG. 4A taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7, wherein the hook array includes a plurality of double hook elements, according to another aspect of the present invention.

8D is a cross-sectional view of a hook array of the fastener of FIG. 4A taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7, wherein the hook array includes a plurality of single hook elements in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 8E is a cross-sectional view of a hook row of the fastener of FIG. 4A taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the hook row includes a plurality of single hook elements.

FIG. 8F is a cross-sectional view of a hook row of the fastener of FIG. 4A taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the hook row includes a plurality of double hook elements.

Figure 9A is a side view of a rib array of the fastener of Figure 4A taken along line 9-9 of Figure 7, wherein the rib array includes a plurality of substantially trapezoidal rib elements.

FIG. 9B is a side view of a rib row of the fastener of FIG. 4A taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7 according to another aspect of the present invention, wherein the rib row includes a plurality of substantially rectangular rib elements.

FIG. 9C is a side view of a rib row of the fastener of FIG. 4A taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rib row includes a plurality of trapezoidal rib elements.

FIG. 9D is a side view of a rib row of the fastener of FIG. 4A taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7 according to another aspect of the present invention, wherein the rib row includes a plurality of substantially trapezoidal and chamfered rib elements.

9E is a side view of a rib array of the fastener of FIG. 4A taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7, wherein the rib array includes a plurality of triangular rib elements, according to another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 9F is a side view of a rib row of the fastener of FIG. 4A taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rib row includes a plurality of substantially rounded or chamfered rib elements.

Figure 10 is a side top perspective view of a fastener of the fastener assembly of Figure 1 according to another aspect of the present invention, in which the double hook elements of Figure 8A are arranged in both the transverse and longitudinal directions of the fastener. These alternate with the rows of substantially trapezoidal and chamfered rib elements of Figure 9D.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a fastener of the fastener assembly of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rows of double hook elements of FIG. 8A alternate with the rows of substantially trapezoidal and substantially rectangular and ridged rib elements in both the transverse and longitudinal directions of the fastener.

Figure 12 is a side view of the fastening member of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is an end view or front view of the fastener of Figure 11.

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of a fastener assembly including two matching examples of the fasteners of FIG. 11 .

Figure 15 is a side top perspective view of a fastener of the fastener assembly of Figure 1 according to another aspect of the present invention, in which the row of double hook elements of Figure 8A and the substantially trapezoidal rib element of Figure 9A Columns alternate.

Figure 16 is a side view of a fastener of the fastener assembly of Figure 1 according to another aspect of the present invention. Looking at the top perspective view, the rows of single hook elements of Figure 8E alternate with the rows of substantially trapezoidal rib elements of Figure 9A.

FIG. 17 is a side elevational top view of a fastener of the fastener assembly of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rows of double hook elements of FIG. 8A alternate with the rows of substantially trapezoidal rib elements of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of a fastener of the fastener assembly of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rows of double hook elements of FIG. 8A alternate with the rows of substantially rectangular rib elements of FIG. 9B .

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of a fastener of the fastener assembly of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rows of double hook elements of FIG. 8A alternate with the rows of substantially trapezoidal rib elements of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 20 is a side elevational top view of a fastener of the fastener assembly of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rows of double hook elements of FIG. 8A alternate with the rows of substantially trapezoidal rib elements of FIG. 9A.

Figure 21 is a side top perspective view of a fastener of the fastener assembly of Figure 1 according to another aspect of the present invention, in which the row of double hook elements of Figure 8A and the substantially trapezoidal rib element of Figure 9A Columns alternate.

FIG. 22 is a side elevational top view of a fastener of the fastener assembly of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rows of circular hook elements alternate with the rows of substantially trapezoidal rib elements of FIG. 9A .

Figure 23 is a side top perspective view of a fastener of the fastener assembly of Figure 1 according to another aspect of the present invention, in which the row of double hook elements of Figure 8A and the substantially trapezoidal rib element of Figure 9A Columns alternate.

Figure 24 is a side view of the fastener of Figure 23.

Figure 25 is an end view or front view of the fastener of Figure 23.

FIG. 26 is a side perspective view of a fastener assembly including two matching examples of the fasteners of FIGS. 4A to 4C .

Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of one of the hook rows of each of the two mating examples of the fasteners of the fastener assembly of Figure 26, taken along line 27-27 of Figure 26 and wherein the fastener assembly into an unassembled condition.

Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of the hook array of the fastener assembly of Figure 26 taken along line 27-27 of Figure 26 with the fastener assembly in an assembled condition.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a rib row of each of two mating examples of the fastener of the fastener assembly of FIG. 26 taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 26 and wherein the fastener assembly is in an unassembled condition.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the ribs of the fastener assembly of FIG. 26 taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 26 and wherein the fastener assembly is in a near-assembled state.

Figure 31 is a side view of the fastener assembly of Figure 26 in an unassembled condition.

FIG. 32 is a side view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 26 in an assembled state.

FIG. 33 is an end view or front view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 26 in an assembled state.

The present invention may be more easily understood by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and scope of the invention application and the same prior and following descriptions. However, before disclosing and describing the present device, system and/or method, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific device, system and/or method disclosed, unless otherwise specified, as such may of course vary. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific aspects only and are not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the device, system, and/or method in one of its best currently known aspects. To this end, those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that many changes may be made in the various aspects described herein and still obtain the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be understood that some of the desirable benefits of the present invention may be obtained by selecting some features of the invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations of the invention are possible and even desirable in certain circumstances and are part of the invention. Accordingly, the following description is provided as an illustration of the principles of the invention and not as a limitation thereof.

When used throughout, the singular forms "a/an" and "the" include the plural referent unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to a number of a particular element may include two or more such elements unless context dictates otherwise. Additionally, any element described herein can be a first such element, a second such element, etc. (e.g., a first interface toolset and a second interface toolset, even if only an "interface toolset" is mentioned ).

Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations by using the antecedent "about" or "substantially," it is understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It is further understood that the endpoints of each range are both significant relative to and independent of the other endpoint.

For purposes of this invention, a material property or dimension measured on a particular measurement scale of about X or substantially A range between tolerances under an industry standard. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes, and between models, the tolerance of a specific measurement of a specific component can fall within a tolerance range.

As used herein, the term "optional" or "optional" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and the description includes instances in which the event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not occur.

As used herein, the word "or" means any member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. As used herein, the phrase "at least one of A and B" means "only A, only B, or both A and B", and the phrase "one of A and B" means "A or B".

In order to simplify the description of various elements disclosed herein, the conventions of “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “inside,” “outside,” “inner,” “outer,” “horizontal,” and/or “vertical” may be used. Unless otherwise stated, "front" describes the end of a hitch system that is closest to an end of the hitch joint, and in the case of a hitch system on a vehicle, the end that is closer to a front or portion thereof of the vehicle; "rear" describes the end of the hitch assembly or vehicle that is opposite or distal to the front; "left side" refers to the left side or facing the left side of a person looking down in a longitudinal direction along the fastener assembly (with the fastening elements of the fastener assembly facing upward) or a person positioned inside the vehicle and facing the front of the vehicle, and "right side" refers to the right side or facing the right side of a person looking down in a longitudinal direction along the fastener assembly (with the fastening elements of the fastener assembly facing upward) or a person positioned inside the vehicle and facing the front of the vehicle. "Horizontal" or "horizontal orientation" describes orientation in a plane extending from left to right and aligned with the horizon. "Vertical" or "vertical orientation" describes orientation in a plane that is at a 90-degree angle to the horizontal.

In one aspect, a fastener and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatuses are disclosed herein. In one aspect, the fastener may include: a plurality of fastening features, which may be hooks; and a plurality of sealing features, which may be ribs. Two identical or otherwise mating instances of the fastener may be joined to form a fastener assembly.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a fastening system 50 according to one aspect of the present invention. In some aspects, the fastening system 50 may include a storage device 60, which may be or may include an enclosure, such as (for example and without limitation) a bag or other container. As shown, the storage device 60 may be a storage bag for food packaging. The storage device 60 may define mating surfaces 61, 62 that may be partially engaged with a fastener assembly 100. When the fastener assembly 100 is in an assembled state, a storage cavity 68 defined by the storage device 60 may itself be defined, protected and sealed away from and protected from an environment external to the storage device 60 (i.e., the environment to which an outer surface of the storage device is exposed during normal use). The storage device 60 may define: a first side surface 63, which may be an inner surface; and a second side surface 64, which may be the outer surface mentioned above. The first side surface 63 may define or may include mating surfaces 61, 62, and in the assembled state of the fastener assembly 100, the mating surfaces 61, 62 may face each other. The fastener assembly 100 may include fasteners 110a, 110b, each of which may be a fastener strip or a fastener track.

Storage device 60 may include one or more panels 65 that may be flexible or rigid. The material or materials forming panel 65 may define a thickness measured between first side surface 63 and second side surface 64 . The material(s) may be anything thick or thin, opaque or translucent, rigid or flexible. For example and without limitation, the material forming a bag may itself be formed from a plastic resin or a cellulosic material.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the fastener assembly 100 of FIG. 1 according to another aspect of the present invention. As shown, the fastener assembly 100 may include a material that is flexible enough to allow the fasteners 110a, 110b to flex or bend relative to each other. Each of the fasteners 110a, 110b of the fastener assembly 100 may include a fastener element or fastening feature 200a, 200b, and the fastener feature 200a of the fastener 110a may be configured to engage the fastener. The fastening feature 200b of 110b. In some aspects, the knot features 200b of the fastener 110b can define the knots of the fastener 110a. One of the features 200a is the same or at least mirrors the pattern, and in the latter case a mirror may extend halfway between the fasteners 110a, 110b in a straight, parallel and unassembled condition .

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a fastener system 50 including fastener assemblies 100 a and 100 b each corresponding to the fastener assembly 100 of FIG. 2 according to another aspect of the present invention. In some aspects, as shown, the fastener assembly 100 (and more specifically, the fastener assemblies 100a, 100b) can secure a panel 300 over an opening 88 that, in some aspects, 88 may be defined by an enclosure or container 80 . Panel 300 may be a cover, such as, for example and without limitation, a roof cover for a vehicle. Opening 88 may be any opening in container 80 (which may be a vehicle or other object or a portion thereof), such as, for example and without limitation, opening 88 defined by an open bed of a pickup truck. The presently disclosed fastener assemblies 100a, 100b may be incorporated into one of the fastening systems shown and described in further detail in U.S. Patent No. 9,924,765 to Coronel, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. middle. In some aspects, the sealing function provided by the mating ribs 430 of the fastener assembly 100 may prevent water from intruding into the container 80 (eg, the bed of a truck).

In addition to using panel 300 as a roof cover to cover a truck cabin as shown, such a panel 300 may also be used, for example and without limitation, as a roof cover to cover a stored (i.e., retracted and optionally hidden) convertible top assembly on a vehicle having a lowerable or removable top, as a cover on a vehicle having an open top (such as a JEEP type vehicle), as a weatherboard, spray shield or bimini top on a boat (such as a sailboat) to cover a portion of the cockpit, as a fitness mat stored on a wall, as a canopy, as a cushion, as a curtain, or as a vertical pad in an elevator.

The fastening system 50 may further include a fastening member holder 350a, 350b, the fastening member holder 350a, 350b including a first end 355a, 355b and a second end 356a, 356b, respectively. The container 80 may include one or more side walls, such as (for example and without limitation) a left side wall 83a and a right side wall 83b. Each of the side walls 83a, 83b may include a respective cap 85a, 85b. In some embodiments, the caps 85a, 85b may be received at the top of the side walls 83a, 83b, respectively. In another embodiment, no cap is required on either of the side walls 83a, 83b.

The panel 300 may include an outer surface 301, an inner surface 302, a first side end 303, a second side end 304, a first longitudinal end 305, and a second longitudinal end distal to or opposite to the first longitudinal end. (not shown) and a center portion 310. Panel 300 may include fasteners 110b that may secure panel 300 to fasteners 110a to form separate fastener assemblies 100a, 100b on any one or more sides of container 80. Panel 300 may be made of, for example and without limitation, a fabric, a polymer, a leather-based product, or a composite of several of these or any other material, and may be insulating or non-insulating, reinforced or non-reinforced , woven or non-woven.

The fasteners 110a, 110b and more generally the fastener assemblies 100, 100a, 100b may be used in any of a number of end uses not limited to the examples disclosed herein. In some aspects, for example and without limitation, the fastener assembly 100 may be used in other forms of packaging, such as at the entrance or other opening of a bag used to store perishable items, at an interface between a container and a lid thereof, in waterproof storage bags made of a fabric or other material used in a marine environment, and even to attach one object to another, such as, for example and without limitation, to attach an object to a vertical surface, without having to close or seal to an opening of a storage cavity in the process.

FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C show a fastener 110 corresponding to the fasteners 110a, 110b of the fastener assembly 100 of FIG. 1 according to another aspect of the present invention. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C are three separate side top perspective views of the fastener 110, and FIG. 5 is a detailed side top perspective view of the fastener 110 of FIG. 4A obtained from detail 5 of FIG. 4B. Not only with respect to this particular feature or description but also with respect to other features described herein, the fastener 110 and by extension, the fasteners 110a, 110b may include a base 410, a plurality of hook elements or hooks 420 (more generally, they may be fastening features) and a plurality of rib elements or ribs 430 (more generally, they may be sealing features). Although a hook-to-hook fastener assembly is used in packaging or other products, such an assembly generally provides little to no sealing functionality. As mentioned in the discussion of the prior art above, inadequate sealing in these and other end uses can result in leakage of the contents of a closed package or other container from the package or container or allow undesired leakage of contaminants and/or air into the package or container. In contrast, use of the fastener assembly 100 disclosed herein can improve food freshness or otherwise reduce the rate at which stored items deteriorate.

The base 410 can define a first or top surface 411 and a second or bottom surface 412 (shown in FIG. 6 ). In a front-to-back or longitudinal direction 403, the base 410 and, more generally, the fastener 110 can define a first end 405 and a second end 406. In a left-to-right, side-to-side or transverse direction 404, the base 410 and, more generally, the fastener 110 can define a first side end 413 and a second side end 414. In some aspects, a length L of the fastener 110 in the longitudinal direction 403 can be similar or the same as a width W of the fastener 110 in the transverse direction 404. In other aspects, the length L can be greater than the width W. In some embodiments, for example, the length L may be twice as large as the width W; in some embodiments, the length L may be five times as large as the width W; in some embodiments, the length L may be 10 times as large as the width W; and in some embodiments, the length L may be twenty or more times as large as the width W. In other embodiments, the length L may be less than the width W. As shown, the transverse direction 404 may correspond to a Y-axis direction, the longitudinal direction 403 may correspond to an X-axis direction, and a vertical or normal direction of the fastener 110 may correspond to a Z-axis direction.

The plurality of hooks 420 can extend from and away from the base 410 . More specifically Thus, each of the plurality of hooks 420 may extend from the base 410 and may be tilted at an angle (eg, at 90 degrees) relative to a surface of the base 410 such as, for example and without limitation, top surface 411 . A plurality of hooks 420 may be intermittently placed or positioned in the longitudinal direction 403 of the fastener 110 to form a hook row 425 . More specifically, the plurality of hooks 420 may form a longitudinal hook row 425 , that is, a hook row 425 extending in the longitudinal direction 403 . It should be noted that for the sake of clarity, only a portion of the hook row 425 is labeled in Figure 4 and in subsequent figures.

Similarly, a plurality of ribs 430 (which may be walls) may extend from and away from the base 410. More specifically, each of the plurality of ribs 430 may extend from the base 410 and may be inclined at an angle (e.g., at 90 degrees) relative to a surface of the base 410 (such as, for example and without limitation, the top surface 411). The plurality of ribs 430 may be intermittently placed or positioned in the longitudinal direction 403 of the fastener 110 to form a rib row 435. More specifically, the plurality of ribs 430 may form a first rib row 435 and a second rib row 435. In some embodiments, the first rib row 435 and the second rib row 435 can be positioned on first and second transverse sides, respectively, of a longitudinal row of hooks, such as (for example and without limitation) row of hooks 425, or can be offset in the transverse direction 404 from a row of hooks, such as row of hooks 425. As shown, a center or line of symmetry of each rib 430 in row 435 and a center or line of symmetry of each hook 420 in row 425 can be aligned along the transverse direction 404. It should be noted that for clarity, only a portion of the rib row 435 is labeled in FIG. 4A and in subsequent figures.

As will be described below, various patterns of hooks 420 and ribs 430 may repeat across the fastener 110 in either the longitudinal direction 403 or the transverse direction 404 or both. In some aspects, as shown in Figures 4A-4C and 11, a longitudinal row of hooks 425 and a pattern 470 of longitudinal rib rows 435 on either lateral side thereof (shown in Figure 4C) can be spanned Knot 110 repeats in transverse direction 404. For example, fastener 110 may include multiple instances of a pattern, such as, for example and without limitation, pattern 470 across fastener 110 . In some forms, a Additional longitudinal hook rows 425 may separate hooks 420 and other adjacent patterns 470 of ribs 430. In some aspects, the hooks 420 of the hook row 425 may be offset in the longitudinal direction 403 from a position adjacent the nearest hook 420 of the hook row 425 and from a position adjacent the nearest rib 430 of the rib row 435 . In some aspects, the rows of hooks 425 may be offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction 403 and relative to the hooks 420 and ribs 430 of the pattern 470 . Thus, in some aspects, a lateral row 450 formed by the hooks 420 of the spaced longitudinal hook rows 425 may be offset in the longitudinal direction 403 by a lateral row 460 formed by the ribs 430 of the spaced longitudinal rib rows 435 . In some aspects, an additional longitudinal rib 435 may be positioned on a lateral edge of the fastener 110 proximate the second side end 414 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , each of the plurality of hooks 420 may include transverse sides 522a, 522b (522b is shown in FIG. 7 ), and each of the plurality of ribs 430 may include transverse sides 532a, 532b (532b is shown in FIG. 7 ).

FIG. 6 is a side view of the fastener 110 of FIG. 4A . In some embodiments, as shown, a thickness 610 of the base 410 may be constant. In some embodiments, as shown, an overall height H of the fastener 110 as measured from the bottom surface 412 to the top of the plurality of hooks 420 or to the top of the plurality of ribs 430 may be constant. As shown, a height 620 of the plurality of hooks 420 and a height 630 of the plurality of ribs 430 may be constant. In some embodiments, as shown, a height 620 of the plurality of hooks 420 may be equal to a height 630 of the plurality of ribs 430.

Figure 7 is an end view or front view of the fastener 110 of Figure 4A. Although the substrate is shown as a "sandwich" of a plurality of individual material layers, fastener 110 (and more specifically, substrate 410) may in some aspects be monolithic, meaning that substrate 410 is formed into A single component of a single material without joints or seams. A portion of the base 410 extending in the transverse direction 404 between adjacent columns 425, 435 may contain or define spacers 710.

Figure 8A is a view of the hook array of the fastener 110 of Figure 4A taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7 425 One cross-sectional view. In some aspects, each of the plurality of hooks 420 of the hook row 425 may include a dual hook element 820 that may define a palm tree shape. More specifically, each hook 420 may include a dual hook element 820 that may define one or more knot tips 820a, 820b and a vertical portion or hook base 840. As used herein, a "hook" may be one that extends in one or both of the longitudinal direction 403 and the transverse direction 404 toward and toward one end 405, 406, 413, 414 of the fastener 110 (all shown in Figure 4A). On capturing or locking on a mating shape defined in a mating second fastener 110 or another fastener, such as, for example and without limitation, the "loop" side of a hook and loop fastener. Any shape of the top(s) 820a, 820b. In some aspects, each of the top ends 820a, 820b of the corresponding hook element 820 may extend laterally from the hook base 840 of the hook 420 when viewed from the side (eg, as shown or from another side view). In some aspects, the hook 420 may define an undercut, i.e., conceal a groove or other geometric shape when the fastener 110 is viewed from above along a vertical direction 805 , which may be oriented relative to the base 410 Tilt 90 degrees. As shown, one or more sides 842 of hook base 840 may be inclined at an angle 847 relative to a surface of base 410, such as, for example and without limitation, top surface 411, when viewed from the side. In some aspects, as shown, angle 847 may be measured between 0 and 90 degrees. In some aspects, angle 847 may be measured between 0 and 45 degrees. In some aspects, angle 847 may measure 20 degrees. In some aspects, angle 847 may measure zero degrees, and side 842 of hook base 840 may extend in vertical direction 805 when fastener 110 is oriented in a horizontal direction.

Each pair of adjacent hooks 420 of a hook row, such as, for example and without limitation, hook row 425, may define a hook receiving area 880 therebetween. As also illustratively shown in FIG. 28 , each hook receiving area 880 may be sized to receive a corresponding hook 420 of a plurality of hooks 420 of a second fastener 110 . More specifically, a minimum width 882 of the hook receiving area 880 in the longitudinal direction 403 (which may correspond to a minimum distance between adjacent hooks 420 in the same direction) may be smaller than the hook width 882 . A maximum width 884 of the receiving area 880 in the same direction is less than a corresponding maximum distance between adjacent hooks 420 in the same direction. Similarly, a minimum height 886 of the hook-receiving area 880 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 403 (which may correspond to a minimum distance between each hook 420 and the top surface 411 of the base 410 ) may be smaller than the hook-receiving area 880 A maximum height 888 is less than a corresponding maximum distance between the same hook 420 and the top surface 411 in the same direction. Each hook 420 itself (and more specifically, each hook element 820 ) may define a width 824 . Thereby, the fastener 110 may at least partially define a ratio between the width 824 of the hook 420 and the minimum width 882 of the hook receiving area 880 and a ratio between the width 824 of the hook 420 and the maximum width 884 of the hook receiving area 880 . Each hook 420 (and more specifically, each hook element 820 ) may define a hook element height 826 and an overall hook height 620 and thereby at least partially define a distance between the heights 826 , 620 and the minimum height 886 of the hook receiving area 880 . Ratio and height 826, 620 and the maximum height 888 of the hook receiving area 880. In some aspects, as shown, at least a portion of each hook 420 (such as hook base 840 ) can taper from hook base 840 and toward hook element 820 such that a minimum width of the portion of hook 420 is less than the minimum width of hook 420 . Part one of the maximum width.

In some aspects, hook receiving area 880 may extend to a height at which minimum width 882 is measured. In some aspects, the hook receiving area 880 may extend to an outermost portion of the hook 420 or a portion of the height 620 of the hook 420 as measured therefrom. Each hook 420 may define a notch, valley or depression 828 between adjacent tips 820a, 820b. The inner and outer edges of each hook 420 may define radii R1 and R2 respectively, which may improve the functionality (including assembly and disassembly) and/or durability of the fastener assembly 100 (shown in FIG. 1 ). In some aspects, as shown, including when the fastener 110 is in a horizontal orientation, the hook element 820 can be symmetrical about a vertical centerline thereof.

8B is a cross-sectional view of the hook array 425 of the fastener 110 of FIG. 4A taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. As shown, a column (such as (e.g. Without limitation, each of the plurality of hooks 420 of the hook array 425 may include a double hook element 820 that defines a shape that is different from the shape shown in Figure 8A but may also define a palm tree shape. As shown, the ratio between the height 826 of the hook elements 820 and the respective heights 886, 888 of the hook receiving areas 880 may be smaller compared to the hook row 425 shown in Figure 8A. As also shown, angle 847 can be smaller. More specifically, angle 847 may be less than 20 degrees. As also shown, radius R2 can be smaller, ie, tips 820a, 820b can be less rounded.

FIG8C is a cross-sectional view of a hook row 425 of the fastener of FIG4A taken along line 8-8 of FIG7 according to another aspect of the invention. As shown, each of a plurality of hooks 420 of a hook row (such as, for example and without limitation, hook row 425) can include a double hook element 820 defining a shape that is different from the shapes shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B and can at least partially define a relative "J" shape. As shown, a height 898 of a recess 828 defined in hook 420 can be measured to be close to or even at the height 620 of hook 420. As shown, the ratio between the width 824 of the hook element 820 and the respective widths 882, 884 of the hook receiving area 880 can be greater than the hook array 425 shown in FIG. 8A. In some embodiments, the width 824 of the hook 420 can be greater than one or both of the widths 882, 884 of the hook receiving area 880. In some embodiments, the hook element 820 (and more specifically, the top ends 820a, 820b) can be sized and otherwise configured to bend around a respective hook base 840 during and, in some embodiments, even after assembly of the fastener 110 to a second fastener 110 having the same or other mating geometry. As also shown, the radius R2 can be larger, i.e., the top ends 820a, 820b can be more rounded.

8D is a cross-sectional view of the hook array 425 of the fastener 110 of FIG. 4A taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. As shown, each of the plurality of hooks 420 of a hook row, such as, for example and without limitation, hook row 425, may include a single hook element 820, which may define one or more of the aforementioned characteristics of the hook 420. And can define a "J" shape. However, In some aspects, a width 824a of hook element 820 may include a width of hook base 840 of hook 420. In other aspects, a width 824b of the hook element 820 may be measured at a top extension 860 of the hook element 820 of the hook 420 . As shown, tip extension line 860 may extend in longitudinal direction 403 through a portion of tip 820a that extends furthest in longitudinal direction 403 .

8E is a cross-sectional view of the hook array 425 of the fastener 110 of FIG. 4A taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. As shown, each of the plurality of hooks 420 of a hook row, such as, for example and without limitation, hook row 425, may include a single hook element 820, which may be different than the single hook element shown in Figure 8D but Hook 420 may still define one or more of the aforementioned characteristics and may define a "J" shape. As shown, an extension of the top end 820a of each of the plurality of hooks 420 may be more pronounced than that shown in Figure 8D.

8F is a cross-sectional view of the hook array 425 of the fastener 110 of FIG. 4A taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. As shown, the hook element 820 of each of the plurality of hooks 420 may define a mushroom or bulb shape. In some aspects, as shown, the bulbous shape may be visible from only a single direction, ie, each of the plurality of hooks 420 may have the disclosed two-dimensional shape in only one plane. In some aspects, as shown in Figure 22, the bulbous shape may be visible from multiple directions or even all directions. In some aspects, a height H2 of the bulbous shape or bulbous portion of the hook element 820 in a direction extending away from the base 410 may be greater than or equal to a height H1 of a portion of the hook 420 extending between the bulbous portion and the base 410 .

FIG. 9A is a side view of the array of ribs 435 of the fastener 110 of FIG. 4A taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7. As shown, the array of ribs 430 may include a plurality of substantially trapezoidal rib elements 930. Each of the plurality of rib elements 930 and more generally, each of the ribs 430 may include a rib base 940 and a top end 930a. As used herein, a "rib" may be any shape of a rib element 930 that extends away from the base 410 of the fastener 110. Each of the ribs 430 may tend to seal against a mating shape defined in a mating second fastener 110. More specifically, each of the ribs 430 may be configured to interfit or seal with its own inverted member. In some aspects, when viewed from the side (as shown or from another side angle), each of the top ends 930a can extend perpendicularly from the rib base 940 of the rib 430. As viewed from the side, as shown, one or more sides 942 of the rib base 940 can be inclined at an angle 947 relative to a surface of the base 410 (such as (for example and without limitation) the top surface 411). In some aspects, as shown, the angle 947 can be measured between 0 and 90 degrees. In some aspects, the angle 947 can be measured between 0 and 45 degrees. In some aspects, the angle 947 can be measured at 20 degrees. In some aspects, the angle 947 can be measured at 16 degrees. In some embodiments, angle 947 can be measured as zero degrees, in which case side 942 of rib base 940 can extend in vertical direction 805 when fastener 110 is oriented in a horizontal direction. In some embodiments, hook 420 and corresponding hook receiving area 880 can be sized to define a gap therebetween to promote smooth interengagement of mating fasteners 110a, 110b (shown in FIG. 2). Similarly, rib 430 and a corresponding rib receiving area 980 can be sized to define a gap therebetween to promote smooth interengagement of mating fasteners 110a, 110b.

Each pair of adjacent ribs 430 of a rib row, such as, for example and without limitation, rib row 435, may define a rib-receiving area 980 therebetween. As also schematically shown in FIG. 32 , each rib receiving area 980 may be sized to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of ribs 430 of a second fastener 110 . More specifically, a minimum width 982 of the rib receiving area 980 in the longitudinal direction 403 (which may correspond to a minimum distance between adjacent ribs 430 in the same direction) may be less than a maximum width 984 of the rib receiving area 980 in the same direction. And less than a corresponding maximum distance between adjacent ribs 430 in the same direction. Each rib 430 itself (and more specifically, each rib element 930 ) may define a minimum width 924 and a maximum width 928 . Thereby, the fastener 110 may at least partially define a ratio between the width 924, 928 of each rib 430 and the respective width 982, 984 of the rib receiving area 980. Each rib 430 may define a height 630 that may be equal to a depth or height of the rib receiving area 980 .

Each rib 430 may thereby define a 1:1 ratio between the height 630 of the rib 430 and the height of the rib receiving area 980. In some aspects, a ratio between any one or more portions of a rib 430 of a first fastener 110 and a corresponding rib receiving area 980 of a second fastener 110 may be 1:1 to ensure a tight seal therebetween. In such aspects, during assembly, the rib 430 may fit tightly into the corresponding rib receiving area 980. In some aspects, the rib 430 may be slightly smaller to allow for tolerances or to allow for a seal to exist in a gap 3180 (shown in FIG. 31 ) between two fasteners 110. In some embodiments, as shown, each rib 430 may be tapered from the rib base 940 and toward the top end 930a such that the minimum width 924 of the rib 430 is less than the maximum width 928 of the rib 430.

In some aspects, the rib receiving area 980 can extend to a height at which the height 630 is measured. In some aspects, as shown, each of the edges or sides of each rib 430 can be straight. In some aspects, each rib 430 or a portion thereof can define a notch, valley or depression (not shown) or an otherwise non-straight or rounded portion. The inner and outer edges of each rib 430 can define radii R1 and R2, respectively, which can improve the function (including assembly and disassembly) and/or durability of the fastener assembly 100 (shown in FIG. 1 ). Where one or more portions of the hook 420 or rib 430 define a radius or other edge treatment, dimensions thereof (such as, for example and without limitation, the various widths 924, 928, 982, 984 of the rib 430) may be measured to the intersection of the edges of the rib 430. In some embodiments, including when the fastener 110 is in a horizontal orientation, as shown, the rib element 930 may be symmetrical about a vertical centerline thereof.

FIG. 9B is a side view of the rib array 435 of the fastener 110 of FIG. 4A taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7 according to another aspect of the present invention. As shown, the rib array 435 may include a plurality of substantially rectangular rib elements 930. In some aspects, the rib array 435 may include rectangular rib elements 930. In some aspects, the rectangular shape of each rib 430 may also be a square shape.

Figure 9C is a diagram taken along line 9-9 of Figure 7 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. 4A is a side view of the ribs 435 of the fastener 110. As shown, rib row 435 may include a plurality of trapezoidal rib elements 930 .

9D is a side view of the ribs 435 of the fastener 110 of FIG. 4A taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. As shown, rib array 435 may include a plurality of substantially trapezoidal and chamfered rib elements 930 . Each rib element 930 may accordingly define a chamfer 935 on one or more edges thereof. In some aspects, as shown, a portion of each rib 430 can be larger than the corresponding rib receiving area 980 and/or the edges of the ribs 430 can define a non-90 degree angle relative to the sides 532a, 532b (shown as 532b in Figure 7). An interference involving/or overlapping assembly is allowed. More specifically, edges of ribs 430 , such as, for example and without limitation, chamfer 935 surfaces, may cause ribs 430 to taper in longitudinal direction 403 . This taper may prevent the fasteners 110a, 110b from moving relative to each other in the lateral direction 404 (shown in FIG. 7) and thereby keep the fasteners 110a, 110b aligned and not relative to each other in the lateral direction 404. Move.

9E is a side view of the ribs 435 of the fastener 110 of FIG. 4A taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. As shown, rib array 435 may include a plurality of triangular rib elements 930 .

FIG. 9F is a side view of the rib array 435 of the fastener 110 of FIG. 4A taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7 according to another aspect of the present invention, wherein the rib array 435 includes a plurality of substantially rounded or chamfered rib elements 930. As shown, each rib 430 and rib receiving area 980 may respectively define full radii R3, R4 that may be equal in size to each other.

According to some technical definitions, a shape that would otherwise be a trapezoid, rectangle, or some other shape is attributable to the presence of a fillet or chamfer or other edge treatment, due to the absence of which the shape merges into an adjacent portion of a structure One side or due to (several) modifications other than a trapezoid, rectangle or other shape. When a shape is described herein as "substantially" a trapezoid, a rectangle, or a When other shapes are used, it is intended and prudent to consider such modified shapes to be included in the definition. To the extent that a modification of a shape is so slight as to be imperceptible, it is intended and carefully considered that such shape is incorporated into the definition of shape with or without the use of the conditional term "substantially" as a qualifier. . Just as the fastener 110 shown in Figure 9C can be formed by truncating the triangular rib elements 930 of the fastener 110 shown in Figure 9E, other shapes contemplated include truncated and non-truncated forms and those disclosed herein. Other modified versions of the shape.

FIG. 10 is a side top perspective view of the fastener 110 of the fastener assembly 100 of FIG. 1 according to another aspect of the present invention. As shown, the rows of double hook elements 820 of Figure 8A alternate in both the transverse direction 404 and the longitudinal direction 403 of the fastener 110 with the rows of substantially trapezoidal and chamfered rib elements 930 of Figure 9D. As shown similarly in Figures 4A-4C, a pattern 470 of one longitudinal row of hooks 425 and one row of longitudinal ribs 435 on either lateral side thereof (i.e., a rib-hook-rib pattern) may span the fastener. 110 repeats in the transverse direction 404. In some aspects, as shown, adjacent patterns 470 may share a common row of ribs 435 (ie, in a rib-hook-rib-hook-rib pattern). In some aspects, as shown, the hooks 420 of the hook row 425 may translate relative to the ribs 430 of the rib row 435. Thus, in some aspects, a lateral row 450 formed by the hooks 420 of the spaced longitudinal hook rows 425 may be offset in the longitudinal direction 403 by a lateral row 460 formed by the ribs 430 of the spaced longitudinal rib rows 435 .

11-14 show a fastener 110 of the fastener assembly 100 of FIG. 1 according to another aspect of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a side top perspective view of the fastener 110, FIG. 12 is a side view of the fastener 110, FIG. 13 is an end or front view of the fastener 110, and FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of the fastener assembly 100 including two mating examples of the fasteners 110a, 110b of FIG. 11. As similarly shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, a pattern 470 of a longitudinal row of hooks 425 and a longitudinal row of ribs 435 on either lateral side thereof (i.e., a rib-hook-rib pattern) may be repeated across the fastener 110 in the lateral direction 404. Again, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C , the longitudinal hook array 425 may be offset in the longitudinal direction 403 relative to the hooks 420 and ribs 430 in the pattern 470. As shown here and in FIG. 9B , each rib 430 may be substantially rectangular.

As also shown, each rib 430 may be ridged. More specifically, each rib 430 may include a protrusion or ridge 1130 . In some aspects, ridge 1130 may extend from a tip 930a defined at one end of rib 430, which may be parallel to and opposite where rib 430 extends from base 410. In some aspects, particularly if the two mating fastener assemblies 100 are not identical, the ridge 1130 may extend from one or more other ends of the rib 430 . More specifically, the ridges 1130 of the respective ribs 430 of the first fastener 110 may extend into the grooves 1180 defined in the respective ribs 430 of the second fastener 110 . In some aspects, ridge 1130 may define a radius at a leading edge to facilitate insertion into slot 1180 of mating fastener 110 . The ridge 1130 may have a thickness in the transverse direction 404 that is less than the thickness of the rib 430 in the same direction. Ridge 1130 may be centered in lateral direction 404. In some aspects, a groove or channel 1180 may be defined in each rib receiving area 980 and may be sized, positioned, and otherwise configured to form a fastener when two mating fasteners 110 are assembled. Ridge 1130 is received during assembly 100 (shown in Figure 14). The groove 1180 may have a thickness in the transverse direction 404 that is less than the thickness of the rib 430 in the same direction. The thickness of groove 1180 in transverse direction 404 may match the thickness of ridge 1130 in transverse direction 404 .

Figure 14 shows the fastener assembly 100. Engagement of the plurality of ridges 1130 formed in a first fastening member 110 and the plurality of grooves 1180 (shown in FIG. 11 ) defined in a second fastening member 110b may facilitate the movement of the second fastening member 110b relative to the second fastening member 110b. A fastener 110a is securely positioned in particular in the transverse direction 404 because the engagement of the ridges 1130 and the grooves 1180 will lock the two fasteners 110a, 110b in a position relative to each other in the transverse direction 404.

15-21 illustrate the fastener 110 of the fastener assembly 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present invention in which a plurality of longitudinal rib rows 435 are positioned on any of one or more longitudinal hook rows 425. Laterally on the side. Figure 15 is a side top perspective view of a fastener 110 according to another aspect of the present invention. As shown, a plurality of ribs 430 may extend from the base 410 and form multiple instances of a rib-hook-rib pattern 470 (shown in detail in FIG. 4C ) that may repeat in the lateral direction 404 across the fastener 110 . The fastener 110 may include a plurality of adjacent ribs 435, including when an additional rib 435 is added at the lateral end of the fastener 110. In some aspects, fastener 110 may include a rib-rib-hook-rib-rib pattern 1570 with two or more longitudinal rib rows 435 positioned on either side of each hook row 425 . In some aspects, as shown, two or more rib rows 435 of a pattern positioned between adjacent hook rows 425 may be shared between adjacent patterns 1570 . As shown, the hook array 425 may include the double hook elements 820 of Figure 8A, and the rib array 435 may include the substantially trapezoidal rib elements 930 of Figure 9A. Hooks 420 and ribs 430 may form respective lateral rows 450, 460 that may be aligned with each other as shown.

Figure 16 is a side top perspective view of a fastener 110 according to another aspect of the present invention. Hooks 420 and ribs 430 may be fastened as disclosed in FIG. 15 . However, in some aspects, the hooks 420 of the hook row 425 may define a spacing 1650 between lateral rows 450 of adjacent hooks 420 that is different from a spacing 1660 between lateral rows 460 of adjacent ribs 430 . Thus, the spacing 1650 may be the spacing between hooks 420 in the same longitudinal hook row 425 , and the spacing 1660 may be the spacing between the ribs 430 in the same longitudinal rib row 435 . As shown, spacer pitch 1650 may be smaller than spacer pitch 1660. Because the spacing 1650, 1660 can be different, the lateral row 450 of hooks 420 and the lateral row 460 of ribs 430 can include only hooks 420 at some locations along the longitudinal direction 403 of the fastener 110, and can include only hooks 420 at some locations. Only ribs 430 are included at some locations, and both hooks 420 and ribs 430 may be included at some locations. As shown, hook array 425 may include single hook elements 820 of Figure 8E, and rib array 435 may include substantially trapezoidal rib elements 930 of Figure 9A.

FIGS. 17-21 show a fastener 110 of the fastener assembly 100 of FIG. 1 according to aspects of the present invention, wherein the longitudinal rib rows 435 (such as a plurality of longitudinal rib rows 435 also shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 ) are offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction 403, even if they are offset relative to each other in the transverse direction 404. FIG. 17 is a side top perspective view of a fastener 110 according to another aspect of the present invention. As shown, the longitudinal rib rows (such as a plurality of longitudinal rib rows 435) can be offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction 403 by an offset interval or staggered interval 1760, even if the longitudinal rib rows 435 are offset relative to each other in the transverse direction 404. More specifically, the transverse rows 460 of the separated ribs 430 may be offset by a stagger spacing 1760, which may be equal to a distance such as, for example and without limitation, one-half of the spacing spacing 1660. As shown, the longitudinal hook rows, such as the longitudinal hook rows 425, may be similarly offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction 403 by an offset distance or stagger spacing 1750, even though the longitudinal hook rows 425 are offset relative to each other in the transverse direction 404. More specifically, the transverse rows 450 of the separated hooks 420 may be offset by a stagger spacing 1750, which may be equal to a distance such as, for example and without limitation, one-half of the spacing spacing 1650. Thus, stagger spacing 1750 may be the spacing between hooks 420 in adjacent longitudinal hook rows 425 that are offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction 403, and stagger spacing 1760 may be the spacing between ribs 430 in adjacent longitudinal rib rows 435 that are offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction 403. Hook rows 425 and rib rows 435 together may form multiple instances of a pattern 470 (as shown in FIG. 4C but where adjacent rib rows 435 are offset relative to each other) and also overlapping patterns 1570 (where interior rib rows 435 may be shared by adjacent patterns 1570). As shown, hook rows 425 may include the dual hook elements 820 of FIG. 8A, and rib rows 435 may include the substantially trapezoidal rib elements 930 of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 18 is a side elevational top view of a fastener 110 according to another aspect of the present invention. Again, hook array 425 and rib array 435 may together form multiple examples of pattern 470 (as shown in pattern 470 in FIG. 4C but in which adjacent rib arrays 435 are offset relative to each other) and also overlapping pattern 1570 (shown in FIG. 17 ) (in which inner rib arrays 435 may be shared by adjacent patterns 1570). As shown, hook array 425 may include double hook elements 820 of FIG. 8A and rib array 435 may include substantially rectangular rib elements 930 of FIG. 9B .

Figure 19 is a side top perspective view of a fastener 110 according to another aspect of the present invention. As shown, the rows of ribs 435 may be offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction 403 , ie they may be offset relative to each other in the transverse direction 404 to form lateral rows 460 , and the rows of hooks 425 may be aligned to form lateral rows 450 . As shown, the hook array 425 may include the double hook elements 820 of Figure 8A, and the rib array 435 may include the substantially trapezoidal rib elements 930 of Figure 9A.

FIG. 20 is a side top perspective view of a fastener 110 according to another aspect of the present invention. As shown, the fastener can define a pattern 2070, which can be a pattern 470 that repeats in the transverse direction 404, wherein an additional longitudinal row of ribs 435 between two or more rows of ribs 435 spans (i.e., is positioned) on either side of the row of hooks 425. The additional longitudinal row of ribs 435 can be offset relative to the row of hooks 425 in the longitudinal direction 403. Thus, the pattern 2070 can be a rib-rib-rib-hook-rib-rib-rib-rib configuration, wherein the ribs 430 of the middle row of ribs 435 on each side of the hook can be offset from the adjacent row of ribs 435 in the longitudinal direction 403. As shown, hook array 425 may include double hook elements 820 of FIG. 8A, and rib array 435 may include substantially trapezoidal rib elements 930 of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 21 is a side top view of a fastener 110 according to another aspect of the present invention. As shown, rib rows 435 may be positioned outside of (several) hook rows 425 relative to a centerline of the fastener 110 only in the transverse direction 404. As shown, adjacent longitudinal rib rows 435 may be offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction 403 by a staggered spacing of 1760. In some aspects, as shown, multiple hook rows 425 may be positioned adjacent to each other and inside any rib row 435 and in some examples without any rib row 435 in between. As shown, hook row 425 may include double hook element 820 of FIG. 8A, and rib row 435 may include substantially trapezoidal rib element 930 of FIG. 9A.

Figure 22 is a side top perspective view of a fastener 110 according to another aspect of the present invention. As shown, the hook array 425 may include rounded or rounded hook elements 820, and the rib array 435 may include the substantially trapezoidal rib elements 930 of Figure 9A. A hook list (such as (for example and without limitation) hook list 425) The top end 820b of the hook element 820 of each of the plurality of hooks 420 may extend beyond the hook base 840 in the transverse direction 404. In some aspects, tip 820b may extend in both longitudinal direction 403 and transverse direction 404. In some aspects, as shown, top 820b can extend in all directions. More specifically, any one or more of hook element 820, tip 820b, and hook base 840 may be formed by rotating a shape about axis 2201 of hook 420. In some aspects, as shown, hook 420 may have radial symmetry or rotational symmetry about axis 2201. In some aspects, as shown, tip 820b can define an ellipsoid shape or one that is substantially an ellipsoid shape. In some aspects, as shown, hook base 840 may define a frustoconical shape. Overall, hook 420 may define a mushroom or bulb shape, as also described with respect to the geometry shown in Figure 8F. The hooks 420 may define a hook-receiving area 880 therebetween, which may be defined by three or four hooks 420 depending on whether the hook rows 425 are offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction 403 as shown.

FIG. 23 is a side top perspective view of a fastener 110 according to another aspect of the present invention, FIG. 24 is a side view, and FIG. 25 is an end or front view. Again, the hook row 425 and the rib row 435 can together form multiple instances of the pattern 470 (i.e., rib-hook-rib). In some aspects, as shown, adjacent patterns 470 can be offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction 403. Such a configuration of rows 425, 435 can help prevent the hooks 420 and ribs 430 and more generally, the fasteners 110a, 110b (shown in FIG. 26) from going off track (i.e., misaligned) when engaging the fasteners 110a, 110b, and can promote proper alignment from an initial engagement point. More specifically, the placement of one or more hooks 420 in a first hook row 425 of each of the fasteners 110a, 110b adjacent to one or more hook receiving areas 880 in a second adjacent hook row 425 can limit or prevent the fastener 110b from moving relative to the fastener 110a in the lateral direction 404, because one or more hooks 420 in the separated fasteners 110a, 110b will block each other from moving in the lateral direction 404. Similarly, the placement of one or more rib receiving areas 980 in a first rib row 435 adjacent to a second adjacent rib row 435 of each of the fasteners 110a, 110b may limit or prevent the fastener 110b from moving relative to the fastener 110a in the transverse direction 404 because the one or more ribs 430 in the separated fasteners 110a, 110b will block each other from moving in the transverse direction 404. Such a staggered configuration may also promote an improved seal between the fasteners 110a, 110b. As shown, the hook row 425 may include the double hook element 820 of FIG. 8A, and the rib row 435 may include the substantially trapezoidal rib element 930 of FIG. 9A.

Figures 26 to 33 show a fastener assembly 100 according to another aspect of the present invention. Figure 26 is a side perspective view of the fastener assembly 100, which may include two mating examples of the fastener 110 of Figures 4A to 4C: a first fastener 110a and a second fastener 110b that may be configured to face the first fastener 110a and engage with the first fastener 110a. In some aspects, a structure of the second fastener 110b may be the same as a structure of the first fastener 110a. In some aspects, a structure of the second fastener 110b may be a mirror image of the structure of the first fastener 110a.

Figures 27 and 28 are cross-sectional views of two mating examples of the fasteners 110a and 110b of the fastener assembly 100 of Figure 26 taken along line 27-27 of Figure 26 and wherein the fastener assembly 100 in unassembled and assembled states respectively. As shown, each hook receiving area 880 defined between each pair of adjacent hooks 420 of the plurality of hooks 420 of the first fastening member 110a may be sized to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of hooks 420 of the second fastening member 110b. Hook 420.

29 and 30 are cross-sectional views of the fastener assembly 100 of FIG. 26 taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 26 with the fastener assembly in an unassembled and assembled condition, respectively. As shown, each rib receiving area 980 defined between each pair of adjacent ribs 430 of the plurality of ribs 430 of the first fastening member 110a may be sized to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of ribs 430 of the second fastening member 110b. Rib 430.

Figures 31 and 32 are side views of the fastener assembly 100 of Figure 26 in an unassembled and assembled state respectively, and Figure 33 is a side view of the fastener assembly 100 of Figure 26 in an assembled state. An end or front view. The tapered shape of each rib 430 may facilitate engagement of fasteners 110a, 110b together such that ribs 430 of fastener 110b are received within and sealed against ribs 430 of fastener 110a. Hooks 420 of corresponding fasteners 110a, 110b may maintain a seal by engaging each other in a locked configuration. The locking arrangement may be strong enough to resist stress caused by vibration and tampering (eg, by young children) but weak enough to facilitate disengagement when desired. In some aspects, the retention force from the engaged hook 420 may prevent a fluid from traveling through the fastener assembly 100 at the ribs 435 . In some aspects, the fastener assembly 100 can be repeatedly assembled and engaged and disassembled or disengaged, which can allow the storage device 60 (shown in Figure 1) to be reused.

As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33 , the fasteners 110a, 110b and portions thereof may define various sizes and proportions. In some embodiments, one or both of the spacing distances 1650, 1660 may be 1.30 mm. In some embodiments, one or both of the spacing distances 1650, 1660 may be greater than or less than 1.30 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness 610 of the base 410 may measure 0.20 mm. In some embodiments, one or both of the heights 620, 630 of the hook 420 and rib 430, respectively, may measure 0.50 mm.

In some embodiments, the overall fastener height H of one of the fasteners 110a, 110b can be measured to be approximately 0.40 mm. In some embodiments, the overall fastener height H can be measured to be approximately 0.50 mm. In some embodiments, the overall fastener height H can be measured to be approximately 0.60 mm. In some embodiments, the overall fastener height H can be measured to be approximately 0.70 mm. In some embodiments, the overall fastener height H can be measured to be approximately 0.80 mm. In some embodiments, the overall fastener height H can be measured to be approximately 0.90 mm. In some embodiments, the overall fastener height H can be measured to be approximately 1.00 mm. In some embodiments, the overall fastener height H can be measured to be less than any of the foregoing values or in any range therebetween.

In some aspects, the fastener assembly 100 may have an overall assembly height of 3220 Measures approximately 0.50 mm. In some aspects, the overall assembly height 3220 may measure approximately 0.60 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall assembly height 3220 may measure approximately 0.70 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall assembly height 3220 may measure approximately 0.80 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall assembly height 3220 may measure approximately 0.90 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall assembly height 3220 may measure approximately 1.00 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall assembly height 3220 may measure approximately 1.10 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall assembly height 3220 may measure approximately 1.20 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall assembly height 3220 may measure approximately 1.30 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall assembly height 3220 may measure approximately 1.40 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall assembly height 3220 may measure approximately 1.50 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall assembly height 3220 may measure approximately 1.60 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall assembly height 3220 may measure approximately 1.70 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall assembly height 3220 may measure approximately 1.80 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall assembly height 3220 may measure approximately 1.90 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall assembly height 3220 may measure approximately 2.00 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall assembly height 3220 may measure less than any of the aforementioned values or in any range therebetween. In some aspects, the overall fastener height H may be equal to or greater than twice the thickness 610 of the base 410 . In some aspects, the overall fastener height H may be equal to or greater than 2.5 times the thickness 610 of the base 410 . In some aspects, the overall fastener height H may be equal to or greater than three times the thickness 610 of the base 410 .

In some aspects, the spacing or pitch, such as the spacing 1660 between the ribs 430 (or similarly the spacing 1650 between the hooks 420) in the longitudinal direction 403, may be about 1.30 millimeters. In some aspects, spacing such as spacing 1660 between ribs 430 (or similarly, spacing 1650 between hooks 420 ) in longitudinal direction 403 may be less than 1.30 millimeters. In some aspects, spacing such as spacing 1660 between ribs 430 (or similarly, spacing 1650 between hooks 420 ) in longitudinal direction 403 may be greater than 1.30 mm.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 33 , a width 3310 of each of hook 420 and rib 430 may measure about 0.10 mm. In some embodiments, width 3310 may measure about 0.15 mm. In some embodiments, width 3310 may measure about 0.20 mm. In some embodiments, width 3310 may measure about 0.30 mm. In some embodiments, width 3310 may measure about 0.40 mm. In some embodiments, width 3310 may measure about 0.50 mm. In some embodiments, width 3310 may measure less than any of the foregoing values or in any range therebetween.

In some aspects, a spacer gap 3320 may measure approximately 0.05 mm. In some aspects, spacer gap 3320 may measure approximately 0.10 millimeters. In some aspects, spacer gap 3320 may measure approximately 0.15 millimeters. In some aspects, spacer gap 3320 may measure approximately 0.20 millimeters. In some aspects, spacer gap 3320 may measure approximately 0.30 millimeters. In some aspects, spacer gap 3320 may measure approximately 0.40 millimeters. In some aspects, width 3310 may measure less than any of the foregoing values or in any range therebetween.

In some aspects, the overall width W of the fasteners 110a, 110b and the fastener assembly 100 may measure approximately 8 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall width W of fasteners 110a, 110b may measure approximately 10 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall width W of fasteners 110a, 110b may measure approximately 20 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall width W of fasteners 110a, 110b may measure approximately 30 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall width W of fasteners 110a, 110b may be measured to be less than any of the foregoing values or in any range therebetween. Widening the overall width W of the fasteners 110a and 110b can improve the connection strength and sealing performance of the fastener assembly 100.

A fastening field (not shown) of hooks 420 and/or ribs 430 may extend less than a full length of the fastener or may include different patterns of longitudinal rows of hooks 420 and/or ribs in different portions of the fastener 110 along their longitudinal direction 403.

In some embodiments, in a "bidirectional" orientation of the hooks 420, a top end 820a or other portion of a first set of hooks 420 may extend in a first direction (e.g., along the longitudinal direction 403 and toward the second end 406), and a top end 820a or other portion of a second set of hooks 420 may extend in a second direction different from the first direction (such as (for example and without limitation) a direction opposite to the first direction). Extending in a particular direction (such as the first direction or the second direction) may mean that each top end 820a is aligned with and extends from the hook element 820 in this direction, respectively. In some embodiments, the height 620 of each hook 420 may be greater than a height 630 of each rib 430, or vice versa. In some aspects, the presence of rib 430 can protect hook 420 from impact by objects such as a plate laid on top of fastener 110 or positioned to impact fastener 110. The presence of rib 430 can also protect portions of fastener assembly 100 during manufacturing and assembly of fastening system 50 by allowing automated equipment to be used that contacts rib 430 instead of hook 420, which is typically more load-sensitive. When height 630 is greater than height 620, objects that come into contact with fastener 110 cannot easily damage hook 420.

In some aspects, as shown in Coronel, adjacent hooks, adjacent ribs, or pairs of adjacent hooks and ribs may be joined by ribs (not shown) that define a rib height (which may be equal to or less than half the height 620, 630) ) and join. As shown, not engaging each of the hooks 420 or ribs 430 in one longitudinal row with the corresponding hook 420 or rib 430 in an adjacent longitudinal row can result in a less rigid fastener 110 and fastener assembly 100, It is more likely to be curved in the transverse direction 404 such that the base 410 is not flat when viewed in a transverse cross-section (ie, one taken in the transverse direction 404). Conversely, engaging each of the hooks 420 or ribs 430 in one longitudinal row with a corresponding hook 420 or rib 430 in an adjacent longitudinal row may result in a more rigid or stronger fastener 110 and fastener assembly 100 , it is generally less likely to bend in the transverse direction 404 such that the base 410 is not flat when viewed in a transverse cross-section (ie, one taken in the transverse direction 404 ). Thus, for example and without limitation, during disengagement of the second fastener 110b from the first fastener 110a, the base 410 of each fastener 110a, 110b can maintain its flat shape and remain fixed in one phase. neighbor structure (such as, for example and without limitation, fastener holders 350a, 350b).

In some embodiments, the fastening system 50 (and more specifically, the fastener assembly 100) can be mounted in a vertical orientation. The fastener assembly 100a, 100b can include a fastener 110a mounted in a fastener holder 350a, 350b. The fastening system 50 can further include a panel 300, which can be a sports pad or a wall covering including fastener material. The fastener holder 350a, 350b can be mounted on a vertical wall surface or any other vertical surface and can fastenably receive the panel 300.

One method of using the fastener assembly 100 may include coupling the second fastener 110b to the first fastener 110a. Engaging the second fastening member 110b to the first fastening member 110a may include receiving the second fastening member 110a within a corresponding hook receiving area 880 between adjacent pairs of hooks 420 of the plurality of hooks 420 of the first fastening member 110a. One of the plurality of hooks 420 of the fastening component 110b corresponds to the hook 420 . Engaging the second fastening member 110b to the first fastening member 110a may include receiving the second fastening member 110a within a corresponding rib receiving area 980 between adjacent pairs of ribs 430 of the first fastening member 110a. One of the plurality of ribs 430 of the fastening component 110b corresponds to the rib 430 . In some aspects, the second fastening component 110b may be one of the same structure as the first fastening component 110a or a mirror image structure of the first fastening component 110a.

The method may include sealing a connection between the first fastener 110a and the second fastener 110b by mating contact between the first rib 435 of the first fastener 110a and the first rib 435 of the second fastener 110b. The method may further include sealing a connection between the first fastener 110a and the second fastener 110b by mating contact between the second rib 435 of the first fastener 110a and the second rib 435 of the second fastener 110b. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 31 , sealing the connection between the first fastener 110a and the second fastener 110b may include eliminating any path for a fluid (including, for example and without limitation, air, water, or the contents of a container (such as container 80 (shown in FIG. 1 )) to pass through any portion of the longitudinal direction 403 of the fastener assembly 100 by closing a gap 3180 between the ribs 430 of the mating fasteners 110a, 110b. More specifically, sealing the connection between the fasteners 110a, 110b may include creating a fluid tight seal at the gap 3180. In some embodiments, the fluid tight seal at the gap 3180 may be a watertight seal. In some embodiments, the fluid tight seal at the gap 3180 may be an airtight seal. In some embodiments, sealing the connection between the first fastener 110a and the second fastener 110b may include blocking or preventing the passage of fluid along a plurality of seal lines across the width W of the fastener 110. Such seal lines may occur at interfaces between mating rib rows 435, one rib row 435 from each of the two mating fasteners 110a, 110b. The method may include limiting the movement of the second fastener 110b relative to the first fastener 110a in the lateral direction 404 of the fastener assembly 100. In some embodiments, such movement may be limited by interference between a plurality of hooks 420 of the first fastener 110a and a plurality of hooks 420 of the second fastener 110b. In some aspects, this movement can be limited by interference between the plurality of ribs 430 of the first fastener 110a and the plurality of ribs 430 of the second fastener 110b. Furthermore, during assembly of the fastener assembly 100, the second fastener 110b need not move relative to the first fastener 110a in the transverse direction 404. In fact, even before the fastener assembly 100 is formed, the second fastener 110b and the first fastener 110a can move toward each other, as shown in FIG. 26, and as shown in other figures showing the fastener assembly 100, without any movement of the fasteners 110a, 110b relative to each other in the transverse direction 404. The method may include limiting the movement of the second fastener 110b relative to the first fastener 110a in the longitudinal direction 403 of the fastener assembly 100, which may also be facilitated by the above-mentioned interference between the mating hooks 420 or mating ribs 430 of the fasteners 110a, 110b.

More specifically, creating a fluid-tight seal at gap 3180 may include a portion of fastener 110 defining rib 430 (which may be rib 430 itself or a portion defining rib receiving area 980 Facing surfaces 3110a, 3110b of an adjacent portion of the fastener 110 contact each other during assembly of the fastener 110a, 110b. In some aspects, creating a fluid-tight seal at gap 3180 may include causing facing surfaces 3110a, 3110b of the portion of fastener 110 that defines rib 430 after assembly of fasteners 110a, 110b (and more specifically, After engagement of the mating hooks 420 of the fasteners 110a, 110b) remain in contact with each other. In some aspects, creating a fluid-tight seal at gap 3180 may include causing facing surfaces 3110a, 3110b of the portion of fastener 110 that defines rib 430 after assembly of fasteners 110a, 110b (and more specifically, After engagement of the mating hooks 420 of the fasteners 110a, 110b) remain in load contact with each other (ie, in contact under load due to the engagement of the fasteners 110a, 110b). In some aspects, as shown, the fasteners 110a, 110b of the fastener assembly 100 may be configured not to slide relative to each other in the longitudinal direction 403 or in the transverse direction 404.

Each of the base 410, hook 420 and rib 430 of the fasteners 110, 110a, 110b may be formed from any of a variety of polymer resins, including, for example and without limitation, low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (such as NYLON resin), or polypropylene (PP), or any other material. The material forming the fasteners 110a, 110b may be transparent, i.e., transparent or substantially transparent.

Fastener 110 may be made using any of a variety of methods, including those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,678,924 to Murasaki et al. and/or U.S. Patent No. 6,896,759 to Fujisawa et al., which The entire text of each patent is hereby incorporated by reference. In the method disclosed herein, the fastener 110 may be formed through a continuous injection molding process. In some aspects, the fastener 110 may be rapidly cooled after forming but before being removed from the die to avoid deformation of the fastener 110 while the material used to form the fastener 110 is still warm. Especially when the container 80 is also made of a plastic resin or more specifically, LDPE or any compatible As the resin is formed, the fasteners 110 may be welded to the container 80 (shown in Figure 1).

We should note that, unless otherwise specifically stated or unless understood in the context of the present context in which they are used, conditional terms, such as "may," "can," "might," or "can," are generally intended to convey that certain aspects include (and other aspects do not include) certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional terms are generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are required in any way for one or more specific aspects or that one or more specific aspects necessarily include logic for determining whether such features, elements, and/or steps are included or to be performed in any specific aspect with or without user input or prompting.

It should be emphasized that the above-mentioned aspects are only possible examples of implementations and are only set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present invention. Any program description or block in the flowchart should be understood to mean a module, fragment, or portion of the program code that contains one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function or step in the program, and includes alternative implementations. Functions therein may not be included or performed at all, may be performed out of the order shown or discussed, may be included substantially simultaneously or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as will be understood by one reasonably skilled in the art. Many changes and modifications can be made to the above-described aspect(s) without materially departing from the spirit and principles of the invention. Furthermore, the scope of the invention is intended to encompass any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the invention, and all possible claims for individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the invention.

110: Buckle

403: Front to back direction/longitudinal direction

404: Left to right direction/side to side direction/horizontal direction

405:First end

406: Second end

410: Base

411: First surface/top surface

413: First side

414:Second side end

420: Hook element/hook

425:Hook column

430: Rib element/rib

435: Ribs

L: length

W: Width

Claims (23)

A fastener assembly includes: a first fastener; and a second fastener configured to face the first fastener and engage with the first fastener, each of the first fastener and the second fastener including: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base, the plurality of hooks defining a longitudinal hook row, adjacent hooks of the longitudinal hook row being spaced apart by a spacing distance measured between the center lines of the adjacent hooks and defining a hook receiving area therebetween; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base, the plurality of ribs defining two longitudinal rib rows, adjacent ribs of each of the two longitudinal rib rows being spaced apart by a spacing distance measured between the center lines of the respective adjacent ribs and defining a rib receiving area therebetween, the longitudinal hook row being spaced apart by a spacing distance measured between the center lines of the respective adjacent ribs and defining a rib receiving area therebetween, The first fastener assembly is positioned transversely between the two longitudinal rib rows; wherein: each hook receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent hooks of the plurality of hooks of the first fastener is sized to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of hooks of the second fastener, and each rib receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs of the first fastener is sized to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of ribs of the second fastener; and the plurality of hooks of the second fastener are configured to engage with the plurality of hooks of the first fastener, and the plurality of ribs of the second fastener are configured to engage with the plurality of ribs of the first fastener; when viewed along the transverse direction of the fastener assembly, each of the plurality of ribs defines a substantially polygonal shape. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein a facing surface of one of the plurality of ribs of the second fastener is in contact with a surface of each pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs of the first fastener. A rib between the receiving areas faces one of the surfaces. A fastener assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of hooks defines an undercut facing at least one direction when the fastener is viewed from above along a vertical direction of the fastener. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein a rib-hook-rib pattern defined by the longitudinal row of fasteners positioned in the transverse direction between the two longitudinal rib rows is on the fastener. The transverse direction is repeated at least once as a repeating pattern. As in the fastener assembly of claim 4, a common longitudinal rib row is shared by each of the rib-hook-rib pattern and the repeating pattern. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein one of the widths of each of the plurality of hooks and the width of each of the plurality of ribs is less than or equal to 0.50 mm. The fastener assembly of claim 1 further defines an overall assembly height equal to or less than about 2.0 mm. A fastener, which includes: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base, the plurality of hooks defining a longitudinal row of hooks with adjacent hooks spaced apart by a separation distance measured between the center lines of the adjacent hooks , the adjacent hooks defining therebetween a hook-receiving area sized to receive a corresponding hook of a plurality of hooks of another fastener; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base, the plurality of Each rib defines two rows of longitudinal ribs, adjacent ribs of each of the two longitudinal rib rows being spaced apart by a separation distance measured between the center lines of the adjacent ribs, the adjacent ribs defining a rib therebetween a receiving area, the longitudinal hook row is positioned in a transverse direction between the two longitudinal rib rows, the rib receiving area is sized to receive a corresponding one of a plurality of ribs of the other fastener; when along the Each rib of the plurality of ribs defines a substantially polygonal shape when viewed in the transverse direction of the fastener. The fastener of claim 8, wherein the plurality of ribs are sized to be received within a plurality of rib-receiving areas defined by the other fastener, as viewed along the transverse direction. Each of the shapes is an inversion of the shape of a corresponding rib of one of the plurality of ribs. The fastener of claim 8, wherein a rib-hook-rib pattern defined by the fastener of the longitudinal hook rows positioned between the two longitudinal rib rows in the transverse direction is on the fastener of the fastener. The transverse direction repeats as a repeating pattern at least once. The fastener of claim 8, wherein the two longitudinal rib rows define a first rib row and a second rib row, the fastener further includes a third rib row, the third rib row is on the fastener The horizontal direction of the piece The direction is offset from each of the first rib row and the second rib row. The fastener of claim 11, wherein a center line of at least one rib in the third rib row is offset from a center line of one rib in the first rib row in a longitudinal direction of the fastener. A staggered pitch that is different from the spacing pitch or a multiple thereof. As in claim 11, the fastener, wherein the hook row is a first hook row, the fastener further comprises a second hook row, the second hook row is offset from each of the first hook row, the first rib row and the second rib row in the transverse direction of the fastener. A fastener as claimed in claim 8, wherein the fastener is formed in a single piece from a plastic resin. A fastener as claimed in claim 8, wherein each rib defines a flat facing surface, the facing surface being aligned with the transverse direction of the fastener. As in claim 8, a fastener wherein a top end of each rib of at least one of the two longitudinal rib rows defines a ridge, a thickness of the ridge in the transverse direction of the fastener is less than a thickness of the rib in the transverse direction, adjacent ribs of the at least one rib row define a rib receiving area therebetween, and the rib receiving area defined between the adjacent ribs defines a groove therein to receive a ridge of a corresponding rib of the other fastener. The fastener of claim 8 further defines an overall fastener height equal to or less than about 1.0 mm. The fastener of claim 8 is further defined as having an overall fastener width equal to or less than about 30 mm. A method of forming a fastener assembly, which includes: using an assembly force to join a second fastener to a first fastener to form a fastener assembly, the first fastener and the third Each of the two fastening members includes: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base; wherein the second fastening member is joined to the first fastening member The means include: receiving one of the plurality of hooks of the second fastening member in a corresponding hook receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent hooks of the plurality of hooks of the first fastening member; and in defining one of the plurality of ribs of the second fastening member is received in a corresponding rib receiving area between each pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs of the first fastening member; and the fastening member assembly The forming method further includes: limiting movement of the second fastening component relative to the first fastening component in a transverse direction of the fastening component assembly by at least one of the following: the plurality of first fastening components The interference between the hooks and the plurality of hooks of the second fastening member; and the interference between the plurality of ribs of the first fastening member and the plurality of ribs of the second fastening member. The method of forming a fastener assembly of claim 19, further comprising sealing a connection between the first fastener and the second fastener to prevent a fluid from passing therebetween. The method of forming the fastener assembly of claim 19 further includes: connecting the hooks of the plurality of hooks of the second fastener member with each pair of the plurality of hooks defined in the first fastener member. engaging the corresponding hook receiving areas between adjacent hooks; and connecting a facing surface of the corresponding rib receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs of the first fastening member with the second fastening member One of the plurality of ribs of the component is in surface contact. The method of forming the fastener assembly of claim 21 further includes: combining the hooks of the plurality of hooks of the second fastener part with each of the plurality of hooks defined in the first fastener part. Engaging the corresponding hook receiving areas between adjacent hooks and maintaining the facing surface of the ribs of the second fastening member with the ribs defined on the first fastening member after removal of the assembly force Contact between the facing surfaces of the corresponding rib receiving areas between pairs of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs. A fastener assembly comprising: a first fastener; and a second fastener configured to face the first fastener and engage with the first fastener, each of the first fastener and the second fastener comprising: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base; wherein the plurality of hooks of the second fastener are configured to engage with the plurality of hooks of the first fastener, and the plurality of ribs of the second fastener are configured to engage with the plurality of ribs of the first fastener; each of the plurality of ribs defines a substantially polygonal shape when viewed in a transverse direction of the fastener assembly.