The present invention relates to an eyelet (100) for a flexible sheet such as a tarpaulin, canvas, foil or linen, the eyelet (100) forming a generally round loop having a central aperture (1) suitable for receiving a rope. The eyelet (100) comprises a metal body (110) comprising a cylindrical section (119) comprising a first end (111) and a second end (112). The first end (111) is provided with a radially extending first flange (113) extending towards the second end (112). The second end (112) is provided with a radially extending second flange (114) extending towards the first end (111). A partly confined space (115) is formed by the first (113) and second flange (114) and the cylindrical section (119). The eyelet further comprises a plastic body (120) enclosing the metal body (110), whereby the plastic body (120) is securely joined to the metal body (110) due to plastic at least occupying the partly confined space (115). The plastic body (120) further has a radially extending plastic flange (121), thereby providing means for joining the eyelet (100) to the flexible sheet. Thereby, the eyelet experiences an improved inherent strength and improved attachment. Further, the eyelet provides a means—through the provision of an integral plastic flange—for attaching a flexible sheet to the eyelet by means of welding, melting, gluing or fusion of the two materials.

A method wherein a first unit (10) is provided having a field of grip elements (12), and a second unit (20) provided with retention elements (22) suitable for co-operating with the grip elements (12) of the first unit (10) in order to provide a self-gripping fastening. The first and second units are put into contact in such a manner that the grip elements (12) of the first unit and the retention elements (22) of the second unit provide a self-gripping fastening (F). A treatment zone of the self-gripping fastening is treated in order to deform the grip elements (12) of the first unit (10) and/or the retention elements (22) of the second unit (20), whereby the first and second units (10, 20) are permanently secured to each other, thereby forming an assembled structure.

The present invention relates to an eyelet (100) for a flexible sheet such as a tarpaulin, canvas, foil or linen, the eyelet (100) forming a generally round loop having a central aperture (1) suitable for receiving a rope. The eyelet (100) comprises a metal body (110) comprising a cylindrical section (119) comprising a first end (111) and a second end (112). The first end (111) is provided with a radially extending first flange (113) extending towards the second end (112). The second end (112) is provided with a radially extending second flange (114) extending towards the first end (111). A partly confined space (115) is formed by the first (113) and second flange (114) and the cylindrical section (119). The eyelet further comprises a plastic body (120) enclosing the metal body (110), whereby the plastic body (120) is securely joined to the metal body (110) due to plastic at least occupying the partly confined space (115). The plastic body (120) further has a radially extending plastic flange (121), thereby providing means for joining the eyelet (100) to the flexible sheet. Thereby, the eyelet experiences an improved inherent strength and improved attachment. Further, the eyelet provides a meansthrough the provision of an integral plastic flangefor attaching a flexible sheet to the eyelet by means of welding, melting, gluing or fusion of the two materials.

A molded surface fastener has engagement regions in which engaging elements are disposed in an erect manner and space regions with no engaging elements, the engagement regions and the space regions alternating in the longitudinal direction. Each space region has a pair of left and right vertical wall portions that are disposed on a substrate portion in an erect manner and a convex rib portion that protrudes from the center of the substrate portion in the width direction, and the convex rib portion is integrally connected to a main lateral wall portion disposed in the width direction of the engagement region. By implementing a simple cutting process, this molded surface fastener can be easily adapted to usages in which the fastener has to be in a curved shape bending in the width direction.

An ultra-slim fastener for a bra includes male and female parts mounted on fabric pieces. The male part has a planar body having a downwardly depending leg terminating in an outwardly projecting foot extending parallel to the body. The female part has a substantially planar frame defining a cavity for reception of the foot. The cavity is roofed in towards the innermost end of the frame only, thereby defining an open mouth towards the outermost frame end. In embodiments, a fabric strip forms a backing for the frame and the bottom of the cavity is closed off. The second piece further includes an overlay mounted partially above the frame and on the fabric strip, sandwiching the frame between the overlay and the fabric strip. Embodiments are provided for use with reversible garments. Such a fastener will be very thin yet very strong.

A hook and eye fastener for securing two pieces of a garment together includes a hook part for mounting on one of the pieces and an eye part for mounting on of the other of the pieces. The eye part comprises a frame having an open mouth defined by a circumferential lip. The lip has a pair of slots formed therein. The hook part comprises a body and arm. The arm comprises an inner portion connected to the body and an outer portion connected to inner portion. A plurality of ribs are provided along the rear surface of the inner portion and a pair of divider walls are provided along the front surface of the inner portion, nestled below the outer portion. The divider walls project forwardly for location in the slots of the lip. The fastener is relatively slim, easy to use, and capable of withstanding high tensile forces.

A hook and eye fastener for securing two pieces of a garment together includes a hook part for mounting on one of the pieces and an eye part for mounting on of the other of the pieces. The eye part comprises a frame having an open mouth defined by a circumferential lip. The lip has a pair of slots formed therein. The hook part comprises a body and arm. The arm comprises an inner portion connected to the body and an outer portion connected to inner portion. A plurality of ribs are provided along the rear surface of the inner portion and a pair of divider walls are provided along the front surface of the inner portion, nestled below the outer portion. The divider walls project forwardly for location in the slots of the lip. The fastener is relatively slim, easy to use, and capable of withstanding high tensile forces.

An ultra-slim fastener for a bra comprises male and female parts mounted on fabric pieces. The male part comprises a planar body having a downwardly depending leg terminating in an outwardly projecting foot extending parallel to the body. The female part comprises a substantially planar frame defining a cavity for reception of the foot. The cavity is roofed in towards the innermost end of the frame only, thereby defining an open mouth towards the outermost frame end. In embodiments, a fabric strip forms a backing for the frame and the bottom of the cavity is closed off. The second piece further comprises an overlay mounted partially above the frame and on the fabric strip, sandwiching the frame between the overlay and the fabric strip. Embodiments are provided for use with reversible garments. Such a fastener will be very thin yet very strong.

A molded surface fastener has engagement regions in which engaging elements are disposed in an erect manner and space regions with no engaging elements, the engagement regions and the space regions alternating in the longitudinal direction. Each space region has a pair of left and right vertical wall portions that are disposed on a substrate portion in an erect manner and a convex rib portion that protrudes from the center of the substrate portion in the width direction, and the convex rib portion is integrally connected to a main lateral wall portion disposed in the width direction of the engagement region. By implementing a simple cutting process, this molded surface fastener can be easily adapted to usages in which the fastener has to be in a curved shape bending in the width direction.

The invention provides a method wherein a first unit (10) is provided having a field of grip elements (12), and a second unit (20) provided with retention means (22) suitable for co-operating with the grip elements (12) of the first unit (10) in order to provide a self-gripping fastening. The first and second units are put into contact in such a manner that the grip elements (12) of the first unit and the retention means (22) of the second unit provide a self-gripping fastening (F). A treatment zone of the self-gripping fastening is treated in order to deform the grip elements (12) of the first unit (10) and/or the retention means (22) of the second unit (20), whereby the first and second units (10, 20) are permanently secured to each other, thereby forming an assembled structure.