# How George de Mestral Invented Velcro

> A 1952 patent describing the creation of a hook-and-loop fastener by weaving synthetic loops into fabric and cutting them to create tiny, grippy hooks.

- **Patent:** US 2717437
- **Original title:** Velvet type fabric and method of producing same
- **Owner:** Velcro SA
- **Granted:** 1955
- **Status:** Public domain (expired)
- **Times cited:** 299
- **Field:** mechanical, materials, consumer_electronics

## What it does

The patent describes a manufacturing process for creating a fabric with a specialized surface. It involves weaving standard warp and weft threads together with auxiliary threads made of synthetic resin. These auxiliary threads are formed into loops on the surface of the fabric and heat-treated to lock their shape. Finally, the loops are cut near their ends to create flexible, material-engaging hooks that can latch onto a corresponding loop-filled surface.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover fasteners made from non-synthetic materials like natural cotton or wool.
- Does not cover the specific 'loop' side of the fastener, only the method of creating the 'hook' side.
- Does not cover adhesive-backed fasteners that do not rely on the woven loop-and-hook mechanism.

## The clever bit

The innovation lies in using synthetic resin to create loops that hold their shape under heat, allowing them to be cut into hooks that act like tiny, repeatable springs.

## Real-world examples

1. Velcro brand fasteners
2. NASA space suit closures
3. Blood pressure cuff straps
4. Cable management ties

## Why it matters

This patent introduced the world to the hook-and-loop fastener, a mechanism that replaced buttons, zippers, and laces in countless applications. It is a foundational patent for the modern fastening industry, enabling everything from space suits to children's sneakers.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How George de Mestral Invented Velcro cover?

A 1952 patent describing the creation of a hook-and-loop fastener by weaving synthetic loops into fabric and cutting them to create tiny, grippy hooks.

### Who owns patent US 2717437?

Velcro SA owns this patent, granted in 1955.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely.

### What is patent US 2717437 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 299 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

This patent introduced the world to the hook-and-loop fastener, a mechanism that replaced buttons, zippers, and laces in countless applications. It is a foundational patent for the modern fastening industry, enabling everything from space suits to children's sneakers.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover fasteners made from non-synthetic materials like natural cotton or wool.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2717437/velcro-hook-and-loop

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US2717437

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._


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