Velcro, the Zipperless Zipper, Wonder of the Modern Age

Velcro really is one of the wonders of the modern age. Such a seemingly simple invention has had wide-ranging application in everything from shoes to backpacks, adaptive clothing for people with disabilities to upholstery. NASA has used velcoins and Velcro ties extensively in astronaut spacesuits and in the shuttle to hold equipment in place and keep objects from floating away. There is even a nose scratcher made of Velcro inside astronaut helmets. The U.S. Army uses it, too. Surgeons have used it. Athletic teams use it. Almost everyone has used Velcro in some form or fashion.

The Invention of Velcro

It was a Swiss inventor back in 1948 that came up with the idea. After taking his dog on a hike through the Alps, he noticed the many burrs attached to his clothing and to the dog’s fur. Fascinated, he looked at the burrs under a microscope to see what made them attach so strongly. He realized that the burrs were covered in very small hooks that managed to catch on loops in the fabric of his pants.

This gave him an idea for a kind of fastener that would use hard hooks and softer loops. Combining the words “velour” and “crochet,” he came up with the name Velcro. His invention worked very well. Initially, he saw it simply as a replacement for zippers. He didn’t conceive all of the various uses that people would come up with later.

Although his invention was met with initial skepticism, he went ahead with its production. He completed his design and patented it in 1955. Over the years, the idea of the “zipperless zipper” caught the public’s curiosity, but it was NASA’s use of Velcro that caused its boom in popularity. Over the years, further refinement of the process has made Velcro stronger. In fact, tests show that a 2-inch square of Velcro can hold up to 175 pounds.

Velcoins and Velcro Ties

Hook & Loop coins are pre-cut circles of hook and loop adhesive backed tape, available in numerous sizes. They are convenient, easy to remove and attach, and available in a variety of colors. Velcro ties are straps that are great for holding together cables or wires. They also can be used for a variety of household or garden projects, such as bundling tools, pens or flowers. There are so many uses that they can’t all be listed here.

If you’re looking for a great place to buy Velcro ties online, Velcoins or a number of other hook-and-loop fasteners, Feiner Supply has what you need. We offer great prices and a satisfaction guarantee. Check out our website at FeinerSupply.com for a complete listing of the products we offer, or give us a call at 800-645-3256.