Velcro is used for many applications today. From tennis shoes to velcro suits for a new sport called velcro jumping, the material is found everywhere. It is used as an alternative to laces or buttons or zippers, and also as a surface to affix objects to walls or other surfaces. One square inch of Velcro contains 750 hooks and 12,500 loops, according to a report published on the University of Mary Washington's website.
A Hunting Trip
George de Mestral, an engineer from Switzerland, went on a hunting trip with his dog in 1948. During the trip he noticed that his pants and socks were covered with cockleburs. His dog had cockleburs sticking to its fur as well. He looked closely at the burs and noticed their tiny hooks. He began to think of ways to use nature's fastening solution in a more practical way.
It took him eight years to develop the material that was originally made of cotton. Two strips were made - one with little hooks, and one with little loops that would catch the hooks and hold fast. Its most recognizable feature was the ripping sound it made as it was separated. He submitted his first patent in 1951, and the U.S. patent was filed Oct. 15,1952.
Though it got a slow start, Velcro finally became popular when it was used for astronaut's suits for NASA, and then for ski and scuba clothing.
Velcro is a trademark name. The company headquarters are located in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Strength
A 2-inch square piece of Velcro is strong enough to support 175 pounds. It is very difficult to remove one side of an entire strip of Velcro--it must be peeled in order to be separated. Velcro is lightweight and durable and also washable. It is now manufactured out of polyester and nylon.
Clothing
Velcro is widely used on clothing for pocket fasteners, cuff tighteners, shoe closures and in place of a zipper fly. It is especially helpful for people with physical disabilities due to its ease of use and larger gripping surface. Children also find Velcro helpful, as their little fingers sometimes lack the fine motor skills to button or zip.
NASA
In addition to helping popularize Velcro, NASA is one of its biggest customers. A space shuttle contains 10,0000 inches of Velcro. It is used to anchor equipment and even meal trays in space. Velcro is used extensively on astronaut's suits.
Velcro Jumping
Velcro jumping is a sport that consists of a large inflatable wall covered with Velcro, and a Velcro suit. People run and jump onto the wall, sticking themselves to it. They also use small trampolines to jump and even flip so that they land on the wall upside down.
