Importance

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Abstract

An improved machine for the continuous production of a separable fastening element includes an endlessly-circulating belt of molding modules that, in the preferred embodiment, cyclically pass by at least two injection heads and two removal-wheels once every revolution. Each injection head includes a single-pump-driven reservoir that feeds an injection and forming die operative to first form a backing layer, and then to form plural hook-like projections, by a wedge-like forcing action of a portion of the backing into hook-like mode cavities. The resulting ribbon then cures and includes the hook-like elements standing off of and integral with the backing. The modules include interdigited mold and spacer plates that are each of a generally-rectangular configuration and that together are cooperative to define releasable hook-like forming cavities and a smooth backing-forming two-dimensional surface. First and second molding module alignment means are disclosed for selectively abutting and separating the confronting longitudinal edges of adjacent molding modules to provide ribbon formation and removal respectively. The mold cavities may be engraved into the mold plates alone or into both the spacer and the mold plates, to selectively provide different thickness and geometry hooks having correspondingly different elastic/plastic properties. The mold cavities have rounded wall surfaces that facilitate the release of the hooks formed thereby.

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First Claim