Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus of producing a fastener product having a multiplicity of fastening members with stems integrally molded with a strip-form base, along with a product and a preform product so produced. Molten resin is applied to a rotating mold roll having an outer surface for forming one side of the base, and a multiplicity of cavities extending inward from the outer surface for molding the stems. A preform product is stripped from the mold roll having a multiplicity of upstanding, preform stems extending from a side of the base. The preform product is passed through a post-forming nip between a heading roll and a backing member to form overhanging heads at the distal ends of the upstanding stems. The heading roll has a multiplicity of cavities about its periphery for forming the heads. Various means are disclosed for aligning the preform stems and the heading roll cavities. In another embodiment, a dimpled, heated heading roll is employed to post-form the stems to form fastener elements that extend in random directions.

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First Claim