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NewswireTODAY - /newswire/ -
Hinesburg, VT, United States, 2007/09/05 - A family of new integrally moldable surface fastening technologies featured in Popular Science Magazine's June 2007 "Inventions of the Year" issue recently received two US patents for major advancements in the field.
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QwikGrip™, a unique fastening system, was recently selected as one of Popular Science Magazine's 2007 "Inventions of the Year". The device is part of a family of new fastening technologies invented and developed by Chittenden Research and Development, LLC (CR&D) of Vermont.
In July 2007, CR&D founder Leonard Duffy was issued a U.S. Patent (#7,246,416) for his revolutionary new fastening method, QwikGrip™, which is expected to replace Velcro® and similar connectors for many uses. In August he was granted a U.S. Patent (#7,254,874) for iHOOK!™, a related fastening technology.
QwikGrip™ fastening systems are thinner, stronger and even quieter than common hook-and-loop (Velcro®-like) products. According to Duffy, "These fasteners are inexpensive to produce by common injection molding processes and fastening zones now may be molded directly as an integral surface feature of any plastic product."
The QwikGrip™ system is simple: it consists of two identical portions which easily snap together and interlock. It is very durable, resistant to clogging and it won't grab your sweater, hair or lint. In addition this new fastener does not lose strength after repeated use.
iHOOK!™ technology provides an economical method for molding Velcro®-like hooks directly onto a plastic (or other material) product so that they become an outer surface zone of the product itself. iHOOK!™ also can be used to assemble multiple fabric layers.
The company founder said applications of this family of revolutionary fastening devices are many and can be used on orthopedic and prosthetic appliances, medical devices, sports equipment, luggage, toys, clothing, industrial fabrics, and more. The company intends to license its technologies worldwide.
Duffy was the recipient of NASA Tech Briefs Magazine's "Create the Future" award for an orthopedic brace utilizing these devices, and has received several design awards for other unique products including the recently patented "Over the Edge" support mechanism and book holder.
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lduffy[.]wcvt.com 
