posted 05-14-2008 01:40 AM               

It captured our imaginations along with the space program, and now it's something we can't live without. This world-famous invention inspired by Mother Nature has put convenience at the fingertips of a whole generation.

For 50 years, VELCRO brand hook and loop fasteners have permeated the lives and imaginations of inventors, designers and households throughout the world. We've come to rely on hook and loop for everything from replacing shoelaces to securing lifesaving medical devices.

...the first use of hook and loop fastener was in 1953. De Mestral's invention soon spread throughout Europe and to America as Velcro S.A. obtained patents on both continents. The VELCRO brand was trademarked in the United States on May 13, 1958, and a cultural phenomenon was born.

Since then, these beloved products have traced a storied history through America's pop culture, including flying with Neil Armstrong to the moon and fooling around on "The Late Show with David Letterman."

Visitors will view many VELCRO brand products, seldom seen by the general public, but used widely in applications and products for the NASA space program, automotive, medical and industrial markets.

posted 07-26-2026 08:15 AM               

85 years ago, another Swiss invention "Velcro" ... and NASA.

85 years ago, Swiss engineer George de Mestral got the idea of sticking stuff together as he was annoyed that burrs/seeds stuck to his jacket. Taking a look under the microscope to these seeds he discovered tiny hooks and loops, and bingo the idea for a quick and strong fastener was born!

In 1951, the hook-and-loop fastener idea, using nylon thread, was patented as Velcro a combination of Velours (Velvet) and Crochet (hook). It soon got applications in the aerospace industry, even for SCUBA equipment... but when was it adopted by NASA.

posted 07-26-2026 08:48 AM               

I will quote conclusions from the Senate Committee Hearings and the evasions surrounding the answers given by NASA administrators, industry management and Senators. page 241...

The major fuels were Raschel net, Velcro and polyurethane foam.

As for the Velcro, the original nylon based material was replaced [after the tragedy] by one made from various fire-resistant fibres, developed promptly by the Velcro Corporation at its own expense as soon as the need became evident.

It could have been developed just as quickly before the fire, had an.one thought to request it.