US20050217087A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20050217087A1
Application number: US10/818,649
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher Gallant
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Velcro Industries BV
Priority date: 2004-04-05
Filing date: 2004-04-05
Publication date: 2005-10-06

Abstract

A fastener product includes a base of plastic resin and a plurality of discrete fastener elements having stems of the plastic resin that are integrally molded with and extend from the base. The stems are arranged, as molded, in columns and rows with stems of some of the fastener elements projecting from a first surface of the base forming a first field of fastener elements and stems of other of the fastener elements projecting from an opposite, second surface of the base forming a second field of fastener elements. The fastener elements include engageable heads, with heads of the fastener elements forming the first field constructed to engage the heads of the fastener elements forming the second field to allow releasable fastening.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to fastener products, and more particularly to flexible fastener products that can be wrapped about an object with one side of the product overlapping and releasably engaging an opposite side of the product.

BACKGROUND

Self-engaging fastener products, such as certain wraps and ties, are useful, for example, to close bags or to bundle objects. An example of a product capable of engaging itself is described by Kennedy et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,015, which disclose providing loops on the back side of male fastener tape as the fastener tape substrate and elements are being formed, thus creating a composite fastener tape capable of fastening to itself.

SUMMARY

In aspects, the invention features a fastener product including self-engaging fastener elements having molded stems that extend integrally from opposite sides of a base.

In one aspect, the invention features a base of plastic resin and a plurality of discrete fastener elements having stems of the plastic resin. The stems are integrally molded with and extend from the base and are arranged, as molded, in columns and rows. The stems of some of the fastener elements extend from a first surface of the base forming a first field of fastener elements and stems of the other of the fastener elements project from an opposite, second surface of the base forming a second field of fastener elements. The fastener elements include engageable heads wherein heads of the fastener elements forming the first field are configured to engage the heads of the fastener elements forming the second field to allow releasable fastening.

In another aspect, the invention features a fastener product including a base formed of a degradable plastic resin and a plurality of discrete fastener elements having stems formed of the degradable plastic resin that extend from the base. The stems of some of the fastener elements project from a first surface of the base forming a first field of fastener elements and stems of the other of the fastener elements project from an opposite, second surface of the base forming a second field of fastener elements. The fastener elements include engageable heads formed of the degradable plastic resin, with the heads of the fastener elements forming the first field configured to engage the heads of the fastener elements forming the second field to allow releasable fastening.

In another aspect, the invention features a method of making a self-engaging fastener product. The method includes molding a flexible, plastic base having multiple, discrete fastener element stems of the plastic resin extending integrally from and molded with the base and arranged in columns and rows. The stems of some of the fastener elements projecting from a first surface of the base forming a first field of stems and stems of the other of the fastener elements projecting from an opposite, second surface of the base forming a second field of stems. Engageable heads are formed that extend outwardly from the stems forming fastener elements extending from the first and second surfaces. The heads of the stems in the first and second fields are configured to engage each other to allow releasable fastening.

Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The base is of unitary structure of the plastic resin forming the first and second surfaces. In other embodiments, the base includes more than one layer. The layers can be adhered together by an adhesive layer.

In certain embodiments, the plastic resin is degradable, such as a biodegradable and/or compostable resin. The degradable resin may comply with ASTM D6400-99. Suitable degradable plastic resins include naturally derived polymers, polyactic acid and polyvinyl alcohol. In some cases, the degradable resin is formed of a standard commodity resin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, with a degradable plastic additive included in the plastic matrix. In some embodiments, the fastener product is formed only of degradable plastic resin. The degradable resin can be selected such that it dissolves naturally within the human body. In some embodiments, the fastener product is a plant tie formed or, for example, a photo-degradable plastic resin.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second fields includes one or more discrete regions of fastener elements. In some cases, the fastener elements extend over a length of the fastener product. The fastener elements can have heads that overhang the base in one or more discrete directions, or the fastener elements can have heads that overhang the base in multiple directions. In some embodiments, the fastener elements projecting from at least one of the first and second broad surfaces are arranged in a band with a region adjacent the band free of the fastener elements. The fastener elements projecting from each of the first and second surfaces can be arranged in multiple, spaced-apart bands.

Methods can include continuously introducing molten resin to a gap defined adjacent a periphery of a rotating mold roll having an array of cavities for forming stems of fastener elements. The cavities extend inwardly from the mold roll periphery such that the resin at least partially fills the cavities to form stems extending from the first surface of the flexible base while excess resin forms at least part of the flexible base of the product. The resin is solidified and the solidified resin is stripped from the peripheral surface of the mold roll. In some cases, the method includes introducing molten resin to a gap defined between peripheral surfaces of a pair of rotating mold rolls each having an array of cavities for forming the stems. The cavities extend integrally from respective mold roll peripheries such that the resin at least partially fills the cavities to form stems extending from first and second surfaces of the base.

In some embodiments, the step of forming engageable heads includes deforming distal ends of stems extending from the first and second surfaces to form the fastener elements. In some cases, deforming distal ends of the stems includes deforming distal ends of stems extending from one of the first and second surfaces, then deforming distal ends of stems extending from the other of the first and second surfaces. In certain embodiments, deforming distal ends of the stems includes deforming distal ends of the stems extending from one of the first and second surfaces at a first deformation location, then deforming distal ends of the stems extending from the other of the first and second surfaces at a second deformation location that is spaced from the first deformation location. In some embodiments, deforming distal ends of the stems includes simultaneously deforming distal ends of stems of each of the first and second surfaces at a single deformation location. The distal ends of the stems can be deformed within a gap formed between a pair of opposing deformation rolls.

In some embodiments, molding the base with fastener element stems includes molding a first fastener preform and a second fastener preform, each of the fastener preforms including a base layer and an array of fastener element stems extending integrally therefrom. The method can include permanently affixing, e.g., with adhesive and/or within a nip, respective faces of the first and second fastener preforms in an opposing relationship to form the flexible base.

By forming a fastener product capable of self-engagement solely of moldable resin, e.g., in a continuous process, the fastener product can be formed inexpensively and efficiently. Because the fastener product can be formed of a single material, it can be formed entirely from materials, such as biodegradable materials or recyclable materials. These materials can be useful for applications where the user wants the fastener product to dissolve over time, for example, to bundle or tie produce or in medical applications. The fastener product is capable of self-engagement, e.g., without use of typically more expensive loop materials. By forming a base of unitary, solid construction, the need for an added process step of, e.g., adhesive lamination, can be eliminated. Also, a unitary, solid base can provide improved flexibility, e.g., because no adhesives and/or dissimilar materials are required. Molding the product to form discrete, point-like fastener elements tends to provide freedom in choosing a suitable cutting or trimming process to form the self-engaging fastener product.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a fastener product having self-engaging fastener elements.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fastener product ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the fastener product ofFIG. 1 with engaged fastener elements.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a fastener element.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a fastener element arrangement.

FIG. 6 shows the arrangement ofFIG. 5, with the fastener element stem outlines shown.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of a fastener product.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method and apparatus for making a fastener product.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method and apparatus for making a fastener product.

FIG. 10 is another embodiment of a fastener product having self-engaging fastener elements.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sheet of fastener products.

FIG. 12 shows an individual fastener product ofFIG. 11 in use.

FIGS. 13 and 13A illustrate another fastener product embodiment in use.

FIGS. 14 and 14A illustrate the fastener product ofFIG. 1 engaged to itself.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, afastener product10 in the form of a releasable strap includes abase14 and two

fields

20,22 of mushroom-shapedfastener elements12. Each

field

20 and22 offastener elements12 is arranged along a respective

broad surface

16 and18 of thebase14 and is capable of engaging thefastener elements12 extending from the other of the

surfaces

16,18 for releasable fastening.

Each point-like fastener element12 includes astem24 integrally molded with and extending generally perpendicularly from the base14 to adistal head26 that overhangs the base14 on substantially all sides of thestem24. Referring toFIG. 2 and also toFIG. 3, thefastener elements12 of the

fields

20,22 are arranged in a pattern of rows and columns such that thefastener product10 can be folded so as to overlap the two

fields

20 and22 offastener elements12 to engage theproduct10 to itself (FIG. 3). The engaged fasteners can have a combined thickness “T” of less than about 2.0 millimeters, more preferably less than about 1.5 millimeters.

FIG. 4 shows atypical fastener element12. In this illustrated example of a low profile fastener, moldedstem24 is of square cross-section with width W_Sof about 0.007 to 0.012 inch (0.18 to 0.3 millimeter) and rises integrally from anear surface16 ofbase14. In some cases W_Sis about 0.004 to 0.006 inch (0.09 to 0.15 millimeter).Base14 is generally planar and can have a nominal thickness t_bof about 0.008 to 0.022 inch (0.2 to 0.56 millimeter). In certain embodiments t_bis about 0.004 to 0.011 inch (0.1 to 0.28 millimeter).Head26 is typically formed of resin of moldedstem24 and is formed tooverhang base14, in a post-molding process, and is not itself of molded shape. However, a preferred head shape is one that overhangs the base on substantially all sides ofstem24 and has a thickness t_hof about 0.01 to 0.014 inch (0.25 to 0.36 millimeter). In some cases, t_his about 0.005 to about 0.007 inch (0.13 to 0.18 millimeter). Produced by the forming methods outlined below and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,276 on a square stem,head26 will generally be of circular or slightly oval footprint, with a major dimension W_haligned in the direction of processing, of about 2.00 to 2.25 times stem thickness W_S, or about 0.014 to 0.027 inch (0.56 to 0.76 millimeter) for preferred stem widths, or 0.007 to 0.014 inch (0.28 to 0.38 millimeters) in other preferred cases. In the example shown,head26 is of circular cross-section and has a diameter W_hof about 0.0264 inch (0.671 millimeter). The overall thickness t_fof the fastener, including the base thickness and the height of the fastener elements, is about 0.052 to 0.071 inch (1.3 to 1.8 millimeters). In some embodiments, t_fis about 0.026 to 0.036 inch (0.65 to 0.9 millimeters). It should also be noted that in this embodiment, the upper surface ofhead26 is generally flat over a central region “F” that covers the footprint of theunderlying stem16. Having such a relatively wide flat region can help an array of such fastener elements to readily slide across a mating array before engagement, such as to enable a user to position the fasteners after contact but prior to engagement. Flat upper surface regions also improve the feel of the array against skin by avoiding abrasiveness, and help to distribute normal loads against a mating surface during compression.

In a high profile example,square stem24 width W_Sis about 0.018 inch (0.46 millimeter), and major head dimension W_his about 0.0378 inch (0.960 millimeters). In this high profile example, the overall thickness t_fof the fastener is about 0.040 to 0.115 inch (1.0 to 2.9 millimeters), with a base thickness of 0.008 to 0.020 inch (0.2 to 0.5 millimeter).

Other configurations are also possible. For example, some stems are inserted through the fastener base as separate elements, rather than being integrally molded of the same material. Such assembly processes can be more expensive, however, than integral molding. The stems may also be of different cross-section than square or rectangular. For example, some stems of circular cross-section can be molded integrally with the base on a roll having plates with aligned, half-cylinder grooves machined or etched into their side surfaces, with the grooves of each abutting plate aligned with those of the next to form cylindrical stem molding cavities. Fastener elements having crook-shaped heads are also contemplated. These heads can extend over the base in one or more discrete directions.

Referring next toFIG. 5,fastener elements12 are arranged in repeating groups of three rows each. These rows are identified in the second row group from left as outer rows A and C and middle row B. The row spacing S_rwithin each row group is constant, and about 0.028 inch (0.71 millimeter) in this example, with middle row B disposed equidistant from rows A and C, such that rows A and C are separated by about 0.056 inch (1.14 millimeters). The fastener elements spacing S_fis constant along each row, and about 0.046 inch (1.17 millimeters) in this example. Each middle row B is longitudinally offset from its associated outer rows A and C, such that itsfastener elements12 are each disposed midway betweenadjacent fastener elements12 in the outer rows. Each three row group is separated from the next three row group by alongitudinal track28 clear of fastener elements. In this example, the pattern of row group and spacing has a repeat width W_rof about 0.114 inch (2.90 millimeters), just slightly greater than the repeat width that would be obtained by taking a full staggered array of row spacing S_rand removing every fourth row, and theheads26 of the fastener elements are drawn at a nominal diameter of 0.0264 inch (0.671 millimeter), or an average of about 2.2 times the stem width.

The grouping of fastener element rows into three row groupings, each with a middle staggered row B and spaced from adjacent groups, can be particularly advantageous for self-engagement performance as it provides a sufficient bulk locking ratio at a particularly low head density. Each row group defines a longitudinal row ofinter-element receptacles30, each bounded by fourfastener elements12 and sized to receive and hold a fastener element head of a mating array on at least three sides. Onesuch receptacle30 is illustrated between four highlighted fastener elements, with the dashed outline of afastener element head26′ engaging between the highlighted fastener elements. Given the above inter-row spacing, inter-element spacing and head diameters, the clearance C₁between adjacent heads along each row is about 0.02 inch (0.5 millimeter), or slightly less than the nominal head diameter, while the clearance C₂between transversely aligned fastener elements is about 0.03 inch (0.75 millimeter), or slightly greater than the nominal head diameter. Thus, a matingfastener element head26′ need only laterally deflect one fastener element of middle row B during engagement.

FIG. 6 also shows the cross-sectional area of thesquare stem24 of eachfastener element12, and shows in dashed outline the thickness of the molding and spacer plates of the mold roll employed to form the base and stems of the fastener. As can be seen in this view, the minimum corner separation S_sbetween the stems24 of adjacent fastener elements in middle and outer rows of each row grouping, is less than the nominal diameter of the fastener element heads, such that a trappedfastener element head26′ (FIG. 5) is obstructed from moving laterally from itsreceptacle30 in any direction, once engaged. Thus, each locked head is trapped in a cage formed by four adjacent fastener element stems24. In this example, stem corner separation S_sis about 0.0194 inch (0.49 millimeter), significantly less than the nominal head diameter of 0.0264 inch (0.671 millimeter).

Fastener elements having the above dimensions and arranged in the pattern ofFIG. 5 provide an overall head density of 585 hooks per square inch (91 hooks per square centimeter), and a head density of about 29.2 percent. The bulk engagement, locking and overlap ratios were calculated to be 228 percent, 25.4 percent, and zero percent, respectively.

In a high profile example of the pattern ofFIG. 5, the labeled dimensions are 0.069 inch (1.75 millimeters) for S_f, 0.176 inch (4.47 millimeters) for W_r, and 0.044 inch (1.1 millimeters) for S_r, with a stem corner separation S_Sof about 0.0308 inch (0.78 millimeter).

Other patterns are contemplated. For example, the patterns described above may be scaled up or down (e.g., scaled down by one-half). Examples of suitable patterns are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,687,962, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The field offastener elements12 can extend along the entire length L of thefastener product10, as shown byFIG. 1, or, alternatively, the field offastener elements12 can be limited to or formed of discrete regions, such as

regions

34,36,38 and/or40 ofFIG. 7. Referring now toFIG. 7, there can be one region offastener elements12 extending along a

respective surface

16,18 or there can be multiple, spaced apart regions of fastener elements (not shown) extending along a respective surface. Thefastener elements12 of any two regions (or more, if applicable) can be formed to engage each other by overlapping the regions. Similarly, as shown byFIGS. 14 and 14A,fastener elements12 of a

single field

20,22 can be formed and arranged to engagefastener elements12 of the

same field

20,22. As shown, thefastener product10 is folded such thatfastener elements12 offield20 engageother fastener elements12 offield20.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method and apparatus, utilizing methods and apparatus described by U.S. Pat. No. 4,794,028, the contents of which are incorporated by reference, for forming the fastener product ofFIG. 1 having a solid base of unitary structure (i.e., formed by a single layer) using a continuous molding process. In this embodiment, afastener sheet55 is formed by continuously introducingmolten resin42 to a pair of counter-rotating mold rolls44 and48 in a nip46 between the mold rolls44 and48.Resin42 introduced into thenip46 at least partially fills the cavities extending from the peripheries of the

rolls

44 and48. As an alternative, resin can be introduced directly and separately to each of

rolls

44 and48 at a location upstream of thenip46 by a pair of extruders, e.g., that extrude the resin at a pressure sufficient to at least partially fill the mold cavities of each of

rolls

44 and48. The resin is solidified within thecavities50 ofroll48 such that it can be stripped from the cavities forming stems24 as the resin travels aboutroll44. While onroll44, immediately before encountering head-formingroll76, the distal ends of the stems24 are rapidly heated, either by aflame58 as shown, or by a heated platen. The molten ends are then deformed at adeformation location59 by rotatingroll76 that is kept at a temperature lower than that of the incoming stem ends. Stems molded with a height of 0.076 inch (1.9 millimeters), for example, are deformed in one embodiment to a final height of about 0.050 inch (1.3 millimeters), with relatively flat upper head surfaces. More details of this process can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,276, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. After deformation of the stems extending from the one surface, resin is stripped fromcavities50 ofroll44. The distal ends of the remaining stems24 are heated and, at asecond deformation location57 spaced from thefirst deformation location59, deformed byroll56, as described above. As an alternative to using

rolls

76 and56 to sequentially form heads26, distal ends of the stems24 can be deformed sequentially at spaced-apart

locations

57 and63 downstream ofmold roll44, e.g., usingdeformation roll73 and heater61 (both shown by dashed lines). Also, stems24 can be deformed at one in-line location (e.g., location57) and the other, undeformed stems24 can be deformed later in a separate, off-line process, or the stems24 of both sides may be deformed off-line at sequential locations. Fastener products (e.g., fastener straps, bundle ties and wrap ties) can then be formed by cutting moldedsheet55 into discrete lengths (and/or widths), as described in greater detail below.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an alternative method and apparatus for forming afastener product100 shown byFIG. 10. Referring toFIG. 8, a fastener preform52 (FIG. 9) is formed by continuously introducingmolten resin42 to themold roll44, either in thenip46 between themold roll44 and acounter-rotating pressure roll48 that is free of mold cavities, or directly with a pressurized shoe (not shown). Theresin42 is forced into the array ofcavities50 and cooled onroll44 to form stems24 extending integrally from a side of a sheet of resin that cools on the surface ofroll44 before being stripped fromroll44 and passed aboutroll53.Surface60 opposite the stems24 is free of the fastener elements12 (seeFIG. 9). While onroll54, immediately before encountering head-formingroll56, the distal ends of the stems24 are rapidly heated, either by aflame58 as shown, or by a heated platen, keeping the remainder of the stems24 and base sheet relatively cool. The molten ends are then deformed atlocation57, as described above, to form a fastener preform52.

Referring now toFIG. 9, two fastener preforms52aand52bare directed to a nip64 defined between two pressure rolls63 to laminate the two fastener preforms52aand52bface-to-face at theirsurfaces60.Adhesive62 is applied to fastener preform50bprior to the nip64 and pressure is applied to the fastener preforms52aand52bto permanently affix the preforms together such that thefastener elements12 extend from

opposite surfaces

66,68 of a base70 formed by two resin sheet layers72,74 (FIG. 10). In some embodiments, adhesive is not applied. Other means can be used to adhere the fastener preforms together, such as heat (e.g., by flame).

The fastener preforms52aand52bcan be directed to the nip64 as part of the continued molding and forming process described above with reference toFIG. 8. Alternatively, as an example, the

preforms

52aand52bcan be directed to the nip64 from one or more storage rolls (not shown).

Fastener products can be formed by, e.g., die cutting, rotary cutting and/or perforatingsheet55 along predetermined boundaries. Preferably, thepreform sheet55 is cut and/or perforated such that multiple, interconnected straps can be packaged on a continuous roll and, for example, later separated by hand and/or by machine. In some cases, thesheet55 is cut (e.g., by rotary cutting) into individual fastener products and, for example, packaged loose in a box or a bag. For example, referring toFIG. 11,sheet90 includes multiple, nested fastener straps92 formed by perforating the sheet90 (e.g., by die cutting) alonglines94. Eachstrap92 can be separated from thesheet90 by pulling anindividual strap92 in a direction that separates thestrap92 from the adjacent straps92. Cutting a sheet to form nested fastener straps is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,044,525, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Theindividual strap92 can then be used to bundle multiple objects, as is shown byFIG. 12, by inserting atail portion96 of thestrap92 into anopening98 in ahead portion100.End102 can be free of thefastener elements12 to facilitate grasping thestrap92, e.g., to disengage the engagedfastener elements12.

As noted above, the fastener product can be formed of a single material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Typically, loop materials are the more expensive component of a hook and loop fastener, thus self-engaging, double-sided fastener products formed completely of, for example, an inexpensive polyethylene or polypropylene may be relatively inexpensive compared to straps requiring loop materials. The above-described fastener products can be used, for example, to bundle cord, hoses, wires or any other application for which a bundle tie or strap may be useful.

Referring now toFIGS. 13 and 13A, a self-engaging fastener product in the form of aplant tie110 is used to secure agrape vine112 to atube trellis114. Theplant tie110 is formed (e.g., by the process described above with reference toFIG. 8) of a single, biodegradable or compostable plastic, e.g., a plastic meeting the ASTM D6400-99 standard, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. The material can be selected to produce a controlled product lifetime. In other words, the material can be selected to reliably degrade completely within a predetermined time period, such as months or years, depending on the application. The degradable material can also be selected to degrade in landfills, photo-degrade, etc. Suitable biodegradable or compostable plastics include naturally derived polymers, polyactic acid and polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL), such as ELVANOL brand made by DuPont. Commodity resins, such as polypropylene and polyethylene, can also be used where a suitable degradable plastic additive has been added to the resin matrix. Suitable degradable plastic additives include those produced by Environmental Products Inc., located at Conroe, Tex.

Self-engaging, degradable fastener products can also be formed, e.g., using the process described above with reference toFIG. 8, for use in medical applications. For example, a fastener product formed only of polyactic acid, which is naturally dissolvable by the body, may be used, e.g., during surgery to position or bind internal organs or other parts of the body. If desired, the fastener product can be left in the body where it will be dissolved.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, other fastener product configurations are contemplated such as those described byU.S. Provisional Application 60/547,212, filed Feb. 24, 2004 titled “Fastener Products”, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A fastener product comprising:

a base of plastic resin; and

a plurality of discrete fastener elements having stems of the plastic resin that are integrally molded with and extend from the base arranged, as molded, in columns and rows, the stems of some of the fastener elements projecting from a first surface of the base forming a first field of fastener elements and stems of other of the fastener elements projecting from an opposite, second surface of the base forming a second field of fastener elements;

the fastener elements including engageable heads wherein heads of the fastener elements forming the first field are configured to engage the heads of the fastener elements forming the second field to allow releasable fastening.

2. The fastener product ofclaim 1, wherein the base comprises a unitary structure of the plastic resin, the unitary structure defining the first and second surfaces.

3. The fastener product ofclaim 1, wherein the base comprises more than one layer.

4. The fastener product ofclaim 3, wherein the layers are adhered together by an adhesive layer.

5. The fastener product ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second fields of fastener elements comprises one or more discrete regions of fastener elements.

6. The fastener product ofclaim 1, wherein the fastener elements of at least one of the first and second fields extend over a length of the fastener product.

7. The fastener product ofclaim 1, wherein the fastener elements have heads that overhang the base in one or more discrete directions.

8. The fastener product ofclaim 1, wherein the fastener elements have heads that overhang the base in multiple directions.

9. The fastener product ofclaim 1, wherein fastener elements projecting from at least one of the first and second surfaces are arranged in a band with a region adjacent the band free of the fastener elements.

10. The fastener product ofclaim 9, wherein the fastener elements projecting from each of the first and second surfaces are arranged in multiple, spaced-apart bands.

11. The fastener product ofclaim 1, wherein the plastic resin is a biodegradable or compostable material.

12. The fastener product ofclaim 11, wherein the plastic resin complies with ASTM D6400-99.

13. The fastener product ofclaim 1, wherein the plastic resin is selected from a group consisting of naturally derived polymers, polyactic acid and polyvinyl alcohol.

14. The fastener product ofclaim 1, wherein the plastic resin comprises a degradable plastic additive.

15. A fastener product comprising:

a base comprising degradable plastic resin; and

a plurality of discrete fastener elements having stems of the degradable plastic resin that extend from the base, the stems of some of the fastener elements projecting from a first surface of the base forming a first field of fastener elements and stems of other of the fastener elements projecting from an opposite, second surface of the base forming a second field of fastener elements;

the fastener elements including engageable heads formed of the degradable plastic resin wherein heads of the fastener elements forming the first field are configured to engage the heads of the fastener elements forming the second field to allow releasable fastening.

16. The fastener product ofclaim 15, wherein the degradable plastic resin complies with ASTM D6400-99.

17. The fastener product ofclaim 15, wherein the degradable plastic resin is selected from a group consisting of naturally derived polymers, polyactic acid and polyvinyl alcohol.

18. The fastener product ofclaim 15, wherein the degradable plastic resin comprises a standard commodity resin and a degradable plastic additive.

19. The fastener product ofclaim 15, wherein the base comprises a unitary structure of the plastic resin, the unitary structure defining the first and second surfaces.

20. The fastener product ofclaim 15, wherein the base comprises more than one layer.

21. The fastener product ofclaim 20, wherein the layers are adhered together by an adhesive layer.

22. The fastener product ofclaim 15 consisting of the degradable plastic resin.

23. The fastener product ofclaim 22, wherein the degradable plastic resin dissolves naturally in a human body.

24. The fastener product ofclaim 23, wherein the degradable plastic resin comprises polyactic acid.

25. The fastener product ofclaim 22 in the form of a plant tie.

26. The fastener product ofclaim 25, wherein the degradable material is photo-degradable.

27. A method of making a self-engaging fastener product, the method comprising:

molding a flexible, plastic base of plastic resin having multiple, discrete fastener element stems of the plastic resin extending integrally from and molded with the base and arranged in columns and rows, the stems of some of the fastener elements projecting from a first surface of the base forming a first field of stems and stems of other of the fastener elements projecting from an opposite, second surface of the base forming a second field of stems; and

forming engageable heads extending outwardly from the stems forming fastener elements extending from the first and second surfaces, the heads of stems in the first and second fields being configured to engage each other to allow releasable fastening.

28. The method ofclaim 27, wherein the step of molding comprises

continuously introducing molten resin to a gap defined adjacent a periphery of a rotating mold roll having an array of cavities for forming stems of fastener elements, the cavities extending inwardly from the mold roll periphery, such that the resin at least partially fills the cavities to form stems extending integrally from the first surface of the flexible base while excess resin forms at least part of the flexible base of the product;

solidifying the resin;

stripping the solidified resin from the peripheral surface of the mold roll.

29. The method ofclaim 27, wherein the step of forming engageable heads comprises deforming distal ends of the stems extending from the first and second surfaces to form the fastener elements.

30. The method ofclaim 29, wherein deforming distal ends of the stems comprises deforming distal ends of stems extending from one of the first and second surfaces, then deforming distal ends of stems extending from the other of the first and second surfaces.

31. The method ofclaim 30, wherein deforming distal ends of the stems comprises deforming distal ends of stems extending from one of the first and second surfaces at a first deformation location, then deforming distal ends of stems extending from the other of the first and second surfaces at a second deformation location that is spaced from the first deformation location.

32. The method ofclaim 31, wherein at least one of the first and second deformation locations comprise a gap formed between opposing rolls.

33. The method ofclaim 29, wherein deforming distal ends of the stems forms fastener elements having heads that extend laterally from the stems in multiple directions.

34. The method ofclaim 27, wherein the step of molding comprises

continuously introducing molten resin to a gap defined between peripheral surfaces of a pair of rotating mold rolls each having an array of cavities for forming the stems, the cavities extending inwardly from respective mold roll peripheries, such that the resin at least partially fills the cavities to form stems extending from the first surface and the opposite, second surface of the flexible base while excess resin forms the flexible base of the product;

solidifying the resin;

stripping the solidified resin from the peripheral surfaces of the mold rolls.

35. The method ofclaim 27, wherein the step of molding comprises molding a first fastener preform and a second fastener preform, each of the fastener preforms including a base layer and an array of fastener element stems extending integrally therefrom.

36. The method ofclaim 35 comprising permanently affixing respective faces of the first and second fastener preforms in an opposing relationship forming the flexible base.

37. The method ofclaim 36, wherein the step of affixing comprises adhering the faces with adhesive.

38. The method ofclaim 37, wherein the step of affixing comprises introducing the first and second fastener preforms to a nip.

39. The method ofclaim 27, wherein at least one of the first and second fields of stems comprise one or more discrete regions of stems.

40. The method ofclaim 27, wherein stems extending from at least one of the first and second surfaces are arranged in a band with a region adjacent the band free of the stems.

41. The method ofclaim 40, wherein the stems extending from at least one of the first and second surfaces are arranged in multiple, spaced-apart bands.

42. The method ofclaim 27, wherein the fastener elements include heads that extend laterally from stems in multiple directions.

43. The method ofclaim 27, wherein the fastener elements include heads that extend laterally from stems in one or more discrete directions.

44. The method ofclaim 27, wherein the plastic resin comprises a degradable material.

45. The method ofclaim 44, wherein the degradable material is selected from a group consisting of naturally derived polymers, polyactic acid and polyvinyl alcohol.

46. The method ofclaim 44, wherein the plastic resin complies with ASTM D6400-99.

47. The method ofclaim 27 further comprising introducing a degradable plastic additive to the plastic resin prior to molding.