– **History**:
– Invented by Swiss engineer George de Mestral in 1941.
– Patented in 1955 and commercialized in the late 1950s.
– Initially made of cotton, later transitioned to nylon and polyester.
– Named “Velcro” from French words for velvet and hook.
– Widely used in industries like healthcare, military, and aerospace.
– **Evolution**:
– Originally designed for clothing but now used in various industries.
– Velcro is a genericized trademark and used as a verb.
– Velcro SA, the company founded by de Mestral, still manufactures the fastening system.
– In 2017, Velcro launched a campaign to protect its trademark.
– Offers versatility in applications for land vehicles, aircraft, and spacecraft.
– **References**:
– Velcro’s history and meaning are documented in various sources.
– Velcro IP Holdings LLC provides company information.
– The invention’s impact is discussed in engineering and company portals.
– The name “Velcro” is explained in the Oxford English Dictionary.
– Various publications have detailed the history and significance of Velcro.
– **External Links**:
– Wikimedia Commons contains media related to Velcro.
– Wiktionary offers definitions of “velcro.”
– **Challenges and Adaptations**:
– Velcro faced challenges in certain applications, like a strap-on device for impotent men.
– The book “Why Didn’t I Think of That” explores the origins of Velcro.
– Velcro’s video campaign aimed to educate consumers on the correct term.
– Velcro has adapted to various industries and consumer needs over time.
– The book “The Big Idea” discusses how Velcro innovated its way to market success.
Velcro IP Holdings LLC, doing business as Velcro Companies and commonly referred to as Velcro, is a British privately held company, founded by Swiss electrical engineer George de Mestral in the 1950s. It is the original manufacturer of hook-and-loop fasteners, which de Mestral invented.
 Velcro official logo and wordmark | |
| Velcro Companies | |
| Formerly | Velcro SA. |
| Company type | Private |
| Industry | Manufacturing: fastening systems |
| Founder | George de Mestral |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
Number of locations | Manufacturing: 7 countries |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | |
| Products | Hook-and-loop fasteners, and other products |
| Brands | VELCRO |
Number of employees | 2,500 |
| Subsidiaries | Alfatex Group |
| Website | www |