PLASTI-CLICK: a new kind of hook and loop connection

About four years ago, POLYCLICK was commissioned to develop a new type of hook and loop connector
The most important requirement was to be suitable to connect parts in a stepless way.                    

   It should preferably meet the following conditions:
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• Similar effect to the current known touch fasteners 
• Washable and hygienic
• Environmentally friendly
• Cheap to manufacture
• Strong and reliable connection
• Multidisciplinary
• Applicable in combination with bandages and for medical applications in general
• Still functional in dirty conditions
• New and therefore patentable

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After a search of 4 years, we can proudly announce that we have succeeded and have been given the name PLASTI-CLICK.​​

How does it work?

The secret is in the configuration of the pins. By placing a specific shape in a specific format, a specific clamping force is obtained.

​When you see the result, it seems logical and straightforward, but apparently, no one has looked in this direction yet.

We had a patent screening done by a third party before we started development and a second time about a month before the patent application to check the novelty of our invention.​​

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Some examples
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The PLASTICLICK comes in varied sizes and shapes.
​Therefore, it's also suitable for heavy-duty industrial applications.

The PLASTICLICK can be as thin as a the know hook and loop connectors

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Two parts with an eye that can be connected.

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A version in which a fabric can be fixed

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In the videos tensile strength tests have been done with PLASTICLICK and a hook and loop connector with approximately 4cm² active surface.

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The PLASTICLICK connects easily but has a high tensile strength.

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 The test with a hook and loop connector. It comes loose with a pulling force of 11.4 kg.

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The test with the PLASTICLICK. It still holds with more than 20kg of pulling force with 3D printed test pieces.

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Test with a fabric clipped by the PLASTICLICK.

Test with a solid fixed piece.

Test with a specially shaped piece.

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Advantages of the PLASTICLICK

• According to the desired application, it can be composed of 1 uniform material or of multiple materials. Furthermore, the material itself can be rigid and flexible (bio)plastic.
• It can be produced as one whole with known production techniques such as injection molding. This allows different shapes to be integrated, such as belt techniques, loops, or other forms (and colors) that would enable specific applications. Also, big heavy, robust versions and minimal applications are possible.
• Due to its specific structure, the operation remains intact, even if the pins are dirty or underwater
• It is easily washable, dirt-repellent, and therefore very hygienic. The current click belts have the disadvantage that dirt easily sticks in the brackets but also in the eyes of the hook and loop connectors. This is not the case with the PLASTICLICK
• Multidisciplinary, it can be used in different applications, whether in different versions.
• Very reliable product and wear-resistant.
• Also applicable in combination with bandages, as the pins can be pushed through the openings of the bandage. This is not possible, for example, with the current hook and loop connectors.
• Polyclick has no hooks, so it does not stick to clothes, for example, during washing clothes.
• It has a much higher pull strength per cm² than the present hook and loop connectors.
• It is a new technique and therefore patentable.

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Movies on Youtube

​This shows a test of 2 PLASTICLICK parts, 1 rigid and 1 flexible part, with a contact surface of 4cm² that are subjected to a transverse tensile force.

Testing for the lateral clamping force shows that this of the PLASTICLICK is about 2 x higher than that of the classic hook and loop connectors

Tests on the lateral clamping force of the hook and loop connector show that the clamping power is significantly lower than that of the PLASTICLICK

Flexible PLASTICLICK parts click together quickly, have a high to very high tensile strength, do not stick to other fabrics, are almost insensitive to dirt, and nearly indestructible.

More video's on our Youtube Channel POLYCLICK

Possible applications:

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• Shoes
• Clothing
• Belt connections,
• Tent connections and fences,
• Classic wall connection hanging of hooks mirrors and related,
• Fixing hurdles,
• Keeping seat upholstery in place,
• Capturing mats,
• Attaching children's toys,
• Industrial joining techniques,
• Hanging mirrors
• Riding accessories
• And much more.  

​PATENT PENDING!

BE patent: Filled on March 09, 2022
Priority number BE2022/5161

US patent: Filled on June 30, 2022
Priority number US17/180,045