| abstract |
A fastening component (10) for use with molded articles has a base (14) with fastening elements (20) upstanding therefrom and a relatively thin, protective cover (30) attached thereto. The cover is attached to the base by thermal processes. For instance, the cover and the base can be cut into a shape by a die (408) that substantially simultaneously cuts the shape from a larger web of both and joins the two pieces together by heat induced processes, such as welding. The shaped piece may be rectilinear or curved or any complex shape. The cover may include a pull tab at one or both ends. The pull tab is formed from the cover material itself, a piece of which is folded over on itself and cut and sealed to adjacent layers at the same time that the main shape is being cut and sealed. |