posted May 14, 2008 01:40 AM               

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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(R) 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.

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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(R) 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."

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Visitors will view many VELCRO(R) 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.

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