Velcro 1950s. The fastener consisted of two components: a lineal fabric strip with tiny hooks that could "mate" with another fabric strip with smaller loops, attaching temporarily, until pulled apart. Initially made of cotton, which proved impractical, the fastener was eventually constructed with nylon and polyester. De Mestral gave the name "Velcro", a portmanteau of the French words "velour" ("velvet") and "crochet" ("hook"), to his invention as well as his company, which continues to manufacture and market the fastening system. Velcro Velcro BVBA is a privately held company that produces fasteners and other products. It is known for being the original
Swiss Travel System Swiss Travel System Swiss Travel System is a brand used by the Swiss Federal Railways since 1989 or earlier to promote a range of public transportation tickets aimed at foreign visitors of Switzerland. By extension, the name is also frequently used by non-Swiss sources to refer to Switzerland's public transport network as a whole, which does not in fact bear that name. The Swiss Travel System offers various passes as detailed below. They are not available to residents of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and can be purchased at staffed Swiss train stations or over the internet. The Swiss Travel Pass allows