George de Mestral branched out to the textile center of Manchester, New Hampshire in the United States. De Mestral gave the name Velcro, a portmanteau of the French words velours ("velvet"), and crochet ("hook"), to his invention as well as his company, which continues to manufacture and market the fastening system. However, hook and loop's integration into the textile industry took time, partly because of its appearance. Hook and loop in the early 1960s looked like it had been made from left-over bits of cheap fabric, an unappealing aspect for clothiers. The first notable use for Velcro® brand hook and loop came in
George Baker (inventor) George Baker (inventor) George Collin Baker (December 21, 1844 - March 23, 1894) was an American inventor and submarine pioneer. In 1888, the US government announced a competition for submarine designs. Plans were submitted by Baker, John Philip Holland, Thorsten Nordenfelt and Josiah Tuck. Holland won the competition, but due to irregularities the contract was not awarded. Baker nevertheless built his submarine prototype and it was tested in the Rouge River. A new competition was announced in 1893, resulting in rivalry between Holland and Baker, the two inventors with usable vessels. Unfortunately, Baker developed appendicitis and died in March 1894.