Velcro Velcro Velcro BVBA is a privately held company that produces fasteners and other products. It is known for being the original patentor of the hook-and-loop fastener, to which it has (over its objections) lent the generic name "velcro." Swiss electrical engineer George de Mestral invented his first touch fastener when, in 1941, he went for a walk in the woods and wondered why Burdock seeds clung to his coat and dog. He discovered it could be turned into something useful. He patented it in 1955 and subsequently refined and developed its practical manufacture until its commercial introduction in the late
John Austin (inventor) John Austin (inventor) John Austin (April 17, 1752 – 1830), was a Scottish inventor, known for inventing musical equipment, improvements to weaving machines, and a new system of stenography. Austin was a native of Craigton. He was an apprentice to William and Walter Tait in Glasgow, and became a guild brother on January 18, 1776. He published at Glasgow, in or about 1800, a system of "Stenography which may be learned in an hour," on a single folio engraved sheet, price 2s. 6d. A note at the end announces the publication of a complete system by the same author, price