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 regiment de Karrer Swiss regiment de Karrer The Swiss regiment "de Karrer" (from 1752 "de Hallwyl") was a Swiss foreign regiment in French colonial service 1719-1763. The regiment "de Karrer" was raised in 1719 by Franz Adam Karrer, a Swiss officer in French service, for the French army. Two years later it was transferred to the French Navy for service in the colonies. Ludwig Ignaz Karrer succeeded his father as colonel-proprietor in 1736. At his death in 1752, Franz Josef von Hallwyl became the last colonel-proprietor. The officers of the regiment were Swiss; the men were recruited in Switzerland and Germany. Originally the