Stephen Ira

SEO Auditor

Stephen Ira worked as an inventor for a small manufacturing company where he developed several patents that included Velcro® brand products which led to his founding of HookandLoop.com in 1989, distributing Velcro® brand fasteners across the country. Stephen’s company has grown into a business that specializes in manufacturing hook and loop products that are used in the final products in many industries around the world. Stephen is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a BS degree in mechanical engineering and specialized in machine design and solar engineering. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida where he enjoys an avid outdoor lifestyle and spending time with his two daughters.

How to Make a Hook and Loop Strap

Updated On: Jun 21, 2024

Posted By: Stephen Ira

At HookandLoop.com, we focus on providing our customers with the best products available, and part of that commitment includes our conversion services. We provide customization to all our hook and loop products, but nothing comes close to the range of possibilities we have with our custom straps. With 4 different strap styles, 4 different tip types, and 25 different color options, the possibilities are endless. So let's take a look at the process we use to make your custom straps. And if you haven't used our services, here's what you need to know.

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Categories: Hook and Loop Information

Tags: Hook and Loop straps customized straps back cinch custom face rings sewn strap two way face weld
VELCRO® Brand Fasteners and NASA

Updated On: May 14, 2025

Posted By: Stephen Ira

VELCRO® Brand fasteners have been a commonplace fastening solution since the 1980s, but the invention of VELCRO® Brand products dates back to the 1950s, and it is credited with holding together everything from toupees to Space Shuttles.

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Categories: Industry Uses For Hook and Loop

Tags: fasteners Hook and Loop Velcro aeronautics astronauts NASA space space shuttle
The History of the Velcro Patent

Updated On: May 6, 2025

Posted By: Stephen Ira

The Velcro Company developed hook and loop fasteners over 60 years ago, and it represents one of the most innovative inventions of the 20^th century. The history of the VELCRO ® Brand and its invention is a fascinating story that has made a wide range of products and services possible.

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Categories: Hook and Loop Information

Tags: fasteners Hook and Loop Velcro Duragrip cockle burr George De Mestral invention inventor patent
Learning with Hook and Loop

Updated On: Nov 22, 2023

Posted By: Stephen Ira

Hook-and-loop material has a great range of practical and creative applications. Using hook-and-loop in the classroom creates possibilities for different types of learning for all ages, from arts and crafts to visual aids.

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Categories: Hook and Loop Uses and Industry Uses For Hook and Loop

Tags: Hook and Loop Velcro arts and crafts blind bulletin board learning disabilities lesson plans student projects teaching teaching aids visual aids visually impaired
Hook-and-Loop Fasteners in Transportation

Updated On: Jun 21, 2024

Posted By: Stephen Ira

Hook-and-loop applications have advanced and changed over the years, whether through new designs, or new applications by branching out into the diverse areas of the aeronautical, marine, and automotive industries.

Hook-and-loop fasteners are used in the automotive industry in everything from fitting seat trim covers, armrests and head rests, to securing headliners and floor coverings. VELCRO® Brand ONE-WRAP® is used to keep loose wires and cables bundled safely together. The hook-and-loop fastening system is also a handy helper when it comes to aftermarket repairs, parts, and accessories. Sagging headliners, truck bed covers, or peeling door panels can quickly be repaired or secured with acrylic adhesive backed hook and loop.

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Categories: Industry Uses For Hook and Loop

Tags: fasteners Hook and Loop Velcro aeronautics airplanes automobiles automotive industry marine One Wrap transportation
Electrically Conductive Hook and Loop

Updated On: Nov 21, 2023

Posted By: Stephen Ira

Hook and loop has been around for decades, but that doesn't mean its various applications and designs aren't always expanding. Today, there are even hook and loop fasteners that will conduct electricity. This is managed by spray coating the hook and loop with liquid silver. Silver is used because it has the highest electrical conductivity and the highest thermal conductivity of any metal.

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Categories: Hook and Loop Product Details and Hook and Loop Uses

Tags: electric conductivity electricity electromagnetic interference electromagnetic shielding fasteners Hook and Loop liquid silver
HookandLoop.com Installs Grommets in Straps

Updated On: Nov 21, 2023

Posted By: Stephen Ira

The service technicians at HookandLoop.com install grommets into straps. Grommets are small rings -- usually brass -- that are punched through any number of materials: paper, canvas, leather, etc. The purpose of these metal rings is to protect the surrounding material from damage when cords or strings are run through the hole of the grommet. Think of the rings your shoe laces are fed through, only stronger. If the rings weren't there, the material would eventually wear out and tear.

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Categories: Hook and Loop Information

Tags: fasteners Hook and Loop grommets straps
Funny and Strange Uses for Hook and Loop Fasteners

Updated On: Nov 21, 2023

Posted By: Stephen Ira

Hook and loop fasteners have been around for more than 60 years -- plenty of time for people to discover strange new uses for them. They are used in everyday applications, such as shoes and diapers, to more exotic uses like Aerospace applications. Astronauts dealing with zero gravity use Velcro® for everything from keeping their personal hygiene products in place in storage bags to fastening pieces to a chess board during leisurely time in space.

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Categories: Hook and Loop Uses

Tags: fasteners Hook and Loop Velcro
Other Uses for Hook and Loop Fasteners

Updated On: Mar 16, 2022

Posted By: Stephen Ira

Hook and loop fasteners are versatile enough to be used for pretty much anything and everything: camera bags, diapers, display panels at corporate trade shows and conventions -- the list is endless. Because of its ease of use, NASA has even used the fasteners on state-of-the-art astronaut suits. In fact, most individuals are likely unaware of how truly pervasive hook and loop is. Continue reading to discover some interesting fastener uses!

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Categories: Hook and Loop Uses and Industry Uses For Hook and Loop

Tags: fasteners Hook and Loop Velcro Duragrip camera bag camera equipment photography equipment decorating diapers interior decorating
VELCRO® Brand Hook & Loop Fasteners in Art

Updated On: Nov 22, 2023

Posted By: Stephen Ira

Creative expression in art takes limitless forms, and the use of VELCRO® Brand hook and loop fasteners can expand artistic applications in unique and innovative ways.

Arts and crafts projects, for both children and adults, benefit from using VELCRO® Brand hook and loop material. A collage can be much more than a flat, two-dimensional work. Instead, it can extend into three dimensions by attaching different shaped items with hook and loop. Three-dimensional models, hand-decorated clothing, tote bags, purses, hair clips, holiday stockings and much more become singular expressions through using hook and loop material.

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Categories: Industry Uses For Hook and Loop

Tags: fasteners Hook and Loop Velcro arts and crafts student projects teaching animation camera bag camera equipment coins photography equipment sew on stop motion video