Device for creating a seal between fabrics and/or other materials and methods of making and using the same

Abstract

Provided is a virtually invisible rail closure for use in garments or items having a first rail and a second rail configured to matingly interlock so that the first and second rail are not visible on the exterior facing surface of the rail closure.

1 . A material fastening device comprising two interlocking rails wherein at least one rail comprises a head with an outward facing portion having a surface which is configured to bond onto a material. 
   
   
       2 . The material fastening device of  claim 1  wherein the outward facing portion further comprises a material capture means. 
   
   
       3 . The material fastening device of  claim 2  wherein the material capture means is on the exterior surface of the head. 
   
   
       4 . The material fastening device of  claim 3  wherein the material capture means is on the exterior surface of the head. 
   
   
       5 . The material fastening device of  claim 3  wherein the material capture means is on an interior facing surface of the head. 
   
   
       6 . The material fastening device of  claim 3  wherein the material capture means is on a transition portion of the head. 
   
   
       7 . A material fastening device comprising two interlocking rails wherein at least one rail comprises a material capturing means. 
   
   
       8 . A garment comprising a rail closure having two interlocking portions wherein at least one of the interlocking portions is extruded onto the garment. 
   
   
       9 . A fabric strip comprising a rail with interlock means extruded onto the fabric strip wherein the interlock means is fastenable to a mating interlock means. 
   
   
       10 . The fabric strip of  claim 9  wherein the interlock means is extruded onto the edge of the fabric. 
   
   
       11 . A material fastening device comprising two interlocking rails wherein at least one rail comprises a head portion and a tail portion created by bonding material to the head portion, and a material capture means within the at least one rail. 
   
   
       12 . A virtually invisible rail closure having a interior and exterior facing surface and comprising:
 a first rail having a head portion, a tail portion created by bonding a material to the head portion, and a material capture means located on the head portion of the first rail to secure a portion of the material;   a second rail having a tail portion created by bonding a second material to the second rail and configured to matingly interlock with said first rail so that the first and second rail are not visible on the exterior facing surface of the rail closure.   
   
   
       13 . The virtually invisible rail closure of  claim 12  wherein the exterior facing surface of the rail closure is void of stitching. 
   
   
       14 . A method for providing a virtually invisible rail closure comprising:
 a) providing a first rail head having a surface configured for bonding and having a material capture means;   b) providing a first fabric strip;   c) affixing said first fabric strip to said first rail head on said surface configured for bonding and securing the first fabric strip edge in the material capturing means;   d) providing a mating rail head;   e) providing a second fabric strip;   f) affixing said mating rail head to said second fabric strip; and   g) forming the virtually invisible seal between first and second fabric strips by joining said first rail head and said mating rail head.