We've gotten so accustomed to that ripping sound that Velcro makes, it might take us a while to get used to Leonard Duffy's invention, an improved fastener that not only eliminates that annoying noise when unfastened, it can hold eight times the weight. It took him eight years and $40,000 to develop this new Velcro killer.

He was able to prove the product's usefulness when his sister-in-law broke her arm and struggled with a Velcro-equipped cast. Those old-style hook-and-loop fasteners smelled when saturated with sweat, and their rough texture irritated her skin and pulled on her clothes. Leonard made a special supporting garment out of his new fasteners, and the result was a breathable and waterproof cast he calls the Unitary Wrap (pictured above).

It was a hit. Now Leonard has nearly150 product designers clamoring to use his invention. Expect to see it soon on all types of products. Sometimes it takes just one person to change the world.
— Charlie White

Popular Science, via Gizmodo