The Situation
At the end of the 19th century only lighter-than-air flight (such as balloons or airships) was possible, but only with limitations. Many inventors worked on the problem, but without success.

The Innovation
By studying the aerodynamics of bird wings the Lillienthal brothers managed to design the first gliders capable safely transporting human beings. The innovation was than picked up by the Wright brothers and others and refined to enable commercial aviation.

The Fallout
Today the aviation industry has grown to a revenue of over $700 billion. It is hard to imagine how companies should be able to operate in todays business world without aviation. Not to mention the many secondary inventions, like that of gas turbines, that have grown to fully fledged industries of their own.

The Situation
Before the middle of the 20th century, there were only relatively expansive ways of attching objects non-permanently. Zippers had been around for about 50 years, but they are quite expensive themselves and have got their share of problems.

The Innovation
By studying the cockleburs that got stuck in his dog’s fur, DeMestrel found a system of hooks and loops that self engaged and easily disengaged as well. It was now possible to transform any kind of shape into a temporary attachment point.

The Fallout
Velcro can do one thing only - attach objects temporarily - but it’s so good at this, that its use is now ubiquitous. Think beyond the use on clothes and bags. From consumer products, to industrial settings, to military uses, to space applications: Velcro is everywhere. And the name of the company, that first marketed it, has become synonymous with the material.