It was only in 1955 that he applied for a patent to protect his idea. Out of this came de Mestral's company velcro Industries. Velcro Industries learned how to mechanize the process of making Velcro. Out of this amazing yet simple invention have come Velcro fasteners for shoes, backpacks, pants, and shirts It was even used by NASA astronauts. They used Velcro to attach pouches full of supplies and food to the interiors of their space capsules.