The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for reclosable fasteners with increased stability against horizontal movement and increased stability against lateral movement of an embedded article within the reclosable fasteners. The reclosable fastener may include, for example, a hook and loop fastener or interlocking mushroom fastener and an article of complementary shape and size. More specifically, the present disclosure presents reclosable fastener systems that may securely contain and embed an article within the reclosable fastener system.
Velcro is said to be the result of George de Mestral inventing a two-sided fastener; de Mestral's fastener included one side with stiff hooks like the burrs which had stuck to his pants while hiking and the other side with soft loops similar to fabric that made up his pants. Since the inception of Velcro, reclosable fasteners have been used to attach two objects, one object attached to the “burr” side of the reclosable fastener and the other object attached to the “fabric” side. The convenience of reclosable fasteners is based on how easily each half may be attached to an object and how generally easy it is to separate the two.
Traditional reclosable fasteners are designed to provide attachment strength, and in some instances slippage strength, between two sides of the reclosable fastener. However, these fasteners are not designed to provide lateral stability for an article embedded within the reclosable fastener. What is needed is therefore is a reclosable fastener and article system that provides lateral stability in a useful and practical way.
Accordingly, the present invention provides the ease of attachment and disengagement of traditional reclosable fasteners and enhanced stability against movement in at least one direction of an embedded article and fastener in relation to each other. For some purposes, sufficient enhanced stability is provided by aspects, such as the size or shape, of the embedded article. For other purposes, enhanced stability is provided by internal engagement of additional components or enhanced components included as part of a reclosable fastener. The present invention provides for a reclosable fastener and article system that is particularly useful to secure articles embedded within the improved reclosable fastener that may enhance and complement the stability and strength of the article that is secured by two halves of the improved reclosable fastener system.
Accordingly, the present disclosure describes embodiments of improved reclosable fastener systems. In one aspect, some embodiments of the present invention provide for a reclosable fastener with increased stability in at least one direction. In other aspects, some embodiments of the present invention provide improved reclosed fastener systems that may be configured to securely hold at least one embedded article within a reclosable fastener.
According to some implementations of the present invention, a reclosable fastener system may securely contain an embedded article. The reclosable fastener system may include a first substrate of fastener components including a first generally planar base and with multiple first reclosable fastener components fixedly attached to the first generally planar base. The first substrate of fastener component may be placed in close proximity to a second substrate of fastener components including a second generally planar base and with multiple second reclosable fastener components fixedly attached to the second generally planar base. The second reclosable fastener substrate components are complementary to the first reclosable fastener components such that the first and second reclosable fastener components may be purposefully arranged on the first generally planar base and the second generally planar base respectively to receive an article in a manner that will allow for the substantial engagement of the first reclosable fastener components and the second reclosable fastener components and secure the article between the first fastener substrate and the second fastener substrate.
In some implementations, one or both of the first substrate and the second substrate additionally includes a resilient layer proximate to one or both of the first fastener components and the second reclosable fastener components, the resilient layer may be formable by an article received between the first reclosable fastener substrate and the second reclosable fastener substrate while the first reclosable fastener substrate may be engaged with the second reclosable fastener substrate.
In some implementations one or both of the first substrate and the second substrate further includes a stability frame for positioning an article in a pattern between the first reclosable fastener substrate and the second reclosable fastener substrate while the first reclosable fastener substrate may be engaged with the second reclosable fastener substrate.
In some implementations the stability frame may be sized to receive one or more of: a wire, a ribbon cable, a tube, a pipe, a fiber optic cable. The stability frame may provide increased mechanical properties in one or both of an X and a Y direction relative to the first generally planar base.
In some implementations, an X, Y reinforcement provides resistance against movement in both an X direction and a Y direction relative to the first generally planar base. The X, Y reinforcement may or may not significantly limit movement in a Z direction relative to the first generally planar base.
In some embodiments, a reinforcement may include a stud penetrates one or both of the first reclosable fastener substrate and the second reclosable fastener substrate. Moreover, in some embodiments, the X, Y reinforcement may be fixedly attachable to an object onto which one of: the first substrate of fastener components and the second substrate of fastener components may be mounted.
In some embodiments, the X, Y reinforcement may be fixedly attachable to an object onto which one of the first reclosable fastener substrate and the second reclosable fastener substrate may be mounted via a bolt.
In some embodiments, the reclosable fastener system may additionally include at least a portion of the first substrate of fastener components includes an electrical contact and at least a portion of the second substrate of fastener components includes an electrical contact.
In some embodiments, the first substrate of fastener components may be engaged with the second substrate of fastener components the electrical contact of the first substrate of fastener components may be in electrical communication with the electrical contact of the second substrate of fastener components.
In other aspects, in some embodiments, an article of a predetermined size and shape may be placed into contact with a first reclosable fastener substrate including a first fastener base and multiple first fastener components fixedly attached to the first fastener base, the first fastener components patterned to receive the article according to the size and shape of the article; thereby engaging the first reclosable fastener with a second reclosable fastener thereby securing the article within the first reclosable fastener.
In some implementations, the pattern of components including the second fastener may be aligned with the article. The article may also be placed into a resilient layer proximate to one or both of the first fastener components and the second fastener components, the resilient layer formable by an article received between the first reclosable fastener substrate and the second reclosable fastener substrate while the first reclosable fastener substrate may be engaged with the second reclosable fastener substrate.
In some implementations, the article may be placed into a stability frame for positioning the article in a pattern between the first reclosable fastener substrate and the second reclosable fastener while the first reclosable fastener substrate may be engaged with the second reclosable fastener substrate. The stability frame may provide increased mechanical properties in one or both of an X and a Y direction relative to the first fastener base.
In some implementations, at least a portion of the first base includes an electrical contact and at least a portion of the second base includes an electrical contact and the electrical contact included in first fastener base may be placed in electrical communication with the electrical contact included in the second fastener base. For example, the electrical communication may include a data signal or an alternating current.
One general aspect includes a reclosable fastener system for securely containing an embedded article, where the reclosable fastener system includes: a first reclosable fastener substrate including a first generally planar base. The reclosable fastener system also includes multiple first fastener components fixedly attached to the first reclosable fastener substrate. The reclosable fastener system also includes a second reclosable fastener substrate including a second generally planar base; multiple second fastener components fixedly attached to the second reclosable fastener substrate, where the second fastener components are complementary to the first fastener components; and the first and second fastener substrates are arranged to purposefully receive an article in a manner that will allow for a substantial engagement of the first fastener components and the second fastener components and secure the article between the first reclosable fastener substrate and the second reclosable fastener substrate.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The reclosable fastener system where one or both the first substrate and the second substrate additionally includes a resilient layer proximate to one or both of the first fastener components and the second fastener components, the resilient layer formable by an article received between the first reclosable fastener substrate and the second reclosable fastener substrate while the first reclosable fastener substrate is engaged with the second reclosable fastener substrate. The reclosable fastener system where one or both the first substrate and the second substrate further includes a stability frame for positioning an article in a pattern between the first reclosable fastener substrate and the second reclosable fastener substrate while the first reclosable fastener substrate is engaged with the second reclosable fastener substrate. The reclosable fastener system where the stability frame is sized to receive one or more of: a wire, a ribbon cable, a tube, a pipe, a fiber optic cable. The reclosable fastener system where the stability frame provides increased mechanical properties in one or both of an x and a y direction relative to the first generally planar base.
The reclosable fastener system may additionally include an x, y reinforcement providing resistance against movement in both an x direction and a y direction relative to the first generally planar base. The reclosable fastener system may additionally include x, y reinforcement that does not significantly limit movement in a z direction relative to the first generally planar base. The reclosable fastener system may additionally include x, y reinforcement that includes a stud penetrating one or both of the first reclosable fastener substrate and the second reclosable fastener substrate.
One general aspect includes a method of securing an article with a reclosable fastener system, the method including the steps of: placing an article of a predetermined size and shape into contact with a first reclosable fastener substrate including a first fastener base and multiple first fastener components fixedly attached to the first fastener base, the first fastener components patterned to receive the article according to the size and shape of the article; and engaging the first reclosable fastener with a second reclosable fastener thereby securing the article within the first reclosable fastener and the second reclosable fastener.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features: aligning a pattern of components including the second fastener with the article; placing the article into a resilient layer proximate to one or both of the first fastener components and the second fastener components, the resilient layer formable by an article received between the first reclosable fastener and the second reclosable fastener while the first reclosable fastener is engaged with the second reclosable fastener; placing the article into a stability frame for positioning an article in a pattern between the first reclosable fastener and the second reclosable fastener while the first reclosable fastener is engaged with the second reclosable fastener; the stability frame providing increased mechanical properties in one or both of an x and a y direction relative to the first fastener base; at least a portion of the first fastener base including an electrical contact and at least a portion of a second fastener base includes an electrical contact and the method additionally includes the step of placing the electrical contact included in first fastener base in electrical communication with the electrical contact included in the second fastener base; and the electrical communication including a data signal and/or an alternating current.
Other aspects of the disclosed innovation will be apparent in the following description and the accompanying drawings.
The accompanying drawings, that are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure:
The present disclosure provides generally for a reclosable fastener system with improved stability in at least one direction. The improved stability may be configured to securely hold an embedded article within the reclosable fastener system. In some embodiments, a direction of improved stability may be inherent in the design of the fastener system. In some systems the stability may be based on the design of the embedded article.
In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methods of the disclosure will be given. The description of both preferred and alternative examples though through are exemplary only, and it is understood that to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood that the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspects of the underlying disclosure as defined by the claims.
Glossary
Referring now to
In some embodiments, an article 110 may include one or more curved sections 103, indentations 104, or outward detents 105 that may interact with the hooks 101 and loops 102 to secure the article in a fixed position and restrain the article 110 from movement in any of the X 106, Y 107 and Z 108 directions.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Articles may also include items to be attached proximate to a human body, such as for example a smart device, a mobile communications device, medical apparatus, a firearm, personal defense implement, medical tubing, therapeutic substance container, or other item.
Referring now to
In some aspects, an article 400 may extend beyond the height of a fastener series. In some embodiments, the substrate halves may include a flexible material, wherein the substrate halves may bend around the large article, allowing the fastener series to engage.
Referring now to
In
Referring now to
Referring now to
According to some embodiments, of the present invention, one or both substrate half may further include a resilient layer 705. The resilient layer 705 may form against an article 700 when the article 700 is secured between the first strip 701 and the second strip 702, with the fastener components 703A-703B. In some embodiments, the resilient layer 705 may include a textured material, which may limit the ability of the article to slide within the void or fastener system. In some aspects, the resilient layer may include a formable material, which may compress and thereby allow a secondary type embedding of an article 700 secured between a first substrate strip 701 and a second substrate strip 702. As the components 703A-703B engage, the article 700 may be forced into the resilient layer 705 and provide a compressive force between the article 700 and the resilient layer 705.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
The stability frame 1006 may also provide for increased mechanical properties, such as an increased modulus or rigidity in an X or Y direction relative to a surface of a component substrate strip.
In still another aspect, a stability frame 1006 may be fixedly attached to an object onto which the substrate strip is adhered. Attachment may be accomplished via one or more pins, screws, rivets, adhesive, welding or other vehicle for creating a fixed or removable attachment. In some embodiments, the article 1005 may include a device for connecting to an external object 1005A. As illustrated, the device for connecting to an external object 1005A includes a hook, other devices may include a clip, a carabineer, a snap, a not and/or bolt, a rivet, or other device.
Referring now to
Referring now to
As another example, the pass-through articles 1160, 1161 may comprise components of a circuit, wherein contact between the two components provides electrical communication between an electrical contact in a first substrate with an electrical contact in a second substrate. In some exemplary embodiments, the electrical communication may complete an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit may include one or both of active electrical devices and passive electrical devices. In still another aspect, completing the electrical circuit may activate the devices included in the circuit. In some aspects, specialized fasteners 1157, 1158 may comprise conductive material, and a portion of the pass-through articles 1160, 1161 may embed or directly contact the specialized fasteners 1157, 1158, wherein the conductive material may stabilize the electrical connection between the components of the circuit. Placing a first electrical contact in communication with the second electrical contact may include conveyance of a data signal, such as, for example a digital data signal or an analogue data signal. In another aspect, placing a first electrical contact in communication with the second electrical contact may include conveyance of an electrical current, such as for example an alternating current and a direct current electrical flow.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, an X, Y reinforcement may be molded as part of a first component substrate strip 1201. In some additional embodiments, an X, Y reinforcement may be attached to an object 1203 to which a first component strip 1201 is attached. Attachment may include, for example, a screw, a bolt, a tack, a weld, an adhesive or other attachment mechanism.
Referring now to
In some implementations, the X, Y support platform 1210 may comprise teeth that may fit within the fasteners of one or both the first and second component substrate strips 1201, 1202. In some aspects, the X, Y support platform 1210 may add X, Y strength, which, for example, may be useful for hanging items in X, Y direction, separating items in the Z direction, or acting as a dowel if through both component substrate strips 1201, 1202. In some embodiments, the X, Y support platform 1210 may also limit rotation of the stud. In some embodiments, not shown, the X, Y support platform 1210 may be integrated into one or both component substrate strips 1201, 1202 or may be attached to the object 1203.
Referring now to
In still another respect, referring now to
Referring now to
In some aspects, a substrate half may further include a mesh gauge, which may further secure the positioning of one or more of the studs, fasteners, and embedded article. In some embodiments, a substrate half may further include lateral reinforcement of the studs, which may limit lateral shifting of a semi-rigid material.
As an illustrative example, an article may comprise a mesh, which may fit into the fastener pattern of a substrate strip. The mesh article may be used to hang a curtain, wherein the mesh article may be attached to curtain. The lateral reinforcement of the studs may add sufficient X direction stability wherein the RFS may withstand a pull in the x direction that may occur from hanging and moving the curtain. In some embodiments an article may be designed to provide sufficient stability in the X and Y directions without reinforcing fasteners or additional components. In such embodiments the characteristics of the article may enhance stability of an article within a conventional refastener system. Characteristics of an article may include for example, one or more of: shape, size, flexibility, texture or other characteristics.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
As can be seen in the exemplary embodiments described herein, during use of the concepts of the present invention, a complementary article may be embedded within an RFS and connection may be made with increased mechanical strength in the lateral X, Y directions and ease of connection and disconnection is maintained according to the ease of engagement and disengagement of the RFS system employed.
A number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. While this specification contains many specific details, there should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the present disclosure.
This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/153,929, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD OF EMBEDDING ARTICLES WITHIN RECLOSABLE FASTENER SYSTEMS” and filed May 13, 2016 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/161,855; filed May 14, 2015, entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD OF EMBEDDING ARTICLES WITHIN RECLOSABLE FASTENER SYSTEMS, the contents of each of which are relied upon and hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
3529649 | Bennett | Sep 1970 | A |
4239046 | Ong | Dec 1980 | A |
4446900 | Markovich | May 1984 | A |
5078266 | Rackley | Jan 1992 | A |
5111354 | Marzi et al. | May 1992 | A |
5320223 | Allen | Jun 1994 | A |
5384939 | Weber | Jan 1995 | A |
5579562 | Hattori et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
5669495 | West | Sep 1997 | A |
6112901 | Noga et al. | Sep 2000 | A |
6468371 | Poulakis | Oct 2002 | B1 |
6722496 | Gantert | Apr 2004 | B2 |
7108761 | Bell | Sep 2006 | B2 |
7595734 | Long et al. | Sep 2009 | B2 |
7658809 | Bell | Feb 2010 | B2 |
7658909 | Patarin et al. | Feb 2010 | B2 |
7670639 | Gallant et al. | Mar 2010 | B2 |
7900666 | Bell | Mar 2011 | B2 |
8011626 | Poulakis | Sep 2011 | B2 |
8104615 | Liu | Jan 2012 | B2 |
8518517 | Poulakis | Aug 2013 | B2 |
8657975 | Bell | Feb 2014 | B2 |
8829328 | Silverstein | Sep 2014 | B2 |
8899416 | McDonnough et al. | Dec 2014 | B2 |
8910350 | Poulakis | Dec 2014 | B2 |
9548474 | Silverstein | Jan 2017 | B2 |
20090100648 | Naftalin et al. | Apr 2009 | A1 |
20090100651 | Naftalin et al. | Apr 2009 | A1 |
20090276986 | Janzen | Nov 2009 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20180201420 A1 | Jul 2018 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
62161855 | May 2015 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 15153929 | May 2016 | US |
Child | 15918271 | US |