Cuff Loop Fastening Devices and Methods of Using

Abstract

A cuff loop fastening device can include a button section with a button having a first magnetic member extending therefrom, and a loop section with a second magnetic member having a polarity opposite that of the first magnetic member with a length of cord extending therefrom and forming a loop for engaging a shirt cuff button. In at least some embodiments, the cord is elastic. In operation, the button section is inserted through the shirt cuff buttonhole and is held in place by the button. In at least some embodiments, the loop section is attached to the shirt cuff button and then connected to the button section by the attraction of the first and second magnets.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparel accessories and in particular to a device for fastening a shirt cuff when the shirt cuff is in the open position.

Many shirts are now designed to show a particular pattern or color when the cuff is rolled and the reverse side of the cuff is exposed. The problem with exposing the reverse side of the cuff is that the cuff does not remain fastened around the wearer's wrist or arm. Instead, the cuff remains open and unattached, and will not stay in place when unbuttoned. The cuff can then slide about uncontrollably, creating discomfort for the wearer, the potential for the cuff to become soiled, and an unflattering look.

In addition, many individuals enjoy wearing cufflinks but are limited to French cuff style shirts. In some embodiments, the present invention can also be used when a shirt's cuffs are in a normal position known as a barrel cuff style.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In at least some embodiments, a cuff loop fastening device provides a looped cord that extends from a first magnetic member that is in turn coupled to a second magnetic member rotatably attached to a button configured to extend through the buttonhole on the first end of the cuff. In at least some embodiments, the looped cord is extended over and wrapped around the original shirt button on the second end of the cuff. The rolled cuff can thus be closed and can stay in place on the wearer's arm.

In some embodiments, a T-bottom member is attached at the bottom of the looped cord to accommodate shirts in which there is no button but simply a buttonhole on the second end of the cuff, a so-called French cuff. The T-bottom member is inserted into the buttonhole on the second end of the cuff to close the rolled cuff.

A cuff loop fastening device can comprise:

(a) a button having a top decorative surface and a bottom surface having a closed attachment hook extending downwardly therefrom;

(b) a first magnetic member having a closed attachment hook extending upwardly therefrom;

(c) a link interconnecting the button attachment hook and the first magnet attachment hook;

(d) a second magnetic member having a closed attachment hook extending downwardly therefrom, the second magnetic member having a polarity opposite that of the first magnetic member;

(e) a length of cord extending through the second magnet attachment hook and forming a loop for engaging a shirt cuff button.

In some embodiments, the cord is elastic.

In some embodiments, the cuff loop fastening device can further comprise a compressible stud for forming a pair of loops in the length of cord.

In some embodiments, the cuff loop fastening device can further comprise a T-bottom member extending from the bottom portion of the length of cord.

In some embodiments, a cuff loop fastening device set can include:

(a) a button section comprising a button, wherein the button has a top decorative surface and a bottom surface, and a first connection member, wherein the first connection member is attached to the button;

(b) a first loop section comprising a second connection member, wherein the second connection member is configured to connect to the first connection member, and a first length of cord wherein the first length of cord is connected to the second connection member, wherein the first length of cord forms a loop for engaging a shirt cuff button;

(c) a second loop section comprising a third connection member, wherein the third connection member is configured to connect to the first connection member, a second length of cord, wherein the second length of cord is connected to the third connection member; and a T-bottom member extending from a bottom portion of the second length of cord.

In some embodiments of the cuff loop fastening device set, the button has a closed button attachment hook extending downwardly therefrom; the first connection member has a closed first connection member attachment hook extending upwardly therefrom, and a link connects the closed button attachment hook and the closed first connection member attachment hook.

In some embodiments of the cuff loop fastening device set, the second connection member has a closed second connection member attachment hook extending downwardly therefrom, wherein the first length of cord extends through the closed second connection member attachment hook.

In some embodiments of the cuff loop fastening device set, the first loop section further comprises a compressible stud for forming a pair of loops in the first length of cord.

In some embodiments of the cuff loop fastening device set, the first connection member, the second connection member, and the third connection member are magnets.

In some embodiments of the cuff loop fastening device set, the first connection member, the second connection member, and the third connection member are snaps.

In some embodiments of the cuff loop fastening device set, the first length of cord is elastic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a cuff loop fastening device in a closed configuration.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a cuff loop fastening device in an open configuration.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a cuff loop fastening device in an open configuration, to which a T-bottom member is attached at the bottom of the looped cord.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a cuff loop fastening device in an open configuration and in which the cord extends in a single loop.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT(S)

Turning first to FIG. 1, cuff loop fastening device 100 can include button 112 having top decorative surface 112a and bottom surface 112b having closed attachment hook 112c extending downwardly therefrom. In some embodiments, first magnetic member 116 has closed attachment hook 116a extending upwardly therefrom. In at least some embodiments, link 114 interconnects button attachment hook 112c and first magnet attachment hook 116a.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, second magnetic member 126 has closed attachment hook 126a extending downwardly therefrom. In at least some embodiments, second magnetic member 126 has a polarity opposite that of first magnetic member 116. In some embodiments, a length of cord 122 extends through second magnet attachment hook 126a and forms a loop for engaging a shirt cuff button.

Cord 122 can be formed from a variety of materials, such as but not limited to, rubber or silicone. In some preferred embodiments, cord 122 has a fabric outer layer. In some preferred embodiments, cord 122 is elastic. In some embodiments, cord 122 is nonelastic.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, compressible stud 128 forms a pair of loops in cord 122.

FIG. 2 shows cuff loop fastening device 100 in an open configuration, with button section 110 separated from loop section 120 at the junction of first magnetic member 116 and second magnetic member 126. In operation, button section 110 is inserted through a shirt cuff buttonhole and is held in place at bottom surface 112b of button 112. Loop section 120 is attached to the shirt cuff button and then connected to button section 110 by the attraction of second magnetic member 126 to first magnetic member 116. In some embodiments, other mechanisms are used to attach loop section 120 to button section 110 including snap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, clips, and/or clasps.

FIG. 3 shows cuff loop fastening device 200 in an open configuration, to which a T-bottom member is attached at the bottom of the looped cord. As shown, button section 210 is identical to button section 110 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Loop section 220 includes second magnetic member 226, which has closed attachment hook 226a extending downwardly therefrom. Cord 222 extends through second magnet attachment hook 226a. Compressible stud 228 forms a pair of loops in cord 222. The bottom loop of cord 222 extends through closed attachment hook 230a of T-bottom member 230. T-bottom member 230 accommodates shirts in which there is no button but simply a buttonhole on the second end of the French cuff.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative cuff loop fastening device 300 in an open configuration. As shown, button section 310 is identical to button section 110 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Loop section 320 includes second magnetic member 326, which has a closed attachment hook 326a extending downwardly therefrom. In at least some embodiments, cord 322 extends in a single loop through closed attachment hook 326a. In at least some embodiments, compressible stud 328a secures cord 322 within closed attachment hook 326a. In at least some embodiments, compressible stud 328b secures cord 322 in a single loop for engagement with a shirt cuff button.

In some embodiments, cuff loop fastening device is configured to accommodate various loop sections. In some embodiments, a loop fastening device is configured such that a single button section can be used with loop section 120, loop section 220, and/or loop section 320. This is particularly advantageous if a user likes a particular button 112 and would like to use the same button with both traditional and French cuff shirts. This is particularly important if the button is made of an expensive material such as, but not limited to, gold, silver, platinum and/or precious and/or semi-precious stones.

In some embodiments, a cuff loop fastening device set includes a button section including, a button having a top decorative surface and a bottom surface having a closed attachment hook extending downwardly therefrom. In some embodiments, the set includes a first connection member having a closed attachment hook extending upwardly therefrom and/or a link interconnecting the button attachment hook and the first connection member attachment hook. In some embodiments, the set includes a first loop section, wherein the first loop section includes a second connection member. In some embodiments, the second connection member has a closed attachment hook extending downwardly therefrom. In at least some embodiments the first loop section has a length of cord extending through the second connection member attachment hook and forming a loop for engaging a shirt cuff button.

In some embodiments, the cuff loop fastening device set also includes a second loop section, wherein the second loop section includes a third connection member. In some embodiments, the third connection member has a closed attachment hook extending downwardly therefrom. In at least some embodiments the second loop section has a length of cord extending through the third connection member attachment hook and forming a loop. In at least some embodiments, the second loop section extends through a closed attachment hook of a T-bottom member.

In at least some embodiments of the cuff loop fastening device set, the first connection member is configured to attach to the second connection member and third connection member. In some embodiments, the first connection member, the second connection member, and the third connection member are magnets. In some embodiments, the first connection member, the second connection member, and the third connection member are snaps.

While particular elements, embodiments and applications of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.

Claims

1. A cuff loop fastening device comprising: (a) a button having a top decorative surface and a bottom surface;(b) a first magnetic member, wherein said first magnetic member is attached to said button;(c) a second magnetic member having a polarity opposite that of said first magnetic member;(d) a length of cord extending connected to said second magnetic member and forming a loop for engaging a shirt cuff button.

2. The cuff loop fastening device of claim 1 wherein said button has a closed button attachment hook extending downwardly therefrom; and wherein said first magnetic member has a closed first magnetic member attachment hook extending upwardly therefrom, wherein a link connects said closed button attachment hook and said closed first magnetic attachment hook.

3. The cuff loop fastening device of claim 1 wherein said second magnetic member has a closed second magnetic member attachment hook extending downwardly therefrom, wherein said length of cord extends through said closed second magnetic member attachment hook.

4. The cuff loop fastening device of claim 1, wherein said length of cord is elastic.

5. The cuff loop fastening device of claim 1, further comprising a compressible stud for forming a pair of loops in said length of cord.

6. The cuff loop fastening device of claim 1, further comprising a T-bottom member extending from a bottom portion of said length of cord.

7. A cuff loop fastening device comprising: (a) a button having a top decorative surface and a bottom surface having a closed button attachment hook extending downwardly therefrom;(b) a first magnetic member having a closed first magnetic member attachment hook extending upwardly therefrom;(c) a link interconnecting said closed button attachment hook and the closed first magnetic member attachment hook;(d) a second magnetic member having a closed second magnetic member attachment hook extending downwardly therefrom, the second magnetic member having a polarity opposite that of said first magnetic member; and(e) a length of cord extending through said closed second magnetic member attachment hook and forming a loop for engaging a shirt cuff button, wherein said length of cord is elastic;(f) a compressible stud attached to said length of cord for forming a pair of loops in said length of cord; and(g) a T-bottom member extending from a bottom portion of said length of cord.

8. A cuff loop fastening device set comprising: (a) a button section comprising: (i) a button having a top decorative surface and a bottom surface; and(ii) a first connection member, wherein said first connection member is attached to said button;(b) a first loop section comprising: (i) a second connection member, wherein said second connection member is configured to connect to said first connection member; and(ii) a first length of cord wherein said first length of cord is connected to said second connection member, wherein said first length of cord forms a loop for engaging a shirt cuff button;(c) a second loop section comprising: (i) a third connection member, wherein said third connection member is configured to connect to said first connection member;(ii) a second length of cord, wherein said second length of cord is connected to said third connection member; and(iii) a T-bottom member extending from a bottom portion of said second length of cord.

9. The cuff loop fastening device set of claim 8 wherein said button has a closed button attachment hook extending downwardly therefrom; and wherein said first connection member has a closed first connection member attachment hook extending upwardly therefrom, wherein a link connects said closed button attachment hook and said closed first connection member attachment hook.

10. The cuff loop fastening device set of claim 8 wherein said second connection member has a closed second connection member attachment hook extending downwardly therefrom, wherein said first length of cord extends through said closed second connection member attachment hook.

11. The cuff loop fastening device set of claim 8, wherein said first loop section further comprises: (iii) a compressible stud for forming a pair of loops in said first length of cord.

12. The cuff loop fastening device set of claim 8, wherein said first connection member, said second connection member, and said third connection member are magnets.

13. The cuff loop fastening device set of claim 8, wherein said first connection member, said second connection member, and said third connection member are snaps.

14. The cuff loop fastening device of claim 8, wherein said first length of cord is elastic.

15. The cuff loop fastening device set of claim 8 wherein said first loop section further comprises (iii) a compressible stud for forming a pair of loops in said first length of cord, andwherein said button has a closed button attachment hook extending downwardly therefrom; and wherein said first connection member has a closed first connection member attachment hook extending upwardly therefrom, wherein a link connects said closed button attachment hook and said closed first connection member attachment hook,wherein said second connection member has a closed second connection member attachment hook extending downwardly therefrom, wherein said first length of cord extends through said closed second connection member attachment hook,wherein said first connection member, said second connection member, and said third connection member are magnets.