Patent Grant
7302712
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to fasteners for uniting articles of clothing; and more particularly to a fastener mechanism having first and second fastener components that interlock to releasably unite clothing articles together during laundering and storage thereof.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Laundering of small frequently worn articles of clothing can become a time consuming event. In particular, articles that come in pairs, especially socks, commonly need to be replaced as one of a pair is lost during laundering or misplaced after wearing. The misplacement of these clothing articles results in consumer costs by way of replacement expenses, time, and aggravation.
Storing small frequently worn articles of clothing in an organized manner can also be difficult as these articles are prone to intermingling with other articles. In particularly, socks that are neatly folded and paired together in a drawer frequently become separated and disheveled when a person rifles through the drawer to retrieve another item. Frequently, consumers spend unnecessary time sorting, separating, and pairing these articles of clothing after laundering. Fastening mechanisms for temporarily attaching these articles of clothing together during laundering and storage provide a useful means for preventing the disappearance of one of the pair while alleviating tiresome sorting and pairing.
The fastening mechanisms heretofore devised and utilized for uniting articles of a pair together generally consist of basic snap-type fastening means and tongue-and-groove type fastening means. These fastening mechanisms do not provide optimal unification of the articles of clothing during the laundering process and share many disadvantages.
One major disadvantage of the fastening mechanisms heretofore devised and utilized is their propensity towards disengagement during the laundering process. Specifically, snap-type fastening means are inherently susceptible to separation during laundering as extreme forces are applied in opposing directions. Such forces are integral to the harsh conditions anticipated during laundering. As a result, the disclosed snap-type fastening means readily disengage, resulting in separation of the joined articles.
Another key drawback associated with the heretofore devised and utilized fastening mechanisms is the entanglement, and even tearing, of the joined articles of clothing and other clothing during laundering. Tongue-and-groove type fastening means heretofore devised and utilized are particularly vulnerable to such entanglements. Breakage of the fastening mechanisms or even tearing of the articles typically result due to the inflexible and flush attachment configuration of these tongue-and-groove mechanisms to the articles. Flush attachment of the fastener components to each of the corresponding articles results in a concentration of force at the local attachment point. Dispersion of this force is levied resulting in breakage of the mechanism, disengagement, or in extreme cases tearing of the article.
Flush attachment of the mechanism components to the articles of clothing not only cause disengagement and breakage, but also contribute to inefficient laundering. Due to this type of attachment to the socks, the socks of a pair are intimately in contact with one another. As a result, proper cleaning in the attachment regions is impaired, as the laundering detergents and water forces are not properly exposed to the attachment region. This flush attachment configuration is typical of the heretofore devised and utilized fastener mechanisms.
Another disadvantage of conventional article pairing fastening mechanisms is difficulty of concealing them from view when the articles are being worn. During wear, these fastening mechanisms are plainly visible and, due to frequent bodily contact, irritate the wearer's skin or snag articles of overlaying clothing. Problems associated with the discomfort and even injury, caused when such mechanisms make intimate contact with the wearer's person, are readily apparent.
One basic type of fastening mechanism utilized for attaching articles of a pair together comprises a basic snap-type fastening means. This fastening mechanism includes a first fastener having a generally circular part that provides a projection, and a second fastener having a generally circular part that provides an aperture. When engaged the projection fits into the aperture forming a snap-like fit. Representative fastening mechanisms of this type are disclosed in detail by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,032,294; 6,092,241; 6,185,751 B1; 6,374,420 B2; and 5,038,413.
Each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,032,294, 6,092,241, 6,185,751 B1, and 6,374,420 B2 (herein the '420 patent) discloses a fastener for mating pairs of clothing items wherein there is at least one snap fastener mechanism having a spherical projection fitting into a corresponding spherical aperture. The '420 patent calls for partial concealment of the fastening mechanisms, but the projection portion is not covered during wear. U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,413 (herein the '413 patent) discloses several embodiments for the mechanism comprising the sock fastening means. In particular, the '413 patent sets forth the use of a snap-type fastener as discussed hereinabove. In alternative embodiments, the '413 patent discloses Velcro-type, button and buttonhole, and hook and an eyelet fasteners. The '413 patent discloses the placement of logos or designs to be snapped into the snap when worn; this calls attention to the wearer's leg region.
Other disclosures setting forth basic snap-type mechanisms function as identification and tagging devices for articles of clothing. These devices do not join two articles of clothing together, but act unilaterally with one of the articles of the pair. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,344,240; and 5,357,660. These disclosures set forth means for attaching an identification snap to articles of a pair and do not disclose fastening the pair together. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,169 B1 (herein the '169 patent) discloses a snap-type fastener utilized as a sock sorting and storage device. The '169 patent discloses utilization of a fastening mechanism for the storage of the articles of a pair and does not disclose, and in fact teaches away from, joining articles for laundering.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,590 to Stubbs generally discloses a fastening mechanism having a spherical lug projection that fits into a spherical corresponding aperture so that articles of a pair are joined for laundering. This fastening configuration is very similar to the snap-type fastening mechanisms. The lug projection snaps into the corresponding aperture and engagement of the fastening device is accomplished.
The tongue-and-groove type fastening mechanisms heretofore devised and utilized generally consist of a flat surface having a ribbed portion that is inserted into a corresponding cavity having a groove. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,682,389; and 6,237,158 B1. U.S. Pat. No. 4,682,389 (herein the '389 patent) sets forth a fastening mechanism comprising a first block-like element having a cavity (groove) opening at the top and extending downwardly, a second block-like element having a tongue downwardly insertable into the first said element, detent (locking) means within the first and second element, and a stud and washer attachment means for temporarily attaching the first and second elements to related garments. U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,158 B1 (herein the '158 patent) discloses a clip assembly fastening mechanism for joining a sock of a pair to prevent the socks form being separated when laundered or stored. The clip assembly is comprised of panels attached to each sock, preferably near the ankle portion. The panels include corresponding pluralities of wedge-shaped tongues on outwardly facing sides thereof with similarly shaped grooves formed therebetween. The two panels are joined by sliding the panels together.
Both the '389 and '158 patents disclose conspicuous square-shaped fastening components. The square-shaped components inherently present four sharp corner points, which not only attribute to the snagging of clothing, but may even cause physically injury to the wearer. Furthermore, the fastening mechanisms are not inconspicuously located. In fact the '138 patent discloses that the panels are to be placed in a visible area of the sock, suggesting that jewels may adorn the panels.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0105194 to Lo (hereinafter the '194 publication) discloses a fastening device for detachably fastening two members in a pair of articles, consisting of socks or gloves, together. Significantly, the '420 patent discloses a fastening mechanism comprised of a negative fastening member having a base panel, a spacer block, a cylindrical integral, and a retaining head; and a corresponding positive fastening member having a base panel, a socket with a transversely extended receiving hole. The device is engaged and the socks thereafter detachably joined when the retaining head and cylinder of the negative fastening member are received by the socket of the positive fastening member.
All of the above patent disclosures are similar and share the same drawbacks. The snap-type design is especially vulnerable to disengagement during laundering due to weak interlocking capabilities. Even where the heretofore devised and utilized fastening mechanisms do not disengage during laundering, entanglement, breakage, and tearing of the articles routinely occur. Furthermore, in each the forgoing patent disclosures, attachment of the fastening components brings a substantial portion thereof flush against the material of the clothing articles. With such an attachment configuration, disengagement, breakage, and inefficient laundering frequently result. None of the above fastening mechanisms provide for a concealment pocket in order to provide for the articles to be worn in an optionally protective inconspicuous manner, and therefore such mechanisms are prone towards catching on the wearer's person or overlaid clothing.
The heretofore disclosed and utilized fastener mechanisms for the releasable joining of articles of clothing, such as socks, do not disclose a fastener mechanism that allows omni-directional entry, and interlocking properties through use of a disk-shaped member and a u-shaped aperture. Rather, such conventional mechanisms utilize projecting members, together with spherical surfaces or tongue and groove type surfaces. None of the conventional mechanisms utilize a disk-shaped member inserted into a u-shaped member. Moreover, none of the fastening mechanisms heretofore disclosed utilize an optional decorative or inconspicuous protective concealment pocket for the fastening components.
For the foregoing reasons, there exists a need in the art for a fastener mechanism for temporarily uniting articles of clothing that is inexpensive to construct, comfortable and safe to use and highly reliable in operation. Specifically, there is needed, a fastener comprising a first fastening component having a disc-shaped member that interlocks with a second fastening component having a u-shaped aperture member. Also needed is a fastener mechanism comprising an appending member located on both the first and second fastening components for attaching the fastener components to the articles of clothing. Further needed is a fastener mechanism for uniting articles of clothing comprising an optional band of material functioning as a protective concealment pocket. It would be highly advantageous if the use of a disk-shaped member inserted into a u-shaped member would allow omni-directional entry and create an interlocking fastening mechanism that would remain engaged throughout the laundering process. It would also be advantageous if the fastening mechanism was not flush against the material of the article, but was attached to the articles by way of an appending member so as to suspend from the article of clothing. Further advantages would be derived if the fastening mechanisms optionally included a snap having the form of a preselected design. Still other advantages would be afforded by bands of material attached to paired articles of clothing so as to form protective concealment pockets wherein the fasteners are housed when the article is worn. These concealment pockets could be adorned with decorative designs or even have decorative shapes that further encourage their use.
The present invention provides a fastener mechanism for temporarily uniting articles of clothing that is inexpensive to construct, comfortable and safe to use and highly reliable in operation. A first fastening component having a disc-shaped member interlocks with a second fastening component having a u-shaped aperture member. The fastener mechanism comprises an appending member located on both the first and second fastening components for attaching the fastener components to the articles of clothing. Such an appending mechanism tends to absorb forces exerted on the mechanism, and protects the article of clothing with which it is associated during the washing and laundering process. An optional band of material functions as a protective concealment pocket. Insertion of the disk-shaped member into the u-shaped member is readily accomplished from substantially any direction, permitting omni-directional entry. Once connected, an interlocking action between the fastener components causes them to remain in an engaged condition throughout the laundering process. Advantageously, the fastening mechanism is not flush against the material of the article, but is attached thereto by way of an appending member that is suspended therefrom. With this arrangement, laundering and drying of the article is enhanced. The fastening mechanism optionally includes a snap having the form of a preselected design that adorns the snap and tends to encourage its use. A concealment means, comprising a plurality of bands of material attached to the paired articles of clothing form protective concealment pockets wherein the fasteners are housed when the article is worn. These concealment pockets can be adorned with decorative designs or even have decorative shapes that further encourage their use.
More specifically, there is provided in accordance with the invention, a fastener mechanism for releasably uniting articles of clothing and a process for using said fastener mechanism. Generally stated, the fastener mechanism comprises first and second fastening components that are readily engaged by insertion of the first fastening component into the second fastening component. The insertion is omni-directional. An interlocking fastening mechanism is thereby engaged, and remains in the engaged condition throughout the laundering process.
Preferably, the fastener mechanism comprises a first fastening component having a disk-shaped member, and a second fastening component having a u-shaped member. The first and second fastener components are not flush against the material of the article; but rather are attached to the articles by appending members, so that the fastener components suspend therefrom. Optionally, a band of material is attached to each article of clothing, thereby forming a protective concealment pocket wherein the fasteners are housed when the article is worn. The optional concealment pocket may be adorned with a decorative design or even have a decorative shape. In addition, the concealment pockets may be camouflaged to blend with the articles' material, thereby providing inconspicuous protection for the fastener components during wear. Corresponding clothing components forming integral parts of a single article of clothing are advantageously paired and processed during laundering and storage using the fastener mechanism of the present invention.
In a preferred embodiment, the fastener mechanism of the present invention comprises a first fastener component attached to a first article of clothing. The first fastener component comprises a first appending member and a projecting disk-shaped member having a body and a grooved portion extending circumferentially around. A second fastener component is attached to a second article of clothing, and comprises a second appending member and a u-shaped aperture member with a ribbed portion extending circumferentially therein. The u-shaped aperture member and ribbed portion receive the first fastener component's disk-shaped member within the groove portion therein so as to create an interlocking relationship between the members. The appending members comprise an attachment means for affixing said first and second fastener components to articles of clothing to be united. Each of the first and second appending members has an aperture therein for receiving an attachment means for affixing said first and second fastener components to said first and second articles of clothing. The attachment means comprises a thread material that connects the fastener components to their respective clothing articles via sewing. Preferably the thread material is composed of an elastic material. The fastening mechanism is engaged when the disk-shaped member of the first fastener component is inserted into the u-shaped member of the second fastener component, thereby joining the corresponding articles of clothing together so as to maintain the union of the articles throughout the laundering and storing processes.
The first and second fastener components may be made from a thermostable plastic material or the like, so as to withstand the extreme torsions, water, and detergents implemented during the laundering process. The first and second fastener components can come in a variety of colors. Each of the first and second fastener components is affixed to an article of clothing by way of an appending member. When the articles of clothing are laundered or stored, they remain united since the fastening components are interlocked. The articles of clothing are of the type that come in pairs and are selected from the group consisting of socks, booties, mittens, gloves, and infant outfits.
Optionally, a band of material may be affixed to the articles of clothing by attachment means. The band of material is preferably square in shape, more preferably rectangular in shape, and thereby has two vertical sides, a horizontal top side, and a horizontal bottom side. The attachment means consists of sewing or the like and engages at least the two vertical sides of the band of material so that the band of material forms a pocket-like structure. Optionally, the band of material is attached to the first and second articles of clothing by engaging each of the two vertical sides and the horizontal bottom side so that the band of material forms a pocket-like structure. This pocket-like structure functions to house the first and second fastener components when disengaged and thereby conceals the fastener components while preventing contact with the wearer's person. The band of material is preferably composed of an elastic material having a height greater than or equal to the length of the first and second fastener components. The length of the band of material is greater than or equal to the width of said first and second fastener components. Optionally, the band of material may have an outer surface with a design or logo located thereon, and/or the band of material may have a design shape or logo.
Optionally, a decorative snap can be inserted into the first fastening component when the articles of clothing are being worn. Specifically, the first fastening component has an aperture for receiving a decorative snap when the articles of clothing are being worn. The decorative snap is comprised of a face portion having a design and a back portion having a projection. This projection is received by the aperture in the first fastening component. Correspondingly, a decorative disk shaped snap can be inserted into the second fastening component by inserting the decorative disk shaped snap into the second fastening component's u-shaped member when the articles of clothing are being worn. The decorative disk shaped snap comprises a disk-shaped body and a trenched portion extending circumferentially around said body, wherein said decorative disk shaped snap is received by said u-shaped member.
In another embodiment, the first and second articles of clothing with the first and second fastener components attached thereto, is a single article of clothing. In this embodiment the fastener components can be used for the fastening on a unilateral article of clothing. For example the fasteners can be used to unite sides of a jacket or hoods onto a jacket, or shirt lapels. The fastening components can also be used to releasably unite first and second articles that are integral to a single article of clothing having a body and straps, such as overalls, caps, dresses, pants, shorts, skirts, and shirts. The fastening components can also be used to releasably unite first and second articles that are integral to the function of a single article, such as belts, wrist bands, neck bands, or head bands. The fastening components can also be used to releasably unite first and second articles that are integral to a single article having a body and closure flap, such as pocketbooks, purses, tote bags, back packs, suitcases, and carrying bags. The fastening components can also be used to releasably unite first and second articles that are not integral to a single article, such as uniting a beach towel to a beach umbrella, a bath towel to a shower curtain, or a coat to a scarf.
The present invention also provides a process for using the fastener mechanism for releasably uniting articles of clothing. Generally stated, the process comprises the steps of: attaching a first fastener component to a first article of clothing, the first fastener component being comprised of a first appending member and a projecting disk-shaped member having a body and a grooved portion extending circumferentially around said body; attaching a second fastener component to a second article of clothing, the second fastener component being comprised a second appending member and a u-shaped aperture member having an inner surface provided with a ribbed portion extending circumferentially therealong. The u-shaped aperture member and ribbed portion are appointed to receive and hold the disk-shaped member in interlocking relationship within the groove portion.
The first and second articles of clothing are united when the first and second fastening components are engaged. Engagement of the fastening mechanism results when the first fastener component's projecting disk-shaped member is inserted into the second fastener component's u-shaped member. The united first and second articles of clothing are now ready for laundering. The articles remain united throughout the laundering and sorting, and optionally throughout the storage process. When the articles are to be worn, the fastening mechanism is disengaged by separating the first and second fastener components and thereby separating the first and second articles of clothing. Optionally, during wear, the fastener components can conveniently be stored in the concealment pocket formed by the attachment of a band of material to the articles of clothing. The length of the band of material is greater than or equal to the width of said first and second fastener components. Optionally, the band of material may have an outer surface with a design or logo located thereon, and/or the band of material may have a design shape or logo.
On the other hand, the fastening mechanisms may include a decorative snap and disk, for the first and second fastening components, respectively. Optionally, a decorative snap can be inserted into the first fastening component when the articles of clothing are being worn. Specifically, the first fastening component has an aperture for receiving a decorative snap when the articles of clothing are being worn. The decorative snap is comprised of a face portion having a design and a back portion having a projection. This projection is received by the first fastening component's aperture. Correspondingly, a decorative disk shaped snap can be inserted into the second fastening component by inserting the decorative disk shaped snap into the second fastening component's u-shaped member when the articles of clothing are being worn. The decorative disk shaped snap is comprised of disk-shaped body and a trenched portion extending circumferentially around said body, wherein said decorative disk shaped snap is received by said u-shaped member.
Optionally, another embodiment to facilitate the decoration of the fastener components involves the placing of a decorative plate on the exterior surface (visible) of the fastening components. For example, the first fastening component's disk-shaped member's body has a top surface where a decorative plate can be attached. The decorative plate is comprised of a face portion having a design and a back portion and is attached to the disk-shaped member body's top surface. The attachment means selected from the group consisting of hook and eye (Velcro), glue, or hook and loop. Correspondingly, the second fastening component's u-shaped member has a body with a top surface where a decorative plate is placed. The decorative plate is comprised of a face portion having a design and a back portion attached to said unshaped member body's top surface, the attachment means being selected from the group consisting of hook and eye (Velcro), glue, or hook and loop.
The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, in which:
a-9h are schematic views of the Fastener Mechanism For Releasably Uniting Articles of Clothing showing other embodiments of the fastener mechanism as attached to a single article and acting integrally therein as a fastener; and
This invention provides for a fastener mechanism that temporarily unites articles during laundering, use, and/or storage. The fastener mechanism is inexpensive to construct, easy to use, comfortable and safe to wear, and highly reliable in operation.
Generally stated, the fastener mechanism comprises a first fastening component having a disc-shaped member that interlocks with a second fastening component having a unshaped aperture member. An appending member is located on both the first and second fastening components for attaching the fastener components to the articles of clothing so that the fastening components are suspended from the article as opposed to flush attachment.
Advantageously, this attachment configuration forms a flexible point (i.e. at the attachment point) so that the first and second fastener components are flexibly attached to the first and second articles. When the articles are clothing, during laundering, this flexibility promotes dissipation of forces, so that the amount of tension and forces exerted upon the fastening mechanism and associated articles of clothing are lessoned. The attachment configuration is especially beneficial when laundering articles composed of delicate materials. Furthermore, the attachment configuration results in more efficient laundering by allowing the water and laundry detergents to penetrate the entire article of clothing. Significant advantages are thereby provided over fastener mechanisms having flush configurations, which result in inefficient laundering within the attachment area owing to the inability of water and laundry detergents to adequately penetrate that portion of the material covered by the attachment mechanism.
Where the articles are clothing, the arrangement of the present invention optionally promotes protective concealment of the fastening mechanisms during wear. A band of material attached to the articles of clothing forms a protective concealment pocket for the fasteners to be housed when the article is being worn. Advantageously, the band of material forms a protective concealment pocket so that the articles of clothing can be worn in a discrete manner. It also prevents the fastener components from jostling around and snagging on overlaying clothing. Importantly, the concealment pocket prevents the fastener components from coming into direct intimate contact with the wearer's leg, and alleviates potential discomfort or injuries, which may otherwise result.
Referring to
Continuing on
Conveniently the first fastener component 12 and the second fastener component 13 are permanently affixed to the articles of clothing 11a and 11b, allowing the user to immediately engage the fastener mechanism by readily inserting the disk-shaped member 16 of the first fastener component 12 into the aperture provided by the u-shaped member 21 of the second fastener component 13, and toss the joined unit into the hamper for later laundering. The insertion is omni-directional along the horizontal axis of the first and second fastening components 12 and 13 for convenient engagement. Furthermore, the first and second fastener components 12 and 13 disengage with ease when the user desires to wear the articles of clothing 11a and 11b. By applying force and pulling the first and second fastener components 12 and 13 in opposing directions, the Fastener Mechanism For Releasably Uniting Articles of Clothing is disengaged and the articles 11a and 11b are ready for wear. Optionally, when worn the first and second fastener components can readily be placed within a protective concealment pocket-like structure formed by attachment of a band of material. Preferably the band of material is to be made of an elastic material and fixed to the article of clothing in close proximity to the first and second fastener components 12 and 13. This band of material is shown at 22a and 22b for the first and second fastener components, respectively. The band of material 22a and 22b is attached to the article of clothing via sewing (or the like) the two vertical parallel side portions to the article in order to form a pocket-like structure. Optionally, the bottom portion may also be sewn to the article of clothing to form the pocket-like structure. The size of the band of material 22a and 22b is proportionally larger than the size of the first and second fastening components 12 and 13. For example, where the articles of clothing are sock matches, where the first and second fastening components are ≧½″×½″ and 9/16″×½″, respectively, the band of material 22a and 22b has approximate dimensions of ≧½″× 9/16″ (length×height). Preferably, the band of material 22a and 22b has approximate dimensions of ≧1½×¾″ (length×height), in order to allow sufficient room for each of the first and second fastening components. Optionally, the band of material 22a and 22b can have design or logo on the exterior, or have a design shape or logo shape for aesthetics (discussed further in
A schematic diagram of the Fastener Mechanism For Releasably Uniting Articles of Clothing is shown generally at 10 in
A schematic diagram of the Fastener Mechanism For Releasably Uniting Articles of Clothing is shown in
A schematic view of the Fastener Mechanism For Releasably Uniting Articles of Clothing showing the optional decoration of the first fastening component is shown in
A schematic view of the Fastener Mechanism For Releasably Uniting Articles of Clothing showing the optional decoration of the second fastening component is shown in
An alternative decoration of the first and second fastening components 12 and 13 is shown in
Schematic views of the Fastener Mechanism For Releasably Uniting Articles of Clothing showing other embodiments of the fastener mechanism, as attached to a single article and acting integrally therein as a fastener, are shown in
Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to but that various changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3699617 | Hofmeister | Oct 1972 | A |
| 4333182 | Seibt | Jun 1982 | A |
| 4344240 | Schiller | Aug 1982 | A |
| 4682389 | Callender | Jul 1987 | A |
| 5038413 | Ursino | Aug 1991 | A |
| 5357660 | Smith | Oct 1994 | A |
| 5450658 | Hicks | Sep 1995 | A |
| 5579541 | Christy et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
| 5740558 | Messman | Apr 1998 | A |
| 5974590 | Stubbs | Nov 1999 | A |
| 6003212 | Imahata | Dec 1999 | A |
| 6012203 | Baron Pearson | Jan 2000 | A |
| 6032294 | Dean | Mar 2000 | A |
| 6092241 | Bellet | Jul 2000 | A |
| 6163938 | Weber-Unger | Dec 2000 | A |
| 6185751 | Mason | Feb 2001 | B1 |
| 6216279 | Ellingson | Apr 2001 | B1 |
| 6237158 | Barbara | May 2001 | B1 |
| 6279169 | Reichle | Aug 2001 | B1 |
| 6374420 | Jossi | Apr 2002 | B2 |
| 20030106194 | Lo | Jun 2003 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20050273909 A1 | Dec 2005 | US |
