CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, Singapore patent application Ser. No. 10/202,302003U, filed Jul. 13, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
Embodiments of the invention relate to fasteners for garments. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to a fastener for a head-worn garment such as headscarves that secures the garment in place at a substantially fixed position on a user as the garment is worn by the user.
BACKGROUND
Religious headscarves, such as the hijab and the tudung, are traditionally worn by Muslim women as a symbol of religious observance. However, it is known that they can present certain difficulties in their fastening. One challenge is ensuring they stay securely fastened in place, and as such, they require careful adjustments and pinning. Conventional devices used for fastening a headscarf securely in a proper position include pins and needles. Moreover, among the prior arts that relate to fasteners for garments include U.S. Pat. No. 10,136,704B2, which discloses a coupling for securing fabric items includes a pin assembly which has a head and a shaft, the shaft passes through the fabric items, and a catch is then mated with the shaft such that the fabric items are sandwiched between the head and the catch. U.S. Pat. No. 10,136,704B2 further includes a magnetic release member that is employed when it becomes necessary to decouple the catch from the shaft.
However, the aforementioned conventional devices and prior art may eventually damage the fabric of the headscarf. Known fabrics used for headscarves include chiffons, silks, satins, or the like, which are delicate in nature. As such, users using the aforementioned conventional devices and the prior art are required to weave through the fabric of the headscarf carefully for the headscarf to be fastened in a proper position. However, with the headscarf being fastened using the aforementioned conventional devices and the prior art, it is inevitable that there will be holes formed in the fabric of the headscarf. Also, with the headscarf being worn repeatedly, the constant poking of needles leaves multiple holes in the fabric of the headscarf. Over time, this causes the lifespan of the fabric of the headscarf to shorten as the holes either increase in size or increase in number. Sometimes, the fabric of the headscarf may also get stuck in the hook of the needle causing the fabric to become ruined. Accordingly, it is desirable to have a garment fastener that overcomes these aforementioned issues faced by its users.
BRIEF SUMMARY
One aspect of the invention relates to a garment fastener that is easy to use and does not damage the garment fabric of the garment, with the garment preferably being a headscarf. To achieve this objective, the garment fastener is in the form of pairable members that include a first member and a second member, with each member comprising one or more attractor modules. One or more layers of garment fabric of the garment are to be secured between the members as the members coupled via their attractor modules for fastening of the garment.
Advantageously, the garment fastener of the present invention ensures that damage to the garment fabric of the garment is avoided, as no more holes will be formed thereon. With this, a garment such as a headscarf may be kept and worn by the user for a longer time, thereby providing long-term savings to the user as they need not frequently purchase new headscarves. Moreover, the garment fastener is easy to use as it is only required to be snapped together for them to be coupled for fastening garment fabric of the headscarf securely in place, hence, time is saved during wearing of the headscarf.
One embodiment of the invention relates to a garment fastener, comprising pairable members including a first member and a second member, with each member comprising one or more attractor modules. The pairable members secure one or more layers of garment fabric therebetween with the first member being covered by the garment fabric and the second member being atop the garment fabric where the first member is located for both members to be substantially coupled via their attractor modules.
Preferably, the members each are in the form of a singular body, and each member includes a first attractor module and the second attractor module, which are part of or accommodated within the singular body.
Preferably, the attractor modules of either or both members are spaced with a distance therebetween.
Preferably, the members each further comprises an indented portion between their attractor modules.
Preferably, the intended portion of the first member and the intended portion of the second member secure one or more layers of garment fabric therebetween as they are substantially coupled via their attractor modules.
Preferably, either or both the members, each includes a first attractor module and the second attractor module, with the first attractor module being part of or accommodated within a first piece, and the second attractor module being part of or accommodated within a second piece.
Preferably, the garment fastener further comprises a connector that connects each piece of the divided body of the first member, the second member or a combination thereof.
Preferably, the garment fastener further comprises a fabric gatherer connected to either one or both the members for constraining fabric passing therethrough prior to or after the fabric is made to fasten between the pairable members.
Preferably, the fabric gatherer is connected to either one member by means of linkages that is either rigid or resilient.
Preferably, the body of the members is either rigid, pliable or a combination thereof.
Preferably, the garment fastener is placed at an anatomical region of a user that corresponds to a shoulder of a user during its use.
Preferably, the attractor modules of the members are magnets or magnetic devices.
Preferably, the members of the garment fastener each have a body that is of a length of between 45 mm and 55 mm, a width of between 5 mm and 15 mm, and a height of between 6 mm and 12 mm.
Preferably, the attractor modules of the garment fastener each have a length of between 15 mm and 25 mm, a width of between 5 mm and 9 mm, and a height of between 2 mm and 4 mm.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of using a garment fastener, comprising the steps of wrapping a garment around a primary anatomical region of a user, disposing a first member of pairable members of the garment fastener, which comprises one or more attractor modules, about a location that corresponds to a secondary anatomical region of the user, laying one or more layers of garment fabric at the location of the first member, disposing a second member of pairable members of the garment fastener, which comprises one or more attractor modules, about the garment fabric that corresponds to the location of the first member. The pairable members secure one or more layers of garment fabric therebetween with the first member being covered by the garment fabric and the second member being atop the garment fabric, where the first member is located, for both members to be substantially coupled via their attractor modules.
Preferably, regarding the method, the second member is in the form of a divided body having one or more pieces, in which its first attractor module is part of or accommodated within a first piece, and its second attractor module is part of or accommodated within a second piece.
Preferably, regarding the method, the second member further comprises a connector that connects each piece of the divided body of the first member and/or the second member.
Preferably, regarding the method, the step of disposing a second member of pairable members, which comprises one or more attractor modules, about the garment fabric at the location of the first member further comprising the steps of bundling the garment fabric into a bundle, and strapping the bundle between the first member and the second member by use of the connector of the second member.
Preferably, regarding the methods, the second member further comprises a fabric gatherer.
Preferably, regarding the method, the step of disposing a second member of pairable members, which comprises one or more attractor modules, about the garment fabric at the location of the first member further comprising the steps of bundling the garment fabric into a bundle, passing the bundle through the fabric gatherer of the second member, and disposing the second member at the location of the first member over the bundle gathered by its fabric gatherer.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments described herein are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
To facilitate an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawings the preferred embodiments from an inspection of which when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its construction and operation and many of its advantages would be readily understood and appreciated.
FIGS. 1a and 1b are diagrams illustrating views of a user having their garment fastened by the garment fastener of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 1a illustrates a front view of the user wearing a garment fastened using the said garment fastener, while FIG. 1b illustrates a rear view of the user wearing a garment fastened using the said garment fastener.
FIGS. 2a to 2c are diagrams illustrating one or more views of the garment fastener in a first example embodiment. In particular, FIG. 2a illustrates their bottom view, FIG. 2b illustrates their top view, while FIG. 2c illustrates their side sectional side view.
FIG. 2d is a diagram illustrating a sectional side view of a member of the garment fastener in a first example embodiment, whereby it is shaped to accommodate attractor modules.
FIGS. 3a and 3b are diagrams illustrating one or more views of the garment fastener in a second example embodiment. In particular, FIG. 3a illustrates its bottom view, while FIG. 3b illustrates its top view.
FIGS. 4a and 4b are diagrams illustrating one or more views of the garment fastener in a third example embodiment. In particular, FIG. 4a illustrates its bottom view, while FIG. 4b illustrates its top view.
FIGS. 5a to 5c are diagrams illustrating sectional side views of the garment fastener in various embodiments securing one or more layers of garment fabric. In particular, FIG. 5a illustrates the first example embodiment, FIG. 5b illustrates the second example embodiment, and FIG. 5c illustrates the third example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
One aspect of the present invention relates to a garment fastener, preferably for head-worn garments such as headscarves, which securely fastens the said garment in place to be in a substantially fixed position on a user, as the garment is worn by the user. The invention may also be presented in a number of different embodiments with common elements.
According to the concept of the invention, the garment fastener is in the form of pairable members that include a first member and a second member. Each member comprises one or more attractor modules for enabling one or more layers of garment fabric to be secured between the first member and the second member the members are substantially coupled via their attractor modules. With this, the one or more layers of garment fabric are held in place so that the worn garment retains its shape and form and does not become undone as the user moves about while performing their daily activities
From hereon, it should be noted that garments may refer to articles, wearables, apparel, or clothing that is worn by the user at one or more anatomical regions of the user. Preferably, these articles, wearables, apparel, or clothing may include headwear, headgears or headpieces, which may be, by way of example, scarfs, headscarves, veils, or the like. These articles, wearables, apparel, or clothing may also include full-body garments, or partial-body garments that substantially cover the entirety of the user or portions of the user. Preferably, the garment used as an example for the garment fastener of the present invention is a headscarf. However, it is to be noted that its descriptions shall similarly be applicable to the aforementioned articles, wearables, apparel, or clothing.
From hereon, it will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
From hereon as well, spatially relative terms, such as “top”, “bottom”, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the assembly in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the assembly in the figures is turned over, elements described as “top” other elements or features would then be oriented “bottom” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “top” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the figures. For case of reference, common reference numerals or series of numerals will be used throughout the figures when referring to the same or similar features common to the figures.
FIG. 1a illustrates a front view of a user A wearing a garment B that is fastened in place on the user A by use of a garment fastener 1 of the present invention. Whereas, FIG. 1b illustrates a rear view of the user A wearing a garment B that is fastened in place on the user A by use of a fastener 1 of the present invention.
As shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the garment B is in the form of a headscarf, and it may be wrapped around a primary anatomical region of user A one or more times with a portion of garment fabric of the garment B ending on a secondary anatomical region of the user A. The garment fastener 1, which comes in the form of pairable members, securely fastens the aforementioned portions of the garment B at the shoulder of the user so that its shape and form remain in place as it is worn. Preferably, the garment fastener 1 has two pairable members, each having one or more attractor modules, with one of the members being placed underneath the garment fabric of the garment B and is closest to the user A, while the other member is placed atop the garment fabric of the garment B where the previously placed member is located and is furthest away from the user A.
In particular, in the case of garment B shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the primary anatomical region of user A is a head portion of the user A. The pairable members of the garment fastener 1 are to be placed at a secondary anatomical region of the user that corresponds to the shoulder of the user, more specifically, locations long their shoulder that corresponds to their clavicle section, acromion section, or a combination thereof. However, it is to be noted that the primary anatomical region and the secondary anatomical region of the user A may be of the same.
The garment fastener 1 as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b may have one or more embodiments, which shall now be described.
FIGS. 2a to 2c are diagrams illustrating one or more views of the garment fastener in its first example embodiment 10. In particular, FIG. 2a illustrates its bottom view, FIG. 2b illustrates its top view, while FIG. 2c illustrates its side sectional side view.
FIG. 2d is a diagram illustrating a sectional side view of a member of the garment fastener in its first example embodiment 10, whereby it is shaped to accommodate attractor modules.
As shown in FIGS. 2a to 2d, the garment fastener in its first example embodiment 10 comprises pairable members that include a first member 11 and a second member 12, with each member being a singular body.
Regarding the garment fastener in its first example embodiment 10 as shown in FIGS. 2a to 2d, the first member 11 comprises a first attractor module 111 and a second attractor module 112, while the second member 12 comprises a first attractor module 121 and a second attractor module 122 as well. In particular, the attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122 are part of or accommodated within the body of members 11, 12, and each substantially extend longitudinally from each distal end of the members 11, 12. The longitudinal lengths of the attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122 are preferably the same, but this may not be necessarily so. Also, is to be noted that the amount of attractor modules for each member 11, 12 may not be limited to as shown in FIGS. 2a to 2d, and may be any other permissible amount.
Regarding the garment fastener in its first example embodiment 10 as shown in FIGS. 2a to 2d, each member 11, 12 of the pairable member may have a singular body that is rigid or pliable. In the case where they are to have a body that is rigid, their bodies may be, by way of example, made from stainless steel, aluminium alloy, or the like. In the case where they are to have a body that is pliable, their bodies may be, by way of example, made from silicon. In the case where they have a body that is pliable, they may be able to substantially conform to contours of an anatomical region of the user. For accommodating the attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122, the body of each member 11, 12 may be formed with one or more cavities as magnet holders. It is to be noted that the shape of the body of each member 11, 12 may not be limited to as shown in FIGS. 2a to 2d, and may be any other permissible shape.
Regarding members 11, 12 of the garment fastener in its first example embodiment 10 as shown in FIGS. 2a to 2d, their attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122 arc spaced apart from each other at a distance. More specifically, for the first member 11, its first attractor module 111 and its second attractor module 112 are spaced apart at a first distance, while for the second member 12, its first attractor module 121 and its second attractor module 122 are spaced apart at a second distance. The aforementioned first distance and second distance may be of a same length, however, they may be also of a different length as well.
As shown in FIGS. 2a to 2d, the members 11, 12 of the first example embodiment 10 of the garment fastener further comprise an indented portion 113, 123 between their attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122. More specifically, for the first member 11, its body has a first indented portion 113 between the first attractor module 111 and the second attractor module 112, and for the second member 12, its body has a second indented portion 123 between the first attractor module 121 and the second attractor module 122. These indented portions may enable the members 11, 12 of the first example embodiment 10 to further securely fasten garment fabric as both members 11, 12 substantially couple via their attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122.
Regarding the garment fastener in its first example embodiment 10 as shown in FIGS. 2a to 2d, the attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122 of the members 11, 12 are magnets or magnetic devices. They may be, by way of example, neodymium magnets. Preferably, the attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122 are quadrilateral in shape, but they may be of any other permissible shape that preferably corresponds to the body of the members 11, 12. More specifically, for each member 11, 12, their attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122 that are part of or accommodated within them are orientated or configured to be of opposing polarities. In particular, for the first member 11, its first attractor module 111 may have a north-south polarity while its second attractor module 112 may have a south-north polarity. In particular, for the second member 12, its first attractor module 121 may have a south-north polarity while its second attractor module 122 may have a north-south polarity. Alternatively, for the second member 12, its first attractor module 121 and second attractor module 122 may have polarities similar to the first member 11. It is to be noted that the attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122 may be rigid or pliable.
Regarding the garment fastener in its first example embodiment 10 as shown in FIGS. 2a to 2d, the members 11, 12 of the first example embodiment 10 each have a bottom surface and a top surface. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2a, the top surface of the members 11, 12 has portions of the attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122 exposed. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2b. the top surface of the members 11, 12 corresponds to the surface of the body. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 2c and 2d, portions of the attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122 are embedded within the body with only one of their surfaces exposed at the bottom surface of the members 11, 12 for maximum attractive forces between the attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122 for their coupling. Alternatively, the members 11, 12 may have their attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122 encased within their bodies, in such an embodiment, to minimize attenuation of the attractive forces of the attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122, the encasement may be thin or film-like so that the attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122 are close to the top surface and/or the bottom surface of the body.
Regarding the garment fastener in its first example embodiment 10 as shown in FIGS. 2a to 2d, preferably the body of each member 11, 12 has a length of between 45 mm and 55 mm, a width of between 5 mm and 15 mm, and a height of between 6 mm and 12 mm. But most preferably, the body of each member 11, 12 has a length of 50 mm, a width of 10 mm, and a height of 9 mm. Preferably, as well, the attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122 has a length of between 15 mm and 25 mm, a width of between 5 mm and 9 mm, and a height of between 2 mm and 4 mm. But most preferably, the body of each member 11, 12 has a length of 20 mm, a width of 7 mm, and a height of 3 mm. These dimensions are merely examples and may not be interpreted as limitations to the dimensions of the garment fastener in its first example embodiment 10.
FIG. 5a is a diagram illustrating the sectional side view of the garment fastener in its first example embodiment 10 in use to fasten garment fabric. As shown, as the garment is worn, one or more layers of garment fabric are to be between the members 11, 12 as they substantially couple via their attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122.
With reference to FIG. 5a, by way of example, the first member 11 is to be positioned along an anatomical region of the user, and is to be closer to the user compared to the second member 12. The bottom surface of the first member 11 is oriented to face away from the anatomical region of the user, while the bottom surface of the second member 12 is oriented to face towards the anatomical region of the user for its coupling with the first member 11.
With reference to FIG. 5a, by way of example, the first attractor module 111 of the first member 11 may couple with a first attractor module 121 of the second member 12, by means of an attractive force between a north-facing pole of the first attractor module 111 of the first member 11 and a south-facing pole of the first attractor module 121 of the second member 12. Moreover, by way of example, the second attractor module 112 of the first member 11 may couple with a second attractor module 122 of the second member 12, by means of an attractive force between a south-facing pole of the second attractor module 112 of the first member 11 and a north-facing pole of the second attractor module 122 of the second member 12. It is to be noted that the aforementioned coupling is merely an example, and coupling may be done so long as an attractive force is formed between a north-facing pole and a south-facing pole of the attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122.
As for decoupling the second member 12 from the first member 11 to unfasten the garment fastener, the user may exert a force to overcome the attractive forces of the attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122.
With reference to FIG. 5a, preferably, as the first member 11 substantially couples with the second member 12 via their attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122, both members 11, 12 are to be substantially aligned to one another. This ensures maximum contact area between the attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122 of both members 11, 12 for securing the layers of garment fabric. Moreover, as the members 11, 12 are substantially aligned to one another, their indented portions 113, 123 are preferably aligned to one another.
With reference to FIG. 5a, as the layers of garment fabric are fastened between the coupled members 11, 12, the layers of garment fabric may have folds that enter the indented portions 113, 123. This further increases the securement of the garment fabric as the occurrence of garment fabric slipping from the coupled members 11, 12 is reduced.
FIGS. 3a and 3b are diagrams illustrating one or more views of the garment fastener in its second example embodiment 20. In particular, FIG. 3a illustrates its bottom view, FIG. 4b illustrates its top view.
Regarding the garment fastener in its second example embodiment 20 as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, it comprises pairable members that include a first member 21 and a second member 22. In this second example embodiment 20, the first member 21 has a singular body, while the second member 22 has a divided body. More specifically, the second member 22 has a first piece 221 and a second piece 222 with a connector 223 connecting both pieces 221, 222.
Regarding the garment fastener in its second example embodiment 20 as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the first member 21 comprises a first attractor module 211 and a second attractor module 212. Whereas, the first piece 221 of the second member 22 comprises a first attractor module 2211, and the second piece 222 of the second member 22 comprises a second attractor module 2221. In particular, the attractor modules 211, 212, 2211, 2221 are part of or accommodated within the body of members 21, 22. In the case of the first member 21, its attractor modules 211, 212 each substantially extend longitudinally from each distal end of the first member 21. In the case of the second member 22, its attractor modules 2211, 2221 may preferably be located at each piece 221, 222 in their entirety. The longitudinal lengths of the attractor modules 211, 212, 2211, 2221 are preferably the same, but this may not be necessarily so. Also, is to be noted that the amount of attractor modules for each member 21, 22 may not be limited to as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, and may be any other permissible amount.
It is to be noted that various descriptions of the garment fastener in its second example embodiment 20 may follow from descriptions of the garment fastener in its first example embodiment 10, which include the composition of the body of its members 21, 22, the make of its attractor modules 211, 212, 2211, 2221, the disposition of its attractor modules 221, 212 within the body of the first member 21, and its related dimensions. This also includes the bottom and top surfaces of the first member 21, the first piece 221 of the second member 22, and the second piece 222 of the second member 22. As such, they shall not be repeated, as it is imperative that teaching of the garment fastener in its first example embodiment 10 may be brought over to the garment fastener in its second example embodiment 20.
As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the first member 21 of the second example embodiment 20 further comprises an indented portion 213 between its attractor modules 211213. This indented portion 213 may enable the first member 21 of the second example embodiment 20 to further securely fasten garment fabric as both members 21, 22 substantially couple via their attractor modules 211, 212, 221, 222.
Regarding the garment fastener in its second example embodiment 20 as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the connector 223 that connects the first piece 221 of the second member 22 and the second piece 222 of the second member 22 may be, by way of example, an clastic strap, an elastic band, an elastic cord, or any item that has an elastic or resilient property. Alternatively, the connector 223 may be a rigid inelastic connector. In particular, each end of the connector 223 is connected to an end of the first piece 221 of the second member 22 and an end of the second piece 222 of the second member 22.
Regarding the garment fastener in its second example embodiment 20 as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, its first member 21 may have a body that is substantially more elongated compared to the first member 11 of the garment fastener of the first example embodiment 10. This, in combination with its second member 21, ensures that a larger amount and area of garment fabric may be fastened by the garment fastener in its second example embodiment 20. More specifically, the garment fabric may be made into a bundle as it is fastened by the coupled first member 21 and second member 22 of the second example embodiment 20.
FIG. 5b is a diagram illustrating the garment fastener in its second example embodiment 20 the used to fasten garment fabric. As shown, as the garment is worn, one or more layers of garment fabric is to be between the members 21, 22 as they substantially couple via their attractor modules 211, 212, 2211, 2221.
With reference to FIG. 5b, by way of example, the first member 21 is to be positioned along an anatomical region of the user, and is to be closer to the user compared to the second member 22. The bottom surface of the first member 21 is oriented to face away from the anatomical region of the user, while the bottom surfaces of the first piece 221 and the second piece 222 of the second member 12 are oriented to face towards the anatomical region of the user for their coupling with the first member 21.
With reference to FIG. 5b, by way of example, the first attractor module 211 of the first member 21 may couple with a first attractor module 2211 of the first piece 221 of the second member 22, by means of an attractive force between a north-facing pole of the first attractor module 211 of the first member 21 and a south-facing pole of the first attractor module 2211 of the first piece 221 of the second member 22. Moreover, by way of example, the second attractor module 212 of the first member 21 may couple with a second attractor module 2221 of the second piece 222 of the second member 22, by means of an attractive force between a south-facing pole of the second attractor module 112 of the first member 11 and a north-facing pole of the second attractor module 2221 of the second piece 222 of the second member 22. It is to be noted that the aforementioned coupling is merely an example, and coupling may be done so long as an attractive force is formed between a north-facing pole and a south-facing pole of the attractor modules 211, 212, 2211, 2221.
As for decoupling the pieces 221, 222 of the second member 22 from the first member 21 to unfasten the garment fastener, the user may exert a force to overcome the attractive forces of the attractor modules 211, 212, 2211, 2221.
With reference to FIG. 5b, preferably, as the first member 11 substantially couples with the second member 12 via their attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122, the pieces 221, 222 of the second member 22 are to be wholly located at areas along the first member 11 where its attractor modules 211, 212 are located. This ensures maximum contact area between the attractor modules 111, 112, 121, 122 of both members 11, 12 for fastening the layers of garment fabric of the garment.
With reference to FIG. 5b, preferably, prior to the coupling of the first member 21 and the pieces 221, 222 of the second member 22, the garment fabric is preferably bundled into a bundle. Afterwards, the bundle is strapped between the first member 21 and the second member 22 by use of the connector 223 of the second member 22 as the first member 21 and the pieces 221, 222 of the second member 22 are coupled.
FIGS. 4a and 4b are diagrams illustrating one or more views of the garment fastener in its third example embodiment 30. In particular, FIG. 4a illustrates its bottom view, while FIG. 4b illustrates its bottom view.
Regarding the garment fastener in its third example embodiment 30 as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, it comprises pairable members that include a first member 311 and a second member 312, with each member being a singular body. Furthermore, the second member 32 comprises linkages 324 and a fabric gatherer 325, wherein the linkages 324 connect the fabric gatherer 325 to the body of the second member 32.
Regarding the garment fastener in its third example embodiment 30 as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, its first member 31 comprises a first attractor module 311 and a second attractor module 312, while its second member 32 further comprises a first attractor module 321 and a second attractor module 322. In particular, the attractor modules 311, 312, 321, 322 are part of or accommodated within the body of members 31, 32, and each substantially extend longitudinally from each distal end of the members 31, 32. The longitudinal lengths of the attractor modules 311, 312, 321, 322 are preferably the same, but this may not be necessarily so. Also, is to be noted that the amount of attractor modules for each member 31, 32 may not be limited to as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, and may be any other permissible amount.
It is to be noted that various descriptions of the garment fastener in its third example embodiment 30 may follow from descriptions of either one or both the garment fastener in its first example embodiment 10 and the garment fastener in its second example embodiment 20. which include the composition of the body of their members 31, 32, the disposition of their attractor modules 311, 312, 321, 322 within the body of the members 31, 32, and its related dimensions. This also includes the bottom and top surfaces of the first member 31 and the second member 32. As such, they shall not be repeated, as it is imperative that teaching of the garment fastener in its first example embodiment 10 and or its second example embodiment 20 may be brought over to the garment fastener in its third example embodiment 30.
As shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the members 31, 32 of the third example embodiment 30 of the garment fastener further comprise an indented portion 313, 323 between their attractor modules 311, 312, 321, 322. More specifically, for the first member 31, its body has a first indented portion 313 between the first attractor module 311 and the second attractor module 312, and for the second member 32, its body has a second indented portion 323 between the first attractor module 321 and the second attractor module 322. These indented portions may enable the members 31, 32 of the first example embodiment 30 to further securely fasten garment fabric as both members 31, 32 substantially couple via their attractor modules 311, 312, 321, 322.
Regarding the garment fastener in its third example embodiment 30 as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the fabric gatherer 325 that is linked to the second member 32 via linkages 324 is preferably a ring-like or loop-like structure that gathers garment fabric as the garment fabric is made to pass therethrough. Preferably, the fabric gatherer 325 is a rigid so that its gathered fabric remains constrained therewithin. The fabric gatherer 325, by way of example, may be in the form of a metallic ring, or a hard-plastic ring.
Regarding the garment fastener in its third example embodiment 30 as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the linkages 324 that link the fabric gatherer 325 to the second member 32 may provide a rigid or an elastic link, but most preferably, it is a rigid link. The linkages 324, by way of example, may be in the form of lightweight metal chains, a non-clastic strap, or the like. In particular, the length of each linkage 324 is to be of a sufficient length such that movements of the gathered garment fabric within the fabric gatherer 325 is refrained from disturbing the layers of garment fabric fastened between the coupled members 31, 32.
FIG. 5c is a diagram illustrating the garment fastener in its third example embodiment 30 in use to fasten garment fabric. As shown, as the garment is worn, one or more layers of garment fabric are to be between the members 31, 32 as they substantially couple via their attractor modules 311, 312, 321, 322.
With reference to FIG. 5c, by way of example, the first member 31 is to be positioned along an anatomical region of the user, and is to be closer to the user compared to the second member 32. The bottom surface of the first member 31 is oriented to face away the anatomical region of the user, while the bottom surface of the second member 32 is oriented to face towards the anatomical region of the user for its coupling with the first member 31.
With reference to FIG. 5c, by way of example, the first attractor module 311 of the first member 31 may couple with a first attractor module 321 of the second member 32, by means of an attractive force between a north-facing pole of the first attractor module 311 of the first member 31 and a south-facing pole of the first attractor module 321 of the second member 32. Moreover, by way of example, the second attractor module 312 of the first member 31 may couple with a second attractor module 322 of the second member 22, by means of an attractive force between a south-facing pole of the second attractor module 312 of the first member 31 and a north-facing pole of the second attractor module 322 of the second member 32. It is to be noted that the aforementioned coupling is merely an example, and coupling may be done so long as an attractive force is formed between a north-facing pole and a south-facing pole of the attractor modules 311, 312, 321, 322.
As for decoupling the second member 32 from the first member 31 to unfasten the garment fastener, the user may exert a force to overcome the attractive forces of the attractor modules 311, 312, 321, 322.
With reference to FIG. 5c, much like in the garment fastener of the first example embodiment 10, within the garment fastener of the third example embodiment 30, its first member 31 substantially couples with the second member 32 via their attractor modules 311, 312, 321, 322. Both members 31, 32 are to be substantially aligned to each other. This ensures maximum contact area between the attractor modules 311, 312, 321, 322 of both members 31, 32 for fastening the layers of garment fabric of the garment.
With reference to FIG. 5c, much like in the garment fastener of the first example embodiment 10, within the garment fastener of the third example embodiment 30, as the layers of garment fabric are fastened between the coupled members 31, 32, the layers of garment fabric may have folds that enter the indented portions 313, 323. This further increases the securement of the garment fabric as the occurrence of garment fabric slipping from the coupled members 31, 32 is reduced.
With reference to FIG. 5c, preferably, prior to the coupling of the first member 31 and the second member 32, the garment fabric is bundled or gathered into a bundle. Then, the bundle is made to enter and pass through the fabric gatherer 325. Afterwards, the garment fabric that had been made to pass through the fabric gatherer 325 is fastened between the first member 31 and the second member 32 as they are coupled via their attractor modules 311, 312, 321, 322. Alternatively, the garment fabric may be bundled or gathered into a bundle for it to enter and pass through the fabric gatherer 325 after the coupling of the first member 31 and the second member 32.
Whilst not shown, there are one or more example embodiments of the garment fastener of the present invention.
There may be a fourth example embodiment of the garment fastener that may be a derivative of the garment fastener of the first example embodiment 10. More specifically, its first member may further comprise an indented portion between its attractor modules, and its second member further comprises a protruded portion between its attractor modules. As the said first member and the said second member are substantially coupled via their attractor modules, the indented portion of the first member may receive the protruded portion of the second member. When one or more layers are secured between the said first member and the said second member, the protruded portion of the said second member may push portions of the garment fabric into the indented portion of the said first member. This further increases the securement of the garment fabric as the occurrence of garment fabric slipping from the said coupled members is reduced.
There may be a fifth example embodiment of the garment fastener that may be a derivative of the garment fastener of the second example embodiment 20 and the garment fastener of the third example embodiment 30. More specifically, its first member may be as per the first member of the aforementioned embodiments, while its second member may be in the form of a divided body comprising a first piece and a second piece that are connected using a connector. As such, this embodiment may enable one or more layers of garment fabric to be bundled into a bundle that enters and passes through, for this said bundle to then be is strapped between the said first member and the said second member by use of the said connector of the said second member as the said first member and the said pieces of the said second member are coupled.
Whilst not shown, it is to be noted that for the embodiments of the garment fastener as described, any one surface of the body of the members may have a substantial roughness, but most preferably being the bottom surface, which may be the surface where the attractor modules are exposed. This further increases the securement of the garment fabric as the occurrence of garment fabric slipping from the said coupled members is reduced.
With this, the details pertaining to a garment fastener that secures one or more layers of a worn garment, its embodiments, and their method of use have been elucidated. Whilst the garment fastener of the present invention had been described to be primarily compatible with head-worn garments, it is to be noted that it may be readily generalized by a person skilled in the art for usage in full-body garments, partial-body garments, or the like.
The present disclosure includes as contained in the appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in a preferred form with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention.
Patent Application
20250017301
