Patent Application
20190223538
The present invention relates to garments and curtains with the use of magnetic closures covered with corrosion resistance materials. The magnets can be sewn directly into the fabric without the need for additional bulk around the magnet.
There can be difficulty in securing a hat onto the head of an infant while keeping the infant comfortable. Hats can fall off infants easily. Indiscriminate use of straps and other materials to attach the hat to the infant may produce discomfort. There can also be difficulty in passing a curtain rod through curtain loops before hanging the curtain above a window.
To address the above with respect to hats, magnets are an option. However, magnetic clothing is currently being made inefficiently with magnetic strips or magnets that have laminated plastic coating. This causes bulk under the fabric and the laminate covering can poke through the material, both of which can cause discomfort to the infant wearing hats with such magnets.
In one aspect is provided a hat comprising a first attachment means and a detachable strap. The detachable strap comprises a complementary attachment means. The attachment means and the complementary attachment means are configured to fasten the detachable strap to the hat. The detachable strap is configured to fit under the chin of an infant when attached to the hat.
In some embodiments, the hat comprises two first attachment means positioned on opposite sides of the hat. In some specific embodiments, the two attachment means on the hat are positioned about 180 degrees apart from one another.
In some embodiments, the first attachment means comprises a magnet of a first polarity, the complementary attachment means comprises a magnet of a second polarity, and the first polarity is opposite to the second polarity. In some embodiments, one or both of the magnet of first polarity and the magnet of second polarity are coated or sealed with a corrosion-resistant material. In some embodiments, one or both of the magnet of first polarity and the magnet of second polarity are sealed in a thermoplastic material.
In some embodiments, the first attachment means is a hook-type material and the complementary attachment means is a loop-type material. In some embodiments, the first attachment means is a loop-type material and the complementary attachment means is a hook- type material.
In some embodiments, the first attachment means comprises both a magnet of a first polarity and a hook-type material, the complementary attachment means comprises both a magnet of a second polarity and a loop fastener, and the first polarity is opposite to the second polarity.
In some embodiments, the first attachment means comprises both a magnet of a first polarity and a loop fastener, the complementary attachment means comprises both a magnet of a second polarity and a hook-type material, and the first polarity is opposite to the second polarity.
In various embodiments, the hat consists of one attachment means and wherein the detachable strap is sewn onto the hat on the opposite side of the attachment means.
In another aspect is provided a curtain comprising a first array comprising at least two first attachment means and a second array comprising at least two second attachment means. Each of the first attachment means is configured to attach to each of the second attachment means. Both the first and second attachment means are both on the same side of the curtain.
In some embodiments, each of the first attachment means comprises a magnet of a first polarity and each of the second attachment means comprises a magnet of a second polarity, where the first polarity is opposite to the second polarity.
In some embodiments, one or both of the magnet of the first polarity and the magnet of the second polarity are coated or sealed with a corrosion-resistant material. In some embodiments, one or both of the magnet of the first polarity and the magnet of the second polarity are sealed in a thermoplastic material.
In some embodiments, the first attachment means is a hook-type material and wherein the second attachment means is a loop-type material. In some embodiments, the first attachment means is a loop-type material and wherein the second attachment means is a hook-type material.
In some embodiments, the first attachment means comprises both a magnet of a first polarity and a hook-type material, the second attachment means comprises both a magnet of a second polarity and a loop-type material, and the first polarity is opposite to the second polarity.
There is a need to secure hats onto the head of an infant without irritating the skin of the infant. Described herein is a hat with a strap configured to be placed under the chin of the infant.
In one aspect is provided a hat for infants comprising a detachable strap.
In a related aspect is provided a hat comprising a first attachment means and a detachable strap. The detachable strap comprises a complementary attachment means. The attachment means and the complementary attachment means are configured to fasten the detachable strap to the hat. The detachable strap is configured to fit under the chin of an infant when attached to the hat.
The detachable strap and the hat are made of the same material. Examples of material include, but are not limited to, cotton or wool. In some embodiments, the detachable strap is configured to be affixed to the hat such that each end of the detachable strap and each side of the knit hat (corresponding to location on each temple of the head of the wearer) comprises a magnet. In alternative embodiments, one side of the strap is detachable, and the other side is affixed to the hat. In some embodiments where one side of the strap is detachable, and the other side is affixed to the hat, only one side of the strap has a magnet while the other side is sewn directly into the corresponding location. When the detachable strap is attached to the hat, and when the hat is worn, the detachable strap will rest under the chin of the wearer and allow both freedom of movement without the hat falling off of the subject s head.
In various embodiments, the strap itself comprises attachment means (e.g., a magnet, VELCRO, another hook and loop-type material, a snap fastener, or a button) at each end of the strap. The attachment means are placed on the same side of the strap. The hat comprises a complimentary attachment means on each side of hat, positioned at roughly where each temple would be on the wearer s head. The attachment means and complimentary attachment means may be as follows. For magnets, the strap comprises a magnet of one polarity as attachment means and the hat comprises a magnet of opposite polarity as the complementary attachment means. For VELCRO and hook and loop-type materials, the strap may comprise a hook-type material and the hat may comprise a loop-type material. For VELCRO and hook and loop-type materials, the strap may comprise a loop-type material and the hat may comprise a hook-type material.
In another aspect is provided a hat for infants comprising a detachable strap. The detachable strap and the hat are made of the same material. Examples of material include, but are not limited to, cotton or wool. The detachable strap is configured to be affixed to the hat such that each end of the detachable strap and each side of the knit hat (corresponding to location on each temple of the head of the wearer) comprises VELCRO or another hook and loop-type material. In alternative embodiments, one side of the strap is detachable and the other side is affixed to the hat. In some embodiments where one side of the strap is detachable and the other side is affixed to the hat, only one side of the strap has VELCRO or another hook and loop-type material, while the other side is sewn directly into the corresponding location. When the detachable strap is attached to the hat, and when the hat is worn, the detachable strap will rest under the chin of the wearer and allow both freedom of movement without the hat falling off of the subject s head.
In one aspect is provided a hat for infants comprising a detachable strap. The detachable strap and the hat are made of the same material. Examples of material include, but are not limited to, cotton or wool. In some embodiments, the detachable strap is configured to be affixed to the hat such that each end of the detachable strap and each side of the knit hat (corresponding to location on each temple of the head of the wearer) comprises a snap with one or more interlocking discs. In alternative embodiments, one side of the strap is detachable and the other side is affixed to the hat. In some embodiments where one side of the strap is detachable and the other side is affixed to the hat, only one side of the strap has a snap with one or more interlocking discs while the other side is sewn directly into the corresponding location. When the detachable strap is attached to the hat, and when the hat is worn, the detachable strap will rest under the chin of the wearer and allow both freedom of movement without the hat falling off of the subject s head.
In one aspect is provided a hat for infants comprising a detachable strap. The detachable strap and the hat are made of the same material. Examples of material include, but are not limited to, cotton or wool. In some embodiments, the detachable strap is configured to be affixed to the hat such that each end of the detachable strap and each side of the knit hat (corresponding to location on each temple of the head of the wearer) comprises a button. In alternative embodiments, one side of the strap is detachable and the other side is affixed to the hat. In some embodiments where one side of the strap is detachable and the other side is affixed to the hat, only one side of the strap has a button while the other side is sewn directly into the corresponding location. When the detachable strap is attached to the hat, and when the hat is worn, the detachable strap will rest under the chin of the wearer and allow both freedom of movement without the hat falling off of the subject s head.
The hat may comprise weft-knit fabrics or other woven fabrics. Weft-knit fabric stitching can allow for the outside and inside of the hat to have different textures. For example, the outside of the hat can be tougher and more durable, while the inside of the hat can have a softer texture.
In one aspect is provided a window covering comprising a plurality of magnetic attachments. The magnetic attachments are configured so as to provide closure of the window covering around a curtain rod. One may drape the window covering, e.g., curtain, over a curtain rod and then magnetically attach the window covering around the curtain rod.
An advantage provided by such configuration is that one can close the window covering around a curtain rod rather than pushing a curtain rod through loops or otherwise having to loop the curtain through the curtain rod.
In a related aspect is provided a curtain comprising a first array comprising at least two first attachment means and a second array comprising at least two second attachment means. Each of the first attachment means is configured to attach to each of the second attachment means. Both the first and second attachment means are both on the same side of the curtain.
In various embodiments, a magnet is sewn into each magnetic attachment on the window covering or curtain.
In various embodiments, the window covering or curtain comprises a curtain lining and curtain fabric, and a magnet is sewn between the curtain lining and the curtain fabric.
In some embodiments, each of the first attachment means comprises a magnet of a first polarity and each of the second attachment means comprises a magnet of a second polarity, where the first polarity is opposite to the second polarity. In some embodiments, each of the first attachment means comprises a magnet of a first polarity and each of the second attachment means comprises a magnet of a second polarity, where the first polarity is opposite to the second polarity.
In some embodiments, the magnet is covered in interfacing material prior to being sewn into the curtain fabric.
In some embodiments, one or both of the magnet of the first polarity and the magnet of the second polarity are coated or sealed with a corrosion-resistant material. In some embodiments, one or both of the magnet of the first polarity and the magnet of the second polarity are sealed in a thermoplastic material.
In some embodiments, the first attachment means is a hook-type material and wherein the second attachment means is a loop-type material. In some embodiments, the first attachment means is a loop-type material and wherein the second attachment means is a hook-type material.
In some embodiments, the first attachment means comprises both a magnet of a first polarity and a hook-type material, the second attachment means comprises both a magnet of a second polarity and a loop-type material, and the first polarity is opposite to the second polarity.
In some embodiments, the hat comprises two first attachment means positioned on opposite sides of the hat. In some specific embodiments, the two attachment means on the hat are positioned about 180 degrees apart from one another.
In some embodiments, the first attachment means comprises a magnet of a first polarity, the complementary attachment means comprises a magnet of a second polarity, and the first polarity is opposite to the second polarity.
In various embodiments, magnets are enclosed within the fabric of the hat so that no magnet directly contacts the skin of the wearer. Various means of sewing the magnet into the straps and the hat are known to those of skill in the art. While magnets could be glued into the hat, sewing is preferable because glue material may be affected by washing the hat and by exposure to water. The hat and strap may comprise pockets configured to contain the magnet. The pockets may be designed such that the magnets are removable by the wearer. Alternatively, the pockets may be sewn shut after a magnet is placed into the pocket so that the wearer cannot remove the magnet.
The magnets are also enclosed in the fabric of the curtain so that the magnets are not visible. Various means of sewing magnets into the fabric of the curtain are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The curtain may comprise pockets configured to contain the magnet. The pockets may be designed such that the magnets are removable by the wearer. Alternatively, the pockets may be sewn shut after a magnet is placed into the pocket so that the user cannot remove the magnet from the curtain.
In various embodiments, the magnet is coated or sealed so as to prevent or reduce corrosion from exposure to water, such as when the hat is washed. The coating or sealant can be made from a plastic material. For example, the magnet may be sealed by placing the magnet in a sleeve or covering that is placed around the magnet.
In some embodiments, one or both of the magnet of first polarity and the magnet of second polarity are coated or sealed with a corrosion-resistant material.
The magnet may be sealed within a plastic or other waterproof material. In some embodiments, the sealed magnet comprises a magnetic powder and a thermoplastic or duroplastic binder. Exemplary magnetic powders include hard ferrite, samarium, samarium- cobalt (SmCo), neodymium (e.g., NdFeB), and AlNiCo. Exemplary thermoplastic binders include polyamide and polyphenyl sulfide. Exemplary duroplastic binders include epoxy resins. An epoxy resin coating may be formed by polymerizing a prepolymer to form a polymer. A prepolymer can include (i) a molecule that can undergo polymerization, a process of reacting monomer molecules together in a chemical reaction to form polymer chains or three-dimensional networks, and (ii) a system of monomers that have been reacted to an intermediate molecular mass state. A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeated subunits. Polymers are typically mechanically strong substances with a high viscoelasticity.
Magnets sealed in thermoplastic material (such as epoxy resins) have advantages including resistance to moisture entry into the material from puncturing. Also, magnets sealed in thermoplastic material can be manufactured to be in a small shape.
In some embodiments, one or both of the magnet of first polarity and the magnet of second polarity are sealed in a thermoplastic material.
A magnet sealed in a thermoplastic material may be formed to have the appearance of a plastic button, as described in Chinese Patent No. 2434923. Alternatively, the magnet could be shaped as a thin disc. Such plastic-enclosed magnets could be exposed to water from multiple washings without undergoing corrosion. Alternatively, the magnet may be coated with a polymer or other material such that the polymer or other material is chemically bound to the magnet.
In various embodiments, the magnet is a neodymium magnet. Neodynium is a rare earth metal. Neodymium magnets, also known as Nd2Fe14B, NIB, or Neo magnets, are considered to be permanent magnets and were developed in 1982 by General Motors and Sumitomo Special Metals. On its own, neodymium has a very low Curie temperature, i.e. −2.54 C. However, when mixed with iron, the Curie temperature of neodymium-iron increases to above room temperature, Thus, iron may be the dominant element in a neodymium magnet.
The neodymium magnet may comprise neodymium, iron and boron, e.g., Nd2Fe14B. Nd2Fe14B exists in a tetragonal crystal structure. The tetragonal crystal structure can provide a high uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy which gives the magnet a very high coercivity or resistance to being demagnetized. The neodymium magnet may have a high magnetic dipole moment which convers up to 18 times magnetic energy to the neodymium magnet as compared to ordinary iron-based magnets.
The neodymium magnet may advantageously have a rating of MGOe52, with the rating of 52 as the highest energy product available for commercial use. The neodymium magnet may have a rating of MGOe52+, which would reflect a more efficient and effective magnet separator. In various embodiments, the neodymium magnet is sealed as described above, since neodymium magnets can be oxidized and have a relatively low corrosion resistance as compared to other types of magnets.
In various embodiments, the magnet is a samarium-cobalt magnet. Samarium is a rare earth metal. The samarium-cobalt magnet may comprise samarium, cobalt, and iron. Iron may be the dominant element in a neodymium magnet. The samarium-cobalt magnet may also have a high coercivity or resistance to being demagnetized. The samarium-cobalt magnet may advantageously have a rating of MGOe52, with the rating of 52 as the highest energy product available for commercial use. The samarium-cobalt magnet may have a rating of MGOe52+, which would reflect a more efficient and effective magnet separator. In various embodiments, the samarium-cobalt magnet is sealed as described above, since samarium-cobalt magnets can undergo corrosion.
As an alternative to magnets, the straps and hat may be configured to have VELCRO, another hook and loop-type material, or another means to fasten the strap to the hat. VELCRO is a lineal fabric strip with tiny hooks that attach with another fabric strip with smaller loops, binding temporarily until pulled apart. The VELCRO or other hook and loop-type material may be made of nylon or polyester. The means for attaching the strap to the hat should not comprise material that could harm or irritate the skin of a baby upon contact.
A snap fastener can be used to secure the strap to the hat. The strap fastener may comprise a pair of interlocking discs. Each interlocking disc may comprise plastic or metal. The snap fastener can be configured such that a circular lip (one of the discs) fits into a groove on the top of the other disc, with the locking system staying in place until they are pulled apart.
A button may also be used to secure the strap to the hat.
The present invention is also described and demonstrated by way of the following examples. However, the use of this and other examples anywhere in the specification is illustrative only and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the invention or of any exemplified term.
One exemplary infant hat is shown in
Another exemplary infant hat is shown in
Another exemplary infant hat is shown in
Another exemplary infant hat is shown in
An exemplary detachable strap 203 is shown in
Another exemplary infant hat is shown in
Another exemplary infant hat is shown in
Another exemplary infant hat is shown in
Another exemplary infant hat is shown in
An exemplary magnet attachment means for use in any of the infant hats, window coverings and curtains is shown in
An exemplary curtain is shown in
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/619,728, filed Jan. 20, 2018, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62619728 | Jan 2018 | US |
