FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to fabric fasteners. More specifically, the present invention is an instant no-sew and removable fabric fastener.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fabric fasteners may be used for buttons for clothing, rivets for clothing, and for fashion. There are various types of fabric fasteners which are available for clothing. A popular type of fabric fastener is a spring push-pin fabric fastener which requires sewing to be secured to fabric and thus, is not easily removable. There is a stud and a socket that make up a spring push-pin fabric fastener. The socket includes a twin S-shaped spring that receives the stud and therefore the twin S-shaped spring secures the stud to the socket. The attachment force between the socket and the stud is decent, but there is an issue of the stud accidentally detaching from the socket. There is therefore a need for a new type of spring push-pin fabric fastener that provides an additional attachment force that prevents accidental detaching of the stud from the socket while being removable and not requiring sewing.
The present invention provides an instant no-sew and removable fabric fastener. The present invention is similar to a spring push-pin fabric fastener where it includes a fastener socket and a fastener stud. However, the present invention is different by incorporating a rotational-type attachment mechanism and by being completely removable. The fastener socket includes a twin S-shaped spring and the twin S-shaped spring includes a first spring tong and a second spring tong. The fastener stud includes a stud protrusion with a first linear groove, and a second linear groove. When the fastener stud is inserted into the fastener socket, the first spring tong and the second spring tong are respectively engaged into the first linear groove and the second linear groove. This allows the fastener socket and the fastener stud to be deadlocked to each other and thus, prevents them from separated even with a force. This attachment is maintained unless the fastener socket is turned 90 degrees against the fastener stud and vice versa. With the rotation of the fastener socket or the fastener stud, the twin S-shaped spring are pressed and give in, so the fastener stud can be detached from the fastener socket. Additionally, this means the present invention does not permanently attach to fabric and thus, can be removed from fabric when desired.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention in the locked state taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the present invention displaying the plurality of grip features, the first gripping wing, and the second gripping wing.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention displaying the plurality of grip features, the first gripping wing, the second gripping wing, and the pair of handle cutouts.
FIG. 7 is a front view of the present invention displaying the plurality of grip features, the first gripping wing, and the second gripping wing.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention in the unlocked state taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a first fastener stud and a second fastener stud.
FIG. 10 is an exploded rear perspective view of a first fastener stud and a second fastener stud.
FIG. 11 is a left-side view of a first fastener stud and a second fastener stud.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a first fastener stud and a second fastener stud taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 11.
DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION
All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
In reference to FIGS. 1 through 12, the present invention provides an instant no-sew and removable fabric fastener. The present invention is similar to a spring push-pin fabric fastener, and thus, the present invention comprises a fastener socket 1 and a fastener stud 18. However, the present invention is different than a spring push-pin fabric fastener by incorporating a rotational-type attachment mechanism and by being completely removable. The rotational-type attachment mechanism prevents the fastener stud 18 from accidentally being detached from the fastener socket 1. In more detail, the rotational-type attachment mechanism allows the fastener stud 18 and the fastener socket 1 to be deadlocked to each other. The fastener stud 18 cannot be detached from the fastener socket 1 even with a force until either the fastener socket 1 or the fastener stud 18 is rotated 90 degrees. After the fastener socket 1 or the fastener stud 18 is rotated 90 degrees, the fastener stud 18 can be detached from the fastener socket 1. Additionally, this means the present invention does not permanently attach to fabric and thus, can be removed from fabric when desired.
The general configuration of the aforementioned components allows the fastener stud 18 to be attached to the fastener socket 1 in a manner that prevents the fastener stud 18 from accidentally being detached from the fastener socket 1. With reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, the fastener stud 18 comprises a stud base 19, a stud protrusion 20, a first linear groove 23, and a second linear groove 24. The stud base 19 and the stud protrusion 20 are designed similar to a stud of a conventional spring push-pin fabric fastener. The fastener socket 1 comprises a socket body 2 and a twin S-shaped spring 14. The socket body 2 and the twin S-shaped spring 14 are designed similar to a socket of a conventional spring push-pin fabric fastener. The twin S-shaped spring 14 comprises a first spring tong 15 and a second spring tong 16. The stud protrusion 20 is connected normal onto the stud base 19. In more detail, the stud protrusion 20 is preferably one single piece with the stud base 19 in an orientation where the stud protrusion 20 is perpendicular to the stud base 19. The first linear groove 23 and the second linear groove 24 laterally traverse into the stud protrusion 20. Further, the first linear groove 23 and the second linear groove 24 are positioned opposite to each other about the stud protrusion 20. In more detail, the first linear groove 23 and the second linear groove 24 are cutouts designed and positioned to respectively receive the first spring tong 15 and the second spring tong 16. The twin S-shaped spring 14 is mounted within the socket body 2 with the same method as in a convention spring push-pin fabric fastener. Further, the first spring tong 15 and the second spring tong 16 are positioned parallel and offset from each other. This arrangement positions the first spring tong 15 and the second spring tong 16 to respectively be engaged into the first linear groove 23 and the second linear groove 24 when the fastener stud 18 is attached to the fastener socket 1 in a locked configuration. Moreover, the stud protrusion 20 is positioned in between the first spring tong 15 and the second spring tong 16. This arrangement allows the fastener stud 18 to be attached to the fastener socket 1 in the locked configuration or in an unlocked configuration that allows the fastener stud 18 to be detached from the fastener socket 1.
In order for the fastener socket 1 to effectively receive the fastener stud 18 and with reference to FIG. 4, the socket body 2 comprises a protrusion receptacle 3, a first slot 6, a second slot 7, a structural ring 8, and an annular plate 9. The protrusion receptacle 3 is designed to receive the stud protrusion 20 and thus, the protrusion receptacle 3 comprises an open receptacle end 4 and a closed receptacle end 5. The stud protrusion 20 can be inserted into the protrusion receptacle 3 through the open receptacle end 4 up against the closed receptacle end 5. The annular plate 9 is designed to connect the protrusion receptacle 3 to the structural ring 8, and thus, the annular plate 9 comprises an outer plate edge 10 and an inner plate edge 11. The inner plate edge 11 is connected around the open receptacle end 4 and the structural ring 8 is connected to the outer plate edge 10. Thus, the annular plate 9 establishes a connection between the protrusion receptacle 3 and the structural ring 8. In more detail, the structural ring 8, the annular plate 9, and the protrusion receptacle 3 are connected in a manner where the structural ring 8, the annular plate 9, and the protrusion receptacle 3 are one structural piece. In order for the twin S-shaped spring 14 to be mounted to the socket body 2, the first slot 6 and the second slot 7 are designed to respectively receive the first spring tong 15 and the second tong. Thus, the first slot 6 and the second slot 7 laterally traverse into the protrusion receptacle 3. In more detail, the first slot 6 and the second slot 7 are cutouts of the protrusion receptacle 3 shaped and sized to respectively receive the first spring tong 15 and the second spring tong 16. Further, the first slot 6 and the second slot 7 are positioned opposite to each other about the protrusion receptacle 3 in order to respectively and simultaneously receive the first spring tong 15 and the second spring tong 16. Moreover, the first spring tong 15 is positioned into the first slot 6 and the second spring tong 16 is positioned into the second slot 7. Thus, the twin S-shaped spring 14 is effectively mounted within the socket body 2.
In order to further mount the twin S-shaped spring 14 to the socket body 2 and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, the twin S-shaped spring 14 further comprises a spring arc 17. The spring arc 17 is the main portion of the twin S-shaped spring 14. The first spring tong 15 and the second spring tong 16 are positioned parallel and offset from each other by the spring arc 17 as in a conventional twin S-shaped spring 14. Further, the spring arc 17 is mounted against the structural ring 8. The spring arc 17 can be mounted against the structural ring 8 by various means. Preferably, the spring arc 17 is inserted into an annular cavity of the structural ring 8. Thus, the twin S-shaped spring 14 is further mounted into the socket body 2.
In order for a user to easily rotate the fastener socket 1 to consequently separate the fastener stud 18 from the fastener socket 1 and with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7, the socket body 2 further comprises a first gripping wing 12 and a second gripping wing 13. The first gripping wing 12 and the second gripping wing 13 provide a means of leverage for the user to rotate the fastener socket 1. The first gripping wing 12 and the second gripping are laterally connected to the protrusion receptacle 3 preferably through a molding process means in which the first gripping wing 12, the second gripping wing 13, and the protrusion receptacle 3 are one piece. The first gripping wing 12 and the second gripping wing 13 are positioned opposite to each other about the protrusion receptacle 3 in order for the user to respectively engage his or her thumb and preferably index finger to the first gripping wing 12 and the second gripping wing 13 or vice versa. Further, the first gripping wing 12 and the second gripping wing 13 are positioned in between the first slot 6 and the second slot 7 in order to prevent any disruption when rotating the fastener socket 1. Thus, the user can easily rotate the fastener socket 1 to consequently separate the fastener stud 18 from the fastener socket 1.
In order for a user to easily grip the fastener socket 1 to consequently rotate the fastener socket 1 and with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7, the present invention may further comprise a plurality of grip features 26. The plurality of grip features 26 is laterally connected around the structural ring 8 preferably through a molding process means in which the plurality of grip features 26, and the structural ring 8 are one piece. Further and in more detail, the plurality of grip features 26 form a knurled surface around the structural ring 8. Thus, the user can easily grip the fastener socket 1 to consequently rotate the fastener socket 1.
In order for a user to easily rotate the fastener stud 18 to consequently separate the fastener stud 18 from the fastener socket 1 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 10, the present invention may further comprise a pair of handle cutouts 27. The pair of handle cutouts 27 traverse through the stud base 19. This arrangement provides openings for the thumb and fingers of the user to pass through the stud base 19. Further, the pair of handle cutouts 27 is positioned opposite to each other across the stud base 19 in order to allow the user to grip the stud base 19 using his or her thumb and preferably the index finger. Thus, the user can easily rotate the fastener stud 18 to consequently separate the fastener stud 18 from the fastener socket 1.
In order for the fastener stud 18 to pierce through fabric, if necessary and with reference to FIGS. 4 and 8, the stud protrusion 20 comprises a flat end 21 and a piercing end 22. The flat end 21 is centrally connected onto the stud base 19. In more detail, the flat end 21 is connected to the stud base 19 using a molding process in which the stud base 19 and the flat end 21 are one piece. Further, the piercing end 22 is positioned offset from the stud base 19 and is oriented away from the stud base 19. This arrangement positions the piercing end 22 in a manner where the user can stab fabric or similar material with the stud protrusion 20. Thus, the fastener stud 18 can piece through fabric. In an alternative embodiment, the stud protrusion 20 comprises a rounded end instead of the piercing end 22 when piercing through fabric is not necessary.
With reference to FIGS. 9 through 12, the present invention includes an alternative means of separating the fastener stud 18 from the fastener socket 1. For this alternative means to work, the fastener stud 18 further comprises a protrusion cavity 25 and the stud protrusion 20 is preferably cone-shaped. The protrusion cavity 25 traverses normal through the stud base 19, further traversing into the stud protrusion 20, and intersects the first linear groove 23 and the second linear groove 24. This arrangement allows the stud protrusion 20 of a second fastener stud 18 to be inserted into the protrusion cavity 25 of the first fastener stud 18. In more detail, the second fastener stud 18 partially fills the first linear groove 23 and the second linear groove 24 of the first fastener stud 18, and thus, the first spring tong 15 and the second spring tong 16 are disengaged. Therefore, the first fastener stud 18 is separated from the fastener socket 1 through an alternative means.
As mentioned previously, the fastener stud 18 and the fastener socket 1 can be arranged in a locked configuration or an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration and with reference to FIG. 4, the fastener stud 18 cannot be separated from the fastener socket 1 with just a linear force. For the locked configuration, the following arrangements are required. The first spring tong 15 is positioned parallel to the first linear groove 23 and the first linear groove 23 is engaged by the first spring tong 15. Similarly, the second spring tong 16 is positioned parallel to the second linear groove 24 and the second linear groove 24 is engaged by the second spring tong 16. In more detail, this arrangement prevents the fastener stud 18 from moving in a linear direction when attached to the fastener socket 1. Thus, the fastener stud 18 is prevented from being separated from the fastener socket 1.
Alternatively and with reference to FIG. 8, in the unlocked configuration, the fastener stud 18 can be separated from the fastener socket 1 with just a linear force. In order to switch between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, either the fastener stud 18 or the fastener socket 1 is rotated 90 degrees. For the unlocked configuration, the following arrangements are required. The first spring tong 15 is positioned perpendicular to the first linear groove 23 and the second spring tong 16 is positioned perpendicular to the second linear groove 24. Thus, the fastener stud 18 is free to move in a linear direction when attached to the fastener socket 1. Thus, the fastener stud 18 can be separated from the fastener socket 1 when desired.
In an alternative embodiment, the present invention may further comprise a plurality of sew-on holes in case the user wants to permanently attach the fastener socket 1 onto fabric. The plurality of sew-on holes traverse though the annular plate 9. In more detail, the plurality of sew-on holes are cutouts to allow thread and a needle to pass through. Further, the plurality of sew-on holes is distributed around the protrusion receptacle 3. This arrangement allows a user to fully sew the fastener socket 1 onto fabric through the plurality of sew-on holes using thread and a needle.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
Patent Application
20230189939
