SNAP ON ACCESSORY FOR GARMENTS

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20250031809
  • Publication Number
    20250031809
  • Date Filed
    July 27, 2023
    a year ago
  • Date Published
    January 30, 2025
    8 days ago
  • Inventors
    • Baltes; Laura Lynne (Howell, MI, US)
Abstract
The present invention introduces a revolutionary Snap-On attachment system designed to transform the integration of wearable accessories into clothing, shoes, home articles, and accessories. This innovative system addresses the limitations of traditional attachment methods by providing a user-friendly, durable, and versatile solution that enables multiple installations and removals without causing damage to the fabrics and materials. To enhance customization, the invention introduces Snap-On sleeves with additional snap attachments, enabling users to add multiple accessories and personalize their garments to suit their preferences. These Snap-Ons are crafted from premium materials, ensuring long-lasting effectiveness and resistance to wear and tear, making them ideal for everyday use. Furthermore, the Snap-Ons provide branding opportunities for businesses and organizations, with customizable shapes, colors, raised letters, and other indicia allowing for distinctive visual representation and use as identification devices.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to the field of wearable accessories and attachment systems, specifically relating to a snap-on system designed to easily snap to a variety of clothing articles, shoes, home articles, and accessories. The invention encompasses a high quality snap-on mechanism that allows for effortless installation and removal multiple times without comprising efficiency and appearance.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the world of fashion and personalization, individuals are constantly seeking innovative ways to express their unique style and preferences. Wearable accessories play a significant role in achieving this, providing a means to customize clothing, shoes, and other personal articles. Traditional methods of attaching accessories, such as pins, buttons, or adhesive tapes, often have limitations in terms of durability, potential damage to the fabric, or difficulty in applying and removing them multiple times.


The need for a versatile, efficient, and damage-free attachment system has led to the development of the present invention. The goal is to provide a Snap-On mechanism that easily snaps onto a wide range of clothing articles, shoes, home articles, and accessories, catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of consumers.


Conventional attachment systems may not always be compatible with various fabrics and materials, leading to potential damage or slipping off during use. Moreover, the lack of a standardized identification attachment solution has hindered the potential for branding opportunities for businesses and organizations seeking a unique visual presence on clothing and accessories.


There are many types of clamps or snap fasteners known in the art but none appear appropriate or even workable as an identifying device for clothing. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,729,780 is directed to a clamp having a pair of opposing disks carried at opposite ends of a foldable connecting strap. One of the disks carries a projecting, pointed shaft and the other disk carries a shaft receiving sleeve. The shaft has a pointed end which includes projections fitted about the periphery of the pointed end. The shaft includes a shoulder to retain the pointed end once it has penetrated into the sleeve. Such a device would be unsuitable for use with clothing in that the pointed end of the shaft would damage the woven fabric of the garment as the clamp is attached to the garment. In addition, the shaft receiving sleeve would tend to snag and damage fabric of another garment that may overlay the garment to which the clamp is attached.


Another type of clamp is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,044,412. This patent is directed to a tufting button which is used to compress a resilient fabric and consists of two conical members, one having a shaft with a pronged head, and the other having a shaft-receiving sleeve. A disadvantage of this type of clamp is that it cannot accommodate fabric of varying thicknesses. In addition, the clamp is designed to prevent separation of the two cone shaped members and it would therefore be difficult to remove the device for reuse on other garments.


A third type of fastener is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,709,290 which is directed to plastic closures for garments. The device consists of a plurality of hollow elements having heads with radial projections. The hollow elements are mounted on a plate member which includes a flange to be attached to a garment. The mating member consists of a complementary plate having a flange to be attached to another portion of the garment and includes a series of holes to receive the projecting elements mounted on the first plate member. The prongs are hollow and are deformable when inserted into the openings. This device is unsuitable for use as an identifying device for garments since the smallest clamp that could be formed having a hollow deformable prong would be too large and bulky to be carried on a garment that may be worn against the skin of the user.


In conclusion, none of the types of fasteners commonly known and used would be suitable for use as an identifying device for garments. Indeed, none of the previously mentioned patents discloses or suggests the use of a Snap-On that can be snapped easily on clothing and accessories. Accordingly, there is a need for a device for variety of Snap-On that can snap easily and are small so that it will not irritate the user when wearing the garment to which it is attached; a Snap-On that is relatively easy and inexpensive to fabricate, thereby permitting mass production and the concomitant low price, and a device which can be repeatedly attached to and removed from garments of different fabric thicknesses.


The background of the invention acknowledges the challenges faced in the existing wearable accessory attachment methods and aims to overcome these limitations by introducing a Snap-On system that addresses the following key aspects:

    • Ease of attachment and removal: The snap-on system is designed to provide a user-friendly and hassle-free experience, allowing individuals to attach and remove accessories effortlessly without the need for additional tools or expertise.
    • Versatility and Compatibility: The invention aims to cater to a wide range of materials from various types of fabrics used in clothing to home articles and accessories. This compatibility ensures that the Snap-Ons can be used with numerous items, allowing user to adapt their style according to different occasions.
    • Snap-On Sleeves for Additional Attachments: Introducing Snap-On sleeves with snap attachments on top adds an extra layer of customization and practicality. Users can easily add multiple accessories to the sleeves, enhancing the overall visual appeal and versatility of their garments.
    • High-Quality and Durable Materials: The invention prioritizes the use of premium materials in the construction of the Snap-Ons, ensuring long-lasting effectiveness and resistance to wear and tear.
    • Customization and Branding Opportunities: The ability to customize the Snap-Ons with various shapes, colors, raised letters, or other indicia provides users with a chance to express their unique identity and style. Additionally, this feature offers businesses and organizations an innovative platform for branding and visual representation.
    • Cost-Effectiveness and Mass Production: To reach a broad consumer base, the invention focuses on cost-effectiveness and efficient mass production, allowing the Snap-On system to be accessible and affordable to a diverse range of users.


By addressing these aspects, the present invention seeks to revolutionize the way wearable accessories are attached and integrated into various articles. The introduction of a user-friendly, durable, and versatile Snap-On system provides a novel solution that meets the demands of modern consumers seeking to personalize their appearance and enhance the functionality of their clothing, shoes, home articles, and accessories.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention introduces an innovative Snap-On attachment system designed to transform the way wearable accessories are integrated into clothing, shoes, home articles, and accessories. This revolutionary system addresses the limitations of traditional attachment methods by providing a user-friendly, durable, and versatile solution.


The key features of the invention include an easy-to-use Snap-On mechanism that effortlessly snaps onto various fabrics and materials, allowing for multiple installations and removals without causing damage. The system's compatibility extends to a wide range of clothing articles, shoes, and accessories, empowering users to express their unique style on different occasions.


To further enhance customization, the invention introduces Snap-On sleeves featuring additional snap attachments, enabling users to add multiple accessories and personalize their garments to suit their preferences. These Snap-Ons are made from premium materials, ensuring long-lasting effectiveness and resistance to wear and tear, making them ideal for everyday use.


The Snap-Ons are not only functional but also provide branding opportunities for businesses and organizations. Customizable shapes, colors, raised letters, and other indicia allow for distinctive visual representation, making the system ideal for use as identification devices.


Manufacturing and distribution have been optimized to achieve cost-effectiveness and efficient mass production, making the Snap-On system accessible and affordable to a broad range of consumers.


In conclusion, the Snap-On Attachment System offers an exceptional solution for personalized style and versatile accessory integration. With its user-friendly design, durability, and customization options, this invention revolutionizes the way accessories are attached, providing individuals, businesses, and organizations with a unique and efficient platform for personal expression and branding opportunities.


As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The aforesaid as well as other objects and advantages of the invention will appear hereinafter from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:



FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded embodiment of the snap on accessory;



FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of film material made of butyl tape used as bedding compound;



FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the snap on accessory illustrating its snapping mechanism;



FIG. 4 illustrates further embodiment of the snapping mechanism of the snap on accessory; and



FIG. 5 illustrates prototype embodiment of the snap on accessory;





DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be outlined in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.


With reference now to the drawings, and in particular, from FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 thereof, a snap on accessory for garments embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention is described.


Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment 100 of the snap on accessory is disclosed wherein the accessory is utilized as a small identification device, with articles of clothing that would be easy to install and remove. It would be desirable if such an identification device could carry ornamental and identification role for a variety of garments and accessories.


In an embodiment of the present invention, the snap fastening mechanism involves several components including but not limited to post 104, socket 106, stud 108, bedding compound 110, and cap 112. These components work together to create a secure and versatile identification snap 102 that can be easily attached to and removed from clothing without damaging the fabric. The post 104 is the male part of the snap fastener, having a small, protruding peg in the center designed to fit into the receptacle of the stud 108. The socket 106 is the female part of the snap fastener usually attached to one of the fabric layers or materials that need to be joined. It has a circular hole in the middle to accommodate the post 104. The stud 108 is the counterpart to the socket 106 designed to connect with the post 104 and has a receptacle or cavity that aligns with the post's peg and attaches to the other fabric layer or material that needs to be joined to the socket. The bedding compound 110 is an adhesive film material of around 3 millimeter preferably made of synthetic rubber known as Butyl rubber that has excellent sealing properties, making it suitable for a wide range of sealing and wedding purpose. It is placed between the fabric layers, surrounding the cap 112, and serves as a spacer. The bedding compound film helps create an interference fit, ensuring a secure attachment of the snap components and accommodating fabric of varying thickness. The cap that is placed over the assembled socket and stud serves both as a decorative and protective purpose, providing a finished appearance and shielding the snap fastener from external elements.


Referring to FIG. 2, an embodiment 200 of the 3 millimeter film material is disclosed made of butyl tape which is commonly used as a bedding compound is typically composed of a backing material coated on one side with a layer of butyl rubber adhesive. Butyl tape is highly resistant to weathering, making it suitable for outdoor applications. It remains effective in extreme temperatures, including both hot and cold conditions. Resistant: One of the main advantages of butyl tape is its ability to form a watertight seal. It is ideal for sealing joints and gaps where water or moisture ingress must be prevented. Butyl tape exhibits excellent adhesion to a wide range of surfaces, including metal, glass, wood, concrete, and many plastics. This strong bond ensures a long-lasting seal. The tape is flexible and conformable, making it easy to apply to irregular surfaces and around curves. Butyl rubber is a non-drying adhesive, meaning it stays tacky and does not harden over time. This characteristic ensures a continuous and effective seal for extended periods.


Referring to FIG. 3, an embodiment 300 of the snap on accessory discloses snap fastening mechanism process wherein to apply the snap fastening mechanism, the process starts by creating small holes or slits in the fabric where you want the snap to be placed. These holes should be just large enough to accommodate the snap components comfortably. Now place the post on the underside of the fabric, with the peg sticking out through the hole. The post may have small prongs or teeth that grip the fabric, ensuring a secure hold. Using a snap fastener tool or pliers designed for this purpose, press down on the post to secure it firmly to the fabric. Now on the top side of the fabric (opposite the post), insert the socket through the corresponding hole. The socket should be positioned in a way that the circular opening aligns with the peg of the post on the other side of the fabric.


As illustrated in embodiment 400 of FIG. 4, place the stud over the socket's peg, ensuring the receptacle aligns with the post. Press down with the snap fastener tool or pliers to lock them together securely. After attaching the stud and socket, place a 3 millimeter film of butyl tape as betting compound over the post on the underside of the fabric. The bedding compound film surrounds the post and helps create an interference fit, ensuring a tight grip between the stud and socket. If your snap fastening mechanism includes caps, you can place one over the assembled socket and stud. The cap provides a decorative touch and protection to the snap fastener.


Referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment 500 of the snap-on accessory in the final assembled stage that can be snapped onto a variety of articles that are particularly designed to be used as an identification device for use with a variety of materials. The Snap-On of the present invention are small and can be made of inexpensive materials. In addition, this material permits the identification snap to be formed by having a variety of shapes and colors or raised letters or other indicia to provide distinguishing characteristics. The Snap-On is designed so that it can be easily attached to or removed from a selected garment without damage to the woven fabric of the garment. The Snap-On clamps the selected fabric by means of an interference fit between two clamping members which can accommodate fabric of varying thicknesses.


The primary objective of the invention is related to a snap-on that can snap easily to a variety of clothing articles, shoes, home articles, and accessories.


The invention will also provide the user with a high quality snap-on that can be installed or removed easily multiple times without affecting its efficiency and outlook.


It is also the objective of the invention to provide snap on or attach to the clothes and snap-on sleeves with snaps on top of the sleeves to add more attachments.


It is further the objective of the invention to provide a snap-on that is developed from high-quality materials and maintains its effectiveness over a long period of time.


While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that they are merely illustrative. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications in form and detail may be made therein without departing from or offending the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Additionally, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein-and in particular, embodiment specifically contemplated, is intended to be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Claims
  • 1. A Snap-On attachment system for integrating wearable accessories into clothing, shoes, home articles, and accessories, comprising: a Snap-On mechanism featuring a post, socket, stud, dock washer, and cap, wherein said post is designed with a protruding peg and is capable of securely attaching to said stud, and said socket is adapted to engage said post and attach to a fabric layer or material to be joined with said stud;said stud designed to connect with said post and attach to another fabric layer or material, thereby enabling the integration of wearable accessories onto various fabrics and materials without causing damage;a film of butyl tape as bedding compound positioned between the fabric layers and surrounding said post to create an interference fit, providing a secure and versatile identification snap that accommodates fabric of varying thickness; andcap placed over the assembled socket and stud to enhance the aesthetic appearance and protect the snap fastener from external elements.
  • 2. The Snap-On attachment system of claim 1, further comprising Snap-On sleeves featuring additional snap attachments, allowing users to add multiple accessories and customize their garments according to their preferences and unique style.
  • 3. A method for applying the Snap-On fastening mechanism of claim 1, comprising the steps of: creating small holes or slits in the fabric to be joined;placing the post on the underside of the fabric with the protruding peg extending through the hole;securing the post to the fabric by using a snap fastener tool or pliers to apply pressure;inserting the socket through the corresponding hole on the top side of the fabric, aligning the circular opening with the peg of the post on the other side of the fabric;placing the stud over the socket's peg and pressing down with a snap fastener tool or pliers to securely lock them together;positioning a bedding compound film over the post to create an interference fit, ensuring a secure attachment between the stud and socket; andplacing a cap over the assembled socket and stud for decorative and protective purposes.
  • 4. The Snap-On attachment system of claim 1, wherein the Snap-Ons are customizable in terms of shape, color, raised letters, and other indicia, providing branding opportunities for businesses and organizations as identification devices.
  • 5. A wearable accessory incorporating the Snap-On attachment system of claim 1, wherein said accessory is securely integrated into clothing, shoes, home articles, or accessories using the user-friendly Snap-On mechanism, allowing for multiple installations and removals without causing damage to the fabric or materials.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63/464,206 filed May 5, 2023.