SNAP-ON PATCH SYSTEM

Abstract

A snap-on patch system has a patch and a fastener. The fastener has a first section and a second section. The first section is adapted to be complementarily and removably connected to the second section. The first section is affixed to the patch.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a snap-on patch system and, more particularly, a snap-on patch system for clothing articles such as shirts, hats, polos, shoes and jackets is disclosed. The system includes a patch with a fastener attached to its back, allowing for easy attachment and detachment from the clothing article. The system reduces production costs, and allows for efficient customization, reducing product waste of unsold items. The present invention is ideal for children's clothing, as it provides a fun and interactive way for children to decorate applicable articles of clothing.

Traditional embroidery methods require new clothing articles to be produced for each design, resulting in high production costs and significant product waste if the design is not successful. Additionally, it can be difficult and time-consuming to customize clothing with traditional embroidery.

While hook and loop fastener systems are another option for attaching patches to clothing articles, hook and loop fastener, when exposed, can harm other articles of clothing when laundered together, and hook and loop fastener systems lose their effectiveness very quickly, which can result in loss of the patch over time.

As can be seen there is a need for a snap-on patch system enabling easy attachment and detachment of patches to clothing articles, thereby reducing production costs, and allowing for efficient customization.

The snap-on patch system embodied in the present invention provides a cost-effective and efficient way to produce patches that can be easily attached and detached from clothing articles. This allows for efficient customization and reduced product waste of unsold items. The system eliminates the need for new clothing articles to be produced for each design, reducing production costs, and making customization easier and more accessible. The use of snap fasteners allows for quick and easy attachment and detachment, making it simple to switch out designs or remove patches for washing. Overall, the present invention provides a more versatile, cost-effective, and sustainable way to produce and customize clothing articles with functional and decorative patches.

In short, the snap-on patch system has several advantages over the prior art. First, the fastener (especially, snap fasteners) used in the system is more secure than hook and loop fasteners, providing a stronger hold and reducing the risk of the patch coming loose or falling off. Additionally, the fastener (especially snap fasteners) is less bulky than hook and loop fasteners, providing a more streamlined look that does not interfere with the appearance or function of the clothing article. Finally, the snap-on patch system allows for more efficient customization and reduces production costs, making it a more cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional embroidery or hook and loop fasteners attachment methods.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is a snap-on patch system comprising a patch and a fastener comprising a first section and a second section. The first section is adapted to be complementarily and removably connected to the second section. The first section is affixed to the patch.

In another object of the present invention, the fastener is a snap fastener.

In yet another object of the present invention, the first section is ferromagnetic. The second section is ferromagnetic. The first section is magnetically attracted to the second section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood as the following description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows various embodiments of patches of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 7, the present invention is a snap-on patch system 100 comprising a patch 10 and a fastener comprising a first section 20 and a second section 22. The first section 20 is adapted to be complementarily and removably connected to the second section 22. The first section 20 is affixed to the patch 10. The patch 10 may be made of any suitable material, such as fabric, leather, or vinyl, and can be embroidered or printed with any desired design. The fastener comprises a first section 20 that is complementary to a second section 22. The fastener may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic or metal. The first section 20 may be affixed to the back of the patch 10 using any suitable method, such as adhesive or stitching. The second section 22 may be affixed to any article, including clothing and fabrics, e.g., blankets (not shown); pillows (not shown); shirts as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3; hats as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5; and socks as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Although not illustrated, the present invention may be utilized in non-fabric applications, such as wood, metal, plastics, drywall, etc. For example, the present application may be utilized on the surfaces of a dry erase board, wall, door, refrigerator, etc., where the user would adhere or attach the second section 22 to the surface. Also, the present invention may be used for interactive elements in children's books and toys, enhancing the overall experience for young users.

Referring to FIG. 6, as an example, the first section 20 comprises a receiver 20 and the second section 22 includes a prong. Although the figures show only one kind of snap fastener for the fastener, the present invention is not limited to only this fastener. For example, the present invention may be utilized with all types of snap fasteners (e.g., spring socket snap fasteners, prong snap fasteners, post snap fasteners, magnetic snap fasteners, plastic snap fasteners, screw stud snap fasteners, etc.).

In an alternative embodiment, the fastener is not limited to snap fasteners. For example, the first section 20 and the second section 22 are ferromagnetic where the first section 20 is magnetically attracted to the second section 22.

To attach patch 10 to a clothing article 30, the user simply aligns a first section 20 that is affixed to the patch 10 with the corresponding second section 22 that the user adhered or attached on an clothing article 30 and presses the patch into place. To remove the patch 10, the user simply pulls it off the clothing article 30, detaching the first section 20 from the second section 22 in the process.

One method of making and using the present invention may include the following steps: (1) Choose the type of patch 10 (e.g., embroidered patches, woven patches, printed patches, plastic patches, metal patches, etc.); (2) Choose the type of fastener (e.g., snap fasteners, magnetic fasteners, snap fit and tab fasteners, etc.); (3) Affix the first section 20 of the fastener to the patch 10; (4) Affix the second section 22 to a surface (e.g., a clothing article 30, etc.); and, (5) Attach the first section 20 to the second section 22. As illustrated in the figures, the first section 20, preferably, is embedded in the patch 10, where the first section is not visible on the decorative side of patch 10. In step (2) of affixing the first section 20 to the patch 10, the patch 10 may be multiples pieces. For example, the patch may be comprised of a decorative layer and a backing layer. The first section 20 is affixed to the backing layer. Then, the backing layer is affixed to the decorative layer. As a result, the first section 20 is not visible on the decorative side of the patch 10.

Additionally, the snap-on patch system 100 may be utilized for decorative and functional applications. As the figures illustrate, the present invention may be utilized for decorative purposes, such as decorating and adorning shirts (FIGS. 2-3), hats (FIGS. 4-5), and socks (FIGS. 6-7). The present invention may be utilized for functional purposes as well. For example, the patch 10 may be children's air tags, name tags, etc. The patch may also be used to cover a blemish (e.g., stain, cut, hole, etc.) in the clothing, etc.

As FIGS. 4-5 illustrate, more than one snap-on patch system 100 may be utilized on a single clothing article 30. As FIGS. 6-7 illustrate, a single patch 10 may have more than one fastener. This may allow the patch 10 to be more secure to the clothing article 30 and/or allows better and proper alignment of the patch 10 (e.g., the word “POWER” would be right side up and in a horizontal manner, as shown in FIG. 7). This better and proper alignment may be aided, although not necessary, by having the two fasteners being of different orientation (i.e., as illustrated in FIG. 6, on the sock 30, the upper second section 22 is a prong and the lower second section 22 is a receiver; whereas on the patch 10, the upper first section 20 is a receiver and the lower first section 20 is a prong).

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions, and/or additions may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, top, bottom, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, top, bottom, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.

Claims

1. A snap-on patch system comprising: a patch; and,a fastener comprising a first section and a second section;wherein the first section is adapted to be complementarily and removably connected to the second section; and,wherein the first section is affixed to the patch.

2. The snap-on patch system of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a snap fastener.

3. The snap-on patch system of claim 1, wherein the first section is ferromagnetic; wherein the second section is ferromagnetic; and,wherein the first section is magnetically attracted to the second section.