ADHESIVE FABRIC FASTENER

Abstract

An adhesive fabric fastener for temporary securing two pieces of fabric or an object to a piece of fabric. In one embodiment, the fastener can be a snap assembly which can include a ball and socket members each associated with adhesive for temporarily securing the ball and socket members to the fabric/objects. In one non-limiting use the fastener can be used to close or reduce the gap created between buttons on a buttoned shirt and such that the fastener is not seen in use. No modification or alteration to the piece of fabric or garment is required for securing the fastener. In another embodiment the fastener can be a cord secured at one end to adhesive tape and at its other end to another piece of adhesive tape.

Claims

1. An adhesive secured temporary fabric fastener, comprising: a first portion of a fastening member, the first portion having a first back surface, said first portion adapted for securement to a piece of fabric; a second portion of the fastening member, the second having a second back surface, said second portion adapted for securement to a piece of fabric or an object; a first piece of paper-backed self-adhesive or heat fusible tape provided at the first back surface; and a second piece of paper-backed self-adhesive or heat fusible tape provide at the second back surface; wherein in use the first portion is non-permanently secured to the piece of fabric by the first self-adhesive or heat fusible tape and the second portion is non-permanently secured to the piece of fabric or the object by the second self-adhesive or heat fusible tape and the piece of fabric is secured to the piece of fabric or the object by securing the first portion to the second portion; wherein securement of the fastening member to the piece of fabric or object is achieved without any alterations or piercing of the fabric or the object.

2. The adhesive secured temporary fabric fastener of claim 1 wherein the fastening member is a two-part snap button with the first portion comprising a stud member and the second portion comprising a socket member for receipt of the stud member in use.

3. The adhesive secured temporary fabric fastener of claim 1 wherein the first portion is a first end of a cord and the second portion is a second end of the cord.

4. The adhesive secured temporary fabric fastener of claim 1 wherein the piece of fabric is a garment and the object is a decorative object or an identification/name badge.

5. The adhesive secured temporary fabric fastener of claim 1 wherein the piece of fabric is a tablecloth and the object is a table.

6. The adhesive secured temporary fabric fastener of claim 1 wherein the piece of fabric is a table skirt or banner and the object is a covered table.

7. The adhesive secured temporary fabric fastener of claim 2 wherein the stud member is secured to the first self-adhesive or heat fusible tape by a first prong member and the socket member is secured to the second self-adhesive or heat fusible tape by a second prong member.

8. The adhesive secured temporary fabric fastener of claim 1 wherein the fastening member is hidden from view during use.

9. An adhesive secured temporary fabric fastener, comprising: a fastening member comprising a cord having a first end and a second end; a first piece of paper-backed self-adhesive or heat fusible tape permanently secured to the first end of the cord; and a second piece of paper-backed self-adhesive or heat fusible tape permanently secured to the second end of the cord; wherein in use the first end of the cord is non-permanently secured to the piece of fabric by the first self-adhesive or heat fusible tape and the second end of the cord is non-permanently secured to the piece of fabric or the object by the second self-adhesive or heat fusible tape causing the piece of fabric is secured to the piece of fabric or the object.

10. The adhesive secured temporary fabric fastener of claim 9 wherein securement of the cord to the piece of fabric or object is achieved without any alterations or piercing of the fabric or the object.

11. The adhesive secured temporary fabric fastener of claim 9 wherein the fastening member is hidden from view during use.

12. An adhesive secured fabric temporary fastener, comprising: a fastening member comprising a cord having a first end and a second end; and a first piece of paper-backed self-adhesive or heat fusible tape permanently secured to the first end of the cord; wherein in use the first end of the cord is non-permanently secured to the piece of fabric by the first self-adhesive or heat fusible tape and the second end of the cord is wrapped around the piece of fabric or the object and then secured to the first self-adhesive or heat fusible tape causing the piece of fabric is secured to the piece of fabric or the object.

13. The adhesive secured fabric temporary fastener of claim 12 wherein securement of the cord to the piece of fabric or object is achieved without any alterations or piercing of the fabric or the object.

14. The adhesive secured temporary fabric fastener of claim 12 wherein the fastening member is hidden from view during use.

15. An adhesive secured fabric fastener, comprising: a first section of a fastening member, the first section having a first back surface, the first section adapted for securement to a first portion of a piece of fabric; a second section of the fastening member, the second section having a second back surface, the second section adapted for securement to a second portion of the piece of fabric; a first piece of paper-backed self-adhesive or heat fusible tape provided at the first back surface; and a second piece of paper-backed self-adhesive or heat fusible tape provide at the second back surface; wherein in use the first section is secured to the first portion of the piece of fabric by the first self-adhesive or the heat fusible tape and the second section is secured to the second portion of the piece of fabric by the second self-adhesive or the heat fusible tape and an area of the piece of fabric at or adjacent to the first portion is secured to an area of the piece of fabric at or adjacent to the second portion by securing the first section to the second section; wherein the piece of fabric is a button down shirt having a plurality of buttons and a plurality of button holes with the buttons spaced apart along a portion of a first side of the shirt and the button holes spaced apart along a portion of a second side of the shirt, wherein when the shirt is buttoned the portion of the second side of the shirt overlaps the portion of the first side of the shirt such that at least some of the buttons and associated button holes are aligned with each other, wherein in buttoned configuration for the shirt the first section is secured to the first side of the shirt between two adjacent buttons and the second section is secured to an internal area of the second side of the shirt between two button holes associated with the two adjacent buttons such that the fastening member is hidden from view in use and helps to reduce or eliminate any gap created between the adjacent buttons and associated two button holes.

16. The adhesive secured temporary fabric fastener of claim 15 wherein the fastening member is a two-part snap button with the first section comprising a stud member and the second section comprising a socket member for receipt of the stud member in use.

17. The adhesive secured temporary fabric fastener of claim 15 wherein the first section is a first end of a cord and the second section is a second end of the cord.

18. The adhesive secured temporary fabric fastener of claim 15 wherein the stud member is secured to the first self-adhesive or the heat fusible tape by a first prong member and the socket member is secured to the second self-adhesive or the heat fusible tape by a second prong member.

19. The adhesive secured temporary fabric fastener of claim 16 wherein securement of the fastening member to the piece of fabric is achieved without any alterations or piercing of the fabric or the object;

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment for the novel fabric fastener of the current disclosure shown attached to two pieces of fabric

[0033] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fabric fastener of FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the fabric fastener of FIG. 1;

[0035] FIG. 4A is a side view of an alternative embodiment for the fabric fastener in accordance with the disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 4B is a side view of another alternative embodiment for the fabric fastener in accordance with the disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fabric fastener as described in FIG. 4A;

[0038] FIG. 6 is a front/perspective view of a portion of a typical garment with gaping present;

[0039] FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing the fabric fastener of FIG. 1;

[0040] FIG. 7B is a perspective view showing the fabric fastener of FIG. 4A;

[0041] FIG. 8 is a front/perspective view of the garment of FIG. 6 with the disclosed fabric fastener placed between two preexisting buttons to prevent gaping between the buttons and at the bottom of the garment after the last preexisting button to prevent the bottom of the shirt from spreading or gaping apart (the fasteners are represented by rectangles for illustrations purposes and in use would not be seen from the front of the garment).

[0042] FIG. 9 is a view of a shirt worn open at a location different from the preexisting button through use of one of the novel disclosed fabric fasteners (the fastener is represented by a rectangle for illustration purposes and in use would not be seen from the front of the shirt);

[0043] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a button panel where the disclosed adhesive fabric fastener is placed where a preexisting button is missing;

[0044] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a shirt where the disclosed adhesive fabric fastener is securing a collar to a shirt;

[0045] FIG. 12 is a front view of the disclosed adhesive fabric fastener securing excess fabric of a shirt (the fastener is represented by a dashed rectangle for illustration purposes and in use would not be seen from the back of the shirt;

[0046] FIG. 13 is a front view of the disclosed adhesive fabric fastener securing a bra strap to a garment (the fasteners are represented by a dashed rectangle for illustration purposes and in use would not be seen from the front or back of the garment;

[0047] FIG. 14 is a front view of the disclosed adhesive fabric fastener securing the ends of a shawl or wrap around an individual (the fasteners are represented by a dashed rectangle/square for illustration purposes and in use would not be seen from the front of the shawl);

[0048] FIG. 15 is a front view of the disclosed adhesive fabric fastener securing a shirt in place inside pants, including the shirt tails and the back of a shirt into a pair of pants (the fasteners are represented by a dashed rectangle for illustration purposes and in use would not be seen from the back of the pants);

[0049] FIG. 16 is a front view of the disclosed adhesive fabric fastener securing a shawl or wrap or other fabric to a dress or shirt (the fasteners are represented by a dashed rectangle/square for illustration purposes and in use would not be seen from the front of the shawl);

[0050] FIG. 17 is a front view of the disclosed adhesive fabric fastener securing a badge or name tag to a garment without the needs for pins that may damage fabric (the fasteners are represented by a dashed rectangle/square for illustration purposes and in use would not be seen from the front of the shirt/badge);

[0051] FIG. 18 is a front view of the adhesive fabric fastener securing any decorative object to a garment, including objects traditionally fastened by a pin with the fastener hidden behind the decorative object;

[0052] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the disclosed adhesive fabric fasteners securing a tablecloth to a table to prevent slipping or fly-away (the fasteners are represented by a dashed rectangle/square for illustration purposes and in use would not be seen);

[0053] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the disclosed adhesive fabric fastener securing a table skirt to a covered table (the fasteners are represented by dashed or undashed rectangle/squares for illustration purposes and in use would not be seen); and

[0054] FIG. 21A, FIG. 21B and FIG. 21C are front views of the disclosed adhesive fabric fastener showing several versions of strapless bras being fastened to a garment (the fasteners are represented by a rectangles for illustration purposes and in use would not be seen from the front of the garment).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The various embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the embodiment. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals, if provided, designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment for the fabric fastener shown attached to two pieces of fabric, with only portions of the fabrics shown. The paper-backed self adhesive or heat fusible tape attaches to the garment. Firmly attached to the tape by either pronged cap or adhesive is a snap stud or corresponding snap socket. It is to be understood that various adhesive materials and/or processes may be employed to attach the snap button to the adhesive tape. The combination of the snap stud with the snap socket is used to secure two pieces of fabric together or an object to fabric.

[0057] FIG. 2 illustrates the fabric fastener as described in FIG. 1 depicting the components of the snap button attached to the adhesive tape by an adhesive.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates the fabric fastener as described in FIG. 1 depicting the components of snap button attached to the adhesive tape by a pronged cap.

[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment for the fabric fastener shown attached to fabric, with only portions of the fabric(s) shown. In Figure v.1 the fabric fastener uses a string, cord, metal chain, plastic chain, rope or other similar material ((collectively referred to as “cord”) that is firmly attached at each end to a paper-backed self adhesive or heat fusible fabric tape to secure two pieces of fabric together or fabric to an object. In Figure v.2 a single piece of paper-backed self adhesive tape that is attached to a string, cord, metal wire or chain, plastic chain, or other similar material (collectively referred to as “cord”) is used that is capable of enveloping or encircling the other piece of fabric or other object. The cord is attached to the tape by adhesive, tying or other twisting.

[0060] In another modification or embodiment, the fabric can be attached to another piece of fabric or other object by use of a single piece of paper-backed self adhesive tape that is attached to a string, cord, metal wire or chain, plastic chain, rope or other similar material (collectively referred to as “cord”) that is capable of enveloping or encircling the other piece of fabric or other object. The cord is attached to the tape by adhesive, tying or other twisting.

[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates the fabric fastener as described in FIG. 4 depicting the string, cord, metal chain, plastic chain, rope or other link firmly attached at each end to a paper-backed self adhesive or heat fusible fabric tape.

[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates a typical garment with gaping present between prefabricated buttons and gaping existing after the last button.

[0063] FIG. 7 illustrates the fabric fastener described in FIG. 1 (top) and FIG. 4 (bottom) depicting the placement of the adhesive fabric fastener between two existing buttons on a garment thereby securing a first panel to a second panel of a garment's button panel (e.g., the buttons of a shirt, skirt or dress) in a manner that is not visible from a front view of the garment, particularly when the garment is worn by the wearer.

[0064] FIG. 8 illustrates the garment, as described in FIG. 6, after one of the disclosed adhesive fabric fasteners is placed between two preexisting buttons to prevent gaping between the buttons and at the bottom of the garment after the last preexisting button to prevent the bottom of the shirt from spreading or gaping apart.

[0065] FIG. 9 illustrates a shirt worn open at a location different from the preexisting button through use of one of the above described fabric fastener embodiments to permit the wearer to customize the location that the top of the shirt will be closed when the wearer does not want to close the shirt at the location of either preexisting button.

[0066] FIG. 10 illustrates a button panel where one of the disclosed adhesive fabric fasteners is placed where a preexisting button is missing.

[0067] FIG. 11 illustrates a shirt where one of the disclosed adhesive fabric fasteners is securing a collar to a shirt.

[0068] FIG. 12 illustrates one of the disclosed adhesive fabric fasteners securing excess fabric of a shirt to temporarily tighten the garment thereby avoiding a baggy appearance.

[0069] FIG. 13 illustrates one of the disclosed adhesive fabric fasteners securing a bra strap to a garment.

[0070] FIG. 14 illustrates one of the disclosed adhesive fabric fasteners securing the ends of a shawl or wrap around an individual.

[0071] FIG. 15 illustrates one of the disclosed adhesive fabric fasteners securing a shirt in place inside pants, including the shirt tails and the back of a shirt into a pair of pants.

[0072] FIG. 16 illustrates one of the disclosed adhesive fabric fasteners securing a shawl or wrap or other fabric to a dress or shirt.

[0073] FIG. 17. Illustrates one of the disclosed adhesive fabric fasteners securing a badge or name tag to a garment without the needs for pins that may damage fabric.

[0074] FIG. 18 illustrates one of the disclosed adhesive fabric fasteners securing any decorative object to a garment, including objects traditionally fastened by a pin.

[0075] FIG. 19 illustrates a plurality of one or more of the disclosed adhesive fabric fasteners securing a tablecloth to a table to prevent slipping or fly-away (i.e. picnic table, etc.).

[0076] FIG. 20 illustrates a plurality of one or more of the disclosed adhesive fabric fasteners securing a table skirt to a covered table.

[0077] FIG. 21 illustrates one of the disclosed adhesive fabric fasteners securing several versions of a strapless bra to a garment.

[0078] Certain advantages and applications for the above described novel fabric fastener include, without limitation: [0079] 1. An adhesive fabric fastener comprising: a two-part snap button, comprising of stud and corresponding socket, comprised of metal, plastic, wood or other material that are each firmly attached to a piece of paper-backed self-adhesive or heat fusible tape (hereinafter “tape”). The components of the snap button are attached to the tape by either an adhesive or pronged cap. The piece of tape may be of varying widths and lengths. The user attaches one piece of tape, which is attached to either the stud or socket, to fabric. The user attaches the other piece of tape, which is attached to the corresponding stud or socket, to the other fabric or object. When snapped together, the adhesive fabric fastener provides a temporary, flexible, discreet and removable method for securing two pieces of fabric together or fabric to an object.

[0080] In another aspect or embodiment, the adhesive fabric fastener comprises a string, cord, metal chain, plastic string or chain, rope or other similar material (collectively referred to as “cord”) firmly attached at each end to a piece of paper-backed self-adhesive or heat fusible tape. The piece of tape may be of varying widths and lengths to secure two pieces of fabric together or a fabric to an object.

[0081] The user attaches one piece of tape, which is attached to one end of the cord, to the fabric. The fabric is attached to the other fabric or object when the user attaches the other piece of tape, which is attached to the other end of the cord, to the other fabric or object. The adhesive fabric fastener provides a temporary, flexible, discreet and removable method for securing two pieces of fabric together or fabric to an object.

[0082] In another aspect or embodiment, the fabric is attached to another piece of fabric or other object by use of a single piece of paper-backed self-adhesive tape that is attached to a string, cord, metal wire or chain, plastic string or chain, rope or other similar material (collectively referred to as “cord”) that is capable of enveloping or encircling the other piece of fabric or other object to secure the fabric to the other fabric or object. The cord is attached to the tape by adhesive, tying, twisting or other method to secure the other fabric or object. [0083] 2. A fabric fastener as described in 1 securing a first panel to a second panel of a garment's button panel (e.g., the buttons of a shirt, skirt or dress), including between two preexisting buttons, snaps or other closure devices or below the lowest preexisting button, snaps, or other closure devices in a manner that is not visible from a front view of the garment. [0084] 3. A fabric fastener as described in 1 and 2 placed between two preexisting buttons, snaps, or other closure devices to prevent the shirt from gaping open between the two prefabricated buttons. [0085] 4. A fabric fastener as described in 1 and 2 placed between two preexisting buttons, snaps, or other closure device to permit the wearer to customize the location that the top of the shirt will be closed when the wearer does not want to close the shirt at the location of either preexisting button. [0086] 5. A fabric fastener as described in 1 and 2 placed below the lowest prefabricated button, snaps or other closure device to prevent the bottom of the shirt from spreading or gaping apart. [0087] 6. A fabric fastener as described in 1 and 2 placed where a pre-existing button, snap or other closure device is missing to provide a temporary solution when a button is lost or damaged. [0088] 7. A fabric fastener as described in 1 securing a collar to a shirt. [0089] 8. A fabric fastener as described in 1 securing excess fabric of a shirt to temporarily tighten the garment thereby avoiding a baggy appearance. [0090] 9. A fabric fastener as described in 1 securing a bra strap to a garment. [0091] 10. A fabric fastener as described in 1 securing a shawl, wrap or other garment around an individual. [0092] 11. A fabric fastener as described in 1 that is removable attached for securing one garment to another garment in a temporary manner and that is not visible from a front view of the top garment. [0093] 12. A fabric fastener as described in 1 securing a strapless bra to a garment. [0094] 13. A fabric fastener as described in 1 securing a shirt that is tucked inside of pants to the pants, including the shirt tails and the back of the shirt to the pants. [0095] 14. A fabric fastener as described in 1 securing a shawl, wrap or other fabric to a dress or shirt. [0096] 15. A fabric fastener as described in 1 securing the fabric to an object in manner that is not visible from a front view of the object. [0097] 16. A fabric fastener as described in 1 securing a badge or name tag to a garment without the need for pins that may damage fabric or magnets that may pose a health risk to certain individuals. [0098] 17. A fabric fastener as described in 1 securing any decorative object to a garment, including objects traditionally fastened by a pin. [0099] 18. A fabric fastener as described in 1 securing a tablecloth to a table to prevent slipping or fly-away. [0100] 19. A fabric fastener as described in 1 securing a table skirt, banner or other decorative item to a covered table.

[0101] It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from their spirit and scope.

[0102] All components and parts of the described adhesive fabric fastener and their locations, attachment or securement mechanisms, fastening mechanisms, dimensions, values, materials, shapes, etc. discussed above or shown in the drawings, if any, are merely by way of example and are not considered limiting and other component(s) and their locations, attachment or securement mechanisms, fastening mechanisms, dimensions, values, materials, shapes, etc. can be chosen and used and all are considered within the scope of the disclosure.

[0103] Additionally, the disclosure is not considered limited to the fabrics, garments or objects discussed above and/or shown in the drawings and use of one or more of the disclosed adhesive fabric fasteners with other fabrics, garments or objects is also considered within the scope of the disclosure.

[0104] Unless feature(s), part(s), component(s), characteristic(s) or function(s) described in the specification or shown in the drawings for a claim element, claim step or claim term specifically appear in the claim with the claim element, claim step or claim term, then the inventor does not consider such feature(s), part(s), component(s), characteristic(s) or function(s) to be included for the claim element, claim step or claim term in the claim when and if the claim element, claim step or claim term is interpreted or construed. Similarly, with respect to any “means for” elements in the claims, the inventor considers such language to require only the minimal amount of features, components, steps, or parts from the specification to achieve the function of the “means for” language and not all of the features, components, steps or parts describe in the specification that are related to the function of the “means for” language.

[0105] The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims.

[0106] While the adhesive fabric fastener has been described and disclosed in certain terms and has disclosed certain embodiments or modifications, persons skilled in the art who have acquainted themselves with the disclosure, will appreciate that it is not necessarily limited by such terms, nor to the specific embodiments and modification disclosed herein. Thus, a wide variety of alternatives, suggested by the teachings herein, can be practiced without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, and rights to such alternatives are particularly reserved and considered within the scope of the disclosure.