Composite Fastener

Abstract

The invention concerns an improved means of joining two surfaces with flexible elements on them that, when the two surfaces are placed against each other, grip each other clampingly.

Claims

1. A composite fastener comprising a first carrier and a second carrier, wherein the first and second carriers each comprise a coupling surface and wherein a plurality of pins are provided on the coupling surface in a regular grid pattern. wherein the pins comprise at least one anchoring segment along the longitudinal axis with a radius greater than a radius of an underlying segment of the pins, and optionally a greater radius than a radius of an overlying segment of the pins: wherein the pins are made up of a flexible material; and wherein at rest, the pins of the first carrier are distanced from each other such that the anchoring segments of the pins of the first carrier at rest have a distance between them which defines a free space between the anchoring segments in the plane parallel to the first carrier where a transverse cross-section of the anchoring segments of the pins of the second carrier does not fit in, and wherein the underlying segments of the pins of the first carrier at rest define a space between the underlying segments in the plane parallel to the first carrier where a transverse cross-section of the anchoring segments of the pins of the second carrier does fit in, in a way that when the first and second carrier are brought together with the coupling surfaces facing each other, the pins hold each other clampingly.

2. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein the neighboring pins have an interaxial distance of at least 2.0 times and less than (2+√2) times the minimum radius of the anchoring segments.

3. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein the anchoring segment has a minimum radius lower than the maximum radius of the overlying segment and optionally of the overlying segment.

4. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein the anchoring segments have a square transverse cross-section along the longitudinal axis.

5. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein the pins of the first carrier are positioned in a first orientation relative to the axes of the grid pattern of the first carrier, and the pins of the second carrier are positioned in a second orientation relative to the axes of the grid pattern of the second carrier, wherein the first orientation is rotated approximately 45° in relation to the second orientation.

6. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein the first and/or second carrier is flexible.

7. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein the material of the pins, the material of the first carrier, the material of the second carrier, or some combination thereof comprises plastic.

8. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein the first carrier and the pins of the first carrier are single-piece and/or the second carrier and the pins of the second carrier are single-piece.

9. The composite fastener according to claim 1, whereby the first and second carriers are flexibly connected to each other.

10. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein the pins of the first and/or of the second carrier comprise two or more anchoring segments with a greater radius than a radius of a segment of the pins between the two anchoring segments, and with a radius greater than a radius of a segment lying on the other side of the anchoring segment than the intermediate segment of the pins.

11. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein between the anchoring segments comprise an upper flank, directed away from the coupling surface, and wherein the upper flank has an increasing.

12. (canceled)

13. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein between the anchoring segments and a directly successive underlying segment, a lower flank extends, wherein the lower flank forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the pin between 75° and 90°.

14. (canceled)

15. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein the pins have a structure from the link surface with sequentially an underlying segment, an anchor segment, an intermediate segment, and a second anchoring segment, wherein the underlying and intermediate segments have substantially the same transverse cross-section, and wherein the first anchoring segment and the second anchoring segment have substantially the same transverse cross-section.

16. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein the anchoring segments have a radius of at least 10% greater than the radius of the other segments.

17. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein the pins of the first and second carriers are substantially identical in shape and dimensions.

18. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein the pins have a maximum radius of 2.5 mm.

19. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein the pins have a minimum radius of 0.25 mm.

20. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein the pins have a square transverse cross-section along the longitudinal axis, and wherein the sides of the square transverse cross-section are either parallel to the axes of the square grid pattern for both carriers, either for one carrier the sides of the square transverse cross-section form an angle of approximately 45° to the axes of the square.

21. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein the interaxial distances between neighboring pins of the first carrier and the interaxial distances between neighboring pins of the second carrier are substantially equal.

22. The composite fastener according to claim 1, wherein the anchoring elements at the bottom comprise at least one, preferably 2, 3, 4 or more, barb-shaped elements.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0070] The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is:

[0071] Merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to apply or use the present teachings. In the drawings, corresponding reference numbers indicate similar or corresponding parts and characteristics.

[0072] FIG. 1: is a perspective view of five possible pin versions

[0073] FIG. 2: is a view in perspective of two possible pin versions in opposite arrangement

[0074] FIG. 3: is a view in perspective of pins of opposing click elements that interlock with the pins of the different click elements positioned at the same center distance from each other, but the pins of one engagement click element are rotated 45° in relation to each other the other engagement click element.

[0075] FIG. 4: is a top view of a principle arrangement of opposing click elements positioned next to each other where the pins of the different click elements are positioned at the same center distance from each other, but the pins of one engagement click element are rotated 45° in relation to each other the other engagement click element.

[0076] FIG. 5: is a top view of a principle arrangement of opposing click elements that interlock with the pins of the different click elements positioned at the same center distance from each other, but the pins of one engagement click element are rotated 45° in relation to each other the other engagement click element.

[0077] FIG. 6: is a perspective view of pins of opposing click elements that are identical in structure, but where the two click elements are rotated 45° in relation to each other.

[0078] FIG. 7: is a top view of pins of opposing click elements that are identical in structure, but where the two click elements are rotated 45° in relation to each other.

[0079] FIG. 8: is a top view of a principle arrangement of opposing click elements positioned next to each other where the pins of the opposing click elements are identical in structure but where the two click elements are rotated 45° in relation to each other.

[0080] FIG. 9: is a top view of a principle arrangement of opposing click elements that interlock in which the pins of the opposing click elements are identical in structure but where the two click elements are rotated 45° in relation to each other.

[0081] FIG. 10: is a view in perspective of a click element equipped with blocking pins along one side of the click element in the form of pins with a sphere and another click element equipped with recesses in which the pins with sphere can be locked.

[0082] FIG. 11: is a view in perspective of a click element that is additionally equipped with blocking pins along two sides of the click element in the form of pins with a sphere and another click element that is additionally equipped with recesses in which the pins with sphere can be locked

[0083] FIG. 12: is a view in perspective of a click element that is additionally equipped with blocking pins along one side of the click element in the form of pins with a sphere and another click element that is additionally equipped with recesses in which the pins with sphere can be locked where the pins of the click element, which is equipped with the blocking pins, is positioned through the openings of a material and the other click element, which is provided with the recesses, is connected to material along the side where no pins are provided.

[0084] FIG. 13 is a view in perspective of a version in which two click elements are connected by a bridge connection in an open position. The pins of the different click elements are positioned at the same center distance from each other, but the pins of one engagement click element at 45° are rotated in relation to each other the other engagement click element. The single-click element is also equipped with an eye design.

[0085] FIG. 14: is a view in perspective of a version in which two click elements are connected by a bridge connection in a closed position. The pins of the different click elements are positioned at the same center distance from each other, but the pins of one engagement click element at 45° are rotated in relation to each other the other engagement click element. The single-click element is also equipped with an eye design.

[0086] FIG. 15: is a view in perspective of a performance in which the click element is combined with a foil.

Components

[0087] 1. Pin with double barb: the description refers to a pin with a square shape in the base, equipped with 2 ribs wherein the bottom of the ribs is the shape of a barb. [0088] 2. Single rib pin: the description refers to a pin that has a square shape in the base and is equipped with one rib wherein the bottom of the rib has a flat bottom [0089] 3. Double rib pin: the description refers to a pin that has a square shape in the base and is equipped with two ribs wherein the bottom of the ribs has a flat bottom [0090] 4. Triple rib pin: the description refers to a pin that has a square shape in the base, is equipped with three ribs wherein the bottom of the ribs has a flat bottom [0091] 5. Rib: these are the protrusions on the pins that preferably connect to the ribs of the opposite pins, depending on the execution of the ribs. [0092] 6. Click element one: this is the combination of the base plate and pins [0093] 7. Click element two: this is the combination of the base plate and pins, wherein the pins are in the same place but are rotated 45° compared to click element 1 [0094] 8. Click element with locking pins along one side: this is a click element wherein extra blocking pins are provided along one side with the function to block the opposite click element [0095] 9. Click element with cutouts on one side: this is a click element wherein cutouts are provided along one side with the function to block the opposite click element [0096] 10. Click element with locking pins on two sides: this is a click element wherein extra blocking pins are provided along two sides with the function to block the opposite click element [0097] 11. Click element with cutouts on two sides: this is a click element wherein extra blocking pins are provided along two sides with the function to block the opposite click element [0098] 12. Fabric with cutouts: this is a preferably woven fabric that has openings through which the pins of the click element fit. Preferably, the center points of these openings are as far apart as the center points of the pins of the click element that is pushed through them. Also, the openings in the fabric are the same size or slightly larger than the largest lateral distance from the pin that must pass through it. [0099] 13. Click element with the eye: this is a combination of two opposing click elements that are connected using a bracket and wherein an extra protrusion is provided with an extra opening [0100] 14. Blocking pins: this is formed by the combination of a pin with a sphere [0101] 15. Cutout pin: These are the recesses in the pin in which the ribs of the opposite pin fit. [0102] 16. Blocking cutout: This is the cutout in the base plate through which the sphere of the blocking pins fits. [0103] 17. Pin general: this is the pin of the click element that clamps into the opposite pin. It can take any form as described in this document. [0104] 18. Fabric/material without cutouts: this is a fabric or material in which preferably no pins are pushed through and is applied to the side of the click element that does not contain pins. [0105] 19. Eye: this is an extra opening in the base of one of the click elements [0106] 20. Top: this is the top of the pin that is preferably oblique and/or rounded in shape [0107] 21. Base plate: this is the plate of the click elements on which the pins are provided. [0108] 22. Bracket: this forms the bridge between 2 click elements that form part of the execution of a click element with an eye. This is preferably flexible. [0109] 23. Extension: this is an extension of one of the elements in which an opening is also provided through which a suspension device is formed [0110] 24. Sphere: This is the bulge to block the blocking pin behind the base of the opposite element. [0111] 25. Foil: this is a combination with the base plate so that the element can be attached via a suction cup function

[0112] Advantages

[0113] The present invention is mainly a competitor for the hook-eye connection and, more specifically for the version known under the brand name Hook and loop fastener.

[0114] It has the following advantages

[0115] Minimal noise: With the traditional hook-eye connection, loosening the joint causes a significant noise due to pulling the hooks from the loops. This is not the case with the present invention.

[0116] Washable and hygiene: with the traditional hook-eye connection, dirt sticks to the hooks, and dirt creep into the eyes. In the execution of the present invention, no dirt sticks, and is also very easy to clean, both manually and mechanically. The click elements can also be disinfected easily, making it suitable for use in the food and medical sectors. But also for swimming pools, playgrounds, hospitals, etc.

[0117] Environmentally friendly: the click elements can be constructed from one material, and this material can be an environmentally friendly material such as bioplastic. This makes it not only environmentally friendly but also relatively cheap to produce.

[0118] Adaptable: with most versions in plastic, it is also possible to cut and/or cut the click elements to size.

[0119] High forces: the specific structure of the click elements means that the lateral forces that can be absorbed are much higher than the traditional hook-eye connection. This makes the present invention suitable for heavier transport and vehicles and for more extreme applications.

[0120] Glueable: since the click elements in most cases do not contain a woven fabric, and the click elements can also be glued together.

[0121] Cheaper production: The simple construction of the click elements means that the production cost is much lower than with the traditional hook-eye connection, especially in the versions wherein the opposite click elements are identical or almost identical.

[0122] Reliability: with the traditional hook-eye connection, hooks regularly break off after multiple uses. This does not play a role in the present invention

[0123] Additional advantages are that most versions, according to the current invention, do not immediately stick. So it does not hurt if you hold the pins or walk over them and does not stick to the clothes if you wash them together, for example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0124] The present invention relates to a composite fastener, the composition consisting of click elements. The present invention also relates to click elements for said assemblies and methods for constructing a composite fastener.

[0125] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in revealing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as generally understood by one of the ordinary skills in the field to which this invention belongs. Through further guidance, term definitions have been included to better appreciate the present invention's teachings.

[0126] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

[0127] “Over” as used herein, referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a duration, and the like, is intended to allow variations of +1-20% or less, preferably +1-10% or less, rather +/−5% or less, even more preferably +/−1% or less, and with even more preference 41-0.1% or less of and of the specified value, to the extent that such variations are suitable to perform in the revealed invention. However, it should be clear that the value to which the modifier refers “approximately” is itself also specifically stated. “Provided”, “consisting of” and “includes” and “consisting of” as used herein are synonymous with “comprise”, “comprising” “comprises” or “contain”, “containing” “contains” and are inclusive or open terms that specify the presence of what follows, for example, a component and excludes the presence of additional, unrecited components, characteristics, click elements, members, steps, known in the technique or revealed therein.

[0128] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, and the like in the description and in the claims are used to distinguish between similar click elements and are not necessary for: describing a sequential or chronological order unless otherwise indicated. It is understandable that the terms thus used are interchangeable under the right circumstances and that: the embodiments of the invention described here may be in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0129] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions housed within that range and the endpoints mentioned.

[0130] While the terms ‘one or more’ or ‘at least one, such as one or more or at least one member(s) of a group of members, is necessarily clear, by further example, the term includes a reference to one of the said members, or to two or more of the said members, such as, for example, ≥3, ≥4, ≥5, ≥6 or ≥7, etc. of said members, and to all said, members.

[0131] All references cited in this specification are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. In particular, the doctrine of all references specifically referred to here is to be incorporated by reference.

[0132] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in revealing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as generally understood by one of the ordinary skills in the field to which this invention belongs. Through further guidance, definitions for the terms used in the description are included in the present invention's teachings. The terms or definitions used herein are given solely to assist in understanding the invention. Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or feature described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] So, the appearances of the expressions “in one composition” or “in a composition” in different places in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same version but can. In addition, the special features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any appropriate way, as would be clear to a professional from this description, in one or more embodiments.

[0134] In addition, although some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other versions, combinations of features of different versions are intended to fall within the scope of the invention and constitute different performances, as will be understood by the craftsman.

[0135] For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0136] The terms “first click element” and “second click element” refers to two types of click elements, which can still be of the same type.

[0137] When using the x, y, and z-axis as an indication, the example, wherein the click element is arranged horizontally, refers to the x-direction as the horizontal longitudinal direction. i.e., the direction on which the forces are applied. The y-direction stands for the width in the horizontal direction of the click element, and the z-axis is the vertical direction in which the click elements are moved to or from each other.

[0138] When defining the parts, such as the pins, gradients can be used to determine the shape of the pins according to the z-direction. This is preferably between 0 and 1°, but can also work with gradients between 1 and 30°, with possibilities up to 5°, and depending on the implementation of combination recesses and protrusions of the pins can, the shape of the pins themselves or a combination of shapes and/or different materials of pins, the slope of the pins can be ≥5° and the gradients can even be negative.

[0139] When defining the composition of the click elements wherein the arrangement of the pins of one element in relation to the other element is determined, it is preferably 45° but can also be larger than 45°. Depending on the design and/or composition of the elements, the shape of the pins themselves, or a combination of shapes and/or different materials of pins, the rotation difference between them can be between 0 and 180°.

[0140] The basis of the invention is the principle whereby the pins 17 of opposite click elements are provided with recesses wherein the pins 17 exert a certain pressure on each other if the click elements are pressed on each other and the opposite pins 17 touches each other. FIG. 1 shows some possible versions of pin 17 that allow efficient clamping. The preferred shape is a square as a basic shape that runs very slightly conical upwards, in the z-direction, to enable production via spray molding. Preferably, the angle of the conical shape is less than 1°. FIG. 1 shows four possible embodiments. The most leftside pin 1 has double ribs 5 that have the shape of a barb at the corners of it. These types of pins 17 are the most efficient but are quite more difficult to manufacture. The second pin 2 is provided with a single rib 5 with a flat bottom, the third pin 3 with double ribs 5 with a flat bottom 3, and the fourth pin 4 with a triple rib 5 with a flat bottom. The versions where the ribs 5 are provided with a flat bottom are easier to produce than the ribs 5 that has the shape of a barb. When applying the opposite click elements, the ribs 5 hook together with their flat side. Note that the barbs can also be provided in the second and fourth pin versions. FIG. 2 shows single pins 4 with triple ribs 5 with a flat bottom arranged in the opposite direction.

[0141] In FIG. 3, two opposing click elements interlock with the pins 4 of the different click elements positioned at the same center distance from each other, but pins 4 of one engagement click element 7 are rotated 45° in relation to the other engagement element 6. The pins 4 of both click elements are equipped with three ribs 5. When engaging, the protrusions, which form the ribs 5 of the pins 4, are positioned in the recesses 15 of the opposite pins 4. FIG. 4 shows a principle representation of the two click elements in which the pins of one click element 7 is rotated 45° in relation to the other click element 6 and positioned towards each other. FIG. 5 shows the basic components when the two click elements are clicked together, as shown in FIG. 3. In this version, the pins are square in shape so that the angular sides of the pins 4 push into the middle of the long sides of the opposite pins 4.

[0142] In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, replaced opposite but identical click elements 6 interlocks with the two click elements are rotated 45° in relation to each other. The pins 4 of both click elements are equipped with three ribs 5. When taking hold, the protrusions, which form the ribs 5 of the pins 4, are positioned as much as possible in the recesses of the opposite pins 4 but more randomly. FIG. 8 shows a principle representation of the two click elements, in which one click element 6 is rotated 45° in relation to the other click element 6 and positioned towards each other. FIG. 9 shows the basic composition if the two click elements 6 are clicked together, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In this version, pins 4 are square in shape, but the sides and corners interlock in a random way. The chamfered sides of the top of the pins cause the pins to lie next to each other and interact, but this is done fairly randomly, depending on the desired distance and the bending of the base plates.

[0143] In some situations, it may be necessary to provide an additional blockage. For example, if the fastener is used to attach a bandage. As shown in FIG. 12, on the base plate 21 of element 8, which is equipped with blocking pins 14, there is a substance 12 with openings. Because of this fabric 12, both the pins 17 and the blocking pins 14 are pushed so that the fabric 12 touches the base plate 21. The other click element 9 that is equipped with the blocking recess 16 is the fabric 18 on the outside of the click element 9. The connection between the click element 9 and the fabric 18 of, for example, the bandage can be done by means of glue, but also, for example, by providing barbs or a combination of these. As shown in FIG. 10, the two click elements 8 and 9 are clicked together with the blocking pins 14 fitting through the blocking recess 16. When the two click elements 8,9 click together, the blocking pins 14 are first placed in the blocking recesses 16 at a certain angle. The blocking recesses have a shape that is defined so that the sphere 24 of the blocking pins 14 fits through them, with a spur that narrows so that the sphere 24 remains behind the base plate 21 of the click element 9. As soon as the sphere 24 has reached the final position of the constriction, the two click elements 8, 9 can be clicked together in a similar way as described above. A variant of this is shown in FIG. 11. A two click elements 10, 11 that fit together are equipped on both sides with a blocking device consisting of the combination blocking pins 14 and blocking recesses 16 wherein the operation is similar to that described in FIG. 10. However, when applying the blocking pins 14 in the blocking recesses 16, the base plate 21 of one click element 10 must be able to be bent to move the blocking pins 14 through the openings of the blocker recesses 16. When the pins 17 are clicked together, the blocking pins 14 will automatically move to their endpoint in the blocking recesses 16.

[0144] Many applications and variants are possible regarding the clicking together of the two click elements as a fastener. FIGS. 13 and 14 describe a variant in which the base plates 21 of the different click elements 13 are connected by a flexible bracket 22. When folding the two opposing click elements 13, the opposite pins 1 interlock with the pins 1 of the different click elements 13 positioned at the same center distance from each other, but the pins of one part of the engagement click element 13 45° are rotated in relation to the other part of the engagement element 13. The pins 1 of the two parts of the click element 13 are equipped with two ribs 5 of the barb principle 1. When engaging, the protrusions, which form the ribs 5 of the pins 1, are positioned in the recesses of the opposing pins 1. One part of the click element is equipped with an extension 23 in which an eye 19 is provided so that a suspension device is formed. This is preferably composed of the same material as the base plates 21 of the click element 13.

[0145] An additional preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, consists of a click element 6 that is extended with a foil 25. This allows the click element 6 to be attached to a smooth surface such as a tile. The air is pushed from under the foil 25, creating a suction effect and the click element sticking to the wall. Another object equipped with an opposite click plate 7 can be attached to the first click element 6. The advantage of such a version is that the whole side of the click element 6 and foil 25 can be built from 1 material, which greatly simplifies the production.