Removable button with magnetic disc insert assembly

Abstract

A set of removable flexible polyurethane buttons with magnetic disc inserts that permit two fabrics including garments to become attached and unattached while each button remains secured to the fabric. Assembly includes three parts: a top-hat shaped rare earth magnet partially embedded into a flexible polyurethane disc; a flexible polyurethane button; and a decorative cover. Each of two button disc assemblies can be temporarily attached a fabric by pressing the flat side of the disc against the fabric and securing the flaps of the button over the fabric and disc exposing a magnet face of opposite polarity as the second attached button assembly. The magnets will attract to secure the fabrics together and when pulled apart the button disc assembly remains secured to the fabric. The decorative polyurethane cover can be attached to the face of the button to provide a smooth appearance.

Claims

1. A magnetic fabric fastening apparatus comprising: a flat-faced polyurethane button with four holes on the front, four flexible flaps extending centrally from the outside edge on the back, a top-hat shaped magnet partially embedded in polyurethane forming a disc intended to be inserted inside said button secured under said flaps, and a polyurethane cover removably secured to the face of said button by four clips.

Description

DRAWINGSFIGURES

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a front view of the disc/magnet assembly

[0023] FIG. 2 shows the front side angled view of the disc/magnet assembly

[0024] FIG. 3. shows the back side angled view of the disc/magnet assembly

[0025] FIG. 4 shows a cut away view of the disc/magnet assembly

[0026] FIG. 5 shows a realistic back view of the polyurethane button

[0027] FIG. 6 shows a realistic side view of the polyurethane button

[0028] FIG. 7 shows a realistic front view of the polyurethane button

[0029] FIG. 8 shows a back of the polyurethane button

[0030] FIG. 9 shows a cutaway view of the polyurethane button

[0031] FIG. 10 shows a front view of the polyurethane button

[0032] FIG. 11 shows a cutaway view of the polyurethane button in use with fabric

[0033] FIG. 12. shows a close-up side cut away view of the polyurethane button in use with fabric

[0034] FIG. 13 shows a complete side view of the polyurethane button in use with fabric

[0035] FIG. 14 shows a realistic side view of the polyurethane button in use with fabric

[0036] FIG. 15 shows a realistic view of polyurethane button assembly with decorative cover

[0037] FIG. 16 shows the back side of the decorative cover

[0038] FIG. 17 shows the front side of the decorative button

[0039] FIG. 18 shows a side cutaway view of the decorative button

DRAWINGS REFERENCE NUMERALS FOR FIG. 1-18

[0040] 01 represents the small end of the rare earth top hat magnet which may have either north or south polarity. [0041] 02 represents the wide end of the rare earth top hat magnet which is embedded in the polyurethane disc. [0042] 03 represents the flat base of the round disc. [0043] 04 represents the raised step of the round disc under which the wide portion of the top hat magnet is embedded. [0044] 05 represents the circular opening in center of the raised step of the round disc through which the magnet protrudes. [0045] 06 represents the lip of the polyurethane button that slopes downward away from the front of the button. [0046] 07 represents the flexible polyurethane flaps (of which there are 4 on each button). [0047] 08 represents the front of the button which consists of a flat circle forms the front of the button and attaches to the side of the button by four bars. [0048] 09 represents an access hole on (of which there are four on each button) through which a stick can be inserted to raise the corresponding flap shown in 07 so the disc can be inserted under the flap. [0049] 10 represents the fabric or garment that is desired to be attached. [0050] 11 represents the face of the decorative button. [0051] 12 represents the lip of the decorative button that fits snugly overtop the rim of the lip of the polyurethane button. [0052] 13 represents the clip of the decorative cover that secures the decorative cover over the flexible polyurethane button.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] A flexible urethane button and disc assembly made of a thin polyurethane step disc with a partially encased top hat shaped magnet (02) which can be placed on one side of a piece of fabric and pressed into the back side of a slightly larger polyurethane button with four flaps. Opposite the four flaps (07) are four corresponding access holes (09) through which a pen or thin stick can be used to raise the flaps (07) over the edge of the disc to secure the fabric between the button and the disc. Once the fabric (10) is secured in the button under the disc the face of the magnet will be exposed on the reverse side of the fabric; a decorative cover that can be used to improve the aesthetics of the button face; two buttons with opposite polarity will attract to hold two pieces of fabric together.

[0054] The wide end of a top hat shaped magnet (02) is embedded in flexible urethane disc (less than 0.5 mm thick) of approximately 1 inch in diameter with a flat rim, and which the small end of the top hat magnet (10) protrudes approximately 3 mm from the center of the disc. The button is comprised of a circular polyurethane button with four flaps (07) that are attached to outside rim of the button and extend inward toward the center of the back side of the button approximately one quarter of the diameter of the button. The face of the button opposite each flap (07) has a corresponding access hole (09) the exact dimension of the flap (07) to allow a stick or other thin object to pass through to raise the flap during the insertion of the disc and fabric thereunder. The outer edge of the face of the button extends approximately 2 mm beyond the inside edge of the button curving toward the back of the buttoncreating a lip or rim (06). The curved lips of the button (06) and cover (12) give the button a smooth appearance under clothing as well as providing a point of attachment for the decorative cover. The decorative round polyurethane cover of approximately the same diameter as the button. The cover fits snugly over the button. The reverse side of the cover contains four equidistant clips (13) that can be slipped over the rim (06) of the button to secure it firmly in place over the button. The cover can be removed by sliding the clips (13) from under the rim (06) of the button. The cover is available in various colors, patterns and designs to change the look of an outfit. The button and cover create a smooth surface when worn under garments. The button assembly is designed to be used in pairs with one assembly containing a magnet of north polarity and the other with a magnet of south polarity. When two assemblies are used together the opposite polarities of the magnets are attracted to each other creating a bond that will hold together various fabrics and can be easily released with mild to moderate force without becoming disengaged from the fabric. The button assembly one can be worn on fabric/garment without puncturing or otherwise permanently altering fabric/garment.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

[0055] Accordingly, the reader will see that the flexible polyurethane button assembly of the various embodiments can be easily attached to fabric of various thicknesses, to conveniently allow the user to secure and separate fabrics from one another with ease. Additionally, the flexible polyurethane button assembly can be removed without damage to the fabric to which it was attached. The assembly has the additional advantages that: [0056] The button and cover's smooth outer surfaces and thin dimensions make it suitable for wearing under clothing with minimal or no visibility. [0057] The cover and button are constructed of polyurethane, making it suitable for those with base metal allergy. [0058] The decorative cover remains in place until intentionally removed by the wearer.
Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the several embodiments.