Pull-release closure apparatus and method

Abstract

A pull-release closure apparatus and method. The apparatus comprises a separable fastener, comprising a male portion having a lug, a corresponding female portion having a hook detachably coupled to the lug, the hook further comprising a first substantially circular opening mounted on a peg, a second substantially circular opening, and a protrusion resting against a wall of the female portion. The apparatus comprises a cord coupled to the second substantially circular opening and extending outward from the separable fastener. The apparatus comprises a first garment attachment member comprising a first substantially rectangular opening, the first garment attachment member coupled to the male portion, and a second garment attachment member comprising a second substantially rectangular opening, the second garment attachment member coupled to the female portion.

Claims

1. A pull-release closure apparatus, comprising: a separable fastener configured to couple to a brassiere, the separable fastener comprising: a male portion having a lug; a corresponding female portion having a hook detachably coupled to the lug, the hook further comprising: a first substantially circular opening mounted on a peg; a second substantially circular opening; and a protrusion resting against a wall of the female portion; a cord coupled to the second substantially circular opening and extending outward from the separable fastener; a first garment attachment member configured to couple to the lug, the first garment attachment member comprising a first substantially rectangular opening, the first garment attachment member coupled to the male portion; and a second garment attachment member configured to couple to the hook, the second garment attachment member comprising a second substantially rectangular opening, the second garment attachment member coupled to the female portion.

2. The pull-release closure apparatus of claim 1 wherein the separable fastener is coupled to the lug and the hook of the brassiere.

3. The pull-release closure apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first garment attachment member is coupled to a first wing of a brassiere.

4. The pull-release closure apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second garment attachment member is coupled to a second wing of a brassiere.

5. The pull-release closure apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cord is coupled to a ring.

6. The pull-release closure apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cord comprises a knot.

7. The pull-release closure apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cord extends substantially horizontally from the separable fastener.

8. The pull-release closure apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cord extends substantially vertically from the separable fastener.

9. A method of releasing a pull-release closure, the method comprising: pulling a cord that extends from a separable fastener configured to couple to a brassiere, the separable fastener comprising: a male portion having a lug; a corresponding female portion having a hook detachably coupled to the lug, the hook further comprising: a first substantially circular opening mounted on a peg; a second substantially circular opening coupled to the cord; and a protrusion resting against a wall of the female portion; and detaching the hook from the lug in response to the pulling of the cord.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising sliding the male portion into the female portion.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprising mounting the male portion onto the female portion.

12. The method of claim 9 further comprising snapping the male portion to the female portion.

13. The method of claim 9 further comprising flexing of the protrusion against the wall of the female portion.

14. The method of claim 9 further comprising coupling of the hook to the lug.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

(2) FIG. 1A depicts a frontal view of an implementation of a pull-release closure apparatus.

(3) FIG. 1B depicts a frontal view of an implementation of a pull-release closure apparatus in an open configuration.

(4) FIG. 2A depicts a rear view of an implementation of a pull-release closure apparatus and a ring.

(5) FIG. 2B depicts a rear view of an implementation of a pull-release closure apparatus and a knot.

(6) FIG. 3A depicts a side view of an implementation of a pull-release closure apparatus and a cord extending substantially vertically from a separable fastener.

(7) FIG. 3B depicts a side view of an implementation of a pull-release closure apparatus and a cord extending substantially horizontally from a separable fastener.

(8) FIG. 4A depicts a frontal view of an implementation of a pull-release closure apparatus, more specifically a separable fastener, a first garment attachment member, and a second garment attachment member.

(9) FIG. 4B depicts a topside view of an implementation of a pull-release closure apparatus, more specifically a separable fastener, a first garment attachment member, and a second garment attachment member.

(10) FIG. 4C depicts a side view of an implementation of a pull-release closure apparatus, more specifically a separable fastener and a first garment attachment member.

(11) FIG. 4D depicts a cross-section view of an implementation of a pull-release closure apparatus, more specifically a cord, a separable fastener, a male portion, a lug, a female portion, a hook, and a protrusion.

(12) FIG. 5A depicts an oblique view of an implementation of a pull-release closure apparatus.

(13) FIG. 5B depicts an oblique view of an implementation of a pull-release closure apparatus, specifically a female portion.

(14) FIG. 5C depicts an oblique view of an implementation of a pull-release closure apparatus, specifically a male portion and a lug.

(15) Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(16) In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

(17) In one application, a novel pull-release closure apparatus, specifically a pull-release apparatus as applied to garments, is provided.

(18) FIG. 1A illustrates a frontal view of an exemplary embodiment of a pull-release closure apparatus 100 as attached to a garment, more specifically, a brassiere 200. In one non-limiting embodiment, the pull-release closure apparatus 100 comprises a separable fastener 105 and a cord 155 extending outward from the separable fastener 105. The pull-release closure 100 further comprises a first garment attachment member 160 and a second garment attachment member 170. In some embodiments, the first garment attachment member 160 is coupled to a first wing 205 of the brassiere 200. In some embodiments, the second garment attachment member 170 is coupled to a second wing 210 of the brassiere 200. As shown, the first garment attachment member 160 and the second garment attachment member 170 couple the pull-release closure apparatus 100 to the brassiere 200. In some embodiments the first 160 and second 170 garment attachment members may be integrally formed into a garment. In some embodiments the first 160 and second 170 garment attachment members may be sewn or pinned to the garment. In some embodiments, the pull-release closure 100 may be coupled to a brassiere, a swimsuit, a bikini, a sports-brassiere, a belt, a pant, or a short.

(19) In some embodiments the cord 155 is coupled to a ring 300. The cord 155 enables users to unfasten the separable fastener 105 with at least one hand. This may be advantageous for users with limited range of motion. The ring 300 may permit users to recognize the end of the cord 155 and may provide an area for the user to place a hand or finger when pulling. The ring 300 may also prevent complete uptake of the cord 155 into the brassiere's lining. In other embodiments, the cord 155 may extend substantially vertically from the separable fastener 105. This may enable a user to pull the cord 155 from the back of the brassiere 200, rather than the side.

(20) FIG. 1B illustrates a second frontal view of an implementation of the pull-release closure apparatus 100. In particular, this figure illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the pull-release closure apparatus 100 attached to the brassiere 200 in an open configuration. In some embodiments, the separable fastener 105 of the pull-release closure apparatus 100 comprises a male portion 110 and a female portion 120. This figure illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the male portion 110 coupled to the first garment attachment member 160, and the female portion 120 coupled to the second garment attachment member 170.

(21) FIG. 2A illustrates a rear view of an implementation of the pull-release closure apparatus 100, as attached to the brassiere 200 and in an open configuration. In particular, this figure illustrates an embodiment of the cord 155 extending substantially horizontally from the separable fastener 105. The cord 155 may be discreetly placed within the lining of the first wing 205 or second wing 210 of the brassiere 200 and may extend horizontally from the side of the brassiere 200. This enables a user to pull the cord 155 from the side of the brassiere 200, rather than the back.

(22) FIG. 2B illustrates a second rear view of an implementation of the pull-release closure apparatus 100, as attached to the brassiere 200 and in an open configuration. In particular, this figure illustrates an implementation of the pull-release closure apparatus 100 wherein the cord 155 comprises a knot 305. The knot 305 may permit users to recognize the end of the cord 155 and may provide an area for the user to place a hand or finger when pulling. The knot 305 may also prevent complete uptake of the cord 155 into the brassiere's lining.

(23) FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of an implementation of the pull-release closure apparatus 100. In particular, this figure illustrates an implementation of the cord 155 extending substantially vertically from the separable fastener 105.

(24) FIG. 3B illustrates a second side view of an implementation of the pull-release closure apparatus 100. In particular, this figure illustrates an implementation of the cord 155 extending substantially horizontally from the separable fastener 105.

(25) FIG. 4A illustrates a frontal view of an implementation of the pull-release closure apparatus 100. In particular, this figure illustrates an implementation of the separable fastener 105 coupled to the first garment attachment member 160, wherein the first garment attachment member 160 further comprises a first substantially rectangular opening 165, and the second garment attachment member 170, wherein the second garment attachment member 170 further comprises a second substantially rectangular opening 175. In some embodiments, the first 165 and second 175 substantially rectangular openings of the first 160 and second 170 garment attachment members may be shaped as any substantially regular or irregular polygonal figure, such as, by non-limiting example, a triangle, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal figure. In some embodiments, the first 165 and second 175 substantially rectangular openings of the first 160 and second 170 garment attachment members may be shaped as any circle, oval, oblong, or any other closed curve.

(26) In some embodiments, the separable fastener 105 may be made of metal, plastic, or any other sufficiently rigid material that allows for proper operation of the separable fastener. In some implementations, the separable fastener 105 may be shaped as any regular or irregular polygonal figure such as, by nonlimiting example, a triangle, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal figure. In some embodiments, the separable fastener 105 may be shaped as any circle, oval, oblong, or any other closed curve.

(27) FIG. 4B illustrates a topside view of an implementation of the pull-release closure apparatus 100. In particular, this figure illustrates an implementation of the separable fastener 105 coupled to the first garment attachment member 160 and the second garment attachment member 170.

(28) FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of an implementation of the pull-release closure apparatus 100. In particular, this figure illustrates an implementation of the separable fastener 105 coupled to the first garment attachment member 160.

(29) FIG. 4D illustrates a cross-section view of an implementation of the pull-release closure apparatus 100. In particular, this figure illustrates an implementation of the first 160 and second 170 garment attachment members, and a cross-section view of an implementation of the separable fastener 105. In this non-limiting embodiment, the separable fastener 105 further comprises a male portion 110 having a lug 115, and a corresponding female portion 120 having a hook 125 detachably coupled to the lug 115. The hook 125 further comprises a first substantially circular opening 130 mounted on a peg 135, a second substantially circular opening 140, and a protrusion 145 resting against a wall 150 of the female portion 120. As seen in this implementation, the cord 155 extends outward from the separable fastener 105 and is coupled to the second substantially circular opening 140 of the hook 125. One or more gaps between the male portion 110 and the female portion 120 of the separable fastener 105 permit the cord 155 to pass therethrough.

(30) In some implementations, the separable fastener 105 may comprise the female portion 120 having the lug 115, and the corresponding male portion 110 having the hook 125 detachably coupled to the lug 115. In such embodiments, the protrusion 145 may rest against the wall 150 of the male portion 110.

(31) In some embodiments, the hook 125 and protrusion 145 may be made of nylon, rubber, fabric, or any other flexible material. In some embodiments, the hook 125 may be made of metal and the protrusion 145 made of nylon, rubber, tensile fabric, or any other flexible material.

(32) The separable fastener 105 of the pull-release closure apparatus 100 may become detached when a user pulls the cord 155 extending from the separable fastener 105. In response to the pulling of the cord 155, the hook 125 is detached from the lug 115 and the male 110 and female 120 portions are separated from one another.

(33) To recouple the male 110 and female 120 portions of the separable fastener 105, in some implementations, the user may slide the male portion 110 into the female portion 120. In other implementations, the user may mount the male portion 110 onto the female portion 120. In some other implementations, the user may snap the male portion 110 to the female portion 120.

(34) To ensure the separable fastener remains in the closed position when the male 110 and female 120 portions are coupled, in some implementations, the protrusion 145 flexes against the wall 150 of the female portion 120 in response the force exerted by a user in sliding, mounting, snapping, or otherwise pushing the lug 115 of the male portion 110 against the hook 125 of the female portion 120. The hook 125 may then be coupled to the lug 115. In some other implementations, the protrusion 145 may flex against the wall 150 of the male portion 110 in response the force exerted by the user in sliding, mounting, snapping, or otherwise pushing the lug 115 of the female portion 120 against the hook 125 of the male portion 110. The hook 125 may then be coupled to the lug 115.

(35) The flexing action of protrusion 145 enables the substantial positional integrity of the hook 125 with respect to the other elements in response to various movements by a user.

(36) FIG. 5A illustrates an oblique view of an implementation of the pull-release closure apparatus 100. In particular, this figure illustrates an implementation of the separable fastener 105, and the first 160 and second 170 garment attachment members.

(37) FIG. 5B illustrates an oblique view of an implementation of the pull-release closure apparatus 100. Specifically, this figure illustrates an implementation of the female portion 120 of the separable fastener 105 and the second garment attachment member 170.

(38) FIG. 5C illustrates an oblique view of an implementation of a pull-release closure apparatus 100. Specifically, this figure illustrates an implementation of the male portion 110 of the separable fastener 105 and the first garment attachment member 160.