Clasp

Abstract

A fastener assembly that includes complementary male and female components that reversibly engage magnetically and mechanically. In the locked position, the components remain engaged when subjected to twisting in any plane and/or forces in 5 of 6 possible directions. Clasp provides improved ease of securing and unclasping that can be performed with gross motor movements and no pinching motion is required.

Claims

1. A fastener, comprising: complementary male and female components that reversibly engage with each other magnetically and mechanically and exist in a locked position or an unlocked position; wherein the fastener is changed from locked position to unlocked position by applying a shearing force.

2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the moving the components so that the components move toward one another is applying forces such that the magnetic engagement shears.

3. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the moving the components so that the components move toward one another is applying forces such that the mechanical features disengage.

4. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the moving the components toward one another comprises applying a first force to the male component in a longitudinal direction; and applying a second force to the female component in a longitudinal direction, wherein the first force is in an opposite direction from the second force such that the components move toward one another.

5. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the male component comprises: a mechanical feature adapted to reversibly attach to a complementary mechanical feature on the female component; and a magnetic feature that reversibly magnetically mates to a complementary magnetic feature on the female component.

6. The fastener of claim 1, wherein in the locked position, the mechanical features of the male component and female component are located in a same plane.

7. The fastener assembly of claim 1, further comprising two loops for attaching to fabric, wherein one loop is located on the male component and the other loop is located on the female component.

8. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a bra front closure.

9. The fastener assembly of claim 8, wherein the bra further comprises a pocket (25) under each cup.

10. An article of clothing comprising the fastener of claim 1, wherein the article of clothing is a bra, swimwear, lingerie, garter, belt, skirt, trousers, blouse, shoe, blazer, coat, jacket, dress, shirt, or uniform.

11. An article that includes a strap, comprising a fastener of claim 1.

12. The article of claim 11, wherein the article is selected from a suitcase, purse, handbag, wallet, back pack, wearable electronic device, watchband, computer bag, medical or athletic monitoring equipment, and helmet.

13.-14. (canceled)

15. The fastener of claim 7, wherein in the locked position, two attachment ends for attaching to fabric are located in a same plane.

16. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the shearing force moves a male bar (24) within female recess (6) and female sloped wall (8) moves against male sloped wall (21) until the components disengage.

17. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the shearing force is applied by moving the attachment end of the female component of the clasp assembly, and the attachment end of the male component of the clasp assembly, in a longitudinal direction such that they move toward one another.

18. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the shearing force is applied using gross motor movements by the wearer by inserting each hand into a pocket or loop located near each attachment end.

19. The fastener of claim 1, wherein a first magnetic feature is housed within the male clasp component and a second magnetic feature is housed within the female clasp component.

20. A method of using the fastener of claim 1, wherein the male and female clasp components are changed from an unlocked to a locked position by: moving the male and female clasp components into close proximity, engaging the male and female clasp components by magnetic attraction forces moving the male and female clasp components into a locked position whereby they are magnetically and mechanically mated.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the male and female clasp components are changed from an unlocked to a locked position by gross motor movements.

22. A method of using the fastener of claim 1, wherein the male and female clasp components are changed from a locked to an unlocked position by: applying a shearing force by moving the attachment end of the female component of the clasp assembly relative to the attachment end of the male component of the clasp assembly, in a longitudinal direction such that they move toward one another.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] For a Better Understanding of the Invention and to Show More Clearly how it May be Carried into Effect, Reference Will Now be Made, by Way of Example, to the Accompanying Drawings, Wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a bottom view of a first embodiment of a dual clasp assembly with a 3D axis.

[0017] FIG. 2A shows isometric views of the first embodiment of a dual clasp female component.

[0018] FIG. 2B shows top view of the first embodiment of a dual clasp female component with section lines A-A and B-B.

[0019] FIG. 2C shows section A-A, corresponding to FIG. 2B.

[0020] FIG. 2D shows section B-B, corresponding to FIG. 2B.

[0021] FIG. 2E shows a front view of the first embodiment of a dual clasp female component, with dimensions in inches.

[0022] FIG. 2F shows bottom view of the first embodiment of a dual clasp female component, dimensions in inches.

[0023] FIG. 3A shows isometric views of the first embodiment of the dual clasp male component.

[0024] FIG. 3B shows bottom view of the first embodiment of the dual clasp male component.

[0025] FIG. 3C shows section C-C, corresponding to FIG. 3B.

[0026] FIG. 3D shows section D-D, corresponding to FIG. 3B.

[0027] FIG. 3E shows front view of the first embodiment of a dual clasp male component, dimensions in inches.

[0028] FIG. 3F shows top view of the first embodiment of a dual clasp male component, dimensions in inches.

[0029] FIG. 4A shows isometric views of the first embodiment of a the dual clasp assembly in a mechanically mated position.

[0030] FIG. 4B shows a top view of the first embodiment of a dual clasp assembly in the mechanically mated position with section lines E-E and F-F.

[0031] FIG. 4C shows section E-E, corresponding to FIG. 4B.

[0032] FIG. 4D shows section F-F, corresponding to FIG. 4B.

[0033] FIG. 4E shows a front view of an embodiment of the clasp assembly in the mechanically mated position.

[0034] FIG. 5A shows a top view of the first embodiment of a dual clasp assembly in a partially disengaged position with section lines G-G and H-H.

[0035] FIG. 5B shows section G-G, corresponding to FIG. 5A.

[0036] FIG. 5C shows section H-H, corresponding to FIG. 5A.

[0037] FIG. 5D shows a front view of the first embodiment of the dual clasp assembly in a partially disengaged position.

[0038] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a dual clasp assembly in a front-closing bra with pockets.

[0039] FIG. 7 shows top view of a second embodiment of a dual clasp assembly with a 3D axis.

[0040] FIG. 8A shows isometric views of the second embodiment of a female dual clasp component.

[0041] FIG. 8B shows top view of the second embodiment of a female dual clasp component with section lines I-I and J-J.

[0042] FIG. 8C shows section I-I of the second embodiment of a female dual clasp component, corresponding to FIG. 8B.

[0043] FIG. 8D shows section J-J of the second embodiment of a female dual clasp component, corresponding to FIG. 8B.

[0044] FIG. 8E shows front view of the second embodiment of a female dual clasp component, dimensions in inches.

[0045] FIG. 8F shows bottom view of the second embodiment of a female dual clasp component, dimensions in inches.

[0046] FIG. 9A shows isometric views of the male clasp component of the second embodiment corresponding to FIG. 7.

[0047] FIG. 9B shows bottom view of male clasp component with section lines K-K and L-L.

[0048] FIG. 9C shows section K-K of male clasp component, corresponding to FIG. 9B.

[0049] FIG. 9D shows section L-L of male clasp component, corresponding to FIG. 9B.

[0050] FIG. 9E shows front view of male clasp component, dimensions in inches.

[0051] FIG. 9F shows top view of male clasp component, dimensions in inches.

[0052] FIG. 10A shows isometric views of the second embodiment of the dual clasp assembly in a mechanically mated position.

[0053] FIG. 10B shows top view of the second embodiment of the dual clasp assembly in the mechanically mated position with section lines M-M and N-N.

[0054] FIG. 10C shows section M-M, corresponding to FIG. 10B.

[0055] FIG. 10D shows section N-N, corresponding to FIG. 10B.

[0056] FIG. 10E shows a front view of the second embodiment of a clasp assembly in the mechanically mated position.

[0057] FIG. 11A shows top view of the second embodiment in a partially disengaged position with section lines OO and P-P.

[0058] FIG. 11B shows section OO, corresponding to FIG. 11A.

[0059] FIG. 11C shows section P-P, corresponding to FIG. 11A.

[0060] FIG. 11D shows a front view of the second embodiment of the clasp assembly in a partially disengaged position.

[0061] FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of a third embodiment of a dual clasp assembly with a 3D axis.

[0062] FIG. 13A shows isometric views of the third embodiment of a dual clasp female component.

[0063] FIG. 13B shows top view of the third embodiment of a dual clasp female component with section lines Q-Q and R-R.

[0064] FIG. 13C shows section Q-Q, corresponding to FIG. 13B.

[0065] FIG. 13D shows section R-R, corresponding to FIG. 13B.

[0066] FIG. 13E shows a front view of the third embodiment of a dual clasp female component, with dimensions in inches.

[0067] FIG. 13F shows bottom view of the third embodiment of a dual clasp female component, dimensions in inches.

[0068] FIG. 14A shows isometric views of the dual clasp male component.

[0069] FIG. 14B shows bottom view of male clasp component with section lines S-S and T-T.

[0070] FIG. 14C shows section S-S, corresponding to FIG. 14B.

[0071] FIG. 14D shows section T-T, corresponding to FIG. 14B.

[0072] FIG. 14E shows front view of the third embodiment of a dual clasp male component, dimensions in inches.

[0073] FIG. 14F shows top view of the third embodiment of a dual clasp male component, dimensions in inches.

[0074] FIG. 15A shows isometric views of the third embodiment of the dual clasp assembly in a mechanically mated position.

[0075] FIG. 15B shows a top view of the third embodiment of a dual clasp assembly in the mechanically mated position with section lines U-U and V-V.

[0076] FIG. 15C shows section U-U, corresponding to FIG. 15B.

[0077] FIG. 15D shows section V-V, corresponding to FIG. 15B.

[0078] FIG. 15E shows a front view of the third embodiment of the clasp assembly in the mechanically mated position.

[0079] FIG. 16A shows a top view of the third embodiment of a dual clasp assembly in a partially disengaged position with section lines W-W and X-X.

[0080] FIG. 16B shows section W-W, corresponding to FIG. 16A.

[0081] FIG. 16C shows section X-X, corresponding to FIG. 16A.

[0082] FIG. 16D shows a front view of the third embodiment of the dual clasp assembly in a partially disengaged position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0083] One embodiment of the present invention provides a fastener that combines magnetic fastening with mechanical fastening. Due to this combination of both magnetic and mechanical fastening features, this fastener is referred to herein as a dual clasp. These clasps combine ease of accessibility of use and attractive product design. Once in a locked position, the mechanical features of the dual clasp have the capability to withstand disengaging forces for all directions in a 3D coordinate system except one. The mechanical features prevent disengagement of the closure from rotation around any axis or movement along any direction except one axis of disengagement. A force along this axis allows disengagement by shearing the magnets and disengaging the mechanical features.

[0084] When installed in a garment, this dual clasp is easily implemented by looping fabric through attachment ends and sewing the fabric to itself. The dual clasp assists bra wearers who have mobility restrictions to independently don and doff a bra since it provides an easy-to-use clasp option. In one embodiment, the dual clasp is used in a front-closing bra. In one embodiment, the dual clasp is used in a rear-closing bra.

[0085] Due to strong magnetic forces, a large gripping force from the user is required to unclasp such magnetic clasp mechanisms. For example, for a bra-wearer to unclasp the mechanism in the front position, the wearer must pinch each end of the magnetic clasp and twist them against the magnetic coupling force. For wearers with mobility restrictions, these magnet only clasps can be painful or impossible for the wearer to unclasp independently.

[0086] The present invention provides clasps suitable for use in apparel. The dual clasp is relevant to apparel that would benefit from a fastener that offers high security, is easy to lock and unlock, and is unobtrusive. Such apparel could include a bra, swimwear, lingerie, garters, belts, skirt, trousers, blouse, shoes, blazer, coat, jacket, dresses, shirts, and uniforms, etc.

[0087] The present invention provides clasps suitable for use as fasteners. This use may include the dual clasp secured to strap ends of any article that includes a strap. Non-limiting examples include: purses, handbags, wallets, suitcase, back packs, wearable electronic device, watchbands, computer bags, medical or athletic monitoring equipment, and helmet (e.g., cycling helmet, horse riding helmet, sports helmet, safety helmet).

[0088] In one embodiment, a front closure bra having the dual clasp, additionally has a pocket (25) located under each bra cup. The pockets aid the wearer to bring the clasp's male and female components into proximity to one another, and to aid in disengaging the clasp by applying force in an inward direction. FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a bra with the clasp described herein wherein the bra includes pockets under the cups. These pockets are helpful to disengage the dual clasp using gross motor movements.

[0089] The dual clasp has two components, referred to as male and female components. These components reversibly engage with each other both magnetically and mechanically. See FIGS. 2A-2F and 8A-8F for embodiments of female components, and FIGS. 3A-3F and 9A-9F for embodiments of male components. FIGS. 4A-4E show an embodiment of the dual clasp in the engaged (i.e., locked) position. FIGS. 5A-5D show an embodiment of the dual clasp in a partially engaged position.

[0090] To place the dual clasp in the locked position, the male and female components are brought into close proximity. As described herein, each component includes a magnetic feature, as well as a mechanical feature. Once close together, the components' magnetic features attract each other and, due to the magnetic force, they move closer together. This movement allows the complementary mechanical features to engage. Finally, as the magnetic features come in contact with each other, the mechanical features are mechanically mated in a locked position. In this locked position, the components are both magnetically mated and mechanically mated.

[0091] Accordingly, when a bra having the dual clasp is in use, the wearer would place the bra straps over their shoulders and with minimal guidance, the magnetic coupling force would attract both sides of the bra together and lock the present invention in the mechanically mated position. Advantageously, it is possible to move the clasp components toward one another using gross motor movements only. For example, a wearer or user who cannot perform fine motor skills could place the clasp components near each other using arm and shoulder movements. Once the clasp components are close to each other, their magnetic features then attract one another, which leads to the components moving into the locked position.

[0092] The user would then be able to participate in their normal daily activities, regardless of their chest size or physical abilities, and would be able to feel confident and independent. The mechanical features of the dual clasp prevent accidental disengagement of the clasp assembly.

[0093] To unlock the dual clasp, an inward force is applied to each of the male and female components along the longitudinal axis, where the forces are in opposite direction so that the components move towards each other. That is, the components are pushed inward with a force that is sufficient to shear the dual clasp's magnetic features. This shear force causes disengagement of the mechanically mated male and female components, thereby completing the disengagement. Applying the force to disengage the dual clasp can be done with gross motor movements and therefore is more accessible to individuals with mobility restrictions.

[0094] This disengaging force can be applied with a gross movement from two hands, wrists, or arms. There is no need for fine motor movement such as pinching, which is an asset for users experiencing conditions such as arthritis. The unlocking force can also be applied by a single hand using a pinching motion, which enables use of the bra clasp by single-arm amputees. In the case of an able-bodied individual, the dual clasp provides a secure front clasp option that is unobtrusive and alleviates many of the frustrations experienced while struggling with bra clasps such as the traditional hook and eye clasp.

[0095] That is, the present invention is disengaged when a subject pushes the attachment ends towards each other along the x axis. In one embodiment, when the two components of the clasp assembly are in the locked position, the two attachment ends are located in the same plane. See FIGS. 1, 7, and 12, which all include an axis where the attachments ends of the dual clasp assemblies shown are located in the xy-plane. Small movements inwards do not disengage the dual clasp, as the magnet attracts it back into its locked position. Only a gross movement along the x axis disengages the dual clasp. For individuals with mobility restrictions, the inward force can be applied by a variety of means and it does not require fine motor movements or grip strength.

[0096] In some embodiments, the disengagement direction is opposite to the tension exerted by the garment being clasped. A force that is applied along any other axis does not lead to disengagement of the mechanically mated components nor does it separate the magnets. The dual clasp also resists disengagement by twisting-which is the disengagement method used by currently-existing magnetic bra clasps. This ability to remain fastened while undergoing twisting is advantageous. Twisting forces on front bra closures are known to occur when a bra wearer is running or performing other movements. This is true especially for large-chested wearers. Such forces may cause accidental disengagement in currently-existing magnetic bra clasps.

[0097] In one embodiment, the male and female components include a housing for the magnetic feature. The housing may include one or more friction elements that holds the magnet in the housing (e.g., press fit in place). In one embodiment, the magnetic feature is attached to the male (or female) component via adhesive. In one embodiment, the complementary magnetic features of the male and female components are opposite poles relative to one another. In one embodiment, one of them is a magnet, and the other is a metallic surface that is attracted to a magnet (e.g., steel).

[0098] Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the dual clasp assembly in the locked position is shown with a global axis for reference. The main body comprises the male and female components which are magnetically and mechanically engaged, and the attachment ends comprise holes for a garment to attach by looping through the hole and being sewn to itself.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 2A, the first embodiment of the dual clasp female component (50) is shown in isometric views. The dual clasp is symmetrical along the midline of the y-axis. The main body of the dual clasp can be made of a plastic or non-magnetic metal. A magnetic feature (11) is housed in the main body. In this first embodiment, the magnetic feature is located flush to a sloped surface (8). In one embodiment, the magnetic surface on the female component (11) is opposite polarity to the magnetic surface on the male component (20, see FIG. 3A), so they attract each other when in close proximity.

[0100] A protrusion (7) located on the female component, resists tension forces in the garment, which are in an outward lateral, or x, direction. This protrusion (7) mechanically mates with a corresponding opening (22, see FIG. 3A). The female component has an outer wall (1) that engages with face 16 on the male component (see FIG. 3A), and prevents the dual clasp assembly from disengaging in the y direction. Outer wall (1) also guides the dual clasp male component (see FIGS. 3A-3F) into the correct orientation for locking when the magnets couple. In the locked position, male feature 15 fits inside female cavity 9, and female overhang 10 fits inside male cavity 23. Also, female overhang (10) sits alongside male protrusion 15. This positioning prevents disengagement due to twisting forces.

[0101] Recess 6 on the female component is a cavity which is complementary to male bar (24) of the male component. When disengaging forces are applied, the magnetic features shear apart, and, at the same time, male bar (24) moves within female recess (6) and female sloped wall (8) moves against male sloped wall (21) until the two components are fully disengaged. In the locked position, male bar (24) rests within female recess (6) and female sloped wall (8) sits against male sloped wall (21).

[0102] Female chamfer (5) is a sloped surface that guides male bar (24) into female recess (6) during the engagement step. This positioning of male bar (24) in female recess (6) allows the attachment ends of the female (see loop 13) and male (see loop 19) components to be in the same plane when the dual clasp is engaged. Fabric, from an article to which the clasp is attached can be passed through female loop hole (3) and male loop hole (18). When engagement of the dual clasp causes tension in a garment, this tension force acts upon loops (13 and 19). The female bar (4) and female hollow (2) are analogous to male bar (24) and male hollow (14). These features connect the attachment end of each component to the main body of each component of the dual clasp. Surface (12) is a smooth wall which faces away from the wearer and, in the case of a bra garment, is in contact with the wearer's shirt.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 2B-2D, sections of the dual clasp female component are shown which demonstrate its internal features in greater detail. Section A-A shows features 9 and 10 in greater detail. Section B-B shows the magnet housing and magnet (11) in greater detail.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 2E-2F, approximate dimensions for an embodiment of the dual clasp female component are shown in inches.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 3A, the dual clasp male component (100) is shown with different isometric views. The clasp is symmetrical along the midline of the y-axis. Male hollow 14 is an open space located between two bars (24). This hollow (14) provides space for female component (7) to slide through during disengagement of the dual clasp.

[0106] Surface (17) is a smooth surface that, in the case of a bra garment, is in contact with the wearer's skin.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 3B-3D, sections of the male clasp component are shown which demonstrate its internal features in greater detail. Section C-C shows the magnet (20) in greater detail, whereas section D-D shows features 15 and 23 in greater detail.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 3E-3F, approximate dimensions for the first embodiment of the dual clasp male component are shown in inches.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 4A, isometric views of the first embodiment of the dual clasp assembly are shown when it is engaged magnetically and mechanically (i.e., locked position).

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 4B-4E, sections of the first embodiment of the dual clasp assembly are shown which demonstrate the engagement of its male and female features in greater detail in the locked position. FIG. 4C shows the engagement of the magnetic features (11 and 20). FIG. 4D shows engagement of features 7 and 22 in the locked position. As shown in FIG. 4E, attachment ends (13 and 19) are in the same x-y plane as one another in the locked position. FIG. 4D shows the engagement of features 10 and 15 in the locked position. FIG. 4E shows an external view of the first embodiment of this dual clasp assembly.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5D, sections of the first embodiment of the dual clasp assembly are shown while the assembly is partially engaged.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the dual clasp assembly is shown in the disengaged position in a bra. In one embodiment, a pocket (25) is located under each bra cup.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 7, a top view is shown of a second embodiment of a dual clasp assembly with a 3D axis.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 8A-8F, a second embodiment of the dual clasp female component (51) is shown. In this second embodiment, the magnet (11) is in a non-angled (i.e, flat) orientation (see FIG. 8A for 11 and FIG. 9A for 20). In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 9A, the components each have a sloped portion (27, 40) that does not house the magnetic feature. This is in contrast to the angled magnetic feature (20) of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-4E.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 9A to 9F, the second embodiment is shown for the male component of the dual clasp shown in FIG. 7, wherein the male component (101) is complementary to the female component shown in FIGS. 8A-8F.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 10A to 10E, the second embodiment is now shown as the mated dual clasp assembly.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 11A to 11D, the second embodiment is now shown in a partially assembled or partially disassembled state.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 12, a top view is shown of a third embodiment of a dual clasp assembly with a 3D axis.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 13A-13F, regarding the third embodiment of the dual clasp assembly, an embodiment of a female component (52) is shown. In this embodiment, the magnet (11) is in a non-angled (i.e, flat) orientation. In this embodiment, the components each have a sloped portion (46, 56) that does not house the magnetic feature. The flat orientation of the magnet allowed for a less bulky clasp overall.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 14A to 14F, regarding the third embodiment of the dual clasp assembly, a male component (102) is shown, which is complementary to the female component of FIGS. 13A-13F.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 15A to 15E, a mated dual clasp assembly of this embodiment is shown.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 16A to 16D, a partially assembled or partially disassembled state is shown of the third embodiment of the dual clasp assembly.

EQUIVALENTS

[0123] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made with reference to certain embodiments and that it is possible to make other embodiments employing the principles of the invention which fall within its spirit and scope.