REPLACABLE CLOTHING FASTENER APPARATUS

Abstract

Systems and methods for a clothing fastener in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for attaching to a clothing is provided, the apparatus comprising: a front element a middle element, wherein the middle element comprises a hollow washer element, a base element, wherein the base element comprises a base element protrusion configured to penetrate a hole in a clothing, wherein the base element protrusion fits within the hollow washer element, and wherein the base element attaches to the middle element, wherein the front element attaches to the middle element, the base element, or both the middle element and the base element.

Claims

1. An apparatus for attaching to a clothing, the apparatus comprising: a front element; a middle element, wherein the middle element comprises a hollow washer element; and a base element, wherein the base element comprises a base element protrusion configured to penetrate a hole in a clothing, wherein the base element protrusion fits within the hollow washer element, and wherein the base element attaches to the middle element; and wherein the front element attaches to the middle element, the base element, or both the middle element and the base element.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front element comprises a front element protrusion.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the front element is detachable from the apparatus and can be replaced by another front element.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the front element protrusion interfaces with the middle element or base element.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hollow washer element comprises an internal washer element threading.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hollow middle element comprises a protrusion.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the hollow middle element protrusion comprises an internal protrusion threading.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base element comprises a hollow base element protrusion, wherein the hollow base element protrusion comprises an internal base element threading and an external base element threading.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the front element comprises a front element protrusion, wherein the front element protrusion comprises a front element protrusion threading that can interface with the internal base element threading.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the middle element protrusion comprises an internal middle element protrusion threading, wherein the internal middle element protrusion threading can interface with the external base element threading.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a battery.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a computing element.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the computing element comprises a component that can remotely interact with a remote computational device.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the computing element comprises a printed circuit board (PCB).

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a near-field communication (NFC) module.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base element is physically connected to a pedometer.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base element is physically connected to a blood oxygen sensor.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base element is physically connected to an infrared (IR) sensor.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front element comprises an imaging device.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the imaging device comprises a camera.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The various embodiments of the present replaceable clothing fastener now will be discussed in detail with an emphasis on highlighting the advantageous features. These embodiments depict the novel and non-obvious replaceable clothing fastener shown in the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. These drawings include the following figures:

[0034] FIG. 1 is an example of a high-level overview of the replaceable clothing fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a base element of a replaceable clothing fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a replaceable clothing fastener connected to a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a replaceable clothing fastener attached to a piece of clothing in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a replaceable clothing fastener attached to an another piece of clothing in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a replaceable clothing fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a replaceable clothing fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0041] FIGS. 7A-7C are diagrams illustrating a base element of a replaceable clothing fastener from three different angles, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0042] FIGS. 8A-8C are diagrams of a middle element of a replaceable clothing fastener from three different angles, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0043] FIGS. 9A-9C are diagrams of a front element of a replaceable clothing fastener from three different angles, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The following detailed description describes the present embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, reference numbers label elements of the present embodiments. These reference numbers are reproduced below in connection with the discussion of the corresponding drawing features.

[0045] Turning now to the drawings, replaceable clothing fasteners in accordance with embodiments of the invention are provided. In many embodiments, replaceable clothing fasteners may attach to clothing and may allow for the clothing to be fastened. Generally, clothing may include multiple components of cloth that can be fastened together. For example, a dress shirt may include one or more fasteners (e.g., buttons) that allow the dress shirt to be closed around the wearer. This fastening of cloth allows for the clothing to stay on the wearer. Similarly, a dress shirt may have sleeves that may be opened or closed using a fastener. Conventional systems of fastening may include a hole in a first piece of cloth and a button attached to a second piece of cloth, where the button may be inserted through the hole. However, these conventional systems result in a number of shortcomings. A conventional system of fasteners relies on a button being directly sewn onto a cloth. As such, a given button, and its accompanying aesthetic and functional features, typically needs to be directly sewn onto the cloth in order for the fastener to work. Due to this limitation, to change the button's appearance, the button has to be removed from the cloth, and a new button can be attached to it. In contrast, the present embodiments provide a fastener that can be appended to the cloth and the aesthetic feature of the button can be changed without removing the fastener from the clothing.

[0046] In many embodiments, replaceable clothing fasteners may include a front element. The front element may include an aesthetic portion of the fastener. This front element may have a cosmetic design, such a logo, or other shape that is displayed on the clothing. The front element may include a protrusion that allows the front element to interface with other elements of the fastener, and can attach the front element to the rest of the fastener. In various embodiments, replaceable clothing fasteners may also include a middle element. The middle element may allow the fastener to fasten to clothing by sandwiching the clothing between the middle element and a base element. The middle element may include threading that can interface with threading on the base element. In several embodiments, replaceable clothing fasteners may further include a base element. The base element may allow the fastener to fasten to clothing by sandwiching clothing between the base element and the middle element. The base element may include threading that allows it to interface with the front element and the middle element. The base element may include a hollow protrusion that has threading on the interior and exterior of the hollow protrusion. The interior and exterior threading may allow the base element to interface with both the front element middle element, by for example, having the middle element interface with the exterior threading, and having the front element interface with the interior threading.

[0047] The base element may also include electronic technology, such as sensors, instruments, batteries, or circuit boards that allow for technology to be integrated into the fastener apparatus.

[0048] Additionally, conventional fastening systems are unable to interface with computers, or other similar technology, or provide any biometric data of the wearer. Replaceable clothing apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention provide a platform for integrating technology into clothing. As clothing fasteners are a component of many clothing, a fastening apparatus that is integrated with sensors or other technological components can allow a wearer to retrofit existing clothing and turn the clothing into smart clothing that can be used to sense characteristics of a user. Replaceable clothing fasteners may be integrated with electronic technology. These integrated electronic technologies can, for example, allow for biometric data of the wearer to be generated. As described herein, replaceable clothing fasteners may allow for modular replacement or interchangeability of electronic components, and the replacement of changing of electronic components may be performed without needing to unfasten the clothing. For example, in some embodiments, the clothing fastener may include a processor, a sensor, and a communication module that allow the fastener to gather and share data with a mobile device. In an alternative embodiment, the clothing fastener may have sensors that provide standalone utility like a light that would allow the user to illuminate dark areas with or without a connection to a mobile device. The light could be, but is not limited to, a light emitting diode (LED), fluorescent lighting, halogen lighting, or any other suitable light source. In an additional embodiment, the clothing fastener may contain a near-field communication module. In an alternative embodiment, the clothing fastener may include an imaging device and/or camera. In an alternative embodiment, the clothing fastener may include a pedometer. In an alternative embodiment, the clothing fastener may include an infrared sensor. In an alternative embodiment, the clothing sensor may contain a blood oxygen sensor. Any of the above embodiments may be combined to create further embodiments. Examples include, but are not limited to, an embodiment that contains both an imaging device and a light. More than two embodiments can be combined and further embodiments are not limited by the number of previous combinations. Replaceable clothing apparatus with smart connections in accordance with embodiments of the invention are further discussed below.

Replaceable Clothing Apparatus with Smart Connections

[0049] In some embodiments, the replaceable clothing apparatus can connect to one or more smart devices. These connections may allow the replaceable clothing apparatus to transfer data, transmit and/or receive commands, and/or monitor sensors from the smart device.

[0050] An example of a high-level overview of the replaceable clothing fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. The replaceable clothing apparatus may be attached to a variety of clothing including, but not limited to, shirts, jeans, jackets, suits, tuxedos, pants, etc. For example, a replaceable clothing apparatus may be attached to any piece of clothing that incorporates a fastener, where the fastener may be replaced by the replaceable clothing apparatus. In reference to FIG. 1, the replaceable clothing apparatus 100 may replace any of the fasteners (e.g., a button) of the clothing (e.g., a shirt 106), as further described below.

[0051] In reference to FIG. 1, the replaceable clothing apparatus 100 may have connections 102 to a device such as, but not limited to, a client device 104 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In various embodiments, the connections 102 can be any wireless connection that enables the replaceable clothing apparatus 100 to communicate with the client device 104. For example, the connection 102 may utilize

[0052] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a base element 200 of a replaceable clothing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The base element 200 carries the various elements that enable the apparatus to communicate with a device. Exemplary pieces of these elements include a battery 222, processing element 212, communication device 202, and sensor 204. It is not required that all of the exemplary pieces shown in the diagram be present for the apparatus to be operational. In one embodiment, the apparatus may act as an access key and therefore not include the sensor 204 in said embodiment. In another embodiment, the apparatus may function as a small utility light and not have a processing element 212 or communication device 202. In some embodiments, the various elements are attached directly to the base element 200. In alternative embodiments the elements are connected to one another with only one or some of the elements being directly connected to the base element 200. Various configurations with combinations of the elements are described throughout this description but are not an exhaustive or limiting list of the possible embodiments.

[0053] The battery 222 can be any suitable battery that is able to interface with the elements located on the base element 200. In some embodiments, the battery 222 may be a separate battery pack that is separated from the apparatus and located somewhere on the user's person. In other embodiments, the battery 222 can be directly connected to the base element 200. The battery 222 may directly connect to the some or all of the communication device 202, processing element 212, and sensor 204 in some embodiments. In alternative embodiments, the battery 222 may directly connect to only one element and the other elements draw power by connecting to that element. The battery 222 may be its own standalone component or an integrated piece of one of the other elements. The connection between the apparatus and the mobile device may be facilitated by a variety of different communication protocols and/or technologies which are further described below.

[0054] The communication device 202 may allow the apparatus to connect with other smart devices. These connections allow the apparatus to transfer data, issue and receive commands, or monitor sensors from the smart device. The communication device 202 may be housed directly on the base element 200 or be integrated onto another element. The communication device 202 may not be included in some embodiments where connection between apparatus and a mobile device 206 is not necessary. The communication device 202 can be attached to the battery 222 directly or indirectly through one of the other elements on the base element 200. The communication device 202 may connect to the other elements via physical connection like wiring or through wireless connection.

[0055] The processing element 212 may allow the apparatus to calculate and transfer data, or control other elements located on the base element 200, or any combination thereof. The processing element 212 may directly connect to each other element on the base element 200 directly or indirectly. The processing element 212 may connect to other elements through means of physical wiring or wireless connection. The processing element 212 may not be included in some embodiments.

[0056] The sensor 204 may provide additional data or functionality to the apparatus in various embodiments. In some embodiments the sensor 204 may connect to the base element 200 directly. In additional embodiments, the sensor 204 may be integrated into one of the other elements located on the base element 200. In alternative embodiments, the sensor 204 may not be included. The sensor 204 may connect to some elements via physical connection, wired connection or wireless connection. The connection between the sensor 204 and each element on the base element 200 may differ depending on the embodiment.

[0057] Mobile device 206 may be a component that is physically separate from the apparatus. The mobile device 206 can serve to provide instructions or data to the apparatus. The mobile device 206 can be any device that can interface with the apparatus via a direct or indirect connection. These connections include, but are not limited to, physical connection, wired connection, and wireless connection For example, the physical connection may comprise a port (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) port), and a component that may plug into the port. The connection may comprise a wire that connects the mobile device 206 to the apparatus. The connection may comprise wireless emitter or wireless receiver that can interact mobile device 206 to the apparatus. The mobile device 206 allows the user to provide direct instructions to the apparatus in certain embodiments. The mobile device 206 allows the user to monitor data gathered by the apparatus in certain embodiments.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus 302 connected to the mobile device 306 via a connection 304. The apparatus 302 contains one or more elements that allow connection between the apparatus 302 and the mobile device 306 to be made. In some embodiments the apparatus 302 will not need a connection 304 to the mobile device 306. The connection 304 may be a physical, wired, or wireless connection between the apparatus 302 and the mobile device 306. A non-exhaustive list of transferrable items from the connection includes data, instructions, or even power to be transferred between the apparatus 302 and the mobile device 306. The mobile device can be any device 306 that can interface with the apparatus 302. The mobile device 306 may be a watch, laptop, or other device that is able to connect to the apparatus 302 by physical, wired, or wireless communication. The mobile device 306 can control the apparatus 302 functionality via the connection in some embodiments 304 like toggling sensors on the apparatus 302 on or off. The mobile device 306 can also monitor data being sent from the apparatus 302 in some embodiments.

[0059] FIG. 4A illustrates potential locations for the replaceable clothing fastener apparatus 402. In an example embodiment, a shirt 400 has the apparatus 402 attached where a conventional fastener would be. The apparatus 402 can replace any of the conventional fasteners found on the shirt 400. Multiple apparatus 402 can be utilized on the same piece of clothing 400. Different embodiments of the apparatus 402 can be mixed and matched on one piece of clothing 400 at the same time. Reference 404 highlights an alternative location to place the apparatus 404 on the clothing 400. The apparatus 404 is replacing what would be a conventional fastener found on the wrists of shirts.

[0060] FIG. 4B illustrates a replaceable clothing fastener apparatus 404 attached to a another piece of clothing 402 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 404 can be inserted to replace conventional clothing fasteners. Multiple apparatus 404 can be inserted on to the clothing 402 to ensure that there is uniformity on the clothing design. Different embodiments of the apparatus 404 can be utilized simultaneously on one piece of clothing 402 for different functionality, design, or both. The apparatus 404 would replace the conventional fastener by removing the conventional fastener and inserting the apparatus 404 into its place. Once replaced, the apparatus 404 would fasten the clothing 402 closed.

[0061] Although specific replaceable clothing fasteners are discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-4B, any of a variety of replaceable clothing fasteners as appropriate to the requirements of a specific application can be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Replaceable clothing apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention are discussed further below.

Replaceable Clothing Apparatus

[0062] As described above, replaceable clothing apparatus may be attached to a variety of clothing. For example, a replaceable clothing apparatus may be attached to any piece of clothing that incorporates a fastener, where the fastener may be replaced by the replaceable clothing apparatus.

[0063] A side view of a replaceable clothing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 5. A replaceable clothing fastener 501 may include a front element 500, a middle element 510, and a base element 520. In many embodiments, the front element 500 may face away from the user and may be on the outside of an article of clothing making the front element 500 visible to a viewer of the clothing. For example, the front element 500 may be observed by a person standing opposite the wearer of the article of clothing. In various embodiments, the front element 500 may include an aesthetic or cosmetic design that may be non-functional for the purposes of fastening to the article of clothing. Instead, the front element 500 may be an ornamental design that has desirable aesthetic characteristics. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the front element 500 may take the shape of a logo or letter, for example an H. In various embodiments, the front element 500 may provide a visual message to a viewer, such as, but not limited to, a company's brand, affiliation, a text, etc.

[0064] In reference to FIG. 5, the front element 500 may be attached to a middle element 510. In some embodiments, the middle element 510 may be in contact with the front element 500 and base element 520, as further described below. As shown in FIG. 5, middle element 510 may include a flat element 514, and a protrusion element 512 that extends from the flat element 512. In some embodiments, the protrusion element may be hollow, and may have a radius that is smaller than a radius of the flat element. In some embodiments, the protrusion element 512 may be large enough such that a portion of the front element 500 (e.g., a protrusion of the front element) fits inside of the middle element 510, as further described below. In many embodiments, the middle element 510 and the base element 520 may be fastened to an article of clothing (not shown). For example, the base element 520 may be positioned at an inner side (i.e., the side closer to the skin of the user) of an article of clothing and the middle element 510 may be positioned on the outer side (i.e., the side further away from the skin of the user) of the article of clothing. In various embodiments, the base element 520 may interface with the middle element 510 with the article of clothing may between the two elements 520, 510 such that replaceable clothing fastener 501 is fastened to the article of clothing, as further described below.

[0065] An expanded side view of the apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, front element 600 includes a cosmetic design in the shape of an H. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6, the front element 600 includes a protrusion on the back of the element. As indicated by the dotted line, this protrusion can fit through the middle element 610 and be fitted into the base element 620. The radius of the front element protrusion may be such that it is smaller than a hole in the middle element and smaller than a hole in the base element. In some embodiments, the front element 600 may have a treading 602. In some embodiment, the front element threading 602 may interface with threading 632 on the base element. In some embodiments, the threading 602 and 632 may allow the front element to be attached to the rest of the fastener.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6, the middle element 610 may include a hollow protrusion 612 that juts out of the flat element 615 of the middle element. In some embodiment, the protrusion 612 may include threading 614 that is able to interface with threading 622 on the base element. In some embodiments, the connection between threading 614 and 622 may allow for the middle element and the base element to be attached to one another. In various embodiments, an article of clothing 630 may be sandwiched between the middle element 610 and base element 620. As shown in FIG. 6, the clothing 630 may have a hole 632 (e.g., a button hole, cuff link hole), that the fastener may be inserted through. As shown my FIG. 6, the base element may include a protrusion that can go through the hole. Once through the hole, the base element may be attached to the middle element 610 via connections between threading 614 and 622, thereby connecting the two elements and fixing the clothing is place. Of particular note, the clothing may be fastened in place with the middle element and base element, without requiring the attachment of the front element. A front element (e.g. front element 600) may interface with the rest of the fastener by inserting the front element protrusion through the middle element and into the base element treading 624 to attach the front element in place. A user that desires a different front element, for example, a front element with a G instead of an H, can remove the front element by removing it from the base element and then reattaching the G front element, without affecting the fastening of the clothing.

[0067] As described above, the apparatus may include electronic technology. The electronic technology may be attached or housed by any of the elements described throughout this disclosure (e.g., front element, middle element, base elements). The electronic technology may include components that allow for remote communication with other electronic technology. For example, the user may have a phone or other portable mobile device, and the electronic technology of the apparatus may be able to communicate with the mobile device.

[0068] Although specific replaceable clothing apparatus are discussed above with respect to FIGS. 5-6, any of a variety of replaceable clothing apparatus as appropriate to the requirements of a specific application can be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Base elements of replaceable clothing apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention are discussed further below.

Base Elements of Replaceable Clothing Apparatus

[0069] As described above, replaceable clothing apparatus may include a base element. Multiple views of an example base element of replaceable clothing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention are shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. An oblique side view of the base element 700 is shown in FIG. 7A, a top down view of base element 700 is shown in FIG. 7B, and a side view of base element 700 is shown in FIG. 7C. As shown in FIG. 7A-7C, the base element may include a protrusion 710. The protrusion 710 may include threading on the outside. In some embodiment, the protrusion 710 may be hollow. In some embodiment, the protrusion 710 may be hollow and include threading on the inside. The base element may include a flat element 712.

[0070] The base element may be on an inside of a clothing such that is the closest element of the apparatus to the clothing wearing. The base element may the clothing wearer's skin or be in close proximity with a clothing wearer's skin.

[0071] In some embodiments, the base element may include electronic technology. For example, the base element may include electronic technology, such as sensors, instruments, batteries, or circuit boards that allow for technology to be integrated into the fastener apparatus. The base element may house or otherwise be connected to electronic components. For example, the base element may be large enough to house a battery. The base element may include a flat element (e.g., flat element 712) that is thick enough to hold a battery (e.g., a watch battery, watch cell, coin battery). The base element may include a hollow space that is large enough to fit electronic components. The base element may include a printed circuit board (PCB). For example, the PCB may be attached to the base element or may be housed in the flat element of the base element. In some embodiments, the base element may include a sensor. For example, the sensor may be attached to the base element or may be housed in the flat element of the base element. The sensor may sense a movement of the apparatus (e.g. a gyroscopic sensor). For example, the sensor may be a pedometer (e.g., a sensor that detects a walking step of a user). In some embodiments, the sensor may sense a wavelength of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., a light, an infrared (IR) wave). For example, the sensor may be a blood oxygen sensor (e.g., a pulse oximeter). In the case of blood oxygen sensor, the sensor may make contact with a wearer's skin and sense a wavelength of light from a wearer's blood. As shown in the case of pulse oximetry, the base element or sensor may include components that generate light or other electromagnetic radiation.

[0072] In some embodiments, the base element may include a component that allows for electronic communication. For example, the base element may include a Bluetooth receiver or transmitter. In another example, the base element may include a near field communication (NFC) card or NFC reading device.

[0073] Although specific base elements of replaceable clothing apparatus are discussed above with respect to FIGS. 7A-C, any of a variety of base elements of replaceable clothing apparatus as appropriate to the requirements of a specific application can be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Middle elements of replaceable clothing apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention are discussed further below.

Middle Elements of Replaceable Clothing Apparatus

[0074] As described above, replaceable clothing apparatus may include a middle element. The middle element may attach to a base element. In some embodiments, the middle element and the base element of the apparatus may fasten a clothing and may interpose a clothing between the middle element and base element.

[0075] Multiple views of an example middle element of replaceable clothing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention are shown in FIGS. 8A-8C. An oblique side view of the middle element 800 is shown in FIG. 8A, a top down view of middle element 800 is shown in FIG. 8B, and a side view of middle element 800 is shown in FIG. 8C. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, the base element may include hollow portion 810. The hollow portion 810 may include threading on the inside of the hollow portion. In some embodiments, hollow portion may allow the middle element to interface with a base element (e.g., threading of a base element protrusion may interface with threading of the hollow portion). In some embodiments, the hollow portion 810 may have radius that is larger than a component of a front element (e.g., a front element protrusion), such that the component of the front element may pass through the hollow portion of the middle element and interface with a base element.

[0076] As described elsewhere in this disclosure, the middle element may have a hollow protrusion. The hollow protrusion may include a hollow portion (e.g., hollow portion 810). The protrusion may include threading along at least a portion of the length of the protrusion. The threading of the middle element protrusion may interface with threading on the base element.

[0077] Although specific middle elements of replaceable clothing apparatus are discussed above with respect to FIGS. 8A-C, any of a variety of middle elements of replaceable clothing apparatus as appropriate to the requirements of a specific application can be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Front elements of replaceable clothing apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention are discussed further below.

Front Elements of Replaceable Clothing Apparatus

[0078] As described above, replaceable clothing apparatus may include a front element. Multiple views of an example front element of replaceable clothing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention are shown in FIGS. 9A-9C. An oblique side view of the front element 900 is shown in FIG. 9A, a top down view of front element 900 is shown in FIG. 9B, and a side view of front element 900 is shown in FIG. 9C. As shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, the base element may include a protrusion 910. The protrusion 910 may include threading on the outside. The protrusion 910 may include threading that is able to interface with threading on a base element or middle element.

[0079] The front element may be on an outside of a clothing such that is the farthest element of the apparatus to the clothing wearer. The front element may include an ornamental or aesthetic design that is visible to a viewer of the apparatus.

[0080] Although specific front elements of replaceable clothing apparatus are discussed above with respect to FIGS. 8A-C, any of a variety of middle elements of replaceable clothing apparatus as appropriate to the requirements of a specific application can be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Electronic technology in replaceable clothing apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention are discussed further below.

Embedded Electronic Technology

[0081] In some embodiments, the replaceable clothing apparatus may include electronic technology. For example, the base element may include electronic technology, such as sensors, instruments, batteries or other electronics, that allow for technology to be integrated into the fastener apparatus. The front element may house or otherwise be connected to electronic components. In some embodiments, the front element may include a light. For example, a light may be attached to the front element and shine a light away from a user to light up an area to improve visibility, or may be used as an ornamental design. In some embodiments, the front element may include a sensor. For example, the sensor may be attached to the front element. The sensor may sense a movement of the apparatus (e.g. a gyroscopic sensor). For example, the sensor may be a pedometer (e.g., a sensor that detects a walking step of a user). In some embodiments, the sensor may sense a wavelength of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., a light, an infrared (IR) wave). For example, the sensor may be a blood oxygen sensor (e.g., a pulse oximeter). In the case of blood oxygen sensor, the sensor may make contact with a wearer's skin and sense a wavelength of light from a wearer's blood. For example, a user may contact the front element of the front element with a finger to take a blood oxygen measurement. As shown in the case of pulse oximetry, the base element or sensor may include components that generate light or other electromagnetic radiation. The sensor may be an imaging device, such as a camera. For example, a user may take an image of the space in front of the user using a camera affixed to the front element.

[0082] In some embodiments, the replaceable clothing fastener may include a communication device 202 also known as a communication component or communication element 202 that allows for electronic communication as seen in FIG. 2. The terms of communication element, component or device are all interchangeable and do not change or affect the functionality of the communication properties the invention has. For example, the replaceable clothing fastener may include a Bluetooth receiver or transmitter. In another example, the replaceable clothing fastener may include a near field communication (NFC) card or NFC reading device. The replaceable clothing fastener can include this component on any of the front, middle, or base elements 200 or combination thereof. The electronic communication component 202 may allow for any feasible form of electronic communication such as, but not limited to, Bluetooth, NFC, WiFi, LTE, 4G, 5G, ultra-wideband (UWB), Wireless Area Network connection (WAN), radio, or any combination thereof.

[0083] The replaceable clothing fastener may use the communication component 202 to connect the fastener to another device wirelessly. These wireless connections allow the fastener to transfer data, instructions or both data and instructions to the other connected device 206. The other connected device 206 may be a mobile phone, a computer, a laptop, smart device, or other device that has connective capabilities. For example, in one embodiment the communication component may allow the fastener to connect to a user's mobile phone 206 and allow the user to view collected data from the replaceable clothing fastener on the user's mobile phone 206. In another embodiment, the user can send instructions from the mobile device 206 to the replaceable clothing fastener through the communication device 202 to perform some function like turning a sensor 204 on or off. In another example the replaceable clothing fastener sends streams of data to the mobile device 206 until the connected device 202 sends a signal or instruction to stop the stream of data. These instructions or streams of data can be sent automatically through software or manually through interaction of either the fastener or the connected device 202.

[0084] The communication component 202 may be connected to or integrated as a part of the processing component 212 that is located on the replaceable clothing fastener. The communication component 202 may be integrated onto the processing component 212 directly or merely be connected to the processing element 212 on the replaceable clothing fastener. The communication component 202 may also be connected to the battery 222 or sensor(s) 204 directly by wiring or wireless technology or indirectly by each component(s) being connected to one component like the processing component 212. In one embodiment, the sensor 204, communication component 202, and battery 222 may each connect to the processing component 212 with their own individual connection. In another embodiment, the processing component 212 may have the communication component 202 integrated within it and have direct connections to the battery 222 and sensors 204. In an alternative embodiment, the processor may have an integrated communication component 202 and have a direct connection to the battery 222 with the sensor 204 being connected to the battery 222. The arrangements provided above are merely exemplary and any examples of connections between the communication component 202, processor 212, battery 222, and sensor(s) 204 are non-limiting embodiments provided merely for explanatory purposes. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the connections can be direct integration, direct connection or indirect connection which are possible for any combination or arrangement of these elements.

[0085] The communication component 202, processing component 212, battery 222, and sensor(s) 204 may be located on the same or different portions of the replaceable clothing fastener. In some embodiments the communication device 202, processing unit 212, battery 222, and sensor 204 components may be located on any of the base, middle, or front elements. In some embodiments the components may be located in separate portions but still connected to one another either directly or indirectly. In another embodiment, the front element could house a sensor 204, is connected to a battery 222 directly that is located on the base element, and the battery 222 also connects to the processing element 212 directly which includes an integrated communication component 202 directly within the processing element 212. The arrangement, connections, and location of these components can be moved freely between the different elements and are not limited to the examples described herein.

[0086] The battery 222 as seen in FIG. 2, will be connected in some fashion to the other components to provide power for the processing component 212, sensors 204, and communication device 202 should it be an embodiment where they are present. In some embodiments the battery 222 may be housed within the base element, front element or both elements simultaneously. In other embodiments the battery 222 may be attached to the replaceable clothing fastener. The battery 222 may be an external battery that connects to the replaceable clothing fastener via wired connection. In some embodiments, there may be multiple batteries 222 to provide more power for the components. The battery 222 may utilize pogo pins also called spring-loaded pins, which are electrical connector mechanisms known for their durability and their ability to provide and maintain an electrical connection that is resilient to mechanical shock and vibration. The battery 222 or multiple batteries (not pictured) in some embodiments, are rechargeable and can be recharged via wireless charging or wired charging. The battery 222 may be any one of a lithium ion battery (Li-ion), a lithium ion polymer battery (Li-ion polymer), a lead storage battery, a nickel-cadmium battery (NiCd), a nickel hydrogen storage battery (NiMH), or any other suitable battery. In some embodiments the battery 222 may convert the user's motion to energy to recharge the battery 222.

[0087] The processing element 212 seen on FIG. 2 may be referred to as the processing component, processing unit, or processor interchangeably throughout this specification without any effect or distinction in functionality. In some embodiments, the processing element 212 may be a low power 16-bit or 32-bit microprocessor connected to a ROM or RAM memory via a bus. In other embodiments, the processing element 212 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). In some embodiments, there may be multiple processing elements 212 that are connected together to provide for greater processing power. The processing element 212 may be connected to a power source, in the form of a battery 222, a communication device 202, and a sensor 204. Not all embodiments will include all of the listed connections. The processing element 212 may have these connections made either directly, via wired or integrated connection, or indirectly through the processing element 212 connecting to another component first. As an example, one embodiment may have the processing element 212 connected to a communication device 202 directly but be connected to a sensor 204 through said communication device 202. This example is non-exhaustive and the various components can be switched around. The processing element may be located on the base element 200 but can also be positioned on the middle or front element (not displayed in FIG. 2) The processing element 212 may be an all-in-one processing chip that has integrated memory, communication device 202 and battery 222. Other embodiments may have the processing element 212 only have certain pieces integrated while other portions are connected directly or indirectly.

[0088] The processing element 212 is responsible for processing instructions and managing the other components that may be attached on the replaceable clothing fastener. The processing element 212, in some embodiments, may control the actions of the other components via instructions that can be given by the mobile device 206. As an example, in some embodiments the processing element 212 may control the sensor 204 to activate. The processing element 212 might then relay the data from the sensor 204 to the user via the communication device 202 which would be displayed on the user's mobile device 206. The processing element may also process other instructions or share status with the user's mobile device 206 via the communication device. A non-exhaustive list of examples could be the battery 222 life left, communication pairing data, location data, pictures, whether the sensor 204 is currently active, or an error that may be occurring. The processing element 212 may be autonomous and not require input from the user to take actions in some embodiments.

[0089] The processing element 212, battery 222, communication device 202, and sensor(s) 204 located in FIG. 2 may have their own embedded or onboard software and/or firmware (not pictured). This software or firmware would provide each component with the ability to carry out its functionality. One skilled in the art will recognize that the software or firmware that the components carry can vary depending on the style and build of the individual components and how the components may interact with one another in each particular embodiment. The software will permit the user to send instructions via a mobile device 206 to the replaceable clothing fastener so that an action may be carried out. Additionally, the software may allow the user to transfer data to and from the replaceable clothing fastener and the user's mobile device 206. The software may be updated through versions that may enhance the component's efficiency or capabilities. The software of the replaceable clothing fastener may be controlled by the user via a separate application that runs on the user's mobile device 206 or on any other suitable computer, laptop, or device (not pictured).

[0090] The sensor 204, as displayed in FIG. 2, may be located on the base element 200 or other portions of the replaceable clothing fastener. In some embodiments there may be multiple sensors 204. The sensor 204 can sometimes be located on the front element of the replaceable clothing fastener (not pictured). The sensor may sense data and return it to the user via the communication device 202 or provide other functionality. In some embodiments, the sensor may be a light located on the front element such that it can be turned on by the user in dark areas. The light may be LED and may be controlled by the user's mobile device 206 in one embodiment. The sensor 204 may have other functionality depending on the embodiment. In another embodiment, the sensor 204 may be located on the base element 200 such that it can record and track the movement of the user to display total cumulative steps taken that day. In some embodiments the sensor 204 may be integrated on to other components like the processing element 212 or the communication device 202.

[0091] In some embodiments, the sensor 204 may be controlled by the processing element 212 which is receiving instructions from the communication device 202. Those instructions would be relayed from the user's mobile device 206. In some embodiments the sensor 204 may not need user interaction to operate and may be automatic. The sensor 204 may run on an automatic timing mechanism, or to activate if certain conditions are present. These conditions may be activated automatically via the processing element 212 or the mobile device 206 through the communication device 202. The embodiments listed herein for the sensor 204 are not limiting and non-exhaustive examples merely for illustration purposes.

[0092] The mobile device 206 pictured in FIG. 2 allows for the user to control or monitor the status of the replaceable clothing fastener. It shall be understood that the mobile device 206 may include a cellphone, smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, smartwatch, or any other device that is capable of connecting and interfacing with the replaceable clothing fastener. The user can, in some embodiments, control the functionality or monitor the status remotely through a wireless connection between the communication device 202 of the fastener and the mobile device 206. In other embodiments there may be a direct connection via a wire that connects the user's device 206 and the replaceable clothing fastener. The user's device may have a standalone application or software that allows the user to control the functionality of the replaceable clothing fastener. As an example, the user may control the sensor 204, which in an embodiment is a camera, to activate and take a picture from the mobile device 206. The user may also monitor how much energy is left in the battery 222 of the replaceable clothing fastener or establish a connection with the fastener via the communication device 202. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the mobile device 206 may have its own software and firmware that allow it to operate and function. The software on the user's mobile device 206 that interacts with the replaceable clothing fastener may be a small portion of the mobile device's overall scope or functionality. In other embodiments, the user's mobile device may be a device specifically created to control the replaceable clothing fastener with the software being tailored to manage the fastener. The examples listed in this specification are non-limiting and given for exemplary purposes only.

[0093] Although specific electronic technologies for replaceable clothing apparatus are discussed above with respect to FIG. 2, any of a variety of electronic technologies for replaceable clothing apparatus as appropriate to the requirements of a specific application can be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Methods of using replaceable clothing apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention are discussed further below.

Methods of Using the Fastening Apparatus

[0094] Provided herein is a method of using the replaceable clothing apparatus. A user can be provided a front element, a middle element, and a base element. The base element may include a base element protrusion. The use may insert the base element protrusion through a hole in a clothing (e.g., a shirt). Once the base element protrusion has been inserted through the hole, the user may attach the middle element to the base element. The clothing may then be sandwiched between the base element and the middle element, and may hold the clothing in place. The user may then connect the front element to the other elements. The front element may comprise a front element protrusion that the user inserts into the middle or base element, thereby connecting the elements to form a fastening apparatus.

[0095] The base element protrusion may include threading such to connect or interface with other elements The base element protrusion may have an internal base element protrusion threading and an external base element protrusion threading. The user may use the threading to attach the base element to another element. The middle element may also include threading inside of a hollow component of the middle element (e.g., a hollow middle element protrusion). The user may attach the base element to the middle element with the threading of the middle element with the external base element protrusion threading. Attaching the middle element to the base element may include inserting the base element protrusion through the hollow middle element protrusion, and threading the external base element threading to the middle element threading;

[0096] The front element may also include threading. For example, the front element may include a front element protrusion that can be inserted into the base element, and this front element protrusion may comprise threading. A user may insert the front element protrusion into the base element protrusion and thread the two elements together. The front element protrusion can have a smaller radius than the base element protrusion and connecting these elements may be performed by inserting the front element protrusion through the middle element (e.g., through the hollow middle element protrusion) and into the base element protrusion, and threading the front element protrusion threading with internal base element protrusion.

[0097] The user may replace the front element with another front element. This may be performed by disconnecting the front element of the apparatus from the base element, and connecting a second front element to the apparatus. This replacement and connecting of the second front element can be performed without removing the base element protrusion out of the clothing.

[0098] Although specific methods for using replaceable clothing apparatus are discussed above, any of a variety of methods for using replaceable clothing apparatus as appropriate to the requirements of a specific application can be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the invention. While the above description contains many specific embodiments of the invention, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an example of one embodiment thereof. It is therefore to be understood that the present invention may be practiced otherwise than specifically described, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.