AU2014214550B2 - Fastener - Google Patents

Abstract

In an aspect the invention relates to an apparel item fastener (10). The apparel item fastener comprises an anchor (12) for attachment to a first side of an apparel item. The anchor comprises a base (16) and an attachment formation (18) extending outwardly from the base, the attachment formation being adapted in use to extend from the first side of the apparel item to a second opposing side of the apparel item. The apparel item fastener further comprises a fastener body (14) for attachment to the second side of the apparel item. The fastener body comprises (i) a locked configuration in which the fastener body is adapted to co-operate with the attachment formation of the anchor so as in use to attach the anchor to the fastener body, thereby to secure the fastener to the apparel item, and (ii) a release configuration in which the fastener body is adapted to co-operate with the attachment formation so as to release the anchor from the fastener body, the fastener body being adapted to permit movement of the attachment formation between the locked configuration and the release configuration of the fastener body, thereby to release the fastener from the apparel item. Relative movement between the anchor base and the fastener body causes the attachment formation to undergo movement between the locked and the release configuration. The fastener body further includes an attachment side for operative placement adjacent the second side of the apparel item and an opposing display side adapted to display an item of embellishment.

Description

The present invention relates to a fastener, in particular but not exclusively, an apparel item fastener.

[0002] The invention has been primarily developed for use with apparel items and fabric and will be described hereinafter with reference to that application. The invention, however, can also be employed in other applications and is not limited to use associated with apparel items.

BACKGROUND [0003] A variety of fasteners, buttons, hooks and press studs are employed with garments and fabrics. Buttons, press studs and hooks have also been employed with leather goods and other types of items. A drawback of buttons and hooks are that they require sewing which can be time consuming. Press studs and snaps fasteners, on the other hand, require specialised equipment to attach female and male stud parts to separate portions of fabric. Securing such male and female parts requires precision and skill and this too is time consuming.

OBJECT [0004] It is the object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages or to provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY [0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is disclosed herein an apparel item fastener comprising:

an anchor for attachment to a first side of an apparel item, the anchor comprising a base and an attachment formation extending outwardly from the base, the attachment formation being adapted in use to extend from the first side of the apparel item to a second opposing side of the apparel item; and a fastener body for attachment to the second side of the apparel item, the fastener body comprising:

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2014214550 16 Mar 2018 (i) a locked configuration in which the fastener body is adapted to co-operate with the attachment formation of the anchor so as in use to attach the anchor to the fastener body, thereby to secure the fastener to the apparel item, and (ii) a release configuration in which the fastener body is adapted to co-operate with the attachment formation so as to release the anchor from the fastener body, the fastener body being adapted to permit movement of the attachment formation between the locked configuration and the release configuration of the fastener body, thereby to release the fastener from the apparel item, wherein relative movement between the anchor base and the fastener body causes the attachment formation to undergo movement between the locked and the release configuration, wherein the fastener body includes an attachment side for operative placement adjacent the second side of the apparel item and an opposing display side adapted to display an item of embellishment, wherein the fastener body includes a securement formation adapted to secure the attachment formation in the locked configuration, wherein the securement formation includes at least one protrusion adapted to deter movement of the attachment formation from the locked configuration to the release configuration, wherein the securement formation further includes biasing means adapted to co-operate with the at least one protrusion to deter movement of the attachment formation from the locked configuration to the release configuration, and wherein the biasing means comprises at least one resilient ramp having the at least one protrusion located at one end, the ramp adapted in use to be located in a biased position as the attachment formation is caused to move over the at least one protrusion to be located in the securing position and, once the attachment formation is held by the securement formation, the at least one resilient ramp is allowed to return to the unbiased position.

[0006] Preferably the fastener body includes a securement formation adapted to secure the attachment formation in the locked configuration.

[0007] Preferably the securement formation includes at least one protrusion adapted to deter movement of the attachment formation from the locked configuration to the release configuration.

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2a

2014214550 16 Mar 2018 [0008] Preferably the securement formation further includes biasing means adapted to cooperate with the at least one protrusion to deter movement of the attachment formation from the locked configuration to the release formation.

[0009] In one embodiment the biasing means comprises at least one resilient ramp having the at least one protrusion located at one end, the ramp adapted in use to be located in a biased position as the attachment formation is caused to move over the at least one protrusion to be located in the securing position and, once the attachment formation is held by the securement formation, the at least one resilient ramp is allowed to return to the unbiased position.

[0010] Preferably the item of embellishment comprises a display face and at least one outwardly extending connecting member.

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PCT/AU2014/000105 [0011] Preferably the at least one connecting member includes a clip adapted for clipping attachment to a complimental clip receiving formation on the display side of the fastener body.

[0012] Preferably the item of embellishment includes a plurality of outwardly extending connecting members and the display side of the fastener body includes a plurality of complimental clip receiving formations adapted to receive complimental clips on the item of embellishment.

[0013] Preferably the attachment formation comprises a stem extending outwardly from the anchor base and two elongate, longitudinally extending attachment arms transversely secured to the stem.

[0014] Preferably the fastener body includes a capture member attached or adapted for attachment to the attachment side of the fastener body.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment the capture member comprises a planar body.

[0016] Preferably the capture member defines an elongate, longitudinally extending access opening.

[0017] Preferably the fastener body defines (i) the locked configuration when the attachment arms are orientated transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the access opening so that the attachment arms are deterred from passing through the access opening and (ii) the release configuration when the longitudinal axes of the attachment arms are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the access opening whereby the attachment arms are permitted to pass through the access opening.

[0018] In another embodiment the attachment arms of the attachment formation are pivotally attached to the stem of the anchor, wherein the attachment arms have an extended configuration in which they are adapted not to pass through the access opening in the fastener body and a collapsed configuration in which they are adapted to pass through the access opening. In this embodiment the fastener body provides a securement formation provided in the form of cavities in a side wall of the fastener body. The fastener body further including a biased body adapted to secure the attachment arms within the cavities.

2014214550 16 Mar 2018 [0019] In a further embodiment the base of an anchor of a first fastener includes a flexible material which is adapted to be deformed when the base, no so covered, of an anchor of a second fastener is caused to contact the anchor of the first fastener, such deformation causing the bases and thus the anchors of the first and second fasteners to become connected to one another.

[0020] In another embodiment the base of an anchor of a first fastener includes a male member which is adapted to be received by a resilient female member, the anchor of the first fastener being secured to the anchor of the second fastener when the male and female members are caused to mate.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is disclosed herein a fastener comprising:

an anchor for attachment to a first side of the article, the anchor comprising a base and an attachment formation extending outwardly from the base, the attachment formation being adapted in use to extend from the first side of the article to a second opposing side of the article; and a fastener body for attachment to the second side of the article, the fastener body comprising:

(i) a locked configuration in which the fastener body is adapted to co-operate with the attachment formation of the anchor so as in use to attach the anchor to the fastener body, thereby to secure the fastener to the article, and (ii) a release configuration in which the fastener body is adapted to co-operate with the attachment formation so as to release the anchor from the fastener body, the fastener body being adapted to permit movement of the attachment formation between the locked configuration and the release configuration of the fastener body, thereby to release the fastener from the article, wherein relative movement between the anchor base and the fastener body causes the attachment formation to undergo movement between the locked and the release configuration, wherein the fastener body includes an attachment side for operative placement adjacent the second side of the article and a display side adapted to display an item of embellishment, wherein the fastener body includes a securement formation adapted to secure the attachment formation in the locked configuration,

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4a

2014214550 16 Mar 2018 wherein the securement formation includes at least one protrusion adapted to deter movement of the attachment formation from the locked configuration to the release configuration, wherein the securement formation further includes biasing means adapted to co-operate with the at least one protrusion to deter movement of the attachment formation from the locked configuration to the release configuration, and wherein the biasing means comprises at least one resilient ramp having the at least one protrusion located at one end, the ramp adapted in use to be located in a biased position as the attachment formation is caused to move over the at least one protrusion to be located in the securing position and, once the attachment formation is held by the securement formation, the at least one resilient ramp is allowed to return to the unbiased position.

[0022] According to a third aspect of the invention there is disclosed herein an apparel item fastener assembly comprising:

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PCT/AU2014/000105 an apparel item fastener according to the first aspect; and an eyelet reinforcing operatively adapted for reinforcing an eyelet in an apparel item, the eyelet reinforcing defining an anchor passage adapted to allow the attachment formation of the anchor to pass therethrough such that the eyelet reinforcing is operatively locatable between the base of the anchor and the fastener body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0023] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an apparel item fastener in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 shows a side view of the fastener of Figure 1;

[0026] Figure 3 shows a rear view of the fastener of Figure 1;

[0027] Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the fastener of Figure 1;

[0028] Figure 5 shows a top view of an item of embellishment for use in the fastener of Figure i;

[0029] Figure 6 shows a side view of the item of embellishment of Figure 5;

[0030] Figure 7 shows a top view of a fastener body for use in the fastener of Figure 1;

[0031 ] Figure 8 shows a bottom view of the fastener body of Figure 7;

[0032] Figure 9 shows a top perspective view of the fastener body of Figure 7;

[0033] Figure 10 shows a top view of an anchor for use in the fastener of Figure 1;

[0034] Figure 11 shows a side view of the anchor of Figure 10;

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PCT/AU2014/000105 [0035] Figure 12 shows a side view of the anchor of Figure 11;

[0036] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of an anchor of a second embodiment fastener, the anchor having attachment arms in a retracted configuration;

[0037] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view showing the anchor of Figure 13 with the attachment arms in an extended configuration;

[0038] Figure 15 shows a schematic top view of a fastener body for the second embodiment fastener;

[0039] Figure 16 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the fastener body of Figure 15;

[0040] Figure 17 shows a schematic perspective of the anchor of Figure 13 attached to an item of clothing and a bottom view of the fastener body of Figure 15;

[0041] Figure 18 shows a schematic sectional top view of the second embodiment apparel item fastener attached to an item of clothing;

[0042] Figure 19 shows a schematic sectional side view of the fastener of Figure 18;

[0043] Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view of an anchor of a third embodiment apparel item fastener, the anchor having attachment arms in a retracted configuration;

[0044] Figure 21 is a schematic perspective view showing the anchor of Figure 20 with the arms in an extended configuration;

[0045] Figure 22 shows a schematic side sectional view of a first embodiment fastener placed opposite the third embodiment fastener;

[0046] Figure 23 shows a schematic side sectional view of the fasteners of Figure 22 attached to one another to form a fastener assembly;

[0047] Figure 24 shows a schematic perspective side view of a fourth embodiment anchor;

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PCT/AU2014/000105 [0048] Figure 25 shows a schematic perspective side view of a fifth embodiment anchor;

[0049] Figure 26 shows a perspective side view of the fourth and fifth embodiment anchor’s placed adjacent one another;

[0050] Figure 27 shows a cross-sectional side view of the fourth and fifth embodiment anchors attached to one another thereby securing two fasteners together in a second fastener assembly;

[0051 ] Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view of a sixth embodiment fastener;

[0052] Figure 29 is a schematic perspective view of a partially assembly fastener body of the sixth embodiment fastener;

[0053] Figure 30 is a schematic perspective view a captive member of the sixth embodiment fastener body;

[0054] Figure 31 is an exploded perspective view of a seventh embodiment fastener;

[0055] Figure 32 is a schematic perspective view of a partially assembly fastener body of the seventh embodiment fastener;

[0056] Figure 33 is a schematic perspective view a captive member of the seventh embodiment fastener body;

[0057] Figure 34 provides a schematic representation of an article of clothing including a number of fasteners in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

[0058] Figure 35 provides a schematic representation of a number of first embodiment fasteners displaying different articles of embellishment;

[0059] Figure 36 provides a schematic exploded perspective view of a first embodiment eyelet reinforcing;

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PCT/AU2014/000105 [0060] Figure 37 provides a schematic perspective view of the eyelet reinforcing of Figure 36 in an assembled condition;

[0061] Figure 38 provides a schematic exploded perspective view of a second embodiment eyelet reinforcing;

[0062] Figure 39 provides a schematic perspective view of the eyelet reinforcing of Figure 38 in an assembled condition;

[0063] Figure 40 provides a schematic top perspective view of a third embodiment eyelet reinforcing;

[0064] Figure 41 provides schematic bottom perspective view of the eyelet reinforcing of Figure 40;

[0065] Figure 42 provides a schematic cross-sectional view of the eyelet reinforcing of Figure located in a position to grip a relative thin material; and [0066] Figure 43 provides a schematic cross-sectional view of the eyelet reinforcing of Figure located in a position to grip a relative thick material.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS [0067] In the description below, like reference numerals will be used to indicate like components.

[0068] Figures 1 to 4 show a first embodiment fastener, generally indicated by the reference numeral 10. In this embodiment the fastener is employed as an apparel item fastener, for example a button. It will, however, be readily understood that the fastener may have various alternative applications.

[0069] The fastener 10 comprises an anchor 12 and a fastener body 14. As is described below, the anchor 12 is in use attached to a first side of an article, here an article of clothing, and the fastener body 14 is placed for attachment to a second opposing side of the article of clothing.

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PCT/AU2014/000105 [0070] Referring also to Figures 10 to 12, the anchor 12 comprises a base 16 and an attachment formation 18 which extends outwardly from the base. The attachment formation 18 comprises a stem 20 which is adapted in use to extend from the first side of the article of clothing to a second opposing side of the article of clothing. The attachment formation 18 further comprises two elongate, longitudinally extending attachment arms 23 that are transversely secured to the stem

20.

[0071] The fastener body 14 includes a display side 22 adapted to display, here by holding, an item of embellishment 24, and an attachment side 25 for placement adjacent the article of the clothing. The item of embellishment 24 includes a display face 26. The display face 26 can have a number of shapes, colours, finishes and materials, for example faceted/ textured plastic replicate gemstones. The item of embellishment 24 comprises three connecting members 28 that are evenly spaced about the circumference of the display face 26. The connecting members 28 each include a clip 30. The clips 30 are adapted for clipping attachment to a complimental clip receiving formation 32 in the display side 22 of the fastener body 14.

[0072] The fastener body 14 has a locked configuration, discussed below, in which the fastener body is adapted to co-operate with the attachment formation 18 so as in use to attach the anchor 12 to the fastener body 14 and the article of clothing. The fastener body 14 also has a release configuration, as discussed below, in which the fastener body 14 is adapted to co-operate with the attachment formation 18 so as to release the anchor 12 from the fastener body 14 and the article. The fastener body 14 is adapted to permit movement of the attachment formation 18 between the locked configuration and the release configuration of the fastener body 14. Relative movement between the base 16 and the fastener body 14 causes the attachment formation 18 to undergo movement between the locked configuration and the release configuration.

[0073] Referring to Figure 4, the fastener body 14 includes a capture member 34 attached or adapted for attachment to the attachment side 25 of the fastener body 14. The capture member 34 is provided in the form of a substantially planar body. The capture member 34 defines an elongate, longitudinally extending access opening 36.

[0074] In the fastener 10 the fastener body 14 is located in the locked configuration when the attachment arms 23 are transversely orientated relative to the longitudinal axis of the access

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PCT/AU2014/000105 opening 36 so that the attachment arms 23 are deterred from passing through the access opening. The fastener body 14 is located in the release configuration when the longitudinal axes of the attachment arms 23 are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the access opening 36 whereby the attachment arms 23 are permitted to pass through the access opening 36.

[0075] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, the fastener body 14 includes a securement formation 38. The securement formation 38 is adapted to secure the attachment formation 18 of the anchor 12 in the locked configuration. As shown the securement formation 38 includes at least one protrusion 40, here two protrusions, adapted to deter movement of the attachment arms 23 of the attachment formation 18 from the locked configuration to the release configuration.

[0076] The securement formation 38 further includes biasing means 42 adapted to co-operate with the protrusions 40 to deter movement of the attachment arms 23 from the locked configuration to the release configuration. In the fastener 10 the biasing means 42 comprises two resilient ramps 44 each having a protrusion 40 located at one end, wherein the ramps 44 are adapted in use to be located in a biased position as the attachment arms 23 are caused to move over the respective protrusion 40 in order to be located in the securing position and, once the attachment arms 23 have moved over the protrusions 40, the resilient ramps 44 are allowed to return to their unbiased position.

[0077] A second embodiment fastener 50 is shown in Figures 13 to 19. The second embodiment fastener comprises an anchor 12, shown in Figures 13 and 14, wherein the attachment arms 23 of the attachment formation 18 are pivotally attached to the stem 20 of the anchor. The attachment arms 23 have an extended configuration, shown in Figure 14, in which the attachment arms are adapted so as not to pass through the access opening 36 in the fastener body 14. The attachment arms 23 also have a collapsed configuration, shown in Figure 13, in which they are adapted to pass through the access opening. In this embodiment, the fastener body 14 provides a securement formation provided in the form of cavities 52 in a side wall 54 of the fastener body 14. The fastener body 14 further including a biased body 56 adapted to secure the attachment arms 23 within the cavities 52. Figures 18 and 19 depict the fastener 50 wherein the anchor 12 secures an article of clothing 58 to the fastener body 14.

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PCT/AU2014/000105 [0078] A fastener assembly 60 is discussed with reference to Figures 20 to 23. Here the base 16 of the anchor 62 of a first fastener 66 includes a flexible material 64 which is adapted to be deformed when the base 16, not so covered, of an anchor 12 of a second fastener 10 is caused to contact the anchor 12 of the first fastener 66, such deformation causing the bases 16 and thus the anchors 62 and 12 of the first and second fasteners 66 and 10 to become connected to one another. The fastener assembly 60 will typically be employed for fashion accessories such as handbags. In a handbag the fastener assembly will be used to close / open outer parts of the handbag.

[0079] A further fastener assembly 70 is shown in Figures 24 to 27. In this embodiment the base 16 of an anchor 12 of a first fastener 72 includes a male member 74 which is adapted to be received by a resilient female member 76 of a second fastener 78. The anchor 12 of the first fastener 72 is secured to the anchor 12 of the second fastener 78 when the male and female members 74 and 76 are caused to mate thereby to provide the fastener assembly 70.

[0080] Figures 28 to 30 illustrate a sixth embodiment fastener 80. The fastener 80 differs from the fastener 10 in that the securement formation 38 is provided on the capture member 34 and comprises two pairs of protrusions 40. The attachment formation 18 of the anchor 12 is secured within the securement formation 38 via biasing means 42 which comprises a spring steel spring 82 and a pressed steel washer 84.

[0081] Figures 31 to 33 illustrate a seventh embodiment fastener 90. The fastener 90 differs from the fastener 80 in that the biasing means 42 comprises a foam washer 92 and a pressed steel washer 94.

[0082] Figure 34 shows an article of clothing 100 including a plurality of fasteners 10 including different items of embellishment 24 to adorn the article of clothing. It will be appreciated that by employing an anchor and fastener body as described above, a button is obtained which is attachable to an article of clothing without the need for sewing. Furthermore, by replacing one fastener with another having a different item of embellishment the appearance of the article of clothing or accessory can by transformed. By having a range of different fasteners old clothing can be transformed into clothing with a new appearance. In some instances a user may save money by purchasing a relatively inexpensive fastener and

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PCT/AU2014/000105 transforming a pre-owned item of clothing by replacing the buttons of the pre-owned item with a new set of fasteners.

[0083] Figure 35 shows a number of fasteners 10 each including a different item of embellishment 24. It will be understood that embodiment fasteners could include a range of different items of embellishment 24.

[0084] In one application the apparel item fastener 10 is secured to a non-illustrated apparel item by creating an eyelet (small hole) in the apparel item. To deter fraying of the apparel item at the eyelet an eyelet reinforcing is provided for location within the eyelet. A first embodiment eyelet reinforcing 120 is shown in Figures 36 to 37. The eyelet reinforcing 120 comprises a male member 122 that is operatively attachable to a female member 124. To ensure attachment between the male member 122 and the female member 124 the male member includes an attachment formation 126 that is adapted for attachment to a complimental second attachment formation 128 on the female member 124. In this embodiment the first and second attachment formations 126 and 128 comprise sets of complimental locking teeth which are adapted to be held in clipping engagement as shown in Figure 37. It is pointed out that the locking teeth 126 and 128 operate in opposing pairs which are adapted to accommodate, for example, material of different thicknesses. For example, for thick material both locking teeth pairs will be located in a clipping formation as shown in Figure 37. For a thin material, however, the female member 124 will be pushed towards the male member and the locking teeth 128 of the female member will move relative to the locking teeth 126 so that the axial distance between the male and female members 122 and 124 is reduced.

[0085] In use the male member 122 will be located on one side of an apparel item and the female member 124 on an opposite side of the apparel item. A portion of the male member 122 will be caused to pass through the eyelet such that the locking teeth 126 of the male member will engage the locking teeth of the female member 124 on the opposite side.

[0086] The male and female members 122 and 124 each include passages 130 and 132 which operatively align to define an anchor passage 138. The anchor passage 138 is adapted to allow the attachment formation 18 of the anchor 12 to pass therethrough such that the eyelet

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PCT/AU2014/000105 reinforcing 120 is operatively located within the eyelet and between the anchor 12 and the fastener body 14.

[0087] To provide that the eyelet reinforcing 120 will grip the portion of the apparel item located between the male and female members 122 and 124 a gripping formation 134 is provided. The gripping formation 134 comprises a plurality of prongs 136 that are spaced about the male and female members 122 and 124.

[0088] A second embodiment eyelet reinforcing 140 is shown in Figures 38 and 39. The eyelet reinforcing 140 includes male and female members 122 and 124 which are secured to one another by first and second attachment formations 126 and 128 respectively on the male and female members 122 and 124. In this embodiment the first attachment formation 126 comprises a set of teeth and the second formation 128 comprises a recessed portion to be engaged by the teeth. As with the first embodiment eyelet reinforcing 120, the second embodiment eyelet reinforcing 140 also defines an anchor passage 138 that is adapted to allow the attachment formation 18 of the anchor 12 to pass therethrough.

[0089] To provide that the eyelet reinforcing 140 will grip a portion of the apparel item located between the male and female members 122 and 124 a gripping formation 142 is provided. In this embodiment the gripping formation 142 comprises a gripping ridge 144 on the male member 122 which cooperates with a protrusion 146 on the female member 124.

[0090] A third embodiment eyelet reinforcing 160 is shown in Figures 40 to 43. The eyelet reinforcing 160 includes male and female members 122 and 124 which are secured to one another by first and second attachment formations 126 and 128 respectively on the male and female members. In this embodiment the first attachment formation 126 comprises a flange and the second formation 128 comprises a set of teeth adapted to engage the flange. As is discussed below, the attachment formation 126 facilitates adjustment of the spacing between the male and female members 122 and 124 so as so accommodate apparel items of different thicknesses. As with the first and second embodiment eyelet reinforcing 120 and 140, the third embodiment eyelet reinforcing 160 also defines an anchor passage 138 that is adapted to allow the attachment formation 18 of the anchor 12 to pass therethrough.

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PCT/AU2014/000105 [0091] To provide that the eyelet reinforcing 160 will grip a portion of the apparel item located between the male and female members 122 and 124 a gripping formation 162 is provided. In this embodiment the gripping formation comprises a set of holes 164 on the male member 122 which are adapted to slidably receive complimental outwardly extending teeth 166 on the female member 124.

[0092] Figure 42 shows the upper teeth 128 of the female member 124 engage the flange 126 of the male member 122 so as to grip / clamp onto a relative thin material. Figure 43 on the other hand shows the lower teeth 128 of the female member 124 engaged with the flange 126 to accommodate a relative thick material. The teeth are sized to accommodate a range of thickness between 0.4mm and 1.95mm.

[0093] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the invention can be embodiment in other forms.

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Claims (14)

1. An apparel item fastener comprising:

an anchor for attachment to a first side of an apparel item, the anchor comprising a base and an attachment formation extending outwardly from the base, the attachment formation being adapted in use to extend from the first side of the apparel item to a second opposing side of the apparel item; and a fastener body for attachment to the second side of the apparel item, the fastener body comprising:

(i) a locked configuration in which the fastener body is adapted to co-operate with the attachment formation of the anchor so as in use to attach the anchor to the fastener body, thereby to secure the fastener to the apparel item, and (ii) a release configuration in which the fastener body is adapted to co-operate with the attachment formation so as to release the anchor from the fastener body, the fastener body being adapted to permit movement of the attachment formation between the locked configuration and the release configuration of the fastener body, thereby to release the fastener from the apparel item, wherein relative movement between the anchor base and the fastener body causes the attachment formation to undergo movement between the locked and the release configuration, wherein the fastener body includes an attachment side for operative placement adjacent the second side of the apparel item and an opposing display side adapted to display an item of embellishment, wherein the fastener body includes a securement formation adapted to secure the attachment formation in the locked configuration, wherein the securement formation includes at least one protrusion adapted to deter movement of the attachment formation from the locked configuration to the release configuration, wherein the securement formation further includes biasing means adapted to co-operate with the at least one protrusion to deter movement of the attachment formation from the locked configuration to the release configuration, and wherein the biasing means comprises at least one resilient ramp having the at least one protrusion located at one end, the ramp adapted in use to be located in a biased position as the attachment formation is caused to move over the at least one protrusion to be located in the

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2014214550 16 Mar 2018 securing position and, once the attachment formation is held by the securement formation, the at least one resilient ramp is allowed to return to the unbiased position.

2. An apparel item fastener according to claim 1, wherein the item of embellishment comprises a display face and at least one outwardly extending connecting member.

3. An apparel item fastener according to claim 2, wherein the at least one connecting member includes a clip adapted for clipping attachment to a complemental clip receiving formation on the display side of the fastener body.

4. An apparel item fastener according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the item of embellishment includes a plurality of outwardly extending connecting members and the display side of the fastener body includes a plurality of complemental clip receiving formations adapted to receive complemental clips on the item of embellishment.

5. An apparel item fastener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment formation comprises a stem extending outwardly from the anchor base and two elongate, longitudinally extending attachment arms transversely secured to the stem.

6. An apparel item according to claim 5, wherein the fastener body includes a capture member attached or adapted for attachment to the attachment side of the fastener body.

7. An apparel item according to claim 6, wherein the capture member comprises a substantially planar body.

8. An apparel item according to claim 7, wherein the capture member defines an elongate, longitudinally extending access opening.

9. An apparel item according to claim 8, wherein the fastener body defines (i) the locked configuration when the attachment arms are orientated transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the access opening so that the attachment arms are deterred from passing through the access opening and (ii) the release configuration when the longitudinal axes of the attachment arms are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the access opening whereby the attachment arms are permitted to pass through the access opening.

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2014214550 16 Mar 2018

10. An apparel item fastener assembly comprising:

an apparel item fastener according to any one claim 1 to 9; and an eyelet reinforcing operatively adapted for reinforcing an eyelet in an apparel item, the eyelet reinforcing defining an anchor passage adapted to allow the attachment formation of the anchor to pass therethrough such that the eyelet reinforcing is operatively locatable between the base of the anchor and the fastener body.

11. An apparel item fastener assembly according to claim 10, wherein the eyelet reinforcing comprises a male member and a female member adapted for operative attachment on opposing sides of the eyelet.

12. An apparel item fastener assembly according to claim 11, wherein the male and female members are adapted to grip a portion of the apparel item therebetween.

13. An apparel item fastener according to claim 12, wherein the male member includes a first attachment formation operatively associated with a second attachment formation on the female member, the first attachment formation being adapted for adjustment relative to the second attachment formation in order to accommodate apparel items of different thicknesses between the male and female members.

14. A fastener comprising:

an anchor for attachment to a first side of the article, the anchor comprising a base and an attachment formation extending outwardly from the base, the attachment formation being adapted in use to extend from the first side of the article to a second opposing side of the article; and a fastener body for attachment to the second side of the article, the fastener body comprising:

(i) a locked configuration in which the fastener body is adapted to co-operate with the attachment formation of the anchor so as in use to attach the anchor to the fastener body, thereby to secure the fastener to the article, and (ii) a release configuration in which the fastener body is adapted to co-operate with the attachment formation so as to release the anchor from the fastener body, the fastener body being adapted to permit movement of the attachment formation between the locked configuration and the release configuration of the fastener body, thereby to release the fastener from the article, wherein relative movement between the anchor base and the fastener body causes the

AH26( 14445522J ):BJM

2014214550 16 Mar 2018 attachment formation to undergo movement between the locked and the release configuration, wherein the fastener body includes an attachment side for operative placement adjacent the second side of the article and a display side adapted to display an item of embellishment, wherein the fastener body includes a securement formation adapted to secure the attachment formation in the locked configuration, wherein the securement formation includes at least one protrusion adapted to deter movement of the attachment formation from the locked configuration to the release configuration, wherein the securement formation further includes biasing means adapted to co-operate with the at least one protrusion to deter movement of the attachment formation from the locked configuration to the release configuration, and wherein the biasing means comprises at least one resilient ramp having the at least one protrusion located at one end, the ramp adapted in use to be located in a biased position as the attachment formation is caused to move over the at least one protrusion to be located in the securing position and, once the attachment formation is held by the securement formation, the at least one resilient ramp is allowed to return to the unbiased position.

Bling Innovations Pty Ltd

Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON & FERGUSON

AH26( 14445522J ):BJM

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