DE112022003749T5 - HOOK-TO-HOOK CONNECTOR - Google Patents

Abstract

A connector comprising: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base, the plurality of hooks sized to receive a corresponding one of a plurality of hooks of another connector; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base, the plurality of ribs sized to receive a corresponding one of a plurality of ribs of the other connector.

Description

Technical part

This disclosure relates to fastening assemblies comprised of elongated, flexible fasteners. More particularly, this disclosure relates to fasteners for connecting mating surfaces of one or more objects (e.g., the entrance of a bag for storing perishable items or the tonneau cover on a pickup truck).

Related technology

Hook fasteners may be useful for joining two facing surfaces (e.g., a clear plastic bag used for storing food). However, such fasteners, including any "hook-to-hook" fastener, may not provide adequate sealing. Inadequate sealing in these and other uses may result in the contents of the sealed package or other container leaking out of the package or container, or in unwanted contaminants and/or air entering the package or container. In the case of food storage, such leakage may contribute to food freshness problems. In the case of other items, such leakage may contribute to faster spoilage of the items being stored.

Summary

It should be understood that this summary is not a comprehensive overview of the related art. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure or to delimit the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is to explain and illustrate certain concepts of the related art in order to provide an introduction to the full and detailed description that follows.

In one aspect, a connector assembly is disclosed comprising: a first connector; and a second connector configured to face and engage the first connector, both the first connector and the second connector comprising: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base, the plurality of hooks defining a longitudinal row of hooks, adjacent hooks of the longitudinal row of hooks being spaced apart from one another by a pitch interval measured between centerlines of the adjacent hooks and defining a hook receiving area therebetween; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base, the plurality of ribs defining two longitudinal rows of ribs, adjacent ribs of each of the two longitudinal rows of ribs being spaced apart from one another by a pitch interval measured between centerlines of the respective adjacent ribs and defining a rib receiving area therebetween, the longitudinal row of hooks being positioned in a lateral direction between the two longitudinal rows of ribs. Each hook receiving region defined between each pair of adjacent hooks of the plurality of hooks of the first connecting member is sized to receive a corresponding hook of a plurality of hooks of the second connecting member. Each rib receiving region defined between each pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs of the first connecting member is sized to receive a corresponding rib of a plurality of ribs of the second connecting member. The plurality of hooks of the second connecting member are configured to engage the plurality of hooks of the first connecting member. The plurality of ribs of the second connecting member are configured to engage the plurality of ribs of the first connecting member.

More generally, a connector assembly is disclosed comprising: a first connector; and a second connector configured to face and engage the first connector, wherein both the first connector and the second connector comprise: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base. The plurality of hooks of the second connector are configured to engage the plurality of hooks of the first connector, and the plurality of ribs of the second connector are configured to engage the plurality of ribs of the first connector.

In another aspect, a connector is disclosed comprising: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base, the plurality of Hooks defining a longitudinal row of hooks, adjacent hooks of the longitudinal row of hooks being spaced apart from one another by a spacing interval measured between centerlines of the adjacent hooks, the adjacent hooks defining a hook receiving area therebetween, the hook receiving area being sized to receive a corresponding one of a plurality of hooks of another fastener; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base, the plurality of ribs defining two longitudinal rows of ribs, adjacent ribs of each of the two longitudinal rows of ribs being spaced apart from one another by a spacing interval measured between centerlines of the adjacent ribs, the adjacent ribs defining a rib receiving area therebetween, the longitudinal row of hooks being positioned in a lateral direction between the two longitudinal rows of ribs, the rib receiving area being sized to receive a corresponding one of a plurality of ribs of the another fastener.

More generally, a fastener is disclosed comprising: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base, the plurality of hooks sized to receive a corresponding one of a plurality of hooks of a second fastener; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base, the plurality of ribs sized to receive a corresponding one of a plurality of ribs of the second fastener.

In another aspect, a method is disclosed comprising: connecting or engaging a second connecting member with a first connecting member, wherein both the first connecting member and the second connecting member comprise: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base, the plurality of hooks intermittently positioned in a longitudinal direction of the first connecting member to form a row of hooks, a hook receiving area being formed between each pair of adjacent hooks of the plurality of hooks of the row of hooks; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base, the plurality of ribs intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction to form a first row of ribs and a second row of ribs, the first row of ribs and the second row of ribs being respectively arranged on first and second sides of the rows of hooks in a lateral direction of the connecting assembly, a rib receiving area being formed between each pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs. Engaging the second connecting member with the first connecting member includes: receiving a corresponding one of a plurality of hooks of the second connecting member within a corresponding hook receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent hooks of the plurality of hooks of the first connecting member; and receiving a corresponding one of a plurality of ribs of the second connecting member within a corresponding rib receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs of the first connecting member.

More generally, a method is disclosed that includes engaging a second connector with a first connector to form a connector assembly, wherein both the first connector and the second connector comprise: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base. Engaging the second connector with the first connector comprises: receiving a hook of the plurality of hooks of the second connector within a corresponding hook receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent hooks of the plurality of hooks of the first connector; and receiving a rib of the plurality of ribs of the second connector within a corresponding rib receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs of the first connector.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages that are not necessarily expressly disclosed herein, but that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and the accompanying figures. All such systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included in the present disclosure and protected by the appended claims. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by the systems, methods, and features particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will be fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned through practice of such example implementations as set forth below.

Short description of the characters

• 1 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht von oben auf ein Verbindungssystem mit einem Beutel, der zwei zusammenpassende Oberflächen definiert, die zumindest teilweise mit einer Verbindungsanordnung gemäß einem Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung verbunden sind.
• 2 ist eine perspektivische Draufsicht auf die Verbindungsanordnung von 1 gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung.
• 3 ist eine perspektivische Draufsicht auf ein Verbindungssystem, das die Verbindungsanordnung von 2 enthält, mit der eine Tonneau-Abdeckung eines Fahrzeugs gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung befestigt wird.
• 4 A ist eine perspektivische Seitenansicht von oben auf eine Verbindungselement der Verbindungsanordnung von 1 gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung.
• 4B ist eine zweite perspektivische Seitenansicht des Verbindungselements von 4A von oben.
• 4C ist eine dritte perspektivische Seitenansicht des Verbindungselements von 4A.
• 5 ist eine perspektivische Seitenansicht von oben auf das Verbindungselement von 4A, aufgenommen von Detail 5 von 4B.
• 6 ist eine Seitenansicht des Verbindungselements von 4A.
• 7 ist eine End- oder Vorderansicht des Verbindungselements von 4A.
• 8 A ist eine Schnittansicht einer Hakenreihe des Verbindungselements von 4A entlang der Linie 8-8 von 7, in der die Hakenreihe eine Vielzahl von Doppelhakenelementen enthält.
• 8B ist eine Schnittansicht einer Hakenreihe des Verbindungselements von 4A entlang der Linie 8-8 von 7, in der die Hakenreihe eine Vielzahl von Doppelhakenelementen gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung enthält.
• 8C ist eine Schnittansicht einer Hakenreihe des Verbindungselements von 4A entlang der Linie 8-8 von 7, in der die Hakenreihe eine Vielzahl von Doppelhakenelementen gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung enthält.
• 8D ist eine Schnittansicht einer Hakenreihe des Verbindungselements von 4A entlang der Linie 8-8 von 7, in der die Hakenreihe eine Vielzahl von Einzelhakenelementen gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung enthält.
• 8E ist eine Schnittansicht einer Hakenreihe des Verbindungselements von 4A entlang der Linie 8-8 von 7, in der die Hakenreihe eine Vielzahl von Einzelhakenelementen gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung enthält.
• 8F ist eine Schnittansicht einer Hakenreihe des Verbindungselements von 4A entlang der Linie 8-8 von 7, in der die Hakenreihe eine Vielzahl von Doppelhakenelementen gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung enthält.
• 9 A ist eine Seitenansicht einer Rippenreihe des Verbindungselements von 4A entlang der Linie 9-9 von 7, wobei die Rippenreihe eine Vielzahl von im Wesentlichen trapezförmigen Rippenelementen umfasst.
• 9B ist eine Seitenansicht einer Rippenreihe des Verbindungselements von 4A, entlang der Linie 9-9 von 7, wobei die Rippenreihe eine Vielzahl von im Wesentlichen rechteckigen Rippenelementen gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung umfasst.
• 9C ist eine Seitenansicht einer Rippenreihe des Verbindungselements von 4A, entlang der Linie 9-9 von 7, wobei die Rippenreihe eine Vielzahl von trapezförmigen Rippenelementen gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung umfasst.
• 9D ist eine Seitenansicht einer Rippenreihe des Verbindungselements von 4A entlang der Linie 9-9 von 7, in der die Rippenreihe eine Vielzahl von im Wesentlichen trapezförmigen und abgeschrägten Rippenelementen gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung aufweist.
• 9E ist eine Seitenansicht einer Rippenreihe des Verbindungselements von 4A, entlang der Linie 9-9 von 7, wobei die Rippenreihe eine Vielzahl von dreieckigen Rippenelementen gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung umfasst.
• 9F ist eine Seitenansicht einer Rippenreihe des Verbindungselements von 4A, entlang der Linie 9-9 von 7, wobei die Rippenreihe eine Vielzahl von im Wesentlichen abgerundeten oder gerundeten Rippenelementen gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung aufweist.
• 10 ist eine perspektivische Seitenansicht eines Verbindungselements der Verbindungsanordnung von 1, in der Reihen der Doppelhakenelemente von 8A mit Reihen der im Wesentlichen trapezförmigen und abgeschrägten Rippenelemente von 9D sowohl in Quer- als auch in Längsrichtung des Verbindungselements gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung durchsetzt sind.
• 11 ist eine perspektivische Seitenansicht eines Verbindungselements der Verbindungsanordnung von 1, in der Reihen der Doppelhakenelemente von 8A mit Reihen der im Wesentlichen trapezförmigen und im Wesentlichen rechteckigen und gerippten Rippenelemente sowohl in der Quer- als auch in der Längsrichtung des Verbindungselements gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung durchsetzt sind.
• 12 ist eine Seitenansicht des Verbindungselements von 11.
• 13 ist eine End- oder Vorderansicht des Verbindungselements von 11.
• 14 ist eine perspektivische Seitenansicht einer Verbindungsanordnung mit zwei zusammenpassenden Teilen der Verbindungsanordnung aus 11.
• 15 ist eine perspektivische Seitenansicht von oben auf ein Verbindungselement der Verbindungsanordnung von 1, in der Reihen der Doppelhakenelemente von 8A mit Reihen der im Wesentlichen trapezförmigen Rippenelemente von 9A gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung durchsetzt sind.
• 16 ist eine perspektivische Seitenansicht von oben auf ein Verbindungselement der Verbindungsanordnung von 1, in der Reihen der Einzelhakenelemente von 8E mit Reihen der im Wesentlichen trapezförmigen Rippenelemente von 9A gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung durchsetzt sind.
• 17 ist eine perspektivische Seitenansicht von oben auf ein Verbindungselement der Verbindungsanordnung von 1, in der Reihen der Doppelhakenelemente von 8A mit Reihen der im Wesentlichen trapezförmigen Rippenelemente von 9A gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung durchsetzt sind.
• 18 ist eine perspektivische Seitenansicht von oben auf ein Verbindungselement der Verbindungsanordnung von 1, in der Reihen der Doppelhakenelemente von 8A mit Reihen der im Wesentlichen rechteckigen Rippenelemente von 9B gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung durchsetzt sind.
• 19 ist eine perspektivische Seitenansicht von oben auf ein Verbindungselement der Verbindungsanordnung von 1, in der Reihen der Doppelhakenelemente von 8A mit Reihen der im Wesentlichen trapezförmigen Rippenelemente von 9A gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung durchsetzt sind.
• 20 ist eine perspektivische Seitenansicht von oben auf ein Verbindungselement der Verbindungsanordnung von 1, in der Reihen der Doppelhakenelemente von 8A mit Reihen der im Wesentlichen trapezförmigen Rippenelemente von 9A gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung durchsetzt sind.
• 21 ist eine perspektivische Seitenansicht von oben auf ein Verbindungselement der Verbindungsanordnung von 1, in der Reihen der Doppelhakenelemente von 8A mit Reihen der im Wesentlichen trapezförmigen Rippenelemente von 9A gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung durchsetzt sind.
• 22 ist eine perspektivische Seitenansicht von oben auf ein Verbindungselement der Verbindungsanordnung von 1, in der Reihen von kreisförmigen Hakenelementen mit Reihen von im Wesentlichen trapezförmigen Rippenelementen von 9A gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung durchsetzt sind.
• 23 ist eine perspektivische Seitenansicht von oben auf ein Verbindungselement der Verbindungsanordnung von 1, in der Reihen der Doppelhakenelemente von 8A mit Reihen der im Wesentlichen trapezförmigen Rippenelemente von 9A gemäß einem anderen Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung durchsetzt sind.
• 24 ist eine Seitenansicht des Verbindungselements von 23.
• 25 ist eine End- oder Vorderansicht des Verbindungselements von 23.
• 26 ist eine perspektivische Seitenansicht eines Verbindungselements, das zwei zusammenpassende Teile des Verbindungselements der 4A bis 4C.
• 27 ist eine Schnittansicht einer Reihe von Haken jedes der beiden zusammenpassenden Teile des Verbindungselements der Verbindungsanordnung von 26, entlang der Linie 27-27 von 26 und mit der Verbindungsanordnung in einem nicht zusammengebauten Zustand.
• 28 ist eine Schnittansicht der Hakenreihen der Verbindungsanordnung von 26 entlang der Linie 27-27 von 26 und mit der Verbindungsanordnung in einem montierten Zustand.
• 29 ist eine Schnittansicht einer Rippenreihe jedes der beiden zusammenpassenden Teile des Verbindungselements der Verbindungsanordnung von 26, entlang der Linie 29-29 von 26 und mit der Verbindungsanordnung in einem nicht zusammengebauten Zustand.
• 30 ist eine Schnittansicht der Rippenreihen der Verbindungsanordnung von 26 entlang der Linie 29-29 von 26 und mit der Verbindungsanordnung in einem fast zusammengebauten Zustand.
• 31 ist eine Seitenansicht der Verbindungsanordnung von 26 in einem nicht zusammengebauten Zustand.
• 32 ist eine Seitenansicht der Verbindungsvorrichtung von 26 in montiertem Zustand.
• 33 ist eine End- oder Vorderansicht der Verbindungsanordnung von 26 im montierten Zustand.

The accompanying figures, which form a part of this specification, illustrate various aspects of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain various principles of the disclosure. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Corresponding features and components in the figures may be designated by corresponding reference numerals for consistency and clarity.

• 1 is a top perspective view of a connection system having a bag defining two mating surfaces at least partially connected to a connection assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
• 2 is a perspective top view of the connection arrangement of 1 according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 3 is a perspective top view of a connection system that illustrates the connection arrangement of 2 for securing a tonneau cover of a vehicle according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 4 A is a perspective side view from above of a connecting element of the connecting arrangement of 1 according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 4B is a second perspective side view of the connecting element of 4A from above.
• 4C is a third perspective side view of the connecting element of 4A .
• 5 is a perspective side view from above of the connecting element of 4A , taken from Detail 5 of 4B .
• 6 is a side view of the connecting element of 4A .
• 7 is an end or front view of the connector of 4A .
• 8A is a sectional view of a row of hooks of the connecting element of 4A along line 8-8 from 7 in which the hook row contains a multitude of double hook elements.
• 8B is a sectional view of a row of hooks of the connecting element of 4A along line 8-8 from 7 in which the hook row includes a plurality of double hook elements according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 8C is a sectional view of a row of hooks of the connecting element of 4A along line 8-8 from 7 in which the hook row includes a plurality of double hook elements according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 8D is a sectional view of a row of hooks of the connecting element of 4A along line 8-8 from 7 in which the hook row includes a plurality of individual hook elements according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 8E is a sectional view of a row of hooks of the connecting element of 4A along line 8-8 from 7 in which the hook row includes a plurality of individual hook elements according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 8F is a sectional view of a row of hooks of the connecting element of 4A along line 8-8 from 7 in which the hook row includes a plurality of double hook elements according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 9 A is a side view of a row of ribs of the connecting element of 4A along line 9-9 from 7 , wherein the row of ribs comprises a plurality of substantially trapezoidal rib elements.
• 9B is a side view of a row of ribs of the connecting element of 4A , along line 9-9 from 7 wherein the row of ribs comprises a plurality of substantially rectangular rib elements according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 9C is a side view of a row of ribs of the connecting element of 4A , along line 9-9 from 7 wherein the row of ribs comprises a plurality of trapezoidal rib elements according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 9D is a side view of a row of ribs of the connecting element of 4A along line 9-9 from 7 in which the row of ribs comprises a plurality of substantially trapezoidal and tapered rib elements according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 9E is a side view of a row of ribs of the connecting element of 4A , along line 9-9 from 7 wherein the row of ribs comprises a plurality of triangular rib elements according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 9F is a side view of a row of ribs of the connecting element of 4A , along line 9-9 from 7 wherein the row of ribs comprises a plurality of substantially rounded or rounded rib elements according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 10 is a perspective side view of a connecting element of the connecting arrangement of 1 , in which rows of double hook elements of 8A with rows of essentially trapezoidal and bevelled rib elements of 9D in both the transverse and longitudinal directions of the connecting element according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 11 is a perspective side view of a connecting element of the connecting arrangement of 1 , in which rows of double hook elements of 8A interspersed with rows of the substantially trapezoidal and substantially rectangular and ribbed rib elements in both the transverse and longitudinal directions of the connecting element according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 12 is a side view of the connecting element of 11 .
• 13 is an end or front view of the connector of 11 .
• 14 is a perspective side view of a connection arrangement with two mating parts of the connection arrangement of 11 .
• 15 is a perspective side view from above of a connecting element of the connecting arrangement of 1 , in which rows of double hook elements of 8A with rows of essentially trapezoidal rib elements of 9A according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 16 is a perspective side view from above of a connecting element of the connecting arrangement of 1 , in which rows of single hook elements of 8E with rows of essentially trapezoidal rib elements of 9A according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 17 is a perspective side view from above of a connecting element of the connecting arrangement of 1 , in which rows of double hook elements of 8A with rows of essentially trapezoidal rib elements of 9A according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 18 is a perspective side view from above of a connecting element of the connecting arrangement of 1 , in which rows of double hook elements of 8A with rows of essentially rectangular rib elements of 9B according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 19 is a perspective side view from above of a connecting element of the connecting arrangement of 1 , in which rows of double hook elements of 8A with rows of essentially trapezoidal rib elements of 9A according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 20 is a perspective side view from above of a connecting element of the connecting arrangement of 1 , in which rows of double hook elements of 8A with rows of essentially trapezoidal rib elements of 9A according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 21 is a perspective side view from above of a connecting element of the connecting arrangement of 1 , in which rows of double hook elements of 8A with rows of essentially trapezoidal rib elements of 9A according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 22 is a perspective side view from above of a connecting element of the connecting arrangement of 1 , in which rows of circular hook elements are connected to rows of essentially trapezoidal rib elements of 9A according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 23 is a perspective side view from above of a connecting element of the connecting arrangement of 1 , in which rows of double hook elements of 8A with rows of essentially trapezoidal rib elements of 9A according to another aspect of the present disclosure.
• 24 is a side view of the connecting element of 23 .
• 25 is an end or front view of the connector of 23 .
• 26 is a perspective side view of a connecting element that connects two matching parts of the connecting element of the 4A to 4C .
• 27 is a sectional view of a series of hooks of each of the two mating parts of the connecting element of the connecting assembly of 26 , along line 27-27 from 26 and with the connection arrangement in an unassembled state.
• 28 is a sectional view of the hook rows of the connection arrangement of 26 along line 27-27 from 26 and with the connection arrangement in an assembled state.
• 29 is a sectional view of a row of ribs of each of the two mating parts of the connecting element of the connecting assembly of 26 , along line 29-29 from 26 and with the connection arrangement in an unassembled state.
• 30 is a sectional view of the rib rows of the connection arrangement of 26 along line 29-29 from 26 and with the connection arrangement in an almost assembled state.
• 31 is a side view of the connection arrangement of 26 in an unassembled condition.
• 32 is a side view of the connecting device of 26 in assembled condition.
• 33 is an end or front view of the connection arrangement of 26 in the assembled state.

Description of the embodiments

The present disclosure may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description, examples, figures, and claims, as well as the preceding and following descriptions thereof. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise indicated, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is intended to enable the present devices, systems and/or methods to be taught in their best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the art and experienced in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes may be made to the various aspects described herein while still achieving the advantageous results of the present disclosure. It will also be understood that some of the desired advantages of the present disclosure may be achieved by selecting some features of the present disclosure without using other features. Accordingly, those working in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations of the present disclosure are possible and may even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. The following description is therefore intended to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure and is not a limitation thereof.

Throughout the text, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to a plurality of a particular item may include two or more such items unless the context indicates otherwise. Moreover, each of the items described herein may be a first such item, a second such item, etc. (e.g., a first device and a second device even though only a "device" is referred to).

Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes the range from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. When values are expressed as approximations, the use of the prefix "about" or "substantially" makes it clear that the particular value represents another aspect. It is further understood that the endpoints of each range are significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, a material property or dimension that measures approximately X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale is within a range between X plus an industry standard upper tolerance for the particular measurement and X minus an industry standard lower tolerance for the particular measurement. Since tolerances may vary between different materials, processes, and models, the tolerance for a particular dimension of a particular component may fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “elective” mean that the event or circumstance described below may or may not occur and that the description includes both cases in which the event or circumstance occurs and cases in which it does not occur.

The word "or" as used herein means any member/element of a particular list and also includes any combination of members/elements of that list. The phrase "at least one of A and B" as used herein means "only A, only B, or both A and B", while the phrase "either of A and B" means "A or B".

To simplify the description of various elements disclosed herein, reference may be made to the conventions of "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "horizontal" and/or "vertical". Unless otherwise specified, "front" means the end of a connection system closest to the end of the connection to be attached or, in the case of a connection system on a vehicle, the end closest to the front of the vehicle or part thereof; "rear" is the end of the connection assembly or vehicle opposite or remote from the front; “Left” means the end to the left of a person looking down the length of the linkage with the linkage connectors pointing upward, or the end inside the vehicle and facing the front of the vehicle, or the end to the right of a person looking down the length of the linkage with the linkage connectors pointing upward, or the end inside the vehicle and facing the front of the vehicle. “Horizontal” or “horizontal orientation” means orientation in a plane extending from left to right and aligned with the horizon. “Vertical” or “vertical orientation” means orientation in a plane inclined 90 degrees to the horizontal.

In one aspect, a connector and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus are disclosed herein. In one aspect, the connector may include a plurality of connection features, which may be hooks, and a plurality of sealing features, which may be ribs. Two identical or otherwise matching examples of the connector may be connected together to form a connection assembly.

1 is a top perspective view of a connection system 50 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the connection system 50 may include a storage device 60, which may be or include a housing, such as, without limitation, a bag or other container. As illustrated, the storage device 60 may be a storage bag for use in food packaging. The storage device 60 may define mating surfaces 61, 62 that may be partially mated to a connection assembly 100. A storage cavity 68 defined by the storage device 60 may itself be enclosed, protected, and sealed from an environment external to the storage device 60 (i.e., the environment to which an exterior surface of the storage device is exposed during normal use) when the connection assembly 100 is in an assembled or mated state. The storage device 60 may have a first side surface 63, which may be an inner surface, and a second side surface 64, which may be the outer surface mentioned above. The first side surface 63 may define or enclose the mating surfaces 61, 62, which may face each other in the assembled state of the connecting device 100. The connecting (element) arrangement 100 may comprise connecting elements or connecting elements 110a, 110b, each of which may be a connecting element strip or a connecting element rail.

The storage device 60 may include one or more panels 65, which may be flexible or rigid. The material or materials comprising the panels 65 may have a thickness measured between the first side surface 63 and the second side surface 64. Such material or materials may be thick or thin, opaque or translucent, rigid or flexible. For example, the material comprising the bag may itself be made from a plastic or a cellulosic material.

2 is a perspective top view of the connection assembly 100 of 1 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the connection assembly 100 may include materials that are sufficiently flexible to allow the connection elements 110a, 110b to bend or flex with respect to one another. Each of the connection elements 110a, 110b of the connection assembly 100 may comprise connection elements or connection features 200a, 200b, and the connection features 200a of the connection element 110a may be configured to engage the connection features 200b of the connection element 110b. In some aspects, the connection features 200b of the connection element 110b may define an identical or at least mirrored pattern of the connection features 200a of the connection element 110a, and in the latter case, a mirror plane may extend halfway between the connection elements 110a, 110b, with the connection elements 110a, 110b in a straight, parallel and unassembled state.

3 is a perspective top view of the connection system 50 with the connection arrangements 100a, 100b, each of which corresponds to the connection arrangement 100 of 2 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. In some aspects, as shown, the connector assembly 100, and in particular the connector assemblies 100a, 100b, may mount a panel 300 over an opening 88, which in some aspects may be defined by a housing or container 80. The panel 300 may be a cover, such as, without limitation, a tonneau cover of a vehicle. The opening 88 may be any opening in the container 80, which may be the vehicle or other object or part thereof, such as, without limitation, the opening 88 defined by an open bed of a pickup truck. A connector system into which the connectors 100a, 100b disclosed herein may be incorporated is described in the US Patent No. 9,924,765 to Coronel, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some aspects, the sealing function provided by the mating ribs 430 of the connector assembly 100 can prevent water from entering the container 80, e.g., the bed of the truck.

In addition to using the panel 300 as a tonneau cover for covering a truck bed as shown, such a panel 300 may also be used, for example and without limitation, as a tonneau cover for covering a stored, i.e., retracted and optionally hidden, convertible top assembly on a vehicle with a retractable or removable top, as a cover on a vehicle with an open top (such as a JEEP type vehicle), as a tonneau cover, sprayhood or bimini top on a boat, such as a sailboat, to cover a portion of the cockpit, as an exercise mat for storage on a wall, as a headliner, as a cushion, as a curtain, or as vertical cushioning in an elevator.

The connection system 50 may further include a connector holder 350a, 350b having a first end 355a, 355b and a second end 356a, 356b, respectively. The container 80 may have one or more side walls, such as, without limitation, a left side wall 83a and a right side wall 83b. Each of the side walls 83a, 83b may have a corresponding cap 85a, 85b. In some aspects, the caps 85a, 85b may be received on top of the side walls 83a, 83b, respectively. In another aspect, no cap is required on any of the side walls 83a, 83b.

The panel 300 may include an outer surface 301, an inner surface 302, a first side end 303, a second side end 304, a first longitudinal end 305, a second longitudinal end (not shown) disposed distal or opposite from the first longitudinal end, and a central portion 310. The panel 300 may include the fasteners 110b that may attach the panel 300 to the fasteners 110a to form the separate fastener assembly 100a, 100b on one or a plurality of sides of the container 80. The panel 300 may be made from, for example and without limitation, a fabric, a polymer, a leather-like product, or a composite of a variety of these or other materials, and may be insulated or non-insulated, reinforced or non-reinforced, woven or non-woven.

The fasteners or closures 110a, 110b, and more generally the connector assemblies 100, 100a, 100b, may be used for any of a variety of end uses not limited to the examples disclosed herein. In some aspects, for example and without limitation, the connector assemblies 100 may be used in other forms of packaging, such as at the entrance or other opening of a bag for storing perishable items, at an interface between a container and a lid therefor, in waterproof storage bags made from a fabric or other material for use in a marine environment, and even to attach one object to another, such as, for example and without limitation, attaching an object to a vertical surface without necessarily closing or sealing an opening to a storage cavity in the process.

4A to 4C show a connecting element 110 which corresponds to the connecting elements 110a, 110b of the connecting arrangement 100 of 1 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. 4A to 4C are three separate perspective side views of the connecting element 110, and 5 is a perspective detail side view of the connecting element 110 of 4A , which consists of detail 5 of 4B The connector 110, and more broadly the connectors 110a, 110b, may include a base 410, a plurality of hook members or hooks 420 (which may generally be connector features), and a plurality of rib members or ribs 430 (which may generally be sealing features), not only with respect to this particular feature or description, but also with respect to other features described herein. Even when a hook-to-hook closure or connector assembly is used in packaging or other products, such an assembly generally provides little to no sealing function. As mentioned in the discussion of the prior art above, inadequate sealing in these and other end uses may result in the contents of a closed package or other container leaking out of the package or container, or may allow unwanted ingress of contaminants and/or air into the package or container. In contrast, use of the closure assembly 100 disclosed herein may improve the freshness of food or otherwise reduce the rate of deterioration of stored items.

The base 410 may define a first or upper surface 411 and a second or lower surface 412 (in 6 shown). In a front-and-back or longitudinal direction 403, the base 410, and more generally the connector 110, may define a first end 405 and a second end 406. In a left-and-right, side-to-side, or lateral direction 404, the base 410, and more generally the connector 110, may define a first side end 413 and a second side end 414. In some aspects, a length L of the connector 110 in the longitudinal direction 403 may be similar or identical to a width W of the connector 110 in the transverse direction 404. In other aspects, the length L may be greater than the width W. For example, in some aspects, the length L may be twice the width W; in some aspects, the length L may be five times the width W; in some aspects, the length L may be ten times the width W; and; in some aspects, the length L may be twenty times or more greater than the width W. In other aspects, the length L may be less than the width W. As shown, the transverse direction 404 may correspond to a Y-axis direction, the longitudinal direction 403 may correspond to an X-axis direction, and a vertical or normal direction of the connector 110 may correspond to a Z-axis direction.

The plurality of hooks 420 may extend away from the base 410. More specifically, each of the plurality of hooks 420 may extend from the base 410 and be angled at an angle, e.g., 90 degrees, with respect to a surface of the base 410, such as, without limitation, the top surface 411. The plurality of hooks 420 may be intermittently arranged or positioned in the longitudinal direction 403 of the connector 110 to form a row of hooks or a series of hooks 425. More specifically, the plurality of hooks 420 may form a longitudinal row of hooks 425, i.e., a series of hooks 425 extending in the longitudinal direction 403. For clarity, in 4A and in the following figures only a part of the hook rows 425 are labelled.

Similarly, the plurality of ribs 430, which may be walls, may extend away from the base 410. More specifically, each of the plurality of ribs 430 may extend from the base 410 and be angled at an angle, e.g., 90 degrees, with respect to a surface of the base 410, such as, and without limitation, the top surface 411. The plurality of ribs 430 may be intermittently arranged or positioned in the longitudinal direction 403 of the connector 110 to form a row of ribs 435. More specifically, the plurality of ribs 430 may form a first row of ribs 435 and a second row of ribs 435. In some aspects, the first row of ribs 435 and the second row of ribs 435 may be on the first and second sides, respectively, of a longitudinal row of hooks, such as, for example, the top surface 411. B. and without limitation, the hook row 425, or offset in the transverse direction 404 from such a hook row as the hook row 425. As shown, a center or line of symmetry of each of the ribs 430 in the rib rows 435 and a center or line of symmetry of each of the hooks 420 in the hook row 425 may be aligned along the transverse direction 404. It should be noted that for reasons of clarity, only a portion of the rib rows 435 are shown in 4A and is labeled in the following figures.

As described below, different patterns of hooks 420 and ribs 430 may extend across the connecting element 110 in the longitudinal direction 403 or the transverse direction 404 or in both the longitudinal direction 403 and the transverse direction 404. In some aspects, as in the 4A to 4C and 11 shown, a pattern 470 (in 4C shown) of a longitudinal row of hooks 425 with a longitudinal row of ribs 435 on either side thereof (i.e., a rib-hook-rib pattern) repeating across the connecting member 110 in the transverse direction 404. For example, the connecting member 110 may have a variety of patterns, such as, and without limitation, pattern 470 across the connecting member 110. In some aspects, an additional longitudinal row of hooks 425 may separate otherwise adjacent patterns 470 of the hooks 420 and the ribs 430. In some aspects, the hooks 420 of the hook row 425 may be offset in the longitudinal direction 403 from a position of the nearest adjacent hooks 420 of an adjacent hook row 425 and from a position of the nearest adjacent ribs 430 of an adjacent rib row 435. In some aspects, the rows of hooks 425 may be offset in the longitudinal direction 103 from each other and from the hooks 420 and the ribs 430 of the patterns 470. Accordingly, in some aspects, a lateral row 450 formed by the hooks 420 of the separate longitudinal rows of hooks 425 may be offset in the longitudinal direction 403 from a lateral row 460 formed by the ribs 430 of the separate longitudinal rows of ribs 435. In some cases, an additional longitudinal row of ribs 435 may be disposed on a lateral edge of the connector 110 proximate the second lateral end 414.

As in 5 shown, each of the plurality of hooks 420 may have lateral sides 522a, 522b (522b in 7 shown), and each of the plurality of ribs 430 may include lateral sides 532a, 532b (532b in 7 shown).

6 is a side view of the connecting element 110 of 4A . In some aspects, as shown, a thickness 610 of the base 410 may be constant. In some aspects, as shown, an overall height H of the connector 110, measured from the bottom surface 412 to the tips of the plurality of hooks 420 or to the tips of the plurality of ribs 430, may be constant. As shown, a height 620 of the plurality of hooks 420 and a height 630 of the plurality of ribs 430 may be constant. In some aspects, as shown, the height 620 of the plurality of hooks 420 may be equal to the height 630 of the plurality of ribs 430.

7 is an end view or front view of the connecting element 110 of 4A . While the base is illustrated as a "sandwich" of a plurality of individual material layers, the interconnection element 110, and in particular the base 410, may in some aspects be monolithic, meaning that the base 410 is formed as a single component that is a single material with no joints or seams. A portion of the base 410 that extends between adjacent rows 425, 435 in the lateral direction 404 may include or define spacers 710.

8A is a sectional view of the hook row 425 of the connecting element 110 of 4A along line 8-8 from 7 . In some aspects, each of the plurality of hooks 420 of the series of hooks 425 may include a double hook element 820 that may define a palm tree shape. More specifically, each of the hooks 420 may include the double hook element 820 that may define one or more connecting tips 820a, 820b and a vertical portion or hook base 840. As used herein, the "hook" may be any shape of the tip(s) 820a, 820b that extend toward an end 405, 406, 413, 414 (all in 4A shown) of the fastener 110 in one or both of the longitudinal direction 403 and the transverse direction 404 and tends to engage or lock into a mating shape defined in a mating second fastener 110 or other fastener, such as, without limitation, a "loop side" of a hook-and-loop fastener. In some aspects, each of the tips 820a, 820b of the corresponding hook member 820 may extend horizontally from the hook base 840 of the hook 420 when viewed from the side (as shown or from another side perspective). In some aspects, the hooks 420 may define an undercut, i.e., a recess or other geometry that is hidden when the fastener 110 is viewed from above along a vertical direction 805, which may be angled 90 degrees with respect to an orientation of the base 410. When viewed from the side, as shown, one or more sides 842 of the hook base 840 may be angled at an angle 847 with respect to a surface of the base 410, such as, without limitation, the top surface 411. In some aspects, as shown, the angle 847 may be between 0 and 90 degrees. In some aspects, the angle 847 may be between 0 and 45 degrees. In some aspects, the angle 847 may be 20 degrees. In some aspects, the angle 847 may be zero degrees and the sides 842 of the hook base 840 may extend in the vertical direction 805 when the connector 110 is oriented in a horizontal direction.

Each pair of adjacent hooks 420 of the plurality of hooks 420 of a series of hooks, such as, for example and without limitation, the series of Hook 425, can define a hook receiving area 880 therebetween. As in 28 by way of example, each hook-receiving region 880 may be sized to receive a corresponding hook 420 of the plurality of hooks 420 of a second connector 110. More specifically, a minimum width 882 of the hook-receiving region 880 in the longitudinal direction 403, which may correspond to a minimum distance between adjacent hooks 420 in the same direction, may be less than a maximum width 884 of the hook-receiving region 880 in the same direction and less than a corresponding maximum distance between adjacent hooks 420 in the same direction. Likewise, a minimum height 886 of the hook-receiving region 880 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 403, which may correspond to a minimum distance between each hook 420 and the top surface 411 of the base 410, may be less than a maximum height 888 of the hook-receiving region 880 and less than a corresponding maximum distance between the same hook 420 and the top surface 411 in the same direction. Each hook 420 itself, and more specifically each hook element 820, can define a width 824. In this case, the connecting element 110 can at least partially define a ratio between the width 824 of the hook 420 and the minimum width 882 of the hook receiving area 880 and a ratio between the width 824 of the hook 420 and the maximum width 884 of the hook receiving area 880. Each hook 420, and in particular each hook element 820, can define a hook element height 826 and a total hook height 620, and thereby at least partially define ratios between the heights 826, 620 and the minimum height 886 of the hook receiving surface 880 and ratios between the heights 826, 620 and the maximum height 888 of the hook receiving surface 880. In some aspects, as illustrated, at least a portion of each hook 420, such as the hook base 840, may be tapered from the hook base 840 and toward the hook member 820 such that a minimum width of that portion of the hook 420 is less than a maximum width of that portion of the hook 420.

In some aspects, the hook receiving area 880 may extend to a height at which the minimum width 882 is measured. In some aspects, the hook receiving area 880 may extend to an outermost portion of the hook 420 or a portion of the hook 420 from which the height 620 is measured. Each hook 420 may define a notch, valley, or depression 828 between adjacent peaks 820a, 820b. The inner and outer edges of each hook 420 may define radii R1 and R2, respectively, that affect the function (including assembly and disassembly) and/or durability of the connector device 100 (shown in 1 ). In some aspects, as shown, the hook member 820 may be symmetrical about a vertical centerline even when the connector member 110 is in a horizontal orientation.

8B is a sectional view of the hook row 425 of the connecting element 110 of 4A along line 8-8 from 7 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, each of the plurality of hooks 420 of a hook row, such as, without limitation, hook row 425, may include a double hook element 820 defining a shape that differs from that shown in 8A shown, but can also define a palm shape. As shown, compared to the one shown in 8A shown hook row 425, the ratios between the height 826 of the hook element 820 and the respective heights 886, 888 of the hook receiving area 880 may be smaller. As also shown, the angle 847 may be smaller. More specifically, the angle 847 may be less than 20 degrees. As also shown, the radius R2 may be smaller, ie the tips 820a, 820b may be less rounded.

8C is a sectional view of the hook row 425 of the connecting element of 4A along line 8-8 from 7 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, each of the plurality of hooks 420 of a hook row, such as, without limitation, hook row 425, may include a double hook element 820 defining a shape that differs from that shown in the 8A and 8B and may at least partially define an opposite "J" shape. As shown, a height 898 of the recess 828 defined in the hook 420 may measure or assume nearly the height 620 of the hook 420 or even the height 620 of the hook 420. As shown, the ratios between the width 824 of the hook element 820 and the respective widths 882, 884 of the hook receiving area 880 may be different compared to the width 898 defined in the hook 420. 8A shown series of hooks 425. In some aspects, the width 824 of the hook 420 may be greater than one or both of the widths 882, 884 of the hook receiving portion 880. In some aspects, the hook member 820, and in particular the tips 820a, 820b, may be sized and otherwise configured to bend about a corresponding hook base 840 during and in some aspects even after assembly of the connector 110 to a second connector 110 having the same or different matching geometry. As also shown, the radius R2 may be larger, i.e., the tips 820a, 820b may be more rounded.

8D is a sectional view of the hook row 425 of the connecting element 110 of 4A along line 8-8 from 7 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, each of the plurality of hooks 420 of a hook row, such as and without limitation hook row 425, may include a single hook element 820 that defines one or more of the aforementioned characteristics of hook 420 and may define a "J" shape. However, in some aspects, a width 824a of hook element 820 may include a width of hook base 840 of hook 420. In other aspects, a width 824b of hook element 820 may be measured at a tip extension line 860 of hook element 820 of hook 420. As shown, tip extension line 860 may extend in longitudinal direction 403 and through a portion of tip 820a that extends furthest in longitudinal direction 403.

8E is a sectional view of the hook row 425 of the connecting element 110 of 4A along line 8-8 from 7 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, each of the plurality of hooks 420 of a hook row, such as, without limitation, the hook row 425, may include the single hook element 820 which is different from the one shown in 8D shown, but may still define one or more of the above features of the hook 420 and may define a "J" shape. As shown, an extension of the tip 820a of each of the plurality of hooks 420 may be more pronounced than in 8D shown.

8F is a sectional view of the hook row 425 of the connecting element 110 of 4A along line 8-8 from 7 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the hook element 820 of each of the plurality of hooks 420 may have a mushroom or onion shape. In some aspects, as shown, the bulbous shape may only be visible from a single direction, i.e., each of the plurality of hooks 420 may have the disclosed two-dimensional shape in only one plane. In some aspects, as shown in 22 As shown, the bulbous shape may be visible from a variety of or even all directions. In some aspects, a height H2 of the bulbous shape or portion of the hook member 820 in a direction extending away from the base 410 may be greater than or equal to a height H1 of a portion of the hook 420 extending between the bulbous portion and the base 410.

9A is a side view of the rib row 435 of the connecting element 110 of 4A along line 9-9 from 7 . As illustrated, the rib row 430 may include a plurality of substantially trapezoidal-shaped rib elements 930. Each of the plurality of rib elements 930, and more generally, each of the ribs 430, may have a rib base 940 and a tip 930a. As used herein, the “rib” may be any shape of the rib element 930 that extends away from the base 410 of the connector 110. Each of the ribs 430 may tend to seal against a mating shape defined in a mating second connector 110. More specifically, each of the ribs 430 may be configured to interlock or seal with an inverse of itself. In some aspects, when viewed from the side (as illustrated or from another side perspective), each of the tips 930a may extend vertically from the rib base 940 of the rib 430. When viewed from the side, as shown, one or more sides 942 of the rib base 940 may be angled at an angle 947 with respect to a surface of the base 410, such as, without limitation, the top surface 411. In some aspects, as shown, the angle 947 may be between 0 and 90 degrees. In some aspects, the angle 947 may be between 0 and 45 degrees. In some aspects, the angle 947 may be 20 degrees. In some aspects, the angle 947 may be 16 degrees. In some aspects, the angle 947 may be zero degrees, in which case the sides 942 of the rib base 940 may extend in the vertical direction 805 when the connector 110 is oriented in the horizontal direction. In some aspects, the hook 420 and the corresponding hook receiving portion 880 may be sized to define a gap therebetween to facilitate smooth engagement of the mating connectors 110a, 110b (shown in 2 ). Similarly, the rib 430 and a corresponding rib receiving portion 980 may be sized to form a gap therebetween to facilitate smooth engagement of the mating connectors 110a, 110b.

Each pair of adjacent ribs 430 of the plurality of ribs 430 of a rib row, such as and without limitation rib row 435, may define the rib receiving area 980 therebetween. As also exemplified in 32 As shown, each rib receiving portion 980 may be sized to receive a corresponding rib 430 of the plurality of ribs 430 of a second connecting element 110. More specifically, a minimum width 982 of the rib receiving portion 980 in the longitudinal direction 403 may correspond to a minimum distance between adjacent ribs 430 in the same direction may be less than a maximum width 984 of the rib receiving region 980 in the same direction and less than a corresponding maximum distance between adjacent ribs 430 in the same direction. Each rib 430 itself and in particular each rib element 930 may define a minimum width 924 and a maximum width 928. As a result, the connecting element 110 may at least partially define a relationship between the widths 924, 928 of each rib 430 and the respective widths 982, 984 of the rib receiving region 980. Each rib 430 may define the height 630, which may correspond to a depth or height of the rib receiving region 980.

Each of the ribs 430 may define a 1:1 ratio between the height 630 of the rib 430 and the height of the rib receiving area 980. In some aspects, a ratio between one or a plurality of portions of the rib 430 of the first connecting element 110 and the corresponding rib receiving area 980 of a second connecting element 110 may be 1:1 to ensure a tight seal therebetween. In such aspects, the ribs 430 may tightly engage the corresponding rib receiving area 980 during assembly. In some aspects, the ribs 430 may be slightly smaller to compensate for tolerances or to accommodate the presence of a seal in a gap 3180 (shown in 31 ) between the two connecting elements 110. In some aspects, as shown, each of the ribs 430 may be tapered from the rib base 940 and toward the tip 930a such that the minimum width 924 of the rib 430 is less than the maximum width 928 of the rib 430.

In some aspects, the rib receiving area 980 may extend to a height at which the height 630 is measured. In some aspects, as shown, each of the edges or sides of each rib 430 may be straight. In some aspects, each rib 430 or a portion thereof may define a notch, valley or depression (not shown) or an otherwise non-straight or rounded portion. The inner and outer edges of each of the ribs 430 may define radii R1 and R2, respectively, that may affect the function (including assembly and disassembly) and/or durability of the rib 430. 1 shown) connector assembly 100. When one or more portions of the hook 420 or rib 430 define a radius or other edge treatment, the dimensions thereof, such as, without limitation, the various widths 924, 928, 982, 984 of the rib 430, may be measured at the intersections of the edges of the rib 430. In some aspects, the rib member 930 may be symmetrical about a vertical centerline as shown, even when the connector member 110 is in a horizontal orientation.

9B is a side view of the rib row 435 of the connecting element 110 of 4A , along line 9-9 from 7 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the rib row 435 may include a plurality of substantially rectangular rib members 930. In some aspects, the rib row 435 may include rectangular rib members 930. In some aspects, the rectangular shape of each of the ribs 430 may also be a square shape.

9C is a side view of the rib row 435 of the connecting element 110 of 4A , along line 9-9 from 7 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the rib row 435 may include a plurality of trapezoidal rib elements 930.

9D is a side view of the rib row 435 of the connecting element 110 of 4A , along line 9-9 from 7 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the rib row 435 may include a plurality of substantially trapezoidal and beveled rib elements 930. Each of the rib elements 930 may accordingly define a chamfer 935 at one or a plurality of edges thereof. In some aspects, as shown, a portion of each of the ribs 430 may be larger than the corresponding rib receiving area 980 and/or the edges of the ribs 430 may form a non-90 degree angle with respect to the sides 532a, 532b (532b in 7 shown) to enable an interference and/or overlapping fit. In particular, the edges of the ribs 430, such as, without limitation, the surfaces of the chamfer 935, may cause the ribs 430 to be tapered in the longitudinal direction 403. Such a taper may allow movement of the connecting elements 110a, 110b with respect to each other in the lateral direction 404 (shown in 7 ) and thereby keep the connecting elements 110a, 110b aligned and not moving with respect to each other in the lateral direction 404.

9E is a side view of the rib row 435 of the connecting element 110 of 4A along line 9-9 from 7 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the rib row 435 may include a plurality of triangular rib elements 930.

9F is a side view of the rib row 435 of the connecting element 110 of 4A , along line 9-9 from 7 , in which the rib row 435 includes a plurality of substantially rounded or radiused rib elements 930 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the ribs 430 and the rib receiving areas 980 may each define full radii R3, R4, which may be equal in size.

Shapes that are otherwise trapezoidal, rectangular, or another shape might not be trapezoidal, rectangular, or the other shape under some technical definitions because of the presence of a fillet or bevel or other edge treatment, because of the absence of a side where the shape blends into an adjacent portion of a structure, or because of one or more other modifications. When a shape is described herein as being "substantially" trapezoidal, rectangular, or another shape, it is intended and contemplated that such modified shapes are included in the definition. To the extent that a change in a shape is so slight as to be barely perceptible, it is intended and contemplated that such shape is included in the definition of the shape, with or without the use of the conditional term "substantially" as a qualifier. As described in 9C shown connecting element 110 by cutting off the triangular rib elements 930 of the 9E shown connector 110, other contemplated shapes include truncated and untruncated shapes and other modified versions of those disclosed herein.

10 is a perspective side view of the connecting element 110 of the closure assembly 100 of 1 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the rows of double hook elements 820 of 8A with rows of substantially trapezoidal and bevelled rib elements 930 of 9D both in the transverse direction 404 and in the longitudinal direction 403 of the connecting element 110. As in a similar manner in the 4A to 4C , the pattern 470 of a longitudinal row of hooks 425 with a longitudinal row of ribs 435 on either side thereof (i.e., a rib-hook-rib pattern) may repeat across the connector 110 in the transverse direction 404. In some aspects, as shown, adjacent patterns 470 may share a common row of ribs 435 (i.e., in a rib-hook-rib-hook-rib pattern). In some aspects, as also shown, the hooks 420 of the hook row 425 may be offset with respect to the ribs 430 of the rib rows 435. Accordingly, in some aspects, a lateral row 450 formed by the hooks 420 of separate longitudinal rows of hooks 425 may be offset in the longitudinal direction 403 from a lateral row 460 formed by the ribs 430 of separate longitudinal rows of ribs 435.

11 to 14 show the connecting element 110 of the connecting arrangement 100 of 1 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. 11 is a perspective side view of the connecting element 110, 12 is a side view of the connecting element 110, 13 is an end view or front view of the connecting element 110, and 14 is a perspective side view of the connection arrangement 100 with two mating elements of the connecting element 110a, 100b of 11 . As also in the 4A to 4C As shown, the pattern 470 of a longitudinal row of hooks 425 with a longitudinal row of ribs 435 on either side thereof (i.e., a rib-hook-rib pattern) may be repeated across the connecting element 110 in the transverse direction 404. As shown in the 4A to 4C , the longitudinal row of hooks 425 may be offset in the longitudinal direction 403 with respect to the hooks 420 and ribs 430 in the pattern 470. As shown here and in 9B As shown, each of the ribs 430 may be substantially rectangular.

As also shown, each of the ribs 430 may be ribbed. More specifically, each of the ribs 430 may include a protrusion or ridge 1130. In some aspects, the ridge 1130 may extend from the tip 930a defined at one end of the rib 430, which may be parallel to and opposite where the rib 430 extends from the base 410. In some aspects, the ridge 1130 may extend from one or a plurality of other ends of the rib 430, particularly when the two mating connection assemblies 100 are not identical. More specifically, the ridges 1130 of the respective ribs 430 of the first connection member 110 may extend into slots 1180 defined in the respective ribs 430 of the second connection member 110. In some aspects, the ridge 1130 may define radii on a leading edge to facilitate insertion into the slots 1180 of the mating connector 110. The thickness of the ridges 1130 in the lateral direction 404 may be less than the thickness of the rib 430 in the same direction. The ridge 1130 may be centered in the transverse direction 404. In some aspects, a groove or slot 1180 may be defined in each rib receiving area 980 and may be sized, positioned, and otherwise configured to guide the ridge 1130 during assembly of two mating fasteners 110 to form the fastener assembly 100 (shown in 14 ). The thickness of the slot 1180 in the transverse direction 404 may be less than the thickness of the rib 430 in the same direction. The thickness of the slot 1180 in the lateral direction 404 may match the thickness of the ridge 1130 in the lateral direction 404.

14 shows the connection arrangement 100. The engagement of a plurality of ridges 1130 formed in a first connection element 110 with a plurality of slots 1180 (shown in 11 ) defined in a second connecting element 110b can facilitate the secure positioning of the second connecting element 110b with respect to the first connecting element 110a, particularly in the lateral direction 404, since the engagement of the ridges 1130 with the slots 1180 locks a position of the two connecting elements 110a, 110b with respect to each other in the lateral direction 404.

15 to 21 show the connecting element 110 of the connecting arrangement 100 of 1 according to aspects of the present disclosure, wherein a plurality of longitudinal rows of ribs 435 are disposed on each lateral side of one or more of the longitudinal rows of hooks 425. 15 is a side perspective view of the connector 110 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the plurality of ribs 430 may extend from the base 410 and may include multiple instances of the rib-hook-rib pattern 470 (shown in detail in 4C ) that may repeat across the connector 110 in the transverse direction 404. Also, if an additional row of ribs 435 is added to the lateral ends of the connector 110, the connector 110 may include multiple adjacent rows of ribs 435. In some aspects, the connector 110 may include a rib-rib-hook-rib-rib pattern 1570 in which two or more longitudinal rows of ribs 435 are disposed on each side of each row of hooks 425. In some aspects, as shown, the two or more rows of ribs 435 of the pattern disposed between adjacent rows of hooks 425 may be shared between the adjacent patterns 1570. As shown, the hook rows 425 may include the double hook elements 820 of 8A and the rib rows 435 may comprise the substantially trapezoidal rib elements 930 of 9A The hooks 420 and the ribs 430 may form the respective lateral rows 450, 460, which may be aligned with each other as shown.

16 is a top perspective side view of the connector 110 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. The hooks 420 and the ribs 430 may be as in 15 However, in some aspects, the hooks 420 of the hook rows 425 may define a spacing interval 1650 between adjacent lateral hook rows 450 that is different from a spacing interval 1660 between adjacent lateral rib rows 460. Thus, the spacing interval 1650 may be the spacing between hooks 420 in the same longitudinal row of hooks 425, and the spacing interval 1660 may be the spacing between ribs 430 in the same longitudinal row of ribs 435. As shown, the spacing interval 1650 may be less than the spacing interval 1660. Since the spacing intervals 1650, 1660 may be different, the rows of hooks 450 and the rows of ribs 460 may include only hooks 420 at some positions along the longitudinal direction 403 of the connecting element 110, only ribs 430 at some positions, and both the hooks 420 and the ribs 430 at some positions. As shown, the rows of hooks 425 may include the individual hook elements 820 of 8E and the rib rows 435 may comprise the substantially trapezoidal rib elements 930 of 9A include.

17 to 21 show the connecting element 110 of the closure assembly 100 of 1 according to aspects of the present disclosure, wherein longitudinal rows of ribs 435, such as those also shown in the 15 and 16 are offset from one another in the longitudinal direction 403, even if they are offset from one another in the transverse direction 404. 17 is a side perspective view of the connector 110 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, longitudinal rows of ribs, such as the multiple longitudinal rows of ribs 435, may be offset from one another in the longitudinal direction 403 by an offset interval or stagger interval 1760 even when the longitudinal rows of ribs 435 are offset from one another in the transverse direction 404. More specifically, separate lateral rows of ribs 460 may be offset by the offset interval 1760, which may correspond to a distance such as, without limitation, half of the spacing interval 1660. As shown, longitudinal rows of hooks, such as the longitudinal rows of hooks 425, may similarly be offset from one another in the longitudinal direction 403 by an offset distance or stagger interval 1750 even when the longitudinal rows of hooks 425 are offset from one another in the transverse direction 404. More specifically, separate lateral hook rows 450 may be offset by the offset interval 1750, which may correspond to a distance such as, for example and without limitation, half of the spacing interval 1650. chen. The offset interval 1750 may thus be the distance between hooks 420 in adjacent longitudinal rows of hooks 425 that are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction 403, and the offset interval 1760 may be the distance between ribs 430 in adjacent longitudinal rows of ribs 435 that are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction 403. Together, the hook rows 425 and the rib rows 435 may form multiple instances of a pattern 470 (as in 4C shown, but with adjacent rows of ribs 435 offset from each other) and also form overlapping patterns 1570 in which the inner rows of ribs 435 may be shared by the adjacent patterns 1570. As shown, the rows of hooks 425 may include the double hook elements 820 of 8A and the rib rows 435 are the substantially trapezoidal rib elements 930 of 9A include.

18 is a top perspective side view of the connector 110 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. Again, the rows of hooks 425 and the rows of ribs 435 together may form multiple instances of the pattern 470 (as represented by the pattern 470 in 4C shown, but with adjacent rows of ribs 435 offset from each other) and also the overlapping pattern 1570 (in 17 shown) in which the inner rows of ribs 435 can be shared by the adjacent patterns 1570. As shown, the rows of hooks 425 can comprise the double hook elements 820 of 8A and the rib rows 435 the substantially rectangular rib elements 930 of 9B include.

19 is a side perspective view of the connector 110 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the rib rows 435 may be offset from each other in the longitudinal direction 403 as well as offset from each other in the transverse direction 404 to form the lateral rows 460, and the hook rows 425 may be aligned to form the lateral rows 450. As shown, the hook rows 425 may include the double hook elements 820 of 8A and the rib rows 435 may comprise the substantially trapezoidal rib elements 930 of 9A include.

20 is a side perspective view of the connecting element 110 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the connecting element can define a pattern 2070, which can be the pattern 470 repeating in the transverse direction 404 with an additional longitudinal row of ribs 435 between the two or more rows of ribs 435 spanning the row of hooks 425, i.e., disposed on either side thereof. The additional longitudinal row of ribs 435 can be offset in the longitudinal direction 403 from the row of hooks 425. The pattern 2070 can thus be a rib-rib-rib-rib-hook-rib-rib-rib arrangement in which the ribs 430 of the middle row of ribs 435 on each side of the hook can be offset in the longitudinal direction 403 from the adjacent rows of ribs 435. As shown, the rows of hooks 425 can comprise the double hook elements 820 of 8A and the rib rows 435 are the substantially trapezoidal rib elements 930 of 9A contain.

21 is a side perspective view of the connector 110 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the rows of ribs 435 may be positioned only outside the row or rows of hooks 425 in the transverse direction 404 relative to a centerline of the connector 110. As shown, adjacent longitudinal rows of ribs 435 may be offset from each other in the longitudinal direction 403 by the stagger interval 1760. In some aspects, as shown, a plurality of the rows of hooks 425 may be arranged adjacent to each other and within each of the rows of ribs 435 without any rows of ribs 435 therebetween in some aspects. As shown, the rows of hooks 425 may comprise the double hook elements 820 of 8A and the rib rows 435 may comprise the substantially trapezoidal rib elements 930 of 9A include.

22 is a side perspective view of the connector 110 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the rows of hooks 425 may comprise circular or rounded hook elements 820 and the rows of ribs 435 may comprise the substantially trapezoidal rib elements 930 of 9A The tip 820b of the hook element 820 of each of the plurality of hooks 420 of a hook row, such as, for example and without limitation, the hook row 425, may extend in the lateral direction 404 beyond the hook base 840. In some aspects, the tip 820b may extend in both the longitudinal direction 403 and the transverse direction 404. In some cases, the tip 820b may extend in all directions, as shown. In particular, one or more hook elements 820, the tip 820b, and the hook base 840 may be formed by rotating a shape about an axis 2201 of the hook 420. In some aspects, as shown, the hook 420 may have radial symmetry or rotational symmetry about the axis 2201. In some aspects, as shown, the tip 820b may have an ellipsoidal shape or a shape that is substantially elliptical. solid shape. In some aspects, as shown, the hook base 840 may have a frusto-conical shape. Overall, the hook 420 may, as also with respect to the 8F illustrated geometry, have a mushroom or bulb shape. The hooks 420 may define hook receiving areas 880 therebetween, which may be defined by three or four of the hooks 420, depending on whether or not the rows of hooks 425 are offset from one another in the longitudinal direction 403, as shown.

23 is a perspective side view from above, 24 is a side view from above and 25 is an end or front view of the connecting element 110 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. Again, the rows of hooks 425 and the rows of ribs 435 may together form multiple instances of the pattern 470 (i.e., rib-hook-rib). In some aspects, as shown, adjacent patterns 470 may be offset from one another in the longitudinal direction 403. Such an arrangement of the rows 425, 435 may help to ensure that the hooks 420 and the ribs 430, and more generally the connecting elements 110a, 110b (in 26 shown) will not fall out of track (i.e., out of alignment) when the fasteners 110a, 110b are engaged and may facilitate proper alignment from a point of initial engagement. More specifically, the arrangement of one or more hooks 420 in a first row of hooks 425 adjacent one or a plurality of hook receiving areas 880 in a second, adjacent row of hooks 425 of each of the fasteners 110a, 110b may limit or stop movement of the fastener 110b with respect to the fastener 110a in the lateral direction 404 because the one or a plurality of hooks 420 in the separate fasteners 110a, 110b block movement of each other in the lateral direction 404. Similarly, the arrangement of one or more ribs 430 in a first row of ribs 435 adjacent to one or more rib receiving areas 980 in a second, adjacent row of ribs 435 of each of the connecting elements 110a, 110b may limit or arrest movement of the connecting element 110b relative to the connecting element 110a in the lateral direction 404, as the one or more ribs 430 in the separate connecting elements 110a, 110b block their mutual movement in the lateral direction 404. Such a staggered arrangement may also facilitate improved sealing between the connecting elements 110a, 110b. As shown, the hook rows 425 may include the double hook elements 820 of 8A and the rib rows 435 may comprise the substantially trapezoidal rib elements 930 of 9A include.

The 26 to 33 show the connection assembly 100 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. 26 is a perspective side view of the connector assembly 100 showing two mating examples of the connector element 110 of the 4A to 4C may include: the first connecting element 110a; and the second connecting element 110b, which may be configured to oppose and engage the first connecting element 110a. In some aspects, a structure of the second connecting element 110b may be identical to a structure of the first connecting element 110a. In some aspects, a structure of the second connecting element 110b may be a mirror image of the structure of the first connecting element 110a.

27 and 28 are sectional views of the two mating parts of the connecting element 110a, 110b of the connecting arrangement 100 of 26 , along line 27-27 from 26 and with the connector assembly 100 in the unassembled and assembled states, respectively. As shown, each hook receiving area 880 defined between each pair of adjacent hooks 420 of the plurality of hooks 420 of the first connector 110a may be sized to receive a corresponding hook 420 of the plurality of hooks 420 of the second connector 110b.

29 and 30 are sectional views of the connection arrangement 100 of 26 , along line 29-29 from 26 , wherein the connector assembly is in the unassembled and assembled states, respectively. As shown, each rib receiving region 980 defined between each pair of adjacent ribs 430 of the plurality of ribs 430 of the first connector 110a may be sized to receive a corresponding rib 430 of the plurality of ribs 430 of the second connector 110b.

31 and 32 are side views of the connection arrangement 100 of 26 in unassembled or assembled condition, and 33 is an end view or front view of the connection assembly 100 of 26 in the assembled state. The tapered shape of each of the ribs 430 can facilitate interengagement of the connecting elements 110a, 110b so that the ribs 430 of the connecting element 110b are received in and seal against the ribs 430 of the connecting element 110a. The hooks 420 of the corresponding connecting elements 110a, 110b can maintain the seal, by engaging each other in a locking arrangement. The locking arrangement may be sufficiently strong to withstand the stresses caused by vibration and manipulation (e.g., by small children), but also sufficiently weak to facilitate release when desired. In some cases, the holding force resulting from the interlocking hooks 420 may prevent the passage of a fluid through the closure assembly 100 at the rows of ribs 435. In some aspects, the closure assembly 100 may be repeatedly assembled and engaged and disassembled or released, allowing reuse of the (in 1 shown) storage device 60.

As in 32 and 33 As shown, the connectors 110a, 110b and portions thereof may define a variety of dimensions and proportions. In some aspects, one or both of the spacing intervals 1650, 1660 may be 1.30 millimeters. In some aspects, one or both of the spacing intervals 1650, 1660 may be more or less than 1.30 millimeters. In some aspects, the thickness 610 of the base 410 may be 0.20 millimeters. In some aspects, one or both of the heights 620, 630 of the hooks 420 and the ribs 430, respectively, may be 0.50 millimeters.

In some aspects, the overall height H of the connecting elements 110a, 110b may be about 0.40 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height H of the connecting element may be about 0.50 millimeters. In some cases, the overall height H of the connecting element may be about 0.60 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height H of the connecting element may be about 0.70 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height H of the connecting element may be about 0.80 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height H of the connecting element may be about 0.90 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height H of the connecting element may be about 1.00 millimeters. In some cases, the overall height H of the connecting element may be less than any of the foregoing values or in any range therebetween.

In some aspects, the overall height 3220 of the interconnect assembly 100 may be about 0.50 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height 3220 may be about 0.60 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height 3220 may be about 0.70 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height of the assembly 3220 may be about 0.80 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height of the assembly 3220 may be about 0.90 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height of the assembly 3220 may be about 1.00 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height of the assembly 3220 may be about 1.10 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height of the assembly 3220 may be about 1.20 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height of the assembly 3220 may be about 1.30 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height of assembly 3220 may be about 1.40 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height of assembly 3220 may be about 1.50 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height of assembly 3220 may be about 1.60 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height of assembly 3220 may be about 1.70 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height of assembly 3220 may be about 1.80 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height of assembly 3220 may be about 1.90 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height of assembly 3220 may be about 2.00 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall height of assembly 3220 may be less than any of the foregoing values or any range therebetween. In some aspects, the overall height H of the connector may be equal to or greater than twice the thickness 610 of base 410. In some cases, the overall height H of the connector may be equal to or greater than 2.5 times the thickness 610 of the base 410. In some cases, the overall height H of the connector may be equal to or greater than three times the thickness 610 of the socket 410.

In some aspects, the distance or pitch, such as the spacing interval 1660 between the ribs 430 (or similarly, the spacing interval 1650 between the hooks 420) in the longitudinal direction 403 may be about 1.30 millimeters. In some aspects, the distance, such as the spacing interval 1660 between the ribs 430 (or similarly, the spacing interval 1650 between the hooks 420) in the longitudinal direction 403 may be less than 1.30 millimeters. In some aspects, the distance, such as the spacing interval 1660 between the ribs 430 (or similarly, the spacing interval 1650 between the hooks 420) in the longitudinal direction 403 may be more than 1.30 millimeters.

In some aspects, such as 33 shown, a width 3310 of each of the hooks 420 and the ribs 430 may measure about 0.10 millimeters. In some aspects, the width 3310 may be about 0.15 millimeters. In some aspects, the width 3310 may be about 0.20 millimeters. In some aspects, the width 3310 may be about 0.30 millimeters. In some aspects, the width 3310 may be about 0.40 millimeters. In some aspects, the width 3310 may be about 0.50 millimeters. In some In some respects, the width 3310 may be less than one of the above values or anywhere in between.

In some aspects, a spacer 3320 may measure about 0.05 millimeters. In some aspects, the spacer distance 3320 may measure about 0.10 millimeters. In some aspects, the spacer distance 3320 may be about 0.15 millimeters. In some aspects, the spacer distance 3320 may be about 0.20 millimeters. In some aspects, the spacer distance 3320 may be about 0.30 millimeters. In some aspects, the spacer distance 3320 may be about 0.40 millimeters. In some cases, the width 3310 may be less than any of the foregoing values or any range therebetween.

In some aspects, the overall width W of the fasteners 110a, 110b and the fastener assembly 100 may be about 8 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall width W of the fasteners 110a, 110b may be about 10 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall width W of the fasteners 110a, 110b may be about 20 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall width W of the fasteners 110a, 110b may be about 30 millimeters. In some aspects, the overall width W of the fasteners 110a, 110b may be less than any of the foregoing values or in any range therebetween. Widening the overall width W of the fasteners 110a, 110b may improve the strength of the connection and the sealing performance of the fastener assembly 100.

A connecting array (not shown) of the hooks 420 and/or the ribs 430 may extend less than the entire length of the connecting element or may include different patterns of longitudinal rows of the hooks 420 and/or the ribs in different portions of the connecting element 110 along the longitudinal direction 403 thereof.

In some aspects, in a “bi-directional” orientation of the hooks 420, a tip 820a or other portion of a first set of the hooks 420 may extend in a first direction (e.g., along the longitudinal direction 403 and toward the second end 406) and a tip 820a or other portion of a second set of the hooks 420 may extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction, such as, without limitation, a direction opposite to the first direction. Extending in a particular direction, such as the first direction or the second direction, may mean that each of the tips 820a is aligned with and extends from the hook elements 820 in such a direction. In some aspects, the height 620 of each of the hooks 420 may be greater than a height 630 of each of the ribs 430, or vice versa. In some cases, the presence of the ribs 430 may protect the hooks 420 from impact by objects, such as a vehicle. a board placed on or positioned to impact the connector 110. The presence of the ribs 430 may also protect portions of the connector assembly 100 during manufacture and assembly of the locking system 50 by allowing the use of automated equipment that contacts the ribs 430 but not the typically more stress sensitive hooks 420. When the height 630 is greater than the height 620, objects that come into contact with the connector 110 may not damage the hooks 420 as easily.

In some aspects, as shown in Coronel, pairs of adjacent hooks, adjacent ribs, or adjacent hooks and ribs may be connected by connecting ribs (not shown) that define a rib height that may be equal to or less than half of the heights 620, 630. As shown, not connecting each hook 420 or rib 430 in a longitudinal row to the corresponding hooks 420 or ribs 430 in an adjacent longitudinal row may result in a less rigid connector 110 and a connector assembly 100 that is more likely to flex in the lateral direction 404 such that the base 410 is not flat when viewed in a lateral cross-section (i.e., a cross-section taken in the lateral direction 404). Conversely, connecting each hook 420 or rib 430 in one longitudinal row to corresponding hooks 420 or ribs 430 in an adjacent longitudinal row may result in a stiffer or more rigid fastener 110 and fastener assembly 100 that is generally less likely to bend in the lateral direction 404 such that the base 410 is not flat when viewed in a lateral cross-section (i.e., a cross-section in the lateral direction 404). For example, and without limitation, during disengagement of the second fastener 110b from the first fastener 110a, the base 410 of each fastener 110a, 110b may maintain its flat shape and remain securely in an adjacent structure such as, for example, and without limitation, the fastener retainer 350a, 350b.

In some aspects, the connection system 50 and in particular the connection assembly 100 can be mounted in a vertical orientation. The connection assembly 100a, 100b may include the connector 110a mounted in the connector holder 350a, 350b. The connection system 50 may further include the panel 300, which may be a gym mat or a wall covering with connecting material. The connector holder 350a, 350b may be mounted on a vertical wall surface or other vertical surface and may attachably receive the panel 300.

A method of using the connector assembly 100 may include connecting the second connector 110b to the first connector 110a. Connecting the second connector 110b to the first connector 110a may include receiving a corresponding hook 420 of the plurality of hooks 420 of the second connector 110b within a corresponding hook receiving area 880 defined between each pair of adjacent hooks 420 of the plurality of hooks 420 of the first connector 110a. Engaging the second connector 110b to the first connector 110a may include receiving a corresponding rib 430 of the plurality of ribs 430 of the second connector 110b within a corresponding rib receiving area 980 defined between each pair of adjacent ribs 430 of the plurality of ribs 430 of the first connector 110a. In some aspects, the second interconnection element 110b may be an identical structure to the first interconnection element 110a or a mirrored structure of the first interconnection element 110a.

The method may include sealing a connection between the first connection element 110a and the second connection element 110b by a mating contact between the first row of ribs 435 of the first connection element 110a and the first row of ribs 435 of the second connection element 110b. The method may further include sealing a connection between the first connection element 110a and the second connection element 110b by a mating contact between the second row of ribs 435 of the first connection element 110a and the second row of ribs 435 of the second connection element 110b. In some aspects, as in 31 As shown, sealing the connection between the first connecting element 110a and the second connecting element 110b may eliminate any path for the passage of a fluid, including, for example and without limitation, air, water, or the contents of a container such as the container 80 (shown in 1 ), at any portion of the longitudinal direction 403 of the connector assembly 100 by closing a gap 3180 between the ribs 430 of the mating connectors 110a, 110b. More specifically, sealing the connection between the connectors 110a, 110b may include creating a liquid-tight seal at the gap 3180. In some aspects, the liquid-tight seal at the gap 3180 may be a watertight seal. In some aspects, the liquid-tight seal at the gap 3180 may be an airtight seal. In some aspects, sealing the connection between the first connector 110a and the second connector 110b may include blocking or preventing such passage of the fluid along a plurality of seal lines across the width W of the connector 110. Such seal lines may occur at any interface between mating rows of ribs 435, one of each of the two mating connectors 110a, 110b. The method may include limiting movement of the second connector 110b relative to the first connector 110a in the lateral direction 104 of the connector assembly 100. In some aspects, such movement may be limited by interference between the plurality of hooks 420 of the first connector 110a and the plurality of hooks 420 of the second connector 110b. In some cases, such movement may be limited by interference between the plurality of ribs 430 of the first connector 110a and the plurality of ribs 430 of the second connector 110b. Additionally, the second connector 110b does not need to be moved in the lateral direction 404 relative to the first connector 110a during assembly of the connector assembly 100. Rather, the second connecting element 110b and the first connecting element 110a can be moved towards each other before the formation of the connecting arrangement 100, as in 26 - and as shown in other figures showing the connection arrangement 100 - without the connection elements 110a, 110b being moved towards each other in the lateral direction 404. The method may include limiting the movement of the second connection element 110b with respect to the first connection element 110a in the longitudinal direction 103 of the connection arrangement 100, which may also be facilitated by the above-mentioned interference between mating hooks 420 or mating ribs 430 of the connection elements 110a, 110b.

More specifically, creating the liquid-tight seal at gap 3180 may include the facing surfaces 3110a, 3110b of a portion of the connector 110 defining the ribs 430, which may be the rib 430 itself or an adjacent portion of the connector 110 defining the rib receiving area 980, contact each other during assembly/connection of the connectors 110a, 110b. In some aspects, creating the fluid-tight seal at the gap 3180 may include the facing surfaces 3110a, 3110b of the portion of the connector 110 defining the ribs 430 remaining in contact with each other after assembly/connection of the connectors 110a, 110b and in particular after engagement of the mating hooks 420 of the connectors 110a, 110b. In some aspects, creating the liquid-tight seal at gap 3180 may include maintaining the facing surfaces 3110a, 3110b of the portion of the connector 110 defining ribs 430 in loaded contact (i.e., contact under load due to engagement of the connectors 110a, 110b) with each other after assembly/connection of the connectors 110a, 110b, and particularly after engagement of the mating hooks 420 of the connectors 110a, 110b. In some aspects, as shown, the connectors 110a, 110b of the connector assembly 100 may be configured so that they do not slide against or on each other in the longitudinal direction 403 or in the transverse direction 404.

Each of the bases 410, hooks 420, and ribs 430 of the connectors 110, 110a, 110b may be formed from any of a variety of polymer resins including, for example and without limitation, low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), a polyamide (e.g., NYLON resin), or polypropylene (PP); or other materials. The material from which the connectors 110a, 110b are made may be clear, i.e., translucent, or substantially translucent.

The connecting element 110 may be manufactured using any of a variety of methods, including the methods described in U.S. Patent No. 6,678,924 by Murasaki et al. and/or U.S. Patent No. 6,896,759 by Fujisawa et al., which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the methods disclosed therein, the connector 110 may be manufactured by a continuous injection molding process. In some aspects, the connector 110 may be rapidly cooled after molding but before removal from the tools to avoid deformation of the connector 110 while the material used to mold the connector 110 is still warm. The connector 110 may be connected to the container 80 (in 1 shown), especially if the container 80 is also made of a plastic and in particular of LDPE or another compatible plastic.

It should be noted that conditional language such as "may", "could", or "may", unless explicitly stated otherwise or understood otherwise in context, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include certain features, elements, and/or steps while other aspects do not include them. Therefore, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects, or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic to decide, with or without user input or prompting, whether those features, elements, and/or steps are included or should be performed in a particular aspect.

It should be emphasized that the aspects described above are merely possible examples of implementations that are presented merely for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. All process descriptions or blocks in flowcharts should be understood to represent modules, segments, or portions of code that include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternative implementations are included in which functions may not be included or performed at all, which may be performed in a different order than that shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as understood by those reasonably trained in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the aspect(s) described above without materially affecting the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects described above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US9924765 [0024]
• US6678924 [0087]
• US6896759 [0087]

Claims (25)

A connector assembly comprising: a first connector; and a second connector configured to oppose and engage the first connector, both the first connector and the second connector comprising: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base, the plurality of hooks defining a longitudinal row of hooks, adjacent hooks of the longitudinal row of hooks being spaced apart from one another by a spacing interval measured between centerlines of the adjacent hooks and defining a hook receiving area therebetween; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base, the plurality of ribs defining two longitudinal rows of ribs, adjacent ribs of each of the two longitudinal rows of ribs being spaced apart from one another by a spacing interval measured between centerlines of the respective adjacent ribs and defining a rib receiving area therebetween, the longitudinal row of hooks being positioned in a lateral direction between the two longitudinal rows of ribs; wherein: each hook receiving region defined between each pair of adjacent hooks of the plurality of hooks of the first connecting member is sized to receive a corresponding hook of a plurality of hooks of the second connecting member, and each rib receiving region defined between each pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs of the first connecting member is sized to receive a corresponding rib of a plurality of ribs of the second connecting member; and the plurality of hooks of the second connecting member are configured to engage the plurality of hooks of the first connecting member, and the plurality of ribs of the second connecting member are configured to engage the plurality of ribs of the first connecting member. Connection arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein a facing surface of a rib of the plurality of ribs of the second connecting member contacts a facing surface of a rib receiving region defined between each pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs of the first connecting member. Connection arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein each hook of the plurality of hooks defines an undercut facing in at least one direction when the fastener is viewed from above along a vertical direction of the fastener. Connection arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 wherein each rib of the plurality of ribs defines a substantially polygonal shape when viewed along the lateral direction of the connecting element. Connection arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 wherein a rib-hook-rib pattern defined by the connecting element of the longitudinal row of hooks positioned in the lateral direction between the two longitudinal rows of ribs is repeated as a repeating pattern at least once in the lateral direction of the connecting element. Connection arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , where the rib-hook-rib pattern and the repeat pattern (rapport pattern) each have or share a common longitudinal row of ribs. A fastener comprising: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base, the plurality of hooks defining a longitudinal row of hooks, adjacent hooks of the longitudinal row of hooks being spaced apart from one another by a spacing interval measured between the centerlines of the adjacent hooks, the adjacent hooks defining a hook receiving area therebetween, the hook receiving area being sized to receive a corresponding hook of a plurality of hooks of another fastener; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base, the plurality of ribs defining two longitudinal rows of ribs, adjacent ribs of each of the two longitudinal rows of ribs being spaced apart from one another by a spacing interval measured between the centerlines of the adjacent ribs, the adjacent ribs defining a rib receiving area therebetween, the longitudinal row of hooks being positioned in a lateral direction between the two longitudinal rows of ribs, the rib receiving area being sized to receive a corresponding rib of a plurality of ribs of the another fastener. Connecting element according to Claim 7 , wherein the plurality of ribs are dimensioned to be received in a plurality of rib receiving areas defined by the other connecting element, wherein a shape of each of the plurality of rib receiving portions, viewed along the lateral direction, is an inversion of a shape of a corresponding rib of the plurality of ribs. Connecting element according to Claim 7 or 8th wherein a rib-hook-rib pattern defined by the connecting element of the longitudinal row of hooks positioned in the lateral direction between the two longitudinal rows of ribs is repeated as a repeating pattern at least once in the lateral direction of the connecting element. Connecting element according to one of the Claims 7 until 9 wherein the two longitudinal rows of ribs define a first row of ribs and a second row of ribs, the connecting element further comprising a third row of ribs, the third row of ribs being offset in the lateral direction of the connecting element from each of the first row of ribs and the second row of ribs. Connecting element according to Claim 10 , wherein a center line of at least one rib in the third row of ribs is offset in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element by an offset interval from a center line of a rib in the first row of ribs, wherein the offset interval is different from the spacing interval or a multiple thereof. Connecting element according to one of the Claims 7 until 11 , wherein the row of hooks is a first row of hooks, the connecting element further comprising a second row of hooks, the second row of hooks being offset in the lateral direction of the connecting element from each of the first row of hooks, the first row of ribs, and the second row of ribs. Connecting element according to one of the Claims 7 until 12 , wherein the connecting element is monolithically formed from a plastic (resin). Connecting element according to one of the Claims 7 until 13 , each rib defining a flat, facing (opposite) surface, the facing (opposite) surface being aligned with the lateral direction of the connecting element. Connecting element according to one of the Claims 7 until 14 , wherein a tip of each rib of at least one row of ribs of the two longitudinal rows of ribs defines a ridge, a thickness of the ridge in the lateral direction of the connecting element being less than a thickness of the rib in the lateral direction, wherein adjacent ribs of the at least one row of ribs define a rib receiving region therebetween, the rib receiving region defined between the adjacent ribs defining a slot therein for receiving a ridge of a corresponding rib of the other connecting element. A method comprising: engaging a second connector with a first connector with an assembly force to form a connector assembly, wherein both the first connector and the second connector comprise: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base; wherein engaging the second connector with the first connector comprises: receiving a hook of the plurality of hooks of the second connector within a corresponding hook receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent hooks of the plurality of hooks of the first connector; and receiving a rib of the plurality of ribs of the second connector within a corresponding rib receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs of the first connector. Procedure according to Claim 16 , further comprising sealing a connection between the first connecting element and the second connecting element against the passage of a fluid therebetween. Procedure according to Claim 16 or 17 , further comprising: engaging the hook of the plurality of hooks of the second connecting member with the corresponding hook receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent hooks of the plurality of hooks of the first connecting member; and contacting a facing surface of the corresponding rib receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs of the first connecting member with a facing surface of the rib of the plurality of ribs of the second connecting member. Procedure according to Claim 18 , further comprising: maintaining contact between the facing surface of the rib of the plurality of ribs of the second connecting member with the facing surface of the corresponding rib receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs of the first connecting member after the hook of the plurality of hooks of the second connecting member has been engaged with the corresponding hook receiving area defined between each pair of adjacent hooks of the plurality of hooks of the first connecting member and the assembly force has been released. Method according to one of the Claims 16 until 19 , further comprising: limiting movement of the second connecting element with respect to the first connecting element in a lateral direction of the connecting arrangement by at least one of the following configurations: interference between the plurality of hooks of the first connecting element and the plurality of hooks of the second connecting element; and interference between the plurality of ribs of the first connecting element and the plurality of ribs of the second connecting element. A connector assembly comprising: a first connector; and a second connector configured to oppose and engage the first connector, wherein both the first connector and the second connector comprise: a base; a plurality of hooks extending from the base; and a plurality of ribs extending from the base; wherein the plurality of hooks of the second connector are configured to engage the plurality of hooks of the first connector and the plurality of ribs of the second connector are configured to engage the plurality of ribs of the first connector. Connection arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , wherein the width of each hook of the plurality of hooks or the width of each rib of the plurality of ribs is less than or equal to 0.50 mm. Connection arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , which further has an overall assembly height of about 2.0 millimeters or less. Connecting element according to one of the Claims 7 until 15 , which also has a total height of the connecting element of approximately 1.0 millimeters or less. Connecting element according to one of the Claims 7 until 15 , which also has a total width of the connecting element of approximately 30 millimeters or less.

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