GB2355283A

GB2355283A - Vacuum suction fastening system

Info

Publication number: GB2355283A
Application number: GB9924281A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gavin Wright
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-10-13
Filing date: 1999-10-13
Publication date: 2001-04-18
Also published as: GB9924281D0

Abstract

A fastening system that is wholly reliant upon vacuum suction to bond separated items together (non-specified). Using a system of plugs and sockets moulded in rubber or some other suitable material whereby a vacuum can be used to suck the parts together. The parts are secured and together by means of a device shown, plug, membrane, (valve or pump) which prevents air being released into the system. On release the plug, membrane (valve or pump) will allow air back into the sealed vacuum and release the two parts (plugs from the sockets) breaking the bond enabling the joined items to be separated.

Description

2355283 VACUUPA a FASTENING-.....

SYSTEPA Technical Field:

This invention relates to a vacuum suction fastening system.

Background:

A fastening system is one that joins separated items together for a period of time until they are released.

A large number of fastening systems already exist in the market place. Zip fasteners and Velcro are well known examples. Others include different forms of clips, buckles, bindings, plugs, locks, suckers and suction pads. Methods of joining things together temporarily or permanently are commonplace.

These fastening systems function with varying degrees of success. Being subject to wear and tear they may weaken and this can lead to breakage. In effect, they lack versatility. Enter the necessity for the invention of the vacuum suction fastening system.

Essential Technical Feature:

According to the present invention there is provided a system for joining separated items together until they are released using a moulded vacuum suction fastening technique. Comprising a system of sockets and plugs moulded in rubber or some other suitable material which when pressed together form a vacuum and cannot be separated until the vacuum is released.

Example,

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to the drawings on pages 1 & 2. Please note I have shown two examples as the invention may exist in many different forms. (the notation is the same for both as essentially they are the same.) Fig 1 + Fig 1A shows moulded rubber pads - one comprising of a pattern of plugs or nipples, the other of sockets or holes.

Fig 2 + Fig 2A shows moulded rubber pads pressed together. Air being expelled through sockets to form a vacuum.

Fig 3 + Fig 3A shows pads bonded in position having formed a vacuum.

Fig 4 + Fig 4A show pads separated from each other. The vacuum is now released.

Referring to the drawings on pages 3 & 4 the fastening system comprises moulded rubber pads (a) and (b). Pad (a) is a pattern of holes/ sockets. Pad (b) is a pattern of plugs/nipples. Drawings (c), (c.1), (d), (e) & (f) show the pads in reverse and in profile.

Pressed together, Pad (a) and Pad (b) will form a bond. Air trapped in the sockets of Pad (a), when the plugs of Pad (b) are inserted, is expelled via the perforations in the bottom of each socket. Once the plugs are fully inserted, Pads (a) & (b) will be bonded inseparably. Held in place by vacuum suction. Air is prevented from reentering Pad (a) sockets by the rubber membrane on its reverse (c).

Referring to drawings on pages 5 & 6. Enlarged cross sections in Fig 5 shows plug entering socket with air being forced out through the holes in the bottom of socket (some air is also forced out through top f socket).

Fig 6 shows plug and socket bonded together by vacuum suction. Fig 7 shows plug released from socket after air is released back into the system.

Using the two examples I have shown, this is done by releasing the plug on the reverse of Pad (c) [see Fig 41 or using the plastic key to lift the membrane (attached only on two sides of the four for this example) on the reverse of Pad (c) [Fig 81.

NB: Important: I have shown two examples of methods that can be used to allow air to be expelled from and released back into the system. I have other methods using valves and suction devices that will be useful commercially but they do not add to the invention.

Referring to drawings on pages 7 & 8. Show suggested applications for the fastening system. The drawings are rudimentary and serve only to help in visualising the invention.

Fig 9 shows Snowboarders boot and binding. Skiers and snowboarders to replace traditional bindings can use this fastening system.

Fig 10 shows a performance sports jacket using the fastening system to seal up the front.

Fig 11 shows performance sports shoes with interchangeable soles. Either to cope with changing conditions (i.e. seasonal/ terrain) or as a replacement when the old ones are worn out (also seasonal uses).

NB: Important: The size of the fastening system and the materials used will differ greatly across these applications. The invention will remain unchanged.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A fastening system using vacuum suction as a means to join separated items together until they are released.

2. A fastening system as claimed in claim I using moulded studs (nipples/ plugs) and sockets (holes) to join separated items together.

3. A fastening system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 which uses a plug to seal the vacuum suction locking the device in a bonded position.

4. A fastening system as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 which uses a membrane on its reverse to seal the vacuum suction locking the device in position.

5. A fastening system as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 which uses a suitable device to seal the vacuum suction locking the device in position (I have mentioned valves and pumps).

6. A fastening device as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the means of attachment and release are dependent on the expulsion and reintroduction of air into or from the fastening device.

7. A fastening device as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein a key, shown here as a plug or plastic strip on some other suitable mechanism is employed to release attachment by means of reintroducing air back into the system breaking the vacuum suction allowing the joined items to be separated.