GB2427241A

GB2427241A - Button fastener with inbuilt circuit

Info

Publication number: GB2427241A
Application number: GB0610655A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Han-Chao Chang
Original assignee: JEN LIN CHEN
Current assignee: JEN LIN CHEN
Priority date: 2005-06-17
Filing date: 2005-08-18
Publication date: 2006-12-20
Anticipated expiration: 2025-08-18
Also published as: GB2427241B; GB0610655D0; GB2427241A8

Abstract

A button fastener comprises a first button part 2 releasably engageable with a second button part 3, and a circuit 4 built in the first button part, the circuit states of the circuit being controlled through engagement and disengagement of the first and second button parts. The circuit may be built on a circuit board 40 mounted in the first button part. The first button part may also have mounted in it a circuit actuating unit 1 having first and second conductive members 32 connected to the circuit. The circuit actuating unit may be in the form of a switch having a pressable button which disconnects the first and second conductive members from each other. The pressable button may be pressed by a protrusion on the second button part on engagement with the first button part.

Description

BUTTON FASTENING DEVICE WITH CIRCUIT ACTUATING CAPABILITY

This invention relates to a button fastening device with circuit actuating capability, more particular to a button fastening device with a circuit actuating unit for controlling circuit states of a circuit.

Conventional button fastening devices normally include a first button part and a second button part that is engageable with the first button part so as to fasten articles together. The button fastening devices can be used on articles, such as cloths, bags, toys, shoes, etc..

The conventional button fastening devices are disadvantageous in that they are unattractive and lack functionality.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a button fastening device that includes a circuit actuating unit so as to overcome the aforesaid drawbacks of

the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a button fastening device that includes first and second button parts and a pair of conductive terminals which are electrically connected to each other when the first and second button parts engage with each other.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a button fastening device-and-circuit assembly that includes the button fastening device and a circuit activated and deactivated through engagement and disengagement of first and second button parts of the button fastening device.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a button fastening device-and-circuit assembly comprising: a button fastening device including a first button part, and a second button part engageable releasably with said first button part for fastening articles together; and a circuit built in said first button part; wherein said first and second button parts are coupled to said circuit in such a manner that circuit states of said circuit are controlled through engagement and disengagement of said first and second button parts.

In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention, Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a first comparative embodiment of a button fastening device illustrating how the comparative embodiment is used to control a circuit; Fig. 2 is a perspective view to illustrate how the first comparative embodiment together with the circuit is used on a bag; Fig. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the first comparative embodiment; Figs. 3B to 3D are schematic views to illustrate how a pressable button of the first comparative embodiment is operated to activate or deactivate a circuit; Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the first comparative embodiment, illustrating a state where first and second button parts of the button fastening device of the first comparative embodiment are disengaged from each other; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a controller-mounting member of the button fastening device of the first comparative embodiment; Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an assembly of a retaining member and a retainer-mounting member of the button fastening device of the first comparative embodiment; Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the first comparative embodiment, illustrating another state where the first and second button parts of the button fastening device of the first comparative embodiment engage each other; Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a second comparative embodiment of a button fastening device; Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a third comparative embodiment of a button fastening device; Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth comparative embodiment of a button fastening device; Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a fifth comparative embodiment of a button fastening device; Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a sixth comparative embodiment of a button fastening device; Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a button fastening device according to this invention; Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a button fastening device-and- circuit assembly according to this invention; and Fig. 15 is a schematic view to illustrate electronic components on a circuit board of the button fastening device-and-circuit assembly of Fig. 14.

Before the present invention is described in greater detail, it should be noted that same reference numerals have been used to denote like elements throughout the specification. Moreover, the term "circuit actuating unit" used in this application is hereinafter referred to as means that comprise at least two conductive members which are capable of being disposed at a contacting state or in a separated state for activating or deactivating a circuit.

Figs. 1 to 4 illustrate a first comparative embodiment of a button fastening device with circuit actuating capability for fastening articles, such as two opposite walls 51, 52 of a bag 5 (see Fig. 2), together.

The button fastening device includes: a first button part 2; a second button part 3 engageable releasably with the first button part 2 for fastening the walls 51, 52 together; and a circuit actuating unit 1 mounted on at least one of the first and second button parts 2, 3 adapted to be electrically connected to an external circuit 4, and operable to control circuit states of the external circuit 4 through engagement and disengagement of the first and second button parts 2, 3.

In this comparative embodiment, the circuit actuating unit 1 includes first and second conductive members 32 that are spaced apart from each other, that are connected to the external circuit 4, and is operable through engagement and disengagement of the first and second button parts 2, 3 to control electrical connection and disconnection between the first and second conductive members 32.

The first button part 2 defines an inner space 20 therein. The first and second conductive members 32 are mounted in the inner space 20. The second button part 3 has a protrusion 10 that is associated with the first and second conductive members 32 in such a manner that extension of the protrusion 10 into the inner space 20 (see Fig. 7) and removal of the protrusion 10 from the inner space 20 (see Fig. 4) enable electrical connection and disconnection between the first and second conductive members 32.

In this comparative embodiment, the circuit actuating unit 1 is in the form of a switch. The switch has a casing 31 and a pressable button 33 that is mounted movably on the casing 31. Each of the first and second conductive members 32 is in the form of a terminal mounted on the casing 31, The conductive members 32 are electrically connected to each other through the pressable button 33 when the pressable button 33 is disposed at a normal position, i.e., when the first and second button parts 2, 3 are disengaged from each other. The pressable button 33 is pressed by the protrusion of the second button part 3 (see Fig. 7) to disconnect the first and second conductive members 32 when the second button part 3 engages the first button part 2, thereby enabling the circuit 4 to be disposed at a circuit state, i.e., an OFF (passive) state. The pressable button 33 is restored to its normal position when the second button part 3 is disengaged from the first button part 2, thereby switching the external circuit 4 to another circuit state, i.e., an ON (active) state.

Figs. 3B to 3D illustrate the structure of the switch of the circuit actuating unit 1 used in this comparative embodiment. The pressable button 33 has a first conductive strip 34 mounted therein. The switch further includes a pair of spaced apart second conductive strips 36, 37 mounted in a switch housing 31 and connected to the conductive members 32, respectively, arid an urging member 38 mounted in the switch housing 31 for urging the pressable button 33 to its normal position. When the pressable button 33 is pressed (see Fig. 3C), the first conductive strip 34 is separated from one of the second conductive strips 36, 37, thereby disconnecting the conductive members 32 from each other, while when the pressable button 33 is not pressed and is disposed at its normal position (see Fig. 3D), the first conductive strip 34 interconnects the second conductive strips 36, 37 thereby establishing electrical the conductive members 32.

The first button part 2 is provided with a retaining member 26 that is mounted in the inner space 20 and that includes a pair of opposite spring arms 261. The protrusion of the second button part 3 is resiliently clamped by the spring arms 261 (see Fig. 7) when the second button part 3 engages the first button part 2.

Referring to Figs. 3A and 4, the first button part 2 includes a first disc 21, a cylindrical controller-mounting member 23 extending coaxially from the first disc 21 for receiving the circuit actuating unit 1 therein, an inner sleeve 24 in snap engagement with the controller-mounting member 23 and cooperating with the controller-mounting member 23 to define the inner space 20 therebetween, an annular-mounting member 25 mounted in the sleeve 24 for receiving the retaining member 26 therein, and an outer sleeve 22 sleeved on the inner 24 and having an end flange 223 anchored on an end flange 242 of the inner sleeve 24 so as to prevent undesired removal of the controller-mounting member 23 from the inner sleeve 24. A spacer 27 is disposed between one end of the retainer- mounting member 25 and the end flange 242 of the inner sleeve 24 for preventing undesired axial movement of the retainer-mounting member 25 relative to the inner sleeve 24. The wall 52 of the bag 5 is sleeved on the controller-mounted member 23, and is clamped between an end face of the first disc 21 and an end face of the end flange 223 of the outer sleeve 22.

The second button part 3 further includes a second disc 11. The protrusion 10 is anchored in the second disc 11, and has a stem portion 12 and a free end portion extending from the stem portion 12 and provided with a cap 13 thereon. The wall 51 of the bag 5 is sleeved on the stem portion 12 of the protrusion 10, and is clamped between an end face of the second disc 11 and an end face of the cap 13.

Referring to Fig. 4, in combination with Fig. 5, the controller-mounting member 23 has a base wall 231 and a cylindrical peripheral wall 232 that extends from the base wall 231 and that defines an accommodating space 233 for receiving the circuit actuating unit 1 therein, and that is formed with a plurality of axially extending grooves and flexible tabs 236 which are alternately disposed with the extending grooves. Each of the flexible tabs 236 has a free hooked end 235 that is capable of snap engagement with the end flange 242 of the inner sleeve 24.

Referring to Fig. 4, in combination with Fig. 6, the retainer-mounting member 25 has an annular outer wall 251, and an annular inner wall 252 surrounded by and cooperating with the outer wall 251 to define a gap for receiving the retaining member 26 therein. The inner wall 252 defines a passage 252a, and is formed with a pair of opposite openings 253 that permit spatial communication between the passage 252a and the gap. The spring arms 261 of the retaining member 26, which is mounted in the gap, extend respectively through the openings 253 into the passage 252a so that the protrusion 10 of the second button part 3 can be clamped by the spring arms 261 when passed through the passage 252a into the inner space 20.

Referring back to Figs. 4 and 5, the controller- mounting member 23 is formed with a through-hole 234 extending from the base wall 231 to the peripheral wall 232 for passage of a wire 100 therethrough so as to permit connection of the first and second conductive members 32 to the circuit 4 (see Fig. 1) through the wire 100. A plurality of retaining ribs 230 are formed on the base wall 231 for mounting of the circuit actuating unit 1.

The external circuit 4 actuated by the button fastening device is attached to the wall 52 of the bag 5, and can include an integrated circuit 45, an LED 41, and a speaker 42. A plurality of batteries 44 are used for providing power to the external circuit 4. The external circuit 4 may further include a motor 43 and other electronic components for providing various functions to the bag 5 so as to increase attractiveness and consumer appeal of the bag 5.

Fig. 8 illustrates a second comparative embodiment of a button fastening device. The button fastening device of this comparative embodiment differs from the first comparative embodiment in the structure and operation of the circuit actuating unit 1. In this comparative embodiment, each of the first and second conductive members 61, 62 is in the form of an elongated bent plate. The first conductive member 61 is fixed to the first disc 21, and has a contact end 611. The second conductive member 62 is fixed to the first disc 21, and has a free end 621 that is aligned and that is in contact with the contact end 611 of the first conductive member 61 and that is resilient so as to be moved away from the contact end 611 of the first conductive member 61 when pressed by the protrusion 10 of the second button part 3 upon engagement between the first and second button parts 2, 3.

Fig. 9 illustrates a third comparative embodiment of a button fastening device. The button fastening device of this comparative embodiment differs from the first comparative embodiment in the structure and operation of the circuit actuating unit 1 that is mounted in the first button part 2. In this comparative embodiment, the cap 13 is conductive. The first and second conductive members 71 are spaced apart from each other. Each of the first and second conductive members 71 is in the form of a wire. The conductive cap 13 contacts the first and second conductive members 71 to establish electrical connection therebetween when the second button part 3 engages the first button part 2.

The circuit actuating unit 1 further includes a wire-mounting seat 72 that is secured to the first disc 21, that is mounted in the inner space 20, and that has a ring 721 defining a ring-circled space 722. Each of the first and second conductive members 71 is supported on the ring 721 and has a portion disposed in the ring-circled space 722. The conductive cap 13 extends into the ring-circled space 722 to contact the portions of the first and second conductive members 71 when the second button part 3 engages the first button part 2.

Fig. 10 illustrates a fourth comparative embodiment of a button fastening device. The button fastening device of this comparative embodiment differs from the third comparative embodiment in the structure of the circuit actuating unit 1. In this comparative embodiment, the circuit actuating unit 1 includes a circuit board 510 that is mounted in the inner space 20. Each of the first and second conductive members 71 is in the form of a conductive trace that is printed on the circuit board 510. The conductive cap 13 extends to the circuit board 510 to contact the first and second conductive members 71 when the second button part 3 engages the first button part 2.

Fig. 11 illustrates a fifth comparative embodiment of a button fastening device. The button fastening device of this comparative embodiment differs from the first comparative embodiment in the structure and operation of the circuit actuating unit 1. In this comparative embodiment, the protrusion 10 is magnetic. The first and second conductive members 91, 92 are spaced apart from each other.

Each of the first and second conductive members 91, 92 is in the form of an elongated bent plate. The first conductive member 91 is fixed to a mounting seat 93, and has a contact end 912. The second conductive member 92 is fixed to the first disc 21, and has a free end 922 that is aligned with the contact end 912 of the first conductive member 91 and that is resilient. The free end 922 of the second conductive member 92 is magnetically attracted by the protrusion 10 of the second button part 3 and is thereby flexed to contact the contact end 912 of the first conductive member 91 when the protrusion 10 of the second button part 3 extends into the first button part 2 (not shown).

Fig. 12 illustrates a sixth comparative embodiment of a button fastening device. The button fastening device of this comparative embodiments differs from the fifth comparative embodiment in the structure of the circuit actuating unit 1. In this comparative embodiment, the circuit actuating unit 1 is in the form of a reed switch 81.

The reed switch 81 is mounted on a mounting seat 93, and has a tube 811. Each of the first and second conductive members 812 is in the form of a reed, extends into the tube 811, and has a contact end 8121. The contact ends 8121 of the first and second conductive members 812 are magnetized, and attract each other to establish contact therebetween upon extension of the protrusion 10 into the inner space 20 when the second button part 3 engages the first button part 2.

Fig. 13 illustrates a seventh comparative embodiment of a button fastening device. The button fastening device includes: a first button part 2; a second button part 3 engageable magnetically with the first button part 2 for fastening articles together; and a pair of conductive terminals 711, 721 provided respectively on the first and second button parts 2, 3 and adapted to be electrically coupled to an external circuit 4. The conductive terminals 711, 721 are electrically connected to each other when the first button part 2 engages magnetically the second button part 3, thereby activating the external circuit 4.

In this comparative embodiment, the external circuit 4 includes an integrated circuit 45, an LED 41, a speaker 42, and a plurality of batteries 44. A pair of conductive wires 100 are respectively soldered to said conductive terminals 711, 721 through a solder 700, and are connected to the external circuit 4.

The first and second button parts 2, 3 respectively have first and second conductive members 71, 72 and first and second magnetic regions 73, 74 which attract magnetically each other when the first and second button parts 2, 3 are brought close to each other. The terminals 711, 721 are respectively connected to the first and second conductive members 71, 72. The first and second conductive members 71, 72 are in contact to each other when the first and second magnetic regions 73, 74 attract each other.

The first conductive member 71 includes a conductive first flange 83 that is formed with a recess 830, and a conductive first plate 710 that is mounted on the first flange 83 and that is disposed opposite to the recess 830.

The first magnetic region 73 of the first button part 2 is formed in the recess 830. The second conductive member 72 includes a conductive second flange 84 that is formed with a protrusion 840 which is magnetic and which defines the second magnetic region 74 of the second button part 3, and a conductive second plate 720 that is mounted on the second flange 84 and that is disposed opposite to the protrusion 840. The terminals 711, 721 project respectively from peripheries of the first and second plates 710, 720. The protrusion 840 extends into the recess 830 and enables contact between the first and second flanges 83, 84 when the first and second magnetic regions 73, 74 attract each other.

The first conductive member 71 further includes a conductive U-shaped plate 831 secured to the first flange 83 and having a pair of arms 8311 extending through the first plate 710 for mounting of the first plate 710 on the first flange 83 and connected to a first disc 21. The second conductive member 72 further includes a conductive U-shaped plate 841 secured to the second flange 84 and having a pair of arms 8411 extending through the second plate 720 for mounting of the second plate 720 on the second flange 84 and connected toa second disc 11.

Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate the preferred embodiment of a button fastening device-and-circuit assembly according to this invention. The button fastening device-and-circuit assembly includes a button fastening device that has first and second button parts 2, 3 similar to those of the first preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 3A.

The button fastening device-and-circuit assembly further includes an internal circuit 4 built in the first button part 2. The first and second button parts 2, 3 are coupled to the internal circuit 4 in such a manner that circuits states of the internal circuit 4 are controlled through engagement and disengagement of the first and second button parts 2, 3.

In this embodiment, the circuit 4 is built in a circuit board 40 that is mounted in the first button part 2 adjacent to the circuit actuating unit 1 such that the first and second conductive members 32 on the switch of the circuit actuating unit 1 are connected to the internal circuit 4 through conductive contacts (not shown). The circuit actuating unit 1 is operable through engagement and disengagement of the first and second button parts 2, 3 to control electrical connection and disconnection between the first and second conductive members 32. Note that operation of the circuit actuating unit 1 is the same as that of first preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 3A. Alternatively, the circuit 4 can be disposed externally of the first and second button parts 2, 3, as best shown in Fig. 13.

With the inclusion of circuit 4 in the button fastening device-andcircuit assembly of this invention, the attractiveness and consumer appeal of the bag 5 to which the button fastening device and the circuit 4 are attached are significantly enhanced.

Claims

1. A button fastening device-and-circuit assembly comprising: a button fastening device including a first button part, and a second button part engageable releasably with said first button part for fastening articles together; and a circuit built in said first button part; wherein said first and second button parts are coupled to said circuit in such a manner that circuit states of said circuit are controlled through engagement and disengagement of said first and second button parts.

2. The button fastening device-and-circuit assembly of claim 14, further comprising a circuit board mounted in said first button part, said circuit being built on said circuit board.

3. The button fastening device-and-circuit assembly of claim 14, further comprising a circuit actuating unit that is mounted in said first button part, that includes first and second conductive members connected to said circuit, and that is operable through engagement and disengagement of said first and second button parts to control electrical connection and disconnection between said first and second conductive members.

4. The button fastening device-and-circuit assembly of claim 16, wherein said second button part is formed with a protrusion, said circuit actuating unit being in the form of a switch, said first and second conductive members being formed on said switch, said switch having a pressable button, said first and second conductive members being electrically connected to each other through said pressable button when said first and second button parts are disengaged from each other, said pressable button being pressed by said protrusion of said second button part to disconnect said first conductive member from said second conductive member upon extension of said protrusion into said first button part when said second button part engages said first button part.

5. The button fastening device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 15.

6. The button fastening device-and-circuit assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 15.