GB2472923A

GB2472923A - Deformable fastener for use with garment

Info

Publication number: GB2472923A
Application number: GB1013978A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Karen Morris
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-20
Filing date: 2010-08-20
Publication date: 2011-02-23
Also published as: GB201013978D0; GB0914549D0

Abstract

A deformable fastener 10 comprises a body member 12 moveable between a first position and a second position and at least one engagement member 22a, 22b the engagement members 22a, 22b being releasably engageable with at least one fastener receiver on a garment or with a portion of a garment, wherein, in the first position of the body member the engagement member 22a, 22b is releasably engageable with the at least one fastener receiver or with a portion of a garment and further wherein in the second position of the body member 12 the engagement member 22a, 22b is retained in engagement with the at least one fastener receiver or with a portion of a garment. The deformable fastener 10 is preferably made from planar spring steel or plastic and operates with a snap action. The invention further relates to an adjustable garment comprising one or more deformable fasteners.

Description

A DEFORMABLE FASTENER AND GARMENTS INCORPORATING

SAME

The present invention relates to a deformable fastener and to garments incorporating same.

It has increasingly become the case that clothing and the like is not only provided in various sizes, measured in years and/or in units of length, but also with so-called adjustable elements such as waistbands and/or shoulder straps which may be adjusted by a wearer to better fit their own body shape than would otherwise be the case with standard, non-adjustable waistbands and the like.

Known adjustable waistbands are provided with an elasticated band and a retaining element, in the form of a button for example, located on the inside of the waistband of a garment. The elasticated band has a number of button holes therein, such that the elasticated band may be shortened and/or lengthened before the button is passed through the appropriate button hole to provide a waistband length appropriate to the wearer.

With garments incorporating adjustable shoulder straps, the element facilitating the adjustment of the length of the strap is often located towards the back of the wearer therefore requiring a third party to facilitate adjustment when the wearer is wearing the garment or, otherwise, removal of the strap or the entire garment.

The present invention is predicated on the inventor's realisation that the outward appearance of certain garments means that known adjustment mechanisms are inappropriate, for example in the production of swirnwear and undergarments as they affect the outward appearance of the material of the garment and may, in certain cases, be uncomfortable for the wearer.

It is an aim of the present to overcome one or more of the drawbacks associated with the known technologies.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a deformable fastener comprising a body member moveable between a first position and a second position and at least one engagement member located and configured to be releasably engageable with at least one fastener receiver on a garment, wherein, in the first position of the body member the engagement member is releasably engageable with the at least one fastener receiver and further wherein in the second position of the body member the engagement member is retained in engagement with the at least one fastener receiver.

It is much preferred that the deformable fastener comprises a deformable body member.

In embodiments of the invention, movement of the body member from the first to the second position and vice versa is by deformation of at least a part of the body member.

In embodiments of the invention, the deformable body member comprises a deformable frame.

In various embodiments, the deformable frame may comprise an elongate member and at least one support member.

The elongate member may be formed of a deformable material.

In embodiments of the invention, the elongate member is formed of a planar material. In preferred embodiments, the planar material is less than 5mm thickness. More specifically, the planar material is between 0.1 and 2mm thickness. Even more specifically, the planar material is between 0.3 and 0.5mm thickness.

In embodiments of the invention, the planar material is spring steel.

Preferably, the elongate member is a central rib.

In embodiments of the invention, the at least one support member is an arcuate support member.

The at least one support member may be formed of a deformable material.

In embodiments of the invention, the at least one support member is formed of a planar material. In preferred embodiments, the planar material is less than 5mm thickness. More specifically, the planar material is between 0.1 and 2mm thickness. Even more specificafly, the planar material is between 0.3 and 0.5mm thickness.

In embodiments of the invention, the planar material is spring steel.

In embodiments of the invention, the at least one support member is attached to the ends of the elongate member. More specifically, the at least one support member is integrally formed with the elongate member at at least one end thereof. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one support member is integrally formed with the elongate member at both ends thereof.

Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one support member is mechanically attached to at least one end of the elongate member. The at least one support member is mechanically attached to at least one end of the elongate member by a mechanical attachment means. The mechanical attachment means may be a rivet, a weld, a press-stud or the like.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the deformable frame comprises two support members. More specifically, the two support members are located at opposing sides of the elongate member.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the deformable frame comprises a central rib and at least one arcuate support member. More specifically, the arcuate support member and the central rib may be integrally formed at at least one end thereof.

Alternatively, or in addition, the arcuate support member and the central rib may be mechanically joined at at least one end thereof. More specifically, the mechanical joint may be in the form of a rivet, a weld, or the like.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the deformable frame comprises of central rib and two arcuate support members, the arcuate support members each connecting to the central rib at both ends. The arcuate support members are arranged to provide tension in the deformable frame in both the first position and in the second position thereof. In this way, the deformable frame is stable in both the first and the second positions.

Thus, the deformable frame is only deformable between the first and second positions upon application of an axial force thereto. More specifically, axial force applied at right angles to the plane of the deformable frame causes deformation thereof between the first and second positions, or vice versa.

In the first position, the distance between the deformable frame and the attachment point between the at least one engagement member and the fastener receiver is at its shortest. In the second position the same relative distance is at its longest.

The fastener preferably undergoes a snap deformation between the first and second positions. In this way, the change in position is easily discernable by the user and the opening and closing of the fastener is a single, positive feedback action.

In embodiments of the invention the at least one engagement member may itself be deformable.

In embodiments of the invention, the deformable frame and/or the at least one engagement member are capable of snap deformation. More specifically, the deformable frame and/or the at least one engagement member are capable of deformation from a first, stable position to a second, stable position and vice versa. In this way, pressure applied to the deformable frame and/or the at least one engagement member causes no deformation in the material of the deformable frame and/or the engagement member until a critical force is reached; when the critical force application point is reached, the deformable frame and/or the engagement member "snaps" from the first to the second position with only a series of transient intermediate positions occurring momentarily between the first and second positions of the deformable frame and/or the engagement member.

In embodiments of the invention the deformable fastener may further comprise a second engagement member. More specifically the second engagement member is located and configured to be releasably engageable with at least one fastener receiver on a garment. The second engagement member is configured to be engageable with the fastener receiver when the body member is in its first position and is retained in engagement with the fastener receiver when the body member is in the second position.

In preferred embodiments, the second engagement member has one or more of the features of the at least one engagement member described herein.

In embodiments of the invention, deformation of the deformable body member from the first to the second positions thereof facilitates the engagement member(s) in retaining the fastener receiver in relative position thereto.

In embodiments of the invention, the first and second engagement members are positioned at opposing ends of the deformable frame.

In alternative embodiment, the second engagement member is a fastener attached to the body member and attachable to a fastener receiver located on a garment.

In embodiments of the invention, the at least one engagement member is a J'-shaped arm extending from the deformable frame. More specifically, the at least one engagement member comprises an elongate projection having a first return surface extending from the elongate projection. More specifically the first return surface depends from the free end of the engagement projection. In embodiments of the invention, the first return surface depends at a right angle from the free end of the elongate projection.

In certain embodiments, the first return surface further comprises a second return surface depending therefrom. More specifically the second return surface depends from a free end of the first return surface. In embodiments of the invention, the second return surface depends at a right angle from the first return surface in the direction of the deformable frame [such that the internal angle formed between the elongate projection and the second return surface is 180°]. In this way the second return surface is bent back towards the elongate projection and is parallel thereto. The elongate projection, the first return surface and, where present, the second return surface, together form a hook-like engagement member which is engageable with a corresponding fastener receiver.

In preferred embodiments, the deformable frame, the elongate projection, the first return surface and the second return surface are formed of a planar material having a preferred thickness of less than 5mm. More specifically, the planar material is between 0.1 and 2mm thickness. Even more specifically, the planar material is between 0.3 and 0.5mm thickness.

In embodiments of the invention, the at least one engagement member is formed integrally with at least a portion of the deformable frame.

In preferred embodiments, the at least one engagement member is an integrally formed extension of the elongate member of the deformable frame.

In embodiments of the invention wherein the deformable frame comprises at least one arcuate support member, the at least one arcuate support member may comprise a further projection extending outwardly therefrom.

The further projection of the at least one arcuate support member may extend towards the at least one engagement member of the fastener.

In the first position of the fastener, the further projection and the at least one engagement member together provide a slot into which the fastener receiver may be passed by a user and a gap in which the fastener receiver is initially releasably engaged when the fastener is in use. When the deformable fastener is moved to its second position, the slot between the further projection and the at least one engagement member is substantially reduced in size such that the fastener receiver cannot easily pass therethrough such that the fastener receiver is retained in engagement with the deformable fastener.

In the second position, the deformable fastener preferably resides substantially in a single arcuate plane. In the first position, the further projections of the deformable fastener are moved out of the arcuate plane of the rest of the fastener so as to facilitate engagement of the fastener with the fastener receiver.

In preferred embodiments, the deformable fastener is formed of a metal material. More specifically, the deformable fastener is formed of spring steel. Alternatively the deformable fastener may be formed of a plastics material.

In alternative embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the body member may further comprise an elastically deformable member. More specifically, the elastically deformable member may be an elastic material.

In these alternative embodiments, the body member may comprise a deformable frame. More specifically the deformable frame may be formed of a flexible mesh material. The mesh material may be a flexible wire mesh.

In various embodiments, the elastically deforrnable material may be a fabric with elastic properties.

In embodiments of the invention, deformation of the body member of the fastener may be in a lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the fastener. More specifically, deformation may be flexing and/or bending of the material.

Deformation of the elastically deformable material may be longitudinal of the fastener. More specifically, the elastic deformation may comprise stretching of the material.

In embodiments of the invention comprising an elastically deformable member, the at least one engagement member may be connected to the elastically deformable member. More specifically, the at least one engagement member may be attached to the elastically deformable member.

In certain embodiments, the at least one engagement member may be a male part and the associated fastener receiver the corresponding female part. More specifically, the male and female parts may comprise a hook and eye arrangement, Velcro, a press stud arrangement, or the like.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a deformable fastener comprising a body member moveable between a first position and a second position and at least one engagement member located and configured to be releasably engageable with a portion of a garment, wherein, in the first position of the body member the engagement member is releasably engageable with the portion of the garment and further wherein in the second position of the body member the engagement member is retained in engagement with the portion of the garment.

It is much preferred that the deformable fastener comprises a deforrnable body member.

The engagement member is advantageously an elongate element.

The elongate engagement member may be formed of a deformable material.

In embodiments of the invention, the elongate engagement member is formed of a planar material. In preferred embodiments, the planar material is less than 5mm thickness. More specifically, the planar material is between 0.1 and 2mm thickness. Even more specifically, the planar material is between 0.3 and 0.5mm thickness.

In embodiments of the invention, the planar material is spring steel.

Even more specifically, the elongate engagement member is a central rib.

In embodiments of the invention, the body member is formed of at least two arcuate frame members.

The arcuate frame members may be formed of a deformable material.

In embodiments of the invention, the arcuate frame members are formed of a planar material. In preferred embodiments, the planar material is less than 5mm thickness. More specifically, the planar material is between 0.1 and 2mm thickness. Even more specifically, the planar material is between 0.3 and 0.5mm thickness.

In embodiments of the invention, the planar material is spring steel.

The arcuate frame members may be integrally formed with one another at an end thereof and may be mechanically attachable to one another at their free ends. Mechanical attachment of the arcuate frame members may be a rivet, a weld, a press-stud or the like.

In embodiments of the invention, the arcuate frame members are attached to an end of the elongate engagement member. More specifically, the arcuate frame members are integrally formed with the elongate engagement member at an end thereof. Even more specifically, the arcuate frame members and the elongate engagement member are all integrally formed with one another at one end of each of the members.

In operation of the deformable fastener, the arcuate frame members are deformable between the first and second positions. In the second position, the free, opposing end of the elongate engagement member is in contact with or proximate to the arcuate frame members. In the first position of the deformable fastener, the free end of the elongate engagement member is moved away from the arcuate frame members. In this way, a portion of a garment may be passed between the elongate engagement member and the arcuate frame members in preparation for the deformation of the fastener into the second position in which the portion of the garment is retained in the fastener.

Alternatively, or in addition, the arcuate frame members are mechanically attached to one end of the elongate engagement member. The arcuate frame members may be mechanically attached to one end of the elongate engagement member by a mechanical attachment means. The mechanical attachment means may be a rivet, a weld, a press-stud or the like.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the deformable frame comprises of central rib and two arcuate support members, the arcuate support members each connecting to the central rib at one end.

The arcuate support members are arranged to provide tension in the deformable frame in both the first position and in the second position thereof. In this way, the deformable frame is stable in both the first and the second positions. Thus, the deformable frame is only deformable between the first and second positions upon application of an axial force thereto. More specifically, an axial force applied at right angles to the plane of the deformable frame causes deformation thereof between the first and second positions, or vice versa.

In the second position, the deformable fastener is in a single arcuate plane. In the first position the engagement member is out of the plane of the body member.

In embodiments of the invention the elongate engagement member may itself be deformable.

In preferred embodiments, the elongate engagement member further comprises a retaining means.

More specifically, the retaining means is operable to prevent the portion of the garment retained in the fastener from slipping out of retention. Even more specifically, the retaining means may be a rubberised material. The rubberised material may be applied to one or more of the surface(s) of the elongate engagement member. Alternatively, or in addition, the retaining means may be a serrated edge of the elongate engagement member.

The retaining means may be a roughened surface of the elongate engagement member.

In embodiments of the invention, the deformable frame and/or the elongate engagement member are capable of snap deformation. More specifically, the deformable frame and/or the elongate engagement member are capable of deformation from a first, stable position to a second, stable position and vice versa. In this way, pressure applied to the deformable frame and/or the elongate engagement member causes no deformation in the material of the deformable frame and/or the elongate engagement member until a critical force is reached; when the critical force application point is reached, the deformable frame and/or the elongate engagement member "snaps" from the first to the second position with only a series of transient intermediate positions occurring momentarily between the first and second positions of the deformable frame and/or the elongate engagement member.

In embodiments of the invention, deformation of the deformable body member from the first to the second positions thereof facilitates the engagement member in retaining the portion of the garment in relative position thereto.

In embodiments of the invention, the elongate engagement member is formed integrally with at least a portion of the deformable frame.

In the second position, the deformable fastener preferably resides substantially in a single arcuate plane. In the first position, the elongate engagement member of the deformable fastener is moved out of the arcuate plane of the rest of the fastener so as to facilitate engagement of the fastener with the garment. By defining a single, arcuate plane in the garment retaining second position, the deformable fastener fits snugly against the contours of the wearer.

In embodiments of the first and/or the second aspects of the present invention, the deformable fastener may comprise adornments and/or surface decorations.

More specifically, one or more surfaces of the deformable fastener may comprise an enamelled layer, a jewelled layer, a coloured or otherwise decorated surface.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an adjustable garment comprising at least one deformable fastener according to the first or the second aspect of the invention.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may incorporate some or all of the features of the first and/or second aspects of the invention.

In embodiments of the invention, the adjustable garment comprises two deformable fasteners. More specifically the two deformable fasteners may be attachable to the waistband of the garment at opposing sides thereof.

In this way, the waistband may be equally adjusted on each side thereof.

The garment may be an item of underwear, swimwear, sports wear or other item of clothing.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the garment is a bikini and at least one deformable fastener of the invention is incorporated into the waistband of the bottom part of the bikini. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more deformable fasteners of the invention may be incorporated or attached onto the upper part of the bikini.

It is envisaged that one or more deformable fasteners of the invention may replace the strap adjustment elements on a shoulder strap of a garment.

The shoulder strap may form part of a bikini, of swimwear and/or of a brass ière, for example.

It is further envisaged that a deformable fastener of the invention may be incorporated into or attached onto a waistband of any item of clothing.

The deformable fastener may find particular application in maternity clothing, childrenswear or the like where size adjustment may provide additional comfort and better fit to the wearer.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

There now follows a description of a preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, by way of non-limiting example, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a deformable fastener according to the first aspect of the present invention in a first position; Figure 2 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 in a second position; Figure 3 shows the embodiment of Figure 2 with a garment of clothing connected to the deformable fastener; Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a deformable fastener according to the first aspect of the invention with a garment of clothing connected to the deformable fastener; Figure 5 shows a further alternative embodiment of a deformable fastener according to the first aspect of the invention with a garment of clothing connected to the deformable fastener; Figure 6 shows a deformable fastener according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention; Figure 7 shows an exploded view of section "A" of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a side plane view of the fastener of Figure 6 in the first position; and Figure 9 is a side plane view of the fastener of Figure 6 in the second position.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Further, although the invention will be described in terms of specific embodiments, it will be understood that various elements of the specific embodiments of the invention will be applicable to all embodiments disclosed herein.

In the drawings, similar features are denoted by the same reference signs throughout.

Referring to the figures, Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a deformable fastener 10 in a first, open position. The deformable fastener 10 comprises a deformable frame 12 of a planar metallic material. The deformable frame 12 itself comprises a central, elongate rib 14 and first and second arcuate support members 16a and 16b. The second arcuate support member 1 6b comprises arcuate support member projections 1 8a and 18b.

The central elongate rib 14 is integrally formed with the first and second arcuate support members at a first end thereof and is fastened to the opposing ends of the first and second arcuate support members at a second end thereof by rivet 20. It will be understood that rivet 20 may be replaced by any suitable mechanical fastening means such as a weld, a press stud arrangement or similar.

In the depicted embodiment, the deformable fastener 10 comprises two engagement members each comprising an elongate arm 22a, 22b and a first return surtace 24a, 26a and a second return surface 24b, 26b. The elongate arms 22a, 22b each depend from the deformable frame 12 at opposing ends thereof and are formed integrally with and as an extension of the central rib 14 of deformable frame 12. In alternative embodiments of the invention, not shown, the elongate arms 22a, 22b may be mechanically attached to the deformable frame 12. Suitable mechanical attachment means may include rivets, welds, press-stud arrangements or the like.

Each engagement member forms a J-shaped coupling which, in use of the fastener, is releasably engageable with a fastener receiver.

In the first, open position of the fastener 10 depicted in Figure 1, an axial force has been applied to the engagement members of fastener lOin the direction of arrows 30. The arcuate support member projections 18a, 18b are, thus, moved out of the arcuate plane of the fastener 10 to facilitate engagement of the fastener with a fastener receiver (not shown). Once the fastener receiver has been engaged, an opposing axial force in the direction of arrows 32 (Figure 2) is applied so as to cause a snap deformation of the fastener 10 from the first position (Figure 1) to the second position (Figure 2). The slot 28 in Figure 2 is then reduced in size so as to retain the fastener receiver in the engagement aperture 34.

The engagement aperture 34 is sized to allow movement of a fastener receiver with the aperture, however, the slot 28 is of dimensions small enough to ensure the fastener receiver is retained with the engagement aperture 34 until the fastener 10 is deformed to its first position, whereby slot 28 is opened and the fastener receiver may be disengaged.

Figure 3 shows an adjustable garment 40 comprising a deformable fastener 10 according to the invention. Only one deformable fastener 10 is shown attached to the adjustable garment 40 although in preferred embodiments of the invention there will be a second deformable fastener located at an opposing side of the garment to ensure equal adjustment at each side of the garment.

The adjustable garment may be the waistband of a bottom portion of a bikini or other piece of clothing. The deformable fastener 10 is attached to an outer material flap 42 by releasable engagement of the fastener into one of the fastener receivers 46a, 46b, 46c located on the inner surface of outer material flap 42. In the depicted embodiment, the fastener receivers 46a, 46b, 46c are in the form of a loop of material.

The deformable fastener 10 is further attached to an inner material flap 44 by releasable engagement of the fastener into one of the fastener receivers 48a, 48b, 48c located on the inner surface of inner material flap 44. In the depicted embodiment, the fastener receivers 48a, 48b, 48c are in the form of a loop of material.

In use of the deformable fastener 10, each of the elongate arms 22a, 22b and associated first and second return surfaces 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b are releasably engageable with the fastener receivers 46a, 46b, 46c and 48a, 48b, 48c when the deformable fastener is in the first position depicted in Figure 1. When the deformable fastener is moved into the second position depicted in Figure 2, the fastener receivers are each retained in the engagement apertures 34a and 34b. Adjustment of the size of the garment is by moving one or both of the elongate arms 22a, 22b and associated first and second return surfaces 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b into another of the fastener receivers 46a, 46b, 46c and 48a, 48b, 48c.

Figure 4 depicts an alternative deformable fastener 100 according to the invention attached to an adjustable garment 140. Fastener 100 comprises a deformable frame 112 having arcuate support members 11 6a and 11 6b integrally formed at one end thereof with a central rib 114. The second engagement member of fastener 100 is formed of return surface 122 and slot 123 through which fastener 125 is looped. Fastener 125 is formed of a closed loop of material passing through slot 123 and also through fastener receiver 146 on mesh 127. Mesh 127 is formed of a flexible wire or plastics material covered with the fabric of garment 140. In this way, the deformable fastener 100 is able to shape itself to the body of a wearer of garment 140 so as to hug the contours thereof.

The first engagement member of fastener 100 is comprised of an elongate arm 122b, first return surface 126a and second return surface 126b which, together with arcuate support member projection 11 8b, form slot 128 and engagement aperture 134. The fastener receiver 46a on garment 140 may be engaged through slot 128 with engagement aperture 134 so as to connect the first engagement member with the garment 46a. Adjustment is made by releasing the first engagement member from fastener receiver 46a and engaging the first engagement member with a further fastener receiver such as 46b or 46c of Figure 3.

Figure 5 depicts a further alternative deformable fastener 200 according to the invention attached to an adjustable garment 240. Fastener 200 comprises a second engagement member having an elastically deformable fastener 225 looped through a second fastener receiver 246 on flexible mesh 227. Fastener 225 is formed of a closed loop of elasticated material passing through fastener receiver 246 in mesh 227.

Mesh 227 is formed of a flexible wire or plastics material covered with the fabric of garment 240. In this way, the deformable fastener 200 is able to shape itself to the body of a wearer of garment 240 so as to hug the contours thereof.

The first engagement member of fastener 200 is comprised of a hook 222 in the opposing end of elastically deformable fastener 225. Hook 222 is releasably engageable with one of first fastener receivers 246a, 246b.

The fastener receivers 246a and 246b are formed of eyes corresponding to hook 222. Thus, the size of garment 240 is adjustable by way of fastener 200 being moved from a first position wherein hook 222 is engaged with fastener receiver 246a to a second position wherein hook 222 is released from fastener receiver 246a. The fastener 225 is elastically deformable so that the garment may be made smaller by engaging hook 222 with eye 246b.

The deformable fastener and adjustable garment incorporating the deformable fastener of the invention are such that any garment may be adjusted in size to appropriately fit its wearer. It is envisaged that the fastener has applications in waistbands, shoulder straps and fitting straps in many articles of clothing, including swimwear and sportswear, for example. A wearer of a garment is able to adjust the fitting of the garment simply by adjusting the fastener incorporated into the garment as they chose.

Referring to Figures 6 to 9, Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a deformable fastener 300 according to the second aspect of the invention in a first, open position. The deformable fastener 300 comprises a deformable frame 312 of a planar metallic material. The deformable frame 312 itself comprises a central, elongate engagement rib 314 and first and second arcuate support members 316a and 316b.

The central elongate engagement rib 314 is integrally formed with the first and second arcuate support members 31 6a, 31 6b at a first end thereof.

The opposing free ends of the first and second arcuate support members 31 6a, 31 6b are mechanically fastened to one another by rivet 320. It will be understood that rivet 320 may be replaced by any suitable mechanical fastening means such as a weld, a press stud arrangement or similar.

The central elongate engagement rib 314 has a free end 322 remote from the end formed integrally with the first and second arcuate support member 31 6a and 31 6b.

In the embodiment depicted in Figure 6, the central elongate engagement rib 314 has a rubberised surface 325. The rubberised surface prevents a portion of a garment retained in the fastener from slipping through the fastener thereby loosening the fastening on the garment or, indeed, dropping the garment from retention altogether.

An alternative or, additional, retaining means is depicted in Figure 7.

Figure 7 is an exploded view of the section "A" of Figure 6 taken at an edge of the central elongate engagement 314. The edge of the central elongate engagement 314 comprises serrations 327 which serve to prevent a portion of a garment retained in the fastener from slipping through the fastener thereby loosening the fastening on the garment or, indeed, dropping the garment from retention altogether.

Serrations 327 are shaped so as to prevent damage to a garment held in the fastener.

Deformation of the fastener 300 between the second, closed position (Figure 9) and the first, open position (depicted in Figures 8) is by application of an axial force to the plane of the frame 312. The snap deformation into the first position moves the free end 322 of the central elongate engagement rib 314 away from rivet 320 and subsequently allows a portion of a garment (not shown) to be passed through the fastener 300. Subsequent snap deformation into the second, closed position moves the free end 322 of the central elongate engagement rib 314 towards the rivet 320 to retain the portion of the garment in the fastener.

During snap deformation of the fastener, the central elongate engagement rib 314 hinges at the end thereof integrally formed or mechanically attached to the arcuate support members 316a, 316b. The hinging movement of the central elongate engagement rib 314 moves the fastener from the closed to the open positions and vice versa.

As is clearly shown in Figure 9, in the second, closed position, the fastener 300 has a single arcuate planar configuration which fits snugly against a wearer in use.

Claims

Claims 1. A deformable fastener comprising a body member moveable between a first position and a second position and at least one engagement member located and configured to be releasably engageable with at least one fastener receiver on a garment, wherein, in the first position of the body member the engagement member is releasably engageable with the at least one fastener receiver and further wherein in the second position of the body member the engagement member is retained in engagement with the at least one fastener receiver.
2. A deformable fastener according to claim 1, wherein the body member is a deformable body member.
3. A deformable fastener according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein movement of the body member from the first to the second position and vice versa is by deformation of at least a part of the body member.
4. A deformable fastener according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the deforniable body member comprises a deforrnable frame.
5. A deformable fastener according to claim 4, wherein the deformable frame comprises an elongate member and at least one support member.
6. A deformable fastener according to claim 5, wherein the elongate member is formed of a deformable material.
7. A deformable fastener according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the elongate member is formed of a planar material.
8. A deformable fastener according to claim 7, wherein the planar material is spring steel.
9. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the elongate member is a central rib.
10. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the at least one support member is an arcuate support member.
11. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the at least one support member is formed of a deformable material.
12. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the at least one support member is formed of a planar material.
13. A deformable fastener according to claim 12 wherein the planar material is spring steel.
14. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 5 to 13, wherein the at least one support member is attached to the ends of the elongate member.
15. A deformable fastener according to claim 14, wherein the at least one support member is integrally formed with the elongate member at at least one end thereof.
16. A deformable fastener according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the at least one support member is integrally formed with the elongate member at both ends thereof.
17. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 5 to 15, wherein the at least one support member is mechanically attached to at least one end of the elongate member.
18. A deformable fastener according to claim 17, wherein the at least one support member is mechanically attached to at least one end of the elongate member by a mechanical attachment means.
19. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 4 to 18, wherein the deformable frame comprises two support members.
20. A deformable fastener according to claim 19 when dependent upon claims 5 to 18, wherein the two support members are located at opposing sides of the elongate member.
21. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 4 to 20, wherein the deformable frame comprises a central rib and at least one arcuate support member.
22. A deformable fastener according to claim 21, wherein the arcuate support member and the central rib are integrally formed at at least one end thereof.
23. A deformable fastener according to claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the arcuate support member and the central rib are mechanically joined at at least one end thereof.
24. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 4 to 23, wherein the deformable frame comprises of central rib and two arcuate support members, the arcuate support members, the arcuate support members each connecting to the central rib at both ends.
25. A deformable fastener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastener undergoes a snap deformation between the first and second positions.
26. A deformable fastener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one engagement member may itself be deformable.
27. A deformable fastener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable fastener further comprises a second engagement member.
28. A deformable fastener according to claim 27, wherein the second engagement member is located and configured to be releasably engageable with at least one fastener receiver on a garment.
29. A deformable fastener according to claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the second engagement member is configured to be engageable with the fastener receiver when the body member is in its first position and is retained in engagement with the fastener receiver when the body member is in the second position.
30. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the first and second engagement members are positioned at opposing ends of the deformable frame.
31. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the second engagement member is a fastener attached to the body member and attachable to a fastener receiver located on a garment.
32. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 4 to 31, wherein the at least one engagement member is a J'-shaped arm extending from the deformable frame.
33. A deformable fastener according to claim 32, wherein the at least one engagement member comprises an elongate projection having a first return surface extending from the elongate projection.
34. A deformable fastener according to claim 33, wherein the first return surface depends from the free end of the engagement projection.
35. A deformable fastener according to claim 33 or claim 34, wherein the first return surface further comprises a second return surface depending therefrom.
36. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 4 to 35, wherein the at least one engagement member is formed integrally with at least a portion of the deformable frame.
37. A deformable fastener according to claim 36, wherein the at least one engagement member is an integrally formed extension of the elongate member of the deformable frame.
38. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 10 to 37, wherein the at least one arcuate support member comprises a further projection extending outwardly therefrom.
39. A deformable fastener according to claim 38, wherein the further projection of the at least one arcuate support member extends towards the at least one engagement member of the fastener.
40. A deformable fastener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable fastener is formed of a metal material.
41. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the deformable fastener is formed of a plastics material.
42. A deformable fastener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body member further comprises an elastically deformable member.
43. A deformable fastener comprising a body member moveable between a first position and a second position and at least one engagement member located and configured to be releasably engageable with a portion of a garment, wherein, in the first position of the body member the engagement member is releasably engageable with the portion of the garment and further wherein in the second position of the body member the engagement member is retained in engagement with the portion of the garment.
44. A deformable fastener according to claim 43, wherein the deformable fastener comprises a deformable body member.
45. A deformable fastener according to claim 43 or claim 44, wherein movement of the body member from the first to the second position and vice versa is by deformation of at least a part of the body member.
46. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 43 to 45, wherein the deformable body member comprises a deformable frame.
47. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 43 to 46, wherein the engagement member is an elongate element.
48. A deformable fastener according to claim 47, wherein the elongate engagement member is formed of a deformable material.
49. A deformable fastener according to claim 47 or claim 48, wherein the elongate engagement member is a central rib.
50. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 43 to 49, wherein the body member is formed of at least two arcuate frame members.
51. A deformable fastener according to claim 50, wherein the arcuate frame members are formed of a deformable material.
52. A deformable fastener according to claim 50 or 51, wherein the arcuate frame members are integrally formed with one another at an end thereof and are mechanically attachable to one another at their free ends.
53. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein the arcuate frame members are attached to an end of the elongate engagement member.
54. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein the arcuate frame members are integrally formed with the elongate engagement member at an end thereof.
55. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 50 to 54, wherein the arcuate frame members are mechanically attached to one end of the elongate engagement member.
56. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 46 to 55, wherein the deformable frame comprises of central rib and two arcuate support members, the arcuate support members, the arcuate support members each connecting to the central rib at one end.
57. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 43 to 56, wherein in the second position, the deformable fastener is in a single arcuate plane and in the first position the elongate engagement member is out of the plane of the body member.
58. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 47 to 57, wherein the elongate engagement member is deformable.
59. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 47 to 58, wherein the elongate engagement member further comprises a retaining means.
60. A deformable fastener according to claim 59, wherein the retaining means is operable to prevent the portion of the garment retained in the fastener from slipping out of retention.
61. A deformable fastener according to claim 59 or claim 60, wherein the retaining means is a rubberised material.
62. A deformable fastener according to claim 61, wherein the rubberised material is applied to one or more of the surface(s) of the elongate engagement member.
63. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 59 to 62, wherein the retaining means is a serrated edge of the elongate engagement member.
64. A deformable fastener according to claim 59, wherein the retaining means is a roughened surface of the elongate engagement member.
65. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 47 to 64, wherein the elongate engagement member is formed integrally with at least a portion of the deformable frame.
66. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 43 to 65, wherein in the second position, the deformable fastener resides substantially in a single arcuate plane and in the first position, the engagement member of the deformable fastener is moved out of the arcuate plane of the rest of the fastener so as to facilitate engagement of the fastener with the garment.
67. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 43 to 66, wherein the deformable fastener is formed of a metal material.
68. A deformable fastener according to any one of claims 43 to 66, wherein the deformable fastener is formed of a plastics material.
69. An adjustable garment comprising at least one deformable fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 42.
70. An adjustable garment comprising at least one deformable fastener according to any one of claims 43 to 68.
71. An adjustable garment according to claim 69 or claim 70, wherein the adjustable garment comprises two deformable fasteners.