GB2516961A

GB2516961A - A badge adapter

Info

Publication number: GB2516961A
Application number: GB1314235.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Erica Frazier
Original assignee: CPY Ltd
Current assignee: CPY Ltd
Priority date: 2013-08-08
Filing date: 2013-08-08
Publication date: 2015-02-11
Also published as: GB201314235D0

Abstract

An adapter for securing a name badge 10 with a fastening component 12 to an item of clothing 14 via a magnetic coupling arrangement the adapter having first 110 and second 140 components, the first component comprising a first part of the magnetic coupling arrangement and a front surface having an interface for connecting the fastening component of the name badge thereto, and the second component comprising a second part of the magnetic coupling arrangement, at least a portion of the item of clothing may be located between the first and second parts of the magnetic coupling arrangement, so as to magnetically hold the adapter in place on the item of clothing. The magnetic portions of the first and second components may be flat. The interface is preferably a tongue 122 projecting from the front surface, to be engaged by the fastener of the name badge. The tongue may comprise at least one aperture for securing a safety pin.

Description

A Badge Adapter

FIELD OF THE iNVENTION

The present invention relates to an adapter for securing a name badge with a fastening component to an item ofclothing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to secure name badges to clothing, name badges are generally provided with a fastening component such as an alligator clip or a safety pin attached to a rear surface of the name badge. This is a simple solution, and enables a large number of name badges to be produced at a very low cost. However, the fastening components can damage clothing, or be incompatible with certain clothing (e.g. dresses lacking pockets or lapels on which clips can be secured). Further, many users find the process of attaching the name badge to their clothing fiddly and awkward.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior an.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides an adapter for securing a name badge with a fastening component to an item of clothing via a magnetic coupling arrangement the adapter having first and second components, the first component comprising a first part of the magnetic coupling arrangement and a front surface having an interface for connecting the fastening component of the name badge thereto, and the second component comprising a second part of the magnetic coupling arrangement, wherein, in use, at least a portion of the item of clothing may be located between the first and second parts of the magnetic coupling arrangement, so as to magnetically hold the adapter in place on the item of clothing.

The magnetic coupling arrangement aHows a name badge with a fastening component such as an alligator clip to be securely but rclcasably attached to clothing without damaging the clothing. It is very simple for the user to attach the name badge to the adapter, and the magnetic coupling arrangement provides a failsafe system if the badge gets caught and suddenly pulled etc, the coupling arrangement easily separating in this situation, preventing damage to clothing.

The first part of the magnetic coupling arrangement maybe provided on a rear surface of the first component.

At least one of the first and second parts of the magnetic coupling arrangement may be a magnetic portion and at least one of the first and second parts of the magnetic coupling arrangement may be a magnetically attractable portion.

The portions of the fir st and second components configured to contact the item of clothing when located thcrcbctwccn in usc may be substantially flat to minimise creasing of the clothing.

The interface may comprise a tongue portion projecting from the front surface of the first component, to be engaged by the fastening component of the name badge.

The tongue portion and the front surface of the first component may form a loop.

Alternatively, the tongue portion is arranged to extend substantially vertical when the adapter is in use, such that a fastening component of a badge, such as an alligator clip, can be secured to the tongue portion.

The tongue portion optionally comprises at least one aperture, such that a fastening component such as a safety pin can be secured to the tongue portion.

The tongue portion may comprises two apertures in the front surface, located such that, when the adapter is in use, the two apertures are distributed horizontally along the front surface of the tongue portion.

A rear surface of the first component may comprise a recessed portion and thc first part of the magnetic coupling arrangement may be secured to the recessed portion.

The first component may comprise a protruding portion, the protruding portion being angled away from the remainder of the first component. Advantageously, this may make it easier to attach a badge to the adapter.

Thc first part of thc magnctic coupling arrangcmcnt may be located on thc protruding portion of the first component.

The first part of the magnetic coupling may be secured to a recessed portion of the protruding portion of the first component.

When the adapter is in use, the protruding portion may be located above the remainder of the first component.

A rear surface of the second component is preferably substantially flat. This prevents the adapter being uncomfortable for the user A second aspcct of the present invention provides an assembly comprising an adapter according to the first aspect of the present invention, having a name badge releasably secured thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an adapter for securing a name badge, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of Fig. 1, through the plane X-X.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of Fig. 1, through the plane Y-Y illustrating the adapter with a name badge attached, and secured to dothing.

Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the adaptcr of Fig. 1.

Figure 5 is a front perspective view of an adapter for securing a name badge, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 is a plan view of the adapter of Fig. 5.

Figure 7 is a side view of the adapter of Fig. 5.

Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the adapter of Fig. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring to Figures Ito 4, an adapter for securing a name badge 10 with a fastening component 12 to an item of clothing 14 is indicated generally at 100. The adapter includes a first component 110 and a second component 140. The first component 110 can be secured to the second component 140 by a magnetic coupling arrangement 150.

The first component 110 includes a front surface 120 and a rear surface 130.

Pmjecting from the front surface 120 is a tongue portion 122. The tongue portion 122 comprises an interface 124, suitable for connecting the name badge to the adapter via a fastening component of the name badge, e.g. an alligator clip. In this embodiment, the interface 124 includes a loop 126, formed by the tongue portion 122 and the front surface 120. The loop 126 provides a site suitable for locating at least a portion of the fastening component when the adapter 100 is in use, in order to secure the name badge to the adapter 100. In this embodiment, the interface 24 also includes members 128, bridging the gap created by the loop 126. Advantageously, the bridging members 128 help locate the fastening component of the name badge in the centre of the adapter in use.

The tongue portion 122 has a front surface 123. The plane of the front surface 123 is parallel to the front surface 120 of the first component 110. Connecting the front

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surface 123 to the front surface 120 on either longitudinal end of the first component are connecting portions 120a, 120b. There are two connecting portions 120a provided, located laterally inward and adjacent the front surface 120. The connecting portions 120a are generally concave. Located further laterally inward, adjacent the connecting portions 120a, arc two connecting portions 120b, connecting each connecting portion 120a to the tongue portion front surface 123. The connecting portions 120b are generally convex. The connecting portions 120a, 120b provide a smooth transition between the front surface 120 of the first component 110 and the front surface 123 of the tongue portion 122.

Viewed from the front, the first component 110 is generally rectangular and elongate, with rounded longitudinal ends. For illustrative purposes only, the first component is of the order of 6cm wide and 1 1/2cm high and about 1cm deep. However the dimensions can of course be varied significantly.

The rear surface 130 includes a recessed portion 132. The recessed portion 132 is generally rectangular and is secured to a substantially flat component 152. The flat component 152 is dimensioned to fit within the recessed portion 132. The flat component 152 is either a magnet or a magnetically attractable material, and thus forms a first part of the magnetic coupling arrangement 150. In this cmbodiment the flat component 152 is a magnetically attractable material (e.g. steel), which is glued into the recessed portion.

The second component 140 is also generally rectangular. The second component 140 includes a second part 154 of the magnetic coupling arrangement 150. The second part 154 is either a magnet or a magnetically attractable material, and has a substantially flat front surface. Tn this embodiment the second component 140 is formed solely from a magnet and so the entirety of the second component can be considered the second part 154. In other embodiments one or more individual magnets may be mounted to a backing or connecting portion to form the second part 154.

In this embodiment, the surfaces of the first and second parts 152, 154 of the magnetic coupling arrangement are generally planar, in a plane parallel with the rear surface of the first component 110. It will be appreciated however that the surfaces can be any suitable shape, provided they generally correspond to each other such that the surfaces can attract each other magnetically, e.g. one surface can have a recess and the other surface can have a corresponding protrusion. It is however desirable that a rear surface of the second component is generafly flat so as not to be uncomfortable or to substantially affect the way the clothing to which it is mounted hangs.

In use, a user places a portion of the item of clothing between the first component 110 and the second component 140. The fir st part 152 and the second part 154 of the magnetic coupling arrangement 150 attract each other, securing the item of clothing strongly between the first component 110 and the second component 140 of the adapter 100. To attach the name badge to the adapter 100, a user attaches the fastening component to the tongue portion 122 of the first component 110. As an example, an alligator clip, or the like, is opened up and one half of the clip goes into the gap created within the loop 126, and the remaining half contacts the front surface of the tongue portion 122, securing the badge in place on the adapter.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 8, a further embodiment of the invention is indicated at 200. Like parts are indicated by like numerals as the previous embodiments, but with the prefix 2'.

The adapter 200 includes a first component 210 and a second component 240. The two components 210, 240 can be secured to each other by way of a magnetic coupling arrangement 250.

The first component 210 has a front surface 220 and a rear surface 230. Projecting from the front surface 220 is a tongue portion 222. The tongue portion 222 has an interface 224 for securing the name badge to the adapter 200. A loop 226 is created between the front surface 220 and the tongue portion 222. In this embodiment however, a plurality of apertures 227 are also provided in the tongue. The apertures 227 are located on a front surface of the tongue portion 222. As an example, two apertures 227 can be provided, distributed horizontally along a front surface of the tongue portion 222 to define a common axis such that a fastening component can be secured through the apertures 227, e.g. a safety pin. Further, it should be noted that in this embodiment an aperture 231 is provided in the first component behind the ioop 226, which saves material.

The first component 210 also has a portion 212 projecting from a top surface of the first component 210. In this embodiment it is angled away from the plane of the remainder of the first component 210. Advantageously, this angle enables a user to conveniently fit their finger behind a secured clip of a name badge, assisting with easy installation and removal of the name badge.

The projecting portion 212 has a front surface 221, that joins to the front surface 220.

The front surface 220 has a generally rectangular shape. The front surface 221 has a generally tombstone-like shape, being vertically elongate with a generally rounded top end. The plane of the surface 220 is at an angle to the plane of the surface 221, to create a gap suitable for a user to fit their finger, when the adapter is in use. The surface 221 can be used for printing indicia e.g. a promotional name or logo if the adapter is used as a "giveaway" item.

The rear surface 230 includes a recessed portion 232. Like the recessed portion 132 of the previous embodiment, the recessed portion 232 is generally rectangular and has a substantially flat component 252 secured to it. The flat component 252 is either a magnet or a magnetically attractable material, and thus forms a first part of the magnetic coupling arrangement 250. The recessed portion 232 is located on a rear side of the projecting portion 212, rather than being substantially level with the tongue portion, as in the previous embodiment.

The second component 240 is equivalent to the second component 140 of the first embodiment and is generally rectangular. The second component 240 includes a second part 254 of the magnetic coupling arrangement 250. The second part 254 is either a magnet or a magnetically attractable material, and has a substantially flat surface.

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Again, it will be appreciated that the surface of the first part 252 and the surface of the second part 254 can be of any appropriate shape.

In use, a user places a portion of the item of clothing between the first component 210 and the second component 240. The first part 252 and the second part 254 of the magnetic coupling arrangement 250 attract each other, securing the item of clothing strongly between the first component 210 and the second component 240 of the adapter 200. To attach the name badge to the adapter 200, a user attaches the fastening component to the tongue portion 222 of the first component 210. In this embodiment, this can be done in multiplc ways. An alligator clip, or the like, can be opened up and one half of the clip is placed into the gap created within the loop 226, and the remaining half contacts the front surface of the tongue portion 222, securing the badge in place on the adapter. Alternatively, a safety pin can be inserted into the apertures 227, securing the name badge in place on the adapter 200.

The majority of the first component of the adapter is intended to be made of injection moulded plastic, which is a desirable method for low cost high volume manufacturing.

The surfaces 152 and 154 are intended to be made of a magnetically attractable material, such as metal.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

For example, the portion 212 might not be angled away from the front surface 220, the surface 221 of the portion 212 could be at the same angle as the front surface 220. To assist the user in securing the name badge to the adapter, the front surface 221 could comprise a recess, dimensioned such that a user's fingers can more easily reach the fastening component of the name badge in use.

The apertures 227 could be incorporated into the first embodiment, such that it is also suitable for accepting a fastening component, such as a safety pin. The apertures 227 could be located on any suitable part of the first component 110, such as on the front surface 120 or the tongue portion front surface 123. The bottom opening of the loop maybe closed.

Tt wifl be appreciated that any suitable material or manufacturing method can be used, for example, wood, metal, textile material or a combination of the above. For example the first component may be made of a metallic plate with a loop of woven fabric material secured to the front. This fabric may have an alligator clip secured thereto substantially as described above, or have a safety pin pierce the fabric to be mounted thereto. In other embodiments the tongue may be foldable into a deployed position, or resilient/flexible.

Claims

Claims 1. An adapter for securing a name badge with a fastening component to an item of clothing via a magnetic coupling arrangement the adapter having first and second components, the first component comprising a first part of the magnetic coupling arrangement and a front surface having an interface for connecting the fastening component of the name badge thereto, and the second component comprising a second part of the magnetic coupling arrangement, wherein, in use, at least a portion of the item of clothing may be located between the first and second parts of the magnetic coupling arrangement, so as to magnetically hold the adapter in place on the item of clothing.
2. The adapter according to claim 1 wherein the fir st part of the magnetic coupling arrangement is provided on a rear surface of the first component.
3. The adapter according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein at least one of the first and second parts of the magnetic coupling arrangement has a magnetic portion and at least one of the first and second parts of the magnetic coupling arrangement has a magnetically attractable portion.
4. The adapter according to any preceding claim wherein the portions of the first and second components configured to contact the item of clothing when located thcrcbctwccn in usc arc substantially flat.
5. The adapter according to any preceding claim wherein the interface comprises a tongue portion projecting from the front surface of the first component, to be engaged by the fastening component of the name badge.
6. The adapter according to claim 5 wherein the tongue portion and the front surface of the first component form a ioop.
7. Thc adaptcr according to claim 5 whcrcin thc tonguc portion is arranged to extend substantially vertical when the adapter is in use, such that a fastening component of a badge, such as an alligator clip, can be secured to the tongue portion.
8. The adapter according to any one of claims S to 7 wherein the tongue portion comprises at least one aperture, such that a fastening component such as a safety pin can be secured to the tongue portion.
9. The adapter according to claim 8 wherein the tongue portion comprises two apertures in the front surface, located such that, when the adapter is in usc, the two apertures are distributed horizontally along the front surface of the tongue portion.
10. Thc adapter according to any prcccding claim wherein a rcar surfacc of the first component comprises a recessed portion and the first part of the magnetic coupling arrangement is secured to the recessed portion.
11. The adapter according to any preceding claim wherein the first component comprises a protruding portion, the protruding portion being angled away from the remainder of the first component.
12. The adapter according to claim 11 wherein the first part of the magnetic coupling arrangement is located on the protruding portion of the first component.
13. The adapter according to claim 12 wherein the first part of the magnetic coupling is sccurcd to a recessed portion of thc protruding portion of thc first component.
14. The adapter according to any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein, when the adapter is in use, the protruding portion is located above the remainder of the first component.15. The adapter according to any one preceding claim, wherein a rear surface of the second component is substantially flat.
15. An assembly comprising an adapter according to any preceding claim, having a name badge releasably secured thereto.
16. An adapter constructed and arranged substantially as described herein and/or with reference to anyone of the Figures.