GB2524665A

GB2524665A - A fastening device

Info

Publication number: GB2524665A
Application number: GB1505388.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clare Johnston
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-03-28
Filing date: 2015-03-31
Publication date: 2015-09-30
Also published as: GB201405606D0; GB201505388D0

Abstract

A fastening device, suitable for fastening layers of material together, comprises a first part comprising a planar base 1 and a pin 2 projecting from the base 1 and away from the user in use. A second part 5 comprises a body with at least one aperture (9, figure 2) adapted to engage with the pin 2 by engagement means wherein the body has a decorative portion 4 arranged on an outer face in use. The fastening devices may be transported or stored in a holder (200, figure 6).

Description

A FASTENING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a fastening device, in particular a device for fastening layers of material; more particularly but not exclusively a device for piercing and clamping two flexible layers together.

Background

Many garments, such as shirts and blouses have portions that can gape during movement of a wearer and/or due to the fit of the garment on the wearer. This can result in an undesirable disclosure of undergarments and/or a wearer's skin.

Often to overcome such problems a wearer may purchase a garment of a different size or select another garment that can be worn as an undergarment. This can be costly and may cause discomfort to a wearer who is forced to wear an extra layer of clothing so as maintain their modesty by wearing both garments.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: United States patent application US 2012 204 308 (PASCUZZI et al) discloses a blouse, said blouse having a central opening, said opening further defined by an inner placket wherein said inner placket has an inner placket interior side, and an inner placket exterior side, an outer placket.

French patent application FR 2 937 837 (BENTOLILA) discloses a device has a clip holding an end, of a garment i.e. trouser, folded towards an interior to adjust length of the garment. The clip is provided with a maintenance structure, an inner part and an outer part that is visible.

Japanese patent application JP 2005 028 022 (KOGA et al) provides clothes with magnet buttons on an overlapping part, wherein the magnet buttons are thin, having magnet force strong enough to retain the clothes and being inexpensively manufactured.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a fastening device comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the first part comprises a planar base and a pin projecting from the base and away from the user in use, and the second part comprises at least one aperture adapted to engage with the pin by engagement means wherein the second part has a decorative portion arranged on an outer face in use.

In this way the fastening device can be used to secure two layers of material together on a garment such as a shirt or blouse in order to prevent gaping when donned. In use the base is arranged to be parallel to a user's body, for example being located flush against the wearer's chest with the pin projecting away from the wearer so that the pin pierces through the garment layers and is secured in position by attachment to the second part.

In this way the fastening device may be used to add an intermediate button or fastening closure, so as to prevent gaping of a shirt, blouse or similar item of clothing.

The outer face of the second part of the fastening device houses the decorative portion that is exposed during use. The decorative portion may have the appearance of a button or stud so as to appear as part of the garment whilst performing the function of preventing gaping.

The decorative portion is therefore visible when the device is fastened onto fabric/material of a garment that a user is wearing; the fabric being held between the first and second parts, so holding some of the garment together.

The fastening device is preferably hypoallergenic, so that any contact with the user's skin it does not cause an allergic reaction.

For example the device may be formed from a stainless or surgical steel, jewellery grade metals or alloys and/or synthetic plastics.

In some embodiments the device or parts of the device may be coated or covered for example by a synthetic plastics coating.

In preferred embodiments the decorative portion may be styled so to as to have the appearance of a button or stud that corresponds with the garment. In this way the fastening device appears to be part of the garment in use.

It is appreciated a wearer may have a selection of fastening devices for use with different garments. In some instances a garment may be sold with a fastening device in the style of the garment.

In preferred embodiments one first part may be provided with a plurality of different second parts, each having different decorative portions so that a wearer may select the second part with the decorative portion they wish to wear with their garment. In this way one first part can be used with multiple second parts.

In an alternative embodiment the decorative portion may be displaceable from the second part so that the decorative portion can be removed and exchanged with a different decorative portion. In this way a user may have one first part, one second part and a selection of decorative portions so as to be able to change the appearance on the fastening device whilst in use. Therefore the second part may be formed from two pieces, a body and the decorative portion.

For example the decorative portion may be screwed, clipped or attached by magnets onto the body to form the second part. In this way the wearer is readily able to change the decorative portion.

The connection of the first part to the second part by engagement means enables the first part to be spaced apart from the second by means of the pin so as to accommodate different thicknesses of material.

Preferably the engagement means comprises a male pin (provided on the first part) and female catch (provided on the second part) wherein the base includes a pin that is accepted by the aperture on the body so as to engage the base with the body by means of the pin.

In preferred embodiments the second part or body may include an insert through which the pin passes to permit engagement of the parts.

Preferably the insert is resiliently deformable so as to be capable of deformation as the pin is inserted through the insert to the aperture. Advantageously the insert provides improved engagement between the pin and aperture as the insert provides increased friction on the pin thus limiting movement of the pin and thereby reducing the likelihood of dislodgement during use.

Ideally the insert includes an aperture for receiving the pin wherein the aperture deforms so as to accept the pin tightly. Therefore for example the aperture in the insert may be slightly smaller than the pin shaft diameter so that the insert must deform to accept the pin.

The insert may be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or other similar material such as rubber, silicone or other elastomer.

The insert may have a Shore hardness within a range of 0 to 200 and preferably within a range of 0 to 150.

For example the insert may be formed from a TPE with a Shore hardness in the range of Shore A, 20 to 90. In preferred embodiments the insert has a Shore hardness of 80.

The insert may be cylindrical having a central aperture for receiving the pin so as to engage with the pin along its length whether partially or fully inserted into the body.

In this way the insert may provide a resiliently deformable core to the second part through which the pin passes when secured to the second part.

The insert ideally deforms to receive the pin so that the insert fits snugly about the pin so as to hold it firmly in place.

In some embodiments the insert may comprise the catch.

In preferred embodiments the distal end of the pin is adapted to permit piercing or localised displacement of the material of the garment through which it passes during use.

Typically the distal end of the pin has a point sufficiently small to enter and pass between fibres in a garment, and ideally the shaft of the pin is also of a relatively small diameter so as to pass readily through the garment without causing damage to the garment.

Therefore the pin is passed through fabric and into the second part of the device comprising the body and the decorative portion so that the first part and second part become connect with the fabric arranged between the parts.

Preferably the pin has a smooth outer surface to as to permit smooth passage of the pin through the material without being snagged. Typically the pin shaft is of a constant diameter.

In some alternative embodiments the pin shaft diameter may be variable along the shaft length.

In some embodiments the pin shaft includes indentations for engaging with the second part.

In some embodiments the indentation may assist with passing the pin through the fabric/material.

In some embodiments a plurality of indentations along the shaft length may be provided so that a plurality of positions at which the pin can be inserted to relative to the second part. Advantageously the aforementioned features and shaft variations enable progressive fitting of the pin to the second part.

In this way the device is useful as a temporary fastening means on a variety of garments formed of different materials and thicknesses of material.

In preferred embodiments the pin shaft has a length of at least 5 mm and preferably at least 7mm.

The pin length may be provided in a selection of lengths between 5mm to 20mm.

The second part of the device can therefore be fitted at a variety of positions along the shaft so as to provide a range of positions wherein the space between the first and second parts can be varied so as to accommodate different thickness of material.

In some further embodiments the pin may be articulated to as to be moveable relative to the base and therefore to permit the decorative portion to be displaced in various orientations. For example the pin may be attached to the base by means of a hinge.

In some other embodiments the engagement means comprises or includes ferromagnetic parts or areas, wherein the second part is held in place for example by magnetic forces, in addition to or alternative to the pin and catch.

Preferably the body is smaller in diameter than both the base and decorative portion.

Typically the base is larger in diameter so as to increase effective area of the device; and the decorative portion is greater in diameter so as to decrease visibility of the body and/ol base during use. Therefore the body may be sized dependent on the size of decorative portion that is appropriate for the garment.

It is appreciated that the fastening device may be provided in a range of sizes so as to be suitable for a selection of different garments.

Preferably the fastening device is substantially of cylindrical form with rounded edges therefore having no sharp edges that can be exposed to a wearer in use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a holder for storage of multiple fastening devices. Typically a set of devices are provided for in a set.

Preferably the holder is substantially planar and comprises a plurality of seats for devices wherein each seat comprising a through-hole, through which the pin passes in use. This enables the first and second parts to be position either side of the holder and then connected so that the devices are displayed and stored on the holder.

Ideally the holder is disc shaped with rounded edges having four seats for receiving four fastening devices.

Typically the holder has a diameter of at least 50mm and preferably at least 67mm.

Therefore the holder can be easily stored and transported.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1 show side, isometric and exploded isometric views of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention, respectively; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1; Figures 3 show an isometric view and a side view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention, respectively; Figures 4 show an isometric view and a side view of a third embodiment of the device according to the present invention, respectively; Figures 5 show an isometric view and a side view of a fourth embodiment of the device according to the present invention, respectively; and Figures 6 show an isometric view and a side view of an embodiment of the device transport apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures 1 to 5 there are shown embodiments of the fastening device 100 comprising a first part 20 and a second part 30.

The first part 20 comprises a base 1, with planar face which is glossy and hypoallergenic for contact with a user's skin.

The base 1 is disc shaped having a flat face 11 and rounded edges 6 to avoid snag hazards or other discomforts.

The base 1 supports a projecting pin 2. The pin 2 comprises an indentation 7 and an end 8. The pin has a constant diameter.

The end 8 is in the form a point suitable for passing through material.

The pin 2 includes an indentation 7. The indentation 7 and end 8 are chamfered, wherein the end is enabled to push through material and/or fabric so as to permit the pin 2 to engage with the second part 30.

The indentation 7 aids with securing the pin to the second part 30.

The end 8 allows pin to be readily pushed through the material under urging.

The second part 30 includes an insert 10 (Figure 2). The insert 10 has an aperture 9 through which the pin passes in use.

The insert 10 has a chamfered opening 12 so as to guide the pin into the aperture 9.

The insert 10 is formed from a resiliently deformable material so that is deforms as the pin 2 is inserted. In this way the insert can reform behind the end 8 and in the indentation 7, so as to limit return movement except under urging.

The parts 20, 30 are spaced apart when engaged, wherein a length of the pin 2 is visible (Figure 1A, Figure 4b). In this way the parts are not liable to pinch or deform fabric held therebetween, and so cause unhelpful ruching, wherein said ruching is liable to cause greater discretion problems by providing non-standard folds and deformations liable to lead to gaping.

In order to aid with this the two spaced apart surfaces, the base 1 and the corresponding face of the second part 20 are planar, arrange parallel in use and are of similar sizes.

The second part 30 has a section of reduced diameter 3 (Figure 2) relative to the diameter of decorative portion 4.

The outer face of the second part 30 includes the decorative portion 5.

In Figures 1 and 2 the decorative portion 5 is in the form of a crystallised formation.

In Figure 3 the decorative portion 5 is in the form of a button.

In Figure 4 the decorative portion is Sin the form of a flower.

In FigureS the decorative portion 5 is in the form of a button.

In Figures 6 a plurality of devices 100 are shown for storage or transport, provided on a fastening device holder 200.

The holder 200 comprises a plurality of seats 40 for devices, each seat comprising a through-hole 45, through which the pin is passed in use, so as to allow the parts 20, to be engaged, and consequently held onto the holder 200.

The holder 200 is disc shaped with rounded edges having four seats 40.

With use of this apparatus a variety of devices may be transported and/or stored for use according to clothing, preference or situation. Further embodiments may have more or less seats.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, suitable modifications and equivalents are considered to fall within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

Claims 1. A fastening device comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the first part comprises a planar base and a pin projecting from the base and away from the user in use, and the second part includes at least one aperture adapted to engage with the pin by engagement means wherein the second part has a decorative portion arranged on an outer face in use.
2. A fastening device according to claim 1 wherein the body includes an insert arranged about the aperture.
3. A fastening device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the engagement means comprises a male pin and female catch.
4. A fastening device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the pin has a substantially smooth outer surface to prevent damage to material through IC, which it i5 Passed: . . .
5. A fastening device according to any preceding claim wherein the pin cf 20 comprises a constant shaft diameter.N-6. A fastening device according to any preceding claim wherein the pin includes O a plurality of indentations to permit engagement of the body at various positions relative to the pin.7. A fastening device according to any preceding claim wherein the body is reduced in diameter between a rear portion and the decorative portion.8. A fastening device according to any preceding claim wherein the decorative portion is greater in diameter so as to decrease visibility of the body and/or base.9. A fastening device according to any preceding claim wherein the base is disc shaped.10. A fastening device according to any preceding claim wherein the body is disc shaped.11. A fastening device according to any preceding claim wherein the pin length is at least 5mm.12. A holder for holding a fastening device according to claims ito 11.13. A fastening device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.