GB2527537A

GB2527537A - Swatch

Info

Publication number: GB2527537A
Application number: GB1411243.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Iain Dulley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-25
Filing date: 2014-06-25
Publication date: 2015-12-30
Also published as: GB201411243D0

Abstract

A magnetic connector 10 for connecting together swatches 102 comprises a first engagement formation on one side, a second engagement formation on the other side and a magnet 106. At least parts of the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation are substantially complementary in shape. The swatches are substantially planar samples. The connector permits multiple swatches to be removably fastened with each other, to form custom sets of swatches. Generally, the shape of the engagement formations constrains in some way the relative movement of swatches with respect to each other. This may be to constrain it to rotational movement to permit the swatches to be fanned out. The connector may be adhered to the swatches, e.g. by an adhesive pad 104. Alternatively the connector may be formed in two parts with the swatch clamped between, e.g. the two parts being magnetic.

Description

SWATCH

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a swatch and a swatch system. Embodiments of the present invention relate more particularly but not exclusively to a swatch system comprising a plurality of swatches and to a method for displaying samples of material.

Background

It is a well-established practice to provide samples of textiles or colours. The samples, otherwise known as a swatches, are usually comprised of a piece of cloth or fabric taken from an existing textile. The swatch is designed to represent the textile, for example, the swatch may comprise a sample of a material intended for carpets, curtains, upholstery, tiles, garments or the like. The swatch may also comprise a sample of paint or pigment, usually created by applying the paint or pigment to a piece of material to represent a larger painted or pigmented area.

For designers, the use of swatches plays a significant part in the design process. They enable a designer to view, compare and demonstrate the different materials, textures and colours that will be used in their work in real terms, before the full design is carried out. Swatches also enable the designer to ensure that a chosen textile is complementary in size, colour and scale to the materials they already have before making a purchase.

Particularly in the textile industry, designers are often required to have to hand a collection of textiles for current and future projects. Swatches can be used to provide a system for organising and creating an inventory of existing textiles, negating the need to search through multiple large rolls of material in storage. Swatches can also be used to illustrate how colours, patterns and textures will appear on real fabric, which may differ from digital or paper versions of the textile design or fabric.

Swatches are also particularly important for sales purposes and are presented to potential customers to help them to make a decision before they purchase a larger quantity of the textile or paint. Swatches are both visual and tactile and can be compared or arranged side by side or against the design object in question before making a decision to purchase.

It is common for textile or paint manufacturers to provide books compiling many swatches. This enables the salesperson to present the swatches to the potential customer without having to purchase or have to hand multiple large rolls of material or large pots of paint.

As well as being able to compare a selection of swatches side by side, it is often desired to view and compare textile or colour swatches individually and remote from the distractions of display products or other swatches Swatches, containing mainly hard material finishes, can also be used by product design and industrial design consultancies, internal design teams and individual design engineers who need to communicate finishes, colour and texture options to their clients and within their team and organisation.

Historically, sample books and swatch systems are fixed in nature, where individual sheets containing a particular finish option are permanently affixed to the swatch book and cannot be easily removed or re-ordered. Samples cannot be easily separated and stacked in order of preference. Selected sample sheets from different ranges cannot be combined to create a unified final selection' swatch, for example interior design schemes containing curtain, wallpaper, carpet samples -or-consumer product design schemes containing injection mould textures, powder coat and paint finishes.

A modular swatch system that permits such flexibility would be particularly useful during the development of say, a consumer product design or interior design scheme for example. Such an innovation would create a fluid and evolving code based manufacturing system where designers, clients and end manufacturers work to a unified set of material finish and texture options defined by the swatch system.

Summary of Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a swatch comprising a substantially planar sample and a magnetic connector for connecting the swatch to another swatch, wherein the connector presents a first engagement formation on one side and a second engagement formation on the other side, at least parts of the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation being substantially complementary in shape.

This structure permits multiple swatches having the same structure to be removably engaged with each other, to form custom sets of swatches. Such removable engagement is achieved by way of the magnetic connector. The first engagement formation of one of the multiple swatches is able to engage with the second engagement formation of another of the multiple swatches because they are, at least in part, complementary in shape with respect to each other.

Generally, the complementary shape of the engagement formations constrains in some way the relative movement of swatches with respect to each other. This may be to constrain it to rotational movement (to permit the swatches to be fanned out), to a particular linear movement, or in several other ways as will be explained below. It will be appreciated that the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation may in some examples be wholly complementary in shape, such that when they are in engagement there is substantially no free space between them, while in other examples only part of the first engagement formation may be complementary with a corresponding part of the second engagement formation, such that when they are in engagement there may be free space between the formations.

The connector may extend through the sample to present the first engagement formation at one side of the sample and the second engagement formation at the other side of the sample.

Alternatively, the connector may be in two parts separated from each other by the sample.

The connector may comprise a rim around the periphery of the connector at one side of the sample, the connector being fixed to the sample via the rim. The rim may be fixed to the sample using an adhesive.

The connector may extend through an opening in the sample, and the opening and the part of the connector which extends into the opening when the connector and the sample are fixed together may be shaped to inhibit rotation of the sample with respect to the connector. This enables the manufacture/assembly of the swatch to take place such that the connector has a known and predetermined orientation with respect to the sample.

The connector may comprise first and second parts, the first part being provided on the one side of the sample and carrying the first engagement formation and the second part being provided on the other side of the sample and carrying the second engagement formation. One or both of the first and second parts are magnetic. The first and second parts may be connected together through an opening in the sample, each of the first and second parts comprising a rim, the sample being trapped between the rims of the first and second parts to prevent the sample from being detached from the connector. Preferably, the sample is clamped between the rims of the first and second parts.

The connector may comprise an adjuster for adjusting the separation between the first and second parts. This enables the connector to be used for any a sample of any thickness within an adjustment range of the adjuster. Preferably, the adjuster is a screw-threaded connection between the first and second parts.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a swatch system, comprising a plurality of swatches, each swatch comprising a substantially planar sample and a magnetic connector for connecting the swatch to another of the swatches, wherein the connector presents a first engagement formation at one side of the sample and a second engagement formation at the other side of the sample, at least parts of the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation being substantially complementary in shape; wherein the first and second swatches are held together by magnetic attraction between the connectors, and relative movement between the first and second swatches in the plane of the samples is constrained by the complementary shape of the connectors.

The first engagement formation and the second engagement formation of each of the first and second swatches may be shaped to permit the first and second swatches to be rotated with respect to each other. In some embodiments, for example where oval formations are used, the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation of each swatch are shaped such that when the first and second swatches are rotated with respect to each other they are urged apart. This makes it easier to then separate the two samples from each other (because the magnetic attraction between them is lessened by the separation induced by the rotation).

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of displaying swatches of material, the method comprising engaging a magnetic connector with a substantially planar sample to form a swatch, wherein the connector presents a first engagement formation on one side and a second engagement formation on the other side, the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation being substantially complementary in shape.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a swatch comprising a substantially planar sample and a magnetic connector, wherein the connector presents a first engagement formation on one side of the sample and a second engagement formation on the other side of the sample, each of the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation being shaped to be engageable with an engagement formation of another swatch.

In this case the formations may not be complementary in shape, although they may be part-complementary (that is, portions of the engagement formations may be mutually complementary).

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a swatch system which comprises a first swatch and a second swatch each according to the preceding aspect, wherein the first engagement formation of the first swatch is shaped to be engageable with the second engagement formation of the second swatch. The first engagement formation and the second engagement formation of each of the first and second swatches may be shaped to permit the first and second swatches to be rotated with respect to each other. This enables the swatches to be fanned out for easy viewing.

Preferably, the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation of each swatch are shaped such that when the first and second swatches are rotated with respect to each other beyond a predetermined angular separation, the first and second swatches are urged apart. This allows fanning up to a certain point, but enables the user to separate the swatches by rotating beyond that point, whereupon the swatches and in paiticular the connectors are urged apart, weakening the magnetic attraction between the connectors and making full separation easier.

The first engagement formation of each swatch may comprise one or more shelves, and the second engagement formation of one of the first and second swatches may ride up the one or more shelves when the swatches are rotated with respect to each other beyond the predetermined angular separation. It will be appreciated that other structures may achieve the same, or a similar, effect.

The first engagement formations may be substantially complementary in shape to the second engagement formations. The first engagement formation of each of the first and second swatches may be convex and the second engagement formation of each of the first and second swatches may be concave. The convex engagement formation may comprise a plateau, and the concave engagement formation may comprise a depression of complementary shape to the plateau. Preferably, the edges of the plateau and depression are bevelled, to provide for a smoother action.

The first and second engagement formations may have a substantially circular footprint, readily permitting rotation of swatches with respect to each other. The first and second engagement formations may comprise one or more complementary sub-formations disposed at one or more angular positions around the axis of rotation of the first and second engagement formations, wherein when the sub-formations of the first swatch are engaged with sub-formations of the second swatch, rotation of the first and second swatches with respect to each other in the plane of the samples is inhibited. This provides for improved control over a fanning action with the swatches, and causes the swatches to tend to be retained in an orientation in which the sub-formations of adjacent swatches are engaged with each other. This is particularly useful while the swatch system is being carried around when it is undesirable for it to accidentally fan out.

In an alternative embodiment, the first and second engagement surfaces have a non-circular footprint. With a non-circular footprint, rotation can be expected to cause the connectors to be urged apart, facilitating separation, and also the connectors can be expected to be retained in a particular position or orientation (or one of several in the case of symmetrical shapes).

Preferably, the non-circular footprint is oval, which provides for a smooth action when separating adjacent swatches.

It will be appreciated that such a swatch system may provide first and second swatches which are held together by magnetic attraction between the connectors, and relative movement between the first and second swatches in the plane of the samples is constrained by the complementary shape of the connectors.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a swatch system, comprising a plurality of swatches, each swatch comprising a substantially planar sample and a magnetic connector for connecting the swatch to another of the swatches, wherein the connector presents a first engagement formation at one side of the sample and a second engagement formation at the other side of the sample; wherein the first engagement formation of the first swatch is held in engagement with the second engagement formation of the second swatch by magnetic attraction between the connectors, and relative movement between the first and second swatches in the plane of the samples is constrained to a rotational movement when the first engagement formation of the first swatch is engaged with the second engagement formation of the second swatch.

Description of the Example Embodiments

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 a-c schematically illustrate a connector for a swatch according to an embodiment of the present invention, the connector comprising circular engagement formations; Figures 2a and 2b schematically illustrate a connector for a swatch according to an embodiment of the present invention, the connector comprising oval engagement formations; Figures 3 a-d schematically illustrate alternative engagement formations for the connector of a swatch according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 schematically illustrates an exploded view of a swatch according to an embodiment of the present invention, the swatch comprising the connector shown in figures 1 a-c; Figure 5 schematically illustrates a plan view of the swatch shown in figure 4; Figure 6 schematically illustrates a cross section A-A of the swatch shown in figure 5; Figure 7 schematically illustrates a swatch system comprising three swatches, each comprising the connector shown in figures 1 a-c; Figure Ba schematically illustrates a cross section of the swatch system shown in figure 7; Figure Sb is an enlarged illustration of part of the swatch system circled in figure 8a; Figure 9 schematically illustrates the cross section of a swatch comprising first and second parts, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures ba and lOb schematically illustrates the cross section of a swatch comprising first and second parts according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the distance between the first and second parts can be adjusted according to the thickness of the sample of material; and Figure 11 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the swatch shown in figure 9.

Referring to figures la-c, there is shown a connector 10 of a swatch according to an embodiment of the present invention. The connector 10 is intended to be incorporated in a sample of material (e.g. of fabric, plastic or metal) to enable the sample to be connected to one or more other samples (each of which also have a connector 10). The combination of sample and connector are referred to herein as a swatch. An example of a set of samples held together by connectors 10 is shown in Figure 7 for example. The connectors 10 are intended to hold the samples together (by magnetism) and constrain their relative movement (mechanically), in a manner described in detail below. Figure la shows the connector 10 as seen from above, Figure lb provides a side view of the connector 10 and a close up of part of that side view, and Figure ic shows the connector 10 as seen from below. The connector 10 is (in this example) substantially circular and planar, and comprises a circular aperture 12 in the centre. In use, a magnet or magnetic part may be inserted and fixed within the aperture 12 (not shown) so that the connector is magnetically attracted to a further connector of another swatch. The connector also comprises a circular engagement formation 14 on one face that is substantially concave and a complementary circular engagement formation 16 on the opposing face that is substantially convex. The convex engagement formation 16 comprises a plateau, and the concave engagement formation comprises a depression 14 of complementary shape to the plateau. The edges of the plateau and the depression are bevelled, permitting easier and smoother engagement between the plateau (of one swatch) and the depression (of another swatch).

In use, the complementary shape of the circular engagement formations 14, 16 means that the convex engagement formation 16 of one connector 10 may fit together with the concave engagement formation 14 of another identical (or substantially similar) connector (not shown).

Due to the complementary shape of the circular engagement formations 14, 16, and its circular footprint, the two connectors 10 can be rotated relative to each other in the plane of the connectors, about an axis at the centre of the engagement formations 14, 16. It will be appreciated that the engagement formations are not intended to hold the connectors together, since this is achieved by the magnetic attraction between the connectors of adjacent swatches, but are instead intended to control the position and/or orientation of the swatches with respect to each other. While in this case the engagement formations 14, 16 are shaped so that the convex engagement formation 16 of one swatch will sit within and conform closely to the concave engagement formation 14 of another swatch, this need not necessarily be the case.

While the convex and concave formations should be shaped and dimensioned to engage with each other in a manner which constrains relative movement of the samples -preferably to prevent or inhibit linear movement in the plane of the samples but permit rotation of the samples with respect to each other, this does not necessary require them to be shaped such that they fit together with no gaps between them.

The engagement formations 14, 16 further comprise three complementary sub-formations or pips 20 that are substantially oblong (in this example, although other shapes and structures could provide an equivalent function). The sub-formations 20 are concave when viewed from the top face of the connector and convex when viewed from the bottom face of the connector.

This construction can be achieved by stamping for example. The sub4ormations 20 are disposed within the circular concave and convex engagement formations 14, 16 at equally spaced radial angles (in the present example with 1200 between each sub-formation 20). In use, the sub-formations 20 of the connector 10 engage with corresponding and complementary shaped sub-formations of a further identical connector. When so-engaged, the sub-formations of the two connectors inhibit rotation of the connectors with respect to each other.

Furthermore, when the two swatches are rotated with respect to each other, the sub-formations will provide tactile feedback when the swatches are rotated to a position at which the sub-formations of the two swatches engage. It will be appreciated that the sub-formations 20 do not actually prevent rotation, but merely inhibit it. In order words, the amount of torque (rotational force) required to rotate two swatches with respect to each other when the sub-formations 20 are engaged is greater than when the sub-formations 20 are not engaged. When the connectors 10 are forced to rotate with respect to each other, the sub-formations 20 are forcibly disengaged and rotation of one connector with respect to the other is permitted. After 120° of rotation the sub-formations are re-engaged with a further sub-formation. The sub-formations 20 enable the user to set the radial position of one connector 10 with respect to another connector at one of three predetermined radial angles (0°, 120°, 240°) by engaging the sub-formations of the two connectors 10. It will be appreciated that if the sub-formations 20 were to be set at different angular separations, greater or fewer predetermined engagement positions can be provided.

The connector 10 further comprises a rim or flange 18 around the periphery of the connector 10.

In use, it is envisaged that the convex engagement formation 16 of the connector 10 will extend through an opening in a sample of material (not shown). The rim 18 can be used to fix the connector 10 to the sample of material using an adhesive such as glue, an adhesive pad or other suitable means.

The connector 10 further comprises an alignment formation 22. In use, it is envisaged that the combined footprint of the convex engagement formation 16 and alignment formation 22 will be complementary to the shape of the opening in the sample of material (not shown). The alignment formation 22 guides the user to insert the connector 10 through the opening in the sample of material (not shown) and fix the connector 10 in place with the correct orientation so that the sub-formations 20 are aligned in a particular desired position with respect to the sample of material. This means that when the connector 10 is engaged with a further identical connector with the same orientation, the sub-formations 20 of the two connectors will engage so that the samples of material will also be orientated in the same position such that they are stacked' above each other.

Referring to figures 2a and 2b, there is shown a connector 50 of a swatch according to another embodiment of the present invention. The connector 50 is substantially circular and planar, and comprises a circular aperture 52 in the centre. In use, a magnet or magnetic part may be inserted and fixed within the aperture 52 (not shown) so that the connector is magnetically attracted to a further connector. The connector 50 comprises an oval engagement formation 54 on the top face that is substantially concave and a complementary oval engagement formation 56 on the opposing face that is substantially convex.

In use, when the concave engagement formation 54 of one connector 50 is engaged with the convex engagement formation 56 of a further identical (or substantially similar) connector, the oval shape of the engagement formations 54, 56 prevents the connectors 50 from rotating with respect to one another in a single plane. In an aligned position, with the samples of two swatches being stacked one above the other, the convex oval formation of one of the connectors will be in close engagement with the concave oval formation of the other connector, and the swatches will be in close proximity. When the connectors 50 are rotated with respect to each other, the complementary oval engagement formations 54, 56 will be forced to disengage and the two connectors 50 will be forced apart from each other out of their original plane. The complementary oval engagement formations 54, 56 will re-engage when the two connectors are rotated to 1800 with respect to each other. The oval engagement formations 54, 56 therefore allow two connectors that are magnetically attracted to each other and in engagement to be more easily separated from each other. It will be appreciated that, in order that the rotation of the connectors can cause the oval engagement formations 54, 56 to disengage, the edges of at least one, and preferably both, of the oval engagement formations 54, 56 should be angled, or bevelled. In addition to the benefit of making it easier to disengage two swatches from each other, the oval shape effectively defines an orientation (between two swatches) which the swatches will naturally be retained in -since the combination of the magnetic attraction and the oval shape results in resistance to rotation of the connectors when they are in this orientation.

Normally this orientation will be such that the swatches are aligned and stacked one above the other.

The connector 50 further comprises a rim 58 around the periphery of the connector 50. In use, it is envisaged that the convex engagement formation 56 of the connector 10 will extend through a complementary opening in a sample of material (not shown). The rim 58 can be used to fix the connector 50 to the sample of material using an adhesive such as glue, an adhesive pad or other suitable means.

The connector 50 may be inserted through the opening in a sample of material and fixed such that the oval engagement formations 54, 56 is orientated at a predetermined angle with respect to the sample of material. It is envisaged that when a further connector with a sample of material orientated at a different predetermined angle is engaged with the connector 50, the samples of material may be disposed at differing radial angles with respect to each other i.e. they are separated (fanned out) not stacked in order to display the samples more effectively.

The samples can then be readily separated by rotating the connectors and disengaging the oval engagement formations 54, 56.

Referring to figures 3a-d, there are shown alternative engagement formations 64, 66 for a connector (not shown) of a swatch according to another embodiment of the present invention. It will be appreciated that although only the engagement formations 64, 66 are shown, these formations will be presented on the bottom and top face of a connector (not shown) that is similar to connectors 10 and 50. The engagement formation 64 present on the top face of the connector is substantially concave and compilses a depression with bevelled edges and ramp formations along two opposite sides of the depression. The engagement formation 66 present on the bottom face of a further connector comprises a substantially oblong protrusion with a flat plateau, two opposing straight edges and two opposing curved edges. The edges of the oblong protrusion may also be bevelled. The depression of the engagement formation 64 has the footprint of a circle with two opposed straight edges. It will be appreciated that the formation 64 could be provided on the bottom face of the connector while the formation 66 could be provided on the top face of the connector.

In use, the engagement formation 66 is complementary to a region of the concave engagement formation 64 such that the connector 60 and further connector rotate in a plane while the engagement formation 66 is within this region. The complementary shapes of the engagement formations 64, 66 allow the connector 60 and a further identical connector to be rotated in the plane with respect to each other in the complementary region as shown in figures 3b and 3c.

However, when the connectors 60 are rotated such that the engagement formation 66 is rotated out of the complementary region, the connectors will be forced out of their original plane of rotation as the engagement formation 66 rides up the ramps at the edges of engagement formation 64, as shown in figure 3d.

In this particular embodiment, starting with the straight edges of the engagement formation 66 aligned parallel to the straight edges of the engagement formation 64 in the centre of the complementary region, the engagement formations 64, 66 allow the connectors 60 to rotate in the plane from 0 -20° in either direction. At angles in the range 20-160° (in either direction), the inclined sides of the depression engagement formation 64 are not complementary to the curved inclined edges of the protrusion engagement formation 66 hence the connectors will be forced apart and will not rotate with respect to each other in their original plane.

Advantageously, this means that two connected swatches can be rotated with respect to each other up to an angular separation of 40° without the swatches being forced apart, and without experiencing the increased resistance to rotation which will be experienced when the formation 66 starts to climb the ramps of the formation 64. This enables the user to readily fan out multiple connected samples such that each sample is separated from the next by up to 40°.

The additional resistance to rotating adjacent samples further than 40° from each other serves to control the amount of fanning which occurs. If the user then wishes to separate the swatches, adjacent swatches can then be rotated beyond 40° with respect to each other to urge them apart, reduce the strength of the magnetic attraction between them, and thus make it easier to separate them. It will be appreciated that the formations shown in Figure 3 are merely one example of a pair of formations which are shaped to interact in such a way that rotation within a plane is permitted within a certain angular extent, and that beyond that angular extent the connectors are urged apart.

It is envisaged that one or both of the engagement formations 64, 66 may comprise a magnet or be made of a ferromagnetic material.

Referring to figure 4, there is shown an exploded view of a swatch 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The swatch 100 comprises an oblong planar sample of material 102 that has an opening 103 at one end and a connector 10 as shown in figures la-c that is arranged to extend through the opening 103 in the sample of material 102. It will be appreciated that the swatch system described herein is not limited to any particular shape or material of swatch, but that the swatch should be generally planar/flat. The opening 103 is complementary in shape to the combined footprint of the convex engagement formation 16 and the alignment formation 22. In other words, the opening 103 comprises a circular cut-out for receiving the convex engagement formation, and a notch for receiving a tab in the connector. In use, the connector 10 is fixed to the sample of material 102 with an adhesive pad 104 that is circular and has a substantially identical opening to the opening 103 such that it extends around the circumference of the opening 103. The adhesive pad is sandwiched between the rim 18 on the connector 10 and the sample of material 102.

The swatch 100 further comprises a magnet 106 arranged to sit in the central aperture 12 of the connector 10. The magnet 106 allows the swatch 100 to be held in engagement by magnetic attraction with a further swatch having an identical or similar connector and magnet. It will be appreciated that, in principle, only a subset of the swatches may include magnets.

It is envisaged that a planar identification code label (not shown) may also be sandwiched and/or fixed between the rim 18 of the connector 10 and the planar sample of material 102 such that part of the label with the identification code is visible beyond the rim 18.

Referring to figure 5, there is shown a swatch 100 as viewed from above. The connector 10 extends through the opening 103 in the sample of material 102 and the rim 18 of the connector 10 is fixed to the sample with an adhesive pad 104 as explained above. A magnet 106 is located in the central aperture 12 of the connector 10.

Referring to figure 6, there is shown a cross section A-A of the swatch 100 shown in figure 5.

The connector 10 extends through the opening 103 in the sample of material 102. The adhesive pad 104 is sandwiched between the rim 18 of the connector and the sample of material 102 to fix them together. A magnet 106 is fixed in the central aperture 12 of the connector 10. The concave engagement formation 14 on the top face can be seen to be substantially complementary to the convex engagement formation 16 on the bottom face. The edges of the plateau of the engagement formation 14 and the depression of the engagement formation 16 are bevelled, facilitating easy joining, rotation and separation.

One of three elongate sub-formations 20 is visible in the cross section. The sub-formation 20 as viewed from the bottom face is complementary to the sub-formation as viewed from the top face. The alignment formation 22 is also visible.

In use, the concave engagement formation 14 of the connector 10 engages with the convex engagement formation 16 of a further connector such that they are able to rotate with respect to each other in the plane. The sub-formation 20 on the top face of the first connector 10 will also engage with the complementary sub-formation 20 on the bottom face of the further connector to constrain the two connectors 10 at a predetermined radial angle. When like sub-formations on the two connectors are engaged, the planar samples of material 102 fixed to each connector will be aligned (stacked) with 0° of rotational separation.

The user may then rotate one connector with respect to the other connector about an axis at the centre of the connectors such that the sub-formation 20 on one connector engages with an alternative sub-formation on the other connector. Since the sub-formations 20 are spaced radially from each other at 120°, engaging alternative sub-formations 20 will allow the user to rotate the samples of material 102 and to temporarily fix their angle of rotation at 0°, 120° and 240° with respect to each other i.e. the sample of material can be fanned' out with equal distances between each sample.

Figure 7 shows a swatch system X comprising three swatches 100, 200, 300 that are held together by magnetic attraction. Each swatch has been rotated with respect to the adjacent swatch for presentation purposes. It can also be seen from Figure 7 that the swatches can be of different thicknesses, even within the same swatch system. In particular, the swatch 200is thicker than the swatches 100, 300.

Referring to figure 8, there is shown a cross section of the swatch system X. The swatch system X comprises three swatches 100, 200, 300 that are held together by magnetic attraction from the magnets 106, 206, 306 that are in contact at the centre of each connector. The top and bottom swatch 100, 300 are in the same size and are fixed to a thin sample of material 102, 302 respectively. The middle swatch 200 is fixed to a thicker sample of material 202 and hence the connector 210 is thicker in order to accommodate the thickness of the material. The concave engagement formation and convex engagement formation of the middle swatch are each engaged to the convex engagement formation of the top swatch 100 and concave engagement formation of the bottom swatch 300 respectively. It will be appreciated that the connectors can be manufactured to a desired thickness as desired, depending on the thickness of the sample of material. It will also be appreciated that a swatch system is not limited to only 3 swatches, but can include as many swatches as is desirable for the user.

Referring to figure 9, there is shown the cross section of a swatch 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the swatch 400 comprising a connector 410 with first and second parts 430, 432 and a planar sample of material 402. The first part 430 comprises a concave engagement formation 414 on the top face that is complementary to a convex engagement formation 416 on the opposing bottom face of the second part 432. The first and second parts 430, 432 each comprise a magnet 406, 407 set into the engagement formations 414, 416 that provides constant attraction between the two parts, independent of the thickness of the sample of material 402. The magnets also provide magnetic attraction between the connector 410 and a further connector e.g. the connectors 10, 210, 310 etc. The two parts 430, 432 both comprise a rim 418, 419 that extends about the opening 403 in the sample of material 402 on a top and bottom face of the material respectively. There is a screw thread 440 on the first part 430 and a complementary screw thread 442 on the second part 432 arranged so that the two parts 430,432 can be connected by being screwed together.

In use, the sample of material 402 is sandwiched between the two rims 418, 419 and clamped in place by fixing the two parts 430, 432 of the connector 410 together. The two parts of the connector 430, 432 are fixed together to clamp the sample of material 402 in place by the complementary screw threads 440,442. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the two parts may be fixed together using a clip, ultrasonic weld, adhesive or simply by relying on the integrated magnets 406, 407.

Referring to figures ba and lOb, there are shown cross sections of two swatches 500, 600 comprising first and second parts similar to the swatch 400 shown in figure 9. Connectors 510, 610 of the two swatches are identical but a sample of material 602 in Figure lOb is thicker than a sample of material 502 in Figure iDa. In figure ba, a first screw threaded part 540 attached to the first part of the connector and a second screw threaded part 542 attached to the second part of the connector are screwed together until the sample of material 502 is clamped between the respective rims of the first and second parts. The same action applies in relation to figure lOb, utilising a first screw threaded part 640 and a second screw threaded part 642. The connectors 510, 610 comprise a longer screw thread than the connector 410 which allows the user to adjust the distance between the first and second parts. This means that the connectors 510, 610 are able to accommodate samples of material with a much greater range of thicknesses. In use the first and second parts can be screwed together by an appropriate amount to clamp the sample of material 502, 602 between the rims.

Referring to figure 11, there is shown a perspective view of the swatch 400 shown in figure 9 with a thin sample of material 402. The first part of the connector 410 is visible on the top face of the sample of material 402 and the screw thread 440, 442 that joins the first and second parts of the connector is also visible. In use, it is envisaged that the user will turn the first part 430 of the connector with respect to the second part 432 of the connector such that the screw threads 440, 442 engage and draw the first part towards the second part to clamp the sample of material between the rims of the first and second parts. An adhesive (not shown) may also be used to fix the connector to the sample of material. If the sample of material is thinner than the length of the screw threads, the sample of material will not be clamped between the rims but may still be trapped in place.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are given by way of example only and that various modifications thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the first and second parts of the connector may be held together magnetically and/or mechanically (i.e. smaller magnets and/or a clip' feature may be used in place of or as well as the screw thread in the embodiments where the connector extends through the sample.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention (not shown), it is envisaged that two parts of the connector may be bonded or fixed to opposing faces of the sample of material, instead of the connector extending through an opening in the sample of material. Alternatively, the first and second parts may also be held together magnetically through the sample without the need to make an opening in the sample of material. In yet another variation the connector may extend (wrap) around the edges of the swatch, with the swatch emerging from inside the connector.

Although we have referred to top and bottom face of embodiments of the connector and swatch, it will be appreciated that the engagement formations on the connectors described may be present on either face.

Claims

Claims 1. A swatch comprising a substantially planar sample and a magnetic connector for connecting the swatch to another swatch, wherein the connector presents a first engagement formation on one side and a second engagement formation on the other side, at least parts of the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation being substantially complementary in shape.
2. A swatch according to claim 1, wherein the connector extends through the sample to present the first engagement formation at one side of the sample and the second engagement formation at the other side of the sample.
3. A swatch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the engagement formations is convex and the other of the engagement formations is concave.
4. A swatch according to claim 3, wherein the convex engagement formation comprises a plateau, and the concave engagement formation comprises a depression of complementary shape to the plateau.
5. A swatch according to claim 4, wherein the edges of the plateau and depression are bevelled.
6. A swatch according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second engagement formations have a substantially circular footprint.
7. A swatch according to claim 6, wherein the first and second engagement formations comprise one or more complementary sub-formations disposed at one or more angular positions around the circle, wherein when the sub-formations of the swatch are engaged with sub-formations of another swatch, rotation of the swatches with respect to each other in the plane of the samples is inhibited.
8. A swatch according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first and second engagement surfaces have a non-circular footprint.
9. A swatch according to claim 8, wherein the non-circular footprint is oval.
10. A swatch according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector comprises a rim around the periphery of the connector, the connector being fixed to the sample via the rim.
11. A swatch according to claim 10, wherein the rim is fixed to the sample using an adhesive.
12. A swatch according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector extends through an opening in the sample, and wherein the opening and the part of the connector which sits within the opening when the connector and the sample are fixed together are shaped to inhibit rotation of the sample with respect to the connector.
13. A swatch according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector comprises first and second parts, the first part being provided on the one side of the sample and carrying the first engagement formation and the second part being provided on the other side of the sample and carrying the second engagement formation.
14. A swatch according to claim 13, wherein one or both of the first and second parts are magnetic.
15. A swatch according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the first and second parts are connected together through an opening in the sample, each of the first and second parts comprising a rim, the sample being trapped between the rims of the first and second parts to prevent the sample from being detached from the connector.
16. A swatch according to claim 15, wherein the sample is clamped between the rims of the first and second parts.
17. A swatch according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the connector comprises an adjuster for adjusting the separation between the first and second parts.
18. A swatch according to claim 17, wherein the adjuster is a screw-threaded connection between the first and second parts.
19. A swatch according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the first part is bonded to the sample on one side and the second part is bonded to the sample on the other side.
20. A swatch system, comprising a plurality of swatches, each swatch comprising a substantially planar sample and a magnetic connector for connecting the swatch to another of the swatches, wherein the connector presents a first engagement formation at one side of the sample and a second engagement formation at the other side of the sample, at least parts of the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation being substantially complementary in shape; wherein the first and second swatches are held together by magnetic attraction between the connectors, and relative movement between the first and second swatches in the plane of the samples is constrained by the complementary shape of the engagement formations.
21. A swatch system according to claim 20, wherein the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation of each of the first and second swatches are shaped to permit the first and second swatches to be rotated with respect to each other.
22. A swatch system according to claim 21, wherein the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation of each swatch are shaped such that when the first and second swatches are rotated with respect to each other they are urged apart.
23. A method of displaying swatches of material, the method comprising engaging a magnetic connector with a substantially planar sample to form a swatch, wherein the connector presents a first engagement formation on one side and a second engagement formation on the other side, the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation being substantially complementary in shape.
24. A swatch comprising a substantially planar sample and a magnetic connector, wherein the connector presents a first engagement formation on one side of the sample and a second engagement formation on the other side of the sample, each of the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation being shaped to be engageable with an engagement formation of another swatch.
25. A swatch system comprising a first swatch and a second swatch each according to any preceding claim, wherein the first engagement formation of the first swatch is shaped to be engageable with the second engagement formation of the second swatch.
26. A swatch system according to claim 25, wherein the first engagement formation of the first swatch and the second engagement formation of the second swatch are shaped to permit the first and second swatches to be rotated with respect to each other.
27. A swatch system according to claim 26, wherein the first engagement formation of the first swatch and the second engagement formation of the second swatch are shaped such that when the first and second swatches are rotated with respect to each other beyond a predetermined angular separation, the first and second swatches are urged apart.
28. A swatch system according to claim 27, wherein the first engagement formation of each swatch comprises one or more shelves, and wherein the second engagement formation of one of the first and second swatches rides up the one or more shelves when the swatches are rotated with respect to each other beyond the predetermined angular separation.
29. A swatch or swatch system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims 19 have been filed as follows: Claims 1. A swatch comprising a substantially planar sample and a magnetic connector for connecting said swatch to another swatch, wherein the connector presents a first engagement formation on one side and a second engagement formation on the other side, at least parts of the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation being substantially complementary in shape.2. A swatch according to claim 1, wherein the connector extends through the sample to present the first engagement formation at one side of the sample and the second engagement formation at the other side of the sample.3. A swatch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the engagement formations is convex and the other of the engagement formations is concave.14') 4. A swatch according to claim 3, wherein the convex engagement formation comprises a plateau, and the concave engagement formation comprises a depression of complementary shape to the plateau.5. A swatch according to claim 4, wherein the edges of the plateau and depression are (.0 bevelled.6. A swatch according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second engagement formations have a substantially circular footprint.7. A swatch according to claim 6, wherein the first and second engagement formations comprise one or more complementary sub-formations disposed at one or more angular positions around the circle, wherein when the sub-formations of the swatch are engaged with sub-formations of another swatch, rotation of the swatches with respect to each other in the plane of the samples is inhibited.8. A swatch according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first and second engagement surfaces have a non-circular footprint.9. A swatch according to claim 8, wherein the non-circular footprint is oval.10. A swatch according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector comprises a rim around the periphery of the connector, the connector being fixed to the sample via the rim.11. A swatch according to claim 10, wherein the rim is fixed to the sample using an adhesive.12. A swatch according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector extends through an opening in the sample, and wherein the opening and the part of the connector which sits within the opening when the connector and the sample are fixed together are shaped to inhibit rotation of the sample with respect to the connector.13. A swatch according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector comprises first and second parts, the first part being provided on the one side of the sample and carrying the first engagement formation and the second part being provided on the other side of the sample and carrying the second engagement formation.14. A swatch according to claim 13, wherein one or both of the first and second parts are magnetic.15. A swatch according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the first and second parts are connected together through an opening in the sample, each of the first and second parts comprising a rim, the sample being trapped between the rims of the first and second parts to prevent the sample from being detached from the connector.16. A swatch according to claim 15, wherein the sample is clamped between the rims of the first and second parts.0 17. A swatch according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the connector comprises an (Q adjuster for adjusting the separation between the first and second parts.0. . . . 18. A swatch according to claim 17, wherein the adjuster is a screw-threaded connection between the first and second parts.19. A swatch according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the first part is bonded to the sample on one side and the second part is bonded to the sample on the other side.20. A swatch system, comprising a plurality of swatches, each swatch comprising a substantially planar sample and a magnetic connector for connecting said swatch to another of the swatches, wherein the connector presents a first engagement formation at one side of the sample and a second engagement formation at the other side of the sample, at least parts of the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation being substantially complementary in shape; wherein the first and second swatches are held together by magnetic attraction between the connectors, and relative movement between the first and second swatches in the plane of the samples is constrained by the complementary shape of the engagement formations.21. A swatch system according to claim 20, wherein the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation of each of the first and second swatches are shaped to permit the first and second swatches to be rotated with respect to each other.22. A swatch system according to claim 21, wherein the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation of each swatch are shaped such that when the first and second swatches are rotated with respect to each other they are urged apart.23. A method of connecting swatches together, the method comprising engaging a magnetic connector with a substantially planar sample to form a swatch, wherein the connector presents a first engagement formation on one side and a second engagement formation on the other side, the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation being substantially complementary in shape.24. A swatch comprising a substantially planar sample and a magnetic connector, wherein the connector presents a first engagement formation on one side of the sample and a second engagement formation on the other side of the sample, each of the first engagement formation and the second engagement formation being shaped to be engageable with an engagement formation of another swatch.0 25. A swatch system comprising a first swatch and a second swatch each according to any preceding claim, wherein the first engagement formation of the first swatch is shaped to be 0 engageable with the second engagement formation of the second swatch.26. A swatch system according to claim 25, wherein the first engagement formation of the first swatch and the second engagement formation of the second swatch are shaped to permit the first and second swatches to be rotated with respect to each other.27. A swatch system according to claim 26, wherein the first engagement formation of the first swatch and the second engagement formation of the second swatch are shaped such that when the first and second swatches are rotated with respect to each other beyond a predetermined angular separation, the first and second swatches are urged apart.28. A swatch system according to claim 27, wherein the first engagement formation of each swatch comprises one or more shelves, and wherein the second engagement formation of one of the first and second swatches rides up the one or more shelves when the swatches are rotated with respect to each other beyond the predetermined angular separation.29. A swatch or swatch system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.