GB2574839A

GB2574839A - Apparel fastener

Info

Publication number: GB2574839A
Application number: GB201810049A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Biggadike Christopher
Original assignee: Ultra Electronics Ltd
Current assignee: Ultra Electronics Ltd
Priority date: 2018-06-19
Filing date: 2018-06-19
Publication date: 2019-12-25
Also published as: WO2019243790A1; GB201810049D0

Abstract

A two-part apparel fastener 100 comprises a first part 102a having a first portion 104 of a latching mechanism and a first electrical surface 108 that is shaped so as to be laterally wipeable; and a second part 102b having a second portion 106 of the latching mechanism and a second electrical surface 110 that is shaped so as to be laterally wipeable. The fastener is moveable between an unlatched configuration in which the first and second electrical surfaces are exposed so as to permit wiping, and a latched configuration in which the first portion of the latching mechanism engages with the second portion of the latching mechanism to latch together the first and second parts, and bring the first and second electrical surfaces together to form an electrical connection therebetween. The electrical surfaces may be flush, proud, or one of them may be recessed, and may include pogo pin contacts. The contacts are easier to clean. The fastener may be used for military use.

Description

APPAREL FASTENER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of apparel fasteners and latching devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Fastening devices such as clips and buckles incorporating electrical wires and connectors are known in the state of the art. The fastening devices have two halves (a male and a female half), which when mated together complete an electrical connection across the fastening device. One such fastener is described in US 2016/0015132.

[0003] However, a recurring problem that persists with such devices is that it is very common for dirt and other contaminants to build up on the electrical connectors, thereby hindering or altogether preventing an electrical connection being formed across the fastener. Typically contaminants collect in pockets or crevices of the device, making it difficult to easily and quickly clean.

[0004] Hence, there exists a need for a fastener comprising electrical connectors that are not prone to collecting a build-up of contaminants, or are easy and quick to clean.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] A first aspect of the invention provides a two-part apparel fastener comprising: a first part having a first portion of a latching mechanism and a first electrical surface that is shaped so as to be laterally wipeable; and a second part having a second portion of the latching mechanism and a second electrical surface that is shaped so as to be laterally wipeable; the fastener being moveable between an unlatched configuration in which the first and second electrical surfaces are exposed so as to permit wiping, and a latched configuration in which the first portion of the latching mechanism engages with the second portion of the latching mechanism to latch together the first and second parts, and bring the first and second electrical surfaces together to form an electrical connection therebetween. By laterally wipeable, it is meant that an object (for example, a cloth, tool or hand) may be drawn across the surface to remove enough builtup contaminants to restore or maintain electrical and mechanical function. For example, the surface is configured such that its external form or outline contains features which either (i) do not retain dirt or contaminants, or (ii) do not prevent removal of retained dirt or contaminants by a lateral wipe. For example, the shape may be free from any recess or cavity. Alternatively, any recess or cavity present may be sufficiently shallow to permit removal of dirt or contaminants by a lateral wipe. This is a means for achieving a result of easy cleaning of the surface in question. In an embodiment, the apparel fastener may include more than two parts.

[0006] The first electrical surface may be proud of a surrounding area of the first part. The minimum width of the first electrical surface may be greater than a maximum height of the first electrical surface.

[0007] The second electrical surface may be recessed with respect to a surrounding area of the second part. The minimum width of the second electrical surface may be greater than a maximum depth of the second electrical surface.

[0008] The second electrical surface may be flush with a surrounding area of the second part. The second electrical surface may be substantially flat.

[0009] The second electrical surface may be proud of the surrounding area of the second part. The minimum width of the second electrical surface may be greater than a maximum height of the second electrical surface.

[0010] The first and second electrical surfaces may be flush with a surrounding area of the first and second parts respectively. The first and second electrical surfaces may each be substantially flat.

[0011] The surrounding area of the fastener may include the area adjacent to the electrical surface, for example, within 5mm+/-2mm of the electrical surface. The surrounding area may include regions of the fastener beyond the immediately adjacent area, for example, within 10mm or more of the electrical surface.

[0012] The first and second electrical surfaces may have complementary shapes such that, in the latched configuration, they engage with each other to form the electrical connection. By complementary, it is meant that one of the surface shapes is an inverse of the other, or that they fit together with minimal or substantially no gaps between the surfaces.

[0013] The cross-section of the first and second parts may be oval or rectangular.

[0014] Each electrical surface may have at least one electrical contact which is shaped so as to be laterally wipeable and, when the fastener is in the unlatched configuration, is exposed so as to permit wiping.

[0015] The at least one electrical contact of either the first or second electrical surface may be flush with respect to the respective electrical surface.

[0016] The at least one electrical contact of either the first or second electrical surface may be proud with respect to the respective electrical surface.

[0017] The at least one electrical contact of either the first or second electrical surface may be recessed with respect to the respective electrical surface.

[0018] The at least one electrical contact of one of the first or second electrical surface may be flush with respect to the respective electrical surface. The at least one electrical contact of the other of the first or second electrical surface may be either flush or proud with respect to the respective electrical surface.

[0019] The at least one electrical contact of one of the first or second electrical surface may be proud with respect to the respective electrical surface. The at least one electrical contact of the other of the first or second electrical surface may either be flush, recessed or proud with respect to the respective electrical surface.

[0020] The at least one electrical contact may be sprung-loaded such that, when the fastener is in the unlatched configuration, the at least one electrical contact is urged away from its electrical surface so as to further expose the at least one electrical contact. In this way, the contacts may be easier to clean.

[0021] The at least one electrical contact may be a sprung pin, for example a pogo pin.

[0022] The first part or the second part may comprise a seal which, when the fastener is in the latched configuration, surrounds the first and second electrical surfaces to prevent ingress of contaminants.

[0023] One of the first and second portions of the latching mechanism may comprise a resiliently deformable arm, and the other of the first and second portions of the latching mechanism may comprise an open channel configured to receive the resiliently deformable arm. An open channel may be a channel, tube or conduit that has at least two separate or distinct openings at opposite ends of the channel, tube or conduit.

Additionally or alternatively, an open channel may have an outlet from which contaminants are pushed out by the arm when the arm is received.

[0024] The latching mechanism may be a snap-fit latching mechanism.

[0025] A further aspect of the present invention provides a two-part apparel fastener comprising: a first part having a first portion of a latching mechanism and a first electrical surface that is either proud or flush with respect to a surrounding area of the first part; and a second part having a second portion of the latching mechanism and a second electrical surface that is either proud or flush with respect to a surrounding area of the second part; the fastener being moveable between an unlatched configuration in which the first and second electrical surfaces are exposed, and a latched configuration in which the first portion of the latching mechanism engages with the second portion of the latching mechanism to latch together the first and second parts, and bring the first and second electrical surfaces together to form an electrical connection therebetween.

[0026] Yet a further aspect of the present invention provides a two-part apparel fastener comprising: a first part having a first portion of a latching mechanism and a first electrical surface; and a second part having a second portion of the latching mechanism and a second electrical surface; wherein one of the first or second electrical surfaces is recessed with respect to a surrounding area of its respective part and a minimum width of the recess is greater than a maximum depth of the recess; the fastener being moveable between an unlatched configuration in which the first and second electrical surfaces are exposed, and a latched configuration in which the first portion of the latching mechanism engages with the second portion of the latching mechanism to latch together the first and second parts, and bring the first and second electrical surfaces together to form an electrical connection therebetween.

[0027] The aforementioned further features and advantages of the first aspect are equally applicable to, and are hereby restated in respect of, the further and yet further aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0028] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure la shows a perspective view of a fastener according to one embodiment of the present invention when the fastener is in an unlatched configuration;

[0030] Figure lb shows a perspective view of the fastener of Figure la when the fastener is in a latched configuration;

[0031] Figure 1c shows a schematic plan view of the fastener of Figure la when the fastener is in an unlatched configuration;

[0032] Figure Id shows a schematic cross-sectional plan view of the fastener of Figure la when the fastener is in a latched configuration;

[0033] Figure le shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the fastener of Figure la when the fastener is in an unlatched configuration;

[0034] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a fastener according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional plan view of a fastener according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and [0036] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a fastener according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) [0037] Referring first to Figure la, a fastener 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The fastener 100 can be used with or can be integrated into apparel, such as clothing, armour, backpacks (or other bag-type items) or belts, and in particular military apparel.

[0038] As may be seen, the fastener 100 comprises two portions 102a, 102b. The first portion 102a comprises a first portion of a latching mechanism 104, whilst the second portion 102b comprises a second portion of the latching mechanism 106. The first portion 102a further comprises a first electrical surface 108 and the second portion 102b further comprises a second electrical surface 110. The first electrical surface 108 is electrically coupled (e.g. connected) to an electrical wire or cable 112a and the second electrical surface 110 is electrically coupled (e.g. connected) to another electrical wire or cable 112b.

[0039] The electrical surfaces 108, 110 each typically comprise at least one electrical contact, through which electricity can flow, or the electrical surfaces 108, 110 may be the electrical contacts themselves. Additionally or alternatively, in an embodiment, the electrical surfaces 108, 110 may each comprise more than five, or more than ten electrical contacts. In the illustrated embodiment, fourteen electrical contacts 114 are shown on the first electrical surface 108. An equivalent number is present on the second electrical surface 110, in equivalent locations.

[0040] The first portion of the latching mechanism 104 comprises two channels 105, which are each open at both ends 115a, 115b. The second portion of the latching mechanism 106 comprises two resiliently deformable arms 116, each resiliently deformable arm 116 configured to be received by one of the channels 105 of the first portion 104, so as to move the fastener 100 from the unlatched configuration shown in Figure la to the latched configuration shown in Figure lb, in which case the fastener 100 is firmly locked together by the action of the latching mechanism (made up of portions 104, 106), which is described in more detail below.

[0041] When in the latched configuration, the first and second electrical surfaces 108, 110 are in electrical contact with one another, hence providing an electrical connection between the wires or cables 112a, 112b, in addition to the mechanical connection provided by the latching mechanism.

[0042] Each resiliently deformable arm 116 comprises at least one gripping region 118. This gripping region 118 comprises one or more ridges on an otherwise smooth surface, thereby creating friction when gripped. Although two gripping regions 118 per resiliently deformable arm 116 are shown in the illustrated embodiment, it will be appreciated that each resiliently deformable arm 116 may only comprise one gripping region 118, or more than two gripping regions 118. It is also possible to utilise resiliently deformable arms 116 with no gripping regions 118. Gripping regions 118 provide the advantage that the resiliently deformable arms are easier to grip and actuate due to the aforementioned friction.

[0043] Figure 1c further illustrates the unlatched configuration of the fastener 100. As may be seen, both of the first and second electrical surfaces 108, 110 are exposed so as to permit wiping. The exposure of each electrical surface in part means that the electrical surfaces 108, 110 are not covered. The exposure further requires careful positioning of each electrical surface 108, 110 - as may be seen, each electrical surface 108, 110 is proud of the surrounding area of the fastener 100 such that a user can laterally wipe the electrical surface clean. The surrounding area of the fastener may include the area immediately adjacent to the electrical surface, for example, within 5mm+/-2mm of the electrical surface. The surrounding area may include regions of the fastener beyond the immediately adjacent area, for example, within 10mm or more of the electrical surface. By clean it is meant that the electrical surfaces 108, 110 are sufficiently clear of dirt, contaminants or debris that, in the latched configuration, an electrical connection is maintained across the fastener 100. It is also noted that in the unlatched configuration the first and second electrical surfaces are positioned so as to be wipeable. That is, they are exposed and located in a portion of the fastener which is accessible when it is unlatched.

[0044] Though both electrical surfaces 108, 110 are shown in this embodiment as being proud of the surrounding area of the fastener, it will be appreciated that a number of other configurations may be possible. One electrical surface may be proud of its surrounding area whilst the other electrical surface is flush with its surrounding area. Alternatively, one electrical surface may be proud of its surrounding area whilst the other electrical surface is recessed with respect to the surrounding area. Alternatively, both electrical surfaces may be flush with respect to their surrounding areas. A proud electrical surface may be substantially convex. A recessed electrical surface may be substantially concave. However, in some other embodiments the electrical surfaces may have a rectangular rather than oval form, and the configurations of the electrical surfaces (e.g. concave, convex) may take analogous forms.

[0045] In addition to being exposed when unlatched, both electrical surfaces 108, 110 are also shaped so as to be laterally wipeable. The shape of the electrical surfaces 108, 110 therefore allows a user to wipe an object (for example, a tool, a cloth or their hand) laterally across the electrical surface to clean the surface such that an electrical connection can be maintained across the fastener 100 when it is transitioned to the latched configuration. The surfaces 108, 110 are substantially flat, for example, with no prominent protrusions or crevices that would impact the user's ability to clean each electrical surface 108, 110 by drawing a cloth or a hand across it. If an electrical surface

108, 110 is proud, its width may be greater than its height. Preferably the width is a minimum width and the height is a maximum height, especially in the case of irregularly-shaped electrical surfaces. If the electrical surface 108, 110 is recessed, its width may be greater than its depth. Preferably the width is a minimum width and the depth is a maximum depth, again especially if the electrical surface is irregular in shape. [0046] The electrical contacts 114 are also exposed and shaped so as to be wipeable. As with the electrical surfaces 108, 110 as a whole, the electrical contacts 114 are not covered when the fastener 100 is in the unlatched configuration, and are positioned such that a user may easily clean them with a lateral wiping motion across the electrical contacts 114. The contacts 114 are also shaped so as to permit easy wiping when the fastener 100 is in the unlatched configuration. In this respect, the contacts 114 themselves, as well as their positioning on or in the electrical surface 108, 110, do not define any protrusions or cavities that are not readily cleaned through a lateral wiping motion. For example, any protrusions or cavities are low or shallow enough to be cleared of contaminants by a lateral wipe.

[0047] Figure Id again shows the latched configuration of the fastener 100. As can be seen from the cross-section view, the two portions of the latching mechanism 104, 106 interact to lock the two portions 102a, 102b of the fastener 100 together. As discussed above, the first portion 104 comprises two channels 105, each channel 105 open at both of their opposed ends, and each channel 105 arranged to receive a resiliently deformable arm 116 of the second portion of the latching mechanism 106. Upon being brought into contact with the channels, the resiliently deformable arms 116 deform due to contact with the walls of the channels, or due to a force applied by the user. Upon being received by the channels 105, the resiliently deformable arms 116 are biased against the walls of the channels. The resiliently deformable arms 116 are each provided with a thick portion at their distal ends. This thick portion ensures that when the fastener 100 is in the latched configuration the first and second portions 102a, 102b are firmly latched together, as the resiliently deformable arms 116 cannot be simply withdrawn from the channels 105 due to the thick portions abutting the walls of the channels 105 as indicated on Figure Id by circles A and B. A force applied to the resiliently deformable arms 116 is therefore required to unlatch the fastener 100 and move it from the latched configuration to the unlatched configuration. The force is applied by the user's fingers and is directed inwards so as to move the resiliently deformable arms 116 towards the centre of the fastener 100 and towards each other. This force moves the thick portions of the resiliently deformable arms 116 away from the walls of the channels 105, and will be applied most effectively at the gripping regions 118.

[0048] To summarise, a first portion of the latching mechanism deforms to be received by a second portion of the latching mechanism. Once the first portion is fully received by the second portion, a part of the first portion snaps around a part of the second portion such that the first portion abuts the second portion, locking the two portions together. Such a latching mechanism may be referred to as a snap-fit latching mechanism.

[0049] Because the channels 105 are open at both ends, it ensures that any dirt and other contaminants collecting in the channel 105 are ejected from one end of the channel 105 by the distal end of the resiliently deformable arm 116 when the resiliently deformable arm 116 is pushed through the other end of the channel 105.

[0050] Figure le shows the view along line B-B of Figure 1c, showing the fastener 100 from the side. As can be seen, the electrical contacts 114 protrude enough from the surrounding portions of the fastener 100 that they are laterally wipeable.

[0051] As can also be seen from the side-on view, the transverse cross-section (i.e. slicing into the page for Figure le) of the fastener 100 is substantially flat (oval or rectangular, for example) compared to a square or circular cross-section. This offers the advantage that if the fastener 100 is worn against the body (of a soldier, for example), the fastener 100 is not so bulky that it digs into the soldier when they fall or throw themselves to the ground and land on the fastener 100. The fastener 100 is also generally more compact, less obstructive and has a reduced weight due to its substantially flat cross-section. The fastener 100 may be made out of plastic, as a further means of reducing harm to a user if a force is experienced. A further advantage exists in that soldiers, who may be operating in conditions with poor visibility or where time is limited, will be familiar with the somewhat intuitive operation of snap-fit fasteners, which are simple and fast to operate.

[0052] Referring now to Figure 2, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in an unlatched configuration at 200. This fastener 200 again comprises first and second portions 202a, 202b, each of the first and second portions 202a, 202b comprising first and second portions 204, 206 of a latching mechanism. When the two portions of the fastener 202a, 202b are brought together, the second portion 206 of the latching mechanism snaps over the first portion 204 of the latching mechanism to lock the fastener 200 into a latched configuration. It will be appreciated that the second portion 206 of the latching mechanism will comprise a notch or an equivalent surface structure (not shown) that, when the second portion 206 is snapped over the first portion 204, will abut against the distal edge 207 of the first portion 204, hence locking the two portions 204, 206 of the latching mechanism together.

[0053] The fastener 200 also comprises first and second electrical surfaces 208, 210 which, in the unlatched configuration, are exposed and positioned so as to permit lateral wiping, and are shaped so as to be wipeable, as discussed above. When the electrical surfaces 208, 210 are brought into contact with one another, as in the latched configuration, an electrical connection is formed across the wires 212a, 212b and the fastener 200. These electrical surfaces 208, 210 comprise electrical contacts 214 which are also exposed and shaped so as to be wipeable, as discussed above.

[0054] The second electrical surface 210 is surrounded by a seal 216, which may be rubber, that ensures no contaminants or debris can obstruct or interfere with the electrical connection when the fastener 200 is in the latched configuration. For example, in the latched configuration the seal 216 fully surrounds both the first and second electrical surfaces 208, 210. In an embodiment a similar seal may additionally or alternatively be present on the first electrical surface 208. Also, it is to be understood that a similar seal(s) may be present in the other embodiments described herein.

[0055] The second portion of the fastener 202b further comprises gripping regions 218 that allow the user to pull the two portions of the fastener 202a, 202b apart to move the fastener 200 from the latched configuration to the unlatched configuration. For example, the latch may have an unlatching force threshold such that when a force above the force threshold is applied to separate the two portions 202a, 202b , the two portions 202a, 202b are separated.

[0056] Referring now to Figure 3, a further embodiment of the present invention is shown in an unlatched configuration at 300. Again, the fastener 300 has first and second portions 302a, 302b, each with a portion of a latching mechanism 304, 306. As with the first illustrated embodiment, the first portion of the latching mechanism 304 comprises channels which are open at a first and a second end 305a, 305b, so as to receive resiliently deformable arms and prevent build-up of contaminants in the channels, by ejecting any contaminants from an end of the channel 305a by the force of the distal end of the resiliently deformable arm. The second portion of the latching mechanism 306 comprises resiliently deformable arms which each have a thick portion at the distal ends of the arm, so as to lock the fastener 300 into the latched configuration, as well as gripping regions 307 for releasing the fastener 300 into the unlatched configuration from the latched configuration.

[0057] As described with reference to the previous fasteners 100, 200, the present embodiment further comprises electrical surfaces 308, 310 and electrical contacts 312, 314, all of which are exposed (when the fastener 300 is unlatched) and shaped with respect to the rest of their respective portions in such a manner that they are laterally wipeable - the electrical surfaces 308, 310 and/or electrical contacts 312, 314 are shaped such that an object can be drawn across the surface/contact to remove enough contaminants to ensure a sufficient electrical connection is formed across the fastener 300. This may be achieved by ensuring that the surfaces/contacts are proud or flush with respect to their surrounding areas, or ensuring that one of the surfaces/contacts is recessed while the other is proud - in this case the degree of recession must be such that an object can still be wiped across the surface easily. For example, a maximum depth of the recess is less that a minimum width of the recess. The electrical contacts 312 of the first portion of the fastener 302a are sprung contacts, such that when the two portions 302a, 302b are brought together, the contacts 314 of the second portion 302b push against contacts 312, which are in turn pushed into the first portion 302a, and are thereby biased against contacts 314 by the action of springs associated with the contacts 312. In an embodiment, the sprung contacts may be pogo pins.

[0058] Finally referring to Figure 4, a further embodiment of the present invention is shown at 400. As with the previously discussed embodiments, fastener 400 comprises first and second portions of a latching mechanism 402a, 402b, electrical surfaces 404 and electrical contacts 406 which are exposed and shaped so as to be laterally wipeable, and a seal 408 surrounding an electrical surface 404 to prevent ingress of contaminants when the fastener 400 is in the latched configuration. Though the seal 408 is only illustrated as surrounding one of the electrical surfaces 404, it will be appreciated that both of the electrical surfaces 404 may be surrounded by a seal 408. Alternatively, the seal 408 may only be present on the other portion.

[0059] The embodiments described above may include first and second portions, though it is noted that neither the first nor second portion constitutes a traditional female portion of the type found in connectors and fasteners - the portions included in the disclosed embodiments must have electrical surfaces that are shaped so as to be laterally wipeable and, in the unlatched configuration, exposed so as to permit wiping. Conversely, traditional female connectors contain a recess or crevice which would collect contaminants and would not be laterally wipeable so as to remove these collected contaminants to a sufficient degree to permit an electrical and/or mechanical connection.

[0060] Where the word 'or' appears this is to be construed to mean 'and/or' such that items referred to are not necessarily mutually exclusive and may be used in any appropriate combination.

[0061] 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, one or more features of one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment to provide one or more additional embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A two-part apparel fastener, comprising:

a first part having a first portion of a latching mechanism, and a first electrical surface that is shaped so as to be laterally wipeable; and a second part having a second portion of the latching mechanism, and a second electrical surface that is shaped so as to be laterally wipeable;

the fastener being moveable between an unlatched configuration, in which the first and second electrical surfaces are exposed so as to permit wiping, and a latched configuration, in which the first portion of the latching mechanism engages with the second portion of the latching mechanism to latch together the first and second parts, and bring the first and second electrical surfaces together to form an electrical connection therebetween.

2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the first electrical surface is proud of a surrounding area of the first part.

3. The fastener of claim 2, wherein a minimum width of the first electrical surface is greater than a maximum height of the first electrical surface.

4. The fastener of any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the second electrical surface is recessed with respect to a surrounding area of the second part.

5. The fastener of claim 4, wherein a minimum width of the second electrical surface is greater than a maximum depth of the second electrical surface.

6. The fastener of any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the second electrical surface is flush with a surrounding area of the second part.

7. The fastener of claim 6, wherein the second electrical surface is substantially flat.

8. The fastener of any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the second electrical surface is proud of a surrounding area of the second part.

9. The fastener of claim 8, wherein a minimum width of the second electrical surface is greater than a maximum height of the second electrical surface.

10. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the first and second electrical surfaces are flush with a surrounding area of the first and second parts respectively.

11. The fastener of claim 10, wherein the first and second electrical surfaces are each substantially flat.

12. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the first and second electrical surfaces have complementary shapes such that, in the latched configuration, they engage with each other to form the electrical connection.

13. The fastener of any preceding claim, wherein a cross-section of the first and second parts is oval or rectangular.

14. The fastener of any preceding claim, wherein each electrical surface has at least one electrical contact which is shaped so as to be laterally wipeable and, when the fastener is in the unlatched configuration, is exposed so as to permit wiping.

15. The fastener of claim 14, wherein the at least one electrical contact of either the first or second electrical surface is flush with respect to the respective electrical surface.

16. The fastener of claim 14, wherein the at least one electrical contact of either the first or second electrical surface is proud with respect to the respective electrical surface.

17. The fastener of claim 14, wherein the at least one electrical contact of either the first or second electrical surface is recessed with respect to the respective electrical surface.

18. The fastener of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the at least one electrical contact is sprung-loaded such that, when in the unlatched configuration, the at least one electrical contact is urged away from its electrical surface so as to further expose the at least one electrical contact.

19. The fastener of claim 18, wherein the at least one electrical contact is a sprung pin.

20. The fastener of any preceding claim, wherein the first part or the second part comprises a seal which, when the fastener is in the latched configuration, surrounds the first and second electrical surfaces to prevent ingress of contaminants.

21. The fastener of any preceding claim, wherein one of the first and second portions of the latching mechanism comprises a resiliently deformable arm, and the other of the first and second portions of the latching mechanism comprises an open channel configured to receive the arm.

22. The fastener of any preceding claim, wherein the latching mechanism is a snap-fit latching mechanism.

23. A two-part apparel fastener, comprising:

a first part having a first portion of a latching mechanism, and a first electrical surface that is either proud or flush with respect to a surrounding area of the first part; and a second part having a second portion of the latching mechanism, and a second electrical surface that is either proud or flush with respect to a surrounding area of the second part;

the fastener being moveable between an unlatched configuration, in which the first and second electrical surfaces are exposed, and a latched configuration, in which the first portion of the latching mechanism engages with the second portion of the latching mechanism to latch together the first and second parts, and bring the first and second electrical surfaces together to form an electrical connection therebetween.

24. A two-part apparel fastener, comprising:

a first part having a first portion of a latching mechanism, and a first electrical surface; and a second part having a second portion of the latching mechanism, and a second electrical surface;

wherein one of the first or second electrical surfaces is recessed with respect to a surrounding area of its respective part, and a minimum width of the recess is greater than a maximum depth of the recess;