GB2582935A

GB2582935A - Improvements relating to fasteners for clothing

Info

Publication number: GB2582935A
Application number: GB1905004.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ferjanic Ana
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-04-09
Filing date: 2019-04-09
Publication date: 2020-10-14
Also published as: GB201905004D0

Abstract

A fastener 10, such as a cufflink, comprises an actuator 18 arranged to operate a selection mechanism to switch the fastener 10 between two states, the button 10 being arranged to remain in the selected state until the actuator 18 is next manipulated by a user. In a first state, the fastener is insertable through an opening in a garment, and in a second state, the fastener 10 is secured in the opening. The fastener 10 may include a main body 12 and at least one movable locking member 20. The selection mechanism may comprise two engagement members 30, 32 configured for engagement in two relative positions, each corresponding to a state of the fastener 10. A spring 76 may bias the members 30, 32 into these positions. Also disclosed are a combination of a clothing item and the fastener 10 and a method of operating the fastener 10.

Description

Improvements Relating to Fasteners for Clothing

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus and a method for securing clothing when worn by a wearer of the clothing. The apparatus is in the form of a fastener, an example of which is a cufflink fastener. However, the invention encompasses other types of fasteners for clothing, such as fasteners for modifying the shape of clothing to enable adjustment or tailoring of clothing.

Background to the Invention

Cufflinks are well-known fasteners for clothing that are used to secure a cuff of a shirt around a wearer's wrist. Typically, a standard cufflink is constituted by a decorative headpiece and an elongate body extending from the headpiece. The body is provided with means to secure the cufflink to a shirt cuff, often in the form of a bar which is pivotably mounted to the body at an end that is distant from the headpiece. To secure a cufflink to a shirt cuff, the bar is initially placed into an unsecured position in which it is aligned with the body, and the body and bar may be inserted through a hole (or in the case of a double cuff, a pair of adjacent holes) on one side of the cuff. Once through the first hole (or pair of adjacent holes), the body and bar are then fed through a corresponding hole (or in the case of a double cuff, a further pair of adjacent holes) on the other side of the cuff. The head is sized so as not to fit through the cuff holes. Once the body is pushed through both holes (or both pairs of holes) on the cuff, the bar is pivoted to a secured position in which it lies generally perpendicular to the body, in order to prevent the body from returning through the cuff holes. In this way, the cufflink secures one side of the cuff to the other, to provide a close and comfortable fit around the wearer's wrist.

The process described above for fastening a shirt cuff using a standard cufflink is difficult for a user to carry out. This is particularly the case if the user is the wearer of the shirt. The wearer is able to use only one hand to manipulate a cufflink and simultaneously manipulate the shirt cuff adjacent to the wearer's other hand. For this reason, various changes to the basic cufflink design have been proposed, with the aim of making the fitting of a cufflink to a shirt cuff easier.

In the arrangements disclosed in United States Patent No. 324,302 and United States Patent No. 327,906, the bar is replaced with a pair of arms which are each pivotably mounted at the end of the body that is distant from the head. The arms are biased by means of a spring into a secured position, in which the arms extend in opposite directions that are generally perpendicular to the body. The head of the cufflink is modified such that an upper face of the head includes a button. The button is operable to effect movement of the arms, such that each arm pivots around its pivoted end to move substantially into alignment with the body when the button is pressed. When the button is released, the spring returns the arms to a secured position. Therefore, to fit the cufflink, the user first presses and holds the button to hold the arms in alignment with the body, to allow the body and arms to be inserted through the holes of a shirt cuff. Then, once the cufflink is successfully inserted into the shirt cuff, the button is released, and the arms move to a secured position. The arms then retain the cufflink in position, in the same manner as the bar of the standard cufflink.

In the arrangements disclosed in United States Patent No. 324,302 and United States Patent No. 327,906, constant pressure must be applied to the button throughout the process of inserting a cufflink into a cuff. There is still a degree of difficulty involved because pressure must be maintained on the button while manipulating the cufflink and shirt cuff with the same hand. Furthermore, the components used in the cufflinks are difficult and expensive to manufacture.

A further modified cufflink is proposed in United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2012/0047689. In this arrangement, the arms latch into a secured position with the body when a first button located on the top of the head of the cufflink is pressed. A further pair of buttons is provided, each further button on a side of the head opposed to the other button, for the purpose of releasing the arms. When pressed together, the further buttons release the arms, to allow them to return to an unsecured position and secure the cufflink within the holes of a cuff.

However, a problem with the arrangement shown in United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2012/0047689 is that the user has to avoid pressing the side buttons while fitting the cufflink. Therefore, manipulating the cufflink and cuff with one hand remains awkward. Furthermore, with this arrangement the design of the head has to accommodate both the button on the upper face and the side button. Therefore, design freedom is restricted with this arrangement compared with standard cufflinks.

A further problem associated with clothing is that clothing is generally difficult, time-consuming and relatively expensive to tailor to individual needs or tastes. Most clothing is bought off-the-peg in standard sizes and cuts. If the owner of the clothing wishes to tailor a garment, they must unstitch and/or re-sew the garment. If the owner does not possess the skills to tailor a garment, it must be sent to a professional tailor to adjust the garment, which will deprive the owner of the garment for a period of time and add to its cost. In addition, the higher the number of different styles, sizes and cuts of a garment a manufacturer produces, the higher the cost of producing those styles, sizes and cuts.

Against this background, it is desirable to provide an improved fastener for clothing, and an improved system and method to enable clothing to be easily adjusted and/or tailored by the wearer.

Summary of the Invention

In broad terms, the invention provides a fastener arranged to be secured to clothing, the fastener comprising selection apparatus that is operable to switch the fastener between a first or 'unsecured' state and a second or 'secured' state. For example, the selection apparatus may be operable to move a locking member of the fastener between a retracted position, corresponding to the unsecured state for the fastener, and a deployed position, corresponding to the secured state for the fastener. The fastener is arranged to remain in either of the secured state or the unsecured state until the selection apparatus is next operated. The selection apparatus typically comprises a selection mechanism and an actuator by which the selection mechanism can be operated.

Accordingly, an aspect of the invention provides a fastener for clothing. The fastener comprises a selection mechanism that is operable to switch the fastener between a first state, in which the fastener is configured to be inserted through an opening in a garment, and a second state, in which the fastener is configured to be secured or retained in the opening. The fastener also comprises an actuator that is configured to be manipulated by a user to operate the selection mechanism to select between the first state and the second state. The fastener is arranged such that, when either the first state or the second state is selected, the fastener will remain in the selected state until the actuator is next manipulated. So, for example, if the fastener is in the first state, it will not switch to the second state until the actuator is manipulated.

According to a method of use of the invention, the fastener may be in the first state when it is inserted in a corresponding receiving portion of clothing, such as a buttonhole in the cuff of a shirt. The selection mechanism may then be operated to switch the fastener to the second state, thereby securing the fastener to the clothing. The fastener may be released from the clothing by subsequent operation of the selection mechanism, which switches the fastener from the second state to the first state, and then withdrawing the fastener. In this way the fastener may be selectably releasable from the clothing.

The ability to switch between the first state and the second state using the same actuator removes the need to have a plurality of separate actuators, as required in US 2012/0047689. Since the actuator performs the switch between the states, there is an increased area available to a user to support the fastener while securing the fastener to clothing, which may be by inserting it into a corresponding hole provided in clothing.

Furthermore, the invention improves design freedom in respect of decoration of the fastener.

Since the fastener remains in the state selected by the user, i.e. either the first state or the second state, after operation of the selection mechanism, a user of a fastener according to the invention is not required to maintain pressure on the actuator when securing the fastener to clothing. This provides an advantage that a fastener according to the invention is easier to manipulate and use than fasteners according to United States Patent No. 324,302 or United States Patent No. 327,906.

Therefore, the fastener of the present invention offers improved ease of use compared

with the arrangements shown in the prior art.

Preferably, the fastener may switch between the first state and the second state upon operation of the selection mechanism. In this way the fastener may be toggled between the first and second states. The fastener may be arranged to maintain the selected state, i.e. either the first state or the second state, after operation of the selection mechanism.

In the first state the components of the fastener are in an unsecured, open configuration so that the fastener may be freely inserted into or removed from a fastener hole provided in clothing. In the second state the components of the fastener are in a secured, closed configuration so that the fastener, when located in a corresponding hole in clothing, is secured to the clothing. Advantageously, when the fastener is in the second state in a fastener hole in clothing, the fastener is arranged to prevent removal of the fastener from the clothing. Preferably, the fastener is arranged to secure portions of clothing together.

The fastener may be arranged so that it switches between the first state, the second state and back again upon successive operation of the selection mechanism. Accordingly, to select the second state a user may operate the actuator when the fastener is in the first state, and to select the first state a user may operate the actuator when the fastener is in the second state. Preferably, the actuator may be a pushbutton and/or a click-button which performs the switch upon clicking of the button.

The fastener may also comprise a biasing means arranged to bias the fastener in the selected state. The biasing means may comprise a resilient means or member. A biasing force applied by the biasing means ensures that the fastener remains in the selected state. The fastener may be arranged so that the state of the fastener switches when the biasing force is overcome. The biasing force may be overcome by applying pressure to the actuator. This ensures that the fastener stays in the selected state until the actuator is next operated by the user. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator may be operated by the application and the release of pressure by a user's hand or finger. In such embodiments, manipulating the actuator comprises pressing the actuator, and releasing the actuator represents ceasing to manipulate the actuator.

According to a preferred embodiment, the fastener may comprise a main body and at least one locking member. The, or each, locking member may be an arm, for example. In such embodiments, the selection mechanism may be configured to move the, or each, locking member between defined positions so that configuring the fastener in either the first state or the second state may entail moving the, or each, locking member in response to manipulation of the actuator. For example, the fastener may be arranged such that in the first state the main body and the at least one locking member are in a first configuration, and in the second state the main body and the at least one locking member are in a second configuration.

Preferably, the main body houses at least a portion of the selection mechanism and/or the actuator.

The at least one locking member and the main body may form a locking means to secure the fastener to clothing. In this respect, the main body optionally comprises a head that is arranged to limit the movement of the fastener when secured to clothing, so that a portion of clothing may be held between the head of the main body and the at least one locking member. In this way, the fastener is prevented from passing completely through an opening in a garment. The actuator may be located on or in the head member.

In the first state the at least one locking member preferably extends in a direction corresponding to an axis of the main body to enable the portion of the fastener comprising the locking means to easily pass through a hole in the clothing. Such a direction may be parallel to the axis of the main body. In the second state the at least one locking member preferably defines an angle with an axis of the main body. The angle may be inclined to the axis of the main body or may be normal or substantially normal to the axis of the main body. Such a configuration of the at least one locking member and the main body prevents removal of the fastener from the hole.

Preferably, at least a portion of the main body is an elongate member and the axis is the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The elongate member may be in the form of a pin. Preferably, in the first state the at least one locking member lies in a direction corresponding or parallel to the axis of the elongate member.

The fastener may comprise two locking members: a first locking member and a second locking member. The first and second locking members may be arranged for complementary movement, and may comprise a pair of arms for example. In the first state, the first locking member and the second locking member may be parallel to each other, and in the second state the first locking member and the second locking member may be arranged in-line with respect to each other.

The selection mechanism may comprise a first engagement member, wherein the position of the first engagement member relative to the main body relates to the state of the fastener.

In a preferred embodiment, the first engagement member is in the form of a stem. The first engagement member may be coupled or attached to the at least one locking member. In an alternative embodiment, the first engagement member may be integral with the actuator. Axial movement of the first engagement member may result in movement of the at least one locking member.

The selection mechanism may further comprise a second engagement member, and the first engagement member may be engageable with the second engagement member. The engagement members may engage in a first relative position or a second relative position, each position corresponding to a respective state of the fastener. The selection mechanism may comprise an engagement guide for guiding the engagement members into the relative positions. The engagement guide may be in the form of a sleeve. The selection mechanism may comprise a spring to bias the first and second engagement members into engagement.

The invention also extends to a combination of a fastener according to the above aspect and an item of clothing, the item of clothing comprising at least one opening arranged to receive the fastener. The item of clothing may be trousers or jeans, and may be manufactured from denim. The fastener may be secured to the item of clothing.

The item of clothing may have two or more holes arranged so that the cut of the clothing is altered or tailored when a fastener is engaged with the two or more holes. The item of clothing may comprise a retaining hole for keeping the fastener when the fastener is not used for adjusting, altering or tailoring the clothing.

The combination according to the invention enables the wearer to tailor off-the-peg clothing to their individual needs or tastes by simply inserting a fastener in the first state into the holes, and then switching the state of the fastener from the first state to the second state to secure the fastener.

Accordingly, in another aspect, the invention provides a method of securing a fastener according to the invention to clothing. The method comprises the steps of inserting at least a portion of the fastener into at least one hole in the clothing while the fastener is in the first state, and switching the fastener from the first state to the second state. The portion of the fastener may comprise a locking means, as described above. The fastener may be removed from the clothing by switching the fastener from the second state to the first state, and removing the fastener from the hole in the clothing.

The method may be used with an item of clothing that has a plurality of holes to alter or tailor the clothing. As an example, the leg of a pair of trousers, such as jeans, may have three buttonhole sized buttons arranged side-by-side and located adjacent to the hem of the leg of the trousers. The hem of the leg may be folded so that the holes overlap, and a fastener in the first state may be inserted into the holes. Once inserted the fastener may be switched to the second state. Thus, the effective width of the leg may be reduced. Such a combination may be desirable to wearers wishing to alter the style of the trouser to their taste, or to simply better fit their body shape. Equally, a cyclist may wish to narrow the cut of the legs of a pair of trousers so that their trousers are not spoiled by a bicycle drive mechanism when riding a bicycle.

Accordingly, the invention also resides in a system for altering clothing as described above.

Since customers may easily tailor clothing according to the invention themselves, clothing manufacturers may produce fewer variations of an item, thus simplifying manufacture and lowering costs.

It will be immediately clear to the skilled person that features of any of the aspects of the invention may be readily combined with features from other aspects of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, preferred non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fastener according to a first embodiment of the invention when in an unsecured state; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener in Figure 1 when in a secured state; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the fastener of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a schematic end view of a first engagement member of the fastener of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a schematic first side view of the first engagement member of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a schematic second side view of the first engagement member of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the first engagement member of Figure 4; Figure 8 is a schematic end view of a second engagement member of the fastener of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a schematic first side view of the second engagement member of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a schematic second side view of the second engagement member of Figure 8; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the second engagement member of Figure 8; Figure 12 is a schematic side view of a sleeve of the fastener of Figure 1; Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sleeve of Figure 12; Figure 14 is a schematic end view of the sleeve of Figure 12; Figure 15 is a perspective view of the sleeve of Figure 12; Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a body of the fastener of Figure 1; Figure 17 is a schematic end view of the body of Figure 16; Figure 18 is a schematic first side view of the body of Figure 16; Figure 19 is a schematic second side view of the body of Figure 16; Figure 20 is a perspective view of the body of Figure 16; Figure 21 is a schematic side view of an arm of the fastener of Figure 1; Figure 22 is a schematic end view of the arm of Figure 21; Figure 23 is a schematic top view of the sleeve of Figure 21; Figure 24 is a perspective view of the arm of Figure 21; Figure 25 is a schematic front view of the fastener of Figure 1 in which the button has been removed to expose a number of the internal components of the fastener; Figure 26 is a schematic side view of the fastener of Figure 25; Figure 27 is a schematic top view of the fastener of Figure 25; Figure 28 is a perspective view of the fastener of Figure 25; Figure 29 is a perspective view of the fastener of Figure 1 in the secured state with the body of the fastener translucent so as to reveal internal components; Figure 30 is a perspective view of the fastener of Figure 29 in the unsecured state; Figure 31 is a side view of the fastener of Figure 29 in the secured state; Figure 32 is a side view of the fastener of Figure 29 in the unsecured state; Figure 33 is a front view of the fastener of Figure 29 in the secured state; Figure 34 is a front view of the fastener of Figure 29 in the unsecured state; Figure 35 is a perspective view of the fastener corresponding to Figure 29, in which with the body of the fastener is opaque; Figure 36 is a perspective view of the fastener corresponding to Figure 30, in which with the body of the fastener is opaque; Figure 37 is a side view of the fastener corresponding to Figure 31, in which with the body of the fastener is opaque; Figure 38 is a side view of the fastener corresponding to Figure 32, in which with the body of the fastener is opaque; Figure 39 is a front view of the fastener corresponding to Figure 33, in which with the body of the fastener is opaque; Figure 40 is a front view of the fastener corresponding to Figure 34, in which with the body of the fastener is opaque; Figure 41 is a top view of the fastener of Figure 1 in the secured state; Figure 42 is a top view of the fastener of Figure 1 in the unsecured state; Figure 43 is a cross-sectional view of a fastener according to a second embodiment of the invention when in an unsecured state; Figure 44 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener in Figure 43 when in a secured state; Figure 45 is a close-up cross-sectional view of the fastener in Figure 43, which illustrates an internal structure of part of the fastener of Figures 43 and 44; Figure 46 is a schematic side view of a fastener according to a third embodiment of the invention in an unsecured state; Figure 47 is a schematic side view of the fastener of Figure 46 in a secured state; Figure 48 is a schematic top view of the fastener of Figures 46 and 47; Figure 49 is a schematic bottom view of the fastener of Figures 46 to 48 in an unsecured state; Figure 50 is a schematic bottom view of the fastener of Figures 46 to 49 in a secured state; Figure 51 shows perspective views of a fastener according to a third embodiment of the invention in both unsecured and secured states; Figure 52 shows side views of the fastener shown in Figure 50 in both unsecured and secured states; Figure 53 shows top views of the fastener shown in Figures 50 and 51 in both unsecured and secured states; Figure 54 is an illustration of a shirt sleeve and a cuff suitable to be secured using a fastener according to the present invention; Figure 55 is an illustration of the garment of Figure 54 secured with a fastener according to the present invention; Figure 56 is an illustration of a lower portion of a trouser leg to be adjusted using a fastener according to the present invention; Figure 57 is an illustration of the trouser leg of Figure 56 adjusted with a fastener according to the present invention; Figure 58 is an illustration of a pair of trousers suitable for adjustment using fasteners according to the present invention; Figure 59 is an illustration of the pair of trousers of Figure 58, which have been adjusted using fasteners according to the present invention; Figure 60 is an illustration of a shirt suitable for adjustment using fasteners according to the present invention; Figure 61 is an illustration of the shirt of Figure 60 which has been adjusted using a fastener according to the present invention; Figure 62 is an illustration of a T-shirt suitable for adjustment using fasteners according to the present invention; Figure 63 is an illustration of the T-shirt of Figure 62, which has been adjusted using fasteners according to the present invention; Figure 64 is an illustration of an alternative T-shirt suitable for adjustment using fasteners according to the present invention; Figure 65 is an illustration of the T-shirt of Figure 64, which has been adjusted using fasteners according to the present invention; Figure 66 is an illustration of an overcoat suitable for adjustment using fasteners according to the present invention; Figure 67 is an illustration of the overcoat of Figure 66, which has been adjusted with fasteners according to the present invention; Figure 68 illustrates the fixing of epaulettes to a garment using fasteners according to the present invention; Figure 69 illustrates a further alternative T-shirt suitable for adjustment using a fastener according to the present invention; and Figure 70 is a close-up illustration of the T-shirt of Figure 71, which has been adjusted using a fastener according to the present invention.

Throughout this specification, terms such as 'upper', 'lower', 'downwardly' and 'vertical' are used with reference to the orientation of the components as shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated, however, that the components could be oriented in any suitable orientation in use.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a fastener 10 for securing, adjusting or tailoring clothing is described. The fastener 10 includes selection apparatus arranged to secure the fastener 10 to clothing.

The fastener 10 comprises a hollow cylindrical elongate main body 12 having a central axis X and an open end. A portion of the body including the open end has an enlarged diameter to form a head portion 14. In alternative embodiments (not shown) the body and head may have a different cross-sectional shape than shown in the figures. For example, they may have rectangular or hexagonal cross-sections.

The open end of the head portion 14 includes a recess 16 in which an actuator in the form of a button 18 is received. The button 18 is a pushbutton. The fastener also includes a pair of wings or arms 20 disposed at a lower end of the main body 12. The arms 20 are pivotably attached to the main body 12, each arm 20 being attached at a respective pivot point 22, 24, and configured for a range of movement of 90°. The main body 12 includes a central hole 26 in which a three-part positioning mechanism 28 that supports the button 18 is slidably received. The mechanism 28 and the button 18 form part of a selection apparatus that is operable to switch the fastener between a second, or 'secured', state and an open, or 'unsecured', state. The mechanism 28 performs the function of linking the button 18 to the arms 20, and further determines the position in which the arms 20 are held. The mechanism 28 is described in detail below.

The button 18 is operable to effect movement of the arms 20 between first and second states, which represent two distinct configurations respectively defining the unsecured state and the secured state of the fastener 10. If the button 18 is pressed once, the fastener 10 changes state. The fastener 10 then remains in that selected state until the button 18 is pressed again, at which point the fastener 10 returns to the previous state. Therefore, the button 18 is operable to select between the unsecured state and the secured state of the fastener 10.

Figure 1 illustrates the unsecured state, in which the arms 20 are in a downwardly-pointing position such that they are substantially parallel to each other, and parallel to the central axis X. Figure 2 illustrates the secured state, in which the arms 20 are in line with each other in an outwardly-pointing position in which they extend away from one another perpendicular to the central axis X. A single operation of the button 18 pivots the arms 20 from the downwardly-pointing position to the outwardly-pointing position. Once in the outwardly-pointing position, the arms 20 remain stationary until the button 18 is pressed again. When the button 18 is pressed again, the arms 20 return to the downwardly-pointing position. In either position, the arms 20 are held stationary until the button 18 is next operated.

The fastener 10 is arranged such that when it is in the unsecured state, the arms 20 and main body 12 may be inserted into a hole, or pair of holes, of a garment. For example, the buttonholes in a shirt cuff. The fastener 10 is arranged for use with conventional garment buttonholes that are typically in the form of a slit of around 10mm in length, such as the holes found on the cuff of a dress shirt. However, a fastener according to the invention may be suitably sized to be secured in garment holes of other sizes. The head portion 14 is sized so as not to pass through the hole, for example by having a diameter greater than 10mm, thereby limiting travel of the fastener 10 through the hole. Once the arms 20 and main body 12 have been pushed through the hole, the fastener 10 may then be secured in place by using the button 18 to transition the fastener 10 into the secured state.

When in the secured state, the span of the arms 20 extends beyond the edges of the hole, and therefore prevents removal of the fastener 10 while in this configuration. In order to remove the fastener 10 from the garment, the fastener 10 must be returned to the unsecured state. This is achieved by pressing the button 18 again, thereby allowing the main body 12 of the fastener 10 and the arms 20 to return through the hole.

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the fastener 10, which illustrates how the components of the fastener 10 are assembled. Said components include: the main body 12 comprising the head portion 14; the button 18; the arms 20; first and second engagement members 30, 32 which are arranged to be received in a sleeve 34; a helical spring 76 which is used to bias the second engagement member 32 towards the first engagement member 30; and a pair of pins 80 which are used to secure the arms 20 to the main body 12 at the pivot points 22, 24. The button 18, the first and second engagement members 30, 32, the sleeve 34 and the spring 76 are all arranged coaxially with the main body 12.

With reference to Figures 4 to 28, various components which together form the fastener 10 are now described in detail. Firstly, the components which make up the mechanism 28 for positioning the arms 20 are described. The mechanism 28 comprises the first engagement member 30, the second engagement member 32 and the sleeve 34, which are shown in Figures 4 to 15.

As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the first engagement member 30 comprises a generally tubular body 36 with a flat end 35 and a serrated end 37. The serrated end 37 defines a set of teeth 38. Each tooth 38 includes a radially extending tab 40 which is aligned and flush with the tip of the tooth 38. Therefore, one end of each tab 40 includes a central tip with tapered edges at either side, corresponding to the form of the tooth 38 on which the tab 40 sits. The tabs 40 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the engagement member 30 away from the serrated end 37, and terminate a distance short of the flat end 35. As shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, each tab terminates at a distance just over half-way along the length of the body 36 from the end of each tooth 38. In this embodiment, the first engagement member includes six teeth 38 and six tabs 40.

Figures 8 to 11 illustrate the second engagement member 32, which comprises a tubular stem 42 having an integral engagement formation 44. The engagement formation 44 is similar in size and form to the first engagement member 30, and includes a corresponding set of teeth 46 which are arranged to mesh with the teeth 38 of the first engagement member 30.

Alternate teeth 46 of the engagement formation 44 include a radially extending tab 48 which is misaligned with the tip of the tooth 38 on which it sits. Therefore, in this embodiment the second engagement member 32 includes six teeth 46 and three tabs 48. The tabs 48 of the second engagement member 32 extend further radially than the tabs 40 of the first engagement member 30. Each tab 48 terminates in a common annular ring 50 that extends from the surface of the stem 42 to be flush with the outer surfaces of the tabs 48.

The stem 42 is sized such that the first engagement member 30 slidably engages with it to meet the engagement formation 44, such that their respective sets of teeth 38, 46 engage.

The stem 42 includes a further annular ring 51 that extends from the face of the stem 42 adjacent to the common annular ring 50. The further annular ring 51 has a smaller diameter than the common annular ring 50. An enlarged diameter portion 52 adjacent to the further annular ring 51 terminates in a bevelled shoulder 54. A narrow portion 56 of the stem 42 connects the enlarged diameter portion 52 with the remainder of the stem 42, which includes an undercut portion defining a groove 57 between the remainder of the stem and the enlarged diameter portion 52.

Figures 12 to 15 show that the sleeve 34 is generally tubular and has a smooth outer surface. The interior of the sleeve 34 is formed with reduced diameter portions: small reduced diameter portions 61a and large reduced diameter portions 62b which extend from a first end 63 of the sleeve 34 and terminate a distance short of a second end 65 of the sleeve 34. As most clearly illustrated in Figure 14, the sleeve 34 comprises six large reduced diameter portions 61b that extend along the inner surface of the sleeve 34. The large reduced diameter portions 61b are equally spaced around the inner surface of the sleeve 34 at 60° intervals. Between each alternating pair of large reduced diameter portions 61b is a reduced diameter portions 61a. The large reduced diameter portions 61b have a length longer than the length of the reduced diameter portions 61a.

Accordingly, the interior of the sleeve 34 defines six channels 58a, 58b between the large reduced diameter portions 61b. The channels comprise (i) three shallow channels 58a defined by a reduced diameter portion 61a and two adjacent large reduced diameter portions 61b; and (ii) three deep channels 58b defined by the inner surface of the sleeve 34 and two adjacent large reduced diameter portions 61b. The shallow channels 58a and the deep channels 58b alternate around the interior of the sleeve so that each shallow channel 58a is located between a pair of deep channels 58b, and each deep channel 58b is located between a pair of shallow channels 58a.

The depth of the deep channels 58b is determined such that the base of each deep channel 58b corresponds to the inner surface of the sleeve 34, so as to form a continuous surface from end-to-end of the sleeve 34. The base of each shallow channel 58a is proud of the inner surface of the sleeve 34, and so a channel shoulder 60 is defined between the base of the shallow channels 58a and the inner surface of the sleeve 34.

As shown most clearly in Figure 15, each reduced diameter portion 61a, 61b has a chamfer 64a, 64b. Each chamfer 64a, 64b has the same angle. The relative lengths of the large reduced diameter portions 61b and the small reduced diameter portions 61a is such that the chamfers 64a, 64b of directly adjacent large reduced diameter portions 61b and small reduced diameter portions 61a are continuous. In this way, the top edges of the reduced diameter portions 61a, 61b follow a saw-tooth profile.

Figures 16 to 20 show the main body 12 of the fastener 10 in more detail. The generally cylindrical main body 12 is hollow and has an integral head 14 disposed at an open head end 65 of the main body 12. At its other end, the main body 12 is partially closed. The hollow main body 12 defines a central bore 26, which opens out into a recess 16 defined by the head 14. The bore 26 includes an inwardly stepped body shoulder 66 leading to a reduced diameter portion which terminates at the partially closed end of the main body 12.

The partially closed end of the main body 12 defines a pair of diametrically opposed rectangular slots 68 that extend from the surface of the main body 12 into the reduced diameter portion of the hole 26. Each slot 68 is arranged to receive an arm 20 of the fastener 10. Each arm 20 is pivotably fixed into its respective slot 68 by inserting the arm into a slot 68 of the main body 12 and engaging a pin 80 which extends through a pair of holes 69 in the main body 12 that align, such that the open bore 70 of each arm 20 lines up with the holes 69 of a slot 68. The holes 69 link the outer surface of the main body 12 with each slot 68. Each pair of holes 69 defines one of the pivot points 22, 24 to which the arms 20 are mounted, and each arm 20 is then pivotable about its respective pin 80.

An arm 20 is illustrated in Figures 21 to 24. The arm 20 is a rigid element, being generally rectangular in cross-section in two dimensions, as shown in Figures 22 and 23.

The arm 20 has a first side 75 and a second side 77. A planar first face 69 and a planar second face 71 extend in converging directions so that the cross-section in the remaining dimension resembles an extended isosceles trapezium, such that the arm 20 is tapered as shown in Figure 21. At a first end 73 of the arm a rounded end joins the first face 69 and the second face 71. As shown in Figure 21, the arm 20 comprises the open bore 70 which extends between the first side 75 and the second side 77. A rib 72 extends from a second end 75 of the arm 20 between the sides 75, 77of the arm 20.

As best seen in Figure 23, the surface of the second end 75 of the arm 20 adjacent to the projection 72 is recessed to form a rounded cavity 74. The cavity 74 is rounded to a profile corresponding to the outer surface of the enlarged diameter portion 52 of the stem 42 of the second engagement member 32.

Figures 25 to 28 illustrate the exterior of an assembled fastener 10 when in the unsecured state. The button 18 is not included in these figures, in order to illustrate how the first engagement member 30 protrudes into the recess 16 in the head portion 14 of the main body 12. A method of operation of the assembled fastener 10 is now described in detail below.

Returning to Figures 1 and 2, in the assembled fastener 10, the sleeve 34 is fixed into the hole 26 of the main body 12. The first end 63 of the sleeve 34 is level with a bottom surface of the recess 16 of the head 14. The sleeve 34 is oriented such that its chamfers 64 are pointing downwards in Figure 1. The first and second engagement members 30, 32 are received inside the sleeve 34. The tabs 40 of the first engagement member 30 locate inside the channels 58a, 58b of the sleeve 34. The tabs 40 are sized such that they can fit in either the shallow channels 58a or the deep channels 58b. As such, vertical linear movement of the first engagement member 30 within the sleeve 34 is permitted, whilst rotation of the first engagement member 30 relative to the sleeve 34 is prevented by the engagement of the tabs 40 within the channels 58a, 58b.

The button 18 is disc-like, and is attached to the upper end of the first engagement member 30. Thus, downward movement of the first engagement member 30 into the hole 26 is ultimately limited by contact of the button 18 on the lower surface of the recess 16. However, as will be described later, the actual range of movement is further restricted such that the button 18 does not reach the lower surface of the recess 16.

Although not visible in the figures, one of the channels 58a, 58b of the sleeve 34 has a closed upper end, which limits upward movement of the first engagement member 30 out of the hole 26, as the tab 40 in the closed channel 58a, 58b is prevented from escaping. Therefore, the first engagement member 30 and the button 18 have a finite range of movement within the fastener 10.

The stem 42 of the second engagement member 32 is pushed into the first engagement member 30 such that their respective sets of teeth 36, 46 face each other. A spring 76 is provided to bias the second engagement member 32 into contact with the first engagement member 30. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second engagement member 32 comprises a blind hole defining a spring chamber 78. The spring 76 abuts a closed end of the spring chamber 78 at one end, and the closed end of the main body 12 at the other end.

As noted above, the tabs 48 of the second engagement member 32 extend further radially than the tabs 40 of the first engagement member 30. The effect of this is that the tabs 48 fit into the deep channels 58b of the sleeve 34, but cannot slide into the shallow channels 58a. Instead, when the tabs 48 are in alignment with the shallow channels 58a, the tabs 48 abut the channel shoulder 60, and are held against the shoulder 60 by the spring 76. Thus, a lower rest position is defined for the second engagement member 32.

When the tabs 48 are in alignment with the deep channels 58b, the tabs 48 slide into the deep channels 58b, and thus the second engagement member is pushed upwards under the action of the spring 76. The second engagement member 32 pushes the first engagement member 30 upwards also, until the first engagement member 30 reaches the upper limit of its range of movement, as defined by the closed channel 58a, 58b.

When the first engagement member 30 reaches the upper limit of its range of movement, the second engagement member 32 is also prevented from moving further upwards. Thus, an upper rest position is defined for the second engagement member 32.

Accordingly, two distinct rest positions having differing vertical displacements are defined for the second engagement member 32. The upper rest position corresponds to when the tabs 48 locate in the deep channels 58b, and the lower rest position corresponds to when the tabs 48 locate in the shallow channels 58a. The second engagement member 32 is held in either of these rest positions by the spring 76 until the button 18 is pressed.

When the second engagement member 32 is in the lower rest position, the first engagement member 30 and the button 18 are not held in contact with second engagement member 32 and are therefore unrestrained. When the second engagement member 32 is in the upper rest position, it is pressed into contact with the first engagement member 30, which in turn is held at the upper limit of its range of movement. Accordingly, in this position the first engagement member 30 and the button 18 are held stationary by the force of the spring 76.

The projection 72 of each arm 20 is received in the groove 57 of the second engagement member 32. As such, if the second engagement member 32 moves upwards or downwards between the upper and lower rest positions, the projections 70 are carried with it. Movement of the projections causes each arm 20 to pivot about its pin 80. If the second engagement member 32 moves downwards from the upper rest position to the lower rest position, this causes the arms 20 to rotate from the unsecured configuration to the secured configuration. Correspondingly, if the second engagement member 32 moves upwards from the lower rest position to the upper rest position, the arms 20 are rotated from the secured configuration to the unsecured configuration.

An example of a transition of the fastener 10, from an initial position in which it is in the unsecured state, to the secured state, is outlined below. As described above, transitioning the fastener 10 from the unsecured state to the secured state entails moving the second engagement member 32 from its upper rest position to its lower rest position.

In order to transition the fastener 10 from the unsecured state to the secured state, the button 18 is pressed. As the button 18 moves downwards, the first engagement member 30 moves towards the second engagement member 32. When the first engagement member 30 makes contact with the second engagement member 32, the second engagement member 32 is pushed downwards by the first engagement member 30, and the tabs 48 begin to slide out of the channels 58b. While the tabs 48 remain in the channels 58b, the second engagement member 32 is prevented from rotating and so its teeth 46 are held out of alignment with those of the first engagement member 30.

Downward movement of the second engagement member 32 is limited by the common annular ring 50, which abuts the body shoulder 66 of the central hole 26. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the common annular ring 50 defines a maximum depression of the button 18 that is possible. The button 18 does not impact the lower surface of the recess 16. When the common annular ring 50 abuts the body shoulder 66, the second engagement member 32 is moved downwards to the extent that the tabs 48 are fully withdrawn from the channels 58b. Therefore, at this point the second engagement member 32 is free to rotate.

When the tabs 48 are fully withdrawn from the channels 58b, the spring 76 urges the second engagement member 32 towards the first engagement member 30. Therefore, the second engagement member 32 has a tendency to move linearly towards the first engagement member 30 if possible. However, as the second engagement member 32 moves towards the first engagement member 30, the angled edges of the teeth 46, 44 of each engagement member 30, 32 slide over each other. Since the first engagement member 30 is prevented from rotating, the second engagement member 32 rotates so as to accommodate linear movement. The result is that the second engagement member 32 rotates relative to the first engagement member 30.

The second engagement member 32 continues to move linearly towards the first engagement member 30, rotating as it moves towards the first engagement member 30, until the two engagement members 30, 32 come into alignment such that their respective teeth 44, 46 mesh together. When the teeth 44, 46 are meshed, the first engagement member 30 prevents rotation of the second engagement member 32.

As the second engagement member 32 turns, the tabs 48 move out of alignment with the channels 58b. When the first and second engagement members 30, 32 are in alignment, the tabs 48 sit on the chamfers 64a the large reduced diameter portions 61b between the channels 58a, 58b.

When the button 18 is released, the second engagement member 32 is no longer pushed towards the partially closed end of the main body 12 by the first engagement member 30. Therefore, the spring 76 urges the second engagement member 32 upwards until the tabs 48 make contact with the chamfers 64a the large reduced diameter portions 61b.

The upper end of each tab 48 is inclined at an angle relative to the central axis X. The angle of the upper end of the tabs 48 is selected to correspond to the angle of the chamfers 64a the large reduced diameter portions 61b. Therefore, when a tab 48 makes contact with a chamfer 64a the large reduced diameter portions 61b, the upper end of the tab 48 engages with the lower end of the chamfer 64a, and the slant of the chamfer 64a on the end of the large reduced diameter portion 61b guides the tab 48 towards an adjacent shallow channel 58a. The chamfer 64a is angled such that the tab 48 is guided away from the deep channel 58b that it has just left. Therefore, in this example, each tab 48 is guided towards a shallow channel 58a, as the tab 48 has most recently exited a deep channel 58b.

Since the button 18 has been released, there is no force to hold the first engagement member 30 in engagement with the second engagement member 32. Accordingly, the first engagement member 30 no longer prevents rotation of the second engagement member 32 relative to the main body 12. Therefore, as each tab 48 is guided towards a shallow channel 58a, the second engagement member 32 rotates until the tabs 48 align with the shallow channels 58a and abut the channel shoulder 60. Further rotation of the second engagement member 32 is prevented, as the tabs 48 abut a side wall of an adjacent large reduced diameter portion 61b. Thus, the second engagement member 32 has reached its lower rest position, and the fastener 10 is in the secured state.

When the button 18 is pressed again, the above described process repeats, returning the second engagement member 32 to the upper rest position such that the tabs 48 are once again located in the deep channels 58b. It will be appreciated that each individual tab 48 is in a different deep channel 58b to the initial position outlined above, as the second engagement member 32 rotates in the same direction each time the button 18 is pressed. In this way, repeated transitions of the fastener 10 between the unsecured and secured states can be effected using a single button 18.

In an alternative embodiment, the sleeve 34 may be formed integrally with the main body 12. In further alternative embodiments the button 18 may be formed integrally with the first engagement member 30.

Figures 29 and 30 offer perspective views of the fastener 10 in the secured and unsecured configurations respectively. The main body 12 of the fastener 10 is shown as translucent such that some of the internal components of the fastener 10 are visible. In this way, the assembly can be better appreciated by the reader.

Figures 31 and 32 correspond to Figures 29 and 30, but show the fastener 10 from a first side.

Figures 33 and 34 correspond to Figures 29 and 30, but show the fastener 10 from a second side.

Figures 35 and 36 correspond to Figures 29 and 30, but show the main body 12 of the fastener 10 as opaque.

Figures 37 and 38 correspond to Figures 35 and 36, but show the fastener 10 from a first side.

Figures 39 and 40 correspond to Figures 35 and 36, but show the fastener 10 from a second side.

Figures 41 and 42 show the fastener 10 from above in the secured and unsecured configurations respectively.

With reference to Figures 43 to 45, a second embodiment of a fastener 110 according to the invention is described. The fastener 110 includes a tubular body 112 with a separate head member 114 disposed at one end. The body 112 and head member 114 together are similar in size and form to the main body 12 and head portion 14 of the previous embodiment. Correspondingly, the head member 114 defines a recess 116 in which a button 118 is received.

The fastener 110 of this embodiment includes an alternative mechanism 128 that connects the button 118 to the arms 120 in order to allow the button 118 to actuate movement of the arms 120, which is now described in detail.

In this embodiment, a stem 182 is housed inside the body 112, and a first engagement member 130 and a second engagement member 132 are mounted on the stem 182. The first and second engagement members 130, 132 are generally cylindrical. An annular platform 192 is mounted to an inner surface of the body 112 and disposed around the stem 182. The spring 176 is coiled around the stem 182 between the annular platform 192 and the second engagement member 132. All of these components are arranged coaxially with the central axis X. The stem 182 connects the button 118 to the arms 120 and is divided into two separate portions: an upper stem 182a and a lower stem 182b. The upper stem 182a is hollow so as to slidably receive the lower stem 182b. The upper stem 182a is secured to and supports the button 118, such that the two components move together. The upper stem 182a is provided with a longitudinal flange 184 which is received in a corresponding slot in the body 112 (not shown), in order to prevent rotation of the upper stem 182a relative to the body 112.

As noted above, and as illustrated in Figures 43 and 44, each arm 120 is attached to the body 112 at a respective fixed pivot point 22, 24. Each arm 120 is formed with a bend that divides the arm 120 into two portions. An outer portion 120a is external to the body 112 of the fastener 110 and provides the functionality of securing the fastener 110 within a hole of a garment. An inner portion 120b is substantially contained inside the body 112 of the fastener 110, and attaches to the lower stem 182b. Each arm 120 is attached at one end to the lower stem 182b at an attachment point 186 that is common to both arms 120. The inner portion 120b of each arm 120 is provided with an elongated slot 188 through which a pivot pin 190 is fitted in order to secure the arm 120 to the lower stem 182b at the attachment point 186. As each arm 120 turns about its respective pivot point 122, 124, the pivot pin 190 moves along each slot 188 in a manner that allows for rotation of the arm 120 around the attachment point 186. The slots 188 allow for linear movement of the pivot pin 190 relative to each slot 188. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the fastener 110 and/or the arms 120 may be arranged so that elongated slots are not required.

As the lower stem 182b moves downwards, the arms 120 are caused to pivot about their respective pivot points 122, 124 to rotate towards the outwardly-pointing configuration.

As the attachment point 186 moves downwards to draw level with the fixed pivot points 122, 124, the distance between the attachment point 186 and each fixed pivot point 122, 124 decreases. The slots 188 accommodate this by allowing the arms 120 to cross each other as the lower stem 182b moves downwards. In this way, the arms 120 are moveable between the downwardly-pointing configuration and the outwardly-pointing configuration, so as to transition the fastener 110 from an unsecured state to a secured state.

The first engagement member 130 is rigidly mounted to the upper stem 182a, and the second engagement member 132 is rigidly mounted to the lower stem 182b. Each engagement member thus moves with its respective stem 182a, 182b. The first engagement member 130 comprises teeth 136 which are arranged to mesh and engage with corresponding teeth 146 on the second engagement member 132. When the first and second engagement members 130, 132 are brought into engagement such that the teeth 146, 136 mesh together, the lower stem 182b is prevented from rotating relative to the upper stem 182a. As rotation of the upper stem 182a relative to the body 112 is prevented by the flange 184, it follows that when the first and second engagement members 130, 132 are in engagement, the lower stem 182b is also prevented from rotating relative to the body 112.

In an alternative embodiment, the upper stem 182a may be formed integrally with the first engagement member 130. In further alternative embodiments the first engagement member 130 and/or the button 118 may be formed integrally with the upper stem 182a. Similarly, in another embodiment the lower stem 182b may be formed integrally with the second engagement member 132.

The platform 192 is supported by the body 112, and movement of the lower stem 182b relative to the platform 192 is enabled through a central hole (not shown) of the platform 192. The platform 192 in turn supports the spring 176. The spring 176 is used to bias the second engagement member 132 towards the first engagement member 130.

As shown in Figure 45, the interior surface of the body 112 is formed with a reduced internal diameter portion 194 in which several equi-spaced vertical channels 158a, 158b are provided on the internal wall of the body 112. Accordingly, the reduced diameter portion performs the function of the sleeve 34 of the previous embodiment. The lower end of each channel 158a, 158b is open, and the upper end of each channel 158a, 158b is closed. The channels 158a, 158b are of two different lengths, such that the channels 158a, 158b are grouped as either shallow channels 158a or deep channels 158b. The channels 158a, 158b alternate between shallow channels 158a and deep channels 158b around the interior of the body 112. A segment 162 of the reduced diameter portion 194 is defined between each channel 158a, 158b, such that there are an equal number of segments 162 and channels 158a, 158b. A lower edge of each segment 162 has a chamfer 164 such that it is inclined at an angle relative to a plane normal to the central axis X, the chamfer 164 of each segment 162 having the same angle.

Referring back to Figures 43 and 44, the second engagement member 132 is provided with a plurality of tabs 148 which extend radially outwardly from the second engagement member 132. The tabs 148 are equi-spaced around the second engagement member 132, and are arranged to be received in the channels 158a, 158b. The number of tabs 148 is half the number of channels 158a, 158b, such that all tabs 148 are received in channels 158a, 158b of the same depth. The tabs 148 are in effect radial extensions of portions of the teeth 146 of the second engagement member 132, and therefore take the same form as the teeth 146, such that an upper end of the tab 148 which faces the first engagement member 130 is inclined at an angle relative to a plane normal to the central axis X. The upper ends of the tabs 148 are in alignment with the upper ends of the teeth 146 of the second engagement member 132.

In a first position, the tabs 148 are received in the deep channels 158b of the body 112. In this position, the second engagement member 132 is oriented such that its teeth 146 are out of alignment with the teeth 136 of the first engagement member 130. As noted above, the second engagement member 132 is biased towards the first engagement member 130 by the spring 176. Therefore, the tabs 148 are biased into the channels 158a, 158b until the ends of the tabs 148 abut the closed ends of the channels 158a, 158b. This prevents further travel of the second engagement member 132 towards the first engagement member 130, defining a first rest position for the second engagement member 132. Because the tabs 148 are received in the deep channels 158b rather than the shallow channels 158a, the first rest position for the second engagement member 132 is the furthest that the second engagement member 132 can move away from the platform 192. Accordingly, the attachment point 186 for the arms 120 is at a maximum displacement from a lower end of the body 112, which corresponds to the arms 120 being in the downwardly-pointing position. Therefore, the first position for the tabs 148 corresponds to the unsecured state for the fastener 110.

As noted previously, in order to transition the fastener 110 into the secured state, the button 118 is pressed. As the button 118 moves downwards, the first engagement member 130 moves towards the second engagement member 132. When the first engagement member 130 makes contact with the second engagement member 132, the second engagement member 132 is pushed downwards by the first engagement member 130, and the tabs 148 begin to slide out of the channels 158b. While the tabs 148 remain in the channels 158b, the second engagement member 132 is prevented from rotating and is held out of alignment with the first engagement member 130.

Therefore, the teeth 136, 146 of the first and second engagement members 130, 132 do not mesh. Once the button 118 has been moved downwards as far as possible such that the button 118 abuts a lower surface of the recess 116 in the head member 114, the second engagement member 132 is moved downwards to the extent that the tabs 148 are fully withdrawn from the channels 158b. Therefore, the second engagement member 132 is free to rotate.

When the tabs 148 are fully withdrawn from the channels 158b, the spring 176 urges the second engagement member 132 towards the first engagement member 130. Therefore, the second engagement member 132 has a tendency to move linearly towards the first engagement member 130 if possible. However, as the second engagement member 132 moves towards the first engagement member 130, the biasing force of the spring results in rotation of the second engagement member 132 relative to the first engagement member 130. This is because the angled edges of the teeth 136, 146 of each engagement member slide over each other. The second engagement member 132 continues to move towards the first engagement member 130, rotating as it goes, other until the two engagement members come into alignment such that their respective teeth 136, 146 mesh together.

As the second engagement member 132 turns, the tabs 148 move out of alignment with the channels 158b. When the first and second engagement members 130, 132 are in alignment, the tabs 148 sit over the segments 162 between the channels 158a, 158b. When the button 118 is released, the second engagement member 132 is no longer pushed towards the platform 192 by the first engagement member 130. Therefore, the spring 176 urges the second engagement member 132 upwards until the tabs 148 make contact with the segments 162.

As noted above, the tabs 148 are formed with an upper end that is inclined at an angle relative to the central axis X. The angle of the upper end of the tabs 148 is selected to correspond to the angle of the chamfers 164 of the segments 162. Therefore, when a tab 148 makes contact with a segment 162, the upper end of the tab 148 engages with the lower end of the segment 162, and the slant of the chamfer 164 on the lower end of the segment 162 guides the tab 148 towards an adjacent channel 158a. The chamfer 164 is angled such that the tab 148 is guided away from the channel 158b that it has just left. Therefore, in this example, each tab 148 is guided towards a shallow channel 158a, as the tab 148 has most recently exited a deep channel 158b.

Since the button 118 has been released, there is no force to hold the first engagement member 130 in engagement with the second engagement member 132. Accordingly, the first engagement member 130 no longer prevents rotation of the second engagement member 132 relative to the body 112. Therefore, as each tab 148 is guided towards a shallow channel 158a, the second engagement member 132 rotates until the tabs 148 line up with the channels 158a. When the tabs 148 line up with the channels 158a, the second engagement member 132 moves upwards under the action of the spring 176 such that each tab 148 slides into the corresponding channel 158a until the tab 148 reaches the closed end of the channel 158a. When the tabs 148 abuts the closed ends of the channels 158a, a second rest position for the second engagement member 132 is defined.

As the second engagement member 132 moves upwards, it pushes the first engagement 35 member 130 and the button 118 upwards also. When the second engagement member 132 reaches the second rest position, the button 118 also comes to rest. It is noted that the button 118 occupies a lower position in this configuration than when the fastener 110 is in the unsecured state.

At the end of this process, the second engagement member 132 occupies a second position, in which the tabs 148 are located in the shallow channels 158a. Since the tabs 148 are in shallow channels 158a rather than deep channels 158b in the second position, the attachment point 186 for the arms 120 is in a lower position relative to the body 112 than when the second engagement member 132 is in the first position. Therefore, as shown in Figure 44, the arms 120 are held in the outwardly-pointing position. Accordingly, the second position for the second engagement member 132 corresponds to the secured state for the fastener 110.

When the button 118 is pressed again, the above described process repeats, actuating rotation of the second engagement member 132 back into the first position such that the tabs 148 are once again located in the deep channels 158b. It will be appreciated that each individual tab 148 is in a different deep channel 158b to the first position outlined above, as the second engagement member 132 rotates in the same direction each time the button 118 is pressed. In this way, repeated transitions of the fastener 110 between the unsecured and secured states is effected using a single button 118.

Figures 46 and 47 illustrate a fastener 210 according to a third embodiment of the invention. Figure 46 shows the fastener 210 in an unsecured state, and Figure 47 shows the fastener 210 in a secured state. The fastener 210 of the third embodiment shares many features with the above described first and second embodiments. The fastener 210 of the third embodiment includes a generally cylindrical body 212 with a head member 214 mounted to an upper face of the body 212, and a pair of arms 220 disposed at a lower end of the body 212.

A button 218 is received in a recess 216 formed in an upper face of the head member 214. The button 218 is operable to actuate movement of the arms 220 between the unsecured state and the secured state. A biasing means such as a leaf spring (not shown) is provided such that each arm 220 is biased into the secured state. In the unsecured state shown in Figure 46, the wall of the body 212 prevents the arms 220 moving into the secured state.

As shown most clearly in Figure 47, one end of each of the arms 220 of this embodiment is pivotably mounted to a lower end of a central stem 282. When the stem 282 moves downwards, as a result of pressure being applied to the button 218, the free end of each arm 220 is urged upwards and consequently pivots into the secured state. The fastener 210 latches in the secured position using the same mechanism as that described above in relation to the first or second embodiments. When the button 218 is next pressed, the stem 282 is drawn upwards into the body 212, and therefore the fastener 210 returns to the unsecured state. As in the first and second embodiments of the invention, the fastener 210 remains in either the secured or the unsecured state until the button 218 is next pressed.

Figure 48 shows the fastener 210 according to the third embodiment from above. As illustrated in the figure, the button 218 of this embodiment has a circular cross-section, and sits coaxially with the head member 214.

Figures 49 and 50 show the fastener 210 of the third embodiment from below. As noted above, the body 212 is arranged coaxially with the head member 214, which is illustrated more clearly in these figures. The arms 220 are positioned in a symmetrical arrangement either side of the central axis X. As shown in Figure 49, the arms 220 of this embodiment have a cross-section that is generally square with rounded edges. In other embodiments, the arms 220 may take any appropriate form. For example, the arms 220 may be cylindrical, or flattened in a wing-like structure. As shown in Figure 50, when in the outwardly-pointing position, i.e. the secured position, the arms 220 are substantially collinear and between them extend over a distance slightly less than the diameter of the head member 214. Therefore, as the head member 214 is sized so as not to fit through the hole of a garment, it follows that the arms 220 in the secured position are sized to prevent passage through the hole in a secured state.

Figure 51 shows perspective views of the fastener 310 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention in an unsecured state and a secured state.

Figure 52 shows side views of the fastener 310 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention in an unsecured state and a secured state.

Figure 53 shows top views of the fastener 310 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention in an unsecured state and a secured state.

It will be immediately apparent to the skilled person that features one or more features from one or more of the above embodiments may be readily combined with one or more features from one or more of the other embodiments.

Figures 54 to 70 show several applications for a fastener according to the present invention. For clarity reference is made to the fastener 10 of the first embodiment of the invention, although it will be appreciated that any of the embodiments of the fastener according to the invention are suitable for use in these applications. In each case, the fastener 10 is secured within one or more holes of a garment as described above, but for a range of different purposes. Each of the embodiments describes a way of altering or tailoring clothing according to the invention.

Figure 54 shows a shirt sleeve 400 including a cuff 402 with a hole 404 for receiving a fastener 10 at each end of the cuff, such as will be familiar to the skilled reader. In use, the holes 404 of the cuff 402 overlap. In Figure 56, the hole 404 on the upper side of the cuff 402 is shown. It will be understood that a corresponding hole is provided on a lower side of the cuff 402 directly below the hole 404 of the upper side. Figure 55 illustrates the fastener 10 in a secured state as fitted through both of the holes 404 of the cuff 402, such that the upper and lower sides of the cuff 402 are held together.

In use the fastener 10 is inserted through the holes 404 of the cuff 402 when it is in the unsecured state. Once the fastener 10 has been passed through the holes 404 of the cuff 402, and the arms 20 are clear of the holes 404, the user presses the button 18 to switch the fastener 10 from an unsecured state to a secured state. The process of fitting the fastener 10 is significantly easier for the user compared with a conventional cufflink, or any of the previously described prior art arrangements. This is because the fastener remains in the selected state until the button 18 is pressed, making it easier to manipulate the cuff 402 and fastener 10.

To remover the fastener 10, the user simply presses the button to switch the fastener 10 from a secured state to an unsecured state and pulls the fastener 10 from the holes 404 of the cuff.

Figure 56 shows a lower end of a trouser leg 406 of a pair of trousers in use. The portion of the trouser leg closest to the hem 408 includes a series of three holes 410. The holes 410 are of a similar nature to those in the cuff in Figure 54. In the trouser leg 406 of Figure 56, the holes 410 are provided for the purpose of allowing a user to tailor the cut of the trouser leg 406. As shown in Figure 57, the trouser leg 406 may be folded so that one or more holes 410 overlap, so that the cross-section of the trouser leg where the holes 410 overlap has an S-shape. A fastener 10 is fitted through the overlapping holes 410 to secure the trouser material in this configuration in order to reduce the effective circumference of the trouser leg and provide a closer fit for the wearer.

As there are several holes 410 provided, there are multiple levels of adjustment possible.

Therefore, the user may select an appropriate pair of holes 410 and fit the fastener 10 through the pair of holes in order to optimise the fit of the garment, in the same way as described for the cuff 402 above. In this way, the fastener 10 provides a simple method for making adjustments to the trouser leg 406 that would otherwise have required stitching from a skilled tailor. Since the fastener 10 is readily removable, this method allows the trouser leg 406 to be adjusted according to varying requirements, for example if the trousers 406 are to be worn by more than one person. In contrast, if the trouser leg 406 is stitched in order to tailor the fit, it is difficult to make further adjustments if required.

As shown in Figures 58 and 61, in an alternative arrangement each trouser leg of a pair of trousers 412 has more than one series of holes 414, which are positioned at various locations along the length of the trouser leg 412. A fastener 10 may be engaged with the holes 414 as described with reference to Figures 56 and 57 to further tailor the cut of the trousers. This arrangement provides multiple adjustment points, which offers enhanced adjustability, allowing a user to further tailor the trousers 412 to their requirements.

As illustrated in Figures 60 to 61, the invention also extends to providing adjustments in the fit of a shirt sleeve, a t-shirt, and a coat.

In Figures 60 and 61, the length of a shirt sleeve 416 is reduced by means of the fastener 10. A first hole 418 is provided at an end of the sleeve 416, and a second hole 420 is provided at a location further up the sleeve 416. To make the adjustment, the user folds the sleeve 416 such that the first hole 418 overlaps with the second hole 420. The fastener 10 may then be inserted through both holes 418, 420 in an unsecured state and then switched to the secured state, thus holding the folded sleeve 416 in place.

Figures 62 and 63 show how a waist of a t-shirt 422 may be adjusted. As illustrated in the figures, each side of the t-shirt 422 has a pair of holes 424, 426, with a lower hole 424 and an upper hole 426 in each pair. In the embodiment shown in Figures 62 and 63, the upper holes 426 on each side of the t-shirt 422 are not positioned symmetrically with respect to each other. This is in order to provide a customised fit.

To make the adjustment, the user folds the corner of the t-shirt 422 containing the lower hole 424 such that the lower hole 424 overlaps with the upper hole 426. The fastener 10 is then inserted through both the lower hole 424 and the upper hole 426 in the unsecured state. The fastener 10 is then switched to the secured state, thus holding the folded portion of the t-shirt 422 in place. It will be appreciated that the holes 424, 426 may be positioned in any manner on the t-shirt 422 in order to customise the fit of the garment.

Figures 64 and 65 illustrate an arrangement in which the effective circumference of the waist portion of a t-shirt 428 may be reduced using the above described fastener 10. The t-shirt 428 is provided with a series of three holes 430 on each side of the t-shirt 428 near its lower hem 432. To make the adjustment, the user folds the sides of the lower portion of the t-shirt 428 so that the respective holes 430 of each side overlap, so that in this configuration the material forms an S-shaped cross-section.

Alternatively, if an outermost hole 430 is lined up with a hole 430 closer to the centre of the T-shirt 428, the waist size is reduced further than if the outermost hole 430 is lined up with a hole 430 not as close to the centre of the T-shirt 428. When holes 430 of the T-shirt 428 overlap, the fastener 10 is then inserted through the holes 430 in its unsecured state. The fastener 10 is then switched to the secured state, thus holding the folded portion of the T-shirt 428 in place. It will be appreciated that the holes 430 may be positioned in any manner on the shirt 428 in order to customise the fit of the garment.

Figures 66 and 67 illustrate that the method of making adjustments to a T-shirt described above in relation to Figures 64 and 65 may be adapted for use with an overcoat 434.

Figure 68 illustrates an arrangement in which epaulettes 436 may be attached to a garment 438. The garment 438 has a hole in each shoulder 440. Each hole aligns with a corresponding hole 442 in an epaulette 436. A fastener 10 in an unsecured state is inserted through the aligned holes, and switched to the secured state when fully inserted into the aligned holes. Accordingly, the epaulette 436 is secured to the garment 438.

Alternatively, the shoulders of the T-shirt 438 shown in Figure 68 may be adjusted using a fastener 10 according to the present invention. Each shoulder 440 of the garment 438 may be provided with a series of holes on each side of the T-shirt 438. To make the adjustment, the user folds the shoulder 440 so that a pair of respective holes on each side of the T-shirt 438 overlap, the pair of holes being selected to provide the desired fit. Then, the fastener 10 is inserted through the pair of holes in the unsecured state. The fastener 10 is then switched to the secured state, thus holding the folded shoulder in place. It will be appreciated that the holes may be positioned in any manner on the shoulder of the T-shirt 438 in order to customise the fit of the garment 438.

Figures 69 and 70 illustrate an arrangement in which a sleeve 444 of a T-shirt 446 may be shortened using the above described fastener 10. The sleeve 444 of the t-shirt 446 is provided with a first hole 448 near the hem 450 of the sleeve 444. A second hole 452 is provided in the shoulder 454 of the T-shirt 446. It will be appreciated that corresponding holes may also be provided on the other sleeve and shoulder also. To make the adjustment, the user folds the sleeve 444 such that the first and second holes 448, 452 overlap. The fastener 10 is then inserted through the holes 448, 452 in the unsecured state. Then, the fastener 10 is switched to the secured state, thus holding the folded sleeve 444 in place.

It will be appreciated that the holes 448, 452 may be positioned in any manner on the sleeves 444 and shoulders 454 of the shirt 446 in order to customise the fit of the garment. A further hole 456 is provided near the lower hem 458 of the T-shirt 446 for in which the fastener 10 resides when it is not being used to adjust the length of the sleeve 444.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the invention could be modified to take many alternative forms, without departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims. For example, many variations to the structure of the fasteners described above are envisaged. Additionally, the implementations shown in Figures 54 to 70 for the use of the fastener to make adjustments to clothing are provided by way of example only, and the skilled person will appreciate that many further possibilities exist for use of the fastener in this manner.

Claims

Claims 1. A fastener for clothing, comprising: a selection mechanism that is operable to switch the fastener between a first state, in which the fastener is configured to be inserted through an opening in a garment, and a second state, in which the fastener is configured to be secured in the opening; and an actuator configured to be manipulated by a user to operate the selection mechanism to select between the first state and the second state; wherein the fastener is arranged such that when either the first state or the second state is selected the fastener remains in the selected state until the actuator is next manipulated.
The fastener of Claim 1, comprising a main body and at least one locking member that is movable relative to the main body, wherein in the first state the main body and the at least one locking member are in a first configuration, and in the second state the main body and the at least one locking member are in a second configuration.
The fastener of Claim 2, wherein the main body houses at least a portion of the selection mechanism.
The fastener of Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein in the first state the at least one locking member extends in a direction corresponding to an axis of the main body.
The fastener of any of Claims 2 to 4, wherein in the second state the at least one locking member is inclined relative to, and optionally orthogonal to, an axis of the main body.
The fastener of any of Claims 2 to 5, wherein the main body comprises an elongate member and the axis of the main body is the longitudinal axis of the elongate member.
The fastener of any of Claims 2 to 6, comprising a first locking member and a second locking member.
The fastener of Claim 7, wherein the first and second locking members are arranged for complementary movement on operation of the selection mechanism. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
9. The fastener of Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein in the first state the first locking member and the second locking member are in a parallel configuration and in the second state the first locking member and the second locking member are in an in-line configuration.
10. The fastener of any of Claims 2 to 9, wherein the main body comprises a head that is arranged to limit the movement of the fastener when secured to clothing.
11. The fastener of any preceding claim, wherein the selection mechanism comprises a first engagement member, wherein the position of the first engagement member relates to the state of the fastener.
12. The fastener of Claim 11, wherein the first engagement member is substantially in the form of a stem.
13. The fastener of Claim 11 or Claim 12, wherein selection mechanism comprises a second engagement member, and the first engagement member is engageable with the second engagement member, wherein the first and second engagement members may engage in a first relative position or a second relative position, each position corresponding to a respective state of the fastener.
14. The fastener of Claim 13, wherein the selection mechanism comprises an engagement guide for guiding the engagement members into the first and second relative positions.
15. The fastener of Claim 13 or Claim 14, wherein the selection mechanism comprises a spring configured to bias the first and second engagement members into engagement.
16. The fastener of any preceding claim, wherein the actuator is operable by the application and the release of pressure.
17. In combination, a fastener according to any preceding claim and an item of clothing, the item of clothing comprising at least one opening arranged to receive the fastener.
18. The combination of Claim 17, wherein the item of clothing comprises trousers or a shirt.
19. The combination of Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein the item of clothing is manufactured from denim.
20. The combination of any of Claims 17 to 19, wherein the fastener is secured to the item of clothing.
21. A method of securing a fastener according to any of Claims 1 to 16 to clothing, the method comprising: inserting at least a portion of the fastener into at least one opening in the clothing while the fastener is in the first state; and switching the fastener to the second state to retain the fastener in the opening.
22. The method of Claim 21, wherein the method is used to alter or tailor the clothing.