US2027513A - Button element - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 14, 1936. w. c. BRoADwELL BUTTON ELEMENT Filed June 8, 1935 INVENTOR. v

,\ Z/( l @4Z v ATTORNEYS Patented Jan. 14, A1936 Application June 8, 1935, Serial No. 25,593 In Canada October- 26, 1934 16 Claims. '(Cl, 24-245) This invention relates to button elements of the type shown and describedin my copending application SerialNo. 698,139, now Patent No. 2,006,535, dated July 2,4935, with respect to which the present application is a continuation in part.

An important object'of this invention is to provide a generally improved button element which is simple in construction, reliable in use, inex'- pensive. to manufacture, and adapted to so function in conjunction with a companion loop mem-V ber of the type shown and described in said ccpending application'as to effect a pronounced impinging action on a garment at points where it is confined between the overlying flange-like i5 margins' of the button head and the underlying portions of the loop member.

Other objects and advantages ofthe invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which- Fig. 1 is a face view showing one form of but,-

ton element associated with a companion loop member;v Fig. .2 'is a transverse sectional view' taken online 2--2 of Fig. l Fig. 3 isan enlarged transverse sectional view of the button element and -its associated retaining strap; Fig. 4 is a viewv similar to that lof Fig. 3 and illustrating the manner in which the ange-like margins of the button head are deflected into -impinging engage- 30 ment with a. garment under tension; Fig. 5 is a showingin section a mold. by which the button element 'of Figs. Sand 7 maybe formed.

In Figs. 1 and 2:'one form of the present iny 40 vention is illustrated in` association with a loop member I, of .suitable material such as sheet metal, the leg portions 6 of which present a pair of inwardly projecting lugslatopposite sides --of the -loop opening 8 and at points substantially midway ofthe length of that opening and further present immediately adjacent the lugs 1 a pair of downwardly and inwardly` inclined' but-- I 'tonengaging walls I0.' l

.'The form o f button element I I, which em. bodies the present invention and which 'is shown inQFigs. lto 5, includes a 'retaining strap I2 and a button I 4, the strap being adapted for connection tothe loop member 5 by means hereinafter more particularly described. I As to the button element II, it will be noted includes' a pair of mold members 20 and 2|, the

- secured to the lower face of the mold member 2 I.

that the retaining strap I2 thereof comprises a suitable fabric I5, -such as a non-stretchable sheeting, in association with a suitable fabric I 6, such as astretchable stockinet material, the two fabrics being permanently united to each 5 other-throughout the length of the strap@ by an interposed layer-of rubber I'I. It will be also noted that'the button Il'includes a mass of rub- `ber I8, which is in physical union with the layer of rubber I'I and which is disposed intermediate a portion of the non-stretchable fabric I5 and that portion of the stretchable" fabric I6 which is so distorted in the button-element-forming opt eration, hereinafter more particularly described,

that it conforms generally, as shown most clearly in Figs. v3, 4 and 5, to the contour of the button within which it is embedded.

The button elements II may be produced in quantities bythe ,aid of a suitable mold, which latter of which is provided with a plurality of mold cavities 22, only one of which is herein shown but each of which has a conguration conforming tothe desired surface contour of the button I4 of the -nished button element. Each of the mold cavities 22 is formed by reason of the fact that the moldamember 2l is so recessed as to provide therein apocket 24, which registers with an opening 25, provided in a face` plate 26,

In carrying on the method employed in producing the button element II, a strip or sheet of non-stretchable fabric I5 is placed on the upper face ofthe mold member 20, while the mold members 20fand 2l are separated, whereupon a quantity of rubber compound R is applied to that fabric. After applying the rubber compound, `a strip or sheet of stretchablefabric I6 is placed ontop of the rubber compound, whereupon the mold member 2| is moved downwardly, by suit- 40 able means, into engagement with the uppermost fabric, with the result that, as the mold member 2| assumes its position shown in Fig. 5, the rub-v ber compound is forced upwardly into the mold cavity 22, carrying with ita portion of the stretch- '45 able fabric I6. thus forming the buttons I4, eachof which is characterized by the factthat the -displaced portion of the fabric I6 'assumes such a positionfasshownin Figs. 3, 4 and 5, that it serves as a reinforcing .element for the button. 5u As the mold member 2 I vassumes its position shown 'l in Fig. 5the rubber compound is not only dis- 'piammthe manner describedfbut it is also caused to enter 'and fill the spaces between thel threads'sof the fabrics so that the fabrics and 55 the rubber compound are firmly united into a unitary structure to be subjected to v'ulcanization within vthe mold.

Upon completing the molding operation just described, the button elements I l may be blanked or otherwise removed from the unitary structure, each button element being reinforced with respect vto its included strap I2 as well as with respect to its included button I4 by reason of the of the fabrics I 5 and I8.

In order that the button element II and loop member 5 may be easily combined and thereafter heldin an assembled relation, the latter is formed with an aperture 21 and is provided with a struckup anchor-tongue 28, between the end of which and the adjacent portion of the loop member is afforded a slot 23 which is contiguous to the usual support-receiving opening and the width presence of which, when the tongue is moved into the plane of the -loop member, is slightly less than the normal thickness of the-retaining strap` I2 of the button element. By utilizing the tongue 23, the

` button element II may be effectively anchored to the loop member 5 and in doing so the retaining strap I2 is passed through the slot 29 from theA rear of the 'loop member,`thexice downwardly over the tongue 28 and into the aperture 21,

whereupon the tongue 23 is moved into the plane of the loop member where it exerts an impinging action on retaining strap whereby the button element and loop member. are permanently held in an assembled relation.

A pronounced peculiarity of the button element II, herein disclosed, resides in the fact that as the garment is subjected to tension incident to the downward pull exerted thereon when worn,

the relatively soft flange-like margins of the but-v .ton head are deflected or urged into impinging engagement with the garment, at the points where it is confined between such margins and the underlying leg portions 6 of the loop member 5, and exert on the garment a holding eiect which .increases in intensity as the downward pull on the garment is increased. Deflection of the Bange-like margins of the button head in the manner described may be readily accounted for when it is taken into account that such gripping action as is exerted on the garment, by `reason of its being impinged between the shank portion 3| of the button and button-engaging walls III of 4 the loop member, is insufficient to so hold the garment between the shank portion '3| of the button I4 and the button-engagingv walls III of the loop member 3, such shank portion is shaped, as shown byrthe dotted lines 32 in Fig. l, to conform to the inclination of the button-engaging walls, when the button is positioned as shown in that figure, with considerable space remaining between itself and the lower end of the-inner wall of the loop opening 3. Despite the fact that the distance between the lugs 1 is slightly less than the transverse width of the shank portion 3| of the button I4, which is-required to pass intermediate such lugs when attaching a garment to the loop member 5, these lugs do not unduly restrain such passage of .the button shank therebetween but yet serve to guard against undue displacement of the button in a reverse,l direction, as when tension is applied to the garment transversely of the retaining strap I2 and in a path across its associated button I4.

Referring to the form of invention shown in Figs. 6 to 8, it will be noted that the button element II' differs from the button element I I hereinbefore described in that its retaining strap I2 in the immediate vicinity of its associated button I4' is somewhat wider than and extends laterally beyond the s ame, as shown most clearly in Fig. 6, and in that the retaining strap is formed at its outer end with a transversely disposed retaining rib or bead 34 which presents a retaining shoulder 35 extending longitudinally thereof and transversely of the strap.

As to the form of loop member 5 shown in Figs. 6 and 7, it will be noted that it differs from from the loop member 5, hereinbefore described, in that its retaining tongue 28 is curved so as to, in effect, shorten it sufficiently to allow between itself and the adjacent portion of the loop member, from which it is sheared in the dieforming operation, ample space to accommodate the-ribbed or beaded end of the retaining strap I2. By .utilizing the .retaining tongue 28', the

' button element II' may be effectively anchored to the loop member 5', and in doing so the retaining strap I2' is passed from the rear of the loop member through the usual support-receiving opening 30', intermediate which and the retaining tongue 2l' is formed a rib-engaging gusset 36, and is thereafter so introduced into the space or slot afforded between the tongue 23 and the gusset 36 as to enable the retaining shoulder 35 to engage the gusset as shown in Fig. 7, whereupon the tongue 23' is moved into engagement .with the strap I2' in the vicinity of the retaining -rib -34 where it exerts an impinging action on the strap, whereby the loop member 5' and the button element II' are permanently lheld in an assembled relation.

The button elements I I may be produced in quantities by the aid of a suitable mold, which includes a pair of mold members 20' and 2 I', the former of which is identical with the mold member 20, hereinbefore described, and the latter of which is identical with the mold member 2|, also hereinbefore described, except that it is provided with a plurality of auxiliary mold cavities 31, only one of which is herein shown but each of which has a configuration conforming to the desired surface' contour of the retaining rib o r bead 34 of the finished button elements. Each of the mold cavities 31 is formed by reason of the fact that the face plate 26', with which the mold member 2l is provided, is sorecessed as to afford therein a pocket 3l into which a portion of the rubber compound R', employed in the molding operation, is'forced, carrying with it a portion of the stretchable fabric I 3'.

In carrying on the method employed in provducing the button elements I I', the procedure is Videntical with that described in connection with fabric I6' assumes such a position, as shown mostv clearly lin Fig. 8. that it serves as a reinforcement for thebead generally and for its retaining shoulder 35 in particular, thus enabling the bead to effectively function, in -association with the retaining tongue 28' and the rib-engaging gusset 36 as means for retaining the-button Aelement Il' against undue displacement` when attached to theloop member 5' as shown in Figs. 6 and 7.'

It will be understood that various changes other than those herein described may be resorted to without departing from the spirit `oi.' the invention or the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A button element for use with a companion loop member comprising a non-stretchable fabric serving as a retaining strap, a button of relatively soft rubber having a bonded union with said strap and including a shank portion and having a head presenting relatively thin flange-like margins extending laterally beyond said shank and adapted to be exed toward the leg portions of said loop member and into impinging engagement with a garment at points underlying such margins and overlying .such leg portions as. when the loopmember and button element are cooperatively atable fabric, ka strip of stretchable fabric disposed, in a contiguous relation to the first-mentionedv fabric," and a'mass` of relatively soft rubber disposed intermediate said fabrics and. in bondedv union therewith, said rubber being shaped to present a button at one Iend of said non-stretchable union therewith,` said rubber being Ashaped topresent a button at one end of said non-stretchable fabric and the'corresponding end of saidstretchable fabric being embedded in said button and conforming generallyk to the contour thereof, said button including a shank portion and having a head presenting relatively thin flange-like margns extending laterally beyond said shank and adapted to be flexed toward the leg portions of said loop memberand into impinging engagement with 'a garment at points underlying such margins and overlying such leg portions as when' the loop member and button element are cooperal 4tively attached to a garment and such garment is subjected to tension in the vicinity contiguous to the underlying head of said button.

4. A. button element for use with a companion loop member comprising a non-stretchable fabric serving as a retaining strap, a retaining bead carried at one end of said strap and including a` mass of rubber in bonded union with said fabric, a button carried at the other end of said strap and including a mass of rubber shaped to a definite 'contour and in bonded union with said fabric, a

I stretchable fabric disposed ina contig ious rela-4 erally'to said retaining bead and said button,

l' and a layer of rubber disposed intermediate :said non-stretchable fabric and said stretchable fabric intermediate said retaining bead and said button and there in bonded union with said fabrics.

5. A button'element for use with a companion' loop member comprising a non-stretchable fabric serving as a retaining strap, a retaining beadl carried at one end of said strap and including a mass of rubber in bonded union with said fabric, a button carried at the other end of said'strap` and including a ymass of rubber shaped to adenite contour. and in bonded union with said fabric, a stretchable fabric disposed in a contiguous relation .to said non-stretchable fabric intermediate said retaining bead and said button of said button.

6. A button element comprising a non-stretchablefabric, a button including a mass of rubber y shaped to a definite contour and in bonded union with said fabric, a stretchable fabric embedded insaid button and conforming generally to the contour thereof and in bonded union with said non-stretchable fabric adjacent the base of said button and forming-in commotion with said nontegral with the rubber of said retaining rib and stretchable fabric an envelope withinwhich is confined the button core comprising a portion'of the button forming rubber. j

'7. A button element comprising a strip of nonstretchable fabric, a button including a mass of rubber shaped to a denite contour and in bonded union with said fabric, a strip of stretchable fabric, a tab-forming portion of which overlies and is in bonded union with a corresponding portion of said non-stretchablefabric and another portion of which is embedded in said button and conforms generallyto the contour thereof and Ais in bonded union with said non-stretchable fabric'adjacent the base of said button and forms in conjunction with said non-stretchable 'fabric .an envelope within which` is confined the button core comprising a portion ofthe button-forming rubber.

' 8. A button element comprising a strip of nonstretchable fabric, a button includinga mass of rubber shaped to a definite contour and in bonded union with said fabric, a strip of stretchable fabric, a tab-forming portion of which overlies V and is in bonded union with a corresponding portion of saidLnon-stretchable fabric and another portion of which is embedded in said button and conforms generallyto the contour thereof and is in bonded union with said non-stretchable fabric adjacent the base of said button and forms invconjunction with said non-stretchable fabric an envelope within which is conned the button corevcomprising a portion of the button-forming rubber, a retaining rib including a massv of rubber shaped to a denite contour and in bonded union with -the tab-forming portions. of said fabrics and within -which isV embedded a ribreinforcing portion of said stretchable fabric,

9. A button element for'use with a companion loop member comprising a retaining strap, a button ofdrelatively'softl rubber having a vunion with said strap and including a shank portion and having a head presenting relatively thin flange-like margins extending laterally beyond said shank and adapted to be flexed toward the leg portions of said loop member and into impinging engagement with a garment at points underlying such margins and overlying such leg portions as when the loop member and button element are cooperatively attached to a garment and such garment is subjected to tension in the vicinity contiguous tothe underlying head of said button.

10. A button elementfor use with a companion loop member'comprising a retaining strap, a strip of stretchable fabric disposed in a contiguous relation to said strap, and'a mass of relatively soft rubber disposed intermediate said strap and said fabric and in union therewith, said rubber being'shaped topresent a button at one end of said strap and the corresponding end of said stretchable fabric being embedded in said button and conforming generally to the contour thereof.

1l. A button element for use with a companion loop member comprising a retaining strap', a strip of stretchable fabric disposed in a contiguous relation to said strap, and a. mass of relatively soft rubber disposed intermediate said-*strap and said fabric and in union therewith, said rubber being shaped to present a button at one end of said .strap and the corresponding fend of said stretchable fabric being embedded in said button and conforming generally to the contour thereof, said button including a shank portion and having a head presenting relatively thin flange-like margins extending laterally beyond said shank and adapted to` be flexed foward vthe leg portions of l said loop member and into impinglng engagement with a garment at points underlying ,such margins and overlying such leg portions as when the loop member and button element are cooperatively attached to a garment and such garment is subjected to tension in the vicinity contiguous to the underlying head of said button.

12. A button element for use with a companion loop member comprising a retaining strap, a retaining bead carried at one end of said strap and including a mass vof rubber in union with said strap, a button carried at the other end of said strap and including a mass of rubber shaped to a definitecontour and in union with said strap, a. stretchable fabric disposed in a contiguous relation to said strap intermediate said retaining bead and said button and embedded at opposite ends in and there conforming generally to said bead and said button, and a layer of rubber disposed intermediate said strap and said stretchable fabric intermediate said retaining' bead and said button and there in union with said strap and said stretchable fabric.

13. A button element for use with a companion loop member comprising a retaining strap, a retaining bead carried at one end of said strap and including a mass of 'rubber in union with said strap, a button carried at the other end of said strap and including a mass of rubber shaped to a definite, contour and in union with -said strap, a stretchable fabric disposed in a contiguous relation to said strap intermediate said retaining bead and said button and embedded at opposite ends in and there conforming generally to said retaining bead and said button, and a layer of rubber disposed intermediate said strap and said .stretchable fabric intermediate said retaining bead and saidbutton and there in union with said strap and said stretchable fabric, said layer of rubber being .integral with the rubber of said retaining rib and of said button;

14. A button element comprising a retaining strap, a button including a mass of rubber shaped to a definite contour and in union with laid strap, a stretchable fabric embedded in said button and conforming generally to'the contour thereof and in union with said strap adjacent the base of said button and forming in conjunction with said strap an envelope within which is confined the button core comprising a portion of the buttonforming rubber.

15. A button element comprising a retaining strap, a button including a mass of rubber shaped to a definite contour and in union with said strap, a strip of stretchable fabric, a tab-forming portion of which overlies and is in union with a cor- 'responding portion of said strap and another tion of which overlies and is in union with a corresponding portion of said strap and another portion of which is embedded in said button and conforms generally to the contour thereof and is in union with said strap adjacent the base of said button and forms in conjunction with said strap an envelopewithin which is confined the button core comprising a portion of. the button-forming rubber, a retaining rib including,1 a mass of rubber shaped to a definite contour and in union with the tab-forming portion of said strap and said stretchable fabric and within which is embedded a rib-reinforcing portion of said stretchable fabric, said rib-reinforcing portion conforming generally to the contour of said rib and between which and said strap is confined the rib core comprising a portion of the rib-forming mass.

WILLIAM C. BROADWELL.

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