WO2006002428A9

WO2006002428A9 - Two-position fastener for brassieres

Info

Publication number: WO2006002428A9
Application number: PCT/US2005/022787
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ajit Thakur; Joseph Horta
Original assignee: S & S Ind Inc; Ajit Thakur; Joseph Horta
Priority date: 2004-06-24
Filing date: 2005-06-24
Publication date: 2006-03-09
Also published as: WO2006002428A1; JP2008504074A

Abstract

A two-position fastener, with a securing mechanism to prevent accidental unfastening, that is suitable for use on a front or rear fastening brassiere. A male element has a post and a bar attached to opposite ends of a plate. A female element has two barrels mounted on a base, each of which can accommodate the post, and each of which has a protrusion that interferes with the movement of the bar about the barrel. Alternatively, a first element has one magnet embedded in a first base and a second element has two magnets embedded in a second base. When the elements are fastened, two hooks mounted on the second base engage with two of a series of catches mounted on the first base to prevent accidental unfastening. Positive locking means to fix the attachment of the members or elements is also provided.

Description

TWO-POSITION FASTENER FOR BRASSIERES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to fasteners for brassieres and other garments, and more particularly, to a brassiere fastener that may be fastened at one of two available positions and secured to prevent accidental opening.

2. Description of the Related Art For years, brassieres were generally fastened using a "hook and eye" type fastener located on the back of the wearer. Recently, numerous other kinds of fasteners have become prevalent, many of which are located on the wearer's front, between the cups of the brassiere. Some of these newer fasteners are more effective than others. The most important functions of any brassiere fastener include: (a) its ability to remain fastened while being worn, based upon the fastening method utilized, as well as any safeguards present which can help prevent accidental unfastening; (b) the ease with which the fastener may be intentionally opened and closed, in light of its design and its positioning on either the front or the back of the wearer; and (c) the degree of comfort afforded to the wearer, as a result of the fastener's size, shape and location.

Additionally, some newer brassiere fasteners are adjustable. They can be fastened at more than one position, so that a brassiere may be worn more loosely for comfort or tightly to enhance cleavage. Depending on the location of the fastener and the ease with which it is designed to be unfastened, a brassiere may even be loosened or tightened by the wearer without having to remove any other articles of clothing. Known devices do not include a comfortable, easily adjustable two-position fastener positioned between the cups of a brassiere, that has a safe securing mechanism to ensure it will not be accidentally unfastened. As noted, such a fastener, in addition to being adjustable to improve its fit and increase the comfort level of the wearer, could be fastened in one position to enhance the appearance of the wearer's cleavage, or in another position to improve comfort and downplay the cleavage.

For example, U.S. Patent No.6,606,767 to Wong discloses a magnetic fastener that features a protrusion to counteract lateral slippage. However, the protrusion does not prevent separation of the magnets in the direction of their polar axes. U.S. Patent No. 4,054,972 to Rowell discloses a fastener, designed for the front of a brassiere, which requires rotation of one member with respect to the other to be opened. While this affords some protection against accidental unfastening, the two members are not secured in place. In addition, neither the Wong '767 patent nor the Rowell '972 patent shows a fastener that may be fastened at more than one position. Similarly, U.S. Patent No. 3,979,801 , issued to Tareau, describes a number of variations on mechanical fasteners featuring interlocking "male" and "female" sections. However, the only variation that contemplates being fastened at more than one position does not feature a securing mechanism.

U.S. Patent No.6,647,597, to Reiter, discloses a two-position magnetic fastener, but this fastener also has no securing mechanism. Furthermore, this fastener is primarily intended for shoes and does not lend itself to use on brassieres. U.S. Patent No. 6,536,085, to Milano, also reveals a multi-position fastener, and it is designed specifically for use with brassieres. However, this fastener is worn on the back, not between the cups. Therefore, it is not as easy for the wearer to adjust the position of the fastener, and when adjusted, the appearance of the wearer's cleavage is not affected.

The present invention relates to a brassiere fastener which allows the drawbacks of prior art fasteners and facilitates quick adjustability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an easily adjustable, two-position^' fastener that has a securing mechanism to ensure it will not be accidentally unfastened. The fastener is designed to be positioned between the cups of a brassiere, so that in addition to being adjustable to improve its fit and increase the wearer's level of comfort, it may be fastened in one position to enhance the appearance of the wearer's cleavage, or in another position to downplay the cleavage. Alternatively, positioning of the fastener to the rear straps of the brassiere is also contemplated.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, a male fastener element has a cylindrical post and a bar, parallel to one another and separated by a flat plate. A female fastener element has two barrels fixed to a base, each made up of a closed upper segment and an opposed open lower segment which are joined by a groove in the base. A series of protrusions cause the walls of each barrel segment to bulge outward. To initially fasten the elements, the post is inserted into one of the barrels, positioned so that the plate passes through the opening in the lower barrel segment. Once each end of the post is inside a respective segment of the barrel, the male element is rotated, forcing the bar past the protrusions in interference relation, until the two elements are secured in a completely fastened position.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, a first element has one magnet embedded in a base, so that only the face of the magnet is visible, and a series of L-shaped catches protrude laterally outward from the base. A second element has two magnets similarly embedded in a second base, and a positive mechanical locking means in the form of a pair of L-shaped hooks protruding from the face of the second base is provided. To initially fasten the elements, the magnet of the first element is brought into contact with one of the magnets of the second element. There is enough room between the L-shaped catches to allow the L-shaped hook to pass by, but in such a position, the two magnets brought into contact are not precisely aligned. The magnetic force of the two magnets causes them to shift laterally and align with one another. This shifting movement also serves to engage each hook with one of the catches. At this point, the two elements are secured in a completely fastened position. A feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a brassiere fastener that may be fastened at either one of two distinct positions, in order to maximize its fit and comfort.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a brassiere fastener that can be worn comfortably and effectively between the cups of a brassiere, so that tightening the fastener enhances the wearer's cleavage, and loosening the fastener improves comfort and downplays cleavage.

Yet another feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a brassiere fastener that can be fastened at either one of two positions and secured to reduce or eliminate accidental unfastening. These and other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described herein below with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a rear view of a brassiere employing a fastener according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a two-part fastener constructed according to a first embodiment in an unfastened position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the two-part fastener of FIG. 2, in an initially fastened, but unsecured condition; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the lines 4 — 4 of FIG. 3, of the fastener of FIG. 2 in an initially fastened, but unsecured condition;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fastener of FIG. 2 in a fastened and secured condition;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the lines 6 — 6 of FIG. 5, of the fastener of FIGS. 2-5 in a fastened and secured condition;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the lines 7 — 7 of FIG. 5, of the post and barrel of the fastener of FIG. 5 to the first embodiment, in a fastened and secured condition;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the fastener of FIG. 5 in a fastened and secured condition and attached to straps of a garment;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of a brassiere employing a fastener constructed to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fastener in FIG. 9 in an unfastened condition;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fastener of FIG. 10, fastened and secured at a first position; FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the lines 12 — 12 of FIG. 1 1 , of the fastener according to the second embodiment, fastened and secured at a first position;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the lines 13 — 13 of FIG. 11 , of two magnets and their housings according to the second embodiment, in a fastened and secured position;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the fastener according to the second embodiment, fastened and secured at a second position;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the lines 15 — 15 of FIG. 14, of a hook and a catch of the fastener according to the second embodiment, in a fastened and secured position;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the lines 16 — 16 of FIG. 14, of the fastener according to the second embodiment, fastened and secured at a second position;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the fastener according to the second embodiment, fastened and secured at a second position; and

FIG. 18 is a rear view of a brassiere having the present fastener attached to the rear straps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1 , in a first preferred embodiment a brassiere 1 comprises two cups 3 and a fastener 5. Fastener 5 is located between cups

3 and is attached thereto as shown more clearly in FIGS. 2 - 8 and as disclosed herein.

As shown in FIG. 18, the fastener of the present invention can be located in the rear of the brassiere, i.e., connected to the rear brassiere straps. Referring initially to FIGS. 1 - 8, fastener 5 comprises a male element 10 and a female element 30, each of which is a single, molded piece of sturdy, resilient plastic. Male element 10 contains a cylindrical post 12 having an upper nub 12a, a top end 12b, a lower nub 12c, and a bottom end 12d. Preferably, top end 12b and bottom end 12d of post 12 are rounded. Post 12 is adjacent to a flat, rectangular plate 14 having a leading edge 14a, an opposite facing trailing edge 14b, a top edge 14c, and an opposite facing bottom edge 14d. Post 12 is connected lengthwise to leading edge 14a of plate 14 so that upper nub 12a extends beyond top edge 14c of plate 14, and lower nub 12c extends beyond bottom edge 14d of plate 14. The thickness of plate 14 is less than the diameter of post 12. Referring now to FIG. 2, trailing edge 14b of plate d is connected lengthwise to a bar 16, which is parallelepipedic in shape and has an upper segment 16a and a lower segment 16b. Upper segment 16a extends beyond top edge 14c of plate 14, and lower segment 16b extends beyond bottom edge 14d of plate 14. Aflat, rectangular base 18 is adjacent to the side of bar 16 facing opposite plate 14. Bar 16 is connected lengthwise to base 18 at a leading edge 18a of base 18. Base 18 also has an opposite- facing trailing edge 18b, which is attached lengthwise to an outer edge 21 of a ring 20. An inner edge 22 of ring 20 defines a slot 24. A piece fabric extending outwardly from one of cups 3 passes through slot 24 and is folded over and sewn or otherwise attached to itself, thereby attaching male element 10 to one of cups 3 of brassiere 1. Female element 30 contains a flat, rectangular base 32 having a leading edge

32a, a trailing edge 32b, a top edge 32c, a bottom edge 32d, and a front face 32e. A first barrel 34 is formed on front face 32e of base 32. First barrel 34 comprises a first closed cylinder 36, a first open cylinder 38, and a first groove 40 cut out of front face 32e of base 32. First groove 40 begins at bottom edge 32d, ends just before top edge 32c, and lies adjacent to leading edge 32a. First closed cylinder 36 appears to be partially embedded in base 32 at the corner where leading edge 32a and top edge 32c meet, and its center axis is parallel to leading edge 32a. First closed cylinder 36 has a solid segment 36a and a hollow segment 36b; hollow segment 36b defines an axially aligned, cylindrical, first closed hole 42. First closed cylinder 36 is positioned so that an upper end 40a of first groove 40 coincides with a section of first closed hole 42 that cuts into front face 32e of base 32. The diameter and height of first closed hole 42 are slightly greater than the diameter and height of upper nub 12a of post 12. The diameter of first closed cylinder 36 is smaller than the distance between leading edge 18a and trailing edge 18b of male element base 18. As shown in FIG. 2, the thickness of the wall of hollow segment 36b of first closed cylinder 36 generally is slightly less than the length of top edge 14c and bottom edge 14d of plate 14. However, a first upper protrusion 44 extends outwardly from first closed cylinder 36, so that the thickness of the wall of hollow segment 36b where first upper protrusion 44 is formed is slightly greater than the length of top edge 14c and bottom edge 14d of plate 14. First upper protrusion 44 appears as a "bulge" that runs the entire length of first closed cylinder 36 and runs circumferentially between, but not extending to, a position farthest from front face 32e and a position farthest from trailing edge 32b of base 32.

Like first closed cylinder 36, first open cylinder 38 appears to be partially embedded in base 32, with its center axis parallel to leading edge 32a. First open cylinder 38 is located at the corner where leading edge 32a and bottom edge 32d meet and is hollow for its entire length, defining an axially aligned, cylindrical, first open hole 46. First open cylinder 38 is positioned so that a lower end 40b of first groove 40 coincides with a section of first open hole 46 that cuts into front face 32e of base 32. The diameter of first open hole 46 is slightly greater than the diameter of lower nub 12b of post 12. The diameter of first open cylinder 38 is smaller than the distance between leading edge 18a and trailing edge 18b of male element base 18.

A first aperture 48 cuts across the entire length of first open cylinder 38, extending radially all the way through the wall of first open cylinder 38. Circumferentially, first aperture 48 extends from a position farthest from front face 32e toward trailing edge 32b of base 32. The width of first aperture 48 is greater than the thickness of plate 14 and less than the diameter of post 12.

The thickness of the wall of first open cylinder 38 generally is slightly less than the length of top edge 14c and bottom edge 14d of plate 14. A first lower protrusion 50 extends outwardly from first open cylinder 38, so that the thickness of the wall of first open cylinder 38 where first lower protrusion 50 is formed is slightly greater than the length of top edge 14c and bottom edge 14d of plate 14. First lower protrusion 50 appears as a "bulge" that runs the entire length of first open cylinder 38 and runs circumferentially between, but not extending to, a position farthest from front face 32e and a position farthest from trailing edge 32b of base 32.

A second barrel 54 also is formed on front face 32e of base 32. Other than its location with respect to base 32, second barrel 54 is substantially identical to first barrel 34. Second barrel 54 comprises a second closed cylinder 56, a second open cylinder 58, and a second groove 60 cut out of front face 32e of base 32. Second groove 60 begins at bottom edge 32d, ends just before top edge 32c, and lies adjacent to trailing edge 32b. Second closed cylinder 56 appears to be partially embedded in base 32 at the corner where trailing edge 32b and top edge 32c meet, and its center axis is parallel to trailing edge 32b. Second closed cylinder 56 has a solid segment 56a and a hollow segment 56b; hollow segment 56b defines an axially aligned, cylindrical, second closed hole 62. Second closed cylinder 56 is positioned so that an upper end 60a of second groove 60 coincides with a section of second closed hole 62 that cuts into front face 32e of base 32. The diameter and height of second closed hole 62 are slightly greater than the diameter and height of upper nub 12a of post 12. The distance between first closed cylinder 36 and second closed cylinder 56, at their closest points, is greater than the width of bar 16, as measured from the leading edge 18a of base 18 to the trailing edge 14b of plate 14.

The thickness of the wall of hollow segment 56b of second closed cylinder 56 generally is slightly less than the length of top edge 14c and bottom edge 14d of plate 14. A second upper protrusion 64 extends outwardly from second closed cylinder 56, so that the thickness of the wall of hollow segment 56b where second upper protrusion 64 is formed is slightly greater than the length of top edge 14c and bottom edge 14d of plate 14. Second upper protrusion 64 appears as a "bulge" that runs the entire length of second closed cylinder 56 and runs circumferentially between, but not extending to, a position farthest from front face 32e and a position closest to leading edge 32a of base 32.

Second open cylinder 58 appears to be partially embedded in base 32, with its center axis parallel to trailing edge 32b. Second open cylinder 58 is located at the corner where trailing edge 32b and bottom edge 32d meet and is hollow for its entire length, defining an axially aligned, cylindrical, second open hole 66. Second open cylinder 58 is positioned so that a lower end 60b of second groove 60 coincides with a section of second open hole 66 that cuts into front face 32e of base 32. The diameter of second open hole 66 is slightly greater than the diameter of lower nub 12b of post 12. The distance between first open cylinder 38 and second open cylinder 58, at their closest points, is greater than the width of bar 16, as measured from the leading edge 18a of base 18 to the trailing edge 14b of plate 14. A second aperture 68 cuts across the entire length of second open cylinder 58, extending radially all the way through the wall of second open cylinder 58.

Circumferentially, second aperture 68 extends from a position farthest from front face

32e toward trailing edge 32b of base 32. The width of second aperture 68 is greater than the thickness of plate 14 and less than the diameter of post 12.

The thickness of the wall of second open cylinder 58 generally is slightly less than the length of top edge 14c and bottom edge 14d of plate 14. A second lower protrusion 70 extends outwardly from second open cylinder 58, so that the thickness of the wall of second open cylinder 58 where second lower protrusion 70 is formed is slightly greater than the length of top edge 14c and bottom edge 14d of plate 14.

Second lower protrusion 70 appears as a "bulge" that runs the entire length of second open cylinder 58 and runs circumferentially between, but not extending to, a position farthest from front face 32e and a position closest to leading edge 32a of base 32.

A ring 72 has an outer edge 73 and an inner edge 74 which defines a slot 76. Outer edge 73 of ring 72 is attached at one point to second closed cylinder 56 and at another point to second open cylinder 58, at a position on each cylinder farthest from leading edge 32a of base 32. The segment of outer edge 73 between second closed cylinder 56 and second open cylinder 58 abuts base 32 lengthwise, approximately along the line where trailing edge 32b and front face 32e meet, so that no gap exists between ring 72 and base 32. A piece fabric, extending outwardly from the cup 3 not attached to male element 10, passes through slot 76 and is folded over and sewn or otherwise attached to itself, thereby attaching female element 30 to the other cup 3 of brassiere 1.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, to initially fasten male element 10 to female element

30 at a first fastening position, upper nub 12a of post 12 is inserted axially into first open hole 46. Rounded top end 12b of post 12 facilitates insertion of upper nub 12a into first open hole 46. With male element 10 rotated with respect to female element 30 so that plate 14 is aligned with first aperture 48, post 12 is slid along first groove 40 toward first closed hole 42. When plate 14 has passed completely through first aperture 48, upper nub 12a will be inside first closed hole 42 and resting in upper end 40a of first groove 40. Lower nub 12c of post 12 will be inside first open hole 46 and resting in lower end 40b of first groove 40. Plate 14 will be positioned lengthwise between first closed cylinder 36 and first open cylinder 38.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 - 8, to secure male element 10 with respect to female element 30, male element 10 is rotated about the cylindrical axis of post 12 toward leading edge 32a of base 32. First upper protrusion 44 and first lower protrusion 50 will cause some interference with the motion of upper segment 16a and lower segment 16b, respectively, of bar 16 about first closed cylinder 36 and first open cylinder 38. Any person should be able to overcome the interference caused by first upper protrusion 44 and first lower protrusion 50 fairly easily, but enough force is required to do so that it would be highly unlikely to happen accidentally. Once bar 16 has passed first upper protrusion 44 and first lower protrusion 50, male element 10 and female element 30 are fastened and secured. The protrusions prevent rotational movement of male element 10 in one direction, and plate 14 abuts female element base 32 to prevent rotational movement in the other direction. Plate 14 is nestled between first closed cylinder 36 and first open cylinder 38 to prevent movement of male element 10 in the axial direction of post 12.

The broken lines in FIG. 3 show how male element 10 is initially fastened to female element 30 at a second fastening position. Upper nub 12a of post 12 is inserted axially into second open hole 66. With male element 10 rotated with respect to female element 30 so that plate 14 is aligned with second aperture 68, post 12 is slid along second groove 60 toward second closed hole 62. When plate 14 has passed completely through second aperture 68, upper nub 12a will be inside second closed hole 62 and resting in upper end 60a of second groove 60, and lower nub 12c of post 12 will be inside second open hole 66 and resting in lower end 60b of second groove 60. Plate 14 will be positioned lengthwise between second closed cylinder 56 and second open cylinder 58.

Male element 10 is then secured with respect to female element 30 as above. Male element 10 is rotated about the cylindrical axis of post 12 toward leading edge 32a of base 32. With enough force, bar 16 overcomes the interference caused by second upper protrusion 64 and second lower protrusion 70. Upper segment 16a of bar 16 comes to rest against front face 32e of base 32, between first closed cylinder 36 and second closed cylinder 56. Lower segment 16b of bar 16 comes to rest against front face 32e of base 32, between first open cylinder 38 and second open cylinder 58. Base 18 of male element 10 rests between first closed cylinder 36 and first open cylinder 38, and plate 14 rests between second closed cylinder 56 and second open cylinder 58. At this point, male element 10 and female element 30 are fastened and secured at a second fastening position.

When male element 10 and female element 30 are fastened at the second position, rings 20 and 72, and therefore cups 3 of brassiere 1 , are closer together than when male element 10 and female element 30 are fastened at the first position. This serves to enhance the appearance of the brassiere wearer's cleavage. Since fastener 5 is located between cups 3 of brassiere 1 , it is easily accessible to the wearer. Therefore, the wearer can simply and spontaneously alter the appearance of the cleavage, and also adjust the comfort level, by changing the position at which male element 10 is fastened to female element 30. Referring now to FIGS. 9 - 17, and initially to FIG. 9, in a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, a brassiere 101 comprises two cups 103 and a fastener 105. Fastener 105 is located between cups 103 and is attached thereto as shown more clearly in FIGS. 10 - 17 and as disclosed herein. Referring now to FIGS. 19 - 17, fastener 105 is in the configuration of a double magnet element 110 and a single magnet element 140. Other than the magnets that are part of double magnet element 110 and single magnet element 140 as described below, each element is composed of a single, molded piece of sturdy plastic. Double magnet element 110 has a rectangular base 112 having a leading edge 112a, an opposite facing trailing edge 112b, a top edge 112c, an opposite facing bottom edge 112d, a front face 112e, and a rear face 112f. A first recess 114 and a second recess 116, both rectangular and substantially identical in size and shape, are cut out of front face 112e of base 112, but do not reach rear face 112f. First recess 114 and second recess 116 are positioned side by side, their edges parallel to the edges of base 112, with first recess 114 closest to leading edge 112a and second recess 116 closest to trailing edge 112b.

A first magnet 118, rectangular and substantially the same size as the space left by first recess 114, is glued or otherwise attached to base 112 so that it is completely embedded in first recess 114. A front face 118a of first magnet 118 lies on substantially the same plane as front face 112e of base 112. The polar axis of first magnet 118 extends perpendicularly through front face 118a, so that one pole of first magnet 118 is located at front face 118a.

Similarly, a second magnet 120, also rectangular and substantially the same size as the first magnet 118, is glued or otherwise attached to base 112 so that it is completely embedded in second recess 116. A front face 120a of second magnet 120 lies on substantially the same plane as front face 112e of base 112, and the polar axis of second magnet 120 extends perpendicularly through front face 120a. Front face 120a of second magnet 120 has the same polarity as front face 118a of first magnet 118. The magnets may be rare earth magnetic materials, such as neodymium, or any other magnetizable material.

An L-shaped upper hook 122 has a rectangular leg 123 that extends perpendicularly out of front face 112e of base 112, in close proximity to first magnet 118 and leading edge 112a of base 112, such that an outer face 122a of upper hook 122 lies in substantially the same plane as top edge 112c of base 112. A rectangular arm 124 of upper hook 122 juts perpendicularly, toward trailing edge 112b of base 112, from the end of leg 123 not adjacent to base 112. The distance that upper hook 122 protrudes from base 112 is substantially equal to the thickness of base 112, as measured from front face 112e to rear face 112f.

Similarly, an L-shaped lower hook 126 has a rectangular leg 127 that extends perpendicularly out of front face 112e of base 112, in close proximity to first magnet 118 and leading edge 112a of base 112, such that an outer face 126a of lower hook 126 lies in substantially the same plane as bottom edge 112d of base 112. A rectangular arm 128 of lower hook 126 juts perpendicularly, toward trailing edge 112b of base 112, from the end of leg 127 not adjacent to base 112. Preferably, upper hook 122 and lower hook 126 are equally distant from leading edge 112a of base 112.

An outer edge 132 of a ring 130 is attached lengthwise to trailing edge 112b of base 112, positioned so that the plane defined by front face 112e of base 112 approximately bisects ring 130. An inner edge 134 of ring 130 defines a slot 136. A piece of fabric extending outwardly from one of cups 103 passes through slot 136 and is folded over and sewn or otherwise attached to itself, thereby attaching double magnet element 110 to one of cups 103 of brassiere 101.

Single magnet element 140 has a rectangular base 142 having a leading edge 142a, an opposite facing trailing edge 142b, atop edge 142c, an opposite facing bottom edge 142d, a front face 142e, and a rear face 142f. The length of base 142, from leading edge 142a to trailing edge 142b, is substantially equal to the corresponding dimension of base 112 of double magnet element 110. Likewise, the thickness of base 142, from front face 142e to rear face 142f, is substantially equal to the thickness of base 112 of double magnet element 110. As discussed below, the height of base 142, from top edge 142c to bottom edge 142, is less than the corresponding dimension of base 112 of double magnet element 110.

A third recess 144 and a fourth recess 146 are cut out of front face 142e of base 142, but do not reach rear face 112f. Third recess 144 and fourth recess 146 are rectangular, and are substantially identical in size and shape, both to each other and to first recess 114 and second recess 116 of double magnet element 110. Third recess 144 and fourth recess 146 are positioned side by side, their edges parallel to the edges of base 142, with third recess 144 closest to leading edge 142a and fourth recess 146 closest to trailing edge 142b.

A third magnet 148, rectangular and substantially the same size as the space left by third recess 144, is glued or otherwise attached to base 142 so that it is completely embedded in third recess 144. A front face 148a of third magnet 148 lies on substantially the same plane as front face 142e of base 142, and the polar axis of third magnet 148 extends perpendicularly through front face 148a. The polarity of front face 148a of third magnet 148 is opposite that of front face 118a of first magnet 118 and front face 120a of second magnet 120. An L-shaped first upper catch 150 protrudes perpendicularly from top edge 142c of base 142. A rectangular leg 151 of first upper catch 150 is adjacent to leading edge 142a of base 142, and has the same thickness as base 142. A rectangular arm 152 of first upper catch 150 juts perpendicularly, toward trailing edge 142b of base 142, from the end of leg 151 closest to front face 142e of base 142. The distance that arm 152 of first upper catch 150 extends from leg 151 is substantially equal to the distance that arm 124 of upper hook 122 extends from leg 123.

An L-shaped first lower catch 154, substantially the same size and shape as first upper catch 150, protrudes perpendicularly from bottom edge 142d of base 142. A rectangular leg 155 of first lower catch 154 is adjacent to leading edge 142a of base 142, and has the same thickness as base 142. A rectangular arm 156 of first lower catch 154 juts perpendicularly, toward trailing edge 142b of base 142, from the end of leg 155 closest to front face 142e of base 142. The distance that arm 156 of first lower catch 150 extends from leg 155 is substantially equal to the distance that arm 128 of lower hook 126 extends from leg 127. The height of base 142 at leading edge 142a, as increased by the additions of first upper catch 150 and first lower catch 154, is substantially equal to the corresponding dimension of base 112 of double magnet element 110.

An L-shaped second upper catch 158 also protrudes perpendicularly from top edge 142c of base 142, centered about the lengthwise midpoint of top edge 142c. A rectangular leg 159 of second upper catch 158 has the same thickness as base 142. Leg 159 is positioned so that the distance between arm 132 of first upper catch 150 and leg 159 of second upper catch 158, at their closest points, is slightly greater than the width of upper hook 122, including arm 124. A rectangular arm 160 of second upper catch 158 juts perpendicularly, toward trailing edge 142b of base 142, from the end of leg 159 closest to front face 142e of base 142. The distance that arm 160 of second upper catch 158 extends from leg 159 is substantially equal to the distance that arm 124 of upper hook 122 extends from leg 123.

An L-shaped second lower catch 162 also protrudes perpendicularly from bottom edge 142d of base 142, centered about the lengthwise midpoint of bottom edge 142d. A rectangular leg 163 of second lower catch 162 has the same thickness as base 142. Leg 163 is positioned so that the distance between arm 156 of first lower catch 154 and leg 163 of second lower catch 162, at their closest points, is slightly greater than the width of lower hook 126, including arm 128. A rectangular arm 164 of second lower catch 162 juts perpendicularly, toward trailing edge 142b of base 142, from the end of leg 163 closest to front face 142e of base 142. The distance that arm 164 of second lower catch 162 extends from leg 163 is substantially equal to the distance that arm 128 of lower hook 126 extends from leg 127.

An upper nub 166, having the same thickness as base 142, protrudes perpendicularly from top edge 142c of base 142, adjacent to trailing edge 142b. The distance between upper nub 166 and arm 160 of second upper catch 158, at their closest points, is slightly greater than the width of upper hook 122, including arm 124. Similarly, a lower nub 168, having the same thickness as base 142, protrudes perpendicularly from bottom edge 142d of base 142, adjacent to trailing edge 142b. The distance between lower nub 168 and arm 164 of second lower catch 162, at their closest points, is slightly greater than the width of lower hook 126, including arm 128.

An outer edge 172 of a ring 170 is attached lengthwise to trailing edge 142b of base 142, positioned so that the plane defined by front face 142e of base 142 approximately bisects ring 170. An inner edge 174 of ring 170 defines a slot 176. A piece of fabric extending outwardly from the cup 103 not attached to double magnet element 110 passes through slot 176 and is folded over and sewn or otherwise attached to itself, thereby attaching single magnet element 140 to the other cup 103 of brassiere 101.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 - 13, to fasten single magnet element 140 to double magnet element 110, front face 14Oe of single magnet element 140 is brought into contact with front face 110e of double magnet element 110. To fasten the elements at a first fastening position, front face 148a of third magnet 148 is brought into contact with front face 118a of first magnet 118, with attachment rings 130 and 170 at opposite ends of the fastened unit. The end of arm 152 of first upper catch 150 will pass and completely clear the end of arm 124 of upper hook 122. Leg 123 of upper hook 122 will abut against leg 159 of second upper catch 158. Similarly, the end of arm 156 of first lower catch 154 will pass and completely clear the end of arm 128 of lower hook 126, and leg 127 of lower hook 126 will abut against leg 163 of second lower catch 162.

When front face 148a of third magnet 148 first contacts front face 118a of first magnet 118, the magnets will not be aligned precisely. However, the magnetic force of opposite poled front face 148a and front face 118a of the magnets will pull third magnet 148 and first magnet 118 into alignment. In doing so, the magnetic force also will cause the hooks and catches to engage. The end of arm 152 of first upper catch 150 will be brought into contact with leg 123 of upper hook 122, and the end of arm 124 of upper hook 122 will be in contact with leg 151 of first upper catch 150. Likewise, the end of arm 156 of first lower catch 154 will be brought into contact with leg 127 of lower hook 126, and the end of arm 128 of lower hook 126 will be in contact with leg 155 of first lower catch 154. Importantly, arm 152 of first upper catch 150 will now be positioned under arm 124 of upper hook 122, and arm 156 of first lower catch 154 will be positioned under arm 128 of lower hook 126. At this point, double magnet element 110 and single magnet element 140 are securely fastened. The relative positions of a hook and a catch are shown more clearly in FIG. 15. The broken lines represent the position of a hook when the front faces of the magnets make first contact. The solid lines represent the position of a hook after the magnetic force causes the magnets to align and the hook and catch to engage. The positioning of arm 152 of first upper catch 150 with respect to arm 124 of upper hook 122, and the positioning of arm 156 of first lower catch 154 with respect to arm 128 of lower hook 126, prevent movement or accidental unfastening of the elements of the fastener in the direction opposite the polar attraction of the magnets. The legs of upper hook 122, lower hook 126, first upper catch 150, and first lower catch 154 prevent lateral movement of the elements when pulled by their attachment rings 130 and 170. Accidental unfastening in the opposite direction is prevented by the abutment of the legs of upper hook 122 and second upper catch 158, and of the legs of lower hook 126 and second lower catch 162, if the polar attraction of the magnets is initially overcome. Finally, lateral movement in the perpendicular direction is prevented by the abutment of upper hook 122 against top edge 142c of base 142, and lower hook 126 against bottom edge 142d of base 142.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 - 17, to fasten single magnet element 140 to double magnet element 110 at a second fastening position, front face 148a of third magnet 148 is brought into contact with front face 120a of second magnet 120, with attachment rings 130 and 170 at opposite ends of the fastened unit. The end of arm 160 of second upper catch 158 will pass and completely clear the end of arm 124 of upper hook 122. Leg 123 of upper hook 122 will abut against upper nub 166. Similarly, the end of arm 164 of second lower catch 162 will pass and completely clear the end of arm 128 of lower hook 126, and leg 127 of lower hook 126 will abut against lower nub 168. The magnetic force of opposite poled front face 148a of third magnet 148 and front face 120a of second magnet 120 will pull third magnet 148 and second magnet 120 into alignment, causing the hooks and catches to engage. The end of arm 160 of second upper catch 158 will be brought into contact with leg 123 of upper hook 122, and the end of arm 124 of upper hook 122 will be in contact with leg 159 of second upper catch 158. Likewise, the end of arm 164 of second lower catch 162 will be brought into contact with leg 127 of lower hook 126, and the end of arm 128 of lower hook 126 will be in contact with leg 163 of second lower catch 162. Importantly, arm 160 of second upper catch 158 will now be positioned under arm 124 of upper hook 122, and arm 164 of second lower catch 162 will be positioned under arm 128 of lower hook 126. At this point, double magnet element 110 and single magnet element 140 are securely fastened at a second fastening position.

As was the case with the first embodiment of the present invention, when double magnet element 110 and single magnet element 140 are fastened at the second position, rings 130 and 170, and therefore cups 103 of brassiere 101 , are closer together, serving to enhance the appearance of the brassiere wearer's cleavage. Since fastener 105 is located between cups 103 of brassiere 101 , it is easily accessible to the wearer, who therefore can simply and spontaneously alter the appearance of the cleavage, and also adjust the comfort level, by changing the position at which single magnet element 140 is fastened to double magnet element 1 10. Having described the present invention by reference to the disclosed preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in this art that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is only limited by the claims. For example, the shapes of many elements - such as the bar of the first embodiment, the magnets of the second embodiment, and the attachment rings - may be modified without materially altering the invention. Also, the material from which the fastener is molded is not limited to plastic. Furthermore, the fastener of the present invention may be used on other garments, such as bathing suits. Moreover, the fastener may contain more than two fastening positions. For these and other reasons, the embodiments shown and described are only illustrative, not restrictive.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable fastener, suitable for use on a front-fastening brassiere, for releasably connecting a first surface and a second surface, comprising a first element, a second element, and securing means for limiting motion of said first element with respect to said second element, wherein: said first element comprises first fastening means for fastening said first element to said second element, and first attachment means for attaching said first element to said first surface; said second element comprises a second element base, a plurality of second fastening means disposed on a face of said second element base for fastening said second element to said first element, and second attachment means for attaching said second element to said second surface; and each of said plurality of second fastening means is connectible to said first fastening means.

2. The adjustable fastener of claim 1, wherein said first fastening means comprises a cylindrical post and said plurality of second fastening means comprises a plurality of barrels, each of which can accommodate said post.

3. The adjustable fastener of claim 2, wherein: said post is fixed along part of its length to an edge of a plate having a height less than that of said post; each of said barrels comprises an upper barrel section and a lower barrel section separated by a distance greater than the height of said plate; and each of said lower barrel sections has an aperture, wide enough to accommodate the thickness of said plate, cut lengthwise out of its wall; whereby said plate passes entirely through said aperture when said post is inserted into one of said barrels, and moves freely within the space between said upper barrel section and said lower barrel section when said post is rotated with respect to said barrel about its cylindrical axis.

4. The adjustable fastener of claim 3, wherein said securing means comprises: a bar, having a height greater than that of said plate, fixed lengthwise to an edge of said plate opposite and parallel to the edge of said plate at which said post is fixed; and a plurality of protrusions, one of said protrusions disposed on the outer wall of each of said upper barrel sections and each of said lower barrel sections; wherein the width of said plate is slightly greater than the thickness of the wall of each of said upper barrel sections and each of said lower barrel sections where said protrusions are not present, but is slightly less than thickness of the wall of each of said upper barrel sections and each of said lower barrel sections where said protrusions are disposed; whereby said protrusions interfere with, but do not prevent, the rotational motion of said bar about the cylindrical axis of said post, between a position where said plate is aligned with said aperture of one of said lower barrel sections and a position where said plate contacts said second element base.

5. The adjustable fastener of claim 4, wherein: said first element further comprises a first element base, having a height less than the distance between said upper barrel section and said lower barrel section of each of said barrels, and fixed lengthwise to an edge of said bar opposite the edge of said bar at which said plate is fixed; said first attachment means comprises a first ring connected to an edge of said first element base opposite the edge of said first element base that is fixed to said bar; and said second attachment means comprises a second ring connected to an edge of said second element base located furthest from said first ring when said first element and said second element are fastened and secured.

6. The adjustable fastener of claim 1 , wherein said first fastening means comprises a first magnet having a first magnetic surface, and said plurality of second fastening means comprises a plurality of second magnets, each having a second magnetic surface whose magnetic charge is opposite that of said first magnetic surface.

7. The adjustable fastener of claim 6, wherein: said first element further comprises a first element base having a first fastening face; said first magnet is embedded in said first element base so that said first magnetic surface lies on the same plane as said first fastening face; and each of said second magnets is embedded in said second element base, arranged linearly, so that said second magnetic surface of each of said second magnets lies on the same plane as said face of said second element base.

8. The adjustable fastener of claim 7, wherein: said first attachment means is disposed at an edge of said first element base furthest from said first magnet; and said second attachment means is disposed at an edge of said second element base located at one end of said linear arrangement of said second magnets.

9. The adjustable fastener of claim 8, wherein said securing means comprises: a pair of hooks, fixed to and protruding perpendicularly from said face of said second element base, said pair of hooks disposed on opposite sides of the one of said plurality of second magnets located furthest from said second attachment means, and each of said pair of hooks having an angled portion pointed in the direction of the edge of said second element base at which said second attachment means is disposed; a plurality of pairs of catches, equal to the number of second magnets embedded in said second element base, each of said pairs of catches fixed to and protruding from the opposite facing edges of said first element base which are perpendicular to the edge at which said first attachment means is disposed, one of said pairs of catches disposed at the ends of said opposite facing edges furthest from said first attachment means, and each one of said catches having an angled portion adjacent and parallel to the edge of said first element base to which it is fixed, each of said angled portions having a face that lies in the same plane as said first fastening face, and each of said angled portions being pointed in the direction of the edge of said first element base at which said first attachment means is disposed; and a pair of nubs fixed to and protruding from said opposite facing edges of said first element base, said pair of nubs disposed at the ends of said opposite facing edges closest to said first attachment means; wherein the space between each consecutive set of said catches, as well as the space between said nub and said catch closest to said nub, on each of said opposite facing edges is wide enough to accommodate one of said hooks, and each of said angled portions of said catches fits between said angled portion of one of said hooks and said second element base, and said catches and said nubs are disposed along each of said opposite facing edges so that when said angled portions of one of said pairs of catches are positioned between said angled portions of said pair of hooks and said second element base, said first magnet and one of said second magnets are aligned so that their attractive force maximized; whereby said pair of hooks, when so engaged with one of said pairs of catches, prevents separation of said first magnet from the one of said plurality of second magnets to which it is attached through magnetic attraction.

10. The adjustable fastener of claim 9, wherein said first attachment means comprises a first ring, and said second attachment means comprises a second ring.

11. An adjustable fastener for releasably and adjustably attaching a first portion of a brassiere to a second portion of the brassiere, which comprises: a) a first connecting member capable of being attached to said first brassiere portion, said first connecting member having associated therewith a first connecting device; b) a second connecting member capable of being attached to an opposed second portion of the brassiere, said second connecting member having associated therewith second connecting device magnetically attractable to said first connecting device in more than one relative positions to thereby permit selective and adjustable attachment of said first and second brassiere portions.

12. The adjustable brassiere fastener according to Claim 11 wherein said first connecting device is a magnet.

13. The adjustable brassiere fastener according to Claim 12, wherein said second connecting device is a magnet of opposite magnetic polarity to said first connecting device.

14. The adjustable brassiere fastener according to Claim 13, wherein said second connecting device is at least two spaced apart magnets of polarity opposite to said first connecting device.

15. The adjustable brassiere fastener according to Claim 15, wherein said first and second connecting devices are rare earth magnets.

16. The adjustable brassiere fastener according to Claim 15, wherein said rare earth magnets are neodymium.

17. The adjustable brassier fastener according to Claim 16, further comprising first mechanical locking means associated with said first connecting member and second mechanical locking means associated with said second connecting member to mechanically attach said first and second magnetically attractable connecting members to prevent unwanted detachment thereof.

18. The adjustable brassiere fastener according to Claim 17, wherein said first and second mechanical locking means comprise at least one L-shaped hook attached to a first of said connecting members and a corresponding mating locking device correspondingly attached to said second connecting member.

19. The adjustable brassiere fastener according to Claim 18, wherein said first and second mechanical locking means comprise a pair of L-shaped hook devices attached to said first connecting member, and a pair of correspondingly positioned mating locking devices attached to said second connecting member.

20. The adjustable brassiere fastener according to Claim 19, wherein said first and second connecting members are made of plastic.

21. The adjustable brassiere fastener according to Claim 11 , wherein said first and second brassiere portions are in the front of the brassiere.

22. The adjustable brassiere fastener according to Claim 21 , wherein said first and second brassiere portions are brassiere cups.

23. The adjustable brassiere fastener according to Claim 11 , wherein said first and second brassiere portions are in the rear of the brassiere.

24. The adjustable brassiere fastener according to Claim 23, wherein said first and second brassiere portions are brassiere straps.

25. An adjustable fastener for a brassiere, which comprises: a) a first member having means to be attached to a first portion of the brassiere; b) a second member having means to be attached to an opposed second portion of the brassiere; c) first connecting means attached to said first member; d) second connecting means attached to said second member and being magnetically attachable to said first connecting means for selectively and detachably magnetically attaching said second member to said first member in more than one relative portions to permit selective adjustment of the attachment of the first and second brassiere portions; and e) locking means to positively fix the attachment of said second member to said first member.