GB2398825A

GB2398825A - Securing arrangements

Info

Publication number: GB2398825A
Application number: GB0304537A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan John Edward Cucknell; Peter David Cauwood; Neil Roger Mason; Julian Alexander Scarfe; Prabin Sivabalan; Victoria Ann Clark
Original assignee: Marks and Spencer PLC
Current assignee: Marks and Spencer PLC
Priority date: 2003-02-27
Filing date: 2003-02-27
Publication date: 2004-09-01
Also published as: GB0304537D0

Abstract

A securing arrangement for, for example, a brassiere comprises first and second components each formed with one or more tabs. In a preferred embodiment, one of the components has a single tab 22, and the other has a plurality of tabs 24 so that the securing arrangement can be interlocked in a selected position. The or each tab on one of the components is longer than the or each tab on the other component. For example, the tab on one component may have the shape of an arc of an ellipse, while the tab on the other component may be semicircular. In other disclosed arrangements a pivoted hook may engage an aperture and a projection may snap-engage a complementary opening.

Description

SECURING ARRANGEMENTS

This invention relates to securing arrangements and particularly, although not exclusively, securing arrangements for garments, such as brassieres.

Most conventional brassieres fasten at the wearer's back by means of cooperating fastening devices on wings of the brassiere, although some brassieres fasten at the front or under the arm. Known fastening devices on t conventional brassieres comprise hook and eye fasteners formed from wire. There are usually several, for example, three, eyes spaced apart in the lengthwise direction of the respective wing, so that the brassiere can be adapted to the chest measurement of the wearer.

Depending on style and comfort considerations, and on the tension which the fastening needs to support, there may be more than one pair of cooperating fastening devices at each lengthwise position. In addition, so called "bra extenders" are known, which comprise short lengths of fabric with one or more hooks and eyes at opposite ends. Such bra extenders are fitted between the hooks and eyes on the wings of a brassiere to increase the overall chest measurement.

Fastening devices for brassieres need to be able to support the tension applied to them in normal use, while remaining secured even if tension is momentarily reduced or released or is loaded in a cyclic manner.

The design of the fasteners should also avoid discomfort to the wearer and visibility through clothing.

A fastener suitable for garments such as brassieres is disclosed in EP 0352017. This fastener comprises two generally identical components formed from polymeric sheet material. Tabs are stamped out of the material to form apertures and a pair of oppositely oriented strips can engage one another by means of the tabs on one strip sliding beneath respective tabs on the other strip and passing through the respective apertures.

The tabs are relatively small and the fastener relies on engagement between a series of tabs on one strip and a corresponding series of tabs on the other strip distributed lengthwise of the strips. It is difficult to make this engagement reliably, particularly if the relative lengthwise position of the strips is to be achieved accurately to suit the wearer's chest measurement.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a securing arrangement comprising first and second components, each component comprising a base portion of flat material, an aperture extending through the base portion and a tab disposed adjacent the aperture and projecting from the base portion to overlie the aperture, the free end of the tab, when unstressed, being spaced from the plane of the base portion, whereby the first and second components are adapted to be interlocked with each other by engaging the tab of each component with the aperture of the other component, the tab on the first component having a different configuration from the tab of the second component.

In this specification, the expression "flat material" is used broadly to denote any material having a thickness which is small relative to its other dimensions. The expression therefore embraces fabric, extruded or moulded components and sheet material, whether strictly planar or curved or profiled on one or both surfaces.

The different configuration may arise from differences in length (measured from the junction of the tab with the base portion to the free end of the tab), shape, or orientation (for example the angle of inclination between the tab and the base portion).

The tabs preferably have lateral edges which converge in the direction towards the free end. For example, the tabs may have a curved shape. The tab on at least one of the components may be in the form of an arc of an ellipse, the free end of the tab being the point at which the major axis of the ellipse intersects the arc.

Alternatively, the tab on at least one of the components may be in the form of an arc of a circle, and may substantially comprise a semicircle.

In a preferred embodiment, the tab on one of the components is in the form of an arc of an ellipse and the tab on the other component is in the form of a semi-circular arc, the widths of the tabs at their connection with the base portion being substantially equal, and equal to the widths of the apertures adjacent the tabs. With this configuration, the length of the elliptical tab is greater than that of the semi- circular tab.

In the preferred embodiment, there is a single tab, for example in the form of an arc of an ellipse, on one of the components, and a plurality of tabs, for example three tabs each of semi-circular form, on the other component. The three tabs on the other components are distributed in a row aligned with the lengthwise directions of the tabs.

The profiles of the tabs, as viewed transversely of the base portion, may take a variety of forms. The tabs may be planar, extending obliquely with respect to the base portion. Alternatively, the tabs may comprise two planar portions, the first of which extends obliquely from the base portion and the second of which is connected to the first portion and extends substantially parallel to the base portion to the free end of the tab. Alternatively, the first planar portion may have a smaller angle of inclination than the second planar portion.

In a further embodiment, the tabs may have a curved profile, for example of parabolic form, projecting initially substantially perpendicularly from the bare portion, and curving towards a parallel relationship with the base portion towards the free end of the tab.

In a modification of this profile, the major portion of the tab may lie parallel to the base portion and be connected to the base portion by a curved transition.

Each tab may have a constant thickness over its entire length. Alternatively, however, the tab on at least one of the components may have a variable thickness, for example the thickness may reduce in the direction towards the free end of the tab. This will reduce the flexural stiffness of the tab towards its free end, so making it easier to "find" the tab on the other t component for guidance into the interlocking state.

Also, this measure will avoid damage to clothing or discomfort for the wearer.

Each tab may have a shape which is complementary to that of the aperture which underlies it, particularly if the component in question is formed by stamping the tab out from a sheet of flat material. Alternatively, the aperture may have a shape which is different from that of the overlying tab. For example, the aperture may be larger, in which case, if the component is formed by a stamping operation, there will be a stamped-out waste element requiring disposal.

Alternatively, at least one of the components may be made in a moulding operation, in which case there will be a greater degree of freedom in the shapes and sizes of the tabs and apertures.

Manufacture of the components by moulding also provides greater freedom in the design of the tab (for example to provide variations in thickness as referred to above), and of the base portion. Thus, although the following features are facilitated by moulding the components, they may also be incorporated in components made by other techniques. For example, the face of the base portion from which the tab pro ects needs not be uniform. Instead, the mating faces of the components, when interlocked, may be profiled to locate the base portions relatively to each other. For example, the base portion of one component may have ribs at its edge regions which cooperate with complementary grooves in the base portion of the other component so as to avoid misalignment of the components in the lateral direction (ie transversely of the direction of relative movement during interlocking of the components).

Similarly, the components may be provided with cooperating features which cause interlocking to be accompanied by a snap action as the tab on each component moves into the fully inserted position in the other component. This provides a tactile, and possibly audible, indication to the user that the components are fully interlocked. For example, the tab on one component may have a transverse rib which engages with a groove in the tab on the other component. In a further development of this concept, where one of the components has a plurality of tabs, the formations on those tabs may be such as to provide different characteristics as they are engaged by the tab on the other component, so as to enable the wearer to identify by sound or feel which tab is being engaged. For example, the formations may have different shapes, or may be different in number, to achieve this effect.

The material of the components is preferably a flexible resilient material, such as a plastics material or a relatively stiff fabric, possibly reinforced by means of a metal liner. Since it is desirable for the securing arrangement to be resistant to separation both under tension and when not under tension, it is preferable for there to be measures for enhancing friction between the components. This may be achieved by providing an appropriate surface finish on the components. One possibility is for at least one of the components to have a fabric covering, at least on faces of both the base portion and the tabs which come into contact with the other component. Fabric covering is desirable also for securing arrangements used on garments such as brassieres, since they provide continuity of appearance with the adjacent fabric of the garment and contribute to actual or perceived comfort of the wearer. In one possible embodiment, the fabric of the garment itself extends over the full extent of, and is bonded to, each component. For example, the fabric of the garment may be formed into pockets into which the components are inserted before bonding.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a clasp comprising an attachment portion and a hook portion which are connected together at a hinge, the hook portion comprising a pair of limbs of unequal length, the shorter limb extending from the hinge to a transitional region and the longer limb extending from the transitional region to a free end, the hook portion being pivotable about the hinge relatively to the attachment portion between a closed position in which the free end of the longer limb lies adjacent to the attachment portion, and an open position in which the free end is displaced from the attachment portion to provide access to the interior of the hook portion.

Preferred embodiments of such clasps can, when open, present a wide aperture for engagement with a counterpart fastener and yet, when closed, assume a compact and unobtrusive configuration. Also, when open, the tip of the longer limb stands away from the part (such as a brassiere) to which it is attached.

In the closed position of preferred embodiments of the clasp, the attachment portion extends away from the hinge in a direction aligned with, or inclined at a small angle to, the shorter limb. In this context, a "small angle" is considered to be an angle of not more than 30 . In the open position of such preferred embodiments, the shorter limb preferably extends generally transversely of the attachment portion, for example the attachment portion and the shorter limb may be inclined to one another at an angle in the range 80 to 120 . s

In preferred embodiments, the longer and shorter limbs of the hook portion are generally parallel to each other. That is to say, the transitional region may extend around an angle of 160 to 200 , preferably in an arcuate configuration.

In alternative embodiments in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, different relationships may exist between the parts of the clasp.

In particular, the transitional region may extend around an angle substantially less than 160 , for example less than 90 (ie the angle between the longer and shorter limbs is greater than 90 ). Also, when the clasp is open, the attachment portion and the shorter limb may be aligned, or nearly aligned, with each other.

The longer limb preferably has a curved profile as viewed transversely of its lengthwise direction, being concave as viewed in the direction from the shorter limb to the longer limb. Thus, in the closed position of the clasp, the longer limb extends in the manner of an arch over the shorter limb and the hinge.

The attachment portion may be provided with a projection forming a shoulder against which the free end of the longer limb of the hook portion lies in the closed position of the clasp. The projection may have a surface adjacent the shoulder, which is generally flush with the outer surface of the longer limb so as to provide a generally smooth contour to the clasp as a whole when in the closed position.

The hinge is preferably a bistable hinge, the stable positions of which correspond to the open and closed positions of the clasp. The bistable nature of the hinge may be achieved by means of a link element which is pivotably connected at its ends to the hook portion and the attachment portion, the straight-line length of the link element, in a stable condition of the hinge, being less than the distance between the ends of the link element measured through the hinge axis. In a preferred embodiment, the bistable action is achieved by the resilience of the material from which the clasp is made. Preferably, this material is a plastics material such as polypropylene, and the hinge may be provided by elastic deformation of the material of the clasp. Thus, the hinge may be defined by a region of reduced thickness of material.

In some embodiments, the hinge may not be bistable.

For example, monostable hinges may be used, stable in either the open, closed, or intermediate positions.

The hinge may be fully flexible, so that it is not biased into any particular position.

The clasp may be used in conjunction with a cooperating element provided with a bar over which the hook portion may engage. The bar may comprise a region of material defining an edge of an aperture, so that the longer limb of the hook portion may pass through the aperture when the clasp is in the open position "hereafter movement of the clasp to the closed position causes the hook portion to enclose the bar. The bar may be one of a plurality of bars on the cooperating element which are engagable selectively by the clasp. As alternatives to the use of a bar for engagement with the clasp, other forms of counterpart may be used, for example in the form of holes, pockets or hooks.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a snap connector comprising male and female elements having complementary formations which are engagable with one another with a snap action, one of the elements being in the form of a strip having a plurality of the formations disposed in a row along the strip, whereby the other element is engagable with the strip at any one of a plurality of different positions along the strip.

The formations may comprise at least one projection on the male element and at least one complementary opening in the female element. The or each projection on the male element may be made up of two or more sub projections which are resiliently movable towards or away from one another to provide the snap action.

Preferably, the element having a plurality of the formations is the female element, in which case the male element may have only a single projection for l selective engagement with any one of the openings. The male element may comprise a generally flat base portion from which the projection extends, and the base portion may have a width which is substantially equal to the width of the strip.

The thickness of the strip may vary along its length.

Thus, for example, the openings may be provided in regions of the strip which are relatively thick compared with regions between the openings. The thinner regions may consequently have a lower flexural resistance than the thicker regions, allowing the strip to bend without causing distortion of the openings.

The face of the strip to be contacted by the other element may have an undulating profile, with the formations in the strip being provided in depressions in the strip in order to assist location of the other element along the strip in order to bring the formations into register. As an alternative, or in addition, the edges of the strip may have an undulating shape, again in order to assist location of the elements relatively to each other.

The complementary formations may be non-circular. For example, they may have a transverse dimension, with respect to lengthwise direction the strip, which is greater than the longitudinal dimension. In embodiments in which the formations comprise at least one projection and at least one complementary opening, the opening may be in the form of a groove, which may have an arcuate shape, for example with a radius of curvature which is not less than 50% and not greater than 200% of the length of the groove measured along the arc.

The formations may taper in the transverse direction of the strip. For example, each formation may be in the form of a rhombus, with the longer axis extending transversely of the strip. The side of the rhombus may be concavely arcuate, as viewed from outside the periphery of the formation. Where the or each formation on the female element is an opening, the opening may extend only part of the way through the thickness of the strip, or entirely through the strip.

If the opening extends entirely through the strip, the complementary projection on the male element preferably has a height which is less than, or approximately the same as, the thickness of the strip, so that the projection does not penetrate entirely through the strip. The opening preferably has an undercut configuration, with the projection having a head portion carried by a reduced thickness neck portion in order to achieve the required snap action.

A securing arrangement, clasp or snap connector in accordance with any one of the aspects of the present invention may be used for securing garments, and in particular may be used as fasteners for securing the wings of a brassiere, or for attaching the strap of a brassiere to a wing, and the present invention also provides such a garment or brassiere.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 represents a brassiere; Figure 2A to 2D show a securing arrangement in four different stages of engagement; Figure 3 is a side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 2D; Figure 4 shows variations of the arrangement shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 corresponds to Figure 4 but shows further variations; Figure 6 corresponds to Figure 3 but represents one of the variations of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a plan view of the components of the arrangement shown in Figures 2A to 2D; Figure 8 corresponds to Figure 7 but represents some alternative embodiments; Figure 9 corresponds to Figure 2A but shows an alternative embodiment; Figure 10 shows the securing arrangement fully engaged; Figure 11 is a sectional view of Figure 9; Figure 12 is a sectional view on the line A-A in Figure 10; Figure 13 shows a clasp in an open position; Figure 14 is an alternative view of the clasp shown in Figure 13; Figure 15 corresponds to Figure 13 but shows the clasp in a closed position; Figure 16 is a side view of the clasp in the open position; Figure 17 is a side view of the clasp in the closed position; Figure 18 is a top view of the clasp in the open position; Figure 19 is a top view of the clasp in the closed position; Figure 20 is a sectional view on the line XX-XX in Figure 19; Figure 21 is a sectional view on the line XXI-XXI in Figure 19; Figures 22 to 29 correspond to Figures 16 and 17 but show alternative embodiments of clasps; Figures 30 to 32 show three embodiments of components for cooperation with the clasps shown in Figures 13 to 29; Figure 33 shows a snap connector; Figures 34A and 34B are side views of the snap connector of Figure 33 shown, respectively, disconnected and connected; Figure 35 is an enlarged view corresponding to Figure 34A; Figure 36 is a plan view of the components of the snap connector of Figure 33 in a separated condition; Figure 37 is a plan view corresponding to Figure 36 with the components engaged; Figure 38 to 41 correspond to Figures 33 to 37 but show an alternative embodiment; Figure 42 corresponds to Figure 35 but shows a modified construction; Figure 43 corresponds to Figure 42, but shows an alternative modified construction; Figure 44 shows a further alternative embodiment of a snap connector, with the components separated; Figure 45 shows the snap connector of Figure 44 in the engaged condition; and Figures 46 to 49 show various configurations for elements of the snap connector of Figure 33.

Figure 1 shows a garment in the form of a brassiere comprising cups 2, shoulder straps 4 and wings 6 and 8.

The wings 6 and 8 are provided with fastening means represented in Figure 1 by a securing arrangement comprising first and second components 12 and 14 respectively. Each component is in the form of a flat, rectangular strip of material. The material is relatively stiff but flexible and may comprise a suitable plastics material. Alternatively, each component may comprise a relatively stiff layer, which may be metallic, with a covering material, for example fabric, applied to one or both sides.

The components 12 and 14 each comprise a base portion 16, 18 which is substantially planar when unstressed.

Tabs 20, 22 are separated from the respective base portions 16, 18 by Ushaped cuts. The tabs 22 and 24 are bent permanently out of the plane of the respective base portions 16, 18 in the manner shown in Figure 4.

Consequently, as illustrated in the sequence shown in Figures 2A to 2D, the tab 22 of the first component 12 can be engaged beneath any one of the tabs 24 of the second component 14 so that the components are held together against tension applied in the direction of the arrows T in Figure 2D.

In use, as shown in Figure 1, the components 12 and 14 are secured respectively to the wings 6 and 8 of the brassiere shown in Figure 1, with the tabs directed away from the free ends of the wings 6 and 8. As shown, the first component 12 is secured to the inner surface of the wing 6 (ie the surface facing towards the wearer's body in use), and the second component 14 is secured to the outer face of the wing 8. It would, of course, be possible for components 12 and 14 to be fitted to the opposite wings. Consequently, the brassiere can be fastened at the back of the wearer by engagement, with the tab 22 of the first component 12, of whichever one of the tabs 24 of the second component 14 provides the most appropriate fitting of the wings 6 and 8 around the wearer's chest. The components 12 and 14 can be secured to the wings 6 and 8 by any suitable means, for example, stitching or bonding, either overlying the fabric of the wings 6 and 8 or butting against their edges.

As can be appreciated from Figure 6, the tab 22 on the first component has the shape of an arc of an ellipse, with the major axis of the ellipse extending in what can be regarded as the longitudinal direction of the arrangement. The ends of the arc stop short of the minor axis of the ellipse, so that the edge of the tab 22 remains inclined to the longitudinal direction at its ends. By contrast, the tabs 24 on the second component 14 have a semi-circular shape. Despite the differences in shape, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2 the distance between the ends of the arc is the same for the tab 22 as it is for the tabs 24. However, it may be desirable in some circumstances for this distance to differ between the tabs 22 and 24, for example to control friction or to permit limited rotation between the engaged components 12 and 14. As a result of the configurations shown in Figure 2, the tab 22 has a greater length than the tabs 24. It has been found that this arrangement provides several advantages. In particular, the longer and more pointed tab 22 assists engagement with the tabs 24. However, by giving the tabs 24 a shorter tab length, the displacement required to move the components 12 from the fully engaged condition (shown in Figure 2D) to the position in which the tips of the tabs 22, 24 just clear each other (approximately as shown in Figure 2B) is reduced, so assisting fastening and unfastening of the arrangement. Furthermore, it has been found that, if both components have semi-circular tabs similar to the tabs 24 as shown, for example, in the left-hand embodiment of Figure 7, there is a danger of the components accidentally pulling apart after engagement, or at least a perception in the mind of the user of such a danger. Furthermore, it has been found that the elliptical form of the tab 22 is easier for the wearer to align during engagement with the tabs 24. s An additional benefit is that, when interlocked as shown in Figure 2D, the aperture left by the elliptical tab 22 together with the semi- circular tab 24 with which it engages form an asymmetrical shape which is egg-shaped in the present embodiment. In some variants in which the tabs are visible in use, this provides aesthetic appeal.

Several variants utilising the basic concept underlying the securing arrangement are possible. Some of these are shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Figure 3 shows that the angles of inclination of the tabs 22 and 24 relative to their respective base Portions 16, 18 need not be the same. By way of example, Figure 4 shows variants of the component 12, but the tab configurations shown in Figure 4 are also applicable to the element 14. The second and third variants from the top in Figure 4 illustrate that the tab 22 (here designated as 22a and 22b) may comprise two generally flat regions, namely a first region 26 which projects obliquely from the base portion 16 and a second portion f 28 which is generally parallel to the base portion 16.

Again, the same reference numbers are used in the different variants, with the addition of the letters a, b...

The three lower variants shown in Figure 4 show curved tabs 22c, 22d and 22e. The distance by which the free end is spaced from the plane of the base portion 16 is shown progressively reduced, with the third variant from the bottom having a tab 22c which has a generally parabolic form, projecting initially substantially perpendicular to the base portion 16, and progressively approaching an orientation substantially parallel to the base portion 16. In the variant which is second from the bottom, the tab 22d initially projects substantially perpendicular to the base portion 16, but merges over a curved transition into a portion which extends substantially parallel to the base portion 16.

The lowest variant shows a tab 22e similar to the tab 22d, although its parallel portion is situated closer to the base portion 16.

Figure 5 shows two further variants, in which the angle of inclination of the tabs 22f and 22g increases towards the free end.

Figure 6 shows tabs 22d and 24d having the form shown in the second variant from the bottom in Figure 4, when interconnected. It can be appreciated that this configuration provides a relatively small overall thickness when the components 12 and 14 are interlocked, by comparison with Figure 3, which corresponds to the top most variant in Figure 4. f

Figure 8 shows several variants of the tab profile of Figure 2, as illustrated in plan view in Figure 7. It will be noted that, in some profiles, for example the fourth to sixth variants of Figure 8, the profile of the tab 22 or 24 is not exactly complementary to the aperture in which it lies. It will also be noted that, in the third variant from the right, the tab 22 or 24 does not necessarily taper continuously from its region of attachment to the base portion 16 or 18 to its free end. Instead, the tab may be of a relatively bulbous form, which improvessecurity when the components 12 and 14 are interlocked. The second variant from the right in Figure 8 demonstrates that the tabs do not have to have a curved profile, and the variant at the extreme right-hand end in Figure 8 shows that the tabs can include openings, for example for decorative purposes or to vary the flexural stiffness of the tab over its length. Another use of the openings is to provide a finger location which can be felt by the wearer. For this purpose, the openings could be replaced by raised features.

The components 14 and 16 may be made, for example, from a plastics material, either by stamping from a sheet of the material, or by a moulding process. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2A to 2D, the tabs 22 and 24 are permanently, but resiliently, deformed out of the plane of the respective base portion 16 or 18, and this may be achieved either by an appropriately controlled stamping operation or by a moulding process.

It will be appreciated that the angle of inclination of the tab 22 or 24 relatively to the plane of the base portion 16 or 18 is a compromise between a relatively large angle for ease of engagement between the two i components 12 and 14, and a relatively small angle to avoid the securing arrangement being visible through clothing or causing discomfort to the wearer. In Figure 3, the angle of inclination of the tab 22 is shown as approximately 45 and that of the tab 24 as approximately 25 , but, as can be appreciated from Figure 6, significantly smaller angles of inclination are possible. Also, larger angles could be used, particularly if the tab is short. Furthermore, the tabs 22 and 24 may be connected to the respective base portions 16 and 18 in a bistable manner so that the s tabs can be moved between two positions relative to the base portions 16 and 18 and will remain in those positions when released. For example, one position may be a raised position to assist engagement between the components 12 and 14, and the other position may be a position in the plane of the respective base portion 16 or 18. Thus, the tab 22 on the component 12 would normally be in the raised position, as would one of the tabs 24 on the component 14 (for example the left-hand tab as shown in Figures 2A to 2D) . However, the other two tabs 24 of the component 14 would be placed in their positions lying in the plane of the base portion 18, so that they are effectively inoperative.

Consequently, engaging the component 12 with the correct tab 24 of the component 14 is made easier, and accidental catching of clothing is avoided.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 8, the tabs 22 and 24 extend generally parallel to a line extending transversely of the base portions 16 and 18. However, it would be possible for the tabs to be curved about an axis parallel to their lengthwise direction. Such curvature would provide added rigidity to the tabs 22 and 24 assisting engagement between them. Curving of the tabs could be achieved by creating a curved hinge line at the connection between the tabs and the respective base portions 16 and 18, which would cause the tab to become curved as it is displaced from the plane of the respective base portion 16 or 18.

Alternatively, the curvature of the tab could be achieved in a suitable moulding process.

Tabs which are curved in this manner would be bistable, the stable positions being disposed symmetrically on opposite sides of the base portion 16, 18. If a backing layer were provided on the base portion 16, 18 of at least one of the components, this would contain the engaging tab of the other component so as to prevent it from assuming its projecting stable position, so avoiding discomfort to the wearer or visibility of the tab through clothing.

It will be noted from Figure 7 that the edges of the tabs 22 and 24 terminate at small holes 30. These holes 30 serve to relieve stress at the ends of the slits defining the tabs 22 and 24. They also serve to provide positive location between the tabs 22 and 24 when they are interlocked. Additional means may be provided for providing such positive location. For example, as shown in Figures 9 to 12, cooperating formations 23, 25 may be provided on the base portions 16, 18 and/or on the tabs 22 and 24 which engage one another when the components 12 and 14 are fully interlocked.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 12, these formations comprise a notch 23 in the upper surface of the tab 22 (as viewed in Figures 9 to 12) and a complementary rib 25 in each of the tabs 24. In the engaged position (Figure 12), the notch 23 receives the rib 25 of the tab 24 with which the tab 22 engages.

This avoids accidental separation of the components 12, 14 and also provides a tactile and audible indication of full engagement.

In a variant, the tabs 24 may have different numbers of ribs 25 so that the wearer can determine, by feel, which of the tabs 24 is engaged by the tab 22 as the notch 23 travels over the ribs 25.

As mentioned, inter-engagement between the notch 23 and ribs 25 prevents accidental disengagement of the securing arrangement, for example if the tension T (Figure 2D) is released or even reversed. However, in many circumstances, the normal friction between the components 14 and 16, particularly if they have a friction-enhancing surface finish such as a layer of fabric material, will be sufficient to avoid accidental release of the securing arrangement.

One or both of the components 12 and 14 may be provided with a profiled surface, and in particular that surface which contacts the other component in use. This profiling may take the form of longitudinal ribs and grooves, for example, provided along the lateral edges of the base portion 16 and 18. Thus, one or more grooves on one of the components 12, 14 and one or more complementary ribs on the other component can assist in aligning the components relatively to each other when engaging them. Also, the side edges themselves may be profiled, for example in the manner shown in Figure 28, t to provide a tactile guide to the user to assist in establishing the relative positions of the components 12, 14.

A similar aligning effect can be achieved by forming the components 16, 18 so as to have, for example, a longitudinal central depression on one component and a complementary central elevation on the other. This measure also improves the stiffness of the components.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 2A and 2D, a single row of tabs 24 is provided on the component 14.

Alternatively, two or three rows could be provided, with a corresponding number of tabs 22 dispersed side by-side on the component 12. This measure would provide added security, since two or more pairs of tabs would be intersected at each adjustment position.

Simultaneous engagement of several tabs 22, 24 is facilitated by the stiffness of the material of the base portions 16, 18.

The length of each tab 22, 24, measured from its connection to the base portion to its free end, may be not less than 2 or 3 mm, preferably not less than 5 mm.

Current practice is for brassiere fasteners to be spaced apart, in the lengthwise direction of the wings 6, 8, by 15 mm. This distance thus constitutes the maximum length of the tabs 24 if they do not overlap one another. If overlapping occurs, the maximum length may be greater, for example up to 30 mm. The width of each tab 22, 24 (measured along the notional line at which the tab is connected to the base portion 16, 18) is preferably not less than 5 mm and not greater than mm. The width of the tabs 24 is desirably s approximately the same as that for the tab 22, and, with a semi-circular tab 24, the length of the tab will be half of this distance. In the embodiment illustrated, the tab 22 has a length of 12 mm, and a width of 16 mm, so that the length of the tabs 24 is 8 mm. The pitch spacing of the tabs 24 is 15 mm.

Although the tabs 22, 24 are illustrated as having a shape which is symmetrical about their lengthwise centreline, this is not essential. In some circumstances, it may be desirable for a tab to be asymmetric, for example with an outline comprising a circular arc on one side of the centreline and an elliptical arc on the other.

Although not shown in Figures 2 to 12, at least one of the components 12, 14, may include a backing sheet on the face opposite that from which the tabs 22, 24 project. This backing sheet may lack any apertures, and so provides a continuous surface, while leaving pockets for receiving the tabs 22, 24 of the other component. A similar form of backing sheet is shown in and described with reference to Figure 31. Such a backing sheet may improve the comfort of the wearer and may also conceal the tabs 22, 24 and their associated apertures.

It will be appreciated that the tabs 22 and 24 have a substantially greater width than the hooks and eyes used conventionally as brassiere fasteners. This greater width means that only a single point of contact (ie a single pair of engaging tabs) may be adequate even for relatively wide wings 6, 8.

Figures 13 to 15 show a clasp for use in an alternative form of securing arrangement for a garment such as a brassiere. Thus, a clasp as shown in Figures 13 to 15 may be secured, for example by stitching, welding or integral moulding, with the wing 6 of the brassiere shown in Figure 1 and a complementary element, for example as shown in Figures 30, 31 or 32, may be secured to the other wing 8.

The clasp comprises an attachment portion 40 and a hook portion 42 which are connected together at a hinge 44.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 10, the clasp is formed in one piece from plastics material, and the hinge 44 is constituted by a groove which reduces the thickness of the material to an extent that it has little flexural rigidity, so that relative movement of the attachment portion 40 and the hook portion 42 about the hinge 44 takes place with little flexural resistance.

The attachment portion 40 comprises a tab 46 for attachment to the wing 6. In the embodiment shown, the tab 46 is sufficiently thin to allow the tab 46 to be attached to the wing 6 by stitching, although other attachment methods are possible. A transverse projection 48 protrudes from a surface of the tab 46 and is bounded, on the side towards the hinge 44, by an arcuate shoulder 50. The attachment portion 40 extends beyond the projection 48 to the hinge 44, over a region 52 which is somewhat thicker than the tab 46.

The hook portion 42 comprises two limbs 54 and 56, of which the limb 54 adjacent the hinge 44 is shorter than the limb 56.

In the closed position shown in Figure 15, the shorter limb 54 extends from the hinge 44 in a plane which substantially coincides with that of the region 52 of the attachment portion 40. The shorter limb then deflects downwardly (as seen in Figure 15), ie away from the longer limb 56 before reaching a transition region 58 at which the limbs 54 and 56 are connected together.

The transition region 58 is arcuate and extends around an arc of approximately 180 , so that the limbs 54 and 56 are approximately parallel to each other, with a gap between them that tapers over part of its length in the direction towards the hinge 44. The longer limb 56 is itself arcuate, and the result of this configuration is that, when the clasp is closed, as in Figure 15, the longer limp 56 extends beyond the line of the hinge 44 and contacts, or almost contacts, the region 52 of the attachment portion with the free edge 60 of the longer limb 56 abutting, or lying close to, the shoulder 50.

The line of the hinge 44 is not continuous across the whole width of the clasp. Instead, as can be seen from Figures 18 and 19, the shorter limb 54 of the hook portion and the region 52 of the attachment portion have oppositely directed pairs of lateral limbs 62, 64 which adjoin each other at the hinge 44. A link 66 extends across the hinge line 44 and is connected by further hinge lines 68, 70 respectively to the region 52 of the attachment portion and the shorter limb 54 of the hook portion. The hinge lines 68, 70, are similar to the hinge line 44, and are thus defined by grooves which reduce the thickness of the material along those t lines. As is clear from Figures 17, 20 and 21, the groove of the hinge 44 is on the opposite surface from those of the hinges 68, 70.

As well as permitting flexure of the material of the clasp, the thinner regions at the hinge lines 44, 68 and 70 also allow elastic longitudinal strain of the material of the clasp. Thus, the link 6 provides a bistable action about the hinge 44 so that the hook portion 42 is stable in two positions relative to the attachment portion 40, as shown respectively in Figures 11 and 12. As the hook portion 42 moves counter- clockwise about the hinge 44 from the position shown in Figure 16, the material at the hinge lines 68 and 70 is progressively stretched, and the material at the hinge line 44 is progressively compressed, until the link 66 passes through the line of the hinge 44. After that, the material recovers, to bias the hook portion 44 into the position shown in Figures 17 and 19.

In order to achieve bistable operation which provides an open position as shown in Figure 16 (ie with the longer limb 42 approximately perpendicular to the attachment portion 40) and a closed position as shown in Figure 17, the hinge should comply with the relationship L=h x (1+) = 4.828h, where h is the vertical distance between the centres of the hinges 44 and 68, 70, and L is the distance between the hinges 68 and 70.

It will be appreciated that, when in the position shown in Figure 16, the longer limb 56 extends across the plane of the attachment portion 40, so that the free end 60 is exposed for easy engagement with a complementary component, such as those shown in Figures to 32. Thus, for example, the free end 60 may be passed through an aperture 80 in a strip 82 secured to the wing 8 of the brassiere shown in Figure 1. Once the longer limb 56 has engaged the aperture 80, the hook portion 42 can be displaced manually to the position shown in Figure 17, in which a bar 84 defining an edge of the respective aperture 80 is accommodated between the limbs 54 and 56 of the hook portion 42.

It will be appreciated that the wearer need not e manually displace the hook portion 42 fully to the position of Figure 17. Instead, once the hook portion 42 has moved past the overcentre point at which the link 66 crosses the axis of the hinge 44, the hook portion 42 will, under the bistable action mentioned above, fall of its own accord to the position shown in Figure 17. Furthermore, as the hook portion 42 begins to turn from the position shown in Figure 16, any tension applied between the attachment portion 40 and the complementary component shown in Figure 30 will cause the respective bar 84 to engage the inner surface of the hook portion 42 to exert a camming action on the hook portion 42, drawing the bar 84 further towards the transition region 58 and assisting counter-clockwise rotation of the hook portion 42. Thus, as will be appreciated from Figure 17, tension applied between the attachment portion 40 and the transition region 58 will tend to keep the clasp closed. This results from the shape of the shorter limb 54, which has the effect of bringing the transition region approximately into or below the general plane of the attachment portion 40.

It is not essential for all embodiments of the clasp to exhibit the bistable characteristics imparted by the link 66 since, as mentioned above, tension applied to the clasp will tend to keep it closed. Thus, Figures 22 to 29 show four variants of the clasp, in views corresponding to Figures 16 and 17.

The clasp of Figures 22 and 23 comprises an attachment portion 40a comprising a strip of flexible material of uniform thickness throughout. The material may be the fabric of the wing of the brassiere onto which the hook portion 42a is moulded. The material is sufficiently flexible to permit hinging of the hook portion 42a at the region 44a. The fabric forming the attachment portion 40a is not self-supporting, so that it does not bias the hook portion 42a into any particular position.

The configuration of the hook portion 42a is generally the same as that of the embodiment of Figures 13 to 19, and consequently, as will be appreciated from Figure 23, tension applied between the attachment portion 40a and the transition region 58a of the hook portion 42 will serve to keep the clasp in the closed position.

The embodiment of Figures 22 and 23 lacks the projection 48, and consequently there is a significant step constituted by the free end 50 of the longer limb of the hook portion 42a when the clasp is closed. This is avoided in the embodiment shown in Figures 24 and 25, where the attachment portion 40 is generally of the same form as that shown in Figures 13 to 19. However, the hinge 44b is provided by a simple strap 44b which extends fully or partially across the width of the clasp. With this embodiment, as shown in Figure 25, the longer limb 56b seats adjacent the shoulder 50b on the attachment portion 40b, so as to provide a flush transition between the outer surface of the longer limb 56b and the inclined upper surface of the projection 48b, in the same manner as shown in Figure 17.

The resilient strap 44b which biases the hook portion 42b to the open position and the hook portion 42b is retained in the closed position of Figure 25 solely by tension applied to the clasp.

The embodiment of Figures 26 and 27 is similar to that of Figures 24 and 25 except that the strap 44c is somewhat shorter so providing a different degree of flexibility.

The embodiment of Figures 28 and 29 corresponds closely to that of Figures 13 to 19, except that the link 66 and its associated hinge lines 68 and 70 are omitted.

Thus, the embodiment of Figures 28 and 29 has a simple hinge line 44d which extends fully or partially across the width of the clasp and interconnects the attachment portion 40d to the hook portion 42d.

Figures 30 to 32 show complementary components for cooperation with the clasp of any of the embodiments shown in Figures 13 to 29. The embodiment of Figure 30 comprises a single sheet, which may be a sheet of fabric material, possibly reinforced at the bars 84, in which the apertures 80 extend completely through the strip 82.

The embodiment of Figure 31 is similar to that of Figure 30, although a backing sheet 86 is provided. As can be appreciated from Figure 1, the wing 8 lies against the wearer's body when the bra is fitted, with the wing 6 then overlapping the wing 8 and facing outer garments worn by the wearer. The clasp may be fitted to the wing 6 so that, when the clasp 10 is open, the free end 60 of the longer limb 56 projects towards the wearer's body. The component shown in Figures 30 to 32 is secured to the outer face of the wing 8 (ie that face facing away from the wearer's body) and the purpose of the backing material 86 in the embodiment of Figure 31 is to avoid contact between the clasp 10 and the wearer's body through the apertures 80. Thus, the backing material 86, which may be the material of the wing 8, is secured to the strip 82 only over part of its extent, for example at its edge regions, so that the longer limb 56 of the hook portion 42 can pass over the respective bar 84 between the strip 82 and the backing material 86.

As an alternative, the clasp could e attached to the wing 8 to engage a complementary component on the wing 6, in which case the backing material 86, if provided, would serve to avoid visibility of the clasp through outer clothing.

In the embodiment of Figure 32 the complementary component comprises a strip 88 to which wire bridges 90 are secured for engagement by the clasp in the same manner as the bars 84 of the embodiments shown in Figures 30 and 32.

Figures 33 to 37 show a further embodiment of a securing arrangement for a garment such as a brassiere.

In this embodiment, the securing arrangement comprises a snap connector having a male element 100 and a female element 102.

The female element comprises a moulded strip of plastics materials having a mating face (the face visible in Figure 33) for contact with a corresponding mating face of the male element 100. The mating face of the element 102 has a series of openings 104, in this embodiment three, which are in the form of arcuate grooves which extend only partly through the thickness of the strip. The female element 102 has an attachment tab 106, and the male element 100 has an attachment tab 108 for securing the elements to the respective wings 6 and 8 of the brassiere of Figure 1, although other attachment methods are possible. The tabs 106 and 108 may be secured to the material of the brassiere by any suitable means, for example stitching, adhesive or welding and it will be appreciated that, in use, the closed connector will be subjected to tension acting in the direction of the arrows T. The grooves 104 extend transversely of the element 102, and each has the form of an arc of a circle centred on the side of the arc away from the attachment tab 106.

The radius of curvature of each arc is approximately equal to the length of the arc (as measured along the arc), although acceptable performance may be achieved with a radius of curvature which is in the range 50 to 200% of the length of the arc. Also, it will be appreciated that other configurations for the grooves 104 may be used, for example straight grooves or grooves of sinusoidal shape.

As shown in Figure 35, the male element 100 has a rib of a shape complementary to that of the grooves 104, so that the male element 100 may be snap-fitted into any one of the grooves 104 of the female element it.

102. It will be appreciated from Figure 35 that each groove 104, and the projection 110, have a generally circular cylindrical configuration, each groove opening at the mating surface at a necked region, as described in more detail with reference to Figures 46 to 49.

As is apparent from Figures 34A and 34B, the female element 102 is not completely flat. Instead, the strip is of undulating form with, as viewed from above the mating surface, a series of depressions 112, within which the grooves 104 are situated. In use, these depressions serve to assist in aligning the projection with a desired one of the grooves 104. Thus, considering the condition shown in Figure 34A if the male element 100 is brought into engagement with the mating surface of the female element 102 at a position between the grooves, the user's fingers will be able to detect the undulating mating surface and so guide the male element 100 towards the bottom of the respective depression 112 so that the projection 110 can properly engage the respective groove 104. Also, as can be appreciated from Figures 36 and 37, the lateral edges 114 also have an undulating profile, so that the transverse dimension of the female element 112 varies from a minimum at the positions of the grooves 104 to a maximum at positions between these grooves. The male element 100 also has profiled lateral edges 116 which, when the male element 110 is engaged with the female element 102, are aligned with the lateral edges 114 of the female element 102. This, again, provides a tactile aid to the user to enable proper positioning of the male element 100 for engagement with the female element 102.

As shown in Figures 34A and 34B, the underside of the female element 102 (ie the face away from the mating face, has a series of transverse channels 118 situated between the grooves 104. These channels serve to decrease the thickness of the material of the female element 102 so decreasing its flexural rigidity. The effect of this is that the female element 102 can flex readily at positions between the grooves 104, but is relatively stiff in the regions of the grooves 104.

Since the grooves 104 themselves are arcuate, they do not serve as hinge lines permitting flexure of the strip from which the female element 102 is formed.

This measure increases the comfort to the wearer, without allowing flexure of the female element 102 to release the male element 100 unintentionally.

Figures 38 to 41 show an alternative configuration for the snap connector of Figures 33 to 37. In the embodiment of Figures 38 to 41, the profiling of the mating face and the lateral edges of the female element 102a is absent (although could optionally be present), but the channels 108 are present.

In the embodiment of Figures 38 to 41, the grooves 104 are replaced by openings 120 of generally rhombus shape with concave sides (as viewed from outside the periphery of the opening) and rounded corners. The openings 102 extend completely through the thickness of the female element 102a, as can be appreciated from Figure 40. It will be appreciated also that the male element lOOa has a projection 122 of a shape which is complementary to that of the openings 120, as is also visible in Figure 41.

In both of the embodiments of Figures 33 to 37 and Figures 38 to 41, lengthwise extending grooves 124 are provided in the female element 102 adjacent the lateral edges 116. These grooves provide additional location assistance for the male element 100, by cooperating with projections (not shown) on the male element 100 for cooperation with the grooves.

Figures 42 to 45 show alternative measures for providing the snap connection between the male and female elements, particularly while retaining flexibility in the female element as a whole. In the embodiment of Figures 42, the female element 102b is constructed primarily of a relatively flexible material, while a less flexible material is provided, for example by moulding an insert 126 into the strip which constitutes the female element 102b. The insert 126 surrounds the mouth of the opening 104b, and so improves retention of the male element lOOb in the openings 104b. The embodiment of Figure 43 corresponds to that of Figure 42, but the insert 126 is replaced by a larger insert 128 which contains the entire opening 104b, and extends over the full thickness of the female element 102c.

In the embodiment of Figures 44 and 45, the male element lOOd and female element 102d comprise fabric strips. The female element 102d is provided with generally rectangular holes 130, with their length extending transversely of the element 102d. Each hole is surrounded by a reinforcing ring 132 of, for example, wire or stiff plastics material to provide secure retention for a correspondingly shaped projection 134 secured to the fabric of the male element lOOd.

Figures 46 to 49 disclose possible profiles for the openings and projections of the female and male elements 102 and 100 respectively. In the embodiment of Figure 46, the opening 136 and projection 138 have a generally cylindrical profile, with a necked region 140 providing the snap action connection. The neck region 142 is asymmetric, with the left-hand side, as shown in e Figure 46, having a step region 142 which provides additional security against accidental release when the connector is under tension. Figure 47 shows a variant in which the opening 144 is oversized with regard to the projection 146, while the neck region 148 of the recess 144 is a close fit around the corresponding neck region 150 of the projection 146. By contrast, Figure 48 shows the opposite configuration, in which the opening 152 is a close fit around the projection 154, while a significant clearance is provided between the neck region 156 of the opening 152 and the neck region 158 of the projection 154.

Figure 49 shows a further variant in which the entire projection 160, including the neck region 162, is a close fit within the opening 164.

It will be appreciated that many features of each embodiment, for example, the profiling of the male and female elements 100, 102 of the embodiment of Figures 33 to 41, may be incorporated in other embodiments, for example the embodiments of Figures 2 to 12.

Claims

1. A securing arrangement comprising first and second components, each component comprising a base portion of flat material, an aperture extending through the base portion and a tab disposed adjacent the aperture and projecting from the base portion to overlie the aperture, the free end of the tab, when unstressed, being spaced from the plane of the base portion, whereby the first and second components are adapted to be interlocked with each other by engaging the tab of 1 each component with the aperture of the other component, the tab on the first component having a different configuration from the tab of the second component.

2. A securing arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the tab on the first component has a different ength from the tab on the second component.

3. A securing arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the tab on at least one of the components tapers towards its free end.

4. A securing arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, in which at least one of the tars is defined by a curved edge.

5. A securing arrangement as claimed in claim 4, in which the curved edge is in the form of an arc of an ellipse disposed symmetrically about the major axis of the ellipse.

6. A securing arrangement as claimed in claim 4 or 5, in which the curved edge has the form of an arc of a circle.

7. A securing arrangement as claimed in claim 6, in which the curved edge is substantially semi-circular.

8. A securing arrangement as claimed in claims 5 and 7, in which the tab on the first component is in the form of an arc of an ellipse, and the tab on the second component is in the form of a semi- circle.

9. A securing arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which one of the components has a plurality of tabs disposed in at least one row aligned with the lengthwise extent of each tab and the other component has, for each row, a single tab for cooperation with any one of the tabs of the respective row.

10. A securing arrangement as claimed in claim 9 when appendant to claim 6, in which the first component has the single tab in the form of an arc of an ellipse and the second component has the plurality of tabs, each in the form of a semi-circle.

11. A securing arrangement as claimed in claim 9 or 10, in which the component having the plurality of tabs comprises at least one row of three tabs.

12. A securing arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the tabs is substantially planar.

13. A securing arrangement as claimed in claim 12, in which the or each planar tab extends, in its relaxed condition, in a direction which is oblique to the plane of the base portion.

14. A securing arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the tabs has a first portion extending obliquely with respect to the base portion, and a second portion which is inclined to the first portion.

15. A securing arrangement as claimed in claim 14, in which the secured portion extends parallel to the base portion.

16. A securing arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the tabs has a curved configuration as viewed transversely of the base portion.

17. A securing arrangement as claimed in claim 16, in which the or each curved tab has a first, curved, portion connected to the base portion and a second, planar portion, extending from the first portion.

18. A securing arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the tabs has a constant thickness.

19. A securing arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, in which at least one of the tabs has a thickness which reduces in the direction towards the free end of the tab. r

20. A securing arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the tabs has a flexural stiffness which reduces in the direction towards the free end of the tab.

21. A securing arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the tabs is curved about an axis parallel to the lengthwise extent of the tab.

22. A securing arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the tabs and its adjacent aperture have complementary shapes.

23. A securing arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the first and second components is formed by stamping from sheet material.

24. A securing arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, in which at least of the components is formed by a moulding process.

25. A securing arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the components comprises strip material having oppositely disposed parallel faces.

26. A securing arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the components is profiled on the face from which the or each tab extends.

27. A securing arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the tabs are profiled on faces which engage one another.

28. A securing arrangement as claimed in claim 26 or 27, in which the profiling comprises formations which provide a snap action upon engagement of the first and second components.

lo

29. A securing arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the components is made from a flexible resilient material.

30. A securing arrangement as claimed in claim 29, in which the material is a plastics material.

31. A securing arrangement as claimed in claim 29 or 30, in which at least one of the components has a fabric coating.

32. A securing arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the components has an unapertured backing layer disposed on the side of the component away from that to which the or each tab projects.

33. A securing arrangement substantially as described herein, with reference to, and as shown in, any one of Figures 2 to 12 of the accompanying drawings.

34. A clasp comprising an attachment portion and a hook portion which are connected together at a hinge, the hook portion comprising a pair of limbs of unequal length, the shorter limb extending from the hinge to a transitional region and the longer limb extending from the transitional region to a free end, the hook portion being pivotable about the hinge relatively to the attachment portion between a closed portion in which the free end of the longer limb lies adjacent the attachment portion, and an open position in which the free end is displaced from the attachment portion to provide access to the interior of the hook portion.

35. A clasp as claimed in claim 34, in which, in the closed position, the attachment portion extends away from the hinge in a direction aligned with the shorter limb.

36. A clasp as claimed in claim 34 or 35, in which, in the open position, the shorter limb is inclined to the attachment portion at an angle not less than 80 and not. more than 120 .

37. A clasp as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 36, in which the transitional region extends over al' arc of not less than 160 and not more than 200 .

38. A clasp as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 37, in which the longer limb is arcuate and is concave as viewed in the direction from the shorter limb to the longer limb.

39. A clasp as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 38, in which the attachment portion is provided with a projection adjacent which the free end of the longer limb rests in the closed position.

J

40. A clasp as claimed in claim 39, in which the projection has an outer surface which is flush with the outer surface of the longer limb in the closed position.

41. A clasp as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 40, in which the hook portion is bistable about the attachment portion, the stable positions of the hook portion comprising open and closed positions.

42. A clasp as claimed in claim 41, in which the attachment portion and the hook portion are pivotable relatively to each other about a single hinge axis, a link being pivotably connected at opposite ends to the attachment portion and the hook portion respectively at positions away from the hinge axis, the straight-line distance between the ends of the link being less than the distance between the link ends measured through the hinge axis, when in the stable positions.

43. A clasp as claimed in claim 41 or 42, in which the bistable action is achieved by the resilience of the material of the clasp.

44. A clasp as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 43, which comprises a one-piece component of plastics material.

45. A clasp as claimed in claim 44, in which the hinge is provided by elastic deformation of the material of the clasp.

46. A clasp as claimed in claim 45, in which the hinge is provided by a region of reduced thickness of the material of the clasp.

47. A clasp substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 13 to 21, or Figures 22 and 2, or Figures 24 and 25, or Figures 26 and 27, or Figures 28 and 29 of the accompanying drawings

48. A fastener comprising a clasp in accordance with any one of claims 34 to 47, and a fastener element having a bar for engagement by the hook portion.

49. A fastener as claimed in claim 48, in which the fastener element comprises a plurality of bars.

50. A fastener as claimed in claim 49, in which the bars are defined between apertures in the fastener element.

51. A fastener as claimed in claim 50, in which the fastener element comprises an unapertured backing material on one face, which backing material extends over the apertures.

52. A fastener as claimed in claim 48 or 49, in which the bars comprise bar elements secured to a backing material.

53. A fastener substantially as described herein with reference to any one embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 32.

54. A snap connector comprising male and female elements having complementary formations which are engagable with one another with a snap action, one of the elements being in the form of a strip having a plurality of the formations formed integrally from the material of the strip and disposed in a row along the strip whereby the other element is engagable with the strip at selective different positions along the strip.

55. A snap connector as claimed in claim 54, in which the male element comprises at least one projection and the female element comprising at least one complementary opening.

56. A snap connector as claimed in claim 55, in which the female element comprises the strip, and has a plurality of the opening.

57. A snap connector as claimed in claim 56, in which 2) the male element comprises a single projection.

58. A snap connector as claimed in claim 57, in which the male element comprises a flat portion from which the projection extends.

59. A snap connector as claimed in claim 58, in which the width of the flat portion is substantially the same as the width of the strip.

60. A snap connector as claimed in any one of claims to 59, in which the or each opening has an undercut configuration, having a mouth which is narrower than the interior of the opening, the projection comprising a head portion which fits within the interior of the r opening, and a neck portion, which is narrower than the head portion, and which fits within the mouth of the opening.

61. A snap connector as claimed in any one of claims to 60, in which the or each opening extends wholly through the thickness of the female element.

62. A snap connector as claimed in any one of claims 55 to 60, in which the or each opening extends only partly through the thickness of the female element. s

63. A snap connector as claimed in any one of claims to 62, in which the or each projection and opening has a non-circular configuration.

64. A snap connector as claimed in claim 63, in which the or each projection and opening has a transverse dimension, measured transversely of the strip, which is greater than the dimension measured lengthwise of the strip.

65. A snap connector as claimed in claim 64, in which the opening comprises a groove, and which the projection comprises a complementary rib.

66. A snap connector as claimed in claim 65, in which the groove and the rib are arcuate and extend transversely of the strip.

67. A snap connector as claimed in claim 66, in which the radius of curvature of the groove and the rib is not less than 50% and not more than 20 of the transverse dimension of the respective groove and rib.

68. A snap connector as claimed in claim 64, in which the or each opening and the or each groove taper in the direction towards the transverse edges of the strip.

69. A snap connector as claimed in claim 68, in which the or each opening and the or each projection have the form of a rhombus disposed with its longer diagonal extending transversely of the strip.

70. A snap connector as claimed in claim 69, in which the sides of the rhombus are concavely arcuate, as viewed from outside the rhombus.

71. A snap connector as claimed in claim 69 or 70, in which the corners of the rhombus are rounded.

72. A snap connector as claimed in any one of claims 54 to 71, in which the thickness of the strip varies along Its length.

73. A snap connector as claimed in claim 72, in which the strip is thinner in regions between the formations than it is in regions containing the formations.

74. A snap connector as claimed in any one of claims 54 to 73, in which the flexural resistance of the strip is lower at regions between the formations than in regions containing the formations.

75. A snap connector as claimed in any one of claims 54 to 74, in which the formations of the strip are formed in respective depressions in the face of the strip.

76. A snap connector as claimed in any one of claims 54 to 75, in which the width of the strip varies along the length of the strip.

77. A snap connector as claimed in claim 76, in which the width of the strip is wider at regions containing the formations than it is at regions between the formations.

78. A snap connector substantially as described herein s with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 33 to 37 or Figures 38 to 41, or in those Figures as modified by any one of Figures 42 to 49 of the accompanying drawings.

79. A garment comprising a securing arrangement, a clasp, a fastener or a snap connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.

80. A garment in accordance with claim 79, which is a brassiere, the securing arrangement, the clasp, the fastener or the snap connector being adapted for securing wings of the brassiere.