GB2537839A

GB2537839A - A Fastener

Info

Publication number: GB2537839A
Application number: GB1507118.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Victor O'halloran Vincent
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-04-27
Filing date: 2015-04-27
Publication date: 2016-11-02
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-27
Also published as: EP3288404B1; GB201507118D0; EP3288404A1; GB2537839B; WO2016174429A1

Abstract

A fastener, suitable for a bra or similar garment, comprises a first component 10 and a flexible second component 12. The first component 10 has an engagement portion (16, figure 1) extending therefrom, and the second component has at least one opening 30, in a backsheet 40. In use, the slotted aperture 30 receives the D-shaped hook member of the engagement portion to fasten the garment. The application also describes a method of manufacturing the garment fastener comprising the steps of forming the first and second components and securing, by stitching 32, the first component 10 to a first panel 26 or strap 22, 24 of the garment and securing the second component 12 to a second panel 26 or strap 22, 24 of the garment. The device may be made from a resin or hard plastics material.

Description

A FASTENER

This invention relates to a fastener intended for fastening a brassiere or similar garment.

S

The vast majority of brassieres are at present fastened Inith a "hook and eye fastener. Typically, one or more rows of metal hooks are secured in one panel of a brassiere that are used to fasten to corresponding eyes secured in the other panel Whilst the aesthetic design of the hook and eye fastener has changed since its inception. its operation and use very much remains the same.

There are numerous problems associated with hook and eye fasteners. The metal parts, which are usually sewn into the straps or fabric panel of the brassiere, can often move into a position where they prod into the back of the wearer, which obviously causes discomfort. Many women also find them difficult to fasten, so they tend to fasten the brassiere at the front and then spin it around the body before putting their arms through the straps. This action can often damage the wires of an underuvired brassiere, and also lead to overall lack of comfort or fit. Fastening a brassiere can also be a particular problem for younger women, and the elderly or people with dexterity problems.

Another problem associated with metal hook and eye fasteners is that they can cause damage when being washed in a washing machine. This can manifest itself as physical damage to the brassiere, or to other garments that are being washed with the brassiere or to the washing machine itself.

In order to address these problems various fasteners have been developed in recent years. These products have generally replaced the metal hooks and eyes with a pair of complementarily-shaped plastic fixings. These products still do suffer a number of disadvantages, and have not found any real fraction in the marketplace.

The first drawback with these products is that they are often quite bulky. Aesthetically, such a bulky design renders makes them visually unattractive on the brassiere itself, and on outer garments worn over it. Furthermore, these bulky plastic fasteners tend to be rigid and Inflexible which can cause discomfort when worn due to their size and the fact that the plastic fastener can be in direct contact with the skin.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fastener which overcomes or reduces the drawbacks associated with known products of this type. The present invention provides a low-profile, flexible fastener capable of securing the straps of a brassiere or similar garment. The fastener of present invention is easy to use, and is unobtrusive and improves comfort for the wearer.

According to the present invention there is provided a garment fastener, comprising: a first component having an engagement portion extending therefrom; and a flexible second component having at least one opening for receiving the engagement portion of the first component.

An advantage of using this invention for securing garments such as brassieres is that the brassiere is able to be fastened easily, and neither of the first or second components lies against the skin of the wearer. The flexible characteristics of the fastener mean that it can conform to shape of the body of the wearer and thereby improves overall comfort for the wearer.

Preferably, the First component is formed on a base plate having a first face and a second face, and wherein the first face andlor the second face is generally planar.

Further preferably, the first face and the second face are planar and parallel to each other.

In use, the thickness of the base plate may be between 400pm and 500pm.

Preferably, the first component portion is rigid.

In use, the first component is formed from a resin and/or a hard plastics material.

Further preferably, the engagement portion is formed as a D-shaped member.

In use, the engagement portion may be formed as a square, triangular, circular or V-shaped member.

Preferably, the engagement portion is positioned on a raised portion or plinth.

Further preferably, the thickness of the first component is between 2.9mm and 3.5mm.

In use, the first component may further comprise one or more raised proportions which abut against a strap or fabric of the garment.

Preferably, the first component is secured to the strap or fabric of the garment by way of at least one line of stitching.

Further preferably, the second component is formed from a suitable substrate of polyester.

In use, the second component may be bendable.

S

Preferably, the second component includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures for receiving the engagement portion on the first component.

Further preferably, the second component has a thickness between 150pm and 10 200pm.

In use, the second component further comprises a flexible backsheet formed from a suitable substrate of polyester OF cotton fabric, Further preferably, the polyester substrate has a roughened surface finish.

Preferably, the flexible backsheet is secured in a sandwich-like construction between the second component and a strap or fabric of the garment via at least one row of stitching, Further preferably, the at least one row of stitching extends around the periphery of the second component.

In use, the flexible backsheet may have a thickness of around 75pm.

Preferably, the flexible backsheet defines a elongate pressabie tab or portion that extends from the regular periphery of the second component and, in use, enables the wearer to easily press, grasp or trap the second component when fastening the garment.

Also according to the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a garment, comprising the steps of: forming a first component having an engagement portion extending therefrom; forming a flexible second component having at least one opening for receiving the engagement portion of the first component; securing the first component to a first panel or strap of the garment; and securing the second component to a second panel or strap of the garment.

Preferably, the garment is a brassiere, bikini or corset.

Further preferably, the steps of securing the first component to a first panel or strap of 15 the garment and securing the second component to a second panel or strap of the garment is by way of at least one line of stitching or by the use of a suitable adhesive.

In use, the step of forming a flexible second component having at least one opening for receiving the first component may be by way of a press tool or laser cutting.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of roughening one or both surfaces of the second component.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a brassiere comprising a garment fastener as described in any of the aforementioned features of the invention.

it is believed that a fastener for securing brassieres or similar garments In accordance with the present invention at least addresses the problems outlined above.

The advantages of the present invention are that a fastener is provided which provides a low-profile, flexible fastener capable of securing the straps of a brassiere or similar garment. Advantageously, the fastener of present Invention is easy to use, and is unobtrusive and improves comfort for the wearer.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations of the present invention are in possible and it is intended that the present invention may be used other than as specifically described herein.

Specific non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a plan view of the rear of a first component of a first embodiment of fastener according to the present invention, the first component being stitched to one strap of a garment; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the rear of the first component of the fastener of Figure 1 fastened to the front face of a second component of the fastener, the second component being stitched to the other strap of the garment; Figure 3 illustrates a plan view from above of the front of the first component; 2.5 Figure 4 shows a side view from above of the first component: Figure 5a illustrates a side view of the first component taken along the line A to A' of Figure 3; Figure 5b shows an expanded view of a portion of the first component shown in Figure 5a; Figure 6 illustrates a plan view of the second component of the fastener according to the present invention; Figure 7 shows a side view of the second component of the fastener, the second component being stitched to at least one strap of a garment; Figure 8 illustrates a second embodiment of a fastener according to the present invention that can be used for wide garment straps, and consists of two rows of slotted 15 apertures in the second component; and Figure 9 shows a third embodiment of a fastener according to the present invention and shows the front face of the second component being stitched to one strap of a garment, the second component including an elongate pressabie tab or portion that extends from the regular periphery of the second component and enables the wearer to easily press, grasp or trap the second component when fastening the garment.

Referring now to the drawings, a fastener for fastening a brassiere or similar garment according to the present invention is shown in Figures 1 and 2. Specifically, the fastener comprises a pair of complementarily-shaped components. The first part or component 10 of the fastener is a male part that is shaped to engage with a second female part or component 12 of the fastener.

As shown in Figure 1, the first component 10 is provided as a low-profile and generally fiat rectangular base plate 14 formed from a single piece of a rigid material, such as, for example, a resin or hard plastics material. The skilled person will appreciate that the first component 10 can be produced using a variety of manufacturing techniques, such as, for example, injection or Impression moulding.

Figure 1 shows that the first component 10 is formed having two faces which are generally planar and parallel to each other. Various other configurations are possible, such as, for example, a first component 10 having two opposing faces with rounded wall portions and the like. In use, the base plate of the first component 10, which In use faces outwardly away from the body of the wearer, and is split approximately into two sections which are delimited by a pair of protrusions 20 situated at the top and bottom of the base plate 14.

At one side (depicted as the Left hand side of Figure 1) of the base plate 14, at least one engagement portion 16 is formed as a 0-shaped hook member that is pressed-out or cutaway, and so that it extends over an area of the base plate 14, the side section of which is best shown in Figure 5a, Figure 1 &so shows that the other side of the base plate 14 (depicted as the right hand side of Figure 1) is attached to the shoulder strap 22, back strap 24 and fabric 26 forming the brassiere or other similar garment via at least one row of stitching 28. The ends of shoulder strap 22, back strap 24 and fabric 26 abut against the raised protrusions 20, which are situated towards the top and bottom of the base plate 14. The height of the base plate 14. from the top to bottom, is dimensioned such that it generally corresponds to the width of the shoulder strap 22, back strap 24 and fabric 26 forming the brassiere. No alternations or modifications are needed to the shoulder strap 22, back strap 24 and fabric 26 to secure them to the base plate 14 other than attachment via the at feast one row of stitching 28.

The thickness of the base plate 14 is such that the shoulder strap 22, back strap 24 and fabric 26 forming the brassiere or other similar garment can be sewn to the base plate 14. in a preferred embodiment, the base plate 14 is approximately 400pm to 500pm in thickness. This is in no way intended to be limiting as any number of different thicknesses are envisaged, for example, from 200pm to 1.5mm. The thickness of the base plate 14 is dependent upon the mechanical properties of the resin or hard plastics material from which the base plate 14 is manufactured, and the needle penetration force and torque of the sewing machine that is used in the manufacture of the brassiere or other similar garment.

The base plate 14 also forms an end piece or bend 18 which is used to secure the D-shaped hook member that projects from the base plate 14. Further detai: on this can be found in Figure 5a.

Clearly the skilled person will appreciate the different-shaped engagement portions 16 such as square, triangular, circular or V-shaped sections that could be used instead of 20 the D-shaped hook member of the preferred embodiment.

Figure 2 shows detail on the second component 12 of the fastener, and how this can receive the engagement portion 16 formed as a D-shaped hook member that projects from the base plate 14 of the first component 10.

The second component 12 consists of thin, flexible membrane which inciudes a row of slotted apertures 30 which provides for some adjustment cf the underband for the wearer. The flexible second component 12 is attached to the shoulder strap 22. back strap 24 and fabric 26 forming the brassiere or other similar garment via rows of stitching 32 along the long and short axes of the flexible second component 12, as best shown in Figure 2.

The second component 12, as best shown in Figure 7, also includes a separate flexible backsheet 40 which is secured in a sandwich-like construction between the second component 12 and the shoulder strap 22, back strap 24 and fabric 26 forming the brassiere or other similar garment via rows of stitching 32. This allows for an unimpeded fastening and unfastening action of the engagement portion 16 into and out of the slotted apertures 30 on the second component 12.

The ends of shoulder strap 22, back strap 24 and fabric 26 cover of the entire rear of the flexible backsheet 40 such that the second component 12 and the flexible backsheet 40 do not come into direct contact with the skin of the wearer, as best shown in Figure 7.

Figure 2 shows how the first component 10 is fastened to the second component 12 in use. Essentially the wearer simply locates the first component 10 over one of the slotted apertures 30 in the second component 12. and an inwardly chamfered face on the 0-shaped hook member projecting from the engagement portion 16 guides the second component 12 into the gap formed between the D-shaped hook member and the base plate 14. Tension of the shoulder strap 22, back strap 24 and fabric 26 then holds the D-shaped hook member inside the slotted aperture 30.

In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the flexible second component 12 is approximately 175pm. Equally, a thickness in the range of 150pm to 200pm can be utilised to provide the advantageous flexibility described herein. The thickness of the backsheet 40 is even thinner. The backsheet 40 does not provide any mechanical function, and its thickness can be around 75pm, Alternatively, the backsheet 40 can be provided as a separate cotton fabric backing or layer, In a preferred embodiment, the second component 12 and backsheet 40 are manufactured from a suitable flexible substrate, such as, for example, a thermoplastic polyester, such as the VALOX° range of substrates. The skilled person will appreciate that the outer periphery of the second component 12 and backsheet 40, and the slotted apertures 30, can be produced using a variety of manufacturing techniques, such as, for example, by way of a press tool or laser cutting.

The surfaces of the second component 12 can also be modified to increase their surface roughness This can be achieved by the use of a fine abrasive or by finishing or sandblasting one or both surfaces of the second component 12. Alternatively, the surfaces of the second component 12 can be roughened using an abrasive cleaner, thereby increasing the surface roughness. hi use, increasing the surface roughness of the second component 12 increases the friction between the engagement portion 16 on first component 10 and the second component 12, and which provides for a more controlled relative motion. This makes the fastener of present invention easier to use.

Further detail on the first component 10 is shown in Figures 3, 4, 5a and 5h. As can be seen, the generally flat base plate 14 has a rear face which in use faces outwardly away from the body of the wearer, and is split approximately into two equally-sized sections which are delimited by a pair of protrusions 20 situated at the top and bottom of the base plate 14. Disposed In the opposite face is the engagement portion 16 which is situated on a raised p[inth portion 34. Raising the engagement portion 16 on the plinth 34 allows for much improved ease of use.

The thickness of the base plate 14 is such that the shoulder strap 22, back strap 24 and fabric 26 forming the brassiere or other similar garment can be sewn to the base plate 14. In a preferred embodiment, the base plate 14 is approximately 400prn to 500pm in thickness.

The plinth portion 34 has a thickness around 1,5mm. The engagement portion 16 which does take the majority of the tension on the fastener is formed from a thinner plastic section which has a thickness somewhere in the region of 1.0mm to 1.2mm. The gap, denoted as x in Figure 5a, formed between the engagement portion 16 and the top of the plinth portion 34, and into which the second component 12 is retained, is between 300prn arid 400pm.

The skilled person will appreciate that at its widest point the total thickness of the first component 10 is only around 3.2mm. This low profile design ensures that the fastener is unobtrusive, and cannot be seen and on outer garments worn over the brassiere, The protrusions 20 on the rear of the base plate 14 are formed as nodules having a diameter 02.0mm.

Figure 5a and 5c show that the engagement portion 16 has an inwardly chamfered face 36 on the end of the ID-shaped hook member projecting from the engagement portion 16. In use, this helps to guide the second component 12 into the gap formed between the engagement portion 16 and the top of the plinth portion 34. The inwardly chamfered face 36 on the end of the D-shaped hook member is around 2.0mrit in length.

Figure 6 shows further de-tali of the second component 12 and depicts the row of spaced apart slotted apertures 30 positioned in the flexible flat membrane. The spaced apart slotted apertures 30 are not disposed symmetrically along the length the second component 12. One side of the membrane 30, denoted as numeral 38, is wider than the other for securing the second component 12 to the shoulder strap 22, back strap 24 and fabric 26 forming the brassiere or other similar garment via stitching 32, Figure 7 shows further detail of how the present invention also includes a separate flexible backsheet 40 which is secured in a sandwich-like construction between the second component 12 and the shoulder strap 22, back strap 24 and elasticate(' fabric 26 forming the brassiere or other similar garment via rows of stitching 32. This allows for an unimpeded fastening and unfastening action of the engagement portion 16 into and out of the slotted apertures 30 on the second component 12.

Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the present invention designed especially for fastening wide straps of a brassiere or garment. The fastening of wide straps can be achieved utilising a second row of slotted apertures 30 in the second component 12.

Although not shown in Figure 8, the base plate 14 of the first component 10, also includes a second complementary-posItioned D-shaped hook member that projects from the base plate 14. The skilled person will appreciate that the fastener of the present invention could be adapted to include more than two rows of complementary-shaped engagement portions 16 on the first component 10 which engage with slotted apertures 30 on the second component 12, Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention which includes an elongate pressable tab or portion 42 that extends from the regular periphery of the second component 12 and enables the wearer to easily press, grasp or trap the second component 12 when fastening the garment. The elongate graspable tab or portion 42 is formed by an extending the flexible backsheet 40 beyond the periphery of the second component 12. The wearer, when donning a brassiere, can press onto the tab 42 in order to secure the second component 12 against the body of the wearer before engaging the engagement portion 16 on the first component 10.

Various alterations and modifications may be made to the present Invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although particular embodiments refer to implementing the present invention on brassieres or similar garments. this is in no way intended to be limiting as, in use, the present invention can be configured as a fastener for various items that are kept under tension, such as a belt, bow-tie, cummerbund, orthotic braces, swimwear and other clothing, such as, for

example, a tutu.

Claims

CLAIMS1, A garment fastener, comprising: a first component having an engagement portion extending therefrom; and a flexible second component having at least one opening for receiving the engagement portion of the first component.
2. The fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first component is formed on a base plate having a first face and a second face, and wherein the first face and/or the second face is generally planar,
3. The fastener as ciaimed in claim 2, wherein the first face and the second face are planar and parallel to each other.
4. The fastener as claimed in claims 2 or 3, wherein the thickness of the base plate is between 400pm and 50012m.
5. The fastener as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first component portion is rigid.
6. The fastener as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first component is farmed from a resin and/or a hard plastics material.
7. The fastener as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement portion is formed as a D-shaped member.
8. The fastener as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement portion is formed as a square, triangular, circular or V-shaped member.
9. The fastener as claimed in claims 7 or 8, wherein the engagement portion is positioned on a raised portion or plinth.
10. The fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first component is between 2.9mm and 3.5mm.
11. The fastener as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first component further comprises one or more raised portions which abut against a strap or fabric of the garment.
12. The fastener as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first component is secured to the strap or fabric of the garment by way of at least one line of stitching.
13. The fastener as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the second component is formed from a suitable substrate of polyester.
14. The fastener as claimed in claim 13, wherein the second component is bendable.
15. The fastener device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the second component includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures for receiving the engagement portion on the first component.
16. The fastener as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the second component has a thickness between 150pm and 200pm.
17. The fastener as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the second component further comprises a flexible backsheet formed from a suitable substrate of polyester or cotton fabric.
18. The fastener as claimed in claims 13 or 17, wherein the polyester substrate has a roughened surface finish.
19. The fastener as claimed in claim 17, wherein the flexible backsheet is secured in a sandwich-Eke construction between the second component and a strap or fabric of the garment via at least one row of stitching,
20. The fastener as ciaimed in claim 19, wherein the at least one row of stitching extends around the periphery of the second component.
21. The fastener as claimed in any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the flexible backsheet has a thickness of around 75pm.
22. The fastener as claimed in any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the flexible backsheet defines a elongate pressable tab or portion that extends from the regular periphery of the second component and, in use, enables the wearer to easily press, grasp or trap the second component when fastening the garment.
23. A method of manufacturing a garment, comprising the steps of: 2s forming a first component having an engagement portion extending therefrom; forming a flexible second component having at least one opening for receiving the engagement portion of the first component; securing the first component to a first panel or strap of the garment; and securing the second component to a second panel or strap of the garment.
24. The method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the garment is a brassiere, bikini or corset.
25. The method as claimed in claims 23 or 24, wherein the steps of securing the first component to a first panel or strap of the garment and securing the second component to a second panel or strap of the garment is by way of at least one line of stitching or by ultrasonic welding or by the use of a suitable adhesive.
26. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the step of forming a flexible second component having at least one opening for receiving the first component is by way of a press tool or laser cutting.
27. The method as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising the step of roughening one or both surfaces of the second component.
28. A garment fastener substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.
29. A brassiere comprising a garment fastener according to any of claims 1 to 22 or claim 28.A method of manufacturing a garment as hereinbefore descr bed.GACUENTI440-4/4S \ORZ,443(.311SGS;Paen¢ pecirecztier filed 07 April 2015).3i0c