WO2015027280A1

WO2015027280A1 - Improvements in fasteners

Info

Publication number: WO2015027280A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/000855
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kelly Walker
Original assignee: Geckojo Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-08-29
Filing date: 2014-08-29
Publication date: 2015-03-05

Abstract

A fastener comprising a pin attachment element, a pin attached to the pin attachment element, a first pin engagement element and a second pin engagement element, wherein: the pin extends from the pin attachment element and comprises an elbow portion along its length and a pointed distal end, the first pin engagement element comprises a first portion of an enclosure for enclosing the elbow portion and the distal end, the second pin engagement element comprises a second portion of the enclosure for enclosing the elbow portion and the distal end, and the first and second pin engagement elements engage with each other to form the enclose and enclose the elbow portion and the distal end within the enclosure.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN FASTENERS

Field

[0001 ] The present invention relates to improvements in fasteners. In particular, the present invention relates to a fastener that secures a pin in an enclosure.

Background

[0002] Fasteners used for, on or near children's items are required to be safe and secure to minimise the risk of children or other persons injuring themsel es.

[0003] A number of problems exist with known fasteners. For example, some known fasteners are not "child proof as they can easily be undone, disconnected or unfastened by a child. This can result in the loss of the items that were beina fastened. Further, the fastener itself can become a danger to the child if it can be removed and is small enough to be put in the child 's mouth and cause a blockage. Also, if the fastener is being used in an environment such as a car, the fastener (or the object being fastened), onc removed, can be thrown by the child increasing the risk of direct injury to the child or other passengers as well as increasing the risk of an accident occurring due to the driver being distracted.

[0004] Many fasteners have a pin or sharp point in order to penetrate a surface to operate the fastener. Although fasteners have been developed without pins, it is sometimes necessary for fasteners i certain situations to include pin to enable the fastener to work effectively.

However, some known fasteners with pins are cumbersome to operate successfully while dealing with a child at the same time. This can increase the risk of injury to the child or the operator. Further, some known fasteners with pins are too easily unfastened by a child also increasing the risk of injury to the child.

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome, or at least alleviate, some or all of the aforementioned problems. An object of the present invention is to at least provide the public with a useful choice. [0006] Further objects and advantages of the in vention will be brought out in the following specification., wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon.

[0007] The background discussion (including any potential prior art) is not to be take as an admission of the common general knowledge in the art in any country.

Summary of Invention

[0008] It is acknowledged that the tenns "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose, of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, these tenns are intended to ha ve an inclusive meaning - i.e. they will be taken to mean an inclusion of the listed components that the use directly references, but optionally also the inclusion of other non-specified components or elements. It will be understood that this intended meaning also similarly applies to the terms mentioned when used to define steps in a method or process.

[0009] It will be understood that, when describing various integers, such as portions,

components, elements etc., any integer may be constituted by a single integer or multiple integers.

[00010] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a fastener comprising a pin attachment element, a pin attached to the pin attachment element, a first pin engagement element and a second pin engagement element, wherein: the in extends from, the pin attachment element and comprises an elbow portion along its length and a pointed distal end, the first pin engagement elem ent comprises first portion of an enclosure for enclosing the elbow portion and the distal end, the second pin engagement element comprises a second portion of the enclosure for enclosing the elbow portion and the distal end, and the first and second pin engagement elements engage with each other to for the enclosure and enclose the elbow portion and the distal end within the enclosure.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0001 .1 ] Embodiments of the present i n vention will no w be described, by way of examp le only , with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [00012] Figures 1 A to ID show various views of a pin engagement element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00013] Figures 2 A to 2D show various views of a pin engagement element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00014] Figures 3 A to 3D show various views of a pi attachment element and pin according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00015] Figure 4 shows a magnetic element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00016] Figure 5 shows a siiicon dom according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00017] Figure 6A shows a cross sectional view of a fastener in an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention ;

[00018] Figure 6B shows a cross sectional view of a fastener in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00019] Figures 7 A to 7D show various views- of a fastener in an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention ;

[00020] Figures 7E to 7G show various views of a fastener in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00021 ] Figures 8A to 8D show various views of a pin engagement element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00022] Figures 9 A to 9D show various views of a pin engagement element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00023] Figures 10A to 1 OF show various views of a fastener in an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention; [00024] Figures 1 1 A to 1 ID show various views of a pin attachment element and pin according to an embodiment of the present invention;,

[00025] Figures 12A and 12B show various views of fastener in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00026] Figures 12C and 12D show various views of a fastener in an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00027] Figure 13 A shows a view of a fastener in a closed position accordmg to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00028] Figure 13B shows a view of a fastener in an open position according to an embodiraent of the present inventi on;

Description of Embodiments

[00029] The fastener of the first embodiment lias multipl e components. At a minimum., there are three components required to operate the fastener, two pin engagement elements and a pin attachment element

[00030] Figure A shows a perspective view of a pin engagement element 101 according to a first embodiment. The pin engagement element has a disc shaped upper portion 103 with a substantially V-shaped channel 105 formed therein. Extending from the upper portion 103 are two side supports, 107A and 1.07B (see figure IC), and a front support 108 that attach to a tower portion 109. The side supports ( 107 A and 107 ) and front support 108 are formed to create apertures or channels (l l lA and 11 I B) that pass through the pin engagement element 101. Approximately half way along each of the side supports (107A and 107B) are openings, 1 12A and 1 I 2B (see figure 1 (.^" }

[0003 ] Figure IB shows a top plan view of the pin engagement element 101 and the substantially V-shaped channel 105.

[00032] Figure IC shows a bottom plan view of the pin engagement element 101. A portion of an enclosure 113 is formed between the upper portion 103, side supports (107 A and 107B) and lower portion 109. That is, according to this embodiment- part of an enclosure is created from a first surface 1 13A (see figure I D) and a second surface 1 13B in connection with the first surface 1 13 A. The first surface 1 13 A extends substan tially perpendicular to an upper surface 1 14 of the upper portion 103. The second surface 1.13B extends at an angle of approximately 100 degrees in relation to the first surface 1 13 A, i.e. 10 degrees between the uppe surface 1 14 of the upper portion 103 and the second surface 1 13B (as can be seen in more detail in figures 6 A and 6B).

[00033] It will, be understood, that the angle of the surfaces forming this part of the enclosure may be modified. In general, a preferred angle between the first and second surfaces (1 13A and 1 13B) ma be in the range from 100 degrees to 125 degrees, i.e. the preferred angle between second surface 1 13B and the upper surface 1 14 of the upper portion 103 may be in the range from 10 degrees to 35 degrees. However, the angle between the first surface 1 13 A and second surface 113B may be in the range from 90 degrees to 150 degrees, i.e. the preferred angle between second surface 11 B and the upper surface 1 14 of the upper portion 103 may b in the range from 0 degrees (i.e. the second surface 1 13B is parallel to the upper surface 1 14) to 60 degrees.

[00034] Figure ID shows a front view of the pin engagement element 101 looking into the V- shaped channel 105 in the direction of arrow A (see figure 1C) where the surface 1 13A and surface 1 ί 3B can be seen . Further, apertures or channels ( 1 1 1 A and 1 1 1 B) can be seen passing all the way through the pin engagement element 101.

[000 5] The pin engagement, element 1 1 may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as plastics or metal. For example, the metal may be steel or aluminium. Further, the element 101. may be manufactured using any suitable manufacturing techniques, such as moulding, casting. 3D printing, etching, etc,

[00036] Figure 2 A shows a perspective view of another pin engagement element 201 according to this first embodiment. The pin engagement element 201 has two opposing flexible elements 203A and. 203B that are connected to a common side element 205. The two opposing flexible elements flex relative to the side element 205. Each flexible element has a protrusion in the form of a step (207 A and 207B) formed at the distal end of the element. Also formed at the distal end of each flexible element is a curved portion (209 A and 209B) that enables a user to flex the flexible elements together whe in use, as will be explained in more detail below. [00037] A central portio 21 1 extends from the side element 205 in the same general directio as the flexible elements (203 A and 2Q3B). The central portion 21 1 has a rectangular lower portion 2 i 3 that extends from the side element 205. The central portion also has a main body 2.15 located above the lower portion 213 that extends from the side element 205 to a point approximately halfway along the length of the lower portion 213. At the furthest point from the side element. 205, where the main body 215 and the lower portion 213 meet, a wedge shaped portion 21 7 or taper is formed. An upper surface 219 of the taper 217 extends from an upper surface 221 of the lower portion 213 up to a point that is approximately a third of the way up an end surface 223 of the main body 215. The end surface 223 extends in a direction that is substantiall perpendicular to the upper surface 221 of the lower portion 213.

[00038] The central portion 21 1 has formed thereon a further part of the enclosure disc ussed above in relation to the pin engagement element 101 shown in figures I A to ID. This further part of the enclosure is formed by a continuous surface extending from the upper surface 221 of the lower portion 213, the upper surface 219 of the taper 217, and the end surface 223.

[00039] That is, according to this embodiment, part of the enclosure is formed by the end surface 223, which extends substantially perpendicular to an upper surface 225 of the main bod 215. This end surface 223 is in connection with the upper surface 21 of the taper 217. The upper surface 219 of the taper 217 extends at an angle of approximately 100 degrees in relation to the end surface 223, i.e. 10 degrees between the upper surface 221 of the lower portion 2 i 3 and the upper surface 219 of the taper 217.

[00040] It will be understood that the angle of the surfaces forming this part of the enclosure may be modified. In general, a preferred angle between the end surface 223 and upper surface 219 of the taper 217 may be in the range from 100 degrees to 125 degrees, i.e. the preferred angle between the upper surface 221 of the lower portion 233 and upper surface 219 of the taper 217 ma be in the range from 10 degrees to 35 degrees. However, angles between the end surface 223 and upper surface 219 of the taper 217 may be in the range of 90 degrees to 150 degrees, i.e. the angle between the upper surface 221 of the lower portion 213 and the upper surface 219 of the taper 217 may be in the range from 0 degrees (i.e. the upper surface 221 is parallel to, or part of, the upper surface 21 ) to 60 degrees,

[00041] Figure 2B shows a top plan view of the pin engagement element 201. [00042] Figure 2C shows a bottom plan view of the pin engagement element 201. in this view, a lower surface 227 of the lower portion 213 can be seen.

[00043] Figure 2D shows a front view of the pin engagement element 201 as viewed looking in the direction of the arrow B shown in figure 2 A.

[00044] The pin engagement element 20.1 may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as plastics or a flexible metal For example, the metal may be steel, tin or copper. Further, the element 101 may be manufactured using any suitable manufacturing techniques, such as moulding, casting, 3D printing, etching., etc.

[00045] Figure 3 A shows a perspective view of a pin attachment element 303 , with a pin 303 attached thereto according to this first embodiment. The pin attachment element 301 has a disc shaped portion 305 with upper and lower opposing surfaces, A vertical wall 307 extends from the upper surface of the disc shaped portion 305 in a circul r manner to form an area 309 for receivin a magnetic device within the inner perimeter of the wall 307, as explained in more detail below. In the centre of the disc shaped portion 305 is formed raised pillar 31 1 that is used to secure the pin 303 therein,

[00046] Figure 3B shows a front view of the pin attachment element 301. As can be seen in this view a further disc shaped portion 313 extends from the lower surface of the disc shaped portion 305. The pin 303 is secured in the raised pillar 31 1, and passes through the disc shaped portion 305 and further disc shaped portion 313 until it protrudes tlirough the bottom of the pin extending portion.

[00047] Figure 3C shows a side view of the pin attachment element 301. As can be seen in figure 3C (in conjunction with figure 3B) the pin 303 has a first straight portion 315 that extends substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces of the disc shaped portion 305 and further disc shaped portion 313.

[00048] An elbow portion 317 is formed in the pin 303 approximately half way along the exposed shaft of the pin. A second straight portion 319 then extends from the elbow portion 317 to the pointed distal end 321 of the pin. [00049] The elbow portion 317 creates an internal angle of approximately 100 degrees between the first and second straight portions, or an external angle of 260 degrees. That is, the elbow portion has a first side with an inner surface that opposes a second side with an outer surface. The internal angle is formed along the inner surface and the external angle is formed along the outer surface.

[00050] It will be understood that the "elbow portion" includes at least the immediate bent portion of the pin shaft and may include a small portion of the first or second straight portions either side of the bent portion.

[00051] Figure 3D shows a bottom plan view of the pin attachment element 301.

[00052] The pin attachment element 301 may be manufactured from any suitable material , such as plastics or metal. For example, the metal may be steel, tin or copper. Further, the element 301 may be manufactured using any suitable manufacturing techniques, such as moulding, casting, 3D printing, etching, etc. The pin 303 may also be manufactured from any suitable material, such as plastics or metal. For example., the metal may be steel. Further, the pin 303 may be manufactured using any suitable manufacturing techniques, such as moulding, casting, 3D printing, etching, etc.

[00053] Figure 4 shows a magnetic element 401 according to this first embodiment. The magnetic element is used to attach metallic elements thereto. For example, the magnetic element may be used as part of a seatbelt buckle retaining device as described in PCT application WO20.12/135891 (PCT/AU2012/000300), which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[00054] Figure 5 shows a silicon dome 501 according to this first embodiment. It will be understood that it may be manufactured from any other snitable materials, such as, rubber, thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or plastic for example. Also, any suitable manufacturing technique may be used to produce the dome, such as moulding for example.

[00055] Figure 6A shows a cross sectional view of the fastener 603 in an open posi tion according to this first embodiment and includes all the components shown and described with reference to figures 1. to 5 above. [00056] The silicon dome 501 is placed over the magnetic element 401. The magnetic element is positioned and sits on top of the pin attachment element 301 in the area 309 within the wall 307. The pin 303 enters th first pin engagement element 101 via the first portion of the enclosure formed b surfaces 11.3 A. and 11.3B. The second portion of the enclosure (formed from surfaces 219, 221 and 223) on the second pin engagement element 201 has not yet been positioned or moved around the pin to securely enclose the elbow portion and pointed distal end of the pin. Due to the angle of the elbow portion and the enclosur surfaces the pin engagement element 101 moves closer to the pin attachment portion whe the pin engages the enclosure portion formed on the pin engagement element 101 . Also, the first portion of the enclosure encloses the elbow portion on a first side (inner surface) of the elbow portion, and the second portion of the enclosure encloses the elbow portion on a second side (outer surface) of the elbow portion, where the first and second sides of the elbow portion are opposing each other. That is, the surfaces of the first portion of the enclosure align with the elbow portion's inner surface and the surfaces of the second portion of the enclosure align with the elbow portion's outer surface.

[00057] Figure 6B shows a cross sectional view of the fastener 6 1 in a closed position. The fastener 601 is closed by sliding the first pin engagement element 101 relative to the second pin engagement element 201 to engage the two elements (.101 and 201) and securely enclose the pin within the enclosure 603 formed by the two portions of the enclosure.

[00058] The term "enclose" in this context means "substantially enclose" in order to reduce the risk of the pin (or at least the pointed distal end of the pin) being accessed from outside of the enclosure while the first and second pin engagement elements are engaged together. It will be understood that there may be small gaps in the pin engagement elements, or between the pin engagement elements, that, extend from the enclosure to outside the enclosure. The term

"enclose" does not necessarily mean "entirely enclose", but is intended to optionally include this definition,

[00059] As can be seen in figure 6B, the contour of the surfaces 1 13A, 1 1 B, 219, 223 and 221 substantially conform to the shape of the pin around the elbow portion and the pointed distal end. However, it wil l be understood that, as an alternative, the surfaces 1 13 A, 1 13B, 219, 223 and 221 may differ from the shape of the pin around the elbow portion and the pointed distal end. [00060] Figure 7 A shows a first perspective view of the fastener 601 in an open position. Figure 7B shows a second perspective view of the fastener 601 in an open position. In this open position, the flexible elements (203A and 203B) on the pin engagement element 2 1 are passed through the channels (1 1 l A and 1 I B) of the pin engagement element 1.01 in the direction of the arrow A in figure 1 C. The steps (207A and 207B) press up against the side supports (107 A and 107B) of the pin engagement element 101 due to the flex ible characteristics of the flexible elements (203 A and 203B).

[0006.1 ] When the pin engagement element 20.1 is pushed into the channels (1 . 1 A. and 1 1 I B) far enough, the steps (207 A and 207B) engage wit the openings (1 12A and 1Ί 2Β) formed in the pin engagement element 101 and sto the pin engagement element 201 from moving back in the opposite direction due to the steps (207A and 207 B) abutting the side supports. The cross sectional view in figure 6 A shows the fastener 601 located in this position. It is in this open position that the pin may be easily inserted into part of the enclosure prior to engaging the pin engagement element 103 with the pin engagement element 201. if the flexible elements (203A and 203 B) are pressed together, the pin engagement element 201 may be selectively released from the pin engagement element 101.

[00062] Figure 7C shows the fastener 601 in this open position from underneath and figure 7D shows the fastener 601 in this open position from the top.

[00063] Figure 7E shows a first perspective view of the fastener 601 in a closed position.

Figure 7F shows a second perspective view of the fastener 601 in this closed position. Figure 7G shows the fastener 601 in the closed position from underneath. In this closed position, the flexible elements (203 A and 203B) of the pin engagement elemen t 201 are p ushed fully in to the channels (1 1 1A and 1 1 IB) until the curved portion (209 A and 209B) at the end of the flexible elements pass through and extend beyond the apertures formed at the end of the channels (1 1 1 A and 1 1 I B), Further, the steps (207 A and 207B) engage with the side supports of the apertures formed at the end. of the channels ( i l l A and 1 1 1 B) formed in the pin engagement element 101. This stops the pin engagement element 20.1 from moving back in the opposite direction due to the steps (207 A and 2078) abutting the side supports (107 A and 107B). The cross sectional view in figure 6B shows the fastener 601 located in this position. It is in this closed position that the pin is secured within the enclosure with the pin engagement element 1 1 fixed relative to the pin engagement element 201. The pin 303 can only be released from the fastener 601 by π

pressing the flexible elements (203 A and 203 B) together to release the pin engagement element 201 from the pin engagement element 101. That is, if the flexible elements (203 A and 203 B) are pressed together, e.g. by applying pressure to bring the two curved portions (209 A and 209B) towards each other (as shown by arrows 701.), the pin engagement element 201 may be selectively released fro the pin engagement element 101 by sliding the pin engagement element 2 1 out. For example, a user may insert a finger nail or other object into the groove 703 and apply a force in the direction of arro w 705 at the same time as bringing th two curs ed portions (20 A and 209B) towards each other to slide the pin engagement element 201 out. As these two separate orthogonal forces or movements are to be appiied at the same time in order to unlock the clip, this makes the fastener safe and secure and mitigates the risk of the fastener being released by a child as well as adding a safety element when the clip is used by an adult.

[00064] hi use, the pin 303 may be passed through any material pliable enough to allow the pin to pass through. For example, the pin may pass through a material formed on a car seat cover to allow the fastener to be securely attached to the car seat in the way described herein.

Alternatively, the fastener may be attached to any other suitable item as long as the pin. is able to pass through a portion of the item, or through an aperture in the item, to enable the pin to engage with the pin engagement, elements (101 and 20.1 ).

[00065] Figure 8.A shows a perspecti ve view of a pin engagement element 801 according to a second embodiment. Figure 8B shows top plan view of the pin engagement el ement 801. Figure SC shows a bottom plan view of the pin engagement element 801. Figure 8D shows a front view of the pin engagement element 801.

[00066] Figure 9 A shows a perspective view of another pin engagement element 901 according to this second embodiment. Figure 9B shows a top plan view of the pin engagement element 90 i . Figure 9C shows a bottom plan view of the pin engagement element 901. Figure 9D shows a front view of the pin engagement element 901.

[00067] According to this embodiment, the pin engagement element 801 has a single channel 803 formed therein for receiving the flexible elements (903A and 903B) of the pin engagement element 901 in the direction of the arrow C (see figure 8A). Apertures 805 A (and 8058 not seen on reverse side) are formed in side supports (807 and 807B) of the pin engagement element 801 to receive the steps ( 05A and 905 B) formed on the flexible elements (903A and 903B) of the pin engagement element 901.

[00068] A first portion 809 of the enclosure is formed on pin engagement element 801 in a similar way to the portion described above with reference to pin engagement element 201. A second portio 907 of the enclosure is formed on pin engagement element 901 in a similar way to th portion described above with reference to pin engagement element 101. it will be understood that the same range of angles of each of the portions of the enclosure discussed in the embodiment, using pin engagement elements 1 1 and 201 may also apply to the pin engagement elements 901 and 801 respectively.

[00069] According to this embodiment the same magnet element and dome are used. The pin attachment element and pin are also the same apart from a single difference where the pin extends from the pin attachment element at. an angle of approximatel 80 degrees rather tha being perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces of the disc shaped portion of the pin attachment element.

[00070] Figure 10A shows a first perspective view of the fastener 1001 including all the components shown and described with reference to figures 4, 5, 8 and 9, A similar pin attachment element and pin to that shown in figure 3 is also used, as explained above. The fastener is shown in an open position.

[00071] Figure 10B shows a second perspective view of the fastener 1001 in an ope position. Figure IOC shows the fastener 1001 in an open position from underneath. Figure 10D shows the fastener 1003 in an open position from the top. Figure 10E shows the fastener 10 1 in an open position from the side. Figure 1.0F shows the fastener 1001 in an open position from the front.

[00072] According to this embodiment, the operation of the fastener 100.1 is different to the first embodiment described herein. When in the open position, when the pin engagement element 901 is engaged with the pin engagement element 801 , the pin is first placed within the portion of the enclosure formed on surfaces 907 in the pin engagement element 901 that has the flexible elements. The surfaces of the second portion of the enclosure are provided by surfaces 807 formed on the pin engagement element 801. That is, the angular arrangement of the surfaces forming the portion of the enclosure in the pin engagement element 101 is applied to the surfaces forming the portion of the enclosure in pi engagement element 901. Further, the angula arrangement of the surfaces forming the portion of the enclosure in the pin engagement element 201 is applied to the surfaces forming the portion of the enclosure in pin engagement element 801. Also, the arrangement of the elbow portion on the pin in relation to the second portion of the enclosure formed on the pin engagement element 9 1 causes the pin engagement element 901 to move closer to the pin attachment element upon the pin engaging with.. this portion of the enclosure.

[00073] Further, although the fasteners operate in the same way with, regards to a first portio of the enclosure enclosing the elbow portion of the pin on a first side of the elbow portion, and the second portio of the enclosure enclosing the elbow portion of the pin on a second side

(opposing the first side) of the elbow portion, a difference is that the fust side of the elbow portion is a outer surface of the elbow portion, and the second side of the elbow portion is an inner surface of the elbow portion. Also, the first portion of the enclosure has a first surface aligning with the outer surface of the elbow portion, and the second portion of the enclosure has a second surfac e aligning with the inner surface of the elbow portion.

[00074] Figure 1 1A shows a perspective view of a pin attachment element 1301, with a pin 1 103 attached thereto according to a further embodiment. Figure 1 I B shows a front view of the pin attachment element 1 101. Figure 1 1.C shows a side view of the pin attachment element 1 101. Figure 1 ID shows a bottom plan view of the pin attachment element 1 101.

[00075] The pin 1 103 is the same as the pi 303 described herein. The pin attachment element 1101 is similar to the pin attachment element 30 except that its uppe surface 1 105 is substantially planar and is adapted to attach any suitable component thereto. For example, the pin attachment element upper surface may be adapted to attach one or more components including, but not limited to baby and/or child products or toys; electrical and or electronic equipment; FID devices: visual and or audio alarm devices; lighting equipment; tracking devices; monitoring devices; timing devices; fashion accessories; jewellery; braces; buckles; buttons; catches; clips; plant based material; information tags; identification tags; sensors; keys; badges; animal repellent emitter; pictographic or photographic media; magnets.

[00076] These components may be attached to the upper surface 1 105 of the pin attachment element i 101 using any suitable attachment mechanism such as adhesive, fasteners, tape, welding, moulding etc. This enables the fastener 1 01 (see figures 12A to 12D) to be used for variety of purposes.

[00077] Figure 12A shows a first perspective view of the fastener 1201 including all the components shown and described with reference to figures 1, 2 and 1 L The fastener is shown in a closed position. Figure 1.2B shows a second perspective view of the fastener 1201 in a closed position. As discussed above in relation to the fastener shown in Figures 7A-7G, the flexible elements may be pressed together, e.g. by applying pressure to bring the two curved portions (209A and 20 B) towards each other (as shown by arrows 1.701), the pin engagement element 201 may be 'Selectively released from the pin engagement element 101 by sliding the pin engagement element 201 out of the pin engagement element 101. For example, a user may insert a finger nail or other object into the groove 1703 and apply a force in the direction of arrow 1705 at the same time as bringing the two curved portions (209A and 2.09B) towards each other to slide the pin engagement element 201 out. As these two separate orthogonal forces or movements are to be applied at the same time in order to unlock the clip, this makes the fastener safe and secure and mitigates the risk of the fastener being released by a child as well as adding a safety element when the clip is used by an adult.

[00078] Figure 12C shows a first perspecti ve v iew of the fastener 1201 in an open positi on. Figure 12D shows a second perspective view of the fastener 12 1 in an open position .

[00079] it will be understood that the term "open position" is intended to mean a position where the two pin engagement elements are partially engaged but not rally engaged such that the pin may be placed within a portion of the enclosure. The term "closed position" i s intended to mean a position where the two pi engagement elements are full engaged and at least the elbow portion and the pointed distal end of the pin are enclosed within die enclosure.

[00080] Figure 2D shows one example where the pin engagement element 201 in the open positi on sl ides out of the pin engagement element 101 about half way along the length of the pin engagement element 201 before the flexible element steps 207 A and 207B engage against an edge formed within an opening in the sides of the pin engagement element 101 . According to this example, the flexible element steps 207 A and 207.B may be located within the openings to sto the pin engagement, element 201 and pin engagement element 101 from fully separating. [00081] According to a further example, it will be understood that an interna] raised edge may be formed in the pin engagement element 201 without forming openings in the side of the pin engagement element 101. The internal raised portions may be positioned along the internal side channels of the pin engagement element 101 against which the flexible element steps 207 A and 207B slide. The internal raised portions ma be formed at any suitable position along the length of th pin e n gagement elem en t 101 such th at the two pin engagement el ements ( 101 & 201 ) are partially engaged but not fully engaged such that die pin may be placed within a portion of the enclosure. As the two opposing elements 2Q3A and 203B are flexible, the flexible element steps 207 A and 2Q7B press agai nst the internal side wall of the pin engagement element 201 and stop the pin engagement element 201 and pin engagement element 101 from fully separating.

[00082] Figures 13 A and 13 B show a further example of a fastener. According to this example, the pin engagement element 1301 has openings (I303A and 1303.B) that are wide enough to enable a user to access the opposing elements (1307 A and 1307B ) of the pin engagement element 1305 using their fingers. The user may press the opposing elements together through the openings to disengage the lips 1309 of the pin engagement el ement 1305 from the end of die pin engagement element 1301. Again, two separate orthogonal forces or movements are to be applied at the same time in order to unlock the clip.

[00083] Vari ous embodiments of a fastener are described herei n. The embodiments enable a pin to be secured to an object and that pin to then be enclosed within an enclosure where the enclosure is fomied from one or more surfaces that are formed on multiple components designed to engage with each other. The forming of the enclosure and the engaging of the multiple components occurs in one single action. Further, when the fastener is in an open position, the multiple components are already at least partially engaged to enable the pin to be secured to the multiple components with relative ease,

[00084] The fastener ma be used for many different purposes, including to secure safety lights to a cyclist's back pack or saddle bag, secure badges and tokens to fabric bags and boxes, secure passenger information to travel bags, secure lights to fabrics (including sails on boats), secure blankets to strollers and car seats by attaching die blanket to the harness of the stroller or car seat. [00085] It wi ll be understood that the embodiments of the present inventio described herein are by way of example only, and that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of invention.

Claims

1. A fastener comprising a pin attachment element, a pin attached to the pin attachment element, a first pin engagement element and a second pin engagement element, wherein:

the pin extends from the pin attachment element and comprises an elbow portion along its length and a pointed distal end,

the first pin engagement e lement compri ses a first portion of an enclosure fo enc losing the elbow portion and the distal end,

the second pin engagement element comprises a second portion of the enclosure for enclosing the elbow portion and the distal end, and

the first and second pin engagement elements engage with each other to form the enclosure and enclose the elbow portion and the distal end within the enclosure,

2. The fastener according to claim 1, wherei the arrangement of the elbow portion on the pin in relation to the first portion of the enclosure causes the first pin engagement element to move closer to the pin attachment element upon the pin engaging with the first portion of the enclosure.

3. The fastener according to claim 1 , wherein the arrangement of the elbow portion on the pin in relation to the second portion of the enclosure causes the second pin engagement element to move close to the pin attachment element upon the pin engaging with the second portion of the enclosure.

4. The fastener according to clai 1, wherein the enclosure conforms to the shape of the pin from the elbow portion to the distal end.

5. The fastener according to claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the enclosure encloses the elbow portion on a first side of the elbow portion, the second portion of the enclosure encloses the elbo w portion on a second side of the elbow portion, and the first and second sides of the elbo portion are opposing each other.

6. The fastener according to claim 5, wherein the first side of the elbow portion comprises an inner surface of the elbow portion, and the second side of the elbow portion comprises an outer Surface of the elbow portion.

7. The fastener according to claim 5, wherein the first side of the elbow portion comprises an outer surface of the elbow portion, and the second side of the elbow portion comprises an inner surface of the elbow portion.

8. The fastener according to claim 5, wherein the first portion of the enclosure comprises a first surface that aligns with an inner surface of the elbow portion, and the second portion of the enclosure comprises a second surface that aligns with an outer surface of the elbow portion.

9. The fastener according to claim 5, wherein the first portion of the enclosure comprises a first surface that aligns with an outer surface of the elbow portion, and t he second porti on of the enclosure comprises a second surface that aligns with an inner surface of the elbow portion.

10. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the first and second pin engagement elements slidably engage with each other.

11. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the first pin engagement element comprises flexible elements that flexibly engage with the second pin engagement element, to selectively secure the first pin engagement element in, and selectivel release the first pin engagement element from, a. fixed position relative to the second pin engagement element.

12. The fastener according to claim .11 , wherein the flexible elements pass through and extend beyond an aperture formed in the second pin engagement element.

13. The fastener according to claim 1 , wherein the second pin engagement element comprises flexible elements that flexibly engage with the first pin engagement element to selectively secure the second pin engagement element in, and selectively release the second pin engagement element from, a fixed position relative to the first pin engagement element.

14. The fastener according to claim 13, wherein the flexible elements pass through and extend beyond apertures formed in tire first pin engagement element.

15. The fastener according to claim 1 ί or 13, wherein in the fixed position, the enclosure securely encloses the elbow portion and the distal end. 16, The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the pin ctttachment element comprises a surface adapted to attach at least one component selected from the group consisting of: baby and/or child products or toys; electrical and/or electronic equipment; RF1D devices; visual and/or audio alarm devices; lighting equipment; tracking devices; monitoring devices: timing devices: fashion accessories; jewellery; braces; buckles; buttons; catches; clips; plant based material: information tags; identification tags; sensors; keys; badges; animal repellent emitter; pictagraphic or photographic media; magnets.