Stud and Hole Fastening Mechanism for Apparel

A stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel. The fastening mechanism includes a stud, a stud-receiving aperture, a decorative element, a plurality of lip protrusions. The fastening mechanism is integrated into an apparel body such as a bracelet or a shoe. The stud-receiving aperture traverses through the apparel body from a first opening to a second opening. The plurality of lip-protrusions is radially connected to the apparel body about the first opening. The stud includes a stud body, an engagement portion, and an interfacing portion. The engagement portion and the interfacing portion are adjacently connected to the stud body, opposite to each other across the stud body. The decorative element is adhered to the interfacing portion. The engagement portion is positioned within the stud-receiving aperture with the plurality of lip protrusions laterally engaging the stud body and the decorative element oriented adjacent to the first opening.

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Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/952,272 filed on Mar. 13, 2014.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/019,695 filed on Jul. 1, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fastening mechanisms. More specifically, the present invention is a stud and hole connection method which is designed to enable attachment of decorative items to shoes, bracelets, and other forms of apparel. The present invention enables decorative items to be attached to a shoe or other object very easily and also allows for it to be removed with ease. This enables a user to quickly and easily add or remove decorative items to whatever object bears receiving holes for studs which have some decorative element integrated on one end.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Humankind has always been interested in the aesthetic appeal of objects. In many cases people will attempt to blend functionality with aesthetics to make an object which is not only useful, but is also pleasing to behold. The blending of form and function can be observed in many different human arts such as architecture, vehicle design, and clothing design. Clothing design is of particular interest when considering a mixture of aesthetics and functionality. Clothing is an extremely important part of everyday life for humans as it protects sensitive areas of the body from external environmental factors. Environmental factors which clothing and other apparel can help shield the human body from include but are not limited to low temperatures, rain, snow, and direct sunlight. In many regions of the world where human populations can be found, proper protective clothing is essential to life; death due to exposure can occur within days or even hours under the right circumstances. Thus, clothing has become an integral part of human society and civilization. As clothing is worn on a daily basis, it has also become a medium for personal expression. Resultantly most, if not all, clothing items are designed not only for the functionality of providing the body with a comfortable covering but also providing a pleasing outward appearance.

Shoes are one particular category of human body wear which is often subject to aesthetic concerns. Most shoes have varying degrees of functionality blended with aesthetic appearance. In some cases, the level of functionality of a shoe may be sacrificed in order to achieve what is perceived as greater aesthetic appeal. This is the case with the type of shoes known as high heels which sacrifice comfort and stability for greater aesthetic appeal. Most shoes are far more balanced blends of form and function, often with the aesthetic factor being primarily color or pattern based. In more recent years, shoes have also become customizable, with a number of different accessories being made available on the open market. Some types of shoes are particularly well suited to supporting customization as they possess small holes throughout their surface; such shoes are often manufactured from a type of plastic foam, and have become very popular in recent years. In the case of these plastic hole bearing shoes, small decorative objects are often inserted into the holes on the shoe by way of studs. This provides the wearer of the shoe with the capability to customize the appearance of their shoes. Unfortunately, the design of these studs and the uniform shape of the holes into which they are inserted makes them very difficult to remove. Removal of the studs from the holes often requires an excessive amount of force, and can sometimes damage the hole they are removed from, rendering that hole unusable for further customization purpose. An additional problem of the current stud design of these shoe decorations is the fact that they often protrude beyond the thickness of the shoe material and into the wearer's foot causing discomfort. It is clear that there is a need for a new stud and hole design which allows for easier attachment and removal of the decorations while also eliminating potential discomfort caused by the protrusion of the stud.

Resultantly, it is an object of the present invention to introduce a stud and hole connection method which is superior when compared to previous designs. It is an object of the present invention to allow for much easier attachment and removal of decorative objects by drastically reducing the amount of force required to attach or remove the decorative object from a holed surface. The present invention also removes potential discomfort by altering the design of the hole such that no part of the stud protrudes past the inner surface of the shoe body, thereby preventing any part of the stud from hitting the wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. The objects of the present invention are accomplished primarily through the unique design of the hole which enables the stud to be held in place but still be very easy to remove. The easy removability of the stud makes the present invention ideal for use on children's shoes as a child has less hand strength than an adult, but may still wish to alter the appearance of their shoes by adding new decorative items and or removing old ones.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multitude of the present invention integrated into a bracelet.

FIG. 2 is a detail perspective view taken about circle A shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a detail top view of taken about circle A shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a multitude of the present invention integrated into the bracelet.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the present invention taken about circle C in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the present invention taken about circle C in FIG. 5, illustrating the stop component.

FIG. 8 is a detailed exploded view of the present invention taken about circle C in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a multitude of present invention integrated into a shoe.

 DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a stud and hole fastening mechanism which is intended to be utilized on shoes, bracelets, and other apparel for the temporary attachment of decorative items. The present invention can be utilized on a wide variety of different forms of apparel including but not limited to shoes, bracelets, belts, glass frames, rings, hat, and cufflinks; the associated figures included display only the shoe and bracelet uses, however it is obvious that the present invention could be utilized on other forms of apparel which are subject to customization. The primary function of the present invention is for the stud to be inserted into the receiving hole and to be held there until a user removes it manually by exerting sufficient force on the stud to pull it free from the hole.

The present invention comprises a decorative element 9, an apparel body 1, a stud 2, a stud-receiving aperture 6, and a plurality of lip protrusions 10. The decorative element 9 is an object that is designed with a specific shape, color, and pattern in order to provide an aesthetic appeal to an observer. The apparel body 1 is the portion of the apparel onto which the decorative element 9 is attached to, one particular example is a bracelet strap as seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5. The stud 2 is the intermediate component which facilitates the attachment of the decorative element 9 to the apparel body 1. The stud 2 comprises a stud body 3, an engagement portion 4, and an interfacing portion 5 as can be seen in FIG. 6. The engagement portion 4 is adjacently connected to the stud body 3 and makes up a first half of an interlocking mechanism that is inserted into the apparel body 1. The interfacing portion 5 provides a surface onto which the decorative element 9 may be attached to and is adjacently connected to the stud body 3, opposite to the engagement portion 4. In particular, the decorative element 9 is adjacently connected to the interfacing portion 5, opposite the stud body 3. It is preferred the decorative element 9 is mounted onto the interfacing portion 5, opposite the stud body 3, by an adhesive layer 18 as seen in FIG. 8; although, alternative means may also be used in alternative embodiments. The stud body 3 physically connects the engagement portion 4 and the interfacing portion 5.

The stud-receiving aperture 6 and the plurality of lip protrusions 10 make up a second half of the interlocking mechanism that is integrated into the apparel body 1. The stud-receiving aperture 6 is a hole in the apparel body 1 into which the stud 2 may be placed into, and comprises a first opening 7 and a second opening 8. More specifically, the stud-receiving aperture 6 traverses through the apparel body 1 from the first opening 7 to the second opening 8. The plurality of lip protrusions 10 is radially connected to the apparel body 1 about the first opening 7 and secures the stud 2 within the stud-receiving body until sufficient force is applied to deform the plurality of lip protrusions 10 and release the stud 2. The engagement portion 4 is positioned within the stud-receiving aperture 6 in between the first opening 7 and the second opening 8, and secured by the plurality of lip protrusions 10. The plurality of protrusions is laterally pressed against the stud body 3 as can be seen in FIG. 6.

The plurality of lip protrusions 10 and the engagement portion 4 ensure the stud 2, and therefore the decorative element 9, remains locked to the stud-receiving aperture 6. Each of the plurality of lip protrusions 10 comprises a base 13, an extrusion body 12, and a tip 11. The base 13 is connected to the apparel body 1, adjacent to the first opening 7. The extrusion body 12 is tapered from the base 13 to the tip 11 to create a triangular-type design and is preferably made out of a flexible material; one particular example of flexible material is rubber but alternative compositions may be used instead. When the stud 2 is positioned within the stud-receiving aperture 6, the tip 11 is laterally pressed against the stud body 3. The tapered design modifies the shape of the first opening 7 to resemble a five pointed star as seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The purpose of this unique shape is to provide a hole which has a perimeter that can be readily deformed. Under pressure, the plurality of lip protrusions 10 will deform to temporarily enlarge the hole in the middle of the five pointed star. This characteristic allows for the stud 2 to be inserted into and removed from the stud-receiving aperture 6 with sufficient force. Any shape and any number of lip protrusions may be utilized for this purpose so long as the first opening 7 maintains the deformative properties which allow for easier insertion and removal of the stud 2. For example, altering the number of points on the star, or utilizing a different shape such as a polygon like a triangle or rectangle may also be effective.

It is preferred that the stud body 3 contain a circular cross-section with a certain diameter such that the stud 2 fits perfectly within the stud-receiving aperture 6 without causing any deformation to the stud-receiving aperture 6 or the plurality of lip protrusions 10 as seen in FIG. 6. The engagement portion 4 is a hemispherical protrusion that is slightly larger in diameter than the diameter of the stud body 3. The flexible nature of the plurality of lip protrusions 10 allows the slightly larger engagement portion 4 of the stud 2 to pass into and out of the stud-receiving aperture 6 with the application of sufficient force. This ensures that the stud 2 stays secure in the stud-receiving aperture 6 until the user chooses to remove it.

Another primary function of the present invention is to attach the decorative element 9 to the apparel body 1 without applying unnecessary pressure to the skin of the user, a common occurrence in fastening mechanisms found on today's market. This is achieved through specific sizing and design, in particular restricting the depth of the stud-receiving hole and the length of the stud 2. A first specified distance 15 is defined from the first opening 7 to the second opening 8. A second specified distance 16 is defined from the interfacing portion 5 to the engagement portion 4 as seen in FIG. 8 The first specified distance 15 is always greater than the second specified distance 16. By setting this relationship, the lowermost point of the engagement portion 4 will never protrude past the second opening 8 when the stud 2 is positioned inside the stud-receiving aperture 6. This design ensures the engagement portion 4 does not touch the skin of the wearer.

In an alternative embodiment, an annular lip 17 may be used to further ensure that the engagement portion 4 does not touch the skin of the user. The annular lip 17 is located about the second opening 8 and physically prevents the engagement portion 4 from protruding below the second opening 8. More specifically, the annular lip 17 is perimetrically connected to the apparel body 1 about the second opening 8 as seen in FIG. 6. The annular lip 17 is preferably sized such that the resultant opening is smaller than the diameter of the engagement portion 4. In yet another embodiment, a stop 14 is used in conjunction with the sizing to prevent the engagement portion 4 from touching the skin of the user. The stop 14 is a plug that is positioned into the second opening 8 and perimetrically connected to the apparel body 1. The stop 14 is preferably shaped and sized similar to the second opening 8 and is integrated into the apparel body 1 as seen in FIG. 7.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 4, and FIG. 9 a multitude of decorative elements 9 may be attached to the apparel body 1 through the use of multiple instances of the present invention. Through the use of standardized sizing the apparel body 1 may be customized by a variety of decorative elements 9 simultaneously. This allows the user to customize the apparel body 1 to his or her specific preference. The decorative element 9 may comprise an extremely wide variety of different shapes and colorations. Additionally, the decorative element 9 may be manufactured from a wide variety of different materials including, but not limited to, plastics, metals, rubber, and glass. The decorative element 9 may contain and or be shaped into logos, cartoon characters, geometric shapes, flowers, dates, bugs, animals, elements, and tools to name a few non-limiting examples. An example is seen in FIG. 1. It is preferred that a width of the interfacing portion 19 is greater than a width of the stud-receiving aperture 21, this ensures the interfacing portion 5 sits flush with the top surface of the apparel body 1. Similarly, it is preferred that a width of the decorative element 20 being greater than a width of the interfacing portion 19.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel comprises:

an apparel body;
a stud;
a stud-receiving aperture;
a decorative element;
a plurality of lip protrusions;
the stud-receiving aperture comprises a first opening and a second opening;
the stud comprises a stud body, an engagement portion, and an interfacing portion;
the stud-receiving aperture traversing through the apparel body from the first opening to the second opening;
the engagement portion being connected adjacent to the stud body;
the interface portion being connected adjacent to the stud body, opposite to the engagement portion;
the engagement portion being positioned within the stud-receiving aperture in between the first opening and the second opening;
the decorative element being adjacently connected to the interfacing portion, opposite the stud body;
the plurality of lip protrusions being radially connected to the apparel body about the first opening; and
the plurality of lip protrusions being laterally pressed against the stud body.

2. The stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a stop;
the stop being positioned into the second opening; and
the stop being perimetrically connected to the apparel body.

3. The stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a first specified distance being defined from the first opening to the second opening;
a second specified distance being defined from the interfacing portion to the engagement portion; and
the first specified distance being greater than the second specified distance.

4. The stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

an annular lip; and
the annular lip being perimetrically connected to the apparel body about the second opening.

5. The stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

an adhesive layer; and
the decorative element being mounted onto the interfacing portion, opposite to the stud body, by the adhesive layer.

6. The stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

each of the plurality of lip protrusions comprises a tip, an extrusion body, and a base;
the extrusion body being tapered from the base to the tip;
the base being connected to the apparel body, adjacent to the first opening; and
the tip being laterally pressed against the stud body.

7. The stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel as claimed in claim 6, wherein the extrusion body is made of a flexible material.

8. The stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a width of the interfacing portion being greater than a width of the stud-receiving aperture; and
a width of the decorative element being greater than the width of the interfacing portion.

9. A stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel comprises:

an apparel body;
a stud;
a stud-receiving aperture;
a decorative element;
a plurality of lip protrusions;
the stud-receiving aperture comprises a first opening and a second opening;
the stud comprises a stud body, an engagement portion, and an interfacing portion;
the stud-receiving aperture traversing through the apparel body from the first opening to the second opening;
the engagement portion being connected adjacent to the stud body;
the interface portion being connected adjacent to the stud body, opposite to the engagement portion;
the engagement portion being positioned within the stud-receiving aperture in between the first opening and the second opening;
the decorative element being adjacently connected to the interfacing portion, opposite the stud body;
the plurality of lip protrusions being radially connected to the apparel body about the first opening;
the plurality of lip protrusions being laterally pressed against the stud body;
a first specified distance being defined from the first opening to the second opening;
a second specified distance being defined from the interfacing portion to the engagement portion; and
the first specified distance being greater than the second specified distance.

10. The stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel as claimed in claim 9 comprises:

a stop;
the stop being positioned into the second opening; and
the stop being perimetrically connected to the apparel body.

11. The stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel as claimed in claim 9 comprises:

an annular lip; and
the annular lip being perimetrically connected to the apparel body about the second opening.

12. The stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel as claimed in claim 9 comprises:

an adhesive layer; and
the decorative element being mounted onto the interfacing portion, opposite to the stud body, by the adhesive layer.

13. The stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel as claimed in claim 9 comprises:

each of the plurality of lip protrusions comprises a tip, an extrusion body, and a base;
the extrusion body being tapered from the base to the tip;
the base being connected to the apparel body, adjacent to the first opening; and
the tip being laterally pressed against the stud body.

14. The stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel as claimed in claim 13, wherein the extrusion body is made of a flexible material.

15. The stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel as claimed in claim 9 comprises:

a width of the interfacing portion being greater than a width of the stud-receiving aperture; and
a width of the decorative element being greater than the width of the interfacing portion.

16. A stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel comprises:

an apparel body;
a stud;
a stud-receiving aperture;
a decorative element;
a plurality of lip protrusions;
an annular lip;
the stud-receiving aperture comprises a first opening and a second opening;
the stud comprises a stud body, an engagement portion, and an interfacing portion;
the stud-receiving aperture traversing through the apparel body from the first opening to the second opening;
the engagement portion being connected adjacent to the stud body;
the interface portion being connected adjacent to the stud body, opposite to the engagement portion;
the engagement portion being positioned within the stud-receiving aperture in between the first opening and the second opening;
the decorative element being adjacently connected to the interfacing portion, opposite the stud body;
the plurality of lip protrusions being radially connected to the apparel body about the first opening;
the plurality of lip protrusions being laterally pressed against the stud body;
a first specified distance being defined from the first opening to the second opening;
a second specified distance being defined from the interfacing portion to the engagement portion;
the first specified distance being greater than the second specified distance; and
the annular lip being perimetrically connected to the apparel body about the second opening.

17. The stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel as claimed in claim 16 comprises:

an adhesive layer; and
the decorative element being mounted onto the interfacing portion, opposite to the stud body, by the adhesive layer.

18. The stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel as claimed in claim 16 comprises:

each of the plurality of lip protrusions comprises a tip, an extrusion body, and a base;
the extrusion body being tapered from the base to the tip;
the base being connected to the apparel body, adjacent to the first opening; and
the tip being laterally pressed against the stud body.

19. The stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel as claimed in claim 18, wherein the extrusion body is made of a flexible material.

20. The stud and hole fastening mechanism for apparel as claimed in claim 16 comprises:

a width of the interfacing portion being greater than a width of the stud-receiving aperture; and
a width of the decorative element being greater than the width of the interfacing portion.
Patent History
Publication number: 20150257498
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 13, 2015
Publication Date: Sep 17, 2015
Applicant: ZBI PRODUCTS LLC (Buffalo, WY)
Inventor: Kim M. White (Princeville, HI)
Application Number: 14/657,730
Classifications
International Classification: A44C 25/00 (20060101);