Abstract: A covered buckle comprises an upper annular member of inverted U cross-section into which is telescoped a lower annular member of U-shaped cross-section having a generally upstanding outer peripheral leg which either cants outwardly or is provided with an outwardly extending lip and an upstanding inner peripheral leg provided at its top with upstanding serrations to ensure adequate gripping and retention of even thin coverings.

Abstract: A magnetic fastener wherein magnetic flux from a permanent magnet flows to and from a permeable planar armature through air gaps of substantially equal areas which are small compared with the area of either face of the magnet.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling covered buttons in which a first die assembly including a first punch carrying a first sleeve which sequentially receives a piece of covering material and the button shell with its flange extending toward the open end of the sleeve. A second assembly including a second sleeve having a bore one end of which is formed with a first cam surface extending axially inwardly of the above. The second sleeve is spring loaded to an extended position on a supporting post having a centrally located button back fastener receiving cavity in the end thereof with a second cam surface extending inwardly from the outer edge of the end to the bottom of a recess surrounding the cavity. An annular boss at the inner edge of the recess around the cavity is elevated to allow the material and the shell flange to curl inwardly under the button back. In the retracted position of the second sleeve on the post, the second cam surface forms a continuation of the first.

Abstract: An improved metal button assembly adapted to be attached to a fabric by an automatic sewing machine without producing a pucker in the fabric in which a stamped sheet metal shell is formed with thread-receiving holes and with a peripheral flange for retaining an unperforated plastic blank swaged into the shell, the blank being formed with a central area of reduced thickness which is pierced by the sewing needle in the course of attaching the button to the garment, the blank having an undersurface lying generally in the plane of the flange edge and being sufficiently rigid to avoid puckering of the fabric.