Fastener assembly and methods for its use

Abstract

A fastener assembly comprises a frame element having a pair of sides and a shaped opening extending between the sides. The assembly also comprises a clasp having a base and a pair of arms extending from the base. One of the arms is an attachment arm having a release hole and an attachment hole for receiving a strap. The other arm has a detent that fits within the opening of the frame element when the arms are placed adjacent the sides of the frame element.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of fasteners, and in particular to removable fasteners that may be coupled to a frame to facilitate the attachment of an item to the frame. In one specific aspect, the invention relates to the use of fasteners with baby seats, among other uses.

[0002] Fasteners are used for a wide variety of applications. Examples of common fasteners include zippers, buckles, clasps, D-rings and the like. The type of fastener may depend on the given application. For example, zippers are often used to hold together pieces of fabric when minimal stresses are exerted on the fabric. More durable fasteners may be needed for more rugged applications.

[0003] Existing fasteners may not be suitable for many applications. For example, many fasteners may potentially pinch the user when operating the fastener. Some fasteners may also be difficult to use or operate, or may be complex or expensive to manufacture. Some fasteners may also not be aesthetically pleasing, or may be difficult to integrate into another structure.

[0004] Hence, this invention is related to fasteners having a variety of improved features. Such fasteners and methods for their use are described below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one particular embodiment, the invention provides a fastener assembly that comprises both a frame element and a clasp. The frame element has a pair of opposing sides and a shaped opening extending between the sides. The clasp has a base and a pair of spaced apart arms extending from the base. One of the arms is an attachment arm having a release through hole and an attachment through hole that is adapted to receive a strap. The other arm is a coupling arm having a shaped detent that is aligned with the release through hole and is configured to fit within the shaped opening of the frame when the arms are placed adjacent the sides of the frame element.

[0006] In operation, the arms are moved away from each other, and the clip is moved over the sides of the frame until the detent snaps within the opening. A strap is also attached to the attachment through hole. The strap may then be used to lift the frame element. To remove the strap from the frame element, the detent is accessed through the release through hole, and the detent is pressed to release the clasp from the frame. In one aspect, the attachment through hole is elliptical in geometry. In this way, the strap slides along the through hole to an equilibrium position when lifted by the strap.

[0007] In one arrangement, the clasp is constructed of a rigid material so that the arms are biased to a locking position. With this configuration, the arms may be distanced from each other to permit the clasp to be moved over the frame element and then to permit the detent of the coupling arm to snap into the shaped opening of the frame element. In another aspect, the release through hole may be positioned between the base and the attachment through hole. In this way, a strap may be attached to the clasp without interfering with the operation of the clasp.

[0008] In a specific aspect, the frame element may have a bottom beneath the opening such that the base is beneath the bottom when the clasp is coupled to the frame element. In this way, if the detent is inadvertently released when the frame element is being lifted, the base will catch the frame element so that it is not dropped. Conveniently, both the opening and the detent may be D-shaped in geometry, although other shapes are possible.

[0009] In a further aspect, the frame element may include a recess that is adapted to receive at least a portion of the attachment arm. In this way, the clasp may be integrated into the shape of the frame element, with the attachment through hole extending above the frame element so that the strap may be coupled to the clasp.

[0010] In another embodiment, the invention provides a baby holding device that comprises a seat that is adapted to hold a baby, and at least two legs extending from the seat. At least one clasp is removably coupled to the seat, and at least accessory is coupled to the seat by the clasp. Examples of such accessories include toy bars, handles, toys, a restraint to suspend a bottle, a canopy or shade device, and the like. Hence, in one aspect, a toy bar may be used to position a toy over the seat.

[0011] In one aspect, the seat comprises a frame and a padded fabric cover coupled to the frame. Further, the clasp may couple the toy bar to the frame. The clasp in one aspect may be constructed similar to the clasp previously described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a clasp according to the invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a front view of the clasp of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the clasp of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional side view of the clasp of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a frame element that is adapted to receive the clasp of FIG. 1 according to the invention.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of one embodiment of a baby rocker having the clasp of FIG. 1 according to the invention.

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates the baby rocker of FIG. 6 with one embodiment of how toy bars may be coupled to the clasps according to the invention.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a front isometric view of the baby rocker of FIG. 6 with a padded fabric cover removed.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a side view of the baby rocker of FIG. 8 with the padded fabric cover removed.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a front view of the baby rocker of FIG. 8 with the padded fabric cover removed.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the baby rocker of FIG. 8 with the padded fabric cover removed.

[0023] FIG. 12 is an inside side view of a rail connector of the baby rocker of FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The invention provides exemplary fasteners, fastener systems and methods for their use. The fasteners may in some applications be useful when lifting objects by placing part of the fastener beneath the object. In this way, if the fastener is inadvertently released or detaches, the fastener is still able to catch and hold the object. Also, the fastener is easy to operate by simply pressing a detent to release the fastener. Further, the fastener is able to integrate itself into the overall structure of the object to which it is attached so that it looks like an integral part of the structure.

[0025] The fasteners may be used in essentially any type of application where one object needs to be removably coupled to another. The fasteners are especially useful when connecting a strap, a webbing, a handle or the like to the object. In one particular application, such fasteners are particularly useful in applications where the object is to be lifted. More specifically, the fastener may include a base that is positioned beneath the object. In this way, if the detent is inadvertently released, the base remains beneath the object so that the object is not dropped.

[0026] The fasteners may be used when lifting a variety of objects. For example, the fasteners may be used when lifting packs, bags, purses, containers, and the like. The fasteners may also be used in applications where the object is not intended to be lifted. For example, the fasteners may be used to couple a toy bar to a baby carrier, baby rocker, baby bouncer, baby seat, or the like. Such toy bars may not be intended to be used as a handle, and specific instructions and warnings may be provided to the user to not lift the object using the toy bar. If the warnings and unheeded, however, the fasteners are designed such that it will not fail, even if the object is lifted in such a manner.

[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 4, one embodiment of a clasp 10 will be described. Clasp 10 comprises a base 12, an attachment arm 14 and a coupling arm 16. Arms 14 and 16 extend upwardly from base 12 and are spaced apart from each other. Arm 14 contains a release through hole 18 and an attachment through hole 20 above release through hole 18. Attachment through hole 20 is used to permit a strap, rope, webbing, handle, or the like to be coupled to clasp 10. Through hole 20 may conveniently be elliptical in geometry so that the strap may slide to an equilibrium position if the strap is used to lift the clasp.

[0028] Coupling arm 16 includes a shaped detent 22 that faces arm 14 and is used to snap within a corresponding opening in a frame or other object to which clasp 10 is intended to be coupled. Through hole 18 is generally opposite to detent 22 to permit clasp 10 to be released from a frame by putting a finger or other object through through hole 18 and pressing detent 22.

[0029] As best shown in FIG. 4, clasp 10 is in a home position. Clasp 10 is constructed of a resilient material, such as a plastic, acrylic/nylon, Delrin, or the like, so that arms 14 and 16 may be further separated from each other when coupling clasp 10 to another object. For example, shown in FIG. 5 is a frame element 24 having a recessed portion 26 for receiving clasp 10. Within recessed portion 26 is a shaped opening 28. With such a configuration, clasp 10 may be coupled to frame element 24 by further separating arms 14 and 16 and placing frame element 24 between the arms 14 and 16. When detent 22 is aligned with opening 28, the arms 14 and 16 move to the home position where detent 22 snaps into opening 28. Conveniently, detent 22 and opening 28 are both D-shaped so that detent may easily fit within opening 28, while being difficult to inadvertently release. Although shown with a D-shape, it will be appreciated that other shapes may be used as well, such as triangles, squares, circles, rectangles, and the like.

[0030] In the home position, arms 14 and 16 are separated by a distance that is approximately the same distance as the thickness of frame element 24. Because the distance between detent 22 and arm 14 is less than the thickness of frame element, arms 14 and 16 must be moved away from the home position when coupling clasp 10 to frame element 24 as just described. Further, arm 16 is bowed slightly inward to facilitate the projection of detent 22 into opening 28 when coupling clasp 10 to frame element 24.

[0031] Conveniently, recessed portion 26 may be recessed approximately the same distance as the thickness of arm 14 so that arm 14 is generally flush with frame element 24 when clasp 10 is coupled to frame element 24. Further, frame element 24 may be curved toward its top end so that through hole 20 is accessible when clasp 10 is coupled to frame element 24.

[0032] To remove clasp 10 from frame element 24, a finger or object is placed through through hole 18 to remove detent 22 from opening 28. Clasp 10 is then pulled away from frame element 24. Conveniently, through hole 18 may also be elliptical in geometry to match the shape of through hole 20.

[0033] When clasp 10 is coupled to frame element 24, base 12 is positioned just beneath a bottom edge 30 of frame element 24. As such, if a strap or handle is attached to clasp 10, and frame element 24 is lifted, base 12 serves as a safety mechanism if detent 22 is unexpectedly released. More specifically, base 12 is designed to engage bottom edge 30 so that frame element 24 will not drop as detent 22 disengages.

[0034] Multiple clasps may be placed at different locations on an object to permit one or more straps, handles, ropes, strings or the like to be removably coupled to this object. For example, two clasps could be used to couple a handle to an object to be carried. To remove the handle, the clasps are simply removed.

[0035] One non-limiting example of how clasps 10 may be used to couple items to an object is illustrated in FIG. 6 and 7. In so doing, it will be appreciated that clasps 10 may be used for other applications as previously described. Shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is a baby rocker 32 that comprises a seat 34 and a pair of rocker legs 36 and 38 (see also FIG. 8). Seat 34 is constructed of a frame 40 that is covered with a padded fabric cover 42 that may include elastic or resilient edges to facilitate coupling to frame 40. Four clasps 10 are coupled to frame 40. Optionally, a padded head roll 44 having an opening 46 for receiving the back of the baby's head may be placed on padded fabric cover 42. Head roll 44 may be constructed as generally described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/662935, filed Sep. 15, 2000, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

[0036] In use, a baby is placed in seat 34 such that the baby's head rests in opening 46. Typically, the baby's feet will not extend beyond frame 40. If desired, the baby may be rocked simply by pushing down or lifting up one end of rocker 32.

[0037] As best shown in FIG. 7, a pair of toy bars 48 and 50 are coupled to clasps 10. Toy bars 48 and 50 are coupled to clasps 10. Toy bars 48 and 50 may be constructed of a flexible material or a more rigid material that is permanently formed into the shape shown. Conveniently, toy bars 48 and 50 may be covered with a fabric cover 52 and may be joined together by a fabric loop 54. Extending from covers 52 are straps 56 that extend through through holes 20 in clasps 10. Straps 56 may be constructed of a variety of materials, such as fabrics, nylon webbing, and the like. Further, straps 56 may be permanently attached to clasps 10, or may be removable. For example, straps 56 may comprise a pair of fabric strips that are removably joined together, such as by a knot, by a hook and loop fastener material (such as VELCRO), snaps, and the like. However, to enhance safety, straps 56 may comprise a single loop that is integrally formed with or securely coupled to bars 48 and 50 or covers 52. Although, not shown, attachment mechanisms may be used on bars 48 and 50 to permit one or more toys to be attached to bars 48 and 50 where they will hang above seat 34.

[0038] Further, it will be appreciated that other numbers and/or types of toy bars may be used. For example, toy bars such as those described in copending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09/679139, filed Oct. 3, 2000, and 09/802097, filed Mar. 8, 2001, may be used. These disclosures are herein incorporated by reference.

[0039] Although not intended to be carried or lifted by toy bars 48 and 50, through holes 20 are elliptical so that straps 56 may easily move as rocker 32 reaches an equilibrium position when rocker 32 is lifted using bars 48 and 50. In this way, tipping of rocker is generally prevented. Further, it detents 22 inadvertently release from frame 40 base 12 will engage frame 40 so that rocker 32 will not fall. If toy bars 48 and 50 need to be removed, detents 22 may be released simply by pressing them through through holes 18 and pulling down on clasps 10 as previously described.

[0040] In FIGS. 8-11, rocker 32 is shown with padded fabric cover 42 removed. As best shown in FIG. 8, frame 40 includes recesses 60 into which clasps 10 are placed. In this way clasps 10 are generally flush with frame 40 except where through holes 20 extend above frame 40. Further, frame 40 includes a set of openings 62 that include tabs 64. This arrangement permits straps on the underside of padded fabric cover 42 to be coupled to frame 40. To remove padded fabric cover 42, the straps are simply disengaged from tabs 64.

[0041] Coupled between legs 36 and 38 are two rails 66 and 68. Rails 66 and 68 are movably coupled using coupling mechanisms 70 so that rails 66 and 68 may be pivoted to different positions. As such, rails 66 and 68 may be used to limit the degree of rocking. For example, as arm 66 is moved closer to the surface upon which legs 36 and 38 rest, the amount of backward tipping of rocker 32 is reduced. This also happens with arm 68. In the position shown in FIG. 8, full rocking movement is permitted. In some cases, arms 66 and 68 may be moved fully below legs 36 and 38 so that legs 36 and 38 do not touch the ground. In this way, all rocking is prevented.

[0042] Coupling mechanism 70 comprises a hub 80 that is rotatably coupled to a molded feature 82 in arms 36 and 38. Shown in FIG. 12 is an inside view of coupling mechanism 70, and more specifically of feature 82. Feature 82 includes a central opening 72 that receives a screw so that hub 80 may be rotatably coupled. In turn, hubs 80 are coupled to ends of the arms 66 and 68 so that the arms may pivot. Also included are a set of through slots 74 into which a rib within each of hubs 80 is received depending on the position of the arm. Hence, arms 66 may in this example be moved to four stable positions where the arms are locked in place. Coupling mechanisms 70 that are associated with arm 68 may be configured to permit arm 68 to move to three positions.

[0043] The invention has now been described in detail for purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fastener assembly comprising:

a frame element having a pair of opposing sides and a shaped opening extending between the sides;

a clasp having a base and a pair of spaced apart arms extending from the base, wherein one of the arms is an attachment arm having a release through hole and an attachment through hole that is adapted to receive a strap, and the other arm is a coupling arm having a shaped detent that is aligned with the release through hole and is configured to fit within the shaped opening of the frame when the arms are placed adjacent the sides of the frame element.

2. An assembly as in claim 1, wherein the clasp is constructed of a rigid material, and wherein the arms are biased to a locking position and are configured to be distanced from each other to permit the clasp to be moved over the frame element and then to permit the detent of the coupling arm to snap into the shaped opening of the frame element.

3. An assembly as in claim 1, wherein the release through hole is positioned between the base and the attachment through hole.

4. An assembly as in claim 1, wherein the attachment through hole is elliptical in geometry to permit movement of the strap within the attachment through hole such that the frame element reaches an equilibrium position.

5. An assembly as in claim 1, wherein the frame element has a bottom beneath the opening, and wherein the base is beneath the bottom when the clasp is coupled to the frame element.

6. An assembly as in claim 1, wherein the opening and the detent are both D-shaped in geometry.

7. An assembly as in claim 1, wherein the release through hole is sized sufficiently large to receive a finger, whereby the detent is releasable from the opening by moving a finger through the release opening and pressing the detent.

8. An assembly as in claim 1, wherein the frame element includes a recess that is adapted to receive at least a portion of the attachment arm.

9. A method for attaching a strap to a frame, the method comprising:

providing a frame having a pair of opposing sides and a shaped opening extending between the sides;

providing a clasp having a base and a pair of spaced apart arms extending from the base, wherein one of the arms is an attachment arm having a release through hole and an attachment through hole, and the other arm is a coupling arm having a shaped detent that is aligned with the release through hole;

moving the arms away from each other and moving the clip over the sides of the frame until the detent snaps within the opening; and

attaching a strap to the attachment through hole.

10. A method as in claim 9, further comprising accessing the detent through the release through hole, and pressing the detent to release the clasp from the frame.

11. A method as in claim 9, further comprising lifting the strap to lift the frame, with the base being beneath the frame.

12. A method as in claim 9, wherein the attachment through hole is elliptical in geometry, and wherein the strap slides along the through hole to an equilibrium position when lifted by the strap.

13. A baby holding device, comprising:

a seat that is adapted to hold a baby;

at least two legs extending from the seat;

at least one clasp removably coupled to the seat; and

at least one accessory coupled to the seat by the clasp.

14. A device as in claim 13, wherein the seat comprises a frame and a padded fabric cover coupled to the frame.

15. A device as in claim 13, wherein the accessory comprises a toy bar that is adapted to position a toy over the seat, and wherein clasp couples the toy bar to the frame.

16. A device as in claim 15, wherein the frame has a pair of opposing sides and a shaped opening extending between the sides, and wherein the clasp has a base and a pair of spaced apart arms extending from the base, wherein one of the arms is an attachment arm having a release through hole and an attachment through hole to which the toy bar is coupled, and the other arm is a coupling arm having a shaped detent that is aligned with the release through hole, and wherein the arms are adjacent the sides of the frame element and the detent is disposed within the shaped opening of the frame.

17. A device as in claim 16, wherein each leg is curved as has a pair of ends that are each coupled to the seat.

18. A device as in claim 17, further comprising a pair of rails coupled to the legs.

19. A device as in claim 18, further comprising a set of coupling mechanisms to couple the rails to the legs, wherein the coupling mechanisms include detents to permit the rails to be moved to selective positions.

20. A device as in claim 14, wherein the frame includes a plurality of slots to which the padded fabric cover is coupled.

21. A device as in claim 16, wherein the release through hole is positioned between the base and the attachment through hole.

22. A device as in claim 16, wherein the toy bar includes a strap that is coupled to the attachment through hole.

23. A device as in claim 16, wherein the attachment through hole is elliptical in geometry to permit movement of the strap within the attachment through hole as the device moves to an equilibrium position when lifted using the strap.

24. A device as in claim 16, wherein the frame has a bottom beneath the opening, and wherein the base is beneath the bottom when the clasp is coupled to the frame.

25. A device as in claim 16, wherein the opening and the detent are both D-shaped in geometry.

26. A device as in claim 16, wherein the release through hole is sized sufficiently large to receive a finger, whereby the detent is releasable from the opening by moving a finger through the release opening and pressing the detent.

27. A device as in claim 16, wherein the frame includes a recess that is adapted to receive at least a portion of the attachment arm.