RELEASABLE SECUREMENT DEVICE

Abstract

A releasable securement device for use with material including a stay portion having a projection surface; and projections that extend from the projection surface at an acute angle, the projections being substantially parallel, pointing in substantially one planar direction, and having a predetermined flexibility. The acute angle and the predetermined flexibility are selected to allow the material to slide past the projections when the material engaged with the projections is pulled in the one planar direction, and are selected to prevent the material from sliding past the projections when the material is pulled opposite the one planar direction, the projections bending and allowing the material to slide past the projections when the material engaged with the projections is pulled opposite the one planar direction and force on the projections exceeds a predetermined force.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/517,038 dated Apr. 12, 2011, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field of this disclosure is fastener devices, particularly, releasable securement devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fastener devices can be used to join articles permanently or semi-permanently. Some semi-permanent fastener devices provide the advantage that the articles can be joined repeatedly without damaging the articles or the fastener devices. Presently available semi-permanent fastener devices include Velcro® hook and loop fasteners available from Velcro USA, and Dual Lock® fasteners with mushroom-shaped heads available from 3M Company.

Unfortunately, problems exist with presently available semi-permanent fastener devices. Present devices require two parts, e.g., a hook part and a loop part for Velcro® hook and loop fasteners, and a first mushroom part and a second mushroom part for Dual Lock® fasteners. The use of two parts in garments creates a thick profile which is less flexible and detracts from a slim, attractive appearance. Further, two-part devices have sharp points and edges which can snag and damage garments being laundered. Present devices also degrade with use: the hooks and mushrooms become inflexible and break off from wear and tear and repeated use, reducing the fastening strength. Other problems with presently available semi-permanent fastener devices include: difficulty in separating the two parts, which must be peeled apart and cannot be pulled apart perpendicular to the plane of attachment; and the noise of separation, which can jeopardize security personnel when stealth is required.

In the area of garments, the age old problem is how to keep pants up and shirts down. The present solutions to this problem are belts, suspenders, or the oft maligned belt and suspenders worn in combination. Yet, each of these solutions has its drawbacks. The belt can be unflattering and fail to function well on pear-shaped figures. Suspenders can be unflattering when worn without a coat. While the combination of belt and suspenders is highly functional, the combination can be both unflattering and subject to ridicule. Each of these solutions is also less than effective in maintaining a shirt tucked down in its proper place. The shirt can work upwards, breaking the silhouette of the outfit and revealing more than desired. Another solution is to attach the tail of the shirt to socks with straps.

It would be desirable to have a releasable securement device that overcomes the above disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention provides a releasable securement device for use with material, the device including a stay portion having a projection surface; and projections that extend from the projection surface at an acute angle, the projections being substantially parallel, pointing in substantially one planar direction, and having a predetermined flexibility; wherein the acute angle and the predetermined flexibility are selected to allow the material to slide past the projections when the material engaged with the projections is pulled in the one planar direction, and are selected to prevent the material from sliding past the projections when the material is pulled opposite the one planar direction, the projections bending and allowing the material to slide past the projections when the material engaged with the projections is pulled opposite the one planar direction and force on the projections exceeds a predetermined force.

Another aspect of the invention provides a waistband for pants for use with a shirt made of material, the waistband including a stay portion having a projection surface, the stay portion being a flexible ribbon attachable to the pants; and projections that extend from the projection surface at an acute angle, the projections being substantially parallel, pointing in substantially one planar direction, and having a predetermined flexibility; wherein the acute angle and the predetermined flexibility are selected to allow the material to slide past the projections when the material engaged with the projections is pulled in the one planar direction, and are selected to prevent the material from sliding past the projections when the material is pulled opposite the one planar direction, the projections bending and allowing the material to slide past the projections when the material engaged with the projections is pulled opposite the one planar direction and force on the projections exceeds a predetermined force.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides pants for use with a shirt made of material, the pants including a waistband; a stay portion attached inside the waistband, the stay portion having a projection surface away from the waistband; and projections that extend from the projection surface at an acute angle, the projections being substantially parallel, pointing in substantially one planar direction, and having a predetermined flexibility; wherein the acute angle and the predetermined flexibility are selected to allow the material to slide past the projections when the material engaged with the projections is pulled in the one planar direction, and are selected to prevent the material from sliding past the projections when the material is pulled opposite the one planar direction, the projections bending and allowing the material to slide past the projections when the material engaged with the projections is pulled opposite the one planar direction and force on the projections exceeds a predetermined force.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not to scale. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D are various views of a securement device in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of material with a side view of a securement device in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 3A-3C are side views of material and a securement device in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of use of a securement device in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views of securement devices in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 6A-6R are detailed views of exemplary patterns of projections for a securement device in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 7A-7C are detailed side views of projections of a securement device in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 8A-8H are perspective views of projections of a securement device in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 9A-9G are detailed side views of two-sided securement devices in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 10A-10D are perspective views of material with a side view of a securement device in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of material with a side view of a securement device in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 12A-12C are side views of material and a securement device in accordance with the invention.

Throughout the various figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-1D are various views of a securement device in accordance with the invention. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a securement device; FIG. 1B is a detailed view of the projection surface of a securement device; FIG. 1C is a detailed side view along section A-A of FIG. 1B; and FIG. 1D is a detailed side view of a projection of a securement device.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the releasable securement device 10 for use with a material includes a stay portion 12 having a projection surface 14, and projections 22 that extend from the projection surface 14 at an acute angle. The projections 22 are substantially parallel, point in substantially one planar direction, and have a predetermined flexibility. The acute angle and the predetermined flexibility are selected to allow the material engaged with the projections 22 to slide past the projections 22 when the material is pulled in the one planar direction, and are selected to prevent the material from sliding past the projections when the material is pulled opposite the one planar direction, the projections 22 bending and allowing the material engaged with the projections 22 to slide past the projections 22 when the material is pulled opposite the one planar direction and force on the projections 22 exceeds a predetermined force.

In one embodiment, the projections 22 are integral to the stay portion 12. In another embodiment, the projections 22 are attached to the stay portion 12. The connection between the projections 22 and the stay portion 12 can be selected to affect the predetermined flexibility of the projections 22 and the predetermined force that permits the material to slide. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the stay portion 12 can be stretchable, flexible, semi-flexible, or inflexible as desired for a particular application. In one embodiment, the stay portion 12 can be a cloth, fabric, or woven material. When used in garments, the stay portion 12 can be stretchable and/or a flexible ribbon. The stay portion 12 can be fabricated from materials such as natural fibers, synthetic fibers, plastics, nylon, injected plastics, thermoformed plastics, metal wire, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the projections 22 point in substantially one planar direction 21 as indicated by the arrow in the plane of the stay portion 12. As defined herein, the projections 22 point in substantially one planar direction when the stay portion 12 is held in a planar configuration and the orthogonal projection of the projections 22 onto the planar stay portion generates parallel line segments. The planar direction can be visualized as the shadow of the projection 22 on the stay portion 12, from the base to the tip of the shadow. In this example, the projections 22 are arranged in a Cartesian grid, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that any number of patterns are possible.

Referring to FIG. 1C, each of the projections 22 has a proximal end 24 near the stay portion 12 and a distal end 26 opposite the proximal end 24. The projections 22 are substantially parallel in the projection direction 23 indicated by the arrow. As defined herein, the projections 22 are substantially parallel when the stay portion 12 is held in a planar configuration and line segments between the proximal end 24 and the distal end 26 of the projections 22 are substantially parallel. As defined herein, the one planar direction 21 is the direction from the proximal end 24 toward the distal end 26 orthogonally projected on the planar stay portion.

Referring to FIG. 1D, each of the projections 22 extends from the projection surface 14 at an acute angle 25. As defined herein, the acute angle 25 is the angle between the projection 22 and the plane of the stay portion 12 when the stay portion 12 is held in a planar configuration.

The materials for the projections 22 can be selected to affect the predetermined flexibility of the projections 22 and the predetermined force that permits material sliding. The projections 22 can be fabricated from materials such as nylon, injected plastics, thermoformed plastics, rubber, silicone, metal wire, ceramics, biomaterials, crystals, or any other suitable material. The projections 22 can be made of the same material as the stay portion 12 or different materials than the stay portion 12. Different projections 22 can be made of different materials and/or single projections 22 can be made of more than one material.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of material with a side view of a securement device in accordance with the invention. The projections 22 are designed to releasably engage a material 50. In this example, the material 50 is a plain weave of threads 52, such as a shirt fabric, and the securement device 10 is attached to a support 40, such as a pants waistband, at an opposite side 16 of the stay portion 12. The projections 22 point substantially in one planar direction 21 as indicated by the arrow. The dashed arrows indicate where the distal ends 26 of the projections 22 engage the material 50.

The securement device 10 maintains engagement under normal use but allows the material to slide during extreme motion to prevent damage to the material 50 and/or the securement device 10. The projections 22 engage the material 50 when the projections 22 contact the material 50. In engaging the material 50, the projections 22 can ride on the threads 52 of the material 50 or can pass through the material 50. The material 50 can slide past the projections 22 when the material 50 engaged with the projections 22 is pulled in the one planar direction 21. The sliding allows the material 50 to move for the comfort of the wearer when the securement device 10 is used with a garment, such as on a pants waistband.

The material 50 can be prevented from sliding past the projections 22 when the material 50 is pulled opposite the one planar direction 21, as long as the force on the projections 22 is less than a predetermined force. The prevention of sliding keeps the material 50 from sliding upward relative to the securement device 10, such as keeping a shirt from riding up relative to a pants waistband. When the material 50 engaged with the projections 22 is pulled opposite the one planar direction 21 and force on the projections 22 exceeds the predetermined force, the projections 22 bend and allow the material 50 to slide past the projections 22. The sliding beyond the predetermined force allows the material 50 to move without damaging the material 50 due to excessive force.

FIGS. 3A-3C are cross section views of material and a securement device in accordance with the invention. In the sequence, the material 50 is engaged with the projections 22; the force on the projections exceeds a predetermined force, allowing the material to slide past the projections 22; and the force on the projections 22 falls below the predetermined force, allowing the material 50 to re-engage the projections 22.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the projections 22 engage the material 50. In this example, the projections 22 pass through the material 50. The material 50 is free to slide past the projections 22 when the material 50 is pulled in the one planar direction 21. Referring to FIG. 3B, the force on the projections 22 has exceeded a predetermined force, bending the projections 22. Thus, the projections 22 can release the material 50 without damage to the material 50. The bending of the projections 22 as defined herein is bending due to the flexibility of the body of the projections 22, bending due to the flexibility of the attachment of the projections 22 at the stay portion, and/or bending due to distortion of the projections 22. Referring to FIG. 3C, the force on the projections 22 has returned to a value below the predetermined force, allowing the material 50 to re-engage the projections 22, either contacting the material 50 as shown or passing through the material 50 as shown in FIG. 3A.

One example of the sequence illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C would be when the support material 40 is a pants waistband with the securement device 10 extending around the inside of the pants waistband and the material 50 is a shirt at the height of the pants waistband. During normal activity, the relative positions of the shirt and pants are maintained by the engagement of the securement device 10 with the shirt. During a vigorous action producing an upward tug on the shirt, the securement device 10 releases to avoid damage and allows the shirt to slide upward. The shirt and pants are maintained at an adjusted relative position after the tension on the shirt is released.

The interaction between the securement device 10 and the material 50 can be understood by looking at the forces involved. In the static case, the force on the projections 22 of the securement device 10 is equal to and opposite of the force on the material 50. The forces can be a combination of friction, gravity, tension on the material 50, tension on the support 40, bending of the projections 22, and the like. The magnitude of the total force on the material 50 or securement device 10 is the sum of the individual forces on each of the projections 22 which engage the material 50.

When the force on the projections 22 of the securement device 10 is no longer equal to and opposite of the force on the material 50, the securement device 10 moves relative to the material 50. For one example, such as might occur when pulling a shirt tail downward or hiking pants upward, when the tension on the support 40 opposite the one planar direction 21 increases, and/or the tension on the material 50 along the one planar direction 21 increases, the material 50 will slide in the one planar direction 21 relative to the securement device 10. In another example, such as might occur in pulling shirt upward or pulling pants downward, when the tension on the support 40 along the one planar direction 21 increases, and/or the tension on the material 50 opposite the one planar direction 21 increases, the bending force of the projections 22 increases until the force on the projections 22 exceeds a predetermined force, at which point the bending of the projections allows the material 50 to slide opposite the one planar direction 21 relative to the securement device 10.

The characteristics of the projections 22 control the interaction of the projections 22 with the material 50. The characteristics of the projections 22 include the degree of the acute angle to the projection surface, the flexibility of the projections 22, the shape of the distal ends, the size of the distal ends, combinations thereof, and the like. In one example, a small acute angle to the projection surface allows the material to slide easily in the one planar direction 21, but provides a large resistance to motion of the material opposite the one planar direction 21. In another example, projections 22 which are very flexible allow the material to slide easily in the one planar direction 21 and provide a low predetermined force at which the material starts to slide opposite the one planar direction 21. The flexibility of the projections 22 can be determined by the material of the projections 22, the flexibility of attachment between the proximal end of each projection 22 and the stay portion, the cross sectional shape of each projection 22, axial taper of each projection 22 between the proximal end and the distal end of the projection, and combinations thereof. In yet another example, projections 22 with a rounded distal end allow the material 50 to slide past the projections 22 more easily than projections 22 with a pointed distal end, i.e., the material 50 will experience lower friction when sliding. In yet another example, projections 22 with a pointed distal end will pass through the material 50 more easily than projections 22 with a rounded distal end. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these characteristics can be selected and combined as desired to achieve the desired performance.

The predetermined force can be selected to be less than the damage force for the material 50, so that the projections 22 do not damage the material 50. As used herein, the damage force is defined as the force applied to a material by the projections that results in significant damage to the material e.g., measurable and/or obvious damage to the material which would be objectionable to the user. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that some minor damage can be acceptable. For example, the pants can conceal a minor roughening of the surface of the shirt, making roughening of the surface acceptable.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of use of a securement device in accordance with the invention. In this example, the securement device 10 is attached to the support material 40 inside the waistband 92 of pants 90. A shirt 96 made of material 50 can be disposed against the securement device 10 when the wearer fastens the pants 90 over the shirt 96. The securement device 10 prevents the shirt 96 from riding up and prevents the pants 90 from slipping down. The securement device 10 also allows the shirt 96 to ride up to avoid damage to the shirt 96 when the force on the projections of the securement device exceed a predetermined force.

The shirt 96 can be made of any material 50 having a woven or textured surface with which the projections can engage. In one example, the material 50 is a plain weave material. In another example, the material 50 is a knitted material, such as a T-shirt. In different applications, the material 50 can have different thread counts and thus present different surfaces and textures to the projections of the securement device 10. The dimensions and spacing of the projections can be selected for a particular material 50, e.g., the projections can be closely spaced and have a small diameter when the material 50 is a fine weave with a high thread count.

The projections can point in different planar directions for different applications. In one example, the projections can point downward toward the cuff of the pants 90 to hold the pants 90 up and the shirt 96 down. In another example, the projections can point laterally around the circumference of the body of the wearer to prevent the shirt 96 from twisting relative to the pants 90. To further prevent twisting, the projections can be provided in two groups with opposite planar directions, so that one group prevents twisting in one direction and the other group prevents twisting in the opposite direction.

A belt (not shown) can optionally be used outboard of the securement device 10 from the shirt 96. In one embodiment, the belt is a conventional belt passing through belt loops exterior to the waistband 92. In another embodiment, the belt is a flexible string or tape located within the waistband 92. The tightness of the belt can be used to control the degree of interaction between the securement device 10 and the material 50, e.g., the belt can be tightened so that the projections of the securement device 10 more readily engage the material 50, or loosened so that the projections of the securement device 10 allow greater slippage of the material 50.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the components of the securement device, i.e., the projections and the stay portion, can be selected as desired for a particular application. The following FIGS. 5-12 illustrate some of possible variations in the components.

FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views of securement devices in accordance with the invention. In these examples, the stay portion attached to the projections takes different forms.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the securement device 10 is a flexible material wound in a roll. The securement device 10 includes a stay portion 12 having a projection surface 14, and the projections 22 extend from the projection surface 14 at an acute angle. The stay portion 12 is a flexible ribbon, which results in the securement device 10 being a flexible ribbon. In one embodiment, the opposite side 16 of the stay portion 12 can include an adhesive, a fusible backing, or the like, for attaching the securement device to another article.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the securement device 10 is a surface of an article 15 with the stay portion 12 being integral to the article 15. The securement device 10 includes a stay portion 12 having a projection surface 14, and projections 22 extend from the projection surface 14 at an acute angle.

Referring to FIG. 5C, the securement device 100 is a double-sided securement device. The securement device 100 includes a stay portion 12 having a first projection surface 214 and a second projection surface 314. Projections 222 extend from the first projection surface 214, and projections 322 extend from the second projection surface 314. In one embodiment, the projections 222 are the same as the projections 322 and have the same planar direction as the projections 322. In another embodiment, the projections 222 can be different from and/or have different planar directions than the projections 322.

FIGS. 6A-6R are detailed views of exemplary patterns of projections for the securement device in accordance with the invention. In these examples, individual projections and/or groups of projections have different patterns, length, angle, and/or directions. Each of the securement devices 10 has a number of projections 22 disposed on a surface of the stay portion. Some of the examples include an arrangement of the projections 22 in a first group 30 and a second group 32. As used below, the planar direction of a projection 22 is the direction of an orthogonal projection of the projection 22 onto a planar stay portion, which occurs when the stay portion 12 is held in a planar configuration. The projections having an acute angle to the stay portion are illustrated as cylinders with a circular distal end and the projections orthogonal to the stay portion are illustrated as circles alone.

Describing each of the examples in turn: FIG. 6A—projections 22 arranged in a Cartesian grid; FIG. 6B—projections 22 offset in adjacent rows, with rows alternating between projections 22 having a thicker and thinner diameter; FIG. 6C—projections 22 arranged in an hexagonal pattern with space in the middle of each hexagon; FIG. 6D—projections 22 arranged with longer projections in the outermost rows; FIG. 6E—projections 22 arranged in alternating rows of long and short projections, with an offset between adjacent rows; FIG. 6F—projections 22 arranged in alternating rows of long and short projections, with no offset between adjacent rows; FIG. 6G—projections 22 arranged in alternating columns of thick and thin projections, with space between adjacent columns; FIG. 6H—projections 22 arranged in alternating rows of long and short projections, with space between a repeated number of columns; FIG. 6I—projections 22 arranged with longer projections in the outermost rows and space between a repeated number of columns in the shorter inner rows; FIG. 6J—projections 22 arranged with long projections in the outermost rows, short projections in the next adjacent inner rows, and short projections in the next adjacent innermost rows, the short projections in the innermost rows having a planar direction rotated 90 degrees from the planar direction of the other rows; FIG. 6K—projections 22 arranged in a first group 30 having the projections arranged in a cross in a single planar direction, arranged in a second group 32 having the projections arranged in a cross pointing outward in four planar directions from the central projection orthogonal to the stay portion, and having space between the first group 30 and the second group 32; FIG. 6L—projections 22 arranged in a first group 30 and second group 32 offset in alternating rows of groups, each of the groups including an octagonal arrangement of projections and a central projection within the octagon; FIG. 6M—projections 22 arranged in an outermost row having a first planar direction and occasional gaps, an adjacent inner row having a planar direction opposite the first planar direction and occasional gaps in the next adjacent inner row repeating the pattern of the outermost row, with occasional changes in planar direction of the projections so the pattern does not repeat regularly; FIG. 6N—projections 22 arranged in a first group 30 having the projections arranged in an ellipse in a first planar direction, arranged in a second group 32 having the projections arranged in columns in a second planar direction opposite the first planar direction, and having space between the first group 30 and the second group 32; FIG. 6O—projections 22 arranged in an outermost row having gaps between a regular number of projections and pointing in a first planar direction, and inner adjacent row with projections at the gaps in the first row and pointing in a second planar direction opposite the first planar direction, and a next inner adjacent row repeating the pattern of the outermost row; FIG. 6P—projections 22 arranged with one or more outermost rows in group 32 orthogonal to the stay portion, and one or more innermost rows and group 30 having a first planar direction; FIG. 6Q—projection 22 arranged as in FIG. 6P with some peripheral or outer columns being the only projections orthogonal to the stay portion; FIG. 6R—projections 22 arranged in a Cartesian grid having one planar direction with occasional projections orthogonal to the stay portion occurring in the outermost and next adjacent rows. In FIGS. 6P-6R the projections orthogonal to the stay portion are illustrated as circles. In these configurations, the projections orthogonal to the stay portion prevent decoupling of the material from the releasable securement device. As long as the material is engaged with the projections orthogonal to the stay portion, the material cannot slide parallel to the stay portion because it is restrained by the projections orthogonal to the stay portion so that the material remains coupled to the releasable securement device. In one embodiment, the projections orthogonal to the stay portion can be sized with a length to engage the material after the projections extending from the projection surface at an acute angle. When the securement device engages the material, the projections extending from the projection surface at an acute angle engage the material first, then the projections orthogonal to the stay portion engage the material.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the patterns of FIGS. 6A-6R are exemplary only, and the patterns can be combined and altered as desired for a particular application. The projections can have different lengths, shapes, widths, angles, spacing, directions, and/or end faces. The projections can also have different thickness and/or width along the axial length. Further, the projections 22 can be arranged randomly or in an ordered fashion in one or more groups to accommodate varying applications. In one embodiment, a computer program operating on a computer having a processor and a memory storing program steps can design the pattern and type of projections for a particular result, such as a particular predetermined force for a particular material and/or application.

FIGS. 7A-7C are detailed side views of the projection of a securement device in accordance with the invention. The end faces 28 of the projections 22 can have different end face configurations as desired for a particular application. Referring to FIG. 7A, the end face 28 is formed at 45 degrees to the projection direction indicated by arrow 23. Referring to FIG. 7B, the end face 28 is formed at 90 degrees to the projection direction indicated by arrow 23. Referring to FIG. 7C, the end face 28 is rounded. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the end face configuration, i.e., the angle, curvature, and/or shape of the end face 28, can be selected as desired for a particular application. In one example, the end face configuration of the distal end of the projections is selected to provide a predetermined resistance when the material slides past the projections.

The projection direction indicated by arrow 23 can be selected as desired. Individual projections or groups of projections can point in different projection directions at different angles relative to the projection surface 14. In one embodiment, the individual projections all point in one projection direction. In another embodiment, the individual projections point in a number of different projection directions. In yet another embodiment, the individual projections can point in one projection direction when the securement device is disengaged and point in another projection direction when the securement device is engaged with the material. The change in projection direction can be caused by flexing, mechanical forces, electrical charge, magnetic fields, or the like.

FIGS. 8A-8H are perspective views of projections of the securement device in accordance with the invention. The projections 22 can have different shapes as desired for a particular application. Describing each of the examples in turn: FIG. 8A—a projection 22 with a circular cross-section; FIG. 8B—a projection 22 with a square cross-section; FIG. 8C—a projection 22 with a triangular cross section; FIG. 8D—a projection 22 with a diamond shaped cross-section; FIG. 8E—a projection 22 with a trapezoidal cross-section; FIG. 8F—a projection 22 with a polyhedral cross-section, in this case a hexagon; FIG. 8G—a projection 22 with a circular cross-section tapering toward the stay portion; and FIG. 8H—a projection 22 with a circular cross-section tapering away from the stay portion. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the projections can have different cross-sections and/or tapers as desired for a particular application. The projections can also be solid or hollow.

FIGS. 9A-9G are detailed side views of a two-sided securement device in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, the securement device 100 is a two-sided securement device including projections from a first surface 214 and a second surface 314. Referring to FIG. 9A, projections 222 from surface 214 are directly opposite and point in the same planar direction as projections 322 from surface 314. Referring to FIG. 9B, projections 222 from surface 214 alternate opposite and point in the same planar direction as projections 322 from surface 314. Referring to FIG. 9C, projections 222, 223 from surface 214 are directly opposite and point in the same planar direction as projections 322, 323 from surface 314. The projections 223 are shorter than the projections 222 and the projections 323 are shorter than the projections 322. Referring to FIG. 9D, projections 222, 223 from surface 214 are directly opposite and point in the same planar direction as projections 322, 323 from surface 314. The projections 223 are shorter than and point in the opposite planar direction of the projections 222, and the projections 323 are shorter than and point in the opposite planar direction of the projections 322. Referring to FIG. 9E, projections 222 from surface 214 alternate opposite and point in the opposite planar direction as projections 322 from surface 314. Referring to FIG. 9F, projections 222 from surface 214 alternate opposite and point in the opposite planar direction as projections 323 from surface 314. The projections 323 are shorter than the projections 222. Referring to FIG. 9G, projections 222, 223 from surface 214 alternate opposite and point in the opposite planar direction as projections 322, 323 from surface 314. The projections 223 are shorter than and point in the same planar direction of the projections 222, and the projections 323 are shorter than and point in the same planar direction of the projections 322. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the two-sided securement device 100 can be used between two pieces of material, with the projections from surface 214 engaging one piece of material and the projections from surface 314 engaging the other piece of material. In one example, the two-sided securement device 100 can be a belt fitted between two layers of clothing.

FIGS. 10A-10D are perspective views of material with a side view of a securement device in accordance with the invention. In FIGS. 10A & 10B, two different securement devices are illustrated engaging with a high thread count material. In FIGS. 10C & 10D, two different securement devices are illustrated engaging with a lower thread count material. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that different weave patterns and thread counts can be used as desired for a particular application. The dashed arrows indicate where the distal ends of the projections engage the material.

Referring to FIG. 10A, the material 50 is a plain weave of threads 52, with a high thread count. In one example, the material 50 is a shirt fabric. The securement device 10 is attached to a support 40, such as a pants waistband, at an opposite side 16 of the stay portion 12. The projections 22 are of one length and point substantially in one planar direction 21 as indicated by the arrow. The spacing of the projections 22 is greater than the spacing of the threads 52 in the material 50, so the projections 22 ride across the surface of the material 50 when the securement device 10 engages the material 50.

Referring to FIG. 10B, the securement device 11 includes projections 222, 223 from surface 214, with the projections 223 being shorter than the projections 222. The planar direction of the projections 222 is the same as the planar direction of the projections 223. The projections 222 alternate with the projections 223 along the planar direction. The spacing of the projections 222, 223 is greater than the spacing of the threads 52 in the material 50. The longer projections 222 contact the surface of the material 50 first, and the shorter projections 223 contact the surface of the material 50 when pressure between the support 40 and material 50 flexes the longer projections 222 downward. When the projections 222, 223 engage the material 50, the projections 222, 223 ride across the surface of the material 50. The amount of resistance on the material 50 opposite the one planar direction 21 depends on the number of projections engaging the material 50, i.e., whether the projections 222 alone engage the material 50, or both the projections 222 and the projections 223 engage the material 50.

Referring to FIG. 10C, the material 60 is a plain weave of threads 62, with a low thread count. In one example, the material 60 is a loosely woven shirt fabric. The securement device 10 is attached to a support 40, such as a pants waistband, at an opposite side 16 of the stay portion 12. The projections 22 are of one length and point substantially in one planar direction 21 as indicated by the arrow. The spacing of the projections 22 is comparable to the spacing of the threads 62 in the material 60, so the projections 22 pass through the material 60 when the securement device 10 engages the material 60.

Referring to FIG. 10D, the securement device 11 includes projections 222, 223 from surface 214, with the projections 223 being shorter than the projections 222. The spacing of the projections 222, 223 is comparable to the spacing of the threads 62 in the material 60. The longer projections 222 pass through the material 60 first, and the shorter projections 223 contact the surface of the material 60 when pressure between the support 40 and material 60 flexes the longer projections 222 downward. When the projections 222, 223 engage the material 60, the longer projections 222 can pass through the material 60 while the shorter projections 223 are located at the surface of the material 60. The amount of resistance on the material 60 opposite the one planar direction 21 depends on the number of projections engaging the material 60, i.e., whether the projections 222 alone engage the material 60, or both the projections 222 and the projections 223 engage the material 60. When a belt (not shown) is used with the securement device 11, the tightness of the belt can be used to control the degree of interaction between the securement device 11 and the material 60, e.g., the belt can be tightened so that the projections 222, 223 more readily engage the material 60.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other useful embodiments are possible. In one embodiment, all of the projections can be orthogonal to the projection surface, i.e., point outward at ninety degrees to the projection surface. In one example, the projections can be stainless steel pins orthogonal to the projection surface. In this example, some damage to the material with which the securement device engages may be acceptable to assure that the securement device remains firmly engaged with the material. In one embodiment, some or all of the projections (at an acute angle or orthogonal to the projection surface) can be stiff and inflexible so that bending of the projections is negligible when the material is pulled parallel to the projection surface.

In other embodiments, one or more characteristic of the projection and projection surface can be selected to provide the desired amount of engagement and stiffness for a particular application. Characteristics can include projection flexibility, projection angle to the projection surface, flexibility of attachment between the projection and the projection surface, projection surface flexibility, projection surface texture, projection end face configuration, projection shape, projection hollowness, projection spacing, projection grouping, and combinations thereof. In one example, the projection end face configuration and the projection shape are used in combination to achieve the desired amount of engagement and stiffness. Projection surface texture can be a function of the projection material and/or patterning on the distal ends of the projections. For example, the projection surface texture can be rubbery, sticky, slippery, rough, smooth, or any other texture providing the desired amount of engagement between the securement device and the material.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of material with a side view of a securement device in accordance with the invention, and FIGS. 12A-12C are side views of material and a securement device in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, the projections extend from the projection surface at an orthogonal angle. The projections can be stiff and inflexible with a rounded end face so that the bending of the projections is negligible when the material is pulled parallel to the projection surface. The material is held engaged on the projections unless the material distorts or is allowed to move away from the securement device.

Referring to FIG. 11, the material 450 is a plain weave of threads 452, with a high thread count. In one example, the material 450 is a shirt fabric. The securement device 410 is attached to a support 440, such as a pants waistband, at an opposite side 416 of the stay portion 412. Each of the projections 422 has a proximal end 424 near the stay portion 412 and a distal end 426 opposite the proximal end 424. The projections 422 are of one length and substantially orthogonal to the projection surface 414. The projections 422 are stiff and the distal end 426 has a rounded end face, so the material 450 can only move relative to the securement device 410 when the material 450 separates and moves away from the projection surface 414. The dashed arrows indicate where the distal ends 426 of the projections 422 engage the material 450.

FIGS. 12A-12C are a sequence illustrating the material 450 disengaging from and sliding by the projections 422. Referring to FIG. 12A, the material 450 engages with the projections 422, i.e., the projections 422 project through the weave of the material 450. Referring to FIG. 12B, the material 450 separates from and moves away from the projection surface 414, allowing the material 450 to slide across the distal ends of the projections 422 parallel to the projection surface 414. In one example, when the projections 422 are stiff and do not bend or distort, the material 450 distorts to get free of the projections 422 and to allow the sliding. The shape of the distal ends of the projections 422 and/or the length of the projections 422 can control how easily the material 450 is able to slide across the projections 422, e.g., a rounded distal end will allow the material to slide more easily than a pointed distal end. The projection surface texture of the distal ends of the projections 422 can also control how easily the material 450 is able to slide across the projections 422. Projection surface texture can be a function of the projection material and/or patterning on the distal ends of the projections. For example, the projection surface texture can be rubbery, sticky, slippery, rough, smooth, or any other texture providing the desired amount of engagement between the securement device and the material. The shape of the distal ends and/or the length of the projections 422 can also control the ease and range of disengagement of the material 450 from the projections 422. Referring to FIG. 12C, the material 450 moves towards the projection surface 414 and re-engages the projections 422.

While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presently considered to be preferred, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A releasable securement device for use with material, the device comprising: a stay portion having a projection surface; and

projections that extend from the projection surface at an acute angle, the projections being substantially parallel, pointing in substantially one planar direction, and having a predetermined flexibility;

wherein the acute angle and the predetermined flexibility are selected to allow the material to slide past the projections when the material engaged with the projections is pulled in the one planar direction, and are selected to prevent the material from sliding past the projections when the material is pulled opposite the one planar direction, the projections bending and allowing the material to slide past the projections when the material engaged with the projections is pulled opposite the one planar direction and force on the projections exceeds a predetermined force.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the predetermined force is less than a damage force for the material.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the projections are arranged on the projection surface in a Cartesian grid.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the projections pass through the material when the material engaged with the projections is pulled opposite the one planar direction.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the projections are first projections, the acute angle is a first acute angle, the one planar direction is a first planar direction, and the predetermined flexibility is a first predetermined flexibility, the device further comprising:

second projections that extend from the projection surface at a second acute angle, the second projections being substantially parallel, pointing in substantially a second planar direction, and having a second predetermined flexibility;

wherein the second acute angle and the second predetermined flexibility are selected to allow the material to slide past the second projections when the material engaged with the second projections is pulled in the second planar direction, and are selected to prevent the material from sliding past the second projections when the material is pulled opposite the second planar direction, the second projections bending and allowing the material to slide past the second projections when the material engaged with the second projections is pulled opposite the second planar direction and force on the projections exceeds a second predetermined force.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the first planar direction is the same as the second planar direction, the second projections alternate with the first projections along the first planar direction, and the second projections are shorter than the first projections.

7. The device of claim 5 wherein the first planar direction is 180 degrees from the second planar direction.

8. The device of claim 5 wherein the first planar direction is 180 degrees from the second planar direction and the second predetermined force is less than the first predetermined force.

9. The device of claim 5 wherein the first planar direction is 90 degrees from the second planar direction.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein each of the projections has a rounded end face.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein each of the projections has a proximal end near the stay portion and a distal end opposite the proximal end, an end face configuration of the distal end being selected to provide a predetermined resistance when the material slides past the projections.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein each of the projections has a proximal end near the stay portion and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and the projections taper between the proximal end and the distal end.

13. The device of claim 1 wherein the projections are first projections, the device further comprising second projections that extend from the projection surface at an orthogonal angle.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the second projections are inflexible.

15. A waistband for pants for use with a shirt made of material, the waistband comprising:

a stay portion having a projection surface, the stay portion being a flexible ribbon attachable to the pants; and

projections that extend from the projection surface at an acute angle, the projections being substantially parallel, pointing in substantially one planar direction, and having a predetermined flexibility;

wherein the acute angle and the predetermined flexibility are selected to allow the material to slide past the projections when the material engaged with the projections is pulled in the one planar direction, and are selected to prevent the material from sliding past the projections when the material is pulled opposite the one planar direction, the projections bending and allowing the material to slide past the projections when the material engaged with the projections is pulled opposite the one planar direction and force on the projections exceeds a predetermined force.

16. The waistband of claim 15 wherein the predetermined force is less than a damage force for the material.

17. The waistband of claim 15 wherein the projections are arranged on the projection surface in a Cartesian grid.

18. The waistband of claim 15 wherein the projections pass through the material when the material engaged with the projections is pulled opposite the one planar direction.

19. The waistband of claim 15 wherein the projections are first projections, the acute angle is a first acute angle, the one planar direction is a first planar direction, and the predetermined flexibility is a first predetermined flexibility, the waistband further comprising:

second projections that extend from the projection surface at a second acute angle, the second projections being substantially parallel, pointing in substantially a second planar direction, and having a second predetermined flexibility;

wherein the second acute angle and the second predetermined flexibility are selected to allow the material to slide past the second projections when the material engaged with the second projections is pulled in the second planar direction, and are selected to prevent the material from sliding past the second projections when the material is pulled opposite the second planar direction, the second projections bending and allowing the material to slide past the second projections when the material engaged with the second projections is pulled opposite the second planar direction and force on the projections exceeds a second predetermined force.

20. The waistband of claim 19 wherein the first planar direction is the same as the second planar direction, the second projections alternate with the first projections along the first planar direction, and the second projections are shorter than the first projections.

21. The waistband of claim 19 wherein the first planar direction is 180 degrees from the second planar direction.

22. The waistband of claim 19 wherein the first planar direction is 180 degrees from the second planar direction and the second predetermined force is less than the first predetermined force.

23. The waistband of claim 19 wherein the first planar direction is 90 degrees from the second planar direction.

24. The waistband of claim 15 wherein each of the projections has a rounded end face.

25. The waistband of claim 15 wherein each of the projections has a proximal end near the stay portion and a distal end opposite the proximal end, an end face configuration of the distal end being selected to provide a predetermined resistance when the material slides past the projections.

26. The waistband of claim 15 wherein each of the projections has a proximal end near the stay portion and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and the projections taper between the proximal end and the distal end.

27. The waistband of claim 15 wherein the projections are first projections, the waistband further comprising second projections that extend from the projection surface at an orthogonal angle.

28. The waistband of claim 27 wherein the second projections are inflexible.

29. Pants for use with a shirt made of material, the pants comprising:

a waistband;

a stay portion attached inside the waistband, the stay portion having a projection surface away from the waistband; and

projections that extend from the projection surface at an acute angle, the projections being substantially parallel, pointing in substantially one planar direction, and having a predetermined flexibility;

wherein the acute angle and the predetermined flexibility are selected to allow the material to slide past the projections when the material engaged with the projections is pulled in the one planar direction, and are selected to prevent the material from sliding past the projections when the material is pulled opposite the one planar direction, the projections bending and allowing the material to slide past the projections when the material engaged with the projections is pulled opposite the one planar direction and force on the projections exceeds a predetermined force.

30. The pants of claim 29 wherein the predetermined force is less than a damage force of the material.

31. The pants of claim 29 wherein the projections are arranged on the projection surface in a Cartesian grid.

32. The pants of claim 29 wherein the projections pass through the material when the material engaged with the projections is pulled opposite the one planar direction.

33. The pants of claim 29 wherein the projections are first projections, the acute angle is a first acute angle, the one planar direction is a first planar direction, and the predetermined flexibility is a first predetermined flexibility, the pants further comprising:

second projections that extend from the projection surface at a second acute angle, the second projections being substantially parallel, pointing in substantially a second planar direction, and having a second predetermined flexibility;

wherein the second acute angle and the second predetermined flexibility are selected to allow the material to slide past the second projections when the material engaged with the second projections is pulled in the second planar direction, and are selected to prevent the material from sliding past the second projections when the material is pulled opposite the second planar direction, the second projections bending and allowing the material to slide past the second projections when the material engaged with the second projections is pulled opposite the second planar direction and force on the projections exceeds a second predetermined force.

34. The pants of claim 33 wherein the first planar direction is the same as the second planar direction, the second projections alternate with the first projections along the first planar direction, and the second projections are shorter than the first projections.

35. The pants of claim 33 wherein the first planar direction is 180 degrees from the second planar direction.

36. The pants of claim 33 wherein the first planar direction is 180 degrees from the second planar direction and the second predetermined force is less than the first predetermined force.

37. The pants of claim 33 wherein the first planar direction is 90 degrees from the second planar direction.

38. The pants of claim 29 wherein each of the projections has a rounded end face.

39. The pants of claim 29 wherein each of the projections has a proximal end near the stay portion and a distal end opposite the proximal end, an end face configuration of the distal end being selected to provide a predetermined resistance when the material slides past the projections.

40. The pants of claim 29 wherein each of the projections has a proximal end near the stay portion and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and the projections taper between the proximal end and the distal end.

41. The pants of claim 29 wherein the projections are first projections, the pants further comprising second projections that extend from the projection surface at an orthogonal angle.

42. The pants of claim 41 wherein the second projections are inflexible.