Magnetic retention method and system for apparel

Abstract

Adjustment and closure mechanisms for apparel, wearable devices, and other articles of wear are typically considered functional or practical. Thus, these mechanisms are often low-cost metal and / or plastic mechanisms. However, a user may wish to make a fashion, political, brand, or lifestyle announcement. The inventors have established concepts that provide users and brands with adjustment and closure mechanisms for style-designed apparel, wearable devices, and other user wearing items. These adjustment and closure mechanisms are removably attached to multiple apparel items, wearable devices, and the like, and allow for the provision of adjustment and / or closure mechanisms to accommodate different sizes for apparel, wearable devices, and other user wearable items. Thus, users may spend more money to purchase such adjustment and closure mechanisms, since they are not limited to single items, the users may psychologically share them to their merchandise.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 400,532, filed on August 24, 2022; the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] This patent application relates to adjustment and closure mechanisms for apparel and wearable devices, and more particularly, to devices, systems, and methods for providing adjustable fit, adjustable sizing, adjustable retention, and closure for articles including apparel items, wearable devices, and other items worn by a user. Background art

[0004] Adjustment and closure mechanisms for apparel, wearable devices, and other items worn by a user are considered to be functional or practical in nature. From the manufacturer's perspective, they are items added to apparel, wearable devices, and other user - worn items for functional purposes, where cost is often the main factor leading to the use of a range of low - cost metal and / or plastic mechanisms today, such as zippers, buttons, snaps, and hook - and - loop tapes. These may be sewn, riveted, glued, epoxy - linked, or use detachable fittings, intended for irregular uses, such as the spring bars commonly found on watches, etc.

[0005] However, in many cases, it would be beneficial for brands to utilize the adjustment and closure mechanisms of apparel, wearable devices, and other user - worn items so that users can make a statement, whether it is a fashion statement, a political statement, a brand statement, or a lifestyle statement.

[0006] Making such branded or stylized adjustment and closure mechanisms for apparel, wearable devices, and other user - worn items adjustable so that users can use them with multiple pieces of apparel, wearable devices, etc., and allowing the same adjustment and closure mechanisms for apparel, wearable devices, and other user - worn items to accommodate different sizes would be beneficial.

[0007] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to alleviate the limitations in the prior art related to adjustment and closure mechanisms for apparel and wearable devices, and more particularly, to provide devices, systems, and methods for providing adjustable fit, adjustable sizing, adjustable retention, and closure for articles including apparel items, wearable devices, and other items worn by a user.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mechanism comprising:

[0010] a strap including one or more magnet elements;

[0011] a magnetic attachment attached to an end of the strap, the magnetic attachment including at least one magnet; and a first part of a fitting attached to a distal end of the strap; wherein

[0012] the first part of the fitting engages with a second part of the fitting attached to an article to attach the distal end of the strap to the article;

[0013] the end of the strap passes through another fitting attached to the article; and

[0014] the magnetic attachment is attached to one or more magnet elements within the strap.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising:

[0016] providing a mechanism that includes:

[0017] a strap including one or more magnet elements;

[0018] a magnetic attachment attached to an end of the strap, the magnetic attachment including at least one magnet; and

[0019] a first part of a fitting attached to a distal end of the strap; wherein

[0020] the first part of the fitting engages with a second part of the fitting attached to an article to attach the distal end of the strap to the article;

[0021] the end of the strap passes through another fitting attached to the article; and

[0022] the magnetic attachment is attached to one or more magnet elements within the strap.

[0023] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 a hat fastening mechanism according to the prior art is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 a buckle forming an element of an adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 3 Shows a latch for forming elements of an adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4A Shows a strip for forming elements of an adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4B Shows an attachment device for connecting a strip for forming elements of an adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention to another element forming part of an adjustment and closure mechanism attached to a clothing item or wearable device;

[0030] Figure 5 Shows a system according to an embodiment of the present invention that allows the use of an adjustment and closure mechanism for multiple clothing items and wearable devices;

[0031] Figure 6 Shows a system according to an embodiment of the present invention that allows the use of an adjustment and closure mechanism for multiple clothing items and wearable devices, having an Figure 5 attachment mechanism different from that shown in;

[0032] Figure 7 Shows a system according to an embodiment of the present invention that allows the use of an adjustment and closure mechanism for multiple clothing items and wearable devices, having an attachment mechanism as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown;

[0033] Figure 8 Shows an embodiment of the present invention that provides an adjustable strip for a lobster clasp;

[0034] Figures 9 to 13 Shows an embodiment according to an embodiment of the present invention that employs magnetic elements within a strip of an adjustment and closure mechanism;

[0035] Figures 14 to 18 Shows an embodiment of the present invention that combines regions with different surface textures with one or more magnetic elements within a strip of an adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 19 Shows an embodiment of the present invention that employs a clamping attachment as part of an adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 20 Shows a clamping attachment as shown in Figure 19 that forms part of an adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention in two exemplary configurations;

[0038] Figure 21Shows an alternative embodiment of a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention for providing attachment, closure, or adjustment for an article as Figures 5 to 7 respectively described and shown therein;

[0039] Figure 22 Shows an alternative embodiment of a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention for providing attachment, closure, or adjustment for an article as Figures 5 to 7 respectively described and shown;

[0040] Figure 23 Shows an annular element forming part of a garment article configured for detachably attaching a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 24 And Figure 25 Shows a hook-based element for detachably attaching a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 26 Shows an annular element forming part of a garment article configured for detachably attaching a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 27A And Figure 27B Shows a secondary adjustment strip for detachably attaching a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which allows a wider range of adjustment than that provided by the strip or the overall adjustment range provided by using a shorter strip;

[0044] Figure 28 Shows a Figure 27A secondary adjustment strip attached to a hat within an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 29 Shows an attachment device formed within a garment item for attaching a hook-based element of a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as shown respectively in Figure 24 and Figure 25 shown therein;

[0046] Figure 30 Shows a cross-section of an exemplary magnetic attachment element of a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 31 Shows a perspective view of a magnetic attachment element of a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention having a textured attachment surface;

[0048] Figure 32 Shows a magnetic configuration of a strip according to an embodiment of the present invention for an adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 33Shows an exemplary conversion kit for an article of apparel according to an embodiment of the present invention, for supporting the attachment of a strap;

[0050] Figure 34 Shows a magnetic clip for a strap for attachment to an adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0051] Figure 35 Depicts a detachable attachment device for a strap forming part of a strap system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0052] The present invention relates to adjustment and closure mechanisms for articles of apparel and wearable devices, and more particularly, to devices, systems, and methods for providing adjustable fit, adjustable sizing, adjustable retention, and closure for articles including articles of apparel, wearable devices, and other items worn by a user.

[0053] The following description provides only representative embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Instead, the following description of the embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing the embodiments or embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope set forth in the appended claims. Thus, the embodiments are examples or implementations of the present invention, rather than the only implementations. Various occurrences of "an embodiment", "embodiment", or "some embodiments" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Although the various features of the present invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, these features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the present invention may be described in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the present invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment or any combination of embodiments.

[0054] References in the specification to "an embodiment", "embodiment", "some embodiments", or "other embodiments" mean that the particular features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, but not necessarily in all embodiments. The language and terminology used herein should not be construed as limiting, but are for descriptive purposes only. It should be understood that when a claim or specification refers to "a" or "an" element, such reference should not be construed as meaning there is only one of that element. It should be understood that when the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or property "may", "might", "can", or "could" be included, it is not required that the particular component, feature, structure, or property be included.

[0055] The terms such as "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "front" and "rear" are intended to represent the orientation of specific features, structures or elements in the figures of embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, such directional terms relative to the actual use of the device have no specific meaning, since the user or users can use the device in multiple orientations.

[0056] The terms "comprising", "including", "consisting of" and their grammatical variants do not exclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, integers or groups thereof, and these terms should not be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers. Similarly, the phrase "consisting essentially of" and its grammatical variants, as used herein, should not be understood to exclude additional components, steps, features, integers or groups, but that the additional features, integers, steps, components or groups will not materially alter the basic and novel features of the claimed composition, device or method. If the specification or claims refer to "additional" elements, it does not exclude the presence of more than one additional element.

[0057] As used herein and throughout the disclosure, "apparel" or "clothing" refers to (but is not limited to) hats, helmets, tops, shirts, hooded jackets (hoodies), sweatshirts, T-shirts, ties, bow ties, scarves, skirts, dresses, pants, trousers, socks, shorts, sweaters, pullovers, jackets, coats, overcoats, bras, underwear, lingerie, corsets, gloves, mittens, wristbands, headbands, sandals, shoes, boots, protective equipment, smart clothing and specialized clothing (e.g., clothing required for certain sports activities, hobbies, and / or work activities).

[0058] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, an item "worn" by a user refers to (but is not limited to) a clothing or apparel item, a wearable device, an eyewear item (e.g., glasses), a jewelry item, a sensor, a portable electronic device, a smart clothing item, a drug delivery system, a medical testing device, a medical diagnostic device, a battery pack, a wallet, a handbag, a bag, a backpack, a hydration pack (also known as a hydration system or hydration pack). When the item is worn and supports one or more communication interfaces, these communications can be made via wired standards and / or wireless standards.

[0059] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, a "plug" refers to (but is not limited to) one half of a connector, while the other half is a socket. A plug is generally considered the male part of a connector and can include one or more pins or jacks designed to mate with its corresponding socket.

[0060] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, "socket" refers to (but is not limited to) one half of a connector, with the other half being a plug. A socket is generally considered the female part of a connector and includes one or more openings designed to mate with its corresponding plug pins or jacks.

[0061] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, "retaining device" refers to (but is not limited to) a device for attaching one component to another. Assembly / disassembly of the retaining device can be manual or can use one or more tools.

[0062] A "connector" is an electromechanical device for joining electrical terminations and creating an electrical circuit. A connector typically consists of a plug (male end) and a jack (female end). The connection can be made / broken manually or may require tools for assembly and / or disassembly. In other cases, a pair of plugs can be connected to a jack such that the connector includes a plug-jack-plug assembly, or a pair of jacks can be connected to a plug such that the connector includes a jack-plug-jack assembly. A connector can be mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, fluid-connected, or a combination thereof. When a connector requires tools for assembly and / or disassembly, the retaining device includes but is not limited to screws, bolts, nuts and bolts, and snaps. When a connector requires only manual disassembly, the retaining device can include but is not limited to latches, clips, and snaps.

[0063] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, "wireless standard" refers to (but is not limited to) a standard for transmitting signals and / or data via electromagnetic radiation, which can be optical, radio frequency (RF), or microwave, although generally RF wireless systems and technologies predominate. A wireless standard can be defined globally, nationally, or be specific to a device manufacturer or group of device manufacturers. Currently dominant wireless standards include but are not limited to IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, UMTS, GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800, GSM 1900, GPRS, ITU-R 5.138, ITU-R 5.150, ITU-R 5.280, IMT-1000, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ultra-Wideband, and WiMAX. Some standards may be a collection of sub-standards, such as IEEE 802.11, which may refer to (but is not limited to) IEEE 802.1a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, or IEEE 802.11n, as well as other standards under IEEE 802.11.

[0064] As used herein and throughout the present disclosure, the "wired standard" generally refers to (but is not limited to) a standard for transmitting signals and / or data discretely or in combination with another signal via a cable. Such wired standards may include, but are not limited to, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), dial-up (using the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to establish a connection with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)), Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), Ethernet, Gigabit Home Networking (G.hn), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA), and Powerline Communication (PLC, where data is superimposed on AC / DC power). In some embodiments, the "wired standard" may refer to, but is not limited to, the use of fiber optic cables and optical interfaces, such as those within a Passive Optical Network (PON).

[0065] As used herein and throughout the present disclosure, the "user" refers to, but is not limited to, an individual. This includes employees of private, organizational, and / or corporate entities, members of community organizations, members of charitable organizations, males, females, and children. In the broadest sense, a user may also include, but is not limited to, mechanical systems, robotic systems, Android systems, pets, animals, etc., characterized by the ability to utilize one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] As used herein and throughout the present disclosure, the "sensor" refers to, but is not limited to, a transducer that provides an electrical output based on the magnitude of a metric, and is selected from the group including, but not limited to, environmental sensors, medical sensors, biosensors, chemical sensors, ambient sensors, position sensors, motion sensors, thermal sensors, infrared sensors, visible sensors, RFID sensors, and medical testing and diagnostic devices.

[0067] As used herein and throughout the present disclosure, the "Portable Electronic Device" (PED) refers to, but is not limited to, a wireless device for communication and other applications that requires a battery or other independent form of energy for power. This includes, but is not limited to, the following devices: cellular phones, smartphones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), portable computers, pagers, portable multimedia players, portable gaming devices, laptop computers, tablet computers, wearable devices, and e-readers.

[0068] "Wearable device" or "wearable sensor" refers to a microelectronic device worn by a user, including electronic devices under, inside, on, or above clothing, and is part of a broader class of wearable technologies, including "wearable computers", which are developed for general or specific information technology and media. Such wearable devices and / or wearable sensors may include, but are not limited to, smartphones, smartwatches, e-textiles, smart shirts, activity trackers, smart glasses, environmental sensors, medical sensors, biosensors, physiological sensors, chemical sensors, ambient sensors, location sensors, neural sensors, drug delivery systems, medical testing and diagnostic devices, and motion sensors.

[0069] "Biometric" information as used herein and throughout this disclosure refers to, but is not limited to, data related to a user, which is characterized by data related to a subset of conditions, including but not limited to the user's environment, medical condition, biological condition, physiological condition, chemical condition, ambient condition, location condition, neural condition, drug condition, and one or more specific aspects of one or more of these conditions. Thus, such biometric information may include, but is not limited to, blood oxygen, blood pressure, blood flow rate, heart rate, temperature, fluid pH, viscosity, particulate content, solid content, altitude, vibration, motion, sweating, EEG, ECG, energy level, etc. In addition, biometric information may include data related to physiological characteristics related to body shape and / or condition, examples of which may include, but are not limited to, fingerprints, facial geometry, baldness, DNA, hand geometry, smell and odor. Biometric information may also include data related to behavioral characteristics, including but not limited to typing rhythm, gait, and voice.

[0070] "Stent" or "stents" as used herein and throughout this disclosure refers to a structure for supporting, docking, or holding up another material or element. This includes, but is not limited to, such two-dimensional (2D) structures as substrates and thin films, and three-dimensional (3D) structures such as geometric objects, non-geometric objects, combinations of geometric and non-geometric objects, naturally occurring structural configurations, and synthetic structural configurations. Stents can be solid, hollow, and porous, or combinations thereof. Stents can contain grooves, pores, openings, holes, through-holes, and channels, or combinations thereof. Stents can be smooth, textured, with a predetermined surface profile and / or features. Stents can be used to support one or more other materials, one or more thin films, multi-layer thin films, one type of particle, multiple types of particles, etc. Stents can include, but are not limited to, the spine and / or frame of a device, for example, which also supports the housing and / or casing.

[0071] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, "housing" refers to a structure for at least partially and / or completely containing and / or surrounding a plurality of elements in a strip system and / or a portion of a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The housing may include, but is not limited to, one or more components that are all or part of one or more brackets that are mounted to, attached to, and / or surround elements within a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, "shell" or "outer skin" refers to a structure that surrounds a bracket and / or a housing. This includes structures typically formed from elastomers and / or silicones that provide a desired combination of physical tactile surface characteristics and other characteristics to the device of which they form a part, including but not limited to airtightness, liquid intrusion barrier, solid particle intrusion barrier, surface gloss, and color. The shell may include, but is not limited to, one or more components that are mounted to a bracket or brackets and / or shells or a plurality of shells that form part of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, "plastic" refers to synthetic or semi-synthetic organic compounds that may include, but are not limited to, one or more polyesters, one or more thermoplastics, one or more thermosetting polymers, one or more elastomers, and one or more silicones. Plastics may be used alone or in combination with one or more materials to adjust the physical properties of the plastic, such as graphite fibers, aramid fibers, etc.

[0074] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, "resin" refers to (but is not limited to) solids or highly viscous substances that are typically convertible into polymers. Resins may be plant-derived or synthetic.

[0075] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, "polymer" refers to (but is not limited to) macromolecules or giant molecules composed of many repeating subunits. Such polymers may be natural and synthetic and are typically produced by the polymerization of a variety of monomers. Polymers can provide unique physical properties due to their large molecular weight, including toughness, viscoelasticity, and the tendency to form glassy and semi-crystalline structures rather than crystals.

[0076] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, "polyester" refers to a class of polymers having ester functional groups in the main chain. This includes but is not limited to naturally occurring chemical polyesters and polyesters synthesized by step-growth polymerization. Polyester can be biodegradable or not. Polyester can be a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin, or a resin cured by a hardener. Polyester can be aliphatic, semi-aromatic or aromatic. Polyester can include but is not limited to polyesters utilizing glycolide, polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyethylene adipate (PEA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN).

[0077] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, "thermoplastic" or "thermosoftening plastic" refers to a class of polymers that become flexible or plastic above a specific temperature and solidify upon cooling. Thermoplastics can include but are not limited to polycarbonate (PC), polyethersulfone (PES), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyimide (PI), polysulfone (PPSU), chlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE or PTFCE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA).

[0078] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, "aromatic polyamide" refers to aromatic polyamide. Aromatic polyamide is a class of material fibers in which the chain molecules are highly oriented along the fiber axis, and thus the strength of chemical bonds can be utilized. Examples include but are not limited to fibers distributed under brand names such as Kevlar TM , Technora TM , Twaron TM , Heracron TM , Nomex TM , Innegra S TM , and Vectran TM as well as nylon and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

[0079] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, "metal" refers to a material having good electrical and thermal conductivity. Such materials can be forgeable and / or fusible and / or ductile. Metals can include but are not limited to aluminum, nickel, copper, cobalt, chromium, silver, gold, platinum, iron, zinc, titanium, and their alloys such as bronze, stainless steel, brass, and phosphor bronze.

[0080] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, "silicone" refers to a polymer comprising any inert synthetic compound consisting of siloxane repeating units.

[0081] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, an "elastomer" material or "elastomer" refers to a viscoelastic material, typically a polymer. Elastomers can include, but are not limited to, unsaturated rubbers such as polyisoprene, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomers, perfluoroelastomers, and thermoplastic elastomers.

[0082] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, "rubber" refers to natural rubber containing poly-cis-isoprene or "synthetic rubber", the latter referring to a subset of elastomers made from various petroleum-based monomers. Synthetic rubbers can include styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) copolymerized from styrene and 1,3-butadiene or other synthetic rubbers prepared from isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene), chloroprene (2-chloro-1,3-butadiene), and isobutene (methylpropene), with a small amount of isoprene used for crosslinking.

[0083] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, a "magnetic material" refers to a material that generates a magnetic field or responds to a magnetic field. In embodiments of the present invention, the magnetic material can be ferromagnetic or paramagnetic in order to provide a magnetic force between two elements formed from the magnetic material, causing the elements to remain together until a certain degree of force is applied to overcome the magnetic force between the elements.

[0084] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, a "permanent magnet material" or "magnet" refers to a material that is magnetized and generates its own persistent magnetic field. Such permanent magnet materials are also referred to as ferromagnetic materials or ferrimagnetic materials. These can be soft magnetic materials that can be magnetized but do not tend to remain magnetized, or hard magnetic materials that remain magnetized. Such permanent magnet materials can include, but are not limited to, ferromagnetic materials such as iron; nickel; cobalt; ferrites; alnico, a series of iron alloys consisting mainly of aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co), but which can also contain copper (Cu) and titanium (Ti); some rare earth metal alloys such as neodymium-based alloys (e.g., Nd2Fe14B), samarium-cobalt alloys (e.g., SmCo5 and Sm(Co,Fe,Cu,Zr)7), and strontium ferrite alloys (Sr-ferrite).

[0085] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, a "paramagnetic material" refers to a material that is attracted to either pole of a magnet. Such paramagnetic materials can include, but are not limited to, steel, platinum, and aluminum. Magnetic ferrofluids include ferromagnetic particles suspended in a fluid (e.g., a liquid, liquid mixture, gas, or gas mixture) and are sometimes considered paramagnetic because they cannot be permanently magnetized, i.e., they do not have a defined magnetic pole relative to the object in which the ferrofluid is located.

[0086] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, "magnetic element" refers to an element formed of a magnetic material and forming part of an embodiment of the present invention. The magnetic material may be a permanent magnetic material or a paramagnetic material.

[0087] As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to the ability of an object to bend or flex, and refers to the ability of an object subjected to an external force to return to its original dimensions and / or shape after the external force is removed or reduced below a certain level. A flexible object may be, for example, elastic or plastic. A "flexible" material (such as, for example, rubber) may be characterized by a low Young's modulus.

[0088] As used herein, the term "elastic" refers to the ability of an object subjected to an external force to return or substantially return to its original dimensions and / or shape after deformation. The term "plastic" as used herein refers to the ability of an object subjected to an external force to deform and maintain or substantially maintain the deformed dimensions and / or shape. Thus, a plastic material supports plastic deformation. An elastic material (such as, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene) may be characterized by a medium Young's modulus. A rigid material (such as steel) may be characterized by a high Young's modulus, but may undergo plastic deformation under appropriate conditions.

[0089] "Additive manufacturing" (AM) as used herein and throughout this disclosure refers to (but is not limited to) a process for creating three-dimensional objects in which layers of material are formed under computer control. The AM process, commonly referred to as "3D printing", is currently defined in ISO / ASTM52900-15, which defines several classes of AM processes, although other processes may also be considered AM processes. These classes include binder jetting, directed energy deposition, material extrusion, material jetting, powder bed fusion, sheet lamination, and vat photopolymerization. A "3D printer" that utilizes a custom "inkjet" print head is a special application of plastic extrusion called fused deposition modeling. AM processes can be applied to plastics, ceramics, and metals. AM processes for sintering or melting in AM include selective laser sintering, direct metal laser sintering, and selective laser melting, while processes for deposition may include microcasting and spray materials. In some cases, sacrificial and / or support materials may be used in combination with AM processes to achieve the desired geometry and / or material combination.

[0090] "Non-additive manufacturing" (NAM) as used herein and throughout this disclosure refers to, but is not limited to, one or more processes for creating three-dimensional objects by subtractive or deformation manufacturing. NAM processes may include, but are not limited to, hydroforming, stamping, injection molding, casting, machining, and welding.

[0091] In the following description of embodiments of the present invention, materials may be referred to as "hard". A "hard" material is a material with a high modulus of elasticity, i.e., a high force per unit area is required to achieve a given amount of deformation. In the following description, a material is defined as "soft". A "soft" material is a material with a low modulus of elasticity, i.e., a low force per unit area is required to achieve a given amount of deformation. This modulus of elasticity is typically the Young's modulus of the material, which describes tensile elasticity, or the tendency of an object to deform along an axis when an opposing force is applied along that axis, or alternatively the bulk modulus of the material, which describes volumetric elasticity, or the tendency of an object to deform in all directions when uniformly loaded in all directions. The bulk modulus is an extension of the Young's modulus in three dimensions and is the reciprocal of the compressibility of the material.

[0092] In the following description, "durometer" refers to the rating of a material on a durometer scale, such as its Shore hardness, which is related to the hardness of certain materials (usually polymers, elastomers, and rubbers). The higher the number on the durometer scale, the greater the resistance to indentation and thus the harder the material, while the lower the number, the weaker the resistance to indentation and the softer the material.

[0093] Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "hard" and "soft" are relative. For example, plastic is hard relative to an elastomer but soft relative to steel. Thus, these terms are not intended to limit the materials used to provide a contact interface, one of which is "hard" and the other is "soft".

[0094] The "modulus of elasticity" (also known as the elastic modulus) used herein and throughout this disclosure refers to the resistance of a material to elastic deformation (i.e., non-permanent deformation) when a stress is applied to the material. The modulus of elasticity of a material is defined as the slope of its stress-strain curve within its elastic deformation region. Harder materials will have a higher modulus of elasticity. The three main moduli of elasticity are the Young's modulus, which describes the tensile elasticity of the material; the shear modulus or modulus of rigidity, which describes the tendency of the material to shear; the bulk modulus, which describes the volumetric elasticity of the material; and the Poisson's ratio, the first Lamé parameter, and the P-wave modulus.

[0095] Adjustment and closure mechanisms for apparel, wearable devices, and other user-worn items are considered to be functional or practical in nature. From the manufacturer's perspective, they are items added to apparel, wearable devices, and other user-worn items for functional purposes, where cost is typically the main factor leading to the use of a range of low-cost metal and / or plastic mechanisms today, such as zippers, buttons, snap fasteners, and hook-and-loop tapes. These can be sewn, riveted, glued, epoxy-bonded, or use removable fittings for irregular uses, such as the spring bars commonly found on watches, etc.

[0096] However, in many cases, it is beneficial for a brand to utilize itself to adjust and close the clothing, wearable devices, and other items worn by a user so that the user can make a statement, whether it is a fashion statement, a political statement, a brand statement, or a lifestyle statement.

[0097] It would be beneficial to make the adjustment and closure mechanisms of such brand or style-designed clothing, wearable devices, and other items worn by a user adjustable so that the user can use them with multiple pieces of clothing, wearable devices, etc., and to allow the same adjustment and closure mechanisms to be provided for clothing, wearable devices, and other items worn by the user to accommodate different sizes.

[0098] Thus, when the adjustment and closure mechanisms are available for multiple pieces of clothing, wearable devices, and other items worn by a user, the user can view such brand or style-designed adjustment and closure mechanisms as items in which they are willing to make a financial investment, while the prior art's purely functional and practical adjustment and closure mechanisms are designed to minimize the manufacturer's costs.

[0099] Therefore, users may be willing to invest in brand or style-designed adjustment and closure mechanisms that they can apply to multiple items of a single common type of clothing, wearable devices, and other items worn or used by the user. For example, a user can apply a common brand or style-designed adjustment and closure mechanism to multiple baseball caps. Thus, users may be willing to invest more in adjustment and closure mechanisms that they can apply to multiple items of a single common type of clothing, wearable devices, and other items worn by the user, or that can be used with different clothing items and one or more wearable devices and / or other items worn or used by the user.

[0100] Therefore, users may be willing to invest in brand or style-designed adjustment and closure mechanisms that they can apply to multiple items of multiple types of clothing, wearable devices, and other items worn by the user. A user can use a common brand or style-designed adjustment and closure mechanism for multiple baseball caps and to close the necks of other clothing items (such as hoodies, jackets, etc.).

[0101] Therefore, users may be willing to invest in brand or style-designed adjustment and closure mechanisms that they can apply to multiple items of multiple types of clothing items, wearable devices, and other items worn by the user. A user can use a common brand or style-designed adjustment and closure mechanism for multiple baseball caps, smartwatches, wearable devices, and jewelry.

[0102] In the following regarding Figures 2 to 34In the description, an adjustment and closure mechanism for clothing, wearable devices, and other items worn by a user will be described and depicted in connection with a hat fastener (commonly referred to as a hat strap). However, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the basic design concepts and design methods described with respect to Figures 2 to 35 can be applied to the other adjustment and closure mechanisms of one or more other clothing items, and can also be applied to wearable devices and other items worn by the user.

[0103] Refer to Figure 1 , in which the first to ninth images 110 to 160 of hat straps known in the art are respectively depicted. These are:

[0104] · The first image 110 shows a hook-and-loop mechanism, which is commonly known by the trademark name Velcro TM ;

[0105] · The second image 115 shows a metal buckle with a "tuck-in" for the free end of the strap;

[0106] · The third image 120 shows a metal belt buckle;

[0107] · The fourth image 125 shows a metal buckle without a "tuck-in";

[0108] · The fifth image 130 shows a plastic snap mechanism, with a series of protrusions on one component, and one or more of the protrusions "snapping" into one or more holes in the other component;

[0109] · The sixth image 135 shows a plastic snap mechanism with a sewn-on woven brand label;

[0110] · The seventh image 140 shows an elastic band;

[0111] · The eighth image 145 shows a plastic buckle; and

[0112] · The ninth image 150 shows a fitted hat without an adjustment device.

[0113] Therefore, each of the size adjustment / regulation straps shown in the first to eighth images 110 to 145 is respectively formed as a clothing item, and in the Figure 1 example shown, the clothing item is a hat, such as a baseball cap. Therefore, the user can either only use the strap provided with the clothing item, or must install a custom strap / a customized strap or a special strap onto the clothing item, so that they can only wear the custom strap / the customized strap / the special strap together with the clothing item. Therefore, users are generally reluctant to invest a large amount of money in the custom strap / the customized strap / the special strap.

[0114] However, if they can invest in custom / customized / special strips and use them for multiple instances of an article of clothing (e.g., multiple baseball caps), different items (e.g., a hat and a wearable device), or multiple instances of multiple items (e.g., multiple hats, multiple wearable devices, and other clothing items), then users may be more inclined to invest in custom / customized / special strips.

[0115] For example, custom / customized / special strips can include, but are not limited to:

[0116] · Strips made of materials such as stainless steel, nickel, bronze, copper, aluminum, gold, silver, palladium, tungsten, or other metals and / or alloys, or having parts formed therefrom, and also other materials such as, for example, jade, precious stones, gemstones, mother-of-pearl, glass, and ceramics;

[0117] · Strips made of materials that are partially or fully coated with high-value materials such as, for example, copper, gold, silver, palladium, or other metals and / or alloys, or having parts made of these materials;

[0118] · Strips formed from natural materials, fabrics, etc., or having parts made of these materials, such as one or more rare leathers (e.g., crocodile skin, ostrich skin, snake skin, shark skin, stingray skin, kangaroo skin, buffalo skin, yak skin, deer skin, salmon skin, cod skin, eel skin, etc.) and / or one or more furs (e.g., rabbit skin, coyote skin, wild boar skin, mink skin, hare skin, deer skin, beaver skin, alpaca skin, etc.);

[0119] · Strips made of one or more sheet-like, strip-like, or fibrous natural materials or having parts made of such materials, such as wood, laminated wood, cork, bamboo, silk, palm tree;

[0120] · Strips made of a material or having parts made of such material, with one or more high-value items inside or on it, such as, for example, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, opals, sapphires, precious metals, gemstones, and precious stones;

[0121] · Strips made of a material or having parts made of such material, with one or more items of emotional or personal value to the wearer inside or on it, such as, for example, baby hair, spouse's hair, a child's tooth, a shed tooth, and a part of a sports equipment (e.g., a fragment of a famous player's club, stick, bat, etc.);

[0122] · Strips made of materials uniquely designed by a designer or artist or having parts made of such materials;

[0123] ·A strip forming part of a limited edition sold by retailers, manufacturers, designers, artists, etc.;

[0124] ·A strip having one or more active components disposed therein, such as one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), one or more display elements (such as an LED display, or a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, etc.), one or more communication interfaces (such as wireless and / or wired), wherein the strip itself can be regarded as a wearable device; and

[0125] ·A strip having one or more sensor elements disposed therein, the sensor elements being combined with other electronic devices, such as one or more communication interfaces (such as wireless and / or wired), digital memory, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, etc., wherein the strip itself can be regarded as a wearable device.

[0126] Now refer to Figure 2 , which shows a buckle 200 forming an element of an adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the buckle 200 includes a body having two openings, the size of the openings allowing a strip (such as strip 400) to be inserted into each opening.

[0127] Refer to Figure 3 , which shows a latch 300 that forms an element of an adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the latch 300 allows a loop (such as loop 420 of strip 400) to be inserted into the retaining portion of the latch 300. The latch 300 is formed entirely or partially of a compliant or deformable material such that the loop 420 can be inserted with a certain degree of force but cannot be removed until another degree of force is applied, and this other degree of force is established to be generally higher than the force applied to the strip 400 during normal use and / or adjustment.

[0128] Now refer to Figure 4A , which shows a strip 400 forming an element of an adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the first image 400A of one side of the strip 400, the strip 400 includes a magnetic attachment 410, a loop 420, and a strap 430. In the second image 400B of the other side of the strip 400, the magnetic attachment 410, the loop 420, and the strap 430 are shown again, as is the magnet 440 within the magnetic attachment 410.

[0129] In one embodiment of the present invention, the strap 430 includes one or more magnetic elements formed as a continuous element or a series of discrete elements such that the magnets 440 within the magnetic attachment 410 can establish a magnetic attraction between the magnets 440 and a subset of the one or more magnetic elements, such that the strip 400 forms an adjustment and closure mechanism for an article of apparel, a wearable device, or other item worn by a user. Optionally, in other embodiments of the present invention, the magnetic attachment 410 can include two or more magnets 440 that can have a common pole orientation relative to each other or different pole orientations therebetween.

[0130] For example, the magnetic attachment 410 can include two magnets 440, where the north (N) pole of one magnet is oriented perpendicular to the strap 430 in one direction and the south (S) pole of the other magnet is oriented perpendicular to the strap 430 in the same direction. One direction. In this configuration, a magnetic loop can be formed from the N pole of the first magnet through the strap 430 to the S pole of the other magnet, thereby increasing the holding force between the magnetic attachment 410 and the strap 430.

[0131] Reference Figure 4B , third and fourth images 400C and 400D are respectively shown, which show the attachment means of the strip for forming the elements of the adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention to another element forming part of the adjustment and closure mechanism, and the adjustment and closure mechanism is attached to an article of apparel or a wearable device. Considering the third image 400C, the attachment of the strip 400 to the latch 300 is depicted in the figure, where when assembled together, the latch 300 passes through an opening within the loop 420 portion of the strip 400. As described above, the latch 300 is formed entirely or in part from a compliant or deformable material such that the loop 420 can be inserted with a certain degree of force but cannot be removed until another degree of force is applied, which is established to be generally higher than the force applied to the strip 400 during normal use and / or adjustment.

[0132] Referring to the fourth image 400D, the attachment of a strip (such as strip 400) to the latch 300 and the article loop 450 is now shown. As shown, the loop 420 is again attached to the latch 300, but the strap 430 is now inserted into the article loop 450 such that the magnetic attachment 410 returns to and magnetically couples to a portion of the strap 430. Although Figure 4B the configuration shown in does not employ the buckle 200, other embodiments of the present invention can employ the buckle 200 to hold the various parts of the strip 400 together in a manner similar to such fittings on prior art strips.

[0133] Although in other embodiments of the present invention, the strip 400 is depicted as having a magnetic attachment 410 at one end of the strap 430, the magnetic attachment 410 can be located within the length of the strap 430 of the strip 400.

[0134] In one embodiment of the present invention, the latch 300 and the item loop 450 can be attached to the same clothing item or device such that the strip 400 provides an adjustment and / or closure mechanism for the clothing item or device.

[0135] In one embodiment of the present invention, the latch 300 and the item loop 450 can be attached to different clothing items and / or devices such that the strip 400 provides an attachment means for attaching one clothing or device to another clothing or device.

[0136] Reference Figure 5 , a system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which allows the use of adjustment and closure mechanisms for multiple clothing items and wearable devices. As shown, the first to third items 510 to 530 represent a first clothing item, an electronic device, and another clothing item, respectively, each having a pair of item loops 450 attached thereto. Thus, when used in combination with the strip system 540, the pair of item loops 450 allows the strip system 540 to provide an adjustment and closure mechanism for the first and third items 510 and 530, respectively, and an attachment means for the second item 520. The strip system 540 shown includes a strip, such as the strip 400, with a magnetic attachment 410, a loop 420, a strap 430, and a buckle 200. However, the buckle 200 can be omitted in other instances of the strip system 540.

[0137] Now reference Figure 6 , a system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which allows the use of adjustment and closure mechanisms for multiple clothing items and wearable devices having an attachment mechanism different from that shown in Figure 5 . As shown, the first to third items 610 to 630 represent a first clothing item, an electronic device, and another clothing item, respectively, each having a pair of latches 300 attached thereto. Thus, when used in combination with the strip system 540, the pair of latches 300 allows the strip system 540 to provide an adjustment and closure mechanism for the first and third items 610 and 630, respectively, and an attachment means for the second item 620. The strip system 540 shown includes a strip, such as the strip 400, with a magnetic attachment 410, a loop 420, a strap 430, and a buckle 200. However, the buckle 200 can be omitted in other instances of the strip system 540.

[0138] Reference Figure 7 , a system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which allows the adjustment and closure mechanisms to be used with multiple clothing items and wearable devices, where the attachment mechanism is asFigure 5 and Figure 6 as shown. As shown, the first to third articles 710 to 730 represent a first clothing article, an electronic device, and another clothing article, respectively, each having an article loop 450 attached at a location and a latch 300. Thus, when used in combination with the strap system 540, a pair of article loops 450 allows the strap system 540 to provide an adjustment and closure mechanism for the first and third articles 710 and 730, respectively, and an attachment device for the second article 720. The strap system 540 shown includes a strap, such as strap 400, with a magnetic attachment 410, a loop 420, and a strap 430, as well as a buckle 200. However, the buckle 200 may be omitted in other instances of the strap system 540.

[0139] In other embodiments of the present invention, the latch 300 and / or the article loop 450 may be sewn, glued, or otherwise attached to the latch 300 and / or the article loop 450 by one or more attachment mechanisms known in the art (such as snaps, buttons, press studs, hook and eye, etc.), and the latch 300 and / or the article loop 450 are attached to articles such as clothing, electronic devices, etc. for attaching the strap system 540 to articles such as clothing, apparel, electronic devices, etc. In other embodiments of the present invention, Figures 5 to 7 the article loop 450 or the latch 300 used for attaching the strap system (such as the strap system 540) may be replaced with another element (such as the buckle 200), where the other element provides a similar function that allows the strap system to be detachably attached.

[0140] Now referring to Figure 8 , an embodiment of the present invention is shown that provides an adjustable strap 800 with a lobster clasp 810. The strap 800 employs a magnetic attachment 410 and a strap 430 for attaching the lobster clasp 810.

[0141] Referring to Figures 9 to 13 , an embodiment of the present invention is shown that employs magnetic elements within the strap of the adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 9 , a pair of magnetic elements 910 and 920 are shown that are coupled to one or more magnets within the magnetic attachment 410. As shown, the pair of magnetic elements 910 and 920 start at a first length L1 from the end of the strap having the magnetic attachment 410 and extend a second length L2 such that there is a third length L3 at the distal end of the strap away from the magnetic attachment 410 where there is no pair of magnetic elements 910 and 920. The pair of magnetic elements 910 and 920 may include a pair of magnets, a pair of magnetic elements, or one magnet and one magnetic element. The pair of magnetic elements 910 and 920 may be located within the surface of the strap and / or disposed within the body of the strap. In other embodiments of the present invention, three, four, or more magnetic elements may be employed.

[0142] In Figure 10 , a magnetic element 1010 is shown, which is coupled to one or more magnets within a magnetic attachment 410. As shown, the magnetic element 1010 starts a first length L1 from the end of a strip having the magnetic attachment 410 and extends a second length L2 such that a third length L3 exists at the distal end of the strip away from the magnetic attachment 410 without the magnetic element 1010. The magnetic element 1010 may include a magnet or a magnetizable element. The magnetic element 1010 may be located within the surface of the strip and / or disposed within the body of the strip.

[0143] In Figure 11 , a pair of magnetic elements 1110 and 1120 are depicted, which are coupled to one or more magnets within a magnetic attachment 410. As shown, the pair of magnetic elements 1110 and 1120 start a first length L1 from the end of a strip having the magnetic attachment 410 and extend a second length L2 such that a third length L3 exists at the distal end of the strip away from the magnetic attachment 410 without the pair of magnetic elements 1110 and 1120. The pair of magnetic elements 1110 and 1120 may include a pair of magnets, a pair of magnetic elements, or a magnet and a magnetic element. The pair of magnetic elements 1110 and 1120 may be located within the surface of the strip and / or arranged within the body of the strip. In other embodiments of the present invention, three, four, or more magnetic elements may be employed. Compared with Figure 9 , the set of magnetic elements is arranged to cover the length L2, but each is shorter than the length L2.

[0144] In Figure 12 , a set of magnetic elements 1210 is depicted, which is coupled to one or more magnets within a magnetic attachment 410. As shown, the set of magnetic elements 1210 starts a first length L1 from the end of a strip having the magnetic attachment 410 and extends a second length L2 such that a third length L3 exists at the distal end of the strip of the magnetic attachment 410 without the set of magnetic elements 1210. The set of magnetic elements 1210 may include a pair of magnets, a pair of magnetic elements, or a magnet and a magnetic element. The set of magnetic elements 1210 may be located within the surface of the strip and / or disposed within the body of the strip. In other embodiments of the present invention, each set of magnetic elements 1210 may employ three, four, or more magnetic elements.

[0145] In Figure 13depicts a set of magnetic elements 1310 that are coupled to one or more magnets within the magnetic attachment 410. As shown, the set of magnetic elements 1310 begins a first length L1 from the end of the strip having the magnetic attachment 410 and extends a second length L2 such that a third length L3 exists at the distal end of the strip of the magnetic attachment 410 without the set of magnetic elements 1310. The set of magnetic elements 1310 can include magnets or magnetic elements. The set of magnetic elements 1310 can be located within the surface of the strip and / or disposed within the body of the strip.

[0146] Now refer to Figures 14 to 18 , which depicts an embodiment of the present invention that employs regions having different surface textures in combination with one or more magnetic elements within a strip of an adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 14 to 18 Each strip in Figures 14 to 18 is described relative to surface features. However, it is obvious that in each embodiment of the present invention depicted relative to Figures 9 to 13 , the strip itself can be formed of a magnet, formed of a magnetizable material, or employ magnetic elements within the surface and / or body, as described above respectively relative to

[0147] See Figure 14 , which depicts a pair of surface regions 1410 and 1420. As shown, the pair of surface regions 1410 and 1420 begins a first length E1 from the end of the strip having the magnetic attachment 410 and extends a second length L2 such that a third length L3 exists at the distal end of the strip away from the magnetic attachment 410 without the pair of surface regions 1410 and 1420. Each of the pair of surface regions 1410 and 1420 is formed on the surface of the strip, to which the magnets of the magnetic attachment 410 can contact, and thus can be disposed on only one side of the strip or can be disposed on both sides of the strip. The pair of surface regions 1410 and 1420 are made of, for example, a low-hardness silicone material, while the remaining outer surface of the strip is made of a high-hardness silicone material. In this way, the user will feel that each of the surface regions 1410 and 1420 is "sticky", "soft" or "tacky", while the user will feel that the remaining part of the strip is "smooth" or "hard". Thus, when the magnetic attachment 410 is placed on the surface regions 1410 and 1420 and magnetically coupled to the magnetic elements disposed within the surface and / or body of the strip, each of the surface regions 1410 and 1420 will provide friction for the magnets within the magnetic attachment 410, as Figures 9 to 13 respectively described. In other embodiments of the present invention, three, four or more surface regions can be employed.

[0148] Now refer to Figure 15, shows the surface area 1510. As shown, the surface area 1510 starts from the end of the strip having the magnetic attachment 410 with a first length L1 and extends a second length L2 such that there is a third length L3 at the distal end of the strip away from the magnetic attachment 410 without the surface area 1510. Each surface area 1510 is formed on the surface of the strip where the magnet of the magnetic attachment 410 can contact, and thus can be provided on only one side of the strip or on both sides of the strip. For example, the surface area 1510 is made of a low-hardness silicone material, while the rest of the outer surface of the strip is made of a high-hardness silicone material. In this way, the user will feel that each of the surface areas 1410 and 1420 is "sticky", "soft" or "gooey", while the user will feel that the rest of the strip is "smooth" or "hard". Therefore, when the magnetic attachment 410 is placed on the surface areas 1410 and 1420 and magnetically coupled to the magnetic elements provided on the surface and / or the body of the strip, each of the surface areas 1410 and 1420 provides friction for the magnet in the magnetic attachment 410, as Figures 9 to 13 respectively described.

[0149] Reference Figure 16 , depicts a pair of surface areas 1610 and 1620. As shown, a pair of surface areas 1610 and 1620 start from the end of the strip having the magnetic attachment 410 with a first length L1 and extend a second length L2 such that there is a third length L3 at the distal end of the strip away from the magnetic attachment 410 without the pair of surface areas 1610 and 1620. Each of the pair of surface areas 1610 and 1620 is formed on the surface of the strip where the magnet of the magnetic attachment 410 can contact, and thus can be provided on only one side of the strip or on both sides of the strip. The pair of surface areas 1610 and 1620 are, for example, made of a low-hardness silicone material, while the rest of the outer surface of the strip is made of a high-hardness silicone material. In this way, the user will feel that each of the surface areas 1610 and 1620 is "sticky", "soft" or "gooey", while the user will feel that the rest of the strip is "smooth" or "hard". Therefore, when the magnetic attachment 410 is placed on the surface areas 1610 and 1620 and magnetically coupled to the magnetic elements provided on the surface and / or the body of the strip, each of the surface areas 1610 and 1620 provides friction for the magnet in the magnetic attachment 410, as Figures 9 to 13 respectively described. In other embodiments of the present invention, three, four or more magnetic elements can be employed. Compared with Figure 14 , this set of surface areas is provided on the length L2, but each surface area is shorter than the length L2.

[0150] Now refer to Figure 17, showing a set of surface regions 1710, each surface region including a pair of sub-surface regions. As shown, the set of surface regions 1710 starts at the end of the strip with the magnetic attachment 410 for a first length L1 and extends for a second length L2 such that there is a third length L3 at the distal end of the strip away from the magnetic attachment 410 where there is no such set of surface regions 1710. Each surface region in the set of surface regions 1710 is formed on the surface of the strip where the magnet of the magnetic attachment 410 can contact, and thus can be provided on only one side of the strip or on both sides of the strip. The set of surface regions 1710 is formed, for example, of a low-hardness silicone material, while the remainder of the outer surface of the strip is formed of a high-hardness silicone material. In this way, the user will feel that each in the set of surface regions 1710 is "sticky", "soft" or "gooey", while the user will feel that the remainder of the strip is "smooth" or "hard". Thus, when the magnetic attachment 410 is placed above the set of surface regions 1710 and magnetically coupled to a magnetic element provided on the surface and / or within the body of the strip, each in the set of surface regions 1710 provides frictional force for the magnet within the magnetic attachment 410, as Figures 9 to 13 respectively described. In other embodiments of the present invention, three, four or more sub-surface regions may be employed.

[0151] Reference Figure 18 , depicts a set of surface regions 1810. As shown, the set of surface regions 1810 starts at the end of the strip with the magnetic attachment 410 for a first length L1 and extends for a second length L2 such that there is a third length L3 at the distal end of the strip away from the magnetic attachment 410 where there is no such set of surface regions 1810. Each surface region in the set of surface regions 1810 is formed on the surface of the strip where the magnet of the magnetic attachment 410 can contact, and thus can be provided on only one side of the strip or on both sides of the strip. The set of surface regions 1810 is made, for example, of a low-hardness silicone material, while the remainder of the outer surface of the strip is made of a high-hardness silicone material. In this way, the user will feel that each in the set of surface regions 1810 is "sticky", "soft" or "gooey", while the user will feel that the remainder of the strip is "smooth" or "hard". Thus, when the magnetic attachment 410 is placed above the set of surface regions 1810 and magnetically coupled to a magnetic element provided on the surface and / or within the body of the strip, each in the set of surface regions 1810 provides frictional force for the magnet within the magnetic attachment 410, as Figures 9 to 13 respectively described.

[0152] In the foregoing description of embodiments of the present invention, the magnetic attachment portion (e.g., FIGS. 4 to Figure 18The magnetic attachment 410) uses one or more magnets inside it, and these magnets are arranged to contact a strip formed of a magnetic material or including a magnetic material or a magnetizable material within a strip portion. These one or more magnets can be arranged in the surface of the magnetic attachment 410, where the body of the magnetic attachment 410 is centered with respect to the opposite faces of the magnetic attachment 410, asymmetrically arranged with respect to the opposite faces of the magnetic attachment 410 such that the magnets are closer to one face than the other face, or asymmetrically arranged with respect to the opposite faces of the magnetic attachment 410 such that some magnets are closer to one face than the remaining magnets closer to the other face.

[0153] However, referring to Figure 19 , an embodiment of the present invention is depicted which employs a clamping magnetic attachment (CMA) 1900 as part of an adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the CMA 1900 includes a first magnet 1920 disposed within a first body 1910 on one side of a strip 1960, and a second magnet 1940 disposed within a second body 1950 on the other side of the strip 1960. The first body 1910 and the second body 1950 are coupled by first and second deformable elements 1930 and 1935 located at each edge of the strip 1960.

[0154] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first magnet 1920 and the second magnet 1940 are arranged to attract each other, thereby clamping onto a strip 1930 which can be formed of a non-magnetic material. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first magnet 1920 and the second magnet 1940 are each attracted by a magnetic material or a magnet within the strip. This can be a common magnetic element for the first magnet 1920 and the second magnet 1940, such as Figure 10 the magnetic element 1010 in Figure 10 , or different magnetic elements for each of the first magnet 1920 and the second magnet 1940, such as

[0155] a pair of magnetic elements 910 and 920 in

[0156] Obviously, other configurations can be considered, such as using two or more portions of the CMA 1900 across the width on one or both sides of the belt.

[0157] Obviously, other configurations can be considered, such as using two or more portions of the CMA 1900 along one or both sides of the strip.

[0158] Referring to Figure 20 , is shown as Figure 19The clamping attachment shown, which forms part of the adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, has two exemplary configurations relative to the length of the strip. The first image 2000A depicts a configuration in which the two parts of the CMA 1900 are arranged at the same position along the length of the strip 1960. The second image 2000B depicts a configuration in which the two parts of the CMA 1900 are arranged at different positions along the length of the strip 1960. The third image 2000C depicts a configuration in which the two parts of the CMA 1900 are arranged at different positions along the width of the strip 1960, rather than symmetrically arranged as Figure 19 shown. The asymmetric transverse arrangement in the third image 2000C can be used in conjunction with either of the configurations in the first image 2000A and the second image 2000B.

[0159] Now refer to Figure 21 , in which the first to third images 2100A to 2100C are depicted, which respectively depict different strip systems according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the first image 2100A, a strip according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted, which includes a magnetic attachment 410, a strap 430, and a hook 2110.

[0160] The second image 2100B depicts an alternative strip according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes a magnetic attachment 410, a strap 430, and a male component 2120, and the male component 2120 engages with a female component 2130 on an article, where the male component 2120 and the female component 2130 form a snap fastener. Optionally, the strip may have a female component 2130 to engage with the male component 2120 on an article.

[0161] The third image 2100C depicts an alternative strip according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes a magnetic attachment 410, a strap 430, and a D-ring 2140, which can engage with a hook or latch on an article.

[0162] See Figure 22 , in which an alternative embodiment of a strip system 2200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, for providing attachment, closure, or adjustment for an article as described and depicted respectively in Figures 5 to 7 . As shown, the strip system 2200 includes a magnetic attachment 410, a loop 420, and a strap 430, as described and depicted above. The loop 420 engages a latch 300. Contrary to the embodiment of the present invention described and depicted in Figures 5 to 7 , the strap 430 surrounds a first strip loop 2220, which is attached to a second strap 2230. The other end of the second strap 2240 is attached to a second strip loop 2220, which engages another latch 300. Thus, the strap 430 with the magnetic attachment 410 and the loop 420 provides an adjustment / closure mechanism.

[0163] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the strap system 2200 can utilize other aspects of the present invention as described and shown above.

[0164] See Figure 23 , which shows first and second images 2300A and 2300B of an annular element 2320 forming part of a clothing article 2310 for detachably attaching a strap system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the first image 2300A, a single annular element 2320 is employed, wherein the strap system according to an embodiment of the present invention loops through the annular element 2320, and the annular element 2320 is attached to the other side or part of the clothing article 2310 by another means, such as described and depicted in this specification with respect to embodiments of the present invention. In the second image 2300B, two annular elements 2320 are respectively used for the two sides or parts of the clothing article 2310 such that the strap system according to an embodiment of the present invention simply passes through both, and magnetic retaining means (such as described with respect to embodiments of the present invention) hold the strap system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a user-established spacing, gap or separated position.

[0165] A third image 2300C depicts an apparatus in which the annular element 2320 is implemented as a grommet (also known as an eyelet). The annular element 2310 can be flared or collared on both sides to hold it in place and can be made of metal, plastic, alloy, ceramic or rubber.

[0166] Now refer to Figure 24 and Figure 25 , which depicts hook-based elements for detachably attaching a strap system according to an embodiment of the present invention. See Figure 24 , in which a hook 2430 is shown attached to one end of a first strap 2420, wherein the distal end of the first strap 2410 ends in a magnetic attachment 2410 that is annular and detachably attached to the first strap 2410 since the magnetic attachment itself is magnetic or has a magnet disposed therein, as described in other embodiments of this specification with respect to the present invention. The hook 2430 is also shown attached to a second strap 2440 that has a loop 2450 at its distal end, as described in other embodiments of this specification with respect to the present invention. The hook 2430 shown in the illustration includes a body 2430A and a spring bar 2430B that allows for the detachable use of the hook 2430, wherein the spring bar 2430B unfolds through an opening in the end of the first strap 2420 or the second strap 2440 and then snaps into a retaining element of the body 2430A. Subsequently, the spring bar 2430B can be removed from the body 2430A.

[0167] Now refer to Figure 25, which shows a hook 2530 attached to the end of a first strip 2520, where the distal end of the first strip 2520 terminates in a magnetic attachment 2510 that loops and is removably attached to the first strip 2510, since the magnetic attachment 2510 is itself magnetic or has magnets disposed therein, as described in other embodiments of the present invention in this specification. The hook 2530 is also depicted as attached to a second strip 2550, which has a loop 2540 at its distal end, as described in other embodiments of the present invention in this specification.

[0168] As shown in the illustration, the hook 2530 includes a body 2570B and a clip 2570A. The clip 2530A can be a deformable element having an opening that allows the end of a strip (e.g., the first strip 2520 or the second strip 2550) to be inserted into the opening, where the clip 2570A is crimped or otherwise compressed to clamp the end of the strip. Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the clip 2570A can be magnetic, thereby magnetically attaching to the first strip 2520. Alternatively, a one-piece hook 2560 can be used, which is magnetic and is a single piece for magnetic attachment to the first strip 2520. Optionally, the one-piece hook 2560 can be molded to the end of the strip during the manufacturing process.

[0169] In another embodiment of the present invention, the clip 2570A is clamped (i.e., crimped) to the first strip 2520 and incorporates a spring rod, such as Figure 24 the spring rod 2430B in, which is used to connect the body 2570B to the clip 2570A. Optionally, the clip 2570A can be attached to the first strip 2520 by fusing, welding, gluing, or otherwise either alone or in combination with the clamping.

[0170] In another embodiment of the present invention, the clip 2570A is clamped (i.e., crimped) to the second strip 2550 and incorporates a spring rod, such as Figure 24 the spring rod 2430B in, and the spring rod is used to connect the body 2570B to the clip 2570A. Optionally, the clip 2570A can be attached to the second strip 2550 by fusing, welding, gluing, or otherwise either alone or in combination with the clamping, depending on the material of the second strip 2550 at the end to which the clip 2570A is attached.

[0171] In Figure 23 , an annular element 2320 is described and depicted, which allows a strip according to one embodiment of the present invention to pass through. Refer to Figure 26, an alternative embodiment of the annular element is depicted in the first image 2600A, which forms part of a clothing item for detachable connection to a strap system according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the loop 2610 is connected to the item. For example, the loop 2610 can be stitched, glued, welded, fused, or otherwise connected depending on its material and the material of the item to which it is to be attached. For example, the second image 2600B depicts the design of the loop, such as loop 2610, where the loop is a single injection molded piece having a loop portion 2620 and a body portion 2630 extending away from the loop portion 2620. The body portion 2630 is the part of the loop that is attached to the item. The body portion 2630 and the loop portion 2620 can be of the same material or different materials.

[0172] The third image 2600C depicts an alternative design where the loop portion 2640 and the body portion 2650 are retained, but the loop portion 2640 now includes struts 2660 formed therein that span the width of the internal opening of the loop portion 2640. Thus, the strap can pass through the loop portion 2640 twice around the struts 2660. The surface of the struts 2660 can be textured to enhance frictional engagement with the strap, such as knurling. In an embodiment of the present invention, the body portion 2630, the loop portion 2620, and the struts 2660 can be of the same material or formed from two or more materials.

[0173] The fourth image 2600D depicts another design where a loop portion 2670 is formed and a body portion 2680 surrounds the loop portion 2670 to hold the loop portion 2670. Optionally, the loop portion 2670 and the body portion 2680 can be formed separately before being attached to the item, or assembled while they are being assembled onto the item. Optionally, the body portion 2680 can form part of the item itself, such as a piece of fabric that surrounds the loop 2670 and is then glued or stitched.

[0174] Now referring to Figure 27A , the first to third images 2700A to 2700C of the auxiliary adjustment strap for detachable attachment of a strap system according to an embodiment of the present invention are depicted, which allows for a wider overall adjustment range than provided by the strap or the use of a shorter strap. In the first image 2700A, exemplary first and second straps 2710 and 2730 end in first and second loops 2720 and 2740 respectively. The first and second loops 2720 and 2740 are shown enlarged.

[0175] In the second image 2700B, the attachment process is schematically shown where the distal ends of the straps pass through the loops, such as the first or second loops 2720 and 2740 respectively, through fittings on the item, such as the loop elements as described and shown in Figure 23 and Figure 26 .

[0176] Then, the ends of the strip with loops, such as the first or second loops 2720 and 2740 respectively, are slid into the article, which can hold the strip in position at the ends of the article through loops, rings, hooks, etc. The free part 2770 of the auxiliary strip is threaded through the loop and then held against the attachment part 2780 of the auxiliary strip. As shown in the third image 2700C, the end of the free part 2770 terminates at the hook-and-loop section 2760, and the hook-and-loop section 2760 engages against the hook-and-loop surface of the attachment part 2780.

[0177] The auxiliary strip can be completely located inside the article and not visible from the outside, or it can extend and be visible depending on the desired overall size / closure. In this way, the strip can be used with the article, where the attachment now supports the distance between the two ends of the article or between two articles, which is greater than the length of the strip, while allowing the strip to be used separately from other articles. Optionally, the method allows short strips to be used directly for certain articles and other articles to be used in combination with the auxiliary strip. Optionally, short low-cost strips can be sold to the user, which are used with the auxiliary strip for some or all of the articles with which they are used.

[0178] Now referring to Figure 27B , the first to third images 2700D to 2700E of the auxiliary adjustment strip for the detachable attachment strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown, which allow a wider overall adjustment range than that provided by the strip or using a shorter strip. In Figure 27B 's first image 2700D, exemplary first and second bands 2810 and 2830 are shown, which end with first and second hooks 2820 and 2840 respectively. The first and second loops 2820 and 2840 are shown enlarged respectively.

[0179] In Figure 27B 's second image 2700E, the attachment process is schematically shown, where the distal ends of the strip from the hooks (e.g., the first hook 2820 or the second hook 2840 respectively) pass through the right enclosing shell on the right side of the clothing article (as shown in the hat), and then through the grommet on the left side of the clothing article. The hooks (e.g., the first hook 2820 or the second hook 2840 respectively) are hooked to the strip 2850 located inside the right side of the clothing article, as shown in the third image 2700F.

[0180] Referring to Figure 28 , shown attached to the inner surface of the hat in an embodiment of the present invention Figure 27AAuxiliary strip. The free portion 2770, the hook-and-loop portion 2760, and the attachment portion 2780 are visible. The auxiliary strip can be attached in different ways, such as by sewing, gluing, welding, fusing, or in other ways depending on the material of the attachment portion 2780 and the material of the item to which it is attached. Although a hook-and-loop retaining device from the free portion 2770 to the attachment portion 2780 is depicted, other devices known in the art can be employed.

[0181] Now referring to Figure 29 , an attachment device formed within a clothing item is depicted for attaching the hook base element of a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as those depicted respectively in Figure 24 and Figure 25 . Thus, the end of the strip 2920 is provided with a hook 2930, which can be the hook 2430 or the hook 2530 shown respectively in Figure 24 and Figure 25 . A loop element 2910 is provided on the item, and the loop element provides multiple points along its length for attachment of the hook 2930. For example, the loop element 2910 can be a piece of material having a undulating surface, which is attached to the item such that the undulations provide attachment points for the hook 2930. The loop element 2910 can also be two pieces, where one piece is undulating such that the undulations of one piece relative to the other provide a series of attachment points for the hook 2930. Optionally, the loop element 2910 can be a series of discrete loops attached to the item.

[0182] See Figure 35 , in which a front view and a side view 3500A and 3500B of a detachable attachment device for a strip forming part of a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention are respectively shown. In Figures 27A to 29 , the distal end of a strip from a magnetic fitting is shown and is described as being used with a fitting such as an auxiliary strip or a strap so that a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used to support an overall closure range different from the closure range discretely supported by a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This can enable a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention to be used with different clothing items, etc., different sizes, etc., or allow the use of a short strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which would otherwise be prohibitively expensive due to materials, surface finishes, etc.

[0183] Figure 35An alternative design of a magnetic attachment element for attaching a distal end to a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. As shown in the front view 3500A and side view 3500B respectively, the strip 3540 is provided with struts 3530 at its ends, and the other distal end of the strip 3540 ends with a magnetic attachment element, as described for the embodiments of the present invention. The bracket 3510 is attached to an article or held within a part of the article, wherein the bracket 3510 includes a series of hooks 3520 arranged along its length, and wherein the strut 3530 is "hooked" into a selected hook 3520 along the length of the bracket 3510.

[0184] As shown in the front view 3500A, the hooks 3520 include two columns of hooks 3520. In other embodiments of the present invention, a single column of hooks 3520 may be employed, or there may be 3 columns or more. Similarly, the strut 3530 may be a single element, a pair of elements, or three or more elements, wherein each element is "hooked" into a hook 3520 within a defined column.

[0185] Optionally, the bracket 3510 may be a magnet and the strut 3530 may be a magnetic element, such that the magnetic holding force holds the strut 3530 in place, while the hooks 3520 provide a mechanical holding force, particularly along the direction of the applied force, as the strip system is employed and used. Optionally, the bracket 3510 may be a magnetic element and the strut 3530 may be a magnet.

[0186] Now refer to Figure 30 , in which cross-sections of exemplary first to sixth images 3000A to 3000F of a magnetic attachment element of a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown respectively. As shown, the first to sixth images 3000A to 3000F relate to the ends of the strip portion of the strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0187] First image 3000A: wherein the end 3020A is attached to the strip body 3005, the strip body 3005 having a magnetic element 3010 disposed within the end 3020A and a friction element 3030 disposed on the surface of the end 3020A, wherein the friction element 3030 increases the magnitude of the force that must be applied to the assembly to cause the end 3020A to move relative to the strip when the friction element 3030 abuts the strip body to which the end 3020A is coupled. As shown, the friction element 3030 extends under the strip body 3005.

[0188] Second Image 3000B: where an end 3020B is attached to a strip body 3005, a magnetic element 3010 is disposed within the end 3020B, and a friction element 3030 is disposed on the surface of the end 3020B, where the friction element 3030, when disposed against the strip body coupled to the end 3020B, increases the magnitude of the force that must be applied to the assembly to move the end 3020A relative to the strip. As shown, the friction element 3030 does not extend under the strip body 3005 such that the strip body 3005 is against the strip.

[0189] Third Image 3000C, where an end 3020C is attached to a strip body 3005 and a magnetic element 3010 is disposed within the end 3020C. The end 3020C now surrounds a protrusion 3040 extending from an end of the strip body 3005. Optionally, a friction element (such as friction element 3030) may be disposed on the end 3030C to protrude under the strip as shown in the First Image 3000A, or the end 3020C may be modified not to protrude under the strip as shown in the Second Image 3000B.

[0190] Fourth Image 3000D, where an end 3020D is attached to a strip body 3005 and a magnetic element 3010 is disposed within the end 3020D. In this embodiment, a friction element 3050 is disposed on another part of the strip 3005 or on another element to which the end 3020D is to be attached. The friction element 3050, when disposed against the body of the strip 3005 coupled to the end 3020D, increases the magnitude of the force applied to the assembly to move the end 3020D relative to the strip 3005.

[0191] Fifth Image 3000E, where an end 3020E is attached to a strip body 3005 and a magnetic element 3010 is disposed within the end 3020E. A friction element 3060 is disposed at one end of the end 3020E away from the strip body 3005. The friction element 3060, when disposed against the strip body or other item to which the end 3020E is coupled, increases the magnitude of the force applied to the assembly to move the end 3020E relative to the strip or other item.

[0192] Sixth image 3000F, in which an end 3020F is attached to a strip body 3005, and in which a magnetic element 3010 is disposed within the end 3020F. A friction element 3070 is disposed at one end of the end 3020E remote from the strip body 3005. The friction element 3070 increases the magnitude of the force applied to the assembly when it is disposed against the strip body or other article to which the end 3020F is coupled, so as to move the end 3020F relative to the strip or other article. The friction element 3070 wraps a portion of the end 3020F. Optionally, the friction element 3070 that wraps a portion of the end 3020F may also cover a portion of the surface of the end 3020F in which the magnet element 3010 is disposed.

[0193] In an embodiment of the present invention, friction elements, such as the friction elements 3030, 3050, 3060, and 3070 in the first, second, fourth, fifth, and sixth images 3000A, 3000B, 3000D - 3000F, may be a continuous region of material, a series of continuous strips disposed relative to one or more axes of the friction element, a series of discrete elements, or a combination thereof. For example, referring to Figure 31 , the first to third perspective views 3100A to 3100C depict magnetic attachment elements for a strip system according to an embodiment of the present invention having a textured friction element. Since Figure 31 the design depicted in Figure 30 is consistent with the design concept in the first image 3000A in Figure 31 , the elements in

[0194] are numbered in a similar manner such that the end 3020A is attached to the strip body 3005 by the friction element 3030. In this case, the friction element 3030 is a planar region having an array of protrusions. Figures 9 to 18 In the foregoing description, different structures for the strip have been described, for example, see Figure 32 respectively. Referring to Figure 30 Figure 32 , a magnet configuration of a strip for an adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. As shown in the first image 3200A, within the strip 3220, a series of magnetic arrays 3210 are arranged along the length of the strip 3220, and the ends of the strip 3220 (e.g., Figure 30The first through sixth images 3000A through 300F (shown or described in this specification) are attached to the magnetic array 3210. The second and third images 3200B and 3200C show cross-sections along Y-Y and X-X, as shown in the first image 3200A. As shown in the third image 3200C, an X-X cross-section along the width of the strip 3220 at the location where the magnetic array 3210 is arranged is shown, and the magnetic array 3210 includes four magnetic elements, namely two first magnetic elements 3230 and two second magnetic elements 3240. The first magnetic element 3230 is a magnet with its north pole (N) and south pole (S) in a first orientation, while the second magnetic element 3240 is a magnet with its N pole and S pole in a second orientation, i.e., an inverted orientation. As shown in the second image 3200B, a Y-Y cross-section of a portion along the length of the strip 3220 at the location where the magnetic elements in the three magnetic arrays 3210 are arranged is shown. This cross-section is the location where the magnetic element is the first magnetic element 3230 with its N pole and S pole in the first orientation.

[0195] The inventors established this structure to "align" the ends of the strip to the strip, where the ends are a series of properly aligned magnetizable or magnetic elements. Optionally, the order of the first and second magnetic elements 3230 and 3240 on the magnetic array 3210 and the ends containing magnets may be different from those shown. Similarly, the number of magnetic elements within the magnetic array 3210 can be 2, 3, 4, etc., generalized to N, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0196] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, magnetic dust may be provided within the strip instead of multiple discrete magnets, such that the ends are coupled to these magnets. Optionally, the dust can be magnetized to a specific orientation once embedded within the strip or during the embedding of the strip.

[0197] Now refer to Figure 33 , which shows an exemplary conversion kit for a clothing item for supporting strip attachment according to an embodiment of the present invention. Thus, a hardware kit with or without a strip can be sold to the user, and this hardware kit allows the user to convert an existing strip (such as a strip on a hat or cap) into an adjustable strip using one or more simple household tools. For example, as shown, a pair of clips 3310 are sold together with or separately from the strip 3220.

[0198] For example, if the user is converting a baseball cap, then they can cut the existing strip (commonly referred to as a snapback with a hat band, e.g., Figure 6the plastic snap mechanism shown in the sixth image 135). Then, they attached a clip 3110 to each side of the back of the cap to allow the strap 3220 to pass through and be adjusted. Optionally, a clip 3220 can be designed to support direct attachment to the strap 3220 and to the item.

[0199] Housing

[0200] Although the straps described in the foregoing embodiments of the present invention allow the user to make a statement, whether it is a fashion statement, a political statement, a brand statement or a lifestyle statement, they may wish to add other elements to the strap. Since the strap is magnetic, any item with a magnet can be attached, but it may be easily detached and lost. Therefore, as Figure 34 shown, the inventors have established a magnetic clip for attachment to the strap of the adjustment and closure mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the first image 3400A, an embodiment of the clip is depicted, including a body 3410 and a magnet 3420, wherein the body 3410 has two slots at both ends to allow the first part and the second part 3430A and 3430B of the strap to be inserted through. By inserting the strap (threading) into the slots in the body 3410, the clip will not easily fall off and get lost during use, storage of the strap or the item with the strap attached, etc. The second image 3400B depicts the clip 3440 attached to the strap 3430 on a baseball cap as an example.

[0201] The clip can be marked with a fashion statement, a political statement, a brand statement or a lifestyle statement. Optionally, the clip can also be made of one or more materials (such as precious metals, precious metal alloys, etc.) or coated with one or more precious metals, precious metal alloys, etc. The size of the clip can be determined according to the cost point of the material in some embodiments of the present invention. In other embodiments of the present invention, the clip can also include one or more precious stones, one or more gemstones, one or more non-precious stones, one or more non-precious gemstones, etc.

[0202] Obviously, clips of different lengths and heights can be used, and the user can use one or more clips on the strap. In another embodiment of the present invention, the strap can be worn only as a personal ornament rather than a functional item.

[0203] As described above with respect to Figures 2 to 34 the embodiments of the present invention described and depicted can have one or more elements discretely formed using an additive manufacturing process.

[0204] As described above with respect to Figures 2 to 34 the embodiments of the present invention described and depicted can have one or more elements discretely formed using two or more additive manufacturing processes.

[0205] The embodiments of the present invention described and depicted above Figures 2 to 34 may have one or more elements formed discretely using a non - additive manufacturing process.

[0206] The embodiments of the present invention described and depicted above Figures 2 to 34 may have one or more elements formed discretely using two or more non - additive manufacturing processes.

[0207] The embodiments of the present invention described and depicted above Figures 2 to 34 may have one or more elements formed using one or more additive manufacturing processes in combination with one or more additive manufacturing processes.

[0208] In embodiments of the present invention, one or more silicone rubbers have been described as being used as part of a strip that forms part of an adjustment, closure, or attachment mechanism (ACAM). Optionally, the silicone rubber may be transparent. Optionally, embedded within the silicone rubber or the housing of the ACAM are one or more LEDs, such as multicolor LEDs, allowing the color of the ACAM to change statically or dynamically, for example in response to a command from an associated PED that is generated in response to controlling ambient light, music, audiovisual content, etc. Medical - grade silicone rubber is typically transparent, so when used in combination with colored silicone rubber to provide an inert or hypoallergenic coating for the ACAM, no additional coating (such as food - grade polyurethane) is required.

[0209] Regions of silicone rubber that a user may perceive as "sticky", "soft", or "tacky" can be formed from, for example, 20 - durometer silicone rubber. Those regions that a user may perceive as "smooth" or "hard" can be formed from, for example, 70 - 90 - durometer silicone rubber. Alternatively, the strip can be formed from low - durometer (e.g., 20) silicone rubber, on which micro - layers of higher - durometer (e.g., 70 - 90) silicone rubber are patterned (e.g., sprayed) to form a smooth surface with "sticky" regions. Other durometer coatings can be used alone or in combination without departing from the scope of the present invention. Optionally, the silicone rubber can be medical - grade to avoid allergic reactions in the user, since the ACAM may come into direct contact with the user's skin.

[0210] In embodiments of the present invention, the belt, magnetic attachments, and other parts of the strip system according to embodiments of the present invention may include a bracket or "a plurality of brackets" for supporting, docking, or holding up another material or element (such as a housing and / or a casing).

[0211] In embodiments of the present invention, the belt, magnetic attachments, and other parts of the strip system according to embodiments of the present invention may include one or more housings to at least partially and / or completely contain and / or enclose a plurality of elements.

[0212] In an embodiment of the present invention, the belt, magnetic attachment, and other parts of the strip system according to the embodiment of the present invention may include one or more housings, which refer to structures surrounding the bracket and / or the outer shell.

[0213] Specific details are given in the above description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it should be understood that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits may be shown in block diagrams so as not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary details. In other cases, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary details to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0214] The foregoing disclosure of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Given the above disclosure, many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0215] Furthermore, in describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the methods and / or processes of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not depend on a particular sequence of the steps described herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of the steps described. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, other sequences of steps are possible. Therefore, the particular sequence of steps described in the specification should not be regarded as a limitation on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the methods and / or processes of the present invention should not be limited to performing their steps in the order written, and those skilled in the art can readily understand that the order can be changed while still within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: a strap including one or more magnet elements; a magnetic attachment attached to an end of the strap, the magnetic attachment including at least one magnet; and a first portion of a fitting attached to a distal end of the strap; wherein the first portion of the fitting engages a second portion of the fitting attached to an item to attach the distal end of the strap to the item; the end of the strap is fitted through another fitting attached to the item; and the magnetic attachment is attached to the one or more magnet elements within the strap.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the item is a piece of clothing, a piece of jewelry, and an electronic device.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the strap includes: a body formed of silicone resin having a first hardness; and one or more regions formed of silicone resin having a second hardness lower than the first hardness; and when the magnet is attached to a region among the one or more regions, each of the one or more regions provides an enhanced holding force of the magnet on the strap.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the strap, the magnetic attachment, and the first portion of the fitting are coupled to the second portion of the fitting and the other fitting, the strap, the magnetic attachment, and the first portion of the fitting are capable of adjusting a distance between the second portion of the fitting on the item and the other fitting on the item; and the item is a piece of clothing or an article of apparel.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the strap, the magnetic attachment, and the first portion of the fitting are coupled to the second portion of the fitting and the other fitting, the strap, the magnetic attachment, and the first portion of the fitting are capable of attaching the item to a part of a user; and the item is an electronic device.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the strap, the magnetic attachment, and the first portion of the fitting are coupled to the second portion of the fitting and the other fitting, the strap, the magnetic attachment, and the first portion of the fitting are capable of: adjusting a distance between the second portion of the fitting on the item and the other fitting on the item to adjust a size of the strap around a part of a user; and attaching the item to the part of the user; and the item is an electronic device.

7. A method, comprising: providing an apparatus including: a strap including one or more magnet elements; a magnetic attachment attached to an end of the strap, the magnetic attachment including at least one magnet; and a first portion of a fitting attached to a distal end of the strap; wherein the first portion of the fitting engages a second portion of the fitting attached to an item to attach the distal end of the strap to the item; the end of the strap is passed through another fitting attached to the item; and the magnetic attachment is attached to the one or more magnet elements within the strap.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the item is a piece of clothing, a piece of jewelry, and an electronic device.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein The strap comprises: a body formed of a silicone resin having a first hardness; and one or more regions formed of a silicone resin having a second hardness lower than the first hardness; and when the magnet is attached to a region among the one or more regions, each region among the one or more regions provides an enhanced holding force of the magnet on the strap.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein when the strap, the magnetic attachment, and the first part of the fitting are coupled to the second part of the fitting and the other fitting, the strap, the magnetic attachment, and the first part of the fitting are capable of adjusting the distance between the second part of the fitting on the article and the other fitting on the article; and the article is a piece of clothing or apparel.

11. The method according to claim 7, wherein when the strap, the magnetic attachment, and the first part of the fitting are coupled to the second part of the fitting and the other fitting, the strap, the magnetic attachment, and the first part of the fitting are capable of attaching the article to a part of the user; and the article is an electronic device.

12. The method according to claim 7, wherein when the strap, the magnetic attachment, and the first part of the fitting are coupled to the second part of the fitting and the other fitting, it is capable of: adjusting the distance between the second part of the fitting on the article and the other fitting on the article to adjust the size of the strap around a part of the user; and attaching the article to the part of the user; and the article is an electronic device.

Images