Fastening system for fitting articles and associated methods of assembly and disassembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a fixing system configured for mechanically fixing at least one first part (2) to any bracket (3), comprising a male element (5) configured for fixing to one of the first part and the bracket, and a female element (4) configured for fixing to the other and cooperating with the male element by elastic deformation, when the first part is mechanically fixed with the bracket; the female element is formed by a substantially flat and elastically deformable gasket and has a through-hole (40) defining an introduction opening (42) for the male element, the securing system (10) being configured such that the introduction opening is at a minimum value when the gasket is not pulled, and the maximum value is achieved when the gasket is pulled by the positive element to achieve or release the mechanical fixation of the first part and the support.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a fixing system configured for assembling articles, in particular articles such as leather goods, textiles, cosmetics or furniture.

[0002] The invention also relates to such an article, in particular an article of leather goods, textiles, cosmetics or furniture, provided with such a fastening system and at least one first part configured to be mechanically fastened to any support by the fastening system.

[0003] The invention also relates to a method for securing and / or releasing such an object using such a securing system. Background Art

[0004] Some articles are known, such as leather goods, each comprising a first part and a second part, mechanically fastened together by so-called snaps or buttons, each button having a male element fastened to the first part and a female element fastened to the second part of the article, the female element being configured to cooperate with the male element.

[0005] The male component may include a base from which extends a pin having an enlarged end, and the female component may include a body having a threaded interior cavity formed therein and from which the spring blade projects.

[0006] The threaded inner cavity of the body of the female element defines an introduction port for inserting the enlarged end of the male element, and the spring leaf is configured to have a stable expanded configuration and a retractable configuration in the threaded inner cavity.

[0007] In particular, when the enlarged end of the male element is inserted into the threaded inner cavity of the body through the introduction port of the main body of the female element, the enlarged end will expand the spring leaf through the pressure or thrust applied by the user, causing it to change from an expanded structure to a contracted structure, and the enlarged end can be inserted into the threaded inner cavity.

[0008] Once the enlarged end is sufficiently inserted into the threaded lumen, the spring leaf will return to a stable expanded configuration, thereby locking the enlarged end in the threaded lumen, mechanically securing the male and female elements, and thus the first and second portions of the article.

[0009] The first and second parts of the article are released by opposing movements, separating the male and female components. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a fastening system configured for mechanically fastening a first portion of at least one article to any similar support and which is particularly simple and convenient in terms of manufacture and use.

[0011] Therefore, according to a first aspect, the object of the present invention is to provide a fixing system configured to mechanically fix a first part of at least one article to any support, the article being in particular articles such as leather goods, textiles, cosmetics or furniture, the fixing system comprising a male element configured to be fixed to one of the first part or the support, and a female element configured to be fixed to the other of the support and the first part, and to cooperate with the male element by elastic deformation when the first part is mechanically fixed to the support; the fixing system is characterized in that the female element is formed by a substantially flat and elastically deformable pad having a through hole defining an introduction port for the male element, the fixing system being configured to make the introduction port variable, the introduction port being a minimum value when the pad is not subjected to force, and the introduction port being a maximum value when the pad is subjected to force by the male element for mechanical fixation or release of the first part and the support.

[0012] In the fixing system of the invention, the introduction opening for the male element, defined by the through hole of the gasket, is changed only by elastic deformation of the gasket.

[0013] In other words, this fastening system does not require additional deformable parts, such as spring leaves, which are usually required for female elements of snap fasteners.

[0014] This fixing system thus allows the first part of the article and the support to be fixed or released when pressure is applied by the male element, by varying the through-holes of the pad.

[0015] The following describes the preferred features of the fixing system of the invention, which is simple, convenient and economical.

[0016] The through hole in the gasket may be defined by an internal contour forming a male element clamping edge.

[0017] The internal contour of the through hole may be generally circular, oblong or rectangular, and the male element may have a substantially complementary head shape.

[0018] The gasket may be provided with a deformation zone around the through hole.

[0019] The deformation zone may be formed by cutouts and / or slits extending radially from the through hole.

[0020] The outer contour of the cushion may be generally circular.

[0021] The padding may be formed with the first portion of the article or with the supporting reinforcement.

[0022] The female element may comprise a plurality of substantially flat and elastically deformable pads which are arranged adjacently in the first portion or support and whose through holes correspond to each other.

[0023] The pads may be separated by first portions or supporting first material elements.

[0024] The male element may be formed by a pin with a protruding head which protrudes from the first portion or the support and is arranged to at least partially pass through the through hole of the gasket.

[0025] The through hole in the gasket can be defined by an internal contour forming a clamping edge, and the head of the pin can have a protrusion for applying force to the gasket around its through hole to change the size of the introduction port. The head of the pin can also have a groove, and when the first part is mechanically fixed to the bracket, the clamping edge abuts against the clamping edge in the groove.

[0026] The pin may have a base to which the head is mechanically secured, the first portion or supported second material element being retained by the head and the base.

[0027] According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to an article, in particular an article such as leather goods, textiles, cosmetics or furniture, having a fixing system as described above and at least one first part configured to be fixed to any support by the fixing system.

[0028] According to a third aspect, the present invention also relates to a method for fixing a first part of an object, in particular leather goods, textiles, cosmetics or furniture, to any support by means of a fixing system as described above, comprising the step of temporarily enlarging the through hole of the pad by elastic deformation to introduce a male element into the through hole of the pad.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention also relates to a method for releasing the first part of an object, in particular leather goods, textiles, cosmetics or furniture, from any support via a fixing system as described above, comprising the step of removing the male element from the pad by temporarily enlarging its through hole through elastic deformation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 There is shown schematically, partly in perspective, an object, a first part of which is fastened by means of a fastening system according to the invention to any support, where the support is formed by a second part of the object.

[0031] Figure 2 and Figure 1 Similarly, wherein a first portion of the item is a distance away from a second portion thereof.

[0032] Figure 3 Partially shown in exploded perspective Figure 1 and Figure 2 Items visible in .

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figures 1 to 3A middle cross-sectional view of an item visible in the figure, with the first portion being at a distance from the second portion.

[0034] Figure 5 is similar to Figure 4 sectional view of the assembly of the first and second parts.

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Detail view of the

[0036] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of a first embodiment variant of the female element in the fastening system.

[0037] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment variant of the female element in the fastening system.

[0038] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view of a third embodiment variant of the female element in the fastening system.

[0039] Fig.10 It is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment variant of the female element in the fastening system.

[0040] Fig.11 is similar to Figure 2 , showing a fixing system in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An article 1 , here leather goods, is partially shown having a first part 2 and a second part 3 forming a support.

[0042] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the first part 2 and the second part 3 are mechanically fixed together by a fixing system 10, and in Figure 2 In the embodiment, the first part 1 and the second part 2 are spaced apart from each other.

[0043] First portion 2 of article 1 is here formed by a first material element 23 and a second material element 24 adjacent to first material element 23 and fixed thereto.

[0044] First portion 2 has a first outer surface 21 formed on a first material element 23 and a second outer surface 22 opposite first outer surface 21 and formed on a second material element 24 .

[0045] The first portion 2 further has a first through hole 20 that penetrates through the first material element 23 and the second material element 24 and is exposed from both sides of the first outer surface 21 and the second outer surface 22 .

[0046] The second portion 3 of the article 1 is formed here by a one-piece material element, also referred to as a third material element, and has a third outer surface 32 opposite a third inner surface 31 .

[0047] In order to assemble the first part 2 of the article 1 with the second part 3 of the article 1, the second outer surface 22 of the first part 2 is placed opposite to the third inner surface 31 of the second part 3, such as Figure 2 shown.

[0048] In the example shown, the second part 3 has a second hole 30 which penetrates the second part 3 and emerges from both the third outer surface 31 and the fourth outer surface 32 .

[0049] The fixing system 10 comprises a male element 5 fixed to the second part 3 of the object 1, and a female element 4 fixed to the first part 2 of the object 1, and the female element 4 is elastically deformed to cooperate with the male element 5 when the first part 2 is mechanically fixed to the second part 3 (see below).

[0050] refer to Figures 3 to 6 The female element of the fastening system 10 is formed by a substantially flat and elastically deformable pad 4 , while the male element of the fastening system 10 is formed by a pin 5 .

[0051] In particular, the gasket 4 has a through hole 40 defining an introduction opening 42 for the pin 5 .

[0052] The pad 4 can be made of metal, plastic or a composite material.

[0053] The fixing system 10 is designed so that the introduction opening 42 has a minimum value when no force is applied and a maximum value when the pad 4 is subjected to force by the pin 5 for mechanical fixing or release of the first part 2 and the second part 3 .

[0054] The gasket 4 has an inner contour 41 defining the through hole 40 and a substantially circular outer contour 45 .

[0055] The inner contour 41 forms the clamping edge for the pin 5 .

[0056] The inner contour 41 of the through-opening 40 is substantially circular here.

[0057] In the example shown, a plurality of deformation zones 43 are provided around the liner 4 .

[0058] The deformation zones 43 include slots 44 extending radially from the through-opening 40 .

[0059] In other words, the slot 44 extends from the inner contour 41 to the outer contour 45 of the cushion 4 .

[0060] In the example shown, the gasket 4 has ten slits 44 which are distributed approximately evenly around the through hole 40 .

[0061] These slots 44 allow the liner 4 to be deformed at its inner contour 41 , thereby making the introduction opening 42 more variable.

[0062] Pad 4 is here configured to be sandwiched between first material element 23 and second material element 24 of first portion 2 of article 1 .

[0063] Specifically, liner 4 is sandwiched between a first inner surface 25 of first material element 23 (opposite first outer surface 21 thereof) and a second inner surface 26 of second material element 24 (opposite second outer surface 22 thereof).

[0064] In other words, the first material element 23 is fixed to the second inner surface 26 of the second material element 24 by its first inner surface 25, and the liner 4 is sandwiched in the middle and fixed in position, and the through hole 40 of the liner 4 is roughly aligned with the first orifice 20 of the first part 2, or even aligned with the center of the first orifice 20.

[0065] It is worth noting that the through hole 40 of the gasket 4 has a so-called inner diameter which is almost equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the first orifice 20 in the first portion 2 of the object 1 .

[0066] In other words, the inner contour 41 of the gasket 4 is almost flush with the first orifice 20 or slightly protrudes, in particular when the introduction opening 42 is at its minimum.

[0067] Thus, liner 4 is inserted between first material element 23 and second material element 24 without damaging first material element 23 and / or second material element 24 and is not visible or barely visible on the outside of article 1 .

[0068] Furthermore, the male element 5 here comprises a base 51 and a head 50 protruding from the base 51 .

[0069] The base 51 of the male element 5 has a seat 57 and a threaded rod 58 protruding from the seat 57 .

[0070] The base 57 is arranged on the third outer surface 32 of the second part 3 of the article 1 , and the threaded rod 58 passes through the second opening 30 in the second part 3 and emerges from both the third outer surface 32 and the third inner surface 31 thereof.

[0071] The head 50 is configured to be screwed onto the base 51 .

[0072] Specifically, the head 50 has a threaded inner cavity 56 which opens at the proximal end 49 of the head 50 .

[0073] The head 50 is configured to be supported on the third inner surface 31 of the second portion 3 by a shoulder 48 provided on one side of its proximal end 49 , which is inserted into the second orifice 30 .

[0074] The threaded inner cavity 56 of the head 50 is configured to receive the threaded rod 58 of the base 51 to achieve mechanical fixation thereof.

[0075] Thus, the head 50 of the male element 5 projects from the third inner surface 31 of the second portion 3 of the object 1 , the part of the object 1 of the second portion 3 being partially clamped between the head 50 and the base 51 of the male element 5 .

[0076] The head 50 has a shape that is substantially complementary to the inner contour 41 of the through hole 40 of the washer 4 , in particular a substantially circular shape.

[0077] In the example shown, the head 50 has an outer contour 54 extending from the proximal end 49 to a distal end 55 opposite the proximal end 49 , and has a groove 53 arranged annularly on the outer contour 54 , located on the side of the distal end 55 .

[0078] The outer contour 54 of the head 50 is located between the groove 53 and the distal end 55 , forming a bulge of the head 50 .

[0079] It should be noted that the protrusion of the head 50 may have a bevel portion toward the distal end 55 .

[0080] It should also be noted that, when the value of the introduction opening 42 is minimum, the outer diameter of the head 50 of the male element 5 is substantially equal to or smaller than the first orifice 20 of the first portion 2 and greater than the inner diameter of the female element 4 .

[0081] Now refer to Figure 5 and 6 , describing the cooperation of the male element 5 with the female element 4 and the assembly of the second article 3 with the first article 2.

[0082] The head 50 of the male element 5 is at least partially inserted into the first opening 20 of the first portion 2 and passes through the introduction opening 42 defined by the inner contour 41 of the female element 4 , ie through the through hole 40 of this female element 4 .

[0083] In particular, the raised portion of the outer contour 54 of the head 50 , located between the recess 53 and the distal end 55 , causes the inner contour 41 of the head 50 to be compressed, thereby enlarging the introduction opening 42 by deforming the deformation zone 43 of the female element 4 .

[0084] In other words, depending on the diameter of the head 50 , the gap 44 is enlarged, extending the introduction port 42 from its minimum value to a value closer to the maximum value, thereby allowing the distal end 55 of the head 50 to pass through the groove 53 .

[0085] At the recess 53 , the inner contour 41 of the female element 4 is no longer or less stressed, so that the introduction opening 42 contracts until the gripping edge of the female element 4 enters the recess 53 of the head 50 .

[0086] In this configuration, the head 50 of the male element 5 is assembled with the female element 4 , and the second article 3 is mechanically fixed to the first article 2 .

[0087] The release of the first part 2 and the second part 3 is achieved by a movement opposite to that described above, but with a similar effect on the introduction opening 42 of the female element 4.

[0088] By elastically deforming the deformation zone 43 of the female element 4 to release the male element 5 , the gap 44 enlarges the introduction port 42 from a value corresponding to the groove diameter of the head 50 to a value closer to the maximum value, so that the head 50 protrudes from the through hole 40 and the first opening 20 .

[0089] In the description of the female element 4, reference is made in particular to Figures 3 to 6 The female element 4 has a defined outer diameter and a defined thickness. The size of the deformation zone 43 and therefore of the gap 44 provided in the female element 4 depends on the defined outer diameter and the defined thickness, as well as the minimum and maximum values ​​required for the introduction opening 42 .

[0090] Figure 7 A female element 4 is shown which differs from the female element described above only in that it has a larger outer diameter and a greater thickness, so that the deformation zones 43 and the gaps 44 provided in this female element 4 may be larger.

[0091] Figure 8 A negative element 4 is shown, with reference Figures 3 to 6 The female element described differs only in that more slots 44 are provided, in particular sixteen, forming deformation zones 43 .

[0092] Fig. 9 Shows a reference Figures 3 to 6 The female element 4 described is different from the female element 46, whose inner contour 41 of the through hole 40 is substantially rectangular instead of circular. Therefore, the same is true for the introduction port and therefore also for the head of the male element.

[0093] In the female element 46 , the deformation zone 43 has slots 44 extending from the inner contour 41 to the outer contour, the slots 44 being approximately parallel to a respective side of the rectangle formed by the inner contour.

[0094] Fig.10 A negative element 47 is shown, which is similar to the reference Figures 3 to 6The female element 4 described differs in that the deformation zone 43 has, in addition to the slit 44 extending from the inner contour 41 of the through-opening 40 , a pressed indentation 39 which is formed regularly along the inner contour 41 .

[0095] Fig.11 Shows the Figure 2 A similar view shows the object 1 and its distance from the first part 2 and the second part 3 and the associated fastening system 10 .

[0096] This fastening system 10 differs from the previously described system in that it has two washers 4 and two grooves 53 located on the outer contour 54 of the head 50 of the pin 50 .

[0097] First portion 2 of article 1 comprises an intermediate material element 27 between first material element 23 and second material element 24 , wherein one liner 4 is sandwiched between first material element 23 and intermediate material element 27 and another liner 4 is sandwiched between second material element 24 and intermediate material element 27 .

[0098] The two pads 4 may be the same or different.

[0099] For example, they may have different thicknesses, thereby creating two forces for assembling the first part with the second part, and / or two assembly positions.

[0100] In fact, recess 53 closest to distal end 55 may cooperate with pad 4 sandwiched between second material element 24 and intermediate material element 27, thereby securing first portion 2 and second portion 3 in a first assembled position.

[0101] In addition, the groove 53 closest to the distal end 55 can cooperate with the pad 4 sandwiched between the first material element 23 and the intermediate material element 27 and another groove 53 farther from the distal end 55 to fix the first part 2 and the second part 3 according to a second assembly position, wherein the head 50 is more deeply embedded in the first opening 20 of the first part 2 of the article 1.

[0102] In the fixing system 10 described above, the introduction port 42 defined by the through hole 40 of the gasket 4 can be changed by elastic deformation of the gasket 4 .

[0103] In other words, this fastening system 10 does not require additional deformable components, such as spring blades, which are usually required for female elements of snap fasteners.

[0104] Therefore, the fixing system 10 fixes or releases the first part 2 and the second part 3 of the article 1 under the change of the introduction port 42 defined by the through hole 40 of the liner 4 through the action of the pin 5 on the liner 4 .

[0105] Variants not shown are described below.

[0106] The item can be jewellery, textiles, cosmetics or furniture, not just leather goods.

[0107] The first portion of the article may be formed from a single material element.

[0108] The second portion of the article may be formed from a plurality of material elements.

[0109] The support may not be formed by the second portion of the article, but may be distinct from the article.

[0110] The gasket may be made of an elastically deformable material and may not contain any grooves and / or slits, so that the lead-in opening of the through-hole of the gasket is changed only by its elastic deformation.

[0111] The padding may be made together with the first portion of the article or with the reinforcement of the support.

[0112] The inner contour of the through hole of the gasket may be oblong or rectangular, or any other shape.

[0113] The gasket may have a single deformation zone surrounding the through hole.

[0114] The deformation zone can be formed by a notch or a mixture of notches and gaps.

[0115] The outer contour of the pad may be oblong or rectangular, or any other shape.

[0116] The pad may be configured to be fixed to the second portion of the article forming the support, rather than the first portion, and the pin to be fixed to the first portion, rather than the second portion of the article.

[0117] The pin may have an oblong or rectangular head, or any other complementary shape instead of being circular.

[0118] The raised protrusion on the pin head may have a larger diameter than the pin head.

[0119] The head and the bottom of the pin may be fixed by snap-fitting, crimping, welding or any other suitable assembly means instead of threading.

[0120] The pin may be made from a single piece of material and secured to the first or second portion of the article by bonding, sewing or any other suitable securing method.

[0121] In the example shown, the first opening 20 is a through hole, but it can also be a blind hole, in particular if an additional material element is placed on the first outer surface and covers the first opening.

[0122] In general, the invention is not limited to the examples described and depicted.

Claims

1. A fixing system, configured to mechanically fix a first part (2) of at least one article (1) to any support (3), wherein the article (1) is in particular leather goods, textiles, cosmetics or furniture, the fixing system comprising a male element (5) and a female element (4), wherein the male element (5) is configured to be fixed to one of the first part (2) and the support (3), and the female element (4) is configured to be fixed to the other of the support (3) and the first part (2), and when the first part (2) is mechanically fixed to the support (3), it is elastically deformed to the male element. (5) fit; the fixing system is characterized in that the female element (4) is formed by a substantially flat and elastically deformable pad (4), the pad (4) having a through hole (40) defining an introduction port (42) for the male element (5), and the fixing system is configured so that the introduction port (42) is variable between a minimum value and a maximum value, the introduction port (42) is the minimum value when the pad (4) is not subjected to force, and is the maximum value when the pad (4) is subjected to force by the male element (5) to mechanically fix or release the first part (2) and the support (3).

2. The fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that The through hole (40) in the gasket (4) is defined by an inner contour (41) forming a clamping edge of the male element (5).

3. The fixing system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner contour (41) of the through hole (40) is generally circular, oblong or rectangular, and the male element (5) has a head (50) of a substantially complementary shape.

4. The fixing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that A deformation zone (43) is provided around the liner (4).

5. The fixing system according to claim 4, characterized in that The deformation zone (43) is formed by cutouts and / or slits (44) extending radially from the through hole (40).

6. The fixing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The pad (4) has a generally circular outer contour (45).

7. The fixing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The pad (4) is integrally formed with the first portion of the article (1) or the reinforcement of the support (3).

8. The fixing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The female element (4) comprises a plurality of substantially flat and elastically deformable pads (4), which are arranged adjacently in the first portion (2) or the support (3), and whose respective through holes (40) are opposite to each other.

9. The fixing system according to claim 8, characterized in that The pads (4) are separated by first material elements (24) belonging to the first portion (2) or the support (3).

10. The fixing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The male element (5) is constituted by a pin having a head (50) of substantially complementary shape, which extends from the first portion (2) or the support (3) and at least partially passes through the through hole (40) of the pad (4).

11. The fixing system according to claim 10, characterized in that The through hole (40) in the gasket (4) is defined by an inner contour (41) forming the clamping edge, the head (50) of the pin has a protrusion for applying force to the gasket (4) around its through hole (40) to change the size of the introduction port (42), and the head (50) of the pin also has a groove (53), and when the first part (2) is mechanically fixed to the support (3), the clamping edge abuts against the groove (53).

12. The fixing system according to any one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that The pin has a base (51) to which the head (50) is mechanically fixed, the second material element of the first portion (2) or support (3) being sandwiched between the head (50) and the base (51).

13. Article, in particular leather goods, textiles, cosmetics or furniture, comprising a fastening system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and at least one first part (2), which is configured to be fastened to any support (3) by means of the fastening system.

14. A method for fixing a first part (2) of an object (1) to any support (3) by means of a fixing system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, the object being in particular leather goods, textiles, cosmetics or furniture, the method comprising the step of inserting the male element (5) into the pad (4) through the introduction port (42), and temporarily enlarging the through hole (40) of the pad (4) by elastic deformation.

15. A method for fixing a first part (2) of an object (1) to any support (3) by means of a fixing system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, the object being in particular leather goods, textiles, cosmetics or furniture, the method comprising the step of removing the male element (5) from the pad (4) through the introduction port (42) and temporarily enlarging the through hole (40) of the pad (4) by elastic deformation.

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