Transverse magnetic fastener

Abstract

Embodiments described herein take the form of a fastener, such as a button, clasp, or the like, which magnetically attracts the button to the enclosure, thereby securely closing the fastener. In one exemplary embodiment, a fastener includes a base and a ring. The ring defines an aperture, and the base includes a button. The button may move perpendicular to a surface of the base that abuts or otherwise engages the ring. The ring includes a plurality of magnets generally positioned within the body of the ring and generally positioned at opposing locations along the circumference or periphery of the ring. Similarly, a magnet is positioned within the button. When the ring approaches the base, the ring magnet attracts the button magnet, pulling the button magnet into the ring and closing or securing the fastener. When the button is extended, the button moves transversely to the polarization direction of the ring magnet (and the button magnet).

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This Patent Cooperation Treaty patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 402,836, filed on Aug. 31, 2022, entitled “Lateral Magnetic Fastener,” the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The described embodiments generally relate to fasteners. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a magnetic fastener in which a button or hook moves laterally to the direction of magnetic polarization within the button or hook. Background Art

[0004] Fasteners are used to attach one item to another. Most fasteners are mechanical; they rely on interlocking, friction, or physical alignment between two components to operate. Some fasteners are magnetic. Generally, these magnetic fasteners use magnetic fields to attract two components to each other, and the force required to disengage the components depends on the magnetic field. Additionally, magnetic fasteners typically require a user to pull against the force generated by the magnetic field to disengage the fastener. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Certain embodiments described herein take the form of a fastener, such as a button, a hook, or the like, that magnetically attracts the button to a housing to securely close the fastener. In one exemplary embodiment, the fastener includes a base and a ring. The ring defines a hole, and the base includes a button. The button can move perpendicular to or otherwise engage the surface of the ring that abuts the base (“the engaging surface”). The ring includes a plurality of magnets, which are typically positioned within the body of the ring and typically at opposite positions along the circumference or perimeter of the ring. Similarly, magnets are positioned within the button. When the ring approaches the base, the ring magnets attract the button magnets, pulling the button magnets into the ring and closing or securing the fastener. When the button extends into the ring, the button moves laterally to the direction of polarization of the ring magnets (and the button magnets).

[0006] One embodiment takes the form of a fastener that includes: a base; a button, at least a portion of which is retained within the base; and a ring that defines a hole sized to receive at least a portion of the button; wherein: the button is moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position by a magnetic field; and the movement of the button is lateral to the direction of magnetic polarization.

[0007] Another embodiment takes the form of a fastener that includes: a base that includes: a base portion; and a biasing mechanism attached to the base; a button that is at least partially retained within the base and includes: a button cap; and a button magnet attached to the button cap; and a ring that defines a hole and includes: a ring portion; and a set of ring magnets attached to the ring; wherein: a magnetic field extends between the ring magnets of the set of ring magnets; the magnetic field attracts the button magnet when the base abuts the ring; when the magnetic field attracts the button magnet, the magnetic field moves the button from an undeployed position to a deployed position; and when the button moves from the undeployed position to the deployed position, it moves in a direction other than the direction of polarization of the magnets.

[0008] Yet another embodiment takes the form of a method for fastening a fastener that includes: moving a ring of the fastener adjacent to a base of the fastener; magnetically attracting a button of the fastener to the ring such that the button moves relative to the ring; and receiving the button within a hole defined in the ring; wherein: the magnetic field extends in a first direction; and the button moves in a direction transverse to the direction of polarization of the magnets. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals represent like structural elements, and wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 A first view of an example fastener in a disengaged position is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 Shows an exemplary fastener in a coupled position Figure 1 A second view of the exemplary fastener.

[0012] Figure 3A Is a cross-sectional view of an example fastener in a disengaged position.

[0013] Figure 3B Is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary fastener of FIG. 3 in a coupled position.

[0014] Figure 4 Is a top view of the magnets of an example fastener.

[0015] Figure 5 Is another cross-sectional view of an example fastener.

[0016] Figure 6 Is an exploded view of an example fastener.

[0017] Figure 7 Is a flowchart showing an example method for attaching a fastener to a body of material.

[0018] Figure 8 Shows an example top tool used in the method of Figure 7 The method.

[0019] Figure 9 Shown for Figure 7 An example base tool used in the method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Certain embodiments described herein take the form of a fastener, such as a button, clasp, or the like, which magnetically attracts the button to the enclosure, thereby securely closing the fastener. In an exemplary embodiment, the fastener includes a base and a ring. The ring defines a hole, and the base includes a button. The button can move perpendicular to a surface of the base that abuts or otherwise engages the ring (the "engaging surface"). The ring includes a plurality of magnets, which are generally positioned within the body of the ring and are generally positioned at relative positions along the circumference or periphery of the ring. Similarly, the magnets are positioned within the button.

[0021] In operation, the ring may be located atop the base, or otherwise adjacent to the base, although the ring and base may be completely separate from one another. When the ring abuts the base, the magnets in the ring attract the magnets in the button, causing the button to extend from the base into the ring. The hole of the ring is sized to receive the button, so that movement of the button positions the button within the hole.

[0022] Once the button is received in the hole and held in place by the ring and button magnets, the fastener resists lateral forces and thus lateral disengagement. "Lateral forces" are forces that attempt to move the ring perpendicular to its cylindrical axis. The button restricts this movement as it strikes the side walls defining the hole. Therefore, purely lateral forces will damage the fastener before disengaging the base from the ring.

[0023] In contrast, the fastener can be disengaged relatively easily in a variety of ways. First, the fastener can be disengaged by depressing the button to remove it from the hole, and then applying a lateral force to slide the ring relative to the base, or vice versa. Alternatively, applying an axial force (e.g., a force in the direction of the cylindrical axis of the ring) of sufficient strength to overcome the attractive force between the ring magnet and the button magnet will disengage the fastener. This is true whether the button is depressed or not, although the amount of axial force required to disengage the fastener is reduced when the button is depressed and retracted into the base. When the button is in the base rather than in the hole, the ring magnet is farther away from the button magnet, so the attractive force between the ring and the base is lower.

[0024] As the button moves from the coupled position to the disengaged position, the force necessary to cause that movement drops rapidly before rising again when the button reaches the end of its travel. This provides a pleasant tactile feedback to the user indicating that the button has been fully depressed and the fastener can now be opened with lateral force. This tactile feedback is significantly different from the harsh, sudden click or snap that many fasteners feel when opened.

[0025] Figure 1 The exemplary fastener 100 is shown in the open or disengaged position. In this example, the fastener 100 is formed by a loop 115, a base 105, and a button 110 attached to the base. Although the loop and the base are both shown as connected to straps 125, 130, other embodiments may omit the straps. As an example, the loop and the base may be replaced with attachment to a sheet. The loop 115 and the base 110 may be fixed to fabric, plastic, metal, wood, composite material, or any suitable surface. Similarly, the loop 115, the button 110, and / or the base 105 may be formed of any such material that allows a magnetic field to pass from one or more magnets in the loop to one or more magnets in the button and vice versa.

[0026] The loop 115 defines a hole 120 within it. The hole 120 may pass through the entirety of the loop 115 (e.g., be a hollow space defined by one or more sidewalls and penetrate opposite surfaces of the loop), or may pass partially through the loop (e.g., be a hollow space defined by one or more sidewalls, where one sidewall may form the bottom or top of the hole). In many embodiments, the hole 120 is sized to receive the button 110. Generally, the length and width of the hole are slightly larger than the button such that the button fits snugly within the hole. As described below, the height of the hole 120 may be approximately the same as the height of the button 110 above the base 105 when the button extends, or greater or less than such height. As used herein, "length" refers to the measurement along the X-axis of the loop and / or the base, "width" refers to the measurement along the Y-axis of the loop and / or the base, and "height" refers to the measurement along the Z-axis of the loop and / or the base. For ease of reference, a corresponding set of axes is shown in Figure 1 which. The movement of the button 110 is transverse to the polarization direction of the loop magnets (described below with reference to Figures 3A - 3B shown and described).

[0027] The button 110 may move into and partially out of the base 105 along the Z-axis, as described in more detail below, Figure 2 showing Figure 1 the fastener 100 where the button 110 extends (e.g., has moved out of the base 105). When the button 110 is in the Figure 2 position shown, when the loop covers the base 105, the button is received within the hole of the loop 115, thereby preventing the base and the loop from separating in response to a lateral force. The vertical (Z-axis) movement of the button 110 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0028] Figure 3A is a vertical cross-sectional schematic view of the fastener taken when the fastener 100 is in the open or disengaged position. To simplify the drawing, Figure 1 omitted below with reference to Figure 3A whichFigure 6 Certain of the described features. As shown in this cross-sectional view, there are one or more magnets 300A, 300B ("ring magnets") in the body of the ring and one or more magnets 305 ("button magnets") in the button. The ring magnets 300A and 300B have the same magnetic polarization vector. This vector is radial with respect to the ring.

[0029] Initially, when the ring 115 and the base 105 are not adjacent (e.g., in contact) to each other, the ring magnets 300A, 300B establish a magnetic field as Figure 3A shown. It should be noted that the magnetic field can extend to different extents above or below the upper and lower surfaces of the ring 115, depending on the strength, shape, and material of the ring magnets and the ring. Due to the air gap in the hole 120, this magnetic field has a relatively weak flux.

[0030] However, the magnetic flux is strong enough to attract the button magnet 305 when the base 105 moves closer to the ring 115 and eventually becomes adjacent to the ring 115. The flux of the magnetic field can overcome the biasing force that holds the button 110 in the base 105 in its non-extended (e.g., non-deployed) position, thus pulling the button into the extended (e.g., deployed) position, where the button partially protrudes from the base and into the hole, as Figure 3B shown. Thus, the magnetic field moves the button 110 transversely to the polarization direction of the magnets.

[0031] When the button 110 extends into the hole 120, the button engages the ring 115 and prevents the ring 115 from separating from the base 105 by resisting the lateral force. Similarly and as Figure 3B shown, the magnetic attraction between the ring magnets 300A, 300B and the button magnet 305 holds the button 110 and thus holds the base 105 in place relative to the ring 115. Thus, the magnetic force resists the axial disengagement of the ring and the base. Figure 3B Certain features discussed below with reference to Figure 6 are omitted for simplicity of the drawing.

[0032] Figure 4 is a lateral view of the fastener 100 taken at a 90-degree angle from the vertical cross-section shown in Figure 3B , showing only the relative positions of the ring magnets 300A, 300B and the button magnet 305 when the button is deployed. Figure 3B Certain features discussed below with reference to Figure 5 are omitted for simplicity of the drawing. Also in this figure, the ring and the base are adjacent and are coupled to each other by the magnetic attraction between the ring magnets and the button magnets. As shown, the direction of the magnetic field 400 generated by the positioning of the ring magnets and the button magnets extends along the length (or in some embodiments, the width) of the ring magnets 300A, 300B and the button magnet 305 and extends transversely or perpendicular to the height of the button and the ring.

[0033] As can be seen, the polarization of magnets 300A, 300B, 305 (and thus the direction of magnetic field 400 through the center of the magnets) is transverse to the direction of movement of the button. That is, when the button moves vertically, the polarization of the magnets and the direction of the resulting magnetic field are transverse, such that the two are at right angles to each other. The magnetic field moves the button into the magnetic field (e.g., into the hole and between the ring magnets), rather than along the magnetic field. This results in a compact design of the fastener, as the size of the ring and its hole do not need to allow the button to move within it or along the magnetic field.

[0034] In some embodiments, the magnets can be shaped to fit within the ring and / or the button. Similarly, the magnets can be shaped to constrain or direct the resulting magnetic field. For example, ring magnets 300A, 300B are both semi-circular and sized to fit within the ring. Similarly, side walls 310A, 310B of button magnet 305 facing ring magnets 300A, 300B are formed outwardly in a fan shape to conform to the shape of the button, while side walls 315a, 315B orthogonal to the ring magnets are formed inwardly in a fan shape. These inwardly fan-shaped side walls 315A, 315B are shaped and constrain magnetic field 400, generally reducing the extent of the magnetic field extending beyond the button in a direction orthogonal to the shown magnetic field lines and orthogonal to the direction of button movement (e.g., with reference to Figure 4 upward and downward).

[0035] The user can disconnect base 105 from ring 115 by pressing button 110 downward, pressing it into the base and pressing it to its initial, Figure 1 as shown, disengaged position. Due to other forces acting on the button, it is relatively easy to press button 110 and disengage base 105 from ring 115. When the button moves downward toward the base and / or moves downward into the base, the amount of force required to lift the ring from the base is reduced. Alternatively, the user can grasp ring 115 or an item attached to the ring and pull away from base 105. Assuming the movement of base 105 is constrained while ring 115 is relatively free to move away from the base, once the user applies sufficient force to overcome the attractive force of the magnetic field passing through the ring and button magnets, the ring and base will separate.

[0036] Base 105 can include a biasing mechanism to hold button 110 in its disengaged position regardless of the orientation of the button and the base. For example, if the base is flipped, pushed, or the like, the biasing mechanism can hold button 110 at least partially within base 105. Further and as Figure 1 , Figure 3A and Figure 5 shown, when the button is in the disengaged position, the upper surface of button 110 can be substantially flush with the upper surface of base 105.

[0037] Figure 5Is a cross-sectional view of the ring 115, button 110, and base 105. As shown in this figure, the ring 115 can be formed by a ring upper shell 500 attached to a ring lower shell 505. The ring upper shell 505 and the ring lower shell 510 define an internal space within the ring 115, in which the ring magnets 300A, 300B are positioned. The ring magnets 300A, 300B can be fixed to one or both of the ring upper shell 500 and the ring lower shell 505.

[0038] Similarly, the base 105 is formed by a base upper shell 510 attached to a base lower shell 520, and the base upper shell and the base lower shell define an internal space within the base. The flange 530 of the button is received within this internal space; the flange 530 cannot move past the base upper shell 510, thereby restricting the vertical movement of the button and ensuring that the button 110 does not separate from the base 105 when moving into the hole of the ring 115.

[0039] Figure 5 An example biasing mechanism within the base is shown. Here, the biasing mechanism is a spring 525 that applies a restoring force on the flange 530 of the button 110 that is held within the base. The spring 525 applies a force on the lower surface of the button flange 530, thereby pulling the button 110 into the base (e.g., to the disengaged position). The spring force is typically less than the attractive force applied by the ring magnets 300A, 300B on the button magnet 305, thereby allowing the button 110 to extend from the base 105 into the hole 120 and causing the spring 525 to expand when the ring abuts the base as described above. Thus, the spring (or other biasing mechanism) not only retracts the button when the ring is removed from the base, but also holds the button relative to the base in its disengaged position. In some embodiments, the spring compresses when the button extends, and the spring extends to return the button to the undeployed position.

[0040] Not all embodiments use the spring 525 as the biasing mechanism. In another example embodiment, the biasing mechanism is a magnet positioned below the button 110. This biasing magnet attracts the button magnet 305, again holding the button 110 in its disengaged position relative to the base 105. The force generated by the biasing magnet is typically weaker than the force generated by the ring magnets 300A, 300B. In other words, when the ring abuts the base, the button magnet is attracted more to the ring magnets than to the biasing magnet. This causes the button 110 to move perpendicular to the base 105 and extend into the hole 120, thereby coupling the ring 115 to the base 105 and latching the fastener 100. When the ring is pulled away from the base or the button is pressed by the user, the biasing magnet attracts the button and holds the button in its undeployed position. Additionally, as shown in the exploded view (discussed below) of Figure 6 certain embodiments can use multiple biasing mechanisms, such as a spring and a return magnet.

[0041] In addition, in many embodiments, spring 525 can center the button relative to the base. By maintaining the position of the button relative to the base, the spring ensures that the button does not deviate from the center within the base. When the ring is aligned with the base, the button is likewise centered relative to the ring and thus extends into the hole without hitting the sidewalls of the hole. Further, since the spring centers the button within the base and maintains the relative positions, a gap can be defined between the button and the base without fear of the button shifting or sliding. This gap allows the button to be operated (e.g., extended and retracted or disengaged) without being constrained or limited by the button.

[0042] Some embodiments can include a degree of rotational freedom, but with a reset torque provided by magnets 300a, 300B, and 305 that causes the ring to snap into its correct rotational position relative to the base. Other embodiments can incorporate one or more directional magnets within the base. These directional magnets typically have a polarity opposite to that of the ring magnets such that the ring magnets are attracted to the base. The directional magnets can hold the ring in a particular position and / or orientation relative to the base, e.g., ensuring that the hole in the ring does not overlap with the base (an overlap would in turn prevent button deployment). In some embodiments, the ring includes a single set of ring magnets that are both attracted to the directional magnets and attract the button magnets to deploy the button magnets, as described above. In other embodiments, the ring can include a first set of ring magnets that attract the button magnets and a second set of magnets that attract the directional magnets. In either configuration, the magnetic force and magnetic field between the directional magnets and any ring magnets are less than the magnetic force and magnetic field between the button magnets and the corresponding ring magnets. This ensures that the directional magnets do not create an additional substantial resistance to the vertical separation of the ring from the base.

[0043] In still other embodiments, the ring can be fully or partially rotatable. Further, when the ring and the base are coupled to each other, the ring can rotate relative to the base. By rotating the ring 180 degrees relative to the base while they are coupled and with the button rotatably fixed, the ring magnets likewise rotate such that their polarization is opposite to that of the button magnets. This causes the ring magnets to repel rather than attract the button magnets, thereby forcing the button magnets and the associated button to move downward from their deployed position to their undeployed position. The entire base is also forced away from the ring. This is another mechanism that can be used in an embodiment to disengage or open the fastener. In other embodiments, the button or the base can be rotated relative to the ring to achieve the same effect. If the button is not rotatably fixed, rotating the ring will not open the fastener, which may be desirable in some embodiments.

[0044] Figure 6Exploded view of an example embodiment of a fastener. The ring is formed by an upper ring shell 500 attached to a lower ring shell 505. Two ring magnets 300A, 300B are sandwiched between the upper ring shell 500 and the lower ring shell 505. The ring magnets 300A, 300B are attached to one or both of the upper ring shell 500 and the lower ring shell 505. In some embodiments, the upper ring shell 500 is fixedly attached to the lower ring shell 505 to form the ring 115, while in other embodiments, the upper ring shell may rotate relative to the lower ring shell. In embodiments allowing such rotation, the ring magnets 300A, 300B are typically attached to the upper ring shell 500 and rotate therewith to force the protruding button 110 into the undeployed position, as described above.

[0045] The button 110 includes a button cap 605 attached to a button base 610. The button magnet 305 is fixed to one or both of the button cap 605 and the button base 610. The button base 610 may define a flange 615 (similar to Figure 5 the flange 530). The flange 615 may extend uniformly outward as shown, may be notched, or may be discontinuous.

[0046] The base 105 includes an upper base shell 510 attached to a lower base shell 520, thus forming the base. The base 105 contains a spring 525 and a biasing magnet 600. The spring 525 may be attached to or partially held in the lower base shell 520 and is similarly attached to the button magnet 305 and / or the button base 610. A forged flange, screw, or similar connector (not shown) may pass through the spring 525 and the button base 610 and into the button magnet 305 to connect and hold the three together. The biasing magnet 600 may be positioned in a recess defined in the lower base shell 520. In addition to (or instead of) helping the button 110 return to its undeployed position as described above, the biasing magnet 525 may hold the button 110 in the undeployed position when the ring 115 is sufficiently separated from the base 105. The biasing magnet 600 magnetically attracts the button magnet 305 to hold the button 110 relative to the base 105 in this scenario.

[0047] In addition, the flange 530 of the button base 610 is held within the base 105; the diameter or size of the flange 530 is greater than the opening in the upper base shell 510. This prevents the button 110 from separating from or completely leaving the base 105 when the button protrudes.

[0048] Spring 525 normally resists expansion; spring 525 expands as button 105 moves away from base lower shell 520. When spring 525 is attached to base lower shell 505 and button magnet 305, it pulls button magnet 305 towards base lower shell 520. This force resets the button to its undeployed position. In embodiments using bias magnet 600 and / or bias spring 525, when ring 115 abuts the base, the magnetic attraction between the ring magnet and button magnet 305 is large enough to overcome the (one or more) reset forces and / or holding forces of spring 525 and / or magnet 600, whether alone or in combination, in order to deploy button 605.

[0049] Certain embodiments may include a magnetic sensor, such as a magnetometer or Hall effect sensor. The sensor may be located within the ring, the base, a strap or fabric attached to either, or another element (e.g., an electronic device) near the fastener. The magnetic sensor can sense a change in the magnetic field strength between the ring magnets. For example, the magnetic field strength may increase when the button is deployed (since the button magnet is positioned between the ring magnets), and decrease when the button is undeployed (since there is an air gap rather than a button magnet positioned between the ring magnets). By sensing the change in magnetic field strength, the sensor can determine whether the fastener is open or closed (e.g., whether the button is deployed or undeployed). The sensor can in turn send a signal to an associated electronic device in order to provide the device with the fastener and / or button status. This may be useful, for example, if the fastener is incorporated into a security mechanism, such as a door lock, seat belt, clip, tie, or the like. As a non-limiting example, the fastener may be incorporated into a retention mechanism, such as a seat belt in an automobile. The automobile may not start, may not move, or may be speed-limited unless the sensor senses that the retention mechanism is fastened (e.g., a button or similar structure is received within a hole or similar structure in the ring).

[0050] While embodiments have been described as using magnets, it should be understood that those magnets may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. Additionally, any suitable material may be used to form the ring magnet, button magnet, and / or bias magnet, and different magnets may be formed of different materials. As a non-limiting example, the bias magnet may be made of iron (or another soft magnetic material), while the ring magnet is made of neodymium (or another hard magnetic material). This may be useful for ensuring that the ring magnet produces a stronger magnetic field than the base magnet to facilitate the operation of the fastener, as described herein.

[0051] There are other embodiments where the button can be replaced with a fixed post, combined with an expandable or extendable loop rather than a fixed loop. That is, the loop can be stretched to surround the fixed post instead of the button protruding to be received within the loop. Other shapes and configurations of the base, button / post, and / or loop are possible and within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Generally, such shapes, configurations, and embodiments include a movable element moving towards a stationary element. Additionally, in such shapes, configurations, and embodiments, the movable element translates in a direction transverse to the magnetic field established when the movable element engages the stationary element.

[0052] There are other embodiments where the button magnet can be completely omitted and instead the button (or a portion thereof) is formed of a ferromagnetic material. For example, the button cap can be made of iron, cobalt, or the like. In this way, the button cap can be attracted to the loop magnet, resulting in button deployment without relying on the button magnet.

[0053] It should be recognized that the button can be static in some embodiments. That is, there is no need for the button to be deployed or not deployed; the button can permanently protrude from the base. Such embodiments can be simpler to manufacture since there are no moving parts. The button and the loop generally still contain their respective magnets, and the operation of the fastener remains the same, i.e., the magnetic field generated by the loop magnet attracts the button magnet, thereby attracting the button into the hole of the loop. The magnetic force of the magnetic field still holds the button and the base in place relative to the loop and prevents disengagement along the cylindrical axis of the loop, while the mechanical interlock between the button and the loop prevents disengagement of the base and the loop in the radial direction.

[0054] Figures 7 - 9 Examples of methods and related operations for attaching the base 105, button 110, and loop 115 of the fastener 100 to a body of material are shown. The body of material can be any suitable structure, composition, device, layer, laminate, article, or element. For example, the body of material can be part of an automobile door, chassis, interior surface, etc. As other examples, the body of material can be a container. Still as other examples, the body of material can be a garment, and Figures 7 - 9 the description is regarding attaching the fastener 100 to two pieces of a garment.

[0055] Figure 7 A method for attaching the fastener 100 to a body of material, which in this example is a garment, is shown. More specifically, the garment includes a first portion and a second portion designed to be fastened together, for example to close or secure the garment. The loop 115 is attached to the first portion of the garment, and the base 105 is attached to the second portion of the garment.

[0056] Initially, method 700 begins with operation 705, where a first nylon loop and a second nylon loop are attached to a first portion of a garment. A loop tool composed of a loop tool top plate and a loop tool bottom plate can press the nylon loops onto the first portion of the garment, applying one or both of heat and pressure to adhere the nylon loops to the garment. As a non-limiting example, the loop tool can apply 3 megapascals of pressure and 170 degrees Celsius of heat to the nylon loops, but it should be understood that these values are non-limiting. Different pressures and / or heat can be used in different embodiments. Also, the loops do not need to be made of nylon, but can be made of any suitable material that bonds to the material body under sufficient heat and pressure.

[0057] Generally, the nylon loops are positioned on either side of the material body, i.e., the first nylon loop is below the loop tool top plate and the second nylon loop is above the loop tool bottom plate. The loop tool top plate and the loop tool bottom plate move towards each other, sandwiching the first portion of the material body between the first nylon loop and the second nylon loop. An opening can be cut in the material body to allow a positioning feature or fiducial marker protruding from the loop tool bottom plate to be received in a hole formed in the loop tool top plate, thereby ensuring alignment of the loop tool bottom plate relative to the loop tool top plate.

[0058] In operation 710, the loop tool cuts out a central hole for mounting loop 115 of fastener 100. The loop tool bottom plate forms, includes, or is attached (either removably or fixedly) with a die cutter. The loop tool top plate and the loop tool bottom plate move towards each other until the die cutter penetrates the material body, forming the central hole. Generally, although not necessarily, the completion of operation 710 does not apply any heat but applies sufficient pressure to allow the die cutter to penetrate the material body. The aforementioned positioning feature protruding from the loop tool bottom plate can again be received in the hole formed in the loop tool top plate, thereby ensuring alignment of the loop tool top plate and the loop tool bottom plate relative to each other. Generally, although also not necessarily, the portion of the material body cut by the die cutter is within the nylon loop and the nylon loop itself is not cut. In some embodiments, a laser cutter is used instead of a die cutter to perform this operation.

[0059] Next, in operation 715, magnetic loop 115 is attached to the nylon loop and / or the material body such that, when the fastener is fastened, the button protrudes through the hole formed in the first portion of the material body and into loop 115.

[0060] Figure 8Illustrated is a ring tool 800 including a ring tool top plate 805 and a ring tool bottom plate 810, which are configured to apply heat and pressure to a first nylon ring and a second nylon ring, as described with respect to operation 705. This bonds the first nylon ring and the second nylon ring to a first portion of the garment. As shown, the ring tool bottom plate 805 may include alignment features 815 that extend into holes 820 in the ring tool top plate 800. In other embodiments, these features may be omitted or arranged conversely. The ring tool top plate 805 and the ring tool bottom plate 810 are generally configured to perform operations 705-715, as described above. In some embodiments, different versions of the ring tool may perform each such operation, while in other embodiments, a single ring tool may perform all of these operations. Additionally, certain elements of the ring tool may be replaced between operations, such as adding a die cutter or the like.

[0061] Returning to Figure 7 , in operation 720, a second portion of the material body is prepared for attachment to the base, if desired. It should be appreciated that operation 720 is optional and may be omitted, depending on the nature of the material body. In this particular example of method 700, the material body is a garment and more specifically a jacket having multiple layers including a down fill. The base bonding tool compresses the layers (or some of the layers) of the down jacket in the second portion of the material body, applying heat and pressure for a period of time to fuse together at least some of the layers at the second portion. For example, the base bonding tool may fuse nylon layers to each other and / or through an intermediate layer such as a Vectran reinforcement layer, etc.; in one example, the base bonding tool may heat the material body to 170 degrees Celsius and apply a pressure of 0.475 megapascals for 15 seconds. This stabilizes the fused layers and the spacer layers (if any) relative to each other, ensuring that subsequent operations are performed simultaneously on all such layers without any layer displacement. Thus, operation 720 results in a fused stack from the second portion of the material body. As used with respect to Figure 7 , "fusing" together portions, sections, or layers of a material body means bonding them to each other by applying heat and pressure.

[0062] Subsequent to this is operation 725, where the outer layer of the material body may be fused or otherwise attached to the fused stack. The outer layer may be, for example, part of a nylon shell. The base bonding tool may again be used to fuse the outer layer to the fused stack. As a non-limiting example, the base bonding tool may apply a pressure of 0.475 megapascals at 170 degrees Celsius for 30 seconds to fuse the outer nylon layer to the fused stack. This results in a final fused structure within or from the second portion of the material body.

[0063] Next, in operation 730, a base ring is attached to the outer surface of the finally fused structure. The base ring tool aligns the first base ring and the second base ring relative to each other and the finally fused structure. Here, the first base ring and the second base ring can be nylon, but this is not required; any suitable material can be used.

[0064] The base ring tool can have a base ring top plate and a base ring bottom plate, including alignment structures such as one or more posts and sockets that ensure proper alignment of the base ring top plate and the base ring bottom plate relative to each other when the base ring tool is operated. A set of holes can pass through the material body (e.g., the fully fused structure) to allow the posts to be received by the sockets and to align the material body relative to the base tool.

[0065] Typically, the base ring top plate and the base ring bottom plate are close to each other, sandwiching the first base ring, the finally fused structure, and the second base ring therebetween. As with other operations described herein, the base ring tool applies heat and pressure to fix the first base ring and the second base ring to the fully fused structure. The base ring top plate and the base ring bottom plate typically include restraint features that prevent lateral movement of the first base ring and the second base ring relative to the base tool. As an example, the base ring top plate and the base ring bottom plate can define a series of radially extending protrusions that are received in radially extending holes defined in the base ring, thereby preventing or reducing lateral movement of the base ring.

[0066] The base ring top plate and the base ring bottom plate apply pressure to the first base ring and the second base ring to adhere or fuse them to the material body, and in particular to the fully fused structure. As a non-limiting example, the pressure can be 0.3 megapascals and the temperature can be 170 degrees Celsius, and both can be applied for 30 seconds. These values can vary depending on the composition of the first base ring and the second base ring and / or the material body.

[0067] In operation 735, a hole is cut through the material body to allow a button to pass through the hole. The hole is typically defined within the area surrounded by the top base ring and the bottom base ring, and in some cases, the hole can also be cut through the base ring. The hole can be made using a die cutter or a laser cutter.

[0068] Finally, in operation 740, the fastener base is fixed to the top nylon ring and the bottom nylon ring, where the button is fixed in the top nylon ring and the bottom nylon ring and is configured to extend through the hole created in operation 735 and the hole created in operation 710. As described herein, this allows the button to extend from the base, through the second part of the material body, through the first part of the material body, and to be received by the ring to fasten the garment.

[0069] Figure 9An exemplary embodiment of a base ring tool configured to perform one or more of operations 720 - 740 is shown. The base ring tool 900 includes a base ring top plate 905 and a base ring bottom plate 910. The base ring top plate 905 and the base ring bottom plate 910 can be reconfigured to perform different operations, or can be configured to perform all operations without any change between operations. For example, in some embodiments, a die cutter can be added to the base ring top plate 905, while in other embodiments, the die cutter can be an integrated or constant part of the base ring top plate 905.

[0070] Although embodiments have been described herein with respect to specific configurations and methods of operation, it should be understood that these embodiments, configurations, and methods are illustrative and not limiting. Some embodiments may be configured differently or operate in a different manner while still falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the proper scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims rather than by this specification.

[0071] For purposes of explanation, the foregoing description uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the described embodiments. Accordingly, the above description of the specific embodiments described herein is for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Given the above teachings, many modifications and variations will be apparent to the ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A fastener, the fastener comprising: A base; A button, the button being at least partially retained within the base; And A ring, the ring defining a hole sized to receive at least a portion of the button; wherein: The button is moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position by a magnetic field; and The movement of the button is transverse to the magnetic field.

2. The fastener according to claim 1, the fastener further comprising: A first ring magnet positioned within the ring; A second ring magnet positioned within the ring; And A button magnet positioned within the button; wherein: The first ring magnet, the second ring magnet, and the button magnet generate the magnetic field; And Magnetic attraction between the first ring magnet, the second ring magnet, and the button magnet causes the button to move into the deployed position.

3. The fastener according to claim 2, wherein, The first ring magnet and the second ring magnet are positioned at opposite locations within the ring.

4. The fastener according to claim 2, wherein, When the button is in the deployed position, the strength of the magnetic field increases.

5. The fastener according to claim 4, the fastener further comprising a sensor configured to sense the strength of the magnetic field.

6. The fastener according to claim 1, the fastener further comprising a biasing mechanism operable to move the button from the deployed position to the undeployed position by applying a biasing force to the button.

7. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein, The biasing force is less than the magnetic force of the magnetic field.

8. A fastener, the fastener comprising: A base, the base comprising: A base; and A biasing mechanism attached to the base; A button, the button being at least partially retained within the base and comprising: A button cap; and A button magnet attached to the button cap; and A ring, the ring defining a hole and comprising: A ring; and A set of ring magnets attached to the ring; wherein: A magnetic field extends between the ring magnets of the set of ring magnets; When the base abuts the ring, the magnetic field attracts the button magnet; When the magnetic field attracts the button magnet, the magnetic field moves the button from the undeployed position to the deployed position; and When the button moves from the undeployed position to the deployed position, it moves in a direction other than the polarization direction of the magnets.

9. The fastener according to claim 8, wherein, The button moves transversely to the polarization direction of the magnets.

10. The fastener according to claim 8, wherein, The biasing mechanism is a biasing magnet.

11. The fastener according to claim 10, wherein: The ring magnets are made of hard magnetic material; and The biasing magnet is made of soft magnetic material.

12. The fastener according to claim 8, wherein, The button magnet defines a first sector-shaped sidewall and a second sector-shaped sidewall opposite each other.

13. The fastener according to claim 12, wherein, When the button is in the deployed position, the button magnet focuses the magnetic field.

14. The fastener according to claim 8, wherein: The biasing mechanism is a first biasing mechanism; The fastener further comprises a second biasing mechanism attached to the base; The first biasing mechanism is a spring; And The second biasing mechanism is a magnet.

15. The fastener according to claim 8, wherein, The spring is also attached to the button magnet.

16. The fastener according to claim 8, wherein, When the button moves from the undeployed position to the deployed position, the spring resists expansion.

17. The fastener according to claim 8, wherein: The button further includes a flange attached to the button cap; and When the button is moved from the undeployed position to the deployed position, the flange is retained within the base.

18. A method for fastening a fastener, the method comprising: Moving a loop of the fastener near a base of the fastener; Magnetically attracting a button of the fastener to the loop, thereby moving the button relative to the loop; and Receiving the button within a hole defined in the loop; wherein: The magnetic field extends in a first direction; and The button moves in a direction transverse to the magnetic field.

19. The method according to claim 18, the method further comprising resisting a shear force applied to one of the loop or the base when the button is within the hole.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The loop includes a loop magnet; The button includes a button magnet; and The loop magnet and the button magnet cooperate to magnetically attract the button to the loop.

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