Closure device, particularly for bags and items of clothing in general

Abstract

A closure device (1, 1'), particularly for bags and items of clothing in general, comprising a movable part (2, 2') and a fixed part (3, 3') which are associable with, respectively, a first flap (4, 4') and a second flap (5, 5') of a bag or item of clothing in general to be closed as a result of their overlap; the movable part (2, 2') has a contoured cavity (6, 6') of the through type and a contoured pin, which is engageable in the contoured cavity (6, 6'), protrudes from the fixed part (3, 3'); the contoured pin (7, 7') comprises an end portion (7a, 7a') which is rotatable about a first rotation axis (8, 8') with respect to the remaining portion (7b, 7b') of the contoured pin (7, 7') so that it can be fastened to the movable part (2, 2'); and further comprising a control knob (9, 9'), which is associated rotatably with the movable part (2, 2') and acts on the end portion (7a, 7a') of the contoured pin (7, 7').

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure device, particularly for bags and items of clothing in general.

[0002] In the sector of fashion accessories, the use is known of closure devices adapted to allow the temporary association of two flaps of fabric or the like to be joined together.

[0003] In the specific case of bags and handbags, conventional closure devices comprise a movable part and a fixed part which are associable, respectively, with a first flap and with a second flap which are to be overlapped in order to obtain the closure of the bag.

[0004] In more detail, the movable part has a contoured cavity of the through type, and a contoured pin protrudes from the fixed part and is engageable in the contoured cavity following its insertion into the contoured cavity and the rotation of a rotatable end portion thereof.

[0005] In this way, the contoured pin of the fixed part is fastened to the contoured cavity of the movable part, so obtaining the closure.

[0006] Although conventional closure devices do achieve the purpose for which they are designed, the manner of their design means they are very often unattractive, to the point where they negatively affect the overall impression made by the bag or, more generally, by the item of clothing on which they are used.

[0007] In fact, in the closed configuration, the rotatable part of the contoured pin remains in view.

[0008] The aim of the present invention consists in providing a closure device, particularly for bags and items of clothing in general, that makes it possible to overcome the drawback complained of above.

[0009] Within this aim, an object of the present invention consists in providing a closure device that integrates with the appearance of the bag on which it is applied.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a closure device that can be provided with known technology in the technical sector of interest and therefore can be produced at low cost.

[0011] Another object of the present invention consists in providing a closure device that is capable of offering the widest assurances of reliability, efficiency and operation.

[0012] This aim and these and other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by a closure device, particularly for bags and items of clothing in general, according to claim 1.

[0013] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a closure device, particularly for bags and items of clothing in general, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of a closure device according to the invention applied to two flaps to be closed; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the closure device shown in Figure 1 with one of the two flaps shown transparent; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the closure device shown in the previous figures with its movable and fixed parts separated; Figure 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the closure device shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the closure device shown in Figure 1, seen from above; Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the closure device shown in Figure 1, seen from below; Figure 7 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the closure device shown in Figure 1; Figure 8 is a plan view from above of the closure device shown in the previous figures, with the control knob in its neutral position; Figure 9 is a plan view from above of the closure device shown in the previous figures, with the control knob in its activation position; Figure 10 is a plan view from above of the closure device shown in the previous figures, with the control knob in its deactivation position; Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a variation of the closure device shown in the previous figures, seen from above; Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the closure device shown in Figure 11, seen from below; Figure 13 is a plan view from above of the closure device shown in Figures 11 and 12, with the control knob in its neutral position and deactivation position; Figure 14 is a plan view from above of the closure device shown in Figures 11 to 13, with the control knob in its activation position.

[0014] With reference to the figures, the closure device, particularly for bags and items of clothing in general, is generally designated by the reference numeral 1 and comprises a movable part 2 and a fixed part 3 which are associable, respectively, with a first flap 4 and with a second flap 5 of a bag or item of clothing in general to be closed as a result of their overlap.

[0015] In more detail, the movable part 2 has a contoured cavity 6 of the through type defined on the side directed, in its normal conditions of use, toward the fixed part 3, and from the latter a contoured pin 7, which is engageable in the contoured cavity 6, protrudes along a substantially normal direction thereof.

[0016] More specifically, the contoured pin 7 is shaped so as to be able to pass through the contoured cavity 6 following the superimposition of the movable part 2 on the fixed part 3 or vice versa.

[0017] Conveniently, the contoured pin 7 comprises an end portion 7a which is rotatable about a first rotation axis 8, coinciding with the substantially normal direction, with respect to the remaining portion 7b of the contoured pin 7 between a release position, in which the end portion 7a is oriented with respect to the remaining portion 7b so as not to interfere with the edges of the contoured cavity 6, so as to allow the contoured pin 7 to pass through the contoured cavity 6, and an engagement position, in which the end portion 7a is rotated with respect to the release position so as to define, at the remaining portion 7b, an undercut engageable by the movable part 2 with the contoured pin 7 inserted in the contoured cavity 6.

[0018] In this way, it is possible to prevent the extraction of the contoured pin 7 from the contoured cavity 6 and thereby prevent the separation of the movable part 2 from the fixed part 3.

[0019] According to the invention, a control knob 9 is provided which is associated rotatably with the movable part 2 about a second rotation axis 10, coincident with the first rotation axis 8 when the movable part 2 is superimposed on the fixed part 3, and associable with the end portion 7a of the contoured pin 7.

[0020] More specifically, the control knob 9 is movable between a position for activating the end portion 7a, shown in Figure 9 and corresponding to the engagement position of that end portion 7a, and a position for deactivating the end portion 7a, shown in Figure 10 and corresponding to the release position of that end portion 7a.

[0021] Conveniently, this mobility of the control knob 9 occurs by departing from a neutral position, shown in Figure 8 and intermediate between the activation and deactivation positions, in which the control knob 9 is integrated in the ornamental pattern of the movable part 2.

[0022] However, in a variation shown in Figures 11 to 13 and generally designated by the reference numeral 1', as will be better described hereinafter, the neutral position can coincide with the deactivation position as shown in Figure 13.

[0023] Conveniently, for the sake of descriptive and graphic simplicity, elements present in the variation 1a which correspond to those described and shown for the main embodiment will not be described in detail except where necessary, and will be indicated graphically with the same reference numeral followed by the prime symbol "' ".

[0024] Advantageously, automatic return means 11 are provided for returning the control knob 9 to the neutral position or to the deactivation position, if this coincides with the neutral position as just mentioned above.

[0025] More specifically, the control knob 9 is movable from the neutral position to the activation and deactivation positions in contrast with the action of the automatic return means 11 and is movable from the activation and deactivation positions to the neutral position by virtue of the action of the automatic return means 11.

[0026] Advantageously, as will be better described later, the automatic return means 11 are of the magnetic type.

[0027] However, in a variation of embodiment, not shown, the automatic return means 11 can comprise elastic return elements that are technically equivalent to means of the magnetic type.

[0028] In the embodiment proposed, the movable part 2 comprises at least one first fixing plate 12 associable with the first flap 4, on the opposite side with respect to the part designed to face the second flap 5, and provided with a first group of permanent magnets 13.

[0029] Furthermore, also in the embodiment proposed, the control knob 9 is rotatably associated with the first fixing plate 12 and comprises a second group of permanent magnets 14 which is paired, in the neutral position, with the first group of permanent magnets 13.

[0030] Conveniently, the automatic return means 11 comprise the first group of permanent magnets 13 and the second group of permanent magnets 14 and these groups are expressly of opposite polarities for their mutual magnetic attraction in the neutral position.

[0031] In more detail, the control knob 9 comprises an ornamental body 15 which can be gripped ergonomically by a user and has a plurality of slots 16 which are defined on the side facing the first fixing plate 12 and are adapted to accommodate the second group of permanent magnets 14.

[0032] Conveniently, if the automatic return means 11 were absent, the details described of the control knob 9 and of the first fixing plate 12, ascribable to them, could also be absent.

[0033] Moreover, the control knob 9 comprises a cage element 17 associated with the ornamental body 9, for example by means of first screw means 18, at the side that faces toward the first fixing plate 12, and adapted to retain the second group of permanent magnets 14.

[0034] Finally, the control knob 9 comprises a cup-shaped body 19 which is integral in rotation with the ornamental body 15 and is shaped in its hollow part to accommodate, with play, the end portion 7a of the contoured pin 7.

[0035] With particular reference to the variation shown in Figures 11 to 14, conveniently the hollow part of the cup-shaped body 19' provides a shape mating with the end portion 7a' of the contoured pin 7' that is free from play so as to be able to drag the end portion 7a' in the switch between the engagement position and the release position.

[0036] Advantageously, as will be better described below, the cup-shaped body 19 has an internal cavity 20 that is larger than the end portion 7a and is shaped so as to be able to drag that end portion 7a in the switch between the engagement position and the release position and so as to allow the automatic return of the control knob 9 to the neutral position while maintaining the end portion 7a in the engagement position or release position that has been reached.

[0037] More specifically, the first fixing plate 12 has a central hole 21 which is radially narrower than the outside diameter of the cup-shaped body 19 and this is associated with the control knob 9, and more specifically with the cage element 17 by means of an additional screw 22 and a shape mating, partially passing through the central hole 21 so that the first fixing plate 12 is clamped with axial play along the second rotation axis 10 between the cup-shaped body 19 and the control knob 9.

[0038] In more detail, in the embodiment proposed, the cup-shaped body 19 has two shanks 23 inserted in dedicated accommodations 24 defined on the cage element 17 and the latter has a curvilinear guide 25 which accommodates a sliding member 26 defined on the first fixing plate 12.

[0039] The curvilinear guide 25 is conveniently dimensioned as a function of the travel that the control knob 9 is to perform between its various envisaged positions.

[0040] As a consequence, in the variation shown in Figures 11 to 14, the curvilinear guide 25' is smaller than the curvilinear guide 25 of the main embodiment.

[0041] In the proposed embodiment, the movable part 2 comprises a second fixing plate 27 associated with the first fixing plate 12, for example by means of second screw means 28, with the first flap 4 interposable between them.

[0042] The second fixing plate 27 defines the contoured cavity 6, with the latter being connected to the internal cavity 20 of the cup-shaped body 19.

[0043] Furthermore, in order to prevent accidental rotations of the control knob 9 with respect to the neutral position, there are first elastically flexible mechanical means 29 for limiting the stroke of the control knob 9 with respect to the movable part 2.

[0044] In the embodiment proposed, such first mechanical stroke limiting means 29 are provided by a ball 30 supported by a helical torsion spring 31 accommodated in a dedicated seat 32 defined on the first fixing plate 12 and acting on one or more recesses 33 defined on the cage element 17 which correspond to the neutral position and / or to the activation and deactivation positions.

[0045] Considering the fixed part 3, this comprises a third fixing plate 34 and a fourth fixing plate 35 which are mutually associated with each other, for example by means of third screw means 36, with the second flap 5 interposable between them.

[0046] Advantageously, there are a third group of permanent magnets 37 and a fourth group of permanent magnets 38, respectively, interposed between the first fixing plate 12 and the second fixing plate 27 and between the third fixing plate 34 and the fourth fixing plate 35.

[0047] Conveniently, the third and the fourth group of permanent magnets 37 and 38 are paired with each other and are of opposite polarities for their mutual magnetic attraction so as to facilitate the positioning of the movable part 2 on the fixed part 3.

[0048] In the embodiment proposed, the contoured pin 7 extends from the third fixing plate 34.

[0049] Furthermore, there are second elastically flexible mechanical means 39 for limiting the stroke of the end portion 7a of the contoured pin 7 with respect to the remaining portion 7b.

[0050] In the embodiment proposed, the end portion 7a of the contoured pin 7 is integral with a spring-loaded plunger 40 which is slideably accommodated in the remaining portion 7b, and the second mechanical stroke limiting means 39 comprise two protuberances 41 which protrude downward from the end portion 7a in the direction of the remaining portion 7b and can be selectively positioned to oppose the thrust exerted by the plunger 40 in respective slots 42 which are defined on the remaining portion 7b at the release and engagement position described previously.

[0051] The operation of the closure device 1 is described below.

[0052] Once the fixed and movable parts 2 and 3 are assembled on the respective flaps 4 and 5, then, starting from the release position, the movable part 2, when it is brought by the user closer to the fixed part 3, is attracted to the fixed part 3 by the action of the third and fourth group of permanent magnets 37 and 38, so ensuring the correct insertion of the contoured pin 7 in the contoured cavity 6 and so reaching the neutral position shown in Figure 8.

[0053] At this point, to obtain the closure of the closure device 1, the user, by acting on the control knob 9 to make it rotate clockwise as shown in Figure 9 in contrast with the action of the first and second group of permanent magnets 13 and 14, drags the end portion 7a of the contoured pin 7 in rotation, so defeating the elastic resistance both of the first mechanical stroke limiting means 29 and of the second mechanical stroke limiting means 39, and so arriving at the engagement position.

[0054] Having arrived at the engagement position, on releasing the control knob 9, by virtue of the action of the first and second group of permanent magnets 13 and 14, this returns automatically to its neutral position.

[0055] At this point, to obtain the opening of the closure device 1, the user, by acting on the control knob 9 to make it rotate anticlockwise as shown in Figure 10 in contrast with the action of the first and second group of permanent magnets 13 and 14, drags the end portion 7a of the contoured pin 7 in rotation, so defeating the elastic resistance both of the first mechanical stroke limiting means 29 and of the second mechanical stroke limiting means 39, and so returning to the release position.

[0056] Having arrived at the release position, on releasing the control knob 9, by virtue of the action of the first and second group of permanent magnets 13 and 14, this returns automatically to its neutral position.

[0057] In practice it has been found that the closure device, according to the present invention, achieves the set aim and objects, by enabling the closure of two flaps of a bag or item of clothing in general, while remaining integrated in the ornament of that bag.

[0058] In fact, depending on the brand, the control knob and the fixing plates can be contoured to reproduce a trademark or a logo, while leaving the mechanics of the closure device substantially unaltered.

[0059] The closure device thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0060] Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0061] In practice the materials employed, provided they are compatible with the specific use, and the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0062] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102024000014299 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0063] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A closure device (1, 1'), particularly for bags and items of clothing in general, comprising a movable part (2, 2') and a fixed part (3, 3') which are associable with, respectively, a first flap (4, 4') and a second flap (5, 5') of a bag or item of clothing in general to be closed as a result of their overlap; said movable part (2, 2') having a contoured cavity (6, 6'), and a contoured pin (7, 7'), which is engageable in said contoured cavity (6, 6'), protruding from said fixed part (3, 3') along a substantially normal direction thereof; said contoured pin (7, 7') comprising an end portion (7a, 7a) which is rotatable about a first rotation axis (8, 8') with respect to the remaining portion (7b, 7b) of said contoured pin (7, 7') between a release position, in which said end portion (7a, 7a') is oriented with respect to said remaining portion (7b, 7b') so as not to interfere with the edges of said contoured cavity (6, 6'), so as to allow said contoured pin (7, 7') to pass through said contoured cavity (6, 6'), and an engagement position, in which said end portion (7a, 7a') is rotated with respect to said release position so as to define an undercut engageable by said movable part (2, 2') with said contoured pin (7, 7') inserted in said contoured cavity (6) so as to prevent the extraction of said contoured pin (7) from said contoured cavity (6, 6') and thereby prevent the separation of said movable portion (2, 2') from said fixed part (3, 3'); characterized in that it comprises: - a control knob (9, 9'), which is associated rotatably with said movable part (2, 2') about a second rotation axis (10, 10'), coincident with said first rotation axis (8, 8') when said movable part (2, 2') is superimposed on said fixed part (3, 3'), and associable with said end portion (7a, 7a'); said control knob (9, 9') being movable between a position for activating said end portion (7a, 7a'), which corresponds to said engagement position of said end portion (7a, 7a'), and a position for deactivating said end portion (7a, 7a'), which corresponds to said release position of said end portion (7a, 7a').

2. The closure device (1, 1') according to claim 1, characterized in that said control knob (9, 9') is movable between said activation position and said deactivation position by passing through a neutral position, in which said control knob (9, 9') is integrated into the ornamental design of said movable part (2, 2').

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises automatic return means (11, 11') for returning to one or both of said deactivation position and said neutral position.

4. The closure device (1, 1') according to claim 3, characterized in that said automatic return means (11, 11') are of the magnetic type.

5. The closure device (1, 1') according to claim 3, characterized in that said control knob (9, 9') is movable from said neutral position to said activation and deactivation positions in contrast with the action of said automatic return means (11, 11') and is movable from said activation and deactivation positions to said neutral position by virtue of the action of said automatic return means (11, 11').

6. The closure device (1, 1') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - said movable part (2, 2') comprises at least one first fixing plate (12, 12') associable with said first flap (4, 4'), on the opposite side with respect to the part designed to face said second flap (5, 5'), and provided with a first group of permanent magnets (13); and - said control knob (9, 9') is rotatably associated with said first fixing plate (12, 12') and comprises a second group of permanent magnets (14) which is paired, in said neutral position, with said first group of permanent magnets (13); said automatic return means (11, 11') comprising said first and said second group of permanent magnets (14) and said first and said second group of permanent magnets (14) being of opposite polarities for their mutual magnetic attraction in said neutral position.

7. The closure device (1, 1') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said control knob (9, 9') comprises: - an ornamental body (15, 15') which can be gripped ergonomically by a user and has a plurality of slots (16) which are defined on the side facing said first fixing plate (12) and are adapted to accommodate said second group of permanent magnets (14); - a cage element (17, 17') associated with said ornamental body (15, 15') at said side that faces said first fixing plate (12, 12'), and adapted to retain said second group of permanent magnets (14); - a cup-shaped body (19, 19'), which is integral in rotation with said ornamental body (15, 15') and is shaped in its hollow part to accommodate said end portion (7a, 7a') of said contoured pin (7, 7').

8. The closure device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said end portion (7a) of said contoured pin (7) is accommodated with play in said cup-shaped body (19) and in that said cup-shaped body (19) has an internal cavity (20) that is larger than said end portion (7a) and is shaped so as to be able to drag said end portion (7a) in the switch between said engagement position and said release position and so as to allow the automatic return of said control knob (9) to said neutral position while maintaining said end portion (7a) in the engagement position or release position that has been reached.

9. The closure device (1') according to claim 7, characterized in that the hollow part of said cup-shaped body (19') provides a shape mating with said end portion (7a') of said contoured pin (7') that is free from play so as to be able to drag said end portion (7a') in the switch between said engagement position and said release position.

10. The closure device (1, 1') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first fixing plate (12, 12') has a central hole (21, 21') which is radially narrower than the outside diameter of said cup-shaped body (19, 19'); said cup-shaped body (19, 19') being associated with said control knob (9), partially passing through said central hole (21, 21') so that said first fixing plate (12, 12') is clamped with axial play along said second rotation axis (10, 10') between said cup-shaped body (19, 19') and said control knob (9, 9').

11. The closure device (1, 1') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movable part (2, 2') comprises a second fixing plate (27, 27') which is associated with said first fixing plate (12, 12') so that said first flap (4, 4') can be interposed between them; said second fixing plate (27, 27') defining said contoured cavity (6, 6') and said contoured cavity (6, 6') communicating with said internal cavity (20, 20') of said cup-shaped body (19, 19').

12. The closure device (1, 1') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises first elastically flexible mechanical means (29, 29') for limiting the stroke of said control knob (9, 9') with respect to said movable part (2, 2') in order to prevent accidental rotations of said control knob (9, 9') with respect to said neutral position.

13. The closure device (1, 1') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said fixed part (3, 3') comprises third and a fourth fixing plate (35, 35'), which are mutually associated, with said second flap (5, 5') interposable between them; said contoured pin (7, 7') extending from said third fixing plate (34, 34').

14. The closure device (1, 1') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a third and a fourth group of permanent magnets (37, 38, 37', 38'), respectively, interposed between said first and said second fixing plate (12, 27, 12', 27') and between said third and said fourth fixing plate (34, 35, 34', 35'); said third and said fourth group of permanent magnets (37, 38, 37', 38') being paired with each other and being of opposite polarities for their mutual magnetic attraction so as to facilitate the positioning of said movable part (2, 2') on said fixed part (3, 3').

15. The closure device (1, 1') according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises second elastically flexible mechanical means (39, 39') for limiting the stroke of said end portion (7a, 7a') of said contoured pin (7, 7') with respect to said remaining portion (7b, 7b') of said contoured pin (7, 7').

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