Switch clasp

Abstract

To provide a clasp that can function as an electrical switch. [Solution] The switch clasp comprises a first component (1) and a second component (2). The first component (1) comprises a fastening structure adapted to secure the first component to a first article. The second component (2) comprises a fastening structure adapted to secure the second component to a second article, the second component having a pull portion adapted to pull a complementary pull portion in the first component when the first and second components are engaged. At least one of the first component (1) and the second component (2) comprises a sensor that responds to the engagement and disengagement of the first and second components switching from a first condition to a second condition, and outputs a signal corresponding to the condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch clasp, which can act as a clasp, an electric switch, or a clasp that can act as an electric switch. As a non-limiting example, a switch clasp can find applications in clothing or bags that can trigger an electrical signal by the operation of opening and closing the clasp. The switch clasp also provides the function of a clasp that enables a piece of clothing or a bag to be fastened or secured. For example, in a bag, the clasp can hold a closure flap in a closed state. However, the switch clasp can also temporarily fix any article or part of an article to another part of the article or any other article and provide an indication via an electrical signal as to whether the article is fixed or not.

Background Art

[0002] Chinese Utility Model Patent No. 210696397 discloses a magnetic clasp used for fixing the closure flap of a bag such as a shoulder bag. The clasp according to Chinese Utility Model Patent No. 210696397 includes a male component and a female assembly. The male component includes a protrusion in which a magnet of a first polarity is incorporated and a mount for attaching the male component to a film such as the closure flap of a bag. The female assembly includes a socket in which a magnetic element of a second polarity is incorporated and a mount for attaching the female assembly to the body of the bag. To close the flap with respect to the body, the flap is operated to engage with the protrusion of the socket, where it is held by magnetic attraction. Opening the bag is easily achieved by applying sufficient force in a direction to overcome the magnetic attraction. Chinese Utility Model Patent No. 21069639 does not describe an electric switch.

[0003] Many other known types of clasps exist that comprise male and female components. For example, there are "latch" and "snap" clasps, in which the male and / or female components elastically deform to allow the male to be fitted into the female, and then "snap" back to their original shape, or a shape close to it, thereby securing the male and female components relative to each other. Another example of a clasp type is a rotor clasp, in which one of the male and / or female components is a "rotor" that is rotatable so as to fix the relative positions of the male and female components.

[0004] A clasp is used to fasten two items together. Typically, clasps are used to fasten closure flaps on bags such as handbags, shoulder bags, or backpacks. Clasps are also used to fasten opposing sides of a bag or clothing. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention: A first component having a fastening structure, wherein the fastening structure is adapted to secure the first component to a first article; A second component (2) having a fastening structure, the fastening structure being adapted to secure the second component to a second article, and the second component having a pull portion adapted to pull a complementary pull portion of the first component when the first and second components are engaged. A switch clasp is provided that includes the following: At least one of the first and second components includes a sensor that responds to the engagement and disengagement of the first and second components, which switch from a first condition to a second condition, and outputs a signal corresponding to the condition.

[0006] As used herein, the term “clasp” is intended to refer to a device having first and second parts that lock together and are used to fasten articles together. Each of Figures 1-36 shows an example of a clasp.

[0007] The “first” and “second” parts of the switch clasp may also be referred to as the “male” and “female” parts.

[0008] The “first” and “second” articles may refer to opposing sides of a bag or garment. The “first” and “second” articles may refer to the closure flap of a bag, or the garment and the rest of the bag or garment. The “first” and “second” articles may refer to any two articles to be fastened via a clasp.

[0009] The fastening structure of the first component may be staples. The fastening structure of the second component may be staples.

[0010] The fastening structure of the first component may be a pair of flanges. The fastening structure of the second component may be a pair of flanges.

[0011] The fastening structure of the first component may consist of a plurality of holes formed in the first component, configured to receive threads for suturing the first component to the first article. The fastening structure of the second component may consist of a plurality of holes formed in the second component, configured to receive threads for suturing the second component to the second article.

[0012] The attracting part may be a permanent magnet, and the complementary attracting part may be or may include a paramagnetic or ferromagnetic material.

[0013] The attracting part may be a pin, and a complementary attracting part may be a spring clip.

[0014] The attraction part may be a rotor, and a complementary attraction part may be a surface configured to contact the rotor. The sensor may be responsive to the rotation of the rotor.

[0015] The pull-in part may be a hoop. The complementary pull-in part may have a wedge-shaped surface. The complementary pull-in part may have a wedge-shaped surface and a lip. The lip of the complementary pull-in part may be configured to contact the hoop.

[0016] The pull-in part may consist of a pair of zipper teeth. The complementary pull-in part may consist of a pair of complementary zipper teeth.

[0017] The sensor may be a switch. The sensor may be a push-button switch. The sensor may be a lever switch. The switch may be included in the first component and may switch from a first condition to a second condition via contact with the second component. The switch may be included in the second component and may switch from a first condition to a second condition via contact with the first component.

[0018] The sensor may be a magnetic sensor. The sensor may be a reed switch. The sensor may be a Hall effect sensor. The sensor may be a magnetic sensor configured to detect an attracting part. The sensor may be a magnetic sensor configured to detect a permanent magnet acting as an attracting part. The magnetic sensor may be configured to switch from a first condition to a second condition when a first component is brought close to a second component.

[0019] The sensor may be a potentiometer. The sensor may be a rotary switch. The sensor may be connected to a rotor, and the rotation of the rotor may switch the sensor from a first condition to a second condition.

[0020] The sensor may be an electrical contact switch. The sensor may be movable and have a conductive element that can break or complete an electrical circuit. The conductive element may be a zip tooth. The zip tooth can complete an electrical circuit when positioned between a pair of adjacent zip teeth in an opposing pair of zip teeth. By completing the electrical circuit, the sensor can be switched from a first condition to a second condition.

[0021] The first condition can be the switch in the "on" or "off" state, while the second condition can be the switch in the opposite "off" or "on" state.

[0022] A switch clasp may have one or more output devices. These one or more output devices may include: visual output devices such as LEDs and light bulbs; audio output devices such as buzzers, speakers and alarms; or one or more non-sensory outputs such as silent alarms or location-determining means.

[0023] The switch clasp may have an electrical connector that can be connected to one or more output devices of an external circuit. The sensor may act as a switch that controls one or more output devices of an external circuit.

[0024] The first condition of the sensor may correspond to the output device being active or inactive. The second condition may correspond to the output device being active or inactive.

[0025] Some embodiments of the present invention include a switch clasp comprising a first part having a fastening structure adapted to fix the first part to a first article, and a second part having a fastening structure adapted to fix the second part to a second article, wherein the first part has a permanent magnet element polarized to be attracted to a permanent magnet element or ferromagnetic element in the second part when the first and second parts are brought close to each other, and at least one of the first and second parts includes a sensor sensitive to the output of an electrical signal in response to engagement or disengagement of the first and second parts.

[0026] The fastening structure for either the first part or the second part may be in the form of a frame or housing having protrusions forming the rim of a staple, however, the fastening means may also or instead include a mechanism such as a hole or protrusion for engaging a thread so that these parts can be fixed by stitching to an article. The fastening means may also or instead have a mechanism such as a threaded hole adapted to receive a screw or machine screw or rivet. The fastening structure may be adapted for fixing by an adhesive or welding.

[0027] The switch clasp is initially envisioned as a closure for a bag having a body and a fastening for a closure flap of some form, thus the articles to be held together by the clasp are parts of a single article. However, each article to which the parts are respectively fastened may be completely separable.

[0028] The sensor is preferably located on only one of the first part or the second part. This means that the electrical contacts for reading the sensor are only required on one article, and the steps for installing the switch clasp and connecting it to a reading device that responds to an electrical signal are minimal. Preferred forms of the sensor are a monostable microswitch or a magnetic proximity switch, i.e., a Hall or Reed switch. In the case of some clasps, a rotary switch is used for placement such that, depending on the use, the circuit in the first condition can be constantly open or closed, and the circuit in the second condition can be closed. The reading device will depend on the intended purpose of the switch clasp, but a light or an alarm may be useful. Thus, in an application where the switch clasp is the clasp of a handbag, opening the clasp can light a light inside the body of the bag to illuminate the contents, or in the case of an unauthorized opening, the switch clasp can sound an alarm.

[0029] An embodiment of a switch clasp configured according to the present invention will be described here as merely an example with reference to the accompanying drawings as follows.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the separated first and second parts of the switch clasp. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the separated first and second parts of the switch clasp of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of the separated first and second parts of the switch clasp of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the engaged first and second parts of the switch clasp of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the engaged first and second parts of the switch clasp of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of the engaged first and second parts of the switch clasp of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an exploded side view of the female component of a switch clasp that includes a power supply and output device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the switch clasp, which includes a cover and a second switch. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of the switch clasp of Figure 8 with the first and second components engaged. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a side cross-sectional view of the switch clasp of Figure 8 with the first and second components separated. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an exploded side view of a switch clasp equipped with a lever switch. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a side cross-sectional view of a switch clasp with a cover having shoulders, where the first and second parts are separated. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a side cross-sectional view of the switch clasp 2 of Figure 1, in which the first and second components are engaged. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows a side cross-sectional view of a switch clasp comprising a power supply and a lever switch, with the first and second components separated. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows a perspective exploded view of a switch clasp with its components separated, including a power supply, an output device, and a second switch. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows a side cross-sectional view of a switch clasp having a female component equipped with a magnetic sensor. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows a side cross-sectional view of a switch clasp having a male component equipped with a magnetic sensor. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows a side cross-sectional view of a switch clasp comprising a snap pin and a push-button switch, with the first and second components separated. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows a side cross-sectional view of a switch clasp comprising a snap pin and a magnetic sensor, with the first and second components separated. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows an exploded perspective view of the switch clasp 9 in Figure 1. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows a side cross-sectional view of a switch clasp with a rotor, in which the first and second components are engaged. [Figure 22] Figure 22 shows a perspective view of the switch clasp of Figure 21, in which the first and second components are engaged and the rotor is in a closed configuration. [Figure 23] Figure 23 shows a perspective view of the switch clasp of Figure 21 with the first and second parts separated and the rotor in the inserted position. [Figure 24] Figures 24(a) and (b) show exploded perspective and exploded side views, respectively, of the switch clasp shown in Figure 23. [Figure 25] Figures 25(a) and (b) show exploded perspective and side views, respectively, of a switch clasp equipped with a rotor and a magnetic sensor. [Figure 26] Figure 26 shows a side cross-sectional view of the switch clasp shown in Figures 25(a) and (b). [Figure 27] Figures 27(a) and (b) show a side view and a side cross-sectional view of a switch clasp comprising a rotor and a rotating part, respectively. [Figure 28] Figure 28 shows a perspective view of the switch clasp shown in Figures 27(a) and (b). [Figure 29] Figure 29 shows a side cross-sectional view of a switch clasp comprising a wedge face, a magnetic sensor, and a hoop, with the first and second components engaged. [Figure 30] Figure 30 shows a perspective view of the switch clasp from Figure 29, with the first and second components separated. [Figure 31] Figure 31 shows a side cross-sectional view of the male component of a switch clasp, which includes a wedge-shaped surface and a lever switch. [Figure 32] Figure 32 shows a side cross-sectional view of the switch clasp from Figure 31, in which the male lever switch component is compressed by the female hoop component. [Figure 33] Figure 33 shows a side view of a switch clasp having a male component with a wedge face and a lip. [Figure 34]Figures 34(a) to (c) show plan views of a switch clasp equipped with a zipper and a magnetic sensor. [Figure 35] Figures 35(a) to (c) show plan views of a switch clasp comprising a zip and a pair of conductive tracks coupled to individual zip teeth. [Figure 36] Figures 36(a) and (b) show a side view and a perspective view of the fabric attached to the zipper, respectively. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a switch clasp according to the first embodiment. Figures 2 and 3 show a side view and a side cross-sectional view of the switch clasp assembly of Figure 1, respectively.

[0032] The switch clasp of the first embodiment has a first component provided by a female assembly (also referred to as the "female component") 1, and a second component provided by a detachable male component 2. The female assembly 1 comprises a housing 3, a permanent magnet 4 providing the attraction portion, a float 5, a microswitch 6, a circuit board 7, a cap 8, and staples 9 providing the fastening structure. In other embodiments, the switch 6 is not a microswitch.

[0033] The housing 3 comprises a cylindrical outer wall 10 extending from the outer edge of an annular top plate 11. A cylindrical inner wall 12 extends from an axial opening 13 formed in the top plate 11, providing an annular magnet chamber in which an annular magnet 4 is fixed. The depth of the inner wall 12 is considerably shallower than the depth of the outer wall, approximately 1 / 4 in this example, and the depth of the magnet 4 is about twice as deep as the depth of the inner wall. The magnet 4 may be fixed in the magnet chamber with adhesive, or it may be fixed by forming retaining ribs 14 in the outer wall 10 so that the magnet is pressed against the housing during assembly (i.e., the retaining ribs 14 extend radially inward from the outer wall 10 and abut against the lower surface of the magnet 4 to fix the position of the magnet 4). Additionally, or alternatively, the magnet 4 may be fixed in the magnet chamber by magnetic attraction to the housing 3. In embodiments with retaining ribs 14, the distance between the ribs 14 and the top plate 11 is equal to the depth of the magnet 4.

[0034] The housing 3 may be formed from or contain any of the following preferred rigid materials. The housing may be formed from or contain any of the following metals, such as copper. The housing 3 may be formed from or contain any of the following preferred plastics. In some embodiments, the housing 3 is formed from or contains any of the following malleable rigid materials. In some embodiments, the housing 3 is formed from or contains any of the following malleable rigid materials that are ferromagnetic or paramagnetic (i.e., they are positively attracted to permanent magnets).

[0035] The enclosure 3 may be waterproof. The female component 1 of the switch clasp may be waterproof to protect the internal circuit components from water.

[0036] A switch clasp may have an operating temperature range of -15°C to 100°C. A switch clasp may be configured to withstand temperatures of -15°C to 100°C. A switch clasp may be configured to protect internal circuit components from temperature damage at temperatures of -15°C to 100°C.

[0037] The float 5 comprises a thin disk 5a, and a cylindrical boss 15 extends axially from the disk 5a to form a sliding fit on the annulus of the magnet 4. The radius of the cylindrical boss 15 is substantially equal to the radius of the axial opening 13, so that the cylindrical boss 15 can slide freely within the opening 13. A through hole 16 may be formed on the axis of the float 5. A monostable microswitch 6 is mounted below the float 5. The switch 6 has two switching states: on and off. As shown in Figure 3, the actuator pin 17 of the microswitch is biased by a spring 17a and pressed against the underside of the float 5, so that the float 5 is pressed against the magnet 4. The through hole 16 may be configured to maintain through-magnetic flux lines. The microswitch 6 is mounted on a disk-shaped circuit board 7 to provide electrical contacts 18. The switch 6 is soldered to the circuit board 7.

[0038] The electrical contact 18 is aligned with an opening 19 formed in the cap 8, thereby enabling connection to a conductor of an external circuit. The electrical contact 18 is a conductive location on the circuit board 7 aligned with the opening 19. The external conductor may be provided to provide means for electrical conduction between the electrical contact 18 and the external circuit component. For example, the electrical contact 18 may be configured to electrically connect the circuit board 7, together with a microswitch 6 mounted thereon, to an external circuit. The external circuit may include a power source such as a battery. The external circuit may include one or more output devices such as an LED, light bulb, buzzer, speaker, vibration means, silent alarm, location means, etc. The external circuit component may be configured to provide further electronic processing or communication with an external device such as a smartphone. The electrical contact 18 is electrically connectable to the external circuit via a conductive wire (e.g., copper wire) passed through the opening 19. In other embodiments, instead of a conductive wire, the circuit board 7 may be connected to the external circuit using a ribbon cable or any other suitable means.

[0039] In other embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the power supply and output device are integrated with the female component 1 of the clasp, and in such embodiments, an external circuit may not be present. In such embodiments, the opening 19 and electrical contacts 18 may be omitted. In other embodiments, only one of the power supply or output device is integrated with the female component 1, and an external circuit is still required.

[0040] The cap 8 is a disc made of a plastically deformable material such as metal or plastic, which is processed, for example by stamping, to form a pair of rims protruding from staples 9 to provide a fastening structure to the female component 1. In some embodiments, the staples 9 are separate components connected to the cap 8. In such examples, the staples 9 may be connected to the cap 8 via adhesive, screws, or any other preferred means. The cap 8 is fixed to the opening bottom of the housing 3 by a deformable clip mechanism 20 protruding from the lower edge of the outer wall 10. During assembly, the circuit board 7 abuts against the first side of the cap 8, and the deformable clip mechanism 20 abuts against the periphery of the second side of the cap 8.

[0041] To disassemble female component 1, the cap 8 is removed. To remove the cap 8 from housing 3, the user applies force to the cap and then to the deformation clip mechanism 20. The user may also apply force to the cap 8 via the staple 9. In some embodiments, the cap 8 includes a retaining portion (not shown) that allows the user to firmly grip the cap 8 in order to apply force to it.

[0042] As clearly shown in Figure 3, the cap 8, circuit board 7, microswitch 6, float 5, and magnet 4 form an interlocking fit within the housing 3 so that each component is held in a fixed position relative to the others.

[0043] In other embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 8-16, the cap 8 may be replaced by the cover 26.

[0044] The male component 2 is formed from a cylindrical projection 21 having dimensions that fit into the opening 13. The projection 21 is concentrically mounted on a disk 22 made of a ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material such as steel, which is attracted to an annular magnet 4. The disk 22 acts as a complementary attracting component. In a modified example, the disk 22 may be a permanent magnet to increase the attractive force between the disk 22 and the magnet 4. Staples 23 are fixed to the back surface of the disk 22 by spot welding to provide a fastening structure to the second male component. In other embodiments, staples 23 are fixed to the back surface of the disk 22 by adhesive or any other suitable means.

[0045] The shape and size of the disk 22 of the male component 2 are substantially equivalent to the shape and size of the top surface 11 of the housing 3 of the female component 1. However, this is not mandatory.

[0046] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1-3, the projection 21 is shown mounted concentrically on the disk 22, but it is not essential that the projection 21 be in the center. In other embodiments, the projection 21 may be mounted anywhere on the disk 22. Similarly, the opening 13 of the female component 1 is not limited to being a central opening. The opening 13 needs to be configured to accommodate the projection 21.

[0047] In use, the female assembly 1 is fastened to an article, or a part of an article such as the body of a handbag, by passing the rim of the staple 9 through the sheath (also referred to as the "web") of the bag. The male component 2 is fastened to another article, or another part of an article such as the closure flap of a bag, by passing the rim of the staple 23 through the corresponding sheath of the flap. The male and female components 2,1 can be used in place of a standard clasp. The male and female components 2,1 can be fastened to opposing sides of a bag, such as a handbag, to provide fastening means to the bag. The male and female components 2,1 can be fastened to the bag and the closure flap of the bag, or vice versa, to provide fastening means to the bag.

[0048] In some embodiments, one or both of the staples 23,9 are replaced by an alternative fastening structure. In some embodiments, an adhesive may be used to fasten the male and / or female parts 2,1 to the relevant parts (e.g., a film, closure flap) of an article (e.g., a bag, clothing, etc.). In some embodiments, the disc 22 may have a plurality of sewing holes configured to allow the male part 2 to be sewn to its respective part. In some embodiments, the cap 8 may have a plurality of sewing holes configured to allow the female part 1 to be sewn to its respective part.

[0049] As the male component 2 is brought close to the female component 1, the force generated by the magnet 4 attracts the disk 22, and the projection 21 is retracted into the opening 13 until the disk 22 contacts the top plate 11 of the housing 3. The depth of the projection 21 presses against the float 5 to exceed the depth of the magnet 4. The projection 21 thus displaces the float 5 from the magnet 4 to the extent necessary to switch the state condition of the microswitch 6 (i.e., to turn the switch on / off). Figures 4-6 show the male component 2 housed inside the female component 1 (i.e., the male component 2 and the female component 1 are engaged).

[0050] The presence of the float 5 ensures that the action of the spring 17a provides a continuous compressive force that biases the circuit board 7 and the cap 8 against the retaining clip 20, thereby holding the circuit board 7 and the cap 8 in their respective positions. The float 5 is not an essential feature of the present invention and is removed in other embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 7.

[0051] When the terminal 18 (also referred to as the "electrical contact") of the microswitch 6 is connected to a control circuit, the change in the state of the microswitch 6 can be used to switch the light on / off inside the handbag, or, if the alarm has not been deactivated first, to trigger an alarm indicating improper release of the clasp. The switch 6 can be used as part of any external circuit. The switch 6 can be used as a switch for an external circuit connected via the contact 18. The external circuit may be housed in the same item as the clasp (for example, the external circuit may be housed inside the bag or connected to the bag).

[0052] Figures 1-6 show a male component 2 having a cylindrical projection 21 and a female component 1 having a circular opening 13. However, in other embodiments, the projection 21 and the opening 13 can have any other shape, as long as the projection 21 is configured to fit into the opening 13. For example, the opening 13 can be a square, rectangle, triangle, etc.

[0053] Figures 1-6 show male and female parts 2,1 having a circular cross-section (i.e., they are substantially cylindrical), but in other embodiments they may have any other cross-sectional shape.

[0054] As briefly described above, Figures 4-6 correspond to Figures 1-3, but the male component 2 is connected to the female component 1. As shown in Figure 6, the spring 17a is compressed via the actuator pin 17 to change the switch state of the microswitch 6 (i.e., on / off, open circuit or closed circuit). The actuator pin 17 is held in the compressed position via the projection 21 and then held in place by the magnetic force between the magnet 4 and the disk 22. The magnetic force between the magnet 4 and the disk 22 is strong enough to compress the spring 17a by a sufficient amount to change the state of the switch 6.

[0055] The switch 6 shown above and in Figures 1-6 is a push-button switch. The switch state of switch 6 can be changed (i.e., the switch is turned on / off) by compressing the actuator pin 17. In other embodiments, any other preferred type of switch 6 may be used. For example, in some embodiments such as the embodiment in Figure 11, switch 6 is a lever switch, and the projection 21 is configured to actuate the lever to change the switch state of the lever switch (i.e., turn the switch on or off).

[0056] In other embodiments, the switch 6 may be configured to detect the presence of the magnet 4. In such embodiments, the switch 6 can be located on either the male component 2 or the female component 1, and the magnet can be placed on the opposite side. In such embodiments, the switch 6 may be a Hall effect sensor or a reed switch. Such embodiments are described later in this specification with reference to, for example, Figures 16 and 17.

[0057] As explained above, the electrical contacts 18 allow the switch 6 to be electrically connected to an external circuit component, and the external circuit component may have one or more output devices. By connecting the male and female components 2,1 and therefore operating the switch 6, it is possible to activate or deactivate one or more output devices.

[0058] Figure 7 shows an exploded side view of the female component 1 of a switch clasp according to another embodiment. The male component (not shown) of this embodiment is substantially equivalent to the male component 2 of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6.

[0059] The circuit board 7, microswitch 6, and magnet 4 are equivalent to the corresponding components in the embodiments shown in Figures 1-6, but the float is removed. During assembly, the actuator pin 17 of the microswitch 6 extends into the opening of the magnet 4, and during use, the projection 21 of the male component 2 applies force directly to the actuator pin 17 instead of the float to operate the switch 6. In other embodiments, the switch 6 may be any other preferred type of switch, such as a lever switch, as already described.

[0060] Female component 1 comprises an output device 101 and a battery 103. In this embodiment, the battery is a coin cell, but in other embodiments, it may be any other type of battery or power source. In the embodiment of Figure 7, there are three output devices 101, but in other embodiments, there may be one output device, two output devices, or any other number of output devices.

[0061] During assembly, the output device 101 is mounted to and / or electrically connected to the circuit board 7 (for example, the output device 101 can be soldered to the circuit board 7). The battery 103 is mounted to and / or electrically connected to the circuit board 7. The battery 103 supplies power to the circuit board 7 and other circuit components in the female component 1. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the cap 8 includes battery contacts 105. The battery contacts 105 are configured to hold / secure the battery 103 in place relative to the circuit board 7 during assembly, so that the battery 103 becomes detached and replaceable when the user disassembles the female component 1 and removes the cap 8. Alternatively, or additionally, the battery contacts 105 may provide an electrical connection between the battery 103 and the circuit board 7.

[0062] Unlike the embodiments shown in Figures 1-6, the cap 8 does not have an opening 19 because the output device 101 and the battery 103 are housed within the housing 3 of the female component 1. Since both the battery 103 and the output device 101 are contained within the female component 1, there is no need to connect the clasp to any external circuit component. For example, a circuit board 7 can be used to provide a circuit having the battery 103, the output device 101, and the switch 6 in a simple series circuit. In such embodiments, the output device 101 is turned on / off by operating the switch 6 (via the protrusion 21 of the male component 2). The output device 101 could be a light bulb, LED, audio device, etc. In other embodiments, the cap 8 still has an opening, and the female component 1 may be connected to an external circuit component to provide additional functionality.

[0063] The outer wall 10 of the housing 3 is provided with slots 104. The slots 104 prevent the outer wall 10 from blocking the output of the output device 101. For example, in an embodiment where the output device 101 is an LED or a light bulb, the slots 104 allow light to pass away from the housing 10, illuminating the area around the female component 1 of the switch clasp. In an embodiment where the output device 101 is a buzzer, a speaker, or any other type of audio device, the slots 104 allow sound to pass through and propagate without obstruction. In other embodiments, the housing 3 may have a plurality of slots 104. In other embodiments, the housing 3 may have one or more passages of alternative shapes instead of slots 104. For example, the housing 3 may have one or more holes of any shape and size.

[0064] In other embodiments, the female component 1 may include a battery 103 without also including an output device 101, or vice versa. In such embodiments, the cap 8 includes one or more openings 19 that allow connection to external circuit components.

[0065] Other embodiments of the present invention are shown in Figures 8-10, which differ from the embodiments in Figures 1-6 in that the float 5 and the staple 9 are omitted. The male component 2 of the switch clasp is the same as that in the embodiments in Figures 1-6.

[0066] Instead of staples 9, the female component 1 is adapted to be secured to the web (also referred to herein as the “coating”) by an annular flange 24 extending around the housing 3 during use. The flange 24 cooperates with a flange 25 formed on an elastically deformable monostable cover 26 to sandwich the web between them, thereby providing a fastening structure. The cover 26 is dome-shaped. In the embodiments shown in Figures 8-10, the cover 26 is used in place of a cap.

[0067] The cover 26 is provided with elastically deformable clasp teeth 100 used to clamp the flanges 24 and 25 together. The housing 3 is provided with internal ribs 102 configured to engage with the clamping teeth 100 to fix the position of the cover 26 relative to the housing 3. During assembly, the clasp teeth 100 engage with the internal ribs 102 formed in the housing 3 to firmly fix the relative positions of the flanges 24 and 25 relative to each other. The internal ribs 102 are radial projections extending inward from the outer wall 10 of the housing 3. The clasp teeth 100 are configured to enter the housing 3 and engage with the internal ribs 102. Each clasp tooth 100 has a hook portion, and the clasp tooth 100 "engages" with the internal ribs 102 when the hook portion is positioned between adjacent internal ribs 102.

[0068] In other embodiments, such as those shown in Figure 11, there are multiple internal ribs 102 that allow the clasp teeth 100 to be inserted into the housing 3 at various distances. The ability to fix the clasp teeth 100 to any of the multiple internal ribs 102 of the housing 3 allows the flanges 24 and 25 to be fixed at various relative distances from each other, thereby enabling the flanges 24 and 25 to clamp various materials of different thicknesses.

[0069] In other embodiments, the clasp teeth 100 and internal ribs 102 can be replaced with corresponding threaded portions in the housing 3 and cover 26.

[0070] The dome-shaped cover 26 can be temporarily deformed by pressure from a finger or the like to activate the second microswitch 27. Alternatively, the dome 26 may have a hole through which the actuator of the switch 27 extends, allowing the user to activate the switch 27. The second microswitch 27 is positioned on the opposite side of the circuit board 7 from the first microswitch 6 and is substantially located on the central axis of the switch clasp. The second microswitch 27 therefore provides additional logic to the switch clasp, for example, an alarm that would otherwise be activated by releasing the clasp can be deactivated by pressing a button formed by the cover. In other embodiments, the second microswitch 27 is used to deactivate an LED or other output device or an external circuit component. In the embodiments shown in Figures 8-10, the second microswitch 27 is a push-button switch. In other embodiments, the second microswitch 27 is a lever-operated switch. In some embodiments, the female component 1 includes a cover 26 but does not include a second microswitch.

[0071] In some embodiments, as described in relation to other embodiments, the circuit board 7 is connected to external circuit components / devices via suitable conductive means (e.g., conductive wires, conductive ribbons). In some examples, the conductive means passes between flanges 24, 25 to provide an electrical connection between the circuit board 7 and the external circuit components / devices. In other embodiments, the cover 26 is provided with one or more holes through which conductors can pass and extend.

[0072] Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the switch clasp that is substantially the same as the embodiments shown in Figures 8-10. Figure 11 shows an exploded side view of the female component 1 of the switch clasp. The male component 2 (not shown) of the switch clasp in this embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1-6.

[0073] As shown in the embodiments of Figures 8-10, the switch clasp includes a dome-shaped cover 26 along with flanges 24 and 25. The switch clasp in Figure 11 does not include a second microswitch.

[0074] Figure 11 shows elastically deformable clasp teeth 100 formed on and extending from the dome-shaped cover 26. During assembly, the clasp teeth 100 engage with internal ribs 102 formed inside the housing 3 to firmly fix the relative positions of the flanges 24 and 25, as shown in the embodiments of Figures 8-10.

[0075] In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the switch 6 is a lever switch, not a push-button switch. When the male component 2 is housed in the female component 1, the magnetic force between the magnet 4 and the disk 22 causes the protrusion 21 to actuate the lever of the switch 6, thereby changing the switch state.

[0076] In some embodiments, one or more output devices 101 are installed on and / or electrically connected to the circuit board 7. The one or more output devices 101 may include one or more of the following: lights, buzzers, alarms, speakers, etc. In the example of Figure 11, the output devices 101 are preferred, and the second microswitch 27 is omitted. However, in other embodiments, the switch clasp may include the second microswitch 27, as well as one or more output devices 101. In embodiments where the output devices 101 are located within the female component 1, the circuit board 7 may be connected to an external circuit component to provide power (for example, the circuit board 7 may be connected to a battery).

[0077] Figures 12 and 13 show side cross-sectional views of clasp switches according to other embodiments. The embodiments in Figures 12 and 13 are generally similar to the embodiments in Figures 8 to 10, except that the second microswitch 27 is mounted eccentrically to the circuit board 7 near the periphery of the cover dome 26. A shoulder portion 28 is formed on the inner surface of the cover dome 26, creating a space between the circuit board 7 and the cover 26 that is just large enough to accommodate the microswitch 27 when the cover 26 is in a stable state. With this configuration, only minimal movement of the cover 26 is required to press down and operate the second microswitch 27. This reduces the deformation of the cover 26 required, and therefore increases the durability of the cover 26.

[0078] The embodiments in Figures 12 and 13 also differ from the embodiments in Figures 8-10 in that the coin cell battery 103 is connected to the circuit board 7 via the battery contacts 105. This is not a mandatory mechanism, and instead, an external power supply may be connected to the circuit components within the female component 1.

[0079] Figure 14 shows a side cross-sectional view of a switch clasp according to another embodiment.

[0080] The female component 1 in this embodiment is generally the same as the female component 1 in the embodiments shown in Figures 8-10 and 12-13, except that the microswitch 6 is a lever-operated type instead of a push-button type. Instead of using clip teeth 100, the cover 26 is equipped with a threaded sleeve 29 that supports the circuit board 7. The threaded sleeve 29 facilitates the fastening of the cover 26 to the corresponding threaded outer wall 30 of the housing 3 from which the flange 24 extends. Once the cover 26 is screwed into the housing 3 through a correspondingly sized hole in the web, the flange 25 tightens the web against the flange 24.

[0081] Figure 15 shows an exploded perspective view of a switch clasp according to another embodiment. The embodiment in Figure 15 is substantially similar to the embodiment in Figure 14, except that the sleeve 29 is not threaded. Instead, the sleeve comprises clasp teeth 100. The housing 3 comprises a plurality of annular ribs 102 extending inward from the outer wall 10. The clasp teeth 100 are configured to engage with the annular ribs 102 to clamp together flanges 24, 25.

[0082] In the embodiments shown in Figures 14 and 15, the female component 1 includes a coin cell battery 103 and an output device 101. In such embodiments, it is not necessary to connect the circuit board 7 or the switch 6 to an external circuit component.

[0083] Figure 16 shows an alternative switch clasp according to another embodiment of the present invention. The switch clasp comprises a male component 2 and a female component 1.

[0084] Female component 1 comprises a housing 3 and a cover 26. Housing 3 comprises a flange 24, and cover 26 comprises a flange 25. As described in relation to other embodiments, flanges 24 and 25 sandwich the material / web between them. Female component 1 comprises a circuit board 7 housed between cover 26 and housing 3.

[0085] Female component 1 is equipped with a switch 6 adjacent to an opening 13 formed in the housing 3. The switch 6 is a reed switch or a magnetic sensor such as a Hall effect sensor.

[0086] The male component 2 is equipped with an annular magnet 4 adjacent to a protrusion 21. When in use, the protrusion 21 of the male component 2 enters the opening 13 of the female component 1, and the magnet sensor 6 detects the presence of the magnet 4 and generates a signal to, for example, activate one or more output devices or provide the signal to an external circuit component. The housing 3 contains or is made of a magnetic material so that it receives a positive attractive force to the annular magnet 4 when it is in close proximity to the magnet 4.

[0087] Figure 17 shows an alternative switch clasp according to another embodiment of the present invention. The switch clasp comprises a male component 2 and a female component 1. The switch clasp of this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment mainly in that the male component 2 comprises a switch 6. In this embodiment, the switch 6 is a reed switch or a magnetic sensor such as a Hall effect sensor.

[0088] Female component 1 includes an annular magnet 4 surrounding a central opening 13. Male component 2 is formed from a paramagnetic and / or ferromagnetic material, or includes a housing 47 containing these materials, thereby receiving an attractive force when brought close to the annular magnet 4 of female component 1. The housing 47 of male component 2 defines a projection 21 configured to fit into the opening 13 of female component 1. Male component 2 includes a circuit board 7 fixed in place by the housing 47. A switch 6 is mounted in the center of the circuit board 7. The switch 6 is mounted on the circuit board 7 such that the switch 6 extends onto the projection 21.

[0089] The male component 2 comprises a cover 26. The cover 26 comprises a male threaded sleeve that engages with a female threaded sleeve portion of the housing 47. The user can rotate and remove the cover 26 to access the circuit board 7 and any components mounted thereon. The cover 26 comprises a flange 25, and 47 comprises a flange 24. The flanges 24 and 25 are configured to clamp a material or web between them, as in the embodiments described above.

[0090] As the protrusion 21 of the male component 2 enters the opening 13 of the female component 1, the magnetic sensor 6 detects the presence of the annular magnet 4 and generates a signal to activate, for example, one or more output devices or external circuit components. The housing 47 is formed from or contains a magnetic material so as to receive a magnetic attraction when it is close to the magnet 4. The magnetic attraction between the housing 47 and the magnet 4 results in coupling between the male component 2 and the female component 1.

[0091] Figure 18 shows a side cross-sectional view of a switch clasp according to another embodiment. The embodiment in Figure 18 comprises a female component 1 and a male component 2.

[0092] Female component 1 is formed from a generally annular housing 3, where the inner wall 12 gradually forms an opening 13 extending downward from the edge of the housing 3. An elastically deformable spring clip 31 is screwed in through the opening formed in the inner wall 12. The side wall 30 of the housing 3 extends downward from the edge of the housing and forms a chamber in which the microswitch 6 is housed, such that the actuator of the microswitch 6 is positioned on the axis of the opening 13. The housing base 32 extends from the side wall 30, thereby fixing the microswitch 6 between the base 32 and the lower edge of the opening wall (inner wall) 12.

[0093] In the embodiment shown in Figure 18, switch 6 is a push-button switch. In other embodiments, a lever switch can be used.

[0094] The circuit board 7 is positioned in a chamber between the microswitch 6 and the base 32. The circuit board 7 is electrically connected to the microswitch 6. In some embodiments, the switch 6 is soldered to the circuit board 7. Although not shown in Figure 18, the female component 1 has an opening that allows for the connection of conductors, providing electrical communication between the circuit board 7 and an external circuit component. In some embodiments, the opening is formed in the base 32. In other embodiments, the opening is formed in the side wall 30. Conductors are not shown in Figure 18, but they are substantially equivalent to those shown in the embodiments of Figures 19 and 20, which are detailed below. As described with respect to other embodiments, it is possible to connect the switch 6 to an external circuit component using conductors. The external circuit component may include a power supply and / or one or more output devices.

[0095] The male component 2 comprises a disc 22 having an edge 33 formed by bending the circular edge of the disc 22. The center of the disc 22 is plastically deformed into a pin 34 having an outer shape and diameter similar to the inner diameter of the opening 13 of the female component 1. A constricted neck region is formed on the pin 34, so that when the pin is pushed into the opening 13, the neck region cooperates with the spring clip 31 to capture the pin 34 and press the end of the pin 34 against the actuator (or lever) of the microswitch 6. The spring clip 31 holds the male component 2 in the female component 1. The user can apply force to the male component 2 to elastically deform the clip 31, allowing the male component 2 to be released from the female component 1.

[0096] The fastening structure is provided by openings that pass through each of the female component 1 and the male component 2, thereby allowing a thread to be passed through to fasten the components to the opposite webs during use. Although the fastening structure is not shown in Figure 18, it is equivalent to the fastening structure 106 shown in the embodiment of Figure 20, which will be described later in this specification.

[0097] The microswitch 6 is preferably connected to an external circuit component (not shown) via a circuit board 7. When the male component 2 is pressed into the female component 1, pressing the actuator (or lever) of the microswitch 6, one or more output devices of the external circuit component may be activated. For example, the external circuit component may include a light as an output device, and the male and female components 2,1 of the switch clasp may be fixed to opposing sides or parts of a bag, or to opposing sides of clothing.

[0098] Figure 19 shows a side cross-sectional view of a switch clasp according to another embodiment. Figure 20 shows an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 19.

[0099] The embodiments shown in Figures 19 and 20 are largely similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 18, except that the axially mounted microswitch 6 is omitted, and instead, a Hall effect sensor 35 is mounted on the top side of the circuit board 7. The Hall effect sensor is soldered to the circuit board 7. A round permanent magnet 36 is fixed to the edge 33, so that the movement of the male component 2 engaging with the female component 1 can be detected by the Hall effect sensor 35. Output is provided from the circuit board 7 via a conductor 37. In a modified example, the Hall effect sensor 35 may be replaced by a reed switch. The conductor 37 provides an electrical connection between the Hall effect sensor / reed switch and an external circuit component which may have an output device and / or power supply as described in relation to other embodiments.

[0100] As shown in Figure 20, the circuit board 7, and the male and female components 2,1, are equipped with a fastening structure 106 and male and female components 2,1. The inclusion of the fastening structure in the circuit board 7 is optional. In the embodiment shown in Figure 18, the circuit board 7 does not include the fastening structure 106.

[0101] For clarity, the components in Figure 20 are not shown in the same order as they are assembled in Figure 19. The circuit board 7 and Hall effect sensor 35 are shown outside female component 1 in Figure 20, but this is solely for clarity. As shown in Figure 19, during assembly, the circuit board 7 and Hall effect sensor 35 are inside the female component.

[0102] In the embodiments shown in Figures 19 and 20, the circuit board 7 is not positioned relative to the base 32 during assembly. Instead, the circuit board 7 is positioned near the top plate (in the viewpoint shown in the figure) of the female component 1. The circuit board 7 has a central opening through which the inner wall 12 of the female component 1 can pass. The side walls 30 provide a surface that supports and maintains the position of the circuit board 7. These mechanisms ensure that the circuit board 7 and the Hall effect sensor 35 are in close proximity to the top plate of the female component 1, and then facilitate the detection of the magnet 36 by the Hall effect sensor 35 when the male component 1 enters the female component 2.

[0103] Figures 21-23 and 24(a) and (b) show other embodiments of the switch clasp. In this embodiment, the sensor assembly is mounted on the male component 2 instead of the female component 1.

[0104] The male component 2 comprises a roughly rectangular housing 3 into which a circuit board 7 including a potentiometer 39 is incorporated. The potentiometer 39 is mounted on the circuit board 7. The coin cell 38 is mounted on the circuit board 7. The potentiometer 39 is coupled to the rotor 40 via a shaft 41. The back surface 107 of the housing 3 can be secured to the web by staples, stitching, or any other conventional means. The web is secured between the back surface 107 and the rest of the housing 3.

[0105] Female component 1 has a generally rectangular ring with a central through-opening 108 capable of accommodating the housing 3 of male component 2. The length, width, and depth of the opening 108 are substantially equal to the length, width, and opening of the housing 3 of male component 2. Although female component 1 is described as having a “rectangular” ring, in other embodiments, female component 1 can have any shape, as long as the central opening 108 is configured to accommodate the housing 3 of male component 2. When female component 1 is attached to an article (e.g., a closure flap, a side of a bag, or another article), a hole is made in the article to align with the opening 108. Female component 1 is then secured to the article using staples, stitching, or any other conventional means.

[0106] Female component 1 also includes a retaining portion 109. In other embodiments, female component 1 does not have a retaining portion. The retaining portion 109 is a recess formed along the inner edge of the top surface 112 of the ring. The retaining portion 109 is centrally located along the length of the ring. The retaining portion 109 extends downward from the top surface 112 of the ring. The retaining portion 109 has a depth less than the height of the ring, and in the embodiment shown in Figure 16, the retaining portion 109 has a depth equal to approximately one-third of the height of the ring. The width of the retaining portion is substantially equal to the width of the rotor 40.

[0107] When in use, the switch clasp is fixed (i.e., the male and female components 2,1 are fixed) by positioning the housing 3 within the ring (i.e., positioning the housing 3 within the opening 108 so that its entire depth is contained within the opening 108) and by rotating the rotor 40 from the insertion condition shown in Figures 21 and 23 to the fixed condition shown in Figure 22. In the insertion condition, the male component 2 is configured such that the rotor 40 is aligned parallel to the housing 3 (i.e., the length of the rotor is parallel to the length of the housing 3). In the fixed condition, the male component 2 is configured such that the rotor 40 is aligned perpendicular to the housing 3 (i.e., the length of the rotor 40 is perpendicular to the length of the housing 3). When the male component 2 is positioned within the opening 108 and the rotor 40 is rotated to the fixed condition, the lower surface of the rotor 40 rests on the top surface 112 of the ring, attracting the components together. When the user releases the male and female parts 2,1 after the clasp has been secured, the male part 2 partially extends from the female part 1 so that the underside of the rotor 40 contacts the top surface 110 of the retaining part 109 (i.e., part of the housing 3 extends from the opening 108, but most of the housing 3 is inside the opening 108). The sidewalls 111 of the retaining part 109 contact the sides of the rotor 40, preventing accidental rotation of the rotor 40. To disconnect the male and female parts 2,1, the user fully inserts the housing 3 into the opening 108, pushes the rotor 40 out of the retaining part 109 to make it rotatable, and then rotates the rotor 40 back into the inserted state.

[0108] The rotation of the rotor 40 is sensed by a change in the resistance of the potentiometer 39, and the engagement or disengagement condition is determined by the current or voltage applied to the potentiometer, with its correlation to the condition being output to the output conductor 37. The potentiometer acts as a switch to control one or more output devices. The output conductor 37 can connect circuit components in the male component 2 to an external circuit component. As in other embodiments, the external circuit component may comprise one or more output devices and / or a power supply. In one example, a switch clasp is used to activate one or more output devices to illuminate, for example, the inside of a bag / purse. In such an example, the male and female components 2,1 are connected to opposing sides of the bag. When the rotor 40 is in the insertion condition, the potentiometer can turn on the light. When the rotor 40 is rotated 90° to the fixed condition and the male and female components 2,1 are firmly connected together (as shown in Figure 16), the potentiometer can turn off the light.

[0109] In other embodiments, a rotary switch may be used instead of a potentiometer.

[0110] In some embodiments, the male component 2 includes a battery 38 mounted on the circuit board 7. In some embodiments, the male component 2 includes an output device 101 that electrically communicates with the circuit board 7. In some embodiments, the conductor 37 can be omitted because the male component 2 has a self-contained circuit.

[0111] Figures 25(a) and (b) show exploded side and perspective views of a switch clasp according to another embodiment. Figure 26 shows a side cross-sectional view of the same embodiment. The embodiment is most similar to the embodiments in Figures 21-23 and 24(a) and (b), however, the engagement or disengagement of components 1 and 2 is sensed by a Hall effect sensor 35 mounted on the circuit board 7 of the male component 2, which in turn senses the presence or absence of the magnet 36 attached to the female component 1. In other embodiments, the Hall effect sensor 35 may be replaced with a reed switch.

[0112] The connection and locking between the male component 2 and the female component 1 are the same as those in the embodiments shown in Figures 21 to 24. The male component 2 comprises a housing 3 and a rotor 40, and the female component 1 comprises a central opening 108 configured to accommodate the housing 3 as described above.

[0113] In the embodiments shown in Figures 25(a) and (b) and Figure 26, the female component 1 is equipped with a magnet 36. In the illustrated embodiments, two magnets 36 are arranged at opposing ends of the ring. In other embodiments, the female component 1 may be equipped with one magnet or any number of magnets.

[0114] The male component 2 is equipped with a Hall effect sensor 35 or a reed switch instead of a potentiometer. When in use, the user places the housing 3 into the opening 108, and the Hall effect sensor 35 detects the presence of the magnet 36. The Hall effect sensor 35 sends / generates an electrical signal in response to the detection of the magnet 36. In one example, the Hall effect sensor 35 acts as a switch. In such an embodiment, the Hall effect sensor 35 may act as an open circuit when the male and female components 2,1 are connected, and as a closed circuit when the male and female components 2,1 are separated, or vice versa. This can be used to illuminate an area with an output device 110 such as a light bulb or LED when the male and female components 2,1 are separated. Additionally, or alternatively, the Hall effect sensor 35 may generate and / or transmit a signal to an external circuit for further processing.

[0115] Figures 27(a) and (b) and Figure 28 show alternative embodiments of the switch clasp according to the present invention. These embodiments are substantially similar to the switch clasps in Figures 21-24 and 25-26. Figure 27(b) shows a cross-section of the male component 2 of the embodiment of Figure 27(a), allowing the internal components to be seen.

[0116] The male component 2 includes a rotor 40 that, together with the opening 108 of the female component 1, provides a locking mechanism, as described in the previously described embodiment. The rotor 40 is connected to the rotating part 45. The rotating part 45 rotates together with the rotor 40. The male component 2 includes a spring 47. The spring 47 is compressed between the upper side of the housing 3 and the rotating part 45 so that the spring 47 applies force to the rotating part 45 and maintains contact between the rotating part 45 and the printed circuit board 7.

[0117] As shown in Figure 28, the rotating portion 45 is equipped with a conductive portion 46. The conductive portion 46 extends across the diameter of the rotating portion 45. During use, as the rotor 40 rotates between an inserted state and a fixed state, the conductive portion 46 rotates relative to the PCB 7. Electrical contacts or electrodes are located on the PCB 7. The position of the electrical contacts / electrodes is configured such that the circuit can be in an "open" or "closed" state depending on the orientation of the conductive portion 46.

[0118] For example, when the rotor 40 is in the insertion condition, the conductive part 46 can achieve an electrical connection and complete the circuit (i.e., electrical contacts can make contact with the conductive part 46), and can supply power to one or more output devices. By rotating the rotor 40 into a fixed configuration, the circuit can be destroyed, and power to one or more output devices can be disconnected. Thus, the rotor 40 acts simultaneously as a locking mechanism and a switch.

[0119] Figure 29 shows a side cross-sectional view of a switch latch / clasp according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 30 shows a perspective view of the switch latch of Figure 29, in which the male and female parts 2,1 are disengaged. The embodiments shown in Figures 29 and 30 show a latch in which the male part 2 is pressed into the female part 1, and the wedge surface 41 deforms due to engagement with the hoop 42. The stress applied by the deformation pulls the male part 2 to the female part 1.

[0120] The male component 2 incorporates a magnet 36. The male component 2 has a base in which the magnet is housed. The male component 2 has a wedge portion extending from the base. The wedge portion has an elastically deformable wedge surface 41. The wedge surface 41 is inclined such that the height of the wedge portion decreases as it extends away from the base.

[0121] Female component 1 has a base for housing a circuit board 7. The circuit board 7 supports a coin cell 38 and a Hall effect sensor 35, so that the circuit electronic elements of the circuit board 7 are responsive to the proximity of male component 2 in an engaged condition or its absence in an unengaged condition. Female component 1 is provided with a hoop 42 extending from the base.

[0122] During use, the male part 2 is biased toward the female part 1 by the user, and the wedge portion is pushed into the hoop 42. The wedge surface 41 deforms as it comes into contact with the hoop 42, allowing the wedge portion to pass further through the hoop 42. The contact between the hoop 42 and the deformed wedge surface 41 creates friction, preventing the male part 2 from sliding away from the female part 1 without external force from the user.

[0123] In the embodiments shown in Figures 29 and 30, the female component 1 also houses an output device 101. In the illustrated embodiments, there are three output devices 101, but in other embodiments, there may be one output device 101 or any number of output devices 101. As in other embodiments, the output device may be an LED, a light bulb, a buzzer, etc. The output device is mounted on the circuit board 7 on the side opposite the coin cell 38 and the Hall effect sensor 35.

[0124] When the male component 2 is fixed in the female component 1 (via the hoop 42), the magnet 36 is close enough to the Hall effect sensor 35 that the Hall effect sensor 35 is able to transmit / generate a signal. As in other embodiments, the Hall effect sensor 35 can act as a switch to control, for example, one or more output devices 101. In some embodiments, the Hall effect sensor 35 can be replaced with any other type of switch, such as a reed switch, which can detect the presence of the magnet 36.

[0125] In some embodiments, the coin cell 38 and / or output device 101 are omitted from the female component 1. In such embodiments, the coin cell and / or output device may form part of an external circuit component. In such embodiments, the circuit board 7 and switch 6 are connected to the external circuit component via conductor 37 in other embodiments described herein.

[0126] Figures 31 and 32 show side cross-sectional views of switch latches / clasps according to other embodiments. The switch clasps in Figures 31 and 32 are substantially similar to those in Figures 29 and 30, but this one includes a switch 6 instead of a Hall effect sensor. The embodiment shown in Figure 31 has a hollow male component 2 that provides a chamber 43 to which a microswitch 6 having a lever actuator is mounted on a circuit board 7.

[0127] In the release condition (shown in Figure 31), the microswitch 6 is pressed against the inner surface of the chamber below the wedge surface 41 (i.e., the lever of the switch 6 is in contact with the wedge surface 41). As shown in Figure 32, when the male component 2 is pushed into the female component 1, the hoop 42 deforms the wedge surface 41, displacing the tip of the microswitch lever. The circuit board 7 is responsive to the microswitch 6 and indicates the engagement and disengagement conditions. The switch condition is changed by displacing the lever of the microswitch 6. As in other embodiments described herein, it is possible to turn one or more output devices on / off using the switch 6. As in other embodiments, the output devices may be integrated with the male or female components 2,1, or may be part of an external circuit.

[0128] Figure 33 shows a side view of a switch clasp according to another embodiment of the present invention. The switch clasp comprises a male component 2 and a female component 1. The circuit components in the male component and female components 2 and 1 can be equivalent to the circuit components in the switch clasps of Figures 29-30 or 31-32.

[0129] The wedge-shaped surface 41 of the male part 2 is provided with a lip 44. As the male part 2 is pressed into the female part 1, the hoop 42 deforms the wedge-shaped surface 41, allowing the male part 2 to extend into the female part 1 and the lip 44 to pass through the hoop 42. Once the lip 44 has passed through the hoop 42 at one end, the wedge-shaped surface 41 elastically returns to its original shape (i.e., the deformation is reversed). The lip 44 forms a surface that abuts against the side of the hoop 42 to prevent the male part 2 from coming out of the female part 1.

[0130] Figures 34(a-c) show a zip clasp according to another embodiment of the present invention. These figures show the underside of the zip as it moves from the closed configuration in Figure 34(a) through the intermediate configuration in Figure 34(b) to the open configuration in Figure 34(c). The zip includes a pull tab 112 configured to connect two sets of teeth 113, 114, like a conventional zip. The two sets of teeth 113, 114 can be attached to the fabric 116 of an article such as a bag, in the same way as a conventional zip (e.g., by sewing).

[0131] The conductive track 111 is positioned adjacent to the pair of teeth 113, 114 and extends parallel to the pair of teeth 113, 114. The conductive track 111 is formed from or includes a flexible conductive material. In some embodiments, the conductive track 111 is formed from or includes a conductive ink, conductive thread, or any other flexible conductive material. In some embodiments, the conductive track 111 adjacent to the first pair of teeth 113 is separated from the conductive track 111 adjacent to the second pair of teeth 114, so that the conductive track 111 forms two separate circuits. In some embodiments, the conductive track 111 forms a single pair of conductive tracks (i.e., the conductive tracks 111 adjacent to each pair of teeth 113, 114 are connected and coupled to form a continuous conductive track).

[0132] The Hall effect sensor 35 is connected to the conductive track 111. The conductive track 111 is also connected to an external circuit component (not shown) which includes one or more output devices and a power source such as a battery.

[0133] The pull tab 112 has a magnet or is a magnet (i.e., the pull tab 112 is formed from or contains a magnetic material). When the zip is closed (or opened), the pull tab 112 passes in close proximity to a Hall effect sensor 35 that generates an output signal. The output signal is used to control one or more output devices so that the zip acts as a switch. For example, the zip could be used to turn on a light when the zip is opened and turn off a light when the zip is closed.

[0134] In the embodiment shown in Figure 34, there are two Hall effect sensors 35. In such an embodiment, one Hall effect sensor 35 can be used to detect that the zip is in a closed configuration, and the other Hall effect sensor 35 can be used to detect that the zip is in an open configuration. In other embodiments, the zip clasp may have one Hall effect sensor or any number of Hall effect sensors. In some embodiments, one or more Hall effect sensors 35 may be replaced by any component / circuit element suitable for detecting the presence of a magnet, such as a reed switch.

[0135] Figures 35(a-c) show a zip clasp according to another embodiment of the present invention. The zip clasp in the embodiment of Figure 35 is substantially the same as the zip clasp in the embodiment of Figure 34. Figures 35(a)-(c) show the underside of the zip as it moves from the closed configuration in Figure 35(a) through the intermediate configuration in Figure 35(b) to the open configuration in Figure 35(c). The zip includes a pull tab 112 configured to connect two sets of teeth 113, 114, like a conventional zip.

[0136] The two sets of teeth 113, 114 can be connected to items such as bags, similar to conventional zippers. The conductive track 111 is positioned adjacent to the set of teeth 113, 114 and extends parallel to them. The conductive track 111 is formed from or includes a flexible conductive material. The two sets of teeth 113, 114 are also formed from or include a conductive material. Alternatively, the majority of the teeth may be formed from or include a non-conductive material, and only the teeth described below with respect to the operation of the switch may be formed from or include a conductive material.

[0137] The conductive track 111 is divided into two sections 111-1 and 111-2. Sections 111-1 and 111-2 of the conductive track 111 are connected to a pair of adjacent teeth 113-1 and 113-2 of the first set of teeth 113. The first section 111-1 of the conductive track 111 is connected to tooth 113-1. The second section 111-2 of the conductive track 111 is connected to tooth 113-2. As shown in Figure 35(c), when the zip is in an open configuration, teeth 113-1 and 113-2 are not electrically in contact with each other. The conductive track 111 forms an open circuit when the zip is in an open configuration.

[0138] When the zipper pull tab 112 connects two sets of teeth 113, 114, tooth 114-1 is positioned between teeth 113-1 and 113-2. Tooth 114-1 is made of or contains a conductive material, thus providing an electrical connection between teeth 113-1 and 113-2. By electrically connecting teeth 113-1 and 113-2, the first and second sections 111-1, 111-2 of the conductive track 111 are electrically connected. The connection between the two conductive track sections 111-1, 111-2 can be used to activate or deactivate the output device, thereby allowing the zipper to act as a switch.

[0139] In some embodiments, the conductive track 111 forms part of a circuit that either activates an output device (e.g., lights up a light bulb / LED) or generates a signal for further signal processing by an external circuit component. In such embodiments, closing the zip (and thus electrically connecting the two conductive track sections 111-1, 111-2) completes the circuit and provides power to the output device. Conversely, opening the zip and breaking the connection between conductive track sections 111-1, 111-2 stops the power supply to the output device. In other embodiments, the reverse may be true, and the output device (e.g., lights up a light bulb / LED) may be activated by breaking the electrical connection between teeth 113-1 and 113-2 (by opening the zip).

[0140] In some embodiments, the conductive track 111 is divided into more than two sections. In such embodiments, each section is connected to a conductive zip tooth, thereby forming a switch similar to the teeth 113-1, 113-2, and 114-1 described above. The use of additional switches in such embodiments can be used to control additional output devices.

[0141] In the embodiment shown in Figure 34 or 35, the conductive track 111 may be protected by a cloth 116 to which a pair of teeth 113,114 are connected. As shown in Figures 36(a) and 36(b), the cloth 116 is folded, and this fold is connected to the teeth 113,114. The conductive track 111 can be positioned on the surface of the folded cloth 116 inside the fold, as shown in Figure 36(a). Figure 36(a) also shows a connection 115 between one of the teeth 113 and the conductive track 111. Folding the cloth 116 before connecting to the teeth 113,114 may help protect components such as the conductive track from the zipper pull tab.

[0142] In some embodiments, output devices and / or connections to external circuit components may be positioned between the folded sides of the cloth 116. The cloth 116 may have one or more holes through which the output devices can provide output. The folded cloth 116 may also cover and protect the PCB and / or any other components.

[0143] Other changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reading this disclosure. Such changes and modifications may include equivalent and other features, which are already known in the art of clothing with incorporated electronic functions and may be used in place of or in addition to the features described herein.

[0144] While the attached claims relate to specific combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel features or any novel combination of features, or generalizations thereof, expressly or implicitly disclosed herein, regardless of whether any of the claims relate to the same invention claimed herein and whether any of the same technical problems as the present invention are mitigated.

[0145] Features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment for the sake of brevity may also be provided individually or in any preferred subordinate combination. The applicant hereby notifies that new claims may be formulated for such features and / or combinations of such features during the proceedings of this application or any further application derived from this application.

[0146] For completeness, it should also be noted that the term “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, the term “a” or “an” does not exclude the plural form, a single processor or other unit may perform the functions of any of the means listed in the claims, and that any symbol in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A first component (1) having a fastening structure, wherein the fastening structure is adapted to fasten the first component to a first article; A second component (2) having a fastening structure, the fastening structure being adapted to fix the second component to a second article, and the second component having a pull portion adapted to pull a complementary pull portion of the first component when the first and second components are engaged. A switch clasp equipped with, A switch clasp wherein at least one of the first component (1) and the second component (2) is equipped with a sensor that responds to the engagement and disengagement of the first and second components switching from a first condition to a second condition, and outputs a signal corresponding to the condition.

2. The switch clasp according to claim 1, wherein one of the first or second attracting portion is a permanent magnet element (4), and the other of the first or second attracting portion is a permanent magnet element or a ferromagnetic element (22).

3. The switch clasp according to claim 1, wherein the attracting portion in the second component is a pin (34), and the attracting portion in the first component is a complementary opening (13) into which a spring clip (31) cooperating with the pin (34) is incorporated.

4. The switch clasp according to claim 3, wherein the sensor is a microswitch (6) arranged to be actuated by the pin (34) introduced into the opening.

5. The switch clasp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor is a Hall effect sensor (35) attached to one of the components and senses the proximity of a magnet (36) attached to the other component.

6. The switch clasp according to claim 1 or any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the sensor is a microswitch (6) having an actuator (17) which is displaceable to a first disengaged condition when the first and second components are disengaged, and which is displaced to an engaged condition when the first and second components are engaged.

7. The switch clasp according to claim 6, wherein the microswitch (6) is attached to the housing (3) which includes the permanent ferromagnetic element (4).

8. The switch clasp according to claim 7, wherein the housing (3) provides a side wall (10) and an upper top plate (11) having an opening (13) that accommodates the protruding portion (21) of the first component and displaces the actuator (17).

9. The switch clasp according to claim 8, wherein the protruding portion (21) extends from a ferromagnetic material (23) that abuts against the top plate (11).

10. The switch clasp according to claim 9, wherein the actuator is a reciprocating displaceable pin (17) spring biased to an unengaged extended state, thereby providing the attractive magnetic force to overcome the spring force, causing the pin (17) to be displaced from the unengaged condition to a compressed engaged condition.

11. The switch clasp according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the float (5) is positioned between the actuator (17) and the opening (13).

12. The switch clasp according to claim 11, wherein the float (5) has a boss (15) adapted to slide and fit into the opening (13).

13. The switch clasp according to claim 8 or any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the magnet (4) is configured to surround the opening (13).

14. The switch clasp according to claim 1 or any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the sensor is mounted on a circuit board (7) that provides an electrical connector (18) for connecting to an external circuit.

15. The switch clasp according to claim 14, wherein the circuit board is attached to a cap (8) held by a retaining clip (20) at the bottom of the opening of the housing (3), and the retaining clip (20) prevents the cap from being displaced only in the outward direction.

16. The switch clasp according to claim 15, wherein the cap (8) is formed to provide a staple (9).

17. The switch clasp according to claim 9 or any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the ferromagnetic material 23 is formed to provide a staple (23).

18. The fastening structure of the first component or the fastening structure of the second component comprises a pair of flanges, the switch clasp according to claim 1 or any one of claims 2 to 17.

19. The switch clasp according to claim 1, wherein the attracting portion is a rotor, and the complementary attracting portion is a surface configured to contact the rotor.

20. The switch clasp according to claim 19, wherein the sensor is responsive to the rotation of the rotor.

21. The switch clasp according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned pull-in portion is a hoop, and the complementary pull-in portion is a wedge surface.

22. The switch clasp according to claim 1, wherein the pull portion is a pair of zip teeth, and the complementary pull portion is a complementary pair of zip teeth.

23. The switch clasp according to any one of claims 1 to 22, further comprising one or more output devices.

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