Closure Device for a Pocket for a Pair of Trousers and a Pocket for a Pair of Trousers with a Safety Closure Device

Abstract

A closure device for a pocket of a pair of trousers includes two mating magnetic counterparts, wherein each counterpart comprises a continuous support structure and at least two magnetic elements fixed along the support structure. The at least two magnetic elements of each counterpart includes a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element. A portion of the support structure forms a hinge which the support structure of said at least one counterpart to bend when the pocket is open and an associated portion of the pocket folds to form a fold, whereby the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one counterpart attract each other to maintain the fold of said portion of the pocket so that magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one counterpart provide an at least partial safety closure of the pocket.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is the national phase of, and claims priority to, International Patent Application No. PCT / DK2023 / 050154, filed 20 Jun. 2023, which claims priority to Danish Patent Application No. PA 2022 70330 filed 20 Jun. 2022.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure relates to a closure device for a pocket in a pair of trousers. Additionally, the disclosure relates to a pocket for a pair of trousers. Finally, the disclosure relates to a pocket for a pair of trousers, wherein the pocket comprises two pocket halves forming a pocket opening between them, the pocket further comprising a safety closure device.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Pockets for trousers are a common commodity in today's garment and are usually used for carrying valuable and personal belongings. Pockets need to be easily accessible since most people reach for their belongings frequently, however non-closable pockets pose a risk for theft and for items accidently falling out.

[0004] Thus, pockets have been equipped with different closing mechanisms such as zippers and Velcro, but these solutions require an aesthetic change to the trousers and are not desirable in formal clothing such as chinos and formal suit pants. Other solutions such as buttons are not easy to open and close with one hand making them unhandy during activities such as biking.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] It is therefore an object to provide a closure device that solves or at least alleviates these problems.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the disclosure this object is achieved by a closure device for a pocket of a pair of trousers. The closure device comprises two mating magnetic counterparts, wherein each counterpart comprises a continuous support structure and at least two magnetic elements fixed along the support structure. The said at least two magnetic elements of each counterpart comprises a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element, wherein the first and second magnetic elements of at least one of the counterparts have magnetic poles that are positioned so as to be mutually reversed, wherein the two counterparts are suitable for being integrated in a pocket so that the magnetic elements are positioned along an opening of the pocket and so that the two counterparts are positioned opposed to each other, whereby at least the first magnetic element of one counterpart magnetically attracts the first magnetic element of the other counterpart towards a closed position of the pocket.

[0007] The first and second magnetic elements of said at least one counterpart are connected by a portion of the support structure of said at least one counterpart, said portion of the support structure forming a hinge that hingedly connects the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one counterpart, said hinge allowing the support structure of said at least one counterpart to bend when the pocket is open and an associated portion of the pocket folds to form a fold, whereby the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one counterpart attract each other to maintain the fold of said portion of the pocket so that magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one counterpart provide an at least partial safety closure of the pocket.

[0008] It has been realized that by using magnetic elements to close a pocket for a pair trousers, a safe, easy-to-use and potentially non-visible closure is provided. The magnetic elements that together magnetically close the pocket opening simultaneously provide a sufficiently secure closure that inhibits items from falling out of the pocket while making it easy to access the pocket simply by sliding your hand between the two counterparts. Once your hand leaves the pocket, the magnetic elements will automatically close the pocket again making it an ideal solution for people that tend to forget to reclose their pockets or for people who find it inconvenient to manually reclose their pockets. Additionally, it has been realized that the closure device described in this disclosure can form a closure of the pocket in different positions due to the hinge, because the hinge enables the at least one counterpart to fold with the garment. This is especially relevant for pants such as chino pants and formal dress pants where a pocket fold tends to form when the wearer is in a seated position or otherwise bend their legs. If the pocket is opened in such a position, the hingedly connected counterpart makes it possible to reform a closure.

[0009] It has been realized that this fold opening can be securely closed with a set of magnetic elements on the same counterpart if the magnetic elements of the same counterpart are positioned with their magnetic poles mutually reversed and by the first and second magnetic elements on at least one counterpart being hingedly connected. This safety closure of the pocket thus increases the efficiency of the closure device.

[0010] Both counterparts may form a portion of the support structure that hingedly connects the first and second counterpart. Thus, when the at least one counterpart forms a safety closure or otherwise bends with the garment, the other counterpart can bend accordingly.

[0011] A closure device may be understood as a device with features that facilitates a closure of an opening.

[0012] A pocket may be understood as any bag-or envelope-like receptable that is either fastened to or inserted into the article of clothing. A pocket can be formed as an integrated part of the clothing article or comprise additional pieces of fabric partly sewn, riveted, glued, or otherwise fastened along the perimeter of the fabric piece to a clothing article, leaving a pocket opening to a pocket where items can be placed. A pocket may also be formed by two pieces of fabric sewn together so each piece of fabric comprises a pocket half.

[0013] The pair of trousers may be any piece of garment for the legs such as shorts, suits pants and chino pants. The skilled person will realize that the closure device described in this disclosure may also be used in other forms of garments such as skirts, dresses, and jackets that fully or partly covers the legs.

[0014] The magnetic elements may be fastened directly to the fabric of the pocket and as such the support structure may in some embodiments be comprised partly or entirely in the fabric of the pocket.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the support structure is formed separately from the pocket. As such, the support structure may improve the closure provided by the closure device. Additionally, by having a support structure that is formed separately from the pocket fabric it will be easier to install the closure device. The support structure is preferably made of a material within the category of TPU or TPE. In other embodiments the support structure may be made of a material within the category of plastic elastomer, rubber, TPR, HPU, Neoprane, Polyacrylates, Polyamides, Polyesters, Polycarbonates, Polyimides, Polystyrenes, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or Acrylic, polybutadiene, poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT), poly (ether sulfone) (PES, PES / PEES), poly(ether etherketone)s (PEEK, PES / PEEK), polyethylene (PE), poly(eth-50ylene glycol) (PEG), poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), styrene-acrylonitrile resin (SAN), poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyvinylidenedifluoride (PVDF), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), silicone or any combination thereof. The support structure may be made partly or entirely of fabric. Furthermore, the polymeric material should preferably be covered with a soft material like fabric.

[0016] In other embodiments small garment pockets are sewn onto the pocket fabric, wherein each small pocket contains an encapsulated magnetic element.

[0017] In the preferred embodiments where the support structure is formed separately from the pocket fabric, the support structure is fastened to the pocket or the fabric of the trousers. The support structure may be fastened to the pocket or the trousers by adhesive, sewing, stabling, riveting, RF welding, ultrasonic welding, heat welding, seal tape, needles, pressure buttons or any combination thereof.

[0018] Preferably, the support structure is partly fastened to the fabric of the pocket such that some of the support structure can move independently from the pocket.

[0019] In the preferred embodiments where the support structure is formed separately from the pocket fabric, the support structure on the side of the magnetic elements intended to face away from the other counterpart may be thicker than the part of the support structure on the side of the magnetic elements intended to face the other counterpart. The thicker material is intended to block the magnetic elements, so the magnetic elements are less likely to stick to external magnetic items such as washing machines, dryers, and metal doors.

[0020] The support structure on the side of the magnetic elements intended to face away from the other counterpart may be reinforced by an additional material structure, such as a zigzag shaped structure of plastic that inhibits the counterpart to fold outwards.

[0021] Each support structure is preferably an integrated component in one piece. In the embodiments where the support structure is formed separately from the trousers, the support structure is preferably produced using laser cutting technology. The support structure may be fully or partly molded. The support structure may be fully or partly 3D-printed.

[0022] A magnetic element may be any piece or combination of pieces made of elements that are magnetically attracted, such as iron, nickel, cobalt, lodestone or combinations thereof as well as alloys thereof. The magnetic element may be a magnet in the sense that the domains of the magnetic element are generally aligned to form a uniform and enduring magnetic field with magnetic poles. Preferably the magnets are made of a material selected from the group consisting of: Neodymium, Neodymium Iron Boron (Nd-60FeB), Samarium-Cobalt, Electromagnet or any other type of rare-earth magnet and any combination thereof.

[0023] The first and second magnetic elements of at least one of the counterparts have magnetic poles and are therefore magnets. The magnetic elements of said counterpart are installed such that the magnetic poles are positioned to be mutually reversed. This must be understood such that when the support structure with the two magnetic elements hingedly bends to bring the magnetic elements towards each other the pole of the first magnetic element will meet the opposite pole of the second magnetic element. As such, the first magnetic element of said at least one counterpart may be installed such that a positive magnetic pole of the first magnetic element will face the negative pole of the second magnetic element when the support structure is hingedly bended as intended.

[0024] The first magnetic element on the other counterpart is preferably also a magnet.

[0025] Similarly, the second magnetic element of said at least one counterpart has a magnetic field and is therefore a magnet. The second magnetic element on the other counterpart is preferably also a magnet.

[0026] The magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements is such that the magnetic elements can be separated with one hand, e.g. when inserting a hand into the pocket through the pocket opening. Additionally, or alternatively, the magnetic attraction is so high that the first and second magnetic element provide a safety closure function.

[0027] The magnetic elements of each counterpart are spaced from each other with a distance in the range of 0.5-60 mm, preferably in the range 0.5-1.5 mm.

[0028] The magnetic elements are suitable for being integrated in a pocket such that the magnetic elements are positioned along an opening of the pocket. Some trousers such as chino pants may have one or more enclosed compartments along the rim of the front pocket. Preferably, the magnetic elements of the closure device are positioned within such an enclosed compartment. Most trousers have pockets that are fastened to the trousers only along the pocket opening leaving the rest of the pocket to hang freely, which makes the outer side of the pockets accessible. The magnetic elements of the first counterpart may be positioned between the fabric of the pocket and the fabric of the trouser leg while the magnetic elements of other counterpart may be positioned on either side of the pocket fabric opposite the first counterpart. In such an embodiment the closure device is not visible on the surface of the trousers the closure device is installed in when the trousers are worn as intended.

[0029] In another embodiment the magnetic elements may be positioned in the pocket, which is to be understood as the magnetic elements being positioned on the sides of the two pocket halves that abut when the pocket is in closed position. In this embodiment the magnetic elements may be slightly visible.

[0030] In yet another embodiment the magnetic elements of one of the counterparts may be positioned on the outside of the pocket opening and the magnetic elements of the other counterpart may be positioned on the inside of the trousers. In such an embodiment the magnetic elements of one counterpart may be fully visible.

[0031] The magnetic elements may be positioned using a combination of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0032] Each magnetic element may have a hole in the middle for fastening the magnetic element to the support structure. The magnetic elements may be fastened to the support by means of sewing. The magnetic elements may be fastened to the support by means of adhesion. The magnetic elements may be fastened to the support by means of riveting.

[0033] In embodiments where the magnetic elements are encapsulated in the support structure such as when the magnetic elements are encapsulated in fabric, each encapsulated magnetic element may have some room to move within the material surrounding the magnetic element.

[0034] A portion of the support structure of the at least one counterpart with magnetic elements having magnetic poles forms a hinge that hingedly connects the magnetic elements of said counterpart. This hinge facilitates the safety closure of the pocket. When a pocket fold forms, the hinge will bend with the fold. Once it has bended the first and second magnetic element of said counterpart are placed on opposite sides of the fold. Due to the mutually reversed positions of their magnetic poles, the two magnetic elements will magnetically attract each other and close the fold.

[0035] In preferred embodiments, said portion of the support structure of the at least one counterpart is a film hinge. By the portion of the support structure forming a hinge being a film hinge the number of mechanical parts is limited, which makes the closure device more durable, require less space, and cheaper. A film hinge is to be understood as a continuous piece of material, wherein the material of the hinge itself can elastically bend along with the fabric of the trousers.

[0036] In some alternative embodiments the hinge may be a roller chain hinge as seen in bicycle chains. The hinge may be a ball joint. The joint may be a pin joint.

[0037] In some embodiments the support structure of one or both counterparts is a strip. The strip has a length direction that goes along the opening of the pocket and a width direction perpendicular to the length direction and substantially parallel to the trouser fabric. The strip may have a width in the range of 5-100 mm. Each strip may have sections where there are no magnets, for example surface areas in each end, where attachment mechanisms can be installed to attach the strip to the pocket.

[0038] Each strip may have a length corresponding substantially to the length of half the circumference of the pocket opening. Thus, together the strips of both counterparts may substantially span the entire circumference of the pocket opening.

[0039] In other embodiments each strip may be a length corresponding to the length of two magnetic elements placed side by side.

[0040] In other embodiments the support structure may be substantially the size of a pocket half. A pocket half is to be understood as either of the two pieces of fabric that makes up a pocket. Two pocket halves are normally sewn partly together around the perimeter leaving one side unsewn to form a pocket opening. By the support structure being substantially the size of a pocket half, a larger surface area for attachment to the trousers is provided.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment the support structure between the magnetic elements of at least one of the counterparts is thinner than the thickness of the magnetic elements. This will improve the safety closure by easily allowing the at least one counterpart to bend on itself, so that the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one counterpart can easily meet face to face. In some embodiments the strip is a collapsible foam. The foam may have a thickness substantially corresponding to the thickness of the magnetic elements and still allow the support structure to hingedly bend.

[0042] In some embodiments the support structures of the two counterparts are hingedly joined to each other at one or both respective ends thereof. This provides a simpler product with only one element to install.

[0043] Potentially, with one end connected to the other by an integrated film hinge. Alternatively, the two support structures are not connected to each other or are connected to each other by a separate component, such as a separate film hinge.

[0044] In some embodiments the first and second magnetic elements are magnets. By the first and second magnetic elements all being magnets, both counterparts can form a safety closure of the pocket, thereby increasing the efficiency of the closure device.

[0045] In some embodiments each counterpart has at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 magnetic elements and / or no more than 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8 , 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2 magnetic elements.

[0046] In the preferred embodiments where each counterpart has at least three magnetic elements, the closure device can provide the closure of the pocket and the safety closure of the pocket simultaneously. When a pocket fold forms, the fold can be closed by the safety closure and the remainder of the pocket can be closed by the pocket closure.

[0047] Even more preferably, each counterpart has the same number of magnetic elements. Even more preferably each counterpart has an equal number of magnetic elements and at least 4 magnetic elements. Even more preferably the magnetic elements are arranged along the opening of the pocket substantially along a line.

[0048] Preferably, all the magnetic elements of at least one counterpart are magnets.

[0049] Even more preferably all the magnetic elements of both counterparts are magnets.

[0050] Preferably, magnets positioned in a centre region of the line of magnetic elements are weaker than the magnets located in a pair of flanking regions, each flanking region being positioned towards an end of the line of magnetic elements. This is an advantage since the weaker magnets in the centre region are easier to separate when opening the pocket, making the opening experience better. Additionally, the weaker magnets in the centre region may be forced from the magnetic elements of the other counterpart prior to the magnets on the flanking regions when a fold is formed. Thereby, the magnets in the centre can form the safety closure while the magnets on the flanking regions form a closure of the pocket.

[0051] Alternatively, all the magnets are of equal strength. The side of each magnetic element intended for magnetically engaging with another magnetic element may be covered by the support structure such as when the magnetic elements are fully embedded in the support structure. The magnetic elements may be covered by membranes. The thickness of the support structure covering the side of the magnetic element intended for magnetically engaging with another magnetic element may be thinner for the magnetic elements located in the flanking regions compared to the magnetic elements located towards the centre.

[0052] In some embodiments, magnetic elements located in the centre region of the line of magnetic elements are smaller than magnetic elements located in the pair of flanking regions. Each magnetic element may have a height in the range of 0.5-5 mm, preferably in the range of 1-2 mm. Each magnetic element may have a width in the range of 5-40 mm, preferably in the range of 5-20 mm. The magnetic elements may be round. The magnetic elements may be square. The magnetic elements may be a combination of round and square magnetic elements.

[0053] Each magnetic element is preferably hingedly connected to its neighbouring magnetic element via a portion of the support structure being a hinge. Thus, each counterpart can hingedly fold on itself in multiple regions.

[0054] The magnets on each counterpart may be distributed with half of the magnets having a north pole facing the other counterpart and the other half of the magnets having a south pole facing the other counterpart. All magnets with a north pole facing the other counterpart may be positioned in one end of the line of magnetic elements and all magnets with a south pole may be positioned in the other end of the line of magnetic elements.

[0055] Alternatively, the magnets are positioned with a reversed polarity facing the other counterpart compared to its neighbouring magnet. Thereby, each counterpart can fold on itself and form a closure in multiple regions if needed, not only between the first and second magnetic elements.

[0056] Preferably, the magnetic elements of each counterpart are spaced from each other with a distance in the range of 0.5-30 mm. The magnetic elements may not be equally spaced.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment each magnetic element is fully sealed against the surroundings. This protects the magnetic elements from exterior factors such as water and physical damage. Depending on the type of sealing, this can potentially cushion the magnetic elements to minimize damage to washing machines if the trousers are being washed in such.

[0058] The sealing may be a part of the support structure such as when the magnetic elements are fully enclosed in the support structure.

[0059] The sealing may be a spray coating such as a hydrophobic spray coating. The sealing may be a membrane. Each magnetic element on at least one counterpart may be covered in a separate membrane.

[0060] Preferably all magnetic elements are covered by a membrane. Some membranes may be attached to each other. The membranes may be comprised in the support structure.

[0061] In embodiments where the magnetic elements are fully sealed from the surroundings, each sealed magnetic element may have some room to move within the material surrounding the magnetic element. For example, the magnetic element may have some room to move within between the membrane and the support structure.

[0062] Alternatively, each magnetic element is flush mounted in the support structure. In other embodiments each magnetic element may protrude from the support structure.

[0063] Each support structure may have at least one stabilizing arm, each stabilizing arm having at least one magnetic element that guides the counterparts to align during closure of the pocket.

[0064] Due to the many ways the fabric of the trousers may fold during use, the magnetic elements may not align in a preferred manner resulting in a non-desired closure of the pocket where not all magnetic elements are magnetically paired with another magnetic element. The stabilizing arms increase the likelihood of the magnetic elements aligning as intended and thereby provide the optimal closure and safety closure.

[0065] A stabilizing arm is to be understood as a part of the support structure having a magnetic element positioned such that it diverges from the general line of magnetic elements. Each stabilizing arm preferably pairs with another stabilizing arm in a mirror position on the other counterpart such that the magnetic elements of mirrored stabilizing arms magnetically attract each other when the pocket is closed. This creates a pattern of magnetic elements on each counterpart that tends to align with the mirrored pattern on the other counterpart. In one embodiment where the support structure has a stabilizing arm, the support structure has a shape like a hockey stick. In another embodiment the support structure and the stabilizing arms forms the general shape of a cross.

[0066] According to a second aspect of the disclosure this object is achieved by a pocket for a pair of trousers, wherein the pocket comprises a closure device according to the first aspect integrated in said pocket so that the magnetic elements are positioned along an opening of the pocket and so that the two counterparts are positioned opposed to each other, whereby at least the first magnetic element of one counterpart magnetically attracts the first magnetic element of the other counterpart towards a closed position of the pocket, wherein said hinge allows the support structure of said at least one counterpart to bend when the pocket is open and an associated portion of the pocket folds to form a fold, whereby the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one counterpart attract each other to maintain the fold of said portion of the pocket so that magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one counterpart provide an at least partial safety closure of the pocket.

[0067] According to a third aspect of the disclosure this object is achieved by a pocket for a pair of trousers, the pocket comprising two pocket halves forming a pocket opening between them, the pocket further comprising a safety closure device. The safety closure device comprises a first magnet and a second magnet, each of said first and second magnets being fixed to one of said pocket halves along the pocket opening, an associated portion of said one of said pocket halves extending between the first and second magnets, wherein the magnetic poles of the first magnet and the second magnet, respectively, are positioned so as to be mutually reversed, whereby, when the pocket is open and said associated portion of said pocket half folds to form a fold, the first and second magnets attract each other to maintain the fold so that magnetic attraction between the first and second magnets provide an at least partial safety closure of the pocket.

[0068] In an embodiment of the third aspect, the safety closure device forms part of a magnetic closure device according to the first aspect where the first and second magnets of the safety closure device being the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one counterpart of the magnetic closure device.

[0069] According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure this object is achieved by a pair of trousers comprising a pocket according to the second or third aspect.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0070] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a pocket opening with a closure device according to this disclosure. The closure device is installed along the pocket opening and the closure device is seen from the side and in a closed position.

[0071] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a pocket opening with the closure device shown in FIG. 1. The closure device is shown from the side and forming a safety closure.

[0072] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the closure device as seen from the side with 8 magnets on each counterpart. In the top figure the closure device is seen in a closed position. In the bottom figure the closure device is seen forming a closure and a safety closure simultaneously.

[0073] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the closure device showing an alternative embodiment of the support structure.

[0074] FIG. 5 is an illustration of the closure device showing how the magnets of the closure device are positioned according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0075] FIG. 6 is an illustration of two different embodiments of one counterpart seen from a front view where the magnetic elements are of different sizes.

[0076] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the closure device with a mechanical deformation in a folding “arch” position.

[0077] FIG. 8 is an illustration of two counterparts seen from a front view, where each counterpart has two stabilizing arms. The stabilizing arms of one counterpart are mirrored on the other counterpart.

[0078] FIG. 9 is an illustration of two embodiments of a counterpart shown from a front view showing alternative embodiments of the stabilizing arms.

[0079] FIG. 10 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment showing a counterpart from a side view with pin hinges.

[0080] FIG. 11 is an illustration of the closure device shown from the backside with the magnetic elements visible through backside for ease of understanding. The counterpart is shown with a zigzag structure on the backside and magnets of different shapes.

[0081] FIG. 12 is an illustration of a type of pocket in a pair of trousers where the closure device can be installed.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0082] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0083] Before explaining the figures, it is important to define the terminology. The term ‘closure’ refers to a fastening procedure which provides a stable closure that inhibits items such as phones and wallets from falling out of the pocket, even when mechanical bending deformation is applied. The closure shall be strong enough to prevent movement of the counterparts relative to each other, even though there may be layers of fabric in-between. It should still be possible for a person to open the closure with their hand.

[0084] The term ‘magnetic element’ refers to any material that is magnetically attracted to a magnet.

[0085] The term ‘magnet’ refers hereinafter to any type of elements which may be made of a magnetic material such as: Neodymium (e.g., Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB)), Samarium-Cobalt or any other type of rare-earth magnet (or composition of materials). The magnetic element and the magnet may be made of the same material, wherein the domains of the magnetic element have been magnetically aligned to make the magnetic element a magnet.

[0086] The term ‘strip’ refers to any substantially flexible object which may be characterized by any known in the art geometrical structure. According to the preferred embodiment, the geometrical structure is an elongated rectangular structure. According to other embodiments, the geometrical structure may be: square, oval, round, polygonal, etc.

[0087] The invention discloses a novel magnetic closure device 100 usable in various fields, as will be presented below.

[0088] FIG. 1-5 show the closure device from a side view, which is to be understood as looking in the direction into the pocket opening of which the closure device is installed.

[0089] Looking first at FIG. 1, this figure schematically illustrates an embodiment of the closure device 100 with a main axis X, the closure device 100 having two counterparts 10, 20 with each counterpart being positioned along an opening of the pocket 200. A first counterpart 10, comprising a first magnetic element 18 and a second magnetic element 19 being fixed along a support structure 17, in this particular embodiment sealed in a layer of material e.g., polymeric material. The first counterpart 10 comprises a first frontside 12 and a first backside 14. The material area 16 of the support structure 17 between the first magnetic element 18 and the second magnetic element 19 is thinner than the magnetic elements and attached to each magnetic element 18 and 19.

[0090] A second counterpart 20 comprising a first magnetic element 28 and a second magnetic element 29 being fixed along a support structure 27, in this embodiment sealed in a layer of material e.g., polymeric material. The second counterpart 20 comprises a second frontside 22 and a second backside 24. The material area 26 of the support structure 27 between the first magnetic element 28 and the second magnetic element 29 is thinner than the magnetic elements and attached to each magnetic element 28 and 29.

[0091] In FIG. 1 all magnetic elements 18, 19, 28, 29 are magnets which is indicated by the + and − signs. The sign of each magnetic element indicates the magnetic pole facing the magnetic element of the other counterpart.

[0092] The closure device in FIG. 1 is shown in a closed position of the closure device 100 thereby closing the pocket opening 200.

[0093] FIG. 2 shows a scenario in which a pocket fold has formed in a pocket 200 with a closure device 100 as shown in FIG. 1. The portion 16 of the support structure 17 hingedly bends dynamically together with the pocket fabric, which forces the first magnetic elements 18 and 28 as well as 19 and 29 from each other, respectively. The magnetic elements 18 and 19 faces each other due to the dynamic bending of the support structure portion 16 and provides a safety closure because the magnetic pole of the magnetic element 18 faces an opposite magnetic pole of the magnetic element 19. The magnetic elements 18, 19, 28, 29 may each be covered by a membrane 11, 21. The membranes 11, 21 may be comprised in the support structure. The membranes increase the mechanical stability of the closure. The membranes 11, 21 may be multiple thin membranes. The membranes may be connected with other membranes on the same counterpart. The thickness of each membrane 11 and 21 is preferably in the range of 0.05-1 mm. The thickness of each membrane may vary.

[0094] The sealing which is provided by sealing closure 100 of the invention, is adapted to be stable to various mechanical deformations relative to main axis X of first and second counterparts 10 and 20 when they are brought together. For example, these mechanical deformations may be: bending, rotation, twisting, tilting, or any combination thereof. The bending may be to a full circle, and the twisting may be in more than 360° around the x axis.

[0095] FIG. 3 shows the closure device 100 in a preferred embodiment where the counterparts 10, 20 both have an equal number of magnetic elements and at least 4 magnetic elements each, in this embodiment 8 magnetic elements on each counterpart 10, 20. In this embodiment all the magnetic elements 18, 19, 180, 190 of the first counterpart 10 are all magnets. The magnetic elements 28, 29, 280, 290 of the second counterpart 20 are not all magnets but magnetic elements that can be attracted to the magnets of the first counterpart 10.

[0096] By having multiple magnetic elements on each counterpart, the pocket closure and the safety closure can form simultaneously, thereby providing a dynamic closure of the pocket. Additionally, the closure device does not apply any undesired stress to the pocket because of the flexibility of the support structures 17, 27. Moreover, the additional magnetic elements enable multiple contact positions for each magnetic element.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 1-3 the magnetic elements 18 and 19 of the first counterpart are connected by the support structure 17 on the opposite side from where the two counterparts 10, 20 face each other. This leaves gaps between the support structures 17, 27 in areas void of magnetic elements.

[0098] FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment where most of the support structures 17, 27 are attached to the magnetic elements on the sides where the two counterparts 10, 20 face each other, except for the portion 16, 26 between the two magnetic elements in the centre region.

[0099] FIG. 5 shows the closure device 100 where all the magnetic elements 18, 19, 180, 190, 28, 29, 280, 290 are magnets. FIG. 1-4 show embodiments of the disclosure where each magnet is positioned with its magnetic poles mutually reversed compared to the neighbouring magnet. FIG. 5 shows the first magnetic elements 18, 28 being positioned with reversed polarity compared to the second magnetic elements 19, 29, respectively. The magnetic elements 180 and 280 are positioned with the magnetic poles in the same direction as the magnetic elements 18 and 28, respectively. Similar magnetic elements 190 and 290 are positioned with magnetic poles in the same direction as the magnetic elements 19 and 29, respectively.

[0100] FIG. 6 shows two different embodiments of a counterpart 10. The counterparts are shown from the front side 12. Both embodiments show a counterpart 10 with two flanking regions 18a, 18c and a centre region 18b. The dotted lines indicate the boundary between the centre region 18b and the flanking regions 18a, 28c. In both embodiments the magnetic elements of the centre region 18b are smaller than the magnetic elements of the flanking regions 18a, 18c. In other embodiments the magnetic elements may be of the same size, but magnets positioned in the flanking regions 18a, 18c are stronger than the magnets positioned in the centre region 18b.

[0101] FIG. 7 shows the closure device 100 being bended while maintaining the closure.

[0102] Turning to FIG. 8 the two counterparts 10, 20 of the closure device 100 are shown with stabilizing arms 51, 52, 61, 62. The stabilizing arms are positioned such as to be coupled with a stabilizing arm on the other counterpart. FIG. 9 shows two alternative embodiments of the counterpart 10 with other types of stabilizing arms. To the right the stabilizing arm 51 is angled to give the counterpart the shape of a hockey stick. When the two counterparts with similar stabilizing arms are facing each other, the stabilizing arms may help the counterparts to meet more easily.

[0103] In one embodiment, magnetic elements of the stabilizing arms 51 and 52 are magnets, intended to magnetically attract magnetic elements of the stabilizing arms 61 and 62. At least one magnetic element in each pair of mirrored stabilizing arms is a magnet. Each stabilizing arm may contain more than one magnetic element.

[0104] When counterpart 10 and 20 with stabilizing arms 51, 52, 61, 62 as shown in FIG. 8 are pulled apart, for example when the pocket they are installed on is opened by a person's hand, the magnetic elements of the stabilizing arms will tend to have a smaller distance in-between them compared to the magnetic elements on rest of the support structure due to the fact that the magnetic elements of the stabilizing arms are positioned towards the flanking regions of the closure device in each end. This will make it easier for the closure device to reform a pocket closure once the hand leaves the pocket again. When the magnetic elements of the counterparts 10 and 20 with stabilizing arms as shown in FIG. 8 meet, the magnetic elements on the stabilizing arms 51, 52, 61, 62 will act as levers to help push the counterparts 10 and 20 together.

[0105] FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment with magnetic elements 18, 19, 180, 190 connected to the adjacent magnetic elements by pin joints 70 as an alternative way of hingedly connect the magnetic elements.

[0106] FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of one counterpart 10 of the closure device 100 seen from the backside 14. The magnetic elements are visible through the support structure 17 for ease of understanding. The backside 14 is reinforced by an additional material structure 90, in this embodiment a zigzag structure, so that the counterpart 10 will only fold itself on the frontside as intended. The zigzag structure may be of the material as the support structure 17. As shown in FIG. 11 the magnetic elements may be round or squared.

[0107] FIG. 12 shows an example of a pocket with a pocket opening 200 with one counterpart 10 of the closure device visible. This type of pocket is especially known from chino pants and formal dress pants and often have an angled or vertical pocket opening opposite to jeans, which mostly have horizontal pocket openings.

[0108] A pocket as shown in FIG. 12 normally has two closed compartments 300 by to the pocket opening 200, where the counterparts can easily be mounted during production of the pants. Such a compartment 300 is normally closed by a sewing line as shown with the dotted line.

[0109] If the closure device is installed after production of the trousers, this compartment is non-accessible (enclosed). In this case another way to install the closure device is as follows: One counterpart may be placed on the backside of the pocket, attached only by the ends of each counterpart to the trousers or the pocket, allowing the centre region to move freely and meet the opposite counterpart in different positions and fold on itself. The other counterpart may be placed inside the pocket or on the front side of the pocket, preferably attached to the trousers or pocket in each end of the counterpart. By installing it on the inside of the pocket, fewer layers of fabric are between the counterparts, thereby creating a stronger closure.

Claims

1. A closure device for a pocket of a pair of trousers, comprising:a closure device comprising two mating magnetic counterparts, wherein each counterpart comprises:a continuous support structure; andat least two magnetic elements fixed along the support structure, said at least two magnetic elements of each counterpart comprising a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element;wherein:the first and second magnetic elements of at least one of the counterparts have magnetic poles that are positioned so as to be mutually reversed;the two counterparts are suitable for being integrated in a pocket so that the magnetic elements are positioned along an opening of the pocket and so that the two counterparts are positioned opposed to each other, whereby at least the first magnetic element of one counterpart magnetically attracts the first magnetic element of the other counterpart towards a closed position of the pocket;the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one of the counterparts are connected by a portion of the support structure of said at least one counterpart said portion of the support structure forming a hinge that hingedly connects the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one of the counterparts, said hinge allowing the support structure of said at least one of the counterparts to bend when the pocket is open and an associated portion of the pocket folds to form a fold, whereby the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one of the counterparts attract each other to maintain the fold of said portion of the pocket so that magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one of the counterparts provide an at least partial safety closure of the pocket.

2. The closure device according to claim 1, wherein said portion of the support structure of the at least one of the counterparts is a film hinge.

3. The closure device according to claim 1, wherein the support structure of one or both counterparts is a strip.

4. The closure device according to claim 1, wherein the support structures of the two counterparts are hingedly joined to each other at one or both respective ends thereof.

5. The closure device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second magnetic elements are magnets.

6. The closure device according to claim 1, wherein each counterpart has at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 magnetic elements and / or no more than 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8 , 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2 magnetic elements.

7. The closure device according to claim 1, wherein each magnetic element is fully sealed against the surroundings.

8. The closure device according to claim 1, wherein each support structure has at least one stabilizing arm each stabilizing arm having at least one magnetic element that guides the counterparts to align during closure of the pocket.

9. A pocket for a pair of trousers, wherein the pocket comprises a closure device according to claim 1 integrated in said pocket so that the magnetic elements are positioned along an opening of the pocket and so that the two counterparts are positioned opposed to each other, whereby at least the first magnetic element of one counterpart magnetically attracts the first magnetic element of the other counterpart towards a closed position of the pocket, wherein said hinge allows the support structure of said at least one of the counterparts to bend when the pocket is open and an associated portion of the pocket folds to form a fold, whereby the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one of the counterparts attract each other to maintain the fold of said portion of the pocket so that magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one of the counterparts provide an at least partial safety closure of the pocket.

10. A pocket for a pair of trousers, the pocket comprising:two pocket halves forming a pocket opening between them; anda safety closure device, comprising a first magnet and a second magnet, each of said first and second magnets being fixed to one of said pocket halves along the pocket opening, an associated portion of said one of said pocket halves extending between the first and second magnets, wherein the magnetic poles of the first magnet and the second magnet, respectively, are positioned so as to be mutually reversed, whereby, when the pocket is open and said associated portion of said pocket half folds to form a fold, the first and second magnets attract each other to maintain the fold so that magnetic attraction between the first and second magnets provide an at least partial safety closure of the pocket.

11. The pocket according to claim 10, wherein the safety closure device forms part of a magnetic closure device according to claim 1, the first and second magnets of the safety closure device being the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one counterpart of the magnetic closure device12. A pair of trousers comprising a pocket according to claim 9.

13. The closure device according to claim 2, wherein the support structure of one or both counterparts is a strip.

14. The closure device according to claim 13, wherein the support structures of the two counterparts are hingedly joined to each other at one or both respective ends thereof.

15. The closure device according to claim 14, wherein the first and second magnetic elements are magnets.

16. The closure device according to claim 15, wherein each counterpart has at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 magnetic elements and / or no more than 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8 , 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2 magnetic elements.

17. The closure device according to claim 16, wherein each magnetic element is fully sealed against the surroundings.

18. The closure device according to claim 17, wherein each support structure has at least one stabilizing arm, each stabilizing arm having at least one magnetic element that guides the counterparts to align during closure of the pocket.

19. A pocket for a pair of trousers, wherein the pocket comprises a closure device according to claim 8 integrated in said pocket so that the magnetic elements are positioned along an opening of the pocket and so that the two counterparts are positioned opposed to each other, whereby at least the first magnetic element of one counterpart magnetically attracts the first magnetic element of the other counterpart towards a closed position of the pocket, wherein said hinge allows the support structure of said at least one of the counterparts to bend when the pocket is open and an associated portion of the pocket folds to form a fold, whereby the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one of the counterparts attract each other to maintain the fold of said portion of the pocket so that magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic elements of said at least one of the counterparts provide an at least partial safety closure of the pocket.

20. A pair of trousers comprising a pocket according to claim 11.

Images