WO2013126851A1

WO2013126851A1 - Fastener, fastening system and method of securing using fastening system

Info

Publication number: WO2013126851A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/027527
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chad Alan CLARK; Chuck Gee LECOMPTE; Garland Jesse BROCK
Original assignee: Ykk Corporation
Priority date: 2012-02-24
Filing date: 2013-02-23
Publication date: 2013-08-29

Abstract

A fastening system, in one non-limiting example, includes a male stud fastening component and a female socket fastening component. In some instances, the male stud includes features such as a rounded outer perimeter of a flange and a head with a flattened, convex surface. In some instances, the female socket includes features such as an upward sloping flange, a concave transition, and a downward sloping funnel. These and other features may be configured to guide the two components into engagement with one another while facilitating and/or allowing for lateral, sliding interaction between them.

Description

FASTENER, FASTENING SYSTEM

AND METHOD OF SECURING USING FASTENING SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

Related Fields

[0001] This patent application relates to fasteners for use in blind fastening applications and other (non-blind) fastening applications, such as, but not limited to, certain medical, marine, automotive, furniture, and household applications.

Description of Related Art

[0002] Mechanical fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners and snap fasteners, have been used in blind fastening applications before. One non-limiting example of a blind fastening application is the attachment of a seat cushion to a seat frame for an automobile. Other examples include fastening frames or panels to support surfaces.

[0003] In these applications, it can sometimes be difficult to properly align the fastening elements of one component, such as an array of male snap fastening elements on a seat cushion, with the fastening elements on the other component, such as an array of corresponding female snap fastening elements on a seat frame. The size, shape and other aspects of the components to be fastened to one another can make it difficult, if not impossible, to view the fastening elements while bringing them into alignment with one another. Thus, in some situations, it is necessary to work "blind" while attempting to align components for fastening.

[0004] Other issues of potential importance for fasteners, at least when used in some applications, are durability and cleanliness. For instance, in medical applications, it is often necessary to thoroughly clean and potentially sterilize items that may include fasteners. Some fasteners, such as some hook and loop fasteners, may not be sufficiently durable to withstand these processes, and, even if sufficiently durable, may not be able to achieve a sufficient level of cleanliness or sterilization for the particular application.

SUMMARY

[0005] This patent application describes improved fastening systems, particularly improved snap fastening systems. These improved fasteners, in some instances, address one or more of the issues discussed above. The improved fasteners described below, however, are not limited to ones for addressing the above issues, which are offered by way of example only, and may be used in other applications and/or useful for addressing other limitations with current fastening systems.

[0006] In one non-limiting embodiment, the fastener includes (a) a first engagement element comprising one of a male stud and a female socket; (b) a flange surrounding the first engagement element and extending outwardly from the first engagement element, the flange comprising an upper surface and an outer perimeter; and (c) a plurality of guides extending from or proximate the outer perimeter along the upper surface towards a center point of the engagement element, the plurality of guides configured to guide in a sliding fashion a second engagement component comprising the other of the male stud and the female socket from the outer perimeter over the upper surface to the first engagement element.

[0007] The first engagement element may be the female socket.

[0008] The plurality of guides may comprise a plurality of guide rails which are raised relative to the upper surface of the flange.

[0009] The guide rails may be substantially linear.

[0010] A height of each of the guide rails may decrease as it extends from or proximate the outer perimeter towards the first engagement element.

[0011] The guide rails may be circumferentially spaced about the flange.

[0012] The fastener may further include a funnel positioned between the female socket and the plurality of guides, the funnel configured to guide in a sliding fashion the male stud of the second engagement component into the female socket.

[0013] At least a portion of the upper surface of the flange may be positively sloped as it extends from the outer perimeter towards the funnel; and at least a portion of the funnel may be negatively sloped as it extends from the upper surface of the flange towards the female socket.

[0014] The fastener may further include a substantially planar base including one of an adhesive and a mechanical fastener.

[0015] In another non-limiting embodiment, the fastener includes (a) a first engagement element having a female socket; (b) a substantially planar base including one of an adhesive and a mechanical fastener; (c) a flange substantially surrounding and extending outwardly from the first engagement element, the flange including an upper surface configured to interact with a second engagement element comprising a male stud in a sliding fashion to facilitate engagement of the male stud with the female socket, the flange further including an outer perimeter, wherein at least a portion of the upper surface slopes upwardly as it extends from the outer perimeter towards the female socket such that the fastener gradually increases in thickness from the outer perimeter towards the female socket; and (d) a funnel positioned between the female socket and the upper surface of the flange, the funnel configured to interact with the male stud in a sliding fashion and to guide the male stud into engagement with the female socket, wherein at least a portion of the funnel slopes downwardly as it extends from the upper surface of the flange towards the female socket.

[0016] The slope of the portion of the upper surface is within the range of approximately 10° to approximately 45°.

[0017] The slope of the portion of the upper surface is approximately 24°.

[0018] The slope of the portion of the upper surface may be constant.

[0019] The slope of the portion of the upper surface may include a plurality of different slopes as the portion extends from the outer perimeter towards the funnel.

[0020] The portion of the upper surface may be convex.

[0021] The portion of the funnel may have a radius of curvature in the range of 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0022] The radius of curvature of the portion of the funnel may be in the range of 18 mm to 19 mm.

[0023] The portion of the funnel may be concave.

[0024] The fastener may be approximately 50 mm in diameter and 3 mm to 4 mm in thickness at its thickest point.

[0025] The upper surface of the flange and the funnel may be substantially smooth to facilitate sliding interaction between the first engagement element and the second engagement element.

[0026] The fastener may further include a convex transition connects the upper surface of the flange to the funnel.

[0027] The transition may have a radius of curvature in the range of 2.5 mm to 10 mm.

[0028] The transition may have a radius of curvature of 5 mm.

[0029] In other non-limiting embodiments, the fastener may include: (a) an engagement element including a male stud including a flat and convex head covering a top of the male stud; (b) a flange surrounding the engagement element and extending outwardly from the engagement element, the flange including an upper surface and an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter including a rounded edge; and (c) a planar base including one of an adhesive and a mechanical fastener.

[0030] The flat and convex head may have a radius of curvature of approximately 5mm.

[0031] The fastener may be at least 25 mm in width and less than 5 mm in height.

[0032] In other non-limiting embodiments, a fastening system may include: (a) a male stud fastening component, including: (i) a first engagement element comprising a male stud including a flat and convex head covering a top of the male stud; and (ii) a first flange surrounding the first engagement element and extending outwardly from the first engagement element, the first flange comprising an upper surface and an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter including a rounded edge; and (b) a female socket fastening component, including: (i) a second engagement element including a female socket; (ii) a second flange surrounding the second engagement element and extending outwardly from the second engagement element, the second flange comprising an upper surface and an outer perimeter; and (iii) a plurality of guides extending from or proximate the outer perimeter along the upper surface towards a center point of the second engagement element, wherein the head and rounded edge of the male stud fastening component are configured to interact with the upper surface of the female socket fastening component in a sliding fashion, and wherein the plurality of guides of the female socket fastening component are configured to guide, in a sliding fashion, the first and second engagement elements of the male stud and female socket into engagement.

[0033] The male stud and female socket fastening components may be configured to engage while laterally sliding in contact with each other.

[0034] In other non-limiting embodiments, a fastening system may include: (a) a male stud fastening component, including: (i) a first engagement element comprising a male stud including a flat and convex head covering a top of the male stud; and (ii) a first flange surrounding the first engagement element and extending outwardly from the first engagement element, the first flange including an upper surface and an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter including a rounded edge; and (b) a female socket fastening component, including: (i) a second engagement element comprising a female socket; (ii) a planar base; (iii) a second flange surrounding the second engagement element and extending outwardly from the second engagement element, the second flange comprising an upper surface configured to interact with the male stud fastening component in a sliding fashion, the second flange further comprising an outer perimeter, wherein at least a portion of the upper surface slopes upwardly as it extends from the outer perimeter towards the female socket such that the female socket fastening component gradually increases in thickness from the outer perimeter towards the female socket; and (iv) a funnel positioned between the female socket and the upper surface, the funnel configured to interact with the male stud fastening component in a sliding fashion and to guide the head into engagement with the female socket, wherein at least a portion of the funnel slopes downwardly as it extends from the upper surface towards the female socket such that the female socket fastening component gradually decreases in thickness as the funnel extends towards the female socket.

[0035] The male stud and female socket fastening components may be configured to engage while laterally sliding in contact with each other.

[0036] In one non-limiting embodiment, there is provided a medical pad and blind fastener assembly having a plurality of blind fasteners secured to an underside of the medical pad, wherein each blind fastener includes (a) an engagement element comprising one of a male stud or a female socket; (b) a flange substantially surrounding and extending outwardly from the engagement element, the flange comprising an upper surface and an outer perimeter; and (c) a plurality of elongated guides extending from or proximate the outer perimeter along the upper surface towards a center point of the engagement element, the plurality of elongated guides configured to guide in a sliding fashion a second fastening component having the other of the male stud or the female socket from the outer perimeter over the upper surface to the engagement element.

[0037] In another non-limiting embodiment, there is provided a medical pad and blind fastener assembly having a plurality of blind fasteners secured to an underside of the medical pad, wherein each blind fastener includes (a) an engagement element having a female socket; a substantially planar base including one of an adhesive or a mechanical fastener; (b) a flange substantially surrounding and extending outwardly from the engagement element, the flange including an upper surface configured to interact with a male stud fastening component in a sliding fashion to facilitate engagement of the male stud fastening component with the female socket, the flange further including an outer perimeter, wherein at least a portion of the flange upper surface slopes upwardly as it extends from or proximate the outer perimeter towards the female socket such that the fastener gradually increases in thickness from the outer perimeter towards the female socket; and (c) a funnel positioned between the female socket and the flange upper surface, the funnel configured to interact with the male fastening component in a sliding fashion and to guide the male fastening component into engagement with the female socket, wherein at least a portion of the funnel slopes downwardly as it extends from or proximate the flange upper surface towards the female socket.

[0038] In another non-limiting embodiment, there is provided a medical pad and blind fastener assembly having a plurality of blind fasteners secured to an underside of the medical pad, wherein each blind fastener includes: (a) an engagement element including a male stud, the male stud including a substantially flat, convex, head substantially covering a top of the male stud; (b) a flange substantially surrounding and extending outwardly from the engagement element, the flange including an upper surface and an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter including a rounded edge; and (c) a substantially planar base including one of an adhesive or a mechanical fastener.

[0039] In another non-limiting embodiment, there is provided a blind fastening system for a bed pad, the system including (a) a bed pad having a bottom surface; (b) a plurality of male stud fastening components, each including: (i) an engagement element including a substantially flat, convex, head substantially covering a top of the male stud engagement element; and (ii) a flange substantially surrounding and extending outwardly from the engagement element, the flange comprising an upper surface and an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter including a rounded edge; (c) a plurality of female socket fastening components, each including: (i) an engagement element including a female socket; (ii) a flange substantially surrounding and extending outwardly from the engagement element, the flange comprising an upper surface and an outer perimeter; and (iii) a plurality of elongated guides extending from or proximate the outer perimeter along the upper surface towards a center point of the engagement element; (d) wherein the head and rounded edge of the male stud fastening component are configured to interact with the flange upper surface of the female socket fastening component in a sliding fashion and wherein the plurality of elongated guides of the female socket fastening component are configured to guide, in a sliding fashion, the engagement elements of the male stud and female socket into engagement in blind applications; and (e) wherein one of the plurality of male stud fastening components and the female socket fastening components are associated with the bottom surface of the bed pad.

[0040] In another non-limiting embodiment, there is provided a blind fastening system for a bed pad, the system including (a) a bed pad having a bottom surface; (b) a plurality of male stud fastening components, each including: (i) an engagement element including a substantially flat, convex, head substantially covering a top of the engagement element; and (ii) a flange substantially surrounding and extending outwardly from the engagement element, the flange including an upper surface and an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter including a rounded edge; (c) a plurality of female socket fastening components, each including: (i) an engagement element comprising a female socket; (ii) a substantially planar base; (iii) a flange substantially surrounding and extending outwardly from the engagement element, the flange comprising an upper surface configured to interact with the male stud fastening component in a sliding fashion, the flange further comprising an outer perimeter, wherein at least a portion of the flange upper surface slopes upwardly as it extends from or proximate the outer perimeter towards the female socket such that the female socket fastening component gradually increases in thickness from the outer perimeter towards the female socket; and (iv) a funnel positioned between the female socket and the flange upper surface, the funnel configured to interact with the male stud fastening component in a sliding fashion and to guide the head into engagement with the female socket, wherein at least a portion of the funnel slopes downwardly as it extends from or proximate the flange upper surface towards the socket such that the female socket fastening component gradually decreases in thickness as the funnel extends towards the socket; wherein one of the plurality of male stud fastening components and the female socket fastening components are associated with the bottom surface of the bed pad.

[0041] In some instances, there is provided a method of securing a first element to a second element using a fastening system, the method including: (a) positioning the first element relative to the second element such that at least one of a plurality of male stud fastening elements and a plurality of female socket fastening elements are not visible to a user, wherein the first element is associated with the plurality of male stud fastening components, each of the male stud fastening components including a flat and convex head having a protuberance, and wherein the second element is associated with the plurality of female socket fastening components, each of the female socket fastening components including a sloping flange extending from an outer perimeter to a central funnel and an internal protuberance configured to be engaged with the protuberance of one of the male stud fastening components; and (b) moving at least one of the first element and the second element relative to the other while the at least one of the plurality of male stud fastening elements and the plurality of female socket fastening elements are not visible to the user such that at least some of the male stud and female socket fastening elements come into laterally sliding contact with one another such that at least some of the flat and convex heads of the male stud fastening components interact in a sliding fashion with at least some of the sloping flanges and central funnels of the female socket fastening components such that at least some of the male stud and female socket fastening elements exert forces on one another guiding at least some of the male stud fastening elements into engagement with the female socket fastening elements.

[0042] Securing the first element to the second element may include securing at least one of a cushion and a pad with at least one of a frame and a panel.

[0043] Moving the at least one of the first element and the second element relative to the other may include moving at least one of the first element and the second element relative to the other such that at least some of the fastening components interact to provide a tactile feedback to the user.

[0044] Moving the at least one of the first element and the second element relative to the other may include moving at least one of the first and second elements relative to the other while at least some of the plurality of male stud fastening elements and at least some of the plurality of female socket fastening elements are not visible to the user.

[0045] Moving the at least one of the first element and the second element relative to the other may include moving at least one of the first and second elements relative to the other such that at least one guide of one of the female socket fastening components interacts in a sliding fashion with one of the male stud fastening components to guide in a sliding fashion the one of the male stud fastening components from the outer perimeter towards the central funnel of the one of the female socket fastening components.

[0046] In some instances, there is provided method of securing a first element to a second element using a fastening system, the method including: (a) positioning the first element relative to the second element such that at least one of a plurality of male stud fastening elements and a plurality of female socket fastening elements is not visible to a user, wherein the first element is associated with the plurality of male stud fastening components, each of the male stud fastening components including a flat and convex head, and wherein the second element is associated with the plurality of female socket fastening components, each of the female socket fastening components comprising a sloping flange extending from an outer perimeter towards a central funnel; and (b) moving at least one of the first element and the second element relative to the other while the at least one of the plurality of male stud fastening elements and the plurality of female socket fastening elements is not visible to the user such that at least some of the male stud and female socket fastening elements come into laterally sliding contact with one another such that at least some of the flat and convex heads of the male stud fastening components interact in a sliding fashion with at least some of the sloping flanges and central funnels of the female socket fastening components such that at least some of the male stud and female socket fastening elements exert forces on one another guiding at least some of the male stud fastening elements into engagement with the female socket fastening elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1A is a schematic, cross-section view of a fastening system for securing two elements together in a blind application.

[0048] Figure IB is a schematic, top or outer view of two elements for securement in a blind application.

[0049] Figure 1C is a schematic, top or outer view of two elements secured together in a blind application.

[0050] Figure 2 is an exploded, perspective view of a male stud fastening component.

[0051] Figure 3 is a side, cross-section view of the male stud fastening component of Figure 2.

[0052] Figure 4 is an exploded, perspective view of a female socket fastening component.

[0053] Figure 5 is a side, cross-section view of the female socket fastening component of Figure 4.

[0054] Figure 6 is a top, schematic view illustrating sliding interaction of two fastening components and guidance of one component relative to the other.

[0055] Figures 7A to 7E are cross-section views illustrating sliding interaction of two fastening components.

[0056] Figure 8 is a cross-section view illustrating positional relationship between a flange and guides of the female socket fastening component.

[0057] Figure 9 is a cross-section view illustrating four fastening components.

EMBODIMENTS

[0058] Figure 1A illustrates a first, non-limiting, example of a fastening system. The fastening system includes a first fastening component 12, which in this example is a male stud that is further illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, and a second fastening component 14, which in this example is a female socket that is further illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. Figure 1A shows the fastening components 12 and 14 securing two elements 16 and 18 together.

[0059] Examples of elements that can be secured using fastening systems like these include, without limitation, seat cushions and frames, mattresses and covers, frames or other panels and walls or other supports, and other applications requiring blind fasteners. Figure 1A

schematically illustrates a cushion / pad 18 secured to a panel / frame 16, with the male stud fastening component 12 associated with the panel / frame 16 and the female socket fastening component 14 associated with the cushion / pad 18.

[0060] Although Figure 1A shows a single male 12 and a single female 14 fastening component securing the elements 16 and 18, it can be appreciated that several pairs of fastening components can be utilized and arranged in a wide variety of configurations and arrays.

Similarly, although Figure 1A shows elements 16 and 18 as substantially flat and rectilinear in shape, it can be appreciated that the fastening components 12 and 14 may be utilized to connect a wide variety of shapes and sizes of elements, and are not limited to placement on just planar surfaces.

[0061] The fastening system may be used with elements made of a wide variety of materials or combinations of materials, including, without limitation, various adhesives and/or materials having mechanical fastening capability.

[0062] In Figure 1A, a layer of high bond adhesive 20 secures each of the fastening components 12 and 14 to their respective elements 16 and 18. One, non-limiting, example of a suitable high bond adhesive is VHB™ available from 3M™ of St. Paul, Minnesota. Other adhesives or other types of fasteners, including mechanical fasteners, could also be used.

[0063] The fastening components 12 and 14 may be applied after manufacture of the elements 16 and 18, or may be applied or formed with those elements. For instance, in one example, the male and/or female components may be positioned in one or more molds used to form a foamed structure, such as a seat cushion, and the fastening components may be secured on or partially in the foamed structure during the process.

[0064] Figure IB schematically shows a top or outer view of the first and second elements 16 and 18, a view which, in at least some uses, a user may be presented with when securing or otherwise assembling the elements together. For instance, when securing a pad or cushion to an underlying frame or panel, the user may only see the top surface of the pad / cushion and possibly outer portions of the frame or panel. In such an instance, it may be unclear to the user where at least some, if not all, of the fastening components 12 and 14 are located and how to bring them into precise alignment with one another. Figure 1C schematically shows a top or outer view of the first and second elements 16 and 18 secured together. The fastening components 12 and 14 described herein facilitate securing the elements 16 and 18 together in blind fastening applications such as these.

Male Stud

[0065] Figure 2 and 3 illustrate one example of a male stud fastening component 12. The male stud 12 includes a head 22 protruding upward from and surrounded by a flange 24, the flange having a substantially planar, flat or non-sloping upper surface (although an outer perimeter of the flange may be rounded-over). In the particular example illustrated, the underside of the flange 24 defines a substantially planar base 26, which may include a layer of adhesive 20 or another mechanism for securing it to an element.

[0066] An upper outer circumference of the head 22 is slightly wider than its base (where it joins the flange 24) such that it defines a lip or protrusion 28 for releasable engagement with structure of the female socket 14, described further below. The lip or protrusion 28 is defined by an undercut angle (angle F in Figure 3), which, in this particular example is 8° relative to a vertical axis of the fastener 12. The lip or protrusion 28, other portions of the head 22, and/or other portions of the male stud 12 may be at least somewhat resilient to facilitate deformation from and return to a particular shape and size during insertion of the head 22 into the female socket 14 due to hoop stresses resulting from inserting the head 22 into the female socket 14. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that snap fasteners can employ a wide variety of structures and mechanisms to facilitate engagement between components, and that, as such, a wide variety of structures and mechanisms for facilitating engagement between first and second fastening components could be employed in the place of the specific, non-limiting examples shown and described in this application.

[0067] As shown in Figure 3, the head 22 includes a flattened, albeit slightly convex top surface 30 covering its top. As will be further illustrated and described below, the flattened, albeit slightly convex shape of the top surface 30 allows for sliding interaction between the male stud 12 and the female socket 14, easing assembly of the two fastening components 12 and 14. In the particular example shown in Figure 3, the flattened, convex shape of the top surface 30 is a portion of a sphere having a radius of curvature of approximately 80 mm (with the radius (R in Figure 3) substantially orthogonal to a tangent intersecting the sphere at its midpoint or highpoint), in which the head 22 has an outer diameter of approximately 19.1 mm (measurement E in Figure 3). In other instances, the top surface may be a portion of a sphere having a radius in the range of approximately 19 to 120 mm (with the radius located in a similar manner to that described before), which may, in some instances, vary in proportion to the width of the head, with longer radiuses of curvature corresponding to wider heads, and vice versa.

[0068] In still other instances, the top surface may be non-spherical but configured in other manners to facilitate a sliding interaction with the other fastening component 14. For instance, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the outer perimeter of the head may be rounded over / convexly curved with central portions of the head being substantially flat.

[0069] As shown in Figure 3, the flange 24 includes an outer perimeter 32, which is rounded over such that the upper surface of the flange 24 tapers towards the base surface 26. As will be further illustrated and described below, the rounded over outer perimeter 32 of the flange 24 also further allows for sliding interaction between the fastening components 12 and 14. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 3, the outer perimeter 32 has a slope of approximately 30° relative to base surface 26 (as illustrated by angular measurement A in Figure 3). In other non-limiting embodiments, the outer perimeter may have a slope in the range of approximately 15° to approximately 45° relative to the base surface 26. As used herein, "slope" is used as a rough approximation of the steepness of a surface, and includes not just straight surfaces, but also includes concavely, convexly, and otherwise curving surfaces.

[0070] As illustrated in Figure 3, aside from the rounded over outer perimeter 32, other portions of the flange 24 are substantially planar and flat. In other embodiments, however, other portions of the flange 24 could be curved (either convexly or concavely) or could feature other geometries and elements.

[0071] The male stud fastening component 12 of Figures 2 and 3 is relatively wide to provide for a secure connection between it and its associated element (such as element 16 shown in Figure 1A), while also having a relatively low profile to further facilitate sliding interaction between it and the other fastening component 14 and its associated element (e.g. element 18 of Figure 1A). Additionally, the low profile of fastening component 12 may minimize spacing between the elements joined by the fastening components. In the particular example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the fastening component 12 has a width of 44 mm (measurement B in Figure 3) and a height of 4.8 mm (measurement G). In other instances the width and height of the fastener may vary, including, without limitation, widths of up to 100 mm and heights in the range of 3 mm to 8 mm. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 3, the height of the fastening component 12 is approximately 1/10th the total diameter. In other non-limiting examples, the height of a male stud fastening component may be in the range of approximately l/8th to l/20th the total diameter.

[0072] In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 3, the sloped portion (the outer perimeter 32) of the flange 24 has a width of approximately 2.9 mm (measurement C) and occupies approximately 13% of the fastener 12's total diameter (measurement C times 2 and divided by measurement B). The non-sloping portion of the flange 24 has a width of approximately 9.5 mm (measurement D) and occupies approximately 43% of the fastener 12's total diameter (measurement D times 2 and divided by measurement B). Thus, in the particular embodiment of Figure 3, the flange 24 has a width of approximately 12.4 mm (measurements C plus D) and occupies approximately 56% of the fastener 12's total diameter.

[0073] The head 22 of the fastener 12 in Figure 3 has a diameter or width of approximately 19.1 mm (measurement E), and defines an under-cut angle (F in Figure 3) of approximately 8°. In the particular embodiment of Figure 3, the head 22 occupies approximately 43% of the fastener 12's total diameter (measurement E divided by measurement B).

[0074] In alternative, non-limiting examples, the above measurements and angles may be different. For instance, in some embodiments, the total diameter of a male stud fastening component may vary between 10 mm and 100 mm, and the flange may be in the range of 50 to 70% of the fastener's total diameter and the head may be in the range of 30 to 50% of the fastener's total diameter.

Female Socket

[0075] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate one example of a female socket fastening component 14. In the particular example illustrated, the female socket fastening component 14 includes a socket 34 and a flange 36 substantially surrounding and extending outwardly from the socket 34. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 5, the socket 34 has a width (measurement Q) of approximately 19.8 mm (approximately 41% of the component 14's total diameter), which, in some embodiments, may be in the range of approximately 30% to 50% of the total diameter.

[0076] The socket 34 includes an interior circumferential rib 38 for engagement with the lip or protrusion 28 of the other fastening component 12. As discussed above for the fastening component 12, the interior rib 38 or other portions of fastening component 14 may be made of a resilient material. As also discussed above, structures such as the lip or protrusion 28 of the fastening component 12 and the interior rib 38 of the fastening component 14 are not the only structures or mechanisms for securing snap fasteners together, and additional or other structures and mechanisms may be employed.

[0077] Like the male stud 12 of Figure 2 and 3, the female socket fastening component 14 of Figures 4 and 5 includes a substantially planar base 40 that includes a layer of adhesive 20, or, alternatively, may include other mechanisms or structures for securing the fastening component 14 to an element.

[0078] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the flange 36 substantially surrounds and extends outwardly from the socket 34 to an outer perimeter 42, which, like the male stud fastening component 12, may be rounded over to facilitate sliding interaction. As shown in Figure 5, an upper surface of the flange gradually slopes upward as it extends from the outer perimeter 42 towards the socket 34, such that the thickness of the fastening component 14 gradually increases from the outer perimeter 42 towards the socket 34. In the particular example shown, the thickness of the fastening component 14 at the outer edge of the outer perimeter 42 is approximately 0.5 mm (measurement H in Figure 5) and the thickness at the high point of the flange 36 is approximately 3.8 mm (measurement I in Figure 5). In other non-limiting embodiments, the thickness of the fastening component 14 at the outer edge of the outer perimeter 42 is in the range of approximately 0.1 mm to 1 mm, and the thickness at the high point of the flange 36 is in the range of approximately 2.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0079] In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 5, the total diameter of the fastening component is 48 mm (measurement J in Figure 5), although, in other non-limiting examples, diameters of up to 100 mm are included. In Figure 5, the maximum thickness measurement is l/13th the total diameter measurement (measurement I divided into measurement J), although in other embodiments, this ratio may be in the range of approximately 1/lOth to l/20th.

[0080] In the particular example shown, the slope of the flange 36 is approximately 24° between the outer perimeter and its high point relative to base 40 (angle K in Figure 5). In other instances, the slope may be within the range of approximately 10° to approximately 60° relative to base 40. In the particular example shown, the slope of the flange's upper surface is relatively constant between the outer perimeter 42 and its high point (although the slope changes as it approaches both the outer perimeter 42 and the high point). In other instances, the slope may be constant along the entire span between the outer perimeter and high point, or may vary more so than that shown in the Figures. In some instances, the flange's upper surface may be convex, concave, otherwise curved, or substantially straight. The gradual slope and other features of flange 36 further facilitate sliding interaction between the fastening components and their associated elements.

[0081] In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 5, the upward-sloping portion of the flange 36 is approximately 9.1 mm wide (measurement L in Figure 5) and constitutes approximately 38% of the female socket fastening component 14's total diameter (measurement L times 2 and divided into measurement J), although, in other non-limiting embodiments, the upward sloping portion of the flange may be in the range of approximately 10% to 50% of the fastening component's total diameter. In one alternative embodiment (not shown), the upward-sloping portion of the flange may be relatively steep (e.g. 59°) and be proximate the outer perimeter of the fastening component, occupying approximately 13% of the fastening component's total diameter. In this particular alternative embodiment, the rest of the flange up to the funnel portion (discussed below) may be a substantially flat plateau.

[0082] As shown in Figure 5, a funnel portion 44 separates the upwardly sloped upper surface of the flange 36 from the socket 34. The outer portion of the funnel 44 slopes downwardly towards the socket 34, which, as illustrated and described further below, helps to guide the head 22 of the male stud fastening component 12 into the socket 34 as the two components 12 and 14 laterally slide across one another. Portions of the funnel portion 44 shown in Figure 5 are concavely curved (e.g. the portion M in Figure 5, which is approximately 4.2 mm wide), although, in other examples, the funnel may be curved in other manners or may be substantially planar in cross section (in three dimensions, featuring a frusto-conical shape in which the cone is defined by a straight side). In the example shown in Figure 5, the slope of the funnel portion 44 (the sloped portion of the funnel) is defined by an approximately 18.6 mm radius of curvature (e.g. radius O shown in Figure 5, which extends along a line that is perpendicular to a line that is tangent to the midpoint of the curved surface in portion M). In other instances, the sloped portion of the funnel may vary relative to the thickness of fastening component 14. In addition, the upward direction in Figure 5 may be defined as a positive direction and the downward direction in Figure 5 may be defined as a negative direction. In Figure 5, at least a portion of the upper surface of the flange is positively sloped as it extends from the outer perimeter 42 towards the funnel 44, and at least a portion of the funnel 44 is negatively sloped as it extends from the upper surface of the flange towards the female socket 34.

[0083] The funnel 44 shown in Figure 5 includes a substantially flat or non-sloping portion (portion N in Figure 5, which is approximately 2.1 mm wide in this embodiment) inside of the outer, downwardly sloping portion. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 5, the height decrease of the funnel 44 relative to base 40 between the highest extent of the fastening component 14 and the socket 34 is approximately 0.5 mm (as shown by measurement R in Figure 5), although, in other non-limiting examples, may be approximately 0.2 mm to 2 mm. In the particular example shown, the funnel 44 (including the downward sloping portion M and substantially flat portion N) occupies approximately 26% of the fastening component 14's total diameter (in Figure 5, M plus N times two divided into J). In some instances, the funnel may be in the range of approximately 15% to 35% of the fastening component's total diameter.

[0084] In one embodiment, the funnel may be downwardly sloped relative to the base by approximately 5° to 15°, and, in one particular example, approximately 9° (e.g. such as may be defined by angle P shown in Figure 5, which is the approximate angle of the downward sloping portion of funnel 44 relative to a horizontal plane that is parallel to base 40).

[0085] The funnel 44 shown in Figure 5 is relatively wide, which, among other of the geometries described above and below, facilitates sliding guidance of the fastening components 12 and 14 together in blind applications. The relative width of the funnel 44 may be characterized in a variety of manners. For instance, as discussed above, the funnel 44 of Figure 5 occupies approximately 26% of the fastening component 14's total diameter. The funnel 44 of Figure 5 may also, in some instances, be characterized as having a width (e.g. measurements M plus N in Figure 5) that is approximately 33% the width of the socket 34 (Q) and also approximately 33% the width of the head 22 of Figure 3 (E), and, in some instances, the funnel may have a width that is in the range of approximately 25% to 45% the width of a head and/or socket of their respective fastening components. In some instances, the funnel 44 and socket 34 may be characterized as having a total width (e.g. M plus N times two plus Q in Figure 5) that is approximately 66% of the fastening component 14's total diameter (J in Figure 5), or in the range of approximately 55% to 75% of the fastening component's total diameter. In some instances, the total width of the funnel 44 and socket 34 may be approximately 166% of the head 22 width (E in Figure 3), or in the range of approximately 150% to 175% of the head 22 width. In some instances, the funnel 44 of Figure 5 may be characterized as having a width (M plus N in Figure 5) that is approximately 13 times greater than the height decrease of the funnel 44 (R in Figure 5), or in the range of approximately 5 to 20 times greater than the height decrease.

[0086] The female socket fastening component 14 shown in Figure 5 includes a curved transition 46 between the upward sloping upper surface of the flange 36 to the downward sloping funnel 44. In the particular example illustrated, the transition 46 is convexly curved and has a radius of curvature of approximately 5.0 mm (such radius extending along a line perpendicular to base 40 and extending through the highest point of the transition 46 relative to the base). In other non-limiting examples (not shown) a transition may have a radius of curvature in the range of approximately 2.5 mm to 10 mm.

[0087] The female socket fastening component 14 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is circular in shape with a diameter of approximately 48 mm, although other sizes are possible, including, without limitation, diameters in the range of approximately 25 mm to approximately 60 mm, or even in some instances up to 100 mm. In the particular example shown in the Figures, the component's thickness at the outer perimeter 42 is approximately 0.5 mm, at its maximum height (at the peak of transition 46) is approximately 3.8 mm, and at the end of the funnel 44 (where the socket 34 begins) is approximately 3.2 mm. Other thicknesses are also possible.

[0088] The female socket fastening component 14 shown in Figure 4 includes several elongated guides 48 extending from the outer perimeter along the upper surface of the flange 36 towards the socket 34. In Figure 8, the positional relationship between the flange 36 and the guides 48 are shown. In the particular example shown, there are four elongated guides 48 (although other numbers, more or less, are also possible) spaced evenly about the circumference to the component 14 (although other spacings are possible). The elongated guides 48 are all oriented towards a center point of the female socket fastening component 14 (as shown in Figure 6). In Figure 4, the elongated guides 48 are raised, substantially linear, guide rails, although other structures and mechanisms may be used for guidance. As shown in Figure 4, the elongated guides 48 taper in height as they approach the center of the component 14. In at least some instances, the elongated guides 48 will have a maximum height at or below the peak of the transition 46. In some embodiments, the elongated guides 48 are configured to maximize guiding interaction with the other fastening component 12 (as discussed below) while not increasing the overall maximum height of the female socket fastening component 14.

Engagement

[0089] Figure 6 schematically illustrates how the elongated guides 48 are configured to interact with the other fastening component 12 to guide in a sliding fashion its head 22 into engagement with the socket 34. Figure 6 illustrates interaction between the elongated guides 48 and the head 22 of the male stud fastening component 12; however, the elongated guides 48 and other portions of the female socket fastening component 14 may also be configured to interact with other portions of the male stud fastening component 12 to guide the head 22 to the socket 34.

[0090] Figures 7A to 7E schematically illustrate other sliding interactions that facilitate engagement of the two components as they laterally slide relative to one another. The following describes a few non-limiting examples of the many sliding interactions that are possible with the fastening components 12 and 14 and the elements to which they are mounted. For instance, Figure 7A illustrates how the head 22 is configured to slide relative to the surface of an element and how the outer perimeter 32 of the male stud fastening component 12 is configured to slide relative to the upper surface of the flange 36 of the female socket fastening component 14. Figure 7B illustrates how the flange 36 and head 22 are configured to slidably interact, and how the transition 46 and flange 24 are configured to slidably interact. Figure 7C illustrates how the transition 46 and the head 22 are configured to slidably interact. Figure 7D illustrates how the funnel 44 and the head 22 are configured to slidably interact. Finally, Figure 7E illustrates engagement of the fastening components 12 and 14.

[0091] As can be seen in this series of figures, the sloped and/or curved surfaces of the fastening components 12 and 14 facilitate a sliding interaction between the two components that moves the two components 12 and 14 vertically apart from one another as the components 12 and 14 are slid laterally relative to one another, and subsequently guides the two components 12 and 14 back towards one another when they are properly aligned for engagement.

[0092] The sliding interaction described above may be accompanied, in at least some instances, by tactile feedback to the user during blind assembly of the fastening components. For instance, the entry of the head 22 into the funnel 44 may indicate to the user that the fastening components 12 and 14 are close to being in the proper position for engagement. Other of the sliding interactions already described above may also or alternatively provide tactile feedback to the user during assembly. Such sliding interactions may exert relative forces between the components and associated elements, providing at least some level of tactile feedback to the user during securement or assembly. In some installation / assembly scenarios, however, tactile feedback will not be essential to quick and accurate assembly, and the fastening components 12 and 14 may substantially act in a self-aligning manner (driven by the sliding interactions discussed above) while requiring little deliberate guidance on the part of the user.

Modifications

[0093] The above is a description of one non-limiting example of a fastening system, and a few, non-limiting, modifications to that system. Those of skill in the art will recognize that many other additions, deletions, substitutions, or other modifications not specifically described herein are possible and contemplated for the present invention. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the fastening system may include a plurality of male stud fastening components 12 and a plurality of female socket fastening components 14. In Figure 9, the interval between two male stud fastening components 12 is equal to the interval between two female socket fastening

components 14, and four fastening components are arranged such that one male stud fastening component 12 and one female socket fastening component 14 are engaged with each other when the other male stud fastening component 12 and the other female socket fastening component 14 are engaged with each other. As such, none of the above description should be seen as limiting on the broad scope and applicability of this invention, the outer bounds of which are set forth by the following claims.

Claims

1. A fastener, comprising:

(a) a first engagement element comprising one of a male stud and a female socket;

(b) a flange surrounding the first engagement element and extending outwardly from the first engagement element, the flange comprising an upper surface and an outer perimeter; and

(c) a plurality of guides extending from or proximate the outer perimeter along the upper surface towards a center point of the engagement element, the plurality of guides configured to guide in a sliding fashion a second engagement component comprising the other of the male stud and the female socket from the outer perimeter over the upper surface to the first engagement element.

2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the first engagement element comprises the female socket.

3. The fastener of claim 2, wherein the plurality of guides comprise a plurality of guide rails which are raised relative to the upper surface of the flange.

4. The fastener of claim 3, wherein the guide rails are substantially linear.

5. The fastener of claim 4, wherein a height of each of the guide rails decreases as it extends from or proximate the outer perimeter towards the first engagement element.

6. The fastener of claim 4, wherein the guide rails are circumferentially spaced about the flange.

7. The fastener of claim 2, further comprising a funnel positioned between the female socket and the plurality of guides, the funnel configured to guide in a sliding fashion the male stud of the second engagement component into the female socket.

8. The fastener of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the upper surface of the flange is positively sloped as it extends from the outer perimeter towards the funnel; and wherein at least a portion of the funnel is negatively sloped as it extends from the upper surface of the flange towards the female socket.

9. The fastener of claim 1, further comprising a substantially planar base including one of an adhesive and a mechanical fastener.

10. A fastener, comprising:

(a) a first engagement element comprising a female socket;

(b) a substantially planar base comprising one of an adhesive and a mechanical fastener; (c) a flange substantially surrounding and extending outwardly from the first engagement element, the flange comprising an upper surface configured to interact with a second engagement element comprising a male stud in a sliding fashion to facilitate engagement of the male stud with the female socket, the flange further comprising an outer perimeter, wherein at least a portion of the upper surface slopes upwardly as it extends from the outer perimeter towards the female socket such that the fastener gradually increases in thickness from the outer perimeter towards the female socket; and

(d) a funnel positioned between the female socket and the upper surface of the flange, the funnel configured to interact with the male stud in a sliding fashion and to guide the male stud into engagement with the female socket, wherein at least a portion of the funnel slopes downwardly as it extends from the upper surface of the flange towards the female socket.

1 1. The fastener of claim 10, wherein the slope of the portion of the upper surface is within the range of approximately 10° to approximately 45°.

12. The fastener of claim 10, wherein the slope of the portion of the upper surface is approximately 24°.

13. The fastener of claim 10, wherein the slope of the portion of the upper surface is constant.

14. The fastener of claim 10, wherein the slope of the portion of the upper surface comprises a plurality of different slopes as the portion extends from the outer perimeter towards the funnel.

15. The fastener of claim 10, wherein the portion of the upper surface is convex.

16. The fastener of claim 10, wherein the portion of the funnel has a radius of curvature in the range of 10 mm to 30 mm.

17. The fastener of claim 16, wherein the radius of curvature of the portion of the funnel is in the range of 18 mm to 19 mm.

18. The fastener of claim 10, wherein the portion of the funnel is concave.

19. The fastener of claim 10, wherein the fastener is approximately 50 mm in diameter and 3 mm to 4 mm in thickness at its thickest point.

20. The fastener of claim 10, wherein a convex transition connects the upper surface of the flange to the funnel.

21. The fastener of claim 20, wherein the transition has a radius of curvature in the range of 2.5 mm to 10 mm.

22. The fastener of claim 20, wherein the transition has a radius of curvature of 5 mm.

23. A fastener, comprising:

(a) an engagement element comprising a male stud including a flat and convex head covering a top of the male stud;

(b) a flange surrounding the engagement element and extending outwardly from the engagement element, the flange comprising an upper surface and an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter including a rounded edge; and

(c) a planar base comprising one of an adhesive and a mechanical fastener.

24. The fastener of claim 23, wherein the flat and convex head has a radius of curvature of approximately 5 mm.

25. The fastener of claim 23, wherein the fastener is at least 25 mm in width and less than 5 mm in height.

26. A fastening system, comprising:

(a) a male stud fastening component, comprising:

(i) a first engagement element comprising a male stud including a flat and convex head covering a top of the male stud; and

(ii) a first flange surrounding the first engagement element and extending outwardly from the first engagement element, the first flange comprising an upper surface and an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter including a rounded edge; and

(b) a female socket fastening component, comprising:

(i) a second engagement element comprising a female socket;

(ii) a second flange surrounding the second engagement element and extending outwardly from the second engagement element, the second flange comprising an upper surface and an outer perimeter; and

(iii) a plurality of guides extending from or proximate the outer perimeter along the upper surface towards a center point of the second engagement element,

wherein the head and rounded edge of the male stud fastening component are configured to interact with the upper surface of the female socket fastening component in a sliding fashion, and

wherein the plurality of guides of the female socket fastening component are configured to guide, in a sliding fashion, the first and second engagement elements of the male stud and female socket into engagement.

27. The fastening system of claim 26, wherein the male stud and female socket fastening components are configured to engage while laterally sliding in contact with each other.

28. A fastening system, comprising:

(a) a male stud fastening component, comprising:

(b) a female socket fastening component, comprising:

(i) a second engagement element comprising a female socket;

(ii) a planar base;

(iii) a second flange surrounding the second engagement element and extending outwardly from the second engagement element, the second flange comprising an upper surface configured to interact with the male stud fastening component in a sliding fashion, the second flange further comprising an outer perimeter, wherein at least a portion of the upper surface slopes upwardly as it extends from the outer perimeter towards the female socket such that the female socket fastening component gradually increases in thickness from the outer perimeter towards the female socket; and

(iv) a funnel positioned between the female socket and the upper surface, the funnel configured to interact with the male stud fastening component in a sliding fashion and to guide the head into engagement with the female socket, wherein at least a portion of the funnel slopes downwardly as it extends from the upper surface towards the female socket such that the female socket fastening component gradually decreases in thickness as the funnel extends towards the female socket.

29. The fastening system of claim 28, wherein the male stud and female socket fastening components are configured to engage while laterally sliding in contact with each other.

30. A method of securing a first element to a second element using a fastening system, the method comprising:

(a) positioning the first element relative to the second element such that at least one of a plurality of male stud fastening elements and a plurality of female socket fastening elements are not visible to a user, wherein the first element is associated with the plurality of male stud fastening components, each of the male stud fastening components including a flat and convex head having a protuberance, and wherein the second element is associated with the plurality of female socket fastening components, each of the female socket fastening components including a sloping flange extending from an outer perimeter to a central funnel and an internal protuberance configured to be engaged with the protuberance of one of the male stud fastening components; and

(b) moving at least one of the first element and the second element relative to the other while the at least one of the plurality of male stud fastening elements and the plurality of female socket fastening elements are not visible to the user such that at least some of the male stud and female socket fastening elements come into laterally sliding contact with one another such that at least some of the flat and convex heads of the male stud fastening components interact in a sliding fashion with at least some of the sloping flanges and central funnels of the female socket fastening components such that at least some of the male stud and female socket fastening elements exert forces on one another guiding at least some of the male stud fastening elements into engagement with the female socket fastening elements.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein securing the first element to the second element comprises securing at least one of a cushion and a pad with at least one of a frame and a panel.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein moving the at least one of the first element and the second element relative to the other comprises moving at least one of the first element and the second element relative to the other such that at least some of the fastening components interact to provide a tactile feedback to the user.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein moving the at least one of the first element and the second element relative to the other comprises moving at least one of the first and second elements relative to the other while at least some of the plurality of male stud fastening elements and at least some of the plurality of female socket fastening elements are not visible to the user.

34. The method of claim 30, wherein moving the at least one of the first element and the second element relative to the other comprises moving at least one of the first and second elements relative to the other such that at least one guide of one of the female socket fastening components interacts in a sliding fashion with one of the male stud fastening components to guide in a sliding fashion the one of the male stud fastening components from the outer perimeter towards the central funnel of the one of the female socket fastening components.

35. A method of securing a first element to a second element using a fastening system, the method comprising:

(a) positioning the first element relative to the second element such that at least one of a plurality of male stud fastening elements and a plurality of female socket fastening elements is not visible to a user, wherein the first element is associated with the plurality of male stud fastening components, each of the male stud fastening components including a flat and convex head, and wherein the second element is associated with the plurality of female socket fastening components, each of the female socket fastening components comprising a sloping flange extending from an outer perimeter towards a central funnel; and

(b) moving at least one of the first element and the second element relative to the other while the at least one of the plurality of male stud fastening elements and the plurality of female socket fastening elements is not visible to the user such that at least some of the male stud and female socket fastening elements come into laterally sliding contact with one another such that at least some of the flat and convex heads of the male stud fastening components interact in a sliding fashion with at least some of the sloping flanges and central funnels of the female socket fastening components such that at least some of the male stud and female socket fastening elements exert forces on one another guiding at least some of the male stud fastening elements into engagement with the female socket fastening elements.