U.S. patent application number 11/218265 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-09 for fixture and button.
Invention is credited to Kenji Hasegawa, Yoshio Takamura.
Application Number | 20060048345 11/218265 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35432357 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060048345 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hasegawa; Kenji ; et
al. |
March 9, 2006 |
Fixture and button
Abstract
A fixture (5A) for fixing a button body (4A) on a fabric (1)
includes a flange (51), a fixing post (52) provided at the center
of the flange, and a packing (53) provided on the flange. The
packing (53) includes a spacer (58) provided on a surface of the
flange confronting the fabric, and a retainer edge (60) extending
from the spacer (58) to a surface opposite to the fixing post (52)
via a connecting portion (59) and covering at least a part of an
outer circumferential edge of the flange (51) except an area
occupied by a pressure receiver (54).
Inventors: |
Hasegawa; Kenji; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Takamura; Yoshio; (Kurobe-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael S. Leonard;Everest Intellectual Property Law Group
P.O. Box 708
Northbrook
IL
60065
US
|
Family ID: |
35432357 |
Appl. No.: |
11/218265 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/104 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 17/0005 20130101;
A44B 17/0088 20130101; Y10T 24/3651 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
024/104 |
International
Class: |
A44B 1/28 20060101
A44B001/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 3, 2004 |
JP |
2004-257427 |
Claims
1. A fixture (5A, 5B, 5C, 5F) that penetrates through a fabric (1)
from a first surface to a second surface and fixes a button body
(4A, 4B, 4C, 4D) on the second surface of the fabric (1),
comprising: a flange (51) to be abutted on the first surface of the
fabric (1); a fixing post (52) provided substantially at the center
of the flange (51), the fixing post (52) penetrating though the
fabric (1) to the second surface and fixing the button body (4A,
4B, 4C, 4D) on the second surface of the fabric (1); and an elastic
packing (53) provided on the flange (51), wherein the flange (51)
has a pressure receiver (54) provided at the center of a surface of
the flange (51) on a side opposite to the fixing post (52), the
pressure receiver (54) receiving a force for deforming a tip end of
the fixing post (52) when the button body (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D) is
fixed, and the packing (53) includes a spacer (58) provided on the
surface of the flange (51) to be abutted on the first surface of
the fabric (1) and a retainer edge (60) extended from the spacer
(58) to a surface of the flange (51) on the side opposite to the
fixing post (52) via a connecting portion (59) and covering at
least a part of an outer circumferential edge of the flange (51)
except an area occupied by the pressure receiver (54).
2. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein the spacer (58) is
provided on the surface of the flange (51) confronting via the
fabric (1) a fabric contacting portion (44) of the button body (4A)
contacting to the fabric (1).
3. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein the spacer (58) is
formed in a flat ring continuously extending along the outer
circumferential edge of the flange (51) on a side abutting on the
first surface of the fabric (1) with a constant width, the retainer
edge (60) is formed in a flat ring continuously extending along the
outer circumferential edge of the flange (51) on the side opposite
to the fixing post (52) with a constant width, and the connecting
portion (59) is formed in a ring continuously connecting the spacer
(58) and the retainer edge (60) along an outer circumferential end
surface of the flange (51) with a constant width.
4. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein an uneven portion
(581) is provided on the surface of the spacer (58) abutting on the
first surface of the fabric (1) or on the surface of the flange
(51) on the side opposite to the first surface of the fabric
(1).
5. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein the retainer edge (60)
is a plurality of engaging claws (60A) which are fixed on the
surface of the flange (51) on the side opposite to the fixing post
(52).
6. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein the packing (53) is
integrally formed along the outer circumferential edge of the
flange (51).
7. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein the packing (53) is
formed separately from the flange (51), and the retainer edge (60)
is deformed inward.
8. A button, comprising: a button body (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D); and a
fixture (5A, 5B, 5C, 5F), wherein the button body (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D)
and the fixture (5A, 5B, 5C, 5F) are engaged with each other while
a fabric (1) is interposed between the button body (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D)
and the fixture (5A, 5B, 5C, 5F), the fixture (5A, 5B, 5C, 5F)
including: a flange (51) to be abutted on a first surface of the
fabric (1); a fixing post (52) provided substantially at the center
of the flange (51), the fixing post (52) penetrating though the
fabric (1) to the second surface and fixing the button body (4A,
4B, 4C, 4D) on the second surface of the fabric (1); and an elastic
packing (53) provided on the flange (51), wherein the flange (51)
has a pressure receiver (54) provided at the center of a surface of
the flange (51) on a side opposite to the fixing post (52), the
pressure receiver (54) receiving a force for deforming a tip end of
the fixing post (52) when the button body (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D) is
fixed, and the packing (53) includes a spacer (58) provided on the
surface of the flange (51) to be abutted on the first surface of
the fabric (1) and a retainer edge (60) extended from the spacer
(58) to the surface of the flange (51) on the side opposite to the
fixing post (52) via a connecting portion (59) and covering at
least a part of an outer circumferential edge of the flange (51)
except an area occupied by the pressure receiver (54).
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a fixture for fixing a
button body on a fabric and a button using such fixture, concerning
a button for fastening mating parts of a garment, a decorative
button mainly used for decorating purposes, and the like.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] In prior art, there has been found a button for fastening
mating parts of a garment, a decorative button mainly used for
decorating purposes, and the like, each of which consists of a male
button and a female button to be fitted with each other. The male
button is generally attached on one side of the mating parts of the
garment while the female button confronting the male button is
attached on the other side and the male button is then fitted to
the female button, so that the mating parts of the garment can be
fastened.
[0005] The male button and the female button each include a button
body attached on a mating surface side of the garment and a fixture
that fixes the button body on the fabric from a side opposite to
the mating surface of the fabric.
[0006] FIGS. 13A and 13B show typical examples of a button body
104A and a fixture 105A used for a male button of a prior art. As
shown in the drawings, the button body 104A includes a button
flange 41 and a male fitting portion 43 integrally formed on an
inner circumferential edge of the button flange 41 by bending. An
aperture 42 is formed at the center of the male fitting portion 43.
The fixture 105A includes a flange 51, and a cylindrical fixing
post 52 provided substantially at the center of the flange 51.
[0007] In order to attach a button on the fabric, for instance, the
fixture 105A is placed on a die of a button attaching machine, and
then the button body 104A is superposed on the fixture 105A with
the fabric interposed therebetween. Then, an external force is
applied to a tip end of the fixing post 52 over the fabric with use
of a punch or the like. Owing to this, the fabric is cut off due to
the punch and the tip end of the fixing post 52. When applying
further pressure with the punch, as shown in FIG. 14, the tip end
of the fixing post 52 is deformed outward, and accordingly the
button body 104A is fixed on a fabric 1 while an edge of the
aperture 42 of the button body 104A is interposed. Namely, the
button body 104A is fixed on the fabric 1 while the fabric 1 is
held by the button body 104A and the flange 51 of the fixture
105A.
[0008] The fabric 1 on which the above-described button is attached
usually has a certain thickness, however, a button is occasionally
attached on a thin fabric 1 according to the type of garments. In
such case, i.e., in a case where the fabric 1 with the button
attached is thin, retention of the button body 104A and the fixture
105A is not enough for being held on the fabric 1, and a gap is
possibly formed between the button body 104A and the flange 51 both
being held on the fabric 1, resulting in that the button body 104A
may not be held on the fabric 1 tightly.
[0009] In order to overcome such disadvantage, as shown in FIG. 15,
an elastic washer 9 could conceivably be interposed between the
button body 104A and the flange 51 of the fixture 105A both
sandwiching the fabric 1. In such case, however, since the number
of components of the button becomes three (the button body 104A,
the fixture 105A and the washer 9), the prior button attaching
machine, which attaches the two components (the button body 104A
and the fixture 105A) on the fabric 1 while automatically feeding
them, may not be used. Therefore, in order to attach the three
components effectively, a three component automatically feeding
button attaching machine that can automatically feed the three
components is newly required, causing great expense to be
involved.
[0010] Incidentally, a technique has been proposed that a part of a
button body or a fixture is covered with an elastic body such as
plastic.
[0011] For example, for enhancing waterproofing property of a
button, there have been proposed an example (see Document 1:
Japanese Utility Model No. 2,580,389, First Embodiment) in which a
surface confronting a fabric (an inner side) of a button body to be
fixed on the fabric via a fixture is covered with a plastic member,
an example (for instance, see Second Embodiment of Document 1) in
which a periphery of a cylindrical part of the fixture for fixing
the button body on the fabric by penetrating through the fabric is
covered with the plastic member, and an example (see Document 2:
JP-B-61-33561 or Document 3: JP-A-2004-187916) in which, in order
to enhance decorative property of a button, a surface of a button
opposite to a surface confronting a fabric is covered with an
elastic body.
[0012] However, above-described Documents 1 to 3 not only may not
overcome the above-mentioned disadvantage, but also may raise
further disadvantages.
[0013] According to the button body described in First Embodiment
of Document 1, since the surface (the inner side) of the button
body confronting the fabric is covered with the plastic member,
this configuration may be used instead of the washer 9 shown in
FIG. 15, by increasing the thickness of the plastic member.
However, since the inner side of the button body is covered with
the plastic member, it is difficult to cut off the fabric between
the cylindrical part of the fixture and the inner surface of the
button body when the button body is attached on the fabric, and
besides, the button body is likely unset from the fabric because
the cylindrical part of the fixture is merely fitted to the elastic
plastic member.
[0014] According to the fixture described in Second Embodiment of
Document 1, a center part of the flange and the periphery of the
cylindrical part projecting from the center of the flange are
covered with the plastic member. However, since an outer
circumferential edge of the flange holding the fabric with the
button body is not covered with the plastic member, the
above-described disadvantage may not be overcome.
[0015] And, since the cylindrical part is covered with the plastic
member, in attachment, the cylindrical part is difficult to cut off
the fabric and to be deformed, the button body is hard to be
attached on the fabric.
[0016] According to the button described in Document 2, the flange
of a metal eyelet (a metal leg for fixing the button body on the
fabric by penetrating through the fabric) is covered with a plastic
cap head. The cap head covers it to extend from the surface of the
flange of the metal eyelet, which is opposite to the surface
confronting the fabric, to an outer circumferential edge of the
surface confronting the fabric.
[0017] Accordingly, this configuration may be used instead of the
washer 9 shown in FIG. 15, by holding the fabric with the plastic
of the outer circumferential edge of the flange of the metal eyelet
and the button body. However, the engagement between the flange of
the metal eyelet and the plastic cap head causes the flange of the
metal eyelet to be pressed into a dent of the cap head molded with
plastic, thus the cap head receiving large pressure in pressing.
Owing to this, the plastic cap head is possibly deformed or
deteriorated in color appearance. To prevent this, the thickness of
the cap head covering the side of the flange opposite to the fabric
(the thickness of plastic) is increased. However, the increase also
influences on the thickness of the cap head covering the flange of
the metal eyelet, in other words, the projecting dimension of the
cap head on the side confronting the skin is increased, thereby
causing mattering on the skin.
[0018] According to a grommet described in Document 3, front and
back surfaces of a base of a male grommet penetrating through the
fabric are covered with a plastic decorative body. In this
arrangement, even though the retention can be secured in some
measure since the decorative body is interposed between the male
grommet and the fabric, the projecting dimension of the decorative
body from the fabric is large because the base of the male grommet
is curved, and additionally, in attachment, the external force
cannot be utilized efficiently when the tip end of the male grommet
is deformed and thus the button body is hard to be attached on the
fabric because the plastic decorative body is provided on an
external surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] An object of the present invention is to provide a fixture
and a button enabling a button body to be held even on a thin
fabric tightly without increasing the number of components and to
be attached accurately and effectively.
[0020] A fixture according to an aspect of the present invention
that penetrates through a fabric from a first surface to a second
surface and fixes a button body on the second surface of the
fabric, includes: a flange to be abutted on the first surface of
the fabric; a fixing post provided substantially at the center of
the flange, the fixing post penetrating though the fabric to the
second surface and fixing the button body on the second surface of
the fabric; and an elastic packing provided on the flange, in which
the flange is provided at the center of a surface of the flange on
a side opposite to the fixing post and has a pressure receiver that
receives a force for deforming a tip end of the fixing post when
the button body is fixed, and the packing includes a spacer
provided on the surface of the flange to be abutted on the first
surface of the fabric and a retainer edge extended from the spacer
to a surface of the flange on the side opposite to the fixing post
via a connecting portion and covering at least a part of an outer
circumferential edge of the flange except an area occupied by the
pressure receiver.
[0021] With this configuration, in order to attach the button body
on the fabric, the fabric is interposed between the fixing post and
the button body, and then an external force is applied to a tip end
of the fixing post over the fabric with a punch or the like, or the
button body is pressed toward the fixing post. Accordingly, the
fabric is cut off by the tip end of the fixing post, and the tip
end of the fixing post is deformed to be engaged with the button
body. At this time, the fabric is held between the button body and
the flange, as well as the spacer of the packing is compressed.
Then, if the external force applied to the tip end of the fixing
post is released, or the pressurizing force applied to the button
body is released, even though the springback occurs in some measure
on the deformed part of the fixing post, the restoring force acts
between button body and the flange both holding the fabric
therebetween, thus the button body being held on the fabric
tightly. Particularly, when the button body is attached on the thin
fabric, since the restoring force of the spacer acts between the
button body and the flange both holding the fabric therebetween,
the button body can be held tightly.
[0022] Since the packing is integrated by being fixed with the
fixture in advance, the number of components is not increased, and
the button can be attached on the fabric with use of the prior
button attaching machine. And, since the pressure receiver is
exposed to the outside, the external force or the pressurizing
force in attachment can sufficiently be used, and it is easy to
attach the button body on the fabric. Since the packing is provided
on the flange, in other words, since the surface of the fixing post
is not covered with the packing, the external force or the
pressurizing force in attachment will not affect on the deformation
of the fixing post, and the tip end of the fixing post can cut off
the fabric without any trouble. In view of this, the button body
can be attached accurately and effectively.
[0023] Preferably, in the fixture, the spacer may be provided on
the surface of the flange confronting via the fabric a fabric
contacting portion of the button body contacting to the fabric.
[0024] With this configuration, since the spacer is surely be
present between the fabric contacting portion and the flange of the
button body holding the fabric, the button body can be held even on
the thin fabric tightly due to the restoring force of the spacer.
Since the spacer does not necessarily cover the whole surface of
the flange on the side abutting on the first surface of the fabric,
the covering form and method of the packing may be varied.
[0025] Preferably, in the fixture, the spacer may be formed in a
flat ring continuously extending along the outer circumferential
edge of the flange on a side abutting on the first surface of the
fabric with a constant width, the retainer edge is formed in a flat
ring continuously extending along the outer circumferential edge of
the flange on the side opposite to the fixing post with a constant
width, and the connecting portion is formed in a ring continuously
connecting the spacer and the retainer edge along an outer
circumferential end surface of the flange with a constant
width.
[0026] With this configuration, since the spacer is formed in a
flat ring continuously extending along the outer circumferential
edge of the flange on the side abutting on the first surface of the
fabric with a constant width, a retaining force acting between the
fabric contacting portion and the flange of the button body can be
equalized, so that the button body can be held on the fabric while
the fabric is prevented from being wrinkled or twisted even when
the fabric is thin. In view of this, the button body can be
attached accurately and effectively.
[0027] And, concerning the appearance of the surface of the flange
on the side opposite to the fixing post, since the appearance is
expressed by a circular shape of the flange at the center and by a
flat ring of the retainer edge at the outer circumferential edge,
this arrangement is preferable in view of design. For instance, a
new image of two-tone colors can be provided when the surfaces of
the flange and the retainer edge are varied in color design, and a
decorative appearance of the button can be enhanced without
provision of any other decorative body. Further, due to the
enhanced decorative property, in a case of a button for a
reversible garment, no decorative body is necessary, so that the
projecting amount of the button on the side confronting the skin
can be decreased, thereby lowering mattering on the skin no matter
which side of the fabric is worn.
[0028] Preferably, in the fixture, an uneven portion may be
provided on the surface of the spacer abutting on the first surface
of the fabric or on the surface of the flange on the side opposite
to the first surface of the fabric.
[0029] Note that, the uneven portion may include small protrusions
or wavy protrusions scattered on the surface.
[0030] With this configuration, for instance, when the uneven
portion is provided on the surface of the spacer, since the
frictional force applied between the spacer and the fabric is
increased due to the uneven portion, the button body can be held
even on the thin fabric tightly, and the button body can be
attached accurately and effectively. And, even when the uneven
portion is provided on the surface of the flange, the surface
roughness of the uneven portion affects on the surface of the
spacer abutting on the fabric, and causes the spacer to be grabbed
into the fabric indirectly, so that the frictional force acting
between the spacer and the fabric is increased, thus providing the
same advantages described above.
[0031] Preferably, in the fixture, the retainer edge may be a
plurality of engaging claws which are fixed on the surface of the
flange on the side opposite to the fixing post.
[0032] With this configuration, since the retainer edge is the
engaging claws, an area of the retainer edge occupying the surface
of the flange on the side opposite to the fixing post can
remarkably be decreased, and consequently the area of the button on
the side confronting the skin can be decreased, thus lowering
mattering on the skin.
[0033] Preferably, in the fixture, the packing may integrally be
formed along the outer circumferential edge of the flange.
[0034] With this configuration, the packing is hardly peeled off
from the flange.
[0035] Preferably, in the fixture, the packing may be formed
separately from the flange, and the retainer edge is deformed
inward.
[0036] With this configuration, a spacer of the packing is disposed
after contacting the surface of the flange holding the fabric, then
the retainer edge is deformed inward using the external force so
that the outer circumferential edge of the flange is interposed,
and the packing and the flange can be held. Owing to this, the
packing is easily held by the flange and also the packing can be
molded as a subassembly in advance, thus enhancing
manufacturability.
[0037] A button according to another aspect of the present
invention includes: a button body; and a fixture, in which the
button body and the fixture are engaged with each other while a
fabric is interposed between the button body and the fixture, the
fixture including: a flange to be abutted on a first surface of the
fabric; a fixing post provided substantially at the center of the
flange, the fixing post penetrating though the fabric to the second
surface and fixing the button body on the second surface of the
fabric; and an elastic packing provided on the flange, in which the
flange is provided at the center of a surface of the flange on a
side opposite to the fixing post and has a pressure receiver that
receives a force for deforming a tip end of the fixing post when
the button body is fixed, and the packing includes a spacer
provided on the surface of the flange to be abutted on the first
surface of the fabric and a retainer edge extended from the spacer
to the surface of the flange on the side opposite to the fixing
post via a connecting portion and covering at least a part of an
outer circumferential edge of the flange except an area occupied by
the pressure receiver.
[0038] With this configuration, the same advantages can be expected
as that mentioned for the fixture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] FIG. 1 is a cross section showing a male button according to
a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 2 is a cross section showing a fixture of the aforesaid
embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 3 is a cross section showing a male button according to
a modification of the aforesaid embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 4 is a cross section showing a fixture according to a
modification of the aforesaid embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 5 is a cross section showing a female button according
to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 6 is a cross section showing a female button according
to a modification of the aforesaid embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 7 is a cross section showing a reversible button
according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 8 is a cross section showing a reversible button
according to a prior art;
[0047] FIG. 9 is a cross section of a fixture according to a
modification of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a fixture according to
another modification different from the one shown in FIG. 9 of the
present invention;
[0049] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a fixture according to
still another modification different from the one shown in FIGS. 9
and 10 of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a fixture according to
yet another modification different from the one shown in FIGS. 9 to
11 of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 13A is a cross section showing a button body of a prior
art;
[0052] FIG. 13B is a cross section showing a fixture of a prior
art;
[0053] FIG. 14 is a cross section showing the state in which the
male button of FIGS. 13A and 13B is attached on a fabric; and
[0054] FIG. 15 is a cross section showing the state in which a male
button of another prior art is attached on a fabric with use of a
washer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0055] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below
with reference to attached drawings. In describing respective
embodiments, the same numeric references will be assigned to the
same components and the description thereof will be omitted.
First Embodiment
[0056] A first embodiment will be illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The
first embodiment is an example of a male button, FIG. 1 showing
cross section of the male button attached on a fabric and FIG. 2
showing a cross section of a fixture.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 1, a male button 2A of the first embodiment
includes a button body 4A and a fixture 5A that penetrates through
a fabric 1 from a first surface (a surface opposite to a mating
surface of the fabric 1) to a second surface thereof (the mating
surface of the fabric 1) and fixes the button body 4A on the second
surface.
[0058] The button body 4A includes a flat ringed button flange 41,
a male fitting portion 43 integrally formed on an inner
circumference of the button flange 41 by bending, and an aperture
42 formed at the center of the male fitting portion 43.
[0059] In the button flange 41, a fabric contacting portion 44 is
formed on a surface confronting the fabric 1, the fabric contacting
portion 44 contacting to the fabric 1 and holding the fabric 1 when
is attached on the fabric 1.
[0060] Concerning the male fitting portion 43, the outer periphery
is formed in a tapered tube with diameter thereof gradually
increased in a direction away from the button flange 41.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 2, the fixture 5A includes a flange 51
abutted on the first surface of the fabric 1, a cylindrical fixing
post 52 provided substantially at the center of the flange 51, and
a packing 53 integrally formed on an outer circumferential edge of
the flange 51 by insert molding.
[0062] The flange 51 is provided with a pressure receiver 54 at the
center of a surface opposite to the fixing post 52, the pressure
receiver 54 contacting a die 10 of a button attaching machine and
receiving an external force caused by a punch when being attached
to the fabric 1. The pressure receiver 54 is flat and exposed to
the outside. Provided on a surface of the flange 51 confronting the
fabric 1 is a fabric attachment 55 that holds the fabric 1 when
attached to the fabric 1.
[0063] The fixing post 52 formed in a cylinder has a sharp blade 56
at an inner circumferential edge of a tip end of the fixing post
52. The tip end of the fixing post 52 defines a fixing portion 57
that is deformed outward when attached on the fabric 1 to fix the
button body 4A.
[0064] The packing 53 is made of elastic material, or in this
embodiment, is made of plastic, and includes a spacer 58 provided
on the surface of the flange 51 confronting the fabric 1, a
connecting portion 59 connected to the spacer 58, and a retainer
edge 60 extended to the surface of the flange 51 opposite to the
fixing post 52 via the connecting portion 59 to cover the outer
circumferential edge of the flange 51 except an area occupied by
the pressure receiver 54.
[0065] The spacer 58 is formed in a flat ring continuously
extending along the outer circumferential edge of the flange 51
with a constant width, the retainer edge 60 is formed in a flat
ring continuously extending along the outer circumferential edge of
the flange 51 with a constant width, and the connecting portion 59
is formed in a ring continuously connecting the spacer 58 and the
retainer edge 60 along an outer circumferential end surface of the
flange 51.
[0066] Now, a method for attaching the male button 2A of the first
embodiment on the fabric 1 with use of the button attaching machine
will be described.
[0067] The fixture 5A temporarily equipped with the packing 53 is
placed on the die 10 of the button attaching machine, and then the
button body 4A is superposed on the fixture 5A with the fabric 1
being interposed therebetween. Then, external force is applied to
the tip end of the fixing post 52 over the fabric 1 with use of a
punch or the like (not shown). Accordingly, the fabric 1 is cut off
by the punch due to the blade 56 located at the tip end of the
fixing post 52, and then, the tip end of the fixing post 52 is
gradually deformed outward. Incidentally, when an attachment hole
to which the fixing post 52 is inserted is formed in the fabric 1
in advance, the blade 56 may not be formed on the fixing post 52,
and also, the fabric 1 is not necessary to be cut off at the
attachment of the male button 2A.
[0068] With this arrangement, the fabric 1 is held between the
fabric contacting portion 44 of the button body 4A and the fabric
attachment 55 of the flange 51, and the spacer 58 of the packing 53
interposed therebetween is compressed. After that, when the
external force by the punch is released, springback occurs in some
measure on the fixing portion 57 of the fixing post 52, so that
restoring force of the spacer 58 acts between the fabric contacting
portion 44 and the fabric attachment 55 even if the gap between the
fabric contacting portion 44 and the fabric attachment 55 is
widened, thus the button body 4A being held on the fabric 1
tightly.
[0069] With the first embodiment, following advantages may be
expected.
[0070] (1) When the button body 4A is attached on the fabric 1, the
fabric 1 is held between the fabric contacting portion 44 of the
button body 4A and the fabric attachment 55 of the flange 51, and
the spacer 58 of the packing 53 is compressed, as the fixing post
52 is pressurized and deformed due to the external force applied to
the tip end of the fixing post 52. After this, when the external
force is released, even though the springback occurs in some
measure on the fixing portion 57 of the fixing post 52, the
restoring force acts between the fabric contacting portion 44 and
the fabric attachment 55 both holding the fabric 1 therebetween,
thus the button body 4A being held on the fabric 1 tightly.
Accordingly, even when the button body 4A is attached on a thin
fabric 1, the restoring force of the spacer 58 acts between the
button body 4A and the flange 51 both holding the fabric 1, thus
holding the button body 4A tightly.
[0071] (2) Since the packing 53 is integrally fixed to the fixture
5A in advance, the number of components will not be increased, thus
attaching the male button 2A to the fabric 1 with the use of the
prior button attaching machine. Accordingly, the button body 4A can
effectively be attached.
[0072] (3) Since the pressure receiver 54 of the flange 51 is flat
and exposed to the outside, in other words, since the pressure
receiver 54 is not covered with the packing 53, the external force
can be utilized sufficiently in attachment to the fabric 1, thus
easily attaching the button body 4A to the fabric 1. Accordingly,
the button body 4A can be attached accurately and effectively.
[0073] (4) Since the packing 53 is provided only on the flange 51,
in other words, since the periphery of the fixing post 52 is not
covered with the packing 53, the external force in attachment to
the fabric 1 will not affect on the pressurizing-deformation of the
fixing post 52. Accordingly, the button body 4A can be attached
accurately and effectively.
[0074] (5) Since the periphery of the fixing post 52 is not covered
with the packing 53, the tip end of the fixing post 52 can cut off
the fabric 1 without any trouble. Accordingly, the button body 4A
can be attached accurately and effectively.
[0075] (6) Since the spacer 58 may not necessarily cover the whole
surface of the flange 51 confronting the fabric 1, the covering
form and method of the packing 53 may be varied.
[0076] (7) Since the spacer 58 is formed in a flat ring
continuously extending along the outer circumferential edge of the
flange 51 confronting the fabric 1 with a constant width, the
restoring force against the retaining force between the button body
4A and the flange 51 can be equalized. Accordingly, the button body
4A can be held even on the thin fabric 1 while the fabric 1 is
prevented from being wrinkled or twisted.
[0077] (8) Since the spacer 58 and the retainer edge 60 are formed
in flat rings continuously extending along the outer
circumferential edges of the front and back surfaces of the flange
51 with constant widths, and the connecting portion 59 is formed in
a ring continuously connecting the spacer 58 and the retainer edge
60 along the outer circumferential end surface of the flange 51,
this arrangement is preferable in view of design and can provide a
decorative appearance without provision of any other decorative
body.
[0078] For instance, the appearance is expressed by a circular
shape of the flange 51 at the center and by a flat ring of the
retainer edge 60 at the outer circumferential edge, so that a new
image of two-tone colors can be provided when the center circular
shape of the flange 51 and the flat ring of the retainer edge 60
are varied in color design.
[0079] (9) Since the packing 53 is integrally formed along the
outer circumferential edge of the flange 51, the packing 53 is
hardly peeled off from the flange 51.
[0080] Incidentally, the first embodiment is an example of the male
button 2A with the aperture 42 provided on the button body 4A (open
type), however, the first embodiment may be applied to a male
button 2B with no aperture provided on a button body 4B (closed
type) as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0081] FIG. 3 is a cross section showing a closed type male button
2B, and FIG. 4 is a cross section showing a fixture 5B used for the
male button 2B. The closed type male button 2B also includes the
button body 4B and the fixture 5B. The button body 4B is different
from the button body 4A shown in FIG. 1 in that the button body 4B
includes a substantially spherical male fitting portion 43B. A
narrow portion 45 with the internal diameter narrowing is formed on
an inner side defined between the male fitting portion 43B and the
button flange 41. A fixing post 52 of the fixture 5B is formed in a
tapered post with the diameter of a tip end part thereof gradually
increased toward a tip end thereof, and has a sharp blade 56 at an
inner circumferential edge of the tip end.
[0082] When the closed type male button 2B is attached on the
fabric 1, the following will be different from the first embodiment
since the button body 4B is the closed type.
[0083] (A) The tip end of the fixture 5B is deformed and engaged
with the button body 4B by applying pressurizing force to an
external surface (an upper surface as shown in FIG. 3) of the
button body 4B. (B) The fabric 1 is cut off when the blade 56
frictions the fabric 1 interposed between the blade 56 and the
narrow portion 45. (C) As shown in FIG. 3, the tip end of the
fixing post 52 deformed inward due to the pressurizing force fixes
the narrow portion 45, so that the fixture 5B fixes the button body
4B.
[0084] Accordingly, as with the case of the male button 2B, since
the packing 53 provides the same advantages as the packing 53 of
the first embodiment, the male button 2B can achieve the same
advantages as the male button 2A in the first embodiment.
Second Embodiment
[0085] A second embodiment is shown in FIG. 2. The second
embodiment is an example of a female button. FIG. 5 is a cross
section showing a female button attached on a fabric.
[0086] A female button 3A of the second embodiment is a button
fitting with the male button 2A of the first embodiment, which
includes a button body 4C and a fixture 5C that penetrates through
the fabric 1 from a first surface (a surface opposite to a mating
surface of the fabric 1) to a second surface thereof (the mating
surface of the fabric 1) and fixes the button body 4C on the second
surface.
[0087] The button body 4C has a button base 61 contacting to the
fabric 1 and a female fitting portion 62 extending from the button
base 61 and fitting to the male button 2A.
[0088] An aperture 63 is formed at the center of a portion
contacting to the fabric 1 of the button base 61, and the fixing
post 52 of the fixture 5C is fixed to a circumference of the
aperture 63. A surface of the button base 61 confronting the fabric
1 defines a fabric contacting portion 64 that contacts the fabric 1
to hold it.
[0089] The female fitting portion 62 includes a button fitting
aperture 65 formed on a side opposite to the mating surface of the
fabric 1, and a button fixing spring 66 provided on an inner
periphery of the button fitting aperture 65. The male fitting
portion 43 of the male button 2A is inserted to the inside of the
button fitting aperture 65, and then held by the button fixing
spring 66.
[0090] The fixture 5C is basically the same configuration as the
fixture 5A of the first embodiment, however, is different form the
fixture 5A in that a spacer 58 is provided to further extend
towards the center of the flange 51 than that of the retainer edge
60. In other words, the spacer 58 extends to the fabric attachment
55 of the flange 51 confronting the fabric contacting portion 64 of
the button body 4C with the fabric 1 interposed.
[0091] According to the second embodiment, the same advantages as
that of (1) to (9) of the first embodiment can be expected.
[0092] Incidentally, the profile of the female button may be the
one shown in FIG. 6. A female button 3B shown in FIG. 6 is the one
fitting with the closed type male button 2B shown in FIG. 3. The
female button 3B has the smaller diameter of the button fitting
aperture 65 of a button body 4D than that of the button fitting
aperture 65 of the button body 4C, and the profile thereof is
different from that of the female button 3A shown in FIG. 5.
[0093] Therefore, as with the case of the female button 3B, the
same advantages as that of the female button 3A of the second
embodiment can be obtained.
Third Embodiment
[0094] A third embodiment is shown in FIG. 7. The third embodiment
is an example of a reversible button used for a reversible garment
or the like. FIG. 7 is a cross section showing the reversible
button attached on the fabric.
[0095] A reversible button 7 of the third embodiment includes a
male button 2A attached on one (a fabric 1A) of fabrics in a mating
portion and a female button 3C attached on the other one (a fabric
1B) of the fabrics to confront the male button 2A.
[0096] The male button 2A is the same configuration as that of the
male button 2A of the first embodiment.
[0097] The female button 3C includes a button body 4C abutting on a
mating surface of the fabric 1B, and a fixture 5D that penetrates
through the fabric 1B from a surface opposite to the mating surface
of the fabric 1B to the mating surface and fixes the button body 4C
on the mating surface.
[0098] The button body 4C is substantially the same configuration
as that of the button body 4C used for the female button 3A of the
second embodiment. The fixture 5D includes a cap eyelet 67 as a
decorative body attached on a surface opposite to the fixing post
52 of the flange 51. The cap eyelet 67 is curved inward at an outer
circumferential edge to form a curved portion, the curved portion
being engaged with an outer circumferential edge of the flange
51.
[0099] According to the third embodiment, the following advantages
can be expected in addition to that of (1) to (9) of the first and
second embodiments.
[0100] (10) Since the packing 53 enhances the decorative property
of the button, in a case of the button attached on a reversible
garment, the button need not be covered with a decorative body, so
that the projecting amount of the button on the side confronting
the skin due to the coverage of the decorative body on the button
can be decreased, thereby lowering mattering on the skin when the
garment is worn.
[0101] FIG. 8 is a cross section showing a reversible button
according to a prior art. As shown in FIG. 8, in a prior art, the
cap eyelet 67 was required to be attached either on the male button
and the female button. This is because the appearance had to be
good no matter which fabric of the fabrics 1A and 1B is appeared
outside in wearing them. However, in the configuration shown in
FIG. 8, the projecting amount of the button on an inner side, i.e.,
on a side confronting the skin in wearing is influenced by the cap
eyelets 67.
[0102] This disadvantage can be solved here, if the reversible
button 7 of the third embodiment is used in view of the advantage
(10) described above.
[0103] Incidentally, while the fixture 5A is used only for the male
button 2A in the third embodiment (FIG. 7), the fixture 5C can be
used for the female button 3C. With this arrangement, the cap
eyelet 67 is no longer required, and besides the surface of the
fixture 5A on the side opposite to the mating part of the fabric 1
is highly decorative without any decorative body such as the cap
eyelet 67, thus no decorative body being necessary either for the
male button or the female button. Accordingly, the reversible
button with the small projecting amount of the button no matter
which side of the fabric is worn can be provided.
[0104] And, while the reversible button 7 of the third embodiment
employs the open type male button 2A and the female button 3C
making a pair with the male button 2A, a reversible button
employing the closed type male button 2B and the female button 3B
(shown in FIGS. 3 and 6) can be applied as a modification of the
first and second embodiments.
Modification
[0105] The present invention is not limited to the above-described
embodiments, and includes modifications and improvements as long as
the object of the present invention can be attained.
[0106] For example, although the packing 53 is integrally formed
with the flange 51 by insert molding as the method for engaging the
packing 53 with the flange 51 according to the first to third
embodiments, the packing 53, as shown in FIG. 9, may be formed
separately from the flange 51, so that the retainer edge 60 is
deformed inward.
[0107] With this configuration, a spacer of the packing is disposed
by contacting the surface of the flange holding the fabric, then
the retainer edge is deformed inward using the external force so
that the outer circumferential edge of the flange is interposed,
and the packing and the flange can be held. Owing to this, the
packing 53 is likely held by the flange 51 and also the packing 53
can be molded as a subassembly in advance, thus enhancing
manufacturability.
[0108] The material of the packing 53 is not limited to plastic
employed in the respective embodiments, and any material such as
elastomer and rubber may be used as long as it is elastic.
[0109] When concerning the packing 53, although the spacer 58 is
formed in a flat ring continuously extending along the outer
circumferential edge of the flange 51 on the side confronting the
fabric 1 with a constant width, the retainer edge 60 is formed in a
flat ring continuously extending along the outer circumferential
edge of the flange 51 on the side opposite to the fixing post 52
with a constant width, and the connecting portion 59 is formed in a
ring continuously connecting the spacer 58 and the retainer edge 60
along the outer circumferential end surface of the flange 51
according to the first to third embodiments, the present invention
is not limited thereto as long as the spacer 58 is provided on the
fabric attachment 55 of the flange 51.
[0110] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the retainer edge 60 may
be replaced with a plurality of engaging claws 60A which are fixed
on the surface of the flange 51 on the side opposite to the fixing
post 52. According to a fixture 5F with such configuration, an area
of the retainer edge 60 occupying the surface of the flange 51 on
the side opposite to the fixing post 52 can remarkably be
decreased, and consequently the area of the button on the side
confronting the skin can be decreased, thus lowering mattering on
the skin.
[0111] Also, the spacer 58 is not necessarily provided on the
entire circumference of the flange 51. For example, as shown in
FIG. 11, the spacer 58 may cover in a cross-shape about the fixing
post 52 on the surface of the flange 51 on the side of the fixing
post 52.
[0112] In the first to third embodiments, the thickness of the
spacer 58 is not particularly mentioned, however, the spacer 58
preferably has the thickness of 0.2 mm or more.
[0113] In the first to third embodiments, the surface profile of
the spacer 58 is not particularly mentioned, however, for instance
as shown in FIG. 12, an uneven portion 581 may have sow-tooth
arranged radially, or projections in waved or dotted form scattered
on the surface of the spacer 58. The surface of the spacer 58 may
even be flat instead of forming the uneven portion 581 on the
surface of the spacer 58, or an uneven portion 581 with any one of
the above-described profiles may be formed on the surface of the
flange 51 confronting the fabric 1. In such case, the surface
roughness of the uneven portion 581 affects on the surface of the
spacer 58 abutting on the fabric 1, and causes the spacer 58 to be
grabbed into the fabric 1 indirectly. With the above-mentioned
configuration, since the frictional force acting between the spacer
58 and the fabric 1 due to the uneven portion 581 is increased, the
button body 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D can be held on the thin fabric 1
tightly, and the button body 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D can be attached
accurately and effectively.
[0114] Although the flange 51 of the fixture 5A, 5B, 5C, 5F
according to the first to third embodiments is flat as mainly shown
in FIG. 2, and accordingly the pressure receiver 54 formed on the
flange 51 is also flat, it is not limited thereto. The flange 51
may be conical shape gradually inclining and widening from the
center toward the outer circumferential edge in the same direction
as the fixing post 52, or the pressure receiver 54 may have a
conical surface as long as the inclination is small enough for
receiving the external force or the pressurizing force in
attachment. In the case of the flange 51 with the above-mentioned
profile, since the pressure receiver 54 and/or the flange 51 with
the conical surface is deformed flat in attachment, the fabric 1
can further tightly be pressed. Additionally, if the flange 51 is
conical, a packing 53 provided on the flange 51 will also be
conical.
[0115] Although the fixing post 52 of the fixture 5A, 5B, 5C, 5F is
a hollow cylinder according to the first to third embodiments, the
fixing post 52, for instance, may be a solid post with radial slits
being formed along an axial direction.
[0116] According to the present invention, the material of the
fixture 5A, 5B, 5C, 5F is not particularly restricted, and may be:
metal such as brass, superalloy, iron, aluminum and stainless
steel; resin material such as plastic; or even combined material of
these for forming the fixture 5A, 5B, 5C, 5F.
[0117] The priority application Number JP2004-257427 upon which
this patent application is based is hereby incorporated by
reference.
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