U.S. patent application number 11/569867 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-21 for eyelet.
Invention is credited to Pascal Tripont.
Application Number | 20090126148 11/569867 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36353433 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090126148 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tripont; Pascal |
May 21, 2009 |
EYELET
Abstract
The invention concerns an eyelet (O) of the type constituted by
two half-shells (100 and 200) assembled by clipsage used as border
and/or reinforcement of perforations in curtains, textiles or
similar materials, the two half-shells (100 and 200) coming
mutually into grasp by clipsage, one of the two half-shells (100
and 200) having a plurality of fins (120) projecting from its face
turned towards the interior of the other half-shell (200) and the
points (121) of which are introduced into the circular annular
groove (220) laid out for this purpose in the interior surface of
the other half-shell (200). This eyelet is notably characterized in
that the aforementioned fins (120) have a body adopting a polygonal
cross-section.
Inventors: |
Tripont; Pascal; (Puygouzon,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JEROME D. JACKSON (JACKSON PATENT LAW OFFICE)
211 N. UNION STREET, SUITE 100
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
36353433 |
Appl. No.: |
11/569867 |
Filed: |
October 5, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
October 5, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR2006/050992 |
371 Date: |
January 20, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
16/2.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47H 13/02 20130101;
A44B 13/007 20130101; Y10T 16/05 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
16/2.1 |
International
Class: |
A44B 13/00 20060101
A44B013/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 7, 2005 |
FR |
0553045 |
Claims
1. An eyelet of the type constituted by two half-shells assembled
by clipsage used as border and/or reinforcement of perforations in
curtains, textiles or similar materials, the two half-shells coming
mutually into grasp by clipsage, one of the two half-shells having
a plurality of fins projecting from its face turned towards the
interior of the other half-shell and the points of which are
introduced into a circular annular groove laid out for this purpose
in the interior surface of the other half-shell, CHARACTERIZED BY
THE FACT THAT the aforementioned fins have a body with continuous
polygonal cross-section terminated by a point and that a part of
the body of the continuous cross-section is introduced into the
annular groove when the two half shells are in the assembled
state.
2. The eyelet according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT
the aforementioned fins have a first end coupled to the interior
surface of a half-shell and a second end that is terminated by a
point adopting the shape of a pyramid.
3. The eyelet according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT
a part of the polygonal body of the aforementioned fins is
introduced into the aforementioned annular groove.
4. The eyelet according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT
the cross-section of the fins is quadrangular and that the
aforementioned fins are oriented in a manner such that the flat
surfaces of the fins are in contact with the cylindrical surfaces
of the annular groove and the other half-shell.
5. The eyelet according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT
one of the two half-shells has at its outer rim a plurality of
teeth projecting from its interior face.
6. The eyelet according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT
each half-shell includes a cylindrical projection around the hole,
the border of which they secure, the cylindrical projections being
preformed having complementary shapes to clip into each other, a
half-shell being preformed having projecting stops guiding the end
of the clipsage movement.
7. The eyelet according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT
the end not coupled to the half-shell having the aforementioned
stops is preformed having an inclined plane oriented such that,
during the movement in translation of the clipsage operation, the
deformation of the complementary part of the half-shell tending to
separate it from the center is guided to return the aforementioned
complementary shape towards the center.
8. The eyelet according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT
at least a half-shell is preformed to have an annular groove on its
exterior surface.
9. The eyelet according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT
it is fabricated in ABS.
10. The eyelet according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT
it is characterized in that the aforementioned fins have a
continuous polygonal cross-section terminated by a point and that a
part of the body having continuous cross-section is introduced into
the annular groove when the half shells are in the assembled state
that one of the two half-shells has at its outer rim a plurality of
teeth projecting from its interior face, and that each half-shell
includes a cylindrical projection around the hole of which they
secure the border, the cylindrical projections being preformed
having complementary shapes to clip into each other, a half-shell
being preformed having projecting stops guiding the end of the
clipsage movement.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of eyelets
capable of serving as borders and/or reinforcements for
perforations made in any material (curtains, textiles or similar
materials, etc. . . . ) and notably to the adaptations enabling
optimization of their mounting, their manufacture and their
functions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] There exists in the prior art eyelets formed from two
half-shells assembled by clipsage to serve notably as border at
holes made in textiles or similar materials such as for example at
the curtain top end.
[0003] The two half-shells enter into mutual engagement by
clipsage.
[0004] Furthermore, one of the two half-shells includes protruding
fins, the points of which enter into a groove or annular circular
channel of the other half-shell.
[0005] Furthermore, there exists eyelets where the two half-shells
include in the area of their small diameter a preformed cylindrical
projection for cooperating in a manner to enable the clipsage.
[0006] The applicant noticed that this type of eyelet was not being
adapted to the different thicknesses of the fabrics or similar
existing materials. In fact, once clipped on each other, the two
half-shells have, at the area of their annular part, a fixed
separation defining the thickness on which the eyelet can be
installed.
[0007] The applicant furthermore noticed that the behavior of the
fabric in the area of the fins, their penetration and their passage
through the aforementioned material were presenting
disadvantages.
[0008] Furthermore, the exterior appearance of the eyelets made of
plastic material appears exclusively defined by the injection
constraints, which reduces the possibilities of change of its
shape.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Given this situation, the applicant conducted research
studies to optimize the eyelets known from the prior art with
regards to their adaptability to several thicknesses, the behavior
of the curtain, fabric or of the material on which they come to be
installed, and their aesthetic.
[0010] These research studies led to the conception of an eyelet
offering improvements obviating the disadvantages of the prior
art.
[0011] The eyelet of the invention is of the type constituted by
two half-shells assembled by clipsage used as border and/or
reinforcement of a perforation in curtains, textiles or similar
materials, the two half-shells coming mutually into grasp by
clipsage of the two sides, one of the two half-shells having a
plurality of fins projecting from its interior face turned towards
the interior of the other half-shell and the points of which are
introduced into the circular annular groove laid out for this
purpose in the interior surface of the other half-shell.
[0012] In accordance with the invention, this eyelet is
characterized in that the aforementioned fins have a body having a
continuous polygonal cross-section terminated by a point and that a
part of the body having continuous cross-section is introduced into
the annular groove when the two half shells are in the assembled
state.
[0013] This cross-section contributes to a better penetration of
the body of the fins through the textile or through the material on
which the eyelet is installed. While the fins of the prior art were
making do with a conical body and thus making the hold of the
eyelet dependent on the length of the fin traversing the textile, a
continuous polygonal cross-section guarantees the same hold. This
new cross-section thus resolves one of the disadvantages of the
prior art.
[0014] In order to facilitate the first penetration of the point of
the fin, the aforementioned fins have a first end coupled to the
interior surface of a half-shell and another end that is terminated
by a point having the shape of a pyramid. The fins thus have two
parts, a part having continuous polygonal cross-section and a
pointed part.
[0015] Still, to respond to the ongoing concern of the applicant
about a good hold of the eyelet on the textile or material on which
it forms the border around a hole, a part of the polygonal body of
the aforementioned fins is introduced into the aforementioned
groove or annular channel. Thus, contrary to what the prior art
offers, it is not only the point that comes to be introduced into
the annular groove but a part of the body supporting the point,
which reinforces the attachment offered by the fins.
[0016] According to a technical choice, the cross-section of the
fins is quadrangular and the aforementioned fins are oriented such
that the flat surfaces of the fins are in contact with the
cylindrical surfaces of the annular groove of the other
half-shell.
[0017] In order to better take into account the variations in
thickness of the supports on which they are installed, the
applicant conceived that at least one of the two half-shells has at
its outer rim, that is on the part the most distant from the center
of the attachment, a plurality of teeth projecting from its
interior face towards the interior face of the other half-shell in
the space defined between the two half-shells in order to maintain
the eyelet in position, up to its outer rim. These supplemental
teeth furthermore allow the border of the eyelet to come into
contact with the textile even if the latter is of a thickness less
than the distance separating the two assembled half-shells.
According to a technical choice the interior faces of the two
half-shells are equipped with the aforementioned teeth.
[0018] An object of the invention is constituted by an eyelet
combining several of the features cited above, this combination
guaranteeing good holding of the two half shells between themselves
and of the eyelet on the textile. Thus, according to the invention,
this eyelet is characterized in that the aforementioned fins
include a body having continuous polygonal cross-section terminated
by a point and that a part of the body having continuous
cross-section is introduced into the annular groove when the two
half shells are in the assembled state,
[0019] that at least one of the two half-shells has at its outer
rim a plurality of teeth projecting from its interior face and
[0020] that each half-shell includes a cylindrical projection
around the hole of which they secure the border, the cylindrical
projections being preformed from complementary shapes for clipping
into each other, a half-shell being preformed from projecting stops
(160) guiding the end of the clipsage movement.
[0021] According to another particularly advantageous feature, the
eyelet is fabricated in ABS, that is in plastic material based on
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. This material offers the
mechanical features necessary to assure the function of the eyelet
and offers the characteristic of enabling its mixture with the
flakes capable of bringing a metallized aesthetic to the
eyelet.
[0022] The fundamental concepts of the invention have just been
explained above in their most elementary form. Other details and
features will reemerge more clearly at the reading of the
description that follows and with regards to the annexed drawings
giving, by way of non-limiting example, an implementation mode of
an eyelet in accordance with the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a side, cross-section view
of an implementation mode of an eyelet in accordance with the
invention,
[0024] FIG. 2a is a schematic drawing of an exterior side view of a
first half-shell forming the eyelet of FIG. 1,
[0025] FIG. 2b is a schematic drawing of an exterior perspective
view of the interior surface of the half-shell of FIG. 2a,
[0026] FIG. 2c is a schematic drawing of an exterior perspective
view of the exterior surface of the half-shell of FIG. 2a,
[0027] FIG. 3a is a schematic drawing of an exterior side view of
the second half-shell forming the eyelet of FIG. 1,
[0028] FIG. 3b is a schematic drawing of an exterior perspective
view of the interior surface of the half-shell of FIG. 3a,
[0029] FIG. 3c is a schematic drawing of an exterior perspective
view of the exterior surface of the half-shell of FIG. 3a,
[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of a detailed side view of the
assembly of the two half-shells of the eyelet illustrated in FIG.
1.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED IMPLEMENTATION MODES
[0031] As illustrated on the drawing of FIG. 1, the eyelet of the
invention referenced O in its entirety is used as border of a hole
made in textiles or similar materials not illustrated and is
constituted by two half-shells or half-molds 100 and 200 that are
assembled by clipsage. The two half-shells 100 and 200 come
mutually into grasp, once made coaxial by clipsage of their
respective interior faces 110 and 210 preformed for this purpose
each having a cylindrical projection the shapes of which complement
each other. Furthermore, in order to maintain the eyelet in
position in the hole of which it forms the border and in order
notably to avoid its rotation, one of the two half-shells, namely
the half-shell 100, includes a plurality of fins 120 projecting
from its interior face 110 turned towards the interior face 210 of
the other half-shell 200.
[0032] As illustrated in more detail on the drawing of FIG. 4, the
points 121 and a part of the body of the fins 120 are introduced
into the circular annular groove 220 laid out for this purpose in
the interior surface 210 of the other half-shell 200. In accordance
with the geometry of the eyelets of the invention, the fins 120 and
the annular groove 220 are arranged according to a common diameter
in order that, once the half-shells 100 and 200 are placed opposing
each other and made coaxial, the aforementioned fins 120 can
penetrate into the aforementioned annular groove 220.
[0033] According to another feature of the invention, the
aforementioned fins 120 have a body adopting a polygonal
cross-section. According to the adopted technical choice appearing
on FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c, the fins 120 have a square profile. Thus,
in accordance with the invention, the cross-section of the fins is
rectangular and the aforementioned fins are oriented so that the
flat faces of fins are in contact with the cylindrical surfaces of
the annular groove 220 of the other half shell 200.
[0034] As illustrated in the drawings of FIGS. 1 and 4, two flat
faces 122 and 123 of the body of the fin 120 penetrate the annular
groove 220 and come into contact with the cylindrical surfaces that
constitute the body respectively 221 and 222, which optimizes the
coupling between the fins 120 and the annular groove 220 relative
to a circular profile.
[0035] As illustrated on the drawing of FIG. 4, the aforementioned
fins 120 have a first end coupled to the interior surface of a
half-shell and the other end of which is terminated by a point 121
adopting the shape of a pyramid. According to the illustrated
implementation mode, the pyramid has four faces.
[0036] In order to optimize the hold of the rim of the eyelet with
respect to the fabric, at least one of the two half-shells has at
its outer rim a plurality of teeth projecting from its interior
face. According to the illustrated implementation mode, the two
half-shells 100 and 200 have, on their interior surface, teeth 130
and 230 projecting towards the interior surface of the other
half-shell. As illustrated, the aforementioned teeth 130 and 230
have a height less than half of the distance separating the
peripheral parts of the half-shells supporting them. These
peripheral parts are flat parts situated on the largest diameter of
the eyelet O and serve as an edge for it. The presence of these
teeth avoids sliding of the fabric and allows adjustment for the
larger separation of the two half-shells in case of thinner fabric.
Thus, in comparison with the eyelets composed of two half-shells of
the prior art, the eyelet of the invention offers greater
possibilities by offering a larger separation of the two
half-shells to allow the installation in optimum conditions of the
eyelets on thick fabrics.
[0037] Another disadvantage resolved by the eyelet O of the
invention resides in the lack of rigidity of the eyelets made of
plastic of the prior art. According to the invention, at least a
half-shell is preformed to have an annular groove 140 and 240 on
their exterior surface. As illustrated, the two half-shells are
preformed to have an annular groove 140 and 240 on their exterior
surface that creates a fold in the thickness of the half-shell 100
and 200. Thus, this groove is not realized by removal of material,
which contributes to a better rigidity of the entirety of the
eyelet O. According to the illustrated implementation mode, each
half-shell 100 and 200 thus shows externally, starting from its
center: [0038] an approximately vertical surface ensuring the
cylindrical border of the hole, [0039] a first padding or bulge,
[0040] a second padding or bulge having larger dimension and
coupled to the first by the aforementioned fold, [0041] an
approximately flat annular surface.
[0042] This exterior form adopted then by the eyelet of the
invention is known only from metallic eyelets while the intended
non-limiting implementation mode is defined in plastic.
[0043] The principal central attachment of the two half-shells was
also the object of a study by the applicant. These studies dealt
with the fatigue of this attachment due notably to the operations
of the successive mounting/dismounting of the two half-shells as
well as a possible miss mounting. As known in the prior art, the
principal attachment of the two half-shells between themselves is,
as illustrated, constituted by a cylindrical clipsage. To do this,
the two half-shells 100 and 200 are preformed, in the area of their
smallest diameter, having projections, the shapes of which
complement each other, once placed in position, to form an edgeless
inner cylinder to border the hole made in the fabric or similar
material.
[0044] Thus, each half-shell 100 and 200 includes a cylindrical
projection 150 and 250 around the hole of which they secure the
edge, the cylindrical projections being preformed of complementary
shapes 151 and 251 for clipping into each other.
[0045] In order to guide the clipsage movement and to maintain the
coupling in position, one of the half-shells is preformed having
projecting stops 160 that, distributed angularly around the center
of the half-shell 100, guide the end of the clipsage movement and
maintain the aforementioned projections 150 and 250 in position
between themselves.
[0046] To do this, the non-coupled end of the half-shell 100 having
the aforementioned stops 160 is preformed having an inclined plane
161 oriented so that, during the movement in translation of the
clipsage operation, the deformation of the complementary part 251
of the half-shell 200, tending to separate it from the center, is
guided to return the aforementioned complementary shape towards the
center.
[0047] The eyelet of the present invention has a symmetric
structure, the plane of which separates the two half-shells
perpendicularly at the axis of the cylindrical edge that they form.
According to the illustrated technical choice, the two half-shells
differ in the area of their internal part as a result of the
presence of projecting stops 160 and of fins 120 for the first
half-shell 100 and by the presence of an annular groove 120 for the
second half-shell, the two projections 150 and 250 coming to
complete themselves.
[0048] According to a preferred implementation mode, the
half-shells of the invention are realized by a plastic injection
process. Furthermore, the exterior surface can be subjected to a
metallization, when it is not realized in the body, according to
another preferred implementation mode of the invention.
[0049] One understands that the eyelet, that has just been
described and represented above, was in view of a disclosure rather
then a limitation. Of course, various arrangements, modifications
and improvements can be applied to the example above, without
departing from the framework of the invention.
* * * * *