Abstract:
A magnetic apparatus has a first case and a second case for housing one or more magnets. The magnets allow the first case and the second case to releasably engage one another. Alternatively, the magnetic apparatus has a first member with a hinged end and a magnet positioned along or within its length; a second member with at least one hinged end that engages the hinge end of the first member; and a third member connected to the second member. The first member and the third member fold against the second member to releasably close a garment.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/236,310 filed on Oct. 2, 2015, entitled “Magnetic Apparatus and Method for Customizing the Closure Point or Fastening Point on the Front-Facing Placket of a Button-Down Shirt” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to the field of apparel customization apparatuses. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    A button-down shirt is an essential part of any wardrobe. These shirts have a collar and a full-length opening extending down the front of the shirt. This opening is fastened using buttons or shirt studs. 
         [0006]    A user has the option to engage any number or combination of buttons to achieve a desired look. Traditionally, every button is engaged when wearing a neck-tie, while a more casual look is achieved by leaving buttons toward the top of the shirt dis-engaged. Often, these trends differ globally: in the United States and Europe, the top button is almost never buttoned if a tie is not worn, however leaving more than the top 2 buttons dis-engaged is seen as overly casual. 
         [0007]    As mentioned, buttons are almost always used to attach the opening running down the front of a dress shirt. This is because buttons provide a secure connection between the two sides of the shirt. A pitfall of the button is that it must be fastened to the fabric of the shirt. The location of the button can generally not move without an invasive procedure. This alludes to the problem that if a user does not particularly like where a button is placed, they may not wear the shirt in certain scenarios. 
         [0008]    For example, to achieve a casual look, a user may leave multiple top buttons dis-engaged. With this in mind, a common problem arises when selecting between the second from-the-top, and third from-the-top buttons. In this example, the second button is often too high, leaving the user wanting a more casual appearance, while the third button is too low, leaving the chest and body hair of the user overly exposed. A solution is desired wherein the shirt may be connected at a midway point between these buttons, a “button 2.5”. A suitable solution is desired. 
         [0009]    Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a modular means of attachment between the open ends of a button-down shirt. The solution should be usable and removable without damaging the material of the shirt and allow for the user to determine the connection point anywhere along the plackets of the shirt. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    A magnetic apparatus for the customization of a closure point on the front-facing plackets of a dress shirt has a first and second case. Each case has a base, one or more sidewalls extending upwards from the base, and one or more magnets. Each magnet of the first and second case is able to releasably engage one another. 
         [0011]    In an embodiment, each case of the magnetic apparatus has a seal in contact with the sidewalls of the case. Each seal may be made of gemstone, rubber, epoxy resin, plastics, bullet head, cabochon, and silicone rubber. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment, each magnet is attached to the base of the case. 
         [0013]    The magnetic system for holding a top placket and first placket of a garment together has a first member, which has at least one hinge end as well as a magnet disposed within a length of the first member. A second member has at least one hinge end in communication with the at least one hinge end of the first member. A second magnet is disposed within a length of the second member. Further a third member has a first end and a second end. The third member is biased toward the second member. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment, the first end of the third member is a hinge end in communication with the second member. A third magnet or multiple magnets may be placed within the third member allowing for the third member to releasably engage the second member. 
         [0015]    In an embodiment, the third member is attached to the second member forming an acute angle relative to the second member allowing the second member and third member to releasably engage a garment. The acute angle may be a hairpin loop at the attachment of the third member and second member. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment, each member is able to articulate about each hinge. 
         [0017]    A system for holding a top placket and first placket of a garment includes a user sliding a top placket of the garment between the first member and the second member. The first magnet and second magnet attracts the first member and second member towards one another releasably engaging the first placket. The first member and second member releasably engage the first placket of the garment. The second member and third member releasably engage the top placket. Both the second member and third member having magnets allows for the top placket to be secured within the device. 
         [0018]    The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1A  is an exploded perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 1B  is an exploded perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of the device and shirt, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0026]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to  FIGS. 1A-5 , wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. 
         [0027]    The device described herein is adapted to close the front facing plackets of a button-down shirt. The device allows for the closure point of the shirt to not be limited by the positioning of buttons on the shirt. Utilizing the device as described herein allows for the customization of the closure point of the plackets. 
         [0028]    In reference to  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , the device is shown in an embodiment of the present invention. A magnet  1 , 11  is positioned within a case  2 , 12 . The magnet  1 , 11  is affixed to the case  2 , 12  by glue, molding, or other form of anchoring known in the art. 
         [0029]    A first case  2  and second case  12 , have a first base  6 , and second base  16  respectively. Each base,  6 , 16  has one or more sidewalls  5 , 15  extending upwards from each base. A first magnet  1  is positioned within the first case  2  and a second magnet  11  is placed within the second case  12  such that each of the magnets  1 , 11  may releasably engage with one another. 
         [0030]    In an embodiment, an opposing set of magnets  1 , 11  and cases  2 , 12  are adapted attract one-another by utilizing the magnetic forces of the magnets  1 , 11 . Each magnet  1 , 11  and case  2  is covered with a first seal  3 , and second seal  13  respectively, to protect the components as well as to add aesthetic appeal to the device. 
         [0031]    The seal  3 , 13  is preferentially an epoxy resin. In alternate embodiments, the seal  1 , 13  may be, but is not limited to, cabochon, gemstone, bullet head, silicone rubber, or plastic. In an embodiment, each case  2 , 12  is comprised of a circular base  6 , 16  with a circular sidewall  5 , 15  extending up from the perimeter of the circular base  6 , 16 . This allows the magnet  1 , 11  to be positioned within the case  2 , 12  and be covered by the seal  3 , 13 . 
         [0032]    Each magnet  1 , 11  is a cylinder positioned within the case  2 . In an embodiment, the height of the magnets  1 , 11  when positioned within the case  2  is less than the height of the sidewalls  5 , 15  of the cases  2 , 12  allowing for the seal to completely cover the magnets  1 , 11 . 
         [0033]    In use, the set of opposing magnets  1 , 11  are positioned to provide a force of friction between the opposing front-facing plackets of a dress shirt. Seals  3 , 13  of the device are coated with a slip-resistant coating such as silicone rubber or other material known in the art. The coating will aid in increasing the force of friction between the magnet and the material of the dress shirt. The combined force of the magnet and force of friction between the magnet and the dress shirt material is able to keep the opposing plackets joined at a position desired by the user. 
         [0034]    In an embodiment, a ring, string, or other means of flexible attachment conjoins each set of the device. The attachment is made at the cases  2 , 12 , allowing helping the user to orient the device as necessary to be effective in use. 
         [0035]    In an embodiment, the cases  2 ,  12  and magnets  1 , 11  are one of a plurality of shapes, so long as the shape of the design does not hinder the usefulness of the device. In various embodiment, the material of each case  2 , 12  may be one of a multitude of materials known in the art, such as but not limited to; metals, silicone, plastics, rubbers, synthetics, and natural materials. 
         [0036]    In an embodiment, the magnet of  FIG. 1B  is an opposing magnetic component in the set, each of which necessary for the device to function. Each magnet  1 , 11  is adapted to attract the other due to polarities. In use, one magnet component is placed inside of a button down shirt. Another magnetic component is positioned either inside of the inner flap of the shirt placket or in front of the shirt placket at the same orientation as the magnetic component placed inside the shirt. The user wears the shirt as normal with the engagement of the magnets allowing for the device to close the plackets of the shirt at a desirable point. 
         [0037]    In reference to  FIG. 2 , an alternate embodiment of the design is shown wherein the device is a clip. The embodiments described herein rely on similar principles of magnetics and friction forces as described in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B . In an embodiment, magnets are positioned within a clip design, such that the orientations of the magnets are conducive to proper magnetic forces to apply a force onto each placket of the shirt. 
         [0038]    A first magnet  22  is positioned within a first member  23 . Starting from a terminal end, the first member  23  extends to a hinge  24  allowing the first member  23  to pivot. The pivotally mounted first member  23  attached to the hinge  24 , allows for the angle between the first member  23  and a second member  25  to be modified. 
         [0039]    Each member is molded to have a magnetic side and an opposing backside. The shape of each member is a geometric rectangle, however alternate shapes may be utilized. 
         [0040]    In an embodiment, the member terminates in one or more knuckles  27  forming a component of the hinge  24 . The second member  25  terminates in one or more knuckles  27  that are able to interlock with the knuckles  27  of the pivotally mounted first member  23 . The interlocking knuckles  27  are held in place by a pin  28 , forming the axis of rotation of the hinge  24 . 
         [0041]    In an embodiment, each knuckle  27  is a circular loop with a through-hole in the center of the loop. The through-hole allows for the pin  28  to be positioned through the through-hole of each knuckle  27 . 
         [0042]    In an alternate embodiment, the second member  25  may terminate in a pin, allowing for the knuckles  27  of the member to be positioned about the pin of the second member  25 . 
         [0043]    In an embodiment, the first magnet  22  is positioned within the first member  23  such that the member forms a case. Further, the second magnet  29  wherein the second member is a case adapted to receive the second magnet  29 . The second member  25  is molded to invert in the opposite direction, forming a hairpin loop  20  in the design. The hairpin loop  20  is adapted to receive a placket allowing for the opposing placket of the dress shirt to be placed within the first magnet  22  and second magnet  29 . In an embodiment, the top front facing placket of the dress shirt is inserted into the hinged-open allotment of the first member  23  and second member  29 . As the angle is reduced between the member and second member, the magnets engage and maintain the smallest possible angle between the members, holding the placket in place. 
         [0044]    In an embodiment, each magnet may be covered by a seal, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing cover to the magnet surface. The seal may also protect the magnet from damage. In embodiments, the seal may be, but is not limited to; epoxy, gem stone, or rubber. 
         [0045]    In reference to  FIG. 3 , an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. A first member  31 , second member  32 , and third member  33  are connected in series. A side of the first member  31  terminates in a hinge component. Similarly, a side of the third member  33  terminates in a hinge component  37 . Both ends of the second member  32  terminate in complementary hinge components having connectability to the hinge components  38  of the first member  31 , and second member  32 . 
         [0046]    In an embodiment, the functional angle between the first member  31  and second member  32  is able to articulate from 0° to 180° in either direction. Similarly, the angle between the second member  32  and third member  33  may articulate 0° to 180° in either direction. Functionally, this allows the device to pivot as needed as each member is pivotally mounted to the adjacent member. 
         [0047]    In an embodiment, one or more magnets magnet  34 ,  35 ,  36  are positioned within each member. In a particular embodiment, one or more first magnets  34 , second magnets  35 , and third magnets  36  are positioned within each the first member  31 , second member  32 , and third member  33 . 
         [0048]    In an embodiment, magnets  34 ,  35 ,  36  are placed on each member facing the same direction. In alternate embodiments, magnets may be placed on alternating sides of the members. Positioning of the magnets relies on the polarity of each magnet and the ability of functional force to be applied to the plackets of the shirt. The one or more magnets are placed across a magnetic face of each member, giving each magnet the ability to attract magnets of the other members. The user will determine a useful conformation of the device in order to secure the plackets in a desirable position. 
         [0049]    In an embodiment, each member is a three-dimensional rectangle having six sides. In alternate embodiment, different shapes and designs may be used as deemed useful or aesthetically desirable. Each member comprises a magnetic face and an opposing face. Orientation of the magnet with respect to other members provides different magnetic properties once in use and must be accounted for in manufacturing and use. 
         [0050]    In reference to  FIG. 4 , an embodiment of the present invention is displayed. Three members are connected in series by a hinge  48  between the first member  41  and second member  42 , and a second hinge  49  between the second member  42  and third member  43 . Each member has a magnetic side and an opposing side. Magnets are placed in or on the magnetic side and secured by glue, or other form of material connection known in the art. In a particular embodiment, the magnetic face  44  of the first member  41  and the second magnetic face  45  of the second member  42  are positioned to face each other once the angle between the first member  41  and second member  42  is reduced to an acute angle. The arrangement allows the magnets to attract each other and secure the placket of the dress shirt within the members. 
         [0051]    In an embodiment, each magnet may have a seal, such as rubber, epoxy or other materials known in the art to enhance the force of friction on the placket of the shirt, keeping the device in place as desired by the user. 
         [0052]    In an embodiment the second member  42 , having two ends opposing one another, wherein each end terminates in a hinge component. The opposing hinges allow for a first hinge component  48  on the first member  41  to interact with second hinge component  49  on the second member  42 , while the hinge component of the third hinge may interact with the hinge component of the second member. 
         [0053]    In an embodiment, each hinge allows the connected components to articulate from 0° to 180° in each direction. 
         [0054]    In an embodiment, each magnet must be strong enough to hold the device securely in place and secure each placket of the dress shirt within the device. 
         [0055]    In an embodiment, the angle between the third member  43  and the second member  42  is adjustable to receive the inner placket of the dress shirt. Further, the angle between the second member  42  and first member  41  is adjustable to receive the front-facing placket of the dress shirt. The third member has one or more third magnets  46  disposed within the length of the third member  43  allowing for the magnets  45 , 46  of the second member  42  and third member  43  to attract one another. 
         [0056]    In an embodiment, each hinge allows each member to articulate about each hinge. The magnetism biases the first member  41  towards the second member  42  and the third member  43  to the second member  42 . 
         [0057]    In reference to  FIG. 5 , the device is shown in use on a shirt worn by a user. In a particular embodiment, the user has placed a component of the magnetic device under the first placket  51  and the corresponding component of the magnetic device  55  over the top placket  52  of a dress shirt  50 . In design, the device may be placed anywhere along the plackets  51 , 52  of the shirt. 
         [0058]    The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.