Abstract:
A magnetic attachment device for releasably attaching an article to a button on shirts, blouses, and the like. The magnetic attachment device contains: (a) a button cover for a button secured to an article, the cover contains a cap having an unobstructed interior and an open side for receiving a button therein, and a closure plate rotatably attached to the cap about a rotational axis between an opened and closed position with respect to the open side of the cap, wherein the button cover contains a magnetic member; and (b) an article containing a magnetic member, wherein upon contacting the magnetic member of the article and the magnetic member of the button cover provides a magnetically attractive force which is sufficient to attach the article to the button cover.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The described embodiments generally relate to clothing. More particularly, the present embodiments describe a magnetic attachment device for releasably attaching an article to a button. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Button covers have been known for quite some time and have taken on a variety of constructions. These known button covers are generally formed from two elements, namely, a cover having an open side for receiving the button and a closure plate for retaining the cover in secured relationship to the button while being worn. Button covers of this type are known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,751,654; 3,316,601; 3,343,230; 3,353,231; 3,584,349; 3,934,313; 4,539,731; 5,060,356; and 5,161,285. Such button covers have had traditional application as a decorative accessory for male shirts that when applied over the cuff buttons, simulate the presence of cuff links. In addition, such button covers have been used on women&#39;s blouse cuffs, as well as other locations for buttons when desired to produce an aesthetically attractive effect. 
     Tie clips are used to secure a tie relative to the front of a shirt and typically include a clip having a hinge. The clip is opened and one arm is positioned in front of the tie, while a second arm is inserted into an opening in the front of the shirt that is between the buttons of the shirt. When the clip is closed, the tie is secured to the shirt. One disadvantage of typical tie clips is that the tie can form wrinkles or folds when the individual moves. For example, when an individual sits down, this can cause a large fold because the relative distance between the clip and the individual&#39;s neck has decreased. 
     Thus, there is a need for an attachment device that does not rely on connectors such as mechanical fasteners to attach objects together, especially one that can be used to attached a tie to a button on a shirt, wherein a user may experience the look of wearing a tie without the inconvenience and displeasure afforded by prior art ties which not only constrict movement of the neck but causing the user&#39;s neck to be susceptible to sweating and discomfort. Moreover, there is a need for a device which allows a wearer to quickly attach a professional knotted tie without worrying that such tie may get caught in a machine resulting in serious bodily harm to the wearer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments described herein relate to a magnetic attachment device for releasably attaching an article to a button. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by incorporating a magnet on or about a button cover and incorporating a metal in an article, such as a tie knot or any other accessory, which when brought into proximity with each other provide a magnetic field. The magnetic field results in the objects magnetically attaching to each other in a desired and repeatable manner. The objects can remain in the magnetically attached state if and until a releasing force of sufficient magnitude is applied that overcomes the overall net attractive magnetic force. 
     A magnetic attachment device for releasably attaching an article to a button, said magnetic attachment device comprising:
         (a) a button cover for a button, said cover comprising a cap having an unobstructed interior and an open side for receiving a button therein, and a closure plate rotatably attached to said cap about a rotational axis between an opened and closed position with respect to said open side of said cap, wherein said button cover comprises a magnetic member; and   (b) an article comprising a magnetic member,
 
wherein upon contacting said magnetic member of said article and said magnetic member of said button cover provides a magnetically attractive force which is sufficient to attach said article to said button cover. Preferably, the button is sewn or snapped onto clothing.
       

     A magnetic attachment device for releasably attaching an article to a button, said magnetic attachment device comprising:
         (a′) a button cover for a button secured to material by a thread-like element, said cover comprising a cap having an unobstructed interior and an open side for receiving a button therein, and a closure plate rotatably attached to said cap about a rotational axis between an opened and closed position with respect to said open side of said cap, said plate including a slot having a longitudinal axis for receiving said thread-like element, said slot opposing said cap when said plate is arranged in said closed position, said plate movable between said opened and closed position by rotation of said plate about said rotational axis in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of said slot, wherein said button cover comprises a magnetic member; and   (b) an article comprising a magnetic member,
 
wherein upon contacting said magnetic member of said article and said magnetic member of said button cover provides a magnetically attractive force which is sufficient to attach said article to said button cover.
       

     As used herein, “material” refers to any type of clothing, fabric, or substance having at least one button attached thereto. As used herein, “article” refers to any type of decorative clothing or accessory, such as a tie, cufflink, broach, decoration, ribbon, or medal. Thus, the terms “material” and “article” while independently selected may overlap. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the magnetic attachment device is used to attach a tie to a shirt having at least one button. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the magnetic attachment device is used to attach a cuff link to a shirt having at least one button. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the magnetic attachment device is used to attach a broach to a shirt having at least one button. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the magnetic attachment device is used to attach an ornamental covering to an article of clothing having at least one button. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a magnet is attached to the button cover and the article being attached contains a metal which allows for the article to be magnetically coupled to the magnet. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a magnet is disposed on the article and the button cover contains a metal which allows for the article to be magnetically coupled with the button cover. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a button cover comprising a cap having an open side for receiving a button therein, and a closure plate movably attached to the cap, the plate including an elongated slot having a longitudinal axis, the plate movable between an opened and closed position with respect to the open side of the cap by movement of the plate in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the slot. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a button cover comprising a cap having an open side for receiving a button therein, a closure plate including an elongated slot having a longitudinal axis, the elongated slot communicating at one end with a central opening within the plate and at its other end with an enlarged opening at a peripheral portion of the plate, and connecting means for rotatably connecting the plate to the cap, the plate rotatable between an open position to provide access to an interior portion of the cap for receiving the button therein and a closed position removably secured within the open side of the cap upon rotation of the plate in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the slot. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a cover for a button secured to an article by a threadlike element, the cover comprising a cap having an open side for receiving a button therein, and a closure plate movably attached to the cap between an opened and closed position with respect to the open side of the cap, the plate having an elongated slot communicating at one end with an enlarged opening at a peripheral portion of the plate, the opening sized to readily receive the threadlike element while the elongated slot sized to receive the threadlike element in engaged relationship with portions of the plate bounding the elongated slot so as to assist in retaining the plate attached to the threadlike element when the cap is in the open position. 
     An unexpected advantage of the magnetic attachment device according to the present invention is the convenience and speed of attaching a professional looking tie knot in seconds. 
     An unexpected advantage of the magnetic attachment device according to the present invention is that the user may experience the look and feel of wearing a tie without the inconvenience and displeasure afforded by standard ties that not only constrict movement of the neck but causing the user&#39;s neck to be susceptible to sweating and discomfort. 
     An unexpected advantage of the magnetic attachment device according to the present invention is that the magnetic attachment device when used to attach a tie to material having a button cover thereon provides a self-centering mechanism for the tie. 
     An unexpected advantage of the magnetic attachment device according to the present invention is that in the case of a tie, the magnetic attachment device does not cause wrinkles or folds as the wearer moves. 
     An unexpected advantage of the magnetic attachment device according to the present invention is that because the article can only attach to the button in a specific orientation, the magnetic attachment device assures proper alignment and positioning of the article and the button. 
     An unexpected advantage of the magnetic attachment device according to the present invention is that in the case of a tie, the tie does not require a tail portion. However, if a tail portion is desired, the tail portion may optionally be used as part of an adjustment mechanism for the front portion of the tie. 
     An unexpected advantage of the magnetic attachment device according to the present invention is safety. No longer does a wearer of the magnetic attachment device according to the invention, in the case of a tie need to worry about common mishaps leading to serious injury including death. For example, having a standard tie get caught in a machine such as a blender or an escalator often results in death or serious injury to the wearer of the tie. However, in the case of the magnetic attachment device according to the invention, the device is simply removed from the wearer without bringing the wearer in contact with the hazardous machine or escalator. 
     An unexpected advantage of the magnetic attachment device for releasably attaching an article to a button according to the present invention is aesthetic. For example, in the case of a tie, an unlimited assortment of professional knots are available. Moreover, the wearer can quickly experiment with different ties and choose the right look without having to practice tying a tie for hours to obtain the proper looking tie knot. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a magnetic attachment device in accordance with the present invention showing a button cover in an opened position having a tie attached thereto by means of magnetic members; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a magnetic attachment device in accordance with the present invention showing a button cover in a closed position and a magnet embedded within one of two layers of material; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a magnetic attachment device in accordance with the present invention showing a button cover having a magnet attached on the outside of the button cover cap wherein said magnet fits within a magnetic member embedded in or attached to an article having two layers of fabric; 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross-section view of a magnetic attachment device shown in  FIG. 3  along the line  3 A- 3 A; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a magnetic attachment device in accordance with the present invention showing a button cover having a button cover cap prepared from a magnetically attractive metal, wherein the cap contains an indentation therein, and a material having a magnet adhesively attached as a protrusion thereon; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a button cover constructed in accordance with the prior art. 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a magnetic attachment device in accordance with the present invention showing a button cover in an opened position having a closure plate rotatably attached to a cap by means of a hinge, wherein the closure plate has an elongated slot for receiving threads attaching a button to a shirt; 
         FIG. 6  is a simplified perspective view of a magnetic attachment device in accordance with the present invention showing a knotless tie adjustably attached to a shirt; 
         FIG. 7  is a simplified perspective view of a magnetic attachment device in accordance with the present invention showing a bow tie attached to a shirt; 
         FIG. 8  is a simplified perspective view of a magnetic attachment device in accordance with the present invention showing a simulated tie knot having a magnetic member attached thereto; 
         FIG. 9  is a simplified perspective view of a magnetic attachment device in accordance with the present invention showing a broach having a magnet member attached thereto. 
     
    
    
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, there is shown in  FIG. 1  a button cover generally designated by reference numeral  10  and having a tie  70  attached thereto. The button cover  10  is constructed from essentially two elements, namely, a cap  12  and a closure plate  14 . The cap  12  is constructed from a cylindrical side wall  16 , an end wall  18  and an open side  20  which provides access to the hollow interior  22 . The cap  12  is shaped and sized so as to receive a button within the interior  20  as to be described hereinafter. In this regard, the cap  12  may be constructed in other shapes other than cylindrical, such as oval, square and the like. In addition, the end wall  18  may be flat, domed or concaved. 
     The closure plate  14  is constructed as a generally circular flat disk  30  dimensioned to be received within the open side  20  of the cap  12 . The shape of the cap  12  is not limited. The closure plate  14  is provided with a radially oriented slot  32 . The closure plate  14  is further provided with a central opening  34  communicating with one end of the slot  32  and an enlarged V-shaped opening  36  communicating with the other end of the slot. The V-shaped opening  36  opens outwardly along the peripheral edge of the closure plate  14 . 
     The closure plate  14  is attached to the cap  12  by means of a hinge  50 . The hinge  50  may be intricately formed with or separately attached to the peripheral edge of the closure plate  14 . The hinge  50  enables the closure plate  14  to be pivoted or rotated between the opened position as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 5A  and in the closed position as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Two edges of the closure plate  14  is provided with projections  38 ,  40  extending in a direction perpendicular to the circular flat disk  30  and toward the cap  12 . The projections  38 ,  40 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , extend beyond the extent of the side wall  16  of the cap  12 . In addition, the projections  38 ,  40  are curved or displaced slightly away from the plane containing the remainder of the disk  30 . This construction of the projections  38 ,  40  facilitates opening of the button cover  10  upon engagement with the tips of one&#39;s fingers or nails to be described hereinafter. 
     A portion of the disk  30  between the projections  38 ,  40  is bent upwardly in an opposite direction to form a locking element  42 . The locking element  42  is constructed to frictionally engage the interior surface of the side wall  16  when the closure plate  14  is arranged in its closed position as shown in  FIG. 3 . The locking element  42  prevents the cap  12  from being inadvertently opened during use. The locking element  42  although described as being formed from a portion of the disk  16 , may be provided as a separate element attached to the disk  30  if desired. 
     The closure plate  14  is attached to the cap  12  by means of a hinge  50 . The hinge  50  may be intricately formed with or separately attached to the peripheral edge of the closure plate  14 . The hinge  50  enables the closure plate  14  to be pivoted or rotated between the opened position as shown in  FIG. 5  and the closed position as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     The button cover  10  is applied to a button  60  which is secured to an article of clothing  62  by means of a plurality of button fastening threads  64  as is conventional. With the button cover  10  in an open position as shown in  FIG. 1 , the closure plate  14  is slid between the button  60  and article  62  wherein the article  62  is clothing  61 . The threads  64  are accommodated by the closure plate  14  by first being aligned with and readily received by the V-shaped opening  36 . As the closure plate  14  is further slid under the button  60  the threads  64  are received within the slot  32  and finally by the opening  34 . The slot  32  is constructed to be relatively narrow so as to frictionally engage the threads  64  requiring that a slight amount of force be applied during insertion and removal of the closure plate  14 . By sizing the width of the slot  32  to be generally narrower than the dimensions of the threads  64 , this has the tendency of preventing the button cover  10  from being dislodged from a button  60  upon inadvertent opening of the cap  12 . This restricted opening of the slot  32  also assists in keeping the button cover  10  in place when worn by preventing play with the button fastening threads  64 . The cap  12  is closed and locked in position covering the button  60  upon rotation about hinge  50  until the locking element  42  is frictionally engaged by the interior surface of the side wall  16 . 
     The button cover  10  may be removed by initially engaging the projections  38 ,  40  with the tip of one&#39;s finger or nails and rotating the cap  12  about hinge  50 . The button cover  10  may then be removed by sliding the closure plate  14  from between the button  60  and article  62  in the placement direction along the longitudinal axis of the slot  32 . As previously described, a slight force will be required due to the restrictive nature of the slot  32  with respect to the threads  64  securing the button  60 . 
     There is shown in  FIG. 2  a button cover generally designated by reference numeral  10 . The button cover  10  is shown in the closed position. The cap  12  is constructed from a cylindrical side wall  16 . The cap  12  is made of steel and thus serves as a magnetic member  100 . An article  62  is also shown in  FIG. 2  having a magnetic member  102 . 
     There is shown in  FIG. 3  a button cover generally designated by reference numeral  10 . The button cover  10  is shown in the closed position. The cap  12  is constructed from a cylindrical side wall  16 . The cap  12  has a magnet attached as a protrusion on the outside of the button cover cap  12 . The magnet serves as a magnetic member  100 . An article  62  is also shown in  FIG. 3  having a magnetic member  102  which is made of steel and shaped to receive the magnetic member  100 . 
     The magnetic members  100  and  102  are not particularly limited and can be any material that can be used to form a magnetically attractive force sufficient to couple the magnetic member  100  and magnetic member  102 . The magnetic members may be prepared from the same materials or different materials. Any material that can be used to form a magnetically attractive force sufficient to couple or attach the magnetic member  100  with the magnetic member  102  is suitable. The magnetic members are independently selected from ferromagnetic materials, paramagnetic materials, and combinations thereof. The magnetic members can be selected to form a corresponding magnetic attraction. For example, the magnetic member  100  may be a ferromagnetic material that provides a magnetically attractive force which is sufficient to attach to the magnetic member  102 . 
     In addition to the magnetic members being prepared from materials that form a magnetically attractive force, the magnetic member may be attached to magnetically inactive materials such as plastic and cardboard, or non-magnetic metal such as copper, lead, zinc, and aluminum. 
     In some embodiments, a magnetic member  102  is incorporated in or affixed to the button cover  10 . For example, the button cover cap  12  may include a paramagnetic or ferromagnetic material that allows magnetic coupling with the magnetic material  100  that is present in an article  62 . In other embodiments of the invention, the magnetic member  100  may be attached, affixed, embedded in or embedded on the button cover cap  10  and the magnetic member  102  may be attached, affixed, embedded in or embedded on the article  62 , or vice versa. The article  62  is preferably clothing such as a tie or cufflink or an accessory. 
     In one embodiment, the magnetic member  100  is a magnet and the magnetic member  102  is a material, such as steel, iron, nickel, cobalt, tin, gadolinium, and the like, including alloys thereof, that can be magnetically coupled with a magnet. For example, the magnetic member  102  may be a thin steel plate that is magnetically attracted to a magnet. 
     As used within the present invention, a magnetic preferably has a weight of between about 5 grams (g) and about 200 g. More preferably, a magnet has a weight of between about 10 grams and about 50 g. 
     In some embodiments, the magnetic member  100  includes a ferromagnetic material that can be magnetically coupled with a paramagnetic material and/or ferromagnetic material on the magnetic member  102 . For example, the magnetic member  100  could include a ferromagnetic material configured to be magnetically coupled with the ferromagnetic material on the magnetic member  102  (e.g., configured so that opposing poles face each other). 
     Ferromagnetic materials can be divided into magnetically “soft” materials like annealed iron, which can be magnetized but do not stay magnetized, and magnetically “hard” materials, which do. Permanent magnets are made from “hard” ferromagnetic materials such as alnico and ferrite that are subjected to special processing in a powerful magnetic field during manufacture, to align their internal microcrystalline structure, making them very hard to demagnetize. Preferably, the magnet is a neodymium magnet. 
     The magnetic member  100  and magnetic member  102  may have various shapes. In some embodiments, the magnetic member  102  may include a female engaging portion as shown in  FIG. 4  that accommodates physical coupling with a male engaging portion as shown in  FIG. 4  on the magnetic member  100 . As an example, the female engaging portion of the magnetic member  102  may be a metal plate having a rounded indentation in its center. The indentation may generally correspond to a rounded protrusion which extends outward from the magnetic member  100  which is the male engaging portion. The rounded protrusion may be a magnet itself. Thus, upon magnetic coupling, the male engaging portion on the magnetic member  100  may fit within the rounded indentation on the magnetic member  102 , which may result in improved coupling (e.g., a stronger attractive force). Using similar principles, the male engaging portion could be included on the magnetic member  100 , while the magnetic member  102  may have the corresponding female engaging portion as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     With reference to the drawings,  FIG. 3A  is a cross-section view of a magnetic attachment device shown in  FIG. 3  along the line  3 A- 3 A. 
     There is shown in  FIG. 4  a button cover generally designated by reference numeral  10 . The button cover  10  is shown in the closed position. The cap  12  is constructed from a cylindrical side wall  16 . The cap  12  is made of steel and thus serves as a magnetic member  102 . The cap  12  is shaped to receive the magnetic member  100 . An article  62  is also shown in  FIG. 4  having magnetic member  100  shaped to fit within magnetic member  102 . 
     There is shown in  FIG. 5  a button cover generally designated by reference numeral  10 . The button cover  10  is constructed from essentially two elements, namely, a cap  12  and a closure plate  14 . The cap  12  is constructed from a cylindrical side wall  16 , an end wall  18  and an open side  20  which provides access to the hollow interior  22 . The cap  12  is shaped and sized so as to receive a button within the interior  20  as to be described hereafter. In this regard, the cap  12  may be constructed in other shapes other than cylindrical, such as oval, square and the like. In addition, the end wall  18  may be flat, domed or concaved. 
     With reference to the drawings,  FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a magnetic attachment device in accordance with the present invention showing a button cover  10  in an opened position having a closure plate  14 , wherein the closure plate  14  has an elongated slot  36  for receiving threads  64  attaching a button  60  to material  61  which in this embodiment is a shirt. 
     In some embodiments, a magnetic member  10  and/or magnetic member  102  are integrated with a tie  70 . For example, a tie  70  may include a magnetic member stitched within the tie  70 . The magnetic member may then be magnetically coupled with the magnetic member on a button cover  10 . The button cover  10  is applied to a button  60  which is secured to a material such as clothing  61  by means of threads  64 . 
     One or more examples of articles incorporating the magnetic attachment device as disclosed in the present invention are illustrated in  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 8 , and  FIG. 9 . More specifically,  FIG. 6  shows a tie attached to a shirt in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 7  shows a tie attached to a shirt in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 8  shows a tie knot having a magnetic member  100  affixed therein.  FIG. 9  shows a broach having a magnet member  100  affixed therein. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. 
     The advantages of the embodiments described are numerous. Different aspects, embodiments or implementations can yield one or more of the aforementioned advantages. Many features and advantages of the present embodiments are apparent from the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the embodiments should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents can be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.