Abstract:
A closure or fastener is provided for apparel, shoes, equipment, and other applications. The closure may have a female component having a receiving area and a male component having a locking portion. Either or both the male component and female component may have a notched appearance to provide additional flexibility and comfort to the closure. Flanges on the male components and the female components may facilitate off-registration engagement of the closure system. Textures present or absent in the closure system may permit or prevent sliding by the male components and female components when the closure is engaged.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/154,129, filed Jun. 6, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,826,499, entitled “Closure System,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to fasteners for clothing and other apparel items. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Fasteners for clothing include zippers, buttons, hook-and-eye fasteners, snap closures, and hook-and-loop fasteners. While these conventional fasteners are adequate for some applications, they have physical limitations that reduce their usefulness and applicability to some clothing and apparel. On the other hand, clothing without fasteners, for example pants with an elastic waistband, relies on the elasticity of the clothing but may sacrifice fit and durability as a result. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, a closure system for apparel and non-apparel items is provided for improved fit comfort, convenience, and functionality. 
     One example of a closure may comprise a male component comprising a first flange and a plurality of male projections arranged along a first line. Each male projection may comprise a stem having a first base and a first head connecting with the flange at the first base of the stem, and a locking portion, having a second base and a second head, the second base being wider than the stem and the second head, connecting with the first head at the second base. The closure may also comprise a female component comprising a second flange and plurality of female projections arranged along a second line. The interrelationship of flanges on the male components, and the female components permits the closure system to be engaged even if the male components and the female components are slightly off-registration with each other, thereby facilitating use of the closure system. Each of the female projections may comprise a first female stem and a second female stem arranged on opposite sides of the second line, forming a receiving area to fit the locking portion. The first female stem may further comprise a first hooked portion and the second female stem may comprise a second hooked portion, such that the first hooked portion and the second hooked portion face each other to fit the locking portion. 
     In addition, the plurality of male projections of the male component may comprise a notch in each male projection along the first line extending from the second head of the locking portion through the stem to the first base. The plurality of male projections of the male component may be hooked at the second based of the locking portion to fit the receiving area. The receiving area may comprise an inner surface, and the locking portion may comprise an outer surface. In one example, the outer surface may have a texture that grips the inner surface of the receiving area. In another example, the inner surface may have a texture that grips the outer surface of the locking portion. In another example, the inner surface and the outer surface may be substantially smooth such that when the locking portion may be within the receiving area, the male component and the female component may slide while fastened. 
     One example of a fastener may comprise a male component comprising a first flange and a plurality of projections arranged on a first line. Each projection may comprise a stem having a first base and a first head, connecting with the flange at the first base of the stem, and a locking portion, having a second base and a second head, the second base being wider than the stem and the second head, connecting with the first head at the second base. The fastener also may comprise a female component comprising a second flange and a pair of rails comprising a first rail and a second rail arranged on opposite sides of a second line. The pair of rails each may have a hooked portion extending towards each other forming a receiving area of the locking portion of the male component. 
     Additionally, the pair of rails of the female component may comprise a plurality of notches through the pair of rails to the second flange and perpendicular to the second line. The plurality of projections of the male component may comprise a notch in each male projection along the first line extending from the second head of the locking portion through the stem to the first base. The receiving area may comprise an inner surface and the locking portion may comprise an outer surface. The outer surface may have a texture that grips the inner surface of the receiving area. The inner surface of the receiving area may have a texture that grips the outer surface of the locking portion. The outer surface of the locking portion and the inner surface of the receiving area may be substantially smooth such that when the locking portion may be within the receiving area, the male component and the female component may slide while fastened. 
     In an additional example, the fastener may comprise a male track comprising a first flange and a first rail arranged along a first line. The first rail may extend substantially the length of the first line and may have a first base and a first head, connecting with the flange at the first base of the first rail. The first rail further may comprise a locking portion having a second base and a second head. The second head may be wider than the first base and the second head and connects with the first head at the second base. The female track of the fastener may comprise a second flange and a pair of rails comprising a second rail and a third rail arranged on opposite sides of a second line. The pair of rails may have a pair of hooks projections extending towards each other forming a receiving area for the locking portion of the first rail. 
     In addition, the pair of rails of the female flange of the fastener may comprise a plurality of notches perpendicular to the second line and through the pair of rails to the second flange. The first rail of the male track may comprise a plurality of first notches perpendicular to the first line and through the first rail to the first flange. The first rail of the male track may comprise a plurality of second notches perpendicular to the first notches along the first line and through the first rail to the first flange. The pair of rails of the female track may comprise a plurality of notches perpendicular to the second line and through the pair of rails to the second flange. The first rail of the male track may comprise a hooked portion of the second base to fit the receiving area of the female track. The receiving area of the fastener may have an inner surface. The locking portion of the fastener may have an outer surface. The outer surface of the locking portion may have a texture that grips the inner surface of the receiving area. The inner surface of the receiving area may have a texture that grips the outer surface of the locking portion. In another example, the outer surface of the locking portion and the inner surface of the receiving area may be substantially smooth such that when the locking portion may be within the receiving area, the male track and the female track may slide while fastened. 
     This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of a female component or female track. 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of a female component or female track. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of a male component or male track. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of a male component or male track. 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of a male component or male track. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of a male component or male track. 
         FIG. 7A-B  is an illustration of a fastened male component and female component. 
         FIG. 8A-B  is an illustration of a fastened male component and female component. 
         FIG. 9A-B  is an illustration of a fastened male component and female component. 
         FIG. 10A-B  is an illustration of a fastened male component and female component. 
         FIG. 11A-B  is an illustration of a fastened male component and female component. 
         FIG. 12A-B  is an illustration of a fastened male component and female component. 
         FIG. 13A-B  is an illustration of a fastened male component and female component. 
         FIG. 14A-B  is an illustration of a fastened male component and female component. 
         FIG. 15  is an illustration of apparel employing a track snap closure in various locations. 
         FIGS. 16A-D  are illustrations of additional closure or fastener profiles. 
         FIGS. 17A-D  are illustrations of additional closure of fastener profiles. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The track snap closure described herein may be employed to hold together seams edges or surface of apparel or clothing applications. The track snap closure provides a quick and simple fastening means that does not require perfect registration between components of the male track and components of the female track. Moreover, the track snap closure provides improves comfort and aesthetics due to the flexibility and low profile of the male track and female track. 
     Generally, the spacing and relative dimensions illustrated in the figures may not be to scale. Any proportion of spacing and track snap closure component dimension may be contemplated to fit the track snap closure application desired. Also, generally,  FIGS. 1-14  illustrate examples of a track snap closure having sharp edged portions or angled edges for the male and female track components. However, it will be understood that the components of the male and female track may also have rounded portions or curved/blunted edges, which may be employed to prevent snagging and/or increase robustness of the components. 
       FIG. 1  provides one example of a female component or track of a track snap closure. The female component may have a flange  100  and a pair of rails  101 ,  102  arranged on opposite sides of a line  103 . The pair of rails  101 ,  102  may have hooked projections  104 ,  105  that extend toward each other to form a receiving area  106 . The flange  100  may be constructed separately or integrally with the pair of rails  101 ,  102  and may be made of the same or different material. For example, the entire female component or track may be injected molded of one polymer resin. In another example, the flange  100  may be made of a plastic that may be more flexible and the pair of rails  101 ,  102  may be made of a plastic that may be more wear-resistant. 
       FIG. 2  may be another example of a female component or track of a track snap closure. The female component may have a flange  200  and a plurality of female projections  201  arranged along a line  202 . Each female projection  203  may have a pair of stems  204  including a hooked portion  205  of each stem facing each other to form a receiving area  206 . Alternately, the female component or track may be a flange  200  and a pair of rails  201  arranged on opposite sides of a line. The pair of rails may have a hooked portion  205  facing each other to form a receiving area  206 . The female component or track may have a plurality of notches  207  perpendicular to the line and through the pair of rails. The plurality of notches may extend completely through the rails to the flange or may only extend partially through the rails. Alternately, the female component may be a plurality of female projections arranged along a line. Each female projection may form a receiving area to fit a locking portion of a male component or projection. The receiving area may have a hooked appearance or may be another geometry depending on the need of the track snap closure application. The spacing illustrated may be arbitrary and any spacing between the projections may be contemplated to meet the needs of the track snap closure. The flange may be constructed separately or integrally with the pair of rails and may be made of the same or different material. 
       FIG. 3  may be one example of a male component or track of a track snap closure. The male component may comprise a flange  300  and a rail  301  arranged along a line  302 . The rail may have a first base  303  and a first head  304  connecting with the flange  300  at the base  303 . The rail also may comprise a locking portion  302  having a second base  305  and a second head  306 , the second base  305  being wider than the first base  303  and the second head  306 , connecting with the first head  304  at the second base. The locking portion  307  of the male component may snap into the receiving area of the female component or track. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the locking portion  307  may have a hooked portion to secure the locking portion within the receiving area. Alternately, the locking portion may be flat at the second base to provide a slideable fastening. The locking portion of the male component and the receiving area of the female component may be molded or machined to complement each other. The flange may be constructed separately or integrally with the rail and may be made of the same or different material. 
       FIG. 4  may be another example of a male component or track of a track snap closure. The male component may comprise a flange  400  and a rail  401  arranged along a line  402 . The rail  401  may have a first base  403  and a first head  404  connecting with the flange  400  at the base  403 . The rail  401  also may comprise a locking portion  405  having a second base  406  and a second head  407 , the second base  406  being wider than the first base  404  and the second head  407 , connecting with the first head at the second base. The locking portion  405  of the male component snaps into the receiving area of the female component or track. The rail also may comprise a notch  408  extending down the line  402  or central line of the rail. For example, the notch may divide the rail in half to form two rails. The notch may extend through the rail to the flange or may extend partially through the rail. In another example, a male component may comprise a flange and two rails arranged closely along a line. The space between two rails may be substantially smaller than the width of either rail. Each rail may have a base and a head connecting with the flange at the base. The two rails together form a locking portion having a second base and a second head. The base of the locking portion being wider at the base than at the second head. The flange may be constructed separately or integrally with the rail and may be made of the same or different material. 
       FIG. 5  may be another example of a male component or track of a track snap closure. In  FIG. 5 , one example of a male component may comprise a flange  500  and a plurality of male projections  501  arranged substantially along a line  507 . Each male projection  501  may comprise a stem with a first base  502  and a first head  503 . Each male projection connects with the flange  500  at the first base  502 . In addition, each male projection  501  may have a locking portion  506  having a second base  504  wider than the first base  502  of the stem and wider than the head of the locking portion  506 . In another example, a male component may comprise a flange  500  and a rail  508  arranged along a line  507 . The rail may have a base and a head connecting with the flange at the base. The rail also may comprise a locking portion having a second base  504  and a second head  505 , the second base  504  being wider than the first base  502  and the second head  505 , connecting with the first head  503  at the second base  504 . The locking portion of the male component snaps into the receiving area of the female component or track. The rail also may comprise a plurality of notches  509  perpendicular to the rail or line  507  to divide the rail or track into sections or individual male projections. The notches may extend through the rail to the flange or may extend partially through the rail. The flange may be constructed separately or integrally with the rail and may be made of the same or different material. The locking portion may have a hooked appearance or may be another geometry depending on the need of the track snap closure application. The spacing of the sections or projections illustrated may be arbitrary and any spacing between the projections may be contemplated to meet the needs of the track snap closure. 
       FIG. 6  may be another example of a male component or track of a track snap closure. The male component may comprise a flange  600  and a rail  601  arranged along a line. The rail  601  may have a base  602  and a head  603  connecting with the flange at the base. The rail  601  also may comprise a locking portion  606  having a second base  604  and a second head  605 , the second base  604  being wider than the first base  602  and the second head  605 , connecting with the first head  603  at the second base  604 . The locking portion  606  of the male component snaps into the receiving area of the female component or track. The rail  601  also may comprise a notch  607  extending down the line or central line of the rail. For example, the notch  607  may divide the rail in half to form two rails. The notch may extend through the rail to the flange or may extend partially through the rail. The rail also may comprise a plurality of notches  608  perpendicular to the rail or the notch  607  to divide the rail or track into sections or individual male projections. The notches may extend through the rail to the flange or may extend partially through the rail. Another example of a male component may comprise a flange and a plurality of male projections arranged along a line. Each male projection may comprise a stem with a first base and a first head. Each male projection connects with the flange at the first base. In addition, each male projection may have a locking portion having a second base wider than the stem and wider than the head of the locking portion. Each male projection may have a notch perpendicular to the line: the notch may extend through the projection to the flange or may extend partially through the projection. The flange may be constructed separately or integrally with the rail and may be made of the same or different material. The locking portion may have a hooked appearance or may be another geometry depending on the need of the track snap closure application. The spacing of the sections or projections illustrated may be arbitrary and any spacing between the projections may be contemplated to meet the needs of the track snap closure. 
       FIG. 7A-B  illustrates one example of a track snap closure with the male component  701  or track and the female component  700  or track assembled. As shown in  FIG. 7A , the receiving area  703  of the female component and the locking component  702  of the male component fit together or snap together.  FIG. 7B  illustrates a female component  704  such as the example in  FIG. 1  and the male component  705  similar to the example in  FIG. 3 . The two continuous tracks may be fastened by snapping together or by sliding the male component  705  down the female track  704 . Generally, the male component and the female component may be molded or machined of the same or different material. 
       FIG. 8A-B  illustrates another example of a track snap closure with the male component  801  or track and the female component  800  or track assembled.  FIG. 8A-B  illustrates a male component similar to  FIG. 4  and a female component similar to  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , the receiving area  803  of the female component and the locking component  802  of the male component fit together or snap together. The two tracks may be fastened either by snapping the male component  806  into the female component  805  or by sliding the male component  806  down the female track  805 . The notch in the male component may provide some “give” in the snap closure. 
       FIG. 9A-B  illustrates another example of a track snap closure with the male component or track and the female component or track assembled.  FIG. 9A-B  illustrates a male component similar to  FIG. 5  and a female component similar to  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 9A , the receiving area  902  of the female component  900  and the locking component  903  of the male component  901  fit together or snap together. The two tracks may be fastened either by snapping the male component  905  into the female component  904  or may be fastened by snapping individual male projections  906  or sections of the male component  905  into the female component  904 . The sectioned or notched male component may provide additional flexibility to the track snap closure. For example, it would be possible to form the male component of the track snap closure with a harder plastic without sacrificing comfort and flexibility. 
       FIG. 10A-B  illustrates another example of a track snap closure with the male component or track and the female component or track assembled.  FIG. 10A-B  illustrates a male component similar to  FIG. 6  and a female component similar to  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 10A , the receiving area  1002  of the female component  1000  and the locking component  1003  of the male component  1001  fit together or snap together. The two tracks may be fastened either by snapping the male component  1006  into the female component  1005  or may be fastened by snapping individual male projections or sections of the male component  1006  into the female component  1005 . The sectioned or notched male component  1006  may provide additional flexibility to the track snap closure. 
       FIG. 11A-B  illustrates another example of a track snap closure with the male component or track and the female component or track assembled.  FIG. 11A-B  illustrates a male component similar to  FIG. 3  and a female component similar to  FIG. 2 . In the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 11B , the female component may be notched into individual female projections. As shown in  FIG. 11A , the receiving area of the female component and the locking component of the male component fit together or snap together. The two tracks may be fastened either by snapping the male component into the entire female component or by snapping the male component into the individual female projections. 
       FIG. 12A-B  illustrates another example of a track snap closure with the male component or track and the female component or track assembled.  FIG. 12A-B  illustrates a male component similar to  FIG. 4  and a female component similar to  FIG. 2 . In the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 12B , the female component  1206  may be notched into individual female projections  1208 . The male component  1207  may have a central notch  1209  along the length of the component. As shown in  FIG. 12A , the receiving area  1204  of the female component  1200  and the locking component  1203  of the male component  1201  fit together or snap together. The two tracks may be fastened either by snapping the male component  1207  into the female component  1206  simultaneously or by snapping the male component  1207  along the individual projections  1208  of the female component  1206 . The notch  1205  in the male component may provide some “give” in the snap closure. 
       FIG. 13A-B  illustrates another example of a track snap closure with the male component or track and the female component or track assembled.  FIG. 13A-B  illustrates a male component similar to  FIG. 5  and a female component similar to  FIG. 2 . In the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 13B , the female component  1304  may be notched into individual female projections  1307  and the male component  1305  may be notched into male projections  1306 . As shown in  FIG. 13A , the receiving area  1302  of the female component  1300  and the locking component  1303  of the male component  1301  fit together or snap together. The two tracks may be fastened either by snapping the male component  1305  into the female component  1304  or snapping a male projection  1306  into a female projection  1307 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13B , perfect registration of one male projection  1306  to one female projection  1307  may not be necessary for the closure to function. There does not have to be an equal number of male projections and female projections. Nor do the male projections and female projection have to be perfectly aligned with each other. Nor do the rails of the male component and the female component have to be the same length. However, in one example, there may be a ratio of one male projection to one female projection. The dual notches in the male component and the female component provide additional flexibility to the track snap closure, which allows for the track snap closure to be made from more rigid and durable materials if desired while preserving comfort and movement. 
       FIG. 14A-B  illustrates another example of a track snap closure with the male component or track and the female component or track assembled.  FIG. 14A-B  illustrates a male component similar to  FIG. 6  and a female component similar to  FIG. 2 . In the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 14B , the female component  1404  may be notched into individual female projections  1405  and the male component  1406  may be notched into male projections  1407 . The male component  1406  may be also notched  1408  along the length of the component, perpendicular to notches forming the male projections  1407 . As shown in  FIG. 14A , the receiving area  1402  of the female component  1400  and the locking component  1403  of the male component  1401  fit together or snap together. The two tracks may be fastened either by snapping the male component  1406  into the female component  1404  or snapping a male projection  1407  into a female projection  1405 . As illustrated in  FIG. 14B , perfect registration of one male projection to one female projection may not be necessary for the closure to function. Nor do the male projections and female projection have to be perfectly aligned with each other. The notch dividing the locking portion of the male component may provide some “give” to the male component provide easier snap closure. The dual notches in the male component and the female component provide additional flexibility to the track snap closure, which allows for the track snap closure to be made from more rigid and durable materials if desired while preserving comfort and movement. 
     The track snap fastener may provide a durable and comfortable form of apparel closure. The track snap fastener may also be employed to hold together various seams, edges, or surfaces in non-apparel applications. The track snap fastener presents numerous advantages in that perfect registration of the male and female portion of the fastener may be unnecessary for closure or fastening. Moreover, as the surfaces of the locking and receiving portions of the fastener may be textured or toothed, the track snap fastener may provide a secure closure with and without registration of the male and female components. The edges of the male component or female component may be raised to form a physical lock or barrier. Having a smooth locking and receiving surface may provide the fastener with a sliding fastening mechanism as well as a snap fastening mechanism. 
     Each portion or part of the fastener may be integrally formed or separately formed and assembled or any combination thereof. Different portions of the fastener or closure may be constructed of different materials. The fastener or closure may be molded of or machined from one material. For example, the fastener flanges may be formed of one polymer selected for flexibility and fusability with a garment and the rails and/or projections may be formed of one or more additional polymers selected for durability. In another example, the entire closure may be injection molded. Furthermore, a track snap closure may be molded or machined from any appropriate materials, including polyoxymethylene (e.g. Delrin™), polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, aluminum alloys, brass, and nickel alloys, nylon, aramids, etc. The assembled fastener may be affixed to clothing or other apparel items such as shoes, hats, gloves, etc. by fusing, sewing, gluing, or any other means. 
     The track snap closure may be useful for a number of apparel applications. Generally, a track snap closure may be employed in any location a conventional fastening device is used. However, a track snap closure has benefits that conventional fastening devices cannot offer.  FIG. 15  illustrates two examples of applications for track snap closures. For example, a track snap closure may be incorporated into “tear-away” clothing, such as exercise/warm-up pants. The track snap closure may be used on either the inner  1501  or outer seam  1502  or both of a pair of warm-up pants  1500 . For example, one track snap component  1503  may be attached to the one side  1511  of the seam area and the complementary component  1504  may be attached to the opposite side  1510  of the seam area. The track snap closure may be used to seal portions of the seam while leaving portions open for ventilation according to the wearer&#39;s needs. The slide-ability of the male and female track of the track snap closure provides a pair of pants that have “tear away” capability and may refrain from bunching or snagging as may occur with traditional snaps or buttons. 
     In another example, one or more track snap closures may be employed for pockets  1505  of garments, such as outerwear. For example, a pocket may be disposed on the outside of an outwear garment. One track snap component  1506  may be attached to the outer surface  1507  of the outwear garment and the complementary component  1508  may be attached to the inner surface  1509  of the pocket. For a pocket inserted into a garment, the track snap components may be deployed on opposite seams of the pocket. The pocket may lay flat when closed via the track snap closure and may be easy to open and close. By way of further example, a track snap closure may be employed as the fly closure mechanism in a pair of pants or shorts. In another example, the track snap closure may be used to align multi-layered garments, such as a water-resistant shell and insulating liner. The inner surface of the water-resistant shell may be provided with one component (i.e. male or female) and the outer surface of an insulating liner may be provided with a complementary component. The track snap closure will provide fast and simple locking of the shell to the liner but the slide-ability of the track snap closure may also allow the user to align the shell and liner after locking rather than requiring perfect alignment while locking used in typical multi-layered garments. 
     Additional, non-limiting, examples of geometries or profiles of track snap closures or fasteners are illustrated in  FIGS. 16A-D . The male component and female component may also include any of the notched or segmented configurations described above.  FIG. 16A  illustrates a first flange  1602  attached to a male projection  1604  and a second flange  1601  attached to a pair of female projections  1603 . The hooked portion of the female component may have a slightly rounded profile, while the locking portion of the male component may also have rounded edges and a flatter head area.  FIG. 16B  illustrates a first flange  1606  attached to a male projections  1608  and a second flange  1605  attached to a pair of female projections  1607 . Alternately, the locking portion of the male component may have a rounded head area. In.  FIG. 16C , a second flange  1609  is attached to a pair of female projections  1611 , and a first flange  1610  is attached to a male projection  1612 . The locking portion of the male component may have a tear-drop like profile. In  FIG. 16D , the stem area of the projection of the male component  1616  attached to a first flange  1614  may be wider, such that the width of the stem may be greater than the overhanging portion of the locking portion area. The projections of the female component  1615  attached to a second flange  1613  may include a wider receiving area to accommodate this profile. 
     Further non-limiting examples of geometries or profiles of track snap closures or fasteners are illustrated in  FIGS. 17A-D . The male components and female components illustrated in  FIGS. 17A-D  may include any of the notched configurations described above.  FIG. 17A  illustrates a first flange  1702  attached to a male component projection  1704  and a second flange  1701  attached to female component projections  1703 . The female component may have a slightly rounded profile, while the locking portion of the male component may also have a larger overhang extending beyond the stem. This overhanging region of the locking portion may also be notched inwards to receive a portion of the female component that curves to fit the notched area.  FIG. 17B  illustrates a first flange  1706  attached to a male component projection  1708  and a second flange  1705  attached to a pair of female component projections  1707 . The receiving area of the female component may be cut or molded to fit the geometry of the locking portion of the male component conformably or snugly. In  FIG. 17C , a second flange  1709  is attached to female component projections  1711 , which may include hooked portions that are more pointed and hooked to lock with locking portion of the male component  1711 . The first flange  1710  is attached to a male component projection  1712  having a locking portion that may also include a hooked overhang region that locks with the hooked portion of the female component  1711 . In addition, the head of the locking portion of the male component may be pointed or tapered for insertion into the receiving area. In  FIG. 17D , the locking portion of the male component projection  1716  attached to a first flange  1714  includes the pointed overhang region and may have a rounder profile than  FIG. 17C . The female component projections  1715  attached to a second flange  1713  may have rounded hooked portions. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments may have been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and may be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.