Fastener

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide a curved fastener that may be assembled to a tape measure, portable electronic device, medallion, or other item. A center line of the curved fastener may be or approximate a two-dimensional spiral or a parabola.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A device for releasably attaching an item to an article of clothing comprising a curved fastener, wherein a centerline of the curved fastener at least approximates one of a two-dimensional spiral and a parabola. 
     
     
         2 . The curved fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the two-dimensional spiral is a logarithmic spiral. 
     
     
         3 . The curved fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the two-dimensional spiral is an Archimedean spiral. 
     
     
         4 . The curved fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the two-dimensional spiral is a hyperbolic spiral. 
     
     
         5 . The curved fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the curved fastener includes a raised tail section. 
     
     
         6 . The curved fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the curved fastener includes a writing instrument retainer. 
     
     
         7 . The curved fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the centerline of the curved fastener forms the two-dimensional spiral. 
     
     
         8 . The curved fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the centerline of the curved fastener forms the parabola. 
     
     
         9 . An assembly comprising:
 the curved fastener of  claim 1 ; and   a portable item fixably connected to the curved fastener.   
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the portable item is a tool. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the tool is a tape measure. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the portable item is an electronic device. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the electronic device is a smart phone. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the portable item is a medallion. 
     
     
         15 . A method for a attaching the assembly of  claim 9  to the article of clothing, the method comprising:
 engaging a tail section of the curved fastener with the article of clothing; and 
 rotating the assembly to secure the assembly to the article of clothing. 
 
     
     
         16 . An assembly comprising:
 means for fastening; and   a portable item fixably connected to the means for fastening, the means for fastening facilitating attachment of the portable item to an article of clothing.   
     
     
         17 . The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the portable item is a tool. 
     
     
         18 . The assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the tool is a tape measure. 
     
     
         19 . The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the portable item is an electronic device. 
     
     
         20 . The assembly of  claim 19 , wherein the electronic device is a smart phone.