Magnetic retention methods and systems for apparel

Abstract

Adjustment and closure mechanisms for apparel, wearable devices and other items worn are generally considered functional or utilitarian in nature. As such these tend to be low cost metal and/or plastic mechanisms. However, users may wish to make a fashion statement, a political statement, a brand statement or a lifestyle statement. The inventor has established concepts to provide users and brands with stylistically designed adjustment and closure mechanisms for apparel, wearable devices and other items worn by a user. These adjustment and closure mechanisms are demountably attachable to multiple items of apparel, wearable devices, etc. as well as allowing for adjustment and/or closure mechanisms for apparel, wearable devices and other items worn by a user that accommodates different sizes. Accordingly, users may expend more money purchasing such adjustment and closure mechanisms as they are not restricted to a single item such that the user mentally amortizes them across their goods.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A mechanism comprising:
 a band comprising one or more magnet elements;   a magnetic attachment attached at an end of the band comprising at least a magnet; and   a first portion of a fitting attached to the distal end of the band; wherein   the first portion of the fitting engages with a second portion of the fitting attached to an item to attach the distal end of the band to the item;   the end of the band fits through another fitting attached to the item; and   the magnetic attachment attaches to the one or more magnet elements within the band.   
     
     
         2 . The mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the item is a piece of clothing, an item of jewelry, and an electronic device.   
     
     
         3 . The mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the band comprises:
 a body formed from a silicone having a first durometer; and 
 one or more regions formed from a silicone having a second durometer lower than the first durometer; and 
   each region of the one or more regions provides increased retention of the magnet to the band when the magnet is attached over a region of the one or more regions.   
     
     
         4 . The mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the band, the magnetic attachment and the first portion of the fitting when coupled to the second portion of the fitting and the another fitting provide for adjustment of a distance between the second portion of the fitting upon the item and the another fitting on the item; and   the item is a piece of clothing or apparel.   
     
     
         5 . The mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the band, the magnetic attachment and the first portion of the fitting when coupled to the second portion of the fitting and the another fitting provide for attachment of the item to a portion of a user; and   the item is an electronic device.   
     
     
         6 . The mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the band, the magnetic attachment and the first portion of the fitting when coupled to the second portion of the fitting and the another fitting provide for:
 adjustment of a distance between the second portion of the fitting upon the item and the another fitting on the item to adjust a size of the band around a portion of a user; and 
 attachment of the item to the portion of the user; and 
   the item is an electronic device.   
     
     
         7 . A method comprising:
 providing a mechanism comprising:
 a band comprising one or more magnet elements; 
 a magnetic attachment attached at an end of the band comprising at least a magnet; and 
 a first portion of a fitting attached to the distal end of the band; wherein 
   the first portion of the fitting engages with a second portion of the fitting attached to an item to attach the distal end of the band to the item;   the end of the band fits through another fitting attached to the item; and   the magnetic attachment attaches to the one or more magnet elements within the band.   
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein
 the item is a piece of clothing, an item of jewelry, and an electronic device.   
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein
 the band comprises:
 a body formed from a silicone having a first durometer; and 
 one or more regions formed from a silicone having a second durometer lower than the first durometer; and 
   each region of the one or more regions provides increased retention of the magnet to the band when the magnet is attached over a region of the one or more regions.   
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein
 the band, the magnetic attachment and the first portion of the fitting when coupled to the second portion of the fitting and the another fitting provide for adjustment of a distance between the second portion of the fitting upon the item and the another fitting on the item; and   the item is a piece of clothing or apparel.   
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein
 the band, the magnetic attachment and the first portion of the fitting when coupled to the second portion of the fitting and the another fitting provide for attachment of the item to a portion of a user; and   the item is an electronic device.   
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein
 the band, the magnetic attachment and the first portion of the fitting when coupled to the second portion of the fitting and the another fitting provide for:
 adjustment of a distance between the second portion of the fitting upon the item and the another fitting on the item to adjust a size of the band around a portion of a user; and 
 attachment of the item to the portion of the user; and 
   the item is an electronic device.