Clasp

Abstract

A fastener assembly that includes complementary male and female components that reversibly engage magnetically and mechanically. In the locked position, the components remain engaged when subjected to twisting in any plane and/or forces in 5 of 6 possible directions. Clasp provides improved ease of securing and unclasping that can be performed with gross motor movements and no pinching motion is required.

1 . A fastener, comprising:
 complementary male and female components that reversibly engage with each other magnetically and mechanically and exist in a locked position or an unlocked position;   wherein the fastener is changed from locked position to unlocked position by applying a shearing force.   
     
     
         2 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the moving the components so that the components move toward one another is applying forces such that the magnetic engagement shears. 
     
     
         3 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the moving the components so that the components move toward one another is applying forces such that the mechanical features disengage. 
     
     
         4 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the moving the components toward one another comprises applying a first force to the male component in a longitudinal direction; and applying a second force to the female component in a longitudinal direction, wherein the first force is in an opposite direction from the second force such that the components move toward one another. 
     
     
         5 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the male component comprises:
 a mechanical feature adapted to reversibly attach to a complementary mechanical feature on the female component; and   a magnetic feature that reversibly magnetically mates to a complementary magnetic feature on the female component.   
     
     
         6 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein in the locked position, the mechanical features of the male component and female component are located in a same plane. 
     
     
         7 . The fastener assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising two loops for attaching to fabric, wherein one loop is located on the male component and the other loop is located on the female component. 
     
     
         8 . The fastener assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener is a bra front closure. 
     
     
         9 . The fastener assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the bra further comprises a pocket ( 25 ) under each cup. 
     
     
         10 . An article of clothing comprising the fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the article of clothing is a bra, swimwear, lingerie, garter, belt, skirt, trousers, blouse, shoe, blazer, coat, jacket, dress, shirt, or uniform. 
     
     
         11 . An article that includes a strap, comprising a fastener of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         12 . The article of  claim 11 , wherein the article is selected from a suitcase, purse, handbag, wallet, back pack, wearable electronic device, watchband, computer bag, medical or athletic monitoring equipment, and helmet. 
     
     
         13 .- 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . The fastener of  claim 7 , wherein in the locked position, two attachment ends for attaching to fabric are located in a same plane. 
     
     
         16 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the shearing force moves a male bar ( 24 ) within female recess ( 6 ) and female sloped wall ( 8 ) moves against male sloped wall ( 21 ) until the components disengage. 
     
     
         17 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the shearing force is applied by moving the attachment end of the female component of the clasp assembly, and the attachment end of the male component of the clasp assembly, in a longitudinal direction such that they move toward one another. 
     
     
         18 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the shearing force is applied using gross motor movements by the wearer by inserting each hand into a pocket or loop located near each attachment end. 
     
     
         19 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein a first magnetic feature is housed within the male clasp component and a second magnetic feature is housed within the female clasp component. 
     
     
         20 . A method of using the fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the male and female clasp components are changed from an unlocked to a locked position by:
 moving the male and female clasp components into close proximity,   engaging the male and female clasp components by magnetic attraction forces moving the male and female clasp components into a locked position whereby they are magnetically and mechanically mated.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the male and female clasp components are changed from an unlocked to a locked position by gross motor movements. 
     
     
         22 . A method of using the fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the male and female clasp components are changed from a locked to an unlocked position by:
 applying a shearing force by moving the attachment end of the female component of the clasp assembly relative to the attachment end of the male component of the clasp assembly, in a longitudinal direction such that they move toward one another.