[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application no. 62/300029, filed on February 25, 2016. This and all other publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The field of the invention is fasteners, especially fasteners including hook or loop material.

Background

[0003] The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0004] Various hook and loop type fasteners are known, which allow objects to be releasably coupled to one another. Such fasteners are useful in numerous industries, including medical braces, clothing, and other industries. [0005] For example, U.S. Patent No. 8, 142,377 to Garth teaches a back brace having a belt, one or more adjustment cords and pull tab fasteners. The belt includes a loop assembly along its outer surface, and the pull tab fasteners each includes corresponding hook material. The pull tab fasteners can be pulled in one or more directions, resulting in a tightening or loosening of the adjustment cords. The pull tab fasteners can then be securely attached to the belt via the hook material and loop assembly.

[0006] Unfortunately, the hook material of known fasteners can inadvertently engage with various materials, causing yarn breakage and damage to clothing, blankets and other objects.

[0007] Thus, there is still a need for improved hook fasteners that securely attach to objects only when intended. Summary of the Inventive Subject Matter

[0008] The inventive subject matter provides fasteners that include a set of hooks configured to selectively engage loop material. The set of hooks can extend from the fastener base' s inner surface, and one or more blocks or edge portions of the base can extend adjacent the set of hooks. Preferably, the blocks or edge portions will extend further from the inner surface relative to the set of hooks such that the blocks can prevent the set of hooks from engaging with looped surfaces when in a non-engaging configuration. The fastener could

advantageously be selectively engaged with loop material by pressing or otherwise moving hook material beyond the one or more blocks via the fastener base to an engaging

configuration. In the engaging configuration, the fastener base will be shaped such that the set of hooks extends at least to the same extent as the blocks or edge portions, and preferably further. Although the description herein is generally directed to fasteners including hook material, it should be appreciated that fasteners of the inventive subject matter could include any suitable fastening materials, including for example, loop material, adhesives, buttons, snaps, and magnets.

[0009] Viewed from another perspective, contemplated fasteners may include hook or loop surface(s) biased in an unengaged configuration. When the fasteners are in unengaged configurations, the hook or loop surface(s) are preferably not in contact with other objects, especially large or substantially level objects, and unwanted catching is prevented. The fastener can comprise a base and (a) one or more blocks that extend at an angle from the base (e.g., between 45-135 degrees, between 70-1 10 degrees), or (b) one or more edge portions of a curved or angled base. The blocks or edge portions preferably extend further away from a portion of the base including the hook or loop surface(s) than the hook or loop surface(s). When securing the fasteners to an object having a complementary hook or loop surface, the fasteners could be placed against, and pressed towards, the object.

[0010] Viewed from yet another perspective, contemplated fasteners may include a base having a first surface comprising a set of hooks, wherein the base comprises a first wall extending from the first surface that defines a perimeter at least partially surrounding the set of hooks. The first surface could be configured to adjust between at least first and second different positions, wherein when the first surface is in the first position, the first wall extends farther from the first surface than the hooks, and wherein when the inner surface is in the second position, the hooks extend farther from the first surface than the first wall. One or more additional walls could extend from the first portion, and each wall could comprise at least one of a block that extends at an angle from the base, and an edge portion of the base that extends further than the set of hooks when the inner surface is in the first position. The first surface could be configured to move (e.g., flex) relative to the first wall, and such movement preferably causes the first surface to adjust from the first position to the second position. In some contemplated embodiments, the first wall could be positioned on a non- edge portion of the first surface.

[0011] Some preferred fasteners are made of a thermoplastic elastomer or other material(s) that is absent of significant creep. Such a material should have the ability to allow the fastener to repeatedly be shaped (e.g., to an engaged configuration), while returning to its original unengaged or initial configuration once the fastener is released.

[0012] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0013] Figures 1A-1B illustrate an adjustable back brace including a fastener of the inventive subject matter.

[0014] Figures 2A-2B illustrate upper and lower surfaces of a fastener. [0015] Figures 3A-3B illustrate cross-sectional views of a base and hook surface in unengaged and engaged configurations.

[0016] Figures 4A-4D illustrate top, bottom and side views of a fastener including a sliding push-button type fastening mechanism.

[0017] Figures 5A-5D illustrate top, bottom and cross-sectional views of a fastener. [0018] Figure 6 illustrates a fastener including a thumb hole. Detailed Description

[0019] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0020] The inventive subject matter provides fasteners including a base material having an inner surface, one or more blocks, and one or more sets of hooks (or hook material or other fastening material). Contemplated inner surfaces (or bases) adjust between non-engaging and engaging configurations. When the inner surface is in a non-engaging configuration, at least one of the sets of hooks is entirely recessed relative to at least one of the blocks. In other words, it is preferred that a height of the hooks of the set, as measured from the base material to a maximum distance of the hooks from the base material, is less than a height of one or more of the blocks. When the inner surface is in an engaging configuration, at least one of the sets of hooks extends beyond at least one of the blocks such that they are configured to engage a looped material on an object (e.g., a substantially flat looped material).

[0021] The inventive subject matter also provides adjustable braces and other objects, for example an adjustable lumbar support. The adjustable belt could include a belt configured to wrap around at least a portion of a trunk of a wearer, and an adjustment mechanism configured to allow the belt to be tightened when worn, and including a fastener. The belt could include a looped surface, and the fastener could include a surface comprising one or more sets of hooks that are configured to selectively engage with the looped surface. In some embodiments, the fastener will include one or more blocks that extend away from the base at an angle, and one or more sets of hooks. Preferably the one or more blocks extend away from the base to a greater extent than a set of hooks of the one or more sets of hooks. [0022] Where two or more blocks are included on a fastener, it is contemplated that the blocks can extend at the same or different angles from the base. It is also contemplated that the two or more blocks could be separated (e.g., comprise separate pieces of material), or could be a single piece that extends around a portion of the base (e.g., a U-shaped or ring- shaped portion that includes first and second blocks on opposite sides of a strip of hook material). [0023] As shown in Figures 1A-1B, a fastener of the inventive subject matter could be used as part of an adjustment mechanism for a lower back brace. Brace 10 comprises a lumbar support 20, lateral panels 30, 40, first and second cords (e.g., 140), and first and second fasteners 50, 100. When brace 10 is worn, the wearer could pull fasteners 50, 100, for example in opposite directions, to shorten a distance between lateral panels 30, 40. When the desired level of tightness is reached, the wearer can press down on fasteners 50, 100 such that the hook or loop material on its inner surface engages loop or hook material of at least one of the lumbar support 20, lateral panel 30, and lateral panel 40 to lock the brace in place.

[0024] A more detailed view of fastener 100 is illustrated in Figure IB. Fastener 100, attached to cord 140 of brace 10, includes a base 110 having outer surface 110a and inner surface 110b. Blocks 130 extend from base 110 to form side walls. A hook surface 120 or set of hooks is coupled to or otherwise extends away from the inner surface 110b of base 110, but is recessed relative to blocks 130 when fastener 100 is in a non-engaging configuration. Viewed from another perspective, blocks 130 are angled relative to base 110, and extends generally in the same direction as, and further away from base 110 than hook material 120 when in a non-engaging configuration. Thus, blocks 130 can effectively protect or prevent hook surface 120 from unintentionally snagging or fastening to different materials. When a desired tightness is reached, the user can press on the base outer surface 110a to cause hook material 120 to extend beyond blocks 130 and engage a looped surface (e.g., by moving a position of the hook material 120 relative to the blocks 130).

[0025] Although fastener 100 is shown as having a substantially flat base with blocks angled between 80-100 degrees relative to the base, it should be appreciated that base 110 and blocks 130 could have any suitable shape that allows for non-engaging and engaging configurations. For example, base 110 and blocks 130 could be continuous and form a dome-like shape, wherein blocks 130 comprise edge portions of the curved base. In these and other

embodiments, any portion of the base perimeter that extends further than the set of hooks attached to the base could be considered a block, including for example a projection or sidewalk Viewed from another perspective, the sidewall could extend along an entire edge portion of a base. As another example, the base could form a U or half-pipe shape. The free edge portions of the half-pipe shaped base could be considered the blocks or sidewalls.

Additionally or alternatively, additional material could be coupled to or extend from the free ends to act as a block or sidewall. [0026] Base 110 and the one or more blocks 130 could be made from a single piece of material (e.g., silicone, rubber, a soft or flexible plastic). In some embodiments, base 110, hook surface 120, and stops 130 could all be made from a single piece of material, for example, an injection molded thermoplastic elastomer. Although all suitable materials are contemplated, some preferred materials lack significant creep, such that base 110 could repeatedly be shaped, pressed against and secured to an object (see e.g., Figure 3B), while maintaining its bias to its original shape (see e.g., Figure 3 A). Additionally, some preferred materials are stiff enough to hold its form through repeated use, but can easily be deformed by even modest pressure. For example, it is contemplated that fasteners of the inventive subject matter could be selectively engaged to one or more loop surfaces at least 25 times, at least 50 times, at least 75 times, at least 100 times or even more without losing its bias to a non-engaged position. Some contemplated materials for fasteners and portions thereof include thermoplastic and other elastomers, neoprene and other rubbers, nylons, polyesters, and plastics. [0027] Figures 2A-2B illustrate another fastener of the inventive subject matter, which includes a hook material that extends only across a portion of the base length. Fastener 200 includes a base 210 having an outer surface (Figure 2A), an inner surface (Figure 2B), and a through-hole 250 for receiving a cord or other object. Blocks 230A and 230B extend away from base 210's outer perimeter, preferably at an angle of between 70-110 degrees, and more preferably between 80-100 degrees. However, it should be appreciated that one or more stops could extend from various portions of base 210' s inner surface or even outer surface.

[0028] A hook surface 220 also extends from base 210' s inner surface, and extends along a portion of base 210' s length and width. In some contemplated embodiments, the hook surface can extend across at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 75%, less than 25%, less than 50%, less than 75%, between 25-100%, between 25-75%, or between 75-100% of a length of the inner surface of base 210. Additionally or alternatively, the hook surface can extend across at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 75%, less than 25%, less than 50%, less than 75%, between 25- 100%), between 25-75%, or between 75-100%) of a width of the inner surface of base 210. The side walls 230A and 230B each have heights that are greater than a height of the hooks of hook surface 220, and each of the side walls assist in preventing unwanted contact between hook surface 220 and various other surfaces. For example, the side walls could have a height (distance between the base's inner surface and an outer edge of the side wall) that is between lmm-20mm, between lmm-15mm, between 5-15mm, or between 5-10mm. The side walls could have any suitable length, including between l-20cm, between l-15cm, between 1 - 10cm, between 5- 15cm, or between 5- 10cm. Viewed from a different perspective, the side wall could extend along at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 75%, less than 25%, less than 50%, less than 75%, between 25-100%, between 25-75%, or between 75-100% of a length of the inner surface of base 210.

[0029] Based on the figures and description provided herein, it should be clear that each of the fastener' s base, fastener material (e.g., hooks) and block(s) can have any suitable length, width, thickness, shape, and placement. As some non-limiting examples, a base could have (a) a length of between 1-6 inches, between 2-5 inches, between 2-4 inches, (b) a width of between 1-5 inches, between 2-3 inches, and (c) a thickness of between l-20mm, between 1- 10mm, or between l-5mm.

[0030] In embodiments where an inner surface of a fastener base is non-planar in its original non-engaging state, it is contemplated that the hooks of a hook surface could even have a greater height than side walls as measured from the base's inner surface. Preferably, the side walls will extend further than the hooks when the fastener base is in the non-engaging configuration and placed on an object, such that the side walls protect the fastener hooks against inadvertent catching.

[0031] When fastener 200 is placed against an object for securing, the user could press a portion of the outer surface of base 210 opposite hook surface 220 to move fastener 200 from a non-engaging configuration to an engaging configuration. Contemplated uses for the fasteners of the inventive subject matter described herein include among other things, medical braces (back braces, knee braces, ankle braces, wrist braces, neck braces), as well as any other reusable (wearable and non-wearable) items such as exercise belts, exercise mats, bags, wraps, another fastener, and articles of clothing.

[0032] Figures 3A-3B illustrate cross-sectional views of a fastener 300 moving from a non- engaging configuration (Figure 3 A) to an engaging fastener configuration (Figure 3B).

Fastener 300 has a substantially flat base 310 in a natural state, block 330A extending away from base 310, and hooks 320 extending away from the inner surface of base 310. Block 330A (and a second stop that is cut away and not shown) extends further away from base 310 than hooks 320 extend, and could be angled substantially orthogonally from the base when fastener 300 is in the non-engaged position. When fastener is moved to an engaged position for securing to an object as shown in Figure 3B, the block(s) 330A could move in an outward direction (or inward direction), allowing hooks 320 to engage and grip material (e.g., loop material) of an object. [0033] While hooks 320 are shown as extending across only a portion of base 310' s length, it should be appreciated that contemplated fasteners could have one or more sets of hooks (e.g., 2 sets of hooks) that extend along any portion(s) of the base. Additionally or alternatively, one, two or even more blocks could extend along any portion of the base on either side of the set(s) of hooks. [0034] Figures 4A-4D illustrate yet another embodiment of a fastener of the inventive subject matter, in which the fastener base includes a sliding piece that can be pushed towards an object without pushing or otherwise re-shaping the remaining portion of the base. Fastener 400 includes a base 410 having an outer surface (Figure 4A), an inner surface (Figure 4B), and a sliding piece 410A that slides relative to a second portion of base 410, and includes a set of hooks 420 on an inner surface. In some contemplated embodiments, the sliding piece 410A could be locked in a depressed configuration where fastener 400 is in an engaging configuration, and could be unlocked to release the fastener to a non-engaging configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the fastener could comprise a spring that returns sliding piece 410A to a non-engaging configuration (e.g., a spring return button, biased button). [0035] Fastener 400 also includes first and second blocks 430A, 430B, which extend further away from base 410' s inner surface than hooks 420 when sliding piece 410A is not depressed (Figure 4C). When Fastener 400 is in this non-engaged configuration, stops 430A and 430B advantageously act as a barrier to hooks 420, thereby preventing unwanted fastening between fastener 400 and other objects. When a user presses down on sliding piece 410A, fastener 400 is moved to an engaged configuration (Figure 4D) in which hooks 420 extend further away from base 410 than stops 430A, 430B. The exposed hooks 420 can then selectively engage with an object having a hook engaging material. It should be appreciated that fastener 400's base could be made entirely of a rigid material.

[0036] As illustrated in Figures 3A-3B and Figures 4A-4D, a fastener of the inventive subject matter could include one or more blocks having any suitable height and length relative to a set of hooks and the base so long as the blocks are sufficient to act as a barrier to the set of hooks until the set of hooks is selectively engaged. In Figures 3A-3B, stops (e.g., 330A) have a height that is slightly greater than set of hooks 320, and a length that is shorter than set of hooks 320. While such embodiments are contemplated for some specific uses, fasteners having one or more stops with an even greater length than the set of hooks are generally preferred (e.g., Figures 4A-4D) to prevent inadvertent catching. In some contemplated embodiments, the one or more stops will have a height that is at least twice the height of the set of hooks, more preferably at least three times the height of the set of hooks.

[0037] Figures 5A-5D illustrate several views of fastener 500, which more clearly shows stops 530A, 530B moving outwardly as the fastener base 510 is pressed to selectively engage set of hooks 520. Figure 5 A shows a top view of fastener 500, Figure 5B shows a bottom view of fastener 500 (including cord receiver 550, set of hooks 520, and side walls 530A, 530B), and Figures 5C and 5D show a cross-sectional view across line AA when the fastener is in its non-engaging and engaging configurations relative to an object having a loop surface 560 [0038] When fastener 500 is in a non-engaging configuration, side walls 530A, 530B extend substantially orthogonally from the fastener base. Each of the side walls 530A, 530B extend further away from the base's lower surface than set of hooks 520. Preferably, each of the side walls extends at least twice as far away from the base' s lower surface than the set of hooks, more preferably about three times as far. When fastener 500 is engaged (or in an engaging configuration), side walls 530A, 530B are pushed outwards in opposite directions such that the set of hooks is exposed and positioned to contact and engage with an object (e.g., loop fastener). Each of the side walls extend at an obtuse angle relative to the base' s lower surface (e.g., between 100-180 degrees), such that the set of hooks extend further from the base' s lower surface than each of the side walls, and can engage an object having a set of loops. [0039] In some contemplated embodiments, a thumb hole could be provided for ease of use. Figure 6 illustrates a fastener including base 610, block 630, a set of hooks 620, and thumbhole 615. Base 610 includes an opening 605 through which cord 640 of a brace' s tightening system is looped and secured to the fastener. Thumbhole 615 is advantageously positioned on a free end lacking any hook material, and provides an opening through which a user could readily grab the fastener' s base 610, release the set of hooks 620 from the brace it is fastened to, and pull cord 640 to tighten the brace. It should be appreciated that thumbhole 615 could be positioned on any portion of the fastener, and does not need to be positioned on an end opposite cord 640.

[0040] Several embodiments of fasteners have been described herein. It should be appreciated that all suitable hook or loop fasteners that are movable from an original non- engaged configuration to a modified engaged configuration are contemplated. Viewed from another perspective, any suitable fasteners having hook or loop surfaces that are movable from a natural recessed position to an exposed position are contemplated.

[0041] Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

[0042] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0043] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0044] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously.

[0045] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ....and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.