BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Snap fasteners have been utilized in the garment industry for many years to secure two pieces or ends of material together. These snap fasteners typically include a male member and a corresponding female member.

One of the most common types of snap fasteners includes a male member with an outwardly extending flange and a female member with an opening with a captive wire ring therein adapted to bias open as the flange passes through the opening but then which collapses to capture the backside of the flange, as shown in U. S. Patent No.

6,076,240. These fasteners however have a number of disadvantages. The captive ring in the female member is prone to jamming or freezing due to foreign material being captured within the opening. Furthermore, these wire rings oftentimes become rusted or otherwise corroded over time. Typically both the male and female member are

of a two-piece construction wherein a front plate is riveted to a back plate with the fabric captured therebetween. As such, these fasteners are comprised of at least three separate pieces which must be kept in inventoried at all times.

Other snap fasteners have been designed which eliminate the need for the captive wire ring. As shown in U. S. Patent No. 5,490,309, these fasteners typically include a male member having a bulbous head and a female member having a resilient opening configured to releasably interlock with the bulbous head. Here again however the fastener is comprised of three separate elements which must be inventoried.

Accordingly, it is seen that a need remains for a snap fastener which is comprised of a lesser number of components than those of the prior art. It is to the provision of such therefore that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The present invention meets the need in the art by providing a snap fastener comprising a first fastening member having a first base, a plurality of first projections extending from the first base arranged in a geometric pattern and having a generally laterally extending flange, and a plurality of first recesses

extending into the first base arranged in the same geometric pattern as the first projections. Each first recess is positioned between two adjacent first projections. The snap fastener also has a second fastening member having a second base, a plurality of second projections extending from the second base arranged in the same geometric pattern as the plurality of first projections of the first fastening member, each second projection has a generally laterally extending flange sized and shaped to be releasably interlock with a the first recess of the first fastening member, and a plurality of second recesses extending into the second base arranged in the same geometric pattern as the plurality of first projections of the first fastening member. Each second recess is sized and shaped to releasably interlock with a first projection flange of the first fastening member. With this construction, the first projections of the first fastening member are received within the second recesses of the second fastening member while the second projections of the second fastening member are received within the first recesses of the first fastening member so as to releasably interlock the first and second fastening member together.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a snap fastener with two detachably engageable fastening

members. Each fastening number has a base with a plurality of spaced-apart projections extending from the base in an annular pattern apart from a central opening defined in the base. The projections are arranged substantially radially about the central opening. Each projection has a first face toward an opposing projection with a generally laterally extending flange that is outwardly of the base and a recess inwardly of the base.

The generally laterally extending flange is shaped to releasably interlock with a recess of an opposing fastening member. With this construction, the projections of a first one of the pair of fastening members are received within the recesses of the projections in the second one of the pair of fastening members,, so as to releasably interlock the pair of fastening members together.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of detachably joining two substrates comprising the steps of: (a) attaching a pair of identical fastening members to respective substrates, each fastening member having a base with an array of projections and alternately spaced array of recesses configured for matingly engaging a projection extending from an opposing fastening member; (b) moving the pair of fastening members together, whereby the array of projections from a first one of the

pair of fastening members matingly engage the recesses of a second one of the pair of fastening members while the projections of the second one matingly engages the opposing recesses of the first one, whereby the pair of fastening members are releasably interlocked together In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of detachably joining two substrates together, comprising the steps of: (a) attaching a pair of fastening members to respective substrates, each fastening member having a base with an array of projections disposed annularly relative to a central spaced-apart opening in the base and each projection aligned substantially radially thereto, at least a plurality of the projections defining an outward lateral flange on a face and an adjacent recess therein ; and (b) moving the pair of fastening members together to receive the flanges of one fastening member in the recesses of the opposing fastening member, whereby the projections from a first one of the pair of fastening members matingly engage the recesses of a second one of the pair of fastening members while the projections of the second one of the pair of fastening members matingly engages the opposing recesses of the first one of the pair of fastening members, whereby the pair of fastening members are releasably interlocked together.

Objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent upon the reading of the following detailed description together with the drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a snap fastener embodying principles of the invention in a preferred form.

Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of the snap fastener of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a fastening member for a snap fastener according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a fastening member for a snap fastener according to the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a fastening member for a snap fastener according to the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a pair of the fastening members illustrated in Fig. 5 for a snap fastener.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a mounting member useful with the fastening member illustrated in Fig. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference next to the drawings, there is shown a snap fastener 10 embodying principles of the invention in a preferred form. The snap fastener 10 has a first fastening member 11 and a second fastening member 12 configured the same as the first fastening member 11.

The pair of fastening members 11,12 are configured for detachable, mating engagement, as discussed below.

The first fastening member 11 includes a base 14 and a mounting member 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 14 is annular. The base 14 has a floor 16 that defines a central opening 17 therethrough. A peripheral side wall 18 extends from one side of the floor 16. A plurality of fabric retention pins 19 extend from the opposite side of the floor 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 19 are spaced-apart from adjacent pins and arranged in two annular sets concentric relative to the opening 17. The base 14 also includes an annular array of three resilient projections 21 extending from the floor 16. The floor 16 and the side wall 18 further define an annular array of three recesses or detents 22.

The edge of the recesses 22 define a retention flange 23.

The recesses 22 are intermittently positioned between the projections 21. The projections 21 are arranged in the same geometric pattern as the arrangement of the recesses 22. Each projection 21 has a generally laterally

extending flange 24 which is sized and shaped to be capable of being received within the recess 22 and releasably interlocked with a recess retention flange of the second fastening member as described in more detail hereafter.

The mounting member 15 of the first fastening member 11 has a floor 26 and a post 27 extending from the floor 26 configured to pass through opening 17 within the base 14. The mounting member 15 also has a plurality of fabric retention pins 28 extending from one side of the floor 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 28 are spaced-apart and define two annular sets concentric with the post 27.

The second fastening member 12 is configured the same as the first fastening member 11. The second fastening member 12 includes an annular base 34 and a mounting member 35. The base 34 has a floor 36 that defines a central opening 37 therethrough. A peripheral side wall 38 extends from one side of the floor 36, and two annular sets of fabric retention pins 39 extend from the opposite side of the floor. The base 34 also includes an annular array of three resilient projections 41 that extend from the floor 36 and an annular array of three recesses or detents 42 extending into the floor 36 and side wall 38 so as to form a retention flange 43.

The recesses 42 are intermittently positioned between the

projections 41. The projections 41 are arranged in the same geometric pattern the arrangement of the recesses 42. Each projection has a generally laterally extending flange 44 which is sized and shaped to be capable of being interlockably received within the recess 22 of the first fastening member 11.

The mounting member 35 of the second fastening member 12 has a floor 46 and a post 47 extending from one side of the floor 46 configured to pass through the opening 37 within the base 34. The mounting member 35 also has two annular sets of fabric retention pins 39 extending from the floor 46.

Fig. 3 illustrates in perspective exploded view a fastening member 50 in an alternate embodiment, which fastening member 50 is used in aligned pairs for a matingly engaged snap fastener according to the present invention. The fastening member 50 includes a base 54 and a mounting member 55. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 54 and mounting member 55 are rectangular. The base 54 has a recessed floor 56 that defines a central opening 57 therethrough. A peripheral side wall 58 of the recessed floor 56 extends from one side of the base 54. A pair of opposing projections 61 extend from the side wall 58. Each projection 61 defines a retention flange 64 extending away from the opposing projection.

The floor 56 and the side wall 58 further define a pair

of recesses or detents 62. The edge of the recesses 62 define a retention flange 63. The recesses 62 are intermittently positioned between the projections 61.

The projections 61 are arranged in the same geometric pattern as the arrangement of the recesses 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 61 and recesses 62 are alternately positioned in an annular ring.

However, other geometric arrangements for the recesses and projections are envisioned as useful in the present invention. The laterally extending flanges 64 are sized and shaped to be capable of being received within the recesses 62 and releasably interlocked with the respective recess retention flange 63 of an opposing second one of the fastening members 50. In a one embodiment of the fastening member 50, a plurality of fabric retention pins extend from the side of the floor 16 opposite the projections 61. (In one such embodiment, the pins are spaced-apart from adjacent pins and arranged in two annular sets concentric relative to the opening 57, such as the pins 19,39 illustrated in Fig. 1 with respect to the fastening members 11,12). Another embodiment of the fastening member 50 does not include the retention pins. A plurality of openings 60 are defined in the corner outward extents of the base 54.

The mounting member 55 of the fastening member 50 has a floor 66 and a post 67 extending from the floor and

configured to pass through the opening 57 within the base 54. The mounting member 55 also has a plurality of fabric retention pins 68 extending from one side of the floor 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 68 are spaced-apart and define an annular array concentric with the post 67. A plurality of posts 71 extend from the floor 66 at the corner extents. The posts 71 align with the openings 60 in the base 54 during assembly of the base with the mounting member 55.

With respect to Figs. 1 and 2, the snap fastener 10 is used particularly for joining portions of fabric or the like. The fabric is positioned between the first fastening member annular base 14 and first mounting member 15 at the desired location upon the fabric for this portion of the snap fastener 10. The mounting member 15 is then forced towards the base 14 so that the post 27 pierces the fabric and passes through the opening 17 within the base 14. The post 27 is then deformed, as by heat or pressure, so as to enlarge the end of the post to prevent the post 27 from being extracted from the opening 17. This rivets the base 14 to the mounting member 16.

Similarly, another piece of the fabric or another section of the same fabric is positioned between the second fastening member annular base 34 and second mounting member 35 at the desired location upon the

fabric for this portion of the snap fastener 10. The mounting member 35 is then forced towards the base 34 so that its post 47 pierces the fabric and passes through the opening 37 within the base 34. The post 47 is then similarly deformed so as to prevent it from being extracted from the opening 37, and thereby rivet the base 34 to the mounting member 35. The bases 14,34 of the fastening members 11,12, respectively, thereby interlock with the mounting members 15,35. The respective retention pins 19,39, and 28,48 engage the fabric therebetween to maintain the relative positions of the fastening members 11,12 of the snap fastener 10, i. e. the retention pins prevent the fastening members of the snap fastener from rotating.

Once the first and second fastening members 11 and 12 are secured to the fabric, they may be releasably interlocked together. This is accomplished by axially aligning the first and second fastening members 11,12 with the projections 21,41 in opposing facing relation to the opposing recesses 42,22. The projections 21,41 of each fastening member ll, 12 align with the recesses 42,22 of the opposing fastening member 12,11. The fastening members 11, 12 are then manually forced together so as to cause the projections 21,41 to be forced into the opposing recesses 42,22. The projection flanges 24 of the first fastening member 11 become

interlocked with the recess retention flanges 43 of the second fastening member 12, as best illustrated in Fig.

2. Simultaneously, the projection flanges 44 of the second fastening member 12 become interlocked with the recess retention flanges 23 of the first fastening member 11. Two portions of fabric thereby become attached together. The length of the arc defined by the particular recess 22,42 is equal to or greater than the length of the arc defined by the projections 21,41.

This facilitates the mating engagement of the projections with the recesses.

To separate the fastening members 11, 12 from each other, one simply applies opposing forces to the first and second fastening members. The resiliency of the projections 21,42 allows the projection flanges 24,44 to ride over the recess retention flanges 23,43, and thereby release the interlocking position of the projections within the recesses.

Accordingly, in accordance with the present invention, the snap fastener 10 comprises a pair of identical fastening members 11,12, each having a base 14,34 with an array of projections 21,41 and alternately spaced array of recesses 22,42 configured for matingly engaging one of the projections 41,21 extending from the opposing fastening member. The array of projections 21 of the fastening member 11 matingly

engage the recesses 42 of the second fastening member 12, while the projections 41 of the second fastening member 12 matingly engages the opposing recesses 22 of the first fastening member 11, whereby the pair of fastening members 11,12 are releasably interlocked together.

With respect to Fig. 3, the snap fastener uses two of the fastening members 50. A fabric sheet generally 72 is disposed between the mounting member 55 and the base 54.

The posts 67 and 71 pass through the fabric 72 and the openings 60 in the base 54. The posts 67,71 are expanded or otherwise deformed to secure the mounting member 55 and the base 54. In an embodiment molded in a plastic, the posts 67,71 may be cut with a heated member while welding the member and the base together. A second one of the fastening members 50 is similarly joined to another fabric or portion of the fabric 72. The pair of fastening members 50 are then axially aligned and pressed together.

The projections 61 of one fastening member 50 are received in the recesses 62 of the second fastening member 50, while the projections 61 of the second fastening member 50 are received in the recesses 62 of the first fastening member 50. The posts 67,71 secure the fastening member 50 to the fabric or other material in which the snap fastener is used. The pins 68 further engage the fabric to secure the base 54 and the mounting member 55 from rotation.

Fig. 4 illustrates in perspective view a base 84 for a fastening member 80 in an alternate embodiment used in aligned pairs for a matingly engaged snap fastener according to the present invention. As with the other embodiments discussed above, the fastening member 80 includes the base 84 and a mounting member 85. The base 84 has a recessed floor 86 from which a central wall 88 extends. A central opening 87 is defined in the floor.

Opposing projections 91 extend from the side wall 88.

The illustrated embodiment has three projections 91.

Each projection 91 defines a retention flange 94 extending inwardly. In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges 94 extend towards an axis defined by the central opening 87, or generally described, toward the opposing projections. The illustrated embodiment includes holes 90 in the side wall for receiving pins to secure the base 84 to the mounting member 85.

The wall 88 further defines recesses or detents 92 in an outward face. An edge of each of the recesses 92 defines a retention flange 93. The recesses 92 are intermittently positioned between the projections 91.

The projections 91 are arranged in the same geometric pattern as the arrangement of the recesses 92. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 91 and recesses 92 are alternately positioned to define an annular ring with the central wall 88. However, other geometric

arrangements for the recesses, projections, and wall are envisioned as useful in the present invention. The laterally extending flanges 94 are sized and shaped to be capable of being received within the recesses 92 and releasably interlocked with the respective recess retention flange 93 of an opposing second one of the fastening members having the base 84.

As discussed above, embodiments of the base 84 include the fabric retention pins (not illustrated), such as the pins 19 extending from the side of the floor 86 opposite the projections 91, for the purpose of engaging a fabric or other surface during assembly of the fastening member using the base 84. Another embodiment of the fastening member 50 does not include the retention pins.

It is to be appreciated that the side faces 95 of the projections 91 are beveled or tapered, to facilitate insertion of the projections 91 into the mating recess 92 during use of the base 84 in fastening member. This feature is gainfully used in the embodiments discussed above as well.

The mounting member 85 of the fastening member 80 has a floor 96 and a post 97 extending from the floor and configured to pass through the opening 87 within the base 84. The mounting member 85 also has a plurality of fabric retention pins 98 extending from one side of the

floor 96. In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 98 are spaced-apart and define an annular array concentric with the post 97. A plurality of posts 101 extend from the floor 96 and align with the openings 90 in the base 84 during assembly of the base with the mounting member 85.

The posts 101 and holes 90 facilitate registration and alignment of the opposing fastening members 80 on a surface or fabric 102. An alternate embodiment does not include the pins 98.

The base 84 described above similarly matingly engages the projections 91 and the recesses 92 with those in an opposing base in the snap fastener, as discussed above for the other embodiments. The present embodiment however orients the flanges 94 of the projections 91 and the retention flanges 93 of the recesses 92 inwardly rather than outwardly in the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3.

It should be understood that other means for fixing the bases 14 and 34 (and 54,84) to the fabric (or other surface) may be utilized as an equivalence to the coupling of the mounting members 15,25 (and 55 and 85).

Such alternatives may include, but are not limited to, adhesives, sewing, bendable spikes and the like. During attachment of the bases and the mounting members, registration of the opposing fastening members 11,12 (and 50 and 80) is provided by the attaching apparatus in

order to obtain the mating engagement of the projections and recesses in the opposing bases.

Also, it should be understood that other geometric patterns of projections and recesses may be utilized as an alternative to the annular array orientation shown in the preferred embodiment, so long as the projections of the fastening members align with the recesses of the opposing fastening members and visa-versa. Such alternatives include, but are not limited to, a configuration wherein the projections and recesses are aligned in a rectangular, triangular, or oval shaped patterns.

Fig. 5 is a perspective exploded view of a fastening member 100 useful in an alternate embodiment of a snap fastener 103. It is to be appreciated from the foregoing that the snap fastener 103 includes a pair of the fastening members 100 for detachably engaging together, for example, for holding fabric 72 together.

The fastening member 100 includes a base 104 and a mounting member 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening member 100 is annular. The base 104 includes a floor 106 that defines a central opening 107 therethrough. A plurality of projections 108 are spaced- apart and disposed to define an annular pattern or ring spaced-apart from the central opening 107. The projections 108 are spaced-apart to define valleys 110

between the adjacent projections 108. Each projection 108 is disposed substantially radially about the central opening 107. The projection 108 has a first face 112 from which a flange 114 extends generally laterally towards the adjacent projection. The face 112 further defines a recess 116. The flange 114 is disposed outwardly of the base 104, while the recess 116 is disposed inwardly of the base. The flange 114 is configured for being received and held by the recess 116 of another of the fastening members 100 in the pair of fastening members which comprise the snap fastener 103.

At least a plurality of the projections 108 have the flange 114 and recess 116. An opposing second face 118 of the projection 108 preferably has a beveled edge 120 between an outer surface 122 and a side 124. The second face 118 of one projection is oriented towards the first face 112 of an adjacent projection.

The mounting member 105 of the fastening member 100 has a floor 126 and a post 127 which extends from the floor. The post 127 is configured to pass through the opening 107 in the base 104. The mounting member 105 includes a plurality of nibs or retention pins 128 which extend from one side of the floor 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 128 are spaced-apart and defined an annular ring concentric with the post 127.

Other patterns and spacings can be used. A raised flange

130 defines a perimeter edge of the mounting member 105.

As discussed below, the edge 130 and the retention pins 128 cooperatively define a torturous path for restricting movement of sheet material such as the fabric 72 gripped between the mounting member 105 and the base 104. The mounting member 105 attaches the base 104 to a substrate, such as the fabric sheet 72.

The illustrated embodiment of the fastening member 100 further includes a disk 132 having a planner surface 134 and an opposing surface from which a plurality of nibs or retaining pins 136 extend (illustrated in Fig.

6). A side wall 138 defines a perimeter edge of the disk 132. The pins 136 and the side wall 138 cooperate with the edge 130 and the retention pins 128 of the mounting member 105 to define the tortuous path for fabric 72 or other sheet material gripped between the disk 132 and the mounting member 105. In this embodiment, the planner surface 134 slidely contacts a like smooth planner surface of the base 104 opposing the floor 106, for a purpose discussed below.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a pair of the fastening members 100 having the bases 104 and the mounting members 105 that connect together to form the snap-fastener 103. Fig. 6 shows one of the fastening members 100 in exploded view. Also, Fig. 6 particularly provides a view of the retention pins 136. It is noted

that in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5, the retention pins 136 extend from the disk 132. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6, however the pins 136 extend from a surface of the base 104 opposing the floor 106. As illustrated, the alternating projections 108 and valleys 110 of the base 104 of one fastening member 100 align with the valleys 110 and projections 108, respectively, of the base of the opposing second one of the fastening members in the pair that comprise the snap- fastener 103.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the mounting member 105 in which a screw 148 is used to secure the mounting member 105 to a foundation 149, such as. wood, metal, or composite boat dock, or the like. In this embodiment, the mounting member 105 does not include the post 127.

Rather, the screw 148 extends through an opening defined in the floor 126.

With reference to Fig. 5, the fastening member 100 is used in conjunction with a second one of the fastening member 100 to secure articles together, such as fabric sheet material 72. The fabric sheet material 72 is received between the mounting member 105 and in the illustrated embodiment, the disk 132. The post 127 passes through the opening 135 in the disk 132. This sandwiches the fabric sheet between the disk 132 and the mounting member 105. The edges 130 and 138 of the e

mounting member 105 and the disk 132, together with the retention pins 128,136, cooperatively define a gripping or securing hold on the fabric disposed between the mounting member 105 and the disk 132. The pins 128,136 particularly define a torturous path for the material or foundation to which the fastening member 100 is secured.

The post 127 passes through the opening 107 of the base 104. As discussed above, the distal end of the post 127 is collapsed or otherwise secured in the cavity defined by the floor 106, whereby the mounting member 105 is secured to the base 104.

With reference to Fig. 6, opposing fastening members 100 are brought together. The projections 108 of a first one of the bases 104 align with a respective valley 110 of the second one of the fastening members 100. The fastening members 100 are brought together whereby the projection 108 of one fastening member 100 is received in the valley 110 of the opposing fastening member. The flange 114 is locked within the opposing recess 116.

The beveled edge 120 on the back or second face 118 facilitates the aligning of the opposing fastening members 100, as the two fastening members are pushed together. It is to be appreciated that slight rotation of the two mating bases 104 may occur. The bases 104 matingly engage for detachably joining the fastening members 100 together. However, in the embodiment

illustrated in Fig. 5, the base 104 rotates relative to the disk 132 about the post 127. This enables the bases 104 of the opposing fastening members 100 to align and detachably engage together.

The fastening members, with the bases and mounting members of the present invention, are readily formed by molding in plastic materials or other materials conventionally used to make snap fasteners.

It thus is understood that a snap fastener is now provided which utilizes the same fastening member as matingly engageable portions of the snap fastener. As such, the quantity of components maintained in inventory may be drastically reduced as compared to the snap fasteners of the prior art which utilized uniquely shaped components for each half of the snap fastener.

While this invention has been described in detail with particular references to the preferred embodiments thereof, it should be understood that many modifications, additions and deletions, in addition to those expressly recited, may be made thereto without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.