阅读说明：本技术 具有可移除帽的按扣组件 (Snap fastener assembly with removable cap ) 是由 C·G·勒孔特 加兰·杰西·布洛克 乔纳森·H·夏普 乔舒亚·T·布茨 于 2019-07-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：具有可移除帽的按扣组件。按扣组件包括顶部组件、附接主体和弹性构件。顶部组件包括帽和限定接收区域的锁定环,并且所述锁定环包括延伸到所述接收区域的顶部突起。附接主体包括锁定特征,所述锁定特征包括主体突起和槽口部。弹性构件位于所述帽和所述附接主体之间,使得所述帽能够朝向所述附接主体移动。在一些示例中,通过将所述锁定环的顶部突起与所述锁定特征的槽口部对准、朝向所述附接主体推动所述顶部组件并使所述顶部组件相对于所述附接主体旋转使得所述锁定环的顶部突起与所述锁定特征的主体突起对准,所述顶部组件能够选择性地与所述附接主体接合。(A snap fastener assembly having a removable cap. The snap assembly includes a top assembly, an attachment body, and a resilient member. The top assembly includes a cap and a locking ring defining a receiving area, and the locking ring includes a top protrusion extending into the receiving area. The attachment body includes a locking feature that includes a body protrusion and a notch. A resilient member is located between the cap and the attachment body such that the cap is movable toward the attachment body. In some examples, the top assembly is selectively engageable with the attachment body by aligning top protrusions of the locking ring with notch portions of the locking feature, urging the top assembly toward the attachment body, and rotating the top assembly relative to the attachment body such that the top protrusions of the locking ring are aligned with the body protrusions of the locking feature.)

1. A snap fastener assembly, comprising:

a top assembly including a cap and a locking ring defining a receiving area, the locking ring including a top protrusion extending into the receiving area;

an attachment body comprising a locking feature comprising a body protrusion and a notch; and

a resilient member located between the cap and the attachment body such that the cap is movable toward the attachment body,

wherein the top assembly is selectively engageable with the attachment body by aligning the top protrusions of the locking ring with the notch portions of the locking feature, urging the top assembly toward the attachment body, and rotating the top assembly relative to the attachment body such that the top protrusions of the locking ring are aligned with the body protrusions of the locking feature.

2. A snap fastener assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said resilient member is located in said top assembly.

3. Snap fastener assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic member is located at the attachment body.

4. The snap fastener assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cap defines a cap cavity and said locking ring is retained within said cap cavity.

5. A snap fastener assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said locking ring includes a central axis and said top projection extends inwardly from an inner surface of said locking ring toward said central axis.

6. A snap fastener assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said top projection further defines a receiving recess configured to receive said body projection of said locking feature when said top assembly is engaged with said attachment body.

7. A snap fastener assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the top projection of the locking ring is a first top projection, and the locking ring further comprises a second top projection opposite the first top projection and a pair of recessed regions between the first and second top projections at mutually opposite portions of the locking ring.

8. A snap fastener assembly, comprising:

a top assembly comprising a top protrusion and a cap, wherein the cap defines a receiving area and the top protrusion extends into the receiving area;

an attachment body comprising a locking feature comprising a body protrusion and a notch; and

a resilient member located between the top assembly and the attachment body such that the top assembly is movable toward the attachment body,

wherein the top assembly is selectively engageable with the attachment body by aligning the top protrusion with the notch portion of the locking feature, urging the top assembly toward the attachment body, and rotating the top assembly relative to the attachment body such that the top protrusion is aligned with the body protrusion of the locking feature.

9. The snap fastener assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein said top assembly further includes a locking ring positioned within said receiving area and including said top protrusion.

10. A snap fastener assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein said top projection defines a receiving recess within said receiving area between said top projection and said cap, and said receiving recess is configured to receive said body projection of said locking feature when said top assembly is engaged with said attachment body.

11. A snap fastener assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein said resilient member is located in said top assembly.

12. Snap fastener assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the elastic member is located at the attachment body.

13. The snap fastener assembly as claimed in claim 8 further comprising an alignment guide configured to orient said top assembly relative to said attachment body.

14. The snap fastener assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein said attachment body includes a clip and a fillet, said clip including said locking feature, said fillet configured to engage with a garment connector.

15. A method of assembling a top snap, comprising:

positioning a top assembly relative to an attachment body, wherein the top assembly comprises a receiving area and a top protrusion within the receiving area, the attachment body comprises a locking feature comprising a body protrusion and a notch, and positioning the top assembly comprises aligning the top protrusion with the notch of the locking feature;

urging the top assembly toward the attachment body; and

rotating the top assembly relative to the attachment body such that the top protrusion is aligned with the body protrusion of the locking feature.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising supporting the attachment body relative to the cover material by engaging the attachment body with a garment connector such that a portion of cover material is held between the attachment body and the garment connector.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the locking feature of the attachment body overlaps the cover material such that the attachment body remains attached to the garment connector even if the top assembly is detached from the attachment body.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the top assembly further comprises a cap defining the receiving area.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein urging the top assembly toward the attachment body comprises compressing a resilient member positioned between the top assembly and the attachment body.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein positioning the top assembly relative to the attachment body comprises positioning the top assembly in a predetermined position defined by an alignment guide.

Technical Field

The present application relates to a snap fastener assembly, and more particularly, to a snap fastener assembly having a removable cap.

Background

Snap fasteners are used in many industries as connectors, ornaments, combinations of connectors and ornaments, and the like. Some types of snap fasteners include a snap fastener body and a connecting member. Such a snap fastener is assembled on a piece of material, such as fabric, by positioning the snap fastener body and the connecting member on opposite sides of the material, and then engaging the connecting member with the snap fastener body through the material so that the snap fastener body is secured to the fabric. After assembly, the snap fasteners remain secured to the material, and the snap fasteners generally cannot be removed without completely disassembling the snap fasteners (e.g., changing the snap fasteners, replacing the snap fasteners if damaged, etc.). Furthermore, because such snap fasteners are typically assembled on a material by the manufacturer of the product, consumers are often unable to remove and/or change the snap fasteners and to customize the snap fasteners.

Disclosure of Invention

The terms "invention," "the invention," and "current invention" as used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all subject matter of the patent and the patent claims that follow. Statements containing these terms should be understood as not limiting the meaning or scope of the subject matter described herein or the following patent claims. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the following claims, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various embodiments of the invention, and presents some concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all of the drawings, and the claims.

According to a particular example, a snap assembly includes a top assembly, an attachment body, and a resilient member. The top assembly includes a cap and a locking ring defining a receiving area, and the locking ring includes a top protrusion extending into the receiving area. The attachment body includes a locking feature that includes a body protrusion and a notch. A resilient member is located between the cap and the attachment body such that the cap is movable toward the attachment body. In various aspects, the top assembly is selectively engageable with the attachment body by aligning top protrusions of the locking ring with notch portions of the locking feature, urging the top assembly toward the attachment body, and rotating the top assembly relative to the attachment body such that top protrusions of the locking ring are aligned with body protrusions of the locking feature.

According to various examples, a snap assembly includes a top assembly, an attachment body, and a resilient member. The top assembly includes a top projection and a cap defining a receiving area, and the top projection extends to the receiving area. The attachment body includes a locking feature that includes a body protrusion and a notch. A resilient member is located between the top assembly and the attachment body such that the top assembly is movable toward the attachment body. In some cases, the top component is selectively engageable with the attachment body by aligning the top protrusion with the notch portion of the locking feature, urging the top component toward the attachment body, and rotating the top component relative to the attachment body such that the top protrusion is aligned with the body protrusion of the locking feature.

According to some examples, a method of assembling a top snap includes positioning a top component relative to an attachment body. The top assembly includes a receiving area and a top protrusion within the receiving area, and the attachment body includes a locking feature having a body protrusion and a notch. Positioning the top assembly includes aligning the top protrusion with the notch portion of the locking feature. The method also includes pushing the top assembly toward the attachment body and rotating the top assembly relative to the attachment body such that the top protrusion is aligned with the body protrusion of the locking feature.

In certain embodiments, a removable top snap includes a top assembly, an attachment body, and a mechanical spring. The top assembly includes a cap and a locking ring, wherein the locking ring includes a raised area. The attachment body includes a locking feature having a recessed region and a raised region. A mechanical spring is located between the cap and the attachment body such that the cap is movable towards the attachment body. In a particular aspect, the top assembly is selectively engageable with the attachment body by aligning the raised regions of the locking ring with the recessed regions of the locking feature, urging the top assembly toward the attachment body, and rotating the top assembly relative to the attachment body such that the raised regions of the locking ring are aligned with the raised regions of the locking feature.

In some examples, a method of assembling a top snap includes positioning a top component relative to an attachment body and pushing the top component toward the attachment body. The top assembly includes a cap and a locking ring including a raised area. The attachment body includes a locking feature that includes a raised region and a recessed region. In various aspects, positioning the top assembly includes aligning the raised regions of the locking ring with the recessed regions of the locking features. The method also includes rotating the cap relative to the attachment body such that the raised regions of the locking ring are aligned with the raised regions of the locking feature.

The various embodiments described in this disclosure can include additional systems, methods, features and advantages that are not necessarily expressly disclosed herein but will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this disclosure and be protected by the accompanying claims.

Drawings

The features and components of the following figures are shown to emphasize the general principles of the disclosure. Corresponding features and elements in all figures can be denoted by matching reference numerals for consistency and clarity.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a snap fastener assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the snap fastener assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the top assembly of the snap fastener assembly of FIG. 1.

Fig. 4 is another perspective view of the top assembly of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an exploded assembly view of the top assembly of fig. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the attachment body of the snap fastener assembly of FIG. 1.

Figure 7 is another perspective view of the attachment body of figure 6.

Fig. 8 is an exploded assembly view of the attachment body of fig. 6.

FIG. 9 is an exploded assembly view of a snap fastener assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an exploded assembly view of a snap fastener assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is an exploded assembly view of a snap fastener assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is an exploded assembly view of a snap fastener assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is an exploded assembly view of a snap fastener assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is another exploded assembly view of the snap fastener assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an exploded assembly view of a snap fastener assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is an exploded assembly view of a snap fastener assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is an exploded assembly view of a snap fastener assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a snap fastener assembly and a garment and connector in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The subject matter of the embodiments of the invention described herein is unique to meet statutory requirements, but the description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other present or future technologies. This description should not be construed as implying any particular order or arrangement between various steps or elements, except when the order of individual steps or elements is explicitly described. Directional references, such as "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "front," and "rear," are intended to refer to the orientation of components and directions as illustrated and described in the drawings (or figures), among others.

Fig. 1-8 illustrate an example of a snap fastener assembly 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The snap fastener assembly 100 generally includes a top assembly 102 and an attachment body 104. As explained in more detail below, the top assembly 102 can be selectively engaged with the attachment body 104 such that the top assembly can be removed or disengaged from the attachment body 104 as desired. In some examples, the top assembly 102, which may be selectively engaged, allows the top assembly 102 to be easily removed and/or replaced if the top assembly 102 is damaged or otherwise unsuitable for use. In other examples, the selectively engageable top component 102 allows a user to easily customize the snap fastener component because top components 102 having different styles, designs, shapes, colors, logos, etc., can be easily removed and attached as desired. In certain instances, the selectively engageable top component 102 can reduce manufacturing costs for manufacturers having snaps with stylized designs, as the snaps need only produce the customized top component 102, which can then be assembled on the relatively universal attachment body 104. In other cases, the top component 102 may be selectively removed from the attachment body 104, and the attachment body 104 may still function as a snap. In other words, in such a case, after removal of the top component 102, the attachment body 104 remains attached to the material, and the attachment body 104 optionally can still function as a snap fastener to secure the pieces of material together.

Referring to fig. 1-4, the top assembly 102 includes a cap 106 and a locking ring 108. In some optional examples, a resilient member 110 is also included within the top assembly 102; however, in other examples, the resilient member 110 may be disposed within the attachment body 104, as described below. Whether the resilient member 110 is within the top assembly 102 or the attachment body 104, the resilient member 110 is positioned between the top assembly 102 and the attachment body 104 when assembled. In some examples, the cap 106 and the locking ring 108 are separate components that are assembled together, as shown in fig. 5. In other examples, the cap 106 and the locking ring 108 may be integrally or unitarily formed as a single component by various suitable forming techniques (such as molding, printing, etc.).

The cap 106 includes an outer surface 112 and defines a cap cavity 114. In the example of fig. 1-8, the cap 106 has a generally circular profile. However, in other examples, the cap 106 may have various other profile shapes as desired. The outer surface 112 is generally the most prominent portion of the snap fastener assembly 100 to the viewer when assembled on a material such as a garment fabric. In particular instances, the outer surface 112 includes various designs, shapes, colors, logos, reliefs, and/or various other decorative features or combinations of desired features.

The locking ring 108 is retained within a cap cavity 114 of the cap 106. In the example of fig. 1-8, the locking ring 108 is retained within the cap cavity 114 by a lip of the cap 106. In other examples, the locking ring 108 may be retained within the cap cavity 114 by various other suitable fastening or securing mechanisms, which may be permanent or temporary mechanisms. As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the locking ring 108 includes an inner surface 116, the inner surface 116 defining a receiving area 120 having a central axis 118. In a particular example, the locking ring 108 includes at least one protrusion 122 extending from the inner surface 116 to the receiving area 120. The number of protrusions 122 should not be considered limiting to the present disclosure. In the example of fig. 1-8, the locking ring 108 includes two protrusions 122. However, in other examples, the locking ring 108 may have a single protrusion or more than two protrusions. In one non-limiting example, the locking ring 108 with a single protrusion may include a cam-like feature that provides increased tension to a portion of the attachment body 104; however, various other features may be used with a single protrusion or a locking ring 108 having more than one protrusion.

In various examples, as discussed in detail below, each protrusion 122 defines a locking recess 124 that receives a portion of the locking feature of the attachment body 104. In some cases, the locking recess 124 extends along a portion of the protrusion 122 in a manner such that one end 128 of the locking recess 124 is open and the opposite end 130 is closed. In some aspects, the access area 126 provides access to an open end 128 of each locking recess 124. In some cases, access area 126 may be recessed relative to protrusion 122.

As described above, in some cases, the resilient member 110 is disposed within the top assembly 102. The resilient member 110 may be a variety of suitable devices or materials that are elastically deformable, including but not limited to wave springs, metal discs with silicone, spring washers, coil springs, solid silicone sheets, solid polyurethane sheets, and/or various other suitable devices or combinations of devices. In the example of fig. 1-9, the resilient member 110 is a metal disc 132 having silicone 134. As explained in detail below, during assembly of the snap fastener assembly 100, the top assembly 102 may be moved toward the attachment body 104 by the resilient member 110 such that the top assembly 102 can engage the attachment body 104. After the top assembly 102 is engaged with the attachment body 104, the resilient member 110 applies a force to the top assembly 102 away from the attachment body 104 such that the position and/or orientation of the top assembly 102 relative to the attachment body 104 is maintained. In some examples, the resilient member 110 may be retained within the cap cavity 114 when the resilient member 110 is disposed within the top assembly 102. In some alternative examples, the resilient member 110 may be retained within the cap cavity 114 between the locking ring 108 and the cap 106, although this is not required.

Referring to fig. 2 and 6-8, the attachment body 104 includes a locking feature 136, the locking feature 136 selectively engaging the locking ring 108 to retain the top assembly 102 on the attachment body 104. In some cases, the locking feature 136 includes at least one protrusion 138 and at least one notch 140. In various aspects, the at least one protrusion 138 extends from the attachment body 104 to a greater extent than the at least one notched portion 140 extends from the attachment body 104. In a particular aspect, the number of protrusions 138 of the attachment body 104 corresponds to the number of locking recesses 124 of the locking ring 108. When the top assembly 102 is assembled with the attachment body 104, the locking feature 136 is positioned at least partially within the receiving area 120. In various aspects, to selectively engage the top assembly 102 with the attachment body 104, the locking features 136 are engaged with the locking ring 108 by positioning the protrusions 138 through the open ends 128 within the corresponding locking recesses 124.

In some alternative examples, the attachment body 104 includes a slug 142 and a collet 144. In certain instances, and as shown in fig. 2 and 6-8, the slug 142 and the collet 144 are separate components that are coupled or fastened together. The slug 142 and the collet 144 may be coupled together by various suitable mechanisms. In this example, the collet 144 includes a clip 158 that overlaps a portion of the fillet 142. In other examples, the fillet 142 and the collet 144 are integrally or unitarily formed as a single component (i.e., the attachment body 104 is a single component).

In various examples, the clip 144 includes a fastening end 146, the fastening end 146 defining one or more holes 148, the holes 148 receiving a prong (prong) or prongs of a garment connector such that the connector engages with the attachment body 104. The connector that can engage with the attachment body 104 may include one prong, two prongs, or more than two prongs. In this example, the fastening end 146 is adapted to receive a double pointed connector. In other examples, other types of connectors may be used to support the attachment body 104 on a piece of material, and the connectors need not include prongs. In some cases, the fillet 142 includes the locking feature 136, although in other examples, it is not required. As best shown in fig. 8, in some alternative cases, the fillet 142 includes a contoured surface 154 that, when the prongs are inserted into the holes 148, the contoured surface 154 engages the prongs of the connector to further engage the connector with the attachment body 104. Optionally, the shaped surface 154 at least partially deforms the prongs to further engage and hold the attachment body 104 with the connector.

In certain alternative examples, the top assembly 102 and/or the attachment body 104 include alignment guides that orient or position the top assembly 102 in a predetermined orientation relative to the attachment body 104 when assembled. In some cases, the alignment guide may be a location of the open end 128 of each locking recess 124 (e.g., due to the configuration or location of the open end 128, the protrusion 138 of the locking feature 136 may only be able to engage a particular orientation of the corresponding locking recess 124). In other cases, the alignment guide may be a surface on the locking ring 108 and/or locking feature 136 that is angled or otherwise formed into the following shape: such that the locking ring 108 can only engage the locking feature 136 in a predetermined orientation. In various instances, the alignment guide may be a visual indicator (indicia, color, shape, line, logo, decal, design, etc.) on the outer surface 112 of the cap 106 indicating the proper orientation of the top component 102 relative to the attachment body 104. Various other suitable types of devices or materials may be used as alignment guides in various other examples, including but not limited to cutouts, ribs, tabs, or other suitable mechanisms. In one non-limiting example where the locking ring 108 includes more than one protrusion 122, the alignment guide may include different sized protrusions 122. For example, one protrusion may be larger than another protrusion, such that the attachment body 104 can only be assembled with the top component 102 in a particular configuration.

A method of assembling the snap assembly 100 is also disclosed. In various examples, the method includes positioning the top assembly 102 relative to the attachment body 104. In some aspects, the attachment body 104 may be supported on a material with a connector, although not necessarily, prior to positioning the top assembly 102 relative to the attachment body 104. The material on which the snap fastener assembly 100 can be supported can be a variety of materials. In some examples, the material may be fashion or apparel industry material, such as various fabrics, leather, cloth, denim, and the like. Bracing the attachment body 104 on the material may include engaging a prong of a connector through the material and into the hole 148 of the attachment body 104 such that the attachment body 104 remains on the material. In some aspects, the locking feature 136 overlaps a portion of the material when the attachment body 104 is supported on the material, such that the attachment body 104 can still function as a snap or connector even if the top component 102 is detached or removed from the attachment body 104.

In particular instances, positioning the top assembly 102 relative to the attachment body 104 includes orienting the top assembly 102 relative to the attachment body 104 using an alignment guide. In various aspects, positioning the top assembly 102 relative to the attachment body 104 includes positioning a locking feature 136 of the attachment body 104 within the receiving region 120 of the locking ring 108. In some examples, positioning the locking feature 136 in the receiving region 120 includes aligning the protrusion 138 of the locking feature 136 with the corresponding access region 126 of the locking ring 108. Positioning the locking feature 136 in the receiving area 120 optionally includes aligning the notch portion 140 of the locking feature 136 with the protrusion 122 of the locking ring 108.

In some examples, the method includes pushing the top assembly 102 toward the attachment body 104 after the top assembly 102 is positioned relative to the attachment body 104. In a particular aspect, urging the top assembly 102 includes elastically deforming the elastic member 110.

The method includes rotating the top assembly 102 relative to the attachment body 104 such that the protrusions 138 of the locking features 136 are aligned with the protrusions 122 of the locking ring 108. In such an example, as the top assembly 102 is rotated, the protrusions 138 of the locking features 136 may no longer align with the corresponding access regions 126 of the locking ring 108. In some cases, rotating the top assembly 102 includes positioning the protrusions 138 within the corresponding locking recesses 124 of the locking ring 108. In some aspects, when the protrusion 138 is located within the locking recess 124, the protrusion 122 overlaps the protrusion 138, and the protrusion 138 is retained between the locking ring 108 and the cap 106.

In various examples, the method includes releasing the top assembly 102 after the top assembly 102 is rotated relative to the attachment body 104 such that the resilient member 110 applies a force to the top assembly 102 away from the attachment body 104. In various aspects, releasing the top assembly 102 when the protrusion 138 is aligned with the protrusion 122 secures the top assembly 102 to the attachment body 104. In some cases, the resilient member maintains the position and orientation of the top assembly 102 relative to the attachment body 104. In some optional examples, the resilient member 110 prevents or minimizes rotation of the top assembly 102 relative to the attachment body 104 when the top assembly 102 is released.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a snap fastener assembly 900 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The snap assembly 900 is substantially identical to the snap assembly 100, except that the resilient member 110 is a wave spring 950.

FIG. 10 illustrates another example of a snap fastener assembly 1000 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Snap assembly 1000 is substantially identical to snap assembly 100, except that elastic member 110 is a wave spring 950 and elastic member 110 is included in attachment body 104 instead of top assembly 102. As shown in fig. 10, in some aspects, the attachment body 104 includes a retaining shell 1052 and the resilient member 110 is retained on the attachment body 104 between the retaining shell 1052 and the fillet 142. The retaining shell 1052 may be retained on the attachment body 104 by various suitable mechanisms such that the retaining shell 1052 may move relative to the attachment body 104 when the top assembly 102 is moved toward the attachment body 104 and the resilient member 110 applies a force to the top assembly 102 away from the attachment body 104. In such an example, the resilient member 110 may apply a force to the top assembly 102 away from the attachment body 104 by applying a force to the retaining shell 1052 away from the attachment body 104.

FIG. 11 illustrates another example of a snap fastener assembly 1100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The snap assembly 1100 is substantially identical to the snap assembly 100, except that the snap assembly 1100 includes two resilient members 110 within the top assembly 102. In some examples having two or more elastic members 110, the elastic members 110 may all be the same type of elastic member, although this need not be present in other examples. In fig. 11, one resilient member is a wave spring 950 and the other resilient member 110 is a spring washer 1156. In some cases with two or more elastic members, the elastic members 110 may be entirely within the top assembly 102, entirely within the attachment body 104, or may be on a combination of the top assembly 102 and the attachment body 104.

FIG. 12 illustrates another example of a snap fastener assembly 1200 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Snap assembly 1200 is substantially identical to snap assembly 100, except that the resilient member 110 of snap assembly 1200 is a spring washer 1156.

Fig. 13 and 14 illustrate another example of a snap fastener assembly 1300 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Snap assembly 1300 is substantially the same as snap assembly 100, except that resilient member 110 is a silicone spring 1360 having a biasing plate 1362. Fig. 13 and 14 also show an example of a link 1364 having two prongs 1366.

Fig. 15 shows another example of a snap assembly 1500, the snap assembly 1500 being substantially identical to the snap assembly 1300 except that the attachment body 104 is an integrally formed component that includes the locking feature 136. The attachment body 104 of the snap assembly 1500 also includes a single hole 148, the single hole 148 adapted to receive a prong 1366 of a connector 1364 having a single prong.

FIG. 16 shows another example of a snap fastener assembly 1600 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Snap assembly 1600 is substantially identical to snap assembly 100, except that attachment body 104 of snap assembly 1600 includes a single hole 148 adapted to receive prong 1366 of single prong connector 1364.

FIG. 17 illustrates another example of a snap fastener assembly 1700 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The snap fastener assembly 1700 is substantially identical to the snap fastener assembly 1500, except that the attachment body 104 is adapted to engage a different type of single prong connector 1364.

FIG. 18 shows another example of a snap fastener assembly 1800. The snap assembly 1800 is substantially the same as the snap assembly 1500, but can be engaged with a different type of single prong connector 1364. As shown in FIG. 18, the snap fastener assembly 1800 is supported on a material 1868. It will be appreciated that other snap fastener assemblies may be supported in the same manner, depending in part on the type of connector (single prong connector, double prong connector, etc.). As described above, the material 1868 can be a variety of materials upon which the snap fastener assembly 1800 can be supported. In some examples, material 1868 may be a fashion or apparel industry material, such as various fabrics, leather, cloth, denim, and so forth. Supporting the attachment body 104 on the material may include engaging prongs 1366 of the link 1364 through the material 1868 and into the apertures 148 of the attachment body 104 such that the attachment body 104 remains on the material 1868. As shown in fig. 18, in some alternative examples, when the attachment body 104 is supported on the material 1868, the locking feature 136 overlaps a portion of the material 1868 such that the attachment body 104 can still function as a snap or connector even if the top component 102 is detached or removed from the attachment body 104.

The following provides a collection of exemplary embodiments that includes at least some additional descriptions explicitly enumerated as "ECs" (example combinations), providing various embodiment types consistent with the concepts described herein. These examples are not meant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or limiting; and the invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments but covers all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the disclosed claims and their equivalents.

EC 1: a snap fastener assembly, comprising: a top assembly including a cap and a locking ring defining a receiving area, the locking ring including a top protrusion extending into the receiving area; an attachment body comprising a locking feature comprising a body protrusion and a notch; and a resilient member located between the cap and the attachment body such that the cap is movable toward the attachment body, wherein the top assembly is selectively engageable with the attachment body by aligning the top protrusions of the locking ring with the notches of the locking feature, urging the top assembly toward the attachment body, and rotating the top assembly relative to the attachment body such that the top protrusions of the locking ring are aligned with the body protrusions of the locking feature.

EC 2: the snap fastener assembly of any one of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the resilient member is located at the top assembly.

EC 3: the snap fastener assembly of any one of the foregoing or subsequent example combinations, wherein the resilient member is located at the attachment body.

And (C4) EC 4: the snap fastener assembly of any one of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the cap defines a cap cavity and the locking ring is retained within the cap cavity.

EC 5: the snap fastener assembly of any one of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the locking ring includes a central axis, and the top protrusion extends inwardly from an inner surface of the locking ring toward the central axis.

EC 6: the snap fastener assembly of any of the foregoing or subsequent example combinations, wherein the top protrusion further defines a receiving recess configured to receive the body protrusion of the locking feature when the top assembly is engaged with the attachment body.

EC 7: the snap fastener assembly of any one of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the top protrusion of the locking ring is a first top protrusion, and the locking ring further comprises a second top protrusion opposite the first top protrusion and a pair of recessed regions between the first top protrusion and the second top protrusion at mutually opposite portions of the locking ring.

EC 8: a snap fastener assembly, comprising: a top assembly comprising a top protrusion and a cap, wherein the cap defines a receiving area and the top protrusion extends into the receiving area; an attachment body comprising a locking feature comprising a body protrusion and a notch; and a resilient member located between the top assembly and the attachment body such that the top assembly is movable toward the attachment body, wherein the top assembly is selectively engageable with the attachment body by aligning the top protrusion with the notch of the locking feature, urging the top assembly toward the attachment body, and rotating the top assembly relative to the attachment body such that the top protrusion is aligned with the body protrusion of the locking feature.

EC 9: the snap fastener assembly of any one of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the top assembly further comprises a locking ring positioned within the receiving area and comprising the top protrusion.

EC 10: the snap fastener assembly of any of the foregoing or subsequent example combinations, wherein the top protrusion defines a receiving recess within the receiving area between the top protrusion and the cap, and the receiving recess is configured to receive the body protrusion of the locking feature when the top assembly is engaged with the attachment body.

EC 11: the snap fastener assembly of any one of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the resilient member is located at the top assembly.

EC 12: the snap fastener assembly of any one of the foregoing or subsequent example combinations, wherein the resilient member is located at the attachment body.

EC 13: the snap fastener assembly of any of the foregoing or subsequent example combinations, further comprising an alignment guide configured to orient the top assembly relative to the attachment body.

EC 14: the snap fastener assembly of any of the foregoing or subsequent example combinations, wherein the attachment body comprises a clip comprising the locking feature and a fillet configured to engage with a garment connector.

EC 15: a method of assembling a top snap, comprising: positioning a top assembly relative to an attachment body, wherein the top assembly comprises a receiving area and a top protrusion within the receiving area, the attachment body comprises a locking feature comprising a body protrusion and a notch, and positioning the top assembly comprises aligning the top protrusion with the notch of the locking feature; urging the top assembly toward the attachment body; and rotating the top assembly relative to the attachment body such that the top protrusion is aligned with the body protrusion of the locking feature.

EC 16: the method of any of the foregoing or subsequent example combinations, further comprising supporting the attachment body relative to the cover material by engaging the attachment body with a garment connector such that a portion of cover material is retained between the attachment body and the garment connector.

EC 17: the method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the locking feature of the attachment body overlaps the cover material such that the attachment body remains attached to the garment connector even if the top assembly is detached from the attachment body.

EC 18: the method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the top assembly further comprises a cap defining the receiving area.

EC 19: the method of any of the foregoing or subsequent example combinations, wherein urging the top assembly toward the attachment body comprises compressing a resilient member positioned between the top assembly and the attachment body.

EC 20: the method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein positioning the top assembly relative to the attachment body comprises positioning the top assembly in a predetermined position defined by an alignment guide.

EC 21: a removable top snap fastener comprising: a top assembly comprising a cap and a locking ring, the locking ring comprising a raised area; an attachment body comprising a locking feature comprising a recessed region and a raised region; and a mechanical spring between the cap and the attachment body such that the cap is movable toward the attachment body, wherein the top assembly is selectively engageable with the attachment body by aligning the raised regions of the locking ring with the recessed regions of the locking feature, urging the top assembly toward the attachment body, and rotating the top assembly relative to the attachment body such that the raised regions of the locking ring are aligned with the raised regions of the locking feature.

EC 22: the removable top snap fastener of any one of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the mechanical spring is located on the top assembly.

EC 23: the removable top snap fastener of any one of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the mechanical spring is located on the attachment body.

EC 24: a method of assembling a top snap, comprising: positioning a top assembly relative to an attachment body, wherein the top assembly comprises a cap and a locking ring, the locking ring comprises a raised region, the attachment body comprises a locking feature, the locking feature comprises a raised region and a recessed region, and positioning the top assembly comprises aligning the raised region of the locking ring with the recessed region of the locking feature; urging the top assembly toward the attachment body; and rotating the cap relative to the attachment body such that the raised regions of the locking ring align with the raised regions of the locking feature.

The foregoing aspects are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the disclosure may be employed. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure, and all possible claims to various aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by this disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limiting the described invention, nor the claims that follow.